Show and Tell

It feels a lot like showing off but why have a blog if you're not going to show off once in a while...

Anyway.. another bright side of a rainy holiday, apart from not feeling guilty about buying a vintage sewing machine, is that you get the chance to do indoor activies: like the stained glass workshop that I went to with my son. In the little town of Beccles where we were staying, we found Cobweb Crafts, and we found that the owner John Wilson offered Stained Glass tuition. It's a craft that I have always wanted to try and couldn't pass up the opportunity.

I had a brilliant morning learning how to cut glass and leading, how to solder the joints and how to finish and polish my work.

John had drawn out a plan which included the big circle and I couldn't get away from the idea that it should represent the sun. ( the one that was missing for most of the holiday ) In my mind, the blues represent the water of the Broads, and the rain, and the sea at Great Yarmouth, and the blue sky which appeared towards the end of our holiday. It's not perfect, and I can see where I could improve if I get another chance to try this craft, but I'm pretty pleased with myself.

You should be able to see John's work at http://www.villagestainedglass.co.uk/

Summer Holidays

We seem to have an unenviable talent for picking the one week and the one destination with the worst weather of the summer and going there for our holiday. You may recall the great Caledonian Canal adventure from last summer. Feel free to revisit the scene, just click WET

This year was no different, apart from the fact that we were in Norfolk instead of the Scottish Highlands, and that we stayed in a house boat instead of a small cabin cruiser. But the rain was just as wet and the wind just as windy.

Loving the windswept look here. I realised a long time ago that the best way to avoid being in embarassing holiday snaps like this is to always be the one holding the camera.

However, one good thing about rubbish holidays is that you don't feel guilty about treating yourself to something special that you just happen to spot in little craft and antique centre on the last day of your holiday.

Just look at this little beauty.

Isn't she just the loveliest sewing machine you have ever seen ? Can you tell how excited I am ?

I even got the original instruction manual, packed full of handy sewing tips.

And... a full set of gadgets and gizmos and some very bizarre looking attachments which are just calling out to be put to good use.

Is it wrong that this is the high light of my holiday this year ?

Just to prove it's not all about me... Here's a saucy hot dog from Great Yarmouth sea front.

My Creative Space.

What could be better than a little dolly to match your blanket ?

Maybe a little dolphin to match your blanket.

I decided our baby corner needed something new and colourful. These little blankets are just the right size for tucking little toes in, all nice and cosy in the car seat. And since each one has it's own matching toy they make the perfect travel set.

For once I can honestly say that I didn't go out and buy any more yarn this week. The benefits of keeping even the tiniest bits of yarn have certainly paid off and my secret stash ( the one we don't admit to ) is looking a lot more respectable.

Now I will just have to put together some other colour combinations and make some more baby travel sets.

I'm off to visit some creative spaces now. Why not come along HERE

My Creative Space

I've been a busy little beaver in my creative space this week.

I love visiting 'Our Creative Spaces' on a Thursday to see what  other crafty people are doing around the world. Click HERE to join in.

It looks like I've made a bit of a woolly club sandwich here, when really I have made nine lovely knitted and crocheted scrarfs and shawls.

Okay.. so it's summer in Scotland and even though the weather has been terrible this week, it's not really the season to be buying new scarfs. I'm calling this 'forward planning' since last winter I spent November and December crocheting hats and scarfs like a mad woman just to keep up with demand.

Scottish Summer................

Does this look like summer to you ? Streams of rain water running down the road and the kind of puddles that van drivers just love to drive through at speed. There's nothing quite like an accidental splashing from a white van and a big puddle.

Strangely enough, some of my happiest childhood memories involve going out play in shorts, gagoule and Jesus sandals.

Maybe we were just easily pleased in the "olden days".  When it wasn't raining, and when the sun was shining, we used to spend hours sitting at the side of the road bursting tar bubbles. It was a quiet street with very few cars passing by which meant that in between splashing in puddles and bursting tar bubbles, we had plenty of time to make up words from the car number plates. Bonus points for the longest word of course.

Sadly, my children won't play anymore..

Meanwhile, across the road at the church hall the anuual Kirk Sale is taking place.

Just closed for the afternoon which is why there are no bargain hunters to be seen here. The people of Alyth are very generous, donating unwanted stuff every year. And the bargain hunters of Alyth just love it.

The sale is open all week from 10 till 4pm, then again from 6 till 8pm.

Who knows what the final total will be but I'm pretty sure that last years figures are going to be beaten.

I heard yesterday that the total on the first day was £2900. Pretty impressive for a small town with a population of around 2500, and that was just on the one day.

I wonder if they have any brollies...