Jan May

I did say I'd share my DIY disaster with you...... Brace yourselves - you may need sunglasses: Snort!  When I started the makeover I can assure you this wasn't my intention.  I had a 70's dressing table that was a nice shape, but a vile wood.  I thought I would transform it by painting it fuchsia to match my bedroom.  10 hours later (2 coats undercoat, 3 topcoat) it was looking good.  Until the top coat starting to flake off before my eyes.  I could have cried - indeed I think I did. Since then it's been sitting in the bedroom annoying me.  It's too heavy to lift out on my own, and anyways I've nothing else to replace it with.  The thought of starting to paint it again doesn't bear thinking about.  So in a DIY frenzy, I attacked it with wire wool. I think I got a bit carried away!  The result is something that gives a whole new meaning to shabby chic.  However, at least it looks intentional and boldly scruffy.  Anyone that dares to question my

Butterfly Effect by cajame    Messing about with Polyvore again This could be my perfect evening outfit, should I win the lottery - total cost of over £1500!!!  Yikes.

I've spent most of the morning putting up pictures, wandering around the place armed with hammer and nails.  I think I have a bit of a thing going on where pictures are concerned, as I have absolutely loads.  No particular style - as long as I like it.  I am left with two looking for a residence now - which is a huge improvement on the mahoosive pile I was staring at earlier. What with that, and the washing just about up straight and nearly dry - I think I may have excelled myself today. With a cuppa to keep me company, I've spent a happy hour in the world of Polyvore    This has to be the equivalent of colouring in for grown-ups.  I've had great fun putting my "style board" together. This is of course the style I would like had I..... a) the figure   b) the bank balance  and c) a big toe that would let my feet bend into heels.  I can at least manage the make-up, though it's probably far too young for me.  No-ones started pointing at me in the stree

Phoebe My baby - a real life teddy bear Quite possibly the scruffiest Bichon on the planet   Buster The bane of my life Sole purpose in life to fart himself (and everyone else) to sleep Jasmine Darling girl Currently doing her best to decimate the mouse population   Izzy Scruffy, tiny sweetheart My Sister-in-laws dog.  Bat like ears!     Barley The in-laws old-timer Adorable, utterly adorable   Mimi The in-laws latest family member - 8 weeks old Unable to keep her eyes open after running around with the gang   Benji My father-in-laws shadow Incredibly fond of sitting on your head

It's so easy to do! Word Art pictures seem to be taking over this season.  Everywhere is stocking them.  And for quite a while it's been really bugging me.....   How on earth do you do them? I've found a few different apps, but nothing has been quite what I wanted.  Today I've found it! Prepare to be lost in the world of TAGXEDO   - where you can make up a word picture out of just about anything.    There are a host of shapes to choose from, or you can upload your own.  You can even do words.  With a wide choice of text and a host of colour templates to pick from - you may be lost some time!  If you don't want a shape, you can have a word "cloud".  By jiggling around with the controls, you can totally change the appearance.  I have been lost there for most of the afternoon. Best of all, as you create a picture you are happy with you can save as a jpg image in a variety of sizes - even big enough to print on an enormous canvas.  (I have plans!)

What can you do on a Sunday afternoon when it's chucking it down?  Aren't you just sick of it? Yesterday I went for a wander around Dunelm.  I never come out of there with nothing (I think it's impossible), and this time was no exception.  I found some clip frames at rock bottom prices, and a few cushions that were just too nice to leave behind.  So, last evening was spent adding a bit of decoration to my bedroom. The wall behind the bed is painted in Crown Euphoria.  It's the most wonderful warm and vibrant shade of cerise.  I love it.  It was the second colour I tried.  The first shade was a deep plum, which although it was a great shade, it made the room seem really cold.  The window faces west, and so doesn't get a great deal of sunlight.  It needs all the help it can get to zing it up.  This pink certainly does that! The bedding was another bargain buy yesterday.  £11 for a king size set - how could I not?  I love the mix of red and h

This is fabulous - found on Pinterest, but sadly it doesn't link back After doodling with thread last night, I'm thinking embroidery today.  I love embroidery, though I don't have much patience.  I really must start on a project.  Here's a few that have caught my eye....   These little brooches are darling.  Come across these from the LiliPopo blog.  Must explore what over little lovelies are there. Fabulous detail on the corner of this blanket, and relatively simple and quick to do.  Love it.  By Green Kitchen on Flickr. What a charming hoop picture.  Very modern.  From the Feeling Stitchy blog. Loving this little house by House Wren Studio   The roof is such a great way of showcasing different embroidery stitches. This beautiful butterfly.  Isn't it stunning?  It's from the  Crazy Quilting International blog, and I absolutely adore it.   I'll end today's post with one of my own designs.  Very simple stitchin

For any crafters who have a few minutes to spare - why not make a star for Estella? This is my little effort above.  The heart looks really wonky in the photo, but it doesn't look too bad in real life.  The stars can be as simple or as complicated as you like, and are for a great cause. Pop over to Estella's Wall for full details.   You have until the end of July to create your star, which will be displayed in memory of Estella at  Bluebell Hospice   Stars can be made in any craft form.  The only requisite is that they measure between 5 and 15 cm, and be able to attach to a wall.  They must also be child friendly.   Not sure where to send my finished star to yet, but I've left a message on the Estella Wall blog, and hopefully will receive a message back. Happy crafting!

I've wondered for a while what people do to add the nifty "you may also like" feature to the bottom of their blog posts.  When reading other blogs, I nearly always click on at least one other page if I see the feature.  I think it looks really professional, and is a great way of getting older posts on your blog noticed. Check me out!  I've got it too :)   Now I know there are lots of you who will be wanting this feature on your own blog.  Don't despair - it's dead easy to do.  Read on! After spending absolutely ages trawling through all the blogger widgets to no avail, I resorted to a bit lot of googling.  There are several options available: 1.  Some offer the facility in return for advertising..... didn't want that. 2.  Found the CSS/HTML code to do my own..... that was a disaster.  Thank goodness I had backed my blog up. 3.  Go to LinkWithin and do exactly what it says.  Dead simple.  Free.  No advertising.  Perfect.

With the Jubilee weekend upon us, I feel a bit guilty that I've done diddly squit towards celebrating. Would love to be part of a street party, but don't think there's anything planned for around here.  Shame. I do love the  Queen though, and who doesn't love a bit of red, white and blue?  Although I've made nothing myself, I've spied some wonderful jubilee themed makes on Folksy.  I never tire of looking at other people's makes, especially if it's in a craft other than my own.  Shall we have a look?  Click on any link to go straight to the item. by Senor Picklesworth         This little cushion is great.  I'm a sucker for dogs, and pugs are such characters.  This little chappy is a great buy at just £6.  Loving his expression. by Sandra Lynne Cope  I think this cushion works so well in an all-blue palette, and much easier to mix in with existing decor.  A lovely combination of denim, ribbon and lace trim. by Crafts Council