How To Make A Set Of Coasters Using Old CDs and Lace

Last year I shared this How To, showing you how to make a set of coasters using old CDs and lace. It's been my most popular blog post so far, so I thought I'd share it again! This is a a really thrifty make, using up those old CDs that you haven't got round to taking to the charity shop, recycled lace and a paint tester pot.

You can also find the recipe for the rosewater, white chocolate and pistachio cupcakes here- go on, treat yourself to tea and cake and enjoy the excuse to use your lovely new coasters!

If you try this How To, please share your photos, I'd love to see your makes.

Happy making!

Small Project Challenge- Crystal Clay!

When Mr Writer and I visited Nottingham back in March I bought a pack of Crystal Clay. I'd never come across it before, but being a little obsessed with Swarovski Crystals I thought it would make a good Small Project Challenge! If you're a new reader, you can find out more about my Small Project Challenge here. You could join in too!

I'll be honest, I'm not entirely happy with what I've made here, but I've decided to share my project anyway. Things don't always go to plan, but the main thing is that I'm pleased I've tried the Crystal Clay- I can see that it has lots of potential uses, I just need to experiment with it more! Here's what happened...

I decided I'd make a ring, using a ring finding with a bezel setting. The clay adheres to most surfaces and cures without heat, so it's really simple to use. 

 I already had a pack of mixed crystals and I used some bugle beads too for variation.

The clay comes in two parts and (wearing gloves) you mix equal amounts together until the two colours are completely blended. The beeswax ended stick is the tool you use to pick the crystals and add them to the clay

This is where I went a bit wrong...  I misjudged the amount of clay I would need. It turns out that a little bit goes a long way and rather than break off a smaller piece to use I decided to make a giant ring! You add the clay to the bezel setting or other surface you are using and mold it to fit.

The other issue was that I didn't  have many flat backed crystals and I think this would have improved the overall look of the ring- the bicones I have used stick out a bit too much. I love big rings but it is VERY big and very very bling!

So overall I really enjoyed using the process of using the Crystal Clay but I definitely need to refine my skills to create an end piece I'm happy with. Have you used Crystal Clay and do you have any tips?

On Instagram in April

Happy May everyone! I love this time of year in the UK, the countryside is looking so pretty and we're (almost) in Summer, my favourite season. April sped by but there was plenty of making and walking in the countryside in some lovely sunshine. Here is a look back at April through my Instagram photos...

I've been wearing my favourite Fair Isle cardigan from Boden lots this month, accessorised with my Fair Isle brooches. I think I'm a bit obsessed with Fair Isle! I'm going to be working on some new Fair Isle jewellery designs to launch later this year

On Easter Sunday the first Bazaar Food and Craft Market took place at The Waiting Room in Colchester, Essex. I was so pleased to have a stand there with my jewellery, it was such a lovely day with a great atmosphere. I'm actually there with my jewellery again today, selling with the Made in Colchester Collective (more on this soon!), come and say hi if you're in the area!

Starting work on a range of upcycled denim brooches and rings with Liberty fabric pieces! Watch this space!

I wear something handmade every day and in April I have been accessorising with my handmade brooches

I don't like to be in doors all day so I love that there were some lovely sunny days in April where I sat outside during my lunch break to do some making. The hard thing is then dragging myself back inside!

On the chilly days I retreated back to my trusty duffle coat! Lots of people say my brooches remind them of spring blooms

Beautiful sky and flowers on a hot day in the garden

A walk to peaceful Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Essex. I love water and have always wanted a pond. I could just imagine sitting here in the peace and quiet when there are no visitors

This is the amazing view across the river Chelmer at the back of the gardens

Beeleigh Abbey

Walking close to where I live. I'm sure my love of water must come from living by the river!

Nelson cat! Chilled out as always

He has recently taken to diving under the throws on the sofa and sleeping like this (it's a cats life!), but I don't leave him like it for long incase someone sits on him (cue unimpressed looks from Nelson!)

A rare pic of him awake!

Spending time with a good friend- we had home made apple pie and lots of fun with her lovely Basset Hound Penny. I found it hard to get a good pic as she was bouncing around so much!

So that was April, here's to a lovely sunny May. You can follow me on Instagram here- come and say hi. I'd love to follow you on Instagram too!

What did you get up to in April?

Take a look at my How To page!

Have you had a look at my How To page? Here you'll find all of the crafty How Tos I've shared on the blog so far, from Liberty Fabric Scrap Heart Shaped Shoe Clips, Tea Towel Napkins with a Pompom Trim, to Fabric Wrapped Bangles and even a spangly DIY Christmas Tree Jumper! 

Designed with thrift in mind, all of my How Tos are made using recycled and upcycled materials, so they are inexpensive projects to make, often using materials you will already have to hand or items you may have picked up in the charity shop- check out my Spray Painted Vintage Tea Tray!

If you make any of the How Tos please do share, I'd love to feature them on the blog. 

Happy Making!

New Look Blog!

I'm so happy to be able to share the new look blog with you today! It's been a work in progress for a while and I'm delighted with the more streamlined and fresh look. There are still a couple of tweaks to be worked on, eg. redesigning the Galleries page, but I hope you like the look so far!

 I must say big thanks to Mr Writer for all his help and IT know how behind the scenes. We're off to celebrate with tea and cake!

Warner Textile Archive Textile Fair, Sunday 17th May

I'm busy making new jewellery at the moment for The Warner Textile Archive Textile Fair in Braintree, Essex, on Sunday 17th May. 

There's a great line up of craft stallholders, talks, demonstrations, tours of the archive and a pop up tearoom- it looks set to be a fab day! I'm really looking forward to taking part and debuting some new pieces- hope to see you there!

Find out more about the events and how to get there here

Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, Essex

I live in a small town in Essex surrounded by beautiful countryside. Not too far from where I live is Beeleigh Abbey and periodically throughout the year the beautiful gardens are open to the public. On Friday my mum and I walked there and I'd like to share some photos from our our visit with you!

The Abbey itself was founded in 1180

I kept saying to my mum as we walked round that I think the Abbey and the grounds have a real Midsummer Murders feel to them- the episodes are always filmed in lovely picturesque countryside locations, so I often wonder if they will visit Beeleigh to film one day!

I've always wanted a pond, I love water and it must be lovely to spend an afternoon sitting here

The grounds are vast but immaculate, so much work must go into maintaining them! 

It was a chilly but bright day

Spring Daffodils

The gardens are open periodically from April to August- it would be interesting to visit in the summer to see the change in the seasonal flowers and plants

There's something lovely and quaint about greenhouses. I had to capture the impressive stack of plant pots over by the shed too!

The gardens back onto the River Chelmer. A peaceful spot

Walking home through the countryside after a lovely morning. Find out more about visiting Beeleigh Abbey here

Happy Sunday everyone!