Welcome to Dainty Dress Diaries, a home and garden blog by Catherine Carton.
Hi there, I’m Catherine. Welcome to our creative corner of the internet. My blog is where I share my passion for all things creative, from DIY interior projects to tending to my small garden. I have many creative skills, from drilling and sewing to photography and videography. My goal is to share what I learn in the hope that it inspires you to unleash your own creativity!
I love to transform old into new and document it along the way.
I started blogging back in February 2014. Initially, I was writing and sharing my love of vintage-style fashion ( hence the blog name). However, over the years, I began sharing more of my home and garden projects and less fashion as I fell out of love with fast fashion.
Nowadays, while I still adore a tea dress, you will mostly find me mucking about in a pair of dungarees.
You will also find some solo travel posts on the blog, as I love to wander to get inspiration. So, delve into the travel section if you, too, like to wander.
I aim to inspire you to create the home and life you want, no matter your budget. I believe that with creativity, we can all achieve the life we desire. My blog and YouTube channel have a wealth of projects, so I hope you’ll discover plenty of inspiration as you explore both.
I’m excited to share that I am the proud author of two bestselling books. When I started my website in 2014 while working my full-time day job, I never imagined my hobby would lead me to become an author.
In 2022, I released my first book with The O’Brien Press titled “Dainty Dress Diaries: 50 Beautiful Home-Crafting Projects to Awaken Your Creativity.”
In 2024, I released my second title, also with The O’Brien Press, titled “Heart & Home: Craft and DIY projects to bring love into your home and garden.”
One of my proudest achievements in the past ten years is the community we have built. Our YouTube community has over 300,000 members, and our Instagram following has now surpassed 100,000. Similar to becoming an author, I never imagined we could grow a large community of like-minded people. I love interacting daily on social media, and thank you for all of your support over the years.
Disclaimer
I have the pleasure of working and collaborating with both national and international brands, both through my blog and as a freelancer.
Whenever a piece of content is sponsored on the blog or social media, it will be clearly marked as an AD. Similarly, affiliate links will be labelled as AD – Affiliate. These sponsorships and ad revenues play a crucial role in keeping the content on this blog and YouTube channel free for you to enjoy. Your support through these ads helps make it all possible, and I appreciate it!
If you represent a brand or company and are interested in collaborating, please click the contact button. I’ll be happy to send you my media kit!
Get To Know Me
Dainty Dress Diaries FAQ
Below are some popular questions that I receive in my inbox, from YouTube comments, and from my search analytics. I hope this helps!
Click here for signed copies of my first book, and click here for signed copies of my second book. Both offer international shipping but stocks are limited.
I started my YouTube journey in November 2016. While writing isn’t my strongest suit (though I am now a 2X author!), I found that videos were the perfect way to share my projects with you. Since then, our channel has grown significantly, and I continue to upload a new video every Thursday.
I started this blog in 2014. I cringe at my first blog posts, but we all have to start somewhere. Over the years, my site has grown with me, and I am proud to say that it has inspired thousands to reignite their creativity. From Ikea hacks to creating a cottage garden to woodwork, sewing and even beekeeping, I love to learn new things and share them along the way.
Unfortunately, I don’t offer one-to-one consultations. However, this blog has tons of resources. Click here for my paint guide and here for this Ikea painting guide. You can also use the search bar at the top of this site to navigate. I also have two books packed with ideas, and both include a furniture painting guide.
Click here for all the details on my online sewing course. You can sign up at any time, and you have unlimited access to learn at your own pace.
The website daintydressdiaries.com and the Dainty Diaries YouTube channel are owned by Catherine Carton.
Google knows a lot of things, but it doesn’t know my relationship status, lol. We live in a digital world where we share so much, but one thing I like to keep private is my family, friends, and relationships. I am more than happy to share my two cats, my home, and my garden with you, but when it comes to relationships, I prefer to keep them private.
I am an eighties baby! I was born in North Dublin in 1988.
Over the years, I was been managing my blog and YouTube channel while working full-time. However, in January 2021, I was made redundant during the pandemic, and I became self-employed. (January isn’t the best month to go freelance, lol). I now work as a freelance content creator for my own social media and various brands, handling everything from production, videography, and photography to content strategy, editing, and social media management.
Love your Youtube and now your blog
Author
You are so kind Kim, thank you x
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Aw thank you so much! X
Kia Ora Catherine,
Well just recently been following your blog after the YouTube post. Which I am thoroughly entertained. Love 💖 and enjoy your travel tips and journeys, then the d.i.y, Blondie, and your home.
Smiles from down under.👍😀💐
So…I first stumbled upon one of your videos while looking for “DIY a tea tray” guides. But a lot of your other videos and DIY ideas have caught my eye as well; also, one of my best mates is in Bandon (we were pen friends when we were growing up, I have always lived here in the USA) and so I have that American sentimental thing about Ireland going on (blush). You always give me about ten different ideas for things to do every time you post a video.
If you ever find yourself in Brooklyn, give a shout.
Thank you for helping me in completing my personal project! 💞
I have rescently found you on youtube. I also have the same interests as you. It is refreshing to see such a lovely lady and high spirited lady go and do thing you love. If you dont know how to find a way to know how. I love your personality too. Keep up the wonderful things. I am so looking forward to seeing what you diy or travel too next. 💗
I just love you,you are a breath of fresh air…I love the world you live in….I live in Texas USA…I recently found you and get excited with each new post I see…I wish you much success,happiness and peace on life’s journey 💕💕💕