bee handmade

craftcycling

That's probably a totally made up word but it seems to fit - a craft version of recycling. What do you do when you ruin a loved piece of clothing? Curse and lament or give it a new lease of life?

A friend accidentally shrank a favourite cardigan and couldn't bring herself to part with it. I volunteered to make 'something' out of it. I settled on a cushion cover and pieced it together along with one of my 'ruined' items. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, despite being a bit scrappy inside because of all the awkward shapes.

The applique was stitched with wool using buttonhole and split stitch.

more tearsheets

I love this, it's so sunny and cheery. I wish my colouring was more suited to yellows. This would have been a lovely way to brighten up this weeks' dreary, damp days.

I go through periods where I'm tempted to paint our beams. I wish they were just natural wood but unfortunately they are painted black. I like the way the beams in this picture retain their character but don't dominate the room.

 

Lovely blues.

 

Beautiful coastal accents liven up a light and airy space. I covet these floating shelves.

 

Seaside charm.

cinnamon

My new fan assisted oven is conspiring against me, no matter how much I try to be its friend. I've been meaning to make cinnamon buns for ages and was inspired by Peonies and Polaroids' lovely post to finally give it a go. All went to plan using Nigella's recipe, I even used my new magimix to knead the dough.

Here they are all ready to go into the oven.

 

The smell was fabulous. Warm, cosy, happy, enticing ...

Then my oven got trigger happy and in a flash they were overdone. Damn.

 

They were, however, still tasty as hell, especially when still warm. The kind of thing that makes you think just one more (repeat ad infinitum). I'm definitely going to make them again. Next time I may try Tessa Kiros' recipe.

Trying to make them look a bit more pretty!

 

I'm off to eat another one now.