Let's make... Hair accessory storage

Hello 

Recently I had been thinking of a useful tutorial for you guys - all you parents with little girls will thank me for this one.. As I have mentioned I have two gorgeous little ladies with long hair, so with that, I have created this tutorial to make a hair bow/ clip holder, as I found most of the clips and bands go missing. Below are directions for how to create this your self, and trust me its simple! 

The pink and purple ribbon are great for hair clips and the centre, polka

 dot piece allows you to hang bands through the loops.

You will need

Photo frame
coloured card or paper/ or a photo 
1" ribbon 3 different colours 
2" ribbon 1 colour
scrap of string
Hot Glue Gun
Glue sticks 

How to

1. Open up your frame and cut out a piece of fancy card/paper to fit in the frame, place it in the frame and close.

2. Cut out 3 pieces of  ribbon as long as you like mine were about half a meter/yard, two 1 Inch wide pieces and one 2 Inch wide piece. The last 1 inch wide piece must be around 4 inches longer than the rest as it will be slightly gathered up in the process.

3. Lay out the wider piece of ribbon and starting an inch from the top make a small mark every 2 Inches all the way down. Do the same to one of the thinner pieces, only this time measure 3 Inches and place your mark.
(I didn't follow any of this step the first time and it was very uneven and the finish was not great.)

4. Once your glue gun has heated up place a small dot of glue on the first mark of the wider ribbon, then quickly place the mark on your thinner ribbon on top of this. Do this for every mark you have made the whole way down.

This is what it should look like now.

5. After you have completed this, you can start assembly. Evenly on the BACK of the Frame make 3 marks with a pencil, as shown in the image below. 

 Now add your ribbon good side down, it should look something like this.

6. now you can cut the ends into a V or at an angle to finish it off and use a lighter to seal the edge and prevent fraying.





I hope you all enjoyed this tutorial. Give me a +1 and head over and visit me on instagram and twitter!

Out and about....Two

Following on from my previous post, Getting out and about, I would like to update you on my most recent outing in the community.  As I mentioned, at the end of ‘Getting out and about’ post, I would be attending a flower arranging demo at a local church; the demo’s are part of a local show that will be celebrating its 75^th year this year.
There have been 2 gardening demonstrations – which, regrettably, I missed because I was unaware that they were even taking place. Never mind, I managed to make it to the baking and flower arranging demos!
I was very unprepared when I attended the baking demonstration – I didn’t get photographs or take any notes, and to be totally honest, I hadn’t even planned on blogging about it.  With the flower arranging I was a little more prepared, in that I had taken my camera with me but, forgot my notebook and pen!  I know, I know!

A selection of the arrange

I arrived early expecting to have to search for a parking space like I had at the last demo, but luckily there were plenty of spaces.  Initially was going to wait in the car, but then thought better of it as I wanted a seat close to the front in order to get a better view.  As I went through the gates of the churchyard I was pleasantly surprised by its quaint surroundings – it’s such a charming little place.  In all the 10 years that I have lived in this village, I have never given this church so much as a second glance. (I’ve now made a pledge with myself to be more aware of my surroundings)!                                                   I was greeted by some familiar faces – acquaintances I’d made at the baking demonstration.  
Fergus Hemmingway, a gold medal winner, facilitated the demo – a character I’ll never forget, with his quirky jokes and the eccentric names he gave to his finished pieces.  I was, non the less, impressed at how Fergus combined his years of experience and his award-winning abilities, and relayed them in such a way that made me feel confident enough to go away and re-create what he had showed us.                                                                            

Fergus created 10 beautiful pieces of floral art, all of which were raffled off at the end.

All in all, I was very happy that I attended this demonstration. I’m now looking forward to having a stall at the Castlebridge Show in August. I hope to see one or two of you there. I may even enter the baking or flower arranging competitions... ?!

Getting 'out and about'!

Last night my 'darling' girls had a sleepover at Nanny's house.  It had been a while since she had them both sleep over together and since it's the summer holidays, why not? (not that I need an excuse to be kid-free for the night)!  Within 5 minutes of arriving at my mums the girls were saying, "You can go now" and "When are you leaving?" - I was no longer needed, so I said my goodbyes and left.

I decided to take our beloved dog for a walk in the forest - she enjoyed her 30 minute run, with excited sniffs and plenty of scent marking and, on returning home, she collapsed in a heap in her bed.  
I could have stuck around at home and found some mundane chores to occupy my time BUT, I decided to head down to a baking demonstration that I'd seen advertised in the local community centre.  I have to admit that I was a little apprehensive - I'm new to the area and don't know too many people so I wasn't sure what to expect. As the demonstration was being hosted by the local Community Shows Commitee, I figured it would be friendly enough. 
When I arrived, I made my way into the hall where I was greeted with a warm smile and an open door.  I followed the chattering noise and was pleasantly surprised when I walked into a room filled with people of all ages - ranging from 2-72!  I stood there for a minute or so, taking in my surroundings and wondering where to sit.  I spotted a row of chairs with 4 unoccupied seats, so I made my way over and took a seat, and just as i did, an older lady sat down beside me. 
I chatted with the lady while we waited for the demonstration to begin.  We hit it off straight away and it turned out that I went to school with her daughter - small world!
Award winning baker, Declan Dempsey, was carrying out the demo and began by explaining what he would be covering in the demo etc.....

Declan explained what he would be covering in the demo -  traditional brown soda bread, white soda scones, tasty boiled ginger cake and double choc chip muffins, and believe me when I say this - even Paul Hollywood would have been proud! Everything was absolutely delicious.

 

I look forward to the next demo which in Flower Arranging another hobby I have a book all about but am yet to try...

I have not forgotten you guys.

Hi all, I am sorry I have not been very active recently, I have had a bereavement. 
I hope to be posting up again soon. Thank you all for waiting xx

Anja x

Let's Make... Playdough!

So another rainy day is upon us in Wexford. We have had the worst July I can recall in a lon long time. And my girls are bored, my only option is to.... MAKE AND DO!! I have done the Bunting Tutorial on my own last week and other tutorials the girls were simply just not interested in... BUT this one, they could not resist.

You will need

1 cup of Warm Water

11/2 cups of Salt

4 cups of Flour

2 Tbsp Olive Oil

4 Colours of food colouring

Large mixing bowl 

4 food (cereal) bowls

How to

1. Measure out all your ingredients. In a large mixing bowl mix together the flour and the salt.

2. Divide the water between your 4 other bowls, 1/4 cup in each bowl. To this add 8-10 drops of food colouring and half a tbsp of oil.

3. Place a cup of your flour mixture into each bowl and mix together well. when it forms a dough, knead on a floured surface. If you need add more flour or more water to make the perfect consistency.

4. Wrap in plastic food bags and make sure no air gets in, and that's it...

Tips - Try adding glitter to the water in step 2. This will add another dimension to your play. Use the same colour as your dough or a contrasting colour..

So easy and you can make as much as you want. We were limited to what colours we had as we only had two food colourings - Red and Blue - We also tried to make purple by mixing our colours and this resulted in us making Grey, but it was All in the name of fun...

Say hi to my 3 beautiful girls, the 3rd is Lady our dog! x

pattern cutting... tutorial on its way

Just in the middle of cutting patterns for a craft fair in my town. I am going to do a tutorial on this particular project as it will fit in with the time of year... well for mums n dads anyway... ha Seriously enjoying it!!

My little ladies are up late tonight too, with our neighbors daughter, pretending they are Barbie with their hobby horses. Oh to be so innocent again! 




WATCH THIS SPACE FOLKS  AND DONT FORGET TO FOLLOW BY EMAIL...

And the Winner is...........

With the help of my two great partners in crime, Willow and Amelia we have picked a winner from our hat......

CONGRATULATIONS X

Competition ends today

Last chance to enter the competition for a homemade apron and baking goodies. Perfect for summer holiday fun.. just click on the link "competition" and enter there.. 

                             GOOD LUCK X

The apron is easy close with Velcro on the tie!!

Life Began in a Garden

If I have not told you all before I love plants. I have always had a love for nature, since being a child. Back then it was Cacti, I have moved on to clematis and roses, herbs and grapevines since.  Moving up in the world you say?? LOL.

I am now passing this love on to my two daughters, Willow and Amelia. They both have flowers as middle names and have the plant that they are named after.. This is a great responsibility for them, especially Amelia (3).She reminds me every couple of months that her plant needs watering - good job mum waters it more tho eh!? 


Enjoy my collage of flowers and plants i have put together for you from my Home and Garden. I hope you love them as much as we do! 

Anja x

Every flower is a soul blossoming in nature. ~Gerard de Nerval

Rain Rain go away... Let's Make Bunting!!

.... what are we going to do today?

So I woke up this July morning and before I get out of bed I know.... IT'S RAINING!
I have spent any spare money I had and now we are stuck in the house together for a full day!!
What will we do? Well after my Green Tea and research it looks like a day for....

...CRAFTING

Today we are going to make room decorations. We will make some mini bunting, Follow the directions below to make some too.

You will need

Ribbon I used about 4-5ft

Mini bunting pieces (Off cuts from larger bunting)

Pins

Sewing machine (optional)

How to

1. Cut out some mini triangles using the How to cut Bunting Tutorial, or if you have some small fabric cut outs use them. Cut enough to fit the whole length of the ribbon. (see pic. below).

2. Now arrange them in an order that suits you. If your going for an Ombre look set out your darker colours at one end and then get lighter as you go across.. I was just doing a random colourful one using old scraps, so I arranged them trying not to have all the pink together or all the gingham. Leave enough space at the ends to create a loop to hang it up. sew along where the rad lines are.

3. Once you are happy with the order of your fabric pieces  pin them all making sure the pins face this way. 

4. If hand sewing make sure your stitching is neat and do a back stitch to ensure it is secure. I used my sewing machine as my hand stitch is not neat at all. Remover you pins as you go.

5. Cut off all your loose threads et voila!!!



This is a great way of using up scrap fabrics that would otherwise be thrown away. There are loads of scrap fabric ideas in this book here. I love using up the scraps I feel like I am not wasting at all. 

HOPE YOU ENJOYED THIS BLOG IF YOU GIVE ANY OF MY TUTORIALS A GO POST UP A PICTURE FOR US TO SHARE!! 

How to cut Bunting Tutorial

So I wanted to show you how to cut out bunting. I love bunting it can be used for lots of different occasions or simply to crate a homely feel of a child's bedroom. I use them in my daughters window, bunk bed walls, also bring them down for birthday parties so definitely worth making with their multitude of uses.

You will need

Fat quarters or fabric off cuts

Pinking shears

tape measure

How to

1. I have started out by cutting out rectangles (3" x 6.5") and using my pinking shears to create a no-sew edge. Neat eh! This rectangle can be used as it is but I love being able to make more from it..

 2. Fold the fabric in half length-ways, then starting in one corner cut diagonally. I like to cut to about an inch below the opposite corner as below.

3. Now how easy was that? Yes that's it. You are left with 3 triangles, 1 large and 2 smaller. Most people throw away the smaller ones but I think these make great bunting also.. 

Take a look at the post Let's Make Bunting to now use up your home made bunting!!

DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW BY EMAIL, TO BE ONE OF THE FIRST TO KNOW WHEN A NEW POST GOES LIVE!!!

I am still here

Hi guys, I have not forgotten about you all..I have been so busy with doing a basic Video editing course then of course my internet was down.
After doing the course I really wanted to do a VLOG but I now need all the equipment to do this. I am going to need to invest in a good tripod, my mum has offered for me to have a lend of hers for the time being, but I want my own (thanks mum).

I also want to organise my office/sewing room too so been on pinterest looking up amazing office spaces; here are a few for your bookshelf storage and cute diy office holdall.
I am hoping to put together a "how to" for your fabric storage as I will be transforming my sewing room very soon and can take before during and after shots! I mean who doesn't love before and after shots! 

I am running the competition until Thursday 9th July and will be announcing the winner that day!
To be in with a chance to win the super prize pictured below pop over and like the Facebook page and follow the instructions or click on the competition post on here and follow the instructions there!!

GOOD LUCK!!

competition still running!

Make sure you are commenting under the competition post here and follow the instructions...

GOOD LUCK
AND REMEMBER HAPPY JULY