Planting Trees

We had a wonderful weekend, although there has been some hard frosts  an area where a little tree planting took place was still suitable. I belong to the Women's Environmental Network, Crediton group, the lovely Kate applied to the Woodland trust for, yes Trees! We had a 420 trees that are native species, put along a bank to create a hedge on a wonderful small apple orchard.  The trees planted where mixed dog rose, elder, hazel and crab apple. Kate's plans are that in the future picking and gathering parties will return to this site, it should also encourage wildlife.

A good group of us working away, suitable for all ages.

Look at how small they are to start, the plastic coverings protect them from the rabbits.

A good job done, over 250 planted in just a couple of hours

Kate gave a me an apple tree to take home and plant myself. They had to show me what to do and how to care for it. 

I has a wonderful time, it has really inspired me to get out and do some work in my own garden.

More than Make Do and Mend.

I have recently had to remind myself to start not just thinking in the make do and mend terms but something a little more than that. The story begins with a lovely pair of boots bought at the beginning of winter and another pair of lovely walking boots bought for my birthday last year. We know purchases like this are costly and rather than letting them rot away in the mud it is time to actively look after what I have.

Yes our boots are a sorry state but I think the make do and mend have missed an opportunity of 'cherish what you already own' by looking after it. I spent Sunday with Callum dubbing our boots.

For me it bought back happy childhood memories of cleaning our school shoes on a a Sunday evening ( Callum found this very hard to believe that people really did that kind of thing!) I also though that it bought a sense of achievement to Callum and he was really proud of his shinny boots.

So for a sense of pride, knowledge that your belongings will last longer and I promise you will feel the love, start to cherish and look after your belongings.

Creative Fridays, Mythic Garden Visit.

I really enjoy taking part in creative Friday, following Natural Suburbia blog.I naturally find I am creative as often as possible and it is good to challenge myself by getting my children to be more creative too.
Today though I thought seeing as the weather has picked up again here in the UK it would be a good time to explore others creative efforts. So of to the Mythic Gardens on the edge of Dartmoor, Devon. I truly love this place, set in 5 acres of woodland, an arboretum with many species of silver birch. The sculptures are wonderful, magical in fact, along with those that are homed here permanently, they have new offerings every year, so it is a great place to go year after year! Although out of my price range, all the sculptures are for sale.
Now you will have to excuse me as this now becomes a photo fest, something I don't normally do is put many many photos up in one go. But this is such an amazing place I wanted you to experience it as much as possible!

The lady on the sheep is actually made by someone I know, not only does she have a smallholding, make here clothes, knit and make everything!! She is also a talented artist, one of my favourite pecies at the Mythic Gardens. If you are ever pass, do pop in !

Getting Crafty

Since Jan 2011 I have been a dedicated dressmaker. It was my pledge to leave the high street behind and make all my own clothes. I have been really proud and slightly big headed of my own achievements, yes I do have a summer wardrobe, I now wear at least on item of hand made clothing a day!! I
Although this is a great achievement I have come to a stop recently as I feel I have enough summer clothes and I'm not ready to start thinking about winter yet. So what is a girl to do, have rest maybe, I wish I could. I am just one of those people that needs to be doing.
So that brings me back to my other loves, crafting of one kind and another. I have been enjoying it so much. I have made two more table top puppets that can be bought from my Etsy page, Sew Excited. I think they are a little cute.
I have also dug out of the unfinished projects pile 4 hessian bags, with lovely fabric trims. These too may make it to the Etsy shop, or presents.
I am keen to build up some stock and gather ideas from fellow crafters for some easy makes. There will be  a community market in September and I would like to have a stall.