Now I love my armchair. It's comfy, cosy and sits snugly in my little nook under the stairs. 

But while I love the shape of the chair, I detest the fabric. It may have had its plus points back in its day but today it's dark and a bit too shabby (not the chic variety.)

So until I can afford to upholster it - which I will learn to do (anyone care to teach me? skill for a skill?)

I need to find a way to live with it. I've tried all sorts, from disguising it with cushions to covering the whole thing in a big blanket. That didn't work - it just looked like an obese ghost.

Then I tried this: a simple tablecloth, pinned in place ... and it works perfectly! it brightens the whole room, took all of 5 minutes and required no effort whatsoever. Perfect : )

Before

After

My mum.

I have a lovely mum. She's the kindest,  most loving, most humble person I've ever met, and not a day goes by when I don't feel loved by her. So since Mother's day is approaching, while my mum isn't an actual 'fing,' she is one of my most favourite people. 

So today Mummykins, you are my favourite fing!

This video will show you how to make a simple flower arrangement in real time. 

Step by step I'll show you how to create a beautiful arrangement which can be used for weddings, funerals, christmas and birthdays for years to come. 

This is ideal for beginners.

Cost only £7.50 

and took 40 minutes to make.

(Apologies in advance for scatty behaviour ... 

and please note no spiders were killed in the making of this video.) 

Well it's spring (almost) and at this time of year we all head out into the garden and stand hand-on-hips accessing the winter damage, and ponder how to bring our gardens back to life. What I want is a pretty summery haven, what I have is some shabby-looking furniture in dire need of some TLC. I can't afford to replace everything but nor would I want to. So before you raid your money box and head down to Homebase I have two words for you ... 

GOOD LUCK! 

JM x

Notepads. I love them. I love using them as travel diaries, crafty fings and shopping lists. But I'm not talking any old notepad, they have to be pretty notepads. I know this makes me a notepad snob but my reasoning is, if it's pretty I'll want to use it! What's appealing about a regular ole A4 WHSmiths jobbie?? that just takes me right back to school * shivers * no thanks, pretty notepads all the way! which leads me to showing you these little beauties ....

This week I found these gorgeous little notepads by Lau & Home on t'internet. There are 4 in a pack (which is very handy) and they're perfect handbag / shopping list size (17cm) The paper inside is even a lovely old fashioned natural brown. Worthy of ink and quill I'd say!

For all 4 notebooks it's a mere £6.50 + P&P

Buy from amazon HERE

JM x

I've love writing a blog. It's nice to keep my crafty adventures in one place ... a scrapbook if you like? or scrapblog! I thought it was about time I added a few clippings from my offerings as craft columnist to the local Observer (Herts and Essex). It has been a pleasure writing for them, and I've really enjoyed connecting with my local community through it. I even get spotted in town now and again, which isn't ideal as I often leave the house looking an absolute state! Thankfully Hubby occasionally intervenes before I reach the street, pointing out the jogging bottom and posh top combo isn't really working. Perhaps I need a disguise? : )

JM x

To read article click here

Isn't it BEAUTIFUL out there people?! The BLOSSOM is out. I don't care what anyone says, that signifies Spring to me. Even if it snows ... it's Spring snow (?) So for today's 'Favourite Fings' I wanted to share a few photos of my foraging adventures this month ... and show you how to save pennies (and the planet) by adorning your house with Spring.