Two Crafty Brownies

Moving to pastures new.......

Hello lovelies! It's been a while since we've posted....... don't worry, all is well with us. We are dropping by with some big news.... after this wonderful journey together as Two Crafty Brownies, we have decided to wind our joint endeavours down. We have felt that although working together has been fab, at points it has been much tougher than we expected.

We have arrived at slightly different places in our creative journeys and each want the chance to explore those individually. We remain the best of friends and you can be sure we will continue crafting and being silly together behind the scenes.

Although we won't be blogging here, we are so proud of what we've achieved, and will leave our little Two Crafty Brownieland here as a resource for us to use, and for you too if you so wish!

Thank you so much for all the support, fun and love along the way, it's meant the world to us and we would hate to lose the friendships we've made. You can continue to follow Lucy's creative journey on her blog here..... and on Instagram here.

Jenny has finally got her crafty blog For the Joy of Craft up and running, and find her on Instagram here.

Sending you loads of love and best wishes,

Lucy and Jenny xxxxx

 

 

 

Half Granny Shawl Tutorial

Hello my lovelies!! When you read this, I will be arriving back from our US trip. Oh it's been fab!! I am blown away with how stunning the scenery is, and more than a little beguiled.......

My Lu has been doing a sterling job of manning things in Two Crafty Brownieland while I've been away. Didn't you just love her rainbow brooches? She makes working with clay look so easy I may just have to give it a go!

I finished the gift I was making for my dear friend K. We were at university together, and she now lives in California with her hubby, making wine!! We always come to visit them when we are in the States, and I wanted to give her something handmade. Various people have asked how I made these shawls, so I am going to try to write the pattern for you, eeeep!

Disclaimers: these are not my patterns, they are gathered from various sources and put together in a fashion I like. I consider myself a crochet beginner so please forgive me if there are any confusing bits, I have never attempted a crochet pattern before! Huge thanks to my sis-in-law, S, whose shawl inspired me, and who taught me the basics of granny triangles.

I used 5 balls of Bergere de France Goomy 50 wool in Imprim rose, that I bought in John Lewis. The wool cost about £20. I used a 4.5mm hook. I have realised that I really don't like doing horizontal rows of crochet. I hate long chains, and whenever I have tried, I end up with a very crooked piece of work. I love love love going round and round, so granny squares and the miriad of variations are perfect for me.

(The shawl modelled by K's gorgeous daughter in secret, before I wrapped it up...) I wanted to make a soft, drapy shawl with a looser pattern at the edges. With a half granny you are essentially going back and forth along 2 edges of a square, making a triangle that gets bigger from the centre out. (I made a teeny tiny shawl to check my instructions!!)

The granny part of the shawl is made of clusters of 3 trebles, separated by 1 chain. The corner is two clusters in the same space separated by 2 chains. You start with 2 treble clusters in the centre of the shawl, see the needle in the above pic.

I am using UK terms here...... deep breath, here goes.

First, make a loop on your hook and chain 4. Slip stitch into the first chain to make a ring.

Now chain 4 and then 3 trebles into the ring, chain 2, then another 3 trebles. Chain 1, do a single treble into the ring. Chain 4 and turn your work. In the pic above you can see your central corner, with the turning chain, and then the work turned. You'll now work down that left side and up the right side. Do 3 trebles into that first space marked by the needle. Chain 1, and then 3 trebles, 2 chains, 3 trebles into the corner space, followed by a chain 1. Another 3 trebles into the top right space. Chain 1, 1 more treble into the same space, chain 4 and turn.

And you just keep repeating that until its big enough for you. I did 42 rows of trebles (1), a lacy scalloped bit (2), a chunkier border (3) and then a picot edging (4). You can make each section as big or little as you choose. I did 3 rows of the scallops and 5 of the chunkier part.

For the scalloped part, do your usual chain 4 and turn on the last row of your granny trebles. Do 1 treble into that first little space. You are now going to do chains of 5, slip stitching into the 1 chain spaces of the row below. When you get to the end, as per usual, you chain 5 and then do a treble into the last little space, chain 4 and turn. A treble into the first little space and then off on your chain 5s, this time slip stitching into the centre of the chain 5s below. Do as many rows as you want.

The chunky border is made of a chain 3, 2 trebles and a chain 3. Make your trebles in the centre of the chain 5s below. Always do the same at the end i.e. Chain 3, 2 trebles, chain 3, 1 treble into last little space, chain 4 and turn. 1 treble into the first little space, chain 3, 2 trebles, chain 3 into the 3 chain space below.

For the picot edging, end your last chunky row but don't do a chain 4 as you no longer need to increase. Instead do a double crochet (dc) into that first little space and another dc in between the 2 trebles below. Into the next 3 chain space, do 5 trebles, chain 4 and 5 more trebles. These are into the same chain space and make your picot point. You can do these into each chain space, but I wanted to spread them out, so I alternated this with 2 dcs into the next chain space. You can space these as you like. So you will have 1 dc into the space between each of the 2 trebles below, 2 dc into the spaces between the picots (where my finger is).

Just a note that if you want a picot point at the bottom point of the shawl, make sure you check how your picot points/spaces will go before deciding when to finish the chunky rows. I literally went along saying "point, space, point, space" to check everything was going to end up where I wanted. And this will depend on the decisions you make about number of rows. I know this sounds a bit vague, but the whole idea is that you decide, rather than me just telling you what to do. If I, as a beginner, can do this, you totally can too!! And if you have trouble, email me via the contact form!!

I hope you're still with me, lovelies!! Sorry for the wordy instructions, but this is as much for me to remember how to do it as it is for you!!

Lu and I will be taking August off from the blog, but we'll still be around on our social media accounts. Have a fab August, and see you in September!!

Sending you loads and loads of love,

Jenny xxxxxooooo

Rainbow Love! : Clay Rainbow Brooch Tutorial

Hello lovelies

Hurrah! It is officially the Summer hols in our house starting this afternoon! We are all exhausted and need a break from the daily grind. We are going to spend our holiday relaxing, adventuring, washing clothes and dishes, cooking, reading, playing, bickering and gardening! I am sure there are more verbs I could add to that mix but I am sure you get the gist.

The other Brownie is already holidaying and having a fab time by the looks of it. Did you see Jenny's holiday pics and list of travel essentials last week? I love the handmade thank you cards that Jenny leaves for hosts along the way. What a lovely idea!

If you follow us on instagram, you will know that in June, we took part in a wonderful challenge, #colourmyeveryday, which was a celebration of all things colour. Each day, there were different prompts such as ‘tin’, ‘building’, ‘flower’ etc to encourage variety and to get us thinking. It was created by the gorgeous Jo of Adventures and Tea Parties. It was an absolute joy to take part in, I took photos I wouldn’t have thought to take without it and our gallery was so much brighter for it! Jo was so complimentary and enthusiastic about everybody’s entries each day. It must have been hard work to run but I am sure a pleasure too!

Inspired by Jo’s #colourmyeveryday challenge I have dug out the air drying clay again and made a rainbow brooch!

What you need is:

Air drying clay - such as this one.

2 plastic trays - one to roll the clay out on, one to dry the clay on.

Non stick craft rolling pin such as this one with the 3mm rings attached.

Template of rainbow and clouds - Download Rainbow Brooch Template

Craft knife such as this.

Small pot of water.

Nail file.

Dust mask.

Slim paint brushes.

Porcelain paints such as these - you could aso use poster or acrylic paint too but these porcelain paints created a lovely gloss finish.

Gloss varnish - I used Fimo (polymer clay) gloss varnish. You can find it here.

Brooch back findings such as these.

Epoxy glue such as this.

What you do is:

Print out and cut around the rainbow template.

Break off a chunk of clay (size depends on how many brooches you want to make). Wrap the rest of the clay up using cling film to keep moist.

Knead the clay in your hands for a bit. A few squeezes will do!

Put the 3mm thickness markers onto the rolling pin and roll out the clay until it stops getting any thinner.

Place the rainbow template onto the rolled out clay and cut around it with a craft knife. Use a cutting motion rather than a slicing motion. The latter will pull the clay out of shape.

Separate the shapes from the rest of the clay. Wrap up the spare clay in cling film to use at a later date.

Smooth the edges of each rainbow with a finger dipped in water. Don’t worry if it is not completely smooth. Once dry the clay can be filed to smooth out further.

Leave to dry on the tray covered in cling film, according to the clay manufacturer’s instructions. I usually leave mine for about 48 hours. Keep an eye on them whilst they dry and carefully press down any raised bits. You could also turn them over after about 24 hours to speed up the drying process.

Once dry, using a nail file, file the edges of each rainbow to smooth them further. It is advisable to wear a dust mask because of the clay dust this process creates. Blow off any excess dust and wipe with a tissue to be sure.

Place the template labelled ‘red’ onto one of the rainbows, so the bottom edge of the template lines up with the bottom edge of the rainbow.

Using the red porcelain paint, paint the exposed area of the clay and leave to dry. This is the first rainbow stripe.

 Now paint an orange stripe underneath the red, allow to dry, then paint a yellow stripe and so on until all the colours have been painted.

Once dry, paint the clouds white. This is optional - you could just leave them.

Once the paint is dry, apply a layer of gloss varnish to the back of each rainbow and allow to dry. Then paint the front. This gives them a little extra durability and a nice shine. Allow to dry.

Once dry, with the rainbow brooch turned over to the wrong side, add a small dollop of glue to the middle and gently press a brooch backing onto the glue. Leave to dry - 24 hours will usually do.

Your brooch is done! Isn’t it cheery and colourful?! Wear with pride (tee hee)!

Well my lovelies, that is it for me until September. Jenny and I are going to take a little break in August but Jenny is back next week so I will leave it to her to sign off properly! Have a gorgeous weekend whatever you are up to!

Lots and lots of love and cuddles to last all Summer,

Lucy

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Jenny's Travel Essentials

Hello treasures! How are you doing? As I write this, I am in the Big Apple, New York City!! And when you read this, I will be on a train, somewhere between here and the other side of America......

This year our holiday destination was the choice of our second son, C. He has just finished exams, and has worked very hard, so he got to choose. We flew into New York, and are staying in Harlem, and seeing the sights for a few days before we catch the train to see our friends in California.

We are staying in one of the Brownestone houses, those archetypal red stone houses you'll see in many an American movie, with big steps up to the front door and fire escapes aplenty. They have high ceilings, ornate woodwork and brightly tiled fireplaces.
Travel is our biggest luxury. We live quite quietly, don't have a car or wear smart clothes, but we do love going away, and I have a few essentials that I never travel without.

Top of the list always is my first aid kit. I have a few staples that I keep in here. Of course it goes without saying that in any true emergency, we would immediately seek medical help, but for the minor ailments, I have to feel I am prepared!

I use this Muji bag. It has 4 compartments that are attached with Velcro so you can detach them for smaller trips.

In my first aid kit you will find:

1. Painkillers.......ibuprofen, paracetamol and something soluble for the hubby who can't swallow tablets.
2. Bite cream, antiseptic cream and bonjela for mouth ulcers.
3. A selection of plasters and wound closures.
4. Cold powders, anti sickness tablets and antihistamines in case of bites or allergies.

I also always have tweezers for splinters, a small pair of scissors and some latex gloves (I once had to dress a stranger's cuts so ever since I've carried gloves...)

I always make sure I have some crafting to do. I am making another granny triangle scarf, and I treated myself to this cross stitch leather cuff from Sew Crafty.

I take some handmade thank you cards, for friends we are staying with, or people who have gone out of their way to make our trip more enjoyable.....

And I always have a couple of pouches, for chargers, toiletries or stationery.

Do you have any essentials that you take with you every time?

Take care, lovelies!

Jenny xxxxxooooo 

Tin Can Alley Tutorial

Hello lovelies

How is July treating you? Here in Two Crafty Brownieland, we are starting to wind down already for the Summer hols. Jenny is off on holiday tomorrow with her fab laundry bags and her lovely family; and my brood, hubby and I are counting down the days! Summer term for my family means sports days, end of year performances, meetings with teachers, school fairs and local community festivals. Each year we look forward to celebrating the Summer by licking ice creams, eating burgers cooked on a barbie, drinking pimms and cold beers, jumping on bouncy castles and having a go at classic Summer fair games, such as hook-a-duck, the coconut shy, hoop-la and tin can alley. What are your favourite games to play in the Summer? We visited my family last year and had a go at croquet for the first time, which we thoroughly enjoyed. Some of us (the hubby and I!) were very competitive!

I’ve been wanting to make my own tin can alley for a long time and I have finally got round to it just in time for the kids' Summer fair tomorrow! This project was a lot of fun, very straightforward to make and has great recycling and upcycling credentials. I recycled empty food tins, used up dried lentils past their ‘consume by’ date and used fabric scraps too.

What you need is:

For the cans:

10 empty food tins, washed, soaked and labels peeled off.

Spray paints - I used 10 colours of this brand. Both my hubby and I are big spray painting fans (you may remember this tutorial?) so we had quite a few cans already, but they are pricey at about £6.95 each, so feel free to use as many or as few colours as you wish. Two colours would do! You could also stick strips of washi tape onto the cans, decoupage with paper, fabric or napkins (Jenny’s favourite!) or even decorate pieces of paper (or get the kids to do it!) and stick these on.

Newspaper for protecting surfaces and sticking into the cans when spray painting.

Template of a star. I printed out this image to the correct size (fitting 4 stars to an A4 page) and cut it out.

Masking tape - I suggest testing your masking tape on a painted tin first to make sure it does not peel the paint off. I tried sticky back plastic first and this did peel off the paint when removed, but masking tape was fine.

For the bean bags:

Scraps of fabric - enough to make 3 bean bags. Each bean bag uses 2 squares of fabric measuring 14 x 14cm (5.5” x 5.5”) before hemming. I used star fabric to match the star on the tins.

Stiffening/Interfacing to strengthen the bean bags which are going to get thrown about a lot! I used scraps that I had - you need the same amount as the fabric.

Dried lentils, beans or rice - I had lentils that were out of date. I used 150g (5oz) dried lentils per bag.

Two Crafty Brownies sewing essentials

What you do is.

Wash, soak, peel labels off and dry the used tins, being careful with sharp bits. If there are any sharp edges, bend them inwards so you don’t cut yourself!

Protect your surface with newspaper. It is best to spray outside or in a very well ventilated area and it is advisable to wear a dust mask too.

Stuff a piece of newspaper into each tin, with enough sticking out to act as a sort of handle.

Prepare the spray paint can by shaking it for as long as the manufacturer’s instructions indicate.

Holding the newspaper handle, the tin slightly off the surface and the spray can at a slight angle, spray an even layer of paint onto the surface of the tin, turning as you go.

Leave to dry and repeat with the other tins.

 

Whilst the tins are drying, sew the bean bags.

Cut out 6 pieces of fabric with the measurements 14 x 14cm (5.5” x 5.5”). I used a rotary cutter, long ruler and cutting mat.

Cut out 6 pieces of stiffening/interfacing with the same measurements.

 

Lay a piece of fabric right side up on top of a piece of interfacing. Then lay a fabric square on top of this right side down and a square of interfacing on top of this.

Pin together leaving a gap in one side which the filling will go into.

Starting at one side of the gap, machine stitch all the way round with a 0.5cm seam allowance. Stop at the other side of the gap. Remember to do a reverse stitch at the beginning and end to strengthen the seams.

Cut the thread ends and snip the corners.

Turn the bean bag right way round, poking out the corners. Press with a hot iron.

Fill with the dried lentils. I did this with a teaspoon but it may be easier to use a funnel!

Pin the gap closed and then machine stitch close to the edge, reverse stitching at the beginning and the end and cutting the threads again.

 

Repeat this process with the two remaining bean bags.

Once the tins are dry and you have sewn the bean bags, cut out the paper star and place onto the surface of a tin in the desired position and stick pieces of masking tape onto the tin around the edges of the star without sticking the star to the tin.

 

When you remove the paper star, you will have an exposed star shape on the tin. Now stick more masking tape around the tin, covering most of the surface closest to the star.

 

Take a contrasting colour of spray paint and spray the exposed star area. The spray will cover more than the star but that is fine because it is protected by the masking tape (in the step above).

Allow to dry. Once dry, carefully and slowly peel off the masking tape to reveal the contrasting star. I love this bit! In fact, I enjoy this part of the process so much, I got carried away and didn't take any pics! I am sure you get the gist!

Repeat with the other tins.

All that is left to do is to stack up your tins, gather some party people and have a fab game of tin can alley! Such fun!

 

I loved the process of decorating the tins and the final look of them. I think they would look great as plant pots, vases or desk storage containers. #somanyideassolittletime!

Take care my lovelies and have fun whatever you are up to this weekend.

Much love,

Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Sew Your Own Travel Laundry Bag

Hello my sweetpeas! I do hope you've had a good week. I have been busy, busy, busy here in Two Crafty Brownieland. This week, I finished my very first crochet shawl!! I think it's taken about 2 months, 5 x 50g balls of wool, overnight blocking, and I am tremendously pleased with it!!

I did, however, forget to move the broom!! In other news, I have both my beloved boys home with me. J, who is 20, has just finished his first year at Uni. C,16, has just written his GCSEs and is so unbelievably happy to be done...... I am absolutely loving having them under the roof. As we have finished technically before the official school holidays, we are taking the opportunity to go away earlier than usual. We promised C his choice of trip, he has worked really hard the last few years, and we felt he deserved a good holiday. He chose America, so we are off in about 10 days time, eeeek!!

 

I have a little list of travel essentials, and one of those is a travel laundry bag to collect all those  little dirty items of clothing.. It's a very quick, easy sew. This is an unlined, zipped pouch. I decided not to make a lining so it folds up small, and you could make it in different sizes for all sorts of uses.

What you need is

A piece of fabric measuring 19" by 21" (or choose your own preferred size)

A matching zip, the same width as your fabric or just smaller

A pretty piece of binding for a hanging loop

Matching thread

Two Crafty Brownies Sewing Essentials

What you do is

Cut two pieces of your fabric. Turn a double hem along one short edge of each piece. Pin in place on the right side of the fabric. This is a bit fiddly but will make pinning your zip in much easier.

Lay your zip, right way up and pin this short edge of each piece of fabric to your zip. The fabric should be right side up, on top of the zip. Make sure the edges are lined up. Using the zipper attachment on your machine, sew the fabric onto the zip.

Now prepare your hanging loop, if you want one. I used two lengths of binding, and top stitched them together. You could also use ribbon. Fold the finished loop in half, and pin a few cm down from the zip. We will use french seams to sew up the pouch, which enclose the raw edges of the seams. Change back to your normal foot now. With right sides out, pin all around the sides and bottom of your pouch. If your zip doesn't quite meet the side, it doesn't matter. I just left little gaps there (for airing the contents out!!) Make sure your loop is lying horizontally, out of the way of your stitches, apart from the edge which you will sew over as you go.

Sew down the side with a 0.25" or 0.5cm seam allowance. Turn the corner by keeping your needle down, lifting your foot and turning the fabric. Sew along the bottom and up the other side, backstitching at start and finish. Trim any frayed bits along your seams so they don't poke out. Remember to open your zip to at least half way. Now turn the whole pouch so the wrong side is facing out. Sew again down the side, along the bottom and up the side, making sure this time your loop is horizontal inside the pouch and out of the way.

Turn the whole thing back the right way, give it a good press and admire your work!! This was really fast, I made 4 in a morning, and we are now ready for our trip!!

Do you make any travel items? Do tell! Have a lovely weekend, darlings!!

Jenny xxxxxooooo

This Is My Village

Hello my darlings………how are things with you? Here in Two Crafty Brownieland we are reeling from yet more horrific tragedies in London. Words just fail me, and as this hideous story of the Grenfell Tower unfolds, the realisation that it may have been preventable makes it almost unbearable. I have certainly found it hard to carry on with things that feel so mundane, like writing blog posts and posting pictures. But as Lu put it, all we can do is really LIVE our lives, and I do agree. Love more, hug harder, be kind and care for each other in these terrible times.

So this week I am writing about my village. Your village I hear you cry? But you live in London, a huge, dirty, dangerous, impersonal city!! Or so you would think……

Meet Mehmet. He runs the little store at the end of my road. He is kind, chatty and will always give you credit if you haven't quite got the right money. He holds keys for many of us in case we lock ourselves out, and has once run down to my house when I was away and couldn't get through on the phone.

This is Crystal. She owns The London Bead Co, just across from the station. I have been going in there for years.

The shop is a treasure trove of wool, buttons, thread.....

fabric, beads, and just about anything else you might need for crafting.

She employs some ladies who think they are in charge, including the gorgeous Alex.

Alex has a heart of gold, a dazzling smile and can make the most perfect loops in a piece of wire you have ever seen. Alex will always help, and advise if you are stuck, and has on occasion strung my purchases into a necklace while I was getting my purse out. Over the years we have got to know each other and I am proud to call her my friend.

Talking of the village station, there has been prettifying of the platforms in the last few weeks. Someone has planted lots of pretty flowers and herbs, and we are encouraged to water them while we wait for our train.

The first morning I saw these, I can't tell you how much it cheered up my day…..

Lucia has a fab little Italian restaurant round the corner from us. With their own pizza oven, they have long been the top choice for my boys when we’re eating out. Lucia has the most gorgeous smile, and always has time to chat and catch up on news.

My village has a butcher…..

A baker......

And an ice cream maker!!

My Lu lives in the village, not far away, as do many of my good friends. If I walk out, I will meet someone I know, without a doubt. More than likely I will stop to chat and pass the time of day. I am quite clear where the boundaries of my village lie, and in days of yore, green fields would have separated us from neighbouring settlements.

My village isn't quite what I imagined, growing up in Africa and an avid reader of Enid Blyton. But if you had told me I would find my village in the middle of London? I'd have just laughed. It may not be the prettiest of villages, but actually it's the people in it that make it the warm, thriving community that it is.

That's all from me, my lovelies. Have a lovely weekend, and cherish every moment. We are so lucky to still be here.......

Jenny xxxxxxxooooooo

We went to Blogtacular!

Hello lovelies!

How is June treating you? The sun has been shining here in London, which means lots more time outside, eating, playing, exploring and generally having fun! Last weekend, Jenny and I had lots of fun together! As I mentioned in my last post we were attending Blogtacular, an annual conference, for full time or part time bloggers, would be bloggers, small creative business owners or anyone with an interest in this area. Our last away day was far too long ago!

Our overriding emotion leading up to the event was definitely excitement. We knew from seeing so many colourful posts on instagram last year, that people looked like they were having so much fun and we wanted to join the party! We were really looking forward to meeting some of our ‘instafriends’ who we knew were going, connecting with new creatives, attending inspiring talks on varied topics and we’d heard that the food was good too!

Before the event, there was a lot of communication from the organisers about the speakers, the schedule, info for newbies and there were opportunities to introduce ourselves or share our latest blog posts on facebook if we wanted to. Encouraged by this, we posted this pic of ourselves with our handmade scrabble letter name tags on instagram a couple of days before using the hashtag #blogtacular, and a few people at the conference (including Cath Dean, the editor of Mollie Makes!) told us they recognised us!...

The day before the conference, I went on a photo walk. Jenny suggested I put my name down as she knows how much I love photography and she kindly offered to pick my babies up from school so I could go! So lovely! Every attendee of Blogtacular, as part of the price of the ticket, has a chance to attend either one of 2 photo walks or a video walk (new this year) and if there are too many applicants for the number of places, I believe names are chosen at random. I was both excited and nervous when I was told I had got a place on one of the photo walks. I was looking forward to it but didn’t really know what to expect and I didn’t know anyone else going.

Well, I loved it! We met near Victoria Station and our group leader, Kristabel Plummer (pictured below), whose brain I believe is also a sat nav, proceeded to lead us through the streets of South West London looking for beauty and colour……

 

 

Such a beautiful cake shop...

 

..with such a beautiful display!

 

I wanted to ride away on this bike!

 

Beautiful flowers outside a beautiful flower shop

 

Colour goals!

 

  

More colour!

The ladies I met on this walk were gorgeous! As we walked along, we introduced ourselves to each other, chatted, posed in our colourful footwear/hair/dresses/glittery skirts/macs etc! I was quite giddy at the end with how much I enjoyed it, how lovely everyone was and how many pics I had taken. Check out these lovely ladies.....

Jenny and I were reunited (phew!) in the evening for the Blogtacular party, hosted by West Elm, where we enjoyed beautifully chilled glasses of wine, a couple of delicious mini burgers each whilst chatting to familiar faces (from my photo walk) and lots of new faces too. The organisers of Blogtacular and West Elm had arranged little gathering areas, where as a group, we could talk about different topics. We talked about the success of various social media platforms, but we found it slightly hard to hear everyone because of the music that was playing in the background. The evening went by in a flash and before we knew it we were on the bus on our way home but very much looking forward to the next day!

The next morning started with a delicious breakfast (I’ll try not to go on about the food too much!), with time to organise ourselves, settle in and meet yet more lovely creatives, all buzzing with excitement about the day ahead.

 Waiting for it to start....eek!

The opening keynote talk was wonderful as was the closing keynote. In the morning Natalie Lue, a relationship expert and blogger who specialises in helping people to transform their lives and break unhealthy patterns in their relationships, gave the first keynote speech of the day and it was the most amazing pep talk! My favourite nugget of wisdom that she gave us was, ‘There’s no gold stars or brownie points, so it’s best to rock on with your bad self!’ Yes!

During the day there was a diverse range of workshops to choose from. In fact we found it hard to choose, but knowing that all talks would be available on audio after the event definitely helped. We didn’t feel like we would be missing out on anything! Jenny and I attended talks on the foundations of marketing, working with brands, finding your niche and a creative business masterclass. We came away with key tips, tools, new ideas, concepts, connections and information that we know will help us to transform and focus our business going forward. I sound like I’ve been to a conference don’t I?  

There was lots of audience participation during the talks we attended and there was always time given to ask questions. During the creative business masterclass, we played business card bingo, where we were given a chance to swap business cards based on things we had in common, such as liking bullet journalling (Jenny!). We loved this game and we’d like to see more activities like this next year!

There were lots of breaks in between the talks, with refreshments available each time, spread out across a few stations to minimise queueing. We were very impressed by this! The lunch was scrumptious. Jenny and I (and a few others) were led into a separate area with more seating at lunchtime. It was lovely and calm but we wondered if it was in fact the naughty area!

During the breaks, there were opportunities to visit both the marketplace, where a few fab small creative businesses were selling their wares and the Creative Genius Bar, where attendees could meet with a few experienced bloggers, designers, photographers and authors to ask questions and pick up more tips and advice. Oh and there was a brilliant backdrop where you could take a colourful selfie!...any excuse...

Overall we really liked the venue. It was cool and comfortable and there was plenty of seating in the lecture theatres. The staff at the venue were friendly and efficient and the Blogtacular volunteers were helpful, fun and friendly too! Each year, applications are opened up to anyone wanting to volunteer to be part of the Blogtacular Team. It looks like fun and hard work, but it would be a great opportunity.

We would have loved a forum to give feedback after the event (such as a form via email) and apart from that, the only other ‘criticism’ we have is that we were having so much fun, it felt like it ended too soon! We really did want the good times and the learning to go on...Blogtacular, The Retreat perhaps? I am not sure Kat Molesworth would think that was a good idea! Kat is the inspiring and talented creator and organiser of Blogtacular. Jenny and I are fans of the Blogtacular podcast too. We think Kat is very hard working, pretty awesome and funny! Thanks Kat!......

And thanks for the goody bags! They were a wonderful design and the contents were great too!....

Blogtacular was very special and one of the most valuable things we are taking away with us is new friends. Not literally of course, although there were quite a few lovelies we met that we wanted to take home! For some reason, I believed that it might feel that there was some kind of hierarchy based on how many followers you have, or how well known you are, but it was not like that at all. It was honestly full of friendly, kind, fun, colourful, generous and inspirational people and we shared with and learnt so much from them!

This weekend is going to feel very uneventful in comparison but that’s fine, the sun is rumoured to be shining for the duration, which means fun and frolics with the family! What have you got planned?

Lots of love and hugs as always lovelies,

Lucy

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Triple Decker Latte Coffee Cake for Father's Day

Hello lovelies

Well we are here again aren’t we? Last time Manchester and this time London. Too awful and too soon. Sometimes it is overwhelming isn’t it? I have really been touched by how many people have expressed a determination to carry on and to spread love and kindness. One person I have been drawn to is Emily Coxhead, the creator of the Happy Newspaper. She began her newspaper because of the need for happy, positive stories about wonderful people. She did something amazing after the terror attacks in Manchester, which you can read about here. Do check her out - I promise she’ll make you smile! With people like Emily around there is always hope!

Another person who makes me smile is that Jenny! I did love the magnetic notebooks she made last week. I never would have thought of making my own! I know so many people who would like one of these! Another make to add to the list I think!

Oh and one more person who makes me smile...and tear my hair out too (he won’t mind me saying I promise!) is my wonderful hubby, D! I have been married to him for almost 16 years now and we have 3 lovely kids together. Father’s Day in the UK falls very close to my birthday and we always have a little joke that he is stealing my thunder each year. But I don’t mind really, he is a fab Dad and me and the kids love celebrating him. Enough hubby admiration, now let me tell you how he drives me mad…....only joking...we don’t have all day do we?! Tee hee!

I have known for many years that D likes coffee cake, but for some reason I have never baked him one. I have put that right now though! He has been eating it all week as I’ve been experimenting and he’ll be eating it on Father’s Day too, but I haven’t heard him complaining! I have based my recipe on D’s love for a latte coffee with a shot of caramel or gingerbread syrup.

Triple Decker Latte Coffee Cake with Coffee and Vanilla Frosting and a Gingerbread Drizzle

Gosh that’s a mouthful and the cake is too!

What you need is:

For the cakes:

12oz/340g unsalted butter softened/Stork margarine (I mainly use the latter for my cakes)

12oz/340g caster sugar

13½/382g oz self-raising flour

6 eggs

1½ tsp vanilla extract

3 tblsp instant coffee dissolved in 6 tblsp boiled water (you could use decaffeinated coffee if you wanted)

8”/22cm 2 sandwich cake tins (I baked 2 cakes 1st and the 3rd after the first 2 were done)

For the frosting:

20oz/566g icing sugar, sifted

10oz/283g unsalted butter, softened

2 tsp instant coffee dissolved in 4 tsp boiled water

½ tsp vanilla extract

Gingerbread or Caramel syrup for coffee (I used gingerbread) - you can get them here

What you do is:

For the cakes:

Preheat fan oven to 180°C.

Grease and line the tins (I butter the base and sides, put a disc of greaseproof paper in the bottom, grease this and dust the sides with flour - I'm a no chances taken kind of girl!).

Cream together butter and sugar in a large bowl (I use an electric stand mixer).

Add the eggs one at a time beating and adding spoonfuls of flour after each addition.

Mix in the vanilla extract.

Fold in the remaining flour using a spatula, followed by the coffee mixture.

Pour the mixture into the two cake tins as evenly as possible, leaving a third of the mixture to bake afterwards.

Exercise restraint and try not to eat big mouthfuls of the mixture at this point! Soooo tempting......

Bake in the oven for 22-25 mins. Test by inserting a skewer. If it comes out clean, your cakes are cooked through.

Remove from the oven and after about 5 minutes, take cakes out of tins and leave to cool on a wire rack.

Wash, dry, grease and line one of the tins, pour the remaining mixture in and bake as before.

For the frosting:

Cream together the icing sugar and butter.

When light and fluffy, divide into ⅔ and ⅓.

Add the coffee mixture to the ⅔ and the vanilla extract to the ⅓ respectively and mix well.

To assemble the cakes, place one sandwich cake upside down on a plate or cake board. Add a small dollop of the frosting to the plate first. This helps keep the cake in place.

Spoon some of the coffee frosting on top and using a spatula smooth and spread it out evenly.

Place the next cake on top, right way up.

Spoon some more coffee frosting on top of this and place the remaining cake on top right way up.

Spread the remaining coffee frosting around the sides of the stacked cakes up to about ⅔ or however far you wish.

Next spread the vanilla frosting on top to the edges and down the sides to meet the coffee frosting. Smooth out where the 2 frostings join.

Sprinkle some gingerbread or caramel syrup over the top - oooooo so naughty!

You can add whatever decoration you fancy. I was dying to add some colour to it (like hundreds and thousands or pink flowers!) and of course you could but instead I made a little bunting banner, using 2 wooden bbq skewers, some embroidery floss and washi tape.....

I also added some chopped chocolate (Lindt Caramel with a touch of sea salt) to the top and bottom of the cake.

#yummyinourtummies!......

Oooo look at that 'crumb'.......

I also made cupcake versions using 1/3 of the cake recipe and 1/2 of the frosting recipe for our WI meeting.... 

We all love this cake!

My Dad would have loved this cake too. Father’s Day is a day we remember my lovely Dad as well as celebrating D. If Father’s day is a sad day for you, I am sending you much love and so many hugs.

Have a wonderful weekend lovelies! Jenny and I are off to Blogtacular (a blogging conference) this evening (Friday 9th June) and tomorrow and we are quite excited! We are hoping to meet some of our crafty friends from social media. There’ll be much squealing I am sure! If you are coming, do look out for us - we give free hugs! Look, we are all prepared with our name badges and everything!.....

All the love,

Lucy xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxzzzzzzzzzzzzzzzxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Quick and Easy Magnetic Notepad

Hello lovelies! How are things in your patch? If you're in the UK, are you having a good half term? I just loved Lu's post on creativity. I am so with her on how calming and meditative crafting is. I read somewhere that doing something creative really does switch off the troublesome thoughts running through our head, and allows our thoughts to run free........ I also find it incredibly soothing to make things. And I too choose kindness, it is truly the key to everything, I believe. 

Now onto this week's make!

Ever since my boys were tiny, we have had a weekly meal plan. With both of us working, I couldn't have managed without knowing what I needed to buy and what we were going to eat. Our menu is written on a board on the fridge, and near it sits a notepad for us to jot down things we need to buy the following week. I usually buy these notepads online, but as this one is running out, (and with my newfound love of making books) I decided to have a go at making one myself! (And if you are admiring those rather gorgeous fridge magnets above, Lu has done a tutorial on how to make them here.)

What you need is

Your choice of paper and a piece of card. I used a cereal packet, I am trying to reuse card instead of buying it wherever I can.....

Cutting mat and knife

Self adhesive magnetic tape, like this

Glue, any liquid glue you use for papercrafts will do

Clips or clothes pegs to hold the sheets together when you glue them

What you do is

Decide what size you want your notepad to be. I wanted mine similar to the ones I buy. Remember if you want lines to cut your paper the right way! I used a notebook I didn't need, and just pulled out the pages and trimmed them down. Depending on the size of your paper A4, A5 etc) you might cut each page into several sheets.

Now cut your card to the same size. I liked the look with my card slightly longer. It's all up to you!!

Stack your papers on top of your card and make sure the top edge is flat. This is where you will be putting the glue to hold the pad together. Use clips, or lie the pad under something heavy to hold in it place while it dries. Then run a line of glue along the top edge and smooth with your finger. Leave to dry for a couple of hours and then apply another layer of glue to make sure it holds together.

Now cut two strips of magnetic tape, peel off the backing paper and stick them to the back of the pad.

Voila!! How easy is that? I made a few different ones, and of course you could embellish the top, bottom or edges with stamps, embossing, stickers, washi tape...... the sky is the limit!!

In other news, Lucy is finally realising a dream of hers of writing! She is telling her story over on her new blog Lucylu Dreams. Do go and check it out, lovely readers.

with much love,

Jenny xxxxxooooo