Crafting Lately.

I've been doing lots of crafty things lately and thought I would share some of the projects with you. It's bonfire night here so the jacket potatoes are in the oven and we are getting ready to brave the cold to have a mini display in our garden!

I have stumbled upon loads of great blogs and stores lately that have really inspired me to get making. I would highly recommend looking up:
Studio Calico
Trimcraft UK
We R Memory Makers
Glitz Studio
They all feature different crafters and have some really good ideas, and some equally good giveaways. 

We just found out that we are going to run a jam stall at a local Christmas fair this month so we have been collecting fruit and thinking of recipes/decoration to make the jars all Christmassy. Our local TKMAXX never fails to provide for us, and we found a pack of fat quarters that are going to go really far and were a real bargain. If you want to make festive toppers for your jams; here is how I did it.

Check the size of your jam jars to make sure your fabric will cover it

I cut out squares, but circles work too! I got those pinking shears a while ago for only £8 at IKEA

Make sure you have elastic bands and labels for your jars.

Get some festive ribbons (Lidl) and Bakers twine (The Range)

Secure your fabric with the elastic bands & tie around your ribbon.

Don't forget your labels!

I have also been prepping some things to make my first proper scrapbook to keep all my memories from my internship in one place. Most things are on my Christmas list but I did manage to find an absolute bargain in TKMAXX that I am using to create my own journalling/scrapbooking cards:

The papers are really cute, and they came with a couple of large sheets that had cards ready to be cut up.

I used a template from a Project Life printable to cut out my own cards

 I don't have loads of paper punches because they are quite expensive so I used cookie cutters to cut out my own shapes for the rest! This entire pad was on sale for £4.

The last thing we did (although I didn't really help that much) was use some really cheap wood to put together some tapes and ribbons storage. I'd seen loads of things on instagram that were really fancy but expensive so I tried to think of a way to make something cheaply that I could decorate. Here's what we came up with:

I decorated this one with the Washi tape I won from Artsyville

 I used was a couple of sample pots to paint them from B&Q where we bought the wood.

The piece of wood was sawn in half, and the dowel was sawn into three (we had two pieces). Three holes were drilled into each piece of wood and were secured with a screw. It was really easy to watch haha. It took about 15 minutes to make them and not so long to decorate so I'd recommend this as an easy project that will create some cute storage that you can really make your own!

Any kind of craft whether it be scrapbooking, card-making, decorating, Project Life etc can easily get so expensive, but there are loads of ways to make it more affordable. I would say maximise your creativity to use what you have rather than over-paying for things that you might not actually need.

Happy Crafting! 

Much Love xxx

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A quick jaunt to London, Baby!

I'm not really a big fan of big cities and I don't often go to London for pleasure, but recently I had to visit to get my visa ready for my upcoming American internship. It's just so busy and fast paced, everyone is in a rush and it can get pretty tiring, especially if you have to carry your luggage around with you. It's not a place I could ever see myself settling but every now and then I don't mind a flying visit!

When I arrived in Kings Cross Station, they were filming something and there were loads of people around taking photographs. Though I hadn't the foggiest idea what it was, I joined them and took a few snaps. It turns out it is something starring Benedict Cumberbatch and Kiera Knightley so I probably would've seen them if I'd have stayed around! 

I arrived in London in the afternoon and headed straight to my hotel, after first heading to completely the wrong tube station (my fault!) It was really nice, the people were friendly, staff couldn't do enough for you and it was about a minutes walk from Paddington tube station. For those of you that are interested, it was The Cardiff Hotel and I would highly recommend it! I had a nice meal in a restaurant up the road but didn't bother travelling around as I just wanted to chill out before my visa interview.

A cup of tea in my hotel room

The next day I travelled bright and early on the big red London bus to Oxford Street and went through the visa process. It felt like I was in there forever but thankfully, it was approved! I promptly headed to my favourite bakery, the one whose recipe books I use all the time to bake with: The Hummingbird Bakery in South Kensington. 

I chose a pumpkin cupcake - yum!

I headed back to the tube station but then saw a sign for the V&A museum which I have always wanted to visit so changed my plans and popped in there! It was good as I could put my luggage in a locker and have a wander around. It was huge so I didn't get to see it all but here are some of my favourite parts:

I loved the fashion exhibition

Raphael Cartoons - truly stunning

Some amazing prints!

I had NO idea what this room was but I sat in there a while.

A history of tea.

Lights in the entrance

One thing I absolutely must mention is the gift shop. I am obsessed with Museum gift shops and this has to be one of the best I've ever been in! I spent ages in there, but only bought a few nice postcards though I could've bought nearly everything. This museum also had a fashion shop and a book shop, though I didn't find the book one (luckily.) It's worth a visit just for that though in my opinion!  

Sorry about the poor quality of the photos, the lighting was really relaxed throughout which was lovely but didn't make for very good iPhone photos! 

After my lovely visit, I headed back over the stations and had a look around the shops in St Pancras station. I LOVE that place as it has all of my favourite shops; Cath Kidston, Joules, Fat Face, Paperchase and Accessorize to name a few as well as some lovely cafés. 

I had a spot of late lunch in Peyton and Byrne - great food and a much needed coffee whilst a strange man next to me struck up a conversation about suicide which was just what I wanted to talk about over lunch. Not. This happens to me ALL the time. Shortly after that, I found out that nearly all the trains going back up north had been cancelled and all passengers were being advised not to travel. That surely popped my bubble after a lovely culture-filled afternoon. 

I had to quickly find an alternative route which involved running to Euston station carrying my luggage, having to stop halfway to read the free map the hotel gave me. I arrived to find a train I could catch which I ran to and he closed the doors just as I got there at which point I almost cried. I then waited for the next one, getting a great seat but then missed my connection because we were delayed so had to wait a further 30 minutes before I could eventually get home in one piece. 

Things I have learnt: travelling is not always so fun.

Much Love xxx 

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The best socks in the whole dang town.

This is no secret, I am obsessed with Joules Clothing. I have been for quite some time now. When I was at University, I was unlucky enough to be in the same city as one of their stores, which is where most of my student loan soon found itself running along to. They had great sales, which is the only time I ever bought anything and out of that I got my ever so practical waterproof coat, wellies, umbrella and slippers, amongst wedding outfits, my stand out graduation dress and causal tops. But the BEST EVER buy has always been the fluffy socks. 

I don't know about you, but once I find something I like I tend to buy it in multiple colours or patterns as if I am an old lady. I stick to what I know is comfortable and stock up on it. These socks have been an absolute winner every time. I have about 5 pairs, all of which I bought on sale for about £4 a pair. Especially since I have been walking the dogs, these things have been a life saver, the pugs also tend to nip at my feet in a morning due to their excitement and I found them quite protective for that too! They keep my feet cosy in my joules wellies or winter boots, they're warm when I'm walking about the house and I often wear them to bed if I'm cold at night. 

These are the ones i'm wearing right now, which were my first ever pair. I'd say I've had them for at least 4 years and they are surviving very well. They still have their fluffyness and the colours are the same as when I first bought them. Even at £7.95 a pair, they're worth the investment! 

What I love most about Joules is (other than the quality of their clothing) their colour combinations. They always put the nicest shades together. My favourite pair of these socks are a dark purple, navy and mustard stripe - they are so autumnal. 

I've felt like such a country bumpkin whilst walking the dogs everyday and I couldn't have done it so comfortably without ya, Joules! 

Much Love xxx

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A Pug's Life.

I am spending some time over the next couple of weeks looking after my Uncle's 2 pugs, Harry and Alfie. I have never looked after a dog in my life and up until a few years ago, had a pretty bad phobia of them. I didn't know where it came from, but I was lucky enough to meet a couple of dogs that cured me of my fears. These two twin brothers have a good routine and tend to sleep most of the time, which unfortunately seems to be making me rather sleepy too. 

They are so funny, they just follow me everywhere! I go to the toilet and they sit outside and wait for me to come back out. I get changed in a morning with the bedroom door shut and I can hear them breathing right under the door frame. I come out of the bathroom after a wash and they act like they haven't seen me in years. 

I sat down the other night at the table to do some Christmas crafts and told them to go to bed which was just around the corner but they couldn't see me - once I moved their bed so they could watch, they were quite happy. Occasionally they got up and sat right under the table so I couldn't even move my legs.

Right before bed they are supposed to go outside for one last toilet trip but in order to get their lazy bums out you actually have to plonk them outside yourself. They just look at you as if to say 'I don't think so somehow.'

The weather has been quite nice somedays and on our walks there have been some mighty fine views:

I have found some time to do a few more Christmassy stampy/decorationy things:

This is my favourite tag so far! 

Ribbons

Unfinished Salt-Dough Decorations

I have had time to watch a few movies which is good because I have a rather huge selection to go at. After years of hearing it referenced in Friends, I finally know what Sophie's Choice was and I'm currently watching 'Wyatt Earp' as I embark on the Western film selection. I had previously read about him in one of my educational Wild West books but the film is pretty good too (and 3 hours long!) I have watched both my favourite Comedies - 'I Love You Man' and 'Bridesmaids' along with a really cheesy Christmas related one I found on TV last night. 

I've started reading one of the large print westerns I found in the library for 25 pence the other day called 'Mail Order Bride.' It's great because I can read them without my glasses on in bed! Ha. I bought four at the time and went back to buy the rest but it seems that there is another large print western fan in this town, and it 'aint big enough for the both of us. I also baked some experimental healthier oatmeal dark choc-chip cookies for snack cravings that are made with no eggs or butter and wholemeal flour.

 At this point, I will say I have been here the grand total of 2 1/2 days. A lot can be done in 2 1/2 days. 

Much Love xxx

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Ode to Washi.

As many of you may know, I have been really busy lately trying to think of creative ways to fundraise for my upcoming American internship, other than relying on my fundraising page. I didn't want to simply ask people to throw their money at me to send me to pursue my dream job, but wanted to make nice things that would cause people to think of me when they are wrapping gifts, making hampers or spreading jam on their toast. Though, that does sound a bit weird. Anyway! I have loved this chance to get my craft box out and make nice things.

Recently, I was lucky enough to win a lovely giveaway, sent all the way from America from this beautiful blog created by this beautiful artist. I have had a quietly growing obsession for my beloved Filofax ever since I bit the bullet and bought one, which in-turn, has led to a quietly growing obsession for washi tape. What is washi tape, I hear you cry? My computer certainly doesn't know, as it keeps auto-correcting it to 'wash,' so I had better show you.

The Winning Washi

This is washi tape.

This is MY washi tape.

Along with this parcel of beauty from Aimee, came some other little brightly adorned things - one of which was a handy card filled with suggestions of how to use my tape:

Some of the things like sealing envelopes and using on gift bags are things that I like to do - they just make everything look so P.R.E.T.T.Y. The tapes are also quite strong so they stick to things really well.

                                               

I haven't had a lot of time to get making because I have been distracted by Christmas crafts as well as working and travelling as preparation for my big adventure, but here are some of the things I've been able to do with this tape:

I decorated plain pencils and brown tags (below)

I made cupcake flags

Geek moment. I decorated my Filofax.

I have started to make tags containing my Delaware address to hand to people so we can write to each other (these were a bit of a test!!).

I was so excited to win something, especially something to add to my craft box, especially ESPECIALLY because it came from America! This is the current extent of my small washi obsession:

Most of them were bought in small packs with 2 or 3 in for about £1.99 and all of them are being used in my fundraising craft making so that my friends, is my justification. Some of the other things I plan on doing with the tape are:

• Decorating tea-lights
• Making mini-bunting for cards 
• Wrapping Christmas presents/fundraising items
• Jazzing up my own craft items like jars/tins for pens and pencils

Some of my Christmas tags featuring the washi!

Thank you ladies for inspiring me, I wholeheartedly recommend following their blogs and checking out the artsyville store to get your own beautiful items if you are that way inclined! 

Much Love xxx

p.s. my lovely little artwork arrived today from Lori, all the way from Florida to a cold and blustery England! Thank you Lori, I love my little package !! xx 

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Fundraising Update.

Things have been very busy lately as I start to get organised for 6 months in America. We've tried to think of creative ways to raise some money to send me over there and I have to say, it has been really fun! 

Our house is beginning to look a little like a jam factory at the moment, I've been experimenting with different flavours and ways to decorate which make them look really homemade:

I have just made the black forest jam which is full of autumny/wintery berries and has been my favourite experiment so far. My mum makes the lemon curd which seems to fly off our kitchen island along with the strawberry jam. I have so far tried; raspberry, blueberry, mixed berry and black forest flavours. We are especially enjoying the jams that make larger quantities as they tend to make 1/2 jars which unfortunately aren't big enough to be sold, so they sadly end up on our toast. Shame. 

I have also been very busy bringing together the plans for my big American themed party. I had some amazing party supplies donated from www.partypacks.co.uk which will look amazing! The night is going to be filled with American style food and drinks, live music performed by some of my very talented friends, a very American quiz (that I need to write!), a raffle and craft/homemade stalls also made by very talented friends. 

We have been trying out 2nd hand markets too which has been great because we get rid of some of our clutter whilst making a bit of money to add to the pot! They have been nice markets because we've done some great people watching and met some nice folk. I also have a new job helping out a friend in establishing his own Charity which is keeping my mind busy and doing something useful! I am so thankful for that opportunity. 

Nearer to Christmas I'm planning on making and decorating my own salt-dough Christmas decorations as I did last year, Christmas cakes, present tags and small gift ideas that will no doubt be found on Pinterest! I also just won a beautiful set of washi tapes from this beautiful blog that are being shipped over from America so I hope to make some nice things with those! It's so nice to be creative and make nice things that people will enjoy, but will also get me closer to pursuing my dream.

I'd like to thank everybody who has already contributed to my funds, big or small - it means the world to me! If you would like to support me, please check out my Go Fund Me and read all about what I will be doing in America. I have been contacted by Delaware this week and will be attending a training day next week so it is all beginning to feel very real! What a fun time. 

Much Love xxx

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My American Dream.

I can't BELIEVE I finally get to write this post. It has been such a long time coming! This past year since graduating has not been without it's challenges for me. I spent the first six months after moving home searching for a job and getting nowhere fast. At my lowest, I sat and burst into tears with the lady in the benefits office who was trying to help me find work. I finally got some temp jobs, both went disastrously wrong, not because I couldn't do the job but for other reasons. I finally found a permanent role back in January which was not without it's learning curves but whilst I was on holiday last week, the company I worked for went into administration the day before everyone's pay day and 500 people lost their jobs.

My real turning point came a few months ago, after I thought I had found 'THE JOB.' I was so sure it was for me and I spent every day for about two months praying and thinking about it. When the closing date came around, I wasn't offered an interview. The shock of that sent me well and truly back to the drawing board. Sitting at square one, I thought about things like; in my dream world, what would I do? Where would I go? What do I KNOW I want to do? One thing quickly sprang to mind:

America. The place that I had ALWAYS wanted to explore, to figure out if it was the place for me. I want to set a disclaimer here; I am under no impression that America is some kind of dream world where everything is perfect and doesn't have issues similar to the ones we have here. I cannot explain where this dream came from or why it is there, but it is! I love the place. I decided it was time to try and find a door of opportunity that would give me a chance to experience everyday life in America and decide if it is something I want to pursue long-term. Today, I can officially say I was offered that chance. I have been offered a place as a voluntary intern with an organisation called 'YFC' or Youth For Christ in Delaware. I will go out there for 6 months starting next January to do an urban youth work placement working with at-risk youths. I am still trying to process all of this and have SO much to do to prepare for it, but this is a way for me to invest in my future, to gain experience, to live in another culture, to meet new people and to go for my dream! I will be doing some fundraising to get the costs of my trip together which I am really excited about!

So many things have led me to this place, it would take me forever to explain but I can honestly say that however difficult the past few months have been for me - I wouldn't change a thing. I have dealt with a whole host of experiences that have grown and strengthened me in so many ways. I think it's fair to say that I have been fairly unlucky but that is life! I am not here to complain. 

I will say that some of the things that have kept me going are these words in particular:

 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. Matt 7:8

I wrote these words, along with some others and stuck them on the mirror attached to my bedroom door. I saw them every time I went in the room, fixed my hair, took off my make up. In those words I found hope that eventually, I would knock on the right door and it would be opened. In the times of deep confusion - I hated seeing them because I didn't want to believe them, but today, the opportunity I had asked for, sought out and knocked the door of - opened! If you are in a similar position, if you have a dream, or a place that you have always wanted to live or work in - I would encourage you to GO FOR IT! The reason I became so determined to find an opportunity was that I didn't want to wait ten years and wish I had done it, I don't want to regret! However hard and hopeless life can feel, there is always something to learn from every experience, good or bad. It is always good to have hopes and dreams, and to work hard for those! 

I wrote this blog over a year ago, isn't it amazing how things work out! Who knows, maybe whilst I am in Delaware I will get to go visit that statue. Don't give up on your dreams y'all! We only have one life, don't lose yourself in your fear.

If you would like to support me financially, you can do so via this link, all donations would be gratefully received!!

Much Love xxx

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