Show and tell time!

Well about time too I hear you say! Here is the very first in my latest range of home decor items aptly titled 'Homespun Country'. There will be personalised hearts, doorstops, tea cosies and much more to come . . . so for now I hope this lovely little pillow wets your appetite!

I had a wonderful start to the weekend attending a Cookery Master Class at the lovely Trattoria Cookery School - the longest established Italian Cookery School in Wales.

Our Chef was no other than Franco Taruschio who both inspired and entertained the class in a lovely warm relaxed atmosphere where we learnt to prepare attractive, delicious dishes that were truly Italian.

There was plenty of opportunity to ask questions and gain understanding of the techniques used. The very hands-on session also involved tasting all the food that had been made . . . a fabulous time was had, and I'm itching to try out the new techniques i've learnt!

Photos to follow!

La La's Magic Ball Swap

To kick start myself back into the swing of things i'm going to take part in a wonderful swap being organised by the lovely Lynda over at Hookin' with LaaLaa.

The idea is you send your partner a ball of wool but you unwind it and wind in little wrapped treats every so often. For example buttons, sweeties, choccies, soaps, needles, pins, fat quarters of fabric etc. So, when your partner is knitting/crocheting with the wool, they come across a little treat every now and again . . . what a wonderful idea don't you think? If you fancy taking part why not over to Lynda's Blog and let her know ~ just click on her button over there on the left!

Refreshed . . . . and back!

I can't believe how quickly the months have passed! What with one thing after another I've really not had the time or energy to focus on any new designs and have no finished works to show and tell you all . . . but I promise that I will be more than making up for it for the second part of 2011 - watch this space!

Well we've just come back from a break away in beautiful West Wales and I'm thoroughly refreshed and raring to go . . . well that's once i've caught up with all the washing that is!

The first part of the week was spent exploring our new surroundings, taking in the views, visiting local castles, soaking up the sun on the sandy beaches and of course admiring the wildlife . . . sounding a bit tame? Well in between the relaxing the rabble did manage to squeeze in abseiling, tearing down a zip wire or two, go-karting, roller coaster rids and me well I sat on the side-lines reading my Country Homes magazine from cover to cover under the guise of official photographer of course, the most daring I got was going for my early morning run whilst everone else caught up on their rest!

I've most definately shaken off the odd cobweb or two and feel raring to go . . . one step at a time tho of course, I've learnt not to go hell for leather anymore!




Mid way through our stay saw us travelling to beautiful Pembrokeshire and paying a visit to meet the lovely Liz at The Jewellery Junkee.

The Jewellery Junkee specialise in Costume Jewellery and sell a wide range of beautiful pieces that have been Handcrafted in-store that you will NOT be able to buy anywhere else. From fabulous funky button necklaces to more demure items to fantastic Dichroic Glass to Bridal Jewellery - you are sure to find something different and unique!


Liz also prides herself on the fantastic array of Gourmet Bath products she stocks, including Handmade Soaps, Bath Bombs, Gift Sets, Wedding Favours or just a Treat for Yourself! The main emphasis is on Handmade products and designs that owner Liz lavishly wraps and packs herself so you are sure you getting something extra special.

If you're not planning to visit Pembrokeshire anytime soon, then why not vist The Jewellery Junkee on-line!

That's my news for now . . . please stop by again soon!

Wintery Christmas Wishes . . .

For me, one of the best bits about this time of year is turning my back on the high street and seeking out gifts with that wonderful handmade appeal. This year I have found alot of unique items from outlets nearby my home town and have discovered an array of crafters along the way who have in turn inspired my own creativity ~ keep an eye out for a new angle in 2011!

This Christmas I was determined to make more of my own gifts and have given myself a challenge or two, although I didn't manage to comlete my lengthy list of presents I am chuffed at the bundle that I did acheive.

Like many of you we've experienced our fair share of the white stuff down here and have at long last managed to dig the car out, clear the road and lay down fresh grit ready for my treck to work in the morning . . . three days and counting until I enjoy a well earned break with the family.

So that just leaves me wishing you all a wonderful and happy Christmas time . . . see you all in the New Year.

Lisa

x

Heaven & Nature

As promised here are two cushions that i've been itching to show you . . . the first in hopefully a brand new range for Christmas ~ I know, not very tradionally festive but I thought I'd add a little twist for my All that's PINK range. The designs are inspired of course by Nancy Halvorsen with a little bit of me added for good measure!

The lovely weather has distracted me a little from crafting today so you'll have to wait until 'next time' before I unveil my Up on the Roof Top Quilt which is definately traditional in both style and colour . . . . keep your eyes peeled!