23BeechHill

Lots of prettiness and a few old bags ...

2009-11-04T19:06:00.004+01:00

(Hmm ... collective name for a bunch of Fairy Godmothers ?)

Prettiness being what I have made ... The old bags? Well, that'll be what can be found under my eyes. I was up til the early hours stitching key fobs last night and it's just catching up with me ... Yawn, Yawn.
One late night and I am knackered, how pathetic is that ? Still, seeing all the lovely fabrics I bought down in Cowslip transformed into Fairy Godmothers and pwetty key fobs makes it all worthwhile.

I've been stressing lately over lack of time and not having made enough stock for the upcoming Christmas fairs I have committed to. Boo is on the 2nd week of half term so that has seriously hindered productivity ... having said that, I'm not prepared to compromise my time with Boo, we've had a great time.

I think the doors are my favourite of the keyfob designs. I'm making some funky car ones too for the fair. Any other suggestions for a simple design would be gratefully received.

And, for the boys .... some little comfort Gnomes. I am not sure how well these will be received so I am not going to make too many. Having a little girl I am not sure whether a little boy would appreciate one ? Anyone with a boy munchkin have an opinion ?

At last, my lovely Welly cushion commission is finally finished. The backing of the cushion is the same Laura Ashley Bibi fabric as on the wellies. The recipient has been a very lovely customer indeed and i so hope she likes the finished cushion.

Lastly some pocket money hair grips for the Christmas Fair. I'm making a batch of these colourful grips, little girls can't resist colourful girly things can they ? Some have daisies on them and some have sparkly sequins. Next on the list are some flower hair grips ...

I was riding again yesterday so I'm feeling a bit stiff and achey. I am sooooo loving getting back in the saddle and was chuffed to be told yesterday that I have drastically improved since we started back riding a month or so ago. No mean feat after 20 years out of the saddle.

I rode Albert yesterday, he's a grumpy git but I get on well with him. I think he has to be the bounciest horse I have ever ridden !

4 And A Half Hours Later ....

2009-10-25T21:52:00.006+01:00

(click to enlarge)
(Not such a lady like mount, dam, who stole the mounting blocks ?

That's how much riding I have done in the last couple o' weeks. I hadn't ridden properly for 20 years or so ...

A chance encounter with a mechanical horse and the lovely people from Wellington Riding changed all that. And boy, was it to be a very good enounter indeed !

After such a long time, I am incredibly rusty but it's all coming back to me slowly, BUT I am a bit impatient and want to be further on. Hmm, call me impatient. YES ! actually, I am very impatient.
So, here I am having a lunge lesson with the Chief Instructor, David. He's a cheeky chappy with a definite twinkle. Absolutely the kind of person I can bounce off and have a good rapport with. I can't be doing with serious, stuffy people.

Don't get me wrong, he knows his onions and is very, very professional. A hard task master to boot but I had a real giggle with him.

There see, can you see me laughing ? I'm such a bad pupil aren't I ? He! He!

The horse is called 'Piglet' and he is adorable. I rode him on Thursday and he had a very fussy mouth but we got on just fine.

We did loads of work without stirrups which has benefitted my 'seat' no end. I'm riding again on Thursday so it'll be interesting to see how everything feels then.

Isn't Pigelt sweet, he's such a gorgeous horse ? He likes to rub his snot all over you at the end of the lesson but I'll allow him that.

Doing a bit of 'legs away' ... and I am still laughing !

I'm listening very hard, trying to take it all in.

David is laughing at me because my hips 'pinged'. He found it amusing but I was wincing a bit whilst puffing a few 'Ooh's' and 'Ah's'. A bit of bendy manipulation and away I went again.

I am loving getting back in the saddle again, it's been a breath of fresh air for me and Mr Boo is very encouraging too.
I can't wait to go again this week. I have a goal for next year, to train for and perform a Dressage test to music. How lovely would that be. D'you think riding to 'Pink' might be acceptable ?

Ta ta for now ...

Oh The Life On An Ocean Wave ...

2009-10-21T15:01:00.004+02:00

(The spelling of 'Pirats' is intentional. They are children Pirates and we all know that children Pirates haven't been to school !)

Two cheeky Pirates aboard their stripy ship. I don't think they'd get far with their dinky little sail though, do you ?

Just a quickie post as I have lots on ...
One commission down, two to finish and then my Christmas Fair stock needs some serious attention.

Back Soon ....
x

Welly WIP ...

2009-10-13T23:31:00.003+02:00

I'm loving this new piece, a commission piece for one of my lovely customers.

I can't wait to finish it and show you what it is ...
But you'll have to wait a bit longer my lovelies :)

How it all begins ...

2009-10-07T22:02:00.004+02:00

I've been a quite unindated with commissions and orders and I have quite a list to get through. I'm working my way through them and on my list is a couple of 'New Baby' keepsakes.
The 'New Baby Girl' keepsake was easy, a bigger version of my 'Fairy Godmothers', but the 'New Baby Boy' keepsake needed a bit more planning.

I always start off by doodling a design and then creating all the bits of templates. That done, I can then get on with the choosing of fabrics, cutting out, stitching and then stuffing.

The result was 'Dogsy' ... Cute eh ? Fahioned on my Archibald, I just had to use his ears in the design.

And his full waggy tail too ...

Sweet cheeks Fairy Godmother in all her dottiness ...

I reckon she'd be able to fly long haul with those babies ...

I've only gone and done it 'Rodney' ...

2009-10-03T19:36:00.006+02:00

(Me & Spider, a true gent !)

Riding that is !
I haven't ridden properly for Ooh, about 18 years. Why did I leave it that long ? Oh yes, I have crappy ligaments (The professionals called me a baggy mess), and a back injury (from a bad fall about 23 years ago).
I've been umming and ah'ing about getting back in the saddle for ages but the fear of setting off my back, lack of confidence and not pulling my finger out all culminated in the likelihood being absolutely zilch. That is until ....

Boo's school held a family fun day and Wellington Riding brought along a horse simulator for the kids to have a go on. Well, I was straight over there, Boo desperate to have a go on a pretend horse.
The very lovely people from Wellington were trying to organise 'School Mums' riding sessions with Coffee and Cake afterwards. How perfect is that ?

(OH MY GOD !!! Look at those baggy jowels ! )
I'm so embarrassed. It's like looking down into a drawer and finding a mirror in there. In my defense I was at the point of the down in the rising trot so gravity is pulling my face down.

I registered interest and kept in touch and so this Friday saw me have a 1/2hr assessment. I'll be honest, I was a little bit nervous, more about my back and whether I'd kick off the mega mega pain I've had to suffer at times.
After talking to me about my riding history etc. they gave me 'Spider'. He's one of the centres Schoolmasters and showjumpers. He's very big but very much a gentleman. He put me at ease and I thoroughly enjoyed the session even though after about 15 minutes I was bloody knackered.

Roland (my instructor and why oh why didn't they give me a real minger to instruct me) had me trotting for the majority of the 1/2hr, transitions from walk to rising trot, sitting trot, 20m circles and going large round the menage. I tell you, I was puffing like a puffing thing. Well, I'm no spring chicken, my legs were weak, my core non-existent but I didn't fall off - I should bloody hope not just at a trot !!!!

I LOVED IT, GOING BACK ON THURSDAY ! I'll be having some 1/2hr lungeing lessons with no stirrups to strengthen my legs and core so watch this space as I'm sure I'll have some bruises to share ;-(

Myself and some lovely friends went out last night to celebrate my birthday. We went to a Blubeckers and had a real laugh. The waitresses brought me out some balloons and an ice-cream with a candle in it and sang me Happy Birthday.

Ju, Linda and Di caught unawares. Ju is smiling but don't be fooled, she rode yesterday too and was just starting to feel the effects of also not having ridden for about 18 years. We've been comparing aches and pains all day.
Linda is trying to be invisible cos she hates having her picture taken and Di who always looks perfect, I don't think I have ever seen her in her scruffs ???

Anne WITH HER EYES OPEN, Yay ... I can take a 100 pics of Anne and she'd normally have her eyes shut in 98 of them. Guaranteed. Anne is Boo's unofficial Godmother and is fantastic with her. She'll sit for about 5 hrs playing puzzles, hide and seek and games without one utterance of a moan.
Edyta is in the background looking lovely and glam as normal. She's just one of those people who would look fantastic in a bin bag. Grrrrrrrr ...........

Thank you dear lady friends, I had a ball and hope you did too. I just can't behave at times and I don't need a drink to be a bit naughty. I was crying with laughter at one point.
But I couldn't possible tell you the details of the conversation. However it did involve men pulling faces .... I dare one of you to make some suggestions.

I'll leave it with you then he! he!

OK, well I'm going to roll myself off the sofa now, I'm getting stiffer and stiffer by the hour. I can't cross my legs so what state will I be in by the morning ?
A small price to pay for having a lovely ride ...

We've fallen out again !

2009-09-30T11:50:00.004+02:00

It's my birthday today so I've enjoyed a nice cuppa and toast in bed (well Boo polished off most of the toast), followed by what I thought would be a lovely tromp in the woods with Archie.
Hah ! Not so ....

This is where he started his hunt ... see all that bramble and undergrowth ? Well, Archie is in there somewhere. I promise you, I could hear him crashing through it. Whistle ? Did no good. Voice command ? Nope, that didn't work either. Not even when I screamed ' Archie you little toad, if you don't come back now I'm going home without you !!!!

This is the tree I hid behind to scare him into staying close to me. At home he has to be where I am, even as far as sitting outside to the loo ! But, outside, in all those lovely bunny and wildlife scents it's a different story.

This is the gap I was expecting him to appear at. Nope !

This is Archie bombing back to me after, Ooh, about 6 minutes of self rewarding hunting. Bad. Very Bad. Very, very Bad.
Look, he's laughing again isn't he ?

Finally got him under control but that's cos he's knackered and panting like a train.

" Think I'd better lie down for a bit, I'm a bit tired " .... Oh really ? Well, tough bloody titties. Get up we're going home, on lead, you've spoilt it for yourself now. End of walk young man !

" Just a bit longer, not quite got my breath back yet ... "

" I'll just have one more laugh at you, if that's OK mum ? "

Archie is now asleep at my feet, exhausted after his escapade, as if all is well in his Doggy World.

Me ? I'm OK, I've counted to 10 and had two shortbread fingers ...

I AM A STUPID WOMAN !!

2009-09-29T12:39:00.006+02:00

Repeat after me ...

STUPID WOMAN !!!!!

I have blogged but saved it to the wrong blog. I am a stupid woman ..
Please go take a peek as I can't be arsed to do it all over again on here.

Blogged here instead ..........

At flippin last ...

2009-09-23T23:10:00.008+02:00

(Dartmoor Pony Pencil Study)

Blimey, it's been a nightmare trying to upload images. I kept getting the spinning wheel of DEATH !
Anyhoo, blogger suddenly decided to work. Hurrah ! But now it's underlining all my text.
WHY ????? I'm having to use the eraser on the text to get rid of the lines.

I was rummaging around in the garage yesterday and came across a box tucked away right at the back with all sorts stacked on top. Intrigued, I opened it to find some old drawings and paintings from way back when.

(Watercolour of my first Springer Spaniel, Sam)

I painted this when I was just 17 years old, it's now 28 years old ... quick if you do the sums you'll work out that I am in fact 'twelfty' years old ;-)
Sam died when he was just 7 years old, cruelly cut down in his prime by cancer. He was a very special boy and it was he who started my love affair with Springers.

(I don't think so little man ... Get Down. And I don't care if you've brought me your bone)

And, Ooh look ... here's another one. He is not as noble as Sam, in fact he's a little toad. I love him to bits, honest I do, but he's in my bad books tonight cos he ate one of my Fairy Godmothers.
He snuck her out into the garden, chucked her about a bit, pulled out her stuffing, covered her in mud and then cooly came back into my studio, laid down quietly at my feet and nonchalanty looked up at me ...
With HER in his mouth !
The cheek of him. Ooh, I was soooooo cross as she was destined, together with 9 other Godmothers, for a Macmillan Coffee morning sale on Friday.

He has also taken to sitting on my chair whenever I get up. Talk about jumping in my grave.

(You're no fun mum. I brought you a present and everything)

(Ok, Ok .... I'm off to dig a hole in the lawn then. Or maybe I'll rip up a slipper ~ like I did yesterday)

Oh Yes, he had one of my slippers in the garden yesterday. Completely mauled it to death (it was an animal print design.

The beginnings of some Diddy Dolly Key Fobs. All finished now and well out of reach of a certain naughty Springer puppy dog.

Uploading Photo's

2009-09-23T23:04:00.001+02:00

Anyone else having trouble before I contact Blogger ?

Dots and Doodles ...

2009-09-15T21:13:00.009+02:00

Archie was a tiredy little man this morning as we did some training ... partly to keep him away from the bunnies and squirrels in the woods and partly because he's so well in himself he's being a little arse and not listening to me ! Time to give him some more tough love ...

Anyhow, we had a lot of fun with his dummies and he got rid of a lot of pent up energy, hence the doodle above. He was curled up lying on his bed quietly snoring away (typical man) looking so sweet (as if !) so I thought I'd dust of my drawing pen and doodle him.

His nose is not right, too square ~ but not bad considering I haven't picked up a drawing pen or pencil for absolutely yonks and yonks.

I've revisited my old friend the 'Huggly', OK, so he's been revamped a little. His ears are more rounded and he's grown a tail too, but essentially the same. This particular one is made from lovely soft flannel with dotty applique detail. He has the same dotty fabric on the back.

I'm in the middle of making three more commission 'Princess and the Pea's and I also have a pile of Fairy Godmother worry dolls and Diddy Dolly Key Fobs that need finishing.
Anyone got any Elves I can borrow ?

Look at this, go on, just look at it ...

THAT IS MY SLIPPER !!!!!!

The little toad (otherwise known as Archibald) snuck it out into the garden, tried to bury it by the looks of it, obviously gave up and so brought it back indoors for me.
AND I hoovered today.
The carpet now resembles the sodding Grand National Course

AFTER THE RACE HAS BEEN RUN !

He's laughing isn't he ? Can you see that smirk ? He's laughing so much his eyes are closed ...

I want to tell you a story ...

2009-09-10T19:10:00.005+02:00

But first can I just show you my latest commission. Yep, another 'Princess'. I am very flattered this design is so popular, it makes all the hard work and fiddlyness worth it. And the lady who commissioned this particular picture is a very nice lady indeedy.

The brief was to make the picture as PINK as possible. It is very pink but in quite a subtle way I hope. The bed posts are 100% wool felt as I can't stand that scratchy, itchy cheap fake felt. She has french knot detail in her hair and I've also stitched a couple of pearly sequins into the stars this time for a bit of sparkly'ness. Ah, lovely ...

And talking of lovely .... I found this wonderful little book in the charity shop yesterday. Now, I love children's books, but I especially love children's books with meaningful stories with especially beautiful illustrations. And I especially love Horses.

Let me introduce you to 'The Story of Ted' .

(Isn't this just an adorable image ?)

Based on a real Clydesdale Foals experience, this book was a real joy to read with Boo. It's a little bit sad at the beginning but Ted does have a very happy ending. In real life Ted was very poorly suffering from Pneumonia and a tummy blockage. At one point he only had a 50/50 chance of surviving til daybreak and his lovely Vet spent 48hrs with him.

Written by the lady and her 12 year old daughter who saved him from the sale when he was only 12 weeks old, it's an emotional and informative book telling the reader all about the Clydesdale breed. A written dedication is also a lovely touch.

Just beautiful illustrations ...

Ted has his own website, www.thestoryofted.com I haven't looked at it in detail yet so I don't know how up to date it is but it looks very interesting and Boo can't wait to see that Ted is now all growd up and happy !

I think Ted will be a very popular Christmas present this year. A DVD of Ted's story is also mentioned on his website.

"The Story of Ted will touch your heart and teaches everyone that humility is one of life’s most precious gifts"

Who's that hiding ...

2009-09-08T16:20:00.005+02:00

Where did that come from ? The sunshine I mean ... It's scorchio at the moment, really lovely out there. I've been stitching away today but have just been out in the garden to see whether it was as warm as it looks. And it is .....

And look who i found hiding in the Hibiscus. She must have escaped while I was wasn't looking.

Once the little Fairy Godmother saw me she quickly tried to hide but those bright blue wings are a bit of a giveaway. I reckon she was out there enjoying the sunshine and sprinkling some TURBO glitter on Archibald.

So much for him having to be careful of his stitches. He has been completely mental since his plumbs removal last Friday. A complete whirlwind on legs. The wind has really got up his tail today, he even snapped his retractor lead this morning because he was so desperate to run and hunt. He's supposed to have no free running exercise for another day or so, so we are in for some fun when he finally gets off the lead !

His trusty pal 'Mr Octopus' has had a very hard time this afternoon ...

Poor Mr Octopus, shaken to bits ...

Just a bit more running mum and then I'm done, promise !?@*

This is our bit of sky this afternoon. Lovely eh ? Long may it last too.

New Key Fobs and Bag Charms ...

2009-09-05T15:58:00.006+02:00

Just a quicky post to show you something new ...

How about a diddy 'Smiley Girl' (sorry, that's as good as it's gonna get until I can think of another name) to look after your keys or brighten up a handbag ? I've made some mini versions of my little 'Fairy Godmother' comforts, minus the wings, to attach to whatever you fancy ...

Maybe even a pair of earings or, ahem, tassles ... you know the sort of tassles I mean !

I think they'll look quite nice and unique as a little accessory so I plan to make a bunch for my Macmillan Sale at the end of the month. Hopefully people will like them ?

And this dear friends is my Archie, looking pretty glum last night ... minus a pair of plumbs.
Yes, I had to have him done. I've been putting it off but that's the deal with taking on an RSPCA rescue, and that's fair enough by me.

He wasn't too impressed when he got home but he's firing on all engines today. And there was me thinking I'd have a lovely quiet day to get on and work. Hubby was doing a 70 mile cycle challenge, Boo is feeling under the weather and just wanted to snuggle and watch her DVD's and I was expecting Archie to be quieter and want to sleep. Perfect working conditions.

You must be joking ! He is a Springer Spaniel after all.

1. He's been trying to jump on my lap whilst I've been trying to sew
2. He's had his head in my sewing bin countless of times, emptying and trying to eat the contents
3. He's dragged my Pilates ball out into the garden and punctured it whilst chucking it up in the air.
4. He got through the hedge and was running up and down between the hedge and fence next door
5. He's found some chicken bones - hence a chase round the garden after him
6. Got on a scent in the garden and had a 5 minute 'Mental' chasing an invisible cat or bunny
7. Constantly bringing me balls, toys, nylabones and Mr Octopus ... all in the hope of a play

I think he's feeling much better don't you ? He's restricted to 5 days of lead exercise only this week. Hah ! His poor sister has had an op on her foot and she's been laid up for 5 weeks. She's like a coiled spring so I ought to be grateful for only 5 days of hell.

Archie ... I'm sorry my little man but they had to come off. They were only little plumbs so you shouldn't miss em too much ;')

I've been re-visiting my brushes ...

2009-09-01T21:55:00.004+02:00

For the first time in absolutely YONKS ! and it felt Great ...

OK, so it's not my usual watercolour painting but I'm game for a bit of a change. I bought some fabric paints today, just as a bit of an experiment you understand. I've fancied having a go at painting on fabric for quite a while now and as usual, whatever I do seems to be more intensive than anticipated.

Maybe I'm just a perfectionist, maybe I'm just stupid and make more work for myself ????

I've always, always, always, doodled eyes. Don't ask me why. I wouldn't be able to tell you. It's generally just the one eye. Sometimes I'll doodle two but not very often.

I wonder if a professional doodle decipherer (is that such a word?) would be able to tell me why ?
I'd be fascinated to know why ...

I really should get back into my painting but that'll have to wait as I am drowning in 'Princess and the Pea' textile picture commissions. Don't get me wrong, it's fantastic, I'm chuffed to bits, but I am going to be really, really busy and I fear that I'll be dreaming about green peas for evermore.

Sunshine and Rosettes ...

2009-08-31T18:50:00.007+02:00

Today, we bumbled on over to our local annual Country show & had a lovely afternoon in the sunshine.
For a bit of fun, we entered Archie into a couple of the dog classes.

Firstly, we entered in the 'Fastest Recall' competition followed by a very hot and sweaty wait for the 'Best Rescue Dog' class.
We were about the 10th dog to run the recall competition and achieved the fastest recall from that point onwards. How excited were we ? Archie is incredibly fast so we knew he'd do quite well. Boo was well excited !

Anyhow, after he'd done his bit we had an ice-cream and had a look around the show and then went to wait for Archie's 'Rescue' class to start.

(Pah ! and what am I supposed to do with that ?)

Now, I know I'm quite a competitive soul but not to the point I'd nobble my opponents or such-like, and I know that the novelty classes were meant to be fun, BUT I, and my neighbour in the ring were a tad confused at the logic of choosing the winner.

The judge, who seemed a lovely lady, came around and spoke to all of us handlers asking questions such as age of the dog, how long we'd had them and more importantly to her (quite obviously), in what terrible circumstances did come by our four legged pals.

OK, so Archie wasn't tied up in a sack and thrown in a river, nor was he found in a terrible emaciated state, nor was he tied to the central reservation of the M4, but he is still a 'rescue' pup.
My friendly neighbour in the ring also had a Springer Spaniel, a 4 year old she'd had since he was 4 months old after being found wandering around the streets of Portsmouth, assumed dumped because he was a failed Gundog pup. The docked tail (illegal now unless it's a proven working dog) and nervous manner and behaviour hinted at such. Not a great start in life for him.

So, there we were, waiting for the judge to call up the six best in class to eventually choose an overall winner. Archie was getting a bit bored so I snuck him a Chicken Hula Hoop to keep him focussed on me and not so interested in sniffing his new 'mates' winky do dah ...

And then the judge pulled out the first dog saying ..
"This little dog was shut in the dark ... "
and then she said ...
"Oh it's so difficult to choose. All the dogs are just lovely but I am trying to remember their stories"

Well, I feared that that sealed the fate of all of us who didn't have a sufficiently sad story. I felt really sorry for a little boy next to me, he looked so disappointed and he had a beautiful little dog.
My neighbour said "Why not just interview the entries and make the saddest story the winner eh ? Rather than waste time and ask the dogs stand in the heat"

She had a point, and I'm the first one to admire anyone taking on a disturbed or severely mistreated animal. But surely the competition should have been based on how well the dogs looked, their condition and personality ... or am I being too harsh here ?

It didn't really matter to me though. The whole point of the exercise for us was for educational purposes as far as Archie was concerned. He's been dreadful when other dogs are around, screaming and barking with excitement because he wanted to play with everyone. I've been taking him to busy and dog populated places to try and de-sensitise him to all the excitement.

And, I have to say he was absolutely brilliant today. Whether it be down to just maturity or his new food and herbs, whatever the trigger, he's much improved. So, I was a happy bunny. If you'd asked me, even 2 months ago, to stand in a ring with 25 other dogs and expect Archie to be quiet, I'd have said "Pah ! You're having a laugh aren't you?"

But looky here ....
No-one got close to Archie's time in the recall competition and so we won the 1st place rosette. He is a rocket, so it was going to have to be something like a border collie or another pocket rocket Springer that was going to beat his time.

Mr Boo was happy as Archie also won a bottle of wine !

And look at that sky. The morning started fairly mild but grey and not very promising. By 2pm it was flippin roasting !

Little Miss Boo is becoming a real whizz with the old Hoola Hoop. She was like the Goldilocks of Hoola Hooping, trying out all the different sizes of hoops.

Then she tried a bit of balance beaming. But she got cross when she kept falling off. The man to Boo's left in the photo was having a great time having a go all by himself ~ maybe he was reliving his childhood. He had a go on everything ~ bless im.

Bouncy Castles, slides, entertainers, craft tents, produce tents, children's activities, showing (horses) amd show jumping, dog show, fairground rides, ice-cream vans, pony rides, firemen (hubba, hubba !), main ring events, birds of prey, music bands and bars .... we had the lot there.

A huge amount of work goes into this show and it was brilliantly attended this year ... I know, because my next door neighbours were on the gate.
It's in the field practically opposite our house so we can walk to it too.

I loved this set up ...

A quick go on the spinning tea-cups and then it was off home. Very tired, very hot but very happy. Boo had a lovely time, Archie learnt a bit more AND he beat 70 other dogs to win his shiny bright red rosette. What a clever puppy dog.

We have mostly been ...

2009-08-26T21:44:00.009+02:00

Woken up by midnight visits this past week. Boo seems to be having trouble sleeping and wakes up after dreaming. The other night I woke to see a black shadow looking over me in bed and I nearly pooped my PJ's (I have to be blunt so you get the picture of what a scary sight that was when I was half asleep ! ) It was Boo, herself half asleep, wanting a huggle. Needless to say, she ended up in 'The big bed'.

So, it got me thinking ... apart from all of us having disturbed sleep on a regular basis, Boo has got into the habit of waking up and I don't want her to be scared of being in her own bedroom.

So .... meet my NEW 'Fairy Godmothers.

They are small enough to pop under a pillow to keep a little one safe and ward of bad dreams. Boo wants to put one in her school bag too as a bit of a comfort for when she starts back at school in Y1. She knows it's going to be a big change from Reception so knowing she has her fairy godmother with her will make everything a little bit better.

They are made from linen and have 100% woolen felt faces and cheeks, stitched eyes, eyelashes, noses and mouth and pwetty embellishment detail. I've stitched little wings on their backs too. I'm going to make a batch for the Macmillan sale ~ being 'Fairy Godmothers' I think they'll be a nice little gift.

If anyone is interested in one, please just drop me an email.

They are £10.00 each.

There are things that every child knows
And deep within us is the child who knows it

Making the most of ...

2009-08-24T17:24:00.007+02:00

(click to see a ginormous image)

The weather lately, we were able to enjoy the sunshine and warmth when we were in Cambridge last week visiting Mr Boo's parents. Boo was beside herself because they have a pool and sooooo much space to run around. I know we have a big garden but theirs is positively ginormous with an Orchard section too ~ just perfect for hide and seek !

And Archie thought he'd died and gone to heaven with all the lovely country pongs and scents on offer.

Anyhoo, more of that later. But before we get all depressed about the 'Been and Gone' weather, I want to show you yet another 'Princess and the Pea' textile picture.

(I like my new book shelves ...)

This time, it's a commission for a New baby girl due at the end of the month. The brief asked for a rocket and star in the window. You may well be scrunching up your nose thinking ...

"Eh why ? I don't remember a rocket in the story. That's a bit daft"

Well apparently, the little girls daddy is a Rocket Scientist so maybe daddy is in the rocket whilst the Princess snores her beautiful bonce off.

Can you see the rocket scientist ? Me neither, maybe he's in the loo !

We had a lovely couple of day's in Cambridgshire and the weather was just glorious. Boo made the most of the pool and even dragged her Papa in too.
Mr Boo didn't get away with it either. Meanwhile ....

I sat and relaxed, drank a Diet Coke, spent a bit of time swatting the dam wasps away, checked on Archie every now and again as he kept disappearing into the Orchard. Those bunnies were just too much temptation for him.

Ooh look, a bit more relaxing ... Nice

The slide was a big hit too. It took a bit of coaxing and hanging onto hands on the way down but eventually Boo went solo and then there was no stopping her.

"Push me in Mummy, push me in!" OK, then, Whoosh. "Well, you did ask Boo"

Some little friends from the next farm came to use the pool too so Boo had some play mates. Archie was sooooo desperate to get in there with them. He made do with drinking the splashes instead.

Young Archie with the wire pheasant. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Sniffed it's bum a few times (probably peed up it a few times too) and then ignored it.

"Can you just throw one apple mum ? Oh please, Oh please, Oh pleeeeeeease ? Look, I've collected a selection for you to choose from. I have big ones, small ones, eaters, cookers, rotten ones, waspy ones, red ones and green ones. Any take your fancy cos I'm not fussy"

Nope.

OK, I'll just sit here with one in my mouth then. Yum ! Yum ! Cookers, my favourite.

Ooh ... I can't move this morning !

2009-08-13T09:35:00.005+02:00

(Oh, how I love thee ...)

And this is why ...

The garden ! Mr Boo and I spent all day pruning, digging, weeding, strimming, hedge cutting and grass cutting. Oh my aching bones ! I feel like I've been run over by a herd of Buffalo this morning.
It was quite physical stuff at times, climbing ladders, dragging bags of hedging to the skip and generally manipulating myself into weird positions to get the dratted weeds from the bottom border without standing on anything that I shouldn't.

I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to certain things, and having a neat garden is one of them. However, we've let it get a bit out of hand lately because of work, holidays etc. So, a real blitz was necessary. The shrubs had gotten out of hand, the clematis was taking over the world and the weeds have had a real Paaaaarrrrrrty ....

4 years ago, this bottom border wasn't a border at all. It was a sort of nothing'ness with just one poorly little conifer tree, some chicken wire, mud and tons of weeds and rubbish.

It's now a little garden in itself and comes into it's own in the Spring, especially with the periwinkle. During the summer months, it's all evergreen so a bit dull so I need to inject some colour.
There are some fairies dotted about and big rocks but I want to add a bit more interest.

My 'middle bit' has also been a WIP. It was origianlly supposed to be a Mediterranean garden (courtesy of the previous owners) and it was hideous with those horrible big spiky Yucca things.Ugh ... I hated them. So, over time we've completely replanted this area to be more 'countryfide' as I call it.

I hate uniformity of plants, I much prefer the higgledy piggledy look of planting. There's all sorts in here, David Austin Ross (Mmmm, my favourite is Geoff Hamilton, smells divine), Periwinkle, Hot Lips, Hebe's, a Forest Pansy Tree, Clematis, Jasminoid, Heleborus, Strawberries and a rogue Tomato plant to name but a few.

Young Archie had a fantastic time with us, he loved having all day company in the garden. He sat with Boo under the duvet cover and blanket camp I made out of the upturned washing line (Mr Boo had to move it while he cut the hedge).
He sat and surveyed his Kingdom, nodding his approval every now and again.

"You've missed a bit there mum ... come on, do it properly"

Ok, I'm actually quite exhausted now !
Can you see Archie's bone on my wrist ? Ever the hopeful isn't he ...

I really must try and roll myself off the sofa before I'm stuck for the day.

Finished ... (Holds Hand Up). Can I pleeease have a wee now ?

2009-08-11T20:41:00.003+02:00

Phew ! That's better, been waiting to do that all day. He! He!

I've finished my latest commission and I must say I think this particular 'Princess' is probably my bestest, most favourite to date. They are all unique in that the fabric mix changes.

She's destined for Northern Ireland as a Christening present and although the little girl probably won't even know what it is yet, hopefully it'll be a lovely keepsake for her.

Little dinky, dainty, ickle Princess slippers. Cute eh ? Cute but flippin fiddly to make and stitch. I wouldn't get my big fat feet in these babies, especially with my emerging 'Onion' on my right foot (that's 5 year old speak for a Bunion ~ courtesy of my mum's family Grrrrr ....)

Anyway, enough of my lovely Onion ! Boo is still awake as she's been at a friends all day to enable me to get on with some work, but I hear her bed calling.
We've got some fab books to read from the library so I have a bit of a carrot to get her up the stairs. Normally she's in bed between 7.00 and 7.30pm so it's a bit of a treat ~ well, it is the summer hols and we have lovely quiet day at home tomorrow.

Gardening is on the agenda tomorrow but I may just squeeze in a bit of work if I can bunk off without Mr Boo realising I'm not underneath the hedge weeding :)

WIP ... And a Flippin Headache

2009-08-10T21:39:00.005+02:00

(I've been playing with my templates again)

Ooh, my head really hurts. Not just a little bit, not even a medium bit but a GREAT BIG STONKING, THUMPING all singing and all dancing sort of hurty head.
I've drunk lots of water, I've taken a pill and I haven't eaten any chocolate. Maybe we are in for a monster storm tonight and the air pressure is affecting me ...
Does it give dogs the farts too ? No ? Ok, well Archie is just farting for the sake of farting then ... or maybe it's Mr Boo blaming the dog !

Anyway, I digress ...
I've been happily 'Bondawebbing' away today working on one of new commissions. Hey, maybe I've developed a sudden allergy to Bondaweb. I'm in the habit of allergies, evil Hayfever (well, tree pollen fever to be exact) and out of the blue last year, Strawberries. I love strawberries, I could eat buckets of the things but alas if I so much as sniff one, I'll be in bed with chronic tummy pains and nausea. Nice ! And Nickel ... no cheap jewellery for me.
I'm digressing again aren't I ?

I'm well on my way to finishing this project.
I really like the colour and fabric combo. It's quite subtle but colourful in the same way.
Boo has been a very tired munchkin today, lots of lounging on the sofa with a blanket watching her DVD's which has allowed me to get a lot done. The songs in 'Barbie Princess and the Pauper' are actually very lovely to listen to.

I get through loads of Bondaweb and loads of black thread. I like the graphic quality of outlining the fabric with black thread. To me, it finishes the design off ~ without it, it sort of looks naked.

Sorry, I'm gonna have to cut this post short, I've got to go nurse my poor old bonce. Nighty, night.

I lOVE a good old clear out don't you ?

2009-08-08T21:13:00.009+02:00

I couldn't stand it any longer, not a second longer, not a smidgen of a second longer !

The room that doubles up as my studio as well as Boo's playroom (we like to share we do) had gotten into a right old mess.
Ok, so I am a bit of a hoarder, never quite sure if I'll need something or not in the future, worrying if Boo will realise that I'd thrown out some old bit of tat that she plays with from time to time ...
But lets get serious, THREE bin liners of rubbish is a bit excessive in the hoarding stakes. Yes, three BIG black bin liners destined for the giant rubbish tip on the sky. And, what a good feeling that was ! I feel positively cleansed.
I now have an incredibly inspiring workspace and Boo has a clearer view of what she can actually play with.
Now .... for the rest of the house.

(Isn't her hair just fab?)

I didn't just stop at the room either, nope, I went out into the garden too. I have problems with my bush you see. It grows at an incredible speed, sprouting out from every angle. It really had gotten out of control. I even had to wear my new pink suede gloves to do a proper job !
Boo has been helping in the garden too whilst Archie made sure we were doing things properly.

"Mummy making dandelion clock daisy chains isn't the easiest job in the world, if only I can persevere"

"Hmm ... they are a bit tricky aren't they ?"

Archie, ever hopeful that someone will chuck his ball for him to chase. But it aint gonna happen little man ... it compromises your training m'laddy so you can sit there as long as you like.
Bless him, he is persistent but he's such a manic retriever that I have a job on my hands steadying him and chucking balls and toys around is not gonna help.

"Humf, well that's what I think of that! You are just NO fun mum"
Is that a teenage look or what ?

Bush A (before) .. Pyracantha actually (ouch !)

Bush A (after)

Bush B (before) Yew

Bush B (after)
Smart eh ?

Nothing like a neat and tidy bush is there ?

Sale ... Roll Up, Roll Up, Grab yourself a bargain

2009-08-03T21:39:00.004+02:00

Sheep in Wellies. Textile Wall Hanging. A lovely alternative to a traditional picture or canvas.
Dimensions 36cm x 25cm
Price: £15.00 +pp

I love a good sale don't you ? Not the sort of sale my mum likes though ... that is, she'll buy anything if it's on sale even if she doesn't need it ! Shoes ? She has pairs of the bloody things, never worn but bought because they were a bargain and she was sure she'd get some wear out of them.
If mum and dad lived nearer I'd have a mass Ebay sale of all her bargains ...

Because my work space is compromised and I want to make room for my new work, I'm offering certain items at greatly reduced prices. If there is something here that you'd like, please drop me an email and I can send out a Paypal invoice.

Pink Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps? She has pretty blue french knot flowers and a ceramic blue button detail.
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Brown Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps?
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Green Wool Tweed Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps?
He has ribbon detail with the text 'Laugh Often, Sit Long, Talk Much'
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Ditsy Doggy. Fabric covered box canvas.
Dimensions 20cm x 20cm
Price: £8.00 +pp

Dotty Donkey. Fabric covered box canvas.
Dimensions 20cm x 20cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
SOLD, Thank you !

I'll be posting up some more textile pictures on sale over the next few days but the light was pretty poor by this evening so I wouldn't have been able to do them justice.

My sister has asked for a BIG 'Princess and the Pea' textile wall hanging for her birthday so I know what I'll be doing this week. That is, amongst the numerous dog walks, a visit to 'Hero's' (an organisation that rehomes ex-racehorses), a torture session at Pilates and Power Plate, a trip to see Harry Potter, some major gardening surgery and of course some serious spring cleaning.

A trip to the 'Veterinarian' is on the cards as young Archie is pooping through the eye of a needle at the moment. He doesn't seem to keep any weight on so I want to get him checked over. He's very happy and lively in himself but better to be safe than sorry. So, a bland diet of rice, pasta, chicken and fish will be on the menu for a day or two. My poor little man sounds like an almost empty bottle of washing up liquid when he 'goes' ...

Hello, Hello .... I'm back again

2009-07-31T15:34:00.002+02:00

After a lovely break in Cyprus we are back in sunny old Blighty ...
OK, maybe it's not as sunny as Cyprus but at least we haven't got the torrential downpours that we've been reading about back home whilst slobbing it on the beach.

It's actually quite sunny at the moment ...

This is just a quickie post as my parents are visiting from Cornwall and I really must hoover up all the dead flies, spiders, wasps, cobwebs, dust bunnies etc. that seem to have taken over the house during our absence.

Having come back with a fresh pair of eyes and some new ideas, I've decided to have a bit of a clear out of my stock to make room for new work. So, I will be having a little sale soon.

I'll post some piccies with prices and if anyone is interested in anything do let me know. Ta, ta for now ...

Bye Bye ..

2009-07-13T22:46:00.002+02:00

Hello peeps, I'm having a little break from blogging but will be back to the blogging world soon so please don't disappear.

Bye, bye for now. Have fun !
xxx