Mini Makers: How to Make Puffy Paints

Happy Friday! During the Easter holidays, I will be running some children's Easter crafts workshops in Cambourne followed by a 'Crafty Cafe' every Thursday thereafter.  I wondered what better opportunity to begin integrating my home crafting, my Crafty B's craft groups, my childcare business and my blog then to make sure I get some tutorials and crafty tips, ideas and activities on here on a regular basis!

So welcome to what will hopefully be a regular feature, #MiniMakers. This post is all about my little B's favourite crafty activity; puffy paints.

There are so many recipes out there for puffy paint, some of which require microwaving to make them 'puff' but this one uses shaving foam and we love it because it smells nice and saves electricity!

To make your puffy paints you will need:

- PVA glue

- Shaving foam (we use an own brand one which cost 26p!)

- Food colouring or paints.

- Mixing utensils

- Paint brushes or the like or just your hands!

Start by mixing equal parts PVA and shaving foam. Our mixture sometimes going a bit 'unpuffy' here but its ok, you can add a bit extra afterwards.

Add a bit of colour. These dishes contain different examples of types of colouring. The blue pot has a metallic poster paint swirled through it for a marble effect. The blue paint in the red dish contains finger paint. The green dish is brown poster paint and the yellow dish contains purple food colouring.

At this point, you can add a bit more foam if its looking a bit 'out of puff.'

Your puffy paints are ready to go! 

Baby B and I got in too much of a mess when we did this yesterday for the pictures so I didn't get examples of his beautiful artwork but I did manage to resist his hands in the pots in the beginning whilst I painted up these little examples for you.

Our projects with these have included a paper plate sunshine, a white fluffy cloud (just leave the colour out) and a hand print tree. We painted a trunk and used brown handprints for the branches and green fingerprints for the leaves. This would be a great seasonal activity to demonstrate the changing colours of the trees outside! These paints are best used on card or thick paper as they can make thin paper a bit soggy.

Early Years Foundation Stage

This activity addresses or can address the following areas of learning:

Prime

- Communication and language - Talk to your little ones about what they are doing. How does it smell? What colours are the using? How does the paint feel?

- Physical development - Using brushes, sponges or other paint applicators will help with motor skills.

- Personal, social and emotional development - Children can feel a sense of achievement from their creations.

Specific

-  Literacy - Controlled strokes of the paint all count towards practice for writing.

- Mathematics - Can your little ones counts how many colours you are using? Can you paint numbers? 

- Understanding the world - Is there a theme to your painting? Are you creating outdoor scenery? 

- Expressive arts and design - Allows little ones to be creative. 

I hope you give this one a go. Don't forget to share your puffy paint creations on the Mrs Crafty B Facebook page.

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I've been nominated for 'Best Craft Blog' in the MAD Blog Awards!

I don't often say this but OMG! I have somehow been nominated for 'Best Craft Blog' in The MADS 2014.

All I can think about is whether or not it's the kind of award where if I won, I would get to wave my hand in front of my eyes to stop the welling tears from ruining my make up...*mind wonders* ....ok I'll focus now. What I DO know is that one of the prizes for the winner is £100 worth of craft equipment. I might not have a hope in heck of winning but if I DID, this would be a fab contribution to the Crafty B's Community Crafts Project.

So lets make a deal. I promise to start uploading all of the tutorials from the projects that I have done with the Crafty B's and the ones I have planned for coming workshops and groups and I promise to keep sharing my crafty journey/procrastination and in return perhaps you could head over and offer your support for Crafty B's by way of a nomination in the 'Best Craft Blog' category. (Shameless bribery!) I really hope you have seen something over here on Crafting a Daydream that you have enjoyed and I look forward to continuing and developing. (Emotional blackmail).

Thank you SO much in advance if you feel that you can offer your nomination and here's the link. Nominations close March 14th so quick quick quick.

Mrs Crafty B

Pancake Day

So how do you make your pancakes? What's your favourite topping...?

Sorry, in my pancake day excited frenzy I'm going backwards!! Let's rewind. 

Today is pancake day or Shrove Tuesday. It marks the start of Lent. Admittedly we have pancakes weekly in the B house but today marks an opportunity for an extra naughty topping or two! Biggest Baby B loves pancakes. They are such a great family breakfast or brunch and extremely cheap. Great if you have house guests.

Today Baby B has had his normal raisin pancakes with banana but with a bit if chocolate spread and some cream. He couldn't believe his luck. I opted for some lemon and sugar. Simplicity at its best. 

We make our pancakes using:
- one egg
- one small mug of self raising flour
- one small mug of milk
- pinch of salt

Just throw it it the jug (or bowl) and whisk it till you have a thick smooth mixture. I spoon one tablespoon for each pancake onto a hot non stick pan sprinkling raisins on the top. (I used a tiny bit of butter today...naughty :-) ) Once little bubbles start to appear flip them over to cook the other side for a couple of minutes. Keep the pan on a consistent low-medium heat. Once your happy they are golden coloured and cooked, flip them out onto your plate.

Then comes the fun bit. Toppings!!! We're not gourmet. Sugar and lemon. Banana and honey or chocolate spread. Blueberries and Greek yoghurt. I think my days of jam and cream are behind me. I know you all have your favourite toppings so share them with us? What do love to have on your pancakes? What is the best pancake batter recipe? 

Mrs Crafty B

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

Community Book Pledge for Dreamdrops Children's Charity

I have recently been corresponding with a lady named Aimee who is organising a community book pledge for a very worthy cause. After making my own donation, I invited Amie over here to Crafting a Daydream to tell us all about this fantastic pledge in the hope that my lovely readers will read, share and perhaps donate!

Here's Amie to to tell us all about it.

Hi Crafty B's!

As someone who is passionate about getting books into the hands of children, I have been in my element organising a Community Book Pledge for Dreamdrops Children's Charity.

The idea is simple, local businesses and individuals are kindly funding a brand new Usborne book (or three!) for me to order and present to Dreamdrops (charity number 1108920). They will then be made available to the patients and siblings on Holly Ward at Hinchingbrooke hospital, where they are unable to accept used books.

As a token of thanks, a bookplate will be inserted into the cover of each book stating who donated it and progress will be reported on my Facebook page. The response to date has been great, and the box is filling with activity books, story books, baby books and very apt titles such as Questions and Answers About Your Body flap book and Going to the hospital.

Thank-you so far to Hidden Gem Cupcakes, Maidin Cambourne, Argently Yours, Taylor Wimpey East Anglia, Cambridge Wills & Legal services, Rural Flying Corps, Janette Photography, White Rose Ceremonies, Elms Cambridgeshire and of course Mrs Crafty B for her donation and sharing this blog post.

If you would like to get involved and fund a book, please get in touch via my Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/thecambournestorycorner.

Amie Thorpe
Independent Usborne Organiser www.thecambournestorycorner.co.uk

Meal Plan Madness and Thrifty Living

Following my post 'Thrifty Meal Planning' which wasn't about actually planning at all, here's what we ended up having.

Monday - Chicken sandwiches for lunch and pasta bolognaise (with beef mince) for tea. I had to batch cook something that was easy to serve and reheat as we do a quick turnaround on Monday night. It's Crafty B's night!

Tuesday - After the suggestion from @bluebirdanielle we had chicken risotto. I used celery and half a bag of porcini mushrooms along with one pot of the stock and it was delicious. Such great comfort food. Definitely doing that again! 

Wednesday - Chicken and leek pie made with a block of puff pastry. I used the whole lot and made far too much. I was wary of reheating but this would easily have fed a family of 4 and then some! 

Thursday - I used another pot of the stock and the rest of the porcini mushrooms with some other mushrooms to make a soup. We also had chicken sandwiches for lunch. 

Friday - We ate lunch out and Hubby B ate tea out so we had 'podgy' for supper!  This is what Baby B I calls porridge and he is totally obsessed! 

There was still some chicken left over which the cat enjoyed. Although I haven't done the exact maths, I'm pretty sure there is something in this in terms of money saving and what I made in the week would have gone further to feed more people. I'm going to ask my hubby how he makes his celeriac soup too because that is delicious, cheap to make and it fed four of us on Sunday and me for two lunches. That was six (large) portions.

The planning of food and shopping lists at the moment has fallen by the wayside for the last couple of weeks. This is because, as I mentioned, we are big fans of batch cooking. We have several portions of homemade bolognese, pork and beans, chilli, sausage casserole, chicken stew and cottage pie in the freezer along with lots of fish and chicken portions. We tend to stock up on meals for ease during the week but once the freezer is looking a bit empty, I'll start meal planning properly with shopping lists. There are so many tools online which is a great help. Meanwhile I am trying to budget myself with a certain amount each week for shopping. I had to up it by £10 after my initial budget just wouldn't stretch. I did certainly cheat a bit as over the Christmas period, I took advantage of supermarket deals and vouchers and stockpiled things such as juice, cereal, washing detergents etc. I only have to get in fresh things in the week.

I feel this is just one part of my 'running an efficient household' that is well underway and I will of course keep you posted.

I would love to hear how you do your shopping. Bulk buy or buy as you need? Any thrifty meal ideas?

Get in touch!

Mrs Crafty B

Thrifty Meal Planning

It was recently said to me that it seems that all I do it eat cake, based on my saying that at the start of a few blog posts. The best time for me to blog is when all is quiet and I'm never going to pass up the opportunity for a cuppa and something sweet. So, from the comfy new wing chair where I'm sitting with a cup of tea and yummy shortbread biscuit (naughty) I have logged in to tell you all about my thrifty meal planning.

I've realised for a while that although we are very good at cooking in batches and freezing home cooked meals, there is probably (definitely) room for improvement. With ever rising food bills and soon 4 mouths to feed I had a think about the best way to do this. I'm not coming to you with a ready made meal plan but my intentions following a fairly successful day on the food front.

Having decided that there is most certainly something in the concept of having a roast and using the meat through the week, I headed off to the supermarket to purchase a chicken. Now, my issues with this are a) it wasn't free range and b) I didn't go to a butcher. Like a lot of people I have a reason behind both of these things but I will put this on my list of things to do better. I really don't like buying not free range and I much prefer the idea of using a local butchers.

I used the whole chicken (which cost £5) to make a roast dinner for the three of us (two adults and a 2yo) which consisted of roast chicken, (stuffed with garlic and onion and seasoned with sage) honey roasted parsnips, carrots, broccoli and roast potatoes. I removed the remainder of the meat from the chicken (pictured in a large dinner plate sized bowl) which will be enough to make at least two more meals this week and possibly a chicken sandwich or two for lunch.

At this point I decided that you must like chicken to cook like this!

I then put the chicken carcass with the garlic and onions in a crock pot with a carrot and onion, meat juices, water left over from the vegetables and water to fill to pan and brought it to boiling point. I the left it to simmer until it had a nice colour. I think it was on a low heat with a lid on for 1.5 hours. once strained, I filled up three old plastic soup pots with stock. I will freeze two of these and use another on Thursday to make a soup. We usually eat a light tea on Thursday after Hubby B has finished at tennis.

I don't yet have any particular plans for the chicken which I'm aware isn't very good planning but I'll keep a note as I go along. My intention is to total up the ingredients and create a relatively cheap shopping list. Wish me luck! Oh and please comment with any simple chicken recipe ideas!

Mrs Crafty B

A Crafty 2013 in Summary

Well, the festive season is almost over and most of us have returned to work and our daily routines. For us here in the B household, that is on Monday 6th so our family festivities will continue through till then with lots more snuggling on the sofa, watching telly, playing with new toys, scoffing our way through the copious amounts of chocolates and biscuits left over from Christmas and avoiding taking down the Christmas tree!

As I look at my blank 2014 calendar with a list of things to fill in just 4 days into the year, I have a feeling there will be lots of things to report on in the next 365 days and a lot more projects to put in my craft bag, but not before taking a quick look back over 2013. 

I started the year with intentions of exploring paper crafts with my new (Christmas 2012) Sizzix machine and taking a look at needle felting. Just before the new year, I found out that I was expecting a new addition to the family. Having suffered a miscarriage in 2012, I fell into a nervous 'don't do ANYTHING' trap not made easier by ridiculously horrible pregnancy sickness. The 9 months of sickness saw me not able to concentrate on much else other than childminding two days a week and looking after my first born. I couldn't even face crocheting! This was bad!! So crafting and blogging took a back seat and I once again found myself in a constant crafty daydream. This led to my new project, Crafty B's. 

Baby B number 2 arrived in September and amidst the arrival of a new baby, a 21st birthday, a 30th birthday, a craft fair and a Christmas crafting workshop, a little bit of crafting activity resumed but I was left with very little or no time for blogging or socially networking.

So here's a summary of 2013. January saw the start of 'Meet the Maker' where my readers could meet the person behind one handmade item which was the focus of the post. (Email mrscraftyb@gmail.com to take part in 2014). In February my blog was one year old :-D and this was followed by a bit of Easter crafting with decoupage eggs, cross stitching and hanging eggs that the children made. I also featured my crocheted chicks which serve as cosies for small chocolate eggs (I'm now taking commissions on these. Again, email mrscraftyb@gmail.com). Then there was a cupcake decorating party, a so far failed attempt at an online shop and crochet tutorials, the start of a crocheted ripple blanket (STILL unfinished), we met Mr Bumble, I took a few commissions on infinity scarfs and I hosted Summer Sharing. I made a wedding gift, cheated on a 60th Birthday cake, won business cards (thanks Deeper Insight), took over the organising of a craft fair, held a Crafty B's workshop and got creative with paper pom poms. There was a bit more undocumented crafting here and there and I had a baby (who sort of just appeared by the way) whilst my blog was taken over and then I took a nice break for Christmas and spent uninterrupted time with my best boys! 

I can safely say that 2013 was jam packed but I know that there is loads more to come in 2014. I will continue with childminding in April but only part-time because I will be starting to slowly but surely turn Crafty B's into something bigger and better. I cannot wait.

I guess my first job is to check out my unfinished craft projects! 

I hope you all had a fab Christmas, saw the New Year in with excitement and are ready for 2014!

Mrs Crafty B

Christmas Crafting: Making Paper Pom Poms With Napkins

It's almost here! We've spent the last couple of months preparing for or thinking about the festivities and all of a sudden, it is but a week away! As the school term ends and the Christmas prep becomes a frenzy, we find ourselves in need of entertainment for the younger members of the family. Why not take a break and spend a couple of hours as a family creating some handmade decorations that are easy to make and a fun yet sophisticated addition to the Christmas decor?

These paper pom poms were made with napkins instead of commonly used tissue paper. These napkins are part of the Sainsburys Christmas range. Grab an extra packet to make a lovely centrepiece for your table or some festive bunting that fits perfectly with your colour scheme.

Meet the Maker: Ruth of Blue Eggs and Tea

I love this illustration! I'm sure you will too. It's the sort of thing that I might pick to be a focal point in a room! I also love the name Blue Eggs and tea! Ready to meet this weeks maker?

Firstly, two very important questions.

Tea or coffee?
You’re right, that is an important question: Tea, milk with two sugars. Don’t try and pass off any of that sweetener on me, and ideally don’t squeeze the bag. Yorshire Tea or Ceylon will be fine ;-)

Biscuit or cake? 
Hmmm. I have got into cake since meeting my partner (his family bake a lot) but I would have a tendency towards biscuits, particularly bourbons. But actually, I’d like to play it in the middle with Tunnocks Tea Cakes – a bit of both...

So, tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m Ruth and I draw! Mainly birds, which you can find on my blog and for sale at Etsy https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlueEggsandTea?ref=si_shop and Not On The High Street. They’re all podgy, and quite cute! My business is Blue Eggs and Tea, in homage to my enduring hero Dr Suess. At Blue Eggs we have a simple motto: Be nice, Be kind and I hope that this love for life and for people and nature runs through my work in the pictures and the words. You can see a little more about the Blue Eggs philosophy here on my blog About page: http://www.blueeggsandtea.sqsp.com/. By day I work in Higher Education, by night I create and I like it this way: I’m not just one person, I need creativity but I also need the structure of my career in education. I have a background in science but also a degree in poetry and creative writing...so I’m a mixed bag! Apart from all this my main prerogative in life is to be outdoors, enjoying the solitude and wildness of nature, giving some time to volunteer pursuits or paddling in my kayak. Leave me outdoors and I’ll be fine!

...and what about the item that you are sharing with us? 

Today I’m sharing one of my favourite illustrations called ‘This Is How We Know About Life’ and this is up on my wall in a long thin frame. It really epitomises the Blue Eggs and Tea outlook of caring and sharing. My philosophy is Ben Nice, Be Kind, and this print is very much a nod to that community of kindness that I think we all have in us. I hope you’ll like it! It’s really about extending the hand of friendship, opening our hearts and minds to each other and not taking life too seriously. A lot of social ills could be cured if people were kinder to their fellow beings. 

How long have you been an artist and how did you learn? 

I opened Blue Eggs and Tea this spring, when people kept saying to me that they liked my doodles and would love a print. So, I bit the bullet...one day I was doodling, the next I was selling. It has grown from there really. I’m self-taught, but have always loved art from school so doodling has always been a go-to activity. But from the outset I was immediately struck by digital painting and digital design and this is now the method I feel most comfortable with. I do love to paint and draw on paper and canvas but I love computer art. Almost every person that buys a Blue Eggs print tells me that they can’t tell that it’s not an original watercolour – that’s the best feedback for me when it comes to a testimony to quality. 

When did you start Blue Eggs and Tea and why? 

I started Blue Eggs and Tea as a ‘brand’ this year as a creative outlet and to share my particular vision and philosophy. My blog supports that, and also explores other things I’m interested in. I’m a big believer in life-long learning and I’m trying to build a blog that is good to read, but also useful and interesting for other creative types. Starting a small business is a fascinating and exhilarating journey and I love sharing that with other like-minded people or folk who are thinking of sipping their toe in themselves. 

What inspires and motivates you? 

Being outside in nature inspires me mainly. Spending time in all weather, walking, cycling, kayaking, running...being amongst it! I always come back from a day or a week out, or even an hour, with lots of ideas. Beyond that, people inspire me! Good people. I really believe in people and their ability to do good. Not all do, but enough do that I feel cheered by the endeavours of others. I’m also all about recognising and celebrating the ‘little things’ in life; the moments that make you smile and brighten your day even if it’s just unexpected sunny weather, text from a friend, a nice biscuit....just the things that are often overlooked. 

Do you have a crafting space? 

I’d love to say I have a studio, but I have a spare room. It contains all my paraphernalia for Blue Eggs and Tea as well as a sewing machine for extra crafting when I get the time – but I’m a sewing newbie so that keeps being shelved! I need more space, and I’m moving soon so that will be a priority, but I couldn’t say it was a studio. I would of course love a summer house in the garden but that’s for another time... Generally, I draw wherever I’m sat...just whenever the spirit moves me, as it were! My space is increasingly become a shrine to the works of others that I love – it’s particularly cluttered with brooches. I run a regular #broochoftheday feature on Twitter where I mix my own brooches by Blue Eggs with others that I keep buying from myriad other talented makers! I love brooches. They’re a revelation to any outfit! 

What did 2013 hold for you?

So much! This year I started my business, got married in November, relocating to Nottinghamshire two weeks later (from Lancashire) because I’ve got a new job that was too good to turn down... so lots of big things for me as the person behind Blue Eggs and Tea. T interesting thing will be to see how my art develops and responds to all the new things. I feel super motivated at the moment, despite the busy time, so who knows what new creations might come out of it. My focus this year has been raising the profile of Blue Eggs; getting it going, blogging etc. I have not been focused on craft fairs or wholesale, which doesn’t interest me in a broad sense at the moment. I love the internet and how it can be leveraged for business, so my plan is to grow that and get more birds to more people: they have something special to say to people and everyone should have a little print on their desk to remind them of happy times. 

So can we join you in your virtual world? 

Please do! My blog is here http://www.blueeggsandtea.sqsp.com/blog/ and I am also on Facebook as ‘Blue Eggs and Tea’ https://www.facebook.com/Blueeggsandtea . I’d love to see you on Twitter, which is my primary social media outlet @blueeggsandtea, and also on instagram for behind the scenes photos! (Blueeggsandtea). So, in short I’m all over the place! My work is for sale on Etsy and Not On The High Street: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/BlueEggsandTea?ref=si_shop http://www.notonthehighstreet.com/blueeggsandtea 

And some quick fire questions.

Favourite colour?

Green, theoretically. But increasingly Blue Eggs Blue!

The best season? 

Tough one. I like all of them as they are about to start. At the moment I’m sure Autumn is my favourite! I love mushroom spotting and photographing – you can see my recent snaps on the blog!

Your favourite food?

Banoffee!

The best day of the week?

Saturday, until the point when it’s nearly Sunday, which means nearly Monday. Not a fan of Mondays....these days I use my own Blue Eggs Daily Happy Plan to help, but still.... https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/163101820/daily-happy-plan-instant-download-daily?ref=shop_home_feat 

What is the best word?

Any of the made-up words my other half invents and pretends are bird species. He does it to catch me out when I’ve come back from an hour to myself birdwatching. I’ll say ‘Oh, a stonechat was about all’ and he’ll say ‘oh, you didn’t see a whimplepliffer then?’ and it cracks me up everytime because he thinks up something new in an instant. It’s a whole book waiting to be illustrated!

Favourite place?

The Northwest highlands of Scotland and the Cairngorms. Failing that? Home.

Your biggest achievement?

I have a doctorate in Himalayan Geology – I’m proud of that. But starting Blue Eggs and Tea is something I’m very proud of. I bit the bullet one day, and learnt as I went along with no formal guidance, and now I really couldn’t imagine life without my birds. I would like to think though that my biggest achievement is still to come...

Thanks Ruth. Can't wait to see that potentional husband and wife collaboration. You saw it here first folks! 

Well that's a wrap you crafty B's (pun fully intended!) That was the last of our 2013 makers. Thank you so much to everyone for contributing and reading. Meet the Maker will be back in 2014 with some more lovely creatives. 

Mrs Crafty B

Meet the Maker: Elaine of Lily and Nells

I am a little bit 'into' scarfs. I mean wearing them (eek!). I think you can change up any outfit and for me, it's the first thing I notice. I would definitely notice this pretty scarf!

Before we get down to business, lets ask our maker whether they would like tea or coffee? 

Umm. Tricky. I love both but if I could only have one it would have to be tea. Leaf tea, made in a pot, one sugar and a splash of milk.

Biscuit or cake to go with? 
Carrot cake.

Good choice! My favourite. So, tell us a bit about yourself. 
I’m Elaine Jeyes and I’m from Northamptonshire. My business name is Lily and Nells. I have a blog on my website www.lilyandnells.weebly.com. When I’m not making and creating I work part time as a community care worker, looking after the elderly in rural Northamptonshire.

...and tell us about this lovely item. 
The item I am sharing is a hand knitted, lacy scarf/wrap. I had been reading about lace knitting and it’s history and had already made a shawl in thicker yarn. This time I wanted to try something a little finer. I didn’t make it with anyone in mind, I fell in love with the yarn, which is lovely soft alpaca. It was perfect for what I had in mind. I made it by using a combination of two different stitches/patterns and it was knitted using fairly thick needles.

I love reading about the history of various crafts too. How long have you been knitting and how did you learn? 
I having been knitting since I was a young girl and had my first knitting set, complete with plastic needles! My Mum and my Nan taught me a lot of my skills and I’ve honed them over the years. Crocheting was my Nan’s forte and she taught me the basics (not saying how many!) but I still cannot do the intricate work she did. Sewing was down to my Granny and my Mum. I’m still learning!

Anything else you would like to try?
I’d love to have a go at felting as I always admire felted creations. Jewellery could be good fun too :-)

Never enough hours in the day is there? So when did you start Lily and Nells and what made you decide to do it? 
I started Lily and Nells in spring this year. Family and friends like the things I make so when I was off work ill for a time I used my crafting to channel my thoughts and energies into and decided to start the business., which I initially did via Etsy. I now have my own website which I’ve built myself.

Good job on the website! Tell us what inspires and motivates you? 
My inspiration comes from anywhere really. Something I’ve read. A walk in the countryside. More often than not it’s something that pops into my head in the middle of the night!! The joy of making things and the fact that I am addicted to crafting is what motivates me.

Any crafting heroes? 
She is unknown but I think my youngest son’s girlfriend, Jenny is the one. She’s very talented at drawing and painting and manages to succeed at other crafts she tries such as soap making. I am still trying to persuade her to go more public! She is also my hero as she lends an ear when I want someone to bounce ideas off of. She also kindly modelled the item I’m sharing with you.

Tell her to get in touch. We can showcase something here on Meet the Maker for her! 

Do you have a crafting space? 
I’m very lucky that I do have use of a spare bedroom. I store all my stash (which is constantly growing) and made items here and I have a nice area by the window which is perfect for sitting and making. It’s not quite as I want it to be yet (I need to be more organised) and I need some hubby-help for that.

What's happened in 2013 for you and what's planned for 2014?
I did a small Christmas fayre at the end of November in my village and I took part in CraftFest (via Creative Connections) and also a staff led event for Children In Need at Leicester District Land Registry. Staff bought my wares and I donated 10% of my takings. I have bigger plans for 2014 when I hope to start a new line but I’m keeping mum at the moment.

Where can we find you online? 
My website can be found at www.lilyandnells.weebly.com . I Tweet @LilyandNells and I am also at www.facebook.com/LilyNells

Up for some quick fire questions?

Favourite colour? 
Red

The best season?
Spring

Your favourite food? 
A good Indian curry

The best day of the week? 
Sunday

What is the best word? 
Discombobulated (I think we had this answer before...!)

Favourite place? 
Anywhere in Wales (and home)

Your biggest achievement? 
I think as a Mum I have to say having my two lovely sons and seeing them grow up into such fantastic young men.

I have truly enjoyed this interview Elaine. Thank you for sharing and letting us into your world. I wish you and your family a very merry Christmas.

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

Meet the Maker: Hayley of Nappy Cakes and Gifts

Well, I've never seen anything quite like this. Some baby based crafting up next with Hayley.

Firstly, two very important questions. 

Tea or coffee? 

Always tea! With a big splash of milk and no sugar. I'm one of those people who believe that any problem can be made a bit better by putting the kettle on! 

It can Hayley, it can. So what do we have with it in your opinion, biscuit or cake? 

That's a hard one... Anything that contains chocolate is a winner for me! 

Tell us a bit about yourself and the item you are sharing with us.

Well my name is Hayley, I'm 22 and live in the North East. I started Nappy Cakes and Gifts on Facebook in May after getting a great response over a nappy cake I made for my cousin. I started making custom orders and attending craft fairs and I really enjoy it! This is one of my favourite products at the moment, the sleeping baby! It is a baby grow and hat padded with nappies to resemble a sleeping baby. I can make them in any colour or style and they have proved very popular! 

How long have you been making nappy cakes and how did you learn?

I watched a video online to pick up the basics and after that I mostly learned by doing. It's a bit trial and error when I try a different shape/style but I enjoy challenging myself =) 

When did you start the Nappy Cakes and Gifts blog and why? 

I started blogging in August as I wanted another way to reach potential customers and connect with other crafty people. It's a great place to record new ideas and talk about my plans for the future. Its also good to know that I don't have to rely on just Facebook, especially as it can be temperamental at times! 

What inspires and motivates you? 

The fantastic comments and feedback that I get from family, friends and customers! I also get a lot of inspiration from craft fairs when I talk to other crafters. 

Do you have a crafting space? 

Yes, I still live with my parents at the moment so my craft space is the desk in the corner of my room. I've had to be quite inventive with my storage solutions as my room isn't very big to start with lol! So I have boxes of extra supplies under my bed, under my desk in the wardrobe and on top of the wardrobe! Although my brother has just moved out to go back to university so I'm starting to move some things into his room to give me some space =) 

So can we join you in your virtual world?

Please do, it can be lonely in the interweb ;) 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/nappycakes1511 

Twitter: https://twitter.com/NappyCakes1511 

Blog: http://nappycakes90.blogspot.co.uk/ 

Finally, some quick fire questions.

Favourite colour? 

Red 

The best season? 

Autumn 

Your favourite food?

Pizza 

The best day of the week? 

Sunday- Lie in, Sunday dinner and lazy afternoon watching TV. What more could you want?

Favourite place? 

The beach! 

Your biggest achievement? 

Taking the plunge and setting up my business =)

Thanks for sharing this with us Hayley. I'm sure this will give a little inspiration to some readers out there and prompt others to head over and see some of your other creations.

Mrs Crafty B

Meet the Maker: Louise of Septopus Designs

A bit more crochet for our Meet the Maker share this week. Crochet like I have never seen it before.

Before we get to chatting and finding out about this marvellous make, lets ask our maker wo very important questions.

Tea or coffee?

Coffee at work but a tea drinker really - milky with one sugar 

And biscuit or cake?

Biscuits, had to be ginger nuts to dunk in my tea

Now we have established refreshment choices, tell us a bit about yourself.

My name's Louise, I live in East Yorkshire soon to be West Yorkshire and I work full time for a clothing retail company. I am happily married and have a bonkers cat called spider. I am also responsible for The Crochet Septopus at Septopus Designs and spend almost all my spare time crocheting and designing new creations.

...and what about the item that you are sharing with us?

It's an under the sea themed tea cosy made for national wear a tea cosy on your head day. It's an annual event held every September to raise money for local charities. I wanted to test my skills and make the most bonkers tea cosy I could think of, but most importantly something that would make people smile when they saw it.

How long have you been crocheting?
I have been crocheting for about two years. I set myself a New Years resolution to learn a new craft and chose crochet. I am self taught and generally make it up as I go along. I'm very much a trial and error crafter. In the future I'd really like to take up needle felting and work on my sewing skills. I eventually want to turn my crafting into a business.

What inspires and motivates you?

My husband, he always pushes me to try something new and is massively supportive in my new ventures. He really believes in me and gives me confidence to go and follow my dreams.

Any crafting heroes?

My mum who is an amazing knitter and my grandmother who created the most beautiful needle work some of which hangs in my living room in pride of place

Do you have a crafting space?

I wish I did, I craft anywhere I can, usually on the sofa in front of the telly or on the train on the way to work.

Any big plans for 2014?

I would love to start selling my creations and taking on commissions 

So can we join you in your virtual world? 
Twitter: @crochetseptopus 
Facebook: Facebook.com/septopusdesigns 

Finally, some quick fire questions...

Favourite colour?

Green 

The best season? 

Autumn - I love the various colours nature has to offers and the shorter days make me want to snuggle on the sofa with a good stew and a cuppa 

Your favourite food? 

Fajitas mainly for the sour cream 

The best day of the week?

Sunday as I get to spend it with my husband and it's usually when I get to do the most crafting

What is the best word?
Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious, makes me smile every time

Favourite place?

Alvor in Portugal

Thanks for letting us nosy into your world Louise. This truly is crochet at its most whimsical. I love this design!

Mrs Crafty B

Meet the Maker: Katie of Katie Gets Crafty

I can't quite figure out how it has taken so long to get us some crafty bunting on Meet the Maker but here it is! Let's meet the lovely Katie.

Meet the Maker: Leanne of Candles by Leanne

Meet the Maker is back! First up, Leanne, who is looking to bring a little light into your life with beautiful and unique handmade candles.

As ever, two very important questions. 

Tea or coffee?
Tea, 2 sweeteners and white :)

Biscuit or cake?

Cake. My favourite is red velvet 

So, tell us a bit about yourself.

Hi, I am Leanne and I am based in Torpoint Cornwall. I am a naval wife and a stay at home mum to Keira 6 years old and Bailey 16months. I own Candles By Leanne, candles for all occasions. You can find me on Tumblr candlesbyleanne.tumblr.com and Facebook www.facebook.com/candlesbyleanne. When I am not making, I love running and reading

Can you tell us a bit about the item that you are sharing with us?
I have made a personalised family tree candle. The candle can be made in various colours and scents and is a perfect gift for any occasion.

How long have you been candle making and how did you learn?
I started over a year ago as a hobby to take my mind off things due to my baby being born with a heart condition and needing open heart surgery. I taught myself with kits and books.

And when did you start Candles By Leanne?
Candles By Leanne was started in September 2012 after I showed my creations to family and friends and my hobby quickly grew into a business.

What inspires and motivates you?
The latest fashions and seasons motivate and inspire me

Any crafting heroes?
Kirstie Allsopp

Do you have a crafting space?
I have taken up half of the kitchen to make candles and have a corner in the dining room for my home office to design and decorate candles

Any future plans for Candle by Leanne?
I am looking at opening a shop in my local town in 2014.

So can we join you in your virtual world?
www.facebook.com/candlesbyleanne 
@candlesbyleanne 

Finally, some quick fire questions.

Favourite colour? 
Pink

The best season?
Summer

Your favourite food? 
Mexican

The best day of the week?
Friday

What is the best word?
Wine :)

Favourite place?
London

Your biggest achievement?
Starting my own business

Thanks Leanne! It was great to get to know a bit more about the maker of this lovely candle. This would make lovely Christmas gifts, wouldn't you agree folks?

Mrs Crafty B

Crafty B's: A Deeper Insight

I bet you all thought this post would be all about Crafty B's as my new venture right? Well you wouldn't be wrong in thinking it was a little about it but its mainly about that big first step. Business cards.

Cambourne Craft Fair

I've just dismissed a cuppa in favour of a lemsip. This means that I have caught a germ. A cold germ. A yucky horrible cold germ and tomorrow I have a busy day planned. A massive thumbs down to that! For now, I'm hoping that the littlest B is going to give me a few minutes to update my blog!