Making Home Link Up #17: Home Uses for WD40

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, decorating, DIY, handmade for home, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more.

Don't forget to join in this week and add your own posts if you are a blogger. You can find out how at the end of this post. 

First up, a little bit of an update from me.

Over the last couple of days, I have had a bad, BAD situation going on with my lovely boots. The zip keeps undoing from the bottom up when it is fastened. I realised that an extra zip tooth has made its way through the pully and I have no idea how to fix this. Help please! In trying to get the zip back down, I had a bit of trouble so I rubbed a little bit of my trusty friend, WD40 onto the teeth to help it along. Then I remembered this post and another situation recently where WD40 caused me to be very smug.

My Cake Addiction: Cake by Post with Baker Days

If you are not already familiar with my relationship with cake, let me enlighten you. I love cake. Like a lot. Baking it, buying it, eating it, whenever or why ever. there is no occasion that need not be celebrated with cake. Now that we have that straight, I shall tell you that when I was asked to try out a cake via post (like through my letter box) I wasn't too sure I could get on board with that concept. Firstly, how in the heck does a cake survive being posted?

Meet The Maker: Shelley of Shelley Makes

Welcome back to #MeetTheMaker! This week, Shelley of Shelley Makes is sharing an item that she has made. A self confessed 'closet crafter', Shelley likes to keep crafting simple, enjoys a good cuppa and has a few crafty plans for the next year. Read on to find out what inspired Shelley's make and what she thinks to Twitter chats...

MS: A Personal Account and Fundraising for MS Trust

As my regular readers will know, I don't go into much detail about my personal life on the blog (occasionally the woes of being a grown up or my personal struggles with housework). Today however, I am going to get a tiny bit personal as my sister is fundraising for MS Trust and I wanted to share with you a personal experience.

A few years ago, one of my nearest and dearest (who shall remain anonymous) was diagnosed with MS. I won't be going into the personal struggles of that person or the people around them but MS takes it toll in so many ways untold. 

Meet The Maker: Jess of Babi a Fi

The best thing about hosting a new crafter every week for #MeetTheMaker is the variety of handmade loveliness we get to oogle. This week, Jess of Babi a Fi is sharing something we haven't seen before on the feature! I'm already intrigued....

Making Home Link Up #16: More Ikea Projects

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, decorating, DIY, handmade for home, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more.

Don't forget to join in this week and add your own posts if you are a blogger. You can find out how at the end of this post. 

First up, a little bit of something from me

This week has flown by (yet again) but in keeping with our intentions of a productive January I have managed to take a few pictures of things to sell online and we FINALLY have a guest bed. We went for a Hemnes Day Bed from Ikea in the end. Seemed like the most sensible option as it meant we would have a room with a function when it is not needed as a double bed for guests. The room will have a pretty cool function too but it's a secret until it's complete *watch this space*. 

Quick and Easy Noodles for Children with Sausage and Broccoli

When it come to tea times during the week, we occasionally find ourselves stuck in a bit of a rut. The Little Bs eat together but Hubby B and I will eat later on. Although on the weekends we can be more creative and cook nice family meals together, busy routines on weekdays usually see me making the same things over and over. A break in routine is always good, especially when it comes to encouraging good eating habits and encouraging the Little B's to try new things. One meal in our 'cycle' is this noodle dish and it is so quick and easy. I thought I would share it in the hope that you will give it a go and perhaps comment below with some suggestions for things I could add to my repertoire of dinners. 

Meet The Maker: Simmi of Grace's Favours

Welcome to this weeks #MeetTheMaker interview. We are getting to know Simmi of Grace's Favours. The start of Simmi's crafting journey was very similar to mine so I am extremely pleased to be hosting her today. Further proof that crafting for therapy really is a positive way forward. 

The Making Home Link Up #15: How to Clean Your Oven

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, decorating, DIY, handmade for home, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more.

Don't forget to join in this week and add your own posts if you are a blogger. You can find out how at the end of this post. 

First up, a little bit of an update from me.

The new year has given me a bit of a boost. 2015 was a bit glum on my part and I lacked motivation to achieve in all aspects of life. It is totally cliche but 2016 has brought with it a new determination to drive my business forward (Hello My PA), spend more quality time with my lovely family and to make our home beautiful. I don't really make 'resolutions' as such but I am determined to get my mojo back and find the old me! 

So last week I launched #CraftyBs online and now I have no excuse not to make time for myself to indulge in a hobby. Our routine at #CraftyBs HQ has changed up a little bit, allowing me to get focused and Hubby B and I have started a little bit of home organisation and spring cleaning. Not bad for only 15 days into the year right? 

There are things in the house that have been a bit neglected since we moved in, one of them being the oven. It is very well used and the build up of roast dinners, weekly teas, baking and of course Christmas cooking was making me cringe a little. I had a little dig around in our cleaning box (I totally have one of those) and I found something that meant I could literally (I kid you not) wipe this stuff of with a damp cotton cloth! 

How to Make a Lampshade Using Wallpaper

A while back, I shared a post on how to make your own lampshade with a lampshade making kit. The kit and tutorial was based around using fabric. The lampshade proudly hangs in my front room and I decided that I liked the idea of having individual handmade lampshades in all rooms. Of course this means that I don't actually have any shades anywhere *doh*. 

After painting the Little B's room I took down their old lampshade that was more suited to their old nursery and ordered myself another kit. I wasn't really feeling any fabrics for the project and as we didn't have a 'theme' in mind I asked Baby B what he would like. Of course his answer was 'superheroes' and I remembered the test piece of Avengers wallpaper that I had picked up before we started decorating. I wondered whether I could make this work; and so the experiment began!

Meet The Maker: Raya Brown, Textile Artist and Felt Maker

#MeetTheMaker has taken a little break over the course of 2015. The Christmas special; where we met the maker of a beautiful crochet Christmas wreath was well received and so I am on the hunt for the creatives that we shall meet in 2016.

First up is Raya Brown; textile artist and felt maker. She is introducing us to wool painting. Ever heard  of that?! No me neither. Good job Raya is here on the Mrs Crafty B blog this week for the first #MeetTheMaker interview of 2016. 

Make Time For Yourself With The #CraftyBs Online

Well happy 2016 to you! This year I am skipping the 'review of 2015' and the 'what I didn't do' post and I am jumping straight in with something new for this year on the Mrs Crafty B blog. Having taken a lovely long break from the crazy over the festive period and deciding that I have become completely overwhelmed with my schedule, I have concluded that I no longer make time for myself and that it is something I need to do. 

I KNOW that I am not alone in this. Many of you will be guilty of the ignoring the importance of time for yourself and getting swept up in the activity of day to day life, work and family. 

Every Monday evening, I miss my old Crafty Bs group (which still runs in Cambridgeshire) and I no longer have a set night for crafting or childcare to go out and join a local club. So here is my solution....

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

From all of us here at Crafty Bs HQ, we would like to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year. 

We hope you have a lovely time spent with those special to you. 

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Top Gifts for Crafty People From The ICHF Crafts for Christmas Craft Shows

This year at ICHF's Crafts for Christmas shows I was spoilt for choice. Not only was there plenty to inspire my own crafting projects but I was able to peruse some lovely handmade items. As a crafter, I understand the work that goes into hand making items and I where I can't make gifts myself, I am really keen to buy handmade where possible.

I discovered lots of great exhibitors at the shows and found some great gifts that would be suitable for the crafty people you know or anyone who would appreciate something handmade. Here is a little run down of some of the items that I found and how you can find them. 

A Snowflake DIY Crystal Card Kit by Craft Buddy : A Review

I have found something special. Something sparkly, therapeutic, nostalgic and just downright pretty! I have been using a DIY Crystal Card Kit by Craft Buddy and I literally could not wait to tell you about it. 

What to Do in Birmingham with ICHF and Travelodge Hotels

Most of you will know by now that I like getting out and about around the UK. I can't claim to be well travelled across the globe but I love visiting places big and small across the UK especially when there is something going on the get involved in.

With the ICHF Craft shows at the NEC each year and with lots going on as the UK second biggest city, a trip to the City of Birmingham is a must. In the past I have visited the Bullring shopping centre, The Museum and Art Gallery, browsed the Christmas market and I am no stranger to the NEC.

Evolving Cities: How Birmingham Has Changed Over the Years

A Snowflake Ornament Kit by Riverside Beads: A Review

This year I have a new ornament hanging on my Christmas tree. It was not made without difficulties (I can assure you) but this beautiful snowflake ornament was made with a kit by Riverside Beads.

Top Crafty Kits From The ICHF Crafts for Christmas Craft Shows

As a self confessed hoarder and craft obsessive, I can't resist trying out the latest craft products or adding to my stashes of paper, ribbons, fabrics etc. I love that I can be creative with no limits using the materials that I have; but every now and then, it is nice to have a project that is readily designed with everything I need. Something that is ready to go in an instant so I can pick it out of a box for a night in front of the telly.

On my recent trip to the ICHF Crafts for Christmas shows, I decided to make a list of the stand out craft kits that I came across. I have had a chance to review a couple of the craft kits I found (more to follow); the rest are certainly on my wish list! 

Handmade Christmas Decorations with Gem's Country Life Dream

We have had handmade gifts and baking thus far on #CraftyChristmas but Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without some more handmade decorations! 

Hi I’m Gem, I blog over at Gem’s Country Life Dream. I’m a twenty something girl loving life in my little countryside home in Essex with my husband and chickens, blogging about lifestyle, crafts and home décor.

How to Knit a Whisky Flask Sleeve with ELMrocks

We have already had some inspiration for handmade gifts on the #CraftyChristmas takeover. Now it is time to get our knit on with Eleanor of ELMrocks who is sharing how to knit this Scandi style whisky flask sleeve. 

I always find that it's so much easier to make homemade gifts for the women in my life and I really struggle to add that personal touch to presents for the male members. I'm not saying that whiskey is just for the chaps (it's my favourite thing to drink), but I'm sure your dad, husband, brother or uncle would love hip flask made festive with this cute sleeve. And the girls'll like it too, I reckon.

How to Make Mulled Wine Scented Christmas Candles by Becster

This year I have homemade candles on my 'to make' list so I could not be happier that one of the contributors this week, Rebecca of Becster.com, is sharing how to make these cute little jar candles. A great project for #CraftyChristmas and what's more, we all love a bit of upcycling! 

Last year we were feeding Little Miss ready made jars of baby food after the complete failure that was baby led weaning! So of coure we went through quite a few jars - at least 3 jars per day so as you can imagine, our recycling boxes got quite full with these cute little glass jars. After throwing a few out (recycle I must add), I thought that there must be something I could do with them….. and so I came across the idea of making some simple homemade scented candles.

How to Make a Classic Knotted Bracelet with Happiness Wherever

I don't need to tell you #CraftyBs how much I love the idea of handmade gifts. With so much inspiration all over the web, it is easy to get carried away and overwhelmed (a common practice at Crafty Bs HQ). Handmade jewellery doesn't have to be over stated and Zen from Happiness Wherever is up next for #CraftyChristmas sharing how you can make this very classic looking bracelet very simply! 

Christmas is round the corner and a lot of us are busy with our Christmas shopping. But as they say, the best gifts are handmade ☺ So here’s a simple, classic bracelet project- you only need basic plier skills and 5 minutes to whip it up!

A Crafty Sparkly Christmas with Pink Pear Bear

Today for #CraftyChristmas we are joined by the lovely Louise of Pink Pear Bear who is giving us a lesson or two in making Christmas crafty and sparkly. What more could you want?! Louise is drawing inspiration from this fabulous looking Usborne book '100 Christmas things to make and do'.

I'm lucky enough to have several shelves jammed full of craft idea books, many of which are kiddy ones, as I can't resist when I see an offer on. In actual fact, all the ideas came from just one book. It was small and light enough to take out and I ended up finding so much in there I didn't even need to look at the others.

My craft bible for this post.

Meet The Maker: A Christmas Special with Tiny and Toad

You may or may not have noticed that #MeettheMaker has been taking a little break. #CraftyChristmas is the perfect opportunity to bring it back for 2016 and I am pleased to be featuring Louise of Tiny & Toad with her very lovely crocheted Christmas wreath!

Little Mince Pie Cakes with Sally Akins

Welcome to the first post of #CraftyChristmas with Sally Akins. What better way to start than with some delicious Christmas baking. I am sure you will be whipping these little gems up in no time. Perfect with a cuppa whilst you are catching up with the latest #CraftyChristmas link ups.

Mince pies are one of my favourite Christmas foods, but I have very warm hands and I can't tell you how many times I have had to throw away a batch of pastry. So I really love these little Mince Pie Cakes. They're incredibly quick and easy to make, and have all the flavour of mince pies without the hassle of making shortcrust.

Little Mince Pie Cakes with Sally Akins

Having a Crafty Christmas - A Blog Takeover and Link Up

This week the Mrs Crafty B blog is being taken over for #CraftyChristmas

Some #CraftyBs from the blogging world have got together the best of their Christmas crafting activities to share with you, but thats not all...

The Making Home Weekly Link Up #14

 Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; moving house, decorating, DIY, handmade for home, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more.

Don't forget to join in this week and add your own posts if you are a blogger.

It's time to talk Christmas! I know I have tried to avoid it a little bit but after two Christmas based events this week and with Baby B getting excited, I have given in. Mince pies are being stocked, gifts are being planned and I am desperate to get a tree up. I normally refuse to think about Christmas until December, usually it is after Hubby B's birthday which is at the start, but Baby Bs enthusiasm is making me keen to embrace it. Unfortunately I have not yet convinced Hubby B that it is acceptable to put the decorations up in November!

 One of the best parts (which I don't have to wait for) is Christmas themed crafts and I would love to see what you have been up to with your #MiniMakers. I haven't got our crafting underway yet so this week I am featuring a recipe for puffy paints. I think these would be great for Santa faces on paper plates or cute penguins! Have you ever tried these?

How to make puffy paints

Crafts For Christmas Extravaganza with ICHF

You will have seen recently on my social media ramblings that I had the pleasure of visiting the ICHF Crafts for Christmas show at the NEC in Birmingham. Not only did I return with an eagerness to get Christmas underway (yes yes I know!) but I was totally inspired by new projects, craft supplies and products. I met lots of lovely new people as well as catching up with some familiar faces and ICHF did not fail in putting on yet another great event. Festive offerings all round, Christmas displays and a live band. I was not disappointed.

The Making Home Weekly Link Up #13

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about home; handmade for the house, moving house, decorating, DIY, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in this week and add your own posts (see end of this post to find out how).

Most of you will not be thinking about the garden at this time of year, however I have it on good authority (from Hubby B) that now is the best time to put in your spring bulbs! Even if you aren't a huge gardening fan, everyone loves a few flowers right? Especially if they are low maintenance.  Hubby B will be out this weekend (alongside various other DIY jobs I have planned for him) to put in clumps of daffs, tulips, crocus, snowdrops and whatever other 'pretty' things I agreed to during our online shopping spree.

Popping bulbs into the ground is a fun and easy activity for your #MiniMakers to get involved in but if it's not your thing there are other fun 'garden' activities to keep those green fingers busy. We haven't done much in our garden yet and being on a newly built site, we are lacking a bit of wildlife. We are hoping these homemade birdseed cakes and pine cone bird feeders will help us along the way with bringing back a bit of an eco system to our outdoor space.

A Craft Box Subscription for #MiniMakers: A JacDo Review

Over the last few weeks my #MiniMakers have had the pleasure of dipping in and out of their very own JacDo 'treasure chest'. If you haven't yet discovered JacDo; this is one not to miss. Especially with Christmas around the corner.