Wednesday 17 July 2013

Welcome to a handmade cottage




Welcome to my cosy corner. I'm Jodie May - songwriter, wife and devoted dog mother to Ralphy (pictured right.) I founded my local craft club (The cottage crafters) and I am happy to be the first Craft columnist for the Herts and Essex Observer. When we moved into our little cottage we didn't have much in the way of money. So by using craft, thrifty buying, up-cycling and making things myself I managed to create a lovely, cosy characterful home ... full of old furniture, antiques and ramshackled loveliness. 
    




I absolutely love old rustic things ... antique furniture, antique cotton and lace, old copper and silver and old floral fabrics. In fact almost all of my furniture is antique, and it was all sourced from charity shops. I love the simplicity and the quality of old things ... and I love that each piece has a story to tell. I also love the simple way people lived in by-gone days ... and I try to take from that as best I can, by living as naturally, and simply as I can. ... which is easier said than done. 

      I not only created our handmade home, we also had a handmade wedding! We made almost everything and saved a small fortune. On return from our honeymoon I felt my life needed a change of direction, so I started a craft club in my town, became a craft columnist for the local Observer and decided to start a blog! I want to show people that crafting cosy characterful homes (or weddings) is a lot easier (and cheaper) than you might think. I hope you enjoy the blog, and do feel free to come and say hello anytime.



About me ...


Name: Jodie May

Age: A lady never tells ... Ok I'm 37.

Likes: Dog Walks in Woodlands * paddling in streams * anything floral antique lace * tea and cake in vintage china * Campfires * Antique shops (I love old things that have a story to tell) * Gardening and attempting to grow my own * blankets * charity shops * crafting * making things * having time
with with my loved ones.

Dislikes: Cooking (I just can't ... I try but it's not good, thankfully hubby loves cooking : ) Slugs - though I can't kill them. Running (I just can't - and hubby laughs when I try.)

TV: Wind in the willows (I know I'm a grown woman but it's just so sweet and lovely! and I'd love to
live in Moles house) The good life * Upstairs downstairs *  Frasier * Only fools and horses * Larkrise to Candleford (I watch it with my lovely little elderly friend Ros : )

To read some frequently asked questions (and answers) click here!

JM x





www.ahandmadecottage.com

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11 comments:

  1. Beautiful-looking blog and so looking forward to reading your tips and crafty ideas :D

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  2. Oooh so glad you like it ladies! Thanks for letting me know : )

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  3. this is a great idea, I am into nearly every craft there is!
    Have recently retired and never knew there was a craft club in the town. where are the meetings held?

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    1. Hello there! Meetings are every Tuesday at 2pm, in South Street Panty! Do come along, it's such a lovely afternoon. Everyone just brings what they're working on, all mixed abilities ... and the tea and cakes are flowing : )

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  4. Beautiful blog Jodie! I wish I could come to your craft club, it would be the perfect place to finish my patchwork quilt (which I'm now sewing by hand since the breakdown of my 1920's singer machine!)

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    1. Aww thanks Gardennomey! if you ever feel like pulling a sickie and heading down to craft club we'd love to have you! : )

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  5. Hi Jodie May and Ralphy....just had to get on here and tell you I am still enjoying all of your posts....there is just something about cottage life that is so "sweet" and "comfy"and the more I learn about you and your life the more I wish I could meet you Jodie....I feel like I already know you...God bless you and your family! Mary Jo

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    1. What a lovely message. Thank you Mary Jo :-) that's so lovely to hear, and I'm so glad you enjoy the blog. Feedback like that really makes my day. All the best to you Mary Jo, love Jodie & Raphy xx PS. Have you ever read 'Cider with rosie' by Laurie Lee?? I think you'd love it.

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  6. Hi Jodie, I just learned of your blog from my friend Christie. I thought I'd stop by to say hello! You are a girl after my own heart....thrifting....charity shops....handmade creations to help stretch the budget and create a beautiful home all at the same time! Just wonderful! I will be checking back often to see what fun things you are creating next! All such loveliness!

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    1. Ah I'm so pleased you love it Karen! thanks for letting me know :-) x

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