Excuse me, do I know you?

This week whilst at a soft play with my Little B's and my niece, a lady and her little one sat on the table next to us. I double took both of them and after a while of thinking 'I know you but I don't know where from,' (don't you hate that?) I simply said with a smile, (how I do, such a chatter box)  "I recognise you both but I can't remember where from!" 

Sunny Summer Holidays and New Life Chapters

A few weeks ago, had I been updating my blog, I would of been telling you about all the new Crafty B's group which were up and running. The Crafty B's week was looking a bit like this:

Monday
Hardwick Crafty B's 7.15pm till 9pm

Wednesday
Craft Cafe at 19 The Coffee House 9am till 11am

Thursday
Re-Imagine Craft Cafe 10.30am till 12.00pm
Mini-Makers Re-Imagine Craft Cafe 12.30pm till 2pm
Mini-Makers After School Craft Cafe at The Ark 3.30pm till 5pm

Saturday
Occasional craft day in Bourn 11am till 4pm

In the last month however, we have had some big life changing news and a two week break away so instead I'm going to tell you my news and er....brag about my holiday.

A while ago Hubby B started applying for jobs around and about the country. Although I wished him the best from a career perspective, I felt nervous about where our family would end up if anywhere other than Cambridge, so I put it to the back of my mind and continued with all of my big plans for Crafty B's. When he was offered a job in Cardiff the feelings were not straight forward. Excited. Nervous. Extremely sad to be leaving our home in the village where we married and had our two children. Now as we make plans to take a leap onto the property ladder and relocate to Wales, the rollercoster of emotion continues with the constant readiness to get going on this adventure. It's amazing how much needs done and how little time there is to do it! In 8 weeks, Hubby B starts his new job, commuting from Cambridge with a four night stay over whilst I continue getting ready to move at the end of October. 

We have started the clearing out of as much stuff as possible (need anything?!) and organising each room and whilst caught in a whirlwind of paper work, filing, organising, clearing out, mortgage and property chat we are trying to continue life as normally as possible. Hubby B working long hours, Baby B's being cared for here at home, keeping up with friends and family, family time, housework and of course the daydreams of how we will decorate our new home!

Two weeks in Cornwall gave us time to enjoy the important things in life and to reflect on what we were doing and how to go about doing it with as little stress as possible. Whilst we enjoyed beautiful sunshine and ate FAR too many pasties, portions of fish & chips and ice creams we chatted about what had to give back at home. We don't tend to live life at a steady pace! Unfortunately that meant that upon returning, I have had to call time (all too soon) on some of the Crafty B's groups that I have started. It makes me sad but I know that all of the Crafty B's will understand and I'm sure that there will be some summer activities that I'll be buzzin' about before we go.

So a new chapter of our life is beginning and I will be finding my place in the big wide world again over in Cardiff. Crafty B's will continue, just in a different format and Crafting a Daydream will be updated more regularly I'm sure, as I craft away to create our first 'owned by us' family home.

So here's your call to action. I need house moving tips! I've got the basics down....a travel box with the kettle in and some cake OBVIOUSLY but what else do I need to do or think about. Get in touch with your top tips PLEASE!! Comment below or email mrscraftyb@gmail.com. I'll compile a list of the best tips for a future blog post so don't forget to include your details/twitter handle.

Who's up for a new adventure then whilst I continue to craft my daydreams?!

Mrs Crafty B

Easter Catch up and Crafts!

Well a little post Easter catch up over here on Crafting a Daydream. It's been a busy couple of weeks with four Easter crafting sessions for all the mini makers in Cambourne, Cambridgeshire, Easter egg hunts with family and friends, roast lamb dinners and of course, eating chocolate.

I fully intend to share the crafts we got up to with the mini makers and you may have seen a few details already via my social media sites but here's a little run down for you. The sessions were held in the lovely building that is Cambourne Church. The volunteer run cafe, 19, only opens on two days a week for a couple of hours in the school holidays so the mini makers sessions were held at the same time. On the first day we decorated Easter biscuits and paper eggs. Day two was glue...lots and lots of glue...as the mini makers made mesh eggs and decorated Easter bonnets and panamas. The third session saw some lovely egg cups being decorated and promptly filled with chocolate eggs whilst paper crafting fun was had by all and mini makers in the final session decorated plant pots, made paper flowers and sowed some bee friendly seeds...obviously. Here's a few pictures.

Baby B loved getting involved and came along to the final session but littlest B is still very dependant on his mammy so he joined me at each group. He was very well behaved and joined all the other little babies on the play mats whilst children aged from 2 to 12 crafted and mummies, daddies, grandparents and carers enjoyed a cup of tea and a bite to eat from the cafe. Each session was finished up with an indoor picnic.

I had heaps of fun organising these sessions and was very nervous on the day of each (children can be tough audiences) but I've learned a lot along the way and the children inspired me greatly. It's refreshing to witness creativity that has had minimal influence from the big wide world relative to 'growned ups' and they put me completely to shame with some brilliant ideas and creations. These sessions were a good lead up to something new and exciting coming to 19 The Church Cafe. I can't wait to officially start the first 'Crafty B's Cafe.'

On a Wednesday morning from 9-11am, I will be at 19 The Church Cafe at Cambourne Church armed with creative bits and bobs, kits, books and magazines in the hope that some more Crafty B's will buzz on down, grab a cuppa and join in the crafty fun. Whether they be a new Mummy looking for an hour of 'me' time whilst little'n plays, a childminder with a group of little ones on an outing, a parent or carer with a tot to entertain whilst they enjoy a yummy coffee or simply an adult looking to meet like minded people; I hope that the Crafty B's community will continue to grow.

The Monday night group in Hardwick is still going strong and I have plans for the next craft day in Bourn so I will be sure to keep you posted. Don't forget to join me on the Facebook page (and make sure it is set for you to receive notifications) and I will keep the blog up to date with new events. I also have a new calendar page with all of the events and if you wish to stay posted via email, just let me know at mrscraftyb@gmail.com.

I look forward to seeing you all soon!

Mrs Crafty B

Cambourne Craft Fair

The sun was shining, stall holders were displaying their wonderful goods, the bouncy castle was inflated, the cakes were out and the kettle was on as the lovely lot from Cambourne and the surrounding areas came through the doors at Cambourne Craft fair last weekend. 

Whilst grown ups, mums, dads, grandparents and carers enjoyed a bacon roll and a hot drink, the little ones had a turn on the bouncy castle and enjoyed a recovery cup of fruit squash. Then there was cake! Cupcakes from the Crafty B's cafe (Cherry Chocolate, Lemon & White Chocolate and Very Vanilla) or a vegan selection from the lovely C.A.K.E stall (amazing). 

Crafty B's moved over to squeeze in the Wildlife Trust (stupid wind) who came and made pipe cleaner dragonflies with the children and Crafty B's teamed up with the Re-Imagine Centre in the lobby to run pay as you go craft workshops using recycled materials. We decorated pots and planted flowers, made flower brooches, cards and gift tags.

Once through into the main hall, children had the opportunity to partake in a bumble bee hunt around the stalls to win cake, see the balloon man and make some beaded jewellery and ladies (or men!) had the chance to visit a nail bar as well as browsing the 35 stalls filled with children's books, art, handmade jewellery, aprons, jams, cards, children clothes & accessories, fancy dress, bunting, glasswork and more. There was a huge selection of suitable gifts for Mothers Day and I dare say that there will be some happy mums receiving handmade cards and presents this weekend purchased or made at the Crafty B's Craft Fair. 

Next up on the list of Crafty B's events is the Mini Makers Easter Craft workshops at Cambourne Church. They will take place on the Monday and Tuesday of both weeks in the holiday, 10am till 2pm. Visit the events page on Facebook , the calendar on the website or email mrscraftyb@gmail.com to book your place or for more info. 

If you came to the fair last weekend, head on over the the Crafty B's Facebook page and tell us if you enjoyed your day. Did you get anything nice? 

Look forward to seeing you all again soon!

Mrs Crafty B

p.s. Did you spot Baby B in the pictures?

The Crafty B's Craft Day in Bourn Cambridgeshire

This weekend ten Crafty B's met up in Bourn in Cambridgeshire and crafted their little hearts out. There was sunshine, tea, biscuits and a huge selection of crafting material to let imaginations flow into creations.

Greetings cards, bunting, pin cushions, wall art and brooches were all made with various mediums, remnants and upcycled material. We even had a little demo from a lady who does bead weaving. You can see all of the pictures of the day here but here are a few sneaky peeks...

This particular Crafty Bs group will be running once every 6-8 weeks and is held at Bourn Golf and Leisure which is set in the beautiful countryside in Cambridgeshire. It really is a lovely venue with the added bonus of the restaurant on site from which delegates can purchase light lunches, dinners, frothy coffees or a sneaky tipple if they're not driving! Here's the view from the balcony on which our  room is situated. Can't wait till its warm enough to craft out here!

The day will generally run from 11-4 and activities & cost will vary (but will always include tea and biscuits ;-) )You can stay posted by joining the Crafty B's Facebook page or by emailing me with your details so that I can contact you about the meet ups as they happen.

We have plenty of space and welcome everyone of all abilities and interests so have a mooch at the photos and get in touch!

Mrs Crafty B

Crafty B's Christmas Crafting

The time of year is upon us when people are dropping like flies with various coughs and colds. My two little ones are no exception. Whilst they are cosied up, dosed up with paracetamol, teething gel and vapour rub and napping, I am taking this opportunity to break from the never ending piles of washing and housework, have a cup of tea and a piece of cake and update the blog for you lovely lot.

Apparently Christmas does come earlier when you have children. I was always a big fan of NOT getting into the spirit in September and waiting for the appropriate time. This year I spent everyday of November talking to the biggest Baby B all about Christmas and what it means for us as a family. He's two this year so he understands a bit more. I knew I was harbouring a festive spirit, eager to get out and I waited in anticipation for the right time to let it all out.

The right time was November 30th, when 10 very Crafty B's came together, had tea and mince pies and crafted their hearts out with festive music from Michael Buble and Frank Sinatra filling the air.

Those that came to the launch of the next Crafty B's group, came either with ideas of things they would like to make or an eagerness to be inspired and just go with the flow. The results were wonderful and the taster session led to some very happy B's leaving at the end with some lovely handmade things to add to their Christmas. Some even picked up a Lucky Dip Craft Kit to create some lovely things with or give as a gift.

Each person was given a tile, a magnet and a card and envelope and with all the crafting supplies available they were able to be creative in their own ways. Inspiration for their makes came from imagination, creative flair and inspiration from books, magazines, other people and some handcrafted items that were pre made for everyone to nosy at.

Armed with their glues, papers, felts, fabrics, needles, threads, a die cutting machine and many other tools at their disposal, they got to crafting. Here are a few pictures.

This group served as a taster session of what is to come in the new year and Crafty B's will be holding several Saturday meets at Bourn Golf and Leisure, Bourn, Cambridgeshire throughout 2014. They will run in a similar way to the Christmas Crafting but details will be sent out for each meet as it happens. If you are not already receiving updates from Crafty B's and would like to be informed of upcoming events, please email mrscraftyb@gmail.com.

Saturday's craft group also served as an outlet for my festive spirit and there was not reigning it back in.  On Sunday, the advent calendar I made last year was hung, the tree came out and the films and music were played and sung.

Happy December one and all.

Mrs Crafty B

Crafty B's Cupcake Decorating Party

At this week's Crafty B's craft group, we got down and sugary with a cupcake decorating party.

I made a big batch of vanilla cupcakes and butter icing and the group took these as a blank canvas and created some works of art.

Inspiration? Anything and everything. We had books, magazines and pictures provided by me and group members. We chatted, inspected what kind of colours, cutters, moulds and tools were at our disposal, considered what we might like to achieve and then we went for it.

Some wanted to make something pretty, some wanted artistic and some wanted practice for upcoming caking projects. Everyone had a different level of experience and some came with no experience whatsoever and took home the most amazing first time creations. Personally, I don't believe some of those 'first timers' ;-). he he.

Here are some pictures from the evening.*

Hopefully everyone had a lovely time and we will definitely do something like this again.

Don't forget that if you are local, the Crafty B's meet every Monday at 7.15pm till 9pm in the portacabin behind St.Marys Church in Hardwick, Cambridgeshire. It's the perfect chance for a couple of hours of crafting for those who don't get to fit it in elsewhere. We love to inspire each other with new ideas and discuss our next projects and there are no experts, just ladies learning along the way and sharing skills and knowledge.

If you feel that you want to come along or just want to pop in for a cuppa to see what we are all about, please feel free to come along** or just email me to make contact. We're a friendly bunch and would love to see you there :-). The email address in mrscraftyb@gmail.com

Love and Sugar,

Mrs Crafty B

*The dress was made by a participant who found the picture online. I am awaiting a link to credit the original creator.
**We don't meet on bank holidays :-)