Pamper Products

Firstly, my apologies for not having blogged for so long.  Where has the time gone.  Well, back to it now.  Are you ready for my latest adventure into crafting/making land.

As you already know, I have 'made' items for many, many years.  However, I have never made pampering products; soap, salt scrubs, handcream, face packs, foot creams, bath bombs etc.  So when I saw that my local college, Beauchamp Community College, was offering a 3 lesson course at a super cheap price of only £13 (including materials) I jumped at the chance.

Monday, was the first session.  Our Tutor Julie, seems to be a little like me, can do everything knit, sew, bake and make pamper products.  There are five of us in the group. I was expecting many more, and we had to team up.  My partner is Rachel http://rachel-honeypotcakes.blogspot.com/ supplies cakes to cafe's and deli's in and around Leicester.  She works from home and it was great to be able to chat with her about baking. 

Anyway, I digress, back to the course.  Our first make was bath salts.  So easy, just what it says on the jar, salt, bicarbonate of soda, epsom salts and a choice of lavender, camomile or summer berries to give it that additional aromatic essence.  

I may have to update this recipe as the recipe booklet was still being printed:

Recipe:

5 teaspoons of rock salt/flakes (any type of salt will do but aesthetically a combination of rock & flakes looks best. 

3 teaspoons of epsom salts (soothes aching muscles)

5 teaspoons of salt

5 teaspoons of bicarbonate of soda (gives you the fizzzzzzzzzzzz in your water)

Mix well to combine ingredients

Add an aromatic of your choice (I choose Summer Berries)

Mix well to make sure the aromatic is mix throughout your salt mix.

Now for the difficult bit.  You can use any old jars. Julie had bought some spare ones.  We then painted the lids with acrylic paint, sprinkled a bit of glitter on the top, cut out a leaf label and attached with some ribbon, rafia or string.  So simple yet so effective. 

These salts have a long shelf life so no problem with making them for a Christmas Gift.

Satisfactory points: 

Easy to obtain ingredients

Simple to make

Salt is an antibacterial agent

Unsatisfactory points:

Not many people take a bath so who do you give it to?

As we  had a little time left at the end of the evening, Julie gave us the opportunity for a bit of self pampering. We made a small quanity of handcream.

Recipe

1 small teaspoon of Aqueous cream (very cheap and available at most Chemists)

2 drops of an essential oil (we had a choice of lavender or jasmine)

Julie then demonstrated how to apply the handcream therapeutically via a handmassage. Then it was our turn to give a hand massage to each other.  Very warming and it works.  Lovely soft hands.  

Satisfactory points:

Easily obtainable ingredients

Warming, relaxing hand massage 

Unsatisfactory points:

Cream has to be made at point of use.

Overall, a good experience and a relaxing evening.  Pity there weren't more people there.

Next week: Face Pack, Foot Balm.  

End of Summer

Sad but true.  The days are beginning to shorten, the children are going back to school, there is an autumnal nip in the air and the leaves are beginning to flutter down from the trees.  Where did summer go?  Last time I looked it was May and the days were warming, lengthening and the sun was shining brightly.

It has been such an eventful summer and our lives have been so full with many blessings that we haven't had time to sit and reflect.  So for your pleasure and delight here are a few of the highlights since my last blog back in May (my apologies to my lovely followers for such tardiness).

May
Malvern show - Anyone who hasn't had the opportunity to go really must treat themselves.  Don't bother with Chelsea which is packed with folk and you can't buy any plants you may want.

Trip on Conqueror down the Lapworth Flight  and round to Hatton Flight.  We were lucky with the weather and as Helen was with us for the first half of the journey the Lapworth Flight was easy to do despite lots of hire boaters. Adrian  and Harmony called over to pick up Helen and we even managed a canalside BBQ. Of course, that then left the oldies to go  Geocaching.

June & July
These two months were more about being on 'standby' with the impending arrival of our first grandson.  Cameron William  arrived on 13th July and what a big boy he was 9lb 15oz.  His arrival and development could be a blog in its' own right and of course, in our eyes and his parents eyes, he is absolutely amazing.

Another hight spot for me in July was my first proper concert/gig.  Take That - Progress Tour.  Claire unfortunately was too pregnant to go so Helen and I went and took way too many photographs.  It was amazing and never have I seen so many people in one place at Wembley Arena.  There's live in the old girl yet and my singing and dancing was no more embarrassing than anyone else.

August
Well, been away for most of August.  Spent two weeks being Nannie to Cameron and helping out his mummy which was brilliant.  Even discovered the Mudchute Farm Park which is great for small children with lots of pets to touch and feed.  I'm told the Christmas trees are a good buy when the time is right.  During my stay there were the London Riots some disturbance occurred just around the corner from where we were and it was pretty horrific to watch the local London News showing the appalling rioting and ridiculous, mindless behaviour of folk and I refuse to just blame the 'young people'. This was all ages, races and classes.

As big geocachers we took advantage of a trip to Swansea for the UK Mega Event.  The Premier Inn in Swansea was excellent and had lovely views over the harbour.  They've put a lot of work in to revitalising Swansea town centre.  The photo shows a bunch of cachers we bumped into whilst out.  Well actually, they are like Geocaching Royality, the reviewers and on the bottom left Jeremy Irish, the Geocaching CEO.  Look out for the two Travel Bugs (TB's) which he gave us.   Very cool.

And here we are about to begin another school year and move into autumn and winter which, I have no doubt, will pass just as quickly as the summer months.  Time to get thinking about Christmas only 115 days to go.  Yes, quick get those cards written.  Meanwhile, I have a grandson to knit a couple of woolly jumpers for.  Burrrrr.  Maybe now is the time to put the heating on.

Read any good books lately.

When I finished teaching I admit to missing the chance to read.  Okay, so at school it was the GCSE texts 'Of Mice & Men', AQA Poetry Anthology and even the simple English texts I used with my English as an Additional Language students.

I knew the local library had a crime fiction reading group, not my favourite genre.  I turned up keen and eager anticipating some lively debate and discussion. As it turned out the group has about fifteen, 'mature' ladies. They are avid readers of crime fiction preferably 'Mid Summer Murders' rather than the gratuitous violence of  'The girl with the Dragon tattoo' (Steg Larson)  As with any group there is always the dominant one who has way to much to say and cuts across others points of view.

So what could I do.  Easy, set up my own reading group.  Now, by definition my reading group will compromise of friends and neighbours.  Back in January we had our first meeting.  All five of us keen and eager; two ex teachers, an administrator for the Tax Office, an ex pathologist and a lady who does good works.  We now meet monthly at each others houses and the hostess chooses the book for the month.

March has offered two very different books.
Library Group:
P J Tracy - Play to Kill (want to play again?) 
This took quite a time to get going.  I think I came to this novel at a disadvantage.  Although this novel is a 'stand alone' the characters have been developed and used in previous novels.  For me, I cannot get my head around the various mnemonics used for American police fiction.  The crimes involved gave the novel a great start as the serial killer gets to work but the level of tension didn't follow through and the plot drifted.  As the murders were posted on the internet and the techie guys got to work to develop software I wondered if this was becoming a little unrealistic.  It did raise my awareness of how much technology has moved on and what a Big Brother society we live in.
Star Rating:  3 out of 5

Eden Forest Reading Group:
Helen Simonson - Mr Pettigrew's Last Stand
Edgecombe St. Mary a quintessential English village filled with cute rose covered cottages, nosey neighbours, golf club cliches, Lord of the Manor and a village shop run by Asians.  Shock! Horror! The English author, has recently moved with her family to America and I can only think that her publisher is American as there are a number of editing errors.  We have 'rubbish' not 'garbage'.  There were other phrases too that didn't sit comfortably with the scene.  The main character is Major Pettigrew, ex military and charming but there were times when I wanted him to stop being such a softie and revert back to his military role rather than letting people walk all over him.  His relationship with the shopkeep, Mrs Ali, also seemed too contrived.  I have yet to go into a village store where the shop keeper mixes tea leaves to get a perfect blend of tea.  This is a sweet  little novel, a nice light holiday read.
Star Rating: 4 out of 5

What books would you recommend.  Leave a comment. Well, that's it for this week.  No crafting although there is a crafter who crochets Harry Potter and Star Wars figures.   Investigating further.  Off to book club.  Have a good week.

It's a long way to ... Part 1

And yet another week suddenly appears as if by magic.  It's been a very exciting time the last few days what with Census training that was cancelled and then red legged partridge sitting on the roof and Rosie being let outside and finally a couple of days away to start our 2011 long walk.  Yes, we're back to Norfolkshire.  This time we are walking the Weavers Way, 64 miles from Great Yarmouth Pier to Cromer Pier.  Okay, we might do one or twenty geocaches along the way.

First destination was the Travel Lodge in the village of Acle.  South of Norwich and about three hours drive from home.   The thing with a Travel Lodge is that you know what you are going to get; bed, tv, a chair, if your lucky, bathroom and towels and tea/coffee making facilities.  Nothing fancy and cheap.  Well, to be honest we're only going to be in the room overnight so it does us well.

Saturday was just a short stretch of the Weavers Way.  Norfolk County Council have a really useful sight which gives details of this and other walks.  http://goo.gl/13oi7  Although we did a short stretch to Acle bridge some of the path was redirected as they are putting in flood defenses in the area.  Fortunately, the diversion was well signposted and didn't take us too far off route.

I really think Sunday was the real starting point for this walk.  Having parked at Acle station, we hopped onto the local train to Great Yarmouth.  I would like to say that there was lots to see but as with most of this part of the world it is dead flat and apart from the occasional windmill or six there is not that much to entertain the eye.



In no time at all we were at Great Yarmouth.  Just across from the station there are three way marker for the Weavers Way. Wherrymans Way and Anglers Way.  For those interested The Wherry was a type of sailing craft that carried cargo along the Norfolk Broads in the 19th Century.  And yes, there is a cache here too, which we found.  Now off to the very start of the WW just a mile away at the Britannia Pier.Think it would be a good idea to update the posters though.

The starting point for the Weavers Way

We'd had a hearty breakfast a the local Sainburys and packed with large thermos and sandwiches we headed out past every seaside shop imaginable.  Yarmouth Rock Shop, have your photo taken looking like some mad Victorian who went down with the Titanic, buckets and spades, tee shirts with some 'interesting' quotes, a gift shop selling the most gaudy items ever.  I think my favourite was the shop selling CD's  from the old days.  Try pass that one without joining in with 'Knees up Mother Brown...'  Past candy floss and fish and chips heading for the 17/18th century area of Yarmouth.  Some lovely old buildings but no time to stand and stare.

 

Now to do some 'proper' walking, away from the madding crowd.  Mile after mile after mile of marshland and an endless views of the River Yare (don't know if you're suppose to pronounce it Yare as in Hare or Yare as in Yarmouth)  Again windmills shooting up from the ground reminding you of the fact that this area is sensitive to the forces of nature and water being that driving force hence the windmills to pump out the water from the marshes.  This area is supposed to be a Sight of Special Scientific Interest.  All I can say is that the inventor of plastic containers should be given the job of picking them all up.  Bottles, tyres, bread baskets, fish containers, rope, hard hats and large cushions obviously from a floating gin palace or a plaki/tupperware boat.  What a shame for the environment.  Although I am glad to say it did reduce the further  the walk went.  

http://www.berneyarms.co.uk/html/berneyarms/railway/berney_railway1.htm

On and on and on.  Not a soul in sight.  Time for lunch, and a cache, the most remote we've ever done. Seven miles done.  We're getting there.   So what was the highspot?  Well, strange to say, money buys all things and we were heading for the most remote and smallest railway station ever.  Berney Arms.  You can't drive to it you can only get
there by train from Yarmouth.  Some egotistical Victorian did a bit of bargaining with the Railway Company for the land and had this station built, effectively just for him.  It all backfired on him when the railways realised it was a bad investment and reduced the services.  It's a big draw for the train spotters.  Try putting into YouTube.  There is a pub close to hand which also has a tea/gift shop both of which need a lick of paint, but according to some portly guys we met at the station, does good beer and food.  So get your walking boots on or saddle up your horse and give it a try.

Still a long way to go.  Now for the infamous Halvergate Marsh.  It is called a marsh for a reason.  Mud glorious mud.  Now for those of us who discovered a 5cm(2") hole in their walking shoes this was going to be tricky.  But, someone up there is looking after me.  It was pretty dry.  The occasional hop, skip jump meant we avoided getting wet feet again. And then, on the horizon my nemisis.  Cattle, skittish bulls.  PANIC!  No stick to beat them off only the trusty husband to stand guard and fend off these evil creature.  Okay, so I exaggerate slightly but there was a very impressive sign warning us of the dangers of boggy marshes and CATTLE.  Horses I can deal with but bovines, no way.  Again, we struck lucky. There was this wonderful dyke between us and them.  Whilst having yet another rest break we were treated to the most spectacular flying display by a flock of birds.  I suspect that the hawk we saw a few minutes later may have been the cause of the display but it was quite spectacular.

Keep going, only a few miles left.  Oh no, a hill.  We'd already walk a good 11 miles. Last year, to do the Moonwalk in London I trained for three months and took lots of carbs, high energy goodies and loads of water.  Today, was turning into a Marathon rather than a gentle walk.   We were heading for the village of Tunstall.  The church was burnt to the ground in the 16th century and rumour has it that the devil came and took the bells and plunged them into a black pool where they remain to this day, working their way into the bowels of the earth.  Cache found and the final rest/refreshment break of the day.   By this stage I was getting ready to throw in the towel.  13 miles and still 2 or more to go to get back to the station at Acle.

http://www.norfolkchurches.co.uk/tunstall/tunstall.htm

You trudge on and on and eventually you end up back where you started.  Thank heavens.  15.25 miles done.  Now for the three hour journey back to home via a very nice pub at Marholm for a well deserved Sunday Roast and treacle tart.  Yum.  Think Eddie  will re-evaluate the length of walk next time.  Only 40 something miles left to go.  Now we need to find a weekend and some fine weather to do it.  Off to buy some new walking shoes.

Crochet or knitting?

Here we are again, the sun is shining and the sky is blue, the buds are breaking out and the blossom too.  Sounds almost like a poem.  But that is just how it is this morning.  Okay, had a bit of a frost but the sun is spring like warm so the frost will soon disappear.
You may remember that I finished the 'Bump Jumper' a few days back so now I sitting twiddling my fingers whilst watching TV in the evening.  So, what does one do?  Well obviously you go on Youtube.com and do a bit of searching around to find a new skill or technique.    I have recently noticed a general trend for crochet work.  There you go then, the answer, Crochet.  
I can remember my granny doing some lovely, fine lace crochet with a really fine crochet hook making doilies to place around her house under pots and photos.  Being a child of the 70's granny squares, made up into a waistcoat, was so hip and now it's back.  From jewellery to cushion covers.  Brilliant.  
I remember watching a lady called Margaret Bathgate crocheting at work during lunch times and it was one of those 'Eureka' moments when I thought I could do that.  With crochet hook and ball of wall in my hand I started out trying to decipher the 'language'  chain, double crochet (dc) treble crochet (tr) etc.   But, and here's the oddity, I don't hold my wool correctly and use a sort of knitting style with hook and wool in the same hand.  Anyway, it works for me and I think that is true of anything you have to find a style that suits you.  

Blooming lovely

The art of crochet.  It would seem you can use anything but I'm not that adventurous yet.  Last nights project was to produce flowers.  The one on the right was my first attempt at a flower and the left was my own design once I knew what I was trying to do.  Now bad for a beginner. Now to decide what do with them; headband, brooch, bracelet.  
Its really quick to achieve results with the minimum of fuss and bother.  Just beware there is a difference in terminology between English and American patterns.  try this link.

http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/includes/chart_crochetterms.php

A couple of recommendations for you: 

• The Art of Crochet - http://goo.gl/QSBd7

This is the Youtube site where Teresa clearly explains and demonstrates how to produce the above flowers and others.

• Booties By Dannie   -   http://goo.gl/WKPDD

This designer makes me laugh.  She is so creative with her crochet work.  From Harry Potter/Star Wars figures to the cutest of babies booties.  

Give it a go.  Fancy doing a workshop  Get in touch.  Have a great week and thanks for your ongoing support. 

To buy handmade or not to buy handmade.

There is nothing that personally gives me more pleasure than selling one of my creations and receiving positive feedback.  But I don't handmake just for the sake of it but because I believe that every creative person puts a little bit of themselves into each item.  This makes the items that little bit special.  No two items are the same. Why? Because they are handmade.  No mass produced, cheap import.  I've nothing against cheap imports as long as they treat their workers fairly and pay them a wage that they can live on and safe working conditions.  

http://www.fairtrade.org.uk/

When ever possible I do try to purchase Fairtrade products. Fairtrade covers better prices, good working conditions and sustainability for the farmers and working in the developing world.  In essence though they are looking at commodity products.  Support Fairtrade during Fairtrade fortnight. 

We should also be supporting our own creative talent. And that is why it is important that we support independent designers and makers in the UK.  UKHandmade.co.uk is launching a campaign to get people buying handmade. 


I know that every item I produce is not just a piece of material but an item where a little bit of me has gone in too.  I do it to make people feel good about themselves, to find that individual items that says something special.  The item may be for yourself, a special friends or as a way of reminding someone how much you appreciate/love/miss them.  

Strawberries & Cream giveaway

As I like to practice what I preach I'm launching my first ever 'GIVEAWAY'. The proof of the pudding is in the eating or in this case in the winning of one packet of my ' babysock muffins.  The strawberries and cream' packet contains two pairs of baby socks, 0-6 months.  And yes, they do look good enough to eat. 


In order to claim the prize all you need to do is tell me why you should win them.  You can gain an extra entry by following me on Twitter @Blossombuttons.  Getting really excited now and looking forward to all your comments.  And a big thank you to those of you who follow me.  Have a good week. 

Little Bump or Big Bump?

I think there is nothing more pleasing than finishing a project and thinking 'Yes, that works'.  So 10 balls of  Rowan all season cotton and three weeks later the 'Bump Jumper' is finished.  Bump jumper? Okay, it's a jumper for those pregnant ladies who can expect to increase their waist lines over a period of months. The ribbons and vents can be adjusted to accommodate the growing 'bump'.  I just happen to know someone (daughter) who could do with one.

I was browsing through the craft section at the local library and found this book, Natural Knits for Babies and Mums by Louisa Harding.This gave me the inspiration I needed. I would definitely recommend the book.  Lots of simple but very effective designs from booties and hats to nursing jumpers and teddy bears.  I may have to renew on a number of occasions as there are so many items to create or I may even buy a copy.

I have knitted for years but it always seems to grow so slowly unless you are using big pins.  Heaven, 5.5 mm needles and thick cotton meant the four pieces grew very quickly.  Also made it easier to count the rows when checking my guage.  Only problem, numb fingers.  Must be the way I hold my needles and wrap the wool around my hand.  

Bump jumper with ribbon vents

It's all in the detail

Moss Stitch edging

 Well, it's done.  I'm pleased with it. Can't wait to see it being modelled.  And for those curious to know; the red roses are baby sock roses ready to get put onto Folksy.com.  May have to think about a babysock giveaway next week. So encourage your friends to read my blog.  Watch this space.  Have a happy crafty week everyone. 

Take some pretty material & some baby socks...

It's always nice to get back home but how I hate the pile of washing and ironing that you end up with.  Being the world biggest procrastinator it didn't take much persuading to get me to meet up with a friend in Stamford, Lincolnshire. http://www.stamford.co.uk/tourism/attractions.shtml  The number of times we have driven past it without stopping to look around.  If you like that quintessentially English town that seems to have been locked in the past then go and have a look around.  We went in all the best dress shops, it costs nothing to look, and breezed in and out of numerous charity shops looking for that individual piece or little treasure to add to various collections.

Best of all was the discovery of a fantastic fabric shop Callyco, in Stamford Walk. (Callyco.com) It was like being in a sweet shop.  What to choose?  Ribbons, buttons, patterns, fabric?   I always head straight for the remnants bin and digging deep found the perfect furnishing fabric to match the French Pastoral Scenes on the wallpaper in my studio.  Big tick there. Now I can make the cushion for the wicker chair and turn my black office chair into an item of beauty.  Having a passion for anything green, I immediately grabbed a green piece which I can hopefully turn into a summer top and then this lovely, summery fabric.  Pretty small designs flowers in yellows, purple, white.  Because the design is small it is going to be brilliant for the Kanzashi hair accessories and I am going to work on a childs smocked sundress.

Good enough to eat

Peppermint green/Candyfloss pink

Strawberries & Cream

I seem to have baby things on my mind at the moment and feeling creative and having done a little research came up with baby sock cakes.  Mr Kipling eat your heart out.  Here is my version of the delicious 'french fancies'. Each 'cake' consists two baby socks (Age 0-6 months) which have been created to form swirls before being placed into a cake case to add the extra yummy feel to them.  I'm going to put them on Folksy.com tomorrow £3.50 for 2 'cakes' (2 pairs of socks) + p & p. If you can wait until then contact me on Lavinia@Blossombutton.com

Okay, enough for this week.  On with the show.  Chickens to catch and lock up for the night.  Look forward to your comments and have a lovely week.

Narrowboats or Barges?

And yet another Monday.  Valentines Day and I love you all.  I don't get the ubiquitous cards, roses, champagne and chocolate as, and I quote, "Every day is Valentines Day".  

No photos this week to illuminate the blog as we are in the middle of nowhere on our narrowboat.  62ft of comfort and warmth.  It's a bit like being a snail carrying your home with you wherever you go.  The great thing is that we meet such interesting people with fantastic stories to tell.  But thats for another day.  It does mean that we literally get away from it all.  If you can get a mobile signal you are very lucky.  So luck must be on my side whilst I write this blog.

On this weeks to do list is finishing reading 'The Savage Garden' by Mark Mills.  This was my book of choice for the book group that I set up at the beginning of February.    I'll do a review once completed.  So far  an intriguing read.

The second item on the list is to complete the four components of a special jumper I am knitting.  There I was happily knitting 20" of a mix of moss stitch and stocking stitch.  The end was in sight, eyelet holes were in place 3 row left to do.  A cry of despair went up.   NOOOOOOOO!  I had miscounted one stitch for the last 10" (25cm).  Oh easy, unpick down the one stitch and repair back to the top.  It didn't work.  So only option was to unravel down to the error and knit up again.  Philosophically, wouldn't life be great if you could just unravel things. An inappropriate comment, a glare, a unkind thought or action.  Best option is to keep on eye on things, take care, pay attention and always give of your best.

Final thought.  Have you been able to answer the question in the header.  A barge carries cargo and a narrowboat is a home/leisure craft.  Simple.  Have a good week folk.  Look forward to your comments and pass the word around about my blog.

Spring is in the air

Anyone noticed the days are beginning to open out again.  Hurray, no more dark mornings making it impossible to get out of a warm, cosy bed.  I can even let the chickens out to play when I'm digging out the weeds.  

The reason for me talking about the spring is that we went out to Kelmarsh Hall to the snowdrop weekend.  Kelmarsh Hall is situated in the little Northampton shire village of Kelmarsh.  They hold various events throughout the year and I even had to check to ask about craft fairs in anticipation of being able to get a stall. 

The snowdrops are beautiful.  The only problem is that they hang their heads down so you can't see the pretty centres.   The other thing I noticed were the beautiful colours and texture be it of trees, flowers or the litchen on the trees.  If only I could produce creative embroidery the effects would be brilliant. 

  

We've had a birthday in the family this last week.  Now being a crafter I'm not that like to buy something mass produced.  So off to the material cupboard. Using pink polka dot material and Laura Ashley roses I produced this lovely notebook cover.  Had to say I was quite pleased and complimented with an appropriate pen made a lovely gift.  Now to produce some for Folksy.com/blossombutton.  Will let you know when they are available.  Would make a great gift for Easter, Mothers Day or birthday. 

 

Okay, better check the chickens to see if I have any eggs.  Happy crafting folks. 

Ways to get creative.

The sweetest cow in the world.

At this time of the year, as the nights are getting lighter, there is a renewed spring in my step.  Okay, basically I needed a little inspiration.  The only way to find this inspiration is to go walking.  Yes, I know. Can be hardwork, muddy, wet, cold and tiring.  But on a day like today it's amazing what you can see, hear and touch.

Spot the pheasant

For those of you who don't know me, my husband and I are 'Geocachers'.  Type that into Google and see what come up.  Basically, it is treasure hunting for adults.  Children also have great fun seeking out small boxes, film canisters and animal tags.  With the aid of a GPS (Global positioning system) gadget you seek out this treasure and then write your name in a log book.  The box may or may not contain treasure; small toys, special coins, dog tags attached to objects.  These things can be swapped by yourselves. This morning, after a very hard frost, we set out to Northamptonshire to complete a caching quest that has taken us nearly two years to complete.   Over 26 caches some of which are made up of 5 or 6 parts.  This final part of the series took us to a lovely little village where they have fields full of reeds. The reeds are the hidey holes for pheasant.    It was a fabulous walk and we did manage to achieve our final quest.  We've now completed 1216 cache finds.

Candy floss pink and baby blue.

Anyway, back to the story.  When your out your mind tends to wander and WHAM! an idea suddenly pops into the brain box.   Always carry a note book with you.  By the time I get home I've usually forgotten the brilliance of my idea.  I was once told that if you're ever stuck for a colour scheme or an idea in terms of shape and texture look to nature.  I've done the walk, come home with ideas and now I'm off to get creative.  You'll have to wait and see with what though.  

In, round, through and off...

It occurs to me that I haven't actually given you any background information about me.  Well, not so much about me but where my love of everything crafty came from.  Here is part 1.
In the beginning was Granny Dand was always knitting on thin needles creating the most beautiful knitted  lace items.  And my mum unravelling old jumpers, making them up into skeins, washing them and then reknitting them into larger sized cardigans for us.  And we think recycling is a modern invention.
I think my earliest memory is my mum trying to teach me to knit during an episode of Coronation Street, with those tiny plastic knitting needles that came in all sorts of odd colours; green, pink, and blue.  I don't every remember it being difficult.  Mind you, in those days most girls learnt needlework at school.  I think I was about nine when started knitting a grey school scarf.  Don't ever remember finishing it though.
Then there was Mrs Foulds, bless her.  The best needlework teacher ever, who was so impressed by my red needlecord dress with brass buttons that I was sent to show the headmaster.  I still have the buttons.
Every girls should keep the first real item they have ever created and been really proud of.  Well, I needed a new outfit to start work.  And so appeared this wonderful tan orange skirt, bolero and matching belt with fab tortoise shell buckle.  To top it all off a brown, wide ribbed polo neck jumper.  And yes, I still have that too.

And now the fourth generation of knitters is with us.   Helen knits by the book.  Tension is perfect and her determination to tackle some of the most difficult patterns is admirable.  So too is her patience.

Being the magpie I am this brilliant Patons pattern book is in my safe keeping.  I'm sure I can arrange a loan.
Why not try a new skill.  Pick up those needles and start clicking.

How gorgeous is my new studio?

Sorry folks, but I just have to tell you have lovely my new studio is.  Okay, so the blind isn't yet up and the mirror wardrobe doors aren't yet back in place and, oh yes, my desk, formally known as my large dressing table, hasn't been moved into the newly decorated studio.  But I am so happy with the results.
Do you remember those days when you were little and you wanted everything just so; pretty and sparkling well take a look.  I have always loved the Laura Ashley papers and in fact most of the house is out of the Laura Ashley catalogue dating back thousands of years.  So I went for a feature wall of the cerise toile paper.  The one with pretty pastoral pictures on with nymphs and shepherds, cherubs and windmills.  Every picture tells a tale.  Well this paper certainly does but it just such fun.
To add to my indulgences I went for a beautiful three tiered, small, crystal shade.  It sparkles, it glitters, it throws out random  shafts of light onto the ceiling.  Basically, it is beautiful.  And with the sale at Laura Ashley was reduced by 40%.  Wow.
The blind was probably the most expensive item.  Well, this is a 1960's house and has ridiculously large windows.  You can never buy off the self as they are just a few centimetres too big.  Infact  this window was to large for a roman blind, my first choice hence the roller blind but that's find.  I may even get some crystals to shimmer on the bottom of the blind.  Just for effect of course.
The wicker chair was a bargain in the local Age Concern shop and cost me just £15.  It looks 1950's ish and by the time I have given it a  brush of white paint and sewn a new cushion it will be fabulous.
I also have an old chipboard table which I may try out some decoupage on but that is a long way down the list.

Now, I have to discipline myself to actually getting down to business and producing something for the forth coming craft fairs and on my shops.  Then there are the craft parties for children and adults.  And checking out all the other superb artisans out there.  But that for another day.    Let me know what you think.  I can take criticism, honest.

Another mini-adventure.

I don't know whether I'm scared or just plain excited.  Here is my first of many blogs for Blossom Button.  I've pressed buttons and changed things around.  And now for the important thing.  FOLLOWERS!

I've come across some brilliant blogs and I will endeavour to learn from example.  For now, get ready to find out more about me and my business venture.  Come with me on this new journey.

Target: 50 followers by the end of 2011.