My Style - I've Found A Satchel!

For years and years, possibly exaggerating slightly, I've wanted a satchel. I've posted about my love for them, and so when I finally found the perfect one, I was thrilled...

The blue, pink and taupe/grey colour scheme gives this bag a modern twist and the two straps, one shoulder length, one a handle, makes it all the more practical. It has an array of pockets inside and out, and guess where it's from?

Primark, £8. Yes, Primark. 

And since I'm so chuffed with it, I thought I'd show you what's in it...

The bag has a pocket on the inside at the back which is perfect for A5 paperwork or anything else of a similar size

It also has a pocket at the front which works well as a phone compartment

I always carry a couple of notebooks with me- one for notes (duh!) and one to journal my homeschooling process. The former from Paperchase, the latter from Martha Stewart.

My Cath Kidston Coin Purse is something else that accompanies me, and I also have the key fob to match. The little but practical purse is great for loose change and a couple of notes.

If I get a little sneezy, I'll whip out one of my Cath Kidston tissues. These aren't just cute, but handy if you've encountered a runny nose.

And now, my personal fav, my makeup bag. I have a spotty Cath Kidston Zip purse that houses my touch-up stuff, and it's the perfect size for everyday products.

left to right: Maybelline Colour Tattoo, the POREfessional, No7 Stay Perfect Eye Shadow, Real Techniques Shading Brush, Benefit BADgal Plum Mascara, Collection 2000 lasting perfection concealer.

What do you guys think of my latest addition to the handbag family?

El
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DIY - Personalised Journal

Paperchase is one of my favourite shops. The large array of notepads, pens, pencils- stationery heaven! I spotted a plain brown notebook for £3.50, and I loved it, but it was missing something. I could have met someone else with the exact same thing, so I wanted to do it up, and give it a bit of a vintage twist!
Here's what you will need to personalise your journal...

A Plain Notepad of your choice. As mentioned previously, mine was from Paperchase for under four pounds.

A Date Stamp or set of Letter Stamps. You can either print a word onto your book, or a date or time!
I got my date stamp from a fair for 50p. The last year is about 2007, but you can buy new ones for a fiver or more. The alphabet stamps were a good price and were purchased from a small craft boutique.

And finally, some ink! You can buy this from any arts and crafts shop and they come in lots of colours. I think that black ink works best with a brown background, so that's what I used...

So now you've got everything you need, let's get started!


Grab a scrap piece of paper and practise what you are going to stamp. This step is crucial as it gives you an idea of what looks best and how to space your letters!
Press a letter into the ink (I spelt 'My Journal') and then press it onto the paper. To avoid getting ink on another part of the stamp that isn't the letter, take a tissue and wipe it around the edge of the stamp!

 Keep practising until you are happy and confident using the stamps and have a clear idea of what to do. Next get your book and put a piece of paper across it. This will be your ruler and keep all the letters in line! Now you can start stamping...

 And that's it! If you give this a go then post a pic on instagram and use #elsvintageblogdiy to let me know!
Have you ever used letter or date stamps?

El
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