Time to get crafting!

One of my new year's resolutions has been to make more time for crafts as up until now it just hasn't happened.

So after being inspired by all things Allsopp and this fabulous website www.grannyknits.co.uk I'm getting ready to knit, sew and hopefully cross-stitch.

And how am I going to find the time?

Well, some friends and I have decided to meet on a regular basis for 'Make and Be Merry' evenings, which will no doubt involve something refreshing to drink too - even if it's just a cup of tea!

Wish me luck!

Jack Frost

Whilst we seem to be having a little break from the freezing cold weather, it's hard to believe that this time last week my garden, and shed, were covered in frost.

The lawn was crunchy for days and everything was a magical, glistening white. It was like living in Narnia.

Let's hope there's another sprinkling of frost, or even snow, before Christmas.

Merry Christmas and thank you to everyone for all your support! x

Make... Orange and Clove Pomanders

It was so cold yesterday that my children and I decided to stay indoors, keep warm and make these sweet smelling, Orange and Clove Pomanders, which are now sitting happily in my kitchen.

They're so easy to make and smell seriously festive.

Create a design by piercing holes into your orange and then push a clove into each hole.

Breeze is *Shop of the Month*

One of my clients, Breeze, the fabulous gift and homeware shop in Cambridge has been named *Shop of the Month* in the January issue of Country Homes & Interiors magazine - on sale Thursday 2 December.

Breeze has a wonderful array of Christmas decorations, stocking fillers, gifts and more so take a look online or visit the shop on Trinity Street.

Make... little ice decorations!

What do you do with children when it's frosty and they're in desperate need of a game to play outside but when there's no snow to entertain them?

Well, I discovered this great idea recently... make ice decorations!

It's so easy to do.

Simply choose a cheap container and fill it with water. Then get your little ones to pick up leaves, twigs, rosehips (with your help) etc... and put in the water. Then leave outside and let the cold weather do the rest. By the next day (frost depending) the water will have frozen. Then tap out the ice and put on display in the garden - you can create a hole by piercing the decorations with a hot knitting needle and threading with twine, string, ribbon - you choose!

I have to say I'm really pleased with the result and it fascinated my children too!

So simple!

Not long now... it's almost time for Advent!

Advent seems to come around faster every year, especially when you have children and lots of present to plan and wrap, but I always look forward to the countdown to Christmas.

As a child, I loved opening the little windows of the nativity calendar. It seemed to make each day magical and full of expectation. So much so that it almost seems a shame that our children now expect TV character calendars filled with chocolate.

So to carry on the magic, but with an inevitable 'modern' twist, I've found these little, rusty advent buckets from Ruby & The Crow at the recent House & Garden Spirit of Christmas Fair.

This merry chain will soon be hung in my home and filled with chocolates for the family to enjoy, including me!

Herbal remedies!

After a recent visit to Church Farm for a Herbal Remedies evening, I thought I'd share my notes with you and pass on a great recipe for making oils which can be used for your skin.

How to make a herb oil...

Sterilise a suitable jar (preferably dark glass) and chop up your chosen herb before almost filling the jar. Add some good quality Sunflower or Olive Oil. Press the herbs down using a wooden spoon to get rid of any air bubbles. Put the lid on and store in a dark place and remember to give it a stir every day for the first two weeks, and then once a week for another 2-3 weeks. Finally filter the oil into suitable jars or bottles and apply to your skin as and when you need to.

Here are just a few oils to choose from! For more ideas, scour second hand book shops for great books about Herbs!

Aloe Vera: Stomach ailments, colon cleansing (eat it or rub on skin)

Basil: Digestion, antiseptic

Comfrey: Soothing, healing, good for the complexion

Echinacea: Immunity

Feverfew: Headaches

Ginger: Energising

Lavender: Relaxing. Oil good in baths.