I'm not dead!

No I am very much alive and glad to be back here in my little corner of blogland. I can't really say where I've been or why I didn't choose to post, I suppose I just needed a break. Sometime's you simply cannot 'do it all.'

I hope I am not too late to wish you all a very Happy New Year, filled with good things. At the end of last year I was very busy with all my 'crafty makings and doings', here are a few pictures to show you what I got up to.

Flower arranging, and drinking a little gin (well I needed the bottle). Furniture painting, and more furniture painting. Christmas decoration making, bag and brooch making, doll making, hat and scarf making, fabric designing, one-off orders and designs. Can you see my problem......too much variety. I like variety, it is the spice of life, but really come on. No wonder when it gets to Christmas I am worn out.

This year I mean to simplify.....everything, my work, my home, myself. How about you, what are your thoughts on 'doing it all', do you try to, or have you learned your lesson? I would love to know your thoughts on it.
So glad to be back among the living, wishing you all a very calm and simple weekend, love Linda x.

Ghostly goings on

We are armed and ready for whatever tonight may bring! My daughter and I have been having fun painting and carving pumpkins, making trick or treat pumpkins, and making the ghosts above.

The Graphics Fairy is a wonderful source of free printables, where I found the lovely starlings. I ran out of ink for my printer and had to paint the poison labels myself, but similar ones can be found on Karen's blog.

Thanks to all those who left comments on my last post, they were all most helpful in helping me to formulate my ideas for the Wedding Fair.

Wishing you all a Happy Halloween with love, Linda x

'Land Love'

I thought I might share with you a new magazine that I purchased recently. It is not exactly new new as it is on it's third issue, and it comes out every other month, but it is new to me. The cover just sold it to me, with the lovely Robin, berries, ribbon candles etc. I mean, how Christmassey can you get!
                                                                                     Seriously though, it is a beautifully presented magazine with really interesting articles. If you are into countryside issues, nature, cooking, crafts, interiors...it has it all.

I love the fact that it is so festive, but in a non-blingy way. I do apologise I seem to be making up my own words today. You know what I mean though.

And a little sneak peek at what to expect in the next issue..................................................................

Wishing you all a fun-filled and not too chilly week, with love, Linda x

Vintage Christmas.

I have been having a little fun making corsages to adorn Christmas presents. It all came about when I bought a book called 'Homemade Gifts Vintage Style' by Sarah Moore. I had actually gone out to get a biscuit decorating book by 'The Biscuiteers',it was out of stock and so whilst looking around I found this rather lovely book.

The funny thing is, that Sarah Moore, the author of this book is also co-author of the Biscuiteers book.....small world. I decided that the corasges would look lovely on presents and would be quick and easy to make. The author said that once you start you will find it hard to stop, and she was right! They are simply varying sizes of fabric circles stitched together and then a safety pin sewn in the back. I was thrilled to be able to use up some linen and lace doilies that have been hanging around for years! Old bits of broken jewellery and buttons come in handy too!

For the children in the family, I added these little felt animals that I made last year.

Lots of dogs for my daughter!







Normally I have a colour scheme and theme with my Christmas wrapping. Last year it was brown paper hand stamped with words and doves and wrapped with string. This year it will be more ecclectic to tie in with the corsages.


To keep me entertained whilst making, I listened to Christmas music. I know it's a bit early, but the truth is, and I know it's a bit sad, but I absolutely love it. Every year I buy Starbucks new Christmas cd, because they are usually a quirky mix of various artists, and I just adore the artwork. This year though, the whole cd is by' Pink Martini', and I am not so sure about it, but it's early days, I only bought it today! Then there is the lovely Michael Buble, his cd is fab, I will have it worn out by Christmas!

This will be my next project from the book, a fabric wreath covered with kitschy bits and baubles, it sooo takes me back to my childhood! So sorry if I've been boring you with Christmas stuff too early, but I just love Christmas, and I am beginning to get in the festive spirit.

Thankyou all so very much for your most touching and heartfelt remarks on my last post, it meant the world to me! Have a wonderful weekend, love Linda x