Stained Glass Stars

I've fallen off the blogging wagon again.  What's going on!  I need to try harder but seriously I've just not had it in me recently.  

You may remember last year and again earlier this year I went on a couple of stained glass workshops, well I decided that I still needed more in my life so booked up to go on a stained glass star workshop at Hylands House.  The pattern was quite basic in comparison to the others I had done, but I still had just as much fun.

As I drove up to the house I just had to stop to take a photo.  I love this house, I've so many photos of it now, but one more wouldn't hurt.

The grounds were also looking lovely in their autumn colours.

But there was a sure sign of winter soon to be on it's way.

Once the workshop had finished, it was amazing to see how different everyone's pieces looked.

I was really pleased with my own pieces.  

So there's another 2 pieces to add to the collection.  I wonder if the collection will stop there?!?

~ Gem x

A Halloween Celebration

I know Halloween was ages ago now, but I thought I'd show you what we got up to.  I know it isn't for everyone, and I've said it before but I'll say it again, I love it.

I love decorating the house.

I love hearing the children laughing in the streets.

I love seeing the costumes.

I love even more so hearing them saying things like "Wow" & "Look at that Pumpkin" or "Look at that" - whilst pointing at something else we have displayed in the front garden.

It gives me a real sense of achievement seeing what we have done being appreciated by those we have done it for.

Lots of parents comment on how great it all looks and thank us for making the effort.

This year people were even getting their children to stand amongst the decorations to have their photos taken, it was crazy.

I love how big Halloween is becoming over here, it is really becoming Americanised.

It's a bit of fun and I think it's great.

We counted how many trick or treaters we got this year.

We had 135.  Some of them came round in groups the odd few were on their own but still we were up and down to the front door all night. 

But I don't mind. It's one night in the whole year.  Just one night. 

And seeing how much the effort we put in is appreciated makes it all so worth it. 

Love Gem x x x x

Flower Arranging Weeks 5 & 6

I have a little bit of catching up to do in terms of blogging, although there isn't really much that has been going on, I do have a few posts drafted though so hopefully they should be up soon.

I've still been busy with my flower arranging.  Week 5 was a limited flower arrangement.  Not one of my favourites, in fact this is my least favourite one so far. 

I much prefer a traditional arrangement.

Week 6 was a limited hand tied, I preferred this one to the arrangement, plus it was an opportunity to practise the spiralled stems which I love.

As well as the arrangements I have been putting together at college, I have had a little practise at home.  I've seen similar things in Pinterest so thought I'd give it a go arranging some flowers inside a pumpkin.

I was really chuffed with these and will definitely be making some more next year.

That's all for my flower round up.  I'll be back at college again on Thursday so there will be more to follow soon.

Love Gem x x x x