HIPPY NEWS

The Craft Barn Blog Candy Giveaway

2011-11-20T22:42:00.000Z

What a fabulous giveaway. I wouldn't mind being the new owner of all those crafting goodies. :-)

Move to Scotland

2011-10-02T21:02:00.001+01:00

Now not only have I had 2 more gorgeous grandbabies this year but hubs decides he wants another job. Now the job is as a herd manager to 450 cows on a very modern farm etc., BUT it's in Scotland, which is a move of nearly 300 miles for us. It all happened very quickly and although the house itself is bigger we have no outbuildings and even worse for me NO PLAYPEN! How will I ever manage? Sob.

And to top it all I had to have our very elderly cat, Cleo, put to sleep. She would have been 25 this month so was a very good age for a cat really. Still very, very sad though. RIP Cleo.

Here are a few pics of the chaos of the last few weeks. Please feel free to feel sympathetic. Tea and cake is the best healer so if you feel like joining me for tea and cake please feel free to pop round. :-)

Packing up my Playpen, I shall really miss her.

Packing up the house.

All loaded and ready to roll. The guys came on the Monday and loaded the van, they then went back to their yard and didn't leave until the early hours of Tuesday morning. Here in the UK we were experiencing very high winds so it took them 7 hours to drive up. We left Monday as we had 2 vehicles and a caravan to take up. We were able to drive nearly all the way up but by about 10pm I'd had enough driving so we pulled over in a layby and kipped in the caravan.

The removal men arrived just after 11am and unloaded all our stuff. We went from having a nice, empty, tidy house to chaos in minutes. I am slowly getting sorted. It's like trying to fit a gallon into a pint pot never mind a quart.

Not sure if we'll ever be straight. It's a lovely area though and I'll post some pictures of the area shortly.

Update photo of Mollie

2011-10-02T20:26:00.001+01:00

Just thought you might all like to see a more recent photo of Mollie, she's now 3 months old and I can't believe how fast that time has gone. She's a proper little chatterbox by all accounts.

Her mummy says she's a really laid back baby and smiles and gurgles all the time. All being well, mummy, Mollie, Hannah and Taylor are coming for a visit. :-) That makes for one happy grandma.

And not to be left out here's a photo of Hannah and Taylor.

New Baby Grandson

2011-10-02T20:17:00.000+01:00

Not only have I had a new, beautiful baby grand daughter this year but also a new baby grandson who is also gorgeous. That makes 5 gorgeous grandchildren for me.

Here is Zachary John George, born 2 days before his sister's 1st birthday and weighed in at 9lb 5oz.

Here is a photo of his big sister on her 1st birthday too.

Aren't they just gorgeous?

Apologies

2011-09-28T20:00:00.000+01:00

I can't believe how long it's been since I last updated my blog. This has been due to two reasons really. First off my laptop died and secondly we moved from Shropshire, England, to Stranraer, Scotland. I have loads to show you and catch up on as well. I'm still struggling to find homes for everything to be honest and am wondering if I'll ever find anything ever again.

Watch this space for updates, hopefully regular ones from now on.

New Baby Grand Daughter

2011-07-01T14:27:00.001+01:00

Here is my newest grandbaby. Mollie Joy, born on the 24th June 2011 at 10.39am, weighing in at 7lbs 8oz. She’s a little redhead like her brother and sister.

I had the dubious privilege of being there when she was born. I say dubious as she was born by Caesarean section and that was a tad gruesome to see. Not that I saw any of the operation itself you understand but I could see the blood pooling on the floor etc and things didn’t go too well for my daughter who ended up having to be put out under a ‘general’ as the pain became too much even though she’d had an epidural.

Both mother and baby are doing OK though and I am staying with my daughter for a few days just so I can help with the two elder monsters - Hannah and Taylor.

Crop Circles and Things That Go Bump in the Night

2011-06-20T20:37:00.001+01:00

Well, there are crop circles, created by aliens or not, depending on your point of view, there are stone circles like Stonehenge etc, but here, on the farm we have thistle circles. Now please don’t ask me why we have thistles (and the odd bit of ragwort) that grow in near perfect circles but if you know please do tell us as we’d love to know. There’s not just one patch but several thistle circles.

Now I don’t think for one moment we have aliens at Clive but I’ve never seen this before. Do do do do do do

I wonder if it’s a new game or something that the cows play when we’re not looking?

More Random Spring Photos and Farm Goings On

2011-04-24T21:52:00.001+01:00

This is the old oak tree, he’s a very old man now but he still gets a hug from me.

The hawthorn blossom all ready for the May Queen.

The girls coming down the track to be milked.

Moss and the girls. They were quite horrid to Moss today and kept chasing him, he soon saw them off though.

Clive church.

Weekend Away in South Shropshire

2011-04-24T21:24:00.001+01:00

Every now and again we take Betsy, our caravan, away for a few days. We don’t go far, just far enough to get us away from the farm so the OH can relax and switch off. Anyway, last weekend we took the van down to Craven Arms.

We didn’t do much on Friday except pop into the local Discovery Centre. I was a tad disappointed with it to be honest. Too geared up for infant/young junior school kids. Not enough ‘meat’ for the older/adult person.

Anyway, on Saturday we popped into Bridgnorth, Ian had never been and it had been at least 6 years since I last went. It was a lovely day and we had lunch at Peepos near the North Gate. I was also lucky enough to bump into my friends Matty and Sarah from Bridgnorth Bouncy Castles. They had some of their bouncy bits down in Severn Park.

Then on Sunday we popped over to the Stiperstones. It’s been years since I last went up there and Ian had never been at all.

You really don’t have to go far in Shropshire to see some stunning scenery.

I’m actually not sure which of the rock outcrops is the Devil’s Chair. I saw some Stone Chats too but couldn’t get a photo of them.

If you want to read a bit more about the Stiperstones click here

Technorati Tags: Stiperstones,Bridgnorth

Award Nomination

2011-04-01T20:29:00.001+01:00

I have recently just learnt that my Soap Book publisher, How2Crafts, has just been nominated for an award. How cool is that. It’s in the Best Content Innovation section and you can read all about it here.

I have also just added two more recipes to compliment the recipes already in the book and they can be found here and here.

Stash Busting Challenge

2011-04-01T20:03:00.001+01:00

Recently I challenged myself to make a few things using only scraps. I don’t have the time to make really big things so I aimed for small, achievable little projects. Here is something that I’m just about to finish, just got to sew the binding down. It’s from a Chook Shed pattern. I changed the colours and fabrics for a more soft and girlie look.

This is the original pattern and can still be ordered from Fiona Marie.

Here is a sneaky peak at my ‘work in progress’. What do you think?

Technorati Tags: patchwork,quilting

A Bit of This and That.

2011-04-01T19:31:00.001+01:00

I can’t believe it’s nearly a month since I updated this blog although I have updated my Pink Poodle Quilts blog more recently if you’re interested in sewy things.

Spring has definitely sprung and everywhere is full of yellow daffodils and other spring flowers. The fruit trees are full of blossom too. I can’t wait for the longer days and warm sunshine.

And here’s a recent photo of my gorgeous little grand daughter Rhiannon. Is she cute or is she cute? She is soon to be joined by a little brother or sister.

Green Lanes

2011-03-09T20:46:00.001Z

As some of my followers are aware my Other Half is really into Green Laning and Off Roading. The off roading bit done legally at proper Pay and Play sites.

Anyway, last weekend my OH, myself and a couple of other Green Lane enthusiasts, Shane and his lovely fiancée, Louise and their little boy came with us for a recce mission to Mid Wales to check out Strata Florida, Nant y Moch, Happy Valley and Soar y Muynydd. My OH is the area rep for the L200 Owner’s Group and is running a weekend away for them.

So, here are a few photos from our weekend away. :-)

This is the River Dovey and the Aberdovey Estuary.

The photos above were taken in Happy Valley and another lane on the way there.

Photos below are Nant y Moch

The pictures below are Strata Florida Abbey, we have driven past this many times but I’ve never been allowed to stop and look round it before.

Below, the famous ‘Bomb Hole’, Strata Florida

Below: Soar y Mynydd

Technorati Tags: Green Lanes,Strata Florida,Happy Valley,Nant y Moch,Soar y Mynydd,4x4,L200

Like Topsy

2011-03-01T21:40:00.001Z

Well, I can hardly believe my little granddaughter is now just over 6 months old. Where has the time gone? It doesn’t seem like two minutes ago that Robert was phoning me to tell me Anne was in labour. Well, here’s a photo update of Little Miss Giggles.

It’s very hard to get an in focus photo of Rhiannon as she’s constantly jigging about and rocking from side to side like a little weeble.

Stash Buster Challenge

2011-03-01T21:32:00.001Z

I have recently set myself a challenge to reduce my fabric stash and here is what I have made so far. (For a longer blog post please go and take a look at my other (fabric related) blog Pink Poodle Quilts.

First up I made a bag. A nice, bright Bella bag.

Then some placemats for my dad and stepmom.

Then another set of placemats for my dad and stepmom as the others were too posh for the kitchen and have been promoted to the ‘Dining Room’ lol

More little stash busting projects are on the go as I type.

Oh My Giddy Aunt

2011-02-15T19:04:00.000Z

I have some charm squares of the Giddy fabric from Moda. It's quite a funky range of fabrics and not at all my usual sort of fabric but I'll confess, I'm rather in love with it. Anyway, to take my mind of my shoulder, which is killing me, I decided to sew a pack together to produce a small patchwork quiltlet. It's about 20ins square and I can't decide at the mo whether to make it into a cushion cover or a small table centre. I am leaning towards a cushion cover as I think it'd look rather super on Robert and Anne's bright coral pink settee.

A Little Bit of Local History

2011-01-30T21:14:00.001Z

Now at this moment in time Mr J and myself live at Hope Farm, Clive. It was originally the Home Farm to Sansaw Hall I believe. It is still owned by Sansaw.

Front of the house (but it’s actually around the back so not sure if there was ever another access road to the farmhouse)

Rear of the house, which is actually the front. :-0

On one of the barns there is the date 1884 so I am assuming that’s the date the farm was built.

Sansaw Hall was built in 1773. The park around it was present by at least 1786, and was probably contemporary with the house. The grounds were well developed in 1851 and the house was rebuilt in 1888 for J.J. Bibby, the Liverpool cattle feed and shipping magnate.

Sansaw Hall in the snow.

Now recently I have been given some old photos of the farm by a gentleman whose father was actually born in this house in 1911. Some of the photos are of the house and some of the farm workers doing there thing and working the land.

Early 1900s

Clive Church in the background – right.

This must be later as they have a tractor. 1940s maybe.

This is a view of the farm, the Old Vicarage – bottom right and the surrounding area. It’s interesting to note that the road/track that runs from the farm to the Hall (middle of picture) is no longer there although when the field is dry you can sort of see where it’s been and there is still the gate at the other end.

Other photos mostly of the Bishop family who lived here in the early 1900s.

Taken in the 1960s, interesting to note that the trees on the left aren’t there anymore either.

The side of the house, taken 2010

AND……………. finally, some photos taken of Hardwicke Grange at Hadnall before it was demolished in 1931 due to lack of funds. Home to Rowland Hill. The stable block is still standing and belongs also to Sansaw Hall and it’s in these stables that the estate have their offices as well as being home to Sansaw Business Park and other small businesses.

Such a shame that such a beautiful, historic building was ever allowed to be demolished.

And really finally, under the road that goes from Grinshill to Yorton past the farm there is an underpass, not a modern one but one built, I’m guessing, around the time of the Big House. It was called the church walk and it’s where the servants would have walked from the Hall up to Clive church. There are still remnants of the old track but it’s now very overgrown. The underpass is still very much passable.

The entrance, Sansaw Hall side of the road.

The exit path Clive side of the road

The entrance/exit Sansaw side of the road. It’s worth noting that the tunnel is kinked and not straight.

Remnants of the old path to the church.

Entrance/exit Clive side of the road. (Above and below)

Apparently there is another underpass like this up near the church, I shall have to go looking for it.

Bet you never thought an underpass could be soooo exciting did ya?

Cold and Frosty Sunrise

2011-01-25T20:29:00.001Z

I took these photos the other morning, it was a very frosty but gorgeous morning. Enjoy!

The Wrekin, Shropshire

The South Shropshire Hills

Mossywog.

Pour Ellie

2011-01-25T20:13:00.001Z

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I never actually got round to making anything for my daughter for Christmas as I wasn’t actually expecting to see her and the kids until half term. But due to an emergency I did actually see them all before Christmas, I did manage to get the kids their pressies but Ells went presentles so I promised I’d make up for it and make a few things for her. Anyway, she doesn’t normally read my blog so I thought I’d share one of the things I’ve made for her with you.

I used the patterns for the alphabet from a book by Nancy Halvorsen called, strangely enough, Alphabet Garden.

Unashamedly Mine, Pink and Girly

2011-01-25T20:01:00.001Z

I have a lovely little book of children’s quilts etc and decided to start making a cushion from it for maybe one of the grandchildren but I sort of fell in love with it and now it’s mine, all mine. OK, so I’m having a second childhood. Don’t remember the first so ………

Anyway, thought you might just like to see what I’ve made myself.

Happy New Year – Finally!

2011-01-09T21:39:00.001Z

Well, I don’t know about you but I’ve certainly noticed the nights are drawing out again. I really look forward to the lighter nights, I do love winter but the return of the sun makes my heart and soul sing. Anyway, having not posted for a while I have a few things I want to share with you. Just ramblings really.

Here goes. ……………

First of all a photo update of my newest, gorgeous little grand daughter Rhiannon. She is just the most cutest little baby. Little Miss Giggles she is. Always smiling AND her mommy and daddy are expecting another baby this year too.

Next up a gorgeous pressie I had from Liz from Lululiz in LalaLand fame. A gorgeous pin cushion. Not just any old pin cushion though, one made by Lizzie’s fair hand out of antique bits and bobs.

More random snowy pictures taken just before Christmas. Just lovely.

And finally, well for this post, a little quilt I am working on for Little Miss Giggles.

Happy New Year

2010-12-30T18:48:00.001Z

Well Christmas is done for another year, it all seems such an anti climax somehow, maybe that’s because we live on a farm and life carries on as normal. But this New Year (1st Jan) is my birthday, not just any birthday but my BIG 50 birthday. I can’t actually say I’m looking forward to being 50, I’m just not ready in my mind to be 50 so I’m actually going to be 25 x 2 if that’s all OK with you folks?

Anyway, in between watching soppy/children’s/cartoon films I have been doing a bit of sewing. I’ve made myself a little bedside table runner and I’ve started a little project for somebody special from a book I’ve had for quite a long time but have never actually used. I have drooled over its pages many times but just never felt inspired enough to use it. So now I’m having a go. They aren’t hard designs but fiddly but I’m sure it’ll be fab when it’s done.

Here’s a picture of the book I’m using. Cute isn’t it?

After a Hard Day

2010-12-07T21:10:00.001Z

This is what happens after “The Boys” have had a hard day. Nuf said!

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-07T20:26:00.001Z

As most of you know us here in the UK are having lovely WINTERY weather, hardly surprising really as it’s winter. Now I love the snow, I love the way it transforms even the most boring landscape into something stunning. I love to be the first to walk through newly fallen snow, I love the way it glistens in the sunshine and crunches underfoot. I love snowmen and snowball fights, sledges and warm woolly mittens.

Just in case you don’t know I LOVE SNOW

had the most incredible hoar frosts. Today has been beautiful with lovely blue skies and WHITE, WHITE trees etc.

Here are a few pictures I took earlier.

ENJOY!

My New Fridge Magnet

2010-11-16T21:12:00.001Z

I really must think of more exciting titles for my posts but I really can’t think of anything very exciting to call this post. It’s only a very tiny post just to show you my new fridge magnet really that I made for myself.

Technorati Tags: Fridge magnet

More Creations from the Playpen

2010-11-16T20:54:00.001Z

As my car has been off the road now for nearly 5 weeks I haven’t been able to go anywhere so I’ve spent plenty of time in my ‘Playpen’ creating and making and sewing.

A few years ago I machine embroidered some Autumn outlines I bought but had never gotten round to doing anything with so I designed a quilt especially just so I could use them. Well, as the designs are autumnal I used mostly fabrics from The Crayon Forest range from Moda adding other bits from my stash.

Hope you like it!

It doesn’t look as nice in the photo as it does in real life but trust me, it’s lovely.

Technorati Tags: Quilting,patchwork,quilt

Finished Items from the “Playpen.”

2010-11-07T19:46:00.001Z

Well, as you may well remember a few days ago gave you a few sneaky teasy shots of a cushion I was working on. Well, I have finished it and another cushion in a different design. I think I prefer the second cushion myself but I have had some very pleasing comments about both of them from different peeps. I just hope Anne and Robert like them. :-)

This picture of the cushion is taken before I sewed the binding down so in reality you can only see about 1/4” of red on the outside. The colours aren’t totally accurate on here either.

Technorati Tags: Patchwork,quilting

New Soaps for Shropshire Council

2010-11-07T19:33:00.001Z

Recently I have been commissioned by Shropshire Council to produce a range of soaps for them for their retail outlets like Rowley's House, Acton Scott Historic Working Farm and other places. The label has been designed by Mathew Lloyd from Think Graphic in Ludlow. The fern design was inspired by a herbarium specimen collected near Much Wenlock by William Penny Brookes, founding father of the modern Olympian movement, courtesy of Shrewsbury Museum and Art Gallery.

I hope you like them.

Technorati Tags: Soap,Shropshire Council

New Soap Labels

2010-10-30T22:10:00.001+01:00

I have been very lucky to have some new soap labels designed for me. Here’s a sneaky peek at them.

I have just had the finished labels delivered and will post some photos of the boxed and labelled soap soon.

A Hunting We Will Go!

2010-10-30T19:39:00.001+01:00

Well, it’s the start of the hunting season again and this morning I went to see the North Shropshire Hunt meet for the first time at Sansaw Hall which is just across the road from me. It was an incredible experience and here are a few photos of the morning. Enjoy! I even managed a small glass of port and ginger and a small piece of rich fruit cake. Moss, my collie, was an absolute star, he wasn’t fazed by all the horses or the fox hounds, who I must say are sooooo friendly and love doggy snogs and cuddles.

Please click on the link to view the full album. And just in case you are wondering about the guy in a kilt on his horse, he is Scottish and was wearing it to raise money for MacMillan nurses – a very worthy cause. I wonder if he was wearing anything underneath it??????? Could be rather painful methinks. :-/

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The Hunt Master and hounds in our yard.

Playpen Creations

2010-10-23T21:33:00.001+01:00

As I mentioned in my last post I’ve started making a few Chrimbo pressies and am enjoying every moment of fabric choppy, sew it back togetherness.

I have made 2 place mats for my dad and stepmom. They lay the breakfast table everyday so they are for the festive breakfast table.

I’m making a series/set of cushions for my eldest son and daughter in law using cream and blacks with pinky,peachy, salmony fabric. Very graphic and modern.

Here’s a few sneaky teasy pictures for you to look at.

The fabric is by Moda and is designed by a designer called Sweetwater.

Depending on how this turns out I may or may not post a finished picture but I think it’s going to work out OK, it’s a cross between graphic funky and feminine. Oops poor Robert. :-)

More Musings from a Wannabee Hippy

2010-10-23T21:19:00.001+01:00

I can’t believe it’s been over 2 months since I last updated my blog. Doesn’t time just fly by? I can’t believe in just over two months I shall be …. well let’s just say if anybody gets me a subscription to the SAGA magazine they’ll get thumped big time :-)

My little grand daughter is now smiling and cooing and blowing baby bubbles as they do.

My son absolutely adores his “Little Princess” as does her mom, Anne. She’s growing really quickly as babies are want to do and this grandma is currently plotting what Santa is going to be bringing her for Christmas.

Talking of Christmas I have been making a few Chrimbo pressies as I just love to make things for my friends and family.

Robert and Anne have a gorgeous bright salmon pink leather suite and wanted some cushions to go with it so I have been making some using black, cream and pinky peachy salmony coloured fabric. I am rather pleased with how it’s looking at the moment.

New baby grand daughter

2010-08-21T23:02:00.001+01:00

At long last my eldest son Robert and his fabulous and lovely girlfriend Anne have finally made their lives complete by having a beautiful baby girl, Rhiannon Maria. She looks like she’s going to have the family's reddish hair bless her.

Just seconds old in this photo.

Shrewsbury Flower Show

2010-08-21T22:23:00.001+01:00

This year I went to the Shrewsbury Flower Show with my mom. I haven’t been for about 3 years and then that was as a steward for them.

Nothing in particular to report but here are some fab photos from the day.

Tina and her very special dog Chandi were there, they are such a fabulous act to watch. Chandi is so devoted to Tina.

The Hairy Bikers did a few demos in the food hall which were extremely popular. All I can say is “thank goodness for a camera with a zoom.”

Further Ramblings of a Mad Woman

2010-08-21T20:47:00.001+01:00

I have always fancied having a go at an ‘Art Quilt’, now I’m not that good at Arty stuff but here is my first attempt at a small ‘arty’ quilt. It’s still in its early stages yet and still quite a bit more to do to it but I think it looks OK so far.

I still need to add the tree trunks and beads etc to the trees plus some hand embroidery to it all but I’m already rather fond of it.

The technique is by Laura Wasilowski (to see more gorgeous quilts by Laura click here) whom I had the privilege of meeting at this years Festival of Quilts at the NEC. I think it’s a technique I could get very fond of.

Technorati Tags: Art quilt,Laura Wasilowski

Update on ‘A bit of this, a bit of that, but none of the other’

2010-08-21T20:34:00.001+01:00

I have a couple more photos of the custom bunting that I have been making over the last few days plus some extra bits that I’ve been doing as well.

When my next door neighbour moved last year she very kindly gave me a badge maker. Now I’m not one to refuse anything crafty but couldn’t for the life of me think of what I was going to use it for but when my Grand daughter Hannah came to stay with me for a few days I decided to get it out and have a play with it. We had great fun designing badges etc and here are just a few we made.

Here’s a small wall hanging I’ve just made for my newest little grand daughter Rhiannon Maria.

Rhiannon Maria, born Tuesday 17th August 2010

A bit of this, a bit of that but none of the other

2010-08-11T22:09:00.001+01:00

Well, it’s been way too long since I posted anything to my blog. Bad Joy. I have suitably chastised myself and am now writing this post from a corner.

Recently I made myself some bunting to hang from the front of my stall when I do a craft fair with my soaps and goodies. I have since been asked to make 5 more sets of custom bunting. What is going on? Had I gone into business making custom bunting I probably wouldn’t have got any orders. I have decided to share those I’ve done so far with you.

Choosing the fabrics for a set of two buntings. It will read Layah’s Sweetshop eventually.

I changed a couple of the green fabrics for the finished bunting as they didn’t look quite right. I had to work out the lettering on the computer for size and then these had to be traced in reverse onto a fusible web before they were applied and then sewn to the pennants. I believe the young lady who is was made for was more than pleased with it.

The next bunting has been made for a lady who makes the most delicious cakes and goes by the name of Baboushka Cupcake. She wanted a pastel, shabby chic-y type look for her bunting. This is what I designed for her.

Hayley was more than pleased with her bunting.

This is the original one I did for me. Dragonflies for my soap company Dragonfly Dawn.

I also did one for my grand daughter Hannah, picture to follow. I am also now working on another bunting for a local jewellery company called Parker Headon. As they have a gorgeous range of jewellery I have chosen multi coloured batik fabrics to make this bunting with as the colours are amazing and remind me of jewels.

I originally chose this range of fabrics but have changed it slightly.

I have gone for coloured flags with blue batik lettering which makes the wording stand out as it is to be draped in front of a black cloth. I’ll post further pics of this bunting later.

And totally nothing to do with bunting I recently found a pattern for this little bag. It is approx 4ins x 3ins (not including the handle) and is in fact a cleverly disguised lavender bag. How cute is this?

Shameless Plug

2010-07-09T22:09:00.001+01:00

Guests staying at the Longmynd Hotel in Church Stretton have been treated to indulgent new soaps from Dragonfly Dawn.

Joy James, of Dragonfly Dawn with Lee Chapman, Proprietor of the Long Mynd Hotel

Joy James, the owner of the company, makes a range of beautiful soaps, one of which, “Shropshire Gold” is made from some Shropshire sourced ingredients.

Joy met Lee Chapman, Proprietor of the Longmynd Hotel, as a result of joining the Shropshire Hills Sustainable Business Scheme. Since last October, after being intrigued by seeing the logo promoted in another members business, Joy has had great success making business connections and increasing her client base.

Backpackers at the All Stretton YHA Bunkhouse can also enjoy Joy’s soaps and she has had interest from the National Trust in Carding Mill Valley- both also members of the scheme. Businesses in the scheme share a ‘buy local’ philosophy and look for opportunities to buy from each other.

Due to this success, and the other activities the Sustainable Business Scheme provides, Joy exclaimed that joining the scheme was “the best £25 I ever spent!”

More information about the Shropshire Hills Sustainable Business Scheme can be found on the Buy Local website: www.shropshirehills-buylocal.co.uk/sustainable.cfm.

You can have a go at making soap to Joy’s recipes by getting hold of her new book! ‘Make Your Own Soap’ has an easy step-to-step guide on how to make soap in the comfort of your own kitchen. It offers three fantastic recipes, using produce that can be locally sourced such as lavender and honey. Her book can be found online at www.how2crafts.com

Visit the Longmynd Hotel website at www.longmynd.co.uk

More random gorgeous photos

2010-05-24T20:26:00.001+01:00

I have some more photos to share with you that were taken by my son Robert. Only 4 this time but lovely none the less. Enjoy and marvel.

The sun shining through a silver birch leaf.

New book finally in print

2010-05-24T19:55:00.003+01:00

Well, as you all know, I was asked last year to write a book for beginners on soapmaking. This I duly did and after what feels like an eternity the book (actually there is a set of six books in the series to start with) is now in print.
I have 3 copies here, one of which I will give to my mom, as without her generosity and support it may well have gone unwritten.

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A review that was very kindly done for me by Carrie from the bookshop in Oswestry called Booka.

An inspiring and straightforward introduction to soap making. The book includes just the right balance of technical detail, scientific explanation and practical advice to guide the beginner soap-maker. In addition the step by step instructions are complemented by numbered photographs which clearly illustrate the soap making process. It is written in a friendly, helpful style showing the experience of the author and building confidence in the reader to have a go. The photographs and styling show case a high quality end product which would satisfy those who wish to create home made products as gifts.

Technorati Tags: Soap,Soap making for beginners,How2Crafts

Random gorgeous photos

2010-05-02T20:12:00.001+01:00

Just to get you into the mood for Spring and marvel at Mother Nature here are some lovely photos taken by my son Robert and his trusty camera.

Forsythia flower

Rose leaves unfolding

Random blossoms

Aren’t these just gorgeous photos?

Radio Star – Clare Ashford

2010-04-24T21:45:00.001+01:00

I have been using Twitter a fair bit recently and one of my Twitter followers is the lovely, fabulous BBC Radio Shropshire DJ Clare Ashford. Well before I actually knew who Clare was and what she did I asked her if she’d like to feed the calves on the farm as she is on a mission to do things she’s never done before. She recently went to Park Hall Farm to milk a cow.

Anyway, the lovely Clare, who, by the way, has the most infectious, dirty laugh I have ever heard, accepted and also decided whilst she was here that she would interview me about my business. EEK!

Anyway, here are some pictures of Clare feeding the calves.

Clare trying to coax baby out of her pen.

OK, if you won’t come out, I’ll come in.

This calf was still very new and still with her mom but had a little top up.

I could really do with a bit more Aunty Clare. :-)

Then we popped into the house to wash hands and make tea and cut THE chocolate cake that I’d made specially for the occasion before we headed down to the Old Cows Office for a chat and more giggles.

THE cake. :-)

The Old Cow’s Office

2010-04-24T20:42:00.001+01:00

In a previous post I did mention that I have been given use of the Old Cow Office as a workshop/sewing room. It did need a lick of paint etc but finally I have finished it. I have moved most of my stuff over there now and have even sewn a new bunting for my soap business.

My new shelves.

Even got curtains. :-)

Getting creative now.

Two of the pennants for my new dragonfly bunting.

Finished bunting. looking rather good if I do say so myself.

New Book is Finally in Print

2010-04-09T20:50:00.003+01:00

I have 3 copies here, one of which I will give to my mom, as without her generosity and support it may well have gone unwritten.

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Technorati Tags: Soap,Soap making for beginners,How2Crafts

Tweetup at Shropshire Hospice March 2010

2010-03-28T22:03:00.001+01:00

If anybody has any doubts about just how wonderful social media can be then think again. I know it has its downside but it can be really wonderful.

On Sunday 21st March the Severn Hospice in Telford held a Tweetup for all of its Twitter followers. It took the form of a Mad Hatters Tea Party with loads of nibbles and cake. Over £300 was raised for the hospice.

Below are some pictures that were taken.

MrRoberts the Soul General with the Trunk of Funk

Jim Hawkins from BBC Radio Shropshire

Col and his better half.

Jabbering Jude & Paul from Virtual Shropshire

Sol

Sol posing for Craig Daniels

Alan and family

Valdary

Jim Hawkins

Jim and Jabbering Jude being very cheeky – poor Jim.

Fanny Fancy

Dawn up the Road

The Soul General – again :-)

And the mug I won in the tombola. Just the thing for Trunk of Funk on a Thursday night with Colin Young on BBC Radio Shropshire.

Attingham Park Snowdrop Walk

2010-02-21T22:26:00.001Z

Although I am Shropshire born and bred and have driven past Attingham Park more times than I care to remember I have never been to either the park itself nor the house but on Friday, Paul from Virtual Shropshire fame asked via twitter if anybody would care to join him whilst he was doing some filming. So, I thought “why not”. I picked up a fellow Tweeter and we met Paul at the ticket office.

We proceeded to have a lovely wander through the snowdrops (whilst being filmed by Paul – this might be my 10 seconds worth of fame ya know?) and the park and just caught the tail end of the deer feeding.

To a Snowdrop

Lone Flower, hemmed in with snows and white as they
But hardier far, once more I see thee bend
Thy forehead, as if fearful to offend,
Like an unbidden guest. Though day by day,
Storms, sallying from the mountain-tops, waylay
The rising sun, and on the plains descend;
Yet art thou welcome, welcome as a friend
Whose zeal outruns his promise! Blue-eyed May
Shall soon behold this border thickly set
With bright jonquils, their odours lavishing
On the soft west-wind and his frolic peers;
Nor will I then thy modest grace forget,
Chaste Snowdrop, venturous harbinger of Spring,
And pensive monitor of fleeting years!

On Seeing a Tuft of Snowdrops in a Storm

When haughty expectations prostrate lie,
And grandeur crouches like a guilty thing,
Oft shall the lowly weak, till nature bring
Mature release, in fair society
Survive, and Fortune's utmost anger try;
Like these frail snowdrops that together cling,
And nod their helmets, smitten by the wing
Of many a furious whirl-blast sweeping by.
Observe the faithful flowers! if small to great
May lead the thoughts, thus struggling used to stand
The Emathian phalanx, nobly obstinate;
And so the bright immortal Theban band,
Whom onset, fiercely urged at Jove's command,
Might overwhelm, but could not separate!

William Wordsworth

Here are some of the pictures I took.

I have never seen so many snowdrops in one place. The floor was just a mass of white. Lovely.

Technorati Tags: Snowdrops,Attingham Park,Fallow Deer

New Soaping Workshop

2010-02-07T21:36:00.003Z

soI have been lucky enough to have been given permission to use the Old Cow Office – please note I said Old Cow Office not Old Cow’s Office – lol, to use as a workshop/retreat to make my soap in. It needs a bit of TLC and a coat of paint but it will be perfect. I even have some carpet to put down and a fridge to ~~chill my wine~~ keep my oils cool.
It used to be a stable many years ago and I can only assume it stabled Shire horses when the farm was first built in the late 1800s.
I have taken some photos of the before and will take some of the during and also after. This is what I have got so this is the before photos.

All I am doing really is dust proofing and painting the walls. Carpet will also go down. I don’t have running water but I do have leccy so I’ll have to wash up in the house but no big deal, lots more room to make and cure soap.

A little Experiment

2009-12-29T19:46:00.001Z

Today, I have actually had a bit of “Me” time so I’ve been playing with a few photos, some taken by me and the others taken by son no1. I love experimenting with layers etc. I’m not really very good at it but I like to fiddle anyway. Here are a few I did earlier today.

Taken by me!

Taken by Robert!

Another one taken by Robert.

Technorati Tags: Photos,artistic photos.

This and That.

2009-12-07T08:08:00.001Z

I can’t believe it’s been a whole month since I posted to my Blog. Bad Joy.

Well, I have managed to survive my first week in M&S – just. I have never been so knackered in all my life. My legs are ready to drop off but it’s been a real eye opener. Not only do we have bras that look like body armour and would do someone serious harm if you were to hug them whilst they were wearing a bra like these, e.g., break their ribs or seriously crack them but we also have bras that wouldn’t look out of place in the hammock section of a garden centre. But…………… the best one is Memory Foam knickers. I need to investigate further. I haven’t quite worked out how these work. I’ll report back in due course. I may even buy a pair to see what the real advantages are. Maybe they double up as a comfy pillow if you get marooned somewhere. LOL

On an entirely different note, as some of you know I have been writing a book. I have just done another edit on it and it is coming along nicely. I am not sure when it will be released but it is quite exciting if not a bit weird seeing your name in print and even more alarming seeing you ugly mug in the back of the book with a biography.

Are You Being Served?

2009-11-03T20:12:00.001Z

Well, today I went for an interview at Marks and Sparks for a temporary Christmas job. Well after a a rather horrid role play assessment which I did absolutely awful at they offered me the job. It’s only for a month but guess which department it’s in? It’s right up my street an’ all. Yep, you’ve guessed LINGERIE, Mrs Slocombe eat your heart out.

There’s a faint resemblance. I don’t think. I wonder if my pussy will be OK??????

A Gentle Reminder

2009-10-20T20:40:00.001+01:00

Just lately I have been running around like a headless chicken trying to meet deadlines and get organised. I am getting there and hopefully all will be revealed sooner rather than later but for now I thought I’d just share a poem with you that reminds us to take things slower.

S L O W DA N C E

Have you ever watched kids
on a merry-go-round?

Or listened to the rain
slapping on the ground?

Ever followed a butterfly’s erratic flight?
Or gazed at the sun into the fading night?

You better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

Do you run through each day
On the fly

When you ask “How are you?”
Do you hear the reply?

When the day is done,
do you lie in your bed

With the next hundred chores
running through your head?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

Ever told your child,
We’ll do it tomorrow?

And in your haste,
not see his sorrow?

Ever lost touch,
Let a good friendship die

‘Cause you never had time
To call and say “Hi”?

You’d better slow down
Don’t dance so fast

Time is short
The music won’t last

When you run so fast to get somewhere
You miss half the fun of getting there.

When you worry and hurry through your day,
It is like an unopened gift….Thrown away…

Life is not a race.
Do take it slower

Hear the music
Before the song is over.

Davic L. Weatherford

I am an incurable romantic at heart but shhh! Don’t tell anybody.

What a Fabulous Day

2009-09-28T19:39:00.001+01:00

We live not far from RAF Shawbury and every year they have a Landowner’s Day. This is a special day thank the owners of the land over which they fly the helicopters. Now we don’t own the land we live on but we do live in a house that is on land over which they fly so this year we were lucky enough to be invited to attend.

We had a briefing by the new Group Captain, Warren James, Station Commander before making our way to another briefing by a helicopter navigator who has recently been serving in Afghanistan. It was a fantastic briefing and we saw pictures of the land that you don’t normally see on TV etc. It is so barren and desolate yet the people still manage to farm it. I take my hats off the those very hardworking people. There are virtually no roads, very little water and hardly any greenery.

Next off we went for a 30 minute ride in a Squirrel helicopter. In this helicopter there was just the pilot, Richard, myself and my hubby. I got to sit in the front with Richard and wear a silly hat, OK flying helmet. And just in case you might be wondering – there are no photos of me in a flying helmet. We flew over our house several times and Richard would have been quite happy to have landed the helicopter in the field next to the house but they were classifying cows in the yard so we decided against it. We didn’t want a stampede on our hands. Next we flew over to Telford, not actually the prettiest of places to fly over and in hindsight we should have gone somewhere else but we did fly over my dad and stepmom’s house. Things look so different from 1000ft.

Next we were treated to a display by the Red Arrows. They are just so fantastic. I never tire of watching them.

Monday 28 September

1030 – Reds depart SCAMPTON

1046 – Reds arrive SHAWBURY

1236 – Reds depart SHAWBURY

1240 – Reds display SHAWBURY (Closed Military Event) That’s Us

1308 – Reds recover SHAWBURY

1450 – Reds depart SHAWBURY

1505 – Reds flypast ARELWAS RAFA

1523 – Reds arrive FILTON

After we watched the Red arrows do their thing we then went for lunch in the Officer’s Mess and had a gorgeous 3 course meal and I managed to polish off the best part of a bottle of red wine. I glowed all the way home. :-)

Below are some photographs of our fabulous day.

Ian having his headset adjusted. The guy with Ian wasn’t our pilot by the way. He was already strapped into his helicopter.

Just hovering above the ground.

Cor! All those dials and knobs.

Up, up and away.

Our house!

Sansaw Hall

Clive Church and the fields below Grinshill.

The Wrekin!

Dawley Church.

My dad and stepmom’s bungalow, bottom right corner.

Rowan Avenue.

Moreton Corbett Castle

The helicopter we flew in.

All lined up and ready to go.

A briefing and running commentary by Graeme Bagnall, one of the Red Arrow pilots.

Nice scenery.

The cloud did break during the display and I managed to capture this.

The Red Arrow pilots. They are so young as well. Sign I’m nearly 23.

The Officer’s Mess

Din dins in the Officer’s Mess.

THE END

What a brilliant day!

Bits and Bats

2009-09-12T21:55:00.001+01:00

Nothing in particular just some piccies I have taken today and recently.

The view from my kitchen window – Grinshill.

A rose in my back garden.

Mossy – all grown up but can still get through the cat flap.

I have a plant in my back garden, it’s a sedum I think and it is just covered in butterflies, moths and bees, both honey and bumble bees.

Kilburn, North Yorkshire.

Matlock Bath, Derbyshire

Some pictures taken whilst we were on holiday in Hereford this year.

Hereford, somewhere near where we stayed in our caravan.

Ledbury Church

Another bit of Ledbury church.

Ledbury

Craft Fair at Shropshire Wildlife Trust’s Headquarters in Shrewsbury

2009-09-12T15:06:00.002+01:00

On the 5th September we decided to do a craft fair at the Shropshire Wildlife’s HQ which is based in the Old Infirmary of Shrewsbury Abbey. It wasn’t the best craft fair money wise I have ever done but we had a really good day and everybody was lovely and also the table was very cheap so I can’t complain.

My Mom and Louise setting out our table.

Louise displaying her wares.

Louise doing her Calendar Girls impression

Me displaying my Fat Quarters

Mom displaying her new earrings – not.

Shrewsbury Abbey (of Cadfael fame) taken from the steps of what I believe was the infirmary.

Not quite sure what this is but it was huge.

I think these were Cosmos.

New Name and New Look – Dragonfly Dreams

2009-08-29T17:57:00.001+01:00

After much deliberation I have decided to change the name of my soap business. The name Udderly Divine just wasn’t giving me the look and image I am now looking for so I have changed it to Dragonfly Dreams. Why this name I hear you ponder? Well, when we were on holiday down near Hereford a couple of weeks ago we met a beautiful dragonfly whilst we were just coming back onto the campsite and as plain as day Dragonfly Dreams popped into my head – maybe my angel whispered, well shouted to me that this was to be the new name so Dragonfly Dreams it is.

I have a new logo and a new look to my soaps, well not the actual soap more the packaging.

So here is a sneak preview of my new packaging. I have yet to build a new website but I do have the domain name as a co.uk.

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Technorati Tags: dragonfly dreams,soap,handmade soap

The WOTs on Day Release - Festival of Quilts 2009

2009-08-24T21:49:00.001+01:00

On Saturday I went with my friends – The Wots, stands for the Witches of Telford – to the NEC in Birmingham to The Festival of Quilts. I haven’t been to a quilt show for 3 years so it was a real treat for me to get back into it. There were some stunning pieces of art and some not so stunning pieces. Some were just pretty quilts and some were making statements, political or otherwise. I didn’t buy a catalogue so I have no idea which quilt belongs to what person/s but I thought you may enjoy seeing these works of art.

Credit goes to all those who entered and made a fabulous show.

In no particular order are some and I mean some of the quilts that were exhibited. My batteries died on my camera so I could have taken about as many again.

There are waaaaay too many pictures to put them all on my blog so please go and look at the album.

And just in case you may be wondering what WOT am I, I am WOT the hell!

Festival of Quilts Album

Posies

2009-08-15T20:46:00.001+01:00

I have been a little slack in my blogging just lately but just because I haven’t posted anything doesn’t mean I have been idle. I have made a few hearts for my craft stand in September and I have also become addicted to making little posies. I have made just one or two and have discovered that you can make them in any fabric, any size and they look great. I have even turned one into a hair slide for my granddaughter who thinks it’s ace. Aren’t granddaughters just brill?

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They look fab made with Broderie Anglais lace as well. I’ll post some more piccies later as I have a chocolate fudge cake to make first. Sigh! Dirty job but somebody’s got to do it.

My Heart Belongs To……..?

2009-08-03T16:20:00.001+01:00

Over the last week or so I have been busy making a few things for my craft stall, some things are working out OK and some aren’t but these I am pretty pleased with. This is just a very small selection of some hearts that I have been making. What do you think?

New Fella in my Life

2009-07-28T22:07:00.001+01:00

It has been a few years since I’ve had a new fella in my life. Now Ian, my other half is OK but I thought it was high time I had another guy as well. Anyway I found one, he’s 19 years old and really rather gorgeous. A bit of a hunk really and very gentle and quiet which is what I need. Anyway, tonight I had my first date, we didn’t do much just plodded around the field in the rain but hey! I can still walk so I am happy about that. My new guy’s name is Harvey and he’s a Clydesdale, 16 hands high and belongs to Tom who has very kindly allowed me to ride him.

Is he gorgeous or what? It has been 30 years since I rode on a regular basis so am expecting a sore behind for a while but so far so good.

National Exhibition of Wildlife Art

2009-07-17T12:34:00.001+01:00

A friend of mine, Elaine Gaffney, has had two of her paintings accepted for the prestigious NEWA (National Exhibition of Wildlife Art). Please take a peek at the web site. National Exhibition of Wildlife Art. There are some stunning pieces of artwork on display in the gallery. Her pieces are numbered 127 and 128 in the 2009 gallery.

Girly Bag

2009-07-17T09:51:00.001+01:00

OK, Ok, I know it’s been a while since I posted but I’m here now. I have finished a bag I was distracted by and no, this isn’t the ‘thing’ I was working on.

I was/am actually working on a table runner for a Christmas pressie but a gorgeous bag pattern dropped through my letter box and I just had to make it there and then.

The main rosey fabric is from Moda and is from the Paris Flea Market range of fabric and is designed 3 Sisters. The bag pattern is from Melly and Me.

It’s probably not a very practical colour but I do rather like it. What do you think?

Thanks Anne

2009-06-28T11:30:00.002+01:00

Thanks to Anne from Bunny Tales I have installed Windows Live Writer so hopefully from now on my blogs might be more exciting. I am in the middle of doing something right now so will post later using Live Writer.

Odds and sods

2009-06-17T19:37:00.003+01:00

Now not to be out done I too have been following Lucy's tutes on hexagons and granny squares. I just need more yarn to actually make something now but I am very pleased with how easy they are to do following Lucy's very easy tutorials on her blog.

I have also got a book on knitted and crocheted flowers from which I made the daisy.

Pressies for Moi

2009-06-17T19:10:00.005+01:00

A couple of days after I moved to Lalaland, Shropshire branch, a couple of squishy pressies arrived in the post just for Moi. One came from Her Maj, the Croap Queen and the other from Madam Cholet. They are gorgeous, cute and all mine.

Thanks MC and Her Maj.

Clive Church

2009-06-17T11:48:00.004+01:00

I had reason to go into the village of Clive on Monday and decided to have a look at the church, which is rather impressive with its tall spire. I believe the spire is a later addition to the original church. The churchyard itself is on the side of a hill so is a beggar to keep under control so I was told by the gentleman who has the job of keeping it in check. He does a fine job though.

Thanks Lizzie

2009-06-17T11:31:00.005+01:00

My friend Madam Cholet aka Lizzie from Lalaland fame, has challenged me to write 6 unimportant things about me.

Here goes and not in any particular order either.

I am a Star Trek addict. I love it, can't get enough of it.

I love to read sci-fi/fantasy books. Lord of the Rings is my all time fave but will read anything along those lines. I have a soft spot for Anne McCaffrey's books.

I am a patchwork magazine junkie. I love them and can't wait for them to arrive in the post. I buy mainly American and Australian ones as the UK produced ones are pretty naff.

I love my teddy bears.

I love to blow bubbles when I am feeling stressed or even when I'm not. It is so relaxing to watch those bubbles floating away on the wind. Sad I know but it's better than prozac.

I love to be outside in nature. I love the sunsets, sunrises, the sea, fields, wild flowers, anything really.

OK I know she only wanted 6 things but I've added 7. I love planes. Fast jets and air shows that sort of thing.

Effin Bag

2009-06-17T11:24:00.002+01:00

I made a bag last week, I didn't really have the right interlining for it and used quilt wadding/batting that was way too thick. I am really disappointed with how it turned out. The pockets are way too small to be of any use and the handles need to be longer. I prefer handles that will go over your shoulder so this pattern will need adjusting to take that into account. The pattern itself is OK but the interlining really does need to be thinner.

Finally

2009-06-17T09:39:00.006+01:00

After what seems like an eternity we finally have our internet connection at our new house. You don't realise how much you miss it until you don't have it.

Anyway, I haven't been idle. I've unpacked mostly, still have a few boxes that need sorting but due to a poorly hand and strict orders from the doctor I MUST REST it. Oh dear! What a shame, never mind. We have moved from a 3 bedroomed house with an attic to a 2 bedroomed one with no attic that we have access to. I have had to do some serious sorting out and an awful lot of stuff has gone or will be going to charity shops or boot fairs.

The lawn has been cut and the borders weeded by my gardeners (aka Dad and Step mom). I have inherited some nice plants in the garden most I recognise but one I don't and neither does my mom or dad and step mom so if any body does recogonise it please feel free to leave a comment.

Found items

2009-05-25T14:17:00.005+01:00

Whislt clearing out some drawers today ready to pack I came across these little treasures in a brown paper bag.

This is a small beaded piece that I did years ago as part of my City and Guilds Creative Embroidery course. I can't remember if it was for a box top or as a picture in its own right but I must do something positive with it.

A small sampler cross stitch that I've done at some point in history.

A cross stitch from the Lanarte range of designs, again done at some point in history.

This cross stitch is signed and dated 1998. I can remember doing this one but didn't realise it was 11 years ago. Where do the years go to?

Crocheted flowers

2009-05-23T20:06:00.001+01:00

It has been approx 25 years since I last crocheted anything but after ready Lucy's blog I decided to have another little go. I need something to do when we are off in our tin tent aka a caravan. My sewing machine is a tad big so I thought that little crocheted flowers to attach to my Effin Bags would be ideal or even sew onto a granny square blankie.

Anyway, I followed Lucy's tutorial and have managed to come up with some reasonably OK looking flowers. I just need more wool or rather cotton to add to my meagre stash of 4 balls.

Lost stash

2009-05-23T14:34:00.000+01:00

As I have mentioned, we are moving. I have been frantically packing boxes etc and I found in the bottom of one of my stash boxes 2 bundles of fat quarters that I had bought a few years ago. I removed them lovingly, stroked them, talked to them and then repacked them with a promise that I would turn them into something lovely. I think I may have bought them at the Festival of Quilts at the NEC a few years ago but who knows?

Flower pots and patchwork

2009-05-23T14:25:00.000+01:00

A little flower pot made into a pin cushion

I am a patchworker. I love fabric in all its forms but especially love the smell and feel of patchwork cottons. I don't have a favourite colour especially. Anyway, I hate to waste perfectly good scraps so have decided to put them to good use. I now glue them to terracotta pots that have been sealed and painted. They are then varnished to make them waterproof. I think they are quite cute.

Pay and Die Day

2009-05-17T20:44:00.000+01:00

This hill is far steeper than it looks in the photo.

Mud, mud, glorious mud.

One very bent exhaust pipe.

Please note: Mr S is very stuck at this moment in time. His front passenger side wheel is in a huge hole. I did try very hard not to laugh. I failed miserably.

Today, I went to a Pay and Play day with my other half and eldest son.

This is an activity that 4x4 er's do. They pay for the pleasure of having near death experiences.

A new site was sourced by the Corcer's (Central Offroad Club members) and apparently it's brilliant. My definition of brilliant and theirs don't quite match. My son went round with Ian on the first run. He did say it was brilliant but I did notice that he made a fast beeline for the loo on their return and chain smoked a few ciggies on his return.

I did go out for a turn but I honestly thought I was going to die so stood in the rain and drank coffee and cackled to the other women for a while before I went and sat back in my car and crocheted a flower. I got drenched, covered in mud and thoroughly peed off.

Ian bent his exhaust pipe and ended up having to cut it off with a hacksaw.

Move to Shropshire

2009-05-17T19:37:00.001+01:00

Bird feeders next door. Can't wait to see the size of their tits. LOL

Phallic symbols. Oooeerrr

The house, the whole house and nothing but the house.

The chimney, well one of them.

The back of the utility room.

The front garden and utility room.

Our bit of house.

As I mentioned in my last post we are moving to Shropshire. Yesterday we went over to have another look at the house and take the caravan into storage, put up a few curtains, OK 1 pair and generally have another look at the house. It is a beautiful mock Tudor/Elizabethan house that is divided into 2. We get the smaller half of the house that has unfortunately been neglected a bit especially outside. With a bit of elbow grease and a shovel and wheelbarrow it will soon look nice.

We met the neighbours and they seem really nice. They have their bit of garden absolutely gorgeous with the most enormous birdfeeders I have ever seen, 3 phallic symbols sprouting by the front door, a beautiful tinkling water feature and roses already out.

Anyway, we also learnt from Stuart, the relief milker, that there are some 'odd' neighbours up the field who don't seem to wear a lot of clothes. Oooeerr. Watch this space.

Anyway, I took a few pictures of the house and garden just so you can see what we will be living in.

Nested windmill table quilt.

2009-05-10T20:33:00.000+01:00

A couple of days a go I had a little accident at a quilt shop. Not a local one but one in Mid Wales called the Cross Patch. Never been but I was looking for a bag pattern called Sherbet by Melly and Me and they happen to stock it. It's an Australian pattern. Anyway, my bags patterns (yes, I order a couple, well 3 actually) duly arrived along with a pack of charm squares which I need like a hole in the head and a free pattern for a table centre.

Now, we are moving across to Shropshire so I should be packing boxes and things but I thought to myself that a nice new table centre for the new house would go down a treat. simple enough pattern by the looks of it but Ha! It has been the most fiddly, time consuming little blighter that I have done in ages and ages but apart from the binding it is finished after 3 days. I could have made a full sized bed quilt in the time it has taken me to do this little bugger.

Anyway, pics.

Turning 20 - again, well 12 actually.

2009-04-29T15:09:00.000+01:00

I have a pattern called Turning 20 - again, that uses fat 1/4s. You layer 4 fat 1/4s together, cut them all in one go and shuffle to cut pieces and then sew it all back together again. LOL.

It is a fun and quick quilt to make but not sure if I really like this either. I used 12 fat quarters and each block measures 16ins finished. Now does it need a border or not?

Nearly an FO (Finished Object)

2009-04-28T18:20:00.000+01:00

I am a quilter but just lately I had lost my passion for sewing. That is really not me as I lived to sew. Anyway, I have recently started to sew again but am determined to finish some projects that I started but never finished a 1000 years ago. These are affectionately known as UFOs (unfinished objects).

This is a quilt top that I made sometime before the written word was invented so I have backed it and quilted it and it is now ready to take with me when we go away this May Bank Holiday weekend where I can hand sew the binding to the back and maybe add a bit of hand quilting to it.

I can't say I like it but at least it's finished.

Knicker draw scenters

2009-02-19T13:21:00.000Z

These are cute little organza bags filled with either lavender, rosebuds or other flower petals and scented accordingly. Ideal for putting in your knicker drawer or anywhere else that you would like scented. Also ideal as car air freshners.

Washday Blues

2009-02-16T19:29:00.000Z

I have managed to find the most cutest mould for bubbles. They look like bubbles on top of water so I have made some little washday buckets of soap. The soap in the bucket in translucent and coloured blue and the bubbles are white, both are fragranced with Fresh Linen fragrance oil.

Quite cute I think.

Soap for the boys

2009-02-05T22:06:00.000Z

I had been asked to make a soap that could be sold as merchandise for the local 4 x 4 club. I had tried a few bars of soap but wasn't happy with them. Nothing wrong with the soaps at all but they didn't have 'bloke' appeal until I found a perfect mould.

I am very pleased how it came out and the 4 x 4 club lads seem impressed. Coloured with charcoal and fragranced with the sexiest smell ever, Blue Amberwood.

More pictures of Moss

2009-02-05T21:49:00.000Z

I have some more pictures of my baby. He is growing fast like puppies do and creating havoc at every opportunity.

I am hoping that we will be able to train him at some point to round up the cows. He's already been introduced to the calves and barks not stop at them. They are not amused.

He knows how to use the mop when he's peed on my floor as well. He's a good boy -not!

New baby

2009-01-24T20:33:00.000Z

It's been nearly a month since I posted last but I haven't been idle. I have been painting a bedroom, moving furniture and generally tidying up and reorganising my playpen so now can find everything straight away and everything has its place............... and I tell lies. :-)

All it really means is that I can no longer find anything in a different room.

Anyway, after copious amounts of nagging, begging and other demeaning stuff I have finally got a puppy. He's not the prettiest pup and he's a bit knocked kneed but he's gorgeous and all mine. His name is Moss and here is a pic of him.

Season's Greetings

2008-12-25T08:28:00.001Z

I'd just like to wish everybody a Merry Christmas and a peaceful and happy New Year.

Soapballs (or soap boobs)

2008-12-06T20:54:00.000Z

I thought I'd have a go at decorating soapballs with dried pressed flowers. I didn't think they looked too bad until my son said that they looked like boobs and nipples. Blooming typical.

Log fire

2008-12-05T21:33:00.000Z

Finally after a million years of our new log burner sitting on a pallet in my kitchen it got fitted.

It eats wood like it's going out of fashion but it is so cosy and absolutely great for melting oils for soaps etc and getting pesky soaps to gel. Oh and the cat likes it.

Sunset the other evening.

2008-12-05T21:26:00.000Z

A few days ago my son took my camera and photographed a gorgeous sunset. We do seem to get some quite spectacular evenings from time to time.

Another little fiddle

2008-12-05T21:22:00.000Z

I bought some different wire the other day so decided to have a little fiddle with it and my rose buds. I prefer this hanging to the heart shaped one I think.

More food for thought

2008-12-05T21:07:00.000Z

Many people ask if my soaps contain chemicals etc. I am not quite sure what they are getting at in particular but as the whole of existance as we know it is made up of chemicals it's rather a daft question.

Our fresholi friend EJ has written an article on her blog explaining why our soaps and other products contain chemical etc. Link to the article from here it explains things very well.

2008-11-17T15:23:00.000Z

This morning I was greeted by the most gorgeous sunrise. Unfortunately I can't see those trees now for fog but it was so pretty this morning. All golden and glowing.

Mini bath melt

2008-11-12T21:50:00.000Z

I have recently been given a small (1 1/2inch) box. It's a bit small really but I decided to make some small fizzing bath melts to see how they would look in the box. One melt fits in the box just nicely.

New packaging

2008-11-12T21:46:00.000Z

I have been playing with some new packaging because I wasn't overly happy with my old packaging (for my soap that is). The soaps look OK in their cello bags when there's only one or 2 of them but when there is a lot the soap gets lost in a sea of cellophane so I have decided to wrap them in beautiful handmade paper. OK, so you can't see the soap but you can smell it. I think they look better.

Rosebud heart

2008-11-10T16:12:00.000Z

Today I have had a little fiddle. I have seen these hearts made with a variety of things such as rosebuds, rosehips, nutmegs, chillies etc. so thought I'd have a go at making one myself. Easy enough to do if not a little fiddly. I think my wire was a tad too thin but it seems to have held its shape fairly well. I scented it with some white roses fragance oil courtesy of Ruthie.

A pressy for me and a very rare gift.

2008-11-06T21:50:00.000Z

The day before yesterday I had a knock on the door and it was the postman holding in his hands a nice little box addressed to me. I hadn't ordered anything so what could it be?

I opened it and inside was another box with Lomond Soap printed on the top tied with a nice raffia bow. OK, off comes the bow, up goes the lid and inside there was a selection of goodies - all for moi. I've been a good girl see.

There was a lovely navy blue organza bag with 2 face creams and a pot of hand cream, a ball of soap covered in rose petals and a special little packet wrapped in brown tissue paper and tied with raffia.

I opened this little packet and inside is the most gorgeous little stone. It has a cross running all the way through it. Corrie says it's a Scottish flag stone but it's really a kissing stone. It has a big kiss running all the way through it. A very special and rare stone indeed. It now sits with my collection of gemstones that I have in a bowl.

Thank you very much Corrie.

2008-10-30T21:22:00.001Z

I have been nominated by 2 of my blogging pals - Lomond Soap and Fresholi Bites - for The Friendship Around the World Award - how cool is that?

The rules for acceptance of the award are as follows:
Pick 8 blogs that you consider deserving of this award based on their creativity, design, interesting material and also for contributing to the blogging community, in any language.
This is a fantastic way to spread the word about our talented blogging community.

I have nominated...............
http://croapqueen.blogspot.com/
http://fresholi-bites.blogspot.com/
http://soapswithballs.blogspot.com/
http://lomondsoap.blogspot.com/
http://soapychica.blogspot.com/
http://lcrsoapcompany.blogspot.com/
http://craftbugs.blogspot.com/
http://madimaginations.blogspot.com/
http://figandlemon.blogspot.com/

I could add a lot more as there are some fantastic blogs out there.

Samhain

2008-10-30T14:57:00.000Z

Well, the end of October is fast approaching and the shops are full of Hallowe'en bits and bats, pun intended, but do most people know what the true meaning of what this special event is? I suspect not so I shall do my best to let you know.

I found this information on the BBC website and it does sum up the event fairly well. There may be a few innaccuracies but on the whole it is good.

Samhain (pronounced 'sow'inn') is a very important date in the Pagan calendar for it marks the Feast of the Dead. Many Pagans also celebrate it as the old Celtic New Year (although some mark this at Imbolc). It is also celebrated by non-Pagans who call this festival Halloween.

Samhain has been celebrated in Britain for centuries and has its origin in Pagan Celtic traditions. It was the time of year when the veils between this world and the Otherworld were believed to be at their thinnest: when the spirits of the dead could most readily mingle with the living once again. Later, when the festival was adopted by Christians, they celebrated it as All Hallows' Eve, followed by All Saints Day, though it still retained elements of remembering and honouring the dead.

To most modern Pagans, while death is still the central theme of the festival this does not mean it is a morbid event. For Pagans, death is not a thing to be feared. Old age is valued for its wisdom and dying is accepted as a part of life as necessary and welcome as birth. While Pagans, like people of other faiths, always honour and show respect for their dead, this is particularly marked at Samhain. Loved ones who have recently died are remembered and their spirits often invited to join the living in the celebratory feast. It is also a time at which those born during the past year are formally welcomed into the community. As well as feasting, Pagans often celebrate Samahin with traditional games such as apple-dooking.

Death also symbolises endings and Samhain is therefore not only a time for reflecting on mortality, but also on the passing of relationships, jobs and other significant changes in life. A time for taking stock of the past and coming to terms with it, in order to move on and look forward to the future.

Ancient Celtic Celebrations
Not only did the Celts believe the boundary between the worlds of the living and the dead dissolved on this night, they thought that the presence of the spirits helped their priests to make predictions about the future.

To celebrate Samhain the Druids built huge sacred bonfires. People brought harvest food and sacrificed animals to share a communal dinner in celebration of the festival. During the celebration the Celts wore costumes - usually animal heads and skins. They would also try and tell each other's fortunes. After the festival they re-lit the fires in their homes from the sacred bonfire to help protect them, as well as keep them warm during the winter months.

A Samhain Blessing

Blessed Be! oh Guardians
Blessed Be! loved ones and friends
Another year's upon us
As the wheel has turned again
We invite the ancestors one by one
To join us at our meal
We raise our cups in honour
And share memories with zeal
We share a harvest's bounty
And know deep in our hearts
The past must be cleansed away
For the future to start
The veil is at it's thinnest
We walk between the worlds
Diviners bring their instruments
And mysteries become unfurled
And now the witching hour is upon us once again
We share a blessed circle with our loved ones and our friends
Blessed Be to Guardians, To deities and more still
Blessed Be To You,
Let The Harvest Your Heart Fill
So Mote It Be!

by Rev. Brightrose Aradia

The picture above is from the web site www.pencils.com/.../files/samhain_1.jpg. There is some absolutely fantastic artwork on that site and if you are interested in such artwork I urge you to take a look. Stunning indeed.

A quote I like. Sounds just like me.

2008-10-19T21:10:00.000+01:00

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways, chocolate in one hand, wine in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming "WOO HOO what a ride!"

Run, run as fast as you can......

2008-10-15T21:36:00.000+01:00

You can't catch me, I'm the gingerbread man.

Little gingerbread men soaps, with piped decorations. The fragrance is ginger, what else!!!!! lol.

I'm dreaming of a white Christmas

2008-10-15T21:25:00.000+01:00

Well folks, It's October and Christmas is in full swing. The advent calenders have been in the shops for ages, all the pressies and cards have been written and I only have 2 months to go before I can enjoy it all. By 'eck, who am I kidding. But.............. I did make a Christmas cake even if it is made of soap.

Ode to Autumn

2008-10-14T04:18:00.000+01:00

I'm feeling in a poetic mood so....

Ode to Autumn (J Keats)

Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness!

Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun;

Conspiring with him how to load and bless
With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eaves run;

To bend with apples the mossed cottage-trees,

And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core;

To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells

With a sweet kernel; to set budding more,

And still more, later flowers for the bees,

Until they think warm days will never cease,

For Summer has o'erbrimmed their clammy cells.

Who hath not seen thee oft amid thy store?

Sometimes whoever seeks abroad may find

Thee sitting careless on a granary floor,

Thy hair soft-lifted by the winnowing wind;

Or on a half-reaped furrow sound asleep,

Drowsed with the fume of poppies, while thy hook

Spares the next swath and all its twined flowers;

And sometimes like a gleaner thou dost keep

Steady thy laden head across a brook;

Or by a cider-press, with patient look,

Thou watchest the last oozings, hours by hours.

Where are the songs of Spring? Ay, where are they?

Think not of them, thou hast thy music too, -

While barred clouds bloom the soft-dying day

And touch the stubble-plains with rosy hue;

Then in a wailful choir the small gnats mourn

Among the river sallows, borne aloft

Or sinking as the light wind lives or dies;

And full-grown lambs loud bleat from hilly bourn;

Hedge-crickets sing, and now with treble soft

The redbreast whistles from a garden-croft;

And gathering swallows twitter in the skies.

From a Railway Carriage

2008-10-13T22:29:00.000+01:00

Whilst we were on holiday in North Yorkshire, we were able to go and see some old steam trains. It reminded me of a poem I read when I was very young and one that I thought was really clever. It was written by Robert Louis Stevenson. 1850-1894.

From a Railway Carriage

Faster than fairies, faster than witches,
Bridges and houses, hedges and ditches;
And charging along like troops in a battle
All through the meadows the horses and cattle:
All of the sights of the hill and the plain
Fly as thick as driving rain;
And ever again, in the wink of an eye,
Painted stations whistle by.
Here is a child who clambers and scrambles,
All by himself and gathering brambles;
Here is a tramp who stands and gazes;
And here is the green for stringing the daisies!
Here is a cart runaway in the road
Lumping along with man and load;
And here is a mill, and there is a river:
Each a glimpse and gone forever!