Friday, 11 April 2014

How to get birds into your garden

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I love the birdies ... as I put my washing out I daydream they come and sit on my shoulders like in Snow White (everyone does that right?) But alas, my garden is birdless! So the other day I asked my lovely facebook followers for some advice. I wrote ...


Q "I'm having bird trouble! 
I just cannot entice the birdies into my garden. 
What am I doing wrong? I do get a lovely old couple (of wood pigeons) but that's it. Thoughts?"



After make just a few changes, here are my new feathery friends!
Ralphy's not so sure but in time ...

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Monday, 7 April 2014

Changing soft furnishings with nature 'Spring summer'


Spring is here! Little creatures are unfurling and so are our gardens. Blokes are wearing flip flops as early as March and we girls are fretting over our pastry white legs. We change our wardrobe and our diet with the seasons so why not the inside of our homes? I can't afford to do much but even swapping my soft furnishings over twice a year (in the spring and again in the autumn) makes the world of difference. Why? because it lifts my spirits and invigorates my surroundings. I feel more in tune with nature and it just makes me feel better.



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Friday, 4 April 2014

The William Morris 'Tree of Life' Tapestry Cushion


I've always loved the 'Tree of life' tapestry by the 19th Century artist William Morris. 
It's such a beautiful design, so I was over the moon when I discovered this beautiful
 loom-woven Flemish Tapestry cushion over at Wye NeedlecraftI found the cushion just after hubby and I were married, so I thought it would mark the occasion perfectly ... now it sits quietly in the corner watching our marriage 'grow' and it's always in reaching distance should I ever need to hit him with it : ) Aw not that I would!


My 'Tree of Life' cushion by William Morris.
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Wednesday, 2 April 2014

How to disguise and makeover an ugly armchair (in 5 mins)


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


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Friday, 28 March 2014

My favourite fings - My mum (on Mother's day)

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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!



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Thursday, 27 March 2014

HOW TO MAKE: A simple flower arrangement



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.) 





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Friday, 21 March 2014

Pretty Nostalgic Magazine


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Pretty Nostalgic Magazine. I've just discovered this after ordering a free back copy (how very generous of them!) and I have to say ... everything about it is just LOVELY. It's an independent magazine, filled with all things vintage, crafty, foraging, upcycling, natural recipes, craft fairs, vintage fashion, home decor and really interesting stories. In short, it's Jodie Podes heaven!




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Wednesday, 19 March 2014

How to shabby chic your garden furniture ... in one afternoon.


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 ... 


SHABBY CHIC!!



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Monday, 17 March 2014

Goodies to giveaway: Two FREE Tickets to the IDEAL HOME SHOW


Who would like TWO FREE TICKETS to this years 
IDEAL HOME SHOW??!
Earls court from 14 - 40th March

The lovely people at British Gas kindly gave me two free tickets and as much as I'd like to give Laurence llewelyn Bowens bum a big squeeze I'd much prefer to give the tickets to YOU :-)




However, in order to win these tickets you have 1: promise you will squeeze Laurence's bum on my behalf AND 2: email me the answer to the following question ....


Q: What is Ralphys FULL name??


Please send your answer ASAP to ahandmadecottage@icloud.com along with your full name and postal address. The competition ends midnight Tuesday 18th March 2014.


GOOD LUCK! 

JM x

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Friday, 14 March 2014

Pretty notepads

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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












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