Thursday 28 June 2012

my week...



My week has looked a bit like this...lovely new floral fabrics to make lavender bags, I always feel quite sleepy making these, perfect to tuck under your pillow for a peaceful nights sleep.

I found these little blue daisies hidden away in a box of bits, they will look lovely on my handmade cards.


I love eating outside, listening to the birds tweeting away. We felt quite pleased with ourselves, as we ate the little chard leaves we grew.


My mum treated me to a pink Geranium, which I've put in the bedroom as it's a nice and sunny spot.

Monday 25 June 2012

faded charms


I've had a lovely day at home today, enjoying the sunshine in the garden, sowing salad and herb seeds. I so love having a little outside space to potter around in.

When the sun goes in that's my cue to go back inside and start working on my little lace brooches for the next exhibition in July. 



These ones I sold at my last show. I'm really pleased that people like them as they are my favourite things to make at the moment.



Friday 22 June 2012

gulbenkian museum - lisbon


While we were in Lisbon we took a trip to the Gulbenkian Museum which was founded by Calouste Gulbenkian. During his life (1869 - 1955) he amassed a huge fortune and an art collection which he kept in a private museum at his beautiful Paris home. His four storey, three basement house was said to be crammed full with art from artists such as Renoir, Manet, Monet, Rembrandt and Lalique to name a few!  It was fascinating walking around the museum thinking this all belonged to one man.


Sunday 17 June 2012

lisbon


I've just got back from a trip to Lisbon. It's such a beautiful city and we were there for a big  saints day festival 'Santo Antonio' where every street is decked out in coloured ribbons and pots of lucky basil on every windowsill.




We got lost in the narrow streets of the Alfama district, around every corner the locals were cooking sardines over hot coals and drinking their local beer 'superbock' there was a real party atmosphere.

 




The buildings in Lisbon have a real charm to them, a bit faded and chipped but full of character, ornate tiles decorate carved wooden doors, balconies crammed full with plants and herbs and beautiful purple blossom trees line small parks and squares.

 




One of the best things about the city is the delicious food, simple grilled fish and seafood with rock salt and garlic, olives, sliced cured hams, cherries and oranges, their little custard tarts 'pastel de nata' they are so moreish. I ate far too many!

 

Friday 8 June 2012

back home


The weather has turned crazy! Gale force winds, torrential rain and little old me with an umbrella is not a good combination, anyway back home and dry now.

I've been getting ideas from pearly coloured buttons, pretty plates, vintage crochet lace and tiny seed beads...

I must admit that I'm slightly lacking inspiration at the moment.


I'm off on a trip to Lisbon, Portugal with my boyfriend next week. I'm really looking forward to some blue skies (hopefully) and to come back refreshed full of ideas.

Have you ever visited? I would love to know x

 

Sunday 3 June 2012

the queen's diamond jubilee


To join in the celebrations for the Queens Diamond Jubilee I have been putting up union jack bunting around the house and I'll be drinking tea and eating cake all day in honour of the Queen!

Tomorrow we are off to a local street party, where there will be a beer festival, craft stalls, barbecues and bands playing.... sounds like a prefect way to spend a day of work.

Thank you Ma'am.