new starts

Happy New Year! Here's to new experiences in a happy, healthy 2015

It's a time for new starts, I don't like to have resolutions as such, just a few general goals for the year ahead...

I love getting out into the countryside, it makes me so happy, so I plan to make more time for countryside adventures, walks, picnics etc

I've been practising ten minutes of meditation a day for over a month now and I'm really enjoying it.
So one goal is to carry on with this. I'm using the Headspace app which is so easy to use, I started with the 'take ten' day trial....great for calming the mind, and as I'm a bit of a worrier this is perfect for me.

I have a pretty healthy diet, but like most people this time of year, I'm trying to cut down on sugary/processed foods..I'm a big snacker, so being organised with healthy food is really important or I will just eat the nearest biscuit/cake/chocolate bar.

I've started making my own granola bars, bliss balls, banana bread, hummus and pesto, they're all so delicious you don't feel deprived at all. It's real whole foods all the way for me. It's amazing how your taste buds change. * I can't promise that I will never eat a chocolate bar again.

I would like to start on a new range of work but I'm not quite sure what yet so it's definitely a work in progress. I need to get inspired again and the first step is to sort through my sewing/making room, having a rearrange always helps with creativity.

Do you have any goals for the year ahead?



 

grey skies & festive bunting

Hello! How are you all...feeling festive yet? It's an icy cold day here in Oxford, the sky has been a bright sheet of grey all day, but I kind of like it. Winter is here. 

If you have been following me on twitter you may have seen that I've been making more of my Festive Bunting. Sewing and sticking beautiful pieces of vintage sheet music, lace, antique buttons, silver bells, glitter and silky ribbons. 

They look really pretty strung up over mantle pieces, windows and mirrors to add a bit of vintage charm.

I have a few for sale in my Folksy Shop and I can also give you a special code for 10% OFF purchases. Just add the word: sewingroom at the checkout.

I'm planning on making spiced ginger bread biscuits for Christmas gifts this year, I've got my tree biscuit cutter and I'm very excited about making handmade packaging to put them in. I just need an easy recipe..so if you have a family, tried and tested ginger biscuit recipe I would love to know. 

Keep cosy and warm x 

autumn into winter

It feels like those warm autumn days have finally turned into winter and time to be indoors working on new projects, cooking hearty soups, lighting candles and snuggling under wool blankets.

Here are a few photos of my recent days; a trip to London, while the sun was still shining, walking along the sparkling Thames to Borough Market  and on to Brick Lane for a coffee, some people watching and a browse around the old streets and shops.

A relaxed Sunday spent drinking tea and eating cake with my lovely friend Natasha. It's always great to have time for a proper chat, to share ideas and plans. 


Pink Roses from the Garden are now looking pretty and in full bloom on my mantle piece.

What do you love about the change in seasons, now that winter is here x

 

to do lists

How's your January going so far? I know it's not most peoples favourite month, but I always think it's a good time to make plans, sort things out, make lists and look forward to the nicer months ahead.

I love buying new stationary and I've just bought a diary for 2014, I have so many notebooks it's ridiculous but I find I'm always jotting down ideas, places to visit, wish lists, new designs and general 'to do' lists, whether this makes me more productive, I'm not so sure...

I have just opened up a Folksy shop, have a look here. I'll be stocking it with lots more handmade items soon and I would love to sell more work online this year. Do you have an online shop, where you sell your own work? If you have any tips or advice, that would be great!

 

time out

I love the Botanic Gardens in Oxford, especially this time of year when the sun is low in the sky, casting light through the trees and the garden is still and quiet, with just the last  few flowers still in bloom.  It's the perfect place to go when you need a little time out.

 

My favourite welsh wool purse which I bought at Blighty Bazaar and my cosy Toast gloves.



This glass house was full of scent from these beautiful white Narcissus, it's nice to think spring isn't too far away.

winter blooms

I've been sifting through magazine cuttings, sketchbooks, fabrics and accessories for my winter inspiration. These are my chosen pieces which are now pinned up in my sewing room. I've always loved patterns on inky dark backgrounds like an old oil painting with careful brushwork. It's really helpful to have this inspiration board to glance at while I'm coming up with new designs.  I'm currently working on a new collection of vintage lace pins, clutch and envelope purses which will be on sale for Christmas.

a trip to the palace

 

On Sunday I visited the new Oxfordshire crafts gallery at Blenheim Palace to see my work on show along side other local artists.

The new gallery is a lovely space full of inspiring pieces, from textiles, ceramics and jewellery. I'm sure it will be a success.

 

We also had a wander around the grounds, which looked beautiful in the hazy afternoon sunshine. Still to early to see any spring flowers, but the box hedges and trees looked serene amongst the statues and fountains.

snow days

I've had a few (unexpected) days off work due to the snow, so my boyfriend and I have been trapped in our little village, which has been quite nice, but hopefully back to normal soon...

 

Have you been enjoying the snow?

 

The little china deer in the photo above was a gift from my lovely friend Natasha of (Candy Pop). Looking around my house I've realised I have a thing for for china animals and birds...Is this wrong?

 

winter

At this time of year when it's looking grey and misty it's easy to stay inside and not do much, but I always feel better for getting outside. In the winter you get those quiet, still days when everything seems to be hibernating, trees are bare, little birds dart from the hedgerows and the sun is nowhere to be seen. We took a picnic on our walk and ate most of it as soon as we left to house.

I love the pictures in this garden birds book, which I bought recently, they illustrate winter perfectly.

let it snow

 

The weather has turned cold and frosty with icy white skies and bare sparkly trees.

It definitely feels like Christmas is coming....so it's a good job I have finished making all my handmade Christmas cards. I've loved finding all the special pieces to decorate them, from vintage postcards, old music sheets, lace and buttons and giving them a final dusting of gold glitter. 

 

I have a selection for sale in my Etsy Shop , and also at the Old Fire Station Shop in Oxford

 

I hope you like them...