CORNWALL CALLING

Fantastic Felt

2012-02-05T12:23:00.000+00:00

Good Morning,
I hope that you are keeping warm, and are not covered in too much snow.

Last week I was lucky enough to have space at a felt making workshop. It was run by a lovely lady called Jo Polack and was held at the Ecopark, on the north coast of Cornwall.

I always look at different courses and classes and think wow I would like to that one or that one, but never get round to actually booking a place, but this time I thought would actually do one of these brilliant courses that Jo runs.

Come prepared to get wet was what the email read...... we are talking about the middle of winter in Cornwall, getting wet is not something high up on my list of to do things!

Also I was nervous about meeting new people, what sort of people would sign up to a felt making workshop? There were eight of us, a real miss match of people. We were given an introduction to the art of felt making, where it originated from and the type of people that made it. Apparently when they made felt to cover houses it was dragged behind horses to felt the wool, so that it was extremely thick and durable.

As you can see we were set up with our own individual tables, complete with net curtain, bubble wrap, towel, length of dowel and a carrier bag, it felt like being at play school.

We started by selecting our lengths of merino tops,

and then laid them in three layers, one layer horizontally, the next vertically and the final layer horizontal, this was to ensure that when we started agitating the fibres that they would mesh together. Whoever thought that felt making was easy have obviously not tried it. It was like having an aerobics session.

This picture shows our small squares of felt hanging in front of the fire to dry, as you can see we all chose some amazing colours (would be lovely to make a rug of all different squares of brightly coloured felt).

When we had mastered the art of making a small felt square we were allowed to be adventurous and make a wall hanging. I decided to make a hanging of grass, sky and some blue flowers. This was definitely harder than making the small square, but so worth it, to be able to lay out your fibres to make a picture and then by the felting process produce a picture (that was surprisingly recognisable) was amazing.

This was such a fantastic day, it was run on the Sunday as well as the Saturday, but I could only afford one of the days, but I will definitely do another another course with Jo in the future, and I really recommend felt making to anyone.

Thank you for stopping by.
take care xxxxxxxxx

Making the best of a bad blind!

2012-02-04T22:58:00.001+00:00

Well good evening,

Since moving into my new home I have been painting walls and generally making it personal to me. Yesterday I decided that I needed to address the issue of my tiny, bland bathroom. As I have mentioned before I live in a caravan so space is an issue and decoration can be quite boring. Also being a caravan some of the walls are covered in shiny un-paintable material.

The bathroom has a small window with a small pale yellow blind, as the blind has been rolled up for a period of time prior to me moving in, the bottom of it was marked with mildew (not nice) and rather than get a new blind, I thought I would have a go at using various fabric to create a scene on it to cover the offending marks.

I have bought some 'modge podge', which is fantstic for sticking all manner of things, I had never used it before but my sister Colette of 'Poppy Cottage' told me that I should try it. Wow, it is brilliant, why oh why had I never used it before.

So therefore I sat cross legged on the floor and started marking out a design, sorting and cutting fabric.
I had decided on a coastal scene of a lighthouse on some rocks with the sea in front, but you know what it is like when you have an idea in your head but are not entirely sure how to set it out.

I was so pleased with the variety of blues that I chose, these were fat quarters that I got when I took my sister to the hospital the other week. I still have loads of fabric left, so I will have to think of another idea to use them for, or I may just keep them for a while.

The various colours were amazing, it was difficult to try and pick the most appropriate ones that would look like the items they were supposed to predict.

The picture below shows how how I was trying to set it out, I laid it all out, then panicked when I realised that I would have lift the pieces up to stick them down. I managed to get Modge Podge everywhere, I can now vouch for the fact that it dries out the skin on your fingers.

I was pleased with how the material I had chosen for the rocks looked when set out, though there was a little artistic licence on using peacock material for rocks.

I was really pleased with the birds, the material was so beautiful I seemed to go overboard on the amount of them that I included.

The finnished blind is now dry and up at the window of the bathroom, it is so lovely, I am so pleased with it that I don't want to roll it up, do you think I could get away with leaving it down?

Well all for now, thanks for stopping by to my little corner of blogland.
Take care
xxxx

Walking on the beach

2012-01-12T21:10:00.000+00:00

Good evening,

Yesterday I decided to make the most of the unexpected sunshine, I had worked a night shift the night before grabbed some sleep and woke up to the most amazing sunny day. You know the type of day where you have the overwhelming desire to be in the outside world.

I am so lucky to live just up road from the beach.

The sea was such an amazing blue, almost lilac in colour, luckily I had bought my camera with me and couldn't resist taking some photos. I just wish that I hadn't had to sleep and miss half the day, I am so grateful for days like this days when you want to just sit, do nothing but watch.

For once I didn't beach comb, just wandered along in awe of the day.

Perfect sea, perfect sky. Do I sound daft? Sorry if I do it is just that I found the day so perfect.

Heart shaped pebble just sitting there minding its own business.

I couldn't resist taking this photo, it doesn't make any sense other than it made me smile.

What do you think of the wellies? My ordinary ones had sprung a leak, and my friend Alice was going to the local agricultural store and offered to pick me up some wellies. This was her take on the 'what wellies do you want? And me saying it doesn't matter as long as they fit'. Mmmmmm well at least you can see me coming.

The sun was going down as I walked back to the car, I had enjoyed my little walk so much, and it seemed so sad that the sun had to set.

Any way all for now, I just wanted to share this little view of Cornwall.
Take care, thank you for stopping by.
xx

Christmas Time

2012-01-12T21:08:00.001+00:00

Hello,

I managed to be in Dorset for part of Christmas Day, but then had to travel back to Cornwall that evening as I had to be at work at 8am on Boxing Day. I had been buying and making lots of things to put into Rose's 'pillow case', notice the little clip in the hair of Rose, I wonder how long that will stay in?

I had the idea of making Rose some building blocks, and seeing if I could crochet the covers for them. On one of my trips up to see Ashley Ray and Rose, we had popped into C&H ( a lovely shop with lots of yarns, material and craft materials to name just some of the things they sell), and Rose and I decided on the colours. I think that they work well together, well Rose seems to agree.

Hair clip still in place, and finding her foot extremely interesting.

Rose is definitely going to be a star, well I think she is already, but then again I am biased.

It was lovely to be able to see everyone that I love and hold dear to me, and have lots of cuddles with a special young lady.

Thank you for stopping by,
Take care xx

Flying visit to Chichester

2011-12-15T00:07:00.000+00:00

Good evening,
Well last week I got the train up to see Ashley Ray and Rose, sometimes I fly up, but at this time of year the cost of flights tends to be a little steep, so therefore I took the train option, as it takes so long it is a good time to catch up with some Christmas WIP's.

It seems so long since I had seen them all, and Rose is growing so quickly, she has gone from being a little baby to a proper little girl. The problem with living so far away is that I cannot just 'pop' in for a coffee and catch up. I couldn't resist plonking my hat on Rose, she did look cute, and not quite like 'Frank Spencer'.

Rose has decided that she wanted to be part of the Iphone generation, though she seems to be more taken with the Cath Kidson cover than the actual phone. Talk about starting young with the 'can I have a mobile phone Mum!'.

While I was visiting we took a walk down to the park and Rose loved being pushed on the swing, with big smiles on her face.

While I was there Ashley managed to finnish one of her Christmas presents, sort out Rose's clothes into age groups and also to plant all her bulbs for the spring. While Ashley was in the garden I got the chance to give Rose her lunch, she found it highly amusing to throw things on the floor from her highchair, giving the biggest smile as if to say 'look what I can do'.

I cannot wait for Christmas day to seem them again, and I have done Rose her first 'Christmas pillowcase', as this is something I have always done for Ashley (she still gets one now) and it is a tradition that I wanted to continue for Rose. By the way the pillowcase is full of presents (like a stocking, if you get my drift).

Oh well all for now
Thanks for stopping by xx

The move!

2011-12-06T21:36:00.000+00:00

Good evening, and huge apologies for the huge gap in blog entries.

Since moving to Cornwall, I have moved three times, which is not that much of a big thing apart from when you consider that I have only been here less than two years. The thing with moving is that it involves huge changes, they do say that one of the most stressful things in life is moving house, I seem to be a glutton for punishment.

When I moved to Cornwall I moved into a lovely little cottage right on the harbour, and thought that I would have been there for a long time, but the lady who owned the cottage decided that she wanted to move back in for a while, while work was being done to the next door property. I couldn't believe it, my little cottage was so perfect and couldn't believe that I had to move, and also where would I move?

As mentioned in previous posts I have a delinquent pony called Copper who was totally settled where she was, so therefore the search for another property close to where she is stabled was commenced. The only property that was available was more expensive, but I thought well, I will take it even if it is only for six months. The only snag was that the owner of the cottage lived directly behind the cottage, so it was a little like being in the big brother house, or a goldfish bowl.

I started looking again for somewhere else to live that was more affordable, and this resulted in relocating to a mobile home, I worried at first as to 'what had I done', but I can honestly say that this is the best thing that I could have done, I have a definate feeling of being 'settled'.

This was the morning of the move the the little Tin Cottage, organised chaos, but once I has packed everything, at least I could relax.

My sister came to visit for a few days, which was lovely as I don't see enough of her, and we got to watch several DVD's and do lots of craft type stuff. Colette said she felt very lazy sitting down during the day. But as I said to her, this visit was about her having some time 'out'.

This picture was taken by her one morning, and this is half a mile down the road from my little Tin Cottage, quite a spectacular view don't you think? (I was sneaky and pinched the photo from her blog - sorry Colette).

I have named my new home the 'Little Tin Cottage', and she is situated on a farm, and I have six chickens that seem to have taken up residence under the caravan, and can even be cheeky enough to wander in. It is disconcerting when you go into the bathroom, and find that one of the chickens has sneaked in and is watching you!

The photo below is rather messy, but as you can see it is mid craft session as Christmas is approaching. I am doing the classic for my family, in having so much on the go that I cannot seem to actually finnish anything!

I will have to put some better pictures of my new little home on here, but haven't got any to hand at the moment.

This is the view out of one of the lounge windows, totally peaceful, very restful environment.

Now you have to use your imagination with this one, as this is my garden, with the decking all ready to be put up. I am going to plant lots and lots of bulbs, so the garden is a mass of colour in the spring.

Sometimes you just have to treat yourself, and while I was in the supermarket I spotted these carnations in the reduced bin, they are so bright and cheerful and brighten up the most dull of days. Considering they were in the reduced bin, they are still going strong over a week later.

Oh well all for now, thank you for stopping by to my little corner of Cornwall

xxxx

Granny Square Cushion

2011-08-23T20:04:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,

I have been thinking about making a granny square cushion for a while but have had so many things on the go that I never seemed to get round to it. But the other day I thought I would make a start on it, I wasnt sure what colours to use, do I go for pastels or something a little brighter. As I has a lot of Stylecraft yarn in various amounts I thought I would go for a little randomness. I wanted it to be bright but not so bright that you would need to pick up a pair of sunglasses to look at it.

As I have been working nights this week it seemed an ideal opportunity to get on with making lots of little granny squares. The squares were easy to do, but I still struggle with the whole joining on the go thing, sometimes I get it right and sometimes they end up all bunched up, I think the term is less haste more speed!!!

Once I had finished all the granny squares I had the task of deciding which colour to use as the background for joining them all together. I couldn't make a decision between the beige or the olive green, but after much thought I went for the beige........ and I think I made the right choice as the beige sets off the colours of the granny squares really well.

Below is the picture of the first two squares joined together, this is always the easy bit, it is when you have to add another one into the mix that I tend to get confused.

Well, eventually I succeeded in joining all squares together. I wanted to have a contrasting colour for the back of the cushion, and settled on a rich red, for the large granny square, the only trouble was that I ran out of red before I reached the end...... don't you hate it when that happens, so for the last few rounds I used some more of the beige, but also used the olive green.

And there you have it, my first granny square cushion, and I can honestly say that I am really chuffed with it and it now has pride of place on the sofa.

Oh well, thanks for stopping by for my ramble of the day.
Take care
xxxxx

Copper

2011-08-21T23:31:00.000+01:00

Hi and good evening,

I thought I would pop in a post about four legged person that I spend alot of time with.

Meet Cooper, she would like to think that she is a horse, but due to being only 14.2 she falls into the pony catagory. She is not impressed with this, as she feels that inside she is a willowy model, but in reality she is like a naughty chubby teenager.

I have had her for about three years now and we have sort of grown with each other. She was previously owned by a teenager who thought nothing of feeding her Cadbury creme eggs...... so conciquently when she came to me she went on a diet or three, she is definately the type of pony that just needs to look at grass and it goes straight on her hips!!

She is very inquisitive and nosey, always looking for a polo (sugar free of course).

This is how she spends most of her time, 'naked' apart from hair, as she doesnt like rugs, and has been known to lay on the floor and wriggle her way out of any that you put on her....... a bit like a equine version of Houdini.

The photo below shows the view from her field, and what an amazing view, I cant stop pausing to look on the way down to the field every day, as the scenery is breath taking.

Copper and I have had some intersting scrapes over the last few months, firstly she decided it would be a good idea to put me face down on the wet sand of the beach, so she could take off and explore on her own. Then a couple of weeks ago we fell down a drain (she was not too impressed with being in the gutter!!), and we both ended up with cuts and bruises.

So that is a little about my naughty but funny pony.
Take care, and thanks for stopping by
xxxx

Scarves and Craft Fayres

2011-08-13T17:56:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,

I have been busy doing craft fayres at the moment, and with it being the summer holidays there have been lots of people visiting Cornwall. I do two craft fayres a week, one on a wednesday at Mevagissey, and the other on a friday at Fowey.

Below are a selection of my slate pendants, which did look a little neater earlier in the day but once small people desend they they tend to get mixed up, as they are just the right size for little fingers to grab hold of.

I have been making lots of stuff with slate and driftwood and sea glass. But then I thought it would be nice to do something that was a bit different, and as I am always crocheting while at the fayres, one of the other stall holders suggested that I have a go at making some scarves and incorporating some of my hand made slate buttons.

I must admit that it has been fun to do something a bit different, and I have played around with some different ideas. As you can see from the photos I have been having fun experimenting, I kept looking at different patterns on the internet, but couldnt find anything I really liked. Therefore I kept thinking that maybe I should see if I could come up with an idea of my own. Although it is not a very good picture the picture shows both my new scarves and also the crochet hangings that I make.

This is my favourite scarf, it is so so soft, but I cannot find some similar yarn to make some more, so the hunt goes on. I love the way that the slate buttons go so well with the soft cream yarn..... just makes you want to snuggle up with it on a blustery day.

The picture below is one of my slate signs that I make, incorporating all the things that you would find on the beach.

The two following pictures are of two of the other stalls at the craft fayre, the glass jewellery is beautiful, though my heart is always in my mouth that someone will knock some of it over.

The following stall is lovely, the girl that runs it makes all her stuff from vintage fabric and materials. The red gingham chicken door stop is great, and I am so tempted to buy it....... but I have restrained myself so far. She also makes mackerel cushions from cream fabric and screen prints on their markings, incorporating the word 'Cornwall'.

I really enjoy doing the craft fayres, as I always come away with so many new ideas, also I am making some lovely like-minded friends. Cornwall has such a rich variety of crafters, and I am always coming across different ideas and concepts.

Oh well all for now as I have to finnish a crochet cowl for one of the girls from the craft fayre, we are doing a swap as I really want one of her beautiful necklaces. So therefore I have been busily making the cowl so we can do the swap and I can have the necklace.

Take care
Thank you for stopping by
xx

The Visit

2011-08-08T21:17:00.001+01:00

Good Evening,

I am sorry that it has taken me so long to publish this post, but I had put all the pictures in, but needed to have time to sit and write the post, otherwise it would have only contained lots of pictures and no explanations.

I had decided to take a trip up to see my daughter, granddaughter and son in law. Usually I would have flown but with it being the summer holidays the price of flights had rocketed, so I looked into other ways of getting there........ and one of the cheapest options was to take the train. I thought it would be lovely to take time out and spend the journey (all five and a half hours) either reading or crocheting, this was a nice idea, but I had not factored in the two changes..... now as you have gathered from the previous post I am not the greatest with directions. So I spent the whole time worrying that I would either sleep through the changes or get on the wrong train!! Luckily I had the forethought to book my seat, otherwise it would have been a case of trying to plonk myself down, and then having to spend time standing as the train was so busy.

I arrived at the station in plenty of time, with all my bags including the hamper that I had spent time assembling for my daughter Ashley, as she had my granddaughter Rose six months ago and everyone gets bits for Rose, so I thought it would be nice to get some bits for Ashley........ a bit like the 'pillow case' that I used to do for her Christmas...... nothing in it cost a lot but they were all things that I knew that she would like.

I finally arrived at Chichester and met Ashley and Rose at the station, it was so busy as my arrival had also coincided with the Goodwood Festival, lots of posh people, the women looked lovely, and I felt like the country bumpkin in flip flops and cargo trousers.

Here is a picture of Ashley and Rose, rose has definitely decided that she wants to be upright and loves nothing better than to have a little help to totter on her little feet.

Such a beautiful smiley girl, I dont think I have ever seen her really really grumpy, she is definitely going to break some hearts when she grows up.

This is such a lovely photo, two of the most special ladies in my life.

I hate the fact that I am so far away from them, and when I get to see them I tend to take so many pictures, as Rose changes so much and in between visits, she seems to develop in leaps and bounds. there is nothing that she likes better than to get stripped down to her nappy and roll around on the floor....... it will not be long until she is crawling......... Ashley is then worrying about where to put all her yarns and books and other crafting things!!!! My son in law Ray was going round the lounge looking at all the things that will have to be moved, covered, protected for when small person is mobile!!!

Hello everyone my name is Rose and I have the most infectious giggle.

The visit was fantastic, as you can see it was definitely worth the long train journey. Ashley loved her hamper, and watching her open all the little gifts was priceless, and I couldnt resist buying Rose a new outfit, a little summer dress with matching knickerbockers and hat. Also i have decided to give Slimming World a go, as Ashley has done so amazingly well, and I have been gradually putting on weight, so seeing how well Ashley has done has given me the motivation, so I will keep you up to date with my progress.

I am aiming to go up to see Ashley, Rose and Ray very soon, as I miss them dearly, though next time I will definitely be flying from Newquay, much quicker 40 minutes from Newquay to Gatwick and then 50 minutes down to Chichester................. much better than 5 and a half hours.

Thank you so much for stopping by, take care xxxx

Glastonbury 2011

2011-08-03T16:44:00.000+01:00

Hello there, well I am back,
Sorry it has been a while but have been without my beloved laptop, and although I can access the internet through my phone it is not the best idea to try and write a post on it!!

I have been working at Glastonbury festival for a number of years now as a nurse, and this year I had a request from my niece, to come as my guest..................... there was a hidden agenda though as she is the biggest Beyonce fan and had heard that she would be playing at Glastonbury this year. So could she possibly come with me....... my heart was in my mouth, as that would mean that I was totally responsible for a 17 year old at her first festival! Though I no cause to worry as I think she was a lot more sensible than I am, and with an altogether better sense of direction........... everyone who knows me, knows that I have absolutely no sense of direction. Though my sister Colette 'poppycottage18', humours me and says that my way of driving is a lot more scenic than going straight to a destination!!!

Everyone just sitting and chilling out in the sun, they kept bringing loads and loads of wood shavings onto the site to soak up the mud. At one point I made Josie sit down for half an hour with me on a huge pile of these wood shaving, heaven.... warm and dry. Though we didn't sit for too long as Josie has this inability to just sit and chill.

I love this photo, to me it totally sums up the whole Glastonbury experience, bare feet, wellies, socks and mud...... though in this case the dry variety.

Where else could you see a pink sheep in wellies!!

I took these photos as these mirrors were so pretty and unique, and the heart one with the wood border was my favourite, thank goodness it was sold, otherwise I could see myself making an unnecessary purchase and then trying to negotiate the mud carrying a mirror back to the tent!!

This one was the favourite of my niece Josie, though I can see a very unflattering image in it of my legs complete with flowery wellies (well, I would not lose those wellies in a hurry).

This was an image of the walk from out camp site up to the main path, the mud was really hard to negotiate when it started to dry and it became like glue, very good for toning up your thigh muscles, but it was much easier to walk in the mud when it was like slurry, not pleasant but much much easier.

This is a photo of my niece Josie, complete with her camera, i think i worried so much about her losing it whilst being pushed around in the crowds.
The funniest thing is that Josie doesn't do mud and bad smells....... welcome to Glastonbury !! She would wait until she was desperate for the loo, before attempting to use the famous Glastonbury drops (toilets), and she had loo roll, antibacterial spray, and would wait until she could follow after a woman...... less mess and smell!!

As I said Josie went everywhere with her camera, she must have taken hundreds of photos while she was there. She was totally in awe of the amount of people, especially this image of all the tents, it is definitely like a sea of canvas.

Each time I go to Glastonbury I always take pictures of the flags, they are so bright and cheerful, and there are so many different ones all around the site.

I had to put this one in the the post as it shows her mum that she did the mud and coped, and even smiled.

I couldn't resist these flowers, even with all the mud under foot, to be able to look up and see these amazing creations was fantastic, and with them framed by the beautiful blue sky you could almost forget about the mud.

This picture is so lovely, there were two of these caravans, and they were so beautifully restored.

I put this photo in to show what it was like before the mud arrived!!

Josie I think had a good time, but I think the definite highlight for her was seeing her idol Beyonce, bless her she made her way to the Pyramid stage on Sunday afternoon about 2pm, and waiting patiently there in the blistering heat until Beyonce came on stage at 10pm, that is true dedication. She stood through many different acts, including Pendulum to name but one. Her main concern was what if she needed the loo? as there was no option to go off to the loo, so rationing her fluid intake was the only way to manage that. The smile on her face afterwards was priceless.

Josie and I said at the beginning that it was going to be the longest time that we had spent together...... would we survive? I am glad to say we did, and it was lovely to spend some time with her before she moves to London in September to go to College.

Oh well all for now, thanks for stopping by xxxx

Family

2011-07-19T17:03:00.000+01:00

I have been sorting out my photos on my laptop as it is a little poorly at the moment and needs to go to be checked over. Although they say that they will not lose any data, knowing my luck it will happen to me. So I have been uploading photos onto to Flicka (not an easy thing as this involves technology), and as I have said before this is an area that is not my forte!!

Whilst going through all my photos I found the following selection. The first photo is one that was taken about three years ago, and there is a story behind it........

The photo being held by my little sister Natalie is one that was taken when we were all a lot younger (the only one missing in the new photo is my nephew Jasper. In the back row is my other sister Colette who has a blog called Poppycottage18, my niece Josie, who I have always called Wiggle ever since she was a little girl (she is shortly going to be going to London to study at the London Fashion and Retail Academy). Next to her is my daughter Ashley who has a blog called Countryrose7, and is now mum to my beatiful Granddaughter Rose. Next up is my Mum, she is always organising some event or another, or one of us children, as we have grown up there was always a standing joke that we would have to book in to have some time with her!! In the front row is myself, and my baby sister, who currently has pink hair (definately cant lose her in a crowd). The new photo was done as a comparison, and I think it is one that we should repeat in another few years................ then it will be a case of a few more grey hairs.

This is a photo of my wonderful Dad, he has the most amazing way of telling stories or jokes, always managing to make you smile.

This photo was taken at the same time as the first, but this time it was more of a family affair, including Susie the dog. The lovely man at the right of the photo is my Grandad, he has always been known as Dooks to all of us, I think the name sarted with me as a baby, as he would always tickle me under the chin saying 'dooky dooky', so he just became Dooks rather than grandad. This has been his name forever, though we all have to try to remember to explain why when talking to other people about him, I remember one time he was in hospital and I phoned to ask how he was, and reffered to him as Dooks, much to the confusion of the nurses on the ward.

This surprised young man is Ray my son in law, though in this photo he either looks like his is tickling my Dad or holding him up!!

This is taken of Ashley and Ray on on a day out with my parents, I think on a steam train?

And of course the post wouldn't be complete without a picture of this special little girl, baby Granddaughter Rose (isn't she perfect?).

My Mum, who absolutely hates having her photo taken, so this is a rare one. And the next is of my Dad.

I am so so grateful for my lovely family, they keep me grounded, support me when I am sad, pick me up when I fall, and always have the power to make me smile.

The Amazing Cornish Coast, sea and Converse trainers!!

2011-07-14T23:19:00.000+01:00

Well, good evening,

I could not resist putting together this post, I thought it would be a good idea to show off the Cornish coast in all its glory. Having granite as a bedrock, means that the sea appears sapphire blue, giving you the feeling that you just want to grab a swimsuit and jump right in.

I love this picture as it shows the full length of the beach at Vallen Dreath, I have a horse and this would be a lovely beach to gallop along from end to end.

The rocks that are exposed when the tide is out are amazing, looking almost prehistoric.

These pictures show the power of the sea, and the differences in colour of the water, a real artists palette.

Do you remember rock pooling as a child, having no fear, though as an adult I have a huge fear of what will bite my fingers, have decided that I must now be a real wimp.

The stones and rocks are so vastly different, soft greys to dappled browns, the contrast is bewildering.

I have always wanted a pair of Converse trainers, and courtesy of Ebay I now have a pair of new to me ones, and couldnt resist taking a picture of them. Though this picture doesnt really fit with the whole sea and cliff theme, so this is a rogue image.

This was my attempt at rock art, definately not my forte.

Well, as they say in cornwall you can have all seasons in a matter of hours, and the next two pictures show the differencein weather in 20 minutes........... totally amazing.

This is a favourite spot for me, a place called Vallen Dreath, not far from Lands End.

Yet another change in the weather, windswept and dramatic, definately enhanced by the granite cliffs.

Oh well, all for now I hope that you have enjoyed my scenic post.

Take care

Thanks for stopping by

xxxx

Crochet and Slate Necklaces

2011-06-18T10:45:00.000+01:00

Well, good morning.
I have been busy with my crafts over the past couple of weeks, although I have my Etsy shop, I also have been doing some craft fayres, which has been good, as it is a way to meet up with fellow crafters. Whilst at Mevagissey craft fayre, I took a chance and took some of my crochet scarves into a shop there to see if they would be interested in taking some of them to sell on commission. there is something truly scary about going into a shop and hoping that they like your stuff enough to take them........
Well they did, and so they have been displaying some of the scarves in their shop, I also had a couple of my slate necklaces with me and thought I had nothing to lose by seeing if they like them too. The girl in the shop appeared to really like them and asked if she could have some of them to sell too, so therefore my little slate necklaces are going to be displayed in their shop too.

So now it is just a case of hoping that someone will like them enough to buy them.
I also am going to be doing some craft fayres in Falmouth on the beach, this is a new craft fayre and I cant wait to try it out, because it is actually on the beach my crafts should fit right in, and I will keep you posted with how I do........ selling and sunbathing, quite a good combination I think.
oh well all for now, thanks for stopping by
take care
Tracie x

Spending some time with family

2011-06-14T12:55:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon
I thought that I would share the wonderful day I had yesterday. My daughter Ashley and granddaughter Rose had come down to Dorset to spend some time with my Mum and Dad. And as I am down in Cornwall I dont get to see them very much, so it was decided to take the opportunity to meet up.
Half way between Dorset and Cornwall is Oakhampton, and after a little research we decided to meet at a little place called 'Finches Foundry', wow what an amazing place. The weather stayed lovely, no rain showers of the day before, and therefore beautiful, my Mum came too and provided a lovely picnic, and after much lifting and pulling of the pushchair (Ashley wished that she had bought the baby sling so that we could have walked further).

This my beautiful Granddaughter, eating lunch, though she did prefer the Muller Lite yogurt that her Mum was eating!!

A lovely picture of my Daughter Ashley, taken yesterday.

My Mum doesn't like having her photo taken, but I am so lucky to have her as a Mum, full of different ideas and thoughts and it was her that chose this beautiful place. Which made it a lovely day, though making up a picnic on a bridge used by lots of walkers and their dogs, was probably not her smartest thought!! Try telling a Labrador that they cant eat the cheese and pickle roll that she was making was interesting!!

Two more pictures of the beautiful Rose, though I am biased of course.

I couldn't resist this Poppy that I aim to attempt to paint as a watercolour for my sister Colette (Poppy Cottage 18).

This was so beautiful and peaceful, it is a Quaker graveyard in the same grounds as the foundry.

So all in all a totally lovely day, and one that will stick in my memory for a long time.
Oh well, all for now
Thank you for stopping by.
take care
xx

My Etsy shop

2011-06-06T10:00:00.000+01:00

Well, good morning,
I have been working hard at getting my Etsy shop off the ground. It is so scary when you start to do something and hope that people will like what you do. I had got my shop up and running but wasn't sure if I had done everything right, and had some lovely advice from a lady that has a shop on the site and who lives in Porthcurno in Cornwall, her name is Joanne Poore and she has a shop on Etsy too, pop over and have a look as her paintings are amazing hppt//www.etsy.com/shop/joannepoore.

She said that there is a person on Etsy who will look at your shop and tell what is right and wrong and how you can put it right. So I thought that I would do this, to make sure that I had covered all the angles, I was so surprised when they said that I had a lovely shop, and such a relief and that there were only a few little tweeks to make.

I have now started to make some sales, which is fantastic, and gives you such a boost. I have started to have a stall at a local craft fayre, which is lovely as you get to meet some other like minded people.
Here are a couple of my latest 'makes'

I had made a lot of things that needed to be photographed, so I put them all in a big box and decamped to my favourite beach at Portloe on a low tide to take all my photos. There is a hotel on the beach with a terrace and as the sun was shining people were sat out on the terrace...... lots of them came to see what I was doing 'I must have looked strange, arranging things all over rocks', but at least it was a little free advertising, as I merrily handed out my shop cards to everyone that came to speak to me.

I also have great news that two shops in one of the local seaside towns are selling some of my items, and when I popped into the shops I couldn't resist looking for my items, wow, they look so professional.
Thank you so much for stopping by xx

Visitors

2011-05-09T13:13:00.000+01:00

Good afternoon,
Last week, was brilliant I had my daughter Ashley, my son in law Ray and my granddaughter Rose down for a visit. Though they had planned on having an overnight pit stop at my Mum and Dads in Dorset to break the journey, the clutch in their car decided to become a real problem, and they had to have that done before they could carry on the journey down to me. My other half did it for them, which was fantastic as this meant that it didn't cost too much.

Ashley was sad that this meant that the time they had down with me was cut short, but as I said I would rather they came for a couple of days and be safe rather than to chance driving all the way down with an unsafe car.

So they arrived on weds evening which was lovely, I had made a huge spaghetti bolognese which apparently was very appreciated. It was so lovely to have them down, you don't realise just how much you miss them when you are caught up in day to day stuff.

On the Thursday I took then to Fowey, which they enjoyed, and I sneaked in a little shopping for a gift for Rose ( isn't that what Nana's are for), although trying to negotiate the steep hills with a pushchair was a little worrying. I did say to Ashley that we ought to attach her to the pushchair with a lead for added security!!! Ashley and I went for a little retail therapy whilst Ray took time out with Rose and the daily paper, he also had a caricature done of Rose which definitely used artistic licence.

We left it to Ray to push Rose back up the hill, he did a nice line in power pushing, whilst Ashley and I followed behind.

All too soon it was time for them to leave, I must have given Ashley the biggest hug on record, and Rose and Ray too, till I see them again. Although they have asked if they could come down in the summer for a longer period of time, and that goes without question to be totally fine with me.

So that is all for now,
Thanks for stopping by
xxx

The Christening

2011-05-04T23:07:00.002+01:00

Well, all went well for the Christening. Arrived in Dorset on Friday afternoon and then travelled up to the christening on the Saturday morning. This was a little fraught as we left a little late, after me reminding the other half that he had promised to take a welsh dresser up with us. As it had belonged to one of his customers and was now destined to reside with Ashley and Ray in their home in Chichester. Therefore it was a rather fast journey up towards the M27, then when you are worrying about getting there on time, you spot stationary traffic in front of you....not what you want to see!!.... this then entailed a detour via the New Forest, very lovely horses, cows and donkeys strolling along without a care in the world, and us going rather quickly following the weird directions coming from the Sat Nav. Eventually we arrived at the church, parked the car, me dashing into the church and the other half getting changed in the church car park.

The christening was lovely, my Granddaughter Rose Olivia behaved brilliantly, not a cry or whimper, even with the cold water on her head.

After the christening we all went next door to have something to eat and drink that Ashley and Ray had provided, which was lovely as the sun was shining and the weather was so lovely and warm.

I had been to a vintage fair the week before and had bought Ashley a silver bangle to give her on this special day, I was hoping that she would like it, but she said that she really liked it, so I breathed a sigh of relief.

Oh well, all for now, as my eyes are getting tired.
Thanks for stopping by xxx

Christening

2011-04-29T10:14:00.000+01:00

Well, today I am travelling back up to Dorset and then on to West Sussex for my granddaughters christening. It doesnt seem five monutes ago that I was having my daughter christened. Living down here in Cornwall whilst she lives in Chichester means that I dont get to see that much of either my daughter or my granddaughter, which is heartbreaking but I am going to make the most of seeing them this weekend. But then again I am lucky also that they are coming down to stay with me the following week. My daughter by the was is Ashley of http://countryrose7.blogspot.com/ , and I am so proud of her for giving me my first grandchild.
Oh well, this was only a quick one, and I will write some more when I come back, with lots more pictures.
Thanks for stopping by xx

Fantastic summer weather!!!!

2011-04-29T09:40:00.000+01:00

The last few days have been so lovely, the temperature seems to be going up and up. Have had a few days off from work so took the opportunity to take my crochet and a book to the beach. I must admit you do get some strange looks from people whilst sat there in a bikini crocheting japanese flowers!!!

Each day I have woken up wondering if the weather is going to break, after all it is only April, but we seem to be continnuing with fanstastic weather.

Although the weather has been so lovely the beaches where I live have been relatively quiet, which is strange as I would have thought that if you were on holiday in Cornwall and the weather was lovely and you had young children, the best place would be the beach!! But I wasnt complaining, some quiet time.

Yesterday I took a wander down to the waters edge to cool down, and withput really realising I had walked into the sea up to my middle............ dilemma! do I walk back out and look silly or go for it and swim................ I chose the latter, so I can now honestly say that I have been swimming in the sea in APRIL..... and I really recommend it.

Oh well, all for now,
Thanks for stopping by xxx

My online shops and my website!

2011-04-16T10:20:00.001+01:00

Good morning
I hope that the weather is good wherever you are, we have had a few damp and grey days, but this morning I woke up to brilliant sunshine and warmness........ which prompted me to grab a cup of coffee and sit out in my little back yard, and listen to the sea (heaven).

Well, now that I have got my online shops up and running, these are the addresses.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/cornwallcalling
http://www.etsy.com/shop/cornwallcalling
I feel quite proud of myself, and my wonderful sister of course, so please feel free to pop over and have a look. I still find it time consuming to put on the descriptions and the pictures, but everyone I have spoken to says that this gets easier, at the moment I am all fingers and thumbs. This is alittle like when I was trying to learn to crochet, I got so frustrated as my daughter picked it up so easily, and I just felt the overwhelming urge to throw it across the room. Now of course crochet something I love to do and find relatively easy, so the technology may become the same!

My next task was to construct a website, as I thought that may be another way to get my name and what I do out and about. My sister gave me the link for 'websites for artists', and it was so simple ideal for someone like me that can spend hours doing craft stuff or crichet, but runs a mile from technology! It was so brilliant, and the good thing is that you can have a play then submit it to them for some 'constructive' critism. So i am now the proud owner of a domain, and you can find it here http://www.cornwallcalling.co.uk/ though Google dont pick it up yet, so to find it you will have to type the address in the address bar.

So all in all I have been very productive, and now I will go and sit in the sun with a cup of coffee as my reward.
Thank you for stopping by
xxxx

Good Morning

2011-04-06T11:27:00.001+01:00

Well i am sorry for the long absence, but i have been having a blog issue, and have decided that myself and technology dont mix. But i have a wonderful sister that is a wizz with computers, and she has managed to sort out the mess that i made of my blog. She has a lovely blog called Poppycottage18, and I pop onto hers all the time to see what she has written.

Well, I have beachcombing off and on ever since i moved down here (it is helpful when you have the beach on the doorstep) and found myself making the odd thing here and there. I have definately got my craft head back on with a vengence. I managed to convert a little room down stairs into a craft room, and have been quietly playing with ideas, making things for myself and my friends and family.

But then i thought that i would like to try and sell some of these things, as people kept saying that they would like one if i made it for them....... but then I was not sure how to go about this?? So i have been doing a lot of research to see how I could go about it. I spoke to my sister, and she suggested Etsy anf Folksy.

She came down for the weekend and the time was spent crocheting, beachcombing and taking pictures of some of my hand-made things in nice settings. Then in the evenings we spent time setting up these shops, (did i mention that I am no good with technology)....... I am lucky that she was so patient with me, as I could not get it right. Though after alot of time on my side and patience on hers, I have set up my shops. There is a link on my blog if you would like to stop by and have a wander around my shop.

NIGHT SHIFTS!!!!!

2011-01-10T07:41:00.000+00:00

I have decided that whoever invented night shifts, possibly has never worked them (it is surely not natural to stay awake all night long) Though i must admit that it is a good time to get on with craft stuff, so i have spent the night attempting to knit baby booties..... as i have the pleasure of soon to be becoming a 'nana', my daughter is due to have a baby on the 22nd of january. Wow, this sort of should make me feel ancient but actually i cannot wait, though the is great speculation as to whether 'Bug' as the bump is affectionately called will be a boy or a girl. Ashley (my daughter) came down in the summer and we did the 'needle on a thread', and it span round merrily, which apparantly means that it will be a girl, but how much credance can be made of that i dont know...... so we all waited expectantly for the little one to arrive.
Well all for now as i am feeling the need for sleep..... hurry up day shift staff!
Thanks for stopping by.
Tracie

Cornish Weather

2011-01-09T21:59:00.000+00:00

Well, i know that it has been a while since i added a post. and i apologise.
Cornwall has had snow................ seems so odd that we are so far down south that you wouldnt think that it would reach us. Even in my little piece of heaven we have been covered in a soft blanket of the white stuff. The other morning i came out of my back door to go for a walk on the beach and managed to slide most of the way down the hill. That is the only downside of living in a little valley
I have taken some pictures and will try to add them to this post later.... if technology allows, or my attempt at it!
But before we were hit by the snow, the weather was throwing everything at us. I had been sitting in doors listening to the winds howling at gale force, and wondering if i should add wellies to my PJ's and go to the yard to check on my horse, and had decided that she would be ok. Off i went to bed, only to be rudely woken at 4am by hammering at the door, so bleary eyed i padded downstairs opening the door to be greeted by 12 firemen....... we had been flooded, the stream had broken its banks and the hills had flooded, so our little valley had become like a miny Boscastle.
One thing i will say is that it is true what people say about disasters, they definately bring everyone together, i now know so many more people. i ended up at a lovely lady called Wendy's house for coffee and cake.... which was very nice.
On that note i will leave you and add more later, i will definately not leave it so long till the next post.
Thank you for stopping by.

2010-10-13T21:16:00.000+01:00

What an amazing weekend.... there is something special about huge tides and waves crashing over the rocks....
when i can work out how to import pictures i will put them on here.... Cornwall is fantastic in wild weather.
I have decided to buy a drill.... simple you would think, i have this mad idea of using all the amazing driftwood i have been collecting..... so decided to have a spending episode on ebay...... managed to get a lovely little drill.... little being the operative word, wont even drill through the wood...

So back to ebay i go.... maybe with better luck.
Oh well all for now.... this is my first post of many i hope.
Thanks for reading it
Tracie