Usefull skills

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I now have experience in all sorts of building jobs, and can add gyprocking and cornicing to the list. My arm and neck muscles are aching, but luckily the bath has finally been installed so much soaking and relaxing in the evening has been happening.

Cornice in my new bedroom - Gyprocking the carport

I've learnt two things; Keith is very lucky that I'm not scared of heights, and life would be a lot easier if I was just a bit taller . . .

Along the way I found some time to finish my scrap challenge. I decided to make a little zippered bag and use the different scrap fabrics as decoration.

Each one was cut out in a hexagon shape and sewed together. I used a piece of felt as backing to give it a padded feel.

The back is a piece of linen with one of the fabrics highlighted.

It's a little wonky and a bit smaller than I had in mind, but I like the way the fabrics look together and the patchwork feel of it.

There are some really clever things being made, it's well worth a look at the flickr group. A big thank you to Jennifer from JC handmade for organising this swap!

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Scrap Challenge

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My package from JC Handmade arrived yesterday. I've signed up for my first ever blog fabric swap. It appealed to me because I liked the idea of receiving a little parcel of fabric scraps and then the challenge of having to make something out of them (if your not a fabric person I get that this probably just sounds weird).

Not sure what to make, when it's quiet after dinner I'll have a good look at the fabric and think of something. The finished pieces can be seen here.

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A special parcel from Finland

When I arrived home from Nepal recently, there was a lovely box waiting for me from Outi. We had a little magazine swap a while back and I am only now finding some time to be able to show what Outi very generously sent me and to say a very BIG thank you !!

Instead of sending me magazines, Outi sent a gorgeous Finnish book that showcases the most beautiful homes ever. I really do feel the need to gush, just a bit, about this book because it really hits on the style I like the most and is of course perfect timing, as we attempt to finish our new house at Blackheath.

Also included in the package, were some very yummy choc mints (which are very moorish!), lovely napkins from Green Gate, a great onion bag from Outi's company Minessa and a beautiful handmade card. To receive a parcel like this (from someone I've not actually met!) is such a joy and makes me very happy.

(You can see what I sent to Outi, here.)

Time is moving extremely quickly for me at the moment. There is soooo much to be done around here that I'm feeling slightly overwhelmed. Every day brings new decisions about our house that need to be made quickly as we have a deadline of early January to move. Keira and Caley have two weeks left at school, which is good, but I really wanted to get a lot more done before their holidays started. Oh, and of course there's Christmas to prepare for as well !!

As I go to make more lists, have another cup of tea and try not to panic, I'll leave you with some pictures from Outi's lovely book which relaxes me every time I look through it.

Thanks again, Outi!!

Surprise Mail

Well actually I knew it was coming - but I wasn't expecting it to arrive so quickly! A little while ago Nina at kirjakahvila - book cafe offered to send me some Scandinavian magazines as a little surprise gift - very generous of her and perfect for me (being a magazine-addict).

I usually can get my hands on lots of English and American home/lifestyle magazines and if I'm lucky I also manage my favourite Cote Sud from France, all in the name of research, of course (ie. for our new house). But I've not come across any magazines from Scandinavia before. I've had a quick glance through and they look wonderful, full of lovely homes and gardens, so I'm just waiting for a moment of quiet and a cup of tea . . .

Thank you Nina!