Tuesday 3 March 2015

February - A month in pictures


February. It's been a busy month and I've spent a lot of time deep in thought. I seem to have many plates spinning; craft, music, work, and I often struggle to find balance and end up getting a little overwhelmed. Sometimes I daydream of moving to a little hobbit house in the middle of nowhere with no electricity or running water, where I can live off the land like stig of the dump. Do you ever feel like that? could you do it? I think I could. Though I'd miss blogging, and Mrs Miggins, and I'd have to have a little TV so I can watch 'Upstairs downstairs' and 'Wind in the willows' ... and a dishwasher perhaps??




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Thursday 26 February 2015

Cockney Snowdrops & a delightful walk in Much Hadham, Hertfordshire


Well this weekend, our little trio headed out for a walk in Much Hadham, in Hertfordshire. It's one of our most favourite walks and includes woodland, tracks and arable farm land. I hadn't planned to take any photos on this particular day, as when you're a blogger you often find yourself living life through a lens, so I try to leave it behind now and again and just use my own eyes, but on this particular day I happened to have my iphone with me (turned to aeroplane mode of course!) and I snapped a few moments. This was our day of four seasons .... 


Much Hadham woodland - photograph by A Handmade Cottage


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Thursday 12 February 2015

Embellished heart art - with Noolibird stamp



Today I'd like to show you how to make a beautiful, intricate piece of art which is really easy to make, you just need basic sewing skills. Basically, if you can thread a needle you can do this. This took me an evening, with one eye on 'Call the midwife' and it was really fun to make. The stamp, is called you and me and is designed and handmade by Nula, from Noolibird. You might recognise it as I used a smaller version in my how to make a simple rustic card for Valentines last year. I love this stamp, it's just so pretty and I find it incredibly useful as it suits every occasions. It's also ideal as a wedding gift, or for wedding craft, for making invites, the table plan, thank you cards, labels etc Now I plan on using this stamp for making gifts, such as artwork, lavender cushions, bunting and who know what else. All of which I'll share of course, starting with today. This is how I created some simple, yet beautiful art for the wall ... I might even make one for Mrs Miggins next door.



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Wednesday 4 February 2015

A cosy cornish hideaway - Mellinzeath farmhouse, Cornwall.


Rustic cottage in Cornwall - Review of Mellinzeath Farmhouse, Helford



My dear readers. I almost didn't want to share this cottage with you because I wanted to keep it all to myself, and soon you'll see why. This is Mellinzeath Farmhouse, in Helford in Cornwall. I think this cottage is the most beautiful and idyllic place I have ever stayed. Both the cottage, and the surroundings are extraordinary. But before you get booking, you should know this cottage is not for the fainthearted ... this is a back to basic cottage, there is no central heating, there may be cobwebs and there are (supposedly) bats living in the bathroom. This cottage is a step back in time and that's what makes this such a remarkable place ....

Where is it: Cornwall
Weekly Price from: £333
Pets: Welcome of course!
Sleeps: 4 




 Mellinzeath Farmhouse. Photography by A Handmade Cottage

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Wednesday 28 January 2015

A frosty January + my month in pictures


A frosty January + my month in pictures



Of all the months, January seems to get the most flack - with cold dark nights and icy mornings, it's the start of the year and we're either on diets or giving something up. Mrs Miggins refuses to give up her toy boy and evening tipple of Gin, and I've grown quite accustomed to my additional lumps and bumps, so I'm not going to be giving up my hot buttered toast anytime soon. To be honest, I'm quite enjoying this January. We've had some lovely walks, the air has been fresh and crisp and the scenery, though stark is still so beautiful. In fact, I commented on a photograph I shared recently, that no matter what mood I find myself at the start of a walk, I'm always smiling by the end, and so many of you felt the same. Here's what's new in my January so far ... would love to hear about yours?

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Friday 23 January 2015

A little brown bear saves a mad man knitter


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Look who just popped into existence ... I made a little brown bear!!
He doesn't have a name as yet, so for now let's call him 'Bobo bear.' I made him for a friends baby and he's the second one I've made. I admit his arms are little long and he looks more 'mouse' than bear but there's no such thing as perfection after all. Aside from being impossibly cute, this bear comes with a heartwarming story ....

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Wednesday 21 January 2015

Harris tweed - Applique for beginners from Vivebooks.

I don't know about you, but I have never used an ebook before.  I spend enough time on a computer, so when it comes to reading I like to feel the weight of a book in my hands and that's something I don't think will ever change. However, I was recently asked to review the ebook Harris Tweed - Applique for beginners and I absolutely loved it!



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Wednesday 14 January 2015

Sweater three ways - gloves, scarf AND headband - one jumper / 5 minutes.


As promised, here is part two of my 'sweater 3 ways' project.
In part one we made a pair of fingerless mittens out of a felted jumper which you can watch below or see here.  In part two, we are going to make a snood (circular scarf that covers neck and head) AND a warm winter headband out of the very SAME jumper AND (I'm sorry about all the capitals but I feel this project warrants it) AND it only takes a few MINUTES!! This is an easy peasy make and is suitable for everyone and anyone.

Enjoy and keep warmin'!
JM x


Part two: From sweater to headband and snood ... in 5 minutes.






Part one: How to make mittens from a jumper ... in minutes.





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Thursday 8 January 2015

VIDEO: How to make gloves from an old jumper - in minutes!


Hi all! Here's a brand new video for you, which will show you how to make a pair of fingerless mittens from an old jumper (sweater - to my American friends ;-) in a matter of minutes!
This is ideal for absolute beginners and no sewing experience is necessary.

NOTE: I'll be following this video with another very soon, showing you how to make a snood (neck scarf) and headband out of the same jumper so don't throw your jumper away after you've made the gloves!

Enjoy! 
JM x



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Friday 2 January 2015

A month in pictures + a christmas story


It's frosty out, and christmas has been and gone (well, almost - personally I try and milk the christmas holiday for all it's worth) We spent the New year with friends, playing games, drinking ... well tea actually, whilst wearing PJ's! I know, shameful right? though I did feel very smug the next morning when I thought of all my poorly hungover friends ;-) Before I take down the decorations and face the year ahead, I thought I'd share a look back over this last month. Here is ... our christmas story.



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