Books, fabric, gift boxes and a bowl.

It's been a busy day. I did get a little more retail therapy, but actually it was a little stressful. Firstly, it rained quite heavily. Secondly, I was really uninspired by everything in the fabric and wool shop I was so looking forward to going to. In fact, I felt quite frustrated. Why is it that when you are trying to be good and save money you find thousands of things you would just love. But when you plan to treat yourself there is absolutely nothing of interest anywhere.
Anyway, I went to Waterstones and, from a very disappointing selection of crochet books, came away with these two:

I bought these because I need to improve my technical skills as I really only know the basics. There are so many inspirational bloggers out there creating beautiful things for their homes that I feel inspired to push my creative boundaries and take on something a little more challenging. The only trouble was I couldn't find any yarn that I liked so I shall have to have a little play using my stash for now.
I wanted to make some fabric storage boxes from felt and line them with some fabric. Eventually I chose these but they weren't quite what I wanted.

Tonight I played with the lovely cardstock I bought on Saturday. I chose these patterns to go with some of my necklaces.

After a little sizzix magic the cards were transformed into...

I love making these boxes, but they are only big enough for my necklaces and I need to invest in something larger for my brooches. If you've got a good sizzix box die about 3" by 3" by 1" please let me know, I'm struggling to find anything.

My poor husband and children were stars today. They humoured me by nodding, smiling and frowning at almost all the right times, even when they were bored silly. I must bake them something nice tomorrow to say thank you.

Last night I played with my felt at the sink for a little while and then left my creation to dry on the radiator. You can have a little peek...

It is by no means finished and is my very first felt vessel. It reminds me of an algae covered pebble from my pond! This wasn't really the intention! However a few shots of needle felted colour and we may have some spring flowers... maybe! When it's finished I would like to make a tutorial for these, though it may take a little while.

OK, you, like my family, have been very patient to wade through my ramblings so I am going to call it a night!

Becky x

Treat Yourself!

So, I'm officially off work for a week and that involves a bit of retail therapy, doesn't it? We have a local farmer's market in the village once a month which a few local craft's people attend. I picked up a jar of chilli jelly (which I am a little addicted to and seems to accompany my every meal!) and then spotted this...

I just love this print. 

It works so well with the spotty one too, but I would never have thought to put them together.
I asked the lady if she made children's aprons and she said she could, so next month I'm hoping to pick one up for Lulu, my little girl (not her real name but a nick name that sort of evolved due to the Bob the builder theme tune - it's a long story!).

Later, during a little wander around the Range looking for a clock for our newly decorated hallway, I found this...

a lovely little collection of papers. This is quite a heavy cardstock which I like to use to make gift boxes for the jewellery I sell on Folky. These are really quite beautiful with a touch of glitter (I am a primary school teacher!). I have a lovely gift box die to use with my sizzix machine and these papers will look just great (pics to follow when I've had a play).

Tomorrow more shopping, I want to make some fabric storage boxes for a new shelving unit so it's off to a fabric shop (or Mummy's sweet shop as Lulu's calls it). I feel the need for some new yarn and maybe a crochet book or two. Yes, I will definitely rename this half-term to 'treat yourself' week! x