Mollimoo

Gingerbread heaven

2011-12-22T23:49:00.000-08:00

I ADORE all things gingerbread!

Beautifully made houses full of gingerbread famillies...

Pretty decorated cookies, with milk of course ...

And...bridges (??!)...

In many shapes & sizes, filling the home with the unmistakable aroma full of warmth & homemade, handmade love.

Delia loves to bake them too here !

Only 2 more sleeps to go...Merry Christmas !! Xxx

All images courtesy of Pinterest

A Clear out & a fresh start

2011-10-24T03:41:00.000-07:00

So half term is upon us & I have started as I mean to go on! You just can't beat having a good clear out after a bad spell, so I have listed my first ever items on to Ebay. It is just a temporary measure as I have a good wardrobe clearout. The rest of my crafting de-stash will be listed in my Folksy & Etsy shops soon.

If you fancy some new boots or a coat, I have the following for sale here.

I also have the following fabric in my Folksy shop

Thank you all for sticking with me, this Summer proved to be a very difficult time with my Dad being so poorly. He is more stable now than he was before, though he will never recover from his illness. It's really just a case of making him as comfortable as possible & hoping that my mum has the strength to cope as she is his main carer. At 77, it's not easy for her. They love each other so, so much & all I can do is be there for them as much as possible.

I have been focusing on my own health lately & have had a life changing experience in my discovery of Yoga. I have lots to tell you about so will be back soon with a fresh, happy update on all that has been happening with me. I hope you are all well & adapting to the sudden weather change after the beautiful October we have had so far! Back soon Xx

A stressful time

2011-08-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Thank you all for sticking with me, lovely followers! Things have been hard for the last month or so, hence my lack of blog posts.

My Dad has been really poorly so my mind has been elsewhere & I've been trying to support my lovely mum as much as possible. I hope to be back really soon, meanwhile my shops are still open for any fabric buttons you may feel you just cannot live without!! Xx

Pinteresting !

2011-06-28T11:38:00.000-07:00

I'm feeling rather fascinated by the whole Pinterest caboodle! At first I was slightly confused about it, until I got my head around it's purpose...a pinboard heaven to store all of your inspirational finds from around the internet. Fashion, food, stylish interiors, homemade & handmade. I can get lost on there for hours, hence the obvious lack of posts lately. Of course, I've come across some of you lovely crafty peeps on there & it's so inspiring to see people's tastes & styles. If you haven't yet joined in, be sure to check it out but be warned, it's so addictive!

I'm especially enjoying the fashion on there...

Source: tumblr.com via Tina on Pinterest

Source: lam0d3.tumblr.com via Tina on Pinterest

These are some styles I love, but I'm also getting my festival wardrobe ready for Camp Bestival. This will be our fourth year & sooo excited. Watching Glastonbury on the tv this weekend has definately got us in the mood for it! Did any of you go to Glasto or have you got any festivals planned this summer? I'd love to hear Xx

Did I just have a holiday ?

2011-06-01T08:38:00.000-07:00

Pretty Padstow

I think we just visited 'home' again for a holiday...but I can't be sure as time just flies by so quickly !

It is 13 years today that I moved away from Falmouth in Cornwall to live, on my own, in Bournemouth. I was 22 at the time & unsure of what new things I would find. I just knew that I had to escape the same old faces, same old places that I had grown up with in the far south west corner of England. Do you ever feel that way?

So off I went, popping back down quarterly to see my family. I grew older & wiser, married the wrong one...then married the right one & settled down. We had our babies, my parents & brother also tired of Cornwall & moved up here & my visits home dwindled to our yearly holiday there over the last 6 years.

I have cried each time I've left, there have been so many good & bad memories there over my life. This time was different. I didn't fill up with tears, though I still have a fondness I will always have. I finally realised that as beautiful as Cornwall is, as much as I miss the breathtaking cliffs & vast beaches where you can always find a space, Dorset is now where I call home & I was really happy to be back. Next year, we are planning abroad!

Our holiday, however, was fantastic! The weather was less than desirable, we fought against the wind for days, though it worked out great for Matt & George to fly their kites.

We meandered, we relaxed & most of all we were together...it doesn't get any better than that! Xx

Daisy, Daisy, how does your garden grow?

2011-05-14T00:01:00.000-07:00

Such a simple, beautiful little flower ! I just love the humbleness of this pretty little bloom....

I think I will wander to the garden & make some daisy chains today with Molly..and George of course if he would like to !

images courtesy of weheartit.com

Have a wonderful weekend...now go make some daisy chains! Xx

Mollimoo buttons on Etsy's front page !

2011-05-10T10:52:00.000-07:00

Thrilled to have been featured on the front page of Etsy on Sunday in this gorgeous treasury ! It even resulted in some extra sales, so Thank You to Georgie UK for including my Shed full of Shamrock Buttons !
Hope you are all well on this fine Tuesday & I will be back with you soon, have a great evening Xx

SaNd & SeA....

2011-05-05T04:37:00.000-07:00

Velvet sand, pushing through our toes & hitching a ride with us.

Tiring us out, just insisting that we sit & play in it..tut, this sand malarkey is very demanding!

Yet oh so pretty with a flower impressed with tiny hands & a thoughtful mind.

A chilly dip in to the ocean..yes, I braved it up to my waist & then it just seems to get ridiculously cold!

How do they manage not to feel it?

Without a doubt, the beach is my most favourite place in the world.

Have a lovely Thursday Xx

" Oh, pretty Liberty ! "

2011-05-04T08:09:00.000-07:00

*** SHOP UPDATE ***

Just listed in my Etsy shop & Folksy shop , these sweet Liberty of London fabric buttons. Go on, treat yourself !

I have had supplies arrive so that I can finally stock my shops with some giant paper clips/bookmarks, hair pins, lavender pillows, brooches & new buttons ... so do stop by now & then over the next few weeks !
Xx

Folksy Friday Tea Party

2011-04-28T23:34:00.000-07:00

Today's Folksy Friday is all about Tea Parties...I can't think why?!

Whether you will be celebrating the Royal Wedding or hiding away with a bucket because you've had enough of it all, who can resist a good old British tea party full of

Quirk, Quaint & Queintessential...

Hand Decorated Vintage Teapot by Dolly Designs

Teacup Sewing Kit by Made By Kate d

Fairy Cake with Lemon Icing by Woolly Duck

Bunting Jug by Heather Richards

Tea Time Treat Teapot Block Canvas by Boyds & Bobs

50's Hostess Apron by Jacqueline Jones

Hope you all have a lovely day, a chance to escape in to a world of Princesses, carriages, bunting & tradition.

Bye Xx

Outdoor living

2011-04-23T08:59:00.000-07:00

We are enjoying some beautiful sunshine here on the British south coast, it just fills me with glee & jumpy joy happiness!

This year we are starting to make the most of our garden, enjoying a new sofa & dining alfresco.

Barbecues....Red wine...Fish Cakes...Potato Salad....

Add some Spring Onion & chopped Chives....

Add some sunshine & family...

& enjoy !

Find just a little extra time to plant some home grown herbs...

HaPpY DaYs

2011-04-21T01:07:00.000-07:00

Spring Days....

Beautiful waterfalls, wet toes in a stream & picnics...

What better memories could be made? Xx

P.s Can you tell I have found Poladroid ! Gives a lovely vintage, polaroid effect, check it out x

So far, so good !

2011-04-18T00:11:00.000-07:00

Well, one week in to the Easter holiday & so far, so wonderful ! Days have been spent swimming, going to the cinema, visiting Grandma & having friends to play. I am exhausted !!

It's been very relaxing & lots of giggles have been giggled.
This week we have a trip to the beach with friends planned , another visit to Grandma's with dogs in tow , a bike ride & maybe a little more swimming. I shall have to see how much energy I have though . Since a recent blood test has found me to be aneamic , I may have to go easy until my iron stores build up a bit.
I hope you all had a lovely weekend, by the way.

This is my new Etsy Shop banner...I hope you like. I though I'd give both of my shops a little makeover before I list some new designs. This banner is so delicate & pretty, as soon as I found it I knew it was the right one for Mollimoo. It's supplied as a set of loveliness, including avatars, sale banner, vacation banner, sticker design & business card designs. Needless to say I have already made the business cards & eagerly await their arrival so that I can be a happy, matching package of 'Swirly birdy tree eye candy !!

My Easter Bunny

Here's hoping you & any little chickies you have are all looking forward to the Easter bunny's arrival,
Have a lovely Monday Xx

Tweet Tweet Little Birdy !!

2011-04-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

I'm getting a little addicted to making Etsy Treasuries lately! I just can't seem to help myself so what could be sweeter than this cute collection of pretty bird inspired finds?

CaLLiNg aLL BuTtOn LoVeRs

2011-04-15T09:23:00.000-07:00

Following a rest from making my fabric buttons, I have once again restocked my Folksy & Etsy shops with some popular designs...

I must tell you, I put the utmost care in to my buttons, sewing by hand & making sure every little wrinkle has vanished, as much as is humanly possible anyway!
I shall also be putting together some new sets aswell over the next few weeks, so if you have been wondering what lovelies you can use to adorn your hand knits or handmades , then look no further!

I also have this beautiful French lavender back in stock , perfect for filling handmade scent sachets or pretty hanging hearts just in time for Spring...

Have a lovely Friday, I'm off to pour myself a well deserved glass of wine after a hectic week entertaining my very energetic little ones Xx

J'adore les Armoire !!

2011-04-13T06:24:00.000-07:00

Oh so pretty!
In my dream home, where everything is organised & beautiful, here I would sit my posterior down at this lovely Armoire & set my excited little fingers to make! I love the quaintness of it , the colour of it , the organisation of it , the sheer heavenly indulgence of having all of my creative goodness in one pretty place.
You can find it here : Do it Yourself

Of course, all of this lemony loveliness has inspired me to create this Etsy Treasury Enjoy Xx

Holiday Happenings

2011-04-12T08:01:00.000-07:00

What a lovely book!
If you are short of ideas to keep your little ones entertained over the Easter holidays, I would most definately recommend this creative collection of sweet, traditional projects. I love it!

Divided in to the seasons of the year, little fingers can get busy painting eggs, baking gingerbread men, creating cress eggheads & wooden spoon puppets...good old fashioned fun epsecially if, heaven forbid, we should have any wet stuff fall from the skies!

Now, an update on life in the Peacock household. You have met Florence, our beagle, before but now let me introduce you to Matilda....

She's the one on the right & is our latest addition to the family. She is a 4 year old Basset Hound that we got through a rescue centre. She had been used for excessive breeding on a Welsh puppy farm & was very thin when she first arrived a month ago. However, she is now blossoming & has found her confidence & started to gain some weight. Florence, who is almost one, is teaching Matilda how to play & have fun & we love them both very much!
My favourite time is the evening when hubby & I get loads of cuddles..though not with each other!

We have lots planned for the hols, including playing with friends, swimming, going to the cinema to see Tangled & walks in the woods. What are you all up to this Easter? I'd love to hear about it so do leave a comment if you'd like. Have a great rest of the day Xx

P.s Could any of you lovely peeps give me some feedback on the new look I've given my little blog ?? Does this new font style go easy on the eyes or is it a bit tricky?? Thanks in advance! x

A little love goes a long way...

2011-02-13T08:29:00.000-08:00

I Love You

I love you with a permanence
That endures the passing years.
I love you with a joyfulness
That subdues all doubts and fears.
I love you with an honesty
That was born within my heart.
I love you with the calm belief
That we will never part.
I love you with a confidence
No earthly force can sever.
I love you with the certainty
That I’ll cherish you forever.
I love you with the humbleness
Of one who has been blessed.
I love you with the reverence
Of all that word suggests.
I love you with a fervor
That time cannot reverse.
I love you with the truest love
That poets put to verse.

- J.E. Deegan -

Images courtesy of weheartit.com

A funny thing happened!

2011-02-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Just a moment ago, when I thought I had it all figured out, things changed. Here I was, happily going about changing my blog to more of a lifestyle blog about running & fashion with less about crafting & then it hit me!

Alright, so I haven't picked up sticks for a while..had a bit of a dry spell where inspiration is concerned, I think you know where I may be coming from, my crafty friends! I thought of a change in direction & then realised that I just couldn't do it! I couldn't move away from the craft community in just the same way as I can't sell all of my fabric & knitting needles.

So from now on, I'm sticking with my little crafty blog, having a little refresh & will be on the look out for other lovely makes & blogs to love. My shops are a little empty at the moment but who knows, I may even start to make again. If not, I shall just enjoy my little blog & embrace it as a part of me. Xx

Organic Goodness

2010-09-09T06:11:00.000-07:00

Image courtesy of We Heart it

I am on a health mission! I've returned to my training at the gym with the odd run here & there thrown in. I can do this now that I have free time in the mornings. I know, I know, I should be making things!! I just have to focus on my health at the moment though & try to reach my goal weight before Christmas.

Me & hubby have overhauled our diet, eating plenty of protein rich fish, chicken & steak with good carbs such as wholegrain rice,potatoes & wholemeal bread along with eggs, milk & plenty of fruit, veg & nuts. The energy it gives us is amazing & then off we trot to get fit...and run a household, business, bring up children, etc;etc;

Anyway, on my mission to find good healthy food, I discovered a fantastic Organic Veggie Box company called Riverford Organics. They will deliver to your door (depending on area) & can supply fresh veg, fruit, eggs, herbs...I eagerly await my delivery next week! What's great is that it is all grown on their farm in Devon so it's home grown too.

Enjoy your Thursday evening Xx

Vintage Creams Treasury

2010-09-05T02:51:00.001-07:00

I am so pleased that I have finally figured out how to make an Etsy Treasury. Here is one I made this morning in pretty, delicate & feminine style! I love the ethereal, romantic feel of all of these designs...very dreamy!

Have a lovely Sunday Xx

An empty nest ...

2010-09-04T02:41:00.000-07:00

Well, we all survived the first day of school on Thursday. It was little Molly's very first day, I was so proud of her as she just marched on in & settled quickly. What a big girl she is now, though it's a hard time for me as she is our youngest & I am now home alone in the mornings!

George also loved being back at school with all his friends & was very sweet keeping an eye out for his little sister.

So now I must turn my mind to 'Moi' for the Autumn term mornings. It may be the last bit of me time I get & I have some goals to achieve...

Start training at the gym again to lose my last bit of weight before Christmas
Overhaul my eating to a sensible healthy diet.
Spend quality time with Molly in the afternoons
Regular blog posts
More crafting & shop updates

I really want to thank all of you, my lovely followers,visitors & customers, for the continued support you give me with the lovely comments left here, for sticking with me through the times where I do not blog as often as I would like & for supporting my work. Although I may not always comment back on your own blogs, I do make sure I visit & catch up with you as much as I can. There are so many talented & creative bloggers around & I think you are all fantastic! Thanks lovelies Xx

Autumn Colour Poll

2010-08-22T01:50:00.000-07:00

Good Morning everyone!
Just a new little gadget I have found for my blog...Do feel free to join in with my poll about Autumn colours as there is no denying it is just around the corner!

Folksy Friday Blackberry Heaven

2010-08-20T01:29:00.001-07:00

It's Blackberry Time Necklace by Gama

Blackberry Corsage Headband by Talulah Blue

Blackberry Bracelet by Chickadee Cards & Jewellery

Purple & silver organic shape swirl earrings by Tania Covo Designs

Hello my lovelies! Welcome to my Folksy Friday where my chosen theme this week is in keeping with the beautiful juicy berries that are creeping on to the late summer hedgerows! Mmm..yummy!!

Very talented Folksters with some gorgeous designs, just click on the links to view each item in full. Happy Friday Xx

Prettifying !!

2010-08-17T07:13:00.000-07:00

The flower....

In all it's BeAuTiFuL glory!

It can be
BOLD & BRIGHT...

or it can be PrEttY & DeLiCaTe...

Either way I have to have them in our home !! Happy Tuesday Xx

Late Summer

2010-08-16T07:41:00.000-07:00

It's not been easy getting out & about this summer now that we have Florence, but now she is the grand age of 16 weeks we are able to walk a little further afield! We have started to venture in to the woods behind our house. Up until now we have been pounding the pavements on short little walks around the roads so it is really refreshing to feel the earth beneath our feet with the smell of summer pine in the air! Flo is certainly enjoying herself & the children love it. We really are very lucky to have all of this on our doorstep.

These summer holidays are flying by & I can't help but feel we haven't made the most of them. Since Camp Bestival, we have been recovering & just relaxing at home which is lovely but I do feel like my time with them is slipping away. Molly starts school in September & I'm so excited for her but a little sad for myself as she grows up that little bit more!

Hey ho! Such is life & you can't hold back time, so for now I intend for us to have as much fun together as we can. I mean, it's not as if she is off to boarding school or leaving home!

The weather is turning cooler here on the south coast of England, the nights are drawing in & the distant whispers of Autumn can be heard. I adore Autumn. The cosy evenings snuggled on the sofa with the glow of a soft lamp, the cooler evening air & the sudden urge to bake & knit again. I do feel one final splurge of camping should be enjoyed before then but until Flo is older & can stand full days out & about, we will have to put that on hold (boo!).

Hope you are having a wonderful Monday, back soon Xx

That time of year again!

2010-08-11T23:05:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's that time of year again where we return home from having the most fun EVER!
Camp Bestival is the highlight of our yearly calendar & we have been every year for 3 years since it began!

Every year I get so excited & this year has been no different, in fact, I had been worse than ever! The children love it, after all it is a family festival & there is so much for them to do. Mr Tumble was there again, there was the Fairytale Fancy Dress theme throughout the weekend, I Knit London knitting tent, finger painting, cardboard castle building, bubbles everywhere, the list really goes on!

Madness, Ellie Goulding, Marc Almond, Human League, Rufus Hound, The Gruffalo...I said the list goes on! The highlight of my weekend was standing about 10 feet away from Suggs of Madness while he played a small, intimate DJ set in the Boden tent...fantastic!

I won't deny, vino did flow once the children were tucked up in their sleeping bags. Hubby & I take turns to go & explore the nightlife while the other stays watch at the tent. We love our little arrangement like this as it works so well & the children are so good at going to bed so we are really lucky.

Lady Muck had everyone rallying around to supply her with thrills & everyone had a wonderful time. I hope you are enjoying the summer holidays as much as we are! Xx

My knitting has jumped up in to my very lazy hands & forced them, finally, in to some making! Could this be the return of my long lost mojo ?? to be continued.... x

Etsy Treasury

2010-07-21T22:47:00.000-07:00

What a lovely suprise I had this morning when I woke up to a lovely message from Pretty Things from Wing saying my buttons had been featured in this gorgeous Etsy treasury...In an English country garden.

I also had some fabulous news the other day when I won 3 delicious fabric bundles from Gwen at Celtic Fusion Fabrics, so thank you very much Gwen!

Hope you are all having a lovely week, not long to go until the weekend! Hooray! xXx

Sunshine & freedom

2010-07-13T05:26:00.000-07:00

Just living is not enough....I want sunshine....

And freedom!

I wanted to share with you this statement I came across when I was shopping in Fat Face recently. They really have some lovely phrases on their price tags & paper bags. It makes for a very positive shopping experience. Mind you, their half price sales make it pretty enjoyable too!

With the summer quickly scurrying past, it made me remember something I learnt in my late teenage years. Life is not a dress rehearsal. It really is a journey to be savoured every step of the way. We get caught up in the hum drum of daily work & chores & it's so easy to forget just how precious every moment is. We worry about tomorrow & dwell on yesterdays problems..all the while missing the special moments happening right before our very eyes. I say 'we'...I'm sure that we are all very aware of these things anyway & certainly don't need me to remind you...I am just putting this out there..it is good for my soul you see!

So I have some goals to achieve (without looking too far ahead!)...

***********************

~ Since christmas I have lost a stone, but I want to lose another 10 lbs before Christmas, to reach my goal weight of 8st 7 lbs ~

~ I am going to have laser eye surgery so I can lose my glasses forever! ~

~ I want to give the children more attention, before they grow up & I feel I've missed it all ~

~ I want to do more homemaking, knitting, baking, growing veg ~

Last of all, I want my husband & I to continue having the wonderful relationship we have, but even better as there is certainly room for improvement !!

**********************
Wish me luck & meanwhile...what are your dreams & goals for the next 6 months ??
I'd love to hear them !! xXx

Images courtesy of http://weheartit.com/

~ This Moment ~

2010-07-10T06:51:00.000-07:00

This moment ~
A snapshot in time, a chance to capture
FuN
LaUgHtER
MeMoRiEs
And put them in my pocket next to my heart & treasure them forever!

A moment from my week, as inspired by the lovely Amanda of Soule Mama.

I'll be back alot sooner than last time as I am growing ever more aware of my neglected little blog! Thank you to you all for staying with me during my slower time of blogging. It's a terrible excuse but this very hot weather we have been having (I do believe they call it Summer) has just left me very lazy indeed!

Have a lovely Saturday evening Xx

Strawberry fields forever !

2010-06-30T05:43:00.000-07:00

Molly & I just had to get ourselves along to our local Pick your Own farm the other day. How could we resist with all this sunshine? We had a wonderful time, it was just a shame George was at school but never the less, he still enjoyed devouring all of those delicious red fruits!

Row upon row of healthy, lush strawberry plants, though you can also pick gooseberries at the moment & later on there are blueberries & raspberries too!

Some are grown above ground so they are easier to pick & a little further away from any pests, though just low enough for our lovely little pest to reach! They reminded me of grape vines.

It cost us just £3.50 for all of these! Can you believe it?!

Washed & ready to eat once we were home, I have to say that these were THE most delicious pieces of fruit I have tasted in a very long time! We will most definately be visiting again very soon. The lady said they are quite late this year & should last another couple of weeks. It is only a 10 minute drive from our home.

If you don't manage to get along to a pick your own this summer, perhaps you may like to pick your own buttons instead !!

Strawberry Fields Fabric Buttons in my Folksy shop.

Have a lovely Wednesday Xx

Summer Delights!

2010-06-25T08:01:00.000-07:00

Summer lasts only a short while in this country, but WOW! What a glorious summer we are having so far! It is June & what epitomises June better than the beautiful, mouthwatering, humble StRaWbErRy...

In all it's GLORY...

I AdORe it!

Soon, we will go a-picking, filling a HUGE punnet with the lovely reds.

Photos courtesy of weheartit.com

Have a lovely Friday evening Xx

Everything's coming up roses !

2010-06-17T01:18:00.001-07:00

June is my favourite month. My birthday month, in which I turned 35 last week!

My little blog has been neglected lately so I took to my garden, camera in hand & sneeked up on my roses which are in full bloom & really bring summer in to the garden & a little life back into my blog too.

Believe me, since Florence's arrival last week I have spent ALOT of time in my garden (woopsy training!).
Beautiful pink, just gorgeous!

And our own little rose..Miss Molly!

Meet Florence !!

2010-06-12T02:23:00.001-07:00

Here she is...home at last & wearing me out! She arrived on Tuesday & is already well on the way with her training...what a clever girl!

Have a great Saturday & I hope to be back very soon Xx

Anyone for fabric ??

2010-06-06T10:10:00.000-07:00

*** ShOp UpDaTe ***

I have just listed some new fabric bundles in my Folksy shop which are the last bits of my destash so do pop along for a browse...

After putting the children to bed, I will be enjoying a nice, cold glass of wine with my lovely husband! Have a lovely evening Xx

fOlKsY fRiDaY - SoFt SuMmEr sPiN !!

2010-06-04T00:44:00.000-07:00

Who said that knitting is for winter?

Here are my favourite summer fluffs on Folksy...

Fruit Salad Handspun Merino by Rebekka Leigh

Love Knot Shawl - Pearl by Silky Prudence

Linen Lace Spring Scarf by Miss Frekkles

Handknitted Baby Shoes by Over the Rainbow

Basket of Fruit & Veg Knitting Pattern-PDF by Fluff and Fuzz

Romantic Crochet Flower Chain Lariat Set of 3 by Victoria Jackman Knitted Textiles

Gorgeous items all found on Folksy !! I hope you like. Just off to photograpg some more of my destash fabric & hoping to list it this afternoon, though it's far too hot to do any work! Xx

Waiting for Florence....

2010-06-01T23:48:00.000-07:00

Things are becoming tense & excitable in the Moo household. You see, changes are underfoot. There is a stirring of anticipated happiness on the horizon, just around the corner. Thoughts of what will happen, how will things change? Will I cope with the sleepless nights...will I be able to handle a 3rd little being in my care? Are we ready as a family to accept a 3rd little mouth to feed & do I have the patience & energy for another little one?

You see, it is exactly one week today that Florence, our 8 week old Beagle puppy will come to start her new life with us. I am just so VERY excited & have been waiting for her for weeks following a long search for the right dog since March!

I really never imagined that hubby would agree to us having a dog. I have been a dog lover all of my life & worked in kennels when I was younger. We always had dogs at home though this will be my first since leaving home 12 years ago.

Florence comes from a line of Crufts champs so who knows where we may adventure together? This is her handsome daddy...

I will try not to bore you all with these canine capers too much. Do bare with me & I will try to calm down about it all! I'm not too sure what our little Muffin will make of our new little hound though!

Sweet Memories are made of this...

2010-05-31T07:26:00.000-07:00

You may be wondering where I have been, dear readers, for the last few weeks?..or perhaps you hadn't even noticed me gone! Well, I'm not one to advertise the fact I'm going on holiday online for obvious security reasons but I must confess, we have been sunning ourselves on hot, faraway beaches!

We have dined in fine restaurants...

Adventured on sun soaked sand, too hot to stand on sometimes...

Revisited childhood memories of mazes...

And Giant Strides (which just don't seem so giant anymore)

Beautiful flowers in glorious May bloom...

Kites have been flown...

And new childhood memories made for our little ones to remember!

Of course, these shores are not so far away after all. Just beautiful Cornwall where I grew up. We have enjoyed a wonderful holiday but it's so good to be home & back to my little blog. I feel refreshed & rejuvenated!

*******************

*** ShOp UpDaTe ***

My Folksy & Etsy shops are now open again. I will be listing some more destash items this week. My plan is to destash & then refill with new handmade designs, though not refilling so much on the fabric button side of things as I'm winding them down. They are just so much work for little return, sadly.

************

I hope all of you are well & have enjoyed some sunshine wherever you are Xx

More delicious destash!

2010-05-16T04:28:00.000-07:00

Ooh, take a look at these...

All available in my Folksy Shop. Items are flying off the shelves!

I'll be back soon with a nice chatty little post, bye for now Xx

My De-stash has started!

2010-05-15T07:39:00.000-07:00

Listings have begun in my Folksy Shop & it is starting to fill up with lots of lovely items that I no longer have the room to store. Pop along & check it out, you may want to treat yourself!

FoLkSy fRiDaY

2010-05-14T08:43:00.000-07:00

Make a Wish 8x8 Print by Flo's Photos

I am going to show you some fine handmade specimens of the handmade Folksy variety featuring... The Humble Dandelion !!...How Pretty !!

iPhone Case - Dandelion by Sugar & Rhubarb

Retro Dandelion handmade Lampshade by The Old Lamp Shed

Looking Dandy - A Photo Art Greeting Card by Bilbury Cottage

Sanderson's Dandelion Clocks Cushion by Eclectic Chair

The other day I was driving along & there, along the whole length of the roadside verge, were hundreds of Dandelion clocks. I just wanted to pull over & blow them all in to the wind! Gorgeous!

Hubby is going to be putting the final touches on our computer this weekend so I will soon be uploading a stack of fabric/destash items in my Folksy shop. I'm just so sorry for the delay. I'll blog a post as soon as it's in there! For now, I'm looking forward to some lovely chilled white wine tonight. Enjoy Xx

SiLLy SaLe iN mY FoLkSy ShOp...

2010-05-13T06:47:00.000-07:00

Yes, I'm back with a new 'puter' though a distinct lack of photos! Thank you all for your support & messages & I will be adding some eye candy to my posts in the very near future.

I just wanted to pop by & let you know that I'm having a wee sale in my Folksy shop here so do pop along & grab a bargain.

I will update you soon on my new plans for my shop as you may notice I have considerably less buttons for sale! Mmm, a slight change in direction is due! Bye for now Xx

Stay with me !!

2010-05-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

This is just a quick message! I'm having so much trouble trying to sort our computer out...well, I should say hubby is!

I've lost absolutely everything from the computer..everything!

I really never thought that, if this should happen, it would matter that much but IT REALLY DOES! I am missing writing posts to you all & I've even had to close my shops as they are useless without the pc. To make it worse, I have just received a fabulous book through the post called Blogging for Bliss! How frustrating...laugh out loud in a crazy disturbing manner !!

I would love it if you could all stay with me as we are working on it frantically & I promise I will be back very soon. Thank you & have a lovely Sunday evening Xx

SwEeT ChAoS !!

2010-05-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

It has been such an eventful week for us...where do I start ?!

Image courtesy of weheartit.com

We have (yippee yee!) come to a final decision to get a puppy. I must add that it's not something we take lightly. I grew up with dogs, I helped out in kennels when I was 12 in my school holidays & I have missed having a pooch so much! I could bear it no longer & Matt finally agreed! I thought I was hearing things when he said yes. So off we travel on a steep learning curve in to the world of...Beagles!

I have had many a warning about these little tykes but I have every faith that with the right guidance from experienced Beagle peeps, we will learn to train & guide the little one in the right way...watch this space! It will be a few months yet though as timing is everything.

I wanted to challenge myself with a half day Art course in Watercolours today. What a great time I had! This is the (nearly finished) painting...

The subject was rock pooling (just in case you couldn't make it out! lol!) I didn't have time to complete it, so it's a little something to keep me out of mischief! I came away with a set of watercolour paints, a brush & a bucket load of enthusiasm so I reckon it was money well spent.

There is plenty more that has caused sweet chaos this week but I really don't want to bore you with all that nonsense so I will just finish up by telling you that I am spending tomorrow having a clear out. What, I ask you dear readers, follows a good clearout ?? That's right, lots of listings in my shops in the form of a right good old DeStAsH !! So do keep an eye out over the next few days. There will be some wool, some fabric, some felting fluffy stuff & bits n bobs. Can you tell it's a Bank Holiday?! xXx

A little distracted ?!

2010-04-28T00:30:00.001-07:00

Image Courtesy of weheartit.com

Things have not been running smooth in the Mollimoo household over the last week, hence the lack of bloggity blogging from me!

Please do bear with me, I plan to be back to normal in a few days time so please don't go anywhere, lovely readers! Xx

Castles & Dragons...

2010-04-19T00:22:00.000-07:00

We have had a wonderful Easter holidays. I am always sad when the children have to return to the daily routine of school & nursery, so I make sure we pack in as much fun as we can while we have the chance...
with...visits to Castles...

with crafting tables...

and scary masks....

And behind the masks....

Painted little faces (who really were having fun, I promise!)....

Exploring HUGE doors....

and little doors too....

But of course, a castle wouldn't be complete without...

a DrAgOn !!
We have visited zoos....

And mummy's even done a little baking too !!

I have even had another feature in a craft magazine. My fabric buttons have been featured in Sew Magazine this month, so needless to say I'm over the moon!

Thank you to the lovely Nicola of Nics Knots on Folksy for very kindly zooming a photo of the feature to me because I hadn't had chance to buy it yet!

So there we have it. There was lots more in between & with the summer stretching ahead of us, there will be lots more to come.

Have a great day xXx

Ooh, do vote for my Pastel Colours...please!

2010-04-16T05:59:00.000-07:00

I would love it if you would be really kind & just cast a little vote for my buttons over on the Crafting in Colour Team blog for Etsy. It is to vote for my

Candy Stripes Fabric Buttons in the April Theme Challenge...

Vote for me here!

Thank you so much, your support is really appreciated Xx

For the love of Lavender

2010-04-13T06:52:00.000-07:00

"ladies fair, I bring to you

lavender with spikes of blue;

sweeter plant was never found

growing on our English ground."
by Caryl Battersby

What is there not to love about Lavender?

It can be used in so many ways in it's various forms..

to deter moths

in pot pourris

to aid sleep

cake decorations (how pretty!)

as herbal tea

Culinary, in scones & marshmallows

wedding confetti

It has also has antiseptic & anti inflammatory properties & was used in the first World War to disinfect floors & walls in hospitals.

I think I'm obsessed!

I bought some plants & have given them a new home in my garden. I'm looking forward to their sweet smell later in the year & the bees buzzing around their pretty heads.

Images courtesy of weheartit.com

Until my lavender flowers, I will just have to use my own supply to add to some pretty lavender bags.

I now have French Lavender available in 50 grammes in my Folksy shop here!

Also listed in my Etsy shop in both 50 & 100 grammes.

Have a wonderful Tuesday & see you soon xXx

* ShOp UpDaTe *

2010-04-05T00:54:00.000-07:00

A little something I made earlier...

Tatty Heart Brooch

A felt heart brooch, embellished with needlefelted merino, cotton, cute little stitches & a lime green button!

Available in my Folksy & Etsy shops. xXx

I've been featured...

2010-04-02T03:49:00.000-07:00

Happy Easter Everybody !!

I have been saying for a few weeks now about some exciting news I have, but I haven't been able to say anything just in case it didn't happen & then I'd look daft.

Well, now I can tell you that my buttons have been featured in Sew Hip Magazine...Woohoo!

They are in issue 16, May 2010 & I'm lucky enough to have them cover half a page!

A BiG 'ThAnK YoU' to Lynsey of SwirlyArts for sending me these photos because Molly has been too poorly for me to get out of the house !!

I hope you all enjoy the Easter holidays & have a relaxing time with family & friends.

Bye for now Xx

New photos and a cute Bunny...

2010-03-31T02:25:00.000-07:00

Yesterday I thought I had better, finally, get around to trying out my new light tent that I was given for Mother's Day. After all, it was starting to gather dust!

This is how the photos turned out. It seems to make them much sharper & brighter, though I still had to digitally play around with them. Something I'm hoping I won't have to do once I really get to know how to use my camera more.

All I have to do now is work my way through about 48 more products in my shop! Mmm, may take a while. It's fun to learn new things though & I really enjoy photography nowadays. I just wish the college courses weren't so expensive.

This morning I bought myself some proper adhesive (Epoxy resin type) so that I can try some fresh new designs for the shops, attaching flat back fabric buttons to more useful objects like paper clips, rings or brooches. I thought it would add a wider variety & I also want to add some more knits & needlefelted brooches. Now, has anyone got any time I can borrow ??

A new lace pattern is adorning my sticks at present. I love this cotton yarn, though it's actually alot more olive than the photo shows. I'm loving lots of vintage tones at the moment..olive, mustard, duck egg blue, peach, brown...all those lovely combinations that granny would love!

Lastly, I just had to share this link with you all to a lovely Easter make tutorial by Elsie Marley. It is called The quick little Bunny tutorial & is the cutest, simplest design. Just click on the link to take you there.

That's all for today, have a lovely Wednesday xXx

OuR LittLe ArTiSt ....

2010-03-30T05:06:00.000-07:00

What a proud mummy & daddy we have been over the last week following Molly being picked as the March Featured Artist on the fantastic blog Artful Adventures!

Be sure to pop on over because Jude is running a fabulous competition. By submitting a photo of your child's (under 12) artwork, you could be in with a chance to have it turned in to a contemporary canvas wall art! Details here.

I have some exciting news to tell you all in the next post, some of my Twitter friends already know, but I'm waiting to buy the magazines..oops, did I give it away?...before I tell you all about it !! Bye for now xXx

Blog Awards....

2010-03-26T09:41:00.000-07:00

It's been a great week that has flown by, full of adventures & some new yarn along the way!

I really must say thank you so much to two lovely crafty bloggers who have given me Blog Awards. The first is lovely Sue, of Lynwood Crafts who awarded me a Sunshine award (as seen in the right hand column), then there is also the very lovely Charlotte of Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics who awarded me this pretty one... Thank you ladies!

I'm going to pass this on to these lovely bloggers, who I always enjoy visiting with a cup of tea at my side...

Coco Rose Textiles

Pipany and the Poltisko Memoirs

Sixty One A

Swirly Thoughts

Little Raven Ink

Do pop along & visit these lovely blogs, they are all inspiring & fascinating reading!

Now, I don't think I have mentioned it, but for Mother's Day I was very lucky! The children (that means Matt) treated me to a light tent, tripod & spotlights so that I can take more professional photos of my products for my shops! Wooo hooo!

Thank goodness, I so need these. I don't mind the present photos but it will be nice to gain some consistency throughout with clearer, brighter pics. So watch this space!

Right, I may be back later with another little post, but for now I must feed these hungry little ones! Bye for now xXx

TeAcUpS & bLoSsOm...

2010-03-18T03:35:00.000-07:00

This week I am playing along with Flea Market Finds.

"Is that the reason so many tea-things are put out here?" she asked.

"Yes, that's it" said the Hatter with a sigh, "it's always tea-time, and we've no time to wash the things between whiles" (Alice in Wonderland)

With images of tea parties & Alice in mind, I thought I would share my favourite teacup with you. It is very appropriate as Spring has finally arrived!

It is a 1930's china cup, saucer & cake plate & I found it at our local flea market. Of course, it's name is 'Springtime' & it is bursting full of daffodils & blossom.

I paid about £6 for it, which I think is a bargain. It's so delicate & feminine, why does tea taste so much better from a pretty cup ??

To play along, just visit Sophie's beautiful blog here.

Images of Easter

2010-03-17T03:54:00.000-07:00

Sometimes you need to stop, take a deep breath & enjoy the moment! Wise words inscribed on an old sundial. I'm so glad that someone decided to share them with others.

Easter is just around the corner & I LoVe the flurry of busy little fingers making lots of Easter goodies. Here's a few free images, courtesy of Abbie at The Vintage Moth, for you to use in your artwork. Abbie offers lots of free clip art images over on her beautiful blog...

I have been knitting some colourful bunting for my shop. I have finished the triangles, I just need to block it & decide what to string it together with!

Have a wonderful Wednesday, Bye xXx

Spring flowers & little lambs ...

2010-03-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

Just look at these gorgeous goodies I received from my lovely swap partner Crafty Helen. We are taking part in Louise's Flower Swap on her blog Sew Scrumptious.

Helen is super organised & totally puts me to shame as I have not got my parcel for her completely sorted yet. As you can see, it arrived in the prettiest wrapping paper. Believe me, I struggled to take the above photo as all I really wanted to do was to open it all up!

These are the lovely items that greeted me...

Aromatic tarts for burning, gorgeous green floral fabric, pretty napkins...

Tea towels far too nice to use!

A lavender bird & beautiful cushion made by Helen's very clever hand and..of course..seeds! I consider myself to be a very lucky Moo, thank you so very much Helen! You are very clever & kind!

Yesterday, we went to a local farm which was holding a special lambing weekend. This is a rare opportunity to see lots of tiny baby newborn lambs & their mums. How appropriate for Mother's Day weekend! Some of the pens had ewes in labour. They lie down & stare at the sky, also known as star gazing. It's really very special to see...

Aaawww !!

Have a lovely Sunday & Happy Mother's Day to all you lovely mummies out there too xXx

Merry Go Round of Life !!

2010-03-10T05:39:00.001-08:00

Please accept my sincere apologies, dear readers! I have been caught up on the Merry Go Round of life & I just can't seem to slow it down !!

There have been so many things to do & people to see, my crafty side of life has totally taken a back seat. I don't even know if I should continue with my shops at all as I just can't seem to contribute the creative thoughts that are required to make it successful. I just feel like it's a bottomless pit of buttons & I'm yearning to spread my imaginary wings & make some new things. For that, I need my good friends 'time' & 'inspiration'. At the moment, both have packed their bags & gone...deserted me in my moment of need!

The good thing is that in between working & mothering, I have managed to lose over half a stone since Christmas & have committed to gym workouts & spinning classes. Have you ever tried spinning?? It is a form of torture that has absolutely nothing to do with merino wool. It is 45 minutes of cycling in a class full of sweaty people, being shouted at by our instructor who tells us "AIR IS ENERGY" and "YOUR LEGS SHOULD BE BURNING BY NOOOWW".

If you are in any way sadistic, you would thoroughly enjoy it.

So for now, I will say good bye & run with the gingerbread men. I will return with a fresh approach & some va va voom Xx

Japanese fabric buttons...

2010-03-02T09:46:00.000-08:00

My newest additions to my Etsy & Folksy shops...Buttony goodness...

Perfect for St Patrick's Day projects...or just because you love cute things...

Shed full of Shamrocks fabric buttons

Sweet Suburbia fabric buttons

Enjoy your evening Xx

My BiG BiRtHdAy BoY...Mr MoO !!

2010-02-27T08:37:00.000-08:00

Matt, my lovely husband, turns 31 tomorrow. I am a little jealous as I am 35 in June so to turn a mere 31 makes me very envious, but I love him so I'll let him off...after all, he can't help it.

So I have spent some time this last week wrapping special presents for him, choosing gift wrap & carefully selecting that special, loving Birthday card. I also planned to bake him the best cake I've ever made. I do not profess to being a Domestic Goddess in the kitchen, but today was going to be the day I rose to the occassion & triumphantly unveiled my fantastic bakey cakey to him.....

Fear not, dear reader, your eyes do not deceive you. You are not in the middle of some bad cullinary dream, nor has there been some kind of freak hurricane that has blown in through our kitchen & destroyed said loveliness. I just cannot bake a good cake. I am Tina & I cannot bake.

He still loves me, he says it's the thought that counts. I am lucky to have such a wonderful husband!

We plan on a lovely day out tomorrow. First the Oceanarium followed by a lovely lunch somewhere good in Bournemouth.

Have a great weekend, we will be celebrating with a little wine & a good film tonight xXx

MoLLiMoO ShOp UpDaTe

2010-02-22T02:29:00.000-08:00

Liberty of London fabric & cute blue daisies, these are my newly listed fabric buttons in my Etsy and Folksy shops ...

Liberty Fabric Buttons

Daisy Blue Fabric Buttons

I have to confess, this is the first time I have worked with Liberty fabric & it is like heaven in my hands! It is 100% cotton of the finest quality & I really didn't want to cut it. I just wanted to stroke it & cherish it & then pack it away for 'Best'. However, the urge to see it's prettiness blossom in to a set of lovely buttons was just too much..after all, buttons are my first love!!

Half term is now over & George is back at school. I'll miss him so much today. The last week has seen us having our adventures, out in the fresh air....by lakeside...

Discovering new things...

Wellies on feet....

Pretty reflections....
Fresh, sunny skies...

There is still colour to be found in nature, even in February....

Perfect!

On the gloomier days, there was plenty of drawing & colouring going on...

Molly drew this of herself on a boatsnake (?!) and the one below is of her when she was little (she is only 3 now!)...

This is George's picture of some Power Rangers....

I love the children's artwork, I always make sure they have some on display in our little home.

I am now going to work on some more buttons & this afternoon, I will have a little knit!

Spring has now arrived in our home, I am just waiting for it to arrive outdoors....

I have a little secret that I am absolutley BURSTING to tell you all about, but I have to wait a month or so! It is very positive & related to some great publicity for Mollimoo, but I must wait & see before I post about it.

Have a wonderful Monday xXx

A little break!

2010-02-17T10:35:00.000-08:00

***ShOp AnNoUnCeMeNt***

I am logging off from this crazy computer to spend some lovely quality time with my little moos. My Folksy & Etsy shops are closed & I'm going to savour every moment with the children as these times pass so quickly & they grow so fast.

I'm taking a break from my little blog too for the next few days but I promise I will be back to business as usual from Friday, 19th February.

Have a fabulous week & bye for now! xXx

ThAnKs aLL RoUnD !!

2010-02-12T04:55:00.000-08:00

It's Friday!!
The weekend is most definately a time for relaxing together, home making & having fun. Life has been really hectic & it's time to SlOoOoW dOwN!

I would like to say a massive HELLO to all of my new followers, thank you for following my blog!I always notice when I have new peeps to follow my ramblings and always remember my old faithfulls too! I really am very grateful to all 198 of you! Wow!

My crafting has slowed right down, though my shops are still ticking over...phew! I have some new japanese fabric arriving in the next few days. Cute little houses, flower pots & even Peter Rabbit may make an appearance on my buttons in the next week or two! So watch this space!!
Other than buttons, I really must get a shifty on with making something lavender, from the huge bag I have in the bottom of my stash. I'm also hoping to knit some lighter, Spring scarves in a mohair or cotton yarn. After all, Gladys has been a little redundant over the last few months. She needs to earn her keep you know!

On Wednesday, Molly & I tootled off to the promenade in Poole & cycled all along the seafront to Bournemouth Pier...and back again. Well, Molly didn't actually cycle, she just sat in the trailer attached to 'you know who's' bike & enjoyed the ride. I, on the other hand, had to pull the great lump the whole 6 miles! We had wonderful fun though, the snow slowed me down a bit...yes, it did snow a little, and all of the sea air really tired us out.

When we got back to the car park, Mr Squirrel came to eat his lunch overlooking our car so I snapped this shot of him. He was gorgeous! Can you see what I can see??....Teeny tiny buds, but they are definately there! I am yearning for Spring!

*** ThAnKyOu, tHaNkYoU, ThAnKyOu ***
to
Claire of Black Cats Whiskers
for her lovely interview with me which she has blogged all about here.

Claire makes really pretty jewellery, check out this Button Watch in her Folksy shop, it's gorgeous!

Right, better dash! Places to be, people to see!
Have a great weekend Xx

ThE LoVe MoNtH ...

2010-02-03T02:37:00.000-08:00

I love February! It is a month for romance & love (though every month should be, regardless) & it is a time for spoiling my lovely husband as his Birthday is on the 28th. He will turn 31 this year & he makes me the happiest me I could ever wish to be! It makes me want to share these lovely images with you...

Images courtesy of WeHeartIt.com

Bye for now Xx

Mr Postman, bring me a dreeeam..la la la la

2010-01-27T02:11:00.000-08:00

Mr Postie arrived this morning...I was expecting him to bring me a little something! He did not disappoint!!

I was lucky enough to spot some destash listings whilst browsing in AMI Designs shop on Etsy. It was one of those moments when you start to frantically add to your shopping cart, fingers wobbling all over the keyboard! This is just a little peep of what I have received this morning...

A beautiful mix of glass pearls in the most delicate colours! I also bought some ivory glass pearls & some yellow/orange beads. I have a few ideas of what I will make with them.

I really admire Alison's work! She is very talented & her designs are elegant & stylish, especially if you are shopping for a special occasion or Wedding. Perhaps a Mother's Day gift?

If you haven't already, do pay her a visit! You can also find Ami Designs on Folksy here for those who prefer to shop in the Great British Pound!!

My absolute favourite is this perfect Spring accessory... Green,pink & ivory Bubbles pearl Bracelet.

***MoLLiMoo ShOp UpDaTe***

I have listed some new designs of fabric buttons to my Etsy & Folksy shops. They are in pretty Spring inspiring florals, especially for those of you who love feminine, pretty buttons!

I no longer charge for additional items in an order from my Etsy shop, you only pay shipping for the first item in an order.

Have a wonderful Wednesday Xx

Imagining it's Spring!

2010-01-20T04:29:00.000-08:00

I am dreaming of Spring! On Sunday we went for a walk down by the beach at Sandbanks, Poole. It was a gorgeous day & I'm not sure if I was imagining it or not but there was a distinct feel of Spring in the air.

It felt so good to be back on the beach after all this miserable weather lately. The cobwebs were blown away to sea!

Brownsea Island sits in the harbour of Poole. It is home to many red squirrels, scouting camps & castles. Enid Blyton used it as inspiration for some of her Famous Five adventures many years ago & the National Trust do a great job of preserving it. The buildings in the picture below are where the ferries deliver many visitors.

On Monday, I took Molly to visit Grandma & Grandad. This pretty little church sits in the centre of the village where my mum and dad live, in West Dorset. A beautiful chocolate box village with locals who have lived all of their lives there, many born in their homes.

On went the wellies & off we went for yet another walk, this time to visit Billy the Bull & offspring. I'm sure you will agree, they are very sweet!

Then we arrived home & I just had to grab a photo of Molly in today's outfit. Rainbow colours & bright buttons, all finished off with a bright green pinafore dress...Ooh, I could eat her up (not literally, of course)

With all this chat of fine weather & Spring, what could be more appropriate than to finish with this award ...

Thank you so much to Pink Milk for awarding me & my blog this Sunshine Award! I was thrilled to bits & most grateful. I am supposed to pass it on & it is most certainly on my to do list, however my return to work is holding me up a little so apologies Pink Milk! Please forgive me!

Be sure to pop by & visit the Pink Milk Blog, it is fabulous & a real joy to read.

Lastly, I really want to say a huge Thank You to Lynsey of Cuteable.com for featuring my buttons the other day! Lynsey's blog is a 'treasure trove of cute stuff for you & your home'...most definately worth a visit if you haven't already. There are some brilliant handmade finds on there!

So that's it for today. Enjoy the rest of your Wednesday Xx

Ceramic discoveries ...

2010-01-15T08:24:00.000-08:00

I adore ceramics & pottery of all kinds so as a little feature this Friday, to get us all in the mood for some weekend shopping, I thought I would pick some favourites!

I have bought several gorgeous pieces in the past from the lovely Lisa of Sea Urchin on Etsy & Folksy. Her work is fresh, unique & beautifully made. I find this pendant quite irresistable...

Turquoise Carnival porcelain flower pendant

I also love this shop on Folksy - Julia Smith Ceramics. Julia's handmade ceramics are so pretty & distinctive.

This Bright Butterflies Bowl really caught my eye.

A funky, quirky glazed Ceramic Brooch from Artspace Scotland, an artist run, charitable enterprise who have a shop on Folksy.

Last, but most definately not least, is Folksy lady Lauren Denney of Lauren Ceramics with her sleek, stylish ceramic designs with a very modern edge...I love 'em!

Gorgeous White ceramic night lite/candle holder. I most definately have one of these on my wish list!

The prettiest thing!

2010-01-07T08:16:00.000-08:00

The recent snowfall is just so pretty, despite the inconvenience & chaos it brings with it. I just can't help feeling so excited & in awe of how pretty it makes everything appear!

January awakens a feeling of optimism & excitedness for me as the daylight draws out a little in the late afternoon & I start to look forward to the Spring & Summer. Thoughts of camping trips, festivals & days on the beach start to creep in to my mind & my healthy eating & gym visits have the desired effect on me & fill me with energy.

On the last day of the Christmas break, Matt got up at 6.30am & took George for a walk in the woods near our house. He wanted to see the sun rise in the frosty sky...

On the one side was the sun & then on the other side ....

the moon.

I wish I had made the effort for me & Molly to join them, though it's nice for them to have some some 'Daddy & son time'.

A few new buttons...

2010-01-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

Just a few little additions to my shop....

Love Buttons - Ideal for those Valentines projects.

Sing for your Supper - A little something with Easter in mind.

Easter Bunny Love
All of these fabric button sets are listed in my Folksy shop & will be in my Etsy shop later today!

A New Year Ahead ...

2009-12-31T01:43:00.000-08:00

We have had such a merry, wonderful Christmas this year. The children have had so much excitement & we have all had lots of food & fun, there has been very little time for any crafting to be done!

At last I have a moment to update my blog! I have certainly missed it, despite having felt a little distant from it in the lead up to Christmas! I think a relaxing break has been just what I have needed.

Looking forward to 2010, I have some positive plans for this New Year!

I will be adding some new designs of fabric buttons to my shops over the next few weeks, with lots more listings to follow in the Spring, including needlefelted items & lavender sachets. I really want to move things along with a fresh approach this year, so watch this space.

I am hoping to lose some Christmas Bulge from my middle area (!?) in the next few months so will be eating mega healthily & working out hard at the gym...wish me luck...I will need it!!

I am returning to work after 3 & a half years. I'm a little scared! I will be going in to help out with our business, doing some admin work, just a couple of days a week...again..wish me luck! ha ha! My husband will need it!

In between all of this I plan to make the most of my time with Molly before she starts school next September. There will be lots of playing & park/beach visits. It will be a year of changes for us all. I feel quite sad as we are not having any more children & it will be a real end of a chapter, though with a new exciting one ahead for our little ones as they journey along.

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL !!

I hope 2010 brings you all you wish for, as well as good health & happiness Xx

Merry Christmas to you all !!

2009-12-23T23:20:00.000-08:00

I would like to wish all of my lovely followers & fantastic customers a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS !!

I hope you all have the lovely Christmas that you all deserve with plenty of laughter, love, good food & wine...oh yes...and handmade presents !

We are going to a local garden centre this morning to see Santa's real reindeer & this afternoon, when Daddy arrives home from work, the children are allowed to choose a present each from under the tree which they can open. It's a little tradition of ours & starts the excitement for tomorrow!

Wherever you are & whatever way you choose to spend Christmas Eve, enjoy it!

I'm looking forward to spending time with the family & lots of fun & cuddles with George & Molly. My Folksy & Etsy shops will remain open over the holidays & I will resume posting on Monday 28th December Xx

Christmas Parade

2009-12-18T05:31:00.000-08:00

Last Saturday we went in to town for the Christmas Festival & to watch the Parade. It was very chilly but so lovely for the children to watch all of the decorated vehicles & hear the band!

We had a cosy pub lunch first & then made our way to find a nice spot to stand. The sun was shining in the icy blue sky & when all of the fun was over, we walked along the river & then made our way back home to the warmth!

Have a lovely weekend! My blogging may slow down a little over the next few weeks but I will be back in the New Year, blogging more often so do stay with me!!

Thrifty finds....

2009-12-11T06:51:00.000-08:00

Off I trotted this morning, in search of thrifty goodness. What would my search yield? Very occassionally I find a real gem, usually I find a load of tat...not today! Today was a day to top all of my treasure hunting days...today I found these....!!

Gorgeous Christmas decorations for our tree. I am absolutely smitten with these little folk. I'm imagining they are hand painted, perhaps even vintage! I'm pretending they are Austrian or German with an age of history attached to them. Of course, all of this is pure guess work.

These beautiful little glass doves were also swept up in to my arms before you could say "Merry Christmas"...how exciting. I must have timed it just right because the lady in the shop said they were only put out on the shelf the night before.

I also have another reason to be very pleased with myself today (apologies for my completely self indulgent post!). I was browsing through the pages of UK Handmade Christmas Gift Guide Magazine & there, on pages 14-15, was my Cream Scarf...

Be sure to grab a nice cup of tea & have a browse through, there are lots of lovely gift ideas for Christmas. After all, it is only 2 weeks away!

Its a coming .....

2009-12-08T08:07:00.000-08:00

How do I know it's nearly Christmas?

* Well, for starters, the Post Office was at bursting point yesterday with people standing in a huuuge line, parcels under arms & a grumpy look on their faces!

* Then there is the long list of things to do on my calendar, full with childrens parties, Nativity plays & Christmas Fairs....such fun (and madness)!

* Of course, my most favourite sign that Christmas is coming is putting up the tree & decorations. I love it!

It feels like there is so much to look forward to at the moment. We are going in to town on Saturday to watch the Christmas Parade which feels so festive & wonderful for the children to watch. It is for a good cause too, with all collections going to Save the Children. Then there is the business Christmas Party on the 19th which is when I really let my hair down & enjoy 'muchos vinos' (much wine)! lol.

At some point, in between the festivities, I want to get to work on some new designs for my shops. The present stock is feeling a little tired & in need of a freshen up so I really need to find the time to put some new ideas in to action!

What are you all doing in the build up to Christmas? I'd love to know Xx

A Little Gimp!

2009-12-03T01:55:00.001-08:00

Following an Etsy e-mail the other day, I discovered the wonderful image manipulation programme Gimp 2. It is ideal for making your own blog headers & shop banners. I am completely self taught when it comes to blogging & all of the jargon that goes along with computers & I am certainly not a natural at it! However, finding tutorials on the web is easy so if you feel brave...give it a go.

I came up with this banner (above) for my shops but I like the one that Leanne of See the Woods was really kind to make for me so I don't think I will change it. Be sure to check Gimp out though, if you haven't already (I'm slow, I'm sure you are all fully aware of it already!!)

Oh yes, just watch when searching Google for it, you can find 'all kinds' of things!

Now...ChRiStMaS !!

It is going to be here in no time. I really must get organised, I'm usually all done by October but not this year. I'm just going with the flow.

It would be really lovely if we could have some of this kind of fun at Christmas though.....

Here's hoping Xx

Free UK Post & Packaging until midnight tonight...

2009-11-29T08:31:00.000-08:00

I thought I would just let you know that I'm offering free UK (sorry to those of you abroad!) Postage & Packaging in my Folksy Shop until midnight tonight!

So get yourself along there & pick up a bargain, especially as I have reduced the prices of my needlefelted brooches.

I've also just relisted this feminine brooch. I think it would make a lovely gift for someone special!

Lou Lou Brooch

Folksy Friday

2009-11-27T03:40:00.000-08:00

I love it when my children get excited! One of my favourite things that they get all giddy about is when they look out of the window & just happen to catch sight of a Rainbow! I have to admit, I love it too. It makes you feel special, like you are the only ones in the world to spot it & it's all yours to savour momentarily, until it gradually fades away, leaving you discussing buried treasure & spectrums!

It has happened several times this week & gave me the idea for my Folksy Friday this week.
So here are some bright, colourful rainbow designs for you to treasure yourselves...

Rainbow Keyring by The Rainbow Room

Set of four Rainbow Coasters by Oddgirl Creates

Rainbow Baby Hat by Sue of Over the Rainbow

Pixie Hoodie by Raggtagg*

Somewhere over the Rainbow Wall Hanging by One Good Apple

Rainbow Heart Brooch by Mollimoo! I couldn't help but throw this one in the colourful mix!

Have a lovely Friday! Xx

My Collection....

2009-11-23T03:49:00.000-08:00

I just could not resist joining in with My Place & Yours this week, hosted by Meet Me at Mikes.

This week's theme, chosen by Kate is 'My Collection'.... so here are some of mine...

I really love vintage children's books, especially Enid Blyton. It takes me straight back to when I was a little girl & my dad used to tuck me up in bed & read me her lovely stories. My favourite was The Wishing Chair. I used to imagine my little wooden rocking chair had wings & I'd be whisked away to a far off land!

Another collection of mine is my stash of vintage fabrics. Many are just hidden away until I find a use for them...

I love the old, romantic prints on them, full of history & charm! I find them in charity shops, at markets & antique shops. I really want to make Molly a lovely summer dress from a piece before next Summer...Mmm, I wonder if I will!

Lastly, the collection that is growing very quickly each day is that of Molly's drawings. She seems to have become obsessed with drawing & colouring & we are going through paper like it's going out of fashion! From caterpillars, to monsters, speedboats & fish, the pile is endless & I can't bare to throw a single one out!

To join in the fun, head on over to Pip's. Have a lovely Monday Xx

Red & green should most definately be seen!

2009-11-19T06:13:00.000-08:00

What a week! Both children have been poorly, one after the other & now it's my hubby's turn !!

Aarghh! So I've kept myself out of mischief & when I've been having a break from my Florence Nightingale role, I've been busy making buttons, button hearts, twittering & swapping!

I've really enjoyed taking part in the Folksy Christmas '09 Decoration swap, organised by the lovely Noodlebubble. My swap partner was Deborah of Pretty Goods (and what very pretty goods she makes, too!).

I made Debs this red & green vintage button heart wreath & she sent me this set of 6 absolutely gorgeous Heart Decorations .....

****ShOp uPdAtE ****

I now have some sets of Christmas themed fabric buttons in my shops, ideal for adding to handmade festive goodies or knitty things!

I love the cute little skiing penguin! So cute!

Now, on to some shameless self pride! I was chuffed to chuffing bits a few weeks ago when I became a Featured Seller on Folksy & it did wonders for business. It's amazing how things like that can draw visitors to your shop & spur you on with your crafting. So...Yay! Right, sorry about that but I just had to share it with you all, I couldn't keep it to myself any longer!

Lastly, I have finally come out of my cave & signed up to Twitter. Due to the copious amounts of chatter that comes from my mouth, I have to say I'm struggling to find statements short enough to 'tweet' but I'll have a go. If any of you would like to follow me on there I am http://twitter.com/mollimoo1

Ta ta for now Xx

Meet Gladys ....

2009-11-14T04:45:00.000-08:00

Meet Gladys ....

She is my new recruit!

She joined us yesterday. I had to pick her up, she doesn't drive but I don't mind because I think she is wonderful! After a somewhat stormy night, she is settling in well & I have already got her earning her keep. This week she is modelling my hand knitted scarves ....

Hot Pink Scarf, knitted using a gorgeous, soft wool/acrylic mix yarn.

Skinny Scarf, knitted in a very soft, chunky 100% merino wool.

Both of these scarves are now available in my Folksy shop & Etsy shop.

Enjoy your Saturday afternoon Xx

A very special day indeeeed !!

2009-11-13T05:44:00.000-08:00

Our boy is now 6, to his complete delight!

We have just celebrated a very happy Birthday, here in the Peacock household.

George had a couple of friends over to share a Birthday dinner & play together.

We only bought a digital camera when Molly was a baby, so we don't have any photos on our laptop of George, hence the wedding photo. He was 18 months here & such a sweet, gentle boy. A characteristic still strong within him today.

Then Molly came along & he had a little sister to take care of ....

She is now the boss, though George can still hold his own if he has to! They are very close & I hope it stays this way forever !!

Happy Birthday to our gorgeous, loving, gentle, very tall George !!

We LoVe YoU XxXx

A winner !!

2009-11-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Drumroll please......And the winner of my Button heart wreath & other goodies is lovely Heidi of Tales of Snowdrop Cottage ! Yay, well done Heidi. I've left a message on your blog for you to contact me with your details.

I just want to say thank you so much to everyone for entering & leaving your really lovely comments. It's really very useful to get some feedback on my designs & buttons.

Lovely Mr.Postie came with some scrummy new fabric today so there will be some fresh buttons coming soon.

Have a lovely evening, I'm off to recover as our little George had his 6th Birthday today & we are exhausted! More on that to come Xx

Blog Birthday Giveaway ....

2009-11-07T08:35:00.000-08:00

Finally...it is here...my 1st blog Birthday giveaway competition !! It's about bloomin' time, I hear you cry! I know, I know !!

The giveaway is this pretty button heart wreath, made by my own fair hand. I will also throw in a few pieces of fabric from my stash & some 'bits 'n' bobs' too.

All you have to do is to pay my Folksy Shop or Etsy Shop a visit & then leave a comment on this post telling me which item is your favourite & why.

I will pop all of the names in to a hat & then get my little Mollimoo to pick a winner on Tuesday 10th November at 6pm. So you have until then to enter.

We are going to a Fireworks display tonight, so there will be lots of "Oohs" and "Aarghs" & excitement...and that's just me! Stay safe wherever you are tonight & have a lovely evening Xx

Mr Moo gets crafty !!

2009-11-01T02:15:00.000-08:00

I nearly keeled over from the shock ! Yes, Mr Moo got creative for Halloween.....

I must say I was very impressed with his pumpkin carving skills. I love this time of year !!

The Art Boot Sale went fairly well yesterday. It was a very small affair, with mostly art for sale rather than crafts but I thoroughly enjoyed the day & met some lovely folk. I also learnt quite a few things....

1. Always make sure you have enough items for sale !! Something I didn't work hard enough on ...

2. ALWAYS leave young children at home! Unless they are old enough to handle money & even make things to sell themselves..they will get bored (and George did!).

3. I was reminded just how nice it is to meet new people, especially fellow artisans & the odd new contact for future events.

I hope you all had a lovely Halloween...next stop...Christmas !! Xx

What a lovely time !

2009-10-30T02:12:00.000-07:00

We have certainly made the most of the half term & squeezed in a lot of fun (amidst the occasional tantrums & tears) & made the most of the lovely, mild weather.

We have gone for walks in the pretty Dorset countryside, discovering the odd willow sculpture as we go.....

We have swung & played ....

Watched some monkeys other than my own ....

Visited ancient spooky castles & searched for ghosts & pumpkins....

Whilst strolling through quaint village streets, admiring the old cottages (not to mention daydreaming of living there but trying to figure out how my 6ft 4 hubby would fit through the doors!)....

Not to mention the odd mishap !!

Here's hoping all of you mummies & daddies also enjoyed your holidays just as much !! Xx

ArT BoOt SaLe

2009-10-25T08:43:00.000-07:00

As our Sunday chicken roasts in the oven & the children chatter uncontrollably, I can't help but turn my mind to everything I have to get done in the next few weeks!

The first event that is causing me some stress (& excitement, of course) is the Art Boot Sale at the Kube gallery in Poole. I have a space booked for next Saturday & it will be my first event where I sell my handmade items.

I'm very excited about it but just very worried that I will not have made enough items to fill my 2 metre long table! Smoke has been rising from my knitting needles & if I ever see another fabric button, I think I may go slightly crazy! I was booked to take part a couple of months ago but pulled out due to various things...one of which was the exact same worry! This time, however, I will see it through even if I look like someone who has forgotten to bring my designs with me!

Now I must apologise! I have not posted about my 1st blog Birthday giveaway & I am really sorry. I promise you I most definately have it in the pipeline but just can't seem to get my head around it at the moment as we have so much on....I will most definately get it sorted & blog about it very soon I promise you!

Next on my lovely to do list is George's 6th Birthday! Yay! I love birthdays, especially the children's. They are so much fun & a great chance to get creative in the kitchen with the cakes. I can't quite believe that our little boy will be 6 already.

Then there is a Christmas tree decoration swap on Folksy which I can't wait to get stuck in to creating. It's going to be lots of fun & a great start to the build up for Christmas. I have some fun ideas in mind.

So I had better skidaddle & get my rear in gear or else I'm never going to get anything done. I have chicken to carve & crispy roast potatoes to share with my lovely little family.

Have a fantastic Sunday evening Xx

A new Floppy Bear

2009-10-21T01:57:00.000-07:00

About a year ago, I knitted George this cute little bear by Claire Garland

He is called Floppy Bear & george takes him to bed every night. Of course, it was only a matter of time until Molly insisted I make her one too, so that has been keeping me busy lately.

Mark 2 Floppy Bear is in blue & a little bigger as I upped the needle size. I'll post a pic as soon as he's finished.

The weather has been very wet lately so I'm just posting these photos to remind me of the days the sun is shining to cheer us all up ....

I had the great pleasure of being featured in a 20 Questions interview on Evie Milo's wonderful blog this week, Milomade. It was great fun to do & Evie has made the finished blog post look great, so thank you so much!!

On the 23rd October, I will have been blogging for a whole year!! I just don't know where the time has gone. I think a giveaway is in order to celebrate so do come back & visit & I will tell you all about it.

I must confess, I'm feeling a bit poorly as I'm on antibiotics & they are making me feel drained! So I'm off to curl up on the settee with some knitting. Xx

Folksy folk

2009-10-16T10:08:00.000-07:00

Just look at these fantasmagorical handmade items.

All of them are gorgeous & they have all been made by fellow Folksy sellers.

All of them also just happen to be new homes to some of the buttons I have sold! Thank you for your custom ladies.

Andrea, the lovely Polka, has created this beautiful Tweed Handbag which is now for sale in her shop.

Polka has also designed this gorgeous Green Wool Brooch ....

These fabulous Scary Baby Shoes have been hand knitted by Sue, of Over the Rainbow.

They are so sweet & a great idea! Both shops have some gorgeous items, so if you fancy a browse pop on over.

News of a fabulous giveaway today over on the lovely Sophie's blog, Her Library Adventures. Sophie sells her gorgeous brooches in her Etsy shop & is having a fabulous giveaway to celebrate her first anniversay on Etsy. Pop on over & find out how you could be in with a chance of winning.

That's it for today, have a lovely weekend X

Spotty, Dotty Boots

2009-10-12T06:17:00.000-07:00

Where did life take us today ??

Who's little wellied feet are these?... And what fun are they having?

Who can resist a trip to the park on a day like today ?! It's beautiful...

I had a lovely time on Saturday night when my friend, Jo *waves at Jo* came around for a curry & some (copious amount of) wine. The only thing better than good wine is good company & it certainly was that !!

I've also been on a little handmade shopping spree following a flurry in my shop. I'll blog about that next time but I've certainly had some lovely items arrive!

It's just a little post today, I'm really hoping to get in to the swing of blogging more often as I know I've been a bit slow lately. Keep an eye out for my 1st Blog Birthday very soon. I'm thinking a giveaway is in order to celebrate !!

I hope you have all had a wonderful weekend Xx

ShOp uPdAtE...

2009-10-07T03:23:00.000-07:00

Leaves falling to the ground, berries falling from the trees,

raindrops falling from the sky.

Squishy knitting on a cosy sofa with a cup of tea.

Autumn ...

I have been beavering away with my fabric buttons, feeling like a little squirrel busy finding supplies & stashing away for the winter ! And of course, loving every minute of it all!

With Halloween in mind & the fact that pirate themes are 'oh so now' (not to mention a prompt from a lovely customer who actually came up with the idea, thank you Sue!) I have now added this cute little set of skull & crossbones fabric buttons in my Folksy Shop and Etsy shop ...

I think they would look very cheeky on a young swashbuckler's knitted cardi or a spooky halloween outfit.

I've also been felting for England. I'm not so sure my washing machine will survive with all of this fuzzy business going on.

My other addition to both my Folksy & Etsy shops is this felted gadget cosy, ideal for mobile phones, i-pods or anything else you can get it to cuddle for that matter ...

Have a wonderful Wednesday Xx

My CrEaTiVe SpAcE...

2009-10-01T08:25:00.000-07:00

Circles, circles everywhere....

I suppose that's what happens when you enjoy making buttons !!

My Creative Space for this week. To check out other lovely spaces this week or join along take a peep at Kootoyoo's blog. These cute little zebra buttons are now for sale in my Folksy shop & my Etsy shop.

Have a lovely Thursday Xx

Thanks all round...

2009-09-30T03:20:00.000-07:00

A dandelion clock that has not been blown far & wide is a rare find in our garden so I just had to capture it on camera. It's another little addition to my photos of blooms.

On a crafting note, the other day I felt very pleased when the lovely Kate of Ginger Nut Knits on Folksy asked me to supply her with some of my fabric buttons to add to her gorgeous hat designs. Before I knew it, hey presto, Kate had whipped up this beautiful Chunky Autumnal Beanie in a striking moss green merino wool.

So, thank you for your custom Kate! Be sure to check out her lovely hats on Folksy.

I also want to say another Thank You to Alison of Ami Designs for interviewing me as a featured seller on her blog. Alison makes beautiful beaded jewellery which she sells from her Folksy & Etsy shops. You can read the feature here.

It's past my bedtime, so I'm off to rest in the lovely land of nod but should be back tomorrow with my creative space for this week. Na night & sleep tight Xx

Last blooms of Summer...

2009-09-24T05:51:00.000-07:00

I am alone, with no one, in the house! The little lady is at nursery, Neil Diamond is singing out Crackling Rose & I am caressing a bargain bucket full of the softest, squidgiest cashmere merino silk wool (courtesy of hobbycraft, thank you very much...I'll take the 12 balls of sublime for just under £4 if I must).... where was I??

Oh yes, so 'said' wool tossed aside without a care, out I trot in to my little garden which is slowly kissing summer goodbye. Out comes my little friend, the Kodak Z740, to keep me company. I am, after all, very much alone.... apart from my other friend, Sidney Sunflower....he's a ray of sunshine...

Then there is Pandora Passionflower, a lively little lady that one!

And last but by no means least, the ricketty roses. They are just about managing their last late blooms...

Content that I have found these last blooms & thinking back over the summer, I have to say what a wonderful time we have had. Camping, bike rides, days on the beach, we really have made the most of it ....

I am finally feeling it's alright to turn my mind to autumn, to cosy nights in by the fire, knitting in hand, hubby at side. Pulling on my boots & coat & taking half an hour to get the kids from the hall to the car once all winter woollies are in place! Walks in the leafy woods next to our home & kite flying...bring it on !!!

Pretty free images...

2009-09-22T06:12:00.000-07:00

We managed to get out & about at the weekend though it was a struggle as Molly & Matt are just getting over bad colds & just didn't have the energy for walking. We made the best of it we could though & it was a gorgeous, warm day...

Badbury Rings with it's hilly Roman ground.

Little black sheep all on his lonesome!

I thought I'd post some gorgeous images that I found on Old Photo Album blog. Pretty, vintage photos from days gone by....

I really like this last one, what a cutie!

They are free images that can be used for anything you like, scrapbooking, collage, mixed media artwork as long as they are not sold as a collection (see blog for more accurate rules on this!).

Happy crafting Xx

ShOp UpDaTe...

2009-09-19T00:54:00.000-07:00

I've been such a busy little bee these last few days & my buttons have been selling like hotcakes! Thank you to all my lovely customers, it's been a pleasure to get my needle working.

I have listed these new buttons in my Folksy shop & they will also be for sale in my Etsy shop from Monday.

Winter Flower 29mm

Zesty Stripes 29mm

Ditsy Daisy small 22mm

Tiny Sprigs 22mm

Round Daisy 22mm

There will be more to follow over the next few weeks as I'm really concentrating on getting my shops stocked up.

Autumn is well & truly here now. I really feel the need to get out & about with my camera over the weekend. I want to savour every last bit of being outdoors in the mild weather before it gets chilly! I really am a summer girl, flip flops & tents are my domain!

I feel I must apologise as this is my first post since last Sunday. Things have been so hectic! I will be trying to get back to blogging at least twice a week from now on.

Have a wonderful weekend & happy crafting X

Needlefelting Workshop

2009-09-13T00:41:00.001-07:00

I had a wonderful time yesterday at the needlefelting workshop that I attended in Gillingham. Our lovely teacher Tamsyn showed us how to 'paint' with wool and, as always, was completely inspiring! Of course, sitting in the middle of her lovely shop full of colour, how could anyone NOT be inspired...

The hours flew past & before I knew it I had created these brooches ...

and finished the session buying some felting needles, roving & bits 'n' bobs so that I can make more at home. Following my lack of spirit, I can definately say it has come back & I can't wait to get going again! It's never gone for long.

I must just share with you these gorgeous bookmarks that I bought from Barbara on Etsy....

Beautiful bookmarks full of colour, butterflies & soul. I love them both & they are tucked up between the covers of my current reads awaiting my return at bedtime!

Be sure to stop by Barbara's shop on Etsy & TamsynG's shop on Etsy & Folksy...Delish!

Have a wonderful, relaxing, crafty Sunday Xx

A little lost....

2009-09-11T08:37:00.000-07:00

I won't lie to you...I'm feeling a little lost in my creative world. Lacking in spirit, in imagination. My get up & go has got up & gone!! I don't know why. It may have something to do with the fact that I am putting alot of my time & energy in to getting fit. My mind can only cope with one thing at once. Whenever I am busy creating new things, I can't get it together to go to the gym & get fit. When I am getting fit, I can never seem to create. What's wrong with me?! Aaarrgh! Does anyone else have this problem?

It can't all be bad. I knit this prototype bracelet the other day....I need to change it so that it does up with a button instead of sewing it together (it stretches too much when you slip it over your hand).

I have a feeling the needlefelting class that I'm attending tomorrow, taught by Tamsyn of Tamsyn G, will re-awaken my mojo. Here's hoping, or else it's going to be a loooong tiring winter in the gym!!

Garden visitors...

2009-09-08T09:54:00.000-07:00

A handsome little fellow, perhaps he is waiting to be kissed !!

It made me want to post about these gorgeous froggy Folksy finds...

Hop To It Collage by Strangelord

Felix the Friendly Frog Plush by Covetables

Frog on a lilypad Brooch by Dark Fairy Treasures

Frog Baby Shoes by With Hugs and Kisses

I'm off to put the children to bed, cook some dinner & then settle down with hubby & some knitting. Enjoy your evening Xx

Children's Craft Products review

2009-09-04T07:48:00.000-07:00

A little while ago I was contacted through my blog by a lovely lady called Molly, asking me if I would mind doing a review on some crafting products for the company Baker Ross/Yellow Moon. Both companies sell Arts & Crafts for children online & in brochure form. Their products are ideal for home educating & when you buy from them a percentage of the cost is given to your selected school, group or charity, which I think is a brilliant idea.

I jumped at the chance & said I would love to. Shortly afterwards the goodies arrived. George & I settled down to some serious testing.

First up, the 'Giotti Decor textile' fabric pens...

Quote "Fabulous selection of fabric fibre pens. Suitable for use on most natural and man-made fabrics. Contains permanent ink that is washable up to 40ºC. Simply heat-fix by ironing. 12 assorted bright colours. Age 3+" unquote!

I bought us some plain shopping bags & we got to work. We found the pens very easy to use & of a really good quality. I was a little worried they may drag on the lighter fabric of the bags but they glided on easily. When I took the photo below we hadn't finished, but since then we have completed them. After heat-fixing with the iron & machine washing, it has done exactly what it says on the label! These pens were a whole lot of fun & very versatile. You can use them on all sorts of fabric including canvas shoes, bags, t-shirts, whatever you like. My only criticism is that some of the colours are quite bright, almost fluorescent, and it would be nice to have some softer colours available. Overall, very impressed.

George decided his design was of the four seasons (i have a feeling he copied my purple flowers!).

Next up, a set of 18 paper craft punches...

What a great selection of punches. Some great little designs on each one, they worked very efficiently & the little flap underneath was nice & easy to open to empty it out. This comes as a set of 18, which saves buying all of your punches individually (mmm, feel I may be stating the obvious there, lol!). My last item to review was a pack of 12 crafting papers, so I decided to combine the experience & review the two together.

The papers came in various shades of purple but judging from their websites, both companies offer an extensive range of colours & patterns. They are of a good quality & cut nicely. The different textures worked really well together, the only thing to bear in mind is that the more delicate papers show the glue through them so less is more where they are concerned.

George decided that we should make a collage for his little sister with her name on it.

So there we go! I would highly recommend a visit to this company to stock up on some crafting lovelies. George loved us having the quality crafty time together.

Before I go, I must just share this lovely pot of thrifting goodness...

Lots of vintage coloured knitty needles thrifted from my local charity shops all thrust together in a gorgeous bit of pottery. Delish!! Have a great weekend Xx

ShOp uPdAtE ...

2009-09-03T04:02:00.000-07:00

I have just updated my Etsy shop & Folksy shop with this luxurious drop stitch scarf in a classic cream colour. I must admit, I'm finding it a struggle to let go of this one as I have grown a little attached to it during our time together! Never the less, we must part & go our seperate ways.

I really must knit myself something very soon though. I postponed my stall at the local gallery's Art Boot Sale until the end of September to give myself time to make more items. I guess something for myself will have to wait until after that!

I think the last days of summer are upon us. I have been in denial but how can I ignore it any longer when I have been drawing our curtains at 8.30 in the evening & turning on the lamp ?!!

I took part in a Destash swap on Folksy the other week. This is the lovely parcel that I received from Becky, aka Chiyo. There were some gorgeous beads, felt, feathers, ribbon & really pretty butterflies & flowers, a true reflection of Chiyo's lovely designs. Thank you very much Becky!

I hope my swap partner likes what I sent to them..fingers crossed!

I could no longer resist one of Kitty Eden's feminine, delicate brooches....

It arrived this morning & I couldn't wait to open it! I must admit, it is even more pretty in the flesh. I'm thinking that it will keep my days bright during the coming months.

This afternoon, while Molly has been at nursery, George & I have been working with some crafting goodies that I have been asked to review by a lady from the company Baker Ross/Yellow Moon. I will post about them tomorrw & give a full review on the items we tested. We have had alot of fun trying them out. More about that tomorrow.

Have a lovely Thursday & happy crafting Xx

Oohh...I do love to be beside the seaside !!

2009-08-30T07:57:00.000-07:00

We arrived home on Friday after a lovely, relaxing camping trip to Lyme Regis for 5 days. It was very tiring and we are more than pleased to be back in our warm, comfy bed! The nights are really drawing in & getting a little chilly though I refuse to give up on summer yet! September can bring some lovely weather, so fingers crossed.

I love Lyme Regis. It is quite a stylish seaside town with some gorgeous vintage style shops coupled with a relaxed 'away from it all' atmosphere. There are little back streets with art galleries & modern restaurants as well as the lovely, crisp promenade with the pretty little beach huts all stood to attention.

Always good to come across some art work on the walls! Brightens up an already cheery spot.

We did a spot of kite flying on the beach at Seaton. When I say 'we'...I actually mean 'the tall one'...
He pretends that the kite is for the little ones...mmm, me thinks not...

He just can't help himself....

I collected some lovely oval, flat pebbles that I will blog about later as I want to paint them or collage them. We don't get any pebbles on the beach at Bournemouth so I couldn't resist, but only a few or else I feel guilty!

We visited Charmouth beach aswell. George & Molly were glad to find some sand to play in & make cute pictures in ...

So now we are home. A week tomorrow we will be back to packed lunches & school runs & the summer holidays will seem to have flown by us, even if it didn't always feel like it at the time. So hey ho, there is not much left of summer but I plan to soak up every little last bit of it at every chance.

Ooh, before I forget...All offers of free UK p&p in my Folksy shop & Coriandr shop will end at 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday, 31st August. Thank you to those of you who made the most of this offer!

Have a great Bank holiday & see you soon Xx

Mollimoo

Gingerbread heaven

A Clear out & a fresh start

A stressful time

Pinteresting !

Did I just have a holiday ?

Daisy, Daisy, how does your garden grow?

Mollimoo buttons on Etsy's front page !

SaNd & SeA....

" Oh, pretty Liberty ! "

Folksy Friday Tea Party

Outdoor living

HaPpY DaYs

So far, so good !

Tweet Tweet Little Birdy !!

CaLLiNg aLL BuTtOn LoVeRs

J'adore les Armoire !!

Holiday Happenings

A little love goes a long way...

A funny thing happened!

Organic Goodness

Vintage Creams Treasury

An empty nest ...

Autumn Colour Poll

Folksy Friday Blackberry Heaven

Prettifying !!

Late Summer

That time of year again!

Etsy Treasury

Sunshine & freedom

~ This Moment ~

Strawberry fields forever !

Summer Delights!

Everything's coming up roses !

Meet Florence !!

Anyone for fabric ??

fOlKsY fRiDaY - SoFt SuMmEr sPiN !!

Waiting for Florence....

Sweet Memories are made of this...

More delicious destash!

My De-stash has started!

FoLkSy fRiDaY

SiLLy SaLe iN mY FoLkSy ShOp...

Stay with me !!

SwEeT ChAoS !!

A little distracted ?!

Castles & Dragons...

Ooh, do vote for my Pastel Colours...please!

For the love of Lavender

*** ShOp UpDaTe ***

I've been featured...

New photos and a cute Bunny...

OuR LittLe ArTiSt ....

Blog Awards....

TeAcUpS & bLoSsOm...

Images of Easter

Spring flowers & little lambs ...

Merry Go Round of Life !!

Japanese fabric buttons...

My BiG BiRtHdAy BoY...Mr MoO !!

***MoLLiMoO ShOp UpDaTe***

A little break!

ThAnKs aLL RoUnD !!

ThE LoVe MoNtH ...

Mr Postman, bring me a dreeeam..la la la la

Imagining it's Spring!

Ceramic discoveries ...

The prettiest thing!

A few new buttons...

A New Year Ahead ...

Merry Christmas to you all !!

Christmas Parade

Thrifty finds....

Its a coming .....

A Little Gimp!

Free UK Post & Packaging until midnight tonight...

Folksy Friday

My Collection....

Red & green should most definately be seen!

Meet Gladys ....

* ShOp UpDaTe *

MoLLiMoO ShOp UpDaTe