Holidays are here!

Firstly, thank you for so many very kind and complementary comments on my posts recently. They really are a pleasure to read and have cheered me up no end!

The first real day of summer holidays (I had an INSET day yesterday) and I feel lousy; headache, tummy bug, the works. It is par for the course for a teacher, but Simon didn't come home until Thursday evening last week and I really don't want him to get another bug. He is on the mend but his levels are not stable and we're hoping things will settle down soon.

Anyway, I can't lie in bed any longer so I thought I would show you the little gift bags Lulus and I made for the gifts for her teacher and teaching assistants.

We decided on the smaller flower brooches in the end, so I shall be placing some of the larger flowers in my poor neglected folksy shop soon!

I have noticed recently my followers have been sneaking up and, as I approach that milestone of 50, realise that this would be a good time to start thinking about the customary giveaway! Any suggestions? You all know what I like to make, but what would you like to win? Don't be shy, I would love to know!

Becky x

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