Thursday, 12 October 2017

The joys of autumn & foraging for a seasonal display



I've been thinking a lot about autumn lately (or 'fall' for my overseas friends) and I've been trying to put my finger on what it is about autumn that warms our cockles so. Many of us have our favourite season but autumn seems to be such a firm favourite for so many. While we know it is a rich and beautiful season visually, it also fills many of our other senses - it brings warmth to our bellies, our homes and even to the clothes we wear. Essentially, Autumn is one big giant hug! I don't know about you but when the trees start to change to hues of amber, red and gold and the fires are lit I crave slow-cooked stews, as well as pumpkin soups, apple crumbles, chai lattes and hot cocoa. (FYI I never said I was good at making any of the above, but I am very good at eating them!)

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Tuesday, 28 March 2017

A pretty pastel bedside makeover




As most of you know I've been having a clear out of late, and as a result I have to say I've been  enjoying my living space much more. I don't know about you, but one room that I often feel gets overlooked is the bedroom. Perhaps it's because visitors don't often venture into this space so we put our decorative energy into other areas of the home, but the bedroom really is one of the most important rooms in the house - not only do we spend a lot of time in this room but it has a direct affect on our mental and physical well being. If you do have difficulty sleeping you might find that creating a calm, peaceful and uncluttered environment makes the world of difference. After a good de-clutter I've given our boudoir and my bedside table some much needed TLC. Hubby's side needs more work however but small steps people, small steps :-)

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Friday, 30 September 2016

How to make: Laura Ashley Embellished Tote Bag - with R&B Designs



Last week some fellow crafty bloggers and I spent the most wonderful afternoon at the beautiful Laura Ashley Manor Hotel. I had no idea Laura Ashley had a manor hotel, did you? well it is gorgeous let me tell you. We had a lovely time exploring the grounds, which was followed by a delicious afternoon tea and an afternoon of crafting. The fun and fabulous design duo Russell and Bawden (Amanda Russell & Juliet Bawden) led the workshop, and with their expertise and guidance we made some gorgeous Tote bags - using the latest Laura Ashley Fabric. I haven't used my sewing machine in a while so it was lovely dusting off the cobwebs. Here is my finished Tote bag, along with R&B's step by step instructions on how to make this lovely bag. I accidentally cut one of my shoulder straps so I made it work for me by adding fabric handles! I also embellished the bag using beads from old pieces of jewellery.




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Wednesday, 3 June 2015

A month in pictures - May




May has been a lovely month indeed. Hubby and I celebrated our 2nd wedding anniversary this month. We've actually been together for over 15 years, but celebrating our anniversary is still one of my favourite fings. I kept a diary in the lead up to our wedding so I would remember all the lovely little things that happened along the way ... so we read a little every night over our anniversary week! it was lovely reliving that journey. We had a lovely break in Shropshire at The Dipping shed! Unfortunately it's back to the grindstone this week. Boo! Here's this month in pictures ....

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Tuesday, 23 December 2014

A handmade christmas + snow-covered branch + crochet snowflakes + felt decorations


Hello my lovely festive friends. It's a matter of days before Christmas, are you excited?? I cannot wait. When it comes to Christmas I'm a 5 year old in a 35 year olds body ...  and I still put a mince pie and glass of milk out for santa (and he still eats and drinks it!) This month I've been crafting away and transforming our little cottage with handmade decorations. Here are some of my crafty goings on in the last couple of weeks ...


A snow covered branch

When it came to decorating the house, I wanted to add more lights to our little mole cave. Do you recognise this branch? this was sitting in the garden in the summer. So I had an idea. I gave it a shower (be gone bugs!) then once dry I gave it spray with some fake snow ... I then wrapped some battery-operated LED fairy lights around it - they came on a copper wire which blended perfectly (£3.99 from Wilkos)



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Tuesday, 14 October 2014

A handmade christmas with Laura Ashley


So last week I attended the Laura Ashley bloggers Handmade Christmas fair, which was held in Homemade London - a fab little craft shop in the West End. I didn't quite know what to expect from such an event. I'm not a fan of office parties and I avoid networking at all costs, but when Ms Ashley invited me to her bloggers Christmas evening, I knew it was going to be a fun, crafty affair ... and I was keen to meet other crafty bloggers.



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Monday, 18 August 2014

Video tutorial - How to paint, distress and wallpaper furniture


Hi all,  Well I recently showed you my latest upcycle project - 'How to create a distressed wallpaper cabinet' and in this new video, Ralphy and I show you the entire process in just a minute! Should you want to try this yourself you can CLICK HERE for a full list of products and a detailed step-by-step tutorial with pictures.
Enjoy the film!

JM x






www.ahandmadecottage.com
www.twitter.com/ahandmadecott
www.facebook.com/Ahandmadecott­age


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Tuesday, 15 July 2014

Laura Ashley's blogger of the month!

Well I am pleased as punch, because this month Laura Ashley are featuring me as their blogger crush - blogger of the month! Their feature includes piccies from my blog, plus a Q and A with yours truly, in which they asked questions like; how did it all come about? what inspires me? what do I love about blogging? and what blogs do I follow?  I've always had a soft spot for Laura Ashley; their floral dresses, their soft furnishings and not to mention their blankets (hubby knows he can't go wrong with one of Laura's blankets.) So for them to like my little blog enough to share it with their followers makes me feel very humbled indeed. Below is a glimpse of the feature but should you like to read it for yourself just click this link ... 

* Laura Ashley's blogger of the month - A Handmade Cottage *


JM x

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