A Bank Holiday Weekend

As well as busily making lots and lots of products ready for the shop opening, we managed to find some time to get out over the Easter weekend and enjoyed a lovely walk and picnic at Clumber Park.

One of our favourite parts of Clumber Park is the Kitchen Gardens. Full of lots of vegetables and trees in the most gorgeous of settings, it is such an inspiring place for any gardener.

The orchard full of blossom.

Even the drain covers in the greenhouse are pretty.

Rows of herbs and new trees line the centre path.

Looking through the stone arches.

I wish I had as many strawberry plants as there are here.

Looking up to the greenhouse from the main entrance.

Our garden is also coming along well with our tomato plants in the greenhouse and the beans, potatoes and shallots outside. I'll take some photos and write an update shortly.

Lisa x

Happy Easter!

(Image source: WeHeartIt.com)

I hope you are having a relaxing Easter weekend. I will be enjoying my Easter chocolate later whilst working hard to finish lots of new products that I hope to share with you next week.

Lisa x

Loving...

...this song. I love all the songs by this talented lady.



Lisa x

ECP: Challenges

There's a brand new challenge over at ECP: Challenges today. We're creating Easter projects - fluffy chicks, easter bunnies, daffodils and spring lambs. I love this time of year.



There is also a DT Call. We're looking for crafty people to join our team. You can find all the details over on the blog.

Lisa x

DIY: Crochet Headband

It's been a while since I posted a DIY but I loved making this little headband and thought I'd share it with you all.



You will need:
Yarn or wool (I used some wool donated by my Nan)
A crochet hook (I used a 5mm)
Tape measure
Wool needle

To make the headband:

First you will need to measure you head where the headband will sit - over the top of your head and back behind your ears. My headband reaches just passed the bottom of my ears.

We will be using double stitch crochet to make our headband. There is a fab tutorial over on HeartHandmadeUK if you have never crocheted before.

First chain 9, then double crochet into the 4th chain from the hook (not counting the loop on the hook as a chain).

Double crochet into the remaining chains and turn your work.

Chain 3 and double crochet into the second double crochet of the previous row. Continue double crocheting along your work. Turn your work

Repeat the last step until your headband is the required length.

To create your ties:

You will need 2 ties.

Chain 6,double crochet into the 4th chain from the hook. Double crochet into the remaining 2 chains. Turn your work.

Chain 3, double crochet into the second stitch and double crochet into the final stitch. Turn your work.

Repeat the last step until your work is the required length. Crochet your second tie.

To complete your headband:

Using your wool needle and the same wool or yarn as your headband, attach the ties to the end of your headband. You can turn in and stitch the bottom corners to create a V shape and either end of your headband to attach your ties to if you wish.

There are many ways of making headbands but for me this is one of the easiest I have come across. I was able to crochet my headband in just a couple of hours and I'm still quite the beginner.

Lisa x

Back to basics...

Card making is where my crafting began. Although my style is constantly changing, I always find comfort in making cards. And now I'm introducing a small range of stationery to Altered Chic.

The first items in my new range will be some simple yet pretty 'Happy Birthday' and 'Just to Say...' cards. I've been using my typewriter to make lots of greetings ready for a mass card making session tomorrow.


I love my vintage typewriter. I bought it a couple of years back at a car boot sale. I only paid a few pounds for it. It even had working ribbon in it!

Lisa x

A few thoughts...

Here are a few random thoughts I had over the last day or so...

I am so happy that spring is finally here. January to March is usually so grey, miserable and wet and now the sun is beginning to shine, the garden is starting to grow again and life is so much more inspiring!

After reading this post on Elsie's blog, I started thinking about my own life and how much of a workaholic I am. I have decided that I need to make more of an effort to plan time off to spend with those I love, or just doing something I enjoy. I know this isn't going to be easy before the shop opens as I need to invest so much time to it. But I am going to make the effort. Even if it is just for a few hours.

I love sewing! It's been so long since I used my sewing machine to make something and I've loved it this week. I certainly want to spend more time on my sewing machine making pretty things.

I am someone who loves lists. Being able to cross something off a list makes me feel like I've accomplished something.

Lisa x