• Let's Move the Needle by Shannon Downey
    book review

    Let’s Move the Needle by Shannon Downey

    November 1, 2024 - By 

    I’ve read a lot of craft books this year. At the start of each year I set myself a target of books I’d like to read, and looking back over the year the majority are craft books. I was delighted to receive a copy of Let’s Move the Needle: An Activism Handbook for Artists, Crafters, Creatives, and Makers; Build Community and Make Change! by Shannon Downey to review. Let’s Move the Needle by Shannon Downey I came across Shannon Downey a few years ago on Instagram. She has a great website called Badass Cross Stitch with some great free patterns…

  • Thankful paper turkey bookmark from the gingerbread house
    Thanksgiving crafts

    Thankful paper turkey bookmark {+ free template}

    October 31, 2024 - By 

    I couldn’t resist adding another Thanksgiving craft to my collection. This Thankful paper turkey bookmark is fun to make from colourful craft paper. You can make one, but we made two so it wasn’t lonely. They make super cute bookmarks but you can use them in lots of different ways, from decorations to place settings on the table, or even make lots and string them up to make a fun Thanksgiving banner. List of supplies: Coloured craft papers Pencil A pair of scissors Craft glue Sharpies Free paper turkey template How to make your own Thankful paper turkey bookmark: Prepare…

  • Adobe Stock Free
    homestyle - interiors

    Escape into Comfort with a Cosy Cave at Home

    October 29, 2024 - By 

    With technology at our fingertips, there’s a constant need to escape. Combined with the constant hustle and bustle of everyday life, the desire for relaxation is even stronger. Book nooks were quick to gain popularity; becoming a beloved spot for most as it introduced a quiet retreat within the home to vanish into a good book for an hour or so. But like everything, this tiny corner couldn’t keep up as we sought out more expansive comfort. A Cosy Cave is more than a book nook. It’s a space that invites warmth, serenity, and even a little bit of magic…

  • view from the Eiffel tower
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 523}

    October 27, 2024 - 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 things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 523} My kids both have a two week half term at this time of year. We spent 4 days in Paris and packed in a lot! We managed to squeeze in the Eiffel Tower, a trip along the river, the Louvre Museum, the Musée d’Orsay, Le Marais…

  • The Stitchy Bee pumpkin bloom pattern
    Crafts for adults

    What I made in October 2024

    October 26, 2024 - By 

    Two weeks ago I visited the Knitting and Stitching Show at Ally Pally. I had a great day out exploring the exhibitions and attended three different workshops too. I’ve written about my trip here and shared some photos of some of the displays which were really inspiring. I chose three workshops: Foundation Paper Pieced Liberty Heart, hand quilting for beginners and Stitch, Patch and Play with Jessie Chorley. The foundation paper piecing was quite difficult as you add the layers back to front against the paper. I completed it at home and just about ended up with a heart. The hand quilting class…

  • DIY Halloween decorations made from gold foil
    Halloween crafts

    DIY Halloween decorations made from gold foil

    October 25, 2024 - By 

    Earlier this month I made a pumpkin garland from a vintage book. It’s a craft I’ve wanted to make for a while, and I took the garland to my office and hung it on my desk (the office girls went crazy with the Halloween decorations this year!). Making your own decorations is fun and a good way to recycle paper as I try to limit the craft supplies we have at home now the kids are older. I also wanted to make some gold foil pumpkin decorations, similar to the DIY gold foil eggs we made at Easter time. When…

  • wolf in a pumpkin
    Monday Happy List

    Five Happy Things {Week 522}

    October 21, 2024 - 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 things that made me happy in the previous week, as well as to record some of the adventures we have as a family. Five Happy Things {Week 522} We made it to half term! The last few weeks have been exceptionally busy at the kids have navigated a new school year (and GCSE’s for Big Brother!). As well as school they have lots of extra curricular activities so it feels like it has been…

  • competition

    {Giveaway} A Very Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols

    October 20, 2024 - By 

    I recently joined a choir and we started practising Christmas carols for our next concert. Although it felt strange to be singing carols in September it reminded me how beautiful they are, the music and words so evocative of many happy Christmases. I am delighted to share with you The Very Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols, a brand new book, recently published by DK Books. A Very Young Person’s Guide to Christmas Carols Join Arthur and Holly on an adventure to save Christmas accompanied by 10 sound clips of beloved carols. The third book in the series of books from…

  • beauty - homestyle

    PJ Glamour: How to Look Effortlessly Chic While Staying Comfy

    October 19, 2024 - By 

    In an era marred by perpetual hustle-bustle, who wouldn’t love to flaunt a voguish outfit while enjoying the cosiness of their jammies? After all, isn’t the new-age mantra all about being comfortably chic? Then brace yourself for PJ glamour – the ultimate fashion trend dedicated to making you look effortlessly stylish while keeping your comfort at the forefront.  So, toss aside your grandma’s nightgowns or worn-out sweats, because it’s time to embrace the redefined rules of attire, which intriguingly blur the lines between loungewear and outdoor attire. Understanding the PJ Glamour Trend So, what do you need to know about…