Rocking chair revamp

I used a fat quarter of Amy Butler Soul Blossoms Buttercup Spearmint Fabric to cover the top section of my wooden rocking chair. I purchased the rocking chair shortly after Martha was born from a furniture charity shop in Cambridge called Emmaus.

 I used Decopatch glue to varnish the fabric and I was really impressed with the quality of the  glue. It was actually much better than pva and is water resistant so definitely worth the extra money.  In the past I have always assumed it was the same as PVA but in a pretty tub and therefor basically bit of a con but I can assure the sceptics it is not!  The fabric has really uplifted the  chair and it looks lovely in Martha's room. I think when we move I would actually like it in my bedroom!

Life in May

Drum shades

I have just made these lovely large (45cm x 25cm) drum lampshades. These are certainly the largest I have attempted to make and I am so pleased that I took the plunge as I think they look great! They are really eye catching and could make a room  look really special. I source the fabric from a variety of locations; locally from small independent shops and if I particularly like a design I will be tempted to buy from the mainstream retailers and superstores. The spotty fabric was from a stall at Cambridge city market, the beautiful facade fabric is from CallyCo in Cambridge and the green baroque pattern is Amy Butler at Hobbycraft. My struggle is often finding fabric wide enough to wrap around the 150cm circumference of the drum frame but creates a good challenge! The shades will sell for between £30-40 and p&p if needed is £6 per shade. Price differences between shades are to reflect the varying costs of the fabrics used and size of frame. I can also make shades with your choice of fabric.

Fabric: IKEA STOCKHOLM BLAD  (blue) Shade size:  45cm Diameter  25cm Height

Most of these (pictured above) will be on sale at my craft stall in Lode, nr cambridge next Friday  (25th May) 

Craft Party

I am busy getting ready for the following event kindly hosted by the lovely Rach (a poem a day blog)

I will be selling lampshades, cards and jewellery. Other sellers include friends Erin & Lizzie. For a taster of Erin's beautiful crafts visit her Etsty shop. 

nap time craft #2

This weeks 'nap time' craft challenge was lampshade making and today I made a large drum lampshade.


This particular shade is suitable for use as either a table lamp or as a ceiling shade. I buy my lampshade supplies from needcraft  and they also offer good instructions to get you started.


You will need:
1 x Lampshade ring, epoxy coated
1 x Lampshade ring, epoxy coated with fitting
1 x Self adhesive lampshade panel size 
1x fabric of your choice (same size a panel)
1 x 5mtr roll self adhesive tape
1 x Rolled Edge tool for finishing




This leaf fabric (shown below) is from the 'Eternal Maker' in Chichester: I can make lampshades in any fabric and can make them to order. They usually sell for between £20-£40 depending on fabric and size. This is competitive with shops such as John Lewis and debenhams but you are also getting something unique and handmade. A custom made lampshade means that you can get it to coordinate with your existing furnishings perfectly and make it really personal. 

miffy at the gallery

Last nights bedtime story was 'miffy at the gallery'. This is such a well written book: usually stories about visiting museums/galleries are about the journey there or some other event which occurs inside but this book is actually about LOOKING at the modern art directly and ENGAGING with the subject or medium of the artwork!

I hope this book becomes a bedtime favourite as I would love Martha to feel able and equipped to enjoy art. On a simplistic level this book demonstrates that  art can be interpreted and enjoyed by all, surely that is a positive message to send to children - Modern art does not need to be intimidating! Go Miffy!

Hen party fabric hearts

Today my friend Erin and I organised our first Hen Party craft workshop. We showed the group how to make fabric hanging hearts like my example above. We had the privilege of working with a lovely group of 'hens'  and everyone made gorgeous hearts in their choice of fabric with different buttons and ribbons to decorate. It was a really relaxed end to their busy day of activities and it gave everyone a chance to sit down and have a natter.

 Erin and I are available to lead workshops in the Cambridgeshire area for parties and groups of all ages and abilities. The craft activity can be arranged to fit in with a particular theme or idea.    

a t i n y l i t t l e p u r s e

I love making these little purses, they are a brilliant way to use up small scraps of fabric. They make a lovely gift and the fabric you choose can  make them really personal. The pattern is from the lovely book Sew Fabulous Fabric by Alice Butcher. This book has so many easy to make projects that don't cost the earth.