Sunshine and Rosettes ...

Today, we bumbled on over to our local annual Country show & had a lovely afternoon in the sunshine.
For a bit of fun, we entered Archie into a couple of the dog classes.

Firstly, we entered in the 'Fastest Recall' competition followed by a very hot and sweaty wait for the 'Best Rescue Dog' class.
We were about the 10th dog to run the recall competition and achieved the fastest recall from that point onwards. How excited were we ? Archie is incredibly fast so we knew he'd do quite well. Boo was well excited !

Anyhow, after he'd done his bit we had an ice-cream and had a look around the show and then went to wait for Archie's 'Rescue' class to start.

(Pah ! and what am I supposed to do with that ?)

Now, I know I'm quite a competitive soul but not to the point I'd nobble my opponents or such-like, and I know that the novelty classes were meant to be fun, BUT I, and my neighbour in the ring were a tad confused at the logic of choosing the winner.

The judge, who seemed a lovely lady, came around and spoke to all of us handlers asking questions such as age of the dog, how long we'd had them and more importantly to her (quite obviously), in what terrible circumstances did come by our four legged pals.

OK, so Archie wasn't tied up in a sack and thrown in a river, nor was he found in a terrible emaciated state, nor was he tied to the central reservation of the M4, but he is still a 'rescue' pup.
My friendly neighbour in the ring also had a Springer Spaniel, a 4 year old she'd had since he was 4 months old after being found wandering around the streets of Portsmouth, assumed dumped because he was a failed Gundog pup. The docked tail (illegal now unless it's a proven working dog) and nervous manner and behaviour hinted at such. Not a great start in life for him.

So, there we were, waiting for the judge to call up the six best in class to eventually choose an overall winner. Archie was getting a bit bored so I snuck him a Chicken Hula Hoop to keep him focussed on me and not so interested in sniffing his new 'mates' winky do dah ...

And then the judge pulled out the first dog saying ..
"This little dog was shut in the dark ... "
and then she said ...
"Oh it's so difficult to choose. All the dogs are just lovely but I am trying to remember their stories"

Well, I feared that that sealed the fate of all of us who didn't have a sufficiently sad story. I felt really sorry for a little boy next to me, he looked so disappointed and he had a beautiful little dog.
My neighbour said "Why not just interview the entries and make the saddest story the winner eh ? Rather than waste time and ask the dogs stand in the heat"

She had a point, and I'm the first one to admire anyone taking on a disturbed or severely mistreated animal. But surely the competition should have been based on how well the dogs looked, their condition and personality ... or am I being too harsh here ?


It didn't really matter to me though. The whole point of the exercise for us was for educational purposes as far as Archie was concerned. He's been dreadful when other dogs are around, screaming and barking with excitement because he wanted to play with everyone. I've been taking him to busy and dog populated places to try and de-sensitise him to all the excitement.

And, I have to say he was absolutely brilliant today. Whether it be down to just maturity or his new food and herbs, whatever the trigger, he's much improved. So, I was a happy bunny. If you'd asked me, even 2 months ago, to stand in a ring with 25 other dogs and expect Archie to be quiet, I'd have said "Pah ! You're having a laugh aren't you?"


But looky here ....
No-one got close to Archie's time in the recall competition and so we won the 1st place rosette. He is a rocket, so it was going to have to be something like a border collie or another pocket rocket Springer that was going to beat his time.

Mr Boo was happy as Archie also won a bottle of wine !


And look at that sky. The morning started fairly mild but grey and not very promising. By 2pm it was flippin roasting !


Little Miss Boo is becoming a real whizz with the old Hoola Hoop. She was like the Goldilocks of Hoola Hooping, trying out all the different sizes of hoops.


Then she tried a bit of balance beaming. But she got cross when she kept falling off. The man to Boo's left in the photo was having a great time having a go all by himself ~ maybe he was reliving his childhood. He had a go on everything ~ bless im.


Bouncy Castles, slides, entertainers, craft tents, produce tents, children's activities, showing (horses) amd show jumping, dog show, fairground rides, ice-cream vans, pony rides, firemen (hubba, hubba !), main ring events, birds of prey, music bands and bars .... we had the lot there.

A huge amount of work goes into this show and it was brilliantly attended this year ... I know, because my next door neighbours were on the gate.
It's in the field practically opposite our house so we can walk to it too.


I loved this set up ...

A quick go on the spinning tea-cups and then it was off home. Very tired, very hot but very happy. Boo had a lovely time, Archie learnt a bit more AND he beat 70 other dogs to win his shiny bright red rosette. What a clever puppy dog.

We have mostly been ...

Woken up by midnight visits this past week. Boo seems to be having trouble sleeping and wakes up after dreaming. The other night I woke to see a black shadow looking over me in bed and I nearly pooped my PJ's (I have to be blunt so you get the picture of what a scary sight that was when I was half asleep ! ) It was Boo, herself half asleep, wanting a huggle. Needless to say, she ended up in 'The big bed'.

So, it got me thinking ... apart from all of us having disturbed sleep on a regular basis, Boo has got into the habit of waking up and I don't want her to be scared of being in her own bedroom.

So .... meet my NEW 'Fairy Godmothers.

They are small enough to pop under a pillow to keep a little one safe and ward of bad dreams. Boo wants to put one in her school bag too as a bit of a comfort for when she starts back at school in Y1. She knows it's going to be a big change from Reception so knowing she has her fairy godmother with her will make everything a little bit better.

They are made from linen and have 100% woolen felt faces and cheeks, stitched eyes, eyelashes, noses and mouth and pwetty embellishment detail. I've stitched little wings on their backs too. I'm going to make a batch for the Macmillan sale ~ being 'Fairy Godmothers' I think they'll be a nice little gift.

If anyone is interested in one, please just drop me an email.

They are £10.00 each.

There are things that every child knows
And deep within us is the child who knows it

Making the most of ...

(click to see a ginormous image)

The weather lately, we were able to enjoy the sunshine and warmth when we were in Cambridge last week visiting Mr Boo's parents. Boo was beside herself because they have a pool and sooooo much space to run around. I know we have a big garden but theirs is positively ginormous with an Orchard section too ~ just perfect for hide and seek !

And Archie thought he'd died and gone to heaven with all the lovely country pongs and scents on offer.

Anyhoo, more of that later. But before we get all depressed about the 'Been and Gone' weather, I want to show you yet another 'Princess and the Pea' textile picture.

(I like my new book shelves ...)

This time, it's a commission for a New baby girl due at the end of the month. The brief asked for a rocket and star in the window. You may well be scrunching up your nose thinking ...

"Eh why ? I don't remember a rocket in the story. That's a bit daft"

Well apparently, the little girls daddy is a Rocket Scientist so maybe daddy is in the rocket whilst the Princess snores her beautiful bonce off.

Can you see the rocket scientist ? Me neither, maybe he's in the loo !


We had a lovely couple of day's in Cambridgshire and the weather was just glorious. Boo made the most of the pool and even dragged her Papa in too.
Mr Boo didn't get away with it either. Meanwhile ....


I sat and relaxed, drank a Diet Coke, spent a bit of time swatting the dam wasps away, checked on Archie every now and again as he kept disappearing into the Orchard. Those bunnies were just too much temptation for him.


Ooh look, a bit more relaxing ... Nice


The slide was a big hit too. It took a bit of coaxing and hanging onto hands on the way down but eventually Boo went solo and then there was no stopping her.


"Push me in Mummy, push me in!" OK, then, Whoosh. "Well, you did ask Boo"


Some little friends from the next farm came to use the pool too so Boo had some play mates. Archie was sooooo desperate to get in there with them. He made do with drinking the splashes instead.


Young Archie with the wire pheasant. He wasn't quite sure what to make of it. Sniffed it's bum a few times (probably peed up it a few times too) and then ignored it.


"Can you just throw one apple mum ? Oh please, Oh please, Oh pleeeeeeease ? Look, I've collected a selection for you to choose from. I have big ones, small ones, eaters, cookers, rotten ones, waspy ones, red ones and green ones. Any take your fancy cos I'm not fussy"

Nope.


OK, I'll just sit here with one in my mouth then. Yum ! Yum ! Cookers, my favourite.

Ooh ... I can't move this morning !

(Oh, how I love thee ...)

And this is why ...

The garden ! Mr Boo and I spent all day pruning, digging, weeding, strimming, hedge cutting and grass cutting. Oh my aching bones ! I feel like I've been run over by a herd of Buffalo this morning.
It was quite physical stuff at times, climbing ladders, dragging bags of hedging to the skip and generally manipulating myself into weird positions to get the dratted weeds from the bottom border without standing on anything that I shouldn't.


I am a bit of a perfectionist when it comes to certain things, and having a neat garden is one of them. However, we've let it get a bit out of hand lately because of work, holidays etc. So, a real blitz was necessary. The shrubs had gotten out of hand, the clematis was taking over the world and the weeds have had a real Paaaaarrrrrrty ....


4 years ago, this bottom border wasn't a border at all. It was a sort of nothing'ness with just one poorly little conifer tree, some chicken wire, mud and tons of weeds and rubbish.

It's now a little garden in itself and comes into it's own in the Spring, especially with the periwinkle. During the summer months, it's all evergreen so a bit dull so I need to inject some colour.
There are some fairies dotted about and big rocks but I want to add a bit more interest.


My 'middle bit' has also been a WIP. It was origianlly supposed to be a Mediterranean garden (courtesy of the previous owners) and it was hideous with those horrible big spiky Yucca things.Ugh ... I hated them. So, over time we've completely replanted this area to be more 'countryfide' as I call it.

I hate uniformity of plants, I much prefer the higgledy piggledy look of planting. There's all sorts in here, David Austin Ross (Mmmm, my favourite is Geoff Hamilton, smells divine), Periwinkle, Hot Lips, Hebe's, a Forest Pansy Tree, Clematis, Jasminoid, Heleborus, Strawberries and a rogue Tomato plant to name but a few.

Young Archie had a fantastic time with us, he loved having all day company in the garden. He sat with Boo under the duvet cover and blanket camp I made out of the upturned washing line (Mr Boo had to move it while he cut the hedge).
He sat and surveyed his Kingdom, nodding his approval every now and again.

"You've missed a bit there mum ... come on, do it properly"


Ok, I'm actually quite exhausted now !
Can you see Archie's bone on my wrist ? Ever the hopeful isn't he ...

I really must try and roll myself off the sofa before I'm stuck for the day.

Finished ... (Holds Hand Up). Can I pleeease have a wee now ?

Phew ! That's better, been waiting to do that all day. He! He!

I've finished my latest commission and I must say I think this particular 'Princess' is probably my bestest, most favourite to date. They are all unique in that the fabric mix changes.

She's destined for Northern Ireland as a Christening present and although the little girl probably won't even know what it is yet, hopefully it'll be a lovely keepsake for her.


Little dinky, dainty, ickle Princess slippers. Cute eh ? Cute but flippin fiddly to make and stitch. I wouldn't get my big fat feet in these babies, especially with my emerging 'Onion' on my right foot (that's 5 year old speak for a Bunion ~ courtesy of my mum's family Grrrrr ....)

Anyway, enough of my lovely Onion ! Boo is still awake as she's been at a friends all day to enable me to get on with some work, but I hear her bed calling.
We've got some fab books to read from the library so I have a bit of a carrot to get her up the stairs. Normally she's in bed between 7.00 and 7.30pm so it's a bit of a treat ~ well, it is the summer hols and we have lovely quiet day at home tomorrow.

Gardening is on the agenda tomorrow but I may just squeeze in a bit of work if I can bunk off without Mr Boo realising I'm not underneath the hedge weeding :)

WIP ... And a Flippin Headache

(I've been playing with my templates again)

Ooh, my head really hurts. Not just a little bit, not even a medium bit but a GREAT BIG STONKING, THUMPING all singing and all dancing sort of hurty head.
I've drunk lots of water, I've taken a pill and I haven't eaten any chocolate. Maybe we are in for a monster storm tonight and the air pressure is affecting me ...
Does it give dogs the farts too ? No ? Ok, well Archie is just farting for the sake of farting then ... or maybe it's Mr Boo blaming the dog !

Anyway, I digress ...
I've been happily 'Bondawebbing' away today working on one of new commissions. Hey, maybe I've developed a sudden allergy to Bondaweb. I'm in the habit of allergies, evil Hayfever (well, tree pollen fever to be exact) and out of the blue last year, Strawberries. I love strawberries, I could eat buckets of the things but alas if I so much as sniff one, I'll be in bed with chronic tummy pains and nausea. Nice ! And Nickel ... no cheap jewellery for me.
I'm digressing again aren't I ?


I'm well on my way to finishing this project.
I really like the colour and fabric combo. It's quite subtle but colourful in the same way.
Boo has been a very tired munchkin today, lots of lounging on the sofa with a blanket watching her DVD's which has allowed me to get a lot done. The songs in 'Barbie Princess and the Pauper' are actually very lovely to listen to.


I get through loads of Bondaweb and loads of black thread. I like the graphic quality of outlining the fabric with black thread. To me, it finishes the design off ~ without it, it sort of looks naked.

Sorry, I'm gonna have to cut this post short, I've got to go nurse my poor old bonce. Nighty, night.

I lOVE a good old clear out don't you ?

I couldn't stand it any longer, not a second longer, not a smidgen of a second longer !

The room that doubles up as my studio as well as Boo's playroom (we like to share we do) had gotten into a right old mess.
Ok, so I am a bit of a hoarder, never quite sure if I'll need something or not in the future, worrying if Boo will realise that I'd thrown out some old bit of tat that she plays with from time to time ...
But lets get serious, THREE bin liners of rubbish is a bit excessive in the hoarding stakes. Yes, three BIG black bin liners destined for the giant rubbish tip on the sky. And, what a good feeling that was ! I feel positively cleansed.
I now have an incredibly inspiring workspace and Boo has a clearer view of what she can actually play with.
Now .... for the rest of the house.

(Isn't her hair just fab?)

I didn't just stop at the room either, nope, I went out into the garden too. I have problems with my bush you see. It grows at an incredible speed, sprouting out from every angle. It really had gotten out of control. I even had to wear my new pink suede gloves to do a proper job !
Boo has been helping in the garden too whilst Archie made sure we were doing things properly.


"Mummy making dandelion clock daisy chains isn't the easiest job in the world, if only I can persevere"


"Hmm ... they are a bit tricky aren't they ?"


Archie, ever hopeful that someone will chuck his ball for him to chase. But it aint gonna happen little man ... it compromises your training m'laddy so you can sit there as long as you like.
Bless him, he is persistent but he's such a manic retriever that I have a job on my hands steadying him and chucking balls and toys around is not gonna help.


"Humf, well that's what I think of that! You are just NO fun mum"
Is that a teenage look or what ?


Bush A (before) .. Pyracantha actually (ouch !)


Bush A (after)


Bush B (before) Yew


Bush B (after)
Smart eh ?

Nothing like a neat and tidy bush is there ?

Sale ... Roll Up, Roll Up, Grab yourself a bargain

Sheep in Wellies. Textile Wall Hanging. A lovely alternative to a traditional picture or canvas.
Dimensions 36cm x 25cm
Price: £15.00 +pp

I love a good sale don't you ? Not the sort of sale my mum likes though ... that is, she'll buy anything if it's on sale even if she doesn't need it ! Shoes ? She has pairs of the bloody things, never worn but bought because they were a bargain and she was sure she'd get some wear out of them.
If mum and dad lived nearer I'd have a mass Ebay sale of all her bargains ...

Because my work space is compromised and I want to make room for my new work, I'm offering certain items at greatly reduced prices. If there is something here that you'd like, please drop me an email and I can send out a Paypal invoice.

Pink Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps? She has pretty blue french knot flowers and a ceramic blue button detail.
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Brown Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps?
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Green Wool Tweed Knotty Bunny. Born to adorn shelf, bookcase or your bed perhaps?
He has ribbon detail with the text 'Laugh Often, Sit Long, Talk Much'
Dimensions 22cm x 22cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
(Please note, my bunnies are not toys and so not suitable for children. Decoration only)

Ditsy Doggy. Fabric covered box canvas.
Dimensions 20cm x 20cm
Price: £8.00 +pp

Dotty Donkey. Fabric covered box canvas.
Dimensions 20cm x 20cm
Price: £8.00 +pp
SOLD, Thank you !

I'll be posting up some more textile pictures on sale over the next few days but the light was pretty poor by this evening so I wouldn't have been able to do them justice.

My sister has asked for a BIG 'Princess and the Pea' textile wall hanging for her birthday so I know what I'll be doing this week. That is, amongst the numerous dog walks, a visit to 'Hero's' (an organisation that rehomes ex-racehorses), a torture session at Pilates and Power Plate, a trip to see Harry Potter, some major gardening surgery and of course some serious spring cleaning.

A trip to the 'Veterinarian' is on the cards as young Archie is pooping through the eye of a needle at the moment. He doesn't seem to keep any weight on so I want to get him checked over. He's very happy and lively in himself but better to be safe than sorry. So, a bland diet of rice, pasta, chicken and fish will be on the menu for a day or two. My poor little man sounds like an almost empty bottle of washing up liquid when he 'goes' ...