New Daphne's Diary

The new issue of Daphne's Dairy has just landed on my door mat and again does not disappoint. Packed full of so many excellent articles and ideas to make, planning on spending a morning just reading through. Can be bought from Unique Magazines or Daphne's Diary in the Netherlands.

If you want a quality publication with a vintage twist then this is it.

Enjoy

Bunting

Well what a February rain, rain and yet more rain, howling gales and so many poor people flooded out of homes, farms and business premises. Train lines washed away, sea defences collapsed. Not sure when this will end but know that with the true British mentality, we will pick ourselves up, dust off and start again. The Great British Bulldog attitude will come to the fore and we will not be beaten. On another note it has been beautiful the last few days, dry and sunny and dare I say a tad warm, not sure how long that will last as due some snow today.

I love bunting be it plain or decorated and think something that is such fun to add to a patio, gazebo, child's room or adults and more. Have ventured into the French flag bunting as a special order along with a 'Sale' or company name before but this time for something a little bit special - Teddy Bunting. These teddies are shabby chic or well loved depending on your slant on this cute and cuddly character. Shown here in polka dots blue for a boy and pink for a girl:

and a close up of the design

Made to order only, easy to post and a totally different gift for a new arrival.

Making lots of Birthday gifts that will remain under wraps until the big days, as some of these are the end of the year quite long wait. I have a private event at a local retirement complex in March so the next few weeks, along with Easter items will see me concentrating on these events.

Stay warm, safe and dry x

A Mother's Love

Mother's are so precious and what better way than to thank her for all she does on her special day. Sadly I no longer have a Mum to make for but loved to make her day special and still a day to remember her, as she is now my Angel Mum in a garden full of roses surrounded by her dogs.

Bookmark Card

Vintage backing paper and complimenting paper flower with a diamante centre. The bookmark is stitched onto felt and reads: A Mother's love knows no bounds, Thank You Mum

Crazy patchwork machine embroidered rose scented sachet with the words: Wishing you a Happy mother's Day with all my love. A lasting keepsake for Mum. 4 different patterns of fabric.

'Mum' Bunting, I love bunting and am thinking of ways to stitch for a variety of occasions from triangular, to hearts and even the French flag. Fun and easy to store and the plan is to add more throughout this coming year.

Crazy patchwork heart for Mum to keep long after Mothering Sunday has been and gone. Slightly smaller heart with an initial. Both scented with lavender

Well that is Mother's Day done and dusted now onto Easter, I am loving the themes this year and so much fun to create for each event 

Losing that Creativity

Well we have all been there and got the T-shirt, beavering away at being creative then along comes the brick wall, grind to a halt and wonder 'where did that come from?'. No amount of concentration, talking to ourselves to the point that even the dog thinks we have gone mad.

I love this post on the Stampington Blog by Vanessa Valencia: 

6 Handy Ways to Rediscover Your Creativity

Some tips I have done before but this post made it normal that you are not odd to hit a creative void, just all part of the process of being creative.

Thank You Vanessa and Stampington.

Another Arrival

Daphne's Diary

Issue 3 has arrived and every bit as good as the first 2. I love the style of this magazine and some excellent projects on the inside. Sorry to say but so much better than the UK ones, sadly every new UK publication that appears on the shelves I buy, only to feel let down by content and layout. Leaves me thinking save my money next time yet the US and now this Dutch publication are brimming with good content, not treating the reader as if in kindergarten. Accepting that sometimes we do want and expect more from publications.

You can get in WH Smiths but prefer to order from Unique Magazines

It's Arrived

The latest edition of 'Where Women Create Business'

I love this magazine from Stampington and not being out every month feel I can justify spoiling myself. Nothing more inspirational than reading about other women in business.

Available from Rainbow Silks in the UK

I have to set aside time to sit with a cup of tea in anticipation of turning the first page. This publication never disappoints and all I can say is if you love business then give it a try, you never know you may become hooked as I am. Check out an online taster here

Love is in the air

Feel like bursting into song now, 1978 now that dates me.....

Valentines fast approaches and the plan this year to be prepared in advance, well working so far. Wanted to make and post to my website by the 14th January and all done:

Valentines pocket card, stitched onto white felt in red and silver, backed with red cotton and has a pocket with a lace printed card to add a message

So pretty this is a bookmark miniature photo frame, pink felt with glitter hearts

Diamante love message rose sachet

Rose gift cone, ideal for a treasured gift

Love heart bunting for decoration.

I always feel that Valentines day is so close to Christmas and seems to be upon us in a blink of an eye, noticed the shops are already decked with red hearts.

Starting on Birthday gifts now for a family member, again this is all part of my new regime. Have a large calendar with each event scheduled for the year. Next date:

Mothering Sunday 29th March - launch date 28th February. if not before.

Have a very happy week with much creating and fun