tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81507192138617500492024-02-19T16:20:53.524+01:00silverpebblesilverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.comBlogger226125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-56751098902144627762016-01-31T19:58:00.002+01:002016-01-31T20:42:29.666+01:00Stationery recommendations for the letter exchange<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJcoHMCuPYL-RzTTOaza2ZyXdBlfwLLAEeVKkiR_5XbaKY6oM1x1DYFst4afEV_uY_bIccUZDa26YrLqQtWcMg4zwgD6Cnzir7zlu2P_V3b-WLwugmGB09WLvm21jdc8Qw9VC7RJEL-c/s1600/S+R+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNJcoHMCuPYL-RzTTOaza2ZyXdBlfwLLAEeVKkiR_5XbaKY6oM1x1DYFst4afEV_uY_bIccUZDa26YrLqQtWcMg4zwgD6Cnzir7zlu2P_V3b-WLwugmGB09WLvm21jdc8Qw9VC7RJEL-c/s640/S+R+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Goodness, the response to my <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/write-letter-by-hand.html">handwritten letter exchange</a> has been astonishing. Over 600 people have signed up so far which shows how much we are missing receiving something more personal and individual through the post than an email or text on a device. I spoke about it on BBC Radio York and Cambridgeshire on National Handwriting day. You can listen <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p03dwdb0">here from 2h 43 minutes in</a> (at one point I pledge to befriend a carrier pigeon).</div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e;">The closing date to sign up for the letter exchange is this Friday, 5th February</span></b>...so there's still time to join in and tell a friend or two if you know someone who might enjoy a spot of letter writing.<br />
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<a href="https://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/19290980/3c4e2c/"><b>CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP TO THE HANDWRITTEN LETTER EXCHANGE</b></a><br />
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Meanwhile I've been scouring electronic land for a few lovely stationery supplies for the merry band of folk who are about to put pen to paper...<br />
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<b>CARDS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDLF4MOnBIfxQzFZZ4LIYcuE9zFvj2rslbSJDYHWsgzBsiDYu49LF4N_ltA4TAwgCdmAoXaZiRIe2W2MeB8DYHyqmq8w-7yl3AGqBCf3DmrW0vTIGSOg8COjYfrSPptBxFbfwz_p5sgo/s1600/S+R+Mirta+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVDLF4MOnBIfxQzFZZ4LIYcuE9zFvj2rslbSJDYHWsgzBsiDYu49LF4N_ltA4TAwgCdmAoXaZiRIe2W2MeB8DYHyqmq8w-7yl3AGqBCf3DmrW0vTIGSOg8COjYfrSPptBxFbfwz_p5sgo/s640/S+R+Mirta+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I featured Mirta Tyrell of Modern Botanics' beautiful print designs a month or two ago. They're inspired by the landscape and nature finds she brings home from her walks where she lives by the side of Lake Como in Italy. I adore this set of postcards with simple botanical sprigs and trees. Excitingly Mirta is offering 15% off the cards and postcards in her online shop with coupon code writealetter. <a href="http://shop.modernbotanics.com/category/postcards-cards-tags">Click here</a>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP8jxUfIMes0kbqln8nR9dIyUbx-M6qdcUea0fVehk4CJkOKLpTZLJUzyCOHXVmpLL7esFKo_KZM0yn2EtHzDrLTRMkQ7veEQYUNqPI6a0NbR3SCepjd4Sm07ilU7To1vmDFL1Js7X0k/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+18.37.25.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="626" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiP8jxUfIMes0kbqln8nR9dIyUbx-M6qdcUea0fVehk4CJkOKLpTZLJUzyCOHXVmpLL7esFKo_KZM0yn2EtHzDrLTRMkQ7veEQYUNqPI6a0NbR3SCepjd4Sm07ilU7To1vmDFL1Js7X0k/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+18.37.25.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Celia Hart has long been a friend of mine and her linocut designs inspired by Suffolk wildlife and countryside were featured in Country Living magazine a year or two ago. This card design, 'A fox broke cover', is a particular favourite of mine. Celia is offering 15% off <a href="http://www.celiahartdesigns.co.uk/shopdepartments/cat_884073-Cards.html">all cards in her online shop</a>. Simply enter valentines16 at checkout.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg240qA5VO3JJdMy6O4_d_zEqELYKrXbXBnGdHtEgejs6N-2nKYlbyw2hy9BJYUAk7VM5Dl43XPWXDv5ElFjIi0PLsDKgDFtB3ss9OvyOFKy-hfGvU0sZ8t-DtnRnG6XlhrJu734o_Kno/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+16.01.13.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="392" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg240qA5VO3JJdMy6O4_d_zEqELYKrXbXBnGdHtEgejs6N-2nKYlbyw2hy9BJYUAk7VM5Dl43XPWXDv5ElFjIi0PLsDKgDFtB3ss9OvyOFKy-hfGvU0sZ8t-DtnRnG6XlhrJu734o_Kno/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+16.01.13.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Louise of Super Duper Things posted a little printable beach hut on her blog a week or two ago. I think this would make an stupendous postcard or something to print out onto plain card and include in a letter. I love the idea of tiny cardboard beach huts arriving in letterboxes. <a href="http://superduperthings.blogspot.co.uk/2016/01/diy-beach-hut-anti-january-blues.html">Click here</a> </div>
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<b>ENVELOPES OF NOTE</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHzckMPHs2KSzEfXX0fkMT60rYECjtftrMsHP6LgaJKt_P8VIZnx7qooffgx8AE1TPI7sVwqn74vjHHGEIigBoKOth7m7U5KfPClmRkw87MNhfTOCqMISUacp9e1svZ6PbXMb_2eUw3Q/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+12.36.36.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoHzckMPHs2KSzEfXX0fkMT60rYECjtftrMsHP6LgaJKt_P8VIZnx7qooffgx8AE1TPI7sVwqn74vjHHGEIigBoKOth7m7U5KfPClmRkw87MNhfTOCqMISUacp9e1svZ6PbXMb_2eUw3Q/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+12.36.36.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Make your own envelopes using<a href="http://www.presentandcorrect.com/collections/mail/products/test-006"> this excellent template</a> from Present and Correct. Print brown paper with a stamp before you fold and stick your envelope or use pages taken from favourite catalogues. Toast envelope anyone?<br />
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Oh and there\s something tantalising about <a href="http://www.presentandcorrect.com/collections/mail/products/largel-string-washer-envelope">string washer envelopes</a>, also from Present and Correct. What a stationery-lovers dream their site is.<br />
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<b>STAMPS</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kq0uRE53vqXkrDR1oVOhIwWRktaGqXxX6n0jQ_jbYKaCaZg2QJWvvPHNxPQGPkNYrV67CgN0HpXTJ9bxmLJDN1jgVXtAfMidzcZ8Fn0L9zM0bsGTydESKb6EEeL3TsG_rYJaHkdAwgg/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+11.59.16.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-Kq0uRE53vqXkrDR1oVOhIwWRktaGqXxX6n0jQ_jbYKaCaZg2QJWvvPHNxPQGPkNYrV67CgN0HpXTJ9bxmLJDN1jgVXtAfMidzcZ8Fn0L9zM0bsGTydESKb6EEeL3TsG_rYJaHkdAwgg/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-31+at+11.59.16.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Adding a stamped image to a letter turns plain paper into something especially lovely on which to write. These hand carved botanical stamps by <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleStampStore?ref=shopsection_shophome_leftnav&ga_search_query=plant">Little Stamp Store</a> are perfect for this and the shop is full of excellent designs to turn a simple brown envelope into a thing of beauty.<br />
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Might you have any recommendations for lovely stationery supplies? I'd love to hear about them...<br />
<br />silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-63792121988129175592016-01-27T20:00:00.001+01:002016-01-28T12:21:30.189+01:00Silver necklace/ silver workshop giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb1mrP42gBWxsHQnGBIIOdsxNuIN-ytmhno5rpF7ReYDNCBkqyjsIrjr29A2p6eTutPFwD6OAsoEoALQyj4-0eu8G6XeXk7v6Q7UESmBi1kBEQeOBdDEIhujJZOkktcCMPUMgTKGFEl8/s1600/W%253AN+giveaway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOb1mrP42gBWxsHQnGBIIOdsxNuIN-ytmhno5rpF7ReYDNCBkqyjsIrjr29A2p6eTutPFwD6OAsoEoALQyj4-0eu8G6XeXk7v6Q7UESmBi1kBEQeOBdDEIhujJZOkktcCMPUMgTKGFEl8/s640/W%253AN+giveaway.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Robin's nest, campion seedpod,cast of a medieval pilgrim's badge, acorn, imprint of heather.</span><br />
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In recent months I've been in talks with several excellent folk around the UK and even in Europe about hosting my jewellery-making workshops. The edge of the Fens can be tricky to get to and besides, I'm very fond of a road trip.<br />
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One of the highlights of 2015 for me was a workshop hosted by garden designer <a href="http://www.bathgardendesign.com/index.php/about/">Emma Bond</a> in her beautiful studio in Bath. The image below is a sample of the pieces made by the beginners. We cast perfect replicas of sycamore keys, euonymus berries, ivy flowers, an ammonite, acorn and even a small (deceased) beetle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiOCc4i2P3y8ndB5wLp00gu_-W9F76aQpQkadvpImxyO9jSBA-6CEJhxXKe1Xvnsvbx5fYrYiiGtfgImnhKNyXwNPSjbrfmhgw1iAO3Ulqd2F7J9BtrJerCRuP0VDpqI79YxncemGSUs/s1600/workshop+nov+15.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNiOCc4i2P3y8ndB5wLp00gu_-W9F76aQpQkadvpImxyO9jSBA-6CEJhxXKe1Xvnsvbx5fYrYiiGtfgImnhKNyXwNPSjbrfmhgw1iAO3Ulqd2F7J9BtrJerCRuP0VDpqI79YxncemGSUs/s640/workshop+nov+15.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I have workshops planned in Eastbourne (18th June), Bath, Leicestershire and possibly even Italy. It's a thrilling thought that I might teach by the side of Lake Como later in the year. I'm ashamed to say that I know how to say little more than 'Where is the old bridge please?' and 'what a delicious pizza'. My Italian needs some work.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDj2i656SNqa7DnAs-K773hu1-AxmvmQMEb0HNrEM1wcRCG7H6KqBd82GKBxrYZpENEl6ZhtXq6GuqOxjUsolWASQcx5LfArLZs5mJFfhn7NNjz0dvz9FATutyQwWjn_iRyQU8C5Dgkk/s1600/Blackbird+for+exhibition.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpDj2i656SNqa7DnAs-K773hu1-AxmvmQMEb0HNrEM1wcRCG7H6KqBd82GKBxrYZpENEl6ZhtXq6GuqOxjUsolWASQcx5LfArLZs5mJFfhn7NNjz0dvz9FATutyQwWjn_iRyQU8C5Dgkk/s640/Blackbird+for+exhibition.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blackbird</span><br />
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I'm giving away one space on one of my 2016 workshops* either here at our cottage or at one of the venues around the country (I'm seeking hostesses from late summer onwards, especially in the North West and Yorkshire).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbPPCWJefupWVWJre9dRN8H_gT5MULYwDDXLA_20NrNyFwt4t0dNhKsZP6xh3c2aUvnKUSNXqJ6U-OK12FG-vVQ03XCXZ4WwJ7S8xcpCmwCA3QAWH1RxOWykAqq2-OXBYckHx1NEO2VA/s1600/Blackthorn+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="464" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbPPCWJefupWVWJre9dRN8H_gT5MULYwDDXLA_20NrNyFwt4t0dNhKsZP6xh3c2aUvnKUSNXqJ6U-OK12FG-vVQ03XCXZ4WwJ7S8xcpCmwCA3QAWH1RxOWykAqq2-OXBYckHx1NEO2VA/s640/Blackthorn+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Blackthorn</span><br />
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However, should you live outside the UK or would prefer one of my necklaces then I will make a one just for you (the same value as a workshop space). Perhaps you'd like a silver campion seedpod (like the one in the top image), a particular much loved bird species that you spotted on a walk or maybe a tiny replica of its nest. Maybe you'd choose a sprig of blackthorn blossom or you'd like me to cast a fossil, sea urchin or acorn in silver for you.<br />
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Whichever design you hold in your mind's eye I will make it for the winner if that's their chosen prize.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_gcSABJHr0yleNRDvoij8OjqzkzrOtVx4qmPEujLj3B1QeK8A7EPELbHOIi93aIIaToxN2S5Sw8bSUxFNGjf9pDxIOyS51PqXkianIFgLB53W8lqZayaCCEf1R6hrDTSg8lnhmhMat0/s1600/Workshop+image+Jan+16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6_gcSABJHr0yleNRDvoij8OjqzkzrOtVx4qmPEujLj3B1QeK8A7EPELbHOIi93aIIaToxN2S5Sw8bSUxFNGjf9pDxIOyS51PqXkianIFgLB53W8lqZayaCCEf1R6hrDTSg8lnhmhMat0/s640/Workshop+image+Jan+16.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each entry will give you a chance to win either a workshop space OR a necklace made for you (but not both)</div>
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The closing date is next Thursday, 4th February and you can have up to 3 entries (by following me on Twitter, on Instagram or signing up to my blog via email). </div>
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Best of silvery luck!<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">* not including my joint necklace- and posy-making workshop with Georgie Newbery at Common Farm flowers on 14th May.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.theprizefinder.com/">This giveaway has been added to prizefinder</a></span><br />
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silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com43tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-42614665157892108702016-01-22T19:59:00.000+01:002016-01-22T19:59:23.781+01:00Handmade hygge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kfh-dRVo3O8hCaUfEP5oUKdGZyr0s_HmU2oa8AjHjnKJybrlk-MVVtyEmj3JIDCbv7k_W0wb4YbQlgwhFg75qa8xvwVV8GPtyHdcfKHWW49ycg76eyj4NPv18DlwwGsMc2I_ld-BU5o/s1600/HH+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4Kfh-dRVo3O8hCaUfEP5oUKdGZyr0s_HmU2oa8AjHjnKJybrlk-MVVtyEmj3JIDCbv7k_W0wb4YbQlgwhFg75qa8xvwVV8GPtyHdcfKHWW49ycg76eyj4NPv18DlwwGsMc2I_ld-BU5o/s640/HH+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Have you heard of this Scandinavian word? It's pronounced 'hooger' and there isn't an equivalent term in English. It's an approach to winter that is rather different to the British strategy of simply tolerating its greyness, moaning about the weather and longing for Spring. </div>
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Hygge is about treating indoors like a cosy cave and embracing small treats and pleasures at this time of year. </div>
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It's a sort of wintry self care...</div>
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<b>Down with deprivation. </b>For many January heralds a strict regime involving very little cake. The Danes don't have any truck with this. They feel that winter itself is challenge enough and eating and being merry continues after Christmas. Eating carbohydrates releases serotonin so baked treats bring cheer. Add some warming stews and a glass of mulled something and Blue Monday (which I feel should be renamed Bun Monday) becomes something to look forward to.</div>
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<b>Light. </b>Daylight is scarce during Scandinavian winters. We may have more hours when the sun is above the horizon here in the UK but the thick flat cloud often makes it feel like dusk for much for the day in January and February. Feel-good chemicals are released in our brains when we're outdoors in daylight so for many of us winter brings an inevitable mood droop. Candles and lanterns are not quite the same as having our nearest star shining brightly in your living room but the smallest tealight on a windowsill casts a glow that can cheer even the dreariest afternoon. In Denmark lighting candles and lanterns is an integral part of hygge as they make indoors welcoming and snug. My friend <a href="https://twitter.com/daisiejane">Deborah</a> has spent time in Scandinavia and lighting a flame (or five) before visitors arrive is crucial - a lack of candles or lanterns is seen as a lack of welcome. </div>
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I confess to a small candle-lighting ritual each evening at the moment. Once they're are lit we nestle in.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAMVu2YXasizYEbZt9iqt2MW9ZaB-9V0aKUEfE8eqAAsAi-4UQAoLYw2ISd3tZwNMnIv0BHC3-2m2NIPMOfwAhF-zSeYTXhX09P71AYUbD7kVyJx-jEmuaCDY8fpyUKkkWe7TIMrmoo/s1600/HH+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvsAMVu2YXasizYEbZt9iqt2MW9ZaB-9V0aKUEfE8eqAAsAi-4UQAoLYw2ISd3tZwNMnIv0BHC3-2m2NIPMOfwAhF-zSeYTXhX09P71AYUbD7kVyJx-jEmuaCDY8fpyUKkkWe7TIMrmoo/s640/HH+4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Swaddling and cosiness. </b>Wrapping yourself in blankets and quilts adds to the joy that cake and candles bring. Why wear clothes when you can wear a duvet too? I am tempted by <a href="http://www.lazypatch.com/duvet-suit/">this excellent garment</a>. </div>
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Here Lamby and Biscuit are embracing piggy hygge by making a den out of wool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKADnpW26D8gZUdvy3NdqhyoyoEOZqz53SRd_eUlBbt3790PNIZhHzJR_MTC2iEoiL8BxRyIs2ELBDH1c1l4wS-yBFzJI1MszqHXR8HN4dY_x3OcG8IbBai886ZVXtpKVDzTEq7eGtfs/s1600/HH+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxKADnpW26D8gZUdvy3NdqhyoyoEOZqz53SRd_eUlBbt3790PNIZhHzJR_MTC2iEoiL8BxRyIs2ELBDH1c1l4wS-yBFzJI1MszqHXR8HN4dY_x3OcG8IbBai886ZVXtpKVDzTEq7eGtfs/s640/HH+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Making. </b>It may not be mentioned in the recent flurry of newspaper and radio articles about the Scandinavian approach to winter but for me craft is crucial during the darker months and is part of the seasonal nesting that embodies hygge. It soothes away the dreary feelings caused by crappola weather and results in cosy garments that keep the chill from fingers and necks. The gentle repetitive movements, the feel of the soft wool and the aesthetically beautiful shapes made by the stitches mean that crochet as lifting to the spirits as any cake or cluster of candles. All 3 together whilst nestling under a handmade blanket is a recipe for January joy</div>
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Have you been embracing hygge (and perhaps not put a name to it until now)?<br />
I'd love to hear about it.silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-55837620870178092652016-01-15T17:39:00.000+01:002016-01-15T18:38:51.366+01:00Write a letter by hand<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0TGTAxhhiQHTVwUBDXRdmpX5I2PoaxB3gvyyCHqnc61ReKsIu0wQKmZH0BEdWtm9Fkky1o_tb49ZbJKZ3XFqK7vGqZzbII21PfJF2I-BJ76HqcGYS-37p1hz0KxqkhvX7CHOIV6_tnM/s1600/HWLE+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm0TGTAxhhiQHTVwUBDXRdmpX5I2PoaxB3gvyyCHqnc61ReKsIu0wQKmZH0BEdWtm9Fkky1o_tb49ZbJKZ3XFqK7vGqZzbII21PfJF2I-BJ76HqcGYS-37p1hz0KxqkhvX7CHOIV6_tnM/s640/HWLE+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Last summer I had the idea of hand-writing some of my blogposts and exchanging letters with fellow bloggers and instagrammers. My handwriting had fallen fallow and become uncertain and familiarising myself with a fountain pen for the first time since school felt wonderful. I was keen to revive the slow, largely neglected yet entirely lovely process of writing letters by hand.<br />
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I've always loved making the shapes of letters with a pen, attended several terms of calligraphy night classes when I was still in my twenties and am an unashamed typewriter font fan. Special Elite anyone? I even illustrated a couple of hundred fossils for <a href="http://www.sedgwickmuseum.org/">Cambridge University's Sedgwick Museum</a> once (see above and <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=fossils+and+a+fountain+pen&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=3hyZVti7PIrj8wem5YTYBw">here</a>). </div>
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So, I asked if anyone might like to exchange handwritten letters with me. I received so many messages on Instagram, Twitter and via email that I confess I was quite startled. I knew I wouldn't be able to write to everyone and so I let the idea lie dormant for a while (whilst being horribly haunted by inky guilt).<br />
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Meanwhile a few wonderful creative folk wrote to me anyway and receiving their beautiful letters was such a joy...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBtLVI5AYFjr47lw3qCQifiCCSJVkZEG-ToaqTamPu42jY-yW8bIHudU8HQUr8L-abvYK2jBcReTwiY4tdn7xSLnahlAPPAr_vaBl2u5iCm7xp593Pv3DJkki8UTRpgkTh6NyLvT1bhU/s1600/HWLE+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivBtLVI5AYFjr47lw3qCQifiCCSJVkZEG-ToaqTamPu42jY-yW8bIHudU8HQUr8L-abvYK2jBcReTwiY4tdn7xSLnahlAPPAr_vaBl2u5iCm7xp593Pv3DJkki8UTRpgkTh6NyLvT1bhU/s640/HWLE+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Illustrator and Twitter pal <a href="https://twitter.com/chichiparish">Chichi Parish</a> sent me a letter of such beauty that I feel it belongs in a gallery. Her handwriting and use of her pen is exquisite. No wonder, as she undertakes illustration for <a href="http://chichiparish.co.uk/">English Heritage, The National Trust and Diva magazine</a>.<br />
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She wrote out a <a href="http://www.elainefeinstein.com/Anniversary.shtml">poem by Elaine Feinstein</a> for me and drew little cartoons of our dog Minnie.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcniccgZ7fGuGBZHi9nn32TaDPYC3qmjpzW0ki_bgE-Cbd5eEctuXsspxvD57EtNY4VT9tJu7fQDd6TxhZPdZaAs_L4ujX2W9l6-S58_JZNMoB-F0hNrkJhAi7Xxtgi2SJ3agelqlG3rU/s1600/HWLE+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcniccgZ7fGuGBZHi9nn32TaDPYC3qmjpzW0ki_bgE-Cbd5eEctuXsspxvD57EtNY4VT9tJu7fQDd6TxhZPdZaAs_L4ujX2W9l6-S58_JZNMoB-F0hNrkJhAi7Xxtgi2SJ3agelqlG3rU/s640/HWLE+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I confess I felt almost tearful when I received these letters. Each one was an enormous treat - more special than an email, direct message, tweet or even a blog comment. There is the aesthetic pleasure of opening the envelope and holding the crisp paper inside, but it was the thoughtful messages, little drawings and gorgeous handwriting of the person who had taken the time to write to me that made it so lovely. It was without doubt one of the highlights of 2015 for me and I was keen for it to continue. </div>
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I wondered whether there might be a way to pair people up with one another and considered doing this myself with a special email address...Then I noticed Christmassy gift exchanges happening on blogs and Instagram. A clever website called <a href="https://www.elfster.com/home/">Elfster</a> (run by elves obvs) automated the process of pairing folk up for exchanging presents sent in the post. Genius.</div>
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<b>So, I have set up a handwritten letter exchange....</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzeg0ofPPdricNQL-7cSb80Tk4AApvqKPJs9DX8G195uA1xFPzkSXUk9DefSABYiR-W2wZLvTfms8lzeOWdyLStCgz1-PRLhdtt5RQMu52M5RiMb6YljpemS8YHdHYTwdYgLv_j4qRJQ/s1600/HWLE+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQzeg0ofPPdricNQL-7cSb80Tk4AApvqKPJs9DX8G195uA1xFPzkSXUk9DefSABYiR-W2wZLvTfms8lzeOWdyLStCgz1-PRLhdtt5RQMu52M5RiMb6YljpemS8YHdHYTwdYgLv_j4qRJQ/s640/HWLE+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">If you'd like to sign up, then after the entry closing date you'll be allocated someone to send a letter to, and someone else will send a letter to you. This way you'll have two potential folk to write to.</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">If you'd like to send and receive just one letter that's ace, but I'm hoping that some letter-writing partners may continue to write to each other for at least a little while.</span></b><br />
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<b><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: large;">Sign up by clicking the image below</span></b><br />
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<a href="http://www.elfster.com/exchange/view/19290980/3c4e2c/" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8Ac2iI2LuVzwRAxiT7RaunHz1mhYerRAtTmqMfgyTYgqPTnTSqt6go5eQWRjvGoGAByw0fGQbMxttnp_V4ELibFt712ErlW5xG14ZfiVuodHde3UW4r9sL-EygA4ytUqq_kJ8x86mUwM/s640/HWLE+sign+up+final.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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NB: Ignore the stuff on the website about wishlists and don't be alarmed that this is called a gift exchange. I'm simply using Elfster's automated pairing system for this project. If you'd like to include seeds, pressed flowers, drawings, small handmade somethings etc in your envelopes then WONDERFUL, but this is about the pleasure of writing and receiving <i>letters</i>.</div>
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For much of December I was working on a potentially exciting project that took much of my time and energy. Along with Christmas commissions and the twinkly event itself it left little time to give to mundane tasks such as laundry or checking to see how frightening my hair may have become overnight. The washing mountain rivalled Mt Fuji by the time the girls went back to school. Dogs began barking at my hair, such were its horrifying dimensions.<br />
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On Instagram the Making Winter hashtag seemed to split into two (one <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/making_winter/">with</a> and one <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/makingwinter/">without</a> the underscore) and there are now close to 4000 images of seasonal creativity and ways to survive the greyer days of the colder season.<br />
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It was a joyous task (although rather belated) to look through December's Making Winter contributions over on Instagram. The nine above spoke of Hygge to me - that wonderful Scandinavian word meaning cosiness, light, good food and meeting with friends during winter. For my Hygge also means making as craft is so therapeutic and effective at lifting mood.</div>
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From top left:</div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/31chapellane/">31chapellane</a>, s<a href="https://www.instagram.com/superduperthings/">uperduperthings</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/owl_emma/">owl _emma</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/live_and_bloom/">live_and_bloom</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/dockandnettle/">dockandnettle</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/absinthemindedswede/">absinthemindedswede</a><br />
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/emmas_garden/">emmas_garden</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/gemmakoomen/">gemmakoomen</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/hanbullivant/">hanbullivant</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSiGtx3BMcEPy0MolI1xViAFh0sRfTgcN3jDW64lnLPE5j6zZb7KTnVAeVrd0tg2MOLlWSZTXYeKCjkVqu1ENEQIcMhiYmgHEU2_3l2pDooTcWRylG0Gy0WKgn4XmTrvK71TQoRoWXkc/s1600/MWF+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmSiGtx3BMcEPy0MolI1xViAFh0sRfTgcN3jDW64lnLPE5j6zZb7KTnVAeVrd0tg2MOLlWSZTXYeKCjkVqu1ENEQIcMhiYmgHEU2_3l2pDooTcWRylG0Gy0WKgn4XmTrvK71TQoRoWXkc/s640/MWF+1.jpg" width="596" /></a></div>
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I also fell for this tiny knitted menagerie by dear <a href="https://www.instagram.com/lucylocketpocket1/">lucylocketpocket1</a> using Julie of <a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/">Little Cotton Rabbits' </a>pattern (<a href="https://www.instagram.com/littlecottonrabbits/">Julie has recently joined Instagram too</a>). I would like to stuff my pockets with these little creatures. Their FROCKS for crying out loud!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM5FDvFGwCI3Wb4ijESzOJRw07VOWOG3eTvYa0wTN79Z288IpyVY7THGJUSrJjFWjOtWf47Hpziqv0nG1fE06NfrzwB54aAZYClm3AEmiI4TeIa6ZdHW1h9CST1npADGEL3n-YOJA6iE/s1600/MWF+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtM5FDvFGwCI3Wb4ijESzOJRw07VOWOG3eTvYa0wTN79Z288IpyVY7THGJUSrJjFWjOtWf47Hpziqv0nG1fE06NfrzwB54aAZYClm3AEmiI4TeIa6ZdHW1h9CST1npADGEL3n-YOJA6iE/s640/MWF+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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My favourite image from the Making Winter feeds in December was from Jax of <a href="https://www.instagram.com/liveotherwise/">liveotherwise</a>. This encapsulates the project for me - finding something small and beautiful on a cold dark day. I adore the shapes of the branches and the horizon in the distance. It reminds me of <a href="https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=Jan+pienkowski&client=safari&rls=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwih4NWF0anKAhUKhpAKHexBCqUQ_AUIBygB&biw=1366&bih=614">Jan Pienkowski's</a> silhouette landscapes and fairytale illustrations. I'd rather like to take a walk right there. Jax, please email me your address and a parcel of handmade goodness will be on its way to you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKvnYAanyu9zsZw-94Ql-tqKt7rTmcZ7sr1PjFTUdvWS_lU7ucdmkgFgTbMXy8lB649Yu3vTGaRphaqF2yIdLnJbyDKt3BoeB0uJVxnGEWSjNNkpD7_hHGqN84fX2OmbhF_bkkRImiL8/s1600/Screen+Shot+2016-01-14+at+16.06.39.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="430" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikKvnYAanyu9zsZw-94Ql-tqKt7rTmcZ7sr1PjFTUdvWS_lU7ucdmkgFgTbMXy8lB649Yu3vTGaRphaqF2yIdLnJbyDKt3BoeB0uJVxnGEWSjNNkpD7_hHGqN84fX2OmbhF_bkkRImiL8/s640/Screen+Shot+2016-01-14+at+16.06.39.png" width="640" /></a></div>
Image by Laura of <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/festive-traditions-natural-crafting/">Circle of Pines</a></div>
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Meanwhile bloggers added wonderfully inspiring posts to the two Making Winter bloghops: <a href="http://Val's tiny willow stars">Val's tiny willow stars</a>, Rachel's <a href="http://mylifeinknitwear.com/parkin/">Parkin</a>, Julia's <a href="http://www.humphreyandgrace.co.uk/spiced-gingerbread-biscuits/">ginger biscuits</a>, handcrafted advent calendars, Fenland Lottie's <a href="http://fenlandlottie.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/christmas-countdown-week-1.html">delicious homemade mincemeat</a>,this wonderful <a href="https://itsaboutknittingandotherstuff.wordpress.com/2015/12/05/puddin/">Christmas pudding hat </a> and Laura of Circle of Pines' little <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/festive-traditions-natural-crafting/">dried orange peel garland</a> were definite favourites.<br />
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The weekly #makingwinter Twitter hour has become a wonderful way for makers to share their seasonal designs, yarncrafters to show their cosiest projects and bakers to make us all yearn for more cake. Thrillingly the hashtag trended on Twitter a week or two ago.</div>
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THANKYOU for joining in with Making Winter. For many these weeks after Christmas can be the toughest- the days are still short and sometimes interminably grey and we have already laid down a store of visual loveliness, recipes, designs and also, in some cases, friendships that will keep the grey grims from the door. Every tweet, picture, blogpost and stitch will help to cheer the road to Spring.<br />
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There are two months to go until Spring proper arrives. I'm planning a project that will bring cheer to even the dreariest days that remain in January and February. Stand by with ink pens and writing paper.....</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Ftarget%3Dpost%3BpostID%3D2862665800766718005%3BonPublishedMenu%3Dposts%3BonClosedMenu%3Dposts%3BpostNum%3D0%3Bsrc%3Dlink&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-H56nAksmZkw%2FVpfK8aES6xI%2FAAAAAAAAE4U%2FNjxfk8fQtWQ%2Fs640%2FMWF%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 18px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-11545946298946201952016-01-11T20:11:00.002+01:002016-01-12T12:43:19.606+01:00The revival of the nature table<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchlA7e32UdEspO65_VvCntRWic3yfHQPYgMa5T50VgXsaZGGxMAMpWvIWp04E2fmCtjyARc0sv8hTzwUxBeXYFvlVClt9gINxH_quivs3ubZzi-itDSblTDZ7nnDYPbES0FCTqdn8f-M/s1600/NT1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhchlA7e32UdEspO65_VvCntRWic3yfHQPYgMa5T50VgXsaZGGxMAMpWvIWp04E2fmCtjyARc0sv8hTzwUxBeXYFvlVClt9gINxH_quivs3ubZzi-itDSblTDZ7nnDYPbES0FCTqdn8f-M/s640/NT1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Do you remember the classrooms of the 1970s and '80s? Often there was a small table in the corner dedicated to nature finds that you or fellow classmates may have brought in to show the teacher. A pinecone, a snailshell and a bird's nest would all be labelled and displayed proudly and would often be the inspiration for a lesson on the seasons, lifecycle or rudimentary biology. Sometimes the nature table corner might emit a malodorous whiff as something decayed, or may become rather dog eared and dusty, but these little collections of finds were immensely inspiring to my budding interest in nature as I grew up in suburban Liverpool.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMlb7NFDwEqjkENZr82pLDkR6ytJjr2gBOpttXdrEwU2cIbgo8nOwb6KJWa5mOeUANIiNSNIDFD42XnrxM5s174R0CuZXfCh8-3n6f7mkP_C47gGKmwCArau06K3Cgx_7VPaLjQUjdCQ/s1600/NT4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnMlb7NFDwEqjkENZr82pLDkR6ytJjr2gBOpttXdrEwU2cIbgo8nOwb6KJWa5mOeUANIiNSNIDFD42XnrxM5s174R0CuZXfCh8-3n6f7mkP_C47gGKmwCArau06K3Cgx_7VPaLjQUjdCQ/s640/NT4.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In a modern day classroom there seem to be less scope for spontaneity in the timetable and being inspired by a nature find, even for keystage one teachers, seems to be less possible. Nature tables have become a rarity due to health and safety risks. In some ways this is understandable. In Stephen Fry's autobiography Moab is my Washpot he describes bringing a deceased mole to school in triumph, hoping to be victorious amongst nature table contributors, only to have it explode in a horrifying way before he'd reached the school gate.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDnA1kwi6HuLjjHqX2oqvKkJFR-rwrjScm30ssXw2LaAY5Ypn88IlPLNoIzfuw-9sNrvOMSCnxyKahPWFMmnDMEKru4Kvj1BrFqWAK9wtzdIq2SNkkPaVLPvNpUr9yLAlGwKCo7QHWUw/s1600/NT3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPDnA1kwi6HuLjjHqX2oqvKkJFR-rwrjScm30ssXw2LaAY5Ypn88IlPLNoIzfuw-9sNrvOMSCnxyKahPWFMmnDMEKru4Kvj1BrFqWAK9wtzdIq2SNkkPaVLPvNpUr9yLAlGwKCo7QHWUw/s640/NT3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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How could a collection of hagstones, a vase of blossom, a vole skull and a lichen-covered twig fail to spark the interest of a classroom full of children? For those that remain impassive add a couple of coprolites (fossilised Jurassic poo) and they'll be queuing up to learn where these intriguing items came from and a little about how and when these creatures lived or where they can spot the blossom that has been collected.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY8ez6SXZ2b5Ovx-41Sn8304gEmwhFL7Hl18KkY-6oHsku8Arzwm8hLt34-OhsO4NXQXhXGqS_Q9h1-ymf62zBspDwrZSES-RtxXsyJ8HlRTWv6-4vEN_2WeA69LX0GPlPTe8jy6kXHQ/s1600/NT2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvY8ez6SXZ2b5Ovx-41Sn8304gEmwhFL7Hl18KkY-6oHsku8Arzwm8hLt34-OhsO4NXQXhXGqS_Q9h1-ymf62zBspDwrZSES-RtxXsyJ8HlRTWv6-4vEN_2WeA69LX0GPlPTe8jy6kXHQ/s640/NT2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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A hundred years or so ago most children, especially those who lived in rural areas, would know at least some of the names of the plants in their local hedgerows or the birds that visited their gardens. This knowledge is increasingly rare now. Taking a walk to find out more about the plants and wildlife in the surrounding parks or countryside teaches both adults and children about the diversity in the habitats near where they live or where they are holidaying. It's so satisfying when I can identify a new species in a local hedgerow or learn a new birdsong so I can recognise it whilst out on a walk.<br />
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Making collections or taking nature walks connects people to the seasons. It's a wonderful way to counter the gloom that can sometimes descend at this time of year. There is more the find out there than you might imagine and getting outside to let sunlight into your eyes boosts serotonin levels. Often an early interest in nature can lead children towards science. My lifelong interest in biology, which culminated in a degree and some time in academia started by identifying plants and weeds in my granddad's garden and taking nature walks when very small.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6N3nV8MW1eJNFMjTWPNBNeb-RyLzHai7Kb5oTBhFCD2HyIbmQTK1YiSOzUHO3p3cTXCIOvbUlEnR2HRFku7BSzi8mVdYt4c36PILe9qMuEopQ66wV1gy3_AqrGUWOKLAs_AiFUS1jqo/s1600/NT5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ6N3nV8MW1eJNFMjTWPNBNeb-RyLzHai7Kb5oTBhFCD2HyIbmQTK1YiSOzUHO3p3cTXCIOvbUlEnR2HRFku7BSzi8mVdYt4c36PILe9qMuEopQ66wV1gy3_AqrGUWOKLAs_AiFUS1jqo/s640/NT5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Long-term blog friend and newish Instafriend of mine <a href="http://emmabradshaw.blogspot.co.uk/">Emma Bradshaw</a> shares my passion for collecting specimens whilst out on walks and is as keen as I am for children to learn a little more about the habitats around them. She has started a wonderful hashtag on Instagram - <a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/thenaturetable/">#thenaturetable</a>, encouraging others to share what they might have found and the collection that have made whilst out and about. I've already been joining in and hope to add to my knowledge in the coming year. Armed with field books, Observer guides and perhaps a flower press perhaps we can make 2016 the year of the nature table.<br />
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Do you make nature collections? Might you have fond memories of nature tables when you were small? Might you fancy joining in with Emma and I? We'd love to hear...<br />
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silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-43549020045898318002015-12-16T20:55:00.002+01:002015-12-16T20:55:40.225+01:00Homemade notebooks as gifts: superduperthings' bookbinding tutorial<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle7-XVaAjzp_WEPO5xSyHqaO0B9ljwT1ZLPBpv9OgAjHrBOxCqvrQ-cfDj_88J-Nd84oZt2wPidMDlq3bapqsNm_QLtu4CAyDxqYh5zbBp-WVCy-pFMkd4St2sHVQlkXjtE0FohCYHi0/s1600/superduper+mosaic+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjle7-XVaAjzp_WEPO5xSyHqaO0B9ljwT1ZLPBpv9OgAjHrBOxCqvrQ-cfDj_88J-Nd84oZt2wPidMDlq3bapqsNm_QLtu4CAyDxqYh5zbBp-WVCy-pFMkd4St2sHVQlkXjtE0FohCYHi0/s640/superduper+mosaic+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px;">Several years ago I came across a small shop full of very lovely handmade, mostly paper things, called, rather appropriately, <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SuperDuperThings?ref=l2-shopheader-name">Super Duper Things</a> (see a small sample of the beautiful wares above). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; font-size: 16px;">Louise Evans who owns the shop is an illustrator, genius junk shop fossicker and has the glad eye for a scrap of metallic leather and a copper foil disc. Her designs were featured in one or two very fancy magazines. I'm excited today, because Louise has conjured a tutorial for making perfect little stitched notebooks. There are still 9 days till you-know-when and this is one of those quick how-tos that could truly be a lifesaver in the coming week....</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Louise says: </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Have you ever considered learning to bind your own books? I find it an immensely rewarding craft, perfect for making special gifts and using up all that nice paper one might have been hoarding for years (or is that just me?!). The good news is that you can get started with the most basic type of bookbinding in just an hour or so with no fancy equipment. Sound good? Then lets get started!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">You will need:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a piece of card for your cover</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a few sheets of paper for your pages, I'd recommend starting with 7-10. This can be any kind of paper you like, though it'll be a bit easier for starters if it's not too thick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- some quite thick thread, ideally waxed, but embroidery thread will work</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a sharpish needle with an eye large enough for your thread</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a craft knife</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a cutting mat</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- a ruler, preferably a metal one</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">We're going to do what's called a three-hole pamphlet stitch, which is lovely and easy and once you've got the basic theory you can go on and make all sorts of things.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">We'll start by cutting our cover and pages all to the same size, and then folding them in half to form a loose book. I've got this rather fetching moon surface card that I'm pretty sure I've moved between four houses... Now is its time to shine!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">If you suspect that bookbinding might be your calling, I'd encourage you to invest in a bone folder. The kings of bookbinding equipment Shepherds Falkiners have some nice ones, and it's always fun to poke around <a href="http://store.bookbinding.co.uk/store/category/39/334/Bone-%26-Teflon-Folders/]">their shop</a>!</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">When all your sheets are folded, take your ruler and use your knife to mark three equally-spaced holes along the folded edge – sometimes it's easier to do this in batches. Use your needle to make sure that all the holes go right through (this'll make the stitching go more smoothly later!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Now stack all your sheets in the order that you want them to be in the finished book, with the cover on the outside, and all the folds going the same way so that the pages are nestling (spooning?!) correctly. Open them out and lay them flat in front of you.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Right then! We're ready to stitch. Thread your needle and here goes. Don't worry, its easy! Have a look at the image below. Now take your needle and thread, and starting from the outside (of the cover), we go:</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- in at point B</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- back out at point C</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- round the outside to go in at point A</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">- back out again at point B.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Hurray! That's it – that's the hardest part over with. Pull the ends of the thread that are sticking out the centre hole as tight as you can, then tie them together in a knot. It's best if each thread is on a different side of the centre stitch when you knot them together so that it holds it firmly in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Now, give the fold a bit of encouragement - you can open it up and rub the fold at random points throughout the book to help it hold a little bit more 'shut' if you like. Admire your excellent stitching as you go.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Now, you'll probably notice that some of the pages, especially the ones in the middle, are sticking out of the cover a bit. This is called 'creep' (yes – official bookmaking terminology!).</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">You can by all means stop here and consider yourself done, your book is bound after all. But I like things neat (at least in bookbinding, if not in housework) so I'm going to trim my edge.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">With the book shut, place your ruler against the cover's edge and, holding the rule very firmly, use your craft knife to trim the excess paper that's peeking out. It's safer to do several lighter, more controlled cuts than to try and cut them all in one stroke.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16px;">Ta-dah – we're done! Not so complicated, huh? Now that you know how it works, you can pretty much bind any simple book you like. You can even go on and try 5, 7 even 9 hole stitches – the principal is the same. Feel free to cover the cover in stickers, fill it with Winnie-the-Pooh fan fiction, whatever floats your boat.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Huge thanks Louise, this is simple and utterly brilliant and I shall be doing this. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">These little notebooks would make stupendous stocking fillers and very obligingly Louise has some perfect little notebook-making and even 2016 journal-making kits in her etsy shop with everything you need- the kits themselves would make ace presents too I reckon. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: courier new, courier, monospace;">Click <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/239343775/diy-bookbinding-kit-with-paper-needle">here</a> or <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/256242792/diy-2016-journal-diary-bookbinding-kit]">here</a> if you fancy a kit from Louise's lovely little paper-filled shop. Oh and super duper lovely news! - she's offering my blog readers 10% off with the code SILVERPEBBLE10- enter it at the checkout to bag a lovely bargain.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;">NB. This is not a sponsored post. I simply think Louise's work is beautiful and her skills manifold (see what I did there)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">My urge to hibernate and nestle under quilts has reached critical mass in the last week or so, triggered perhaps by gargantuan to do lists and the dreary weather. I worry about my urge to bake batches of biscuits and munch them in a textile-lined cave whilst watching re-runs of Ray Mears Bushcraft. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/explore/tags/making_winter/">The #making_winter feed</a> over on Instagram has become a place that induces sighs of relief as the beautiful pictures scroll by - this and the biscuits and nestling are helping me through. People have been adding their creative, cosy images of seasonal craft and the ways in which they've been cheering those days with incessant grey rain. Pictures of woodpiles, crocheted garlands, homemade advent calendars, brisk winter walks and perhaps most importantly, homebaked cakes and biscuits. The sheer number of soothing, comforting images over there is joyful. It was immensely tricky to choose a winner amongst the images submitted for November but this picture from <a href="https://www.instagram.com/niki_atthecottage/">@niki_atthecottage</a> gave me an urge to jump into the photograph immediately and nestle by this woodburner. Also, the pinecones! I feel there can never be too many. Niki, please email me on emma@minniedog.co.uk to tell me your address and I'll send you a parcel of handmade joy.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">In other wintry craft related news my piece 'Craft away winter blues' is in the current edition of Mollie Makes magazine (Issue 61). I've written of the slump in levels of sunshine that occurs at this time of year and the way in which this can lower mood. Craft can replace the spring in your step, the peonies in your Insta-feed and the joie in your vivre through soothing repetitive movements, a feeling of achievement and aesthetic loveliness. Pop off to the newsagents/supermarket if you fancy a read.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">To accompany my article Mollie Makes is joining in with the #makingwinter Twitter hour tomorrow evening between 8 & 9pm. They'll be inviting people to share their stories of craft helping them to banish winter blues, suggesting seasonal projects to try and will be on the look out for beautiful seasonal designs (there's a chance their favourites may be chosen for future Mollie features. The Mollie Makes team have blogged about it <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/craft-2/twitter-hour-makingwinter/">here</a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">If you're a tweeter and fancy joining in then it would be lovely to have you along. Share an image of your cheering wintry creative doings, add the hashtag and click on it to see a whole stream of wonder make of yarn, twigs, paper, sponge and fabric.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;">Previous truly lovely #makingwinter contributions here from TL <a href="https://twitter.com/bymeeni">@Bymeeni</a>, TR <a href="https://twitter.com/LittleConkers">@Littleconkers</a>, BL: <a href="https://twitter.com/a_deegan">@alisondeegan</a>, BR: <a href="https://twitter.com/KirstyElson">@kirstyelson</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Finally HUGE thanks for the contributions to <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/making-winter-december-miniature_6.html">the December bloghop</a> so far. They're truly beautiful and make the inspiring, creative stash of recipes and craft ideas to call on in the coming months even more wonderful. Do link up your blogpost if you've been making to distract yourself from your horrifying to do list or the vile muddy weather or simply needed a brief handmade break from all the shopping.</span></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7JtGXlNXrwk%2FVm8dre0wXuI%2FAAAAAAAAEzY%2F9Gw8gICiWsU%2Fs640%2FMollie%252BMakes%252Bmaking%252Bwinter%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2560px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-7JtGXlNXrwk%2FVm8dre0wXuI%2FAAAAAAAAEzY%2F9Gw8gICiWsU%2Fs640%2FMollie%252BMakes%252Bmaking%252Bwinter%252Bmosaic.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 2560px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-1455999670654493232015-12-11T12:07:00.000+01:002015-12-11T12:31:09.436+01:00Kirsty Elson's creative process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I have been a fan of <a href="http://www.kirstyelson.co.uk/gallery/">Kirsty Elson's work</a> since the day blog (May 2008) ie. the days of yore. I remember being utterly drawn in by her ability to find a piece of unpromising looking driftwood on a beach and transform it into a tiny diorama, a reindeer or a little boat in a harbour. She has an eye for a knobbly plank this woman. I'm THRILLED that she has agreed to share the creative process she used to transform a bit of woody something into something quite other and quite wonderful...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;"><b>Kirsty says</b>: I love working with driftwood: it's weathered appearance, layers of peeling paint, the mystery of its history. Most of all, I love its natural form. I have to work with whatever I find and let the shapes guide me, which can be very exciting and means I am rarely stuck for inspiration. Sometimes an unusual piece forces you to think outside the box and try new things. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I was very excited to come across this on a local beach recently. It is part of a boat, consisting of several bits of ply etc nailed together. It was the metal bits (possibly hinges) that I found particularly fascinating. I sat on the sand and rotated it for a minute, then I decided what I'd do with it (inspiration isn't always this instant, I've had some wood in my shed for years and I'm still unsure what I'll use it for!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">So after removing the old bit of ply on the top and finally managing to get the screws out too, I found a nice “platform” taking shape. The ply underneath (the water) was found on the same day and was exactly the right size. Fate obviously! The large nails in the corner are functional as well as decorative – they hold the whole thing, which is very heavy incidentally, in place.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I suppose the majority of my work is quite pretty, but I decided I was going for a more industrial look here with the bold metal uprights and rusty stains on the wood (again letting the materials guide me.)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">*A bit of background for you here. I grew up in Paignton, and we regularly walked along the seafront along to the harbour. I don't get to visit much these days, but it still has an old-fashioned charm. It's pretty on sunny days when the tide's in, but I like it best in the winter, when the water's out, so that all the lovely rusty chains and rings are exposed and the grubby undersides of the boats are visible. The smell is very vivid too, along with the sound of seagulls crying.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">I feel sure that my work is influenced by my childhood, I know I was very lucky to have grown up by the seaside. * </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Anyway, back to the piece! So I'm not going for an idyllic cottage here, it would look out of place on a jetty anyway, instead I'm thinking a rusty old boatshed. The roof is made from a strip of old metal found on the beach at Lyme Regis - presumably it was once in the rubbish dump, part of which fell from the cliff several years ago.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And now for my favourite part - the details! A bench from which to admire the view. The slats are made from the old bit of ply I removed at the start (I like to keep things as authentic possible) </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">And flagpole! All finished!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Sheesh - so wonderful. Thank you SO much for sharing this piece of handmade joy Kirsty. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">You can find more of Kirsty's work on her <a href="http://www.kirstyelson.co.uk/">website</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/KirstyElson">Twitter</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Kirsty-Elson-Designs-120370888012928/">Facebook</a>. She lists new pieces of work for sale in her website shop, although they're always snapped up very quickly. She has collections in <a href="http://www.kirstyelson.co.uk/galleries/">these galleries</a> if you'd like to seek one of her pieces out.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace; font-size: x-small;">NB Some rather unscrupulous folk try to ape Kirsty's work. Accept no Elson substitutes.</span></div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P93RVj0fKMk%2FVmqgoLImGOI%2FAAAAAAAAEyk%2F4SfX52a_jOM%2Fs640%2Fpic%252B6.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P93RVj0fKMk%2FVmqgoLImGOI%2FAAAAAAAAEyk%2F4SfX52a_jOM%2Fs640%2Fpic%252B6.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P93RVj0fKMk%2FVmqgoLImGOI%2FAAAAAAAAEyk%2F4SfX52a_jOM%2Fs640%2Fpic%252B6.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dheader&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-P93RVj0fKMk%2FVmqgoLImGOI%2FAAAAAAAAEyk%2F4SfX52a_jOM%2Fs640%2Fpic%252B6.JPG&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 42px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 4216px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-55164460989055561862015-12-08T20:28:00.000+01:002015-12-08T20:28:02.108+01:00Mollie Makes: a crochet garland to fend off winter blues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrHseHUPIwPYE_qWYKJe0F6ngHfcMYsCe0SCikAxMzFa0q-zwprrqE_aO8slnrQE46Y56X2eFZ9l_GXHjpbd_7-A2Vw5JLacydg-SS0jxLJLIxo2Uan7DuDjzrGJ1phuSFMFPh6yyakI/s1600/Crochet+pennants+styled+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUrHseHUPIwPYE_qWYKJe0F6ngHfcMYsCe0SCikAxMzFa0q-zwprrqE_aO8slnrQE46Y56X2eFZ9l_GXHjpbd_7-A2Vw5JLacydg-SS0jxLJLIxo2Uan7DuDjzrGJ1phuSFMFPh6yyakI/s640/Crochet+pennants+styled+2.jpg" /></a></div>
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There is increasing (if in places frustratingly scant) evidence that making things with your hands, especially if it involves gentle, soothing repetitive movement, brings down stress levels and can result in feelings of wellbeing similar to those experienced after a yoga session or run. At the very least there is a shift in the cocktail of neurotransmitters in the brain and those that confer feelings of wellbeing and relaxation such as serotonin and dopamine are thought to increase. </div>
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In effect, crafting and creativity could be viewed as having a possible anti-depressant effect, the full potential of which is yet to be investigated.
It's very likely that the sensory enjoyment of the softness and colour of the yarn/fabric adds to these positive effects. </div>
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If I won the lottery I'd fund a full scientific study into this, complete with live scans of the brains of crafters as they began to make after a stressful day and studies of the levels of cortisol, serotonin and dopamine before and after a session of making and in control individuals who are perhaps just watching tv rather than hooking up a wrist warmer. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpE5_4wTGpoSqM_ZxG4lkA1Dv1svDcvMLMifQgSzICCjglX9k4iFgXeUa_4nLzYxKHNkJpMX0oHShX8gR5MtFBrkEmdn4cfhPFMn_4i2iHOHRMya7RzqKUzZ-ZbJb41SzdBMzuNYmvPA/s1600/Emma+Mitchell+Mollie+Makes+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdpE5_4wTGpoSqM_ZxG4lkA1Dv1svDcvMLMifQgSzICCjglX9k4iFgXeUa_4nLzYxKHNkJpMX0oHShX8gR5MtFBrkEmdn4cfhPFMn_4i2iHOHRMya7RzqKUzZ-ZbJb41SzdBMzuNYmvPA/s640/Emma+Mitchell+Mollie+Makes+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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With these rather wonderful thoughts in mind I decided to conjure a crochet design to tap into the potential serotonin boost that I'm certain I receive from crocheting, in order to counter the effects of the lack of sunlight at this time of year. It can be at beat draining and at worst cause a seasonal full -blown depression (seasonal affected disorder or SAD).
I chose the softest yarns I could find in gentle, soothing colours to maximise the the sensory loveliness of the making. </div>
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I also tapped into the anecdotal evidence I've heard from other makers such as Julie at <a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/">Little Cotton Rabbits</a> of the benefits of a one-a-day style project, in which a small part of the final piece is made each day, spreading out the benefit over a longer period, like a sort of daily meditation or burst of wellbeing through making. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHiYi6m00Vo5aUCoH-Fn4gE7IUHW0F_oSgq1_lkraGcScndKga4BA5HfBh9Z4t99r9vR5L09MRU_SNbYCcvF9ZKaRqtJ9iDjdR4RnEBm7bNzXVKH8IsLiB9NPMOfKuGVs3WBUgmhKWZs/s1600/Crochet+pennants+styled+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIHiYi6m00Vo5aUCoH-Fn4gE7IUHW0F_oSgq1_lkraGcScndKga4BA5HfBh9Z4t99r9vR5L09MRU_SNbYCcvF9ZKaRqtJ9iDjdR4RnEBm7bNzXVKH8IsLiB9NPMOfKuGVs3WBUgmhKWZs/s640/Crochet+pennants+styled+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The result was this crocheted lacy garland. </div>
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Thrillingly the Mollie Makes team rather liked it and it is featured in Issue 61 which will be out on Thursday, and <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/tutorials/crochet-patterns-semi-circle-garland/">the pattern is on the Mollie Makes blog today</a>. </div>
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These beautiful photographs of the garland and my hands making it were taken by the brilliant, kind and super talented Rachel Basinger of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/OHNORachio?ref=search_shop_redirect">ohnorachio</a>. Meeting her a few weeks ago for the shoot was the final piece in a lovely woolly jigsaw that led to this design coming to life. Here she is below, peeping into the mirror on the day of the shoot. We discovered we are kindred spirits and were in danger of chatting the entire day away.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSR95AlcGZEu0YCesVmzP6dkvdl9wf0gcLt3rQctt6f3jYI5aLrQv62Q7PDzAAaA2vAYi4i8pC664ZNV-NTtet_Uwp6ijt1HsivklKBbGWzslSO9l24h7Q0UOrY3HhBdPsfSo_UMEx3c/s1600/onr.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWSR95AlcGZEu0YCesVmzP6dkvdl9wf0gcLt3rQctt6f3jYI5aLrQv62Q7PDzAAaA2vAYi4i8pC664ZNV-NTtet_Uwp6ijt1HsivklKBbGWzslSO9l24h7Q0UOrY3HhBdPsfSo_UMEx3c/s640/onr.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In other making winter news the Mollie Makes team will be joining in with the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?src=typd&q=makingwinter">#makingwinter Twitter hour</a> next week. it takes place on Tuesday evenings between 8 & 9 (just before the Great Pottery Throw Down). If you like to tweet and have been using creativity or cake baking to ease your way through stressful or dingy wintry days do join in tonight (and in a week's time). </div>
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The contributions to the blogshop in my <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/12/making-winter-december-miniature_6.html">last post</a> are truly beautiful and very festive. Do link up if you fancy joining in and pop over to see the ways in which other bloggers are celebrating or cheering themselves through what can be a twinkly, but rather crazed few weeks...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdc64IM0i-JXQ7gwQivawzM8wHGEVm02iw-kPJpcgrcwUgOiKa8Ad1gmyFifYaBvPsh1ONow9-dCxrOYsMOiNHbCQPQDx77fd7IkukZ8FM9kQJ8xMA0rEUZ1SoRjC8KOxjy4Z_BwRaA/s1600/gv+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdc64IM0i-JXQ7gwQivawzM8wHGEVm02iw-kPJpcgrcwUgOiKa8Ad1gmyFifYaBvPsh1ONow9-dCxrOYsMOiNHbCQPQDx77fd7IkukZ8FM9kQJ8xMA0rEUZ1SoRjC8KOxjy4Z_BwRaA/s640/gv+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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So much for my plan for a post on 1st December. In my defence there has been a birthday here in recent days- my Eldest has just turned 10 and the first week of this significant month always feels as though it should have less in it, yet each year there is more. My yarn and hook have been to hand at the most frenetic times. I find that just a few stitches can soothe an addled, overstretched noggin.</div>
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Way back in the mists of blogging time, (2009 I think) I remember an image that made me gasp in a crafty covetous way - teeny tiny little houses made of shreddies, or perhaps they were 'graham crackers' on <a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/14.3.266.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?SURL=ghzO7orI9oiBBbJou9IEvfzJ4WaGoSBGL4thhgv9ThZN9HYDY_7SCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AbABpAG4AYQBsAG8AbwAuAHQAeQBwAGUAcABhAGQALgBjAG8AbQAvAA..&URL=http%3a%2f%2flinaloo.typepad.com%2f" target="_blank">Linaloo's blog</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-x4jrkvaGJGOHd5frm0riZCTRIEnQaRkD3akvDfEGXvv-DbIhdRlBGtGxcPn2TkinwWlsjrU738xFae7dWFNe6pCNvq762lZ5X_uHdzPAOCELnzb3vev6LI2x9lsKWN-jGJHLPna4aM/s1600/gv+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2-x4jrkvaGJGOHd5frm0riZCTRIEnQaRkD3akvDfEGXvv-DbIhdRlBGtGxcPn2TkinwWlsjrU738xFae7dWFNe6pCNvq762lZ5X_uHdzPAOCELnzb3vev6LI2x9lsKWN-jGJHLPna4aM/s640/gv+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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An edible pixie village. </div>
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Oof.</div>
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With one very tiny and one quite small Mitchell here was no time in 2009 to do anything other than marvel at the minuscule brilliance, sigh a little and bookmark it in my noggin as something I would do... eventually.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_hr9qOvGXCQFxtM1APsh7gD8bwjtiUPyY4SkUeq-r6LJDYS4cRg_lC8kUvWCqSTuIK9Ph1uFghJSWwsIqVmFMl_ArGZbq10p8QVHSpIkuC-gSTSkuSDv_BeNng-hqv3l0cPkRb0xtJI/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-12-03+at+18.25.32.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_hr9qOvGXCQFxtM1APsh7gD8bwjtiUPyY4SkUeq-r6LJDYS4cRg_lC8kUvWCqSTuIK9Ph1uFghJSWwsIqVmFMl_ArGZbq10p8QVHSpIkuC-gSTSkuSDv_BeNng-hqv3l0cPkRb0xtJI/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-12-03+at+18.25.32.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Imagine my joy, then, at stumbling on <a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/14.3.266.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?SURL=D_JRn_--rYunnerGOIPQ9sQuDIN5NZ7_QZvglUHDddZN9HYDY_7SCGgAdAB0AHAAcwA6AC8ALwB3AHcAdwAuAGUAdABzAHkALgBjAG8AbQAvAHQAcgBhAG4AcwBhAGMAdABpAG8AbgAvADEAMAA3ADkAOQA4ADgAMwAxADQA&URL=https%3a%2f%2fwww.etsy.com%2ftransaction%2f1079988314" target="_blank">this miniature 3D printed house cutter</a> on Etsy. Walls, roofs and weeny gables, all perfectly proportioned-no fiddly knife work and no trying to perform surgery on a Shreddie. A bit of gingerbread dough (<a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/14.3.266.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?SURL=IYECrbkE4i1wpo42WzX4SkjHzB5ZY_GkGOQcZ_kiYENN9HYDY_7SCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBiAGIAYwBnAG8AbwBkAGYAbwBvAGQALgBjAG8AbQAvAHIAZQBjAGkAcABlAHMALwA0ADkAMAAwAC8AcwBpAG0AcABsAGUALQBnAGkAbgBnAGUAcgBiAHIAZQBhAGQALQBoAG8AdQBzAGUA&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.bbcgoodfood.com%2frecipes%2f4900%2fsimple-gingerbread-house" target="_blank">recipe here-</a> I used a quarter of these amounts), a few presses into it with the cutter, 7 minutes in the oven, some thick icing and there is the makings of a baked hamlet. </div>
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Guess what I've been doing this morning...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVcrqW_jAkl4q68HyAamSR2_7zrdgeoX0xXGryhPzsp_eDppUW5oyuhY9fbsdPIq7KgcPgmXhos0w1WgtYMY7stw1P-SK5_UMIwYbOS4ayJ5sgaMrBBsmt7gOwGsDD1Cf7XUbaM27v1E/s1600/gv+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="482" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZVcrqW_jAkl4q68HyAamSR2_7zrdgeoX0xXGryhPzsp_eDppUW5oyuhY9fbsdPIq7KgcPgmXhos0w1WgtYMY7stw1P-SK5_UMIwYbOS4ayJ5sgaMrBBsmt7gOwGsDD1Cf7XUbaM27v1E/s640/gv+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each residence is approximately 3 cm tall. The perfect size for eg. a <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/353462270725130838/">pygmy shrew</a> or a Borrower, or maybe a Sylvanian family piglet.<br />
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I don't think anyone is going to call the biscuitty Kevin McCloud any time soon but LOOK! I may have conjured some tiny trees by modelling a few squat (slightly wonky) cones, such was my (slightly barking) glee. </div>
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I would rather like to be pygmy shrew right now. I would make one of these little houses my special festive gaff complete with open fire, rocking chair and special shrew booze. In the New Year I would eat my house and move to a snug place under a hedge. Oh yes.<br />
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This tasty village has been the antidote to grey skies, festive stress and deadline ghastliness in the last week.<br />
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Have you been conjuring some soothing festive loveliness amongst the crazed lists and dashing about? Have you taken an hour or two off and made something that cheers eyes and mind? Are there tiny lights twinkling in a corner at your house?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdc64IM0i-JXQ7gwQivawzM8wHGEVm02iw-kPJpcgrcwUgOiKa8Ad1gmyFifYaBvPsh1ONow9-dCxrOYsMOiNHbCQPQDx77fd7IkukZ8FM9kQJ8xMA0rEUZ1SoRjC8KOxjy4Z_BwRaA/s1600/gv+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdc64IM0i-JXQ7gwQivawzM8wHGEVm02iw-kPJpcgrcwUgOiKa8Ad1gmyFifYaBvPsh1ONow9-dCxrOYsMOiNHbCQPQDx77fd7IkukZ8FM9kQJ8xMA0rEUZ1SoRjC8KOxjy4Z_BwRaA/s640/gv+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you've blogged about your creative way of surviving the bonkersness of this time of year do add the link to the December blogshop below. I know we're already a few days in but what's a few days between friends? I'll be back in a day or two to announce my favourite image/post from November along with the stupendous Kirsty Elson's creative process. NB there'll be a parcel of handmade joy and wonder for my favourite each month.</div>
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Finally, VERY EXCITING NEWS...in the coming weeks the ace team at <a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/14.3.266.1/scripts/premium/redir.aspx?SURL=Y9-bMuhzw8gaCLizB68MQlj6wCiRQSmeGbgjLnQLG49N9HYDY_7SCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBtAG8AbABsAGkAZQBtAGEAawBlAHMALgBjAG8AbQAvAA..&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.molliemakes.com%2f" target="_blank">Mollie Makes</a> will be joining in with Making Winter once Issue 61 is in the shops on Thursday, so we'll be in excellent company. More on this thrilling story later....</div>
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<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23allposts&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KczQrhLzWIQ%2FVmRns157OMI%2FAAAAAAAAEvI%2FgfdcatPrdZg%2Fs640%2Fgv%252B3.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3746px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23allposts&media=https%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-KczQrhLzWIQ%2FVmRns157OMI%2FAAAAAAAAEvI%2FgfdcatPrdZg%2Fs640%2Fgv%252B3.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 3746px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-88122294520186326652015-11-27T13:38:00.001+01:002015-11-30T00:20:43.177+01:00Making winter: preserving and foraging plants for handmade decorations<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37u0MfOSDiwWA1idAkSuMZXjNdOWtkiDLLwhNo5qhJ1Mlwdj9xSA-SxxXuMtZk7XTHEJmNdi8BxUyIo1veuCIEm9RFUltjmV-3MaA_288zmDr7WXhw_4q4fPTVit48HOQjFiTN9mtErc/s1600/Screen+Shot+2015-11-27+at+12.16.57.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="616" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37u0MfOSDiwWA1idAkSuMZXjNdOWtkiDLLwhNo5qhJ1Mlwdj9xSA-SxxXuMtZk7XTHEJmNdi8BxUyIo1veuCIEm9RFUltjmV-3MaA_288zmDr7WXhw_4q4fPTVit48HOQjFiTN9mtErc/s640/Screen+Shot+2015-11-27+at+12.16.57.png" width="640" /></a></div>
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Ivy is perfect, holly is obviously wonderful (I feel a song coming on) and rosemary is <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=rosemary%20wreath&term_meta%5B%5D=rosemary%7Ctyped&term_meta%5B%5D=wreath%7Ctyped">stealing a march on Pinterest </a>but there are lots of other common British plants and shrubs that lend themselves to a spot of DIY decoration-making. Crucial for choosing wreath-isn plants is their flexibility and possession of long slender stems. If those stems have natural decorations-tiny cones, bobble-ish seedheads, berries or catkins then so much the bonny better.</div>
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<b>Preserving leaves, stems, flowers and berries using glycerine</b></div>
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The leaves and berries of most plants will desiccate and become crispy or begin to decay over time, causing wreath or garland droop. There's a cunning solution- specifically a solution of glycerine that can solve this. Glycerine can be picked up at the chemist or in the baking aisle. I found small bottles of Dr Oetker glycerine for 79p - I think it's one of the ingredients of fondant icing. \</div>
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-Make a solution of 1 part glycerine to 2 parts water. </div>
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-To preserve individual leaves or soft green stems pour the glycerine solution into a large roasting tray, submerge the stems, and/or leaves, and find a way to keep them beneath the surface for around four days -placing a baking tray on top works well. </div>
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-For large flowers such as hydrangeas or clusters of berries pour your glycerine solution into a jug, tie a pebble or two to the base stem of the hydrangea or berry cluster with string or twine and lower into the liquid. The pebble(s) will ensure that your foraged treasure will stay under the surface during the preservation time.</div>
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-After 4 days remove your stems, berries, flowers or leaves from the glycerine and dry them carefully with paper towel. The glycerine will have penetrated the plant tissues, creating a flexible and will prevent desiccation.</div>
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Whilst out looking for plants for decoration-making, it may seem obvious, but try not to hack great chunks out of a particular shrub or tree. A few stems taken from several trees is a better plan and causes less harm to smaller specimens. </div>
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<b>Top trees for winsome wreaths</b></div>
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<b>Cotoneaster : </b>This is bit of a municipal-low-maintenance-planting, Tesco-carpark job. It's a low growing shrub and when unpruned its long stems are punctuated with little leaves at super regular intervals, like the perfect hand-drawn wreaths on Pinterest. It's bendy and will respond well to the glycerine treatment. Ace for making twiggy hats also.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2vJziWFVFDeW9kd5fN7TO09XLa59LdpcqBHws7NuCXD0X4EEWySdvigsb6P1F8HgIczTlUKIz6ACJcGCxU937r-mQ-Z1mEYVQSyuw8Gn4WUM56NVTot-wYkixlpCL4Ia5A9L48ytT4/s1600/Wr+9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-n2vJziWFVFDeW9kd5fN7TO09XLa59LdpcqBHws7NuCXD0X4EEWySdvigsb6P1F8HgIczTlUKIz6ACJcGCxU937r-mQ-Z1mEYVQSyuw8Gn4WUM56NVTot-wYkixlpCL4Ia5A9L48ytT4/s640/Wr+9.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Beech : </b>A stunning, often truly huge tree of ancient (and youthful) British woodlands with smooth-ish grey bark and flowing branches that droop down slightly when the tree is fully grown. Once its rusty leaves have been lost the silhouettes of the slender stems from this year's growth are beautiful. Next Spring's buds resemble tiny leaves which is fortuitous for twiggy decorations. Beech is flexible and making a circle with a longish slender beech branch makes the buds stick out rather fancily at perfect angles. Its brill wreath credentials make it ace for a spot of subtle pruning with the secateurs.</div>
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<b>Thyme :</b> this years soft-stemmed plants are likely to have died back by now as we've had the first frosts but we have a very old alpine thyme in our garden that has fine woody stems. They're just about flexible enough for a spot of miniature wreath-wrangling (see mine in the image above) and the tiny leaves of this particular strain mean that the Sylvanian families would be thrilled with its stems bent into circles and would likely hang them on their tiny shepherd's hut doors and cottages. Oh yes.</div>
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<b>Winter flowering jasmine</b>: firstly this is one of a group of utterly wonderful plants that I'll be blogging about in the coming weeks. They're by no means needy, thoroughbred-fussy or high maintenance, flower between November and February and bring much-needed cheer and colour just now. Mine is losing its leaves but LOOK at those perfect little yellow flowers and perfect buds. Its stems are super flexible and although the flowers and buds won't last long they can be subjected to the glycerine treatment to extend their lifespan.</div>
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<b>Hazel </b>Nuts for the tasty win, but the slender branches of this wonderfully versatile tree of the ancient woodland have also been used to make withies, rustic baskets and plant supports for millennia, in the same way as willow. It's bendy and brilliant but at this time of year there are baby catkins adorning its branches. Firstly this makes hazel wreaths little or large look beautifully spriggy, like those lovely collections of twiggy PNG files that can be purchased word of etsy and used in blog design *coughs* like the ones in my blog header. Secondly, these are the catkins FOR NEXT SPRING. They're already here! Take THAT grey dingy days.</div>
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<b>Alder </b>I've got a huge tree crush on alder. I know that sounds peculiar but it accessorises it branches with clusters of the <i>teeniest</i> little cones AT THE SAME TIME as catkin-like flower buds for next Spring. It's as though it has fashioned itself perfect woodsy garlands or branch charms. It's the sort of tree that blends into the background - it's not a showy number like cherry or sycamore whose leaves are arguably some of the brightest in Autumn. However, when it loses its leaves the silhouettes of the cone-catkin-combos and delicate filigree branches are surely the unsung hero of lovers of twigs-in-vases-next-to-feathers-and-a-lovely-old-bottle. If a blackbird perches in an alder tree on a winter's afternoon and the whole shebang is silhouetted against the sky it is the stuff that ancient folk songs or poems are made of. Alder likes to grow with its roots in very damp if not waterlogged soil. You'll find it on the banks of rivers or lakes, or in my case pretty much everywhere I look because Fen.</div>
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<b>Birch </b>This tree has the most delicate, almost fragile-looking branches of all. At this time of year they are decorated with pairs of next year's juvenile catkins, which are tiny and perfect. Take several slender stems, align them lengthwise (vaguely) bend into a circle and tie with twine or bend fine wire around the attachment point several times to make a wreath. To make a garland take bundles of birch and overlap them to make a sort of loose birchy sausage. Cut a piece of wire around 2m long and wrap the birch fairly tightly along its length. Use the ends of the wire to make loops at each end of the garland. The flexibility of the individual stems will allow it to be hung on a chimney breast or along a bannister and it will swag pleasingly. Alternatively tie firmly at intervals of around 15cm with garden twine and hang in the same way.<br />
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<b>Hawthorn </b>Hawthorn's branches tend to be brittle even when fresh, so not great for circle-making, but just now the hedgerows are laden with their berries (also called 'haws'). They hang in stunning clusters and frankly a small branch or two of this hung from a nail or in a vase is almost comically festive. What's lovely is that 1) I think they're even prettier than those super expensive ilex branches (holly stripped of leaves) that cost around £5 a stem from foncy florists 2) they're free.<br />
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Talking of twig bending the super-talented <a href="https://twitter.com/dottycookie">Val Curwen</a> (Dottycookie), good friend and expert willow-wrangler will be posting a tutorial here for willow bird feeders. All you'll need is an obliging wood or hedgerow and a pair of secateurs. ...<br />
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silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-30769706409913865462015-11-19T18:21:00.001+01:002015-11-19T19:11:12.686+01:00Making in winter: crocheted pinecones from Little Conkers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In the coming weeks several truly excellent creative people will be writing about their version of Making Winter,what inspires their work and a little about their creative processes. <a href="https://twitter.com/modernbotanics">Mirta Tyrrell</a> of <a href="http://modernbotanics.com/">Modern Botanics</a> described the painstaking gathering, sketching and printing process she uses to make her beautiful prints and 2016 calendars a week or two ago. Click <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/modern-botanics-creative-process.html">here</a> if you missed it.</div>
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This week I managed to lure Clare Trowbridge of <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleConkers?ref=search_shop_redirect">Little Conkers</a> away from her yarn stash and woolly harvest festival to tell me a little about what she's making just now. I first discovered Clare's joyous crochet designs on Twitter and was thrilled when she <a href="http://littleconkers.co.uk/the-big-comic-relief-crafternoon/">agreed to conjure a crocheted red nose</a> for the <a href="http://www.molliemakes.com/craft-2/mollie-makes-red-nose-day/">Big Comic Relief Crafternoon Mollie Makes special</a> earlier in the year. </div>
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I lost count of the number of pictures of people (and sometimes dogs and guinea pigs) who sported a jaunty red woolly hooter and helped to harness the wonder of handmade into raising what was in the end an astonishing amount (£60,000). Clare is a handmade hero, maker of perfect amigurumi aubergines and one of my craft idols. Here's her tale of the potential in pinecones....</div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Pine cones are on my work table this week. They are quite definitely the thing I like to crochet the most. I just never get tired of making them. And looking at them, and rearranging them. Funny really, they’re simple little things, but like acorns and old man’s beard and of course conkers, they speak to some fundamental childhood satisfaction in finding and hoarding natural treasures.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I’ve quite suddenly started to look at them rather differently, however. I’ve been thinking about energy a lot lately – my husband and I have built a mini renewable energy plant near our home, so it’s a rather an occupational hazard.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Pine cones, conkers, acorns and all of nature’s fruits and seeds are stores of energy. The plants and trees have drawn energy from the summer sun and trapped it inside these little time capsules. This energy then powers the flapping of a bird’s wings, or the bounding of a squirrel, or makes a new plant. Our little renewable power station uses the energy stored in plants to create electricity.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So now when I look at my pine cones, or the seeds on the bird table, they don’t seem still and lifeless any more, they seem full of energy, little bundles of <i>potential</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I’m seeing this pattern in everything. For us in this part of the world, this season naturally seems a time to want to hoard and store. And then later comes the time to release the energy, rediscover our treasures, to benefit from the effort we put in earlier. So we knit and crochet woolies for our loved ones, we shop, wrap and stash, so that deep in winter we can release the energy and love we stored away.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Many of us are now baking for Christmas. My mother is making our Christmas pudding as she does every year, and next week, I’ll be starting our Twelfth Cake. (We have our Christmas cake on Twelfth Night, as was the tradition before the Victorians rearranged things.) Making the cake is a whole day’s worth of work, converted, contained and stored away, to be released in celebration in the midst of winter.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I’m adding one or two extra items to the weekly shop, to be squirreled away at the back of a cupboard and brought out to generate smiles and warmth on a cold, wet day – a little chocolate, some special cheesy biscuits.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Two years ago, our village had a four-day power cut over Christmas. The immediate lack of energy didn’t seem to matter so much: no telly, and the Christmas lunch of carrot salad, followed by a sort of giant fruit scone I managed to cook on the disposable barbeque we found in the shed. The church service lit only by candles was even more magical than usual. But it was the loss of the stored-up energy that was heartbreaking: having to throw away the contents of the fridge and freezer that represented so much careful planning and making, and the kiddies not being able to enjoy some of the gifts we’d so looked forward to them opening because of the gloom (it’s hard to do airfix models or colouring in the dark).</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">So this is what #makingwinter means to me. Storing up for the future, creating potential, putting in a little extra, hard-won energy now, in the knowledge it will come back to me in weeks and months like a gift.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">The gorgeous glossy hand-dyed bamboo yarn I use for my pine cones is from <a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=Ca-7YlvFhjOgMCeOCDITbzw8Ciovo5g-hgKhqTldBhl2xXUG7fDSCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgB2AGkAbgBuAGkAcwBjAG8AbABvAHUAcgBzAC4AYwBvAC4AegBhAC8AIwBoAG8AbQBlAA..&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.vinniscolours.co.za%2f%23home" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0433ff;">Vinnis Colors</span></a>. The patterns are based on an excellent one by <a href="https://2.exchange2010.livemail.co.uk/owa/redir.aspx?SURL=9JWhc2iop8SUmTiu0tM_JidC0HNEF2m9iYje_nljLqR2xXUG7fDSCGgAdAB0AHAAOgAvAC8AdwB3AHcALgBwAGwAYQBuAGUAdABqAHUAbgBlAC4AYwBvAG0A&URL=http%3a%2f%2fwww.planetjune.com" target="_blank"><span style="color: #0433ff;">PlanetJune</span></a>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Clare's Etsy shop is like a woolly harvest festival and you can find it <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleConkers?ref=listing-shop-header-item-count">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Her individually hand crocheted pinecone ornaments are <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/211357135/pinecone-decorations-fir-cones-natural?ref=shop_home_active_6">here</a> and <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/200811112/pinecone-decorations-fir-cone-ornaments?ref=shop_home_active_9">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">Her wonderful robin pattern which appeared in <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2015/01/winter-robin.html">Lucy of Attic24's 2014 winter wreath</a> is <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/196624185/crochet-bird-pattern-gift-for-crocheter?ref=shop_home_active_4">here</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "courier new" , "courier" , monospace;">She's also on <a href="https://twitter.com/LittleConkers">Twitter</a> and her website and blog are <a href="http://littleconkers.co.uk/">here</a>.</span></div>
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IK147FTdLYQ%2FVk37cN_E47I%2FAAAAAAAAEsI%2FdQpmkkd-V_0%2Fs640%2FIMG_4252.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1402px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IK147FTdLYQ%2FVk37cN_E47I%2FAAAAAAAAEsI%2FdQpmkkd-V_0%2Fs640%2FIMG_4252.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1402px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IK147FTdLYQ%2FVk37cN_E47I%2FAAAAAAAAEsI%2FdQpmkkd-V_0%2Fs640%2FIMG_4252.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1402px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-IK147FTdLYQ%2FVk37cN_E47I%2FAAAAAAAAEsI%2FdQpmkkd-V_0%2Fs640%2FIMG_4252.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 1402px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-31680952957599535772015-11-15T18:55:00.002+01:002015-11-15T20:50:55.427+01:00Good things for tough days<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90g1HnbmuzmBTp4CygG-Hi5qRtnnhRfTnJ8RzHESKOeR5lmNNgZ6zANCEjUjNCdHZc6-wr8YVKWu-T_niBROl6pnhYb10EnGZuU1JyavKQooknZ3jiCx9gKYKv_-brsvknk8yM0psc8k/s1600/IMG_0384-2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj90g1HnbmuzmBTp4CygG-Hi5qRtnnhRfTnJ8RzHESKOeR5lmNNgZ6zANCEjUjNCdHZc6-wr8YVKWu-T_niBROl6pnhYb10EnGZuU1JyavKQooknZ3jiCx9gKYKv_-brsvknk8yM0psc8k/s640/IMG_0384-2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The last week has been a tough one. My energy seems to have flown off with the swallows and I confess to having slept for a fair bit of it*. Towards the end of last week Mr M suggested I had a night away so I spent 24 hours in Wells-next-the-sea - a tiny, lovely holiday that was much-needed. The rows of starlings on the rigging of a ship shown above were a simple moment of joy whilst I was there. They were busy and chattery and kept shuffling themselves around like beads on a string.<br />
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I can't say I feel quite myself now I'm back but I'm taking things slowly and hoping my energy returns.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGjuo8OSpMuvTqLEBdP-jrtSb7pON_LthN0X6CDiSL29FmSxVpXwFolHPwQht7k26H8lgcxzh-0DsoXzfW_9eFpoFa9NlMUPxwzcmNh40GyBWmcz-NqTcUqAHpRr4IpU9xEahvyBm-XU/s1600/IMG_0370-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGjuo8OSpMuvTqLEBdP-jrtSb7pON_LthN0X6CDiSL29FmSxVpXwFolHPwQht7k26H8lgcxzh-0DsoXzfW_9eFpoFa9NlMUPxwzcmNh40GyBWmcz-NqTcUqAHpRr4IpU9xEahvyBm-XU/s640/IMG_0370-2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Whilst I've been feeling rough I dug out some fairy lights and draped them round the living room and used a new textured crochet stitch to knock up some wrist warmers (see above, snapped grainily in the pub), using the slow, beautiful rhythm to cheer myself up.<br />
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I've also been seeking out good things: patterns I'd love to try, recipes I'm keen to make or plan to when I'm feeling a little better. Sometimes simply <i>looking</i> at something joyful is needed</div>
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It struck me that these things may help others who might be having a tough few hours or days so here is what I've found. Perhaps you could bookmark this for the times that feel like the old pants your Nan used to use as dusters.</div>
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<b>MAKING</b><br />
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Who has a <a href="http://www.muirandosborne.co.uk/product-category/books">'Best in Show' </a>Book?<br />
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<a href="http://www.muirandosborne.co.uk/">Sally Muir and Joanna Osborne's</a> knitted animal designs are full of joy and woolly charisma. They rather remind me of Victorian portraits of favourite pets or prize animals, standing poised and proud but with a gleam of mischief and possibly just moments from legging it around the garden or farmyard woofing or oinking at nothing in particular.<br />
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I have long wanted to knit my own dog show but as a slightly wobbly wielder of needles I'm not sure I have the skills to fashion a leg or ear. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSPTSHkCPXx4LB7hPY0_1bGgIJAwF-4T2v8PMK-LXiNcF-ehrCavmbONArwAx5CyaB-6JhIQb8hpgs_xbuF3cOz_sfpHvmGcmxxWASyfDoruidikltol23jmBqhlY6blVbb-no36JVQA/s1600/pigs+high+res+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="508" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqSPTSHkCPXx4LB7hPY0_1bGgIJAwF-4T2v8PMK-LXiNcF-ehrCavmbONArwAx5CyaB-6JhIQb8hpgs_xbuF3cOz_sfpHvmGcmxxWASyfDoruidikltol23jmBqhlY6blVbb-no36JVQA/s640/pigs+high+res+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Simply <i>looking</i> at <a href="http://www.muirandosborne.co.uk/product/pig-and-piglet">this pattern for a pig family</a> (photography by Holly Joliffe) </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMCHYWVRGw72zNljpvPLZvuoRylUWxN9vcHRLJrCy_HKiIYIc3eL7nfzadHeq9EbWkpENpkYHXfroIrIAAqJsv1zI0HJzfAdiKM2fZGhhMMZCsYB0cMbNBjInsRhSxT1JRws5xxOLqEw/s1600/big+lil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBMCHYWVRGw72zNljpvPLZvuoRylUWxN9vcHRLJrCy_HKiIYIc3eL7nfzadHeq9EbWkpENpkYHXfroIrIAAqJsv1zI0HJzfAdiKM2fZGhhMMZCsYB0cMbNBjInsRhSxT1JRws5xxOLqEw/s640/big+lil.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">and </span>this one for <a href="http://www.muirandosborne.co.uk/product/life-sized-whippet-pattern">Lil the regal whippet</a> cheers me up though. The thought that there are knitted piglets in the world is very lovely indeed and Lil reminds me so much of Minnie our sprightly old lurcher that it's uncanny. If you give these a try PLEASE send me pictures.<br />
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I have recently succumbed to <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/silverpebble/">Pinterest</a>. I didn't think there could be any other online places I could <strike>become addicted to</strike> like extremely very much but I was wrong. I made a crochet inspiration board. And then I discovered the MINIATURE CROCHET AND TEXTILES.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3FyJCboElPfgODxrmorLfYQE7fzpWxRfMWL24ziapIkeMxR86-VE0FB0ABy1viq1e1PBMXOFvfruiFTwPRr2euen-UXvXTwldA9nzuF9AJjxzyGS14A06PEhgzdrHxSvgTpTFUwsFM0/s1600/Mini+crochet+allofthemaking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3FyJCboElPfgODxrmorLfYQE7fzpWxRfMWL24ziapIkeMxR86-VE0FB0ABy1viq1e1PBMXOFvfruiFTwPRr2euen-UXvXTwldA9nzuF9AJjxzyGS14A06PEhgzdrHxSvgTpTFUwsFM0/s640/Mini+crochet+allofthemaking.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://allofthemaking.tumblr.com/">Oh</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5erqAK6vNnoIMm8KzesSKPqEZA3gzmn92jxj1uXz4Gi4y_s78cVLaCMqMzqbp_ibINNgwfzPRVhIQt2XW6D9buDmY2hG8__DRBLF1SHuzzCgwz119vAAYod8bpg4gF8RxMA_k9cqo2Z4/s1600/Micro+guinea+pig.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5erqAK6vNnoIMm8KzesSKPqEZA3gzmn92jxj1uXz4Gi4y_s78cVLaCMqMzqbp_ibINNgwfzPRVhIQt2XW6D9buDmY2hG8__DRBLF1SHuzzCgwz119vAAYod8bpg4gF8RxMA_k9cqo2Z4/s640/Micro+guinea+pig.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/listing/190329355/micro-guinea-pig-amigurumi-tiny-crochet?ref=shop_home_active_1">for</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfSpiFlnBq8oU6SBlG65bBUpqhK83iefV_fkATETC5N5pfLvoVkAGTrMVOPDbsBwu6opIn33ocGcfuhUZkYLPTntmdGgd-30XGPECXLNbmjYDEL4oixKVA5Sm3n1KJ1ACWyLKHlfOCAM/s1600/tiny+birds+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSfSpiFlnBq8oU6SBlG65bBUpqhK83iefV_fkATETC5N5pfLvoVkAGTrMVOPDbsBwu6opIn33ocGcfuhUZkYLPTntmdGgd-30XGPECXLNbmjYDEL4oixKVA5Sm3n1KJ1ACWyLKHlfOCAM/s640/tiny+birds+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/FannimiNiATURE/sold?ref=shopinfo_sales_leftnav">Crying out loud.</a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn64B8d-07JXGIvKDOo0SfeE0ET0Eu7dO0BxQQXTZapd1lhNCqyZHizSXxScVRxxNtYBQbAr44AJ3dSfqhD4jocvJnQ9DTcsSGceOx8do7lx79KDQIacE7KrwdcSHPIhsfBrU1EYEBKRg/s1600/great+tit.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn64B8d-07JXGIvKDOo0SfeE0ET0Eu7dO0BxQQXTZapd1lhNCqyZHizSXxScVRxxNtYBQbAr44AJ3dSfqhD4jocvJnQ9DTcsSGceOx8do7lx79KDQIacE7KrwdcSHPIhsfBrU1EYEBKRg/s640/great+tit.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Also I WILL be attempting <a href="http://doitdarling.com/?s=crochet+bird">this great tit</a>.<br />
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<b>BAKING</b><br />
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Debs' <a href="http://debsdustbunny.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/apple-blondies-best-of-both-worlds.html">apple blondies</a> are one of the quickest and simplest recipes I've tried. The rapidity of preparation belies the deliciousness of these little appley spongecakes. I scatter pine nuts on the top but they'd be delicious with some cinnamon-isn crumble, pecans as she suggests or simply a thick layer of demerara on their surface. Apologies for the slightly crappola image but they never hang around very long once I've made them and this was a quick snap before they were demolished.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5yfi61eCrOY5wCV4DYuDZ56o1zXwQDEm_MXOTftpn6be2leKZfDiXrwuZQcPW-I__bcUnOQT6qAxVZCAgnBbDwzVdtBalWxkQcRpt_iEAP8Yapfi9ZhRFnP6EOZUZHHqeGvGh_RAEIU/s1600/blondies+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="604" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj5yfi61eCrOY5wCV4DYuDZ56o1zXwQDEm_MXOTftpn6be2leKZfDiXrwuZQcPW-I__bcUnOQT6qAxVZCAgnBbDwzVdtBalWxkQcRpt_iEAP8Yapfi9ZhRFnP6EOZUZHHqeGvGh_RAEIU/s640/blondies+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Tuesday evening cosy<b> </b>cake, crochet and knitted budgie-filled #makingwinter hour on Twitter has introduced me to some excellent people. Folk join in to share they're favourite recipes, their woolly endeavours, new designs and the ways in which they're celebrating the new season or making it a little easier. <a href="https://twitter.com/jiholland111">John Holland</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/thevicarofhell">his other half Chris</a> are baking wizards. I do wonder whether one of them might end up on next year's bakeoff.</div>
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<a href="http://kathyhutton.com/">Printmaker</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hutton1kathy">Kathy Hutton</a> tweeted some delicious-looking orange super simple fork biscuits and after a clamour she shared the recipe. It's next on my baking list...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil43VFmEh_7oGGMhmILIVXVqtFXZFlPUEWQK35C6d_gQtKuMWTvcKbD1KbiLqTaaJJhaRtRYss8ecwH3m1LBEY1ufT9JL38_TvBt4tOo10Nnnz5m690hAZC2fsCS7ysDDYBCN47Y8fMxU/s1600/orange+fork+biscuits.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil43VFmEh_7oGGMhmILIVXVqtFXZFlPUEWQK35C6d_gQtKuMWTvcKbD1KbiLqTaaJJhaRtRYss8ecwH3m1LBEY1ufT9JL38_TvBt4tOo10Nnnz5m690hAZC2fsCS7ysDDYBCN47Y8fMxU/s640/orange+fork+biscuits.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<b>FOR THE VERY TRICKIEST TIMES...</b><br />
<b><br /></b>When baking or making is just not possible here are <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_lsH-ULFz2Q">these badgers scratching their bellies amongst bluebells</a>,<br />
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these <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A_7wkVj7k_8">joyful sifaka lemurs</a> who like to gallop about as though they're playing horsey - watch for a minute or so and it's like a particularly unusual version of the 2.30 at Newmarket.<br />
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This parody of Brief Encounter by Victoria Wood is one of the loveliest things on the whole of the internet.<br />
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Huge thanks to those who have linked up with <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/11/novembers-making-winter-beginning.html">November's Making Winter post</a>. If you're making the grey days better with cakes, quilts, mittens, candles, lovely walks or simply celebrating being snug indoors then do link up if you fancy. Pop over for a peep at the wonderful recipes and making going on over on others' blogs</div>
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In a few days' time <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/LittleConkers">Clare of Little Conkers</a> will be sharing a special Making Winter guest post about crocheted pinecones. There will be lots more guests coming up, including <a href="http://www.kirstyelson.co.uk/">Kirsty Elson</a>, <a href="http://chetnamakan.co.uk/">Chetna Makan</a> and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/juliabesidethesea/?hl=en">Juliabesidethesea</a>. You'll be able to read about how they feel about the colder season and how winter changes the way they work creatively. </div>
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*Huge apologies if I haven't been answering your emails very promptly<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwH7Bzq9V6goOMrIUU6ujQlNSHRcHZHa98oenB0PLl7K8fD618dQmJWKVmKuDdiSk4R4JnLhSUUcbuwIYN5E3MnGO_FT-g7Mq1vlISE3VDJXUVaxT4out_5qTYn7Z9cYGM0_hVtGRMSA/s1600/silver+fossils.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUwH7Bzq9V6goOMrIUU6ujQlNSHRcHZHa98oenB0PLl7K8fD618dQmJWKVmKuDdiSk4R4JnLhSUUcbuwIYN5E3MnGO_FT-g7Mq1vlISE3VDJXUVaxT4out_5qTYn7Z9cYGM0_hVtGRMSA/s640/silver+fossils.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back in May 2008 I attended a workshop. During that brief 3 hours my creative excitement level flew off the chart, into orbit and may have collided with the International Space Station and a couple of asteroids. </div>
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Silver clay. Oh my STARS AND GIDDY TROUSERS.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mh1qkrbLqxWMvCHZP3190VXbUNcenZoD5S6cyChblctU1i3lpc6p6FyrXvlJGJPdh9QHKILRnH_Nl6Nks64uRCyYGZZm9BpgugdGZsSDolEFprfnRYFC5BLjwnjhyphenhyphenUAR0-yq06nFuOg/s1600/IMG_0264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Mh1qkrbLqxWMvCHZP3190VXbUNcenZoD5S6cyChblctU1i3lpc6p6FyrXvlJGJPdh9QHKILRnH_Nl6Nks64uRCyYGZZm9BpgugdGZsSDolEFprfnRYFC5BLjwnjhyphenhyphenUAR0-yq06nFuOg/s640/IMG_0264.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Fine silver blackbird commission perching on heather</span></div>
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It's a ceramic made from finely ground particles of silver reclaimed from the printed circuit boards of broken electrical goods mixed with particles cotton and paper and an oily binder. So far so excellently green.</div>
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It can be modelled into vessels (tiny POTS! OH yes! I shall be making some new tiny silver vessels in the coming weeks), nature-inspired shapes, birds and 3 dimensional flowers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUuvMeo3Ncy_X-zCQLijAhapuJ2llhb6Krr3YKcBS3qyRcyBz4Qyt1-CW2XPKTHuZbDRbrTE8b_EOOkI4N7SnxcD1XaPsz6dZ24q9QOuHd_xnay67SY0Ahyphenhyphen3azK-h0ibf0SqKB-nFSu4/s1600/IMG_0260.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIUuvMeo3Ncy_X-zCQLijAhapuJ2llhb6Krr3YKcBS3qyRcyBz4Qyt1-CW2XPKTHuZbDRbrTE8b_EOOkI4N7SnxcD1XaPsz6dZ24q9QOuHd_xnay67SY0Ahyphenhyphen3azK-h0ibf0SqKB-nFSu4/s640/IMG_0260.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A longtailed tit for a commission, prior to firing</span></div>
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Leaves and seeds can be imprinted into it to, in effect, make silver fossils.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXJVYN5yfTkVYxa-587oHMHUAhSFxoqz3YiT_49R0MbW4sijG37tvQLxv9m6oJCDwbxeynWRQDJoGuLyDxebNTyGqTtdHFbZoZXC2Q50eVqFWyTdAskZpu7umFZVgSkrnnPWsgiEx4No/s1600/IMG_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoXJVYN5yfTkVYxa-587oHMHUAhSFxoqz3YiT_49R0MbW4sijG37tvQLxv9m6oJCDwbxeynWRQDJoGuLyDxebNTyGqTtdHFbZoZXC2Q50eVqFWyTdAskZpu7umFZVgSkrnnPWsgiEx4No/s640/IMG_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Seedy inspiration for new designs</span></div>
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It can be used to cast perfect, wearable replicas of tiny found objects with intricate textures and designs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLuhlJbH5mHY8dg8ooPDzjbpRyTQybZvF4K6rSHFqm4d9OqmL9yK5Zfu9U_X0bRHHkoPx9LZzdFedAvW6uwvrYujF9DkjQHsEz8etje9jjCS7v0nTSUCKiMsxpsV8wB_-EdoLK2x1qro/s1600/New+acorn+design+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="468" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjLuhlJbH5mHY8dg8ooPDzjbpRyTQybZvF4K6rSHFqm4d9OqmL9yK5Zfu9U_X0bRHHkoPx9LZzdFedAvW6uwvrYujF9DkjQHsEz8etje9jjCS7v0nTSUCKiMsxpsV8wB_-EdoLK2x1qro/s640/New+acorn+design+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's not just silver-<i>coloured</i> though. When these tiny ceramic items are fired on a gas hob or in a kiln the cotton and paper burn away <b>leaving pure silver.</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVDamqEo6CIWpvbfhbhhODuNqqZAs03QzIAYXR2yRIH7UP1NkvR1MC9Dq-FmVaSknxjIh9AeTvybE1_bDgvOOTYJ7E2kMH0qCNN-aVfKAjEemyusy6QfTq96hAczd-yohVAPhI0FWh7E/s1600/New+nature+table+collection+14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="628" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDVDamqEo6CIWpvbfhbhhODuNqqZAs03QzIAYXR2yRIH7UP1NkvR1MC9Dq-FmVaSknxjIh9AeTvybE1_bDgvOOTYJ7E2kMH0qCNN-aVfKAjEemyusy6QfTq96hAczd-yohVAPhI0FWh7E/s640/New+nature+table+collection+14.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This knowledge still seems a little unreal to me seven years later. When I handmake a tiny silver berry, beehive or wren and fire it, the moment when I polish away the white oxide from its surface still holds a serious dose of wonder for me. I feel as though I'm a 16th Century alchemist who has been digging up and chucking acid at bits of rock for years and boiling what remains and sighing and experimenting and suddenly I realise I have made ACTUAL SILVER.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-7s3PnMenMccLnYIdpEGzB0YST8IWXm_5qNIzV2_DwKou38bY9TD0D_1OynfSOThN4i3nlZD5M5jZNeTdVUIxBMtIB01lT_VuTz7ohF00JC83c5c1FOedNhSjqyZSymZpdVtHQnMlgQ/s1600/jax.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL-7s3PnMenMccLnYIdpEGzB0YST8IWXm_5qNIzV2_DwKou38bY9TD0D_1OynfSOThN4i3nlZD5M5jZNeTdVUIxBMtIB01lT_VuTz7ohF00JC83c5c1FOedNhSjqyZSymZpdVtHQnMlgQ/s640/jax.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://liveotherwise.co.uk/">Jax's </a>pieces being set on fire. Photo credit: Jax Blunt</span></div>
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Three people who have attended my workshops have cried tears of craft joy at this juncture. I keep an emergency lavender bag to hand in case of those who may be overwhelmed by silvery wonder and joy. </div>
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I don't think I will ever tire of this magical* substance. Its possibilities are innumerable.</div>
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I am taking commissions for *whispers* the c-word. If you'd like to contact me about a particular design drop me a line on emma@minniedog.co.uk.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaasJtUtGewWgiMoWziylUxdNwA93GrJ94Lb9rakOJJ65UQBTX157RZmZXygDEXb1Jlj6lrHU0JbMbXw-ge6pPamslfZsrKCUhQm3Av1jXcz2kY3J5DWwQE43qCMk8rTcF_o-zjqsLqAM/s1600/workshop+collage+nov+15+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaasJtUtGewWgiMoWziylUxdNwA93GrJ94Lb9rakOJJ65UQBTX157RZmZXygDEXb1Jlj6lrHU0JbMbXw-ge6pPamslfZsrKCUhQm3Av1jXcz2kY3J5DWwQE43qCMk8rTcF_o-zjqsLqAM/s640/workshop+collage+nov+15+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Oh and there are 3 spaces left on my 5th December workshop and 2 new dates for 2016 in my sidebar if you'd like to learn how to use silver clay yourself. Spaces are £80 a head**. Email emma@minniedog.co.uk if you'd like to come along.<br />
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*I use this word advisedly, truly.<br />
** includes 4 hours' tuition, 7 g clay, sterling chain and headpins, gemstones, homemade cake an document with instructions and supplier info and endless cackling opportunities.<br />
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Note: huge thanks for the contributions to Making Winter so far. The November link will be active until the 1st December if you'd like to share your cold weather creativity.<br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e1vfEm4OBtg%2FVjzgZ2IoEhI%2FAAAAAAAAEmY%2FH-QVPHUGowA%2Fs640%2Fworkshop%252Bcollage%252Bnov%252B15%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5102px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e1vfEm4OBtg%2FVjzgZ2IoEhI%2FAAAAAAAAEmY%2FH-QVPHUGowA%2Fs640%2Fworkshop%252Bcollage%252Bnov%252B15%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5102px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e1vfEm4OBtg%2FVjzgZ2IoEhI%2FAAAAAAAAEmY%2FH-QVPHUGowA%2Fs640%2Fworkshop%252Bcollage%252Bnov%252B15%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5102px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/extension/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogger.com%2Fblogger.g%3FblogID%3D8150719213861750049%23editor%2Fsrc%3Dsidebar&media=https%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-e1vfEm4OBtg%2FVjzgZ2IoEhI%2FAAAAAAAAEmY%2FH-QVPHUGowA%2Fs640%2Fworkshop%252Bcollage%252Bnov%252B15%252B2.jpg&xm=h&xv=sa1.37.01&xuid=mU98uPk7MxDU&description=" style="background-color: transparent; background-image: url(data:image/png; border: none; cursor: pointer; display: none; height: 20px; left: 26px; opacity: 0.85; position: absolute; top: 5102px; width: 40px; z-index: 8675309;"></a>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-76577656125966805422015-11-01T21:40:00.002+01:002015-11-01T23:50:39.853+01:00November's Making Winter: the beginning<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaQ9BBQLb0tvap93bjCApTQ9yfWh8O-HCJGa51wNgy0qsbKsEadoRJvjLaJgwbzVxroFOGvwYF_BvQta-3AqKDKeWuQRFF4MNg7z1ECDvtQOHFktXaZGUxCtePxs5w12zqIZ0JJRlFcs/s1600/IMG_0107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaQ9BBQLb0tvap93bjCApTQ9yfWh8O-HCJGa51wNgy0qsbKsEadoRJvjLaJgwbzVxroFOGvwYF_BvQta-3AqKDKeWuQRFF4MNg7z1ECDvtQOHFktXaZGUxCtePxs5w12zqIZ0JJRlFcs/s640/IMG_0107.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So, it's here, or at least it's just up the road, lurking round the corner.</div>
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I have done rather well with embracing it so far. There have been several of those golden-tinged days with the whiff of woodsmoke and leaf litter - days when the dreich weeks of January seem afar off and I have an urge to gather twigs for the fire whilst whistling a bit of Vaughan Williams and making a necklace out of crabapples. Days that gave me an urge to come home and crochet some tiny acorns with a tiny hook (1.5mm).</div>
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I'm not fooled though. It is a brief coppery season. The shiny conker brown before the mouldy grey. The freshly ploughed field before the slushy puddle.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUhyphenhyphen36OZLeYQePyKiMWsrMt9_JmK2ht4YVr4uNNDzoL30ykEFmces-V_ansnkQRCjzoO-TBLQFVj8PCAs85VUsVXFiOJBzwas9TRwwJXgi2k73dAkNbKTKi5nVSOLi354i5f_z9JOxp8/s1600/IMG_0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBUhyphenhyphen36OZLeYQePyKiMWsrMt9_JmK2ht4YVr4uNNDzoL30ykEFmces-V_ansnkQRCjzoO-TBLQFVj8PCAs85VUsVXFiOJBzwas9TRwwJXgi2k73dAkNbKTKi5nVSOLi354i5f_z9JOxp8/s640/IMG_0105.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In recent weeks our girls have just had two grim coughs back to back, with accompanying feverish, exhausting nights (for them and us). The airbed for small poorly folk is permanently occupied in our room just now (we may buy shares in Calpol). And so it begins...</div>
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Despite the lyrical blue skies and bright lights of the autumn leaves the clocks going back last week burgled sunlight from the late afternoons. Dusk looms early and makes my heart droop like a woolly swimming costume after a dip in the North Sea.</div>
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So...</div>
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...tonight I'm starting the <b>#making_winter hashtag on Instagram</b>. If you went for a walk and a pheasant called across the fields and you found some lovely rosehips and it lifted your spirits<br />
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or you made some biscuits that helped you forget about the dishwater-isn skies outside,<br />
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or you mastered that quantum physics-like lace shawl,<br />
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...then you can post a picture, add the hashtag and enjoy the wintry glow. Others who may feel down in the knees in the coming months are bound to find it cheering. </div>
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I've set up a <b>bloghop linky below</b>, which will remain here until the 1st December.....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPvpVUIebnDSnUdNV4BQXWLTB4pDL9elkHOiSYxyS0AsHbtaf98PajanpTV0Wry9-iqwLbDCjxvD-tfmCe0FjaxBlK1d6B_4FsfpLYYp59YiJfrUwAKJRLxaqg21U6g8b8SWhDWe3ZRM/s1600/IMG_0064.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPvpVUIebnDSnUdNV4BQXWLTB4pDL9elkHOiSYxyS0AsHbtaf98PajanpTV0Wry9-iqwLbDCjxvD-tfmCe0FjaxBlK1d6B_4FsfpLYYp59YiJfrUwAKJRLxaqg21U6g8b8SWhDWe3ZRM/s640/IMG_0064.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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If you've written about an emergency anti-drizzle cake (to cheer a day with incessant rain),</div>
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some therapeutic mittens,</div>
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the twigs you bent into a wreath to cheer the afternoon when you put your flip flops away,</div>
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or the blanket you're making that has helped you through the 'flu...</div>
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then you can share your post below, grab the code to pop the entire bloghop on your blog if you fancy.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ODkDqL-98lx_xQiyJAPiEICA-9BU-avX0gf2c3MrlOu9d85KYR-lFRPD18RckyXI4_s8ZuBD4agwS_3tY1M0yAdD56DOKXAXFPh0YfODILW3LOaI2uZq8nOl1eULIBmtWCQiq054_pQ/s1600/IMG_9578.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7ODkDqL-98lx_xQiyJAPiEICA-9BU-avX0gf2c3MrlOu9d85KYR-lFRPD18RckyXI4_s8ZuBD4agwS_3tY1M0yAdD56DOKXAXFPh0YfODILW3LOaI2uZq8nOl1eULIBmtWCQiq054_pQ/s640/IMG_9578.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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My plan is for us to create a sort of electronic wintry crafting bee. A collection of heartening blogposts, a cosy instagram feed and a Twitter hashtag lined with quilts, yarn, hedgerow liqueurs, crochet cake and lovely twigs. A place of solace on the dreariest days. </div>
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At the end of each month from now until March I'll be picking a favourite Instagram image or blogpost. I'm concocting four very lovely parcels of joy filled with things made by me, <a href="http://shop.modernbotanics.com/products">Mirta of Modern Botanics</a> (see her work in my last blogpost) seeds for Spring from Benjamin at <a href="http://higgledygarden.com/">Higgledy Garden</a> and OH all manner of treasure to cheer a winter's day.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pD36Z07Y8qSyrN-_yb5az7YkeQIbI39WcaYheILwb9UM2p8m_zD5UtDiId-pEgYL-T59lQJ0sb-kHRP3paG57X2msPCrVrVDmwoMFmo24r1GUVOZQa5IbKLDqiApPLLmhPyJ4B1Zl4U/s1600/IMG_9988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7pD36Z07Y8qSyrN-_yb5az7YkeQIbI39WcaYheILwb9UM2p8m_zD5UtDiId-pEgYL-T59lQJ0sb-kHRP3paG57X2msPCrVrVDmwoMFmo24r1GUVOZQa5IbKLDqiApPLLmhPyJ4B1Zl4U/s640/IMG_9988.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="text-align: justify;">We shall advance into winter armed with gargantuan cakes and crocheted guinea pigs and groaning nature tables and warming stews and frost-encrusted hedgerows. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">We shall not be defeated, and if all else fails there is always chocolate and youtube videos of teacup piglets. </span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;"><br /></span>silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-34196147228171194822015-10-29T15:57:00.000+01:002015-10-30T14:26:57.674+01:00Modern Botanics: the creative process<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DV-2ZgZalN9Ii9V06broUBqlV7KugXuGtCdBckTXDtZyR6koQc7icTm8BbWY6wQfBh5sHWT6NriiUlAGZTQHDgg1OO2UO4WzAehBy5Mt0RqTVFt2o4RPbBx_rwGhfEv7-cgF4O0sX0Y/s1600/august+test+print.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6DV-2ZgZalN9Ii9V06broUBqlV7KugXuGtCdBckTXDtZyR6koQc7icTm8BbWY6wQfBh5sHWT6NriiUlAGZTQHDgg1OO2UO4WzAehBy5Mt0RqTVFt2o4RPbBx_rwGhfEv7-cgF4O0sX0Y/s640/august+test+print.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">I first discovered Mirta Tyrrell of Modern Botanic's designs on Instagram several months ago. The inspiration for her surface pattern was clear immediately: the shapes and forms of plants, their flowers and seeds. She seems to be as thrilled about the patterns made by humble species, ones that many may overlook or class as weeds, as I am. As an amateur botanist the sight of her prints on both fabric and paper in my feed made me realise that I'd found a botanical kindred spirit. I was also thrilled to discover a little more about some of the plants Mirta finds near Lake Como in Italy, where she lives, by examining her photographs and checking to see whether those species grow here in England on the edge of the Fens. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoiSXfCTla6wursZUOUO2dyWdWjFWMWAWpOJHRC6W7VELc3Nm7PclgA3TX4DhmeVAyESSwuPpZ-KbdG48HnqLHECEZIP01D_29iWflcka5mNPRPb0iwkE-jHaM-dF633j69MSs3lqIss/s1600/tools.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRoiSXfCTla6wursZUOUO2dyWdWjFWMWAWpOJHRC6W7VELc3Nm7PclgA3TX4DhmeVAyESSwuPpZ-KbdG48HnqLHECEZIP01D_29iWflcka5mNPRPb0iwkE-jHaM-dF633j69MSs3lqIss/s640/tools.JPG" width="638" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Mirta has just finished designing and hand-printing her 2016 calendar. I'm thrilled that she has agreed to share the creative processes she used to make it here. Below is Mirta's account:</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6QovvTCb-B-G8St8DrlEtNQK1psmWh9uxCJx4hRXdEvCO_6PilE5YxMyEyGOydZHmOxVX49CXo9K0n-pYIIPIqjxPJOL-Ko4vUDs_iEFOz7C2zZd1W8pHQLF7I1zgJorhkeaFfEFTc/s1600/april+sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVr6QovvTCb-B-G8St8DrlEtNQK1psmWh9uxCJx4hRXdEvCO_6PilE5YxMyEyGOydZHmOxVX49CXo9K0n-pYIIPIqjxPJOL-Ko4vUDs_iEFOz7C2zZd1W8pHQLF7I1zgJorhkeaFfEFTc/s640/april+sketch.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each year I make a calendar and each year I set the bar higher for myself in terms of the creative techniques I use. I was keen to create my 2016 calendar using the longest process in making it that I know: I opted to block print each one, which it means a total of 13 individually made pages (there is also a cover design). </div>
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I began by deciding on the design I would use for each month, I was keen to use some of my best known illustrations in the finished calendar but also adding some new ones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsLorcz81rzeRDIoz8XFszUdlBWkzzL3bLTjXGlEIWL1dGKC3VgbPUB5U8y5cc9O-t7cqNhvOXqIwHGGqunJ3tMyBdyCWN1bbGdZn0tYUlWRrO3KdHbBjm0svKJed6Z75Jrjs3KVVpws/s1600/carving+november.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrsLorcz81rzeRDIoz8XFszUdlBWkzzL3bLTjXGlEIWL1dGKC3VgbPUB5U8y5cc9O-t7cqNhvOXqIwHGGqunJ3tMyBdyCWN1bbGdZn0tYUlWRrO3KdHbBjm0svKJed6Z75Jrjs3KVVpws/s640/carving+november.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I started sketching a bunch of new illustrations all inspired by my endless collections of little found objects. My studio is filled with boxes and jars packed with pinecones, pods, stones, dried wild flowers, my precious possessions gathered during my walks here at the lake or up on the hills and mountains right behind my village. Once I'm done with sketching I transfer what I like to carving blocks. </div>
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And you know what? A couple of new blocks that I really loved didn't make it to the calendar because I didn't think they would fit with the rest. I worked so hard on the November block and at the end it didn't make it, it was a difficult decision, but I'm happy I took it. So these ones are now available as art prints.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-Vo3JzARHQBpnkxAQhDuyLPcWTrGl0g5I0IqAwBHB2-4MiWEWeThzeVwFP0ed04ofYMJopdN0xYPWBqloRlLXJWtuHC3chcwaHFC2yQkP6t1QSE6QiuLO1IYbqcNzPfwz63Q0-krG3M/s1600/november+sketch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3-Vo3JzARHQBpnkxAQhDuyLPcWTrGl0g5I0IqAwBHB2-4MiWEWeThzeVwFP0ed04ofYMJopdN0xYPWBqloRlLXJWtuHC3chcwaHFC2yQkP6t1QSE6QiuLO1IYbqcNzPfwz63Q0-krG3M/s640/november+sketch.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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I use several kinds of solid media to carve my blocks and various inks (all water based ones). Whilst making my 2016 calendar I used 3 different kind of rubbers and linoleum because I feel that some of my illustrations are better carved in certain materials than others. </div>
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The calendar is printed on the best recycled paper I could afford, made locally in Italy by a small producer who I know and trust. I thought carefully about all the details of my production being right so I can offer a completely eco friendly and handmade option.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUM9yYBkUxleKGZV8PLEukq5EPisGCVCaF-GEMDPOU6wBtqQ6Fb8XFUK3b4EDOjdt5kLvRhYzGXz1T4T4d_RZ0XQ-TwhPWzrrfqh9l0d4xk3w0WGS2bUIWv8P1MetwC7QkHPM1gtVyng/s1600/december+test+print.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmUM9yYBkUxleKGZV8PLEukq5EPisGCVCaF-GEMDPOU6wBtqQ6Fb8XFUK3b4EDOjdt5kLvRhYzGXz1T4T4d_RZ0XQ-TwhPWzrrfqh9l0d4xk3w0WGS2bUIWv8P1MetwC7QkHPM1gtVyng/s640/december+test+print.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I decided to block print each calendar I was a bit nervous, because I knew it would be a very long process with masse of test printing and potential mistakes and I knew that the end result would be slightly different for each copy. But then I realized that <i>only</i> making it in this way would make me entirely happy and proud. So yes, each one is slightly different from the other, because of the way the ink is absorbed by the paper, because I might place the block in a slightly different position, maybe because the weather is damper and the ink works in a different way. But I'm happy with this; each one is different, each one is unique and beautiful in its own right. </div>
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And do you know what its the best thing about it? At the end of each month you can cut off the bottom part and keep the printed illustration as an art print. Or gift it to somebody else.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-R09DmhR7DNKyPRCRxkrHamy0Eitr3T0lYgcLPm9HNGGpVP9rNEM-2kynVw6wjGvX7P8hk66ppMkkNDGL-suf7h1BNGLjzyKB1es9F9MmSJkUwrrRSSfXrMNz06ExFAffA7YRk6g0C0/s1600/detail.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR-R09DmhR7DNKyPRCRxkrHamy0Eitr3T0lYgcLPm9HNGGpVP9rNEM-2kynVw6wjGvX7P8hk66ppMkkNDGL-suf7h1BNGLjzyKB1es9F9MmSJkUwrrRSSfXrMNz06ExFAffA7YRk6g0C0/s640/detail.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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So I decided to print 20 copies and they're available in my shop now, I'll do a second batch if anyone would like more. I really hope you will like it as much as I loved making it.<br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">Mirta's calendar is a feat of making - a labour of love and the result is absolutely beautiful. Not only that I am utterly blown away by her English and it has inspired me to improve my Italian a little. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">If you'd like to have a peep at Mirta's shop it's </span><b style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;"><a href="http://shop.modernbotanics.com/">here</a></b><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;"> and she's also on </span><a href="http://twitter.com/modernbotanics" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">Twitter</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;"> and </span><a href="http://instagram.com/modernbotanics" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">Instagram</a><span style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; text-align: justify;">, where she'll be holding a giveaway next week. Her <a href="http://modernbotanics.com/journal">blog</a> is a beautiful place to visit.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;">Note: I have shared Mirta's calendar, prints and design process because her products are exquisite, we both revere plants and find endless inspiration amongst their shapes and I thought others may want to see and read about how she makes her work. None of of the posts on silverpebble are sponsored in any way.</span></div>
silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-2694810267707499542015-10-25T23:06:00.001+01:002015-10-25T23:06:33.967+01:00Making Winter<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2iHlLlt6gyqyuL0a6-mp4S65rbBKDE9cmvlR0bHWLeiFmV1UELWv23lZWYPerFn7r0D5UVLchfVz7AhKZJxOLah2Nq_FCMaPU7eIflS2TkCFUd6BR61EzWl3XqfKC7epS0xk4pDajHM/s1600/IMG_9889.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp2iHlLlt6gyqyuL0a6-mp4S65rbBKDE9cmvlR0bHWLeiFmV1UELWv23lZWYPerFn7r0D5UVLchfVz7AhKZJxOLah2Nq_FCMaPU7eIflS2TkCFUd6BR61EzWl3XqfKC7epS0xk4pDajHM/s640/IMG_9889.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: justify;">That slight feeling of foreboding as we move towards November is simmering, as ever, at the back of my consciousness. The 'w' word is looming -the time when I tend to feel at best rather flat and at worst like a hedgehog with a hangover who was just rudely awoken by a Roman candle. The dahlias have drooped, the roses are on their last gasp and even my sedum's looking seedy. Weeks of slate grey skies lie ahead. Winter is approaching.</span><br />
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Then I remembered the joy of the project I ran with <a href="http://www.thriftyhousehold.co.uk/">Mrs Thrifty</a> four years ago. During <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2011/10/making-winter.html">Making Winter</a> we shared ways to <i>embrace</i> the colder months. It was a joyous combination of dense, comforting puddings, beautiful, soothing yarncraft, hedgerow liqueurs, cosying up round open fires, winter walks and gathering trips that led to nature tables and beautiful wreaths. There may also have been the odd hand stitched hedgehog.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">A soothing, meditative wip</span></div>
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It seemed to provide a sort of online cosy crafting bee with added gratuitous pictures of cake. I felt rather sad when March 2012 arrived. It was over. The hundreds of people who joined in went their separate ways and travelled on happily into Spring. I missed them. I missed the cake-based camaraderie and the innumerable truly gorgeous ideas, recipes and patterns that made what can be the months of gloom immeasurably cheerier. </div>
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Many people asked me if I'd run it again. </div>
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So I am.</div>
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A week today, on the 1st of November, Making Winter '15-'16 shall begin. It shall be a creative survival guide to the colder months. A place to come when dinginess creeps in in February, when the lead up to the 'c' word is making you want to build a raft out of wooden crochet hooks and set sail for uncharted waters where there is absolutely no tinsel, accompanied by a seagull called Dave. </div>
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I hope to rebuild that gorgeous, handknitted, homebaked, slightly twinkly, supportive, encouraging 'we CAN keep chipper (ish) till March' precious yet transient group of both lovers and haters of winter who for a few short months got together to make our way to Spring. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Made in one of my workshops recently</span></div>
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I've invented a hashtag for the Instagram: #making_winter if you fancy sharing the ways in which you're celebrating or cheering yourself through the coming months.</div>
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Do you find winter tricky? Perhaps this can help. If you adore the weeks between November and March then it would be wonderful if you could share your favourite homemade recipes, patterns or tips to help others (including me) enjoy what they usually just about endure. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">The joy of <a href="http://www.namolio.com/">Namolio's </a>stall at Yarndale</span></div>
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I'll be hosting a bloghop during the first few days of every month until March 2016 starting next Sunday, 1st November. If you fancy posting during that week with:</div>
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what's on your needles, </div>
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your baked triumphs, </div>
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treasures you may have found in a hedgerow, </div>
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the beanie you knitted for Bernard </div>
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the afternoon you simply had to scoff your body weight in cake because it was so blimmin'' dreary outside </div>
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and linking up it would be WONDERFUL-others can then leg it over to yours to see the heartening joy. I have some lovely guest bloggers lined up with seasonal loveliness and I had so many requests to exchange handwritten letters with me during the summer that I plan to link people up with one another for the new wintry version of handwritten project. Snailmail to cheer a dreich January day? Oh yes. </div>
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Dedication eh? But needs must when the skies are the colour of last Sunday's dishwater. </div>
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Let me know below if you fancy joining in...</div>
silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com30tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-265974896129866632015-10-20T20:30:00.000+02:002015-10-20T21:01:46.326+02:00A crochet shawl that should be on prescription<div>
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I have crocheted another shawl.<br />
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Only this time it's serious </div>
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(and much <i>much</i> bigger).</div>
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When I made <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/my-first-finished-shawl.html">my first South Bay shawl</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/dottycookie">a friend</a> told me that it may be too tricky to tackle with my fledgling crochet skills. Which, of course, made me all the more determined to make one. Val was right really. At the time I found the pattern calculus-like in its complexity and would gaze at the pattern for hours, trying to translate the new language into stitches. I frogged metres of yarn and muttered many swears, but as I added more rows and the little arches of trebles and tiny woolly triangle grew, the movements of my hands as I made the stitches and the ways in which the elements of the pattern fitted together began to make sense.</div>
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At the time I remember marvelling at people who could actually <i>make crochet patterns up </i>though<i>.</i> How was such a thing even possible? It is surely tantamount to solving the riddle of the Higgs boson, but with hook and wool.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBs9H6H6o0BMu0LLrz7KV_FRHOWWVq71KiksDB9s0VpH36i5iVvdyg7jD4q0xWaDcXktCkemAc_IF4aYMug8SgEx599tkp6ZYZ-Jt-NnepryMwz7Bj8MKfv-cM9ZKaP5kCuWxUIl0Zhw/s1600/SBS+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="568" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgBs9H6H6o0BMu0LLrz7KV_FRHOWWVq71KiksDB9s0VpH36i5iVvdyg7jD4q0xWaDcXktCkemAc_IF4aYMug8SgEx599tkp6ZYZ-Jt-NnepryMwz7Bj8MKfv-cM9ZKaP5kCuWxUIl0Zhw/s640/SBS+1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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When I came to 'break wool and weave in ends' on my first South Bay I had become so familiar with the pattern that I spotted it being worn by someone else in the street and recognised it immediately. I <i>nearly </i>asked her about her yarn choice and hoped for a spot of SB camaraderie, but crochet shyness held me back. Her version was made in super chunky yarn, was so large that it reached down to her waist and was made in a soft muted wool the colour of lichen. I had a pang of envy and inwardly planned to make another, larger SB.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgVl8YLIVf-2SOymWZ-ZvLWTI_OI1XnSgyUv9nMY8750WMro-mWGNPJ-l_w1cfuFP-sjQDL6jsEU9FPjiSu_ar2kTbm1vM5sdBeqrWvCFvXgPNN3zPAsiekqKKT9phKjZkyyIHePMguo/s1600/SBS+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgVl8YLIVf-2SOymWZ-ZvLWTI_OI1XnSgyUv9nMY8750WMro-mWGNPJ-l_w1cfuFP-sjQDL6jsEU9FPjiSu_ar2kTbm1vM5sdBeqrWvCFvXgPNN3zPAsiekqKKT9phKjZkyyIHePMguo/s640/SBS+8.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Something about the chunky smooshiness of this delicious, natural yarn (<a href="http://www.wyspinners.com/bluefaced-leicester-yarn-roving">chunky Blue Faced Leicester roving by the West Yorkshire Spinners</a>) makes my new shawl as cosy as a cardigan. What's even lovelier is that the fleeces of the Blue Faced Leicesters that graze on West Yorkshire hillsides seem to make the shawl <i>stripy</i>. The yarn colour shifts from cream, through grey skies to slate and to dark, weathered wood. As I've mentioned before, yarns that change colour avert woolly boredom for me and the dread UFO* doom.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUxwNcaij4DeTkdhF0LSeiQ4WuTc8fRwSnwq1wcvpJP5iMOYfprT7MVzM5RS7OD_dQHmmpXMbdAw3r4YFFNKuHRpyV1kxkyJP6T639dKDzAeGctP1Se_pUjihNz7aK2A_P-_C4HYCAJE/s1600/SBS+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqUxwNcaij4DeTkdhF0LSeiQ4WuTc8fRwSnwq1wcvpJP5iMOYfprT7MVzM5RS7OD_dQHmmpXMbdAw3r4YFFNKuHRpyV1kxkyJP6T639dKDzAeGctP1Se_pUjihNz7aK2A_P-_C4HYCAJE/s640/SBS+5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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As excellent as its snugness and stripes though is the meditative, soothing effect that this beautifully scalloped two row repeat has on the day's stresses. Once you've learned the pattern it's a project that can be turned to when cortisol levels are high, sunshine is nowhere and the dog just burgled the cake you made for tea. Making each lacy row helps to put trickiness aside, lets your brain breathe a sigh of relief and what's more your shoulders will thank you when you step out for a walk. This isn't the only crochet shawl pattern with a beautiful repeat though: the <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/schultertuch---dreieckstuch">German Scallop</a>, <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/virus-shawl---virustuch">Virus</a>, and a whole host of beautiful lacy scalloped two or three row repeat numbers are over on Pinterest and ravelry, like shelves full of gentle, cosy, woolly remedies.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFccRa6f9tQ-SRb6AdXE9ZAI5gY_7QxZfCfFanic_zha10cGSqgviJ4dC4ImPGBSRBCutPZyQtNAGq0FJ7Ft4fPeFFa4woXf97lAgYY1oxdHALZyOnOt_SAkoNSTrbSkCNR79Clr3tsI/s1600/IMG_9705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdFccRa6f9tQ-SRb6AdXE9ZAI5gY_7QxZfCfFanic_zha10cGSqgviJ4dC4ImPGBSRBCutPZyQtNAGq0FJ7Ft4fPeFFa4woXf97lAgYY1oxdHALZyOnOt_SAkoNSTrbSkCNR79Clr3tsI/s640/IMG_9705.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This excellent pattern has been a jumping off point - the beginning of an urge to design my own shawls. I'm keen to conjure super simple patterns though, that would appeal to beginners and seasoned wielders of yarn and hook alike. I've finished one (it's even been tested by a friend) and have been tinkering and twiddling with another.</div>
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*unfinished object</div>
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silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-18924739010722679162015-10-15T22:06:00.002+02:002015-10-16T09:53:56.705+02:00The instaretreat from meandorla - build your Instagram account<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS64KnHYn5-3rdNwqJ6f179H9qZVvg9JHh6Nm-OTlt3rCUq-q4dFNIWh2MyaOS-AHmhyD9ZIlqeZDUpKm2ejp6KhDc3yQnqt8czLYe78PXT7iw1-Zcisg7ofPZRcnm1tOBVlo4Nix65TA/s1600/IMG_9524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS64KnHYn5-3rdNwqJ6f179H9qZVvg9JHh6Nm-OTlt3rCUq-q4dFNIWh2MyaOS-AHmhyD9ZIlqeZDUpKm2ejp6KhDc3yQnqt8czLYe78PXT7iw1-Zcisg7ofPZRcnm1tOBVlo4Nix65TA/s640/IMG_9524.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Back in May I crept over to my Instagram account and peeped through the little square window. Many of <a href="http://domesticali.typepad.com/domesticali/2012/02/back-to-earth.html">my blog tribe of old</a> are over there, which is truly lovely as I miss connecting with them each day. I was posting, but sporadically. At the back of my mind was a niggling feeling. A sense that there was more to Instagram than polaroid-style filters and pictures of guinea pigs with hats on (although both of these things are excellent). </div>
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I began to roam about a bit. I found one or two accounts that reminded me of Toast catalogues. In this house these beautiful booklets are things to be savoured over a cup of tea when no one else is in the house. I sigh over them and wish I was standing in a Swedish cabin wearing hand knitted socks and a slubby apron-like smock looking out over sphagnum-covered tundra, rather then in messy little house in East Anglia (<span style="font-size: x-small;">although I think I might look a<i> teensy</i> bit cheerier about it</span>). I followed my nose through feed after feed of hand thrown pots, old typewriters, muted, lacy crochet, hand dyed yarn that made me yearn, mist-swathed stands of pine trees, gnarled wood and *deep breath* Actual Real Life Tundra.<br />
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Oh gawd. How would I get any work done?</div>
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I refound <a href="https://instagram.com/circleofpines/">Laura</a> (remember Nimble Fingers and Steady Eyebrows?) and was so thrilled to see <a href="https://instagram.com/_tracydowling_/">Tracy's </a>floristry shed take shape and be able to peep at <a href="https://instagram.com/dottycookie/">Val's</a> astonishing twig wrangling more frequently. Some new folk emerged whose feeds I loved. I marveled at the carving skills of <a href="http://stamps.in.hands/">stamps.in.hands</a>, I discovered Mirta of <a href="https://instagram.com/modernbotanics/">ModernBotanics</a>, who may well be as passionate as I am about plant forms and I also discovered the rather baffling Cult of The Unusual Spoon and Cup of Tea. (quirky, wonky or old spoons seem to be revered so much that I considered making some small silver numbers and posting pictures to see what would happen).</div>
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I also unearthed the utter joy that is the hashtag #lovelydeadcrap.<br />
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Autumn posy. Hashtag #lovelydeadcrap<br />
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Sara of <a href="https://instagram.com/me_and_orla/?hl=en">meandorla</a> had approx a bobillion* followers yet despite this apparent famousnessousness she seemed to be friendly and encouraging about IG. When I met her in real life she shared some tips on when might be best to post and how to make my feed extra bonny. I was keen to get a bit better at doing the little squares and she was very open about how to go about it which I found surprising and kind.</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/me_and_orla/?hl=en">Image by Sara Tasker.</a></span><br />
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This week she has launched a Free Thing of Great Excellence. The instaretreat is a seven step e-course focussed on sprucing up your feed, ensuring more folk see your photos, how to use hashtags, oh and all manner of immensely useful things. Sara's encouraging those joining in to use the hashtag #theinstaretreat on both IG and Twitter to share their images and thoughts.</div>
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It's informative, fun, you'll meet lovely people online, your IG feed will give you a snog of gratitude, as will your followers** and it WORKS***<br />
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<span style="color: #45818e;"><b>It is especially stupendous if you plan to use Instagram to bring more ace folk to your small craft business yard. </b></span><br />
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You can sign up any time <a href="http://meandorla.co.uk/the-instaretreat/">here </a>and it costs nothing, nowt, nixy, niente.<br />
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Best bargain you'll hear about all week.<br />
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*<span style="font-size: x-small;">may not be <i>quite </i>true</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">**snogs not guaranteed</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*** I know Sara's tips work because I've been taking her advice and my IG follower numbers have gone from approx 500 to nearly 4000 in around four months. This post is not sponsored, I'm just recommending a brilliant thing to those who may find it useful. </span><br />
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<br />silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-52396066864692856962015-10-13T18:52:00.000+02:002015-10-14T05:57:55.096+02:00Bookish botanical joy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Do you have books you reach for when you're having a tricksy day? </div>
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When the mountain of washing is higher than K2, your inbox is bulging like a duvet inside a string bag, you've a hacking cough and you've just run out of chocolate? </div>
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When the Bakeoff has just finished for another year and you feel a little like a slumped souffle?</div>
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Yes? So do I</div>
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I found The Concise British Flora in Colour in my Grandad's bookcase some time in 1978. The dust jacket drew me in - it's covered in wild roses. In general his shelves were lacking in reading matter suitable for a 6 year old - rather highbrow, lots of gardening, rows of dusty green and brown tomes but along with Edward Lear's Nonsense Omnibus (there was an old man with a beard) and an astonishing series of books about gems (diamonds!) and storms (BIG SPINNING WINDS!) the Concise British Flora became a favourite amongst his books.</div>
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It's a guidebook to wildflowers: always a good start, but there isn't a single photograph to be seen. Each and every species of wild and semi-domesticated flower was drawn and painted in meticulous detail by the author, the Reverend William Keble Martin, over a period of sixty years. It was published in 1965 when he was 88, only 7 years before I was born, and was an immediate bestseller yet it seems to have a timelessness to it: each page is like a Victorian botanical plate. In a way this makes sense as William Martin was born in 1877 when Queen Victoria was still on the throne and just as the passion for nature and obsession with collecting and cabinets of curiosity reached its peak. I suspect he absorbed the fascination with botany of those around him when he was young and he channeled this deference to and reverence for plantlife into this exquisite book.</div>
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The pages of the Concise British Flora never cease to make me gasp. It's not just the individual drawings that are beautiful, it's the arrangement of these small botanical studies en masse that instills wonder. Each plate is like a small botanical museum - a collection of pressed specimens, a peek into a Victorian collection. These images and this book have been with me for 37 years, yet this is such an enormous collection of drawings - over 1400, that there is always a new cluster of leaves to discover or the name of a tiny, humble, little wayside flower to learn. </div>
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This book has been a constant source of inspiration and botanical knowledge for me. Some pages I would adore as a curtain panels, some as prints and some I simply gaze at because of their intricacy. In many cases the most exquisite plates are the ones depicting weeds - small species that may live between paving slabs and that we step on each day without a thought.<br />
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This book taught me to squat down as a child and stare at wild plants, especially the smallest of them. </div>
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It taught me to appreciate the beauty in a tangled jumble of foliage and each year its pages are echoed in my own garden.</div>
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Finally this book has inspired many of my instagram images this year, and I've shared a few of them here.</div>
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I'm joining in with dear Laura at <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/year-books-october-2015/">Circle of Pinetrees</a>' wonderful A Year in Books project. This isn't just a book for October though, it's one to turn to all year round, for visual solace, inspiration and sheer handpainted wildflower joy.</div>
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<b>Note</b>: You may notice that my blog looks a little different. I did consider bringing in some swanky designers to attend to it but in the end I did it myself with some truly invaluable help from <a href="http://www.kimlawlercreative.com/">Kim Lawler</a> who installed my social media icons quicker than you can say cow parsley. Kim you are briller than a basket of tiny piglets. It seems modern in manner of e.g. a 3d pen or Metal Mickey but those little symbols in the top left hand corner there actually take you to my Instagram or Twitter feeds. I find this quite amazing. I didn't want this place to look overly shiny - the fabric in my header is some linen from my favourite quilt, but this online gaff of mine needed a new electronic frock so that I could step out here to have bloggish tea and cake a bit more often and not feel as though I was wearing my old pyjamas. </div>
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I'd love to hear what you think. </div>
silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-81077580142820856302015-09-18T09:16:00.000+02:002015-09-18T10:57:32.735+02:00Slow crochet - a Loop giveaway<div style="text-align: justify;">
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When I learned to crochet some three years ago I dreamed of blankets-huge ones to swaddle myself in and fall asleep under on a cold winter's afternoon,blankets I had made myself over many months and that one day I would perhaps give to my daughters when they left home: woolly heirlooms.<br />
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My first projects were modest and small: a coaster or two and a simple cowl for my smallest daughter. As my confidence grew I made the ubiquitous <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/my-first-finished-shawl.html">south bay shawlette</a> and a baby guinea pig designed by <a href="http://www.ravelry.com/designers/kati-galusz">Kati Galusz</a> who <a href="https://vine.co/v/OjjbBwEvFW2">starred in her own Vine</a> and whom I named Delia Sniff. I was nearly defeated by Delia's amigurumi sit-me-down but I hooked on.<br />
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The idea of a blanket rumbled and simmered. I feared my craft attention span may be too short to complete such a long term, large crochet project. I worried I may begin with good intentions and abandon the woolly ship when it was no bigger than a placemat - that it might languish forlornly under some new shiny woolliness.<br />
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To guard against the risk of technical trickiness cooling my blanketty fire I decided upon a single enormous Granny square: simple, reassuring and, hopefully big enough for a 5' 11" woman to nestle beneath. Then came the yarn decision. As my initial enthusiam waned I needed a backup factor to replace it. I reasoned that if my yarn with thick and voluptuous then my blanket would grow quickly and the excitement of seeing it expand with each row would prevent tragic blanket neglect.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Oh Loop how do I love thee, let me count the ways...</span><br />
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I had a meeting in London and found myself in Camden passage. Loop, arguably London's most beautiful yarn shop beckoned. Oh though, <a href="http://www.loopknitting.com/yarn/index.html">the yarn-filled shelves</a> held almost too much choice. I plunged my hand into cube after cube of delicious fibres. I gathered my thoughts and focussed on the chunky options. The jewel-like shades and gossamer softness of <a href="http://www.loopknittingshop.com/product/4469/Misti_Alpaca_Hand_Paint_Chunky">Misti alpaca handpaint</a> were hard to ignore. I stroked skein after skein in the colours of bluebells, faberge eggs, wintry lakes and then I spotted 'sky grey', like a watercolour of a Norfolk beach. Two skeins of this exquisitely soft, painterly yarn came home with me.<br />
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The granny square began to grow quickly and my fear of stitchy boredom was unfounded as the colour of the yarn shifted subtly with each stitch, from white, through aquamarine, cyan, grey and mossy green and back to white again. I hared through those first two skeins and my outsized granny square came to a halt. I yearned for more but decided to draw out the delicious process of making this blanket. Have you ever done this? It's the delay of woolly pleasure - luxuriating in the lovely process of hand making an object. I asked for a skein or two at Christmas and birthdays. I would buy one as a treat when we went on holiday, returning to Loop each time I was in London. The blanket grew steadily and I savoured every handpainted stitch.<br />
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I've been adding to my blanket for over a year and is not yet done. This may seem strange - there is usually guilt associated with unfinished objects but for me the end of yarn trailing from it holds the promise of more making joy, more beautiful stitches in the colours of sea and sky and rock. In fact despite the prospect of a deliciously thick, kitten-soft textile to swaddle myself in once it's done, I'll mourn the completion of this blanket slightly - I'll miss the sight of the yarn being looped steadily into clusters and each cluster into smallish duckegg blue bricks in the wall of the granny square. I'll miss each movement of my hook and each time I wind a skein around my thumb to make an exquisitely soft egg-like ball of yarn. Each small step of this project has been a sensory joy.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Loop's delicious interior</span><br />
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I'm utterly thrilled that Susan from <a href="http://www.loopknitting.com/">Loop</a> has offered a voucher for me to giveaway. £25 is a yarny spree, a skein of Misti alpaca and a beautiful crochet hook, a chance to visit this divine shop, either online or in person and dawdle over its beautiful shelves, knowing that you can skip off to checkout with glee carrying a real or virtual basket of soft goodness. You may enter below in four different ways (I know!) and the giveaway will be open until next Friday, 25th September when the clever Rafflecopter shenanigans will choose a woolly winner.<br />
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Best of all yarny luck...<br />
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<a class="rcptr" data-raflid="ee5b2ba71" data-template="" data-theme="classic" href="http://www.rafflecopter.com/rafl/display/ee5b2ba71/" id="rcwidget_mnx7n1yy" rel="nofollow">a Rafflecopter giveaway</a>
<script src="//widget-prime.rafflecopter.com/launch.js"></script></div>
silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com132tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-27323827999523877072015-09-04T11:28:00.001+02:002015-09-04T11:37:53.895+02:00Umbellifers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="text-align: justify;">This humble yet exquisite group of flowers have long been my favourites, They're enduring design muses, the unsung stars of the British hedgerow and have made their way into my collections </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/63592618/little-enamelled-agapanthus-necklace" style="text-align: justify;">several </a><a href="http://dogdaisychains.blogspot.co.uk/2010/01/midwinter-magic.html" style="text-align: justify;">times</a><span style="text-align: justify;">. </span><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/property/interiors/the-secret-history-of-lucienne-days-calyx-fabric-2279717.html" style="text-align: justify;">Lucienne Day</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> and </span><a href="http://www.angielewin.co.uk/" style="text-align: justify;">Angie Lewin</a><span style="text-align: justify;"> used them as the starting point for iconic surface pattern and print motifs.That delicate parasol-like shape stays stubbornly in my mind - I see it in the scallops of treble stitches in my current south bay shawl and it inspired my <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2015/08/how-to-crochet-cow-parsley-free-crochet.html">crochet umbel garland design</a>.</span><br />
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I've written about this exquisite groups of flower species over on Emma Harris's blog aquietstyle today. My piece is <a href="http://www.aquietstyle.co.uk/">here</a>.</div>
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Postscript: my studio and I were featured in the Guardian this week - part of a piece on female entrepreneurs and their sheds. Pop over <a href="http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/aug/31/shed-women-garden-female-entrepreneurs-business">here</a> for a read if you fancy finding out about the story of my small making space.</div>
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silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-29133212555659957022015-08-31T10:18:00.001+02:002015-08-31T11:24:02.631+02:00A month of photographs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVRshQd9eDc6xg0mlYQepm4wv8O9j5No_Yp_O9U98OmDRxJ_-rCtxpJlzlq_AtT5liGn8LVWrdcvcMaB000neMg-yPgUk372mfshTHAoKKLGlm_D7wZH5Pbf2bqS43EsEtVu1RBmcAq8/s1600/Making+july+1a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVRshQd9eDc6xg0mlYQepm4wv8O9j5No_Yp_O9U98OmDRxJ_-rCtxpJlzlq_AtT5liGn8LVWrdcvcMaB000neMg-yPgUk372mfshTHAoKKLGlm_D7wZH5Pbf2bqS43EsEtVu1RBmcAq8/s640/Making+july+1a.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images by:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/heatheryounguk/">Heatheryounguk</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lillalivetandme/">Lillilivetandme</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lillalinaea/">Lillalinaea</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/lamiacasanelvento/">Lamiacasanelvento</a>, <a href="http://b.o.sted/">b.o.sted</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/idamagntorn/">Idamagntorn</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/vjgarden/">vjgarden</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lindathepotter/">Lindathepotter</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/celiahartartist/">Celiahartartist</a></span><br />
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<span style="text-align: justify;">Back in May, despite my reservations and protestations to myself that I didn't have the time, I wandered over Instagram and began to be, for want of a lovelier phrase, a Regular User. I started posting every day and found that rather than being a bind, taking a picture or twelve and choosing one to post became part of my morning routine and something to savour. What's more, blogfriends of old are over there and each image is a mini post, a quick catch up with what they're making, baking growing or stitching. It's a very good place and I found I became rather hooked.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Hp9gTd9hfm1h8dWu2xv9LltKhHPOir7POUKDzqT-L8-Yo4_fVGF_3i2mG9e8BvCIE0kYJfengqu4t2ku9C9OHMUA182SFhSdIyuhKu56M0SqKAIDsos05dIyU-z1bR0EY_H7tgsK1w/s1600/Laura.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd8Hp9gTd9hfm1h8dWu2xv9LltKhHPOir7POUKDzqT-L8-Yo4_fVGF_3i2mG9e8BvCIE0kYJfengqu4t2ku9C9OHMUA182SFhSdIyuhKu56M0SqKAIDsos05dIyU-z1bR0EY_H7tgsK1w/s640/Laura.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small; text-align: justify;">Image by Laura of <a href="https://instagram.com/circleofpines/">circle of pines</a></span><br />
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<a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/">Laura</a> and I first met online in 2009, or was it 2008? Anyway, we first connected long ago in the days of blogging yore when my girls were very tiny and this online journal lark was still rather new to me. She commissioned a <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2011/07/pixie-tea.html">necklace</a>, and it was an honour to make it for her. Then she moved blog home to <a href="http://circleofpinetrees.com/">Circle of Pinetrees</a>, became an accomplished Instagram early adopter, and we rather lost touch. How lovely then, to have rediscovered her beautiful, restful images and begin to chat again via Instagram. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUmp-zvS3GMcxFa3y-H7Z_wWag3k2wbm75hJ74Chf0v44j0yl8xwCiFoikX-EeJuN-os9YLtUSyuXn-72tm-1zY-15HSP3AaoepLf9KQrW0CTlYTXljtiUxeJFN5jj9errkYcxRT-YqM/s1600/Making+july+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOUmp-zvS3GMcxFa3y-H7Z_wWag3k2wbm75hJ74Chf0v44j0yl8xwCiFoikX-EeJuN-os9YLtUSyuXn-72tm-1zY-15HSP3AaoepLf9KQrW0CTlYTXljtiUxeJFN5jj9errkYcxRT-YqM/s640/Making+july+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images by:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://rock.paper.love/">rock.paper.love</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sewrecycled/">sewrecycled</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/maisondevere/">maisondevere</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/littlegreenshed/">littlegreenshed</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/me_and_orla/">meandorla</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/c_colli/">c_colli</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/happylittlefeather/">happylittlefeather</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/maisondevere/">maisondevere</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/wealdblog/">wealdblog</a></span><br />
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Rather shyly I emailed her suggesting we run a small Instagram project together during July -a celebration of what makes those few weeks joyous: making, scampering, sandcastling, cake-eating, stitching, collecting, harvesting, growing and well, all the good things about that excellent holiday-ish month. She agreed, which was excellent, and I did a small dance of glee and then we shared our plan on the internet.</div>
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Around 1300 images were submitted for Making July. As an Instagram new girl I was utterly gobsmacked and thrilled. I barely knew how to add a hashtag (or as <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Unbreakable_Kimmy_Schmidt">Kimmy</a> calls them 'hashbrowns'). <a href="https://instagram.com/explore/tags/makingjuly/">The Making July feed</a> quickly became a truly gorgeous place to visit. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9F6KugYIFWqV3PHucKPWWZOl37FBo4DjNd1TgqHtMy0y_9E_p-UwQ06ihjtgaw3d4PECHQgIMbVYGOegfn7OQCmbuvv37hghSVuK-eA2QLPTEkcZAxnXvdE7i4iBSftMu5ZkCSIxDVY/s1600/Making+July+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgt9F6KugYIFWqV3PHucKPWWZOl37FBo4DjNd1TgqHtMy0y_9E_p-UwQ06ihjtgaw3d4PECHQgIMbVYGOegfn7OQCmbuvv37hghSVuK-eA2QLPTEkcZAxnXvdE7i4iBSftMu5ZkCSIxDVY/s640/Making+July+3.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Images by:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/lp_lisalisa/">lp_lisalisa</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/canarychina/">canarychina</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/suerap_art/">suerap_art</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/ceramicmagpie/">ceramicmagpie</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/lewesmap/">lewesmap</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/sew_simone/">sew_simone</a></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://instagram.com/jannickeeline/">janickeeline</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/bristolparentingcafe/">bristol parenting cafe</a>, <a href="https://instagram.com/anskye/">anskye</a></span><br />
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In the last day or three (it has taken a w.h.i.l.e) Laura and I have chosen our favourite images from this joy-giving collection. It was almost impossible to decide and I fretted and machinated and paced for some hours yesterday. Finally I selected 27 beautiful pictures that capture the sheer summery happiness and then gnawed on my fingernails whilst struggled to whittle them down further to just two.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSICQ54TMwbf9GMozeJkN9jvQ2HOtin0WKpbPV-Y6P1T3xrHaTOy6tT2aFZUaQiCw9Yee4fv6CNgdNbWiHZ4mngQwIk6fuBF26yGB58EtmdSIAyKwvoJJHcBk3fMhp54Pi7_sIDSNhs8U/s1600/winner+lewesmap+warm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="634" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSICQ54TMwbf9GMozeJkN9jvQ2HOtin0WKpbPV-Y6P1T3xrHaTOy6tT2aFZUaQiCw9Yee4fv6CNgdNbWiHZ4mngQwIk6fuBF26yGB58EtmdSIAyKwvoJJHcBk3fMhp54Pi7_sIDSNhs8U/s640/winner+lewesmap+warm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This image by <a href="https://instagram.com/lewesmap/">@Lewesmap</a> of cherries ready to be eaten and <a href="https://instagram.com/vjgarden/">@vjgarden</a>'s wonderful picture of a little walnut boat were the ones that stood out for me. Frankly I want to scoff the cherries and then sail this little boat in a puddle or stream. My girls made similar boats, with sails made of ferns, at Cod Beck North Yorkshire two weeks ago. Oh summer, you fickle fiend. It's absolutely tipping it down outside our bedroom window as I type this. The cherries and sparkling water are nowhere. Grey, dreich skies and puddles are evident. I'm having a slightly wistful July-based reverie.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_eG4W1Gcscrmi7EbZ_Po4raxEPl5mNCoEyUoJZ9LYy_Cvz4HrpmztGUjZrZXEntFyIQ3hJ607876M5CVxDTPLmXa2U4grV_VwksiaVoPSeHv7BiXG9ye2UYDBlrc7jNtpMlail40lCs/s1600/grey+vggarden.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ_eG4W1Gcscrmi7EbZ_Po4raxEPl5mNCoEyUoJZ9LYy_Cvz4HrpmztGUjZrZXEntFyIQ3hJ607876M5CVxDTPLmXa2U4grV_VwksiaVoPSeHv7BiXG9ye2UYDBlrc7jNtpMlail40lCs/s640/grey+vggarden.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Laura has also chosen two exquisite favourites, by <a href="https://instagram.com/lillalinaea/">@lillalinaea</a> and <a href="https://instagram.com/harryandfrank/">@harryandfrank</a>. Images of small hands busily playing with shells and some heavenly-looking lavender shortbread. They're seasonal moments that capture July wonderfully.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOBfRjEA80Y15HNEClEhyphenhyphenfNvpdp-AGp2j12B1_VtsSVrM_fYkAYGeUPBzmlR0P3VpgLmakGbANOwRsqD3PvcMokodjFOIuvVEe2LLRLupmdG1gYU1K0aRvVsX-_Xwf5UEdl00VTosHzg/s1600/Grey+lillalinaea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="608" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHOBfRjEA80Y15HNEClEhyphenhyphenfNvpdp-AGp2j12B1_VtsSVrM_fYkAYGeUPBzmlR0P3VpgLmakGbANOwRsqD3PvcMokodjFOIuvVEe2LLRLupmdG1gYU1K0aRvVsX-_Xwf5UEdl00VTosHzg/s640/Grey+lillalinaea.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'll be making charm necklaces for the four winners - fine silver feathers perhaps, acorns or forget-me-nots, wrens or little autumnal twigs. It's their choice</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUXcryweqvlGeHCIIe03-Q0qFyDTsmGS6VBx60BZ-4iXpb9BDdrT4RdFXy4batfU0MV27JkfAIF-tADB_OgF68OgS3QYDiF9jI_8piygBHKw4TSPTWKSK0ko3lR-vYXgyNG8GCrBufMM/s1600/harry+and+frank.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="636" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibUXcryweqvlGeHCIIe03-Q0qFyDTsmGS6VBx60BZ-4iXpb9BDdrT4RdFXy4batfU0MV27JkfAIF-tADB_OgF68OgS3QYDiF9jI_8piygBHKw4TSPTWKSK0ko3lR-vYXgyNG8GCrBufMM/s640/harry+and+frank.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Are you on Instagram? How do you find it compares to blogging? I'm <a href="https://instagram.com/silverpebble2/">@silverpebble2</a>. It would be great to see you over there and I highly recommend it as a soothing place to forget stresses and find both inspiration and excellent like-minded folk...(oh and our new guinea pigs)<br />
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Note: Lewesmap, vjgarden, harryandfrank, lillalinaea, please email me on emma@minniedog.co.uk and we can begin to plan your necklaces.</div>
silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8150719213861750049.post-60391703609086167862015-08-26T18:42:00.000+02:002015-08-26T18:45:23.979+02:00Staycation<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z9g8U1DbGNrPBg3yyccdrmAihV2nYPn50JUwK1VRE9730BB6oqvjy1-4G8zR29lO_KUinEaUhLHSr8QL3etlxsjIdVP6IttVNYxZ0QbTwN_ueKB1QZSbUMaZ4hcEfe4kSJpwSBMhjeE/s1600/Staycation+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Z9g8U1DbGNrPBg3yyccdrmAihV2nYPn50JUwK1VRE9730BB6oqvjy1-4G8zR29lO_KUinEaUhLHSr8QL3etlxsjIdVP6IttVNYxZ0QbTwN_ueKB1QZSbUMaZ4hcEfe4kSJpwSBMhjeE/s640/Staycation+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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This year we decided to stay right where we were for the summer holidays. We're saving up to make our two bedroom cottage a little bigger next year so exploring on our doorstep (with associated pyjama days with gargantuan pancake breakfasts, scampering in the garden and crochet) seemed like an excellent plan.</div>
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Have you been to West Runton beach in Norfolk? The rockpooling! The blennies! THE CRABS! Finding a sea anemone attached to a pebble, popping it in your bucket and watching its tentacles emerge is a source of rockpool joy. Youngest found a crab and called him 'Chicken Kebab'. Eldest caught a shrimp and declared that he was grumpy, so she called him 'Stinkeye'. Stinkeye, Chicken Kebab and two other crustaceans were placed in the same bucket. Unexpectedly a small pincer-ish melee ensued. Chicken Kebab did not fare well. I'll leave that slightly tragic story there...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoHUXfkq8mCob61Mr32Fr1rFcOeOQrC743-m6k9cU29ueAXiSktD72JFJAt85l7KdSafiVabzdjXePKEyq_fInv7AU85bq_gdemhtNXV6xI5uSXynWtCWivlMEq-ZoPHwGYa7uwiIg2U/s1600/Staycation+6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNoHUXfkq8mCob61Mr32Fr1rFcOeOQrC743-m6k9cU29ueAXiSktD72JFJAt85l7KdSafiVabzdjXePKEyq_fInv7AU85bq_gdemhtNXV6xI5uSXynWtCWivlMEq-ZoPHwGYa7uwiIg2U/s640/Staycation+6.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Lenny blenny and Penny Blenny.</span><br />
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My very first crocheted shawl was a <a href="http://silverpebble-jewellery.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/my-first-finished-shawl.html">South Bay Shawlette</a>. Have you tried this pattern? Its two row repeat is brilliant - it grows quickly and looks so fancy-ish and lacy that passers by are sure to ooh and ahh at your astonishing hook-ish skills. Also, you can channel Miss Matty to excellent effect whilst wearing it *adjusts day cap*. In reality it's quite a simple series of chains and clusters of trebles. I began a new South Bay during my staycation as a woolly treat. I skipped off to The Sheep Shop and bought three skeins of the beautifully soft undyed Blue faced Leicester chunky roving. It's coming along nicely and making my lap cosy as the evenings grow slightly chillier. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE31wHUQKelhhuPb367TzThqAfRY8SEC7srrzMmH8csx0B7Oi4xy8KVglP4StmBjHeEtBI1n_9RC7ckBfYOFvUIUouql3lW6cY2c97BknP8ERHPnhORdbsg3y9-prnpeUy7pOrT8aIAoo/s1600/Staycation+7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE31wHUQKelhhuPb367TzThqAfRY8SEC7srrzMmH8csx0B7Oi4xy8KVglP4StmBjHeEtBI1n_9RC7ckBfYOFvUIUouql3lW6cY2c97BknP8ERHPnhORdbsg3y9-prnpeUy7pOrT8aIAoo/s640/Staycation+7.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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During our holiday-at-home spent a fair amount of time in two very familiar yet excellent places.<br />
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The wood behind our cottage, where we discovered small clouds of butterflies during the golden hour and Minnie the dog (now 15 and in her sprightly dotage) pretended to be a top predator as ever, but in reality scampered about a bit and burgled blackberries from the bushes.<br />
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We burgled some too of course...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlocwe_03hE-mihCUObFYzLlXprVzlkM5vEOiZddmbxj_LMPVWS_cNLbbYFx1J0LzOnEpbnBZe6e7BPs4GfUG-YsjN6GDDL53xoWxWTYdiaV7M2x7oEnaU0z-EjFx-mzL9unEynxO2ZOQ/s1600/Staycation+11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="504" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlocwe_03hE-mihCUObFYzLlXprVzlkM5vEOiZddmbxj_LMPVWS_cNLbbYFx1J0LzOnEpbnBZe6e7BPs4GfUG-YsjN6GDDL53xoWxWTYdiaV7M2x7oEnaU0z-EjFx-mzL9unEynxO2ZOQ/s640/Staycation+11.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The garden and my shed/studio. It's a small box of holiday at the end of the garden. We always feel relaxed in this little space. There's been lego-ing, barbeque-scoffing, lolling, napping and sheltering from rainstorms up there. It may not be a beach hut but watching the dog dozing on the lawn next to my cutting patch (whilst eating a chunk of cake and sipping a gin) was <i>almost</i> as good as a view of the sea. Almost.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXauAVnQ-5Y4Gey3UjM7eTT4c8lDktpvy2rF0-KYWRLg9Eejwf5jIyRSWXwyngqF9ueibBsOL8jqa8MH-wgFlpNl-0yWv9vLJXTQ_hFz2gJjgPtc7R01S9vW0lR5j1LoIk0CkffiMU08U/s1600/Staycation+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXauAVnQ-5Y4Gey3UjM7eTT4c8lDktpvy2rF0-KYWRLg9Eejwf5jIyRSWXwyngqF9ueibBsOL8jqa8MH-wgFlpNl-0yWv9vLJXTQ_hFz2gJjgPtc7R01S9vW0lR5j1LoIk0CkffiMU08U/s640/Staycation+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Finally I have been on a small baking odyssey during our break. I made scones for only the second time ever. Have you ever eaten a dense, baking powder-bitter scone in a teashop? I've had plenty and having made tragic pancake-like scones that tasted as though they were made entirely from neutrons on my first try 15 years ago I felt the scone fear. I tried a recipe involving a squeeze of lemon in the milk, added zest to the mix and used cranberries instead of rasins and they were a light fluffy joy with a delicious crust. In fact we had them for breakfast the next day, after which the entire batch had disappeared.<br />
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Despite my reservations we do feel refreshed and ready for the *whispers* A-word which I can feel creeping round the corner.<br />
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Have you ever had a staycation? What did you get up to?silverpebblehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01456289271322986540noreply@blogger.com16