Chunky Knit Blanket

I cannot tell you how long I have adored chunky knit blankets.  I have thought so many times about making one but had always assumed they would take me ages to make, especially as I get distracted so easily and it ends up taking me forever to finish anything.  However on spotting a workshop local to home I decided to sign up and make myself my very own chunky knit blanket.

The excitement of the workshop didn't end there though, oh no.  We were going to be arm knitting, something I didn't discover until we arrived on site and may I add, something I have also wanted to try my hand at for ages (although maybe that should be try my arm at, No? OK, fair enough, that was pretty bad). 

We were using 2kg balls of acrylic wool that feel ridiculously soft, and it is machine washable which is even more of a result.  Within 15 minutes it was already beginning to take shape.  By this point I was kicking myself as to why I had waited so long to make one, it was super easy and so quick.

I had made my blanket in less than 2 hours, that included a break for tea and cake, a very important staple when creating something I'm sure you would all agree.  I was honestly amazed by how quickly I was able to create this, and it is so cosy to sit under, perfect for the cold winter weather that has now arrived. 

The trouble I now have is that I want to make one in every colour possible.  Let' face it, you can never have too many blankets, but I do fear they wouldn't all get used and that would just be sad.

Definitely a couple of hours well spent.  And I am sure this will not be the last one of these blankets that I make.

~ Gem x

30th Cake Smash

With this year marking a milestone birthday, I knew that I wanted to celebrate it in style.  Initially I set out to throw a party.  I booked the venue, the DJ, bought my outfit and started buying decorations and props.  It was only when I started to think about all the expense and the fact that in reality it was all for other people, I decided to do something selfish and instead change my plans to arrange something for me.

I started doing a bit of research, and this is where Pinterest becomes your best friend, you can literally find anything on there.  I came across a few different adult cake smashes and it was then that I knew what I wanted to do instead of throwing a party.  Who said that the kids should have all the fun with the new craze of birthday cake smashes?  Exactly, no one.  

I contacted Maryann of The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography and told her what I was thinking about, and thankfully she was straight on board with the idea.  

It was so much fun, although I have to admit it did feel rather strange just demolishing a cake, especially when I had put so much effort into making it look so pretty.  But for the photos at the end of it, it was totally worth it.

I'm so glad for the sudden change of plan, it will definitely be something I will remember that's for sure.  And who knows, maybe it could become a new birthday tradition.  Perhaps I should start researching for next year.

Big thanks to Maryann for the photos and for taking me serious and understanding exactly where I was coming from with this idea.

~ Gem x

All images were taken by The Menagerie Lifestyle Photography

The Emma Bridgewater Factory

I have long wanted to visit the Emma Bridgewater Factory, especially after seeing so many photos across Instagram and Facebook over the years. However living in Essex it isn't exactly what you would call, 'around the corner'. I decided to add it to my list of 30 things to do before turning 30 with the thought that I'd have an entire year to plan a visit.  On reviewing my list a couple of weeks ago I began to panic that this trip was not going to happen, until I changed my mind-set and thought, well why not! 

It made perfect sense to pair the trip along with something else I had added to my list and that was to go away for a break by myself, another thing not yet completed.  So I booked the day off work, booked myself a hotel and confirmed my decorating studio and tour slots with the factory.

After a somewhat shaky start to last Sunday, my bag was packed and I headed off on the drive ahead.  As soon as I set off the excitement set in, I literally couldn't wait to get there and on arriving at the hotel it took me no time at all to unpack and settle down for the night.  I even made use of the hotels pool and sauna (it would have been rude not to).

Monday soon rolled around and my time to explore the Emma Bridgewater had arrived.  Driving up to the factory I was really surprised by it's location, I kind of expected it to be in a fairly quiet part of town which was not the case, not that it was a problem.  The factory has a large car park to the rear so for anyone travelling by car parking will not be an issue.

Walking from the car park into the courtyard I was really shocked by the sheer size of the factory, it is much bigger than I had ever imagined it to be.  Once in the courtyard I entered the seconds shop ready for my tour to begin.

It was amazing seeing the amount of work that goes into creating each individual piece and being able to see the whole process from start to finish.  I've never seen anything like it before, especially not to this scale.  Being given this insight into the workings of the factory really was quite special and has made me appreciate the work created by Emma Bridgewater and her team even more than I did before.  The tour itself lasted for an hour which will give you an idea of the size of the place, and at £2.50pp it was incredible value for money. 

My favourite part by far was the painting studio, watching the pieces come to life with a wash of colour was just beautiful.  Of course after the tour had finished I had to have a go myself and so picked out a tea cup to paint with my own design.

As the trip was part of my 30 before 30 challenge it seemed appropriate to create a little memory fitting with the occasion.  I can't wait to receive it fired and glazed in the post.  

Painting completed I wasn't quite ready to leave the factory so decided to have a wander around the courtyard which was then I discovered their little cottage garden and wow, I was literally blown away by it's beauty.  It was a little haven complete with the most gorgeous flowers and the cutest little chickens too. It was like a dream.  Oh how I would adore a little garden like this.  One day, I'm not giving up on the dream, not now not ever.

Why I have left it so long to visit I am not entirely sure but I am so glad I've been and seen it all now.  If you've not yet visited the factory, you ought to.  It was such a great morning, one that I shan't be forgetting for a long time.  

~ Gem x

Sadie's Halloween Tree

I'm very pleased to be welcoming Sadie from A Life In The English Rain to the blog today.  I've been following Sadie's blog for a couple of years now and am always inspired by her simple yet beautiful creations, which all fit so well into her gorgeous home.  If you are not familiar with her blog, please pop on over and take a look, you won't be disappointed.  I'm sure you will also love what she has prepared for us today.

It's that time of year again. Halloween is sneaking up behind us, ready to jump out and shout 'Boo'!

Do you decorate?  Well, if the answer is a resounding no, because you don't like all the garish colours and tackiness of the whole affair, then it need not be that way. Keep it simple, and keep it elegant. A touch of Halloween here and there is just as effective as a house decorated head to toe in fake cobweb.

A Halloween tree is so simple. It also has the added bonus of being easily changed for any other seasonal celebration. I'll let you into a secret, and tell you, this is actually my Easter tree. A few alterations and you'd never know.

Take a few twigs, and secure in a pot. I used air drying clay to hold the twigs in place. Once the clay had dried, I added some decorative stones to the top to cover it, and add extra weight. The twigs had been painted white, but of course, you can paint them any colour. Black would be perfect for Halloween. A strand of battery operated lights is an optional extra, but it does take it up a level. I found the baubles in a supermarket, but have to say I'd never seen them before, or since. But you could easily make your own. A few unloved Christmas baubles spray painted and decorated with glittery pumpkin faces would be quick and easy to do. Hang them from the branches, add some black sheer fabric around the base, and it's done.

An inexpensive, simple, and elegant nod to Halloween.

Huge thanks to Sadie for popping over to share with us her beautiful Halloween tree.  It just goes to show that Halloween can be pretty too.

Don't forget you can hear more from Sadie over at her own blog A Life In The English Rain.

~ Gem x

A Craft Collaboration With Michelle Louise Love

On Sunday I had the pleasure of spending my day with the beautiful Michelle.  We met back in December at a bloggers event and hit it off straight away.  As the time has passed we have grown closer together and have secured a great friendship with one another. 

We have quite a lot in common including recent personal circumstances, which in itself has been a great support to one another.  But being able to share the things we're passionate about in life has been a very welcomed treat.  When Michelle asked me if I'd be interested in joining her for a craft collaboration I just knew that it would be right up my street.  Having lost my creative flow recently this was the perfect opportunity for me to jump back on the wagon. 

We each chose a craft for us to do together, but kept it a secret from the other until we sat down to start work.  It was such a fun idea and strangely exciting to have a surprise craft activity planned.  After having visited Hobbycraft a few weeks ago and both cooed over this BeYouTiful canvas watercolour project I decided to choose that as my craft knowing it would be something we would both enjoy.

I haven't painted like this in years so I wasn't too sure how I would get on with it but I needn't have worried.  It was really simple and so much fun.  I'd definitely buy more of these sort of projects.  

Michelle had chosen for us to make some pretty autumn themed bunting, made from old pages from a book, kraft card, glitter, twine and mini pegs.  Completely my style, I love that rustic effect and I love autumn so I was thrilled with this activity. 

I've never been much of a fan of paper crafts but this was so simple yet so effective.  I actually found it quite relaxing.  Even better the fact that it involved glitter too.

I was so impressed with the finished product too.  It is absolutely perfect to add to my autumn mantle this year, and is proudly taking centre stage.

 

 

Big thanks goes to Michelle for having such a great idea and for involving me in it.

~ Gem x

DIY Up-Cycled Garden Chandelier

I mentioned the other week about up-cycling.  I hate seeing things go to waste, so if I can find another use for it, all the better.  Looking around our home and garden, you will find quite a few DIY projects that I've taken my hand to.

My most recent DIY up-cycled project is a light for our garden.  I'd seen the idea on Pinterest and loved it, so when I spotted someone giving away a chandelier on Facebook for free I knew exactly what I could do with it.

I picked up five solar lights from Asda for £1 each.  Gave the chandelier a good clean using hot soapy water.  Then using some no nails fixed the tops of the solar lights into the the chandelier, in place of light bulbs.

The whole thing took me about half an hour to complete and I'm so pleased with the overall look.  It looks great hanging from our archway, which hopefully come summer will be covered with sweet peas.

I do love it when a Pinterest project goes to plan.

~ Gem x

Spring Country Living Fair

If you follow me on Instagram you will already know that I spent my day on Wednesday in London at the Spring Country Living Fair held at the Business Design Centre,  I've previously visited the Christmas version of this event but never the spring fair, so I was intrigued to discover what was in store.

  

Entering through the main doors and looking up I was greeted by the colourful rows of pastel bunting, strung from the ceiling, such a lovely sight.  Lowering my gaze I was struck by the beauty of the gorgeous garden designed by Lucy Summers.  The garden inspired by the beach, included pastel coloured beach huts, a beautiful bike and a small boat filled with beautiful flowers.  Also planted within the garden was the introduction of 'Midnight Mystic' black hyacinths.  I felt very privileged to be seeing them during their first day of public viewing.  Thompson and Morgan started off the species with 3 bulbs costing £150,00 and have taken over seven years to get to the current stage of production, such a great achievement, it's very rare to be seeing such dark coloured blooms.

Located behind the garden was a small seating area which hosts a number of talks throughout the day.  These talks vary from day to day, but definitely worth checking out if you are planning a visit.  I stopped by to check out Georgie Newberry from Common Farm Flowers demonstration of garden floristry which was very inspiring.  Talking through different materials available from our gardens to use in floristry displays all year round.  Even after completing a floristry course a few years ago, it made me think twice about the materials that are available to us in our gardens.

From here I wandered around the stands.  Taking a look at all the stunning works of art created by the designers.  Seeing how much time and effort had been poured into their creations and seeing how proud they are of their wares.  Being able to talk to them about their work, something you don't really get through the internet. One stand I spent a particularly long while at was Ashley Thomas.  Such a lovely lady, I could of stood talking to her all day.  I took a long time gazing at her stand, I honestly wanted to buy everything, her work is incredible.  She painstakingly draws every tiny little detail even down to the repetition of her patterns, to then be transferred onto fabric for cushions, tea towels or wall hangings plus notebooks, greetings cards and mugs. 

I also bumped into Jane Means who you may remember me taking a course with early last year.  I admire her work so much, she is such a talented lady, and her ribbons are to die for.  Such vibrant colours and fantastic quality.  Her stand looked amazing, all the little details with the teeny tiny wrapped parcels dotted around were super cute, I loved it.

Another feature of the show is the Country Living Spring Theatre.  On Wednesday it was host to some very inspiring speakers, including Liz Earle and Jan Constantine, talking about their journey in setting up their business and sharing some pointers with the audience.  Hearing that with hard work and dedication anything is possible left me and I'm sure many others in the room, feeling pretty inspired.  For the remainder of the week the talks include: capturing the good life, turning a hobby into a business, how to be self sufficient and designing and decorating a country home to name but a few.    

One thing I didn't get round to trying was the craft workshops on offer, sadly I just ran out of time.  But it was good to see that one free craft workshop was available to each visitor to the fair and there are some great workshops available to try out.  I personally quite liked the sound of the block printing or the chocolate Easter bunny, maybe something for me to try at home perhaps.  I'll have to do some investigating and YouTube watching I think.   

It really was a great show.  You could tell the organisers had worked really hard at putting it all together, but the hard work paid off.  It is well worth a visit, if you are in or around London the fair is open until Sunday.  It has certainly got me filled with the joys of spring.  

~ Gem x