tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44981412584856587602024-03-13T00:24:31.929+00:00The Start of Something .......Welcome to my blog. Hope you have fun...You can see all my products on https://www.facebook.com/ToadstoolCottage/shop/?rt=19Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-82182600969747459982020-03-24T21:49:00.001+00:002020-03-24T21:49:44.055+00:00Isolation Day Eight<br />
Finally my husband has sorted out his medical appointments. The doctors' surgery didn't phone this morning so he phoned them and they said he should go in, so he drove himself down to the surgery and apparently he was the only patient there. Probably because we have all had text messages to tell us to stay away! The consultant's secretary got back to him to say the consultant was self isolating so wouldn't be seeing him on Thursday but would contact him by telephone. Phew.<br />
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The neighbours sent us clips of their CCTV video of the person opening the back of our car and he doesn't just open the back he opens both of the front doors and gets inside the car and sits in it for several minutes! He cycles along the pavement past our drive then turns around comes back and rides down our drive, gets off his bike and has a look at our car, opens the boot, closes the boot, steps through the fence and checks out the neighbours taxi but can't open the doors, so comes back to our car opens the driver's door and gets in, goes around to the passenger's door opens it and gets in, finally gets out gets on his bike and cycles away!<br />
My husband has now discovered that his CDs and ipod are missing.<br />
The police rang me back and asked me to send them the video clips in the hope that the local police might recognise him. They also suggested that we keep all the car keys inside a metal tin which will prevent thieves from accessing the signals which unlock the car, so I'm off to find a tin.<br />
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The weather today has been gorgeous and I washed a sleeping bag and had it out on the line, when I brought it in, it was covered in little black specks which I thought were from the trees. I then discovered that the little black specks were crawling! It reminded me of my younger daughter's first car, it cost her £50 and it was a bright yellow original Mini. She drove it 16 miles to school every morning and I drove it home and then drove it back to school in the afternoon and she drove it home. It was a lovely little car, a genuine Mini with sliding windows and those string door handle pulls, the only thing wrong with this bright yellow Mini was that it was always covered in thousands of black crawling mini beasts.<br />
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Today I thought I would start to sew the bright orange bag but it didn't go to plan. My new sewing machine has 3 different tension adjustment points and it must have taken me over an hour to get the tension adjusted correctly and then I discovered I was using the wrong thread and would have to start all over again. I think I'll do it tomorrow.<br />
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I have finished another crocheted baby blanket, I like to do something when I'm watching the telly, it's too dark now to photograph so I'll post some images tomorrow.Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-35535580224776212292020-03-23T17:15:00.001+00:002020-03-23T17:15:59.219+00:00Isolation Day SevenThis post has to include Days 5 and 6 because our internet was not working properly, I expect the world and his wife were all trying to use it at the same time as me, how dare they!<br />
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Anyway I have long since forgotten what I did and in what order I did whatever it was I did.<br />
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I removed all the unwanted covers from all the leftover cushions and have made several more new covers, unfortunately every time I turn around there is another naked cushion and I'm bored with cushion covers now.<br />
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I am bored with trying to catch up with the washing.<br />
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Not my image.<br />
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I am so bored with the cooking and washing the dishes. My husband and I used to take it in weekly turns to do the food shopping and the cooking. It was absolutely great, having spent the majority of my life meal planning, food shopping and then cooking the stuff, it was bliss to get every other week off. However since he hasn't been able to participate in anything really since Christmas it has all been down to me. And I'm fed up with it, and to top it all I have forgotten to take anything out of the freezer for tonight! Plus a few weeks ago he decided that he couldn't eat anything but white fish and mashed potato, thank goodness we have now passed that stage.<br />
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Also not my image. I wish my white fish and mashed potato had looked like this!</div>
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Oh and today the dishwasher appears to have broken! It washed the dishes last night with only about half of the soap tablet, the remaining piece was left in the flappy thing. So this morning I removed the soggy tablet, cleaned out the flappy thing and inserted a new tablet and waited the one and a half hours it takes to wash. Heaven only knows why it takes so long. But when I opened the door to remove the clean dishes the tablet was lying untouched. but soggy, on the bottom of the dishwasher. So I washed everything by hand. So much quicker and probably much cheaper.<br />
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Another image which is not mine.<br />
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Yesterday was Mother's Day and the girls sent me text messages and my son deposited a lovely bunch of flowers and a card outside my door, he said there were no chocolates as the shops were sold out. But at least they all remembered.<br />
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Today all three children are working from home and I have received various images of them sitting in front of their computers working.<br />
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This morning the next door neighbour called round to say that someone was breaking into our car last night! The neighbour has CCTV and he has images of someone actually opening the back door/boot of our car! They had also tried to get into his taxi. What we can't understand is how they opened the back of the car because it was locked. Interestingly our daughter in law who lives around the corner said the glove compartment in her car was open and everything had been taken out of it, but she too had locked her car. I have reported it to the police but there was no damage and nothing was stolen which is the most important thing.<br />
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Once again our celery soup friend left a couple of packs of paracetamol and a homemade banana cake in our front porch. It's getting to feel a lot like Christmas!<br />
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For the past two or three weeks I have been arguing with my husband about whether or not he should keep his appointment at the GPs and then at the hospital. He has to go to the GP to get his blood taken, so that when we go to see the consultant at the hospital he has the blood results infront of him. Well its been like talking to a brick wall. Today he finally rang the surgery and was told it was perfectly fine for him to go in to have his blood taken??? Then he immediately got a text from the surgery saying they would ring him in the morning. He has left messages with the consultants secretary regarding the hospital appointment but as yet she has not replied. Possibly because her answer machine is choked with other people asking the same question. Then suddenly he received a message from NHS Coronavirus Service to say that he had been identified as someone who should stay in! But he is still contemplating going, I understand that he feels he needs to go because he needs the treatment, but what about catching the virus - I have given up arguing and he has gone to bed for the moment.<br />
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On a more cheery note what else can I say, well the weather is lovely it is really sunny outside and quite warm, but I won't be going any further than the washing machine in the back of the garage. The road outside is eerily quiet in fact I actually can't hear any traffic noise at all.<br />
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And yet another image that is not mine.<br />
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Today has not been very productive, roll on tomorrow.Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-21260525872783516532020-03-20T20:19:00.000+00:002020-03-20T20:19:00.937+00:00Self Isolation Day Four<br />
Worst news of the day is that my younger daughter has had to cancel her wedding, just the same as my friend's daughter. it is so stressful for them and so very sad. Never mind we will make up for it at the rearranged weddings.<br />
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I only have a limited amount of fabric scraps left after my first cushion cover so today's cushion cover was smaller but I managed to finish it all and this time I had to use yellow poppers after wasting my orange ones yesterday. But here they both are and I am very pleased with them and they are all made from my fabric stash, so have cost me nothing.<br />
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My husband sent out a text this morning saying that he was running low on black grapes, I couldn't understand why and pointed out to him that he had half a packet left in the fridge. Later on in the day my daughter in law dropped off some 'essential supplies' in the front porch.<br />
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Fabulous 'essentials'!<br />
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Not long after this a friend of my husband dropped off some homemade jam, a couple of homemade scones and a container of homemade celery soup. All left in the porch.<br />
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And then later in the afternoon my son in law popped round with two slices of homemade Nigella Lawson's 'Grasshopper cake' and two packets of black grapes! Anyone need any grapes?<br />
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What fabulous friends and family we have.<br />
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My husband didn't manage much today, he got up about 3.30 pm and then went back to bed at 4.30 pm. He did surface again about 7.00 pm which was handy because we had a family get together over the internet, it should have started at 8.00 pm but by the time I had worked out what I was supposed to do we managed to join the chat about 15 mins. late. Technology is a wonderful thing if only I could understand it!<br />
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The new printer has arrived along with some ink supplies and more importantly my sewing thread has arrived. I think perhaps I should finish my cushion covers first before I start my bag, after all there is no rush I have plenty of time.<br />
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Oh dear I am having problems with technology again, I don't think the internet is working very well. This will either not be posted or will be posted many times!!!<br />
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<br />Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-5338031043923210852020-03-19T23:30:00.002+00:002020-03-19T23:30:53.193+00:00Self Isolation Day ThreeToday I finished my cushion cover.<br />
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It took a lot more fabric than I originally thought so I decided to make the back out of normal fabric. I found an unused pillow case that was a perfect match for my colour scheme. Way, way back (probably about 20 years ago) we purchased a wardrobe for my younger daughter's bedroom, it was one of Ikea's the sort that came in sections. So there was a section for hanging, a section of wire trays and a section of shelves and drawers. It came with wonderful mirrored doors, available separately of course, but we couldn't afford the mirrored doors, so we bought a duvet set and cut it into curtains which we hung instead of doors, and the pillowcase was left unused. I have saved it all these years knowing that one day I would need it!<br />
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To make life easier I used poppers for the closing, well it would have been easier if I had put them the correct way round. I had to use 2 pairs of pliers to break the poppers off, very cross with myself for being so stupid, but I do quite like the finished cushion.<br />
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My husband announced that he was going to do some paperwork today as he was so far behind with it, unfortunately he didn't manage to make it from the chair to the desk, so it will have to wait for another day.<br />
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Had a very long chat on the phone to my friend who is self isolating on her own and in her words 'going stir crazy'. I wouldn't mind but it's only day three! Hopefully I cheered her up a bit. She mentioned that some kind person had left her some cheese, cat litter and milk on her doorstep which her daughter organised through a friend.<br />
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The trouble with this self isolation is that I spend more time on the computer and usually this means buying things! So today I have purchased a new printer and some inks. This will have to stop, I can't afford to buy things every day. To be fair I have been looking for a new printer for some time now, spending hours and hours reading reviews, checking technical websites, trawling through best buy sites and to be perfectly honest I am non the wiser. Well its too late now because I have pressed the button.<br />
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I am going to have to write things down as I go through the day because I'm sure I must have forgotten lots of things, re-reading this gives the impression that I haven't done very much today but I feel as though I have been busy all day and its definitely time for bed now. See you tomorrow.<br />
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<br />Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-18360472743841910972020-03-18T21:12:00.001+00:002020-03-18T21:12:54.418+00:00Self Isolation Day TwoThis is the photograph that I should have taken yesterday, it shows the entertainment centre now fitted into the wardrobe. All this has been done for my husband who now spends more time in bed than he does downstairs, he would be in his element watching sport - if only there was any to watch these days!<br />
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Good luck finding the correct hand controls.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHcqmNj5ekKLDcyx0_NdGQwGkYrxzdyI4UReFvj6haBFJksRe3XsErTG3spN-BKFt20fG0xhFPhUwNEcR-dUBHwB38hpSW0U43MtuAMpJhL0EvOMvOdyBN3wJmB_eapV6oQ7haBljnV6k/s1600/IMG_4531.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxHcqmNj5ekKLDcyx0_NdGQwGkYrxzdyI4UReFvj6haBFJksRe3XsErTG3spN-BKFt20fG0xhFPhUwNEcR-dUBHwB38hpSW0U43MtuAMpJhL0EvOMvOdyBN3wJmB_eapV6oQ7haBljnV6k/s200/IMG_4531.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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First thing I had to do today was to cancel two appointments, one for my hair and the other for the dog's hair. The dog needs clipping so that he can see where he is going and I need my hair looking good for my friend's daughter's wedding, I'm not sure what I am going to do now.<br />
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I asked my husband this morning what jobs/activities he planned for the day and his answer was "I've unplugged the shredder. Its been on my list to do for weeks now." At least I had a really good laugh.<br />
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Fed up with the fact that I don't have any thread to match the bright orange future bag I decided to make a cushion instead. We have a very rural house in France (which we may never see again) and the lounge is natural stone walls, orangey floor tiles and a yellow leather suite. Now the suite used to have some brown fluffy scatter cushions until the dog decided to take them outside and kill them. I have had in mind to make some cushion covers and re-use all the leftover cushions that the children discarded, after the mad craze of having scatter cushions all over their beds. So I raided my bin bag full of scraps of fabric, chose the appropriate colours and ironed them all and now I'm left with this.<br />
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I am going to make a patchwork type cover using the 'quilt as you go' or 'crazy quilting' method, basically I am making it up as I go along but it's keeping me busy.</div>
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This afternoon my husband announced that he was going to go to the bottle bank. </div>
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Why?</div>
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When was the last time you went out?</div>
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It's funny how when you are told not to do something you instinctively want to do it, whatever it is. In this case it was to go out. I wouldn't let him go so he moaned to the children via 'Whats App' and my son came around at night to collect all the bottles, which I have to say are mostly Baileys and I'm the only one that drinks it. We spoke to him through the closed windows, the world has gone mad.</div>
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The window bit reminds me that this morning as I was looking through the bedroom window whilst chatting to my husband about the state of the garden, I saw the man who lives behind us come out of his patio doors, walk across his patio and place something into his dustbin and then he urinated into the hedge!!! Then calmly walked back into his house. Maybe the poor man has no inside toilet?</div>
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Unfortunately I got a text message from my friend's daughter to say they have had to postpone their wedding. It's good news for me and my hair but I am so sorry for them, such a shame. Roll on November which is their new date.</div>
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A quick shot of where I am up to with my cushion cover. </div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-76228730704332624682020-03-17T18:29:00.001+00:002020-03-17T18:29:28.321+00:00Self Isolation Day OneIn order to keep myself occupied I thought I would write my blog as a diary and record all the events or non-events of my husband's and my self isolation, it may well be fun to read at a later date if we all get through this disaster.<br />
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We are having to isolate as my husband is over 70 and is quite poorly with 'underlying issues', on the other hand I am not yet 70!<br />
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I managed to install a DVD player in the wardrobe, where I had already installed a television and a sound bar. Simple though this was it did entail having to drill holes in the existing shelves to push cables and plugs through and to unplug the television, the soundbar and the Virgin cable box. I am very impressed that I managed to plug them all back into their respective places. The entertainment system in the bedroom is now working! There are however 5 separate hand controls so I foresee a lot of problems.<br />
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I also did 3 loads of washing, I always have a backlog of washing over the winter months as my machine is in the back of the garage and in order to access it I have to go outside, which I know is no hardship but it always puts me off going to the machine. Inevitably what happens is I put some washing in the machine and then completely forget about it, several days later when I return with another load of washing I find the first load still in the machine. This first load then has to be re-washed so I take the second load of washing back into the house and the whole process starts again because I forget about the washing in the machine. Some loads are washed many, many times and some loads just make a bigger pile!<br />
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I have been planning to make a particular bag now for weeks so today I decided to finish all the cutting out and start the sewing. Unfortunately although I seem to have every conceivable colour of thread I don't have the colour I need for this bag and I can't go shopping. Not to worry I will order some online. Naturally you can't just get a reel of cotton without incurring ridiculous postage costs, so of course I had to add more things to my basket until I qualified for free postage. Turns out one reel of cotton can be quite expensive!<br />
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I never remember to take a picture when it is daylight so this is a bit dark and doesn't really display the bright orange at it's best.<br />
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Today I learnt that you can't iron vinyl. No need to say anything else regarding this!<br />
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Luckily the dog's food was delivered, so he now has enough to last for 3 weeks.<br />
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Tomorrow I must plan to do something more exciting.</div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-8195305020557400572019-01-30T16:11:00.001+00:002019-02-01T16:58:06.275+00:00On Safari......<br />
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Occasionally two of my grandchildren have a 'sleep over' at my house and they sleep in the spare room in a double bed, which they love, but it is not always conducive to a good night's sleep for them or us! So I decided to redecorate a bedroom especially for them.<br />
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I had several tins of leftover paint from a previous decorating project and the colour reminded me of a sandy,tropical sunset and this is really what inspired me to do a 'Safari' room.<br />
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I am incapable of drawing anything but I'm quite good at copying so I trawled the internet to find some simple black and white images of safari animals that I could adapt to fit on the walls between the ceiling and the picture rail. I found several suitable ones and decided on a zebra, a rhino and a lion.<br />
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I measured the space where I wanted to paint these animals and taped several pieces of paper together to get exactly the correct size. It took me several days to copy the images from my laptop onto the much larger pieces of paper and when I was finally satisfied with the results I cut them out to make stencils that I could draw around on the wall.<br />
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I used a combination of black acrylic paint and black felt tip pens to draw and paint the animal pictures, with extra gold felt tip on the lion and I think they look brilliant.<br />
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I then decided that one wall was going to be a real focal point and whilst trawling the net in search of safari animals I had seen lots of elephant silhouettes, which inspired me to have three elephants (one for each grandchild) walking across the wall.<br />
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Everyone needs an elephant in their room!<br />
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Three walls were already painted in the safari/sandy/sunset colour and I decided that the fourth wall would be a bluey colour with the elephants painted in black. I was going to paint a tree on this wall in the corner but by the time the elephants were done they were so big there was no room for the tree!<br />
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I already had the tall set of drawers and they were just perfect for a giraffe. Again I had to copy and adapt several pictures before I came up with the final design, which I cut up so there was a section on each drawer. I engraved the design with my dremel taking great care not to cut too deeply as the drawers are made from laminate not real wood. I was very happy with the engraving but felt that it wasn't easily noticeable so I used a felt tip pen to colour in the engraving. I am now happy with the finished result but feel that I could have achieved the same effect by just drawing the giraffe with a permanent marker, which probably would have been a lot easier!<br />
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I finished it all off with some safari themed bedding and a hippo's head just the right size for the window sill.<br />
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I am thrilled to report the grandchildren loved it - so it was worth all the hard work!<br />
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<br />Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-48775437251746923412019-01-07T15:30:00.000+00:002019-01-07T15:37:26.245+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><u>HAPPY 2019</u></span></span></h2>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">On January 1st I spotted this post on a Facebook page that I follow</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">“Show us
your best makes of 2018”</span></div>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">It was followed by lots of posts of some truly beautiful
makes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14pt;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I</span><span style="font-size: 14pt;">t dawned on me that although I had made many things and finished
many more DIY projects, plus had several total disasters, I hadn’t actually recorded a
single one and I hadn't taken any photographs.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This year I am going to attempt to take some
photographs and record my achievements and disasters just so that at the end of
2019 I can look back and say </span><br />
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">"Here is one I made earlier!"</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<h2>
<b><u><span style="font-size: large; line-height: 107%;">My first attempts at (Shrink)
Felting.</span></u></b></h2>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Probably not
really my first attempt because I used to shrink my son’s designer jumpers
regularly!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Some time
ago I purchased several balls of 100% wool to knit and then felt.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I had no
idea what I was going to do with them but they were on ‘Sale’ and such a
bargain that I couldn’t resist them. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">Fast forward
many months and I spotted some felted slippers on Pinterest. Good idea, I thought, my
feet are always so cold when I sit down in the evenings, and felted slippers would be perfect. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">After a long search I managed to find the original posting of the felted slippers and the knitting
pattern that accompanied it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">I purchased
the pattern from Ravelry<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/">https://www.ravelry.com/</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">and here is the link to the pattern for the
slippers (which are called Duffers) if you too would like to make a pair <span class="MsoHyperlink"><a href="https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffers---revisied">https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/duffers---revisied</a></span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;">This is the wool that I used</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q9JTBiWliHOY8Nckhu3sb8zAv_3I7utuCGiEzrz6O-5nzKCituV7uV6BFrbG4rfZNX1i0xZfFUH3davI4ZpmmIqy26vb3Se0lB1t62xWj9xuwnx2Ywtg57Kj_Y2esoFoTGrZ2ONygyqi/s1600/IMG_3210+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4q9JTBiWliHOY8Nckhu3sb8zAv_3I7utuCGiEzrz6O-5nzKCituV7uV6BFrbG4rfZNX1i0xZfFUH3davI4ZpmmIqy26vb3Se0lB1t62xWj9xuwnx2Ywtg57Kj_Y2esoFoTGrZ2ONygyqi/s320/IMG_3210+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">I followed the pattern exactly, which is actually quite unusual for me. </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><span style="font-size: 18.6667px; text-align: start;">I always seem to alter patterns by adding a bit here or taking away a bit there, but this one I followed.</span></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">They
looked a </span><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">strange</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;"> shape and rather large
when finished.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348rLCxHLrokM7OdI6JPN1qNl3DfnTIBZoUwUjj-4gHKuEZyAUEJgCCeOjtjwAOauSdFu87W4jBs1nZVEpKqoxEpb1aVBpXQ5U5sSgBWHZx8_xfFK392Y6QEwZIhWlTC4Nd2bmZhiEwUM/s1600/IMG_3135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj348rLCxHLrokM7OdI6JPN1qNl3DfnTIBZoUwUjj-4gHKuEZyAUEJgCCeOjtjwAOauSdFu87W4jBs1nZVEpKqoxEpb1aVBpXQ5U5sSgBWHZx8_xfFK392Y6QEwZIhWlTC4Nd2bmZhiEwUM/s320/IMG_3135.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtd0ZUr0-dUQuoILPU8LOkcVeuappOMzuyIaQo1CIbkSL_FiBneeuKmFrrZzFaqrUmVYpOlaJhQMY8qqmr3k4PREDYbXcPLWMfqOI0Nkg-cQIcIt4kcLaaBMEVYHrHAJFtEsPvVtgto7k/s1600/IMG_3137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtd0ZUr0-dUQuoILPU8LOkcVeuappOMzuyIaQo1CIbkSL_FiBneeuKmFrrZzFaqrUmVYpOlaJhQMY8qqmr3k4PREDYbXcPLWMfqOI0Nkg-cQIcIt4kcLaaBMEVYHrHAJFtEsPvVtgto7k/s320/IMG_3137.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I followed the instructions on the ball
band when it came to the felting process.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt;">I used new tennis balls - not
the ones the dog chews, and I washed them first just in case they were going to
bleed yellow all over my new slippers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeRw1CTmWA2q3QpzeZ2pwB1UqFHboob_Ri5rHx6eWUXfhGJcvT7iW2HVO674fH3fWv0SBoCxjDytxjWfnEb2aRBrJVAMGjuK0fz8JfwKaMScAYia0aqc8j_yVPUN3249k-zPnCPVPxtCC/s1600/IMG_3215+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTeRw1CTmWA2q3QpzeZ2pwB1UqFHboob_Ri5rHx6eWUXfhGJcvT7iW2HVO674fH3fWv0SBoCxjDytxjWfnEb2aRBrJVAMGjuK0fz8JfwKaMScAYia0aqc8j_yVPUN3249k-zPnCPVPxtCC/s320/IMG_3215+%25282%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">This
is what they looked like when they came out of the washing machine</span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt; line-height: 107%;">. Quite a bit smaller!</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY895q_QevLz6t7UNw6mSy6O4dNACNvZRX908T9X9RsFpCC64118hucMDRaw5hnjvP6lwhLYuwatQ4fJj2jkR7UVuxbTEvqCWmFVo8ghIp3rbrvsn5xymgvOlUHe257dFQtQ2Cr24MRVpi/s1600/IMG_3144.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY895q_QevLz6t7UNw6mSy6O4dNACNvZRX908T9X9RsFpCC64118hucMDRaw5hnjvP6lwhLYuwatQ4fJj2jkR7UVuxbTEvqCWmFVo8ghIp3rbrvsn5xymgvOlUHe257dFQtQ2Cr24MRVpi/s320/IMG_3144.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 107%;">I
shaped them into a more recognisable slipper shape and left them to dry
naturally and this is what they look like now.</span><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 107%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">One may be very slightly larger than the other and the shaping
over the toes is slightly wonky.</span><o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0cm;">
<span style="font-size: 14pt;">But they are my first make of 2019 and I am rather proud of them.
Even if they are slightly odd they will still keep my feet warm and that is the
most important point of slippers!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<br />Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-68770971590279195752017-03-05T14:57:00.000+00:002017-03-05T14:57:21.858+00:00With a Heavy Heart and .....With a heavy heart and a thickening waistline I have to admit I am longer a size 12.<br />
<br />
<br />
Very slowly over the years I have ‘grown’ from a size 8, to a 10, and
then to a 12 and I don't remember being the slightest bit concerned. <br />
<br />
The actual numbers are not important, it is the 'extra' bits that have
arrived without an invitation. They have been coming for years but I have been
ignoring them. At only 5' 2" these extra bits are now quite noticeable,
especially to me.<br />
<br />
I admit to having been extremely lucky, I have eaten whatever I wanted all
my life. I eat chocolate like there is no tomorrow and still have 2 sugars in all
my drinks. <br />
<br />
When I stand on the scales I discover that I weigh less than the
'average' for my height, and yet my stomach is too big, my waistline has
vanished and my bottom- that I have never really noticed before, has suddenly
become quite noticeable!<br />
<br />
I am not the shape I want to be!<br />
<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As I said the actual numbers are not important,
it is the lumps and bumps that are important and all in the most ridiculous
places, I mean who knew you could get ‘back fat’? I certainly didn't and what
is more I don't want fat there or anywhere else either.<br />
<br />
Can you remember that advert that said "If you can pinch more than an
inch..."? <br />
<br />
Well I can pinch far more than an inch!<br />
<br />
I blame Joe Brown for all this.<br />
<br />
I do love Joe Browns clothes, they are different and quirky and I just love
them. I don't own many of them because they are not all suitable for
someone of my age! However I spotted a couple of lovely tops in their
Autumn collection but I thought they were too expensive so I waited and waited
until their sale and just before Christmas the tops were reduced and I bought
them. Naturally I ordered my normal size 12. When they arrived I
was bitterly disappointed to find that they were far too tight for me! <br />
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I am going to have to do something about my ‘shape’ as I cannot afford to
replace my entire wardrobe.<br />
<br />
However in the meantime I have decided that I am going to 'alter' my tops <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>and I have found a lovely dress in the local
charity shop which I am going to chop up and use to enlarge one of them. It may
take me quite some time.....but I will post an image when it’s done!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD80fsuaJRXQoUL0aP5rXy7HQhY7ZeERqbcMDwiKqw-BzrRG0-E7BcJIwCEqkEZ11Z6iWeZSE1xBREchPFBOLsrtoaF5kEbfZogMXL-engBJXVP5p9-ANYy8Nm0IjtNfjhtYKtyfOIwWMZ/s1600/Phone+015.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD80fsuaJRXQoUL0aP5rXy7HQhY7ZeERqbcMDwiKqw-BzrRG0-E7BcJIwCEqkEZ11Z6iWeZSE1xBREchPFBOLsrtoaF5kEbfZogMXL-engBJXVP5p9-ANYy8Nm0IjtNfjhtYKtyfOIwWMZ/s320/Phone+015.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPn-vIVgq-DbRP0ljmlva_iOhfMMu37LkHPzdpnw0DVgUN4drgksXfZSBY2UzOxKGtsQSln9ilVdhEVRHkye-CAY3GMHLyvaQiTBK4_isQiXJwBTAMctwLP1cFqYwEyIgFyjfyymY22wQ/s1600/Phone+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrPn-vIVgq-DbRP0ljmlva_iOhfMMu37LkHPzdpnw0DVgUN4drgksXfZSBY2UzOxKGtsQSln9ilVdhEVRHkye-CAY3GMHLyvaQiTBK4_isQiXJwBTAMctwLP1cFqYwEyIgFyjfyymY22wQ/s320/Phone+014.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
Joe Browns have now sent me their Spring catalogue and once again I have
found some lovely tops which I couldn't resist. This time I have bought them in
a size 14 and they fit me! Soon they will be too big.........I hope!<br />
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<br />Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-75829299906456199172017-01-12T16:42:00.002+00:002017-01-12T16:42:35.567+00:00First time for Gel nail varnish.<br />
I bought some gel nail varnishes and an LED lamp for both of my daughters and my daughter-in-law for Christmas, so naturally I had to buy one for myself.<br />
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I had spent quite some time researching the best buys for the lamps (we all had different ones so that we can compare) and the varnishes and was very proud of myself for selecting <strong>'soak off'</strong> varnish. Ideal for one of my daughters who has very sensitive skin on her hands and fingers, my only concern was - if the varnish soaks off, then surely it will soak off in the shower and whilst washing dishes etc.</div>
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However we discovered that it doesn't <strong>'soak off'</strong> in water, it requires nail varnish remover to soak it off! </div>
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We tried them out on Boxing Day. It did take quite some time to cure our nails this was because the lamps were 12 watt and all the instructions I could find on the internet were for 36 watt lamps, so we just tripled the times required for all the various layers. I think we probably over did the times and in future we will experiment with shorter times.</div>
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18 days later and my nails are still looking brilliant.</div>
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Can you spot the nail that I broke on Christmas Eve?</div>
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I never managed to get 10 perfect nails at once.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV0oh2j9eIojU7CMNpnpFuT5fUA_VJvY-CFaXIF82znGCxrDhBgJbuek5MO9gm7SsSptVQ3YufrvsgTOeY_FHK2kQCaGsd3nllCu2AfsPE4ycedhqPzJl2uvvkx4zumc2Mq3o5enL2Tbr/s1600/IMG_0811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLV0oh2j9eIojU7CMNpnpFuT5fUA_VJvY-CFaXIF82znGCxrDhBgJbuek5MO9gm7SsSptVQ3YufrvsgTOeY_FHK2kQCaGsd3nllCu2AfsPE4ycedhqPzJl2uvvkx4zumc2Mq3o5enL2Tbr/s320/IMG_0811.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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You can even see how much my nails have grown over the last 18 days. I have never had 'gel' nails before and I am so impressed with them, no cracks or chipping, still intact all around the tips and still so shiny.</div>
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Today I decided to attempt to remove the varnish.</div>
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I had read somewhere that you should soak the cotton wool pad in acetone, wrap it around your nail and then wrap it in foil.</div>
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However they kept falling off, so I wrapped them in cling film as well.</div>
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They stayed on slightly better but all my fingers kept sticking together!</div>
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Reminds me of the time I tied to glue a broken finger nail back together, don't actually remember exactly how I did it, but I managed to glue my finger to my lip!</div>
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I removed the first foil and as the varnish was still there I began to scrape it off with a metal cuticle scraper. By the time I got up to about the seventh nail I realised that if I had just waited longer the varnish was now quite soft and bubbly and came off easily!</div>
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Scrapping off the varnish was not a good thing to do</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0C2OLQlCBxWellIA-I9dk3Fm-4xGsg_cI4Djm5nyzFyR5jCxW11si9wHbkesCdvClqbQVoHt4zjb5oK69hlhyphenhyphenM6CM-QzT4QmlfPgqVU4oVlYCibSSQPePesZHGUguhpEh_JEVi3_lnxU/s1600/IMG_0834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0C2OLQlCBxWellIA-I9dk3Fm-4xGsg_cI4Djm5nyzFyR5jCxW11si9wHbkesCdvClqbQVoHt4zjb5oK69hlhyphenhyphenM6CM-QzT4QmlfPgqVU4oVlYCibSSQPePesZHGUguhpEh_JEVi3_lnxU/s320/IMG_0834.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I have now rubbed a cuticle/nail oil all over my nails and they look a little better.</div>
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I am going to invest in those plastic peg like structures that clip the cotton wool pads onto the ends of your fingers and in future let them <strong>'soak off'</strong> for longer.</div>
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Despite my problems removing the varnish I absolutely loved my beautiful, long lasting, shiny nails and I will soak them for longer next time to avoid scrapping and damaging their surface.</div>
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We each had 6 different colours of varnish, so I have another 5 colours to choose from and I can't wait to try my next colour.</div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-91512829838876257152016-12-28T17:23:00.002+00:002016-12-28T17:23:48.399+00:00Goodbye to 2016Surprise! It's me, I'm back.<br />
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I must apologise, to those of you who were reading my blog, for my absence, but life got in the way.<br />
This time around I am going to attempt to keep up to date with my ramblings.<br />
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Having spent weeks preparing for Christmas and being so excited about everything ....... I had to go to bed very early on Christmas Eve because I felt poorly. I had a lousy night and just wanted to stay in bed on Christmas Day but managed to drag myself out of bed when I heard my husband trying to cancel all the arrangements. Nooooooooo.<br />
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Currently still wrapped in my dressing gown but beginning to return to normal, although my family would probably not agree with the 'normal' bit.<br />
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I have some fantastic presents that I will be using in 2017 and a massive list of exciting things that WILL be done and I will keep you informed all the way.<br />
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Just to whet your appetite......<br />
<ul>
<li>I am going on a stained glass workshop course - so excited.</li>
<li>We are having secondary double glazing put in. You may not think that is very exciting, but believe me it is.</li>
<li>My husband and I are going to attempt to landscape our garden and build 3 (yes 3) patios.</li>
<li>I have a Dremel 3000 - can't wait to use it.</li>
</ul>
Plus there are a million other things on the 'To Do' list.<br />
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But I won't be starting any of these until 2016 has finished. <br />
So Goodbye 2016.<br />
Roll on 2017 and a very Happy New Year to one and all.<br />
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-44057584228027019932014-06-25T15:50:00.000+01:002014-06-25T15:50:28.980+01:00Happy Strawberry Parfait Day.Hands up all those who knew that today June 25th was National Strawberry Parfait Day.<br />
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As I have been glued to Wimbledon since it started on Monday and getting a little envious of seeing people eating strawberries and cream, I thought perhaps I should make myself a Strawberry Parfait.<br />
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I couldn't find a recipe that I liked the sound of, so I decided to take a bit from one recipe and a bit from another and add a few bits that I liked and I came up with this....<br />
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Ingredients: Strawberries, Double Cream, Brown Sugar, Condensed Milk, Brandy (not essential!), Black Pepper, Muesli (or a flapjack!)<br />
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Keep a few strawberries for garnishing the finished parfait.</div>
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Add the remaining strawberries to a frying pan and sprinkle one dessertspoon of brown sugar over the strawberries.</div>
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Heat the strawberries gently - you don't want to make jam!</div>
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Once the strawberries have softened add a dessertspoon of Brandy (only if you fancy) and grind some black pepper all over the top.</div>
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Squash the strawberries a little and mix well. </div>
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Remove sufficient of the mix to fill your bowls/glasses.</div>
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Beat together 125ml of double cream and 125ml of condensed milk.</div>
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Once the cream and condensed milk are mixed together well, add the strawberry mixture that is still left in the pan. </div>
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Leave some of the juice in the pan for later.</div>
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Keep beating until this now pink mixture thickens.</div>
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Choose your bowls/glasses and add the strawberries to the bottom, then carefully add the cream mixture onto the top.</div>
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Slice the strawberries you kept back for garnishing and place on the top (mine are a little too large).</div>
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Scrape the juices from the pan and pour over the top.</div>
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Place in fridge to chill until required.</div>
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My original idea was to sprinkle muesli (or flapjack) over the top just before serving - but as my strawberries are so large I don't really have the space, and anyway I can always eat the flapjack later!!</div>
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<strong>Please let me know what you think if you make it.</strong></div>
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<strong>Better still send me images of your Strawberry Parfait.</strong></div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-51162487258124280292014-05-20T15:30:00.001+01:002014-05-20T15:30:27.122+01:00It is best not to blink.<br />
I seem to have been so busy recently, I blinked and half of April and May just disappeared!<br />
<br />
So I decided to get some help... meet my new helper!<br />
He is called <strong>Toby</strong>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYJ_bWnDa6c3Cx9Kyw7m-eBCEA_Il_HD2D_mQjqJKqk4tEKwuHM13mVAxtLyGVKBDeEigrcx1uTFX2a0ULeu6PKH1wZBH9CspoDWJqfDK4Lb7Bg5zsF4JUV41Sv93Ik__AH44BSKNLrOm/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYJ_bWnDa6c3Cx9Kyw7m-eBCEA_Il_HD2D_mQjqJKqk4tEKwuHM13mVAxtLyGVKBDeEigrcx1uTFX2a0ULeu6PKH1wZBH9CspoDWJqfDK4Lb7Bg5zsF4JUV41Sv93Ik__AH44BSKNLrOm/s1600/IMG_3803.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
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I had to go away for a few days on business which meant working in the day and then spending quite a bit of time in the evening on my own, so I thought I would take Toby with me as I would have plenty of time to make some accessories for him.<br />
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So here he is... <strong>making himself at home in my room</strong>,<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW7pbjo3_OCOkL3oPbdNgvq-paqxcUaHuJ10eQA1kTrJVy9DdbTlZYjS_kb20ACWirt1ia1r7l8qTm7Qd_Vp_qKrvb9xTiKcfd9SxM_oW7UT-au03WJp5XYZT_vg6u5ubdcfOUkavfmmy/s1600/IMG_3805.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwW7pbjo3_OCOkL3oPbdNgvq-paqxcUaHuJ10eQA1kTrJVy9DdbTlZYjS_kb20ACWirt1ia1r7l8qTm7Qd_Vp_qKrvb9xTiKcfd9SxM_oW7UT-au03WJp5XYZT_vg6u5ubdcfOUkavfmmy/s1600/IMG_3805.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIRQ_7LdBAvbRMHkFTljXXZ-jNUNw5sAvpPINs5B3W0gBOyhExKna7o6qLWHoAkYBoYxqsOvMZJPRj1DP2fmCIBsoMiyn8HCCH31WfBzcEl5zhuGshPOp8xzHiTwP2CjjFOn_InfxLx4s/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 247px;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIRQ_7LdBAvbRMHkFTljXXZ-jNUNw5sAvpPINs5B3W0gBOyhExKna7o6qLWHoAkYBoYxqsOvMZJPRj1DP2fmCIBsoMiyn8HCCH31WfBzcEl5zhuGshPOp8xzHiTwP2CjjFOn_InfxLx4s/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIRQ_7LdBAvbRMHkFTljXXZ-jNUNw5sAvpPINs5B3W0gBOyhExKna7o6qLWHoAkYBoYxqsOvMZJPRj1DP2fmCIBsoMiyn8HCCH31WfBzcEl5zhuGshPOp8xzHiTwP2CjjFOn_InfxLx4s/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 247px;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIRQ_7LdBAvbRMHkFTljXXZ-jNUNw5sAvpPINs5B3W0gBOyhExKna7o6qLWHoAkYBoYxqsOvMZJPRj1DP2fmCIBsoMiyn8HCCH31WfBzcEl5zhuGshPOp8xzHiTwP2CjjFOn_InfxLx4s/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 247px;"> </a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBIRQ_7LdBAvbRMHkFTljXXZ-jNUNw5sAvpPINs5B3W0gBOyhExKna7o6qLWHoAkYBoYxqsOvMZJPRj1DP2fmCIBsoMiyn8HCCH31WfBzcEl5zhuGshPOp8xzHiTwP2CjjFOn_InfxLx4s/s1600/IMG_3808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; height: 194px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; width: 247px;"> </a><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong> </strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong></strong><br />
<strong> not looking too bad after a long</strong><br />
<strong> journey.</strong><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>Luckily we don't need one of these</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMB4LCrsr6jMm2DM3uJNTU5jKqCHv9XQHk3Lvq-vnAml64CQk7Rsx_3hJGsSSzDyuCIHT8R5y2j6Zpf97hU4T1Zv0MElNfC0yFXCLswD93EMRvnpAU5ZO6-IdTi48N4FZNpgrvAcogX7e/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlMB4LCrsr6jMm2DM3uJNTU5jKqCHv9XQHk3Lvq-vnAml64CQk7Rsx_3hJGsSSzDyuCIHT8R5y2j6Zpf97hU4T1Zv0MElNfC0yFXCLswD93EMRvnpAU5ZO6-IdTi48N4FZNpgrvAcogX7e/s1600/IMG_3810.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>and we definitely don't need one of these!</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw6NNhSSTgLFTO5Y0GOuGj8tNC8bQ62KTc6b23m-C3F5u1M2o2XXehSpZxuPfjOcb9JzY1JHF5va1k_EvBfIbCshhe9uQmEJ24eKxcb_xixSX3WeTlOG8y_wDEaVN_X7UTzKUJmYNABcK/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRw6NNhSSTgLFTO5Y0GOuGj8tNC8bQ62KTc6b23m-C3F5u1M2o2XXehSpZxuPfjOcb9JzY1JHF5va1k_EvBfIbCshhe9uQmEJ24eKxcb_xixSX3WeTlOG8y_wDEaVN_X7UTzKUJmYNABcK/s1600/IMG_3817.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<strong>However we do need one of these</strong>,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3ZSVCaUSZpMU2WRgDDHNB0TMdtfNy1gdtk_hrjEEuzqHsplZqoZvkb3HjStIGCQzmidGH1GLGe0Gw6n1mNoH4M4PjADX9riU1oxtllrMwIcJSm4erb7940Vr9xFfEV47KhPKlte5zxE9/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU3ZSVCaUSZpMU2WRgDDHNB0TMdtfNy1gdtk_hrjEEuzqHsplZqoZvkb3HjStIGCQzmidGH1GLGe0Gw6n1mNoH4M4PjADX9riU1oxtllrMwIcJSm4erb7940Vr9xFfEV47KhPKlte5zxE9/s1600/IMG_3820.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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<strong>and these will be very useful</strong>.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uNJ7ykJ39C9ahO9eFcb8KpUhLLx1oDrn-DfEgHy6I_0ed0sSpdzfsHgWm7wHjkn3OMCv3xy45HxpaZdAHCoAgyVNtk7vU2Dtu4L6Ax_51_WeUfJO_ZYwUPn9PEa8_y-FCmKbOWj8LWw2/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uNJ7ykJ39C9ahO9eFcb8KpUhLLx1oDrn-DfEgHy6I_0ed0sSpdzfsHgWm7wHjkn3OMCv3xy45HxpaZdAHCoAgyVNtk7vU2Dtu4L6Ax_51_WeUfJO_ZYwUPn9PEa8_y-FCmKbOWj8LWw2/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6uNJ7ykJ39C9ahO9eFcb8KpUhLLx1oDrn-DfEgHy6I_0ed0sSpdzfsHgWm7wHjkn3OMCv3xy45HxpaZdAHCoAgyVNtk7vU2Dtu4L6Ax_51_WeUfJO_ZYwUPn9PEa8_y-FCmKbOWj8LWw2/s1600/IMG_3811.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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<strong>Time to freshen up</strong></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMRl2m6D4d40KGExfhzw-ssnaqA5wwzHUQhNZUY52ikJjendGI4-OhWPM3d2DJujJDiuXcyDVqyiz8hnpPg4vJq27FfKTraC5JDAmoBDTnDPGF6ROjg_b4Qu-GZhuIoS31GhcYm9_Gx97/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpMRl2m6D4d40KGExfhzw-ssnaqA5wwzHUQhNZUY52ikJjendGI4-OhWPM3d2DJujJDiuXcyDVqyiz8hnpPg4vJq27FfKTraC5JDAmoBDTnDPGF6ROjg_b4Qu-GZhuIoS31GhcYm9_Gx97/s1600/IMG_3815.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhGR19C_Ynvqg3NMM4RyTu62C2Lt2yVox1Iw1uQCLxtJ9DRA37LbhUXvy1l5FQG68fDcbZjnuD4zZsIRjpcW-XiMD4KIHdcX-02pj7vB67AXpH28WzdBU7wmLvVncXTKUy9CvwwUgNPHH/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMhGR19C_Ynvqg3NMM4RyTu62C2Lt2yVox1Iw1uQCLxtJ9DRA37LbhUXvy1l5FQG68fDcbZjnuD4zZsIRjpcW-XiMD4KIHdcX-02pj7vB67AXpH28WzdBU7wmLvVncXTKUy9CvwwUgNPHH/s1600/IMG_3814.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a> </div>
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<strong></strong> </div>
<div style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini1Urpw7iJSgMCdvTkqDdMCID5aKW1LcRBMyUArM8NRi-h5kwdt4iFecRcivOeXjqG7dAIjD1haH8HboktBhh4uVJE0fYnq8tX3H4AwuGR4-U508e9NRPVLPglCDPFkz6IHqAKy2p0SO3/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini1Urpw7iJSgMCdvTkqDdMCID5aKW1LcRBMyUArM8NRi-h5kwdt4iFecRcivOeXjqG7dAIjD1haH8HboktBhh4uVJE0fYnq8tX3H4AwuGR4-U508e9NRPVLPglCDPFkz6IHqAKy2p0SO3/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEini1Urpw7iJSgMCdvTkqDdMCID5aKW1LcRBMyUArM8NRi-h5kwdt4iFecRcivOeXjqG7dAIjD1haH8HboktBhh4uVJE0fYnq8tX3H4AwuGR4-U508e9NRPVLPglCDPFkz6IHqAKy2p0SO3/s1600/IMG_3822.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong>and now we're ready for a bit of crafting!</strong><br />
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I felt as though Toby needed something to show that Winter was over and it was now Spring, what better than a basket of flowers. So I opened my box of goodies and set to work on making a basket.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0un4xnG94dgrlfQ-0BELK_a5k5aQ0ALZyg2uD0oEjSFX8Wti8OT4EJmOcxu9LRKaOXnj1-E_iEpOoqGnaLRicprHBk6w2EnqUN09rgwmZirn2nKXq9a8T8iZxy-hNyOqkJWLtLjF4eAKQ/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0un4xnG94dgrlfQ-0BELK_a5k5aQ0ALZyg2uD0oEjSFX8Wti8OT4EJmOcxu9LRKaOXnj1-E_iEpOoqGnaLRicprHBk6w2EnqUN09rgwmZirn2nKXq9a8T8iZxy-hNyOqkJWLtLjF4eAKQ/s1600/IMG_3797.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Using the string I made a 'snake' coil by just wrapping round and round, keeping it flat to make the base of the basket. I sewed the coils with blanket stitches every so often to secure it all together. When it looked as though the base was big enough I began to come up the edges of the basket by wrapping on top of the previous layer of string, again using blanket stitch to secure it all.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rQnLfX6SVq4Rho_Ok0CTSXYRCk1aPCjW6uSO_oYFyYck-AyuJqefMIDFV4dae4R359x2XvWgU8XetLnLCkJzer2M6CqFa3PDMULrRVbxJ-XPSnBvPyq7r4KG2ljeEp1H1q_Q_jDui8Rs/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rQnLfX6SVq4Rho_Ok0CTSXYRCk1aPCjW6uSO_oYFyYck-AyuJqefMIDFV4dae4R359x2XvWgU8XetLnLCkJzer2M6CqFa3PDMULrRVbxJ-XPSnBvPyq7r4KG2ljeEp1H1q_Q_jDui8Rs/s1600/IMG_3825.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Here is a close up of the basket in progress...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q3ykkuYfzvieaf9mkIobAyW0eRpF9_Rx1s2iyt_4xzb3ggc9TQZrci4ieaGLFzlUS_Tb6rLPcQoNzHA7qIh5ImB503C6JLxjOaXis7pj77EMGnRwxMoBYKawxVqp-7aDoHegsK-l2yAx/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5q3ykkuYfzvieaf9mkIobAyW0eRpF9_Rx1s2iyt_4xzb3ggc9TQZrci4ieaGLFzlUS_Tb6rLPcQoNzHA7qIh5ImB503C6JLxjOaXis7pj77EMGnRwxMoBYKawxVqp-7aDoHegsK-l2yAx/s1600/IMG_3826.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I must admit it took a lot of wrapping and sewing before I thought the basket was large enough and as you can see by the lights in the car park it took a lot of time as well!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF1t5dBXlyk8QlYdx19lBye3UXKoD2p0IjDDZ0V_0hOIribCR0WM8tO9xe21pp-xWFnN2Zjpp8iBhyphenhyphen8acoi10zStm3uNowcawTH0pU0QDNfw_lLTI2gZ9iJYlCSz8fa8NW197bivccaZk/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtF1t5dBXlyk8QlYdx19lBye3UXKoD2p0IjDDZ0V_0hOIribCR0WM8tO9xe21pp-xWFnN2Zjpp8iBhyphenhyphen8acoi10zStm3uNowcawTH0pU0QDNfw_lLTI2gZ9iJYlCSz8fa8NW197bivccaZk/s1600/IMG_3827.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made the handle by plaiting three lengths of string and tying a knot at each end and then sewing it onto the sides of the basket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0qIzM0crkeAxHm-zcsHurwRzj_uZTalemiJl7Es3SoCLazQgRt0DjomwS7hI__d-j35cuWQsWvCN-b66jMZIEeL2KtFpFbbH3iC9NWFfolyVc-GbThU-DXKm8wBmh8VpLlQ4HLyC7d7K/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV0qIzM0crkeAxHm-zcsHurwRzj_uZTalemiJl7Es3SoCLazQgRt0DjomwS7hI__d-j35cuWQsWvCN-b66jMZIEeL2KtFpFbbH3iC9NWFfolyVc-GbThU-DXKm8wBmh8VpLlQ4HLyC7d7K/s1600/IMG_3830.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I then loosely sewed the basket to Toby's hand.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnAlEAA4z6cKeYo-KLzqiJyFtTWCngbo1TU5BG3z9sB4PyfopGWSkpgnKHOup5_Jd_inMvDlHA0d3nblfc65XCAK_mV8vkPezqXq8pwtGzjfgeye5QA-L1nnKtx7suWK8aq9haL30C9Le/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEnAlEAA4z6cKeYo-KLzqiJyFtTWCngbo1TU5BG3z9sB4PyfopGWSkpgnKHOup5_Jd_inMvDlHA0d3nblfc65XCAK_mV8vkPezqXq8pwtGzjfgeye5QA-L1nnKtx7suWK8aq9haL30C9Le/s1600/IMG_3834.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
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Now for some flowers. Using the yellow felt I cut around a 20p piece and a 5p piece (for each flower) and then I fringed the edges of the shapes.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLb1d20Krzwqh6QyHjRSWn-6dF1b94FMkIeFeNd2YN1OKgILrN3hwnuxZI4pLv4tmHFOjuUp4BfBIoJv9gzvfGeI57BAkPwwuoM-dgXnd4p1Is2RccKDOUcu7yQBZJx6cH80hyphenhyphenwTWOsbR/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqLb1d20Krzwqh6QyHjRSWn-6dF1b94FMkIeFeNd2YN1OKgILrN3hwnuxZI4pLv4tmHFOjuUp4BfBIoJv9gzvfGeI57BAkPwwuoM-dgXnd4p1Is2RccKDOUcu7yQBZJx6cH80hyphenhyphenwTWOsbR/s1600/IMG_3842.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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The next picture shows how I threaded first the larger 20p shape and then the smaller 5p shape onto a cut length of pipe cleaner. Scrunched and sewed them together. I then cut out two of the moustache shaped leaves from the green felt, put a small hole in the middle and threaded them up from the other end of the pipe cleaner.</div>
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Now if only I could have found the green pipe cleaners when I did my packing I wouldn't have had to do the next bit....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-UwK2_k13h9M5Snbk-AfVM6yZPLU0O1nNoRgeo9HP7z533o5E5BBAXqfVJGHWtbT_nY31YTn5ubpBDWISAiAhPtwNDdSSI-thMe5cSZ4wTNBpj4lO1mm90Yw6gDeBBpwG4tDoZDmS-qX/s1600/IMG_3851.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgU-UwK2_k13h9M5Snbk-AfVM6yZPLU0O1nNoRgeo9HP7z533o5E5BBAXqfVJGHWtbT_nY31YTn5ubpBDWISAiAhPtwNDdSSI-thMe5cSZ4wTNBpj4lO1mm90Yw6gDeBBpwG4tDoZDmS-qX/s1600/IMG_3851.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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I made 6 flowers in total, 4 in his basket and 2 in his hand.</div>
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Here is Toby on my stall at the Bakewell Show</div>
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and here he is checking out the local talent!!</div>
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Looking forward to fashioning his Summer wardrobe!!</div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-48962110323101187182014-04-15T18:25:00.001+01:002014-04-15T18:25:17.848+01:00Some Days You Wish You Hadn't Bothered To Get Out Off Bed.Today has been a disaster.<br />
<br />
I have come up with a design for a new bag. <br />
Not just any old bag but an all singing and all dancing one!<br />
<br />
Now its only a small bag approximately 18cm wide by 12cm tall and 4cm deep (to be precise), but it has to work on so many levels.<br />
So there is a zip here, and a pocket here, and a thingy for holding something here, and another one exactly the same over here. <br />
Then there is a security strap here and a keyring there, oh and I want the bag to have some body to it I don't want it all flimsy floppy. <br />
Then the lining has to be wipe clean, but the whole bag has to be very pretty and suitable for many different situations.<br />
<br />
So I started on Saturday and drew the pattern - which in itself was very easy until I discovered that my ruler doesn't seem to draw a straight line any more and the set square is not square!<br />
<br />
Usually I only make one bag at a time but this time I decided to be efficient and make more than one, it has to be quicker.<br />
So I cut out 8 different pretty fabrics for the outer bag and then I cut the interfacing for all 8 and then the linings for 8. <br />
I ironed all the interfacings into place and by now it was Sunday evening!<br />
<br />
I was still trying to work out how to make the bags firm, I have some really stiff interfacing but it is so stiff that it can't be turned through to the right side after sewing.<br />
<br />
On Monday morning I came up with a brilliant idea!<br />
I will cut the stiff interfacing small enough to slip in between the lining and the outer fabric after they have been sewn, but before they are sewn together. <br />
So I spent Monday cutting the stiff interfacing and ironing it onto some thin white fabric. <br />
<br />
Today is Tuesday and everything is ready and I can start to sew and the bags will be ready in no time at all.<br />
<br />
However I hadn't reckoned on today being one of those days! <br />
<strong>'Some Days You Wish You Hadn't Bothered To Get Out Off Bed.'</strong><br />
<br />
Everything went wrong!<br />
<br />
The tension wouldn't work properly, it had ideas of its own.<br />
The security strap was so fiddly and kept getting jammed under the foot of the machine. <br />
The wipe clean material was sticking to the sewing machine and causing problems. <br />
Worst of all was the 'brilliant idea' that I had of just sliding in the stiff interfacing - basically it would not slide in! I started with the bag flaps and I had to cut a bit off here and then some more off there and then shape it around the curved outer edge and then ease it into place (brute force was used) but then I remembered that it was 1/2cm too tall so I had to pull it out and cut off the 1/2cm and then ease(?!) it back in. This happened 6 times, most people would remembered after the first one, but not me.<br />
. <br />
I only had 2 more to go but as I was having such a bad time of it I decided to move onto the zip pockets. Not such a good idea because just at the crucial point of the zip insertion the bobbin decided to run out - it could have been my best zip ever, but now I will never know.<br />
<br />
I found myself looking at the clock thinking "Is it time for alcohol?"<br />
- - - but it was only 3 o'clock!!<br />
<br />
Quite glad that I had finished the bottle last night otherwise I might actually have poured a large one!<br />
<br />
Enough is enough, I turned the machine off and came away.<br />
<br />
So far I have spent almost 3 full days on these bags and I'm not even half way through one of them never mind all eight!!<br />
<br />
Oh well, tomorrow is another day....and my new gazebo is coming! Yipee!!<br />
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-65596963084089499452014-04-08T00:42:00.000+01:002014-04-08T00:42:54.949+01:00My Rustic Chair.I have had the most amazing weekend but I ache in muscles that I didn't even know I had!<br />
My husband bought me a two day, chair making course, for my Christmas present and it finally happened this weekend.<br />
<br />
The course was run by John at his lovely cottage - but there is no point in me telling you all about the cottage because he is moving in two weeks! There should have been four of us but due to illness there were only two of us, and it should have poured with rain all weekend but apart from a couple of very short showers we were able to spend the entire weekend working outside in John's garden. Even during the showers we worked under a tarpaulin.<br />
<br />
The entire chair is made out of hazel and willow, all coppiced by John so thankfully we didn't have to chop down our own trees.<br />
<br />
First we started with the front and back legs, selecting the right pieces of wood and sawing them to the correct lengths, then we cut the side pieces and to add strength and stability we put in diagonal supports. Every thing was nailed together and every nail hole was pre-drilled to avoid splitting the wood. So now we had a left side and a right side and under John's watchful eye we sawed and nailed and sawed and nailed some more, and eventually we had the framework of a chair.<br />
<br />
Now we used willow to create the arms, each piece was individually chosen, cut to length and fixed in place, then shaped into a sweeping curve.<br />
<br />
Next we started with the first piece of the arch for the back of the chair, again this is made from willow so using a fair bit of strength it was possible to curve the willow right around the back of the chair.<br />
<br />
This took the whole of the first day to build and trust me it was non stop - apart from the mid morning coffee and flapjack break, the lunch break and the afternoon tea and cake break. Cakes and flapjacks were made by John's wife, Helen, and they were delicious.<br />
<br />
The day finished at 4.30pm and I was home by 5.00pm - and ready for bed, a mixture of fresh air and physical work meant I was exhausted and slowly beginning to seize up.<br />
<br />
The second day was less strenuous, in fact all we had to do today was to finish the arch at the back of the chair and to fill in the struts on the back and the struts on the seat.<br />
<br />
These struts are made from hazel and here is where you can put your own mark on the design of your chair. By choosing particular parts of the hazel different shapes and patterns can be formed and so each chair will be unique.<br />
<br />
Simple though it looked and sounded (when John explained it), it took quite a long time to select and cut each particular strut and form a pleasing pattern for the back of my chair. At the same time the remaining back arches are fitted and again everything is pre-drilled and nailed into place.<br />
<br />
Lastly the struts are cut and fitted to form the chair seat.<br />
<br />
Finally you can sit on your chair!<br />
<br />
Now I have my chair at home in my garden it seems to be permanently raining and a little overcast and dark, so the pictures are not very good, the chair is also quite heavy and my muscles are no longer working so I can't move it into a better position. <br />
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I think my chair is absolutely amazing, I am so proud of it and I really can't believe that I actually made it myself. I am so looking forward to some lovely sunny days, a large glass of Baileys and a good book!<br />
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If you would like a similar chair, I can highly recommend <span style="color: #006621;">www.<b>johnsrusticfurniture</b>.co.uk</span><br />
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-62849987092492115272014-03-10T18:59:00.002+00:002014-03-10T20:32:51.082+00:00Impulsive Buying!
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Do you ever buy things spontaneously, on a whim, knowing
they will be useful for something, somewhere, sometime?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I do, quite often!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now generally these things end up being put away - to be
saved for just the right occasion, and what tends to happen is they get lost in
my house and I completely<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>forget all
about them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">About 2 years ago, I was walking through Ikea – you know the
place you go to not wanting anything, but always managing to come out having
bought something. Well, I had almost got through the entire shop without
purchasing a single thing - when there it was, this adorable little wicker
chair</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90045457/">http://www.ikea.com/gb/en/catalog/products/90045457/ </a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">If you saw it in real life you too would spot
its adorableness! </span></div>
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I just had to purchase it! <o:p></o:p></div>
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I think that I may have been wearing my new Granny hat at
the time, even though he was only 6 months old!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I put my new chair away to save it for that special occasion.
Luckily as it was rather an odd shape it was quite difficult to lose in my
house, so it was always noticeable and therefore not easy to forget.<o:p></o:p></div>
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Many months later I was rummaging through the fabric shop’s
remnant box when I came across an off cut which I knew would be just perfect
for my little wicker chair. The fabric was a print of Noah’s Ark and some of
the pairs of animals.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> I </span>scanned various
sections of the fabric onto my computer and cropped and manipulated and cut and
pasted …</div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I know it makes it sound as though I know what I am doing, but
trust me, I have no idea! I kept all the images the original size, (not as
shown here) but I could have altered them if it had been necessary.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have a flatbed scanner so I was able to scan the fabric
without first cutting it, I didn’t want to cut it as I was going to use it
later. If you look carefully at these pictures you can see the images from the
folded fabric beneath, luckily the scanner didn’t pick them up. I could have
placed a white sheet of paper in between the fabric folds to prevent this, but
didn’t think of that at the time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Anyway when I had all the sections that I wanted scanned
into the computer I then printed each section onto tissue paper. I used the
sort of tissue paper that you use for wrapping, I cut it down to A4 size and
stuck it with sellotape onto a sheet of A4 paper and then fed it VERY CAREFULLY
(I did manage to jam the printer quite a few times!!) through the printer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">It took a while for the ink to dry because the tissue paper
was not absorbent, but when it was dry I cut around the images fairly close to
the outline but not too precisely.</span></div>
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In the meantime I spray painted the little chair using
Plasti-kote Satin Super; I chose a pale blue colour to signify sky and water. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">TIP </b>Don’t spray paint in a force 10
gale!<o:p></o:p></div>
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It took several coats of paint to cover the chair, but I was
being a little too perfectionist and maybe 2 coats would have been just as
good, plus I wasted a lot of paint in the wind!<o:p></o:p></div>
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I held the tissue pictures up against the chair to decide
where I wanted them. Then using ordinary PVA glue, I spread some onto the chair
where the picture was going, pressed the tissue picture gently into place and
covered it (the picture) in PVA glue.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I
did this with all the pictures and then left it alone to dry. When it was dry I
re-coated all the pictures with more PVA glue, paying particular attention to
the edges of the tissue.</div>
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<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-GB; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">When
everything was completely dry I sprayed Plasti-kote Hobby and Craft Sealer all
over the<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>pictures and lightly over the
entire chair. </span></div>
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I cut some 1” thick foam into the shape of the chair seat
and using the fabric, which I still had, I covered the foam making a
comfortable chair seat.<span style="mso-fareast-language: EN-GB; mso-no-proof: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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I found the tiniest cushion I could and made a cover for it
too. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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By the time I gave it to my grandson he was 2 ½. But he loved it!</div>
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So there you have it - impulsive buying, but worth every penny!!</div>
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-58015885373352868002014-02-25T23:08:00.000+00:002014-02-25T23:08:24.713+00:00The Owl and the P̶u̶s̶s̶y̶c̶a̶t̶ Elephant.I have just completed my first commission - how exciting is that? <br />
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I'm not sure how excited you are, but I am very excited, it makes me feel really special and I am very proud.<br />
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Apparently in Brazil there is a tradition of giving small presents to friends and family when they come to visit your new-born. Fancy having to think about this as well as having to think about giving birth! So glad I am not from Brazil.<br />
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I was asked to make some fragrant pouches themed on animals or birds<br />
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The one thing that I can't do - well actually there are hundreds of things that I can't do, but the one that is relevant here - is draw. I can copy but I have absolutely no ability to draw. So I trawled through the internet, searched through various books, took inspiration from here and there and mushed (that's a good word) it all up and came up with some ideas and lots of sketches. <br />
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I tweaked a bit here and there and changed the sizes and finished off with some chubby little baby owls with sleeping eyes. I then traced out all the different areas for the different fabrics, body, tummy, eyes and beak. I do think they are rather gorgeous.<br />
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I really enjoyed mixing and matching the fabrics and the ribbons and coordinating the embroidery floss for the eyes - I know, simple things - but it was fun!<br />
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The original order was for around 15 to 20, so I made 21. Why? I don't know, but I did.<br />
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These are the chosen 15.<br />
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I had to resort to buying the 'aromatic dried lavender buds' from the internet, I searched and searched locally but no one stocked it, not even the garden centres! The lavender I choose was being sold by weight - who knows the weight of lavender required to stuff an owl's tummy? <br />
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Obviously I don't because I do have quite a considerable amount left over!<br />
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Fast forward several days and I went into town, probably just for a coffee, but I'm really glad I went because the Elephant Parade was in the shopping precincts. Check out the website <a href="https://www.elephantparade.com/">https://www.elephantparade.com</a> to see the beautiful elephants and for all sorts of information. I think I have a bit of a soft spot for elephants, I have always wanted a baby elephant in the back garden - but my husband won't let me have one! How mean is that? <br />
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The elephants were gorgeous, they were so colourful and vibrant and then I had a flash of inspiration, I rarely get these flashes, but I decided to make some elephants to use up my remaining lavender - who knows the weight of lavender required to stuff an elephant's tummy????<br />
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I still seem to have a considerable amount of lavender left over so next time I really think I need a bigger animal. I may try some woolly mammoths ....<br />
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If you pop along to my new Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TCCshop">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TCCshop</a> you will see a few of the Owls and Elephants.<br />
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Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-27391943058152530112014-02-17T20:15:00.000+00:002014-02-17T20:15:26.960+00:00Shall I tidy? Shall I craft?<br />
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I always like to have more than one project on the go at
once, now I have two theories for why I do this <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">1. I am so intelligent that I become easily bored and
distracted. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">2. I simply cannot finish one thing before I start another.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">My house therefore is full of dozens and dozens of half-finished
projects so my tidying regime (which is usually non-existent) consists of
putting everything away into plastic carrier bags and moving them to another
room – basically out of sight, out of mind. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">You should try it, it works really well!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Eventually I get sick of all the carrier bags and decide to
tidy them away properly – now generally what happens is that I am so excited
about what I find in the bags…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">’Wow! I’ve been looking for this for weeks’…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">‘I forgot I even
bought these! … </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">that I never actually empty all the bags and put everything
away properly because I get distracted by what I have found! And so the cycle
begins all over again!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This last week I tried to tidy away some bags, but it just
didn’t work because in the second bag I opened I found a stash of felt….<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall I tidy? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall I craft? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall I tidy? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shall I craft? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Decisions, decisions…I just don’t know.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I’m sorry to say that the tidying lost out… I did some
crafting instead!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Look what I made.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYY_-AxnMSkYVw2j4u7_IFjn_Eg3H5M-nQP9LcDKRrN1jZi3_E4jxa7aooAUfK8-duORiD29D8IjgXOOwmor-vs4kdidott0YjXODLhh3TYYqvGSX4OKXpLE1E8f0UKA4HTrWW_uWBOgb/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOYY_-AxnMSkYVw2j4u7_IFjn_Eg3H5M-nQP9LcDKRrN1jZi3_E4jxa7aooAUfK8-duORiD29D8IjgXOOwmor-vs4kdidott0YjXODLhh3TYYqvGSX4OKXpLE1E8f0UKA4HTrWW_uWBOgb/s1600/photo+(3).JPG" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">They are really simple to make and very therapeutic – I find
anything to do with toadstools therapeutic; I think it is because they are so
cute!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">This is not a tutorial as such; this is just what I did to give you an idea of how it's done!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0Qi7fTuVhW8NrPfk4lWi3Da8fgacaQctVuYm0s3YITrEJhR9SjoXaAPnDQwY1g59ZNag8SSuMb-Uwq39Esbam22GjIi_QmK9c7hyphenhyphenke7XSczh9c-wrcFxACrd69jzkklE1mWe_h40R2er/s1600/Scan-page2+altered.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt0Qi7fTuVhW8NrPfk4lWi3Da8fgacaQctVuYm0s3YITrEJhR9SjoXaAPnDQwY1g59ZNag8SSuMb-Uwq39Esbam22GjIi_QmK9c7hyphenhyphenke7XSczh9c-wrcFxACrd69jzkklE1mWe_h40R2er/s1600/Scan-page2+altered.jpg" height="157" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First I drew a picture of a toadstool, and then I separated
it into the red top and the cream/ beige (maybe even mushroom) coloured stalk.
I extended the stalk a little so that I could push it up inside the red top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I cut 2 tops and 2 stalks (one front and one back) from
felt, cut a length of ribbon and found some white buttons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I used matching embroidery threads to sew my toadstool, but
you could use any thread.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">First I sewed the two stalks together (one front and one
back), I chose to do blanket stitch but you could use running stitches or over
sew the edges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Then I sewed the buttons onto the tops, I put three buttons
on one piece – the front, and two buttons onto the other piece – the back. If
you sew the buttons on before you sew the two pieces together then all the
starting and finishing stitches are hidden inside the toadstool top. Very
clever!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I then placed the front and back tops together, sandwiching
the ribbon loop at the top and pushed the stalk into place at the bottom,
holding everything together I sewed around the edge of the top.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finishing it all off with a key ring slipped through the
ribbon loop and there you have it a beautiful toadstool key ring.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><o:p></o:p></span> </div>
Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4498141258485658760.post-63717301267321082312014-02-08T20:34:00.000+00:002014-02-08T20:34:15.724+00:00Opening an Etsy shop – How difficult can it be?
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been thinking about starting a blog for some time but
have been worried about what to write for my first blog. First impressions
count and I want to make a good one, make people think I know what I am talking
about, know what I’m doing.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><u><span style="font-size: 14pt; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Opening an Etsy shop – How difficult
can it be?</span></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">A friend very kindly invited me to use her link to open my
first Etsy shop – what could be easier, a million people have already done it….</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I have been sitting here in front of my laptop all day (such
a good job I have nothing else to do!)<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I have Googled and Googled,
and now I have about 12 different tabs open all giving me the inside
information I need to know, the hints and tips, the dummies guide etc.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I am ready.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I open up Etsy and fall at the first hurdle. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">What is the difference between my username and my shop
name?? </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Several tabs later I choose my username and try again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">No, that doesn’t work as my chosen username is not available,
about 6 attempts later and I have a username!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Onwards and upwards as they say, and I click to enter my
shop name, no problems here I mean I know what my shop name is I trade under it
at all the craft fairs, I have my own website etc. etc.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>However it is too long for Etsy!!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>After another 20
minutes of frustration I have come up with a shortened alternative and this time
it is accepted. By now it is dark and I need to put the lights on so I can
actually see the keys on my laptop as the glow from the screen is no longer sufficient.
I decide to log out of Etsy, put the lights on, close the curtains, feed the
dog and have a cup of coffee.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Returning with a little more enthusiasm I search out my
friend’s e mail and click on her link. Oh dear. The link takes me to the ‘opening
a shop’ screen and there it tells me something along the lines of – You can’t
use this link because you already have a shop!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I need to use the link because it gives me some free listings
but more importantly it gives my friend some free listings and I can’t lose those
for her, so I decide to contact Etsy and ask for their help to reinstate the
link. After scrolling through all sorts of Frequently Asked Questions – funnily
enough there was not a single one that was relevant to my problem! - I
eventually get to the send an email option. I explain my stupidity and ask for
their help, press the send button and whoops there is a problem.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please wait a while
and then refresh this page.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">I wait and then refresh and nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So I wait and then refresh and still nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Again I wait and then refresh and again still nothing.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Finally the page reopens and the option to send an email is
presented to me, so I retype my email and send it again. But still there is a
problem and I have to refresh the page another two times.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Now some of you may already be ahead of me….but in the end I
checked my emails and yes you’ve guessed correctly there I have<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>7 emails from Etsy saying thank you for your
enquiry, we will be in touch.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Calibri;">So now I am waiting…and in the meantime I thought I would
start my blog!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
Toadstool Cottage Craftshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04778411185354733069noreply@blogger.com2