Some people got one with a book last week - they were very chuffed.
Handmade and personal - what's not to love?
Friday, 11 March 2011
my creative space
Sometimes I need to hear the bash - bash of Miss Parkers keys. And I'm quite hooked on making these bookmarks.
Some people got one with a book last week - they were very chuffed.
Handmade and personal - what's not to love?
There are many more creative spaces.
Some people got one with a book last week - they were very chuffed.
Handmade and personal - what's not to love?
Monday, 7 March 2011
World Book Night
I have thoroughly enjoyed being part of World Book Night this year. On Saturday night 1 million books began a new journey with a new owner. 20,000 'givers' each gave away 48 copies of the book they chose. I chose Alan Bennett's A Life Like Other People's. When I signed up I hadn't realised that every copy would be given a code number, you can register the book and then track it's journey on the website as you pass it on to another person and share the experience. This is so amazing. One of the people I gave a book to said she will post it on to her sister in New York, Maria at Me and Ma who won one on my giveaway is passing her copy on through her blog. The journeys these books will go on is fascinating.
Were you a part of it, were you a book giver? Did you receive one, are you inspired to read again?
When I signed up for this I said that I would be giving away books to other parents, who like me used to read before having children and haven't really found the time to do so again. I have handed them out in the school playground, at toddler group and the Children's Centre. I have just five copies left to pass on, everyone has been so enthusiastic about it and I look forward to hearing what they thought of the book as the weeks go on.
I watched some of the coverage on TV on Saturday night and was so inspired to read, read, read. I used to read books recommended by friends and work colleagues, there doesn't seem to be time to chat about books though any more.
So I started to think about you lovelies out there, we read each others blogs, have similar interests maybe we would like similar books. What books do you like, crime fiction, the classics, cookery, gardening, crafty, travel, history, knitting books? I'm thinking of starting a book review linky thing. Would you join in - write a post on your blog and link it back here so others can read it? Leave a comment and let me know.
I'm so inspired right now, I guess this event really got me hooked at least.
Were you a part of it, were you a book giver? Did you receive one, are you inspired to read again?
When I signed up for this I said that I would be giving away books to other parents, who like me used to read before having children and haven't really found the time to do so again. I have handed them out in the school playground, at toddler group and the Children's Centre. I have just five copies left to pass on, everyone has been so enthusiastic about it and I look forward to hearing what they thought of the book as the weeks go on.
I watched some of the coverage on TV on Saturday night and was so inspired to read, read, read. I used to read books recommended by friends and work colleagues, there doesn't seem to be time to chat about books though any more.
So I started to think about you lovelies out there, we read each others blogs, have similar interests maybe we would like similar books. What books do you like, crime fiction, the classics, cookery, gardening, crafty, travel, history, knitting books? I'm thinking of starting a book review linky thing. Would you join in - write a post on your blog and link it back here so others can read it? Leave a comment and let me know.
I'm so inspired right now, I guess this event really got me hooked at least.
Friday, 4 March 2011
a london walk
So the rest of my day out...
I walked from Whitechapel over to Spitalfields. I love the buildings round there, some are done up and swanky, others are shabby and charming. The streets are eerily quiet compared to the buzz at the nearby market or along Brick Lane.
These are the streets where Jack the Ripper did his worst, I used to have a studio round here and most evenings on my way home I would hear the local guides naming the women he had killed on the very spot his crowd were standing on. It always sent a chill down my spine as over the road I waited for the bus and watched the current prostitutes emerging from the alleyways.
Doorways fascinate me, what goes on inside, who lives there, what's the rest of the house like, who were the previous residents? I would love to be able to see a snippet of a houses history, visually, to watch all the comings and goings.
Can you just imagine all the stories these doors keep locked away?
Before I headed home with a heart full of inspiration I went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the exhibiton An Englishman in New York: Photographs by Jason Bell. I love New York, I've only been a couple of times but I wish I'd been more, and maybe lived there for a while. This is one of the few regrets I have in life, maybe one day I will get to do it... Anyway, this is a small but perfect exhibition, great photographs, interesting subjects all with their own New York story to tell.
Actually the whole gallery was fascinating - I don't often go there but I found so many interesting displays to look at. I polished the day off with a little bit of cake and sketched the overhead view through the glass roof.
Inspired, revived, clear headed. And home in time to tuck the girls into bed. A perfect day.
I walked from Whitechapel over to Spitalfields. I love the buildings round there, some are done up and swanky, others are shabby and charming. The streets are eerily quiet compared to the buzz at the nearby market or along Brick Lane.
These are the streets where Jack the Ripper did his worst, I used to have a studio round here and most evenings on my way home I would hear the local guides naming the women he had killed on the very spot his crowd were standing on. It always sent a chill down my spine as over the road I waited for the bus and watched the current prostitutes emerging from the alleyways.
Can you just imagine all the stories these doors keep locked away?
Before I headed home with a heart full of inspiration I went to the National Portrait Gallery to see the exhibiton An Englishman in New York: Photographs by Jason Bell. I love New York, I've only been a couple of times but I wish I'd been more, and maybe lived there for a while. This is one of the few regrets I have in life, maybe one day I will get to do it... Anyway, this is a small but perfect exhibition, great photographs, interesting subjects all with their own New York story to tell.
Actually the whole gallery was fascinating - I don't often go there but I found so many interesting displays to look at. I polished the day off with a little bit of cake and sketched the overhead view through the glass roof.
Inspired, revived, clear headed. And home in time to tuck the girls into bed. A perfect day.
Wednesday, 2 March 2011
hand made tales
Tradition is a funny thing, we carry forward age old traditions without really knowing it. It's just something we do, part of us. Our history, our family, our future.
Yesterday I snuck out all by myself for a mooch around the city. I started at the Hand Made Tales exhibition at the Women's Library. I wasn't sure what to expect but I've heard a lot about this place and was pleasantly surprised. Despite being empty (just me at one point) it was very welcoming and very comforting. Phrases like 'I remember those', 'Oh we had one too', 'that's just like ours' kept popping into my mind.
It was all so familiar, I don't think I'd realised before just how much I do, by hand. There were examples of patchwork, crochet, knitting, cooking, gardening, baking, dress making, embroidery, the sharing of recipe books and ideas. It was really inspiring, and completely in touch with all the blogs I find myself reading and the lifestyle choices so many people seem to be returning to these days.
Every item on display had a personal tale to go with it, it was like having a chat with someone from 40 years ago or so. There is family history in everything we make, tales from where the fabric came from, who chose the colours, what techniques came from overseas with our ancestors, it all shapes our children's future memories and the way they will see their childhood and selves. It's what they will have fond connections with and the times they will remember every time they fold that blanket or smell a favourite jam.
I came away totally inspired and reminded that what I do matters, that it's what thousands of women before us have done and that I'm not being completely selfish and crafting just to fulfill my needs - it's important to our families too.
I wonder what will happen to all the things I/we make in the future and how people will respond to them if they happen to end up in an exhibition in 60 years time. I suspect it will comfort and inspire the future generations too.
There's more to come from my much needed day out, but I need to get to bed. x
an unfinished quilt - hours of hand stitching abandoned for who knows what reason
a lady made this dressing gown for her daughter, who then chose to wear it as a coat
It was all so familiar, I don't think I'd realised before just how much I do, by hand. There were examples of patchwork, crochet, knitting, cooking, gardening, baking, dress making, embroidery, the sharing of recipe books and ideas. It was really inspiring, and completely in touch with all the blogs I find myself reading and the lifestyle choices so many people seem to be returning to these days.
the pearly queen outfit - all those buttons! - just wonderful
Every item on display had a personal tale to go with it, it was like having a chat with someone from 40 years ago or so. There is family history in everything we make, tales from where the fabric came from, who chose the colours, what techniques came from overseas with our ancestors, it all shapes our children's future memories and the way they will see their childhood and selves. It's what they will have fond connections with and the times they will remember every time they fold that blanket or smell a favourite jam.
some have-a-go knitting, I didn't want to drop all the stitches so left it alone
I came away totally inspired and reminded that what I do matters, that it's what thousands of women before us have done and that I'm not being completely selfish and crafting just to fulfill my needs - it's important to our families too.
I wonder what will happen to all the things I/we make in the future and how people will respond to them if they happen to end up in an exhibition in 60 years time. I suspect it will comfort and inspire the future generations too.
a place to pass on recipes and tips
There's more to come from my much needed day out, but I need to get to bed. x
Monday, 21 February 2011
a new book... and 2 winners
I got this lovely book, The Handmade Home by Sania Pell for Christmas, it has many inspiring and not too frilly and girly projects to make your home a handmade one. I have just taken a load of photo's of the inside pages but have decided not to publish them, that's just stealing right? Copyright laws are there for a reason. So pop over here for a little peek inside. Or look for it in you local bookshop - even better to see it in the flesh. If I ever get around to making anything from it I will of course show you that.
And the winners, of course, 2 lovely ladies wanted a copy of Alan Bennetts's - A Life Like Other People's and when I have them in my grubby hands I will be sending them to Me and Ma and French Knots.
It's half term here and I intend to spend the next week soaking up some good times, so I'll see you in a week. Unless of course they drive me insane and I need to escape.
And the winners, of course, 2 lovely ladies wanted a copy of Alan Bennetts's - A Life Like Other People's and when I have them in my grubby hands I will be sending them to Me and Ma and French Knots.
It's half term here and I intend to spend the next week soaking up some good times, so I'll see you in a week. Unless of course they drive me insane and I need to escape.
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
sowing time
The sun hat got his hat on, hip-hip-hip hooray, so we went out to play.
My it feels good to get outside again. I have missed the fresh air so much this winter. We sowed out first seeds today, Little Missy loves to garden and she got to try out their new tools. She very carefully helped fill up the plant pots and toilet rolls with compost and patiently made a hole for each seed and tucked it up to sleep.
As you can see 4 toilet rolls fit perfectly into the bottom part of a 4 pint milk bottle. We started off most of our crops this way last year as they are so easy to move on - no untangling roots from seed trays. And of course we seem to have hundreds of them so they are put to good re-use.
And once cut up the top half of the milk bottle makes perfect labels, I use a sharpie to write on them, the pen scrubs off / fades away by the time you can recognise your plant so you can re-use them again and again.
Can't stop a little one removing them though - any tips?
Don't forget to sign up for the book giveaway if you want a free book in time for World Book Night. I will be getting lots of copies to pass onto people so don't miss out!
My it feels good to get outside again. I have missed the fresh air so much this winter. We sowed out first seeds today, Little Missy loves to garden and she got to try out their new tools. She very carefully helped fill up the plant pots and toilet rolls with compost and patiently made a hole for each seed and tucked it up to sleep.
As you can see 4 toilet rolls fit perfectly into the bottom part of a 4 pint milk bottle. We started off most of our crops this way last year as they are so easy to move on - no untangling roots from seed trays. And of course we seem to have hundreds of them so they are put to good re-use.
And once cut up the top half of the milk bottle makes perfect labels, I use a sharpie to write on them, the pen scrubs off / fades away by the time you can recognise your plant so you can re-use them again and again.
Can't stop a little one removing them though - any tips?
Don't forget to sign up for the book giveaway if you want a free book in time for World Book Night. I will be getting lots of copies to pass onto people so don't miss out!
Monday, 14 February 2011
do you love books? - a giveaway
I do. Any kind...
...novels to lose myself in and go on someone else's journey.
...books to learn from and go on my own adventures.
...coffee table books, to drool over beautiful images and be inspired.
...children's books, so we can learn to read together and laugh and share fears and experiences and fall in love with the characters.
...so we can share the love of a good book and discover new worlds.
I've always loved books, the feel of the paper, the smell of an old book, wondering who else read this very copy. A stack of books waiting to be read, books to refer to, share and enjoy.
But since having children I haven't really read for myself, up until recently I was too tired - I would go to bed with a book and be asleep by the second chapter. I'm a little less exhausted these days and I'm trying to make the time to read more.
I'm currently reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. This is emotionally quite a hard book to read, some days I just can't face the sadness, but I am enjoying it.
When I heard about World Book Night which is on 5th March, and how they wanted 20,000 people to volunteer to give books to others, I signed up. I love the idea of thousands of people all curled up with a novel at the same time. By themselves but somehow sharing the experience.
This is the book I chose, Alan Bennett's A Life Like Other People's. I would like to share some of these with you. I will be giving away 3 copies on this blog. This is just open to UK resident's - sorry, I don't get the books until the week before WBN so I want to make sure they get to you on time.
If you'd like a copy leave a comment and tell me 3 things you love to do and what you're reading at the moment.
If you win, you have to promise to read a bit of the book on 5th March, World Book Night.
I will drawn names out of a teapot next Monday afternoon, the 21st February. Good luck!
If you are overseas and sadly can't enter the giveaway I'd still love to know what you're reading. I'll be doing another giveaway soonish that you can join in.
...novels to lose myself in and go on someone else's journey.
...books to learn from and go on my own adventures.
...coffee table books, to drool over beautiful images and be inspired.
...children's books, so we can learn to read together and laugh and share fears and experiences and fall in love with the characters.
...so we can share the love of a good book and discover new worlds.
I've always loved books, the feel of the paper, the smell of an old book, wondering who else read this very copy. A stack of books waiting to be read, books to refer to, share and enjoy.
But since having children I haven't really read for myself, up until recently I was too tired - I would go to bed with a book and be asleep by the second chapter. I'm a little less exhausted these days and I'm trying to make the time to read more.
I'm currently reading Jodi Picoult's My Sister's Keeper. This is emotionally quite a hard book to read, some days I just can't face the sadness, but I am enjoying it.
When I heard about World Book Night which is on 5th March, and how they wanted 20,000 people to volunteer to give books to others, I signed up. I love the idea of thousands of people all curled up with a novel at the same time. By themselves but somehow sharing the experience.
This is the book I chose, Alan Bennett's A Life Like Other People's. I would like to share some of these with you. I will be giving away 3 copies on this blog. This is just open to UK resident's - sorry, I don't get the books until the week before WBN so I want to make sure they get to you on time.
If you win, you have to promise to read a bit of the book on 5th March, World Book Night.
I will drawn names out of a teapot next Monday afternoon, the 21st February. Good luck!
If you are overseas and sadly can't enter the giveaway I'd still love to know what you're reading. I'll be doing another giveaway soonish that you can join in.
Thursday, 10 February 2011
my creative space
Is a bit all over the place. I finally stitched the crochet flowers onto Little Missy's scarf, she's wearing it all the time now, phew she likes it.
But my new project is very exciting. My younger brother (notice I didn't say little brother - the temptation is huge!) is getting married later in the year and his lovely bride-to-be asked me to make her wedding dress.
Of course I will!!! I was honoured, surprised, thrilled and a little bit terrified - I haven't made anything for a grown up for ages, what if I've forgotten how?
With the little one packed off to pre-school I got cracking. Stereo blasting out (sorry neighbours), No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom, I drafted the pattern and today cut out the calico for the toile (mock up version).
This took me back to when I used spend ours cutting patterns / fabrics for new designs, bare foot whilst listening to something loud.
I had the best time. It reminded me of who I used to be, it made me wonder who I am now and who I will become as the children get older.
Needless to say I am really enjoying this project.
This is a bit of a creative tease, because of course you won't actually get to see it until the summer, after the big day.
As you can imagine my little girls are delighted to have been asked to be bridesmaids, Big is oh-so excited, Little said she'd rather be a princess thank you. (two more dress to make?)
The wedding is a handmade one, they are a creative pair, as are many of their friends and family who are being brought in to help, I'm very excited - there's a lot of love going into this wedding.
Speaking of love....
... look what dropped through my letter box. I was the lucky winner of Flaming Nora's 'love token' giveaway. It is just perfectly scrumptious, along with a card and some chocolates for us all - which I promise I will share. Thank you, thank you!
More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.
But my new project is very exciting. My younger brother (notice I didn't say little brother - the temptation is huge!) is getting married later in the year and his lovely bride-to-be asked me to make her wedding dress.
Of course I will!!! I was honoured, surprised, thrilled and a little bit terrified - I haven't made anything for a grown up for ages, what if I've forgotten how?
With the little one packed off to pre-school I got cracking. Stereo blasting out (sorry neighbours), No Doubt - Tragic Kingdom, I drafted the pattern and today cut out the calico for the toile (mock up version).
This took me back to when I used spend ours cutting patterns / fabrics for new designs, bare foot whilst listening to something loud.
I had the best time. It reminded me of who I used to be, it made me wonder who I am now and who I will become as the children get older.
Needless to say I am really enjoying this project.
This is a bit of a creative tease, because of course you won't actually get to see it until the summer, after the big day.
As you can imagine my little girls are delighted to have been asked to be bridesmaids, Big is oh-so excited, Little said she'd rather be a princess thank you. (two more dress to make?)
The wedding is a handmade one, they are a creative pair, as are many of their friends and family who are being brought in to help, I'm very excited - there's a lot of love going into this wedding.
Speaking of love....
... look what dropped through my letter box. I was the lucky winner of Flaming Nora's 'love token' giveaway. It is just perfectly scrumptious, along with a card and some chocolates for us all - which I promise I will share. Thank you, thank you!
More creative spaces over at Kootoyoo.
Sunday, 6 February 2011
looking
I noticed some beautiful details this weekend, wonderful to see some colour too.
This morning we plodded off to the allotment for the first time this year. What joy - fresh air, the girls digging and helping, planning, and finding weeding is strangely satisfying.
We have big plans for this years crops, more variety, a flower bed, new fruits. So excited.
Thankful for friends in the playground, who give thoughtful gifts to the girls, just because. This flower opened while we are at the allotment, a very cheery surprise to come back to. More colour over at silverpebble.
This morning we plodded off to the allotment for the first time this year. What joy - fresh air, the girls digging and helping, planning, and finding weeding is strangely satisfying.
We have big plans for this years crops, more variety, a flower bed, new fruits. So excited.
Friday, 4 February 2011
ooh - cheat!
Thanks to school and pre-school, this week has been non-stop chatter about Chinese New Year, lucky envelopes, the colour red and lanterns. Keeping up with the interest in food Missy Big wanted a Chinese meal. I had intended to make one - but Mr cheered hooray for a take-away. Who am I to argue with the genuine article? Cheat, me? Too right.
We did make some lanterns though, you can't have a celebration without decorations.
(Did you know you could get no-flame tealights so they are safe in paper decorations? I got these in Hobbycraft - perfect for a bit of atmosphere without the fire hazard!)
Have a great weekend, whatever you're celebrating. x
We did make some lanterns though, you can't have a celebration without decorations.
(Did you know you could get no-flame tealights so they are safe in paper decorations? I got these in Hobbycraft - perfect for a bit of atmosphere without the fire hazard!)
Have a great weekend, whatever you're celebrating. x
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