tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65956070443181770302024-02-18T21:50:03.663-08:00Redeem CreationsBeautiful things from the fabric of lifeNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-18003762122475650082014-03-20T05:42:00.000-07:002014-03-20T06:45:17.351-07:00The January Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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For over a year, files around my house, on my computer and even a board on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/naomiwelch/january-wedding/">Pinterest</a> have been titled simply "January Wedding". Friends of the bride and groom may have guessed that this board, crammed full of inspiration and tutorials was indeed to help plan the decor for the lovely Reuben and Jens' wedding.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Acres
of bunting.... I think there are about 160 metres in total, which was
strung up all around the venue and really helped to provide for a warm
cosy feeling by bringing the high ceiling down a little.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bouquets in the making - a lovely day spent with one of my besties cutting, sticking and generally playing with pretty things to create the bouquets!</td></tr>
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Such a wonderful privilege to be invited to take part in the preparation of a wedding - and nothing quite beats the fun and excitement of being involved! So, early last year when Reuben and Jen asked me to help, I was thrilled!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Buttonholes and all important pins all wrapped up and ready to go.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The buttonholes ready to be delivered.</td></tr>
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The wedding was set for January and we began playing around with ideas and finding out what was possible and what would provide for a creative, fun and beautiful day which expressed Reuben and Jen's love for each other. Right from the beginning, we knew that the day would more than likely be cold, so we wanted guests to feel cosy and comfortable at the reception venue, a local Village Hall in the lovely little West Sussex village of Lodsworth.<br />
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I had spent a long time wondering how to light the hall, as I knew it was still winter and the reception was at 4pm. I didn't want full on ceiling strip lights, but I wasn't sure if there were dimmer switches! I decided on as many fairy lights as possible, including battery operated ones strung inside the vintage lampshade. And then about 100 or so candles in pretty lace covered jars. It was just as well we had these all ready to go, as at about 5pm, a mini tornado swept through West Sussex and took out power to the hall! Guests were quickly handed jars of lit candles and along with the lampshades twinkling above our heads (and a generator for the essentials of heating and sound, rapidly sourced from the vicinity!) there was just enough light to carry on with the rest of the celebrations. I actually think this made for an even cosier and more memorable day......even if I needn't have spent several months worrying about whether the hall had dimmer switches!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cosy glow!</td></tr>
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If you're anything like me at this point, you'll be skipping through the wordy bit and looking at the photos....and as I have rather a lot of them, this is going to be a heavy on the visual post. Just to say, the whole things was a pleasure to be involved in from start to finish and I wish Reuben and Jen every happiness as they begin their married life together.<br />
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A special moment......<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VFOk7OdOp65MyqaoT0aflNoyog0Dqx7TrIbI6Z8uQ2qAlpfPOJGB1XrsUSVnfSa75R2sn9ozFiNfldSAtf3-hxMCWvOmVFbiDL8TlVbouzh-N-SuU0Oddfv0xHAJxIQruwL7JJkKin-u/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-115.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VFOk7OdOp65MyqaoT0aflNoyog0Dqx7TrIbI6Z8uQ2qAlpfPOJGB1XrsUSVnfSa75R2sn9ozFiNfldSAtf3-hxMCWvOmVFbiDL8TlVbouzh-N-SuU0Oddfv0xHAJxIQruwL7JJkKin-u/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-115.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen had asked me to make some of the flowers in each bridesmaid's bouquet out of a letter she wrote to each one of them individually. Before they departed, the bridesmaids had a moment to read the words Jen had penned for her.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen's bouquet contained roses made out of the prayers her friends and family had written for her. A really special way of carrying the love your precious ones with you on the day.</td></tr>
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The groom getting ready.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuben's older brother pinning on his buttonhole</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The groomsmen had matching, but slightly different paper flower buttonhole.</td></tr>
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The bridesmaids arrive....... <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giyZCC6p-bI/UyoV3OHT-ZI/AAAAAAAADmY/Q-RfjdieyLc/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-153.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-giyZCC6p-bI/UyoV3OHT-ZI/AAAAAAAADmY/Q-RfjdieyLc/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-153.jpg" height="320" width="231" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Uncle Bob's red mini having another wedding outing! Doesn't it look perfect on the country lanes?</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The beautiful bridesmaids, wearing their vintage inspired dresses.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtUxeSG0AKk/UyoYjux7nsI/AAAAAAAADm0/tF0o_y6D96s/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-160.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PtUxeSG0AKk/UyoYjux7nsI/AAAAAAAADm0/tF0o_y6D96s/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-160.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paper bouquets were wrapped with subtly hues of braid. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I think she's here!</td></tr>
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The bride arrives.....<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen and her Dad arriving at the church</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first view of the Beautiful Jen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The bouquets were a mix of papers, feathers, buttons and scrabble tiles with the bridesmaid's initials</td></tr>
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Freshly married!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fI4lmZ8x0vg/UyokuuHuoEI/AAAAAAAADns/Q7BvpZ_mHj4/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-271.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-fI4lmZ8x0vg/UyokuuHuoEI/AAAAAAAADns/Q7BvpZ_mHj4/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-271.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Absolutely stunning bride and....</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh_c90c1JBs/Uyojzz52h9I/AAAAAAAADnk/zodvwVc5TWY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-272.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nh_c90c1JBs/Uyojzz52h9I/AAAAAAAADnk/zodvwVc5TWY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-272.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">.....her dashing young groom!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss2IYIZFynwYYfp-yzEioDmI7fzJTMS1EXfuUohkmqdS3cR0Q7S_KOC6kc328ITNyMF45qkOnkycfa4G42CAcOtL7a34VDcnXeWkY54OPu1techqx90Eomy_hq_6Ns9I2rvyYsfRJ9jqa/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-258.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjss2IYIZFynwYYfp-yzEioDmI7fzJTMS1EXfuUohkmqdS3cR0Q7S_KOC6kc328ITNyMF45qkOnkycfa4G42CAcOtL7a34VDcnXeWkY54OPu1techqx90Eomy_hq_6Ns9I2rvyYsfRJ9jqa/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-258.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was a rather windy day!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHy35LLBgHI/Uyock2nfq5I/AAAAAAAADnM/27qEr2CqOmk/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-264.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-aHy35LLBgHI/Uyock2nfq5I/AAAAAAAADnM/27qEr2CqOmk/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-264.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Churchyard photos in the bluster!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQimT1e0ra67PKPy0DBbgu4jxGOUndSpHqZBeSqDJDkYPpowXAFe2nGPhAhn6tzD1UyrpscxwlfLjsBQaq28j2T6XjDdVwpSJ02e_jkzgSuWkvNuov2h-AXbpbmFIFLFJZ2YhDPdDOVQE/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-273.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvQimT1e0ra67PKPy0DBbgu4jxGOUndSpHqZBeSqDJDkYPpowXAFe2nGPhAhn6tzD1UyrpscxwlfLjsBQaq28j2T6XjDdVwpSJ02e_jkzgSuWkvNuov2h-AXbpbmFIFLFJZ2YhDPdDOVQE/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-273.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Reuben and Jen had their photos taken in Petworth Park - a short hop over the wall from the church in Tillington.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And on to the venue.....<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_1BjEQpP74/UyorPcmVlCI/AAAAAAAADn8/2GPD_VGHVqg/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-305.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q_1BjEQpP74/UyorPcmVlCI/AAAAAAAADn8/2GPD_VGHVqg/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-305.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The decorated venue, ready for guests.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CAgGDGpvG7mNv-zI8nev4tEoJz5XMK-aYVdhVYzAqrZrAYGU31uI-MKu8cskRHMVReD_8TAuxypB570UjWru56qI35lq8quFK5kQMiLfBheh-c3AMY5PkJxMutUTfPc8sSXsqODerZRQ/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-341.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1CAgGDGpvG7mNv-zI8nev4tEoJz5XMK-aYVdhVYzAqrZrAYGU31uI-MKu8cskRHMVReD_8TAuxypB570UjWru56qI35lq8quFK5kQMiLfBheh-c3AMY5PkJxMutUTfPc8sSXsqODerZRQ/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-341.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A warm welcome for the guests.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WnHHm0mFrtv29QHxLU-eQgL8bC5PT3hN2mPL0ILUAGo-Ru160GtoGTnJvVC1RXDy5Nke-Abpcwy8Kv88xpgIOZ4_9qu1Er7bWy-E6UXjxmNcjFhJIf_eXnJ-2qlWdAxErSuPmLVz04SR/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-299.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WnHHm0mFrtv29QHxLU-eQgL8bC5PT3hN2mPL0ILUAGo-Ru160GtoGTnJvVC1RXDy5Nke-Abpcwy8Kv88xpgIOZ4_9qu1Er7bWy-E6UXjxmNcjFhJIf_eXnJ-2qlWdAxErSuPmLVz04SR/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-299.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the themes of the decor was words and blackboards, so I put lots of little quotations on the table and around the walls. A simple idea which hopefully provided for conversation through the day.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV3CqwfAK4/Uyo9AO7GGRI/AAAAAAAADqY/vhLUisTNfhM/s1600/2014-01-24+21.13.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV3CqwfAK4/Uyo9AO7GGRI/AAAAAAAADqY/vhLUisTNfhM/s1600/2014-01-24+21.13.33.jpg" height="320" width="177" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiz7lnxBf4ccAU0th-cKDCqgNeRcdClp1nlnyEBdlsyCbBOm7OpMWPWhi5FOc5ix7gbIduDliQ9NVTG85_PGKj9gwsYOFNqXqT8DbqI1NCppY3z32rpk2k9OW3IfOpt4texH62CWyZ3P8/s1600/2014-01-24+21.13.44.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYiz7lnxBf4ccAU0th-cKDCqgNeRcdClp1nlnyEBdlsyCbBOm7OpMWPWhi5FOc5ix7gbIduDliQ9NVTG85_PGKj9gwsYOFNqXqT8DbqI1NCppY3z32rpk2k9OW3IfOpt4texH62CWyZ3P8/s1600/2014-01-24+21.13.44.jpg" height="320" width="156" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-agV3CqwfAK4/Uyo9AO7GGRI/AAAAAAAADqY/vhLUisTNfhM/s1600/2014-01-24+21.13.33.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_93yLJur0I1SKRep3TOSYuUxa2woWUHY1Iwy2H4jR40UodL6bGIkcls1Yi7_4KXFwM4hZYdYSFA1yRGQKpoGH9ennINKKXCKMSqC-seaqxA3oCW6FVB9K_9iTECDan-5mh9YXha-35qe6/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-302.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_93yLJur0I1SKRep3TOSYuUxa2woWUHY1Iwy2H4jR40UodL6bGIkcls1Yi7_4KXFwM4hZYdYSFA1yRGQKpoGH9ennINKKXCKMSqC-seaqxA3oCW6FVB9K_9iTECDan-5mh9YXha-35qe6/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-302.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Simple tin cans covered in book pages and paper flowers</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpz68Qyr-FNRz5w5CJgLZRQqZsF0T7uktH7ZYSORoT9pCMkIghAl20a5z_icOM-5Km-9PJZPP3UKcuJL_HskGOXbl_1aUKrLiLf-Z65G-fAY1cGner57A8m0t4FeSQS7ArZkWi8RPqOuz/s1600/2014-01-24+21.11.58.jpg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwpz68Qyr-FNRz5w5CJgLZRQqZsF0T7uktH7ZYSORoT9pCMkIghAl20a5z_icOM-5Km-9PJZPP3UKcuJL_HskGOXbl_1aUKrLiLf-Z65G-fAY1cGner57A8m0t4FeSQS7ArZkWi8RPqOuz/s1600/2014-01-24+21.11.58.jpg" height="228" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Weddings such a lovely way for people to feel they can contribute....these lovely little primulas were arranged by our florist freind Caroline, who was just weeks away from giving birth! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXzYLbvei_hMZ8WuEZpxWyQ-Gu09pTMdtZHcADmfmunuGQ_Dhafrbw7-l_FMdofqFPUgIhzJN6MVwXO8ufKQMtYokhW4WqZO_9Bbb9iv83rcDCVwuGAVUpExUk-1jnH2PC85QFKoxCVak/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjXzYLbvei_hMZ8WuEZpxWyQ-Gu09pTMdtZHcADmfmunuGQ_Dhafrbw7-l_FMdofqFPUgIhzJN6MVwXO8ufKQMtYokhW4WqZO_9Bbb9iv83rcDCVwuGAVUpExUk-1jnH2PC85QFKoxCVak/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-315.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tables were covered in hessian and then layered with a multitude of vintage tablecloths</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfN_NfGLFSKhAhpoGz9sSzZus7VCeXHI4PZ0uSJdy2_r5EHhDo_qSPI7TOCcQvch-9JQ3sPyb-sUobxnshK8ZWAaP78gTpLwp7bIutXB9N7mC0OCXTciwB2ULjfInMeh23QCIoaw23_1r/s1600/2014-01-24+21.12.10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWfN_NfGLFSKhAhpoGz9sSzZus7VCeXHI4PZ0uSJdy2_r5EHhDo_qSPI7TOCcQvch-9JQ3sPyb-sUobxnshK8ZWAaP78gTpLwp7bIutXB9N7mC0OCXTciwB2ULjfInMeh23QCIoaw23_1r/s1600/2014-01-24+21.12.10.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage
lampshades were strung with gorgeous pastel coloured ribbons from the
beams above the hall, having been painted white and wrapped in braid.
Some of the larger shades were strung with battery operated fairy lights, which was perfect when the power went out!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5efCJm7zPAs/UyoGwpHWT-I/AAAAAAAADko/JSb0jsWcxFY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5efCJm7zPAs/UyoGwpHWT-I/AAAAAAAADko/JSb0jsWcxFY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-316.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZDwKimr2r0/Uyo2O1ddbDI/AAAAAAAADoo/80VOgoVo1Jw/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7ZDwKimr2r0/Uyo2O1ddbDI/AAAAAAAADoo/80VOgoVo1Jw/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-308.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzXIZ28u_6YBMDFOQPELakfqU041vGfBJ7WEgBU8F0xJHrHXKbR7AFeS2gwCGvx2nEgQ1UnklV_X9zMDfMVaV7kgUv2r32bfh68c8j0nDXXqEjcM2osYI1Ifv38CbCfrxgDIZ554qEpQ0/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-306.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkzXIZ28u_6YBMDFOQPELakfqU041vGfBJ7WEgBU8F0xJHrHXKbR7AFeS2gwCGvx2nEgQ1UnklV_X9zMDfMVaV7kgUv2r32bfh68c8j0nDXXqEjcM2osYI1Ifv38CbCfrxgDIZ554qEpQ0/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-306.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A
last minute thought to add a touch of "freshness" to the proceedings! I
gathered armfuls of viburnum from my neighbour's garden, which was just
coming into bloom. The dusky pink and cream colours worked perfectly.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
The Stage is set......<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czGibjWfdfQ/UyoKHnnF6FI/AAAAAAAADk8/2CAqV7LFsC8/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-317.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-czGibjWfdfQ/UyoKHnnF6FI/AAAAAAAADk8/2CAqV7LFsC8/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-317.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The "last minute" card s and presents area. I had actually transported much of the decor in these suitcases, so when Jen asked for somewhere for guests to put cards at 8pm the night before the wedding, I piled them high and made a string of paper bunting....cute!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKNCPS_XFP8/UyoLEJbc4jI/AAAAAAAADlE/TIVyTUcBxjw/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-eKNCPS_XFP8/UyoLEJbc4jI/AAAAAAAADlE/TIVyTUcBxjw/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-318.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The stage area of the hall was also used for guest seating and still had the black "flats" or drapes at either side - which actually worked really well once the paper word bunting and fairy lights were hung up!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF0V_m2AE0s/UyorqJ8jD1I/AAAAAAAADoE/vlnDoJvORVI/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-307.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CF0V_m2AE0s/UyorqJ8jD1I/AAAAAAAADoE/vlnDoJvORVI/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-307.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nJOBFU0BmGuUow-UML8Q5b_G5rt-cvK8SJuK_2aGmh8MTkuxDQkT2XekF8ZKEwF_uXdH8sTDS0tTRxZaK9RgbhgJNTyUjEA-SCgXzSLAGyX_nT36SHRfM7IoJznFEqKoNwJ0qsJnR4rp/s1600/2014-01-24+21.12.38.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3nJOBFU0BmGuUow-UML8Q5b_G5rt-cvK8SJuK_2aGmh8MTkuxDQkT2XekF8ZKEwF_uXdH8sTDS0tTRxZaK9RgbhgJNTyUjEA-SCgXzSLAGyX_nT36SHRfM7IoJznFEqKoNwJ0qsJnR4rp/s1600/2014-01-24+21.12.38.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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Let the games commence!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OaoXSNISTw8v6GWuk_Q3RYcRqwSrMCh9ZtdaFMuE_SBcpDKKIA4KV3o0S45e4oG_qVjvq8mhMBgpH6PpNoUSDa5c-_zfDu6aUGBtw11FeH9h-O7W9P1Z3ExTyycb_Gq-9kb8HG7v96Ud/s1600/2014-01-24+21.11.08.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5OaoXSNISTw8v6GWuk_Q3RYcRqwSrMCh9ZtdaFMuE_SBcpDKKIA4KV3o0S45e4oG_qVjvq8mhMBgpH6PpNoUSDa5c-_zfDu6aUGBtw11FeH9h-O7W9P1Z3ExTyycb_Gq-9kb8HG7v96Ud/s1600/2014-01-24+21.11.08.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRPOzSuhEVc/UyrVIogi8PI/AAAAAAAADr4/bpCm0sO8YiU/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-314.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zRPOzSuhEVc/UyrVIogi8PI/AAAAAAAADr4/bpCm0sO8YiU/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-314.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwCpOZWQdLo/Uyof6MqL4oI/AAAAAAAADnY/8gqQhRt05ok/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-304.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dwCpOZWQdLo/Uyof6MqL4oI/AAAAAAAADnY/8gqQhRt05ok/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-304.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Guests
were invited to take a game from the two vintage tea trolleys in the
venue. Dominoes, connect 4, pick up sticks and chalk and slate mazes.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_yiQ2fN2IY/Uyo9osntezI/AAAAAAAADqo/SneRK5RDQtM/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-354.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h_yiQ2fN2IY/Uyo9osntezI/AAAAAAAADqo/SneRK5RDQtM/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-354.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
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The messages.....<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHFtFK0Qfz8/Uyo6r3CgVGI/AAAAAAAADps/FBAO4QZgSNU/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.10.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-AHFtFK0Qfz8/Uyo6r3CgVGI/AAAAAAAADps/FBAO4QZgSNU/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.10.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This
vintage dressing table was a charity shop find, which was filled with
inspirational books, blank cards and pens and topped with a typewriter.
Guests were invited to write a message for the happy couple and then
hang it on the fairy lights above.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYI52XA-Pys/Uyo61NN32fI/AAAAAAAADp0/_5w17_Vf27o/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.20.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EYI52XA-Pys/Uyo61NN32fI/AAAAAAAADp0/_5w17_Vf27o/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.20.jpg" height="191" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_QkBbsQWDANUR99iU4acIfydJtIj0A4I_MddMSAU__Sk0N9gwq2QM5AwKTcO2BDzRAItD5MjINGrmRefmeVviDY8chySUKoha27ZG67u9GFZxGV2Lmp-hXUyuX4p5UCwbDhUj3qHCP2k/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-346.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_QkBbsQWDANUR99iU4acIfydJtIj0A4I_MddMSAU__Sk0N9gwq2QM5AwKTcO2BDzRAItD5MjINGrmRefmeVviDY8chySUKoha27ZG67u9GFZxGV2Lmp-hXUyuX4p5UCwbDhUj3qHCP2k/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-346.jpg" height="282" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A guest composing a message on the vintage type writer.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp_wlTPDScKv3otFpsyi5wbgn-yQ4YnIXfkV3eFJHWY_urjnF-FpPl-lXhdcTRmb0CCdNgtXO0WEPDN7JiGE7F8cvgyum7Z9ozaUgjBnYWB3v1JZEFo_mhiqoeP6lMwCdwbwy5bCBcWoO/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.42.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlp_wlTPDScKv3otFpsyi5wbgn-yQ4YnIXfkV3eFJHWY_urjnF-FpPl-lXhdcTRmb0CCdNgtXO0WEPDN7JiGE7F8cvgyum7Z9ozaUgjBnYWB3v1JZEFo_mhiqoeP6lMwCdwbwy5bCBcWoO/s1600/2014-01-24+21.09.42.jpg" height="320" width="191" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPUBISsamg8/Uyo5Gm0BS-I/AAAAAAAADo0/Ckm9aeif5AY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-363.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-SPUBISsamg8/Uyo5Gm0BS-I/AAAAAAAADo0/Ckm9aeif5AY/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-363.jpg" height="256" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Speeches....Nothing quite as beautiful as a radiant bride laughing!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So....what an amazing experience to be part of. It's always a pleasure to work to create a beautiful wedding day, especially for two such wonderful people. It was an honour. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIAPCb34YJY/Uyo6qRix1JI/AAAAAAAADpk/lClqTRgi3h0/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QIAPCb34YJY/Uyo6qRix1JI/AAAAAAAADpk/lClqTRgi3h0/s1600/SnellerChesterWedding2014-313.jpg" height="320" width="212" /></a></div>
Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-29593482206859603972013-12-12T13:49:00.001-08:002013-12-12T13:49:15.030-08:00Slow Crafting....viva la revolution!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa5I96J8srk/Uqot8E3vSUI/AAAAAAAADjI/fbzfHlPxREM/s1600/IMAG1313.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Sa5I96J8srk/Uqot8E3vSUI/AAAAAAAADjI/fbzfHlPxREM/s320/IMAG1313.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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I've been mulling for a while on this one, and contemplating how to write a blog post without it sounding like a rant, or a moan, or digging myself a hole. And then along comes <a href="http://madeinlowell.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/paying-for-handmade-gentle-rant.html">Mill Girl</a> and says it all so elegantly and graciously, I hardly need to say anything else at all. Thank you Mill Girl. What you have said is important and appreciated!<br />
<br />
Not that her "gentle rant" needs adding to at all, but let me say a couple of things from a personal perspective.<br />
<br />
Making a living from a craft you are skilled in is both a gift and at the same time a source of anxiety. It truly is.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboxK8ugrbTMqKUIhXUPPghxAmB-ptggGK9rkOTgpPv2gvOr4vI7BkjEuiLeD4XS44XUpvJw5ZmRgJBXE6SooIwM2vIglSbO03fLm8w-idBnR6ZIIdrsCBHCzziiw1H30etXExX8of6Veb/s1600/P1050513.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiboxK8ugrbTMqKUIhXUPPghxAmB-ptggGK9rkOTgpPv2gvOr4vI7BkjEuiLeD4XS44XUpvJw5ZmRgJBXE6SooIwM2vIglSbO03fLm8w-idBnR6ZIIdrsCBHCzziiw1H30etXExX8of6Veb/s320/P1050513.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show prep. </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-943qWBdmlkQ/UqolrNSyuNI/AAAAAAAADhU/Ij_mS94Zaiw/s1600/4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-943qWBdmlkQ/UqolrNSyuNI/AAAAAAAADhU/Ij_mS94Zaiw/s320/4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoxvrxIDl_M/UqomOdloMlI/AAAAAAAADh8/_-VHBd_RnoQ/s1600/P1070483.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-eoxvrxIDl_M/UqomOdloMlI/AAAAAAAADh8/_-VHBd_RnoQ/s320/P1070483.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Show prep from a few years ago. All those little houses!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I love my job. I love that I get to create "beautiful things from the fabric of life" as my tag line goes. I so love that it blesses people and that things I have made with my hands are now in people's home across the world being cherished. That is an awesome honour. Thank you!<br />
<br />
The flip side is this. And this isn't easy to write, for so many reasons!<br />
<br />
I want to make lovely things and if I can pull myself up by the shoelaces and get over the voices telling me I'm a failure and I've missed the boat, there is nothing I love more than the buzz of being in my studio with a new idea and a whole heap of fabric and trimmings! Yay! Heaven!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENw6771mOKgvszaH2RmXic2OC2JxHuiDsoVfD-iaH3_JmKPVM_A1uOOCuq7se7olXAz4bsoLqvkd5NpUcwDsnUBWH7fCQV_Sh7kPY-7TYTnnlpLArpbmEfQvcJ9vB0sQvXRFTc5k_7gJR/s1600/P1140239.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiENw6771mOKgvszaH2RmXic2OC2JxHuiDsoVfD-iaH3_JmKPVM_A1uOOCuq7se7olXAz4bsoLqvkd5NpUcwDsnUBWH7fCQV_Sh7kPY-7TYTnnlpLArpbmEfQvcJ9vB0sQvXRFTc5k_7gJR/s320/P1140239.JPG" width="210" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkzNrzeCkRURc4ZaW2R5FFWnXPShJIYKTT77VDHPPOEpZhVwjrJKiO9OS2svypo4HYqi95FDC_NG6qghk4muYPP8v4wJc_2_npVmA6PaTsVFayX6coVqMx-ABV3dIHolzdDXE2_dkE9XO/s1600/IMAG1208.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUkzNrzeCkRURc4ZaW2R5FFWnXPShJIYKTT77VDHPPOEpZhVwjrJKiO9OS2svypo4HYqi95FDC_NG6qghk4muYPP8v4wJc_2_npVmA6PaTsVFayX6coVqMx-ABV3dIHolzdDXE2_dkE9XO/s320/IMAG1208.jpg" width="191" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's Christmas Angels.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
However. <br />
<br />
Every day is also full of the essential bits too. The emailing, the posting, the sourcing of materials, the tidying the studio from the last project, the researching new techniques, the ordering a new tool, the dealing with a package that got ripped up on its way to a customer, the teaching myself from scratch how to do something, the networking with other crafters, delivering to shops, worrying about how much stock to make, worrying that I'm getting it all wrong.....I'm not saying this is ANY different to what any one else does in their normal every day working life. <br />
<br />
In fact, that's the point.<br />
<br />
This is my every day working life. <br />
<br />
I trained for 6 years in total and I am still learning new skills every day. There was a point a couple of weeks ago, where I had no idea HOW on earth I was going to make this.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1LRArwZzKifwTkOoPdwRbWrbHn6IovXWpk87EXq7qIzWnPEd3Rw5Hv_i2WX1I61Bb8DTyGcM-uv5Smpa9-ytP5r1EFZfQzlrpnxFfJfcUMnFvExZrgYjhYOyTWB7iM79RNwyQDJH18z7/s1600/IMAG1168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy1LRArwZzKifwTkOoPdwRbWrbHn6IovXWpk87EXq7qIzWnPEd3Rw5Hv_i2WX1I61Bb8DTyGcM-uv5Smpa9-ytP5r1EFZfQzlrpnxFfJfcUMnFvExZrgYjhYOyTWB7iM79RNwyQDJH18z7/s320/IMAG1168.jpg" width="191" /></a></div>
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.....but somehow, drawing on the knowledge you build up that is stored in your hands and heart as an artist, eventually, it flows out of you from somewhere and it is done. Even if it is 1.33am on the morning it needs to be finished.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA6xzE2TgQE/Uqoo-6HQVeI/AAAAAAAADik/xBSPfVJI3JU/s1600/Aslan+on+the+move.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OA6xzE2TgQE/Uqoo-6HQVeI/AAAAAAAADik/xBSPfVJI3JU/s320/Aslan+on+the+move.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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<br />
I guess what I am saying, is that I want to echo what my fellow crafter and blogger has so eloquently put.<br />
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It really does take years to build up skills and knowledge to make something beautiful. Someone like my friend Lisa from <a href="https://www.facebook.com/thefernery?fref=ts">The Fernery</a> has spent years teaching her hands how to do what she wants them to and produce that exceptional embroidery on her pieces. The <a href="https://www.facebook.com/two10design">papercut artist</a> work I am sure you have drooled over, has been perfected through cut fingers and aching backs, getting it wrong, feeling disheartened and then pushing through till it's right. <br />
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The Trug basket maker who presents you with that elegant sculpture of willow and chestnut.....has devised his own technique for steaming the wood, built his own steamer, sourced and cut down the trees himself and whittled and shaped them into the most beautiful shape you could imagine. (My Dad taught me most of what I know of the gentle and patient art of craft).<br />
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This rambling post is mainly to say - the words that stuck out to me in Mill Girl's gentle rant were "slow craft". These exquisite objects we see and desire take time. Lots of it.<br />
<br />
I am aware that I am privileged to be able to do what I do. In a year's time, when all five of my children are finally at school....if this doesn't work; if I can;t make it work.... I will be looking to do something else. That's the honest truth.<br />
<br />
I am privileged, but I am going to have to earn my place here, alongside the other worthy crafts people who have forged their skills in the desperate early hours before a show, or a project that just won't come together, or in the tears because they have to start again and it was an expensive mistake.<br />
<br />
I will have to earn my place.<br />
<br />
And that is why I am happy to pay properly for slowly crafted beauty when I see it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oXOTn7Yns4/UqouAEK95kI/AAAAAAAADjQ/8fwMaix0tNY/s1600/IMAG1320.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8oXOTn7Yns4/UqouAEK95kI/AAAAAAAADjQ/8fwMaix0tNY/s320/IMAG1320.jpg" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A lovely little gift that arrived yesterday from the very talented <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Mrs-Marmalades-Patchwork-Quilts-And-Pin-Cushions/94598759969?ref=ts&fref=ts">Mrs Marmalade</a>. Here's a lady who effortlessly blesses those around her with her joy and colour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-68517318948851501122013-09-24T06:41:00.000-07:002013-09-24T12:37:38.325-07:00Seasons of Mists.....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwL7c9I_w0abvuo1V9-cPl6IO8u5_2VHjoIEQ4weCZAXeMRyoWhyYMZ7plkjDN_0Lp-b06x98SCVXfRnhtQjUEOWxKSvejRiFJ2sZ4SLYH0j70vU0ViizkAIlV_nrs3bEcerxF2uMItov/s1600/2013-08-13+10.22.31+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwL7c9I_w0abvuo1V9-cPl6IO8u5_2VHjoIEQ4weCZAXeMRyoWhyYMZ7plkjDN_0Lp-b06x98SCVXfRnhtQjUEOWxKSvejRiFJ2sZ4SLYH0j70vU0ViizkAIlV_nrs3bEcerxF2uMItov/s320/2013-08-13+10.22.31+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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Hello. It's been a while. When I last wrote, it was during blazing hot days in the midst of Summer. Now it seems the touch of Autumn is definitely in the air and I find myself thankful for every last minute of sunshine we are blessed with. The back door stay open late into the evening, trying to extend those days which are steadily slipping towards twilight.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3URCMLQEAjQ/UkGMtC9PhYI/AAAAAAAADeQ/2Pqr5yvRgT4/s1600/2013-08-20+10.28.24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3URCMLQEAjQ/UkGMtC9PhYI/AAAAAAAADeQ/2Pqr5yvRgT4/s320/2013-08-20+10.28.24.jpg" width="191" /></a> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQFCb-3KLvY/UkGMp1_dNFI/AAAAAAAADeE/-vBB1fFVQ_w/s1600/2013-08-18+17.43.23+-+Copy.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="191" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GQFCb-3KLvY/UkGMp1_dNFI/AAAAAAAADeE/-vBB1fFVQ_w/s320/2013-08-18+17.43.23+-+Copy.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our glorious campsite!</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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It's been another busy Summer, full of a wonderful holiday in Suffolk, eating outside whenever possible and LOTS of other things.</div>
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Mostly, changing the way our house works. Since our youngest was born, we have been aware that his time sharing the little box room with his next oldest brother would come to an end at some point. Said box room is not big enough in any direction for a full size bed, and a bunk bed would not be an option because of the two windows and covered stairwell. We have deliberated for the last three years about what we would do when "the time came".</div>
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After much discussion, we finally came up with a plan last Autumn and it took us till July to make it happen. The time span was a good thing. It gave us time to get used to the idea that we would be giving up our "grown up" bedroom in favour of a sofa bed in the lounge. All five boys would share one room, our room became a playroom and the box room will become a study, especially as our eldest has started secondary school this year (gulp! Can he really be old enough?!)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day before secondary school treat!</td></tr>
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Nine months of planning and a few tears (mine) over the act of taking down the shelves in my bedroom which I had kept "pretty" with all my vintage books and treasures, and we are finally installed in our bedrooms. </div>
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We decided that the boys' new room needed to be "future proof" and feel as spacious as possible, given that there would be 5 of them in there, so planning it was a major task and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/naomiwelch/boys-room/">Pinterest</a> came in very handy! In the end, with much help from J's Dad, we spent a week laying out sleeping bags in lines in various rooms for the boys while we clad two sets of bunk beds and a loft bed in MDF and painted it all white. We also shelved out under the loft bed for a new reading area.</div>
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They've been in there for several weeks now and gradually we are adding the finishing touches, like a light each and curtains to keep the light out when the little ones go to bed. We still have phase two of the study and playroom to finish, but so far I can honestly say that it works! Although it took a while for both J and I to come to terms with the idea of not having a room of our own, it has brought balance back to the house and it actually works a whole lot better. There is somewhere now that any of the children can go to be quiet, or read, somewhere they can go to play, bundle or watch a DVD and eventually there will be somewhere to study. We have somewhere to "send" them when we need a bit of peace after dinner and actually the release of pressure this has brought about has meant that we probably spend more time enjoying each others' company than we did before.</div>
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It's always worth thinking outside the box and laying everything out on the table........tada!!!!</div>
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Oddly, the whole process and this time of year, this "Season of Mists and mellow fruitfulness" has collided to make me miss my Dad a great deal. The whole project is one that Dad would have appreciated very much, from the creative thinking involved to the physical act of making it happen. When I was growing up, nothing was too outlandish an idea to try in the house. When it was clear I was going to be an artist of some sort, Dad knocked down a wall so that I could have an "en suite" studio of my own, complete with hardboard floor, which he and I "Jackson Pollocked" with left over paint one day. Happy memory. When my older brother, who lived in the extension for a while, decided he wanted to have his own "Hobbit Hole", Dad helped him cut a circular door in the wall. When we enjoyed having friends over often as teenagers, Dad built a large shed in the garden, fully insulated and decorated so we could have sleepovers. </div>
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We didn't have lots of money. We did have a mum and Dad who were brave and resourceful and gave as much of their time and energy and skills as they could muster to finding ways to "lead us in the way that we should go" and see us blossom into the people they believed we could be. </div>
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Dad would have loved the boys' new room. I can see his smile of pleasure as he walks into it. I can feel his hand on my shoulder as he marvels at how fabulous a job we have done; he was always overflowing with praise.</div>
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As the days squeeze the last drops of sunshine out of the Summer, I miss him very much. It's not the anniversaries or the birthdays or the Christmasses. They are not the same, true. It's the day you wake up having dreamed of him and forgotten he's not there any more. It's the time your child brings home a painting from school he would have loved. It's the new chair in the house he hasn't christened with his presence and the old chair that he did, that just has to go. It's the scent of Autumn in the air and a shiny conker that reminds you of the ones he tied on shoelaces for you as a child. It's that he would have found that little joke funny too. It's that your child looks just like him when he walks. It's that you know he would have been proud of you and your family. It's that you feel like life is moving on. It's that you still can't believe he's missing all of this.</div>
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And it's that.</div>
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Every day.</div>
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I hope you don't mind me sharing. I know that these words will resonnate so clearly with some of you. I guess I just wanted to say, I understand. I know. It's a kind of loneliness like no other. </div>
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You're not alone and the memories we all make with each other and FOR each other are what survives. Until we see one another again.</div>
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-24699120027324533022013-07-13T02:07:00.001-07:002013-07-13T02:12:01.916-07:00June SwoonJune went by in a whirl of.....<br />
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Cake making.... <br />
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Wedding cupcake creating....</div>
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Commission Painting.....<br />
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Flower picking.....<br />
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Quilt sewing..... <br />
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and Stock making......<br />
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Phew!<br />
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See you at the end of July. xxxx <br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-76773664858601161102013-06-08T12:07:00.001-07:002013-06-08T12:07:06.226-07:00Mad May Round Up III - A little lateI'm starting to see a pattern here - are you?<br />
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So - this is what I got up to this May......<br />
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A two tier Cake on the Venetian Theme..... <br />
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....complete with four sugarpaste masks, gondolas and canals.....<br />
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......and a sugarpaste replica of the Rialto Bridge.....<br />
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A cake for an 80 year old Birthday girl called "Nanny Duck Ducks" (sweet!)........</div>
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With a little Nanny DD enjoying her glass of red wine and cigarette whilst fishing......<br />
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......Neil Diamond playing gently in the background......<br />
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....Cheers!<br />
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A lego cake for my 7 year old's birthday.......</div>
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.....completed by said 7 year old's brother with little lego figures and vehicles.....<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx0aJ78Q5xw/UbN7PpaF7GI/AAAAAAAADSw/zvF7tvH7Zo8/s1600/P1140157.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jx0aJ78Q5xw/UbN7PpaF7GI/AAAAAAAADSw/zvF7tvH7Zo8/s320/P1140157.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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....and a whole lot of little dots.....<br />
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....lego biscuits...<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHg6dx3iLM/UbN7ViUMM9I/AAAAAAAADTI/RBptW_kKJZE/s1600/P1140165.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cuHg6dx3iLM/UbN7ViUMM9I/AAAAAAAADTI/RBptW_kKJZE/s320/P1140165.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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....lego chocolate treats....<br />
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<br />
A monster Party for my 9 year old boy.....<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgc1MPDuLTquvSDb08n7Pw51b9F-FbwA2ik1tJeFMb_cPvcHeuRgFQtHJ3bSo2E6tUsA5iY0Vob7hlNm06O-SYVFDlMJamtrVLYlsdVsMgYjI8_3qfBEcLeSra6Kzd6cD2d1mWZGAuppk/s1600/P1140335.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizgc1MPDuLTquvSDb08n7Pw51b9F-FbwA2ik1tJeFMb_cPvcHeuRgFQtHJ3bSo2E6tUsA5iY0Vob7hlNm06O-SYVFDlMJamtrVLYlsdVsMgYjI8_3qfBEcLeSra6Kzd6cD2d1mWZGAuppk/s320/P1140335.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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....with felt monster friends for his little friends.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT2pEdfJ9ZQ/UbN7pzXagAI/AAAAAAAADTw/0YaSPMVE76I/s1600/P1140364.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mT2pEdfJ9ZQ/UbN7pzXagAI/AAAAAAAADTw/0YaSPMVE76I/s320/P1140364.JPG" width="320" /></a> </div>
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.....and one of the easiest and most effective cakes I've <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/470344754803968243/"><span style="color: #0000ee;"><u>ever made</u></span></a>.....<br />
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....lots of sweets for the moster face cupcake creating.....<br />
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....and more than little Reu's fair share of cheese ball crisps..... <br />
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....and monster party ags and make your own slime pots which the children decorated with googly eyes and pipe cleaners.<br />
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And, lots more commissions and stock making, like this lovely little satchel.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfxy6xCVB1A/UbN717OjCqI/AAAAAAAADUc/H397Ff71e_E/s1600/P1140627.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kfxy6xCVB1A/UbN717OjCqI/AAAAAAAADUc/H397Ff71e_E/s320/P1140627.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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...and piles of colourful Bag Ladies....<br />
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<br />
....Hello Girls! <br />
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Pleased to meet you. xxx<br />
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Oh, and learning patchwork...which I think may be a quite addictive way to use my large stash of vintage sheets......</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAACL3nYZE5ZMoYvzSDNaztlHDc1Y5CGGJYnMEuQQ-NztXhvWfUsUrs210SXplVmk8cXHZqi0hWCY5H1AJVeur6LgdpxyHRlyH8S7tUR_W9s0pmcOllY1_2F3X16tNB2pUzl5bQZWeO0GP/s1600/P1140680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAACL3nYZE5ZMoYvzSDNaztlHDc1Y5CGGJYnMEuQQ-NztXhvWfUsUrs210SXplVmk8cXHZqi0hWCY5H1AJVeur6LgdpxyHRlyH8S7tUR_W9s0pmcOllY1_2F3X16tNB2pUzl5bQZWeO0GP/s320/P1140680.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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This month is no less busy - and I love it. ;0) Thanks for stopping by and catching up. xNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-25254913782692098872013-05-05T11:41:00.002-07:002013-05-06T02:16:50.478-07:00Jump onboard the Carousel!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Drl6rGhJ62M/UYV781hn90I/AAAAAAAADPY/uBeA9WjwDLM/s1600/P1140101.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Drl6rGhJ62M/UYV781hn90I/AAAAAAAADPY/uBeA9WjwDLM/s320/P1140101.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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It's kind of appropriate that at the beginning of May I should be spending the afternoon dressing my shelf at the newest and prettiest little shop in town; The Carousel in Chichester.<br />
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May is always a <a href="http://www.redeemcreations.co.uk/2011/05/mad-may-round-up.html">mad month</a> for us here and this year will be no different. Two birthdays and the party works that go with those (including a Lego cake for Mr 7 year old this year), will be threaded into a rather significant and fairly complicated two tier cake for a customer, a rather significant room change in our house, which will in fact be almost like moving house I think, and possibly another cake at the end of the month. This is on top of celebrating our youngest Little Man's 3rd birthday last week, with his request of an "RT-Two One" cake (in his words).<br />
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What a lovely way then, to start the month. Welcomed with a cup of tea by Iris, the lovely shop owner, I set about placing all my bits and pieces on my shelf....."My Shelf!" It feels really quite special.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLvX2laaMJEMi4Ir-BUqP_QZH3JOs0S50UkN1h3K_ihUq605mrCeWgEFCX0-ZkN7aptG0DvjByZK3P_9-0NfG2K1nsCdMuIo9HqhU8ZdMB0iJK29F63LCKtb2H2nmVtRL2_LDc1aytSB0/s1600/P1140086.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtLvX2laaMJEMi4Ir-BUqP_QZH3JOs0S50UkN1h3K_ihUq605mrCeWgEFCX0-ZkN7aptG0DvjByZK3P_9-0NfG2K1nsCdMuIo9HqhU8ZdMB0iJK29F63LCKtb2H2nmVtRL2_LDc1aytSB0/s320/P1140086.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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Great Aunt Mabel has escorted her gaggle of "Bag Ladies" to their shelf and is now sitting pretty in the window alongside one of my colourful quilts. <br />
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If you live anywhere near Chichester, this little gem is really worth a visit. Bursting with oodles of vintage goodness and hand crafted scrumptiousness, it's somewhere I would happily spend the day...or more!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nn6CV-BNvg/UYV7x29OOZI/AAAAAAAADPQ/UogLj7Up2ZU/s1600/P1140100.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9Nn6CV-BNvg/UYV7x29OOZI/AAAAAAAADPQ/UogLj7Up2ZU/s320/P1140100.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cinnamon Kids</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOA3kNYAX4c/UYVx1D948qI/AAAAAAAADNM/pep92ouO3qA/s1600/P1140087.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WOA3kNYAX4c/UYVx1D948qI/AAAAAAAADNM/pep92ouO3qA/s320/P1140087.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty things from <a href="http://www.olivehomeware.co.uk/">Olive Homeware</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Vintdarlings">Vintage Darlings</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHDYjWDmiQ0/UYV1NAPD0tI/AAAAAAAADNw/QPJXW4aBC4g/s1600/P1140090.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-RHDYjWDmiQ0/UYV1NAPD0tI/AAAAAAAADNw/QPJXW4aBC4g/s320/P1140090.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Nock Nock Homeware</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I feel really quite chuffed to have my things in there, sitting alongside makers and Vintage collectors I have admired, such as <a href="http://eu.fab.com/sale/7348?utm_source=uk_google&utm_medium=sem&utm_content=hac_wintersmoon&utm_campaign=kw_text&utm_type=p&ltb=off">Winter's Moon</a> and <a href="http://bigbirdsboutique.co.uk/">Big Bird's Boutique.</a> <br />
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Iris has curated a vibrant mix of makers and collectors, all selling the very best of their wares in a beautiful old, characterful building. The first time I set foot in there, I knew Redeem Creations would be at home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN7j7dcE_d2315DxpYJ8pw7InG5h2fLWpQtTHQmGRrIcyvbwx0FbC0o1qPR-VFj5XvspE3CtMUTgu6lfssIrciunqHhF6rthOLDIGxErZABxCtw91XWhI2-f6BFvRi2BqhbDbADMrAKVS/s1600/P1140094.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUN7j7dcE_d2315DxpYJ8pw7InG5h2fLWpQtTHQmGRrIcyvbwx0FbC0o1qPR-VFj5XvspE3CtMUTgu6lfssIrciunqHhF6rthOLDIGxErZABxCtw91XWhI2-f6BFvRi2BqhbDbADMrAKVS/s320/P1140094.JPG" width="268" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gorgeous little brooches from <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Something-More-Exciting/311172865566565">Something More Exciting</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vintage Cinnamen</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Something More exciting</td></tr>
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The attention to detail in this place shows Iris's keen eye and even the changing room at the back of the shop is a sunny little spot, complete with vintage patchwork curtain. How could you fail to fall head over heals in love with this shop?!<br />
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I have put a couple of my new satchels in the shop too; one Princess and the Pea bag, using one of my new illustrations, and a Red Riding Hood one too. I hope you like them!<br />
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Even more wonderful was what greeted me when I returned home; 5 boys, ready to jump in the car and a hubby with Trug basket full of flasks of tea and drinks to take up to our favourite place on top of Bury Hill, via the chip shop, for a magical Spring Tea overlooking the Downs. He's an amazing man. I think I'll keep him. <br />
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So, I am a very happy, and very tired bunny tonight and I am off to have a glass of wine and the rare treat of telly before bed.<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-66730665506096609182013-04-16T11:19:00.000-07:002013-04-16T11:19:29.524-07:00Redemption<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I made my first small batch of bags ten years ago this year, the first being made from the off cut hem of a bridesmaid's dress I had worn at my younger Brother's wedding. (Pictured are my most recent, including this mother and toddler matching pair.)<br />
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I had a baby under a year old, and a part time job as a Learning Support Tutor at the Art College where I had done my Foundation course 8 years earlier.<br />
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I booked a table at a friend's small event, alongside jewellery by <a href="http://www.credjewellery.com/">Cred </a>and Phoenix cards and people seemed interested in the bags and even bought a few! We were newly married and didn't have much money, or room in our home and my creative space was a converted cupboard! (Which regularly spilled out onto the dining room table - nothing changes!) The idea of making beautiful things from what others had no more use for seemed both economical and ethical. I had also always been interested in the idea of looking at things for their potential, not their past. This went for everything from old buildings, discarded tin cans and cigarette packets (a regular feature in my degree work as I picked them up on my cycle ride to the studio!), old books and letters and of course.....fabric!<br />
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It also ran deep in the way I felt about people. So often in this life, we write people off, because of something stupid they have done, or the life they have led. There's infinite goodness in everyone we meet though - even the ones most detested by society. And even me.<br />
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So, I guess the idea of bringing abandoned and forgotten things into the work that I do and the things I make is a reminder that there's always something new to be made from something old. The perseverence of the saints (you and me) is made up of new beginnings and I have needed a great many so far in this life.<br />
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I am so energised by the recent turn my work is taking towards incorporating my Fine Art training into the every day useful items I make and with the new art work labels I have been making to accompany them. It feels fantastic to be painting again in my illustrations and to be creating mixed media work in miniature with scraps of fabric, old stamps and various papery bits and pieces!<br />
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So, if you didn't know why it's called what it is, that's why. Redeem Creations.<br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-47073979804161148072013-03-20T13:43:00.000-07:002013-03-20T13:47:21.943-07:00Spring Fever<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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The sun has been trying its hardest to shine through the clouds today and we did get a few moments of beautiful low Spring sun this afternoon. I also have my yellow tulips and tete a tete daffs to cheer me up. They do make me smile.<br />
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The daffodils in particular are one of my favourites at this time of year. They were a flower Dad loved too and they just seem like exquisite little trumpets of sunshine heralding the arrival of Spring through the damp black earth. Hope in flower form.<br />
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So, what have I been up to since the dressing up marathon of last week?<br />
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I have been indulging in colours of all sorts lately in the studio and especially enjoying finishing off this Sunshine quilt..... <br />
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.....and photographing bags ready to go in the shop when it goes live. (Soon!)<br />
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I've also been collecting some more beautiful fabrics, which I will be making into bundles to go in the shop. I'm so looking forward to this bit. I LOVE fabric (you may have guessed) and I can't wait to share it with you.<br />
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I am preparing kits for my pixie houses, including everything you need from my stash of vintage fabrics, ribbons and buttons to make your very own little magical dwelling.<br />
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Last week I had the privilege of creating this one off doll for a little boy missing his Great Granddad very much. This is just the sort of project I love. I hope the doll brought a little comfort. <br />
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Oh, and this little doll too.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwuecW6ACS0/UUoPzp1tpeI/AAAAAAAADIs/zheYC8cokP0/s1600/P1130017.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WwuecW6ACS0/UUoPzp1tpeI/AAAAAAAADIs/zheYC8cokP0/s320/P1130017.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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I made this cushion for my lovely fried Lisa at <a href="http://www.facebook.com/thefernery?ref=ts&fref=ts">The Fernery</a> to sell in her <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.401865366573295.93624.102422783184223&type=3">on line auction</a> in aid of the <a href="http://www.teenagecancertrust.org/">Teenage Cancer Trust.</a> Please have a look at all the amazing contributions by so many wonderful craftspeople, and have a peek at her beautiful creations too while you're there!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRVVcNoDUd4/UUoPm0WrhjI/AAAAAAAADIc/KJrW6wdLJGk/s1600/P1120779.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="305" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WRVVcNoDUd4/UUoPm0WrhjI/AAAAAAAADIc/KJrW6wdLJGk/s320/P1120779.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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I've been making a few more of these cushions too, which will go in the shop as soon as I catch up with myself!<br />
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I've had a massive studio clear out too. I want my Teeny Tiny Shed to be a place I love going to and it just wasn't - it had become a dumping ground. So - I took my courage with me and cleared out over half its contents, including fabric, old sketchbooks - all sorts. It was brutal, but necessary. I now have a pretty little space that not only gives me the room to create, but also the mental space that it was lacking. And I can find that elusive piece of fabric a lot easier now!<br />
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I find clarity and inspiration in those four walls now and I LOVE it. I did up my old sadly neglected chair too and gave her a new <a href="http://www.facebook.com/Littleteawagon?ref=ts&fref=ts">littleteawagon</a> style cushion. Love it. And Thank you Jane for your ongoing inspirational <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/">blog,</a> which was the final push towards me getting on with the clear out. Without your beautiful <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/post-about-shed.html">workspace pictures</a> to dream over, I would have given up in the middle of week 2, which would NOT have been pretty. Believe me!<br />
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And doesn't it look pretty displaying one of my bags? You see - I know it to be useful and I definitely believe it to be beautiful.<br />
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Just lastly, I wanted to wish my fantastic friend Liz of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Farm-On-A-Card-wwwfarmonacardcom/228536500535363">Farm on a Card</a> a brilliant time at the Country Living Spring Fair tomorrow. She's an amazing photographer and I hope the lovely people at the fair fall in love with her work as much as we all have round here. xx<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-33345908829344576342013-03-07T03:13:00.000-08:002013-03-07T04:30:40.858-08:00Boys and Dressing up<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Having 5 boys, you may assume that there's not a whole lot of dressing up that goes on in our home. You would think, perhaps that it's difficult to get boys enthusiastic about the idea of donning outfits. Not so.<br />
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I guess when I knew there would be no fairy dresses and princesses in this house, I also believed that dressing up fun would be drastically reduced.<br />
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What I am finding, and this is just my personal experience, is that my boys LOVE creating and playing characters and they LOVE to have their imagination fuelled in this way. My boys are quite physical creatures, and one in particular learns in a very kinesthetic way. For him, dressing up as a character he is excited by brings a whole new dimension to learning - and it's FUN!<br />
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Right from when my eldest started school and it was his first World Book Day, I made a decision that if we were going to bring up boys who would try anything, go anywhere, be whatever they believed they could be, it would probably start with us being as enthusiastic and willing as possible to get in the spirit of things, and as far as dressing up goes that meant feeding off their imagination and getting as excited as they were. Enthusiasm is infectious and I want the boys to catch it form us! I had a growing feeling that it was important to feed their imagination and feed off it in this way and give them "permission" to imagine for as long as possible. I definitely didn't want to bring up boys that were "too cool" for that sort of thing. I know it sounds very grand, but it's been a HUGE part of our family life and the dressing up box grows and grows! And hopefully by the time they are adults, they will have been instilled with a sense of fun and "get involved" attitude.<br />
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That's why, despite the 11.30pm grumbling I often do at this time of year, when the sewing machine gives up mid waistcoat construction and there is a list as long as my arm of costume components to finish (and ask anyone, I DO grumble!), I do try my best to go for it anyway!<br />
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I wish I could find the photo of Cadan skipping off to reception class dressed in a converted cardboard box on straps as "Lightening McQueen". He looked so adorable. Today he ran off to school as Frodo Baggins, utterly enthused by the whole thing and looking very much like the handsome young man he will unfurl into very soon. These years are short and soon the enthusiasm of dressing up will develop into adult adventures.<br />
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A lot of you reading this are highly competent costume makers and a lot are starting out the fun journey of school dress up days , so I wanted to do a few links to other sites, which helped me put these costumes together. Not because I'm an expert, not because I assume you don't know how to yourself, but because....well, because I appreciate it so much when other bloggers share things that help me out and well, it's good to share!<br />
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Eron's Anakin Skywalker costume involved some very uncomplicated making. The Tunic top was made like a T-shirt top, but I just cut the front two panels into elongated triangles so that they would cross over. they are secured with a safety pin on one side. So, you lay the pieces right side together and sew the tops of the arms, then underneath the arms and down the sides. If you want to finish it nicely, you can hem to sleeves and edges, but you could leave them raw if you're not too bothered about them lasting. I try to make things to last usually, for two reasons; 1) children can push clothing to its limits, especially if it's intended to enhance play and 2) they have numerous brothers who could wear the costume another day! There's another source of patterns <a href="http://patterni.net/jedi-cloak-pattern/">here. </a><br />
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To finish the costume I got some strips of lining fabric and secured them to the shoulders so they would hang in front and behind. I found a cheap woolen scarf in the charity shop and cut it in half length ways, lining one half to go round his neck, as it was itchy, and the other half tied round his waist under the belt. Completed with one leather glove (one of mine) and riding boots found in the charity shop too, and oh, the obligatory light sabre - one Jedi Knight ready for battle!<br />
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Ben's wanted to go as Tom from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1846169941/?tag=hydra0b-21&hvadid=9556668069&ref=asc_df_1846169941">Beastquest</a> series of books, which was a last minute decision on Tuesday evening after discovering the books during the school visit to the library in town. Ben seems to have just discovered reading in a big way for himself, so a bit of reinforcement of that in costume form was a pleasure. That's what it's all about after all.<br />
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His tunic was a larger version of <a href="http://www.make-baby-stuff.com/renaissance-costume-patterns.html">this one</a> and I literally poked some scissors through the fabric to make the holes for the fake leather cord. The shield and sword sheath are made from corrugated card. I just cut the card with a scalpel and stuck the pieces down with PVA. Then coated it all in watered down brown acrylic and then a very thin layer of gold paint. The details are picked out using <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Pebeo-Vitrail-Outliner-20ml-Rich/dp/B005KOGPTQ/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1362653273&sr=8-4">Glass paint out liner</a>, which gives a slightly raised effect. It's a handy thing to have and I use it for all sorts - see Cadan's brooch too!<br />
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The sword sheath was made using two pieces of corrugated card stuck together using <a href="http://www.turnersartshop.co.uk/gum-strip-48mm-x-20m-3704-p.asp">gum strip</a> - also a must have for dressing up construction. It's the stuff artists use to stick down their water colour paper to a board when they are <a href="http://www.faber-castell.co.nz/bausteine.net/img/showimg.aspx?biid=45458&domid=1010">stretching it</a>. It dries quickly and strong and can be painted over easily. I finished it using some gross grain and split pins, which is also how the shield straps are made.<br />
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Cadan's costume was the most complicated - but he's a specifics kind of boy, so I knew he'd want the whole deal. I found a lovely velvet jacket - which just happens to be my size (hmmm, how did that happen?) and will be mine when he's finished with it, decorated with a lovely corsage, maybe this one....<br />
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Anyway - I just turned the sleeves up inside a bit. The cape is from <a href="http://nenesta.deviantart.com/art/Simple-Hooded-Cloak-Pattern-286331009">this pattern</a> - which is very easy. I just made sure the hole was going to be big enough for his neck and adjusted the length a little. I have finished the edges, but you don't have to.<br />
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His shirt is an ordinary white shirt, with the collar tacked down inside to give it a mandarin collar. Loosely stitched so the shirt can be used again after. <br />
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The waistcoat is from <a href="http://www.max-california.com/2010/03/tutorial-waistcoat.html">this pattern.</a> I put some darts in at the front and back to make it a little more fitted. Little tip here - darts are easier than you think. If you draw a line in chalk (doesn't even have to be dressmakers chalk - ordinary will do) and then fold along that line, you just sew a line that resembles a very thin petal folded in half either side of that line.....oh, I'll draw a picture! The chalk is also handy, because you can "transfer" the dart from one piece to another. For instance, to get the dart in the same place on outer and inner lining fabric. Put one on top of the other and "pat" vigorously to transfer the chalk line. Make sense?<br />
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I didn't bother with button holes - it has two press studs at the top to hold it together!<br />
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The pieces he was most excited about were the ring and the ivy brooch. The ring I actually found, again in the charity shop, virtually as it was, but a chain with a piece of copper pipe, or a gold curtain ring would do just fine.<br />
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The ivy leaf brooch was cut, using scissors (very old ones, don't worry!) from some tin I had left over from another project, but I'm sure you could use some foil folded up a few times, or a piece of tin can - just be careful of the sharp edges. I used jewelry making wire, quite a thick gauge so it would hold it's shape and some pliers to make the twisty bit. Then there's a layer of green glass paint and that brilliant glass paint out liner. The brooch back is attached using <a href="http://www.crystalandglassbeads.com/1102-e6000-glue-1-fl-oz.html">this glue</a> - which believe me I have never found anything that sticks better and more reliably - as long as you leave it overnight to dry. Another must have in the costume making supplies!<br />
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So, I know I'm not an expert by any means, but I thought I'd share. I'd love to hear what you've just made for World Book Day too in the comments below - you could even link to a picture if you like. I honestly don't know how I would do this without the internet, so keep sharing and spreading the handmade love people. xx<br />
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P.S. Hope the sharing was helpful - I know there's lots of creative people who read this - and I hope I'm not teaching Grandma to suck eggs! xxx<br />
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P.P.S Sorry about the numerous links! <br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-88429526456198338732013-02-18T09:15:00.000-08:002013-03-06T07:11:21.218-08:00A Step at a Time<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a beautiful day we are having here - strong sunshine and outdoor play all round!<br />
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I've been visiting friends this morning with the boys and wonderful hubby, who took 12 children to the play park while 4 of us mums chatted and caught up.<br />
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This particular friend is the gorgeous one who started <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Make-Space/201272223257216?ref=hl">Make Space</a> with me a couple of years ago. She shares my love of Vintage fabric and has a fantastic eye for colour and detail which never fails to leave me inspired. Going to her home is like walking into the Spring air. It's always a wonderful thing for me to find someone who is not at all phased by the noise and mess that comes with bringing 5 children to here home. Mainly because she has 5 of her own! We spent most of our time there flitting from one vintage find to another - funky green fibreglass curtains, fabulous retro circus fabric, cast off singer sewing machines left out in the rain.....<br />
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I've come home and felt freshly inspired to keep going with the home. After Christmas we had a bit of a blitz of throwing out, leaving us room to create. Since we moved in 7 years ago we have had 3 children to add to the two we already had, so it's not surprising that we haven't had time for anything other than practicalities. We are both creative people though, who like our home to reflect our ideas about life as well as the hustle and bustle of a family of 7.<br />
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So, we have a new bookcase, which houses my collection of vintage
children's books....oh, how I love them! And, now that I can get to
them, I have been creating with them too! (Have a peek at the pictures of the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=599135416779690&set=a.598699400156625.151046.232461153447120&type=3&theater">Stock Sale</a>). <br />
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This year, our collection of biscuit and sweet tins had been put to good use, so now when I go to this cupboard for a fuse or light bulb it will make me smile too!<br />
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I had lots of fun covering the back of the shelves with some of my most treasured fabric.<br />
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I have also done a bit of simple "covering" of neglected items and messy corners. Nothing special, expensive or particularly skilfully done, but done none-the-less - and that is the point!<br />
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I have found a place for my birthday sewing machine too! (eeeek!)<br />
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I've also been preparing for a little <a href="http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.598699400156625.151046.232461153447120&type=3">Stock Sale on Face book</a>, which has been fun.<br />
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I'm also still in BIG love with a little bit of applique and have
several projects on the go, including this one....<br />
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and this one for a very precious little girl....<br />
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Recently I've also been revisiting my first love again - creating artworks. Usually it's a frenzy of fabrics round here - threads stretched across the living room as the children unwind them and fabric stacked in toppling heaps amongst the ironing piles of laundry. I have been yearning to create some pieces of art again though.<br />
This week I've been having a little play around with collage and to be honest, it feels fairly hard going at the moment. I've had these scary moments before in my artistic life though, so although I am worried that I can't make it work, I am not anxious that I will never know how to do it again - like I used to be when this happened. I'm sure it must be like this for most creative people, whatever their art form. Sometimes you just don't have the power in your fingertips. Your brain freezes and your heart sinks.......it just doesn't flow.<br />
Dad, who was my best critic and mentor in these things used to say you have to learn to work on the days you don't feel like it too.<br />
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So, that's what I'm going to do. It's a discipline after all. And hopefully at some point I'll have something a bit more finished to show you! <br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-76705695644306719802013-01-29T12:22:00.001-08:002013-01-29T12:25:00.201-08:00Home Sweet Home<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello again friends. It's been a while.<br />
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Yes, it has been Christmas and that's always an extremely busy time. I actually decided to take a break anyway, to give myself some time to think and enjoy the specialness of this time of year. It seems the boys grow quicker every year and I no longer have a baby in the house....really.....not really anymore. So, it's good to put the camera down sometimes and remember it in my head and my heart instead. Sometimes you can't do both!<br />
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Anyway, the New Year is well and truly underway and I want to get back into things, so here I am.<br />
I wanted to show you a tiny corner of our home that has been developing since Christmas. My beloved Doll's House, which has sat on my bedside table for a long time, looking unloved, waiting to be done up. Suddenly, I decided just to go for it and stop pondering about what the "perfect" colours were. I realised I would never get round to it that way.<br />
So, here it is, with new white washed walls and red roof tiles. (And perfectly sized, newly painted pink table, found in a charity shop!!! Do red and pink go together....do I care?)<br />
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My very kind friend <a href="http://www.sarahmoorevintage.com/">Sarah</a> gave me some beautiful Vintage Wallpaper from her amazing box of treasures - I had my pick! I actually really love it when the wallpaper looks way out of proportion in a doll's house. I'm learning I am not from the "everything from a specialist shop" kind of girl. I wanted it to look like it was made from the left over scraps of various projects - which of course it is. So, I particularly like the lower room - which will be the living room, with it's maker's mark still visible.<br />
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In the attic rooms the blue and red strawberry wallpaper is a dainty, sweet pattern, perfect for children's rooms. Imagine teeny tiny crochet blankets and patchwork quilts too! I'm also going to have a go at rugs of some sort. My mum used to make Rag rugs, the traditional way and I'm devising a plan to make a few of those with cotton scraps and hessian. I have too many ideas, like<a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/81838918198798971/"> this</a>.....and maybe a kitchen like <a href="http://pinterest.com/pin/81838918198798909/">this</a>, complete with half finished baking, like mine usually is! Maybe I'll even have a go at a<a href="http://media-cache-ec4.pinterest.com/upload/287597126175953703_gZ5U9nLb_c.jpg"> Princess and the Pea</a> style bed - all those lovely little quilts to make! And that's the lovely thing about a Doll's house. It doesn't have to make sense - it just has to be pleasing.<br />
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I am fairly over the top excited about it now. I look at it regularly and it makes me smile inside. Eldest Boy asked me the other day what it was "for". He was trying to work out why his mother would spend precious time and thought on something that seemingly had no purpose at all. I guess that's the whole point. It's beautiful and I made it. And I love it. And the feeling that gives me is a reflection of something Eternal. That's what it's for.<br />
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The Doll's house is the thin end of what has been happening in the Welch house over the last few weeks in terms of change and creation, but that's a story for another post. Sometimes DIY can be quite a meditative process.<br />
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Oh, and in case you were missing the snow pictures that are innevitable in every blog post at this time of year - here's a lovely one of Petworth House, and our local community sledging hill of choice!<br />
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-28436462866345327352012-10-20T11:59:00.003-07:002012-10-20T11:59:49.989-07:00Memory moments - running out to gaze at the sunset.Sometimes I don't have the words, but I want to share it with you.<br />
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Running out with the boys to the garages at the back of our house, because the sunset was just so stunning. watching as they become silhouettes against the fiery sky.<br />
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Sighing and "Wowing" as the sky rolls out flame upon flame over our heads.<br />
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I know we don't have the best of views from anywhere in our house - and if you took a wander up the road for a few minutes - we'd have had the most stunning view of the downs, but the moment would have been gone by then. Sometimes you just have to go with what you've got and this is our patch of paradise. <br />
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Wonderful. </div>
Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-17590833075225616362012-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:002012-10-16T12:42:37.597-07:00Well Worn Weekend<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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(I'll explain the picture later.)<br />
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Sometimes, no matter how much you'd rather it wasn't, the weekend can be the most hectic round of social events, washing, DIY, clubs and homework.<br />
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I was determined that this weekend we were going to have a chilled out family weekend. The kind I remember growing up with as a child. Long hours of relaxing, pottering, amusing oneself with trivial things, watching old films, eating scrumptious food and enjoying one anothers' company in a haze of blissful appreciation.<br />
It was a good thought.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At first they run.....</td></tr>
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Actually, the plan started on Friday with a clean of the house, receiving a food shop and a washing amnesty, plus baking a batch of apple and cranberry cake for the grown ups and a batch of brownies for the children. (Although a few did happen to fall onto our plates too.) This way, I could avoid the chaotic madness of trying to do homework with various children, whilst putting a weeks worth of shopping away, dealing with 3 loads of washing and a mess of a house. On my own. While J took Ben to football for the morning. That was last week and that was NOT good. Not a happy house, not a happy mummy.<br />
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The plan this week was to dish out plenty of baked goodies, with plenty of cups of tea and one at a time, help the children do their project homework. Followed by a Roast dinner on Sunday (which I never usually attempt midday!), a walk in the lovely sunshine and a "bread and butter" tea whilst watching a film together.<br />
Now, a few things happened along the way that nudged the plan sideways (a trip to A&E with my mum, mid dinner on Saturday and then also the following morning.), but generally, we had decided to be chilled out, and that is what we managed.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">....then he wants to be carried.....</td></tr>
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I think what I realised, is that those blissful memories of my youth of endless hours of relaxation and fun at the weekends, were probably just that, for me - but facilitated by the love, care and nurture of my parents, who determined that family time was important and worked hard to make it happen. A change of pace between working our socks off was important. A knowledge that Home was a safe place where we could be ourselves was important. Fun was important. And I am so thankful that we were allowed the freedom in those hours of childhood to be children and PLAY.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...then his brother wants a carry too.....</td></tr>
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This weekend, my friend Kelly ran her first ever half marathon, to raise money for a charity I have mentioned before - Children on the Edge. It was a gruelling 13 miles, through sometimes rough terrain. Thankfully the sun shone, but it was a freezing cold morning!<br />
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I'm mentioning this because it struck me that what we were so blessed to have this weekend, is not the story for so many children across the world.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/haiti-sport-in-the-slums.html">Haiti</a>, children who have lost sometimes their whole family and home are given hope and a little snippet of childish fun through <b>playing</b> football at project COTE helps to fund.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/romania-early-intervention-for-children-with-special-needs.html">Romania</a> they help to give children with disabilities and their families help to <b>play</b> together with able bodied children in bright, colourful spaces with friendly caring staff.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/east-timor-child-and-community-centre.html">East Timor</a>, where children have been dragged though the horrors of conflict, they support a Child and Community centre which not only offers health care, nutrition, education, after-school and youth activities, plus psychological and health advice for parents, but also gives children space to be children again and <b>play</b>.<br />
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In <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/bangladesh-learning-centres.html">Bangladesh</a> COTE supports Learning centres for children who because of extreme poverty are working, when our children in the UK are enjoying the freedoms of childhood.. These child workers are given a meal, the opportunity to wash, attend lessons and crucially rest and <b>play</b>.<br />
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Where war, natural disaster, poverty and abuse rob children of the
essential ingredients that make up a full childhood, COTE aims to give
these things back.<br />
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It was a struggle to set aside time to relax this weekend and come together as a family. It's a struggle to carve out a precious piece of time territory and mark it as sacred. If it's that much of a struggle here, with these facilities, these beautiful surroundings, this plenty, this security, this love, this abundance....think of the battle COTE have.<br />
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Never take <b>Play</b> for granted. It's a powerful thing and it changes not only lives, but history.<br />
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Now - I promise I'll go all crafty on you again soon and bring you some pictures of pretty things, but in the meantime, cast your discerning eyes on the beautifully designed calender at the top of the post. Created to raise money for the work Children on the Edge do across the world by Sussex based designer Sandra Isaksson, this beauty is a must have. I already have my copy - because I am going to be Mrs Ultra Organised next year ;0) and I have a couple of Christmas presents sorted too- they are a steal at £5, every penny of which goes to bringing smiles to children. There you go - I have solved two of your problems in one go - which calender to adorn you kitchen wall with next year and how to extend your love of children to the far reaches of the world. Perfect. Buy yours <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/shop.html">here</a>. <br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-40098960963404880532012-09-30T06:03:00.001-07:002012-09-30T06:07:10.893-07:00Inheritance Curry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I know, I know....two posts in one weekend, but for my sake as much as yours lovely readers, I wanted to get this down while I remembered!<br />
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We went for a lovely walk today in our local deer park, with all the boys and their two cousins. It was truly breathtaking and we wondered all the way round how we miss such beauty on our doorstep all the time. We have such and enviable view of the South Downs from here and we so seldom stand and stare at it. Today was one to seize and we grabbed enough tea supplies for everyone and headed off to the park. The boys let off some steam (which is exactly what they needed - I can testify to after a morning cooped up in the house and LOTS of screaming!) and we adults meandered behind them, chatting through family events, children growing up, what to plant in our gardens and the change of seasons. Bliss. A small picnic of tea and chocolate buttons, courtesy of Nanny Jane half way round and the perfection was complete.<br />
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J picked up a few of my Dad's old curry books this morning and brought them up to bed to browse with our morning cuppa (Brought up by our eldest 2 boys....can you believe that!!!). We spent a while browsing through the various annotations my Dad had written under each curry.<br />
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Dad was an expert curry maker. We spent a lot of our growing up years in Yorkshire, home of some of the Best curry houses in this country and Dad fell in love with this way of cooking. Mum and Dad shared the cooking in our home and often with Dad, it was a curry, blended from the vast array of spices and peculiar ingredients he would seek out on his regular trips "Up North" to see family. He built special shelves in the kitchen we grew up in for his spices and each one was kept in a different odd jar or tin, some labelled, some known by heart. I pondered on this today as J and I scrabbled around trying to find the Garam Massala in the glass jars that had all come from the same supermarket and were ALL orange lidded. There was a method in Dad's "clutter" of shelves. He knew precisely where everything was and which container it would be in. We set about scribbling names onto each lid.<br />
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J has decided that he would like to cook curry. I am not going to argue. I have a deep love of this food and the delicacy of flavours, breadth of ingredients and care and time taken over each dish. He browsed through the books, finding one to start with and we laughed at the little notes Dad had left - "Margaret for dinner - mistake" ....laugh...read on..."Cooked in pakora oil - not good" Then the same curry 4 days later "Tried again, cooked properly this time - really good". Then days my brothers moved in and out of the family home - marked with a curry. Birthdays, Christmases, Anniversaries, friends, J and I moving into their home with our first child because we had nowhere else to live - all marked with a slap up Indian and the exhuberant generosity that my parents could not help.<br />
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Then gently tears as together we found references to how he was feeling this day or that. Not so good.<br />
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Why am I sharing something so intimate with you? Because this is the "stuff of life" as Dad would have said. The little annotations left for me in these handed down books are not only a good guide as to which curry to cook, and how to cook it....they are my inheritance. They are the little everyday stories that were the fabric of our family life. Markers in our collective memories that evoke such vivid pictures, smells and flavours. So precious and irreplaceable. More so than any money or jewel.<br />
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I am so pleased that J has taken up the wooden spoon and balti dish. I know he's going to be an excellent Curry maker - he knows what a good one tastes like after all, thanks to years round the table in my parent's home. And we will be writing in the book tonight, alongside Dad's beautiful swirling handwriting....<br />
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P.S. J's curry was goooooood. <br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-83165255350586669632012-09-28T03:47:00.001-07:002012-09-28T04:55:41.047-07:00Full Tummy Blogging<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About 4 years ago, we were in the middle of a whole lot of things going on in this house. My lovely hubby was in his final year completing a degree in Youth work (actually it had a much more fancy title than that which more truly represents the depth of what he was studying, but I can never remember it!) as a mature student. We had 3 children under the age of 6 and I was well on my way to number 4. (Noah was born a couple of months after J finished his course.) We had dedicated the tiniest bedroom in the house to study and we spent many many days with J hidden away at the top of the house, head in book and me downstairs, amusing 3 boys who desperately wanted to go spend Saturday with Daddy. Around this time, J also moved from a job he had been in for 13 years, since he left school, into a new job. Scary stuff. Boy were we tired!<br />
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In the middle of all this I was listening to Woman's hour one day and heard about Jane Brocket and her wonderful blog, <a href="http://yarnstorm.blogs.com/jane_brocket/">Yarnstorm</a>. For a few precious minutes each day, whenever I was allowed the time, I would sneak up to the study and sit amongst books about educational theory and Sexual Health training and gaze at the computer screen, completely absorbed in the colourful world of this creative person, who I felt was completely on the same wavelength as me. I know this makes me sound very ignorant, but I had hardly heard of blogs and understood their potential before this point and I can say now, that finding this wonderful retreat was one of the things which got me through that challenging year. It was also the inspiration for me to start this blog. So, thank you Jane.<br />
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I was considering this morning how the blogasphere has exploded and how you can now find a blog about any subject you can imagine and how for us crafty types this is a massive blessing and source of inspiration. When you are a mum at home with children, like I am currently and you feel like the walls are closing in (some days, not all), these blogs provide an open door to the world outside and the let colours flood in.<br />
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So, I thought as it's Friday and you may actually get a few moments to yourself over the next couple of days, I would share a few of my favourite retreats with you.<br />
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<a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.co.uk/">Anna Maria Horner</a> is my go to blogger for an instant injection of colour and pattern. She's an expert at combining designs to create a heady patchwork world of leopard print next to paisley, next to polka dot, next to peacock feathers. A true artist and thinker, Anna manages to imbue her designs (she is predominantly a textile designer) with the Spirit of Creativity. She's a constant inspiration to me, not only as a crafts person, but as a Mother. She often brings me to tears. Have a look at her blog this weekend and you'll find <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/found.html">writing and pictures</a> that may make you do the same.<br />
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<a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/">Lucy at Attic 24.</a> What can I say - if you haven't visited her yet....why not?!!! I found her shortly after I found Jane Brocket and she is the main reason I finally learnt to crochet after all these years! If you don't crochet - visit her blog and I challenge you to come away not wanting to learn. Lucy is another Mum, and I love to read about her littlies - they remind me so much of my own. If you are after a dreamy escape with plenty of "oooooh!"-worthy pictures thrown in, this is the place for you. Lucy's <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/2011/03/delights-of-the-day.html">cheerfulness</a> shines through and the way she picks out the beauty in every day things never fails to pick me up.<br />
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It also helps that she comes from my beloved Yorkshire and many of the pictures set me craving for a Dales fix.<br />
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This lovely lady is also responsible (in part, I am sure she would have me say) for the renewed interest in kaleidoscopic colour and even has quite a few shops offering "Lucy of Attic 24" style <a href="http://www.countrycrafts.org.uk/attic24pack.html">yarn combinations</a>. Yummy. Have a cup of tea and a browse.<br />
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One of Lucy's friends, Tracy has also recently started a blog and it's well worth heading over to sigh over her beautiful applique and utterly squeal-worthy hand made rabbits. They each come with a little crochet jumper and clothes made form Liberty fabrics. What more could you want?<br />
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While we're on the subject, <a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/">Little Cotton Rabbits</a> is beautiful. I don't knit....my little brain only has room for crochet, so I am in total awe of the creations this lady makes.<br />
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This is a soft, wrap you up in heavenly colours and cosy things blog. Julie writes with honesty and gentleness about bringing up her children, one of whom is severely Autistic and being creative in the midst of this. I admit that I sometimes pop over to her blog just to soak up the deliciousness of those <a href="http://littlecottonrabbits.typepad.co.uk/my_weblog/a-little-cotton-rabbit-st.html">little bunnies </a>and end up reading post after post with tears rolling down my cheeks.<br />
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It's a beautiful place to be and exemplifies the best of the blog world - knowing that someone is allowing you to glimpse their life and share their story, and feeling that you have come away richer.<br />
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If you're in love with all things Vintage, like i am - a happy place to be is <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/">Teawagon Tales</a>. I just adore the colours here. There is a very soothing - everything is all right with the world feel to this blog and sometimes that's all that will do.<br />
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Pictures of restored teawagons, <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/2011_06_01_archive.html">Dolly</a> 1 and 2 and numerous vintage finds, plus the story of her <a href="http://teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk/p/story-of-shed.html">shed - to -studio space</a> make my heart ache. That's a good thing. Honestly.<br />
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<a href="http://nanacompany.typepad.com/nanacompany/">Nanacompany</a> is a fairly new find. Amy is another hugely talented mum, whose pactchwork and quilting are a breath of fresh air. This is all brightness, cheeriness and open skies. None of your mustiness and faded colour here. This blog is total sweetness. It oozes with a generosity of spirit and delicious photos of all her latest projects (where does she find the time with 3 children?!!!).<br />
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Beautiful tutorials and lots of inspiration and a comforting appreciation of family. Have a peek and I'm sure you'll want to grab your pincushion and scraps.<br />
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I think what makes me go back to a blog time after time is the human story. I have realised that going through my 200 or so long roll of bookmarked pages. (oooops!) The ones that stand out to me are the ones where I feel I know or can get to know the person behind the gorgeous photos. Don't get me wrong, I love a bit of crafty eye-candy, so there are times when I just want to see what people have made and get inspired. I'm finding I use <a href="http://pinterest.com/naomiwelch/">Pinterest</a> more and more for this though. Blogs to me are about finding other kindred spirits. People you can make a connection with, even if you never meet them. It's about feeling richer than you were, like you have had a good, tasty meal. Not fast food. That's good for 5 minutes, but you are hungry again half an hour later. I hope this little lot will fill you up.<br />
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Open the door to the world and let the colour in.<br />
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xxxxxxx <br />
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P.S. I LOVE it when you comment and let me know what you think - I'd love it if you share your favourite blogs with me too. If you have trouble doing that - I know a few of you did last time, when it gets to the choosing a profile bit, scroll down to Anonymous and if you want to leave your name, put it into the comment. Hope that helps. xxNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-21116605404993752882012-09-22T14:28:00.000-07:002012-09-23T01:08:23.591-07:00A Little Colour for the Soul<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Brrrrrr, it's a bit chilly tonight, but we are resisting putting the heating on just yet and I am dreaming that the defunct old 60's fire in our front room is actually a roaring log fire like <a href="http://attic24.typepad.com/.a/6a00e551101c5488340162fefdc902970d-500wi">Lucy's over at Attic 24!</a> Still - I have some colour to match hers tonight at least!<br />
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The top set is my favourite! These are the mix of fabrics I have ready for the "Retro Funky" range of bags.<br />
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There's still a little colour in the garden too - especially as I treated myself to some of my favourites to warm up the border. <br />
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This is the colourful display that has replaced the doll's house that was on this cabinet, which has now gone to a new home and to someone who will hopefully have a little more time to brighten it's walls than I did! I love these old Ladybird books - especially for their cheery colours. <br />
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The massive reorganisation of the studio is almost at an end, just the cottons and ribbons to go, but they are in way too scary a state to go near at the moment. Every now and then when my box of threads gets just too messed up, I have to take a pair of scissors in there and detach a "scribble" of coloured cords. I usually think it looks quite beautiful to my eye - like a picture of our home - colourful chaos. (Order held together with threads of chaos i think I once called it!) It did occur to me the other day that it was probably quite wasteful though, so the next job on the list is to make myself one of <a href="http://www.sugarbeecrafts.com/2010/05/thread-rack-tutorial.html">these!</a><br />
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We had a little wander down to the Pre-school Nature Garden opening today - which was lovely. A perfect Autumnal day for a garden opening, the leaves just starting to turn, and a slight crispness in the air, but warm sunshine if you found a spot with a cup of tea in hand. The littlies loved it too. How blessed they are.<br />
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We also had a wander round the town as there was a Food festival on in the market square today. A few loaves of bread were purchased and I came away a happy girl, with a bag full of goodies from this <a href="http://www.junieandjack.bigcartel.com/">shop stall.</a> I walk past her window every day on the way to playschool and have often wondered about the sign in the window, offering repairs and alterations. So lovely to meet Kerry today and see all her beautiful creations. The orange braid was today's find!<br />
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I've been so enjoying the little ones these last few days. The arrival of a new niece in the family has been urging me to soak up the boys and their newness to the world as much as I can, while they are still new. And even the eldest, who is a mighty 10 is relatively new, and knows so little still. That's beautiful and I am thankful that they have been trusted to me and J. I have this week enjoyed a walk ALL the way home from school hand in hand with said boy. A rare and precious thing and one which I soaked up with all my being. I have also enjoyed "love cuddles" with Noah - who announces regularly now in the middle of random activities, "Mum, I love ya". Even Reu is wide eyed in wonder at the world and so eager to show me everything he is discovering. I am trying to live in his wonder whenever I remember, as if it were the first time I too had seen a bird or butterfly. I love his squeals of excitement! Ben has been poorly this week, so I've had the opportunity to do some proper Mummery - cosying him up on the sofa with a cup of tea and books. And the one I haven't mentioned yet, well, reading is the thing at the moment - what a precious gift I have remembered, it is to be able to read. A friend introduced me to <a href="http://www.oxfordowl.co.uk/">this wonderful website too.</a><br />
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As for me, I continue to gather up all my remaining energies to create. In the light of all I've just said, I am constantly aware of the "one chance" nature of children and so, things at Redeem inch forward often a lot slower than I would love, but I have learnt to say to myself, that's OK, plenty of time....and I daydream instead of all the lovely things I'll one day have the time to make.....<br />
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For now, I wanted to share a little treasure I have been "doing up" - just for me. It's not often I use valuable time to make something for myself these days, but it felt good to finally paint up this old sewing box that I had found months ago in a charity shop and had been taking up at least a third of the floor space in my studio ever since! The intention was to have it beside the sofa in the living room, so that in the evenings, when I withdraw from the studio to be nearer the children, I can stash away all my bits and pieces, for and evening of cosy making. What do you think? It's a glimpse of the colourful room I have planned. One day the living room will look like <a href="http://annamariahorner.blogspot.co.uk/2012/09/getting-there.html">this</a>....or <a href="http://media-cache0.pinterest.com/upload/118008452705419604_ZknnGY7V_f.jpg">this</a>.....and I'll finally use these to cover the sofas!<br />
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See if you can spot a common thread....<br />
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I'm off to pour myself a glass of cider now - a memory of our holiday in Suffolk. The perfect way to finish off the evening.<br />
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xxxxxxx <br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-61002288985593925902012-09-17T02:11:00.003-07:002012-09-17T02:11:52.922-07:00And the winner is......<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Today is the day we find out who has won the pretty little doll! <br />
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This morning, in between cornflakes and Pre-school, my lovely Noah picked one of the names from my special cupcake bowl.<br />
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I was so pleased with the response from all of you to my little Doll giveaway and very impressed with the beautiful names you came up with - all of which would have suited her wonderfully. There could only be one though and here it is.....<br />
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So, well done to Natalie England - your new friend will be winging her way to you as soon as you email me your address. (redeem@btinternet.com) I'm sure she will have a lovely time at your house!<br />
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I'm off to the studio mow to do a touch more fabric sorting - I have been folding all my fabrics in neat piles of colour coded loveliness - a new way of doing things in the Redeem studio, so I hope it proves to be workable! <br />
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It has made me realise what a wealth and range of fabrics I have now though and as soon as this Sunday's stock sale is finished, (8pm on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Redeem-Creations/232461153447120">my Facebook page</a>) I will be uploading new stock to my new on line shop. This is one of the style of bags I am planning to make - full of retro charm, big enough for everything you need to carry round all day and with a zipper to keep everything safe. What do you think? I love the greens and I actually use this bag every day. I like to do a bit of product testing, you see!<br />
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If you'd like to grab a bargain, here's a taster of the stock that will be in the sale this Sunday - some really pretty things, including cushions, bags of various sizes and a few "Bag Buddies" which are the little dolls you can hang from your bag like a charm.<br />
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Quite a few Teeny totes - which are the smallest in the range and are perfect for little gift bags, or for the little girl in your life - just right to go over her wrist and carry all her important things about in!<br />
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A couple of changing bags, which include a lovely matching oil cloth changing mat and removable long strap. They have plenty of pockets for all your baby bits and pieces. <br />
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Well, the sun is shining here and the studio is calling me....so well done again Natalie - I hope you love her. See you all on Sunday evening! xxxx<br />
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P.S. Thanks for all your support over the last few weeks. I have been so blessed by your words of encouragement here and on my Facebook page. Creating things is a nerve racking business - and it has given me a much needed boost to know that other people enjoy what I enjoy too. <br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-86962474161941028332012-09-14T04:12:00.001-07:002012-09-14T04:50:34.324-07:00Pretty Doll Giveaway<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Hello lovelies! It's such a dreary day here, after such a glorious sunny day yesterday. I spent most of the day clearing out my studio and organising fabric, so I was glad of the weather, which allowed me to well and truly spread out into the garden! A good thing when your studio is as teeny as mine!<br />
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I have so many lovely fabrics now and my fingers are itching to get started on my new collection of bags and other goodies, ready for Christmas sales and the launch of my new online shop later this year! (I'll keep you posted on that one too!)<br />
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I thought I would cheer us all up today by doing a little give away. I love making <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/redeemcreations/6696471305/">dolls</a>, as I have written about before. It's an opportunity to use some of the pretty fabrics I have and make something that will hopefully be cherished for years to come.<br />
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Today I'm giving away one of my favourite little dolls. She has a sweet blue and pink removable dress and turquoise trousers and her hair is pinned back with two little crochet flowers. The only thing she's missing is a name!<br />
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So, if you'd like to win her, please tell me what you think she should be called in the comments below and if you can, link to this page on your Facebook page or Twitter feed. The names will all be put in a hat and I'll get one of the boys to pick one out on Sunday 16th September before I whisk them off to bed! I will announce the winner on Monday morning and will then need them to contact me with their details. Can't wait to hear your suggestions! If you have any trouble commenting please email me at redeem@btinternet.com<br />
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Please be aware that my dolls are made from pre-loved materials, which is part of their charm and the crochet flowers and buttons could be a choking hazard for small children. <br />
<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com29tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-48585686179975731572012-09-11T06:32:00.001-07:002012-09-11T06:32:35.776-07:00Late Summer Sun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ah.....I love this time of year. Usually we get a little warm sunshine unexpectedly and after such a lot of rain this year - this sunny day is most welcome and can come back again any time.<br />
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On my way back into the house after Pre-school pick up I spotted these beautiful few flowers left in the garden. I planted for cut flowers this year, and they have provided me with plenty of <a href="http://www.redeemcreations.co.uk/2012/02/legacy-of-posies.html">little posies</a> round the house - especially the sweet peas, whose fragrance I have enjoyed very much.<br />
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I'm not green fingered. I wish I was, but I do love pottering, when I have time and I love having a few flowers to brighten my mood if I need it.<br />
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Today the sun is providing high contrast and bleached colours and the air has that first gentle bite of Autumn in it. The smell of the leaves has changed too - I noticed on the way to school the other day. There's that pungent aroma in the air, but only a few leaves yet on the ground. It won't be long before that <a href="http://allpoetry.com/poem/8444313-Ode_To_Autumn-by-John_Keats">"Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness"</a> begins in full swing.<br />
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For now, I'm enjoying every bonus glimpse of sun we get, even when it's accompanied by gusty winds and the odd surprise shower! How wonderful it is to have seasons that change. <br />
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I'm also working toward a stock sale through my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Redeem-Creations/232461153447120?ref=hl">Facebook Page</a>. I'm feeling the need for a change of season with Redeem Creations too.....making way (and space!) for a new collection of bags, cushions, jewellery and quilts is the first step. If you want to pick up a bargain, pop over to my page at 8pm on September 23rd and type "sold" under the item you'd like. You'll find lots of bags, including a whole range of Teeny Totes made from the most beautiful vintage fabrics and trims, and a few cushions and bag buddies too. First to get there grabs the goodies! <br />
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See you then<br />
xxxxxxxNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-79899147931618779122012-09-07T14:36:00.002-07:002012-09-07T14:36:47.361-07:00Season's End<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been a lovely long Summer with the boys and I don't feel like I'm quite ready to give up on the long evenings and lazy bedtimes yet; the meandering days and carefree atmosphere. Life inevitably moves on though and I waved goodbye to them all, all kitted out in their new uniforms, slightly nervous and reluctant, but old enough now to know that it has to happen. (Me too!)<br />
I think it takes a while as a parent to get the hang of summer holidays. You still have memories of when you were a child and they seemed endless and responsibility free, full of long days of sunshine and pleasing yourself. I'm finding that with each new year I understand better how to tackle this season. Maybe by the time they are all grown up I will have got the hang of it! This year, we did our usual Summer Activity Planner - basically a long piece of paper with the days on it, which we fill in together at the beginning and decide on the things we most want to do - interspersed by some of the things we have to do, like shoe shopping (UUuuuGGhGGhhh!!!). It worked well, and I felt happy that I had managed to entertain and occupy each day without any of us falling over the edge of sanity. I also trialed a short term pocket money chart this year. We don't do pocket money really; the honest reason being that we're not usually organised enough to remember! Short term though, to raise a little pocket money for our camping
holiday, I could manage and as we expect the boys to help around the
house, they gained ticks for things that were above and beyond - like
helping a brother without being asked, being kind, generous and
enthusiastic. All of these things thrown into the mix of 5 boys and one
Mummy at home make a HUGE difference!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goody bags for each of the children, left on the seat of the car, for them to find at the beginning of the journey to our holiday</td></tr>
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This years' camping trip took us to Suffolk and a part of the world I
hadn't visited since I was a child. My parents lived here when they
were first married and took my older brother home from hospital to live
in a mobile home on a friend's farm. We stayed on the same farm this
year and it was beautiful.<br />
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I feel the need to write some more about some of the musings and thoughts I have had over the Summer, but I think they are still settling in my head, so I will leave them for another day when they have "Crystallised" as my dad would have said. For now, I'll mark the end of the holidays by sharing some of my favourite pictures of our time away. <br />
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Our campsite in the morning sunlight. <br />
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Our campfire cup of tea, nearly ready......tastes so much better than from a kettle somehow - maybe it's the waiting!<br />
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A little fire lighting instruction from "I grew up in the woods" Daddy.<br />
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Waiting for dinner to cook....<br />
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My version of chilling out by the pool!<br />
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Blue skies....<br />
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Sunsets....<br />
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Eating very well.... <br />
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Climbing in castles... <br />
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Still being parents... <br />
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Laughing at the washing (this was one of 3 loads that week!)<br />
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A bit of insect spotting in the woods...<br />
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Simple boy fun...wave hopping and stone sploshing....<br />
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Chips and cups of tea on the pebbly beach....<br />
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Some of the prettiest cottages I've ever seen...<br />
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Anniversary tea and cake.... <br />
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Beach combing for future jewellery projects....<br />
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Soaking it all up....<br />
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Loving the tribute plaques on Southwold pier; what a beautiful idea.<br />
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Finding lovely things in vintage markets....<br />
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Probably our best holiday yet. </div>
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Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-58091200682791435932012-08-11T11:35:00.000-07:002012-08-11T13:00:14.673-07:00Teeny Tour<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What a glorious day we're having here! The sun has finally found his long lost hat and all is restored in the world of Summer Holidays once again!<br />
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We've been on a family outing to the <a href="http://www.gaugemaster.com/index.html">Model Train Shop</a> today - a 10 minute journey on a Real Life train with all 5 of the boys and fake grass has been purchased ready for some Mummy and Eldest time later in the holidays. It's amazing what a short journey on a train can do and although it certainly wasn't the cheapest day trip we've done this Summer, it was absolutely value for money and effort. Eldest son can get a little nervous doing things like this, so it was good to do a bit of Calmness Coaching and as for the younger ones - they just loved every minute. Little Reu used the full breadth of his vocabulary in describing the various things whizzing past the window and such delight at cows and sheep! Look at these two - eagerly watching for the train to arrive!<br />
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On the way back, we stopped at Arundel, which not only has it's very own Castle, but is also an extremely pretty town, with an abundance of vintage and gift shops, a wonderful book shop, food shops of every variety and yes, even the obligatory charity shop. Perfect!<br />
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It was made even more perfect by my husband insisting that he take the boys to the play park for a few minutes while I wandered off on my own! Bliss! I have to tell you about this lovely little place I found - <a href="http://www.lulamaes.co.uk/">Lulamae's. </a> A delightful new venture by my new friends, Sally and Alison (sisters) who only two months ago opened this pretty cafe and shop, full of all the sorts of vintage and retro goodies I love. I didn't get to taste the foodie goodness on offer, owing to Naomi Time coming to an end, but I have made a promise to myself to visit again when term starts again....and maybe even take a friend or two!<br />
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In the meantime I am hoping that Sally and Alison will visit me here, on my blog to tell us a bit more about their lovely venture, how they made it happen and their dreams for the future, so watch this space.<br />
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I was thinking today that you might like a Teeny Tour of my Teeny Studio, so I rushed out and took a few photos of the things I'm up to out there at the moment, and the things I sit there and look at for inspiration. It's only 11 feet by 6 feet - just big enough to sit at a desk, with every available space filled with shelves of fabric, buttons, ribbons and <a href="http://pinterest.com/naomiwelch/my-lovely-vintage-finds/">vintage finds</a> that I will someday "Do Something With!"<br />
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Lots of vintage dress patterns, some of which are totally beautiful, all of which I would <a href="http://pinterest.com/naomiwelch/would-love-to-wear/">LOVE TO WEAR </a>given half the chance. </div>
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Vintage bedlinen fabrics, of which I have TONNES, and all of which I love so much, I find it hard to cut! </div>
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Oh, I love my old children's books, especially this Enid Blyton series which mostly sits in our bedroom, waiting for a quiet moment. I just love the illustrations - there's something so charming about the way children were drawn in this particular era. Legs and arms that look almost edible. Just like my Little Reu's.</div>
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My stash of small print cottons in a suitcase - because they regularly get transported indoors for a spot of evening needlework. (Or even on holiday, like below!)</div>
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An art folder idea I was working on and my wire chicken hanger with all sorts of things perched on it.</div>
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Shelves which are home to my collections of buttons, ribbons and scraps....and the odd <a href="http://www.redeemcreations.co.uk/2012/03/lining-nest.html">inspirational thin</a>g or two...<br />
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Vintage buttons, which are just too beautiful on their cards to use for anything....my, my, I seem to feel that way about a lot of vintage things....no wonder my Teeny Studio is so jam-packed!<br />
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Bon Maman jars filled with my collection of buttons, in colour themes.....because it was fun to do one lazy afternoon!<br />
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Vintage embroidered hankies found on a recent trip to Bath, machine embroidered Motto Hearts ready to be stuffed and other small projects on the go.<br />
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My latest love. Can't get enough of detail and fine stitching for these appliques hearts and pictures. I am SOOO enjoying doing these, I can't tell you how much! By the way, I'd love to do one for you - maybe a little embroidered picture of your home? How cute would that be! Go to my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/pages/Redeem-Creations/232461153447120?ref=hl">Facebook page</a> if you'd like to find out more.<br />
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This little heart has it's own beaded hanger. It's hanging in front of one of my vintage scrap quilts in progress.<br />
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The Teeny Studio my lovely Dad built for me has become more and more filled with fabrics and findings over the 5 years I have been blessed to have it and I continually have to re-stash, re-jig and re-organise, but all this helps me re-member every time I do it, what a privilege it is to have a space like this to re-treat to; something I truly dreamt of all my life.</div>
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Thanks for going on my Teeny Tour with me. </div>
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xxxxxxx</div>
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-30415488021211537722012-07-22T13:55:00.000-07:002012-07-22T14:10:22.284-07:00The first decade is the hardest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Excuse me for not writing for a while - it has been a whirlwind of cake making, Fete preparation<br />
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.........and sleepover management in the Welch household over the last few weeks!<br />
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First of all - a quick look at the couple of cakes I promised you in my last post. The Wedding cake.....<br />
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A three tier, cheerfully colourful cake, draped in bunting and topped with it's very own tea party!</div>
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The little mouse on the top was a special addition requested by the happy couple to represent their son, cheekily chomping on a sugar cube - as he apparently loves to do when visiting cafes! In my book, anything can be meaningful, and it was important to me that the grooms cup, held the bride's cup, holding the little boy's mouse - a picture of family in tea party form!<br />
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And, yes, I did indeed maintain the general stickiness for one more week and make an Olympics Themed cake to raffle for <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/">Children on the Edge</a> and I am sooooo chuffed to report that it raised an amazing £400. Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the fund raising. The generous donations you contributed will go to COTE's work in one of their many projects with marginalised and vulnerable children across the world. It will make a difference. You have made a difference.<br />
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You may not be surprised to know that I was relieved when eldest son announced that what he would most like for his birthday cake was a good old fashioned chocolate cake, which he wanted to smother in sweets himself. Oh, the joy of simplicity. He has been itching to use the chocolate cake recipe from the <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Roald-Dahls-Completely-Revolting-Recipes/dp/0224083422/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1342985283&sr=8-2">Roald Dahl </a>book he was given for being ring bearer at our friends' wedding last year and could I deny him? Yummy. Delumptious, even.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you spy that naughty hubby eagerly waiting, fork in hand?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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After a very wet adventure in the nearby river, his guests were treated to Mexican wraps around the fire and a night under canvas in our garden. we filled their tents with those brilliant light up balloons you can get now and I made each of the guests their own sleep over pillow, roughly based on <a href="http://prudentbaby.com/2011/01/baby-kid/the-sleepover-pillowcase-tutorial-2/">this tutorial</a>. This is such a neat idea; each pillow has a zip up pocket, to store you Pyjamas, book or midnight feast in and a handle to carry it with across that field after and evening round the camp fire!<br />
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They loved them, especially as the pocket was filled with sweets. Well, he's too old for party bags....but I'm not!<br />
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So, even after a 5.50am wake up for us (and our neighbours) the whole thing went OK and they are now all back in their beds. Phew!<br />
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These are the girls' versions of the pillows....so lovely to make something that could work for both boys and girls and to use some of my lovely vintage fabric for something that will be used again and again and hopefully be part of making new memories.<br />
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One decade ago we began this adventure of family by bringing into the world our precious first son. Since then, we've brought 4 more into this world (the youngest of whom is stubbornly sitting on my lap as I type - refusing to succumb to sleep!) The thoughts and feelings I have around this are probably too profound to put into words here, although I wish I could. It's been an amazing 10 years, of growing, changing, challenging, discovering, learning to love more, learning to let go more, finding balance, seeking stability, yearning for peace (!), embracing the chaos, creating the order, searching for better ways, kinder ways, softer ways, more honest ways, working hard, playing lots, laughing often, crying sometimes, loving always. It has been an honour to be mum to these boys so far. I am honoured.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eldest and youngest.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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And Reu has finally fallen asleep on my lap, so I'd better transport him to bed. Good night. xx<br />
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<span id="goog_1363900264"></span><span id="goog_1363900265"></span>Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-67343885282766759052012-06-28T02:20:00.002-07:002012-06-28T02:20:28.762-07:00Cakes galore!<br />
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Just stopping by for 10 minutes (I must be strict this morning as I have a heap of stuff to do), to tell you about some things I've been working on. I usually try to start work for the day in time for Woman's Hour at 10am - it gives me enought time to deposit various children to various places and whizz round with the hoover.....alhtough this morning my lovely husband has done that job. Hence the 10 minutes!<br />
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This month is all about CAKES! So far I have delivered a 30th birthday cake to a very happy mum, looking forward to treating her daughter to champagne today. The family have two black labradors; mother and daughter and apparently the younger dog is cheeky and mischevious and loves to chase blackbirds in the park, whilst mummy dog looks on in disdain! <br />
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Hopefully I have captured the different characters. <br />
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I hope they have a wonderful day today.<br />
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Next on the list is a surprize, so I can't tell you about that one yet....<br />
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Next week I am working on a Wedding cake - a four tier affair with intricate details and a fun colour theme - again - I'll have to show and tell that after the Big Day!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These are some beautiful poppies in my mum's garden - aren't they gorgeous?!</td></tr>
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The week after that is <a href="http://www.visitchichester.org/?p=event&id=348">The Fete in the Park</a> at which I am holding a stall, selling my stuff. Now, I may be slightly mad to even think of this idea - but I saw a poster yesterday for a Sports themed cake competition. "Hmmmm," I thought, "Should I just extend the period of stickiness in the kitchen for a week or so longer?" The thought has kind of gripped me now, and I'm really bad at not doing things once I've had the idea. My thinking was, what if I did an Olympics themed cake and auctioned it to raise a bit of money for <a href="http://www.childrenontheedge.org/">Children on the Edge</a>? The Olympic Torch is coming through Petworth a couple of days after the Fete, so it would be the perfect Party centrepiece. The idea is a hot one.<br />
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Last year, I auctioned one of my dolls for this brilliant charity and it's such a fantastic cause. What do you think? Am I one step away from madness?<br />
Oh, it's aslo Cadan's 10th birthday the week after that.....but, hey, I'll be on a roll by then!<br />
So, this morning's task is a bag commission and I can hear the news on the radio starting, so I'd better get on.<br />
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Aaaaah, so lovely to have a morning in the house without children.....just for a bit! xxxNaomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-26043133610848411462012-06-24T13:05:00.000-07:002012-06-24T13:28:30.290-07:00Give me your hands, if we be friends....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Nobody really tells you that the most exhausting bit of parenthood is not the sleepless nights, smelly nappies, taxi runs and constant tidying up job....oh, no - that's just the beginning. The real hard work is in the emotional shaping and nurturing of a child and the way you feel every minute of it with them. This week has been much like any other, with a few Mummery moments thrown in and my heart has been tested and squeezed by those ever growing boys of mine.<br />
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My family moved from Yorkshire to Sussex when I was 9 and I left behind a lovely, sweet friend called Zoe. I went through a really tough time in the next few school I was in as my family gradually settled into life "Down South". I have a large "Port wine" birthmark on my left cheek which was significanly brighter when I was a child. Added to my very peculiar accent, this made me the perfect target for bullying. I was thoroughly miserable for the 6 months I was at my first Southern school - being called all sorts of horrible names and spending most break times on my own, frantically writing down how I felt so that I could relay it to my mum when I got home; a kind of comfort blanket tactic. I must have looked as odd as I sounded! Things improved a little in my next school, but then the time came for "Big school" and after a family holiday booked in the first two weeks of term (NEVER do this to your children, please!) I found myself in a school where everybody seemed to have already made their friends and found their way round this terrifying complex of buildings. I threw myself into working as hard as I could.<br />
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There is a reason I'm giving you this story of my life! I've been having lots of conversations with my eldest boys recently about friendship and confidence and compassion and all those other things that go into growing up into a world worthy person. I found myself telling number 2 son my story the other day - partly because I wanted him to know that others (even his mum) had been there before him on this well trodden path, but also because I wanted him to know that you do get through it and you are a better, more rounded, more compassionate and loving person.....not despite of it, but because of it. I reckon a lot of the resilience I have now is thanks to the girls who pushed me over in the hall as I was waiting for lessons. I think the empathy I can feel for others who are hurting is due to those boys who called me foul names. I believe I am able to see things through to the end and work hard now, partly because I was branded the "school creep" and "Teacher's pet". It was horribly tough at the time and I know I cried myself to sleep many Sunday nights. I felt battered and bruised emotionally and remember feeling like I was someone very strange not to see the world the way these ever so confident people did. Because they did <i>seem</i> ever so confident......<br />
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It's harder still when you are coaching your own child through the rigours of institutional education, which I have a definite love/hate relationship with at the best of times. I would go through it all again rather than them if I could. You just can't know as a child that these things are not only temporary, but are usually the product of someone else's unhappiness and self doubt. I know in my heart though that they will be OK, because the message they get here is "You are loved, you are special, you are amazing and unique and you are watched over, every minute of the day." <br />
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One of my deepest hopes for all my 5 boys is that they receive the precious gift I did when I was at school - a faithful friend. A few weeks into this horror, I met two friends, one of whom is still my "soul mate" friend, who I don't have to talk to for months, but will know how I am feeling after the first "hello". Knowing that you have one person who will know your heart - know who you are inside and who you can trust utterly is the most precious gift you could ever be given.<br />
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My other deep hope is that they take these experiences and absorb them into their personalities, like food for the soul, one day becoming fine young men who are confident enough in who they are not to stick up for themselves - because that's easy with a bit of bluster and attitude - but to stick up for others. That's where the real bravery lies. <br />
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P.S. The photos have nothing to do with the post, I just thought I'd show you some of my pretty rain covered flowers and a few things I've been making.....because that would be better to look at than pictures of me as a 9 year old....Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6595607044318177030.post-86330035835542606642012-05-28T05:51:00.004-07:002012-05-28T05:51:50.689-07:00Mad May Round up # II<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's been another busy weekend in the Welch household. This is our "Birthday season", in which we celebrate 3 sons' birthdays in the space of 6 weeks! <br />
It's lovely - but I look at a post from this time last year and wonder how I ever managed to fit in decorating for a wedding and making a wedding cake! (<a href="http://www.redeemcreations.co.uk/2011_05_01_archive.html">Mad May roundup</a>).<br />
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Thankfully the sun has shone on us this last week and Ben was able to have his Lego themed birthday party out in the garden, under a hastily erected piece of camouflage tarp for shade.<br />
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I love making their cakes, if I have enough time not to get too stressed and as this year, my lovely mum took the remaining children off my hands for the day on Friday, I was able to be quite relaxed about it. I'm learning to be a bit more like this with birthdays. I always have about 3 times the number of ideas as I can fulfil at these times, so I have to be realistic with myself and learn not to be disappointed if I don't get to do them. After all - they never knew these things were even being planned, and to be honest, are more than happy with having friends over and a special cake. With 5 children, I try to give them one day a year that is just about them, and let their creativity run loose a bit too. If it's a Lego Chewbacca cake they want, then off to Pinterest I go. (Trouble is, you find <a href="http://pinterest.com/naomiwelch/boys-stuff/">so many more things</a> there you want to have a go at!)<br />
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The garden is blossoming too and Jonny's new fire pit has been christened with a meal of Mexican wraps for the birthday boy, who managed to fit in a 5.30 pm trip to the doctors for some urgent asthma attention in the middle of it all too. <br />
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Yes, that is an old trug basket burning on the fire....I too was concerned when I saw this - but after Jonny told me he had found it under a bush, rotten and beyond repair and that he thought it was kind of appropriate that the fire pit built from Dad's old Truggery was lit for the first time with one of his baskets, I felt better and actually thought how beautiful the moment was. Dad would have loved it.<br />
The decision to forget veg and go with flowers is paying off now too and the new border is blooming marvellously. <br />
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I am so pleased I can hardly stop smiling when I walk out there and although today my favourite chair is covered in folded washing - it looks increasingly at home in our little patch. Jonny lifted this chair out of a rubbish heap behind his house when we were teenagers after my insistence that it was beautiful and could be restored....it had no wooden slats and was covered in rust, but I could see potential! It took me the next10 years or so to get round to stripping the old paint and cleaning it with a wire brush - after a promise from my dad that he would make new slats for me if I did. I didn't get round to painting it, and unfortunately, Dad never got the chance to finish it for me. Imagine how touched and emotional I felt this Christmas when my older brother presented it back to me after sneaking it away from my mum's house - fully restored and ready to be sat in! It's a gift that so special, because it's not just about the time and skills that went into it, but about the skills passed on from my Dad and the honour it does his memory.<br />
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I have tidied my studio this morning, all ready for a new burst of creativity. June is my month for Redeem to get going. I keep telling myself! Trouble is, my brain is suffering from a touch of "too many directions". But I'm trying to go easy on it and let it settle a while! It can easily become a race to try to "do something creative" while I have a minute without children, which ends in frustration, because you can't force these things. <br />
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Well, I hope you too are enjoying the sunshine. I'm off to clear that chair off and have a cup of tea and a ponder.....<br />
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<br />Naomihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06416460197983432691noreply@blogger.com0