Thursday 30 July 2009

Evening Shadows ~

Now this is more like it...................evening sunshine in which to bathe, however briefly.
Following days of rain, greyness, leaden skies, horrid, gloomy, wet weather at last we get a little sunshine. My daughter has returned following a few days away so yet more sunshine in my life.
I urged her to take some photo's whilst the sun was still shining. I wanted to show you my latest creative obsession. Little knitted brooches decorated with all manner of dainty delights.
Creativity keeps me sane........as long as I am making something I am happy.
Does that mean I am easily pleased or just that I have reached the conclusion that no amount of material possesions can compare to the sheer pleasure to be gained from creativity.
I'm off now to indulge in another pleasure - a cup of tea.
Until next time,
Sandi x

Sunday 26 July 2009

Sunday afternoon ~

A Sunday afternoon and it's raining........a lot. I have a love-hate relationship with Sundays and I'm certain that lots more people do too. I grew up in the era when Sundays meant that everywhere (and I mean everywhere except for Church) was closed. Added to that was the gloomy knowledge that a bath was followed by early bedtime to be up for school on Monday morning. However, as a child growing up in the late 50's/early 60's we enjoyed far more freedom than children do today and we had very little money anyway so maybe it was as well that there was nowhere and nothing to spend it on.
Moving into adulthood the scenario remained the same but the Monday morning location became the workplace. Following a week at work and then payday, shopping was done on a Saturday. That was the way of life then.
These days of course things are so different in our 24/7 whirl of trying to get the most out of every waking moment. Great if you want to shop 'til you drop but I don't. Anyway, at least the option is there and if it is raining you don't get wet in a shopping mall. I do feel for the people who have to work in these places though, and their families. Although perhaps they prefer working rather than being stuck in the house bored to tears. Hmmm...another dilemma.
I'm not sure which kind of Sunday I love/hate the most, so maybe a compromise of some sort would suit me. Anyway, what to do on a wet, dark Sunday afternoon? I confess I don't like watching television very much at all and when it's raining and I feel trapped indoors I get very restless.
My husband had his eyes glued on Formula One racing earlier and after enduring the sound of engines buzzing like angry bees around a never ending track for an hour I almost lost the will to live.
I survived the experience by assembling some knitted fairy cakes, went to the kitchen, prepared a meal for later and then grabbed my camera. I always feel better after taking a few snaps even if they are indoor ones.
The little space age super hero fairy in the pic's is one that I dressed earlier in the week. She is one of those dolls bought from a market stall and had very bad hair so I gave her a mohican cut. It was my daughter who said she reminded her of a super hero and my husband gave her the space age tag.
Anyway, since meeting the other two cuties they have become new best friends and inseperable.
They are dealing with Sunday afternoon by just chillin'.
Maybe I should do the same.
Maybe I need to just 'be'.
I'm off to put the kettle on - a cup of tea always cheers me up.
Bye for now,
Until next time,
Sandi x

Thursday 23 July 2009

Hello ~

Hello and a warm welcome to you.
I am about to make a pot of refreshing tea ~ would you care to join me.
We shall have dinky, dainty sandwiches too and cake.....mmmmm.
Afternoon tea is such a lovely tradition and one that needs to be maintained.
China tea cups and saucers patterned with roses, silver tea pots, serving tongs,
sugar lumps for those that like their tea sweetened.
Somehow everything seems right with the world following a good old-fashioned treat.
Let me take you from the garden and into the house where we can have a good gossip
and put the world to rights.
Now then, did you hear about that brazen hussy from Lavender Cottage... that cat really likes to paint the village scarlet.....................;))
Until next time,
Bye for now,
Sandi x

Monday 20 July 2009

Window Dressing ~

Needed ~ one pair of bedroom curtains.
Solution ~ Take one pair of vintage white cotton sheets - single size perfect for the window. The excess length makes puddles of material on the floor which I quite like so no cutting or sewing needed.
Add a layer of tulle and the number of ties needed to attatch to curtain rings.
Result ~ Bridal-veil style curtains which let in plenty of light.
Look feminine but are completely practical as they can be closed.
Cost nothing but time and effort as I already had all the materials.
Pleasure each time I look at them.
I love making something from materials already to hand.
These should survive a few gentle washes and when the tulle finally disintegrates I can start all over again.
Simple but effective :))

Sunday 19 July 2009

Sunday Teatime Treat

Fairy cakes - a teatime treat and a firm favourite in my family.
Lavender coloured icing.
Topped with marshmallows.
Silver balls and fresh lavender flowers.
I had strong competition from a busy bee when I was picking them.
There were plenty left for my black and yellow friend though - I do love bees.

I am very hungry and waiting for my family to arrive for a roast chicken dinner followed by cakes.
Until next time,
Enjoy the rest of your Sunday.
Sandi x

Friday 17 July 2009

*Playtime*

A gathering I stumbled upon in the garden.
Oh my goodness what a variety of guests all sitting down together just enjoying themselves.
The secret to a contented, happy life.
Family, friends, convivial company enjoying good food and drink.
Each equally important.
Precious.
Loved.
Every one unique.
Talented.
Beautiful.
Wonderful.
It's so good to just 'be' and it's even more fun to play.
Until next time,
I'm off to put the kettle on,
Bye for now,
Sandi :))

Wednesday 15 July 2009

Paper Flowers ~

It all started casually when I bought a pack of coloured tissue paper.
I wanted to decorate the top of a gift box with something a bit different.
So I made a flower.
Then one thing lead to another.
More flowers were made.
Each one more exotic than the last.
Gaudy, blowsy blooms, sprinkled with glitter of course!!!!
Suddenly I had a bouquet of them.
I can display these in a bowl until I need one for another gift.
Until next time,
Sandi :)

Tuesday 7 July 2009

Celebrating Life

Fairy Cakes..........
Tiny morsels of sweetness ~light, golden sponge.
Decorated with apricot buttercream flavoured with Orange Flower water.
Strewn with deep pink sugared rose petals...
Sprinkled with sparkling green glitter....
The plate garnished with fruits and flowers from the garden....
Translucent white currants......
Wild cherries from the tree ~ too sour for my taste but the birds enjoy them.
Sweetly perfumed Lavender flowers.........
How can you not believe in Mother Nature when she provides so much beautiful bounty.
Celebrating Life Indeed - Joyful, playful and wonderful.
Until next time,
Sandi xxx