Yum!

I have learned that decoupage on a square / rectangular box is fairly tolerant of slapdash handiwork, but curves are altogther another challenge.  Solution - paint the box with some Silk Wood Paint from the depths of the shed, keep the sticky-on bits simple and tart it up with a bit of ribbon.  Add homemade Peppermint Chocolate Creams (thanks to lovely Lorraine) and - voila! Another birthday present in the bag. The box is a bit wonky but that I like to think it all adds to the home-made charm...  And it really is worth the effort, it got a much warmer reception than shop bought.  And being a small box, there's plenty of those Peppermint creams left over for me :)

My First Bear

She's a bit of an experiment, and looks it - but there's something to be said for character over beauty, or so I like to think as I coast into my second half century.  I've tried to make her toddler friendly, hence the manic stare and pinched nose, which was the best I could manage with a darning needle and some glue.  Ah but now I'm feeling mean, which shows she must have a heart of her own; I'll have to be gentle when I re-stitch the arms and legs, they're a tad wobbly at the moment and I'm not sure they'll withstand their intended owner's tough love - at almost one year old and with the steady determination of a future world explorer, young Alice is not referred to as Dangerous Maeve for nothing!

I'm dreaming of springtime

I thought I would have a bash at some springtime / Easter type decorations so tried out these little fellas - both need a bit more patience and a bit less slapdash, but I'm going to persevere. I thought the metal sheet ones would at the very least be good as bird scarers for those soon-to-be growing seedlings in the garden, and maybe the answer to another little problem I have with birds flying slap bang into my greenhouse windows; so there's potential for these to look pretty and save a few cases of avian concussion along the way.  Speaking of the greenhouse (or 'conservatory' as I am fond of calling it), there will be a challenge for me this year - grow plants or accessorise with crafty concoctions - which will prevail?  There's just not enough time in my day.

All's well that ends well

I had this bright idea.... to make a toy box for my godson's birthday.  He's 4 years old and just moved into a swanky new house so has a lovely new bedroom - good idea eh?  Perhaps, but it turns out my applique talents considerably outweigh my construction skills - after several evenings slaving over a hot sewing machine, when the moment came to put it all together I had to admit defeat.  Well almost; some hard thinking and a bit of remodelling produced a pair of pictures and complimentary cushions, which I am pleased to say young Eddie was quite happy with, so not a total failure after all.