Ceramic painting - making holiday memories

This week my little family have taken a break from work and nursery and headed to Wiltshire for 5 days at a well known chain of adventure family holidays resort. We have various activities planned including football training for the under 3yr olds (hilarious!), toddlers meeting baby owls (super cute!) and ceramic painting which is what I wanted to share with you here.

All 3 of us chose a mug to paint, even hubby had a go, he's quite nifty with a paint brush where as I'm happier with a needle and thread, I can't unpick paint if/when I go wrong!

Mugs, we choise our colours, painted our designs then left them overnight to be glazed and baked in the kiln.

These will be treasured in my kitchen (hopefully) for a long time

A fun hour for all, think we will be visiting our local ceramic painting cafe for more fun soon.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Indoor gardens - terrarium

I've become a little obsessed with terrariums recently. These are mini gardens which can be grown in various vases, bottles or bubbles, the plants used are generally succulents (plants which retain water) or air plants which require very little care which is great for someone like me who has a rather disastrous track record with house plants.

 

This is my latest creation

This hanging terrarium has a large double flower Echeveria, really easy to put together.

Plant your succulent plant in some soil and spritz with water, then plant up your arrangement. Spritz with water 1-2 times a week depending on your home climate, sit back and enjoy, see easy

 

I have my eye on another bubble vase which I think will make a wonderful table centre terrarium so watch this space

Posted with Blogsy

New ripple crochet blanket

I've always admired crochet ripple blankets, I had a go a couple of years ago but failed miserably, it's time to concur this challenge. The blankets I see other people create are stunning and look so effective. The design always reminds me of classic Moschino chic and seem so elegant thrown on a chair or bed

I've treated myself to new yarn and a new hook, there's no excuse not to master this little demon

Posted with Blogsy

Granny Square Blanket

Just before Christmas (22nd December I think) I crystallised the colour theme for the spare bedroom at home. I've been pondering for months and couldn't quite visualise it so was reticent to start tearing up the wallpaper, but suddenly it all became clear, going to be a simple and clean theme of navy and white.

So the blind fabric is on order, the wallpaper is down, the paint is making its way from the tin to the walls in gradual evening bursts.

Once I'd clarified the theme I got started on making a small lap blanket to go in the room. I wanted something simple so this crochet giant granny square seemed the perfect idea

It's quite a cosy craft to complete over the dark winter nights, hooking up some crochet in front of the tv, or chatting with friends and family are the perfect evening for me.

I've kept the navy and white theme in the majority of the blanket but also added a touch of red from my stash for a splash of colour, I think it adds a cute touch.

The edging was a challenge, I wanted to keep the lines clean but wanted something a little more than a couple of rounds of double crochet. During my research I found this clever oh-so-simple edging by the expert hooky lady over at Attic24. This had created almost a ribbon effect around the edging which I'm loving.

So here is the finished article my giant granny square blanket

Hasn't quite made it to the spare bedroom yet, but its quite snuggly to be under whilst drinking tea and watching evening tv.

 

Posted with Blogsy

Roman blind part 1- the plan

So the mass renovation of our new home has started. New Year's Day was spent stripping wall paper from 2 rooms, thankfully the previous owners had bought expensive wallpaper and had it professionally installed, it pulled off like a dream, no need for straying or steaming, just pick at the corner and the whole strip peals off, awesome. The little man thoroughly enjoyed the destructive power bestowed on him and relished the opportunity to pull off paper literally running to and from the bin with a beaming grin on his face.


Whilst the destruction was fun the reality of the work ahead has struck me with excitement and nervousness. The window was previously covered with metal horizontal blinds (think 1980's office or school and you have the right image), infact we have the joy of these on all windows (yay!). Before we can redecorate fully we need to remove said blinds, but removal will leave us in a fish bowl so I need to have an alternative ready to go back up.

The plan is to make a roman blind

I've done my measurements and drawings but the toughest task so far appears to be selecting the fabric, I chickened out of going through the rails and rails of hanging fabric, I want a plain fabric and life seemed too short to wade through the racks.

The lady in the shop kindly allowed me to borrow these rainbows of samples, there has to be something here which works.


Need to order tomorrow, so tonight will be an evening of deliberation, and maybe a glass or two of wine to support the creative flow ;)

 

Posted with Blogsy