Quirky Boots

A late woyww

2012-02-01T23:09:00.001Z

I'm a stay at home mum so sometimes your days just dont plan out!
The last few days I feel that I've really settled into my new studio and my mojo has appeared again and I have pencilled down so many new ideas
Today I was really cracking on with orders and drawing up a new design when I received a phone call from school, Riley had had an accident and could I please go and collect him and that they urge me to take him to hospital - eek -
I then realised that I dont have the car (I currently car share with my father in law) oh what to do what to do (then I had a sad moment as the one person I would have rang was my lovely friend who passed away last year) I then saw that next door was home, okay we speak but we're not best buds or anything, anyways I knocked on her door rather rapidly and she came to my aid by taking Riley to hospital and then coming to collect me
Riley thankfully was okay, he had ran around the playground and ended up smack bang in a wall! cut on his head, you can imagine the blood loss! to the point Riley told me he had got lots of tomato sauce on his hands (bless!)

A day in the life of a stay at home mum its never uneventful!

Heres my woyww, a montage of my space, not finished but as you can see its busy!

I share lots of different photos on my facebook page, if you'd like to join me, see the link to the right of this post :)
I'm off to bed now to try to have some much needed sleep x

Sponsorship

2012-02-01T07:00:00.003Z

I approached a few friends of mine about 'free' sponsorship as a trial to see how it goes as I cannot always afford sponsorship on other blogs and I also thought this was a kind of pay it forward too. I also dont want to overload my blog with everyone elses banners, so if this works out okay then 2 or 3 banners will be my monthly blog limit!

So for the month of February I have two wonderful friends sharing their blogs as sponsorships
Please pop along and say hello to
Lindsay at evajeanie
Lisa at Home Sweet Home
Later on in the month I'll do a brief outline of who these lovely people are.

If you would be interested in a possible free sponsorship on my blog please contact me for more details, I will only accept blogs that are very much similar to my outlook, thank you.

Monthly Make - January

2012-01-31T19:53:00.002Z

As I said I've joined in with the Monthly Make over here
For January I'm going to share a very quick project I made to hold my diary together as I carry so much around in it

Quite simply measure some elastic around your notebook stretch and little and sew to the size required. I then hand sewed some pretty bobble trim on with a layer of colourful buttons, simple, quick yet very effective and helpful.

Meet Alisa...

2012-01-31T15:41:00.004Z

...shes my new russian doll cushion
She can now be purchased from my Folksy Store here

I've enjoyed creating her so much I've pencilled quite a few ideas to make some larger gifts in the near future, watch this space.

This Week

2012-01-30T16:28:00.002Z

I'll be finishing my dreaded tax return!
Organising my studio as I finally have all the storage I can fit in there!
Walking - lots
Working hours for quirky boots - sounds silly but if I dont set working hours for it its all higgle piggle! and I need a little structure
Finding some wallpaper for our living room, I'm wanting a warm masculine room, thats my idea anyways!
Baking banana and choc chip muffins
I have two handmade gifts to finish this week too!! eek
Uploading my monthly make
Colouring my *cough cough* hair! and deciding on a *new* style - eek

Over the weekend I had my monthly craft group which I loved as usual, its great seeing the girls
We had some friends over for a chinese and we finished stripping all the walls in the living room, I now feel that another layer of the people who lived here previously has been removed!

My packaging for orders now has a handmade felt heart added to it, just a sweet little touch x

Pop along to Jumbleberries to see what others are up to this week x

Show off Saturday - sos

2012-01-28T19:39:00.003Z

A little late today but here is my show off saturday

The cheesy grin kinda makes my week really :) xxx
Have a wonderful weekend xxx

Generally...

2012-01-27T13:33:00.004Z

... this week has so not gone to plan!
I've had a poorly boy at home again for the beginning of the week but I did manage to do a few quirkyboots jobs that was on my list, like photographing and listing some new items
You can find some mug cosies in my folksy store

I've also created some fun valentine mug coasters available in my folksy store

Exclusive to my not on the high street store you can find these fun vintage love themed magnets

and this pretty toadstool

I still have party badges and my russian doll cushion to add so next week there will certainly be more updating as I've strictly wrote down my Quirky Boots working hours to catch up

I'll share my sos tomorrow but have a lovely weekend and I'll be back properly next week xx

cake

2012-01-25T11:43:00.001Z

im really busy at the moment but i just thought i'd share rileys birthday cake that he loved so much :) x

Show Off Saturday

2012-01-21T08:00:00.000Z

This week I have to show off my little ones prize drawing.
He has his 5th birthday party today so I asked a friend of mine if she could create a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse cake for me.
She excelled! Riley loved it so much when he saw it, he ran and got some paper and drew the cake, so this is my show off saturday, just the excitement of him drawing it made my day x

Fancy joining in with me, do share your S.O.S x

crochet - the picot edge

2012-01-20T13:40:00.000Z

I've totally fallen in love with the crochet picot edge for a blanket, its so simple to do and so effective
I'd thought I'd share here how to create this lovely edge to your blanket

*Slipstitch into any stitch on the blanket edge and chain 3

Slipstitch into the first chain

Skip a stitch
**Slipstitch into next st

and repeat from * to ** until blanket edge is complete

Please share if you create a picot edge, it would be great to see it in a variety of colours

woyww

2012-01-18T09:29:00.000Z

Cant play too long today its my little ones 5th birthday today! time goes wayyyyy too quick

Here's a peek into my studio!

Join along with Julia over at Stamping Ground and see all the other creative desks at work

Have a fun day I know we will x

Meet me on Monday

2012-01-16T17:26:00.003Z

I have a fair few things to do this week

Wicket the pooch to the groomers - done this morning and he looks gorgeous of course
Meeting with michelle who I run the market with to go leaflet dropping
Photographing new products and re-doing current stock
grannies galore!
our little ones 5th bday and party at the weekend!
To keep inspired for home projects im joining in with 'make a month' which you can find here
Finish all the decluttering - sorting i've started, well upstairs at least!
Sort out a 'do-able' rota for the boys for after school, one for work and play
Baking a cake to say thank you

Just so you can see what I'm having to clear up most days! Riley is very much into colouring and cutting at the moment!It keeps him quiet and me busy with more cleaning!
As you can see we still have a few jobs to do in the dining room, like skirting boards and a little table for the stereo :) x

Pop along to Jumbleberries to see whats Mondays are all about x

Baking

2012-01-15T08:00:00.001Z

I did some baking yesterday, I used The Hummingbird Bakery *Lemon and Poppy seed* cake recipe, although because I dont have a ring I used a silicone loaf tin insteadIt had to bake for a little longer due to the loaf style and I just poured over freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with some caster sugar as soon as it came out of the oven.Its totally totally gorgeous, really soft and tangy

Show off Saturday (S.O.S)

2012-01-14T08:47:00.003Z

Something new I thought I'd start is Show off Saturday, something during the week that I'm really proud off, it can be anything, just sum it up in a photo, if its a load of things then create a collage!

I'm so proud of my little man turning 10, he was so excited, I was excited and emotional all at onceFancy joining in? Please let me know if you do so I can pop on over and see whats made you smile this week x

Crochet Books

2012-01-13T23:12:00.003Z

I've recently purchased a couple of crochet books
This oneI near on want to create each and every pattern in this book, cant wait to start on one
It can be purchased here

and this oneThere are so many fun projects in here, some great gift ideas
It can be purchased here

Have you got any good book recommendations for crochet you want to share, please do x

Crochet Ear Warmer Pattern

2012-01-13T09:00:00.001Z

Its so so so cold here at the moment, and I suppose having flu symptons is making me even colder, so I grabbed some wool and started to make a quick and easy headband/ear warmer.I thought I'd share the pattern here with you

ch70, dc in 3rd ch from hook and in each st along, ch2, turn
dc in 1st st and in each st along, ch1, turn
sc in nx 10 sts, dc in nx 8 sts, ch1, tbr in nx 31 sts, ch1, dc in nx 8 sts, ch1, sc nx 10 sts
ch1, turn
ss in nx 10 sts, dc in nx 47 sts incl the 2 ch1 sps you made, total 49 sts, ss in nx 10 sts
ch1, turn
ss in nx 10 sts, dc in nx 49 sts, ss in nx 10 sts
fasten off
weave both ends together to make your headband

(ch - chain, dc - double crochet, sc - single crochet, tbr - treble crochet, sts - stitches, sps - space *I use american terms when crocheting* )

Depending on the wool you use depends on the size outcome, also I made this so it was a pretty tight fit as wool does loosen over time, you may need to alter the size slightly by adding more chaings at the beginning depending upon how big or small you do want it, just measure over your ears for the perfect fit.

Please do share if you make one I'd love to see x

omgosh!!! I look soooo tired in that photo, please forgive me it is early in the morning :) x

busy month ahead

2012-01-12T22:58:00.004Z

January is always a busy month for us yesterday it was our gorgeous pooch Wickets 4th birthdayTomorrow amazingly is our big boys 10th birthday (double figures, I have to say its kinda frightening that he's going to be 10, where did that time go!!!)

I've set the breakfast table ready for when he wakes up Jacks favourite car is a mini, so this wrapping paper was rather apt, he gets to open a few presents before school and then the rest later on.
He has two of his closet friends staying overnight so I dare say I'll be packed off to rileys room to watch a movie and then onto my studio for a few hours

oh and next wednesday - well its Riley will turn 5! and next saturday he's having a fun party!
see I told you January is a busy month!!!!!

woyww 2012

2012-01-11T14:53:00.006Z

I'm finally joining in with woyww after what seems like a very long break
I'm in my studio finally so I thought I'd share a peek what I'm working on at the moment, lots of felt goodies as you can see, lots of new ideas on the table which I'll be sharing very soon.
I managed to purchase a chair off ebay for 99p last year, its now my studio chair. I had to recover the seat and I need to fix a little of the broken side, so I'll do a full reveal very soon
Pop on over to woyww and see what Julia and the other crafters are up too today x

Cookies but for how long!

2012-01-05T08:00:00.000Z

Sometimes its a struggle to put the boys lunch boxes together as they rarely have time to finish whats in there!
Jack has to be careful as he cracked his front tooth a couple of years ago so he cant have anything too hard unless its cut up small (which he wont let me do in his lunch box, fair enough) and Riley will generally eat anything but like I said its a 'time' matter

Anyways no chocolate treats etc are allowed until a friday, so I'm challenging myself to bake something that is a nice treat but will last the lunch box week for them

Today I'm baking Hummingbird Bakerys 'Oat and Raisin Cookies'
Now thats what I call a jar full!I've got a board on pinterest with food and lunch box ideas :) go take a peek

Handmade Gift Guide

2012-01-04T07:00:00.000Z

Seems as its such a cold and wet day I was inspired to find gifts of sorts with wool in mind - so here goes
source source source source source

The New Year

2012-01-03T07:00:00.000Z

Last year I set myself the 50 things goal list but after such a horrid year of me been in hospital, one of my closest friends passing away, once the grief had set in, the depression started and then my anxiety attacks came back in full force, financial concerns and just general highs and lows I think I managed to succeed half of the list, which is pretty good considering! so i'm not going to beat myself up about what I didnt get done!

This year I wanted to set a general list of personal goals that are a little more achievable

move into my little studio and start been really productive
use my sewing machine
crochet ME a granny blankie
new ideas for quirkyboots to materialise
lose at least 30lbs in weight!!
walking
swimming
create new family traditions
bake treats and/or bread at least once a week
new hair style
save £2 coins, once my piggy bank is full treat myself
handmade gift giving
our gardens! big changes but slowly!
house decor! big changes but again slowly!
blog for me and my style - make good comfortable changes
notebook and diary with me at all times
read more books
try to alter some charity shop clothes for me
learn a new craft for me! what yet i do not know!

Have you set some personal goals for the next? do share x

Blog Challenges

2012-01-02T18:00:00.000Z

I'm setting myself up for a better blogging year by sharing lots more, I've had some fun ideas like

weekly handmade gift guide
personal crochet challenges but you can join in too
giveaways for new quirkyboots products
seasonal treats
tutorials
more me! but i am camera shy! so this may take some time
charity challenges - my donated wool from last year been one of them and its nearly finished
sharing other wonderful creative people

On another note I've decided to start to create my russian doll cushions that I gifted to my friend, I'm just in search for the right tummy fabric then they'll be ready for sale - i cant wait

This Week I'm

2012-01-02T10:00:00.000Z

word for the year - 2012

2012-01-01T15:00:00.000Z

for so many reasons i have to believe!

be·lieve

verb (used without object)

to have confidence in the truth, the existence, or the reliability of something, although without absolute proof that one is right in doing so: Only if one believes in something can one act purposefully.

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T07:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year - I hope 2012 brings lots of dreams and wishes to everyone

Christmas Preparations - Christmas Cake Decor

2011-12-30T07:00:00.000Z

Well my christmas cake has been drinking quite a lot of brandy over the last few weeks so it turned out lovely and moist I decorated it for when my parents came over the day after boxing day, I decided to dress it up pretty plain to be honest
Just some marzipan and icing on the topand of course my felt christmas ball cake topper :)I must admit I'm pretty pleased with the cake, its totally gorgeous x

The Cushion

2011-12-29T13:00:00.000Z

One of my bestest friends loved my russian doll that is for my diy kits ready to be launched this year so I gifted her a handmade much larger version as a cushion I hope she liked it

The scrabble art

2011-12-29T07:00:00.000Z

Another one of my lovely friends was at a craft event with me when we spotted something similar to what I gifted her this christmas.I added a few different elements by using polka dot paper as a background and a pretty crochet flower and leaves as an embellishmentI hope she liked it

The Tea Cosie

2011-12-28T07:00:00.000Z

I gifted another one of my handmade creations to my lovely friend Rona, I thought a lovely handmade tea cosie over a one pot tea pot would be fab, she also loves knitting and crochet so of course I added a handmade crochet flower tooI hope she liked it

The Button Lamp

2011-12-27T07:00:00.000Z

My lovely friend Michelle who also is the creative designer of Button It Jewellery and accessories as you can imagine just loves buttons.
So I had an idea to create a button gift for christmas, well it took me ages!I hope she liked it

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:00:00.000Z

Merry Christmas to all my wonderful friends

Let the festivities begin

2011-12-23T09:15:00.003Z

well soon anyways...in the last couple of days in the lead up to christmas I'll be
getting the boys hair cuts
*cough cough* dyeing my hair!
coffee andn catch up with friends
an early morning fresh food shop with friends
the rest of the boys present wrapping
delivering presents
having friends round for christmas eve present giving
christmas nesting
baking stollen cake
decorating the christmas cake
This is the first year its just going to be the four of us so we're going to make the most of it :) we have family round boxing day and the two days following that also so busy busy after christmas

Enjoy enjoy enjoy xxx I'll be back after christmas sharing our time together x

Handmade Christmas

2011-12-22T12:57:00.004Z

This year I've tried really hard to gift handmade to alot of my family and friends, either by buying or creating myself
I hope there super happy with their gifts, I'll share them after christmas as of course I dont want to ruin the surprises
I can honestly say I've really enjoyed thinking about what to create for special people, it really does make you feel good about yourself

Have you gifted handmade this year?
One of my favourite online stores is Dots and Spots, I use their tape for all my parcel wrapping, and I have some gorgeous postcards for in my studio which I'm going to frame and hang. Its great to support a british small business.

I'll say bye bye for now...

2011-12-19T09:44:00.003Z

I've been a bad blogger of late but I've been so busy with family life and orders that I've just not had the time at all.

I've decided to close up shop to spend more quality time with the boys over the christmas holidays and to crack with home craft projects which I'll share in the New Year

I just want to say a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my blogger friends, without you I wouldnt be blogging as much as I 'generally' do.

I dont want to say New Year New Start! but I do hope after the year I've had that 2012 will have a little nicer content in it, just a little - please.

I've got some great new quirkyboots goodies in line for the new year and some blog projects too including a monthly personal crochet project (would be great if you joined in too), I'm going to have a smaller personal goals list, lots more tutorials and projects.

After the year I've had my 50 things never got fully completed but I'll sum it all up before the New Year so I will be back :) xxx

one year older

2011-12-05T13:58:00.003Z

Sunday saw me turn one year older, it was a lovely chill out day at home with my boys which is what I needed as I spent all day Saturday in Milton Keynes with my lovely friend having our annual christmas shopping trip, I totally fell in love with this Cath Kidston sewing boxThe boys got me a very chocolate filled birthday cakeSo I lovingly used some of it today to re-photograph my tash and heart cupcake toppers

Christmas Preparations - Christmas Cake

2011-11-30T16:09:00.001Z

Have you made yours? If you make it well in advance it means it can have a trickle of extra alcohol beverage each week right up until you decorate it
Heres the recipe I used

Christmas Cake

2 x bags of mixed fruit
7 1/2 oz plain flour
3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground mace
6oz margarine
6oz soft brown sugar
3 large eggs
1 tbsp brandy ***
black treacle *optional*

Line an 8inch round tin with greaseproof paper (brown paper or newspaper and string wrapped around the outside of the tin and underneath)
Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy
Beat in the eggs and a little flour
Fold in the rest of the flour, cinnamon and mace
(you can add a little black treacle at this point to darken the cake)
Add all the fruit and mix in well

Put the cake mix carefully into the tin, hollow out the middle with a spoon
Bake at a low temperature of 150c for 3 hours
Check after 1 1/2 hours, if browning too quick cover with double layor of greaseproof paper
Continue with the cooking time but keep checking on its progress
Once cooked remove from oven and leave to cool before turning onto a wire rackOnce cooled wrap in layers of greaseproof paper (and tin foil on the outside) and pour over some brandy, cover with the greaseproof paper and place in a tin.
Continue to pour brandy over cake once a week until christmas - you'll get one yummy christmas cake to serve up to family and friends

Now in all honesty, I think I burnt the top a little but i'll be levelling it off so i'm sure it doesnt matter

I'll be back at a later date with how I decorate mine x

Christmas Preparations - Gift Wrapping

2011-11-28T20:00:00.000Z

I love wrapping gifts so I thought I'd share a few ideas that I've found online that are just super gorgeous

source source source source

source

I cant wait to start my gift wrapping :) I'll share of course

mini bunting

2011-11-28T19:08:00.002Z

I've done some new pretty little buntingEach set comes with 8 pretty colours mixed with hearts and buttons - and only £8 - a great stocking filler x

2011-11-28T18:40:00.003Z

I fell in love with this mabel lucy attwel fabric the moment I saw itI sold the blonde sweetie at the weekend, so the gorgeous brown haired girlie needs a new loving home - great christmas gift idea and only £8 x

I'm currently crocheting a range of cushions that will be for sale very soon, I'm getting the whole collection ready first before showing them off :) x

This week I'm

2011-11-28T11:13:00.003Z

Last week seriously was a blur, poorly boys meant not much got done, although my personal facebook status on Thursday just goes to show how much energy even my poorly 4 year old has!

**so far today i've been a toy sorter, a felt stitcher, a comforter, a picnic organiser, inspector oso, a shopkeeper, a postman, a cook, a maths teacher and its not even dinner time yet - the life of keeping a poorly 4 year entertained eh!!!! **

I had two events over the weekend, I didnt do too great on Saturday but I made up for it on Sunday at my friends christmas charity eventLast week I did manage to at least sort the boys room out! nightmare, are all boys the same, I do hope so

This week I'm hopefully going to be resting, creating and sorting lots of personal family things too x

Enjoy your week x

2011-11-24T08:58:00.001Z

poorly boy at home means not so much else going on - hope the bug hasnt reached you ... x

This Week I'm

2011-11-21T09:15:00.006Z

up to mischief - but arent we always

I sold out of my christmas tree decorations this weekend so i'll be making up a whole new batch this week ready for the two fairs I have this weekend coming, I have another few ideas I want to try out too

I'm going to be making my christmas cake (late I know) christmas pudding and stollen cake this week (recipes to follow)

Walking - lots, I'm losing weight really well at the moment so i've stepped up my walking to help with the loss as well. I'm hoping I'll be in the next weight bracket my next week, only a 2lb to get there so fingers crossed

Nesting - with all the building work and decorating going on the last few months, I feel like we're just living in a house and I really want to start nesting it into our home, ready for the festive season, I made a start by sorting out a display cupboard yesterday, only a small achievement but one none the less

Starting on some homemade christmas gifts so theres no rush

I'm going to end with a stall holder that I just adore, she's one of my favourites,her goodies are just soooo gorgeous I cant resist them, I do have a fair few, and now she's started to do some super duper papier mache creations
See that little birdie on top of the display cupboard, thats mine that is ;)the strawberry shortcake in the jam jar is to die for, I just kept going back to sniff it
so so so so pretty and talented
You can visit her facebook page here

Breaking Dawn

2011-11-20T16:00:00.000Z

What can I say *sigh*I saw it last night and in my mind, the best one of the lot so far! Those who havent seen it yet, you will not be disappointedand now to await the arrival of breaking dawn 2 *sigh*

Festive Handmade Market

2011-11-20T08:00:00.000Z

Yesterday saw our monthly handmade craft market, it was a little different for me as I actually had a stall with my goodies.
I had a wonderful time, spoke to lots of different people and lots of quirky boots creations now have new homes, so I was super happy
My favourite grey crochet cushion and vintage fabric wall were sold, so I was happy and sad at the same time
My stall was VERY colourful
A few of us had fun with my photo props, yep heres me been a tad silly x

Buttons Galore

2011-11-18T08:00:00.000Z

I'm using all of these fun buttons on a special projectYou'll have to wait to see it though as the end product is a christmas gift for someone, sorry x

Vintage Printers Tray

2011-11-16T08:00:00.001Z

I've had a bit of a blog makeover to create a warmer place to be, especially with the cold days and nights drawing in.

I've had this for some time now and keep staring at it so I can figure out what to do with it!

Heres some ideas I'm collecting on my pinterest board

source

Vintage Cake Tin

2011-11-15T13:00:00.000Z

I saw this in my local junk shop and had to have it, thanks to a friend I managed to knock them down to £6Its needs a little clean up, but I didnt buy this for cake!
I thought it would look fab on my craft stalls for my magnet display!
Love it

Wicker Trees

2011-11-15T10:00:00.000Z

I managed to find both these wicker trees in a local charity shop for £1.99, so of course I could see through the sparkly stars I removed the stars but have no fear for I shall reuse them as part of my christmas gift wrapI cant wait to use them at craft events now and of course they'll be used at home once all the fairs have finished this year

Quick Gifts

2011-11-15T09:49:00.004Z

A quick gift idea to help reduce the pennies over this festive season is make a treat jarI already have a few of these jars at home so I filled with sweets and added a tag with twine and I've very quickly put together a gesture gift for my friends children for Christmas.

Yummmmm

2011-11-15T09:00:00.000Z

Carrot cake has to be my most favourite cake
Quite a few slices went last night when friends came round
yum
Whats your favourite treat?

Craft Group

2011-11-13T08:00:00.000Z

I love the girls at the craft group I run, I had a bit of news that upset me a little and they were a huge support. Even though I've been hiring the hall on the same saturdays (and for the market as well) for nearly two years, they've let someone else book in my craft group dates for next year!
I was so upset as it just makes me feel that sometimes been nice just doesnt get you anywhere, it just would have been appropriate I would have thought to at least offer me first refusal! but there you go, I've had to take what dates are available which means we will be missing out on two months of crafting next year :(

Anyways remember my vintage dolls post here well once I'd calmed down and stop been so upset I managed to at least unpick and restitch all the body parts
I'd already re done her face, so she is well on her way to getting started to her new look

2011-11-08T11:56:00.001Z

super busy will have lots to share very soon x

My vintage dolls

2011-11-02T07:30:00.000Z

When I was born I was given these a rag doll, little boy blue doll and a teddy as a gift, I remember the rag doll more than anything and my Mum says that I saved it from the bin at least 3 times!

A few years ago Mum was sorting out her loft and gave me my doll and teddy.

My poor doll really needs some tender loving care, not even a scrap of clothing on her body, I do remember it been white with a flower pattern, and I remember plaiting all her wollen hair! she has a very large bald patch on the back eek!

I've popped her in a pillow case and in the washing machine and she's come up a little better, I've noticed one of her legs is on back to front! obviously she was a much loved dolly.Heres my teddy, again had a wash and just needs a little looking after Anyways why this post, I'm going to attempt to save my rag doll! so watch this space

Packaging

2011-11-01T16:00:00.000Z

I've been busy with Quirky Boots orders but really wanted to change my packaging to make it more me!
I've come up with this, blue tissue paper, string or wool and a stamped mini tag with my Quirky Boots toadstool stampI'm quite happy with it now - for the time being anywayWhat type of packaging do you use and how long did it take you to be happy with it x

Trick or Treat

2011-10-31T20:04:00.000Z

I made some homemade smartie cookies for the trick or treaters todaywrapped in orange stripe paper bags and stuck down with halloween stickers
I love halloween x

Meet me on Monday

2011-10-31T13:00:00.000Z

I hope you've all had a super halloween weekendThis week I'm generally going to be

Photographing - all my new quirky boots products and

Listing - them all in my online stores

School - hours start again on Tuesday

Coffee - and catch up with a few friends

Cleaning - dust, yep still cleaning the dust up!!!

Visiting - the outdoors with the boys for a fresh air lung filled time after school a couple of the days this week

Decorating - I can never hold myself to this one, so I'm hoping I can surprise myself and find the time this week to do what 'needs' and 'has' to be done

Sharing - some fun tutorials on a more regular basis on this my blog that I love

Selling or Donating - all the items I've been decluttering

What will you be up to this week, do share, pop on over to Jumbleberries to join in x

Halloween Party - outfits

2011-10-31T08:00:00.000Z

This weekend saw our annual halloween party so I thought I'd share the spooky outfits with you
Me and lubbly partnerOur freakish friends :)Did you have some spooky fun, please let me see your outfits, i'm always up for ideas for next year :)

Tonight we are trick or treating with friends and having a halloween tea x Have fun tonight x

Halloween Party - Foooooood

2011-10-30T10:59:00.000Z

*tut I had other posts scheduled but they disappeared, so dont know what happened there*

I made lots of spooky food for our party

spiced cider whoopie pies carrot muffins and lemon muffinstiny toadsand lots more like a rather large chilli which cooked in the slow cooker all day, green eyeball jelly, trifle, cheese and savoury muffins annd much more

I created the best pumpkin I have to date! Well all Twilight fans will think so anywaysand of course I couldnt leave my pooch out, he of course was his name sake Wicket the EwokI'll share the fab outfits tomorrow x

Halloween fun - autumn leaves

2011-10-25T13:00:00.000+01:00

An extra project for you today

A couple of fun autumn leaves projects for you

I'd already seen the original project that Red Velvet did and I so wanted to create one and finally have. My own felt leaf garland
You can see the project here I love it, so simple yet warm and colourfulAnother autumn leaves project is collecting pretty leaves that have fallen and preserving them
Collect your leaves and leave them to dry flat in a book
Gather supplies, I used some decopatch glue (but modge podge is just the same) and a paintbrush
Paint one side and leave to dry and then paint the other side and leave to dry again
You'll find that by using this glue it brings the rich colours of the leaves back which is just lovelyUse your leaves as part of a project for scrapbooking or as a decorative item around your home in autumn*I saw this project many years ago and for the life of me cannot find the link to give credit so apologies*

Enjoy creating x

Halloween fun - door wreath

2011-10-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

Hi! I'm Lisa Swift, owner of Altered Chic, a handmade homeware and gift shop in Chesterfield. I live in the Derbyshire with my other half John and our two cats. I've been crafting since I was at school and love nothing better than spending an afternoon on a scrapbook page or creating something pretty for our home. I also own Easy Craft Projects, a crafting website that is being relaunched in 2012. I love art, pretty homes, walks in the countryside and homemade food.ft

Halloween Wreath

You will need:

1 piece of pipe insulation
Parcel Tape
2m x 30cm black organza fabric

Sewing Pins
Orange and green felt
Die cutting machine
Cuttlebugs 'pumpkin spice' die
Modge Podge, fabric glue or similar
Black sewing thread
Piece of ribbon

How to make:

I used a piece of pipe insulation to create my wreath. You could use a polystyrene wreath but pipe insulation is much cheaper and can be bought from any DIY store. Mine cost just 77p! Bend it into a ring and secure the ends together using parcel tape or any other strong tape. My wreath is approximately 10” in diameter.

Cut your black organza into strips about 1” wide. You could use any black fabric but I like the sheen that organza has and although it is semi-transparent, once you have wrapped your wreath with a couple of layers you won’t see through it.

Wrap your wreath with strips of the organza, securing the ends in the back with pins. You could use a hot glue gun but I find sewing pins are easier to use and you can move them about it something doesn’t look right on your wreath. You should cover your wreath with two layers of organza.

Using more organza strips, loosely wrap them around the wreath, you need to pin each loop on the back of your wreath to keep them in place. You should be able to see what I mean from the photographs.

I also added a large bow tied with another strip of organza to the bottom of the wreath and attached any strips left over to the bottom of the wreath at the back to create the ‘tails’. Cut these to different lengths to make them more visually appealing.

To add some colour I added a string of pumpkins across my wreath. You could add any other decorations that you like (spiders, skeleton bones etc.). My pumpkins are made from felt cut using the ‘pumpkin spice’ die from Cuttlebug. I put mod podge on the back of the felt and let it dry before cutting to help stiffen it so that the leaf and vines wouldn’t tear. I used sewing thread in two lines to create the garland attach the pumpkins to the wreath.

Finally, add a loop of ribbon to the top of your wreath, securing it at the back.
A handmade halloween wreath that cost me less than £3 to make!

A HUGE thank you to Lisa for joining me this week, please pop by her blog and see her other wonderful creations and store updates

Meet me on Monday

2011-10-24T20:36:00.004+01:00

Just a quickie this week as generally we are

plastering - we're getting there slowly!
baking - for our halloween party at the weekend
making - parts of costumes and table displays for our party also
spending - family time together as tel off work for a few days
creating - more festive treats for my online stores
walking - i feel i really need to walk at the moment
eating - healthy *apart from the party of course*
blogging - a fun crafty halloween week, i hope you all enjoy it

These are some fun russian dolls i have made for my craft fairspop on over to jumbleberries and share your week with us :)

Halloween fun - pumpkins

2011-10-24T08:00:00.003+01:00

If anyone has seen the issue 6 of the Mollie Makes magazine then you may well recognise the pattern for my pumpkinAfter adjusting it slightly by using felt and adding my own twist (as I love outer seams) I used the large apple template and made these fun pumpkins as a decoration for my porchIf you would like to re-create these yourself just gather these supplies, orange and brown felt, brown thread and toy stuffing and guess what you can download the template from the Mollie Makes page here
Using the template and instructions just alter it slightly by sewing the seam on the outside, and add a funny face too - if you want :)
A not so spooky post by me, but still autumn and halloween all the same. If you follow this tutorial then please do link back so I can pop by and say hello xxx

2011-10-23T11:03:00.001+01:00

Just interrupting my halloween week with a sad post - we are motor sport fans in this house, sadly today it claimed the life of a wonderful racer

RIP Marco Simoncelli

Halloween fun - spooky mug cosie

2011-10-22T08:00:00.007+01:00

"Hi, my names Katie and I have a huge love for all things crafty. What started out with paper, glue and scissors has grown uncontrollably to hooks, needles and who knows what next!

When Deanne asked me to create something for Halloween, I knew it had to be a "Mug Cosie" inspired by Deanne herself. I fell in love with these from the Quirky Boots blog and learnt to crochet, just so I could make them myself!

So here it is, a spookylicious mug cosie to adorn any party table, fill with scrummy treats or just sit back and indulge while you wait for the door bell to ring...

I hope you enjoy this pattern, do share your creations with me as I'd love to see them. And please credit where credit is due.

Wishing you all a fabulously, "Quirky" and super creative Halloween.

Katie Berberich "

Spookylicious Mug Cosie

Fill with lolly pops or other treats for the perfect table decoration, a great addition to any Halloween Party. Or simply indulge in comfort, whilst you wait for the “Trick or Treat”.

Using “Chunky Yarn” and

a 7mm crochet hook….

Chain 9

Row 1 1 Double Chain (DC) into 2^nd stitch from hook, DC into next 7 stitches.

Row 2 *Chain 2, Treble into next stitch, Treble into next 6 stitches (til end).

Row 3/4 Chain 1, DC into next 8 stitches (til end)*

Row 5-22 Repeat (*-*), finishing with 2^nd row of Double Chains.

Row 23 Chain 25, join with DC into 1^st stitch of last (DC) row, DC into next stitch, 1 DC into each 25 stitches to create the loop and join with 7^th stitch from previous row.

Fasten off and tie in ends with a wool/tapestry needle.

To Finish:

Attach a blue button in the centre of row 4 and thread orange lace into a bow through the 3^rd row of trebles.

**I'd like to say a huge thank you to Katie for taking the time out to join in my halloween blog week x**

Festive

2011-10-21T15:52:00.002+01:00

I am busy - honest - I really need to find some time to photograph my festive range! Heres a peek for the time been, they will be available for sale next week :)
ps the snowman is my favourite x

Spooky Fun

2011-10-19T07:00:00.000+01:00

I'm super excited, for a little while now I've been sorting out a fun halloween blogging week

So starting from this Saturday I have a week of spooky halloween fun sorted for my blog and you my readers :)

Some great crafty ideas to share so I hope you join in with us and enjoy it as much as I have putting it all together with some help from friends

photo source

Handmade Market

2011-10-18T08:00:00.000+01:00

I love our handmade market and how far its come, I'm certain I say that every month, but Michelle and myself are so so proud of it

We served mini crumble mince pies with the hot chocolate this monthand we always try to make the tea tables look a little prettyThis month we had another lovely bunch of stall holders
Bizzie Lizzie
Evajeanie
D A Crochet Gifts
Cherry Orchard Treats
The Cookie Box (the giraffe was snapped up by the cake makers daughter - she loved it)
Shabby Polka Dots
The gifts of nature workshop
Georgie Girl Jewellery
Hedgerow Preserves
We cant wait for our November and December markets as there going to be christmas themed x

Meet me on Monday

2011-10-16T10:13:00.006+01:00

Has it really been a week since blogging again, wow time has flown this week, it has been productive though, lots of sewing and designing and my monthly handmade market at the weekend have kept me super busy, we've started to serve hot chocolate with mini marshmallows now the colder weather is coming inSo this week I'll mostly be
1) crocheting cushions and my charity blankies
2) inspirational coffee with friends
3) housework - as we've had a plasterer in! i'm certain you can imagine the mess
4) preparing more handmade goodies for our halloween party
5) still reading my book as didnt get much chance last week

on another note i'll also be photographing all new goodies for stores ready to reopen them in about a week and hopefully I'm going to try to squeeze in a complete photo shoot to redo all that i've made, not a total re brand but a more 'oooh look thats a quirkyboots product' kinda re brand

all of the books I rescued from my late friends house are been collected by the British Heart Foundation so they will be going to new homes very soon, another good deed done

i'm still been kind and not putting too much pressure on myself, which i'm kind of enjoying

i'm slowly going through my simple manifesto that I drew up - gutting and decluttering is good for the soul

pop on over to Jumbleberries and join in with us - will be good to see what your up too this week x

Meet me on Monday

2011-10-10T13:30:00.004+01:00

This week - hmmmm what am I up to this week

Reading this bookDecluttering each room slowly
Taking my time doing everything, if I feel exhausted then I actually sit down for once
Trying to take some good advice from this simple manifesto, i've already started by making the decision to stop been an avon representative
Buying more notebooks, my journalling at the moment is bursting out of the seams
Walking every day in the morning, whatever the weather, need to start the day as I mean to go on
Baking a few cakes that i've been wanting to try out!
Creating more goodies for halloween and autumn, I've already started on the pumpkinsPlanting a very special plant gift
Coffee with a few friends
Attending a 'read write inc' session at school to see how Riley is been taught (Jack was taught with this and his reading spurred on, its fantastic, so hopefully Rileys speech will come on leaps and bounds)

I've spent the last week looking after myself the boys and him indoors as the tummy bug hit us pretty hard, so i've spent the last few days de-bugging by a super clean up, hopefully its worked, as dont really fancy that again!

What are you up to this week? Pop along to Jumbleberries blog and join in x

2011-10-09T09:15:00.002+01:00

Just an update, I'm feeling much better for the rest, apart from we've been hit with a tummy bug quite badly, its going around the school and everyones dropping like flys - not nice at all.

On another note, this photo is of my weekend away with the girls, I adore it and I'm going to have it pride of place in my studioI mean can you imagine it! sunbathing in October! oh and I'm 3rd from the left in case you were wondering :)

Meet me on Monday

2011-10-03T20:43:00.004+01:00

Well I'm getting there slowly but surely, this break is doing me really good

Talking of breaks, I've just come back from a wonderful weekend away with my crafty girls, sunbathing in October was not our list of priorities but it was certainly done, truly amazing weekend. I'll share more on that soon.
Over the next few weeks I'm going to be concentrating on

Meeting - up with friends and catching up

Sorting - out quite a few things to do with online stores

Getting - to grips with the realisation that my little man is now in full time school!

Having - a good sort out in home

Finding - out how much vampire diaries series 3 I've actually missed and play catch up

It doesnt look like much, but I'm not pushing myself to do much at the moment.

Pop on over to Jumbleberries blog and see what everyone else is doing this week!

Inspiring

2011-09-25T08:39:00.004+01:00

I'm having a good break at the moment and wont be back to full blogging for a little while yet, but I'm getting there.
I just so badly wanted to share a blog that is totally inspiring me at the momentSophie Isobels blog 'Her Library Adventures' is so pretty and full of colour and vintage finds - do pop over and see how inspired you feel too x

Floral Shoes - Tutorial

2011-09-20T08:00:00.001+01:00

I first saw this tutorial over here and thought it would be great fun to have a go

I got some cheap wedge sandals, a bargain actually for £2 from a local charity shop
I painted three base colours using acrylic paints
and then outlined with black
added a few white and mustard detailsand ta-daI like them - alot,

Meet me on Monday

2011-09-19T09:41:00.003+01:00

I'm going to be quite brief today about what I plan to do this week

I need to sort myself out! I'm not feeling too well at the moment and feel that everything is getting on top of me, for those that dont know one of my closest friends passed away suddenly very recently and I was with her at the time, I think its only hitting me now. Because of actions her husband has taken its really upset me and I'm struggling with how someone can move on so soon!

I need to figure all of this out as after my first son nearly ten years ago, I suffered with post natal depression and it left me with horrible just horrible panic attacks, which I havent suffered from for years, and now they've come back and I feel like a scared little girl again :(

I'm still here but just not as much, I'm having super early nights as I'm affected more in the evening, thankfully when the boys are in bed so they dont get to see mummy poorly and upset. So if I'm away for a while you know, I'm sorting myself out, and putting no pressures on myself.

I've closed my shops so i'm going to concentrate on building up stock and new goodies for when I'm back

I hope everyones had a wonderful weekend :) I'll be back soon x

**edited to add - I've got some fun tutorials lined up whilst I take a break, I hope you enjoy**

September's Market

2011-09-18T12:17:00.001+01:00

We had lots of new stall holders this month, there first time showing with our market, they soon relaxed and enjoyed the day

Heres a peek of their makes with links to their stores

Our gorgeous cakes and scones which are provided by The Cookie Box
Chocapop cakes and cake pops i came home with the eyeball and pumpkin & mummy cake pops
Quirky Boots felt gifts thats me :)
Wind the bobbin pretty dollies
Carolines jewellery
Bee Designs gorgeous cards - i love sues designs, this time i came home with a fun bookmark notebook and some handprinted gift wrap
Bloomin Fab wooden gifts - i wanted so much off this stall - so much
Drift Buy - fun signs from drift wood found on welsh beaches - i came home with a pretty sign for the garden saying 'butterflies welcome' :) *sigh*
Bierton & Burrows handmade soaps - the hall smelt beautiful all day thanks to this stall
Hags Bizzare fun gifts and accessories - the noughts and crosses went down a storm
Button it - button gifts and accessories - the other half of the market is Michelle with her fabby button makes
Pop along to our facebook page for more photos

Daily Reads

2011-09-13T08:00:00.000+01:00

I havent had chance to scour the sites to share some recycled loves, so I thought I would list some of my most favourite daily reads

A beautiful mess - because I just find the whole red velvet experience an inspiration

One Pretty Thing - I love all the various crafts shared daily

Netmums - this is uk based, its so helpful in so many ways

Facebook - of course - I mean who doesnt right!

Whats your daily reads - I'll pop by xx

Meet me on Monday

2011-09-12T12:47:00.004+01:00

Well what am I going to be doing this week!!!

oh I know

blubbing - as I take in that my little man is starting school! I remember Jack first starting school and I was pregnant with Riley at the time but that doesnt seem that long ago! :( many many many tears may well be shed

creating - using my new found time wisely, i have two events at the weekend so I would like to build up my stock a fair bit

sleeping - yes i'm struggling with that at the moment, so a few early nights are in order me thinks, although sleeping isnt the issue, its the fact I dont feel like i've had enough or had a disturbed sleep when I wake up

Cutting - hair off - yep me and riley are having new hair do's, in fact that was this morning and I feel so so so much better for it yes that is me, rare I know, and blurred, but what do you expect a four year old took it :)

Decorating - theres always decorating to be done here

Worrying - about Riley having his preschool booster on Friday!

Dreaming - off lots of positive happenings

Hows your week going to pan out :) Join us over at Jumbleberries x

2011-09-11T09:31:00.001+01:00

Taking a moment today to remember those lost xxx

Crop Girls

2011-09-09T08:54:00.005+01:00

Today was my crop day with the girls, I love running this group, its a time for us girls to get together, have a break away from the norm of daily life and for us to finish projects that just dont get done due to family life

This month I baked a crunchy top lemon cupcakes and vanilla cupcakes topped with maltesers and made homemade leek and potato soup

This is what our day consisted off!
sewing machine embroidery, scrapbooking, decopatching
embroidery, embellishments, knitting, card making
papier mache wall art, more knitting, more scrapbooking
I love the fact we all do different things and thanks to our humours we all get along just great
If you live near Kettering, Northamptonshire, why dont you pop along and join us, just message me for further details quirkyboots(at)hotmail(dot)com

Friday Loves - vintage buttons

2011-09-09T08:18:00.008+01:00

We all love buttons right! Okay some more than others have a complete addiction, pretty much like my friend who sells button jewellery - now she is an addict!

Heres some fun vintage button collections to get your hearts palpitating for over the weekend

Vintage Bling Oh me oh my!! I'm totally in love with these huge coat buttons Gorgeous teal and pink buttons Pretty Dahlia buttons and roasted pumpkins Cheerful Daisys Do you have a button addiction!!

late & hectic woyww

2011-09-08T11:58:00.006+01:00

I know I'm late, I had a pretty busy day yesterday it was Jacks first day in Year 5I met up with my friend Lindsay who I havent seen for ages, so Riley and Eva had a play whilst we talked shop, I love her goodies lots, so always come home really inspired

Another friend in the afternoon as I'm taking photos of her fab crochet goodies for her, I love her stuff, this woman is amazing, no patterns nada! I'll share some more of her goodies once I've photographed them all xAlthough I have a HUGE phobia of the shell like creatures, I managed okay handling this one, although not for long!

The day seemed to take forever to finish and to top it off I didnt feel great - I didnt sleep well, my recent friends passing really hit me hard last night as today is her birthday, to celebrate myself and a friend are going out for a meal, so today I'm majorly struggling with my emotions and keep breaking down :(

As of yesterday this was my desk, its now even messier, busy making up more kits, I'm so happy because I think people actually like them, well there selling anyways x

Bin Collection - Jumpers

2011-09-06T08:00:00.000+01:00

Theres nothing worse than shrinking that favourite wool jumper - is there!
Well these fab peeps do it with crafting style!

Pretty Cushions Funky Purse Cute Owl Fab Pullover Awesome Cushions What do you do with yours!

Meet me on Monday

2011-09-05T23:58:00.004+01:00

well actually in about two mins it will be Tuesday, totally forgot about this until I saw Clares post lol

This week I have a huge list to conquer!

Caring - for my bezzies kiddies on tuesday whilst she's at work
Baking - lots of cakes especially for the craft group girls on Saturday
Preparing - my crafting goodies ready for my craft group on Saturday
Eating - out with a friend to celebrate my recently 'lost' friends birthday
Meeting - up with a few friends (three actually and all at different times and days) that I have not seen for ages (hence lots of baking)
Cleaning - the kitchen/diner constantly for fear of chewing on brick dust!!!

The boys out and about on our weekend walk

What are you up to this week - please share here with Clare

More tea sets..

2011-09-05T15:09:00.003+01:00

nooooo not this time

this time its a coffee pot set!My lovely friend Sam donated this to me as she knew I loved all these things At this rate I'll be starting up vintage tea parties :)Gorgeous isnt it :) x

Opposites

2011-09-05T08:57:00.002+01:00

I'm certain I've said over time how different my two boys are! I know that people say no two children are the same, but my two boys are so far from each other its amazing!

Jack is 9 so he's the eldest and he's quiet and lacks confidence (this is so stressful as he's not 'into' trying something new so not that adventurous) we're also getting to the stage of 'attitude' so we have that rearing its ugly head on occasion too
He loves to draw and paint and of course loves his xbox games, thankfully he loves to play outdoors, loves to help cook dinners and bake, still loves cuddles from Mummy which I think I'd force on him anyways

Riley is 4 so he's the youngest and he's very loud (there is no remote to turn him down, shouts to talk at you - yes his hearings been checked and its super duper perfect), stressy, a screamer, doesnt listen, stressy (i've said it twice I know but its well deserved) has too much confidence and does not stop from morning to night
He also loves to do role play, loves his 'play' food, loves to draw Mummy on his drawing board, thrives on been outdoors

Why am I sharing all this, well, over the weekend Pap bought them a car to paint each and it just summed up the boys totally.

Jack carefully opened the box, took it out, looked at it and put it to one side thinking about how to paint it - he then went back to it in the evening once Riley was in bed and it was quieter and spent time painting

Riley ripped the box open and within about 4 mins, which included the box ripping, he announced he had finished and ran outside to play, coming back to check on us at regular intervals and to show off his new car Would you agree now that these two cars resemble my boys :)

Baking

2011-09-04T08:00:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I went along to a friends bbq so I did a tad of baking and took these with me

Carrot Cake - fab and only carrot cake recipe I use here I personally dont like bananas or walnuts, but I manage one banana and its still lovely and moist and I dont add the walnuts to the recipe I just use them for decor

Crunch Lemon Cupcakes - recipe here This is one of my favourite cakes, so simple to make and such a tangy taste

Everyone enjoyed them so thats a huge bonus x

Girlie Wall Art

2011-09-03T08:00:00.000+01:00

Whilst I'm making up my batch of vintage embroidered wall arts I'm making up a batch of these as well :)I really love the girlie face I've created with felt These will be available for purchase soon as I'm working on a longer and different colour hair girlies too. Custom orders are welcome x

Discount Giveaway

2011-09-02T16:01:00.003+01:00

How sweet - Ashley from Casa Y Cosecha contacted me about my friday loves feature to say any Quirky Boots reader can get a 20% discount using coupon code QuirkyBoots20Go vintage shop peeps there are some gorgeous goodies and a huge thank you to you Ashley x

Friday Loves - Vintage Pyrex

2011-09-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

I'm properly in love with vintage pyrex, I'm slowly trying my best to build up my collections, but due to lack of either funds when I see something or just not finding the right thing its a slow process. I'm in love with the pinks, greens, blues and yellow tones but I just cant seem to find them in the UK, I continue my mission though

Here's some vintage colourful beautiful dreamy pyrex to brighten up your weekend

Dreamy Green Mixing Bowl Heaven I'm desperate for some pink gooseberry Sunflowers always cheer me upPretty pyrex The list of pyrex love is so endless I could go on and on and on, do you have any pyrex to share, please link me in if you do so I can pop by and get my fix

If you really really love pyrex theres a flickr group here too - its soooo dreamy

Car boot finds and donated tea sets!

2011-09-01T08:00:00.000+01:00

The mad mile is a car boot not far from us that use to be on once a month so we'd always miss it, but this bank holiday we managed to go along

I found this lovely glasses and jug set, I know its not vintage but I couldnt resist as its so pretty and it only cost me £1.50!I also got this at a bargain 50p, now this is for a project so take a good long stare as it wont look like this for long!We also managed to find some bargain games for Rileys little handheld game, there normally £20 each and we got two for £5 and Jack got some more soldiers cause thats all he wanted, and Tel well he got a dartboard for the garage!

After the car boot we popped along to see Tels dad as he's recently had an operation whilst there he found out these super goodies that were hiding in his loft!
The new glass jug will be used alotThis gorgeous tea set is another for my collection for our handmade market!Do you enjoy car booting :)

I wish

2011-08-31T14:00:00.000+01:00

I so so wish I wore dresses! because I adore this one...the sewing kit dress from the new Red Velvet range
Makes me really want to hurry up and lose this weight so I can have pretty dresses like this one :)

woyww

2011-08-31T08:27:00.006+01:00

Its been a while and its not really a workdesk, but i'm getting there.

My kitchen table, whilst waiting for the studio to be finished is now in the conservatory looking like this!!!Due to having this done yesterday!Our new kitchen/diner, well I know its not finished but I'm so excited, having the wall removed has made the room soooo much lighter and I can already picture how its going to look when its finished with a new kitchen and new furniture, not for some time though as we're saving up and doing it in stages.
Although I walked into the kitchen this morning and let out a little squeak of excitement when I saw it all again

By the way, the poles are still there because we have to add a shorter beam to the end of another one! Everytime we try and do something in this house something rears its ugly head to try and defeat us, this time it was pipes in the way!Thanks to a friend we escaped to her house whilst all this was been done as Riley and Wicket arent too good with loud noises!Do you join in with WOYWW, hello if you do, and if you dont, do pop along to Julias blog she's quite funny you know :) x

Bin Collection - Comic Books

2011-08-30T08:00:00.005+01:00

In this house we love marvel comics, huge fans, we love family movie time especially when there's a super hero involved

So here's another bunch of fabulous artists recycling and not binning comics ...

Superman Cufflinks Snoopy Tags
I use to love to watch charlie brown when i was little
Vintage Comic Earrings -
I dont really do earrings but i do love these, so cute
Character Bangle Headband
This store is amazing, some fantastic headbands, this is one of my favourites
We're super hero addicts, Who's your favourite superhero :)

Meet me on Monday

2011-08-29T16:27:00.003+01:00

I totally forgot it was Monday for a moment especially as him indoors is home!
Today we've been to 'The Mad Mile' a huge car boot sale and I managed to get some bargains, I'll share soon. Pop on over to Jumbleberries and join in with Meet me on a Monday

This week I'm mostly going to be

Watching - Harry Potter year 6 & 7 and watching our dining room/kitchen wall been knocked out!
Creating - another wall art!
Reading - 'one day' hopefully once I find the book
Meeting - friends for coffee and chit chat
Sorting - the boys out ready for school, only new shoes to get now!
Dreaming - of my studio been finished and ready so I can move in :(

Wishing - that our new kitchen will be filled with pretty vintage pyrex source

oh me oh my

2011-08-29T08:00:00.001+01:00

I've followed the lovely Paula Sealey's blog for years and love how its turned around to a fantastic and inspiring food blog with a hint of her totally jaw dropping garden (I totally love her garden)
Her recipes are gorgeous bakes that you cant resist, heres a few of my favourites

Coconut and Raspberry Squares Smartie Cookies Apple Crumble Muffins Why does Paulas garden inspire me so much!*sigh*

Pop on over to Paulas blog **Spoons and Spades** I promise you wont be disappointed :)

Hoot Hoot Owl DIY Kit

2011-08-28T10:29:00.002+01:00

Finally I am now releasing my very first DIY Kit

The Hoot Hoot OwlI've loved designing him and he's a really cuddly little fella to make, great for ages from 7 plus with adult supervision He can be purchased here

Vintage upcycled wall art!

2011-08-28T08:00:00.000+01:00

I'm working on my first set of vintage embroidered wall art, I was so inspired and in love with my first sample that I've had to make some more I'm making a batch up first before I release them for sale in my store, thats if I'll be able to let them go as they already look pretty lined up on my shelfWatch this space over the coming weeks, until then I hope you've enjoyed the peeks x

oh me oh my

2011-08-27T07:42:00.005+01:00

Just found a pretty awesome food blog that I'm drooling over right now, for me the photo does it, then I read the recipe, these photos are so tempting, hence the drooling, and I feel totally inspired by them to get in the kitchen and cook/bake

So many recipes to try, I already have my eyes on the lasagne cupcakes and the caramel apple cheesecakes Pop on over and check out The Girl who ate Everything - you will not be disappointedI'll share another favourite food blog soon that totally inspires me too x

Changes

2011-08-27T07:00:00.000+01:00

I'm making a few changes in quite a few areas of my life some big and some small, my blog is one of them - all for the better I hope

I've gone back to a two column blog as the three just wasnt working for me at the moment, felt too cluttered
Keep an eye on it as I'm slowly adding new buttons and link boxes, I'm nearly there with the html, my brain has gone cloudy but I'm getting there

I've started my bin collection tuesdays posts which are aimed at fun people that I find who recycle recycle recycle
Then there is friday loves which is a collection of similar crafted items that I either love and/or totally inspire me

So keep checking back for so much more, quirkyboots updates, ,recipes, tutorials and the quirkiness that is me :)