New Stockists

I have a couple of new stockists!  

The first one I want to tell you about is Ellie Magpie.  A new shop that opened last week in Prestwich, Manchester.

'Elliemagpie is a unique store selling a beautiful contrast of fabrics, haberdashery, homewares and gifts. The style is shabby chic, country vintage and celebrates all things pretty and feminine.

Elliemagpie was born of the desire to promote and bring together two complementary aspects of home making - items that you buy and items that you make yourself.

There is an emphasis on the 'hand made' and the supplies to 'hand make'. This is complimented by the quirky findings and carefully sourced homewares and gifts to add to the full lifestyle shopping experience.'

As you can see it is like Aladdin's Cave.  I can't wait to get over there later in the week to experience it first hand.  I have loved looking at the images to spot my work, it's lovely to see a collection of your own products in a  shop where people can actually come in and pick them up.

You can spot my Dilly Deer cushions and some
Mr & Mrs pillowcases in this shot.

I spied some cosmetic bags on the table here.

One of my halterneck pinnies is hung from a dresser in this one.

You can also buy lots of products from Ellie Magpie from their on-line shop here.  Please do have a look as there are some lovely products and lots of gorgeous fabrics and haberdashery (including lots of East of India products... lovely!).

The next one I would like to tell you about is this fabulous on-line shop Folly Home.  I love their logo.... imagine it as a real shop that you can walk into... fab!  When you go to their on-line shop and have a look at the beautiful products it has to offer, you really can start to imagine what the shopping experience in this shop would be like.  Their collection of products is stunning.  Take a peek, you'll see what I mean!

'Folly was conceived out of a desire to find beautiful and imaginative gifts and a love of mixing contemporary pieces with unique vintage treasures.  With an exciting mix of design-led gifts, contemporary homewares and vintage finds, we’re confident that we have just the thing you are looking for.  Whether it’s something beautiful to adorn your home, or an inspirational gift that is talked about long after the event!

We believe that finding unique and fabulous items should be easy and enjoyable, and with that in mind we have found an extensive range of products from around the globe. We are here to take the hard work out of it for you.'

Folly Home now stock my Bespoke Family Tree papercuts.

Okay, that me done for now.  I do have more to show (and tell) but that will have to come on another day.  Enjoy the rest of your weekend x

I'm really looking forward to 2012...

... but first, I would like to wish you all a very Happy New Year, and hope that 2012 brings you all health and happiness.

I would also just like to remind myself and share with you some of the things we have managed to fit in over the Christmas period. My house (and head) is in turmoil, and I am looking forward to the calm that will envelope the house once school is back.

During the build up to Christmas, we made...

... some lovely gifts of Hokey Pokey in some lovely origami boxes (you can find out how to make them here)...

... lots of mince pies, which my children love...

... and 'stained glass' Christmas Tree biscuits which we make and then share with the children's friends... 

Making Christmas Crackers also seems to be becoming a bit of a tradition in our house.  This year we ended up making paper hats (my sister was insistent that we should have them!?!) and writing jokes to put in them too (I think I enjoyed this bit the most, I'm not a fan of jokes, but the children has some corkers and they think they are soooo funny!). 

Since our visit from Father Christmas, we have battled with boxes and tried and tested presents.  The Tinker has spent a large amount of time making cars and planes out of lego with his daddy.  He is fantastic, I thought it might be a bit too difficult, but this is his 'city', he spent ages making this and when my husband 'borrowed' a piece he  noticed it was missing straight away!?!

The Fairy got a sewing book and has spent the past couple of days making and asking me if I have any fabric (!?!).  This was yesterdays creation, and she wanted to go to sleep at 7pm so she could try them out!!

So, what have I been doing in between Christmassy activities, chasing around after children, and making food?

Well, I have some lovely new cosmetic bags.  Most of last years have been sold, and I have some fantastic new fabrics. These are the first ones for 2012.  

Also, meet Foxy Loxy.  A fox I hope to use in some fabric later in the year, but that developed into some immediate projects. 

Firstly in a cushion that I made using a couple of pairs of trousers, my sister had given me a few years ago...

 

... and secondly in a book cover.  I have a small pile of these waiting to be photographed and put up for sale.  They have a lovely drawing book in them which are perfect for doodling, and also for writing things you don't want to forget.  I'm going to buy myself a diary to put in mine as I am determined to be organized this year.  We also have a family planner, so I have no excuses!?!  One of these lovely books is destined for a new home as a gift to one of my followers as a New Year gift, so keep your eyes open and ears close to the ground!

Oh, and before I depart from this rather long winded post.  Father Christmas came early for me (wearing a Royal Mail outfit!).  He actually came on Christmas Eve with this lovely gift (well, it wasn't a gift but I was very excited opening it!).

It looked intriguing...

... and inside were these fabulous vintage fabrics.

 I can't wait to use them!  But first I have a pile of fabric waiting to be made into some beautiful pinnies as lots were bought for Christmas gifts.

An interview with Loula Belle At Home

Find out a little more about Loula Belle At Home in my latest interview with Fiona Pattison, Happy 4 pr.

It's my niece's birthday...

... here is the cushion I made for her.

My inspiration for it was from my little deer, I wrote about it here.   

I love the way one little sketch grows into many projects.

I think I might make some of these to sell.  The Fairy has put in an order for one already!!!

Yummy Plummy Jam

I know, the recipe is a day later than intended, but last night I was on a mission to complete the 'Mr & Mrs' pillowcases I was making for a wedding gift.  Job, done... now for the jam!

This recipe is one that has come from my Good Housekeeping Recipe Book, a fab recipe book that I wouldn't be without, but one that I scoffed at when my husband came home with it!!!

If you have never made jam before, read the notes I have done at the bottom of the recipe.

The recipe makes about 4.5kg (10lb) of jam

2.7kg (6lb) plums

900ml (1 1/2pts) water

2.7kg (6lb) sugar

knob of butter

1.  Put the plums and water in a preserving pan and simmer gently for 30mins until the fruit is soft and liquid well reduced.

2.  Remove from the pan from the heat and add the sugar, stirring until dissolved, then add the knob of butter and return to the heat.  Bring back to the boil and boil rapidly for 10-15mins, stirring frequently until setting point is reached (please read notes).

3.  Take the pan off the heat, and use a slotted spoon to remove the plum stones, and any scum from the surface of the jam.  Pot and cover.

NOTE:  If dessert plums are used, add the juice of 1 large lemon.

MAKING JAM 

*  Don't use over ripe fruit when making jam as this can cause your jam to mould.

•  Use a preserving pan or very large pan so that you can maintain a fast boil without everything boiling over.  Make sure your pan is never more than half full when you start.  If you don't have a big enough pan split the fruit in half before adding the sugar and do in two batches.

•  How do you know when you have reached setting point?  It is important to test frequently for a setting point as if over cooked the jam will caramelize   The easiest way is with a sugar thermometer.  It is at setting point at 105°C (221°F).  If you don't have a sugar thermometer you can do the saucer test.  Put a couple of saucers in the fridge before you start making your jam.  At the end of step 2 put a little of your jam onto the saucer, push your finger across the jam, if it wrinkles and is beginning to set it has reached setting point.  If not boil jam for another 5 mins and repeat the test.

•  You must use spotlessly clean containers.  Use hot soapy water to wash, rinse thoroughly and dry in a warm oven.  Stand upside down on a clean tea towel in your oven until the jam is ready.  Cold jars are likely to crack when you pour the hot jam in.  Fill the jars almost to the top and immediately seal with a wax disc.  Leave to go completely cold before covering with dampened cellophane and securing with an elastic band.  If the jam is warm when it is sealed mould will grow on the surface.

Jam making is definitely a job where you need a pinny.  These would be my favourite jam making pinnies, but I have more in my shop here if you fancy treating yourself before you start!

Harvest Time

My daughter has been coming home from school singing harvest songs this week.  I love the fact that harvest is still celebrated in schools, giving the opportunity to celebrate food, and talk about where it has come from.  It is too easy to walk into a supermarket and pick up and bag of potatoes or apples, and not think about where it has come from, or how it has been grown.  I remember watching, I think it was a Jamie Oliver's series... yes, it was the school dinner one, where one child didn't know what chips are made from (should be made from!!!).  I feel that a large part of society has lost touch with food, it's roots, and the community it creates.  Food really should be celebrated more!  

Anyway, I digress.  The reason I was telling you this, is because it reminded me that I still hadn't done my blog posts on plums!!  (I am still playing catch up from the school holidays!)  We are lucky enough to have 3 fabulous plum trees in our garden that supply us with more plums than we can possibly eat!!!  

In the past amongst various puddings, cakes, compote, etc., I have made plum jam... I love making jam.  I have always loved making jam.  I remember as a small child, going round to Uncle Ernie's and Aunty Marjories (an elderly couple that lived across the back street, that I adopted after my little sister, was born!!) and helping Aunty Marjorie make strawberry jam with the strawberries Uncle Ernie had grown on the allotment (the very same allotment my dad has now!).  

As I got older I made my own... blackcurrant jam (my favourite) with blackcurrants I painstakingly picked from my dads allotment.  Unfortunately his blackcurrant bushes have been neglected over the years, but he has said that he plans to get the sorted for next year, so hopefully it will be blackcurrant jam I will be writing about.

When we moved into this house, it was lovely to find that we could harvest our own plums (I love watching the children go onto the garden to pick their pudding!!!)... and make plum jam!  There is something deeply satisfying from picking something that has grown in your garden, and making delicious food with it. 

Tomorrow comes the jam recipe, and then I might share my lovely plum cake recipe too!!

I Love Manchester Day - Friday 26th August 2011

I have just read over on seventyseventyone designs blog that The Craft Shop in The Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester are supporting the I Love Manchester Day on Friday 26th August 2011.  

As part of this, they are going to be offering a 20% discount off all work by North West designers  starting Wednesday 31st August until Saturday 4th September (these dates have changed...sorry to those who read it previously!!!).  As I am based in the North West, my work will be included.  If you are in the area, pop into the Royal Exchange and look for the MCR logos which highlight the North West makers.

I Love Manchester is a campaign that has been created to show that Manchester is proud of it's city, and to unite against anti-social behaviour.  It celebrates Manchester and all the fantastic things about the city. You can join their Facebook campaign here.

Would you like one of these bags?

I just love this fabric, it's like taking a walk in the woods.  Because there is so much going on in the fabric, each bag I make is different.  Fabulous.  Anyway, I thought that I would give one away to one of my facebook 'likers'.

All you need to do is hop over to my facebook page (or alternatively, click on the follow us on facebook link in the right hand side of this page), and click on the like button in the left hand margin, you are welcome to leave me a message if you wish, but you will automatically qualify for the bag that I have sitting here waiting for a new home, by simply 'liking' my page.  I will be picking the winner from a hat Sunday 14th August at 9pm, so you will need to get it done before then!

Good luck!

Saturday Scone Making

I have had an extremely busy week this week, juggling looking after the children with getting myself sorted for yesterdays photo shoot for my new products (more about once I have received some of the lovely images!).

Today I was feeling quite lazy, staying in my pyjamas until after 10am (the children didn't get dressed until just before lunch!), allowing the children to sit in front of the TV whilst I indulged myself in a  book and then a bath!

This afternoon, we got down to business...

...and made scones. 

  I had been planning to make scones for our lovely neighbours (who very kindly keep an eye on our house when we are away) since we came back from our holiday.  I thought that this would be a good choice as one of them has diabetes, and didn't want to make something they couldn't eat. Unfortunately I had made an abundance of cakes the week we came back, and I couldn't stomach any more baking!  Today I overcame it and we got out our pinnies (me and the children that is!), and were able to indulge in scones with jam and cream, whilst our neighbours were delighted to receive theirs with strawberries and clotted cream.

We made fruit scones, here is the basic recipe, with variations below.

Scones - makes 8

225g (8oz) self raising flour                                                   

pinch of salt                                                                            

5ml (1tsp) baking powder                                                      

40g (1 1/2 oz) butter

approx. 150ml (1/4 pt) warm milk*

milk to glaze

1.  Set over to 220°C/425°F/Gas Mark 7.

2.  Sift the flour, baking powder and salt into a bowl, and then gently rub in the butter until the mixture looks like fine bread crumbs.  Stir in enough milk to form a dough.
3.  Roll on a lightly floured work surface until approx. 2cm (3/4 inch) thick, and cut into rounds with a 6cm (2 1/2 inch) circular cutter.
4.  Place on a greased baking tray, brush with a little milk, and bake in the over for around 10 mins until golden brown. 

Fruit Scones - simply add 50g (2oz) of sultanas, currants, dates, cherries or what ever you fancy before you add the milk.

Cheese Scones - stir in 50g (2oz) of finely grated cheddar before adding the milk, and then sprinkle a little on top after brushing with the milk.

* my mum read somewhere that using warm milk helps the scones to rise, making them  

   really light.  It works, and is worth doing!

The little Tinker brushing on the milk glaze. 

It's always difficult cooking with both of them.  There seems to be tussles
over every job that needs doing.  Although the Fairy is bigger,
the little Tinker is very determined!!!

Freshly bake scones crying out for jam and cream!

Both the children, and the kitchen were covered in flour by the end, I'm just pleased I can throw our pinnies in the wash with the rest of the laundry!

I thought you may like to see my granny Kitty's recipe for scones, taken from a hand written recipe book she had compiled (more to come at a later date!)

So, how about a Sunday scone making day?  Pop on your pinny, or pop over to my shop if you haven't got one, and get baking!

You can find more delicious recipes here.

I have been featured this week...

... not once, but twice!!!

I have been a very happy chicken today, despite having a very stiff neck (I blew my nose yesterday morning and was in great pain and unable to move yesterday)!!!  When I switched on my computer this afternoon, I discovered that people have been writing about me!  Yey!!!

On Thursday I was featured in the Maker Spotlight on the blog of the lovely Gail from seventyseventyonedesign, and today I have been featured on the blog of another lovely lady, Kathryn Sharmen from Kat got the cream in her Something for the Weekend feature.

Thanks ever so much lovely ladies, and a happy weekend to all x

My first ever podcast!

A few weeks ago I recorded my first interview with Fiona at Happy4 PR.  It was a little scary to do, and the wait to hear it was almost unbearable.  It is so strange hearing your own voice back... I sound just like my little sister!!! You can click on the link to hear it.  I hope you like it!

My shop is now up and running...

... I have been working very hard, so please do come and have a look and spread the word!!!

At the moment I have some of these lovely halter neck pinnies for the ladies...

...some fabulous A-line pinnies for the girls (designed with teenagers/young women in mind)...

... some pinnies for Little Belle when she's in the kitchen with mummy or granny... 

... some fabulous cosmetic bags...

... and for the ultimate in shower cap chic, some of these!!!

My daughter loves my shower cap.  "It's perfect mummy...it fits all my hair in".  My son uses it as his chefs hat when he is cooking in his play kitchen.  Fab!!!

Click here to be taken to the world of Loula Belle At Home.

I hope you like what you see.  If you do, please spread the word... click on the facebook, or twitter button!  I also have much more in the pipeline, so please keep your eyes open.

A work free weekend!?!

My plan this weekend was not to work (I have been ridiculously busy of late), but instead have a relax, spend some time with the family and make some yummy food (wearing one of my lovely pinnies, of course)!!!

Friday night I went out for a meal!!!!  This does not happen too often.  My husband often works evenings during the weekend so it was lovely getting my glad rags on and heading off out to meet some people I do some work with.  Unfortunately the restaurant we went to was disappointing, although the food was okay I certainly won't be heading back there again.  The worst part was driving past my favourite restaurant to get there!

This spurred me on though.  I was determined that I was going to have a delicious meal on Saturday with my husband.  We had decided earlier in the week that we would eat after the children had gone to bed and have a relaxing meal without them.  I didn't really want to spend too much time prepping food so I nipped into town and bought some Thai marinated cod from the fish counter in Booths.  All I needed to do then was to pop the fish in the oven and make some vegetable cous cous to go with it.  Mmmmmmm.  It really was delicious (I will share the cous cous recipe at a later date).  

To top it off, for a treat, I had bought some GU mascarpone and chocolate tiramisu.  Heaven in a pot... a good job there were only two in the packet!!!

Today I had a lie in.  I got up at 9am instead of the usual 6.30am.  Luxury getting up so late and to such a beautiful day... so after an early lunch we set off for a stomp in the countryside.

It was a fantastic walk.  The children loved being out, were very impressed with this gnarled old tree...

... and scoffed the spaghetti bolognese I made them for tea (another one of my recipes that I will share with you at a later date!)

Oh almost forgot I also had a stroll and lunch at the cafe in the park on Saturday with the little Tinker, my sister and her two rascals and my mum.  I love seeing the children together and the pleasure on their little faces when they see each other, we are lucky to have such a close knit family.

So... maybe not a restful weekend, but a lovely one with the family, some delicious food and only a little work!!!!!

Hope that you have had a good one too!