{paper and cloth}

A toast to 2011

2011-12-31T05:00:00.001Z

I can't believe all that has happened in 2011, not least the last few weeks since moving to California. It feels like a bit of a dream really. In fact, the beginning of a dream, is what I called my first post on my new blog about our US adventures.

Here is is reproduced for you (originally posted 17 November):

It was October last year when we made the decision to try to move to the USA. We’d both long harboured the dream to live abroad and the time felt right to go for it. And the time also felt completely right to start our family. I should probably mention the setting for these life-changing decisions: the restaurant in Glasswells (a furniture store in Ipswich). What a place to set in motion a complete change in our lives!

So we started telling people our decision – the moving to the US one that is, we kept the baby-making to ourselves – and we were met with pretty positive reactions but I guess they felt like us. It wouldn’t seem real until it actually happened. Well in August we were thrilled to discover that both of our hopes had come true. On an ordinary summer Friday, Ben found out that, after 11 interviews, he’d been successful in securing a job based in San Jose near San Francisco in California. So we went out for a fabulous celebratory meal at our favourite restaurant – accompanied by a glass of bubbly of course. And that was my last alcoholic drink as three days later, having gone home from work early feeling sick, I got those magic two pink lines on a home pregnancy test.

We had a couple of weeks for things to sink in before flying to San Jose to meet Ben’s new boss and have a good look around the area. We also had to tell his boss that I was 6 weeks pregnant and that we’d have to move fairly swiftly so we could be out in California by December! He was the first person we’d told about the baby. Things were slowly beginning to feel real.

And now here we are. As I write these words, out of the corner of my eye, I can see the photo from today’s 20 week scan. At the top of my screen I have a tab open where I’d been looking at Virgin flights. I’m arranging shipping, we have a tenant for our house and I have piles of clothes on the bedroom floor after sorting through my very cluttered wardrobe. And if I think too much about the fact that in just three weeks we’ll be saying goodbye to all our friends and families the tears start to form. I don’t know about back in August but I tell you something, it’s feeling pretty damn real now.

You can keep up with our ups and downs, fun and frustrations over on Letters Home and I'll try to post stuff here too.

In the meantime, let's raise a toast to 2011 and welcome 2012 with open arms. It's going to be an adventure!

Summing it all up

2011-11-10T18:49:00.001Z

It's a Thursday evening in November and tonight's warming dinner of chicken with coriander, chilli, garlic and ginger is happily bubbling away on the hob while Florence and the Machine plays in the background (via Spotify, she's not in my living room). So it seems like a good time to pause, reflect, and write about everything that's been going on lately.

Today started with an 8am alarm, an 8.15 rise, a hot shower with an almost-delicious shower gel that smelt of white chocolate and eucalyptus (a strange combination and not one to be transferred to the kitchen any time soon) and a decision to make on what to wear. I opted for skinny jeans, an almost-still-white long sleeved top, green flowery tunic dress and cosy chocolate-brown cardigan. Nothing overly unusual so far until I tell you I spent the night in bed with a pillow behind me, one between my knees and one under my tummy. Which I had to move every time I needed to get up to the loo (three times in total). And that the skinny jeans are elasticated to fit over-the-bump. Oh yes, there's a little someone planning to join our family next April.

The top left photo is the most recent at 18 weeks. Earliest is bottom right, 13 weeks.

I know this won't be news if you follow 52 crafts, where I've also been pretty absent of late.

As I write, little one is kicking me gently. I've only been feeling more noticeable movements for the last few days but the flutters have been present since 15 weeks and they're pretty amazing. At week 19 all seems well so far with no morning sickness, quite a lot of tiredness and some back niggles that are under control thanks to the aforementioned military placing of pillows.

So that's one bit of news. Oh yes, there's more.

I left my job as a communications manager, at a place I'd worked for 11 years, exactly two weeks ago. Two weeks that have flown by at an unbelievable pace. As despite not "working" I have been busy on a pretty damn big project to move me, my husband, Toby the dog and baby bump to California. All being well, and there are a few official things to sort out still, we'll be living state-side by Christmas.

So as you can imagine, we have a lot to plan, pack and decisions to make: do we ship the table? how about 20 cookery and craft books (yes, clearly)? where do we want to live? house or apartment with a pool? how do we find a doctor? You don't want to see my project plan!

It's all very exciting though and we feel very lucky to have been given such an amazing opportunity. And we couldn't be more happy to be starting our much-wanted family.

We are lucky, happy, a bit scared, excited and growing rapidly (me and baby, not Ben). I think that just about sums it up.

101 in 1001 update

2011-07-25T12:40:00.000Z

With less than a year to go it's time to check in with my 101 in 1001 list. I still have a way to go!

Start date: 30 August 2009
Finish date: 27 May 2012

1. Research family tree
2. After doing family history, visit some of the places my family lived
3. ~~Make my first quilt~~
4. Build a website from scratch
5. ~~Get married!~~
6. Have a go at geocaching
7. Write a book
8. Write menu plans- seasonal and cheap- every week for a month (0/4)
9. ~~Grow potatoes~~
10. ~~Join a screenprinting class~~ - I haven't done this as such but I did teach myself screenprinting as part of 52 crafts so I think I'll cross this one off.
11. ~~Go on safari~~
12. Read a book in a day
13. ~~Do something creative every day for a week (7/7)~~
14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own
15. ~~Record a craft video tutorial~~ Yes! Did you see my potato printing video?
16. ~~Eat 5 things I've never tried before (5/5)~~ I tried Haggis in Scotland and bloomin' lovely it was too!
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5)
18. Make a photo book with my favourite photos
19. Get a piece of freelance writing published - and get paid for it
20. Make a scrapbook of a big event (eg wedding, holiday etc.)
21. Try waxing (at a salon, not eyebrows)
22. Write a routine for cleaning/house management
23. Go to opera for the first time
24. ~~Go to the ballet again~~
25. Donate blood
26. Go to a cookery school for the day
27. ~~Make & write thank you cards for Amanda & Kate~~
28. Perform 20 random acts of kindness (1/20)
29. Read 10 books that I haven't already from this list (3/10)
30. Participate in a craft fair
31. ~~Blog daily for a week (7/7)~~
32. ~~Blog daily for a month (30/30)~~
33. Finish my Emily Peacock cushion kit
34. Make a zine
35. ~~Learn to make clip frame purses~~
36. ~~Learn to knit~~
37. Learn to crochet granny squares
38. Organise and tidy craft room
39. Go to an auction
40. ~~Find the perfect trousers~~
41. ~~Get a promotion~~
42. Climb Snowdonia
43. Have another horse riding lesson
44. ~~Select and take part in a “big” charity event like the Moonwalk~~
45. ~~Take part in a beach cleaning event~~
46. ~~Get up at 7am every day for a week (7/7)~~
47. ~~Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours~~ I did it in 7 hours :)
48. ~~Learn another craft I haven't already done~~
49. Set up a craft night/afternoon
50. Set up a water butt
51. And a compost bin
52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases
53. ~~Visit a farmers' market or farm shop once a month~~-
54. ~~Continue to run the Christmas giving tree at work every year (2/2)~~
55. Visit an art gallery
56. ~~Go to pilates once a week for a month (4/4)~~
57. ~~Make lunch to take to work every day for a week (5/5)~~
58. Visit an outdoor market in London
59. ~~Have a pedicure~~
60. Cook a ten-course meal (I have no idea what would be in a ten-course meal but why not?!)
61. ~~Go on a picnic~~
62. Buy an original piece of art
63. ~~Update my blog template~~
64. ~~Make a skirt~~
65. ~~Make a dress~~
66. Go to a classical music concert
67. Do a furniture makeover (find a piece of old furniture, make it over and document it)
68. Buy a Diane von Furstenberg dress
69. Buy a vintage dress
70. ~~Donate something to freecycle, or a charity shop, once a month, on average~~-
71. Make sourdough bread
72. ~~Make some reusable shopping bags to fit in my handbag~~ I screenprinted some bags a couple of weeks ago
73. Visit five countries (4/5) - USA, South Africa, Mauritius and Dubai
74. Write a letter to myself to be opened on my 35th birthday
75. ~~Find a photo of myself that I like and frame it~~
76. ~~Make a cake for Ben's 36th birthday~~
77. ~~Have a session with a personal shopper~~ I did this a few weeks ago and great fun it was too.
78. Learn about a historical period
79. Read 10 biographies/non-fiction books (1/10)
80. ~~Have a boudoir photo session~~
81. Make something from each of my craft books- donate to charity any books I don't make anything from
82. Finish working through the book, “ The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are”
83. ~~At least once a month, go to sleep without reading first~~
84. ~~Buy new glasses~~
85. Go to New York again (with Ben)
86. Re-stock etsy shop
87. Write 10 letters to loved ones
88. ~~Get my hair cut every 8 weeks~~
89. Meet an internet friend in real life
90. ~~Eat a piece of fruit every day for a month (0/30)~~
91. Learn to make something in my new tagine pot
92. Make something and give it to a friend for no reason
93. Make 50 handmade presents (14/50)
94. Plant a tree
95. ~~Have a spa day~~
96. Give snowboarding another try
97. Watch 20 of the Times top 100 films (1/20)
98. Read a newspaper every day for a week (0/7)
99. ~~Learn how to use my mac (I really need to learn the shortcuts I'm so used to with Windows!)~~
100. Start an art journal
101. ~~Sleep outside~~

Can you handle another candle?

2011-07-23T19:36:00.002Z

Is it just me or do birthdays seem to come around quicker when you're older? When I was small I remember it feeling like it was forever until the long winter and spring months turned into July and I could look forward to another candle on my birthday cake.

This year's birthday can be summed up by: David Tennant, Shakespeare, BBQ, rain (lots of), Pimm's, streamers, flowers, good friends, family, pepper salad, cards, love and fun.

And another candle. Can I handle it? Yes I think I can.

PS - can you handle another candle? is courtesy of one of my birthday cards.

A year of achievements

2011-06-14T16:05:00.000Z

Guess what? I've completed my 52 crafts in 52 weeks project - I can’t quite believe it. I came up with the idea whilst recovering from back surgery last June and I’m so proud to have completed a craft a week for a whole magnificent year.

Another crazy idea I had a year ago was to take part in the Edinburgh Moonwalk. So I’m writing this post whilst resting my incredibly sore feet. I walked 26.2 miles through the night for breast cancer and completed it in a very respectable 7 hours. Something else to be proud of I think. I hope all this pride doesn’t result in a fall. As I can hardly walk that’s very possible.

Important crafting note: I decorated my bra with fabulous sequin fabric and tassels. The theme was Moulin Rouge so I totally had to add feathers to my hat too. Where would we crafters be without glue guns?

What has made you proud lately?

What a difference a year makes

2011-05-14T21:24:00.000Z

This time last year I was in a post-anaesthetic morphine-induced haze after surgery to fix a bulging disc and relieve the pressure on my sciatic nerve. I'm so glad I had the operation - thanks to that, a healthy diet and exercise, I've never felt better. Long may it continue.

I took this photo just over a year ago - I now have a scar just under my tattoo, the only reminder of my surgery.

What were you doing a year ago?

Blogging every day in May on 52 crafts in 52 weeks

2011-05-02T07:31:00.001Z

I've joined a challenge called Blogathon 2011 to blog every day throughout May. Instead of using this blog I thought it would be more of a challenge to do it on 52 crafts in 52 weeks as I only usually post once a week. Wish me luck!

I hope you're having a lovely Bank Holiday weekend - I'm hoping to get out into the garden. It's full of these beauties...

Happy Monday x

Wedding love

2011-05-01T20:45:00.000Z

I love a good wedding, don't you? And oh how I loved the Royal Wedding. I cried (quite a lot, and I'm not ashamed to admit it), wore a tiara (seriously) and drank tea whilst soaking up every minute of it. I watched it again today - much to my husband's puzzlement but I wanted to see all my favourite bits again. And it was more poignant when you (possibly) know what they were saying to each other (loved it when William told Kate she looked beautiful). The dress was amazing, Prince William dashing, the bridesmaids and page boys adorable and the whole day flawless.

What was your favourite part of the big day?

Sketching up a storm

2011-04-26T18:04:00.000Z

I'm really loving sketching right now, and the early mornings have been particularly successful in getting lots of sketches down. The sunny bank holiday weekend helped too.

My work desk in the springtime sun

Experimenting with my tools

More experimenting

Playing with crayons and charcoal

Pens and pencils

Poppy seed head in pencil and pen

And watercolour

My excitement in sketching is all down to the fabulous Sketchbook Delight class by Alisa Burke. I highly recommend it.
Happy sketching x

A day of sketching and crafting in the sun

2011-04-23T18:40:00.000Z

Happy Easter Saturday. It's a completely spectacular weekend here in the UK - I have never known it to be this hot in April. Mainly because apparently we haven't seen temperatures like this at Easter since records begun.

So today I've been enjoying the unseasonable weather - I've been sketching, eating, reading and crafting in the sun.

I don't know what's going on with my skirt here

Despite the glorious weather I have been online quite a bit (okay, a lot). Here are a few links from around the internet that have caught my eye this week...

- This print - "An essential aspect of creativity is not being afraid to fail"
- Baked oatmeal - I have porridge with blueberries and bananas every day. This looks like an indulgent alternative.
- The Sketchbook Project 2012 is live - which theme will you choose?
- My friend Lu has got the cutest mugs.

Enjoy the rest of the Easter weekend x

Life is good

2011-04-22T18:35:00.000Z

I hope you're all enjoying the lovely long weekend. The weather is beautiful. Today a couple of friends came over for lunch - I made the Very Full Tart from Plenty.

It was so delicious and the girls loved it too. Here's the recipe:

1 red pepper and 1 yellow pepper
About 100ml olive oil
1 aubergine, cut into 4cm dice
Salt and black pepper
1 sweet potato, peeled and cut into 3cm dice
1 small courgette, cut into 3cm dice
2 medium onions, thinly sliced
2 bay leaves
300g shortcrust pastry
8 thyme sprigs, picked
120g each ricotta and feta
7 cherry tomatoes, halved
2 medium free-range eggs
200ml double cream

Heat the oven to 230C/gas mark 8.

Cut around the pepper stalks, then lift out and discard, along with all the seeds. Put the peppers in a small ovenproof dish, drizzle with oil and put on the top shelf of the oven.

Mix the aubergine with four tablespoons of oil and season. Tip into a big baking tin and place on the shelf below the peppers. After 12 minutes, add the sweet potato, stir and roast for 12 minutes more. Now add the courgette, stir and roast for a further 10–12 minutes. By now, the peppers should be brown and the vegetables cooked. Remove everything from the oven and turn the heat to 160C/gas mark 2½. Cover the peppers with foil and leave to cool; once cool, peel and tear into strips.
Meanwhile, heat two tablespoons of oil in a frying pan on medium heat. Sauté the onions with the bay leaves and some salt for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until brown, soft and sweet. Discard the bay and set aside.

Grease a 22cm loose-bottomed tart tin. Roll the pastry to a 3mm-thick circle large enough to line the tin with some overhang. Press it into the edges. Line with baking parchment and fill with baking beans. Bake blind for 30 minutes, lift out the paper and beans, and bake for 10–15 minutes more, until golden brown. Remove and allow to cool a little.

Spread the onions over the bottom, then top with roasted veg. Scatter over half the thyme, dot first with small chunks of both cheeses and then the tomato halves, cut-side up.

Whisk the eggs and cream with some salt and pepper, and pour into the tart; the tomatoes and cheese should remain exposed. Scatter the remaining thyme on top. Bake for 35–45 minutes, until the filling sets and turns golden. Rest for at least 10 minutes, then trim off the excess pastry, remove the tart from its tin and serve.

Decor inspiration via pinterest

2011-04-19T21:20:00.000Z

I'm planning a little bank holiday redecoration spree. Well redecoration is over stating it a little - there'll be no new paint work or major renovations. Just some sprucing and switching up of details.

Our living room is mainly cream and brown with some metallic thrown in and I think it needs a little colour adding to the party. So I turned to pinterest for some inspiration and green seems to have featured heavily in my pins...

Source: cure.apartmenttherapy.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: jhinteriordesign.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: houzz.com via Christine on Pinterest

Source: cocopearl.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

I think by adding some splashes of green I can brighten up my living room for Spring.

Are you planning any decoration projects over the long weekends we have coming up (two 4 day weekends in a row - I can't wait)?

Writing from the heart

2011-04-15T20:17:00.000Z

I write a lot - I write all day in my job as a communications manager. I write this blog, guest columns and 52 crafts in 52 weeks. I write tweets and Facebook updates.

I always try to be true to my heart and personality when I write (well at work I have to write according to the corporate personality) but I don't very often write my most innermost thoughts and experiences. For that, I have my journal.

I go through phases of writing in it. I do it when I feel I need to get a multitude of thoughts and worries out of my head. So for that reason I often write just before bed and just lately I've added a new section: today I'm grateful for...

Every day I jot down a few things that I'm grateful for on that day. It helps me reflect on the day and remember that even if I've had a bad day and there have been tears, there were good things too.

I don't intend to share all of those thoughts with you but I thought I could share a few of my gratitudes on an occassional basis. I'd love to know what you're grateful for today too - let me know in the comments. x

I love Spring

2011-04-12T20:52:00.000Z

I love the flowers...

and I particularly love the rhubarb.

I made a gorgeous rhubarb crumble that I really should've taken a photo of for you but you'll just have to imagine it as it got gobbled up far too quickly. Here's the recipe if you want to try making it yourself.

Rhubarb crumble

5 rhubarb stalks - cut into chunks
1tbsp sugar

3oz butter
3oz golden caster sugar
3oz wholemeal flour
3oz oats

Preheat the oven to 180C.

Put the rhubarb, sugar and some water in a saucepan and heat gently.

Meanwhile mix the butter, sugar and flour together in a food processor (or rub it together by hand). You still want it to be lumpy so don't over process it - you don't want breadcrumbs. Then mix in the oats.

Once the rhubarb has cooked down, check the taste and add more sugar if you need it. Then pour it into an ovenproof dish and cover it with the crumble mixture. Bung it in the oven for about 25-30 mins or until the top is golden brown.

I serve mine with 0% fat Greek yoghurt but custard, cream or ice cream would be just lovely.

Decorate by Holly Becker reviewed

2011-04-09T09:57:00.000Z

If, like me, you feel you need a little help and advice to get your home just how you want it to be, who better than decor8's Holly Becker to guide you? Her blog is the one I go to first when catching up on my internet reading so as soon as I heard she was writing a book I couldn't wait to place the Amazon order.

I certainly wasn't disappointed. It's so so much more than a pretty book to lay on your coffee table. It is literally crammed with inspiring homes and I love the little anecdotes and wise words from designers, stylists and writers spread throughout the book. Here is one that particularly resonated with me: "The true beauty of a room can be found in its details. Layering up a room with the items you love elevates your space."

My favourite section of the book is 'Setting your style'. I think it's too easy to lose sight of what your own style is when you're bombarded by magazines, blogs and websites from all directions so this is the chapter I'll be studying the most. The 'be your own client' advice is particularly useful.

I will also be playing close attention to 'Creative spaces' as my study desperately needs some help. It's also our spare room so it needs to work twice as hard. So I can't wait to get started on the re-design with Decorate as my guide.

If you love design, your home and want a sneaky peek into beautiful abodes from all over the world, pick up a copy of Decorate and be inspired.

Finding inspiration

2011-04-07T20:28:00.000Z

I recently wrote about motivation and inspiration on Indie Fixx - pop over and have a little read if you've got a few minutes spare.

And I love this video by Alisa Burke on the subject of inspiration. I'm following her Sketchbook Delight class and it's a really fabulous online workshop. Comprehensive, interesting and full of Alisa's beautiful work.

find your inspiration from Alisa Burke on Vimeo.

Isn't it brilliant? Where do you find inspiration?

{monday muse} sketching

2011-04-04T07:30:00.001Z

Something I want to do more of...

Source: sunlightandamocha.tumblr.com via Christine on Pinterest

Do you know the way?

2011-04-03T18:13:00.000Z

I just realised I didn't blog my trip to San Jose. Well mainly it rained but I did see some snippets of blue sky. And I did lots of shopping. And a little crafting. It was just lovely to have a break from work and relax.

New scarf

We went to San Francisco for the day... it rained

We enjoyed visiting the sealions

Shopping!

There were some blue skies

101 in 1001 update

2011-03-23T18:25:00.000Z

I've had this post sat in my drafts for ages in the hope that I'd manage to complete a few more before I updated you. Well, I managed a couple so it's not all bad I guess. You may remember that I'm focussing on completing a smaller version of the list before my 32nd birthday so here's that list:

12. Read a book in a day

14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own 15. Record a craft video tutorial
16. Eat 5 things I've never tried before (4/5) - I only need to eat one more new thing
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5) - again, I only need to cook one more

39. Go to an auction

47. Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours - it's in June (please sponsor me if you can spare a few pounds)

52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases

55. Visit an art gallery

59. ~~Have a pedicure~~ - yes! Had one yesterday at a spa in San Jose
60. Cook a ten-course meal - I'm thinking maybe for my birthday

66. Go to a classical music concert

69. Buy a vintage dress

71. Make sourdough bread

95. ~~Have a spa day~~ - yes! had a lovely time at Burke Williams spa.

100. Start an art journal

It's just as well I waited huh as the two I crossed off, I only completed yesterday. I'm really going to have to focus on the rest of them in the next few months.

I also completed no 40 from the main list - find the perfect trousers. It turns out the style that suits me is tapered leg (like these) - I must buy more I feel. I also have three new habits with no.56, no.57 and no.90 all ticked off - pilates, packed lunches and fruit. I do pilates at least once a week now, take a packed lunch to work most days and have at least some fruit every day. As an aside, I read a great article you might like on zenhabits about how to ingrain behaviour.

Instead of clogging up this post with the full list, I've created it a little page all of its very own here.

I am at my most beautiful (apparently)

2011-03-23T17:09:00.000Z

According to a study, women are at their most beautiful at age 31. So I guess I'd better enjoy it for the few months I have left at this beautiful age! (via woo!)

{monday muse} colour

2011-03-21T18:27:00.000Z

I love colour and I was surrounded by it in the Monterey aquarium yesterday...

I think these photos will be inspiring me this week! Happy Monday x

This week I loved...

2011-03-19T01:27:00.000Z

I've been struggling to know what to say about Japan - it's hard to comprehend. But this week I loved (not the right word at all but I hope you know what I mean)...

:: seeing and reading about all the things people are doing to raise money for Japan and the ways in which they're attempting to process the events of a week ago and the aftermath.
:: Laura from Bugs and Fishes is donating money from sales of Cherry Blossoms to the appeal (until 19 March)
:: Joejobi is organising an auction
:: paper and string has a raffle
:: Holly is so much more eloquent than I could hope to be on the subject.

Source: thecherryblossomgirl.com via Carmella on Pinterest

Wow.

2011-03-16T21:20:00.000Z

I love the word wow and I probably use it too much but when I saw this artist's work (via papernstitch) I said: wow.

Michelle Moode is a mixed-media artist (and book maker) from California and she challenged herself last year to start a drawing a day. As you know I'm all about challenges but I'm full of admiration for someone who is committing to do something every day. I think I may have to make a purchase from her lovely shop soon.

PS you can read more about setting your own creativity challenge in my column on Indie Fixx.

Do you need a card quickly? Make these 5 easy cards today

2011-03-16T20:59:00.000Z

Card making was my first crafty-love when I started making again five or so years ago. Since then I must have made hundreds so I have quite a few ideas for you to make your own quick and simple cards to wow your lucky recipients.

1) Flowers for any occasion
I made these for Mother's Day but you could customise them for birthdays, thank yous or any occasion that warrants a pretty card. You just need gorgeous papers, glue (or a Xyron sticker makerwhich is my tool of choice), sticky foam squares (optional) and an alphabet stamp (I have this one). It's as simple as cutting petal shapes out of the paper and sticking them down in a flower shape. I stamped Happy Mother's Day on scrap white card, cut out the words and then used foam squares to stick them on - you could just use normal glue. Easy peasy.

2) Punch it out
I used a heart punch, white card and foam squares for this simple Valentine's card but you could use any shape - flowers or butterflies would be cute - and add some colour too.

3) Fabricate
I use fabric a lot with my cards - I always have lots of scraps laying around so it's no bad thing to use a few up.
This one was another Valentine's card but you could do flowers, bunting or anything else that takes your fancy.

BONUS: for extra wow-ness you could use your sewing machine to add some fun freehand stitching like I did with these flowers:

4) Roll with it
(brief interlude to sing along to Oasis.)
I love quilling - it's so therapeutic rolling little strips of paper and sticking them down to make a fabulous card. It was my first craft for 52 crafts in 52 weeks and it's great for both men and women - I've made Mum in pinks (below) and Dad in blues.
It requires very few tools – just paper, glue and a quilling tool - so it's a good low-cost craft to get started with. There's a great tutorial on CRAFT to get you going.

5) Turn over a new leaf
Next time you go on a walk, gather up some interesting leaves and use them to make easy cards. Full instructions are over on 52 crafts. I think these are nice to use as notelets to send Spring letters to friends and relatives.

I hope you found this little card round-up useful - let me know in the comments if you try any of them or if you have any other easy card-making ideas.

{monday muse} take time

2011-03-14T08:23:00.000Z

Source: weheartit.com via Cici on Pinterest

This week I loved...

2011-03-13T12:37:00.000Z

Okay, putting horribly ill aside, this week I loved...

:: having a fun girlie day in Suffolk encompassing ceramic painting, eating delicious mezze, wandering around looking at beautiful buildings, buying art in a crooked gallery, taking afternoon tea and drinking champagne.

Gorgeous house in Lavenham


The print I bought - I love hares

Sorry I've been absent...

2011-03-08T17:44:00.000Z

Horrible food poisoning has struck the household. Hope to be on better form soon. In the meanwhile, here's an inspiring quote from pinterest:

Source: loveisjustlove.tumblr.com via Amy on Pinterest

This week I loved...

2011-03-06T19:04:00.000Z

:: making wedding favours for my best friend's big day
:: buying gorgeous gastronomic treats from Suffolk Food Hall (my new favourite foodie haunt)
:: giving away free books for World Book Night. When giving them to strangers I loved the conversations it kicked off about people's favourite books. Made me very happy
:: writing my latest crafty help installment (about recycling, do you have any ideas to add?)
:: walking five miles in the bracing Felixstowe sea winds
:: and finally, we had some sun this week which always makes me happy.

Coffee and cake as a treat after five mile power-stomp

What did you love this week?

Want a free book? Happy World Book Night!

2011-03-05T13:39:00.000Z

Happy Saturday everyone, and happy World Book Night. 1,000,000 books are being given away today to celebrate and I have 5 copies of my favourite book to give to 5 of you: One Day by David Nicholls.

If you'd like a copy, leave a comment telling me about the book you love the most. The one that makes you laugh, cry and that you just can't put down. The first five will get a literary present in the post so make sure there's a way for me to contact you.

So that I'm not sent bankrupt by postage costs I can only give them to UK-based peeps, sorry!

{crafty help} I can’t afford materials

2011-03-03T18:22:00.000Z

The latest in my twitter-inspired crafty help series is all about crafting on a budget. See part 1 here.

@knikitta raised two issues, and I'll address space later (one of the most tweeted problems), but I want to look at crafting on a budget first.

As I'm attempting a new craft every week for a year I have to be a bit creative with materials. One of my favourite ways is to reuse and recycle stuff from around the house.

Papier-mâché is a classic way of recycling - in this project I used paper from our shredder and PVA glue but you could also use the traditional flour and water paste. It costs just pennies.

If you've got an old wool jumper hanging around you can use it to make a corsage or a toy rabbit. This is particularly good if you managed to shrink a previous favourite grey sweater in the wash like I did. Ahem.

And you can reuse wrapping paper, greetings cards and magazines to make enough cards to last you for all the birthdays you can handle. I made the ones above with craft punches but you can also just cut out simple shapes freehand.

I have lots more ideas to save money when crafting so I think I'll cover this over several posts. Look out for more soon. But in the meantime, over to you. How do you craft on a budget?

{from the archives} poor Toby

2011-03-03T07:40:00.000Z

As I've been writing this little blog of mine for so long I thought it would be fun to go back in the archives and find some old projects, thoughts and plans.

This week the time machine is taking us to...

{19 October 2007}

I know I'm a mean mummy but this is one of my favourite photos of Toby. There's something about his poor little dozy not-quite-awake-from-anaesthetic face that makes my heart melt.

You can read the original post here.

Share your best ever craft project

2011-03-02T07:56:00.001Z

I'd love to see the bestest thing you've ever made. And I'll publish them all over the coming weeks so everyone else can see your bestest makes too.

I'll start with mine...

I love the bunny I made as part of my 52 crafts project - he's definitely my favourite ever make.

So over to you - what is your favourite make?

What would you take to a desert island?

2011-03-01T08:05:00.006Z

What craft supplies would you take to a desert island?
Well let's assume you've got all the essentials covered. You know: food, water, satellite phone, ipod, books (essential to me) etc. If you were going to be stuck on a desert island for an undetermined length of time what craft supplies would you take with you?

via flickr

{monday muse} do more

2011-02-28T07:13:00.001Z

Source: belabrava.tumblr.com via Sam on Pinterest

Need I say more? Happy Monday x

{little details} spring is here

2011-02-27T18:09:00.000Z

{part 1}

This weekend I welcomed home my lovely husband after 2 weeks apart, we went to the seafront and flew kites and I treated myself to tulips. Oh and I had lots of cuddles with my lovely nephew.

Hope you all had lovely weekends. What were the little details that made it special?

This week I loved...

2011-02-26T08:18:00.000Z

:: fresh bread from Suffolk Food Hall

:: listening to this song again and again and again. And check out Adele's Radio 1 Live Lounge performances. Amazing.

:: getting this fabulous cookbook in the post that I've been lusting over for ages.

I've found my passion - have you?

2011-02-25T17:24:00.000Z

Have you found your passion? I think I have at last but I've had a bumpy journey. So this post by Scoutie Girl really resonated with me.

I wholeheartedly agree with her statement that you have to experiment to find your passion. I certainly have - a glance through my blog archives shows all the things I've tried...

- I've had two etsy shops - and started two others I never told you about
- I tried illustration
- and printing
- I tried crafting every day for a year
- and a photo a week
- I gave scrapbooking a go
- and sketching.

I'm sure there are even more things I've tried. I've discovered over that time that there are two things I'm really passionate about:

- being creative - it doesn't matter what I'm making as long as I am
- and writing.

I've been lucky enough to not only write here (even with the occasional wobble) and 52 crafts in 52 weeks but also for UK Handmade. Plus I guest posted for whipup.net and I'll be guest-blogging elsewhere very soon (will let you know more shortly). And in my day-job I'm never happier than when I'm writing.

So as long as I can keep combining my passions I think I'll be a very happy Christine.

So, I'll ask again, have you found your passion?

I want this print please... {part 2}

2011-02-25T08:23:00.000Z

part 1

Source: etsy.com via Christine on Pinterest

{from the archives} make a bird mobile

2011-02-24T08:44:00.001Z

As I've been writing this little blog of mine for so long I thought it would be fun to go back in the archives and find some old projects, thoughts and plans.
Today I'm turning the time machine to...

{30 August 2008}

I made this little bird mobile back in August 2008. And you can too - go take a look to get the full tutorial.

{little details} fresh bread

2011-02-23T14:15:00.000Z

A little series inspired by Lucy from attic24 who recently said:

"When I first started reading blogs, it was more often than not the small details of other people's lives that I found endlessly fascinating. I just could not get enough of it. I found the simple snapshots of ordinary days and ordinary things incredibly intriguing and inspiring to see. The Little Pleasures of life."

I took myself off to Suffolk Food Hall at lunchtime today to get a few bits for lunch and I was seduced by this beautiful loaf...

I also got gorgeous meats, feta, olives and salad. Once combined I had a perfect lunch plate...

What's made you happy today?

{crafty help} I have no talent...

2011-02-23T08:14:00.001Z

A week or so ago I conducted a mini-twitter survey to see what crafty problems people faced. I had lots of great answers from too little time to not enough space. And I plan to cover all those issues in future posts. But this time I'm tackling another issue: I have no talent.

Well I don't believe that for a second - everyone has talent. But it's not the first time someone has said they're not talented, or creative, enough to craft. So if you think you need oodles of talent to make things, think again.

Can you fold paper?
Whilst bored in history class age 11 did you ever make a paper aeroplane and chuck it at your mate two rows in front of you? Well in that case, you can practise the art of origami.

All you need to make pretty folded paper things is, obviously, some paper (preferably pretty but any will do) and your hands.

With these tools you could make a load of cranes and string them up to use as decorations or pretty flowers like the one in the photo above. It's easy to get the hang of the folds after you've tried it a few times. You can make so much with just paper and your hands.

Give it a go today!

I'll have some more simple crafts to help you dip your toes in the crafty waters soon.

Have fun and be creative x

My signature is .... what's yours?

2011-02-22T07:46:00.000Z

This post is entirely inspired by Smaggle.
Do you have a signature? I don't mean the way you sign your name when you pay for groceries (not that we do that so much now with chip and pin I guess. I can't actually remember the last time I signed my name) - but what are the things that are just very 'you' at the moment? Here are my signatures...

Source: breakfastatanthropologie.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

:: I always have porridge with bananas and blueberries for breakfast - I recently added cinnamon on a friend's recommendation.
:: My absolute favourite perfume is YSL Parisienne. It's the only one I wear. And the only perfume I've ever bought a second bottle of.
:: My makeup is nearly always the same - light eyeshadow base with a bit of dark powder added at night, brown eyeliner and brown mascara plus a neutral gloss. Plus YSL Touche Eclat and Clinique foundation if I feel the need. Might be time to shake that routine up actually.
:: I have to read before I sleep. If I don't read I get snarky and can't nod off. My husband gets pretty grumpy about it to be honest but you can't break a habit of nearly 30 years that easily. I used to read by the light of the hallway outside my bedroom long after my mum and dad thought I'd gone to sleep. Might explain my myopia.
:: Hey Ya - the song I will always dance to when it comes on. No matter where I am. There is a hilarious (for some) video of me on Facebook dancing to it. I won't be sharing it. Sorry.
:: Coffee of choice right now is a skinny decaff latte - or lemon & ginger tea.

{monday muse}

2011-02-21T08:11:00.001Z

I'm not sure I succeeded in living up to last week's muse - I felt quite grey all week. I wore way too much of it and whilst it's a versatile colour to have in the wardrobe, I really should have tried to add some colour somewhere. I will try harder this week.

I spotted yellow daffodils in my back garden trying to emerge from their wintery hiding place so this week's muse is about spring. It's just around the corner.

Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

This week I loved...

2011-02-19T20:51:00.000Z

:: the lovely feedback about my last post in the comments and on twitter. Thank you x
:: eyeing up the beautiful appliqué by Dear Emma
:: doodling
:: eating too many gorgeous cakes at my friend Shuv's baby shower

I've lost that lovin' feeling...

2011-02-16T21:08:00.000Z

I've been feeling a bit lost with this blog of late - I've been writing it since 2006 but I feel like I've wandered off track a bit, especially since I stopped selling on Etsy.

I've lost my blog love.

But I have some ideas to bring back that lovin' feeling (I'm not as old as that cheesy song reference makes me sound).

I want to interview fellow crafty types (any ideas who you'd like to hear from?), I want to solve your crafty problems (an unscientific twitter survey suggested a lack of time and space are your main ones) and I want to keep talking about things I love and the ups and downs of life.

How does that sound? Anything else you'd like me to write about? Can you help me fall back in love with my blog?

Source: a-love-train.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

I want this print please...

2011-02-14T18:17:00.003Z

Source: etsy.com via Christine on Pinterest

{monday muse} colour

2011-02-14T14:17:00.001Z

Source: designspongeonline.com via Alex on Pinterest

I need more colour in my life I think so this is my inspiration this week. Have a great week - what's inspiring you today?

{recipe} lentil salad with roasted vegetables and feta cheese

2011-02-13T21:12:00.000Z

I recently mentioned my love of lentils. If you're not convinced, try this delicious salad that I made this evening for dinner (photos via instagram on the iphone).

Adapted from Cook Yourself Thin: The Delicious Way to Drop a dress Size
Serves 2

{ingredients}
- about 250g of mixed vegetables such as aubergine, courgette, peppers and tomatoes (I didn't weigh mine by the way, just chucked it all in)
- 2 teaspoons of olive oil
- 2 teaspoons of balsamic vinegar
- salt & pepper (to taste, I didn't use either)
- 200g puy lentils
- 300ml of chicken or veggie stock
- 50g of feta cheese (as it was all I had left but you could use more. The original recipe calls for goats cheese)

{this is how you cook it}
- Preheat your oven to 200ºC.
- Chop up all your yummy veggies and chuck into a roasting dish. Mix with one teaspoon of oil and one of the vinegar.

- Roast the veg for 15 mins or so.
- Meanwhile rinse and drain your lentils (they don't look very appetising I know) and put in a pan with the stock.
- Bring to the boil and leave to boil for about 20 mins or until all the stock has been absorbed.
- Put the lentils and your cooked vegetables along with the rest of the vinegar and oil in a mixing bowl.

- Give it all a stir and leave to cool. If you've got any herbs like basil you could add that too - plus any seasoning.
- Once it's cool, crumble in the feta. I also chucked on some pumpkin seeds as I like a bit of crunch with my salad.

- Enjoy! And pack up the other half for lunch tomorrow.

love is all around

2011-02-13T15:41:00.000Z

This morning I waved my husband off on his boys' holiday - he's gone snowboarding in Japan - with a Valentine's card tucked inside his suitcase for him to open tomorrow. So I'm without my Valentine this year. But it doesn't mean I'm not feeling lovey dovey. Here are some romantic inspirations for your Valentine's day...

:: make a card...

Source: samanthahahn.com via Christine on Pinterest

:: and a pretty wreath...

Source: thehybridchick.com via Christine on Pinterest

:: and a garland too!

Source: ohsocrafty.blogspot.com via Christine on Pinterest

:: write a love letter

Source: weheartit.com via Cici on Pinterest

:: make a romantic candle (by me)

Source: weddinginbali.com via Melanie on Pinterest

:: and watch a romantic film (one of my favourites).

Source: offbeatbride.com via Soleil on Pinterest

Have a wonderful Valentine's day everyone. x

This week I loved...

2011-02-12T10:52:00.000Z

:: making gorgeous lentil salads with ready-to-eat Merchant Gourmet lentils. I mix them with veg like tomatoes, celery and cucumber plus fresh coriander, red wine vinegar and olive oil. Then top it all with feta cheese. Or I used left over roast chicken the other day instead. Yum!
:: watching Inception on DVD with my husband (he's only home for 2 days) on the sofa last night - I think I understood it.
:: picking up our wedding album! It's gorgeous (yes we got married 18 months ago, you can't rush these things).

Have a great weekend!

{monday muse} friendship

2011-02-07T22:05:00.000Z

Source: thestwrd.com via Christine on Pinterest

This week I loved...

2011-02-06T17:21:00.000Z

:: finding out how easy it is to etch glass
:: playing imaginary house with pinterest
:: porridge with bananas, blueberries and cinnamon
:: this so so so cute video via yes and yes
:: singing at Lucky Voice for my best friend's hen night - the theme was Sex and the City (so of course we sang this).


The bride to be. With a Carrie-inspired bird on her head (courtesy of me)

Happy Sunday x

Walking on the mooon

2011-02-03T22:33:00.000Z

One of my challenges for the year is to complete the Edinburgh MoonWalk in under 8 hours.

The MoonWalk is a 26.2 walk that starts at midnight- oh, and as if that wasn't enough, participants wear decorated bras as they walk to raise money for breast cancer charities.

London May 2007

Regular and long-time readers will know I've taken part in the London event twice and I even organised a decorate your bra contest in honour of the event. But this year will be my biggest challenge yet as not only is it in Edinburgh (I suspect it might have a few hills - if you have any experience of Edinburgh and can allay this fear please do) but I also had surgery on my back last year so I have quite a fitness hurdle to overcome.

via Flickr

I'm very excited about the theme for the event though - Moulin Rouge. I predict a lot of feathers and sequins will go into my outfit for the night and much fun will be had with my trusty glue gun.

In the meantime I've got a tough training schedule to follow that will see me working up to a 20-mile walk two weeks before the big night. I'll keep you posted on my progress. Is anyone else taking part?

Blog of the week...

2011-02-01T19:19:00.000Z

It's time again for another misleadingly named "blog of the week" post - I think the last one was about a month ago!

I've only recently discovered this popular blog - A cup of Jo - but I really enjoy reading about the joys of being a newish mum (or mom I guess it should be) and drooling over Joanna's style picks such as these fabulous bookends and gorgeous clothes. I'm particularly enjoying the photos and memories from her mum when she was pregnant with Jo and her twin sister in Paris.

It's highly possible I'm the last woman in the world to know about this fabulous blog but if you haven't seen it before either make sure you pay Joanna a visit.

{monday muse} happy

2011-01-31T17:35:00.000Z

This week's Monday muse is this beauty:

via pinterest via inspiredshares.com

It sums up how I feel - happy and light on my feet. I hope that feeling lasts all week!

What's inspiring you today?

A corner of love

2011-01-30T09:54:00.000Z

I'm in the process of trying to make over our home. Nothing major - we've done all the painting and carpet laying - but just those little touches that make it home. I want to create little corners and snippets of inspiration and love. My current favourite corner contains my treasured sewing cabinet that belonged to Ben's grandmother.

As love is so important to me it has on it: a framed heart (made by me), a stone with our wedding date engraved on it, a bowl handmade by Lisa for our wedding (filled with shells from Fistral beach in Newquay), a wooden heart I brought back from honeymoon and a Rob Ryan laser cut key. Propped up in front of it out of shot (pending a certain someone hanging it) is a montage of our wedding.

It really is a corner of love.

This week I loved...

2011-01-28T19:13:00.000Z

:: seeing my best friend try on her wedding dress
:: pilates - I went twice this week and feel really good for it
:: cooking Jamie's puttanesca from 30 minute meals. Recipe is online here. I didn't make the ganache sadly. Maybe next time
:: reading Sister
:: appliqué
:: watching Mad Men (I'm up to season 2)
:: playing with instagram on the iphone

pretty magical rose

Did you have a great week? I hope so!

Book corner

2011-01-26T07:45:00.000Z

I always have at least one book on the go so I thought that each week I'd talk a little about what I'm reading - and maybe you'd like to tell me what you're reading and enjoying too?

I'm reading Sister by Rosamund Lupton. I'm not very far through yet but I'm already engrossed - it's written in the style of a letter from the main character, Beatrice, to her sister as she tries to find out what happened to her. It's full of tension and mystery and the style of writing literally makes you want to turn to the next page and the next... The narrative switches from the present to the past which draws you in - you know snippets of the present but not enough to know the answers to the underlying mystery. I don't know how it's going to end but I'm looking forward to turning more pages and finding out.

Have you read Sister? What did you think of it? (Don't spoil the ending or I'll cry!) What are you reading?

{balance} my word for 2011

2011-01-25T08:02:00.000Z

If you're a reader of delicious blogs such as Susannah's you'll have seen her talk about her word of the year. I hadn't really considered choosing one until one particular word kept coming to my conciousness over the last few days: balance.

via flickr

I am after balance in my body through doing exercise like pilates.
And balance in my diet by eating loads of veggies and fruit plus grains and nuts and cutting down on the meat (I used to be a vegetarian but in recent years a meal hasn't felt complete without some kind of meat on the plate). I've also cut out caffeine and I feel so much better for it.
Plus I'm striving for a balance between work and life - and I want to find more time to do the things I love like creating and writing.

Do you have a word for 2011?

{monday muse}

2011-01-24T07:55:00.002Z

Have you discovered pinterest yet? I love looking through other people's pinboards and seeing what inspires them - and building up boards of my own. And so a new feature for paper and cloth is born: {monday muse}. Each Monday I will post a photo that is inspiring this week and hopefully it'll inspire you too.

By Tif, dottie angel (thank you Lynsey)

I love paper and anything with hearts wins my, well, heart. I'm a romantic and this is the perfect photo to inspire me this week. Happy Monday x

Do you love origami?

2011-01-22T09:44:00.002Z

Then you'll love this post by curating cuteness.

by howaboutorange

Five crafts you can make in 10 minutes or less

2011-01-21T18:27:00.000Z

In the course of my 52 crafts adventure I've tried out stacks of crafts (32 to be precise) - some took me an entire week to do (and will take a lot longer to master) and others were quick "oh crap I haven't done this week's craft" crafts. So I thought I'd focus on a few of the projects you can squeeze into the gaps between work, family and the other things that you fill your hours with.

1) Card making - you can easily make a card or two in ten minutes. I've tried out a few techniques like quilling which are a little more time consuming but cutting out simple shapes like parcels or flowers and adding a stamped message like on this Mother's Day card takes no time at all. Plus it's a great beginner's craft and you don't need much kit at all to get going. Although if you want to splash out, the Silhouette HD is a great tool for creating quick and effective cards.

2) Origami - granted, the first time you attempt an origami crane it might take longer than ten minutes but once you get into the swing of things you'll be whipping them out in no time at all. When you have a few you could string them together and make a pretty mobile.

3) Leaf printing - been out for a dog walk and found some nice leaves? Why not use them to make pretty art or cards?

4) Earrings - if you're new to jewellery making it might take a little while to get to grips with twisting the wire but simple drop earrings are quick and easy to make and are perfect gifts.

5) Candles - if you've never made candles before it's worth spending a lot more than 10 minutes reading the instructions - hot wax and impatient crafting do not mix. But once you know what you're doing you can produce pretty teacup soy candles in the time it takes wax to melt.

Happy crafting x

*Disclaimer - I haven't timed any of these so if they take longer than ten minutes I apologise profusely!

They say if you have a big task you should break it down...

2011-01-17T17:49:00.000Z

I turn 32 this year. Instead of freaking out - well I might still do that - I thought I'd make the most of the next 7 months and try to complete as many items as possible from my 101 in 1001 list. I think that by breaking the big fat list down into smaller ones it will make it much easier to achieve.

So these are the items I intend to complete before I become another year older:

12. Read a book in a day

14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own
15. Record a craft video tutorial
16. Eat 5 things I've never tried before (4/5) - I only need to eat one more new thing
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5) - again, I only need to cook one more

39. Go to an auction

47. Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours - it's in June (please sponsor me if you can spare a few pounds)

52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases

55. Visit an art gallery

59. Have a pedicure
60. Cook a ten-course meal - I'm thinking maybe for my birthday

66. Go to a classical music concert

69. Buy a vintage dress

71. Make sourdough bread

95. Have a spa day

100. Start an art journal

Hopefully it'll be a fun and action-packed few months!

A beautiful Sunday

2011-01-16T19:48:00.000Z

Sunday in Snape

Review of 2010 {part 2}

2011-01-15T21:25:00.000Z

Here's part 2 of my review of 2010 - part 1 is here.

July

It was my birthday! I celebrated by making a pretty dress, getting spoilt with lovely presents and had a little party with family and friends. And Mr. Bunny made his début. Oh and I had a think about why I make stuff.

August

In August I attempted to learn to knit, had a look around some lovely studios and cooked up some Mexican food.

September

Cornwall greeted us in September and we had a fabulous time in the towns, on the beaches and in the restaurants. And of course I kept crafting, including a yummy cushion.

October

In October we celebrated our first wedding anniversary, wrote a guest post for whipup.net and went to lovely hot Dubai.

November

In November the crafting fun continued, including a visit to a ceramics cafe and I made a pretty Kanzashi flower.

December

And finally, December. Of course we had lots more crafting, Christmas and a trip to somewhere snowy.

It was a busy year! And I'm looking forward to what 2011 brings.

The new 101 in 1001 list

2011-01-07T18:11:00.000Z

I've been revisiting the list - what better time than at the beginning of a new year? - and I've updated it with some new and amended challenges (some of the ambitious targets have reduced such as the number of handmade presents). The new ones are coloured pink - if you have any suggestions to help me achieve them let me know in the comments. Hope you enjoy the new list and get inspired by it.

Start date: 30 August 2009
Finish date: 27 May 2012

1. Research family tree
2. After doing family history, visit some of the places my family lived
3. ~~Make my first quilt~~
4. Build a website from scratch
5. ~~Get married!~~
6. Have a go at geocaching
7. Write a book
8. Write menu plans- seasonal and cheap- every week for a month (0/4)
9. ~~Grow potatoes~~
10. Join a screenprinting class
11. ~~Go on safari~~
12. Read a book in a day
13. ~~Do something creative every day for a week (7/7)~~
14. Take a book (maybe the one in no.12) to a coffee shop and spend the afternoon there on my own
15. Record a craft video tutorial
16. Eat 5 things I've never tried before (4/5)
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5)
18. Make a photo book with my favourite photos
19. Get a piece of freelance writing published - and get paid for it
20. Make a scrapbook of a big event (eg wedding, holiday etc.)
21. Try waxing (at a salon, not eyebrows)
22. Write a routine for cleaning/house management
23. Go to opera for the first time
24. ~~Go to the ballet again~~
25. Donate blood
26. Go to a cookery school for the day
27. ~~Make & write thank you cards for Amanda & Kate~~
28. Perform 20 random acts of kindness (1/20)
29. Read 10 books that I haven't already from this list (3/10)
30. Participate in a craft fair
31. ~~Blog daily for a week (7/7)~~
32. ~~Blog daily for a month (30/30)~~
33. Finish my Emily Peacock cushion kit
34. Make a zine
35. ~~Learn to make clip frame purses~~
36. ~~Learn to knit~~
37. Learn to crochet granny squares
38. Organise and tidy craft room
39. Go to an auction
40. Find the perfect trousers
41. ~~Get a promotion~~
42. Climb Snowdonia
43. Have another horse riding lesson
44. ~~Select and take part in a “big” charity event like the Moonwalk~~
45. ~~Take part in a beach cleaning event~~
46. ~~Get up at 7am every day for a week (7/7)~~
47. Complete Edinburgh MoonWalk in less than 8 hours
48. ~~Learn another craft I haven't already done~~
49. Set up a craft night/afternoon
50. Set up a water butt
51. And a compost bin
52. Make my own duvet cover and matching pillow cases
53. ~~Visit a farmers' market or farm shop once a month~~-
54. ~~Continue to run the Christmas giving tree at work every year (2/2)~~
55. Visit an art gallery
56. Go to pilates once a week for a month (0/4)
57. Make lunch to take to work every day for a week (0/5)
58. Visit an outdoor market in London
59. Have a pedicure
60. Cook a ten-course meal (I have no idea what would be in a ten-course meal but why not?!)
61. ~~Go on a picnic~~
62. Buy an original piece of art
63. ~~Update my blog template~~
64. ~~Make a skirt~~
65. ~~Make a dress~~
66. Go to a classical music concert
67. Do a furniture makeover (find a piece of old furniture, make it over and document it)
68. Buy a Diane von Furstenberg dress
69. Buy a vintage dress
70. ~~Donate something to freecycle, or a charity shop, once a month, on average~~-
71. Make sourdough bread
72. Make some reusable shopping bags to fit in my handbag
73. Visit five countries (4/5) - USA, South Africa, Mauritius and Dubai
74. Write a letter to myself to be opened on my 35th birthday
75. ~~Find a photo of myself that I like and frame it~~
76. ~~Make a cake for Ben's 36th birthday~~
77. Have a session with a personal shopper
78. Learn about a historical period
79. Read 10 biographies/non-fiction books (1/10)
80. ~~Have a boudoir photo session~~
81. Make something from each of my craft books- donate to charity any books I don't make anything from
82. Finish working through the book, “ The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are”
83. ~~At least once a month, go to sleep without reading first~~
84. ~~Buy new glasses~~
85. Go to New York again (with Ben)
86. Re-stock etsy shop
87. Write 10 letters to loved ones
88. ~~Get my hair cut every 8 weeks~~
89. Meet an internet friend in real life
90. Eat a piece of fruit every day for a month (0/30)
91. Learn to make something in my new tagine pot
92. Make something and give it to a friend for no reason
93. Make 50 handmade presents (14/50)
94. Plant a tree
95. Have a spa day
96. Give snowboarding another try
97. Watch 20 of the Times top 100 films (1/20)
98. Read a newspaper every day for a week (0/7)
99. ~~Learn how to use my mac (I really need to learn the shortcuts I'm so used to with Windows!)~~
100. Start an art journal
101. ~~Sleep outside~~

Review of 2010 {part 1}

2011-01-06T18:53:00.000Z

I thought I'd do a review of 2010 as the year seemed to fly by. It's good to take a while to look back and see what I did...

January

Snow-covered fields behind my house at the start of January after a quiet New Years Eve at home. The snow meant I did lots of baking and I got a lovely surprise, a new sewing machine.

February

In February I made a snuggly baby blanket and wrote a tutorial for a cute Valentine's card.

March

In March I hung out in London with my best friend, wrote about choosing wedding suppliers and made quick and easy Mother's day cards.

April

In April I had a procedure on my poorly back, experimented with pretty photographs, made a skirt and started reciting the alphabet! Oh and had a surprise trip to London to see Billy Elliot.

May

In May I almost got stranded in Belfast, bought my iphone, had a think about whether labels matter and had surgery on my back. And we welcomed baby Emrys to the family.

June

In June I went back to work after four weeks off and enjoyed being pain-free at last. Plus I finished my new nephew's baby quilt and came up with a crazy idea.

Come back soon for the review of the second half of 2010. What did you get up to last year?

Blog of the week...

2011-01-06T10:16:00.000Z

Well clearly this isn't a weekly occurrence as it's only the second blog I've chosen so far. But I just came across it whilst googling for ideas for my very-soon-to-be-updated 101 in 1001 list.

Brooke's blog is fun, colourful and full of ideas and inspiration - go take a look now! Have you come across any great new (to you) blogs lately?

101 in 1001 update

2011-01-04T17:12:00.002Z

Oh dear, I haven't updated this since May! This doesn't bode well...

Start date: 30 August 2009
Finish date: 27 May 2012

1. Research family tree - I've done some more of my tree but not much, I need to write it all up properly so that will be the aim for the rest of the challenge
2. After doing family history, visit some of the places my family lived
3. ~~Make my first quilt~~ - all done. I'd like to make a single-bed size one next
4. Build a website from scratch
5. ~~Get married!~~
6. Have a go at geocaching
7. Write a book
8. Write menu plans- seasonal and cheap- every week for a month (0/4)
9. ~~Grow potatoes~~
10. Join a screenprinting class
11. ~~Go on safari~~
12. Move house
13. ~~Do something creative every day for a week (7/7)~~
14. Do something creative every day for a month (0/30)
15. Run 5K (run the whole thing)
16. Eat 5 things I've never tried before (4/5)
17. Cook 5 things I've never cooked before (4/5)- Rabbit, liver, rice pudding and Christmas pudding
18. Make a scrapbook of my 30th birthday
19. Make a scrapbook of my hen do
20. Make a scrapbook of our wedding
21. Try waxing (at a salon, not eyebrows)
22. Write a routine for cleaning/house management
23. Go to opera for the first time
24. ~~Go to the ballet again~~
25. Donate blood
26. Volunteer 101 hours (6/101)
27. ~~Make & write thank you cards for Amanda & Kate~~
28. Perform 101 random acts of kindness (1/101)
29. Read the ones I haven't already from this list - ( only 3 so far: Hitchikers Guide to the Galaxy & To kill a mockingbird, The Great Gatsby)
30. Participate in a craft fair
31. ~~Blog daily for a week (7/7)~~
32. ~~Blog daily for a month (30/30)~~
33. Finish the charity shop quilt I bought
34. Make a zine
35. ~~Learn to make clip frame purses~~ - did as part of 52 crafts in 52 weeks
36. ~~Learn to knit~~- another one I did as part of 52 crafts
37. Learn to crochet granny squares
38. Organise and tidy craft room
39. Go to an auction
40. Document my tea cup collection
41. ~~Get a promotion~~
42. Climb Snowdonia
43. Have another horse riding lesson
44. ~~Select & take part in a “big” charity event like the Moonwalk~~ - yes, doing the Edinburgh MoonWalk in June
45. ~~Take part in a beach cleaning event~~
46. ~~Get up at 7am every day for a week (7/7)~~
47. Get up at 7am every day for a month (0/30)
48. ~~Learn another craft I haven't already done~~ - yep I think I've achieved this one!
49. Set up bi-monthly craft nights/afternoons
50. Set up a water butt
51. And a compost bin
52. Take part in illustration friday, once a week for a month (0/4)
53. ~~Visit a farmers' market or farm shop once a month~~-
54. ~~Continue to run the Christmas giving tree at work every year (2/2)~~
55. Treat myself to a 'treatment', either in a salon or DIY, once a month
56. Go to yoga once a week for a month (0/4)
57. Make lunch to take to work every day for a week (0/5)
58. Make lunch to take to work every day for a month (0/20)
59. Write a love letter to Ben every month (6/33)
60. Start a new collection- perfume bottles? Vintage clothes?
61. ~~Go on a picnic~~
62. Visit a local attraction once a month e.g. beach, park, museum etc. (3/33)
63. ~~Update my blog template~~
64. ~~Make a skirt~~
65. Make a dress - yes, the maxi dress I made for my birthday
66. Go to a classical music concert
67. Polish up my French before next holiday in France
68. Buy a Diane von Furstenberg dress
69. Buy a vintage dress
70. ~~Donate something to freecycle, or a charity shop, once a month, on average~~-
71. Turn down plastic bags for a month (0/30)
72. Make some reusable shopping bags to fit in my handbag
73. Visit five countries (4/5) - USA, South Africa, Mauritius and Dubai
74. Write a letter to myself to be opened on my 35th birthday
75. ~~Find a photo of myself that I like and frame it~~
76. ~~Make a cake for Ben's 36th birthday~~
77. Have a session with a personal shopper
78. Learn about a historical period (Tudors?)
79. Read 10 biographies (1/10) Read Julia Child's
80. ~~Have a boudoir photo session~~
81. Make something from each of my craft books- donate to charity any books I don't make anything from
82. Finish working through the book, “ The Creative License: Giving Yourself Permission to be the Artist You Truly Are”
83. ~~At least once a month, go to sleep without reading first~~
84. ~~Buy new glasses~~
85. Go to New York again (with Ben)
86. Re-stock etsy shop
87. Find a new band/singer every month and listen to their album (4/33)
88. ~~Get my hair cut every 8 weeks~~
89. Go to motocross or fishing with Ben once every 2 months without complaining (on average, season permitting!) (0/17)
90. Eat a piece of fruit every day for a month (0/30)
91. Pay my naughty library fine and don't get any more fines!
92. Make something and give it to a friend for no reason
93. Make 100 handmade presents (14/100)
94. Plant a tree
95. Have a spa day, just because
96. Give snowboarding another try
97. Watch 20 of the Times top 100 films (1/20)
98. Read a newspaper every day for a week (0/7)
99. ~~Learn how to use my mac (I really need to learn the shortcuts I'm so used to with Windows!)~~
100. Start an art journal
101. ~~Sleep outside~~

I think it's time to update the list - there are too many that are similar, unachievable or that I'm just not interested in any more. I'll return soon with an updated plan.

Happy new year!

2011-01-03T16:48:00.000Z

I spent Christmas and new year in the beautiful Breckenridge mountains in Colorado.

It was strange not being at home with the turkey, tree and family but it was a great place to spend 10 days. The skiing was brilliant and I think I looked rather fab in my new pink helmet and goggles!

(photo effects thanks to instagram on the iphone.)

I'll be back soon with more about my holiday and the crafting delights I found in the town. And I'll be looking at my 101 in 1001 list and updating it (I dread to think how many I haven't done).

Tell me isn't so

2010-12-10T16:02:00.000Z

15 October! 15th? That's shocking - it can't be true! Blogger must be fibbing. I have no excuse for being silent for nearly two months - well I have one excuse - my (not so) little project takes up all my blogging time at the moment.

It's now half-way through 52 crafts in 52 weeks and I hope you're finding it inspiring and interesting. I've been featured on blogs and in a magazine which was very exciting. I don't know what the next 26 weeks have in store but it should be fun and I hope you join me.

My current favourite project is last week's:

I've been using the clay hearts and stars on all my Christmas wrapping and very pretty I think it looks too.

I hope you're having a fabulous December and enjoying the run up to Christmas - it hardly seems possible that it's only 2 weeks away now. I really plan not to leave you for two months again.

Dubai - a city of sun & shopping

2010-10-15T16:15:00.000Z

I've been to Dubai before - that time it rained the whole trip and I was struggling with sciatica so it wasn't the best experience. So when the opportunity came up to go again I decided to give it another try. I'm so glad I did as this time I loved it.

I loved the sun.

The sights.

The shopping.

There was one shop I particularly loved - Kinokuniya Dubai is the biggest bookshop in UAE and contains more than half a million books. Book heaven! It's a Japanese-owned shop so as well as all the usual books you'd expect they have a section I know you'd all love: Japanese craft books! You have no idea how excited I was to find this gem. I somehow only bought two books but look at them all:

Sigh. I wish could go back again.

I'll write more about the two books I bought soon - maybe "making a dress from a Japanese craft book" could be a future 52 crafts project?

I whipped up a guest post

2010-10-15T06:37:00.000Z

Hello to everyone who has found me via Whipup.net. Thank you for asking me Kathreen - I really enjoyed writing my guest post.
I hope you found it interesting and maybe you've been inspired to try your own crafting challenge - let me know if you have.

Latest 52 crafts projects...

2010-10-04T20:37:00.000Z

I'm now on week 17 of 52 crafts in 52 weeks - doesn't time fly? My last two projects have featured tutorials on making jewellery and clocks.

If you want to know about my latest projects as they happen, keep an eye on my 52 crafts 52 weeks blog, follow me on Twitter or "like" my Facebook page.

year one

2010-10-03T09:04:00.000Z

this is the love that will always be true.

Blog of the week...

2010-10-01T21:49:00.001Z

Well I can't promise this will actually be weekly ( I have enough of a weekly challenge on the go as it is) but here's this week's blog of the week (a blog I've literally just stumbled across...)

yes and yes - because yes in more fun than no

I've been reading it all evening - so inspiring. Sarah Von is about to embark on a 7-month trip (not her first adventure) and I can't wait to read all about it. Some of my favourite posts (so far) are: 101 Ways To Cheer Yourself Up: Part 1 (and part 2) and 31 Things I've Learned in 31 Years but I'm pretty sure I'm going to find more. Go, read, and enjoy!

Pretty cushion (my latest 52 crafts project)

2010-09-20T18:11:00.000Z

I'm very pleased with my latest 52 crafts project...

I just love the colours - the fabric is by the wonderful designer, Anna Maria Horner.

I'm now on week 15 - isn't time flying?

A lovely Cornish holiday

2010-09-12T17:32:00.000Z

I spent last week in beautiful Cornwall on a much-needed break. I haven't spent time down in that part of the country since I was a lot younger and on a family holiday in our caravan so it was great to go back as an adult.

We stayed in a beautiful cottage near Bude which had the added bonus (for Ben) of fishing lakes and lovely views over the farmland.

We went to loads of places: Bude, Boscastle, Newquay, Looe, Padstow, Polperro and the Eden Project (when we had torrential rain). I took loads of photos so I'll just bore you with a few....

Tintagel

Knitting by the lake

Boat at Polperro

We had fish and chips in Padstow

Sunshine in Newquay

I only wish we'd gone for longer as a week just wasn't long enough. Cornwall is definitely one of my favourite places to go in the UK now. Where's yours?

Ooooooh teacup crafts...

2010-09-01T06:37:00.000Z

You may have noticed I love teacups. So I can't resist sharing with you this month of teacup crafts {via whipup}

Photo: week 8 of 52 crafts in 52 weeks.

Weeks 10 & 11

2010-08-22T18:17:00.000Z

Wow can you believe I'm now starting week 12 of my 52 crafts in 52 weeks challenge? Only 40 to go...

{week 10} was all about fabric - I tried out paper piecing which was really easy and effective. I see many more of these little squares in my future...

{week 11} was knitting. This week wasn't as successful as previous weeks in that I didn't actually manage to make a finished object. I gave it a bloody good try but I just couldn't do it. I will keep persevering though.

I've got week 14 planned already (hopefully) but haven't decided what to do over the next couple of weeks yet. Any ideas? I'm up for anything as long as it doesn't involve knitting!

Weeks 7, 8 & 9

2010-08-08T07:17:00.000Z

I'm still going strong with my 52 crafts in 52 weeks project. You can keep up to date with it by following the blog, my twitter or facebook page.

{week 7} book binding

{week 8} origami

{week 9} porcelain beads

Good food

2010-08-07T13:39:00.001Z

I'm addicted to cook books (and craft books) and one of my recent purchases was Mexican Food Made Simple by Thomasina Miers.

I made the chorizo & potato quesadillas - so good!

The most Mexican thing I've ever cooked before was fajitas using those packets from the supermarket so I'm looking forward to making loads more from this book. I'm thinking burritos next and I'll definitely have to try one of the delicious-sounding desserts. Oh and making my own tortillas.

This book is now very near the top of my favourite recipe book list. What's your favourite?

Are you nosy like me?

2010-08-01T14:01:00.000Z

Then you'll love peeking into other people's workspaces too. I've been searching out gorgeous studios for the UK Handmade blog recently so I thought I'd share some here too.

My lovely friend Lu Summers opened up the doors of her Suffolk studio - it's so inspiring with its charity-shop finds, bright colours and cosy corners.

See more of Lu's studio here.

Tina Mammoser has a wonderful setting for her studio - it overlooks the Thames and helps inspire her beautiful work.

Take a look around Tina's studio here.

There are lots more studios featured on the blog - and there's a new one every week so check back regularly to get loads of wonderful workspace inspiration.

Why do you make stuff?

2010-07-31T15:18:00.000Z

Sometimes when I tell people I like to make things I get comments like: "How do you find the time?" and "Oh I'd love to make things but I'm just not creative enough". And other people just don't get it or see the point of making things just for fun.

Let's look at each of those comments in turn...

"How do your find the time?"
I simply make the time. If I find myself spending too much time surfing around the crafty internet instead of doing some actual crafting I stop and go and do something less boring instead (why don't you?).
Of course having a project to drive me helps as well. And sometimes I'll craft instead of doing the cleaning (am I a terrible wife?).

"Oh I'd love to make things but I'm just not creative enough"
I fundamentally believe that everyone is creative. Some people are just too scared to let go and try. There are tonnes of articles about how adults have forgotten how to just relax and create - as children we'd happily make things out of toilet rolls and yoghurt pots. I also think that creativity is a bit like a muscle - the more you use it, the more you can do. I learn new techniques all the time (literally every week at the moment of course!) and that keeps my muscle working.

"I don't see the point"
I mainly make stuff to relax and have fun. Of course I enjoy sharing the results of what I make with my internet friends but it also helps me forget the stresses of work and just be myself.

So over to you - why do you make things? And what do people say about it when you tell them: I'm a crafter!

PS Just for fun - here's the first project I ever posted a photo of on the internet...

I have certainly learnt some better photography skills in the last four years - and the box the card is sitting on used to contain all the craft supplies I owned. Now I can fill a room. How times change!

Fabric addict

2010-07-23T21:25:00.000Z

I need help - look at all this fabric I've bought lately! And there's more on the way.

Let's look at each pile in turn...

This gorgeous selection was from Saints & Pinners - brilliant service and a great range of fabrics.

All these goodies were from Seamstar - a lovely shop full of things to tempt you. And they're lovely to deal with too.

And finally, this little stash of Anna Maria loveliness was from my favourite shop - Quilters Haven. The staff are all so knowledgeable and friendly. And the shop is stacked full of beautiful fabrics. A must-visit if you're ever in the area. They do mail order too.

Meet Mr.Bunny

2010-07-21T16:53:00.000Z

Well the weeks are marching by and I've completed more weeks of my 52 crafts in 52 weeks project.

Week 5 was all about yummy felt - read more about the project here.

Week 6 was toy-making - see all of Mr.Bunny's adventures here.

Hope you're enjoying all the projects so far - I'm trying not to think about how many more weeks there are to go!

Beautiful weekend

2010-07-11T20:16:00.000Z

Guess what? It's my birthday. And I've had a wonderful weekend of celebrations.

Felixstowe beach - taken with my iphone (hipstamatic application)

My new toy! A very big surprise present from my lovely husband.

Birthday pressies - Gizzi's Kitchen Magic and The Homemade Home.

Wearing my new dress - design by me, fabric by Anna-Maria Horner.

PS Week 5 of 52 crafts in 52 weeks is up on the blog (it involves felt).

Catching up with 52 crafts in 52 weeks...

2010-07-01T20:14:00.000Z

Can you believe I'm on week 4 already?

{week 3} papier-mâché

{week 4} papercutting

Haven't decided on week 5 yet but I think I should move away from paper as three of the four have involved my favourite material so far. I just love paper. What's your favourite material to craft with?

Tutorial: Last minute Father's day (or any day really) card

2010-06-20T10:28:00.000Z

This was so last minute, I only have iphone photos. I'll take better ones next time I make it.

This is great for using up your teeny tiny scraps of fabric you can't bear to throw away.

Iron it first if you're like me and all your scraps are scrunched up in a bag and then cut it into little triangles.

I used my Xyron sticker maker to make them sticker-like - if you haven't got one, use a little glue to stick them down in the next step.

I used a black pen to draw some string on the card and then stuck on the triangles in a jaunty bunting-like fashion.

Told you it was easy. I now have a little stack of these that I can use for any occasion.

Happy Father's Day x

{week 2/52} freehand machine embroidery

2010-06-17T14:22:00.000Z

Here's the finished item for this week's 52 crafts in 52 weeks project. I've talked more about it and the tutorial I followed here.

In other news, I went back to work this week, back still a little sore but I'm doing ok. Can you believe it's the middle of June already? Nearly the longest day of the year. And it's Father's Day this weekend - I haven't made cards yet - here's the one I made last year. I'd better get my thinking hat on - or make the same as last time!

Sneak preview of the next 52 crafts in 52 weeks project...

2010-06-16T19:03:00.000Z

Can you guess what it is?

Stay tuned!

{week 1/52} quilling

2010-06-13T08:02:00.000Z

Have you headed over to visit my new project yet? I've completed week 1 with a paper quilling project.

Go take a look and let me know what you think. Are there any crafts you'd like to see me try?

Noticeboard...

2010-06-10T16:31:00.000Z

I have three things to quickly tell you about today.

1} Did you enjoy the fabulous and inspirational BBC2 series, Mastercrafts? Would you love to see another series? Well tell the BBC as they're not planning to commission another one at the moment. That makes me sad :( Visit the Facebook group or UK Handmade to find out more.

2} This week on Makers Online, Karen is exploring handmade weddings and talking to brides and suppliers for their advice and inspiration on how to have a beautiful handmade wedding. Today, our wedding is featured so pop over to have a read and explore the rest of the site while you're there.

3} My new project is up and running and craft number 1 (of 52 eek!) will be published tomorrow. Any ideas what it might be?

I have a new project: 52 crafts in 52 weeks

2010-06-09T20:36:00.001Z

I may be slightly mad but I've started a new project: 52 crafts in 52 weeks.

The first craft will be published later this week so bookmark it now to find out what I try first.

A few of my favourite colours

2010-06-07T14:54:00.002Z

pink and turquoise.

peach and gold.

purple.

Mini tutorial - pretty centrepiece

2010-06-06T16:48:00.000Z

If only I'd thought of this before my hen tea party last year - it would also be perfect for country-style wedding receptions.

All you need is a cute vintage tea cup and a few pretty carnations (carnations are perfect for this project as they're all fluffy and poofy).

Chop the stems so they fit snuggly in your teacup, don't forget water, and put in as many as will fit so you get a nice dome shape.

Told you it was easy.

Finished baby quilt...

2010-06-02T12:52:00.000Z

I managed to finish the quilt in time for the arrival of my nephew. We didn't know if we were getting a nephew or a niece so I was pretty lucky with my colour choices.

I'm really pleased with how it came out - I'm looking forward to making another quilt soon. This time for me so just a bit (a lot) bigger and full of my favourite colours.

Rob Ryan love...

2010-06-01T10:01:00.000Z

Get your own piece of Rob Ryan loveliness on etsy

Fun with flowers

2010-05-27T17:51:00.000Z

The advantage of having an operation (apart from getting my back fixed of course) is that I have a lot of flowers. And by a lot I mean two huge bouquets from work, some beautiful roses, an assorted bouquet including lilies and a pretty yellow and green bouquet I bought myself before I went to hospital.

So over the last few days I've been playing with the blooms and making pretty displays. It's something to do when I can't do a whole lot else.

On our dresser in the dining room.

A practical use for my collection of teacups.

Yellow and green is not an ideal combination for football fans where I live (the rival team's colours) but I think they look great together here.

The view

2010-05-25T19:21:00.001Z

My beautiful view which I enjoy while drinking my morning coffee.

Had my staples out yesterday and the nurse said I'm doing well which was good news. Seeing the physio in a couple of weeks so hopefully I'll be able to get driving etc. not long after that. I miss just getting in the car and going somewhere. Anywhere.