Story stones from Red Bird Crafts...

I finally got to make some decorated stones with Gabe today...it was great fun. Makes a nice change from colouring and stickers and less messy than painting (honestly!). I did the cutting, he did the gluing and placed some of the fabric, he also decided what we were making. I think little girls could especially get into this!
The site that the idea and the instructions came from is here but you don't have to use Mod Podge (it's not widely available in the UK so will end up costing you around £10). I just used watered down PVA. I will need to put another layer on once this layer has dried as some of my fabrics were quite thick...a good idea to soak thicker fabrics in the glue mix if you can, or at least paint some glue on the back of the fabric, as well as the front and on the stone.

Happy rainy August days! Nix! 

Pinterest - ideas central - be warned - highly addictive!

As if I needed any more things to add to my must do/try/make list/board/book!!
This site is the place to just stick up pictures (and links) of the things you like...and you don't have to look far for those because loads of people who like art, craft, interiors, fashion, inspirational words, beauty, kids and food are already pinning what they like. It is also full of loads of links to interesting blogs...
Here are a few links that made me think of my friends...
Nici - I'm sure you already know how (as you own the tools) but when I saw this tutorial I remembered you saying how you wanted to do this...now I want to do it with you...
Wendy and Rhian - This made me think of you both. Rhian - I heard you are doing some lovely patchwork bags and Wendy - we both admired Jenny's cushion - not sure if you managed to create one yet.
Alex - Some beautiful bridal and kids shots on here, always worth a peek at what other people are doing when you are in that line...plus...get some of your gorgeous work up there.
Jenny and Anna - Interior inspiration...cancel your subscriptions...this place has it all...such lovely and interesting home ideas.
Nix

Wootjacks

These are really good biscuits. They should be. They have a lot of sugar in them. But then, sometimes you just really want a sweet buttery biscuit.

Wootjacks

4oz Oats

1tblsp Plain flour sifted

6oz Caster sugar

4oz Butter

1 egg beaten

Vanilla essence

 

Line several baking sheets with baking paper.

Heat oven to Gas mark 3.

Mix oats, flour and sugar together.

Melt the butter and while hot pour it over the dry ingredients.

Stir well until mixed.

Make a well in the centre.

Add the beaten egg and vanilla essence.

Mix thoroughly.

Drop teaspoons of mix on to the baking sheets well spaced out.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes (my oven not very good so I did mine for 20 mins - they need to be turning golden at the edges)

Nix

Camping in the New Forest...Yesterday

Brilliant online shopping

Rockett St George

I have been told about this online store by a few friends over the last year, however, I managed to restrain myself and not look. It sounded too good and at the moment we are on 'paying builders' vibe with any cash that might be lying about. Well, what did I know... Jeezum crow! I WANT so much stuff from there now. If you are looking for anything in your house: art, lighting, fixtures and fittings or for gifts then you should really look here.

50 Fab Days Out for Families - Winchester Area

 

The Mum's at a local primary school, Compton All Saints, got together to create this brilliant book. A must have handbook for school holidays all year round but especially the summer ...which has arrived at last!!! Woo hoo!
You can get hold of a copy for £5 here...50fabdays.com

It's full of days out and also shorter trips that the children will love, all them inexpensive or free. Most are outdoors and they include beach days out, new forest adventures, paddling spots, best bike rides for children. It's great if, like me, you didn't grow up in the area and don't have the benefit of local knowledge.

It's really well laid out with sections for parents tips and kids tips. It also helpfully reminds you what not to forget, e.g. swimming stuff / wellies for paddling. Lastly, all profits from the book go to the school.

Thanks, Nix!