The Last Roses.

I made myself begin pruning the roses today. The rose above 'General Galliani' is always so hard to cut into as it produces year round flowers that get smaller and creamier as time goes on. I had to remind myself how big, fat and raspberry red they will be in the spring and forced my secateurs into action.

And here are a few sneaky peeks of a table I am renovating. The oilcloth was tacked on with little thumb tacks that were extremely fiddly. I then solved the problem by sticking a piece of blue tack on to the hammer, wedging the thumb tack in and giving an almighty whack. One hit and it went all the way in. Have a cosy Sunday night, xxooxxooxx.

A Morning.

We have had a very quiet and dare I say, peaceful morning. Hugo watched the cows walk past and struck up as many conversations as he could, all the while playing with his farm set in the mud. Archie took on the challenge of learning to sew, making Hugo a stocking which he then embroidered. I sat down next to my big boy and continued with my new sport of tucking tails.

So, so, so nice... particularly as we were off to a very exhausted and slightly cranky beginning to the holidays. Yesterday I didn't even realise this would be possible. But it is!!!

Pippi Longstocking... By Rose.

My niece has been reading my copy of the Lauren Child illustrated, 'Pippi Longstocking' and she drew me this beautiful picture. It is now officially one of my all time favourite things in this world. I want to keep it forever. Even when she is famous.

At the moment it is resting on the desk but I think it will have to go up on my bedroom wall.

Right now I am tucking in millions of tails,

And thinking about the sorts of bodies I need to give to little heads like this.

AND making ginger crunch.

And trying not to eat too much.

The Doctor and the Rabbit.

This almost rabbit is not quite finished but as you can see, it has some severe medical problems (aside from having no legs and arms yet).
Thank goodness for Dr. Hugo. He just does look so reliable doesn't he???

Little hands working out what to do.

Some good light is needed and a quick examination.

That's the way, stuff all of the intestines back in.

Fixed.

The Old French Cupboard.

My new cupboard sitting patiently in the shed while we finish our renovations.
It will eventually be the toy cupboard. I love the wire on it but not all of the boy's toys are as appealing as the wooden ship up top.

So, I decided to make curtains for inside the doors. Hugo wanted to keep birds in there so I thought the fabric pictured above from Ink and Spindle would do the job.

I think it worked.

Wahoo - I achieved something creative and practical.

Have a warm and cosy Sunday night! xxooxxooxx.

The School Costumes!!!!

Squire Squirm.
And on a more serious note.

A happy birthday boy in the middle.

Up in a tree.

Finally I can do the big reveal. There are so many costumes to show from Archie's school play but as I am not keen on posting other people's children without permission, I will just stick to Archie and his cousins Will and Rose. Jodie (my cousin/sister-in-law) made Will's lord outfit and I think it is just incredible. It is also Will's eighth birthday today and he is looking very handsome for it. How wonderful to think that all three performances of the school play are over and that any sewing will now be just for us!!!! Happy school holidays!!!

Getting Sorted.

Every work space needs a good view. Early morning from the kitchen window. The cows have already been milked.
A neat and tidy spot - so ridiculously restful.

Cupboard being sorted.

And the doll's house that is need of much spring cleaning. It is funny how well a post modern house, a princess and the pea set and a box full of plastic army men unite into a great game.

This week has been very quiet in terms of creative achievement. Archie has a big few days on with his school play and so, any left over energy has been put into sorting. I am hoping this burst of tidiness means that when the gods of inspiration rain their bounty upon me, I will be ready not only to jump, but to grab a paintbrush, needle, crochet hook, sewing machine or whatever other tool is required of me.