From crate to shelf

Morning all - it seems ages since I posted, a week to be precise!  Another half term looms, then it'll be count down next term to the summer holidays.  It does seem like an extremely quick academic year don't you think?

Anyway, back to the title of my post.  For quite a while hubby had been complaining about how the shelf space throughout the whole house (slight exaggeration) was crammed full of needless stuff and how he didn't have enough space to put his books etc - yes I know, get the violins out!

As there was space in the bedroom for a shelf we decided to hunt down something that would fit the bill.  Unfortunately nothing did, but I had spotted in a magazine that someone had displayed their wares in an old crate which was hung on the wall.

As we had one lying in the shed, I thought it would be ideal.  It was slightly too deep and a little overbearing due to the dark coloured wood on a pale wall.  Some slight modification and a lick of bubble gum pink paint (very girly I know), a new shelf was born!

I have temporarily taken over some of the space (I promise!) as you can see.

All in all a solution which didn't cost a penny!

Have a good day!

Happy Days

were celebrating hubby's birthday this weekend and taking a little jaunt to a cider farm - hubby's idea of heaven!

getting a heart racing moment spying lots of charity shops on the way to the cider farm

walking in and actually feeling mighty pleased at the 'rich' pickings on offer

and even more heart skiperty skip moments when I spied beautiful coloured cutlery at only 15p a piece

eating a freshly made pear, chocolate and hazelnut cake

finishing off a couple of WIP's

(please double click to enlarge)

Enjoy the day!

Something old, something new

At the weekend I picked up an old metal mop bucket, which had seen better days, but I liked the colour and thought I could put it to good use by planting a cheery Margarita plant in it.  My original plan was to plant some strawberries in it, but mop bucket and food didn't sit too comfortably with me!

I had no plans either to make a blind, but you know when you get a sudden urge.....and my blind was it.  I had all the supplies including 2 rings to thread the ribbon through - it's not often a plan comes together when you don't have to trot to the shops to pick up what you need.

Hubby thinks it's completely useless (from a functional point of view) as it's a faff rolling it up and doing the bows before it goes wonky - but it looks good!

There's lots of stuff I have to do this week, but it's also SAT's week for the Year 6's so I feel it may not be that productive.  Yesterday went well but I feel as the week goes on, we may well have to walk on egg shells.  This is just a warm up I guess, as tests and exams next year will become the norm, which won't be good for my stress levels, never mind Toby's!  I'm glad I have one chilled out son though.

Right, onwards and upwards.

TTFN.

Childhood Nostalgia

As a child I was never one for playing with dolls, I much preferred colouring, reading and drawing.  Now in my adult years, I keep being drawn to childhood toys and DOLLS.....

I bought this doll a little while ago - she's from the 50's I think and has her original clothing.

My 2 boys' thought it was hilarious that she didn't have pants on?? - typical boys!  I did chuckle to myself as I sat brushing her hair thinking about how I will have to learn how to make dolly clothes.

Over Easter my mum gave me back my old suitcase which I've always thought about and didn't realise my parents still had it.  Not a huge suitcase but one I used to take to school when I was 5 - always with a clean hankie in and I always remember putting my cardigan in it too.  I was so pleased when I saw it, and just how I remembered it.

Over the past few years I've been recollecting Enid Blyton books, Ladybird books etc.  Whilst out and about last week I saw a little wooden shelf which was ideal for housing and displaying some of the Ladybird books - I think it must have been made for them.

I also spotted this

another game from my childhood - of course I had to buy it. 

It's funny how many of us are drawn to childhood toys and books - I wonder if future generations will too?

Have a lovely weekend.

Time

seems to be whizzing past at the moment - maybe something to do with the long, extended weekends - who's to complain at that?!

Our weekend started on Thursday afternoon following a school picnic.  All the children came home with wedding cake, Union Jack hat, flag, and mug with the happy couple on the front, the date, and school name on the reverse.  A lovely touch I thought.

Friday gave me the perfect opportunity to sit down for the entire day, something I very rarely do, and embrace the Royal Wedding in all it's glory.  It was wonderful to see London looking lovely and everyone enjoying the day.  The country needed a little boost and that was it.

Whilst sitting, I managed to get some bunting made, aptly named 'Happy Days'

(Please click to enlarge)

Quite appropriate I thought!

Lots more to share later on in the week - hopefully normality may resume at some stage!