Monday 31 October 2011

Meet Me On Halloween!

Happy Monday and Happy Halloween! Hope you have been having a Spook-tacular time? We have really been getting into the spirit of things here at Jumbleberries HQ (did you see what I did there?) ....



This week I am:
Making: Halloween decorations with my two little monsters


 Halloween Papercraft Bunting (by me)

 A Pumpkin Decoration (by Princess)

Partying with: My beautiful extended family. I'm very lucky that we all like hanging out together. 
Listening & dancing to: The Monster Mash. We had a mini disco in the kitchen.
Cooking: Halloween Stew (also known as a very spicy Chilli and Rice). That should keep the vampires away.  
Wearing: a Witches hat and cape and black & purple stripped tights (which I love so much I might wear them on the school run tomorrow).
Loving: Harry McFly Judd. Did you see him as the Prince of Darkness on Strictly on Saturday night? How cool is that boy?

So what have you been up to and what do you have planned for the week ahead?

Wishing you few tricks but many, many treats. xx

Monday 24 October 2011

Meet Me on Monday - 12

Happy Monday Everyone!



Can you believe it is that time of the week again already? So how was your weekend? What did you get up to? What have you got planned for the week ahead?

Me? Well, this week I'm:

Watching: Strictly Come Dancing. Totally gutted that Rory is out and completely bewildered that Nancy is still in! I can only assume that everyone loves Anton??
Listening to: Caro Emerald - did you see her perform on Strictly last night. A-maz-ing, as Craig would say.
Loving: The news that Paloma Faith has launched a range of 40's inspired undies for La Senza. Too cute.
Learning: Whether as a red head I can carry off red lips and nails (this is my attempt at vintage glamour). Will decide whether I like it or not before I share ;).
Wearing: My new peacock ring. The girls and I are hitting the town for a few glasses of pop later in the week, so I treated myself to a new little item to wear.
Drinking: Lashings of (grown-up) Ginger Beer - well it seems like a good Autumn drink.
Making: Some Halloween inspired decorations ready for our family party at the weekend. Will show and tell once they are all finished.
Cooking: Slug Sausages in Slime, Mouldy Mash and Rotten Baked Beans, followed by Bugs in Jelly! It is what the kids have asked for..... 

So what's influencing you this week? Do share, I love to read what everyone is up to.

Have fun. xx

Friday 21 October 2011

Favourite Thing On Friday - Autumn

Well it's that time of the week again when the lovely (and very funny) Emma over at Mimi & Tilly asks what's been our favourite thing this week.

Well it might be a little obvious, but for me this week I am totally loving Autumn. This has always been my favourite time of the year, but this year (perhaps due to the good weather we have been having) everything seems just that little bit more beautiful. The colours of the trees seems that little bit more vivid. The new emerging forms of the leafless branches seem just a little bit more striking. And the crunch of the fallen leaves underfoot seem just a little bit more, well, crunchy - don't you agree? Loads of inspiration for crafty projects I think.

And the kids have been having a great time too. We've all spent as much time as we could enjoying 'outside' this week either at the farm or the park (although to be fair it has been a tad cold!). And the fact that it hasn't actually rained this half term is a bonus. Plus they have never collected as many conkers, acorns and other interesting autumnal bits & bobs.  And Halloween is just around the corner, well, it's just toooo exciting for words!

So in celebration of all things Autumnal, here is a selection of some of my favourite Autumn themed items found on Folksy this week:


Autumn Felted Bowl by That Fuzzy Feeling

 Autumn Screen Print by Red Berry Hill

Celtic Autumn Necklace by AMITOLA JEWELLERY


Autumn Flower Corsage by Belle & the Bean


Autumn Leaf Coasters by by sally

So what has been your favourite thing this week?

Have fun. xx


Monday 17 October 2011

Meet Me On Monday - 11

Happy Monday!

Wow, I've just realised that Monday is nearly over and I'm only just posting my MMOM update, really sorry about that.

It's been the first day of the Autumn half term holidays today and the kids and I have had a p-j day (although I did insist we all got dressed when we went to the supermarket!).  I guess that should have meant that I've had lots of time for blogging, but somehow the day has just got away from me a bit. However, I intend to be a bit more disciplined with the rest of the week.


This week I'm

Wearing: my new pin that I picked up at our weekly Antiques Market. It's a brooch, made from felt, from the 30s - it had my name written all over it.



Making: a new tunic mini dress, using this lovely Amy Butler pattern bought at CallyCo in Cambridge yesterday.  Off to buy the material tomorrow - very excited!



Visiting: Cambridge on a perfect Autumn afternoon, for a play in the park.





Eating: Seafood Linguine at Carluccio's
Listening to: Magic Numbers. Oh how I wish I could sing like that ....
Cooking: French Toast - the perfect p-j day breakfast!
Watching: Scooby Doo - those pesky kids
Loving: Spirograph (yes, Spirograph, remember that?) I picked it up for 20p at an Autumn Fair I went to on Saturday afternoon. I had totally forgotten how addictive it is - love it!



So how was your weekend? What do you have planned for the week ahead? What is influencing you at the moment? Do join in - the more the merrier!

Have fun. xx

Tuesday 11 October 2011

Autumn Colour & What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday


I've felt like I've had a black cloud following me around for the last week for one reason or another, so I have spent Monday and Tuesday of this week trying to be good to myself:

I've spent some time reading

I've spent some time writing

I've spent some time baking (and of course eating) some very yummy chocolate brownies


and after that I started to feel the cloud lift and the Autumn colour shine through and I was ready to start making again.  This included:

an Autumn Leaves Brooch (above)
and this little Apple Brooch

So today - now that I have my creative head back on - I'm going to make a start on some of my handmade Christmas pressies.  On the agenda for this morning are a couple of crayon rolls and 4 bags using some (recently purchased) denim (oh yeah, I spent some time doing some retail therapy too) and some pretty and funky tea-towels.  




What's on your work-desk this morning? In need of inspiration? Take a peek at the list of talented peeps organised by Stamping Ground. Be warned though, visiting all those wonderful blogs is terribly addictive!

Have fun. xx

Monday 10 October 2011

Meet Me On Monday - 10

Morning!

How are you?  How was your weekend?

I've been feeling a bit like Perkin Flump stuck under that cloud for the few days and this coupled with the fact that our crafting group had to be cancelled at the last minute on Saturday has meant (I am sorry to say) that there has been a real lack of creativity happening around these parts of late.

However, I am determined to relocate my mojo and have started by baking myself a batch of chocolate brownies this morning (they are baking in the oven as I type) coz I don't know about you but for me life always seems a little sweeter after consuming vast amount of cake!

This week I am also:
Purchasing:  This green glass dressing table box. I've had my eye on it for the last 3 months and this week the dealer finally gave into my offer. I'm rather pleased with myself.



Cooking: comfort food. Loaded Macaroni Cheese. I am now the size of a small house, but feel slightly less sorry for myself. 
Wearing: My knee high boots. Read an article in the fashion pages of the weekend glossy that they are very on trend this season - get me! 
Watching: The kids perform in their Harvest Assembly - I'm one proud mama. 
Reading: Before I Go To Sleep by SJ Watson. I'm reading it for book club and have only just started, but it is really good - have you read it? 
Visiting: A Most Marvellous Place to Shop tomorrow with mum as recommended by the lovely Quirky Boots. I'll let you know if I come back with any goodies. 
Loving: This wonderful necklace, given to me by my Grandmother (she was having a de-clutter). Not sure how old it is but it looks a bit Art Deco to me. Need a LBD and somewhere fancy to go now, so that I can show it off.






Eating: Cake, cake and more cake. 
Drinking: Tea, tea and more tea.
Writing: Lists. I know that this isn't actually the same as doing, but I'm hoping that it will give me some focus for when I finally manage to coax myself into some sort of action!
Remembering: To look at the sky every now and again, coz there is always a different perspective.

Gosh, I'm feeling better already.

So, what about you - what is influencing you this week, where are you taking inspiration from?  Add yourself to the link below and I'll be sure to pop by to say hi.

Have fun. xx

Wednesday 5 October 2011

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday

Loads ....

I've mentioned lots of projects on my making list on my Meet Me On Monday posts, but have been rubbish about actually finishing any of them off. So today is the day.  Hopefully I'll be back later to show you:

- a surprise pressie for an 8 year old (it was his party yesterday but I didn't manage to get it finished in time!)
- an autumn leaves brooch (this one has been knocking around for a couple of weeks now, if I don't get it finished it'll be Christmas)
- an art deco inspired project (have I mentioned that I love art deco?)
- and a couple of secret projects, which I hope to share with you later in the week

So that should be enough to keep me out of trouble for the day.  First though I'm off to take a peek at the workdesks of all the other talented followers of the lovely Stamping Ground.

Whats on your workdesk this Wednesday morning?

Have fun. xx

Sunday 2 October 2011

Meet Me On Monday - 9

Morning - how are you doing today? How was your weekend - good I hope. The weather here has been amazing, soooo lovely, that we've all had a really chilled out weekend. Not a lot of crafting going on I have to admit, but plenty of eating, drinking and sitting in the sunshine, so all is good.

This week I'm
Making: a pressie for a special 8 year old - can't tell you more until we have attended the party, tee hee. 
Wearing: my bunting necklace and receiving lots of compliments, so very chuffed with myself






Listening to: the Noisettes - you can't beat a bit of funky disco on a sunny afternoon 
Watching: Star Trek (I'm a secret sci-fi fan, but that is another story!!) 
Meeting: my besties for a mojito-fizz, or two - lots of giggling, singing and dancing was had! 
Visiting: the Kibworth Vintage and Handmade Fair, it was really good.  They have another one coming up at the beginning of December, will definitely be back to pick up some more goodies. 
Eating: BBQ'd Sweet Chilli Mackerel, made by Mr A - delicious 
Loving: walking the dog on a sunny autumn afternoon
Remembering: that Christmas is not that far off so I had better crack on with my homemade gifts


What are you up to this week?


Have fun xx


Want to join in with MMOM? You'll find all the details here.


Friday 30 September 2011

Favourite Thing on a Friday - Art Deco Design

With the current love affair for all things vintage, the glamour of the 1940s and 50s is having somewhat of a revival. However, for me, you can't beat the the stylish elegance of the 1920s & 30s.  Yes, without a doubt definitely my Favourite Thing on a Friday is Art Deco Design.

Originally known as Moderne style, art deco influenced everything from fashion, interior design and of course architecture. One of my favourite architects from the period has to be Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Living in pretty Market Harborugh (UK) I am lucky enough to be only about 30 minutes away from one of his most famous projects 78 Derngate, which he re-modelled in his iconic Modernist style in 1917. It is a great place to visit if you ever get a chance - and they even have a lovely tea-room too.

ITV3 are currently re-running The House of Elliott, which I am watching most days, so I totally have the 1930s on the brain at the moment!  So with thoughts of all things Art Deco take a look at these beautiful items I have found on Folksy:


 









 

These items are definitely on my wish-list for Xmas - hope you are taking note Mr A?
 
What is your Favourite Thing on a Friday? Join in and share with the lovely Mimi & Tilly.
 
Have a nice weekend. xx


PS - hope you can pop back after the weekend to join in with Meet Me on Monday?

Sunday 25 September 2011

Meet Me On Monday - 8

Morning!

Mr A, packed off to work - check.
Children, packed off to school - check.
Coffee poured - check.
Toast buttered - check.

Right, I'm all ready.

So how are you? Whats new with you? What did you get up to over the weekend - hope you had a good one? What do you have planned for the week ahead?

Me? Well, this week I'm:

Painting with my Princess


Making tea-cosies for the children to wear on the heads to school (see more here). They turned out rather well, didn't they? Even if I do say so myself, tee hee.


Cooking pea and ham soup, a perfect Autumn lunch
Growing a jade plant, which I have had for over 30 years. I re-potted it this week as it had seriously out-grown it's previous terracotta pot


Eating chorizo and homegrown tomato fritatta - yum.
Visiting my cousin and her new baby

Designing an art deco inspired project - pop back later in the week to see how I'm getting on ....

Right enough about me - I'm off to see what you guys are up to this week.

Have fun. xx


----------------

Want to join in with MMOM?

All you need to do is:

*  write a post on your blog entitled Meet Me On Monday
*  tell us what you have been up to over the weekend and what your plans are for the week ahead
*  share your creativity, influences and inspirations using 5 or more details about yourself from the list here
*  link back to Jumbleberries (you can even use my new MMOM image if you like)
*  leave me a comment below
*  leave your name and URL in Mr Linky
I'll then pop by and have a read - easy (I hope).

Wednesday 21 September 2011

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday?

I had planned to finish of an Autumn leaves felt brooch I have been working on this evening, but when the kids came home from school announcing that tomorrow was wear a tea-cosy on your head day (obviously!), all previous plans went out the window.....  Now I don't know about you, but we don't use a tea-cosy in our house, let only two, so this evening I'm having to design and make a couple.  So this is what my workdesk looks like right now:






Wish me luck.

What's on your workdesk today?  xx

Photographic Evidence

Well, it took me so long on Monday to work out how to get Mr Linky to do his wizardy magic, that I ran out of time to attach any pictures to my MMOM post.  Now I don't want you to get the impression that I am all talk and no action, so here is some photographic evidence of some of the things I've been up to this week:

Yo-yo Brooches (single, double and triple versions):






 The planning stages of an autumn leaves brooch:





A purple heart brooch:




Blueberry cake - so scrummy that this is all that is left already:





Princess at Foxton Locks:





My little Superhero having an ice-cream at a Monster Trucks event, which he went to with Mr A.  Nothing to do with sewing, baking or papercraft - I just thought it was a cute picture:




An for no other reason other than that I thought it was a funny, a picture of Princess jumping!





Have fun. xx

Monday 19 September 2011

Meet Me on Monday - 7

Morning. So how was your weekend?  It has really felt Autumnal here.  This has definitely influenced not only what I've been doing, eating and wearing, but what I'm making too. What about you - what have you been up to?   

This week I'm -
Making: an autumn leaves brooch to pin to my jacket. 
Cooking: a blueberry cake. Thanks to Blueberry Crafts for the recipe - doesn't it sound scrummy? 
Wearing: a handmade yo-yo brooch made with my new stash of material. 
Watching: Downton Abbey. Don't you love a period drama? 
Visiting: Foxton Locks Festival. Good fun, although I was getting a bit stressed trying to keep the children away from the waters edge when we checked out the locks. 
Eating: honey-mustard pork chops followed by apple and blackberry pie. Must definitely go to Zumba this week to work it all off.  
Drinking: hot chocolate with cream - well it was cold and wet outside! 
Dreaming of: an open fire. 
Learning: how to make the house more hygge.
Remembering: that it is only September and this is England - it could be a beautifully warm and sunny day again tomorrow.


Let me know what you are up to this week - just add your name to the link below and I'll be sure to pop by and say hi.

Wishing you a productive week. xx

Thursday 15 September 2011

Favourite Thing On A Friday - Kitsch Teapots

If asked to describe myself I would like to tell you that I am cool and sophisticated. That I have a sleek haircut and drive a fast sports car.  That I wear red nails and drink a 6 o'clock martini everyday. That is what I would like to tell you.

In reality though, I'm much more traditional.  I like vintage tea-cups filled with rose scented candles, I like Cath Kidston print bunting and I like cupcakes, covered in vanilla icing and 100s & 1000s.  

There is another side to me though. One that I don't normally share with the world at large. But one that I feel ready to share with you here, today, right this minute: 

My name is Clare and I Love Kitsch Teapots.



This little teapot with feet is my favourite - isn't it adorable?  I bought years ago, long before I had a house of my own and was still living with my mum and dad. Now that I do have a house of my own I've realised that it doesn't go with anything else in my kitchen - but I just don't care, I love it and it makes me smile to look at it.

What is your favourite thing on a Friday?

Hope you have a fab weekend and hope you can pop back first thing next week to Meet Me On Monday. xx

Wednesday 14 September 2011

What's on Your Worksdesk Wednesday

What's on my work-desk this morning?  Not much yet it has to be said.

I have big plans though, don't you worry - oh yes I have big plans.....

Well a couple of ideas anyway, tee hee.



I found this pack of material on my favourite market stall yesterday and thought that they were such pretty patterns that I just had to have them.  I'm planning to spend this afternoon making some yo-yos which can be used on brooches, hairbands and even perhaps a wrist corsage.  Sound like a plan??

Hope to be back later to show you the fruits of my labours.   That is, if I still have time left after I have taken a peek at all the amazing desks organised by the talent Stamping Ground

What's on your work-desk this chilly Wednesday?  Hope you have a productive day. xx

PS - hope you can pop back after the weekend to Meet Me on Monday.

Monthly Make - An Orchid Brooch

I'm growing a beautiful pink orchid on my kitchen windowsill, which I love.  It was given to me a couple of years ago by someone very special, who, I am heartbroken to say, isn't with us anymore.


I've been thinking for sometime now that the flower shape would make a pretty brooch, along similar lines to the pansy brooch I made earlier in the year.

So yesterday, whilst I had a bit of creative quiet time, I had a go at making one:






What do you think? 

I'm really pleased with the shape, although I had to physically draw round the flowers petals to get the proportions right! 

I am very happy with how it turned out and think it is the perfect project for my entry in the Felt Fairy's Monthly Make Challenge.  Take a look at the Flickr page here to see what the rest of Annie's super-creative followers have been making during September.

xx

Tuesday 13 September 2011

What a peach!

One of the great things, I think, about having young children is that I get to re-read some of my favourite childhood books. 

Today - which happens to be Roald Dahl day - I'm going to be reading James and the Giant Peach to my Superhero and Princess in celebration of it's 50 years anniversary.  Fab!

What are your favourite childhood books?

xx

Monday 12 September 2011

Meet Me on Monday - 6

Wow, Monday again already!  Hope you had a great weekend?  I managed to survive back to school week with my sanity still intact and then had a fun-filled weekend, so all is good. 

Got to stay a bit more focused this week though, or the *plans* I made last week wont come to anything....

This week I'm:
Meeting: some self imposed deadlines, hopefully. 
Making: new on-line friends - don't you just love blogland? 
Growing: my ever increasing button collection.   
Cooking: a stuffed marrow.  Our neighbour gave us an large homegrown marrow, which I stuffed with lamb mince, mint & rosemary - just like my Nan used to make.  Scrummy. 
Wearing: my winter boots.  It has got really chilly here. 
Visiting: The Lubenham Scarecrow Festival. The best way to start the Autumn. 
Listening to: the kids screaming and giggling on their first ride on a big wheel.  It made me quite dizzy, but they loved it! 
Eating: Apple pie, apple crumble, apple sauce - it was a bumper crop this year, lol.   
Watching: re-runs of The House of Elliott on ITV3 - have I mentioned my obsession with the 1930s..... 
Reading: Not sure yet - off to book group this evening. 
Remembering: book bags, PE kits, packed lunches. So much to remember at half 8 in the morning!


What are you up to this week?

Have fun. xx

Monday 5 September 2011

Meeet Me on Monday - 5

I know, I know, it is so late on Monday that its practically Tuesday.  Well without making excuses my little Princess started school today and although she took it all in her stride, I am an exhausted, emotional wreck! Not really, but it has taken up most of my day, so hope you can forgive me for the lateness of my Meet Me on Monday post.


So, this week I'm:
Growing: a variegated succulent bought at Eden during our holiday. Can you describe plants as funky?



Cooking: a banana loaf. Recipe from the Hummingbird Bakery book - my all time fav.
Wearing: a purple button ring, by Button It, bought at the Warkton Village Craft Market.
Reading: my new copy of Mollie Makes.  Great as usual, although I'm not really getting the make your own desk lawn project - is it just me?? 
Visiting: the Arts & Crafts Fair in Harborough on Saturday.  It was a bit disappointing this time it has to be said and I came home empty handed - ho hum.  
Eating: Tapas with the girls on Wednesday evening.  Scallops with chorizo here I come. 
Watching: Home and Away.  Mr A and I lived in Sydney before the kids came along so this is the perfect way to get my Aussie fix. 
Listening to: Sophie Ellis Bexter. An oldy but a goody. 
Making: Plans. Very exciting.  Will hopefully share further details with you later in the week.

Enough about me, what are you up to this week?

Want to join in?  Just write a post entitled Meet Me on Monday, including 5 or more from the list above, link back to Jumbleberries and then leave me a comment below so I can pop by and read what you are up to this week.

Have fun xx 

Monday 29 August 2011

Meet Me on Monday - week 4

Sorry - this post is really late.  Technology and I have been testing our relationship to the max this morning.  So far it has the upper-hand.

Morning.  Hope you have had a great weekend?  Apologies for the lack of MMOM post last week, we had a family holiday down in Cornwall, so I had a computer and phone-free week  Bet you can guess the theme of this weeks post, tee hee.

This week I'm -
Making: a bunting inspired felt necklace, in a seaside blue colour 



Growing: my waistline - far too many cream-teas!! 
Cooking: a Bank Holiday Family Lunch chicken pie - yum 
Wearing: my new blue suede wedgies 
Listening to: the kids laughing and laughing trying to get their kite to fly on the beach 
Watching: Wilfred - weird and hilarious 
Meeting: Mum for coffee 
Visiting: The Eden Project, Padstow, Rock, St Ives - all my favourite places 
Eating: fish and chips at the Harbour 
Loving: being near to the sea 
Reading: Rivers of London by Ben Aaronovitch - Harry Potter for grown-ups 

Dreaming of: a small holding in the country - sigh 
Drinking: far too much rose 
Learning: just how much mess small children can get into when eating ice-cream 
Remembering: just how much washing there is to do when you get back from a weeks holiday


We've been having a great time - what are you up to this week?

Want to join in?  Just write a post entitled Meet Me on Monday, including 5 or more from the list above, link back to Jumbleberries and then leave me a comment below so I can pop by and read what you are up to this week.

Have fun xx 

Monday 15 August 2011

Meet Me On Monday - week 2

Morning!  Bit of a late start for me this morning, sorry.  We went to London for the day yesterday, so we are all pretty worn out.  Had a great weekend though, hope you did too?

This week I'm:
Watching: Shrek the Musical.  Took the kids to see it in the West-End yesterday and it was brilliant. (There was a whisper that Angelina was there too with her kids).  If you get a chance to see it, do, coz it is really, really good.
Making: A loopy corsage.  Love this colour green.


Eating: Grilled Halloumi, cooked by Mr A on the BBQ - delicious!
ReadingMyrtle and Eunice, my fav blog at the mo.
Meeting: Famfa, for a glass of wine (or, two, or three...).
Remembering: That life is short, so be sure to fill it with love and laughter.

What are you up to this week?

Want to join in?  Just write a post entitled Meet Me On Monday, link back to Jumbleberries, then leave a comment below and I'll pop over and see hello.  Easy.

Have fun xx

Friday 12 August 2011

Favourite Thing On A Friday - A Happy Mess

I have recently found Mimi and Tilly and am really enjoy reading it (as I'm all for leading a Glittery Life!) so I thought I'd join in with their new Favourite Thing On A Friday series of posts;

Well, we are four weeks into the the seven week summer holiday and so far I have managed to keep the kids reasonably entertained - phew.  As the weather hasn't been great this week it has given us a good opportunity to do some Arts & Crafts at home, which is one of our most favourite things to do.  We've done some great messy play, such as playing with cornflour and shaving foam and we've done some lovely painting and sticking projects too.  Here are a couple of examples of things we've made:

 Suncatchers to hang in the windows.


 Mini masterpieces to hang in the freshly decorated play-house.



Some fun wooden spoon people (this was my favourite project).

What's your favourite thing on a Friday?

Here is another couple of reasons why I haven't minded the rain today:



Think I'm going to have a bumper harvest!
 
Hope you have a fab weekend.  Don't forget to Meet Me on Monday so we can share our adventures from the weekend and our plans for the week ahead.

xx

Wednesday 10 August 2011

What's On Your Workdesk Wednesday - A Finished Project!

Yes, I actually have a finished project on my workdesk this week.

It is one of Princesses little friends birthday and as she loves all things owl related, I thought I'd make her an owl brooch, based on my Little Owl design.  So this is what I was making in the early hours of this morning:





Hope she likes it.  What is on your workdesk this Wednesday morning?  Wishing a productive day. xx



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