RIBBON

Just a quick post.

Have been reading other blogs (A Thrifty Mrs).

She has recently posted a blog on storage of ribbons. Although I agree with her peg theory, I have another solution.

I have an obsession (think 5 drawers full of wrapping paper and ribbons)

I have started to wrap the ribbon on a pencil then stick cellotape on the end to secure the ribbon doesnt go evreywhere - then pull off the pencil.

I then store the ribbon in glass containers that I  can easily see and thus making a pretty sight and I don't feel guilty that I am using up pretty ribbon as I will see other ribbons.

You can get the glass containers from Ikea and Wares of Knutsford or use the Jam jars you can buy anywhere - I prefer Kilner Jars.

I'm single and I know it!!!

So it is that time of year again Valentines Day.

I have realised that I have only ever had 1 Valentines Day when I was taken.

For the past 3 years me and a guy pal would go to the cinema and watch the most unromantic film that we could find. But this year he has decided that he is going to break tradition and go out with his gf who does he think he is.....huh?

I don't get why you have to show your appreciation to you Other Half on one day. Why not show it every day it doesn't have to be flowers or chocolates but that does help. A simple kiss on the cheek or a hug that lasts a second to long. Those would meam more to me than an overpriced box of chocolates and a card that will be forgotten  two weeks later.

Some times I do worry that I will be a spinster with twelve cats and never have been chosen off the shelf like that bashed box of chocolates that taste just as yummy. Everything is so materialistic that the shy, unconventional beauties are generally overlooked.

My resolution this Valentines Day is to go out with someone I wouldn't usually go for just to say I tried and you never know I may find my mister right.

I already have my eye on that geek that always gave me the sheepish smile when he comes in for a chat.

So I dare all you single people who want the perfect partner step outside your comfort zone and say yes to that guy or girl who smiles at you every day on the bus and you never know where it will lead.

I have met some of my best friends that way. I am currently sat looking at one who inspirewd me to write this.


TTYL

XOX

Twitter/Blog Swap

As you know I am a hoarder. I had a major clean out of my room last week (harder than it seems).
As you may have guessed I hoard FAR too many things. In the hope that I will use them at a later date for crafting.
Well you have guessed it my mother ensured that I sorted the box out once and for all.
Needless to say I found 2 pairs of unworn shoes that have been nabbed by an eagle eyed tweeter and far too many notebooks and body washes. These are off to a good home I have been reassured. The shoes are shown below,

Loafers - Finale - £70

I bought the black and white pair from a local shop called “Finale” which is based in the picturesque village of Corbridge. They sell high end bags and shoes that is very well known to have fab sales, I snapped these up as soon as I saw them. I think it was one of those spur of the moment buys as they have lain unworn and unloved in the box ever since. These have been sent off to the lovely Marion who helps fundraise for deserving charities maybe she will send me images of the lucky recipient wearing them?

Shoes - Everything5pounds.com

These shoes were bought online after my favourite Clarks shoes snapped in two. I have yet to find a pair that make my feet feel as comfortable as they did. Any ideas on a postcard – they can’t cost the earth but Ebay is a good start. I always say that I will invest in a decent pair of shoes. I have decided that I will be buying a pair from www.duo.co.uk an amazing site that makes shoes for the larger legged lady.  
Insert photo

Necklace - The Sage Gateshead - Gift

I found this necklace in my card drawer as you do. It could be used as a bracelet or a necklace and reminds me of a snake, the colour is a lovely vibrant green with gold dotted in it. I got given it as a present. Due to the fact I am so picky about jewellery (I wear alot of silver and NEVER take my charm bracelet off).

Soap - Jo Malone - £10 for 8

Whilst rooting around my box of presents I found a Jo Malone Lime Basil & Mandarin soap that was a steal from ebay. I bought a job lot of 8 soaps and never got around to using it all. Jo Malone is a big brand in my house. My mother went to the store in Leeds a few years back and bought me Rose perfume. I know I risk sounding like an old lady but the smell is so timeless and doesn’t make my skin itch. My mother has Pomegranate and I just love the smell. If you can’t afford Jo Malone another cheaper alternative is Crabtree and Evelyn.

Beret - Unknown - Unknown

I am renowned in my family for my hat and scarf wearing. My mantra is “A scarf/hat can change an outfit from drab to fab”. I thought I would pass my woollen Beret on which is just adorable. The lucky recipient is yet to be decided.

Close Up

Material - Oxfam - £2.50

I bought this material over a year ago to make a pillow and never got around to finishing it. The bright red colour is what attracted me to it in the first place. I have wanted to meet like minded crafters locally but there seems to very few knitting clubs or craft groups that I would feel comfortable going to. www.sohouseproud.com shall be receiving this and hopefully doing a little blog about the things that she has produced with the material. There is a lot of it.

I want to start a Twitter/Blog Swap Shop so that we crafty folk can use things that we usually wouldn't find in our local area or use it as an excuse to get rid of unwanted stock. I have learnt over the past few weeks that there is a thin linme between thriftiness and a hoarder.


If you want to follow me on twitter I am @ethelmaude89.

Chat Later xx

New Years Resolution

I know I am a bit late on the Resolution front.

Here are mine:

1: blog more.
2: socialise more.
3: be more tolerant of other people.
4: upcycle more.

I was told by someone close to me I don't go out enough. We had a big debate about why I don't go out ( I had never thought about it in detail) I've realised I am scared of how people judge me. So I never went out well this year will be different no excuses!

Ive upcycled 2 unused shoe boxes by wrapping them in different fabrics and using them to house hair bits and my extensive lipbalm collection.


I aim to blog at least once a week - with  mix of different things! I will make a blog post every sunday. no excuses.

I will be tweeting also @ethelmaude89 follow me

Laters

Xx

Presents from Charity Shops

Is it socially acceptable to buy christmas presents from charity shops?

I am in a quandry as I have seen and bought something for someone but don't know whether to givew them it knowing full well it was in a charity shop. Don't get me wrong it looks unused and is spotless but I worry that the intended recipient won't see it that way. What are your thoughts on this?


Views and thoughts please.


xx

Christmas Time

I have taken inspiration from another blogger.

This year everyone will be getting one hand made present.  I have already started on the wrapping paper.

Newspaper with pretty ribbon and printed with reindeers and stars (potatoes with designs cut into them)

It has taken weeks of planning and on my rare day off I have added some more and left them to dry over night in the garage, even the two boys next door are in on it. They love making the wrapping paper for me for no real reason other than to throw paint around.

Pictures will follow. I am wanting to start doing a daily blog butr I am so busy that I am finding it hard to even eat at the moment.

Laters

Bloggers xx

Catch Up

Not been on much lately. SORRY!!

Have to prepare for a weekend away in Manchester in two weeks with work and I cannot wait.

Off to see the fabulous Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair where we will be meeting makers and shakers in the craft world and to choose some new work for the gallery. What kind of things can you see being in a Collector based Gallery?

We are currently lusting over a Flying Santa. http://www.studio91.com/

I am also preparing for the  Christmas Show at the National Glass Centre. I get to meet people I have admired for a long time. http://www.lauracartwright.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/4.jpg Laura Cartwright being one of the main people I want to see and invest in a huge selection of her tea based series ( anyone who knows me knows my obsession with Tea)

I promise I wont leave it so long next time.