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

Last week

Hi all

I got some great response from my rainbow flower and the cardigan I showcased last week. Thank you everyone for your kind comments.

Last week also saw me take my first steps in the new chapter of my life . . . a very big exciting, nerve racking one. But, if you don't try you will never know!!

Even before that, we celebrated a 3rd birthday in out house and we had a great day out at the snowdome in Tamworth. It was great fun. The kids went tiny tubing, sledging and then we all went swimming, 

We all slept well that night!!! 

I attempted a birthday cake for the birthday bot. Now, I like to bake but I am not a cake decorator and this is my first attempt at covering a cake . . . 

No laughing!!! If you can't tell what or who it is, the bottom layer is Mater and the top layer is Lightening Mcqueen. They are chaacters from the Disney film, Cars. My little boys fave film!

I was a good bake, made with traditional sponge mixture. He does't like jam so it was just a butter cream sandwhich!!

I made a couple of bags last week that I wanted to show you. I made them at the beginning of the week, whilst I was biting my nails off waiting for the news of my shop.

What do you think?

A draw string bag, or a pump bag as we called them in my day!!

I added a lining and it was quite simple after getting a few tips from the blog from 'skiptomylou'

Another small messenger. Pattern pieces are from michellepatterns.com

I think the red lining really brightens the pinstripe up. 

I added a flower to my bag that I made a few weeks ago. It compliments the tweed quite well I thought. I think I am addicted to these crochet flowers!!

Can you tell I am cramming in as much as possible?? I know I have some busy few weeks ahead!!!

Below is some more pictures of the beautiful building where my studio will. I am so happy that I will be situated in this beautiful period building. It used to be the hospital for Shrewsbury/Salop. 

This picture is a bit blurred, but this is the lower ground level where my studio will be. It is full of quirky shops of loveliness . . . I think it needs a yarn shop and then that would be the icing on the cake!

The whole place has a great cosy feel. The other shop keepers are so friendly and welcoming . 

This is the view from the terrace. The small arch window on the left is my little space. You can tell they used to be doors. It is a shame they blocked them up, it would be fab in the summer to sit and paint a pot, looking out at the river Severn. 

This is the view of the river Severn from the terrace at the back of the building. It will be divine in summer. The cafe is next door and is currently being refurbished and they have doors and a seating area onto the terrace it is such a fab place to sit and ponder.  

On a Sunday we usually have a treat of pancakes or a bacon butty for breakfast. But today I fancied something different. I looked for a breakfast muffin recipe on the BBC website and tweaked it to our liking.

I added mixed berries and oats and made a cuppa in my favourite Yorkshire mug. 

They went down a storm with everyone!!!

Catch up soon

Kel xx

 

Cardigan

Hello

I finished this cardigan project a few weeks ago, but forgot to update you all.

I enjoyed this make but it came with issues. Making up was an issue,  I had to ease in (is that just a sewing term??) alot of the seams together. I don't think it was the pattern.

All you experts out there will clearly see that it's not quite right.
But, I dont think its too bad for my first attempt at clothing.

Practice makes perfect . . . Right????

I would love to put wooden toggles on the front, but to get this cardigan anywhere near my lil boy, tractor buttons it had to be!!!

If anything it will keep him warm at home!

Kel
Xx

EXCITED, GIDDY, CARTWHEELS

I am so excited, nervous, giddy, silly . . . .whatever the words are. I need to tell you . . . 

I just need to say this quickly because I am so EXCITED. I want to POP. I want to do a CARTWHEEL.

I collected my key for my business premises today. 

I haven't really talked about this much. The ideas have been brewing in our house for around 6 months. I didn't want to jinx my ideas,  my opportunities and my plans, so I stayed ssshhhhhhtummm about it. 

I finished work back in October and was looking for the right premises, with the right incentives for the right price (of course) to start my pottery painting studio.

We bought a kiln, which is situated in my garage, and I did a practice pottery painting party for my daughter in January, for 23 children. It was a big test but we came out the other end ok!!

This is one of the pieces that was created on the day.  My daughter printed her hand onto the centre of the platter and all her friends made a thumb print around the outside. It is such a great keepsake. 

The story started in August when we stayed in beautiful Cumbria and visited a pottery painting place. We took the kids and they loved it and it sparked ambition inside of me. Shrewsbury doesn't have a pottery painting studio, where you can pop in and paint a ceramic piece for your self or gift. We all found this activity therapeutic and calming. 

A seed was planted and here we are . . . 

  

My own little view of Shrewsbury from my very own little shop . . . GIDDY. 

More very soon . . . 

Kel xx

p.s i am in the process of working on the design of my blog and I just cant can't it right. any tips will be gratefully welcomed xx