Fruity #folksyfriday

This week's theme on #folksyfriday is 'fruity'.  I have searched Folksy for some fruity items, and here are a few of my favourites.  The rest of my finds can be seen on my Pinterest Board. (link to #folksyfriday Pinterest Board).  For lots more unique gifts, all handmade in the UK, visit https://folksy.com/ .

Bird Feeder for use with apples or fat balls, by the Barton Gift Shop

Patchwork Apple Cushion, by Poppykins

Berry Bowl, Small Colander, by Jude Allman

Lace Bobbins with a Soft Fruit Theme, by Spangled Hippie

June 2016 CRAFTfest

Well, I am taking part in the June CRAFTfest online fair, which kicks off at midnight 9th June.  I am trying to join in with the promotion, but my time is limited as I am up to my eyes in making things for my daughter's wedding.  Also, my knowledge of online promoting is also limited, so I have decided to stick with what I know and am promoting on Twitter and Facebook.  I am determined to do my bit, as others will be promoting me as well as themselves, so it is only fair.

The CRAFTfest online fair is such a good idea.  There are lots of UK Handmade items made by many talented people, for sale under one event. Here is the link for the brochure You will be spoiled for choice trying to choose.

I have added a few new items to my Folksy shop, wedding themed, of course. Click here to look at my Folksy Shop.

A Walk In The Fresh Air

It was overcast, cold and a bit gloomy today, but OH and I decided that we needed some fresh air and exercise.

We drove to Doe Hill Country Park, which is at Tibshelf in Derbyshire. It appeared that we had the place to ourselves, as there was no other cars in the car park and we didn't meet another person the whole time we were there.

 Doe Hill Country Park is part of the five pits trail.  It is land that has been reclaimed from where the old pit stood and it links in with four other reclaimed pit areas.

This particular walk is not too long and has plenty of hilly parts to it. Today it was quite boggy in places as well.








We both felt quite invigorated when we had finished and didn't feel too guilty enjoying a latte and a scone afterwards.

Lists

I have always made lists.  When I was working I always made a long list of things I had to do, ticking them off as I did them and starting a new list when I got to the bottom of the page.

I have been feeling a bit overwhelmed lately, as I have a lot of projects on the go, all unrelated. What to do first?   I didn't really know, so consequently moved from one thing to the other, making very little progress. 

Why don't I make a list, flashed through my brain.  So that is what I did.  I made a list.  On the list I itemised each project, what needed doing and in what order.  Do you know I now feel a lot better, more in control and calmer.  I can tick things off as I do them. It is so cathartic.

One of the things on my list I have been able to tick off.  The power of the list is awesome.

 

Daffodils to brighten up my day

Shopping in my local supermarket, pondering what to buy for dinner, I came across bunches of lovely daffodils. I love daffodils, they always cheer me up and make me smile.  I couldn't resist and here they are brightening up my day.

I am still working on my blanket.  Progress is slow and it is certainly a marathon and not a sprint.  I have now introduced the second colour stripe and have some idea of how the blanket will look when it is finished - I think of it as raspberry and plum colours.

 

A request for some crochet roses has made me come to a temporary halt on the blanket.  They are for a wedding bouquet and I have been experimenting with different hook sizes to get the best formation of rose.  I like the peach rose best I think and will now have to make several dozen of these in peach and white.  The grey is to mix in with them and I will be adding sparkly crystals and pearls to these flowers.

Next Project

Well I have finally started my next project. I am making a blanket in tunisian crochet. It took me a while to find out how to do this kind of crochet.  I eventually downloaded a great book to my kindle called Learn Tunisian Crochet by Tara Cousins. It is a really good tutorial and teaches six different stiches, with step by step instructions.  I found it very easy to follow and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn this type of crochet.

I have crocheted a few cushion backs in tunisian crochet, and really think they give a lovely finish to the cushion.

Here is my latest blanket - it has taken me several days to get this far, so I think it will be several weeks before it is complete!

Dog Sitting and Opening an Instagram Account

I have been dog sitting this weekend.  Here is Scruffy looking all relaxed.  I think he likes coming here as he gets lots of walks and games.

I have just set up an Instagram account. I must admit that I didn't have a clue how to use it but actually it is a lot easier than I thought it would be. In fact I much prefer it to Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest. The only problem I have is that photos have to be uploaded from my phone and most of my photos are on my computer.

I find taking photos on my phone quite difficult. I can't seem to hold my phone steady whilst pressing the screen and most of my shots end up out of focus. Something I will have to address if I want lovely, sharp photos on my Instagram site.  Here is my link https://www.instagram.com/julieannr75/