I love the start of a new year. Each month I love to write a round up of what I’ve been making and my analogue hobbies. This helps me to see what I’ve made, and holds me accountable for projects half started or bought. This year I’m calling my series The Monthly Thread. May’s post is all about outdoor art & a new camera.

The Monthly Thread: May’s outdoor art & new camera

Baking

My teen made the most amazing Pretzel Rice Krispie Cakes, the recipe was from a supermarket magazine. These tasted so good, we will definitely be encouraging her to make them again.

Making

I love trying new crafts so bought a sweet little watercolour paint book from Sostrene Grenes to try. Each page features a different picture to paint and a built-in selection of solid watercolour paints. It’s super easy to activate the paint, by simply dipping your paintbrush in water, wet the dry paint pans in the book, and mix to the desired shade.

I had fun with another 1000 piece puzzle from Happily featuring all kinds of objects from the 70s including a lava lamp, Pet Rock, Spirograph and slinky. I’ve finished about six of these puzzles now, they are a really enjoyable way to spend an afternoon.

I’ve been junk journalling for a few years now so have been enjoying using the new Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo I bought recently. I’ve printed out some of my favourite photos to use in my junk journalling.

Reading

I read two great books in May, and started a third book too. The first book was a cosy crime novel, Shrink Solves Murder by Philippa Perry which was really fun. The second book was The Lost Château by Dinah Jefferies, which I also really enjoyed, as it felt like a historical crime novel. I’ve recently been sent some lovely new craft books to review, Air-Dry Masterpieces and Creative Junk Journalling, so I will be sharing those with you next month.

Out and about

There have been some beautiful historic houses, thanks to our National Trust membership, as well as a trip to the theatre to see Uncanny: Fear of the Dark. We also managed to walk most of the free The National Gallery Art On Your Doorstep Newport art trail. This was a lovely trail featuring 18 life-size replicas of world-famous masterpieces woven throughout the town’s historic streets, alleyways, and harbourside.

 

The Monthly Thread: April’s quilts & cake
The Monthly Thread: March’s punch needle & sashiko
The Monthly Thread: February’s lino cuts & an Irish Chain mini
The Monthly Thread: January’s embroidery sampler & linen collage