Friday 21 September 2012

Rest, Relaxation and a four thousand plus year old tree

Just back from my hols, proving that you don't have to go too far to simply breathe, relax and enjoy life.  I had everything i needed, most importantly the love of my life, then a nice little self catering cottage in a pretty village with a very old traditional foody pub right opposite our front door!  Mix in some quiet romantic evenings with nice food, nice wines and morning and afternoon walks along rivers and ancient churches and trips out to the coast - equals the perfect holiday.  
Harlequin Cottage, Llangernyw
 St Digians Church, Llangernyw
 The oldest tree



 
 I love this, a BT red phone box spotted in amongst the rambling farm buildings from the church, they do get everywhere!  This one's pretty neglected but i'd seen another one ealier in the day in someone's front garden being used as a log store! very innovative.
 Cosy pub, "The Old Stag", Llangernyw

Before i went away i purchased this gorgeous victorian quilt from Ebay, it was very cheap but wasn't in fantastic condition, having a huge hole in the middle. However, i had an idea to make some vintage hearts with it to sell in the shop!
I made these in the cottage one rainy late afternoon and once i was over the initial fright of cutting up this gorgeous quilt, it was great fun.  I'm no stitcher, but these just need some stuffing, a bit of final stitching and some surface embellishments and i'm sure they'll pass for a bargain in my lovely shop. 
 
The smaller ones are £3.75 each and the slightly larger ones are £4.25 each - they're backed with a gorgeous vintage cream woollen blanket that Gav rescued from a local cafe owner (he actually brought it home for the dog!!) and then i had to rescue it from him.
 (Large)
 (Small)

I can't wait to finish them off with little hangers and messages. Watch this space.
 
Finally, here are some photos of a project i've been working on - Altered Books, or perhaps this is more of a hand made book  (3"x3").  It's not finished yet, i've used hand made paper and glued and machine stitched in ephemera elements.  I'd like to add some colour with some painting but haven't decided what will work as yet.






 
 

Tomorrow i'm off to Weston Park in Shropshire to attend a "hand stitched needlecase workshop" with
 
 i can't wait, i've packed my camera!

Thursday 6 September 2012

Nicci

Happy 20th Bithday to my Gorgeous Girl
 
Have a fabulous day
Love you loads
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