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    Crafts for adults

    Christmas banner kit {joyeux noel}

    November 10, 2025 - By 

    I love crafting at Christmas. Although I regularly display my finished hoops and quilts there’s something lovely about Christmas makes. Maybe it’s because they are on display for longer? I liked the look of the Christmas banner kit from Love Embroidery magazine, this was a freebie cover gift, designed by Hello! Hooray! The kit contained the pre-printed fabric panel, embroidery thread and wooden dowel. All I needed to supply was an embroidery hoop, needle and scissors. I took this little sewing project when we went away to Whitstable for a weekend. It was a great size for a little weekend…

  • Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 45/2025}

    November 9, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 45/2025} The teens have a two week half term so we took them to Belfast for a few days away. We visited the Titanic Museum; took a black cab ride round Belfast to learn about this history of the Troubles and see the painted murals and…

  • paper origami rockets
    Bonfire Night crafts - Paper craft

    Bonfire Night paper origami rockets

    November 5, 2025 - By 

    Looking for a fun paper craft to celebrate Bonfire Night and all those colourful rockets? Try our paper origami rockets with the kids this year. List of supplies: Coloured papers (medium-light weight) Craft glue A pair of scissors How to make paper origami rockets: Prepare a 4” x 4” square paper for the rocket, 2” x 2” yellow, and 1” x 1” orange paper for the fire part. Let’s start with the fire pattern. Take the yellow square paper and fold it in half, diagonally. Mark the middle point of the current pattern’s closed side. Fold down the right corner…

  • Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 44/2025}

    November 3, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 44/2025} The kids have a two week half term (!) so spent the week at home relaxing mainly. Big Brother has been working his way through his Year 11 homework and Little Sis went to a couple of art classes to keep her busy. We popped…

  • Crafts for adults

    What I made October 2025

    October 30, 2025 - By 

    October was a great month for making. I also visited the Knit & Stitch Show which is one of my favourite days out. Read on to see what I’ve made this month. What I made October 2025 At the start of the month we picked up the ceramic pumpkins we made at our local pottery cafe last month. They turned out really well and have been on display ever since. Earlier in the month I made my annual trip to the Knit & Stitch Show, went fabric shopping and attended three totally different craft workshops. The chance to try a…

  • Pretty Fabrics and Trims Christmas Countdown
    Crafts for adults

    Christmas Countdown embroidery {Part 1}

    October 27, 2025 - By 

    I don’t usually talk about Christmas in October however I wanted to share a little update on my Pretty Fabrics and Trims 2024 Advent Box. I received the Christmas Countdown panel last year and made the smaller projects, but the bigger project overwhelmed me as November and December are such crazy busy months. So I put it to one side and made a list of Christmas projects to make this year. A few weeks ago I got the Christmas Countdown panel out again and made a start. Christmas Countdown embroidery Part 1 The Pretty Fabrics and Trims 2024 Advent Box…

  • Fishermans Hut Whitstable
    Five Happy Things

    Five Happy Things {Week 43/2025}

    October 26, 2025 - By 

    Starting the week by writing the Happy List is something I’ve been doing for the last few years. It’s my chance to sit down and reflect on the little or big things that made me smile in the previous week, as well as to record some of our family adventures. Five Happy Things {Week 43/2025} The last week before half term felt busy. My son went ice skating in London with some of the other Year 11s, this was a reward for his very good mock exam results. My daughter went hill walking in the Lake District with her Scout…

  • travel

    From the cliffs of Cornwall to the shores of Capri: applying your UK coast guide mindset to a Mediterranean cruise

    October 23, 2025 - By 

    There is something undeniably alluring about life by the coast of the UK. The gentle sounds of the waves, the cool salty ocean breeze and the ever-changing changing horizon are not just geography, but a mindset that reminds you of the sunny islands of the Mediterranean. Whether you live by the ocean, or are simply inspired by its essence, the best way to channel this sense of freedom is to make space in your schedule and book a cruise to the Mediterranean coastline to reap the many advantages of being outdoors. Besides the mental and physical benefits, cruising this region…

  • Crafts for kids

    Rainy Day Crafts That Bring the Family Together

    October 22, 2025 - By 

    Rainy days don’t have to be dull or boring. In fact, they can be the perfect opportunity for families to bond and get creative. When the weather keeps everyone indoors, pulling out some craft supplies can turn a grey day into a fun and memorable one. From simple card making to handmade decorations, there are plenty of activities that both kids and adults can enjoy together. These crafts not only pass the time but also create lasting memories and little treasures that you can keep around the home. Handmade Trophies and Awards A fun way to get the whole family…