A fresh start

Today I took my dog Maddy for a walk, and decided I would write a blog post after what has been a difficult month, in fact I can't help but wonder where did January go?

Someone very dear to me has been through a worrying time health wise,  but hopefully  things are on the mend,  and with a few adjustments normality will resume.  (Whatever normal is)! Here are a few photos of  some crafty makes.

I made a few little notebooks for crafty thoughts, and some bunting to drape across the dresser, and added  some fabric  balls to the cake stand.

With a certain date in Febuary coming soon I made up bunting with hearts sewn on...

and some felt heart coasters.

a couple of love birds.

and some button hearts,

I made a pot holder based on an idea from a book 100 pretty little projects

One cannot have too many pretty vintage style coat hangers for your best dresses.


I am making up an order for a quilt that will be going to Australia.

fabric squares are joined up to make horizontal rows.

This quilt will be machine sewn and quilted.

I found  a tiny clump of snowdrops in the garden, and primroses are beginning to open too.  Spring is on its' way.  My favourite time of year.
I am now going over to look at the crafty makes on HandmadeMonday

Belated congratulations on the 100th post!

Hope you are all happily  engrossed in whatever you are making, thank you for reading my posts, take care,
Wendy x 

The Wonderful World of Wendy

Best New Year wishes to you all. The beginning of the year usually finds me thinking about new makes, and spurts of domesticity as I like to freshen different rooms up with various bits of fabrics, to hang up, sit on, wrap up cozy in, or just admire!
I love nothing better than a craft/thrifting book to help with ideas and inspirations and lately I have been very lucky to receive three such books,

book number one

book number two

book number three

There is nothing more enjoyable than leafing through and reading  all of the above,  so many ideas,  where does one start!




I started with bringing a wall shelf unit downstairs, putting it on top of another storage unit to give a dresser effect, and now I have somewhere to display pieces of family china, photos, cards etc. I will be painting it cream, and plan to change displays with the Seasons.



I have somewhere to hang little hearts in the shed

hanging hearts

my favourite pinks and greens!



I have been sorting out the dining area, and along with the  wall unit, I have made a garland in blues and greens to go with the china, shells and sea glass. I tried to aim for a watery effect.

These are now hanging in the dining area.

I was so happy to be given these two beautiful cross stitch cushions, when we go camping they will be coming in the van with us.  

A lovely surprise was a sign to put up on the shed, complete with wording

Thank you for all these goodies. I am very lucky indeed!

The weather has got slightly warmer, so I might potter about and put a few winter pansies and evergreens outside the shed. 

I found some fabric bought last year, perfect for another quilt I think. I quite fancy having a go at sort of an eiderdown effect.

Hope January has you inspired to create, and make. 

I am now going to catch up on reading the blogs over at Handmade Monday where there are always lots of gorgeous creations! so why don't you join me.

   

Christmas Wishes To You

Hello,

It's a been a  busy time this week with, with nativity plays, work, and  Christmas shopping part two, which involved present shopping, Christmas lights, meal out, and the odd pub or two!

our tree to light up the evenings

a thrift shop find

A beautiful card with woodland theme

birds of peace

I've made a couple of fabric purses, and a book bag, with roses for the bedroom, inside of which I've tucked Sue Townsends'  latest book,  The Woman Who Stayed In Bed For A Year... which is funny and sad, and has me laughing out loud!

shabby chic book bag

inside of book bag

a handmade card to treasure..

A big thank you to all my visitors, and followers, I really do appreciate you taking time out to  read  my posts and of course your comments.

So I will end this with all best wishes for Christmas and the holiday season, and a very Happy Creative  New  Year
Love Wendy x x x 

New patchwork and quilting magazine 'Fabricate'

Just a short post today.... In between Christmas shopping, present wrapping, and Nativity plays I came across this post all about the start up of a new patchwork and quilting publication, based on an alternative modern look,   http://blog.pennydog.com/. Please take a look at Kerry's video. I think there is a space in the market for her magazine. Good luck Kerry!

Swap partner present and little makes

Winter is here, and I enjoy walking in the woods,

crunchy underfoot

food for the birds

patterns in the frozen leaves,

I made some bunting to reflect the watery light

We put up the Christmas tree

must not eat the chocolates!

the shed has its' own little tree

waiting for the snow

had to eat this whilst waiting for snow...

I made some animal pincushions, based on an idea from a book full  of little makes,
100 pretty little projects at http://www.larkcrafts.com/

cozy cat

dozing doggy,
and

Daisy duck

I am making a  cushion, or blanket

I also made some mittens

flowers till Spring comes!

Finally here is the swap I sent to Alison from FiddlyFingershttp://fiddlyfingers.blogspot.co.uk/  A pink and green purse, and a garland of trees to hang up, or lean against something. Apologies for the rather yellow tones to the photos. Thank you to Katharine at Make and Craft magazine  http://www.makeandcraft.com/
for making our swap possible.

little purse with cat button tutorial by
lolanova.blogspot.com

Inside little card pockets

and  because it's Christmas...

a garland of Xmas trees

Here is the gorgeous basket that Alison sent to me, 

a beautiful basket!
that I have filled  with some threads

it's coming in handy already

Alison also sent me a pretty tea-light holder, that shines out my name when  the candle is lit, and I sent a  cross stitch Xmas tree to be made up as an ornament or card decoration.

tea-holder

I love the basket, and will light the candle tonight.
Finally my name in lights!!!

I am now going over to ,http://handmadeharbour.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/handmade-monday-96.html. It's that time of year, everyone is so busy, but make youself a warm drink, with a biscuit or two, and enjoy looking at all the makes over there.

Hearts and hot drinks

The weather has been on the cold and wet side this week, which is why I have spent several hours in the shed complete with hat and coat on!  I fancied making a few small things, hence these button hearts...

hang these up anywhere

I also made a paper lantern ...  

complete with fringe

Instructions for this is a tutorial over at the wonderful
  http://lolanovablog.blogspot.co.uk/2011/09/pretty-patchy-paper-lanterns.html

I also made a  crochet cushion cover in cheery bright colours...
 

bit of crochet

And for a bit of Winter cheer these two mug warmers, one knitted, the other   using crochet, 

tea for two

should have made the knitted one on right a bit longer!

The instructions for these can be found over at the magnificent Mollie Makes http://www.molliemakes.com/magazine/

I have just completed a years' subscription, with lots of great features, and wonderful ideas! 

A big hello to new followers and readers of my blog, much appreciated! Hope you are keeping warm, and making lots of creations,  Why don't you join me over at Handmade Monday to see the lovely things featured this week. x