Making the most of the sunshine

After school today, we got straight into the garden and painted some plant pots. We used the sunshine to inspire us. It's been such a lovely day.

Mine is the middle one. I have done a Paisley design,  which isn't finished yet. I love my daughters.  She painted the four seasons around hers.
Lil man's is . . . Is his own design that only he understands!!!

Happy spring days

Kel
X

Mother's day treats

Hi

It is always great to get spoilt on Mother's day. But, I always appreciate the simple things more.

I just love receiving homemade gifts and card's as much as giving them.

I had a fab day, just pottering around the garden and having family time.

Lil man and myself are just popping out to get some plants for the garden. I do try every year, but I don't have a clue. I wish someone would come round and start me off!!!

Kel x

Hillary's country craft competition

Hello people

I have taken part in the Hillary's country craft competition.

I thought I was going to go all out on this challenge,but with starting the new business, time just ran away with me. I had to keep it simple and sticking to what I knew didn't freak me out.

I decided to make a cushion cover. I have a large feather filled cushion at home that needs a new cover . . . so off I went.

Here is how I started. I chose the fabric and trimmings to go with the Hillary's fabric I chose, Calluna Amethyst. I wanted to also add a personal touch to the cushion, so I stenciled a bird to the calico side of the cushion cover.

I found a picture of a bird I liked and used grease proof paper, contrasting fabric paint and a sponge dabber and off I went.

When the paint was dry I gently sealed it with an iron. 

I then went on to sew the two front panels together and pressed the seams open.

Added the trim. I chose purple velvet and cream lace trim. 

I decided to make an envelope style closing at the back. 

I have two young children and I have to put my soft furnishings in the wash a lot. They put them to the test!!!!

My kids use my cushions as trampolines, weapons and shields in pillow fighting and building them up to make a fort, so I find not having buttons or zips makes it safer and easier to live with.

I finished by sewing all the pieces together and viola . . . 

Let's see how long this one lasts with my two little tinkers!!!

This measures approximately 60x60cm. 

Kel x 

Cramming in a craft

Oh my

Oh my what a busy time I have had recently. I have been trying to get the studio ready and family time.
I want to apologise for the lack of blogging recently. I have felt like I have been burning the candle at both ends. I haven't blogged or looked at any blogs. I haven't even been on Google+ (sad face).
My days have been filled with everything from painting chairs to designing websites.

My house n garden (when it isn't rainy) have been filled with (16) half painted chairs. I have chosen these bright colours to brighten the place up. 

The walls n shelves are white and then I went and chose white and multi spot oilcloth, so it was looking a little bland.

I have also been painting, glazing and firing some test pieces. I have to admit, I am no artist, but I have to practice. Here are some pieces before glazing and firing . . . 

(Some of the lighting in the studio is fluorescent tubing and causes lines on the pics I take sometimes, annoying)

You can see the studio is coming along, with some chairs painted and tables covered and erected. Slowly but surely.

If you are interested in taking a look at the Studio's website and what we offer, take a look at my website:

www.splatnsplodge.co.uk

What can I make with these lovely beads? I was thinking of some kind of garland.

I found these beads outside a shop in the centre where my studio is. I kept walking past and they kept catching my eye. Illlooooovvveeee the colours and now I know why. They beads match my oilcloth!!! Meant to be!!

The beads are made by thread being wound round the ball. These straight away remind me of Christmas when I was a child. We used to have Christmas tree baubles made this way. Agghhh nostalgia!!  

I just had to have these little beauties for outside the studio . . . how cute? 

Where's the crochet? I hear you say. . . 

Well, I managed to get the Yorkshire, Haworth to be precise. I used to live here and always try to get there when I can. I had 2 nights away without the little people and managed to spend some time with my mum and sister. 

 Haworth is such a beautiful quint place. With just one main street. It is full of quirky shops and cottages. If you are not familiar with Haworth, it is the birth place of the Bronte sisters. This place is so magical that it would encourage anybody to put pen to paper.

Where was I? . . . o yes crochet. Whist I was at my Mums, I raided her wool stash and found a ball of wool and started on a scarf. Just because I couldn't sit still!! I didn't take any crochet with me because I didn't have space in my bag . . . shock . . . .horror!!

Anyway, here it is. A skinny scarf, using a pattern from the an issue of Simply Crochet.

On to the sewing. I have entered the Hillarys Blinds Country Craft Competition! I am going to write another blog post about this, because I also have to send this off to them. I am not expecting to win this competition but I like a challenge. Like I said, I just did't have the time to throw myself into this full throttle. When I first entered, I had big plans for the fabric. But in the end . . . .'I ran out of time'!!!

Kel x