Wonderful Parents

I just wanted to pop by to tell you about two amazing people... who just happen to be my parents. As you know, if you follow this blog, they are running the 'Pebbles' B&B in Budleigh Salterton....

Not only are they very hard working, but are also very generous and kind.... and this article in the local paper proves the point!

Budleigh Salterton couple hailed Good Samaritans - News - Exmouth Journal

I am very proud of you both... what big, wonderful, generous hearts you have.

Sending you both lots of love xxxx

For those of you who live locally, you may like to know that I am running more jewellery making workshops at Pebbles next week... you will have an opportunity to experience Mum and Dad's hospitality at first hand!!... Tea or coffee will be served along with homemade cake in the conservatory overlooking the sea prior to the workshop... who could ask for a better way to spend a few hours... overlooking the sea, making jewellery and munching on fabulous cake???

The date of the workshop is Tuesday 14th September, there is a choice of an evening or morning workshop... or treat yourself and come to both. The morning session times are 10 am until 1 pm and the evening session is 6.30 pm until 9.30 pm. The cost is £25 and includes refreshments and all your materials. Contact me and book your place if you would like to come... you won't be disappointed.... I promise

xxxx

Beach bag...

Some time ago I was asked if I could make a beach bag for a friend to give to another friend on their birthday.... I was given fairly comprehensive instructions.... it would be good if it could have beach huts and starfish on it, a place to carry a bottle of wine, maybe a pocket for a phone etc....

So, armed with the list I began to draw out different designs, and think about all the necessary features of a beach bag, such as somewhere to put money, car keys, sunglasses, sunscreen, a book etc... and, of course, big enough to carry a towel and beach mat and all the other gubbins associated with a day at the beach.

I am really pleased with the finished result..... What do you think?

Front of the bag with the obligatory beach huts....

Back of the bag.... adorned with starfish....

Starfish detail....

Inside.... a zipped pocket for ice cream pennies... and a place to attach keys so that you don't spend hours fumbling around amongst the sand and soggy towels at the end of the day when the children are tired and grumpy and just want to go home!

Two more pockets for books and sunglasses.....

A gorgeous big vintage button and spotty ribbon fasten the bag on the front....

No, I didn't forget a place for the mobile phone... here is a secret pocket... it's one of the beach huts on the front! Clever eh?

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On a completely different note..... did you spot the new tab at the top of this blog..... ???? It took me ages to work out how to get it there... not much of a computer geek I'm afraid! Anyhow, I managed it and there it is ^^^^^^^ . Have you taken a peek yet? I am so so excited about this piece of news. For those of you who live locally, you will know of a place called China Blue in Totnes. It's a a fantastic place full of gorgeous things to buy, a ceramics studio where you can paint your own pots and pieces, a hairdressers, an amazing cafe, glass blowers.... and now..... Yvonne Temple@China Blue!!!!! I have some space upstairs in the studio to be able to work on my various projects AND... I am going to be running a series of workshops there too. I will be teaching both Sewing... learning how to use the sewing machine, making bags and cushions etc.... and Jewellery making... basic techniques, button jewellery and wire work etc... I just can't wait for the place to be buzzing with happy people being creative and beavering away on little projects...

This week I had my first victim customer..... here she is, head down, sewing away at her cushion cover.....

... and here is the first cushion cover she made... all by herself! I had a text later in the day to say that the cushion was in pride of place and she was thrilled with it. Rightly so don't you think?

So, if you're local, or coming to Devon on a holiday, come up and say 'hello' to me at China Blue, or, better still, book yourself into a workshop and come and have some fun... I'd love to see you.!

Big Hugs xxxx

Busy....

I hope you have all had a great Easter and are now enjoying this glorious sunshine?

I managed to spend a fair amount of time in the garden... which now looks like it's had a very drastic haircut! It will survive though and look so much better once it has recovered... it's a case of being cruel to be kind! I actually loved being outside, feeling the sun on my skin, tending my garden, listening to the birds singing and discovering the new buds springing up everywhere.

I seem to have been very busy this week, as well as a new project... sneek peek coming, I have been buzzing about. Today I set off bright and early, the sun shining and the buds bursting.....

... the gorse flourishing......

.... the sea sparkling ......

... and arrived in Sidmouth... it was stunning today.

I was asked to run a jewellery making workshop here......

... Kennaway House. This property has recently been renovated and is beginning to offer a variety of craft workshops, gallery space, wedding and function services. The room we had was bright and airy with views over the putting green.... once the garden of the property... towards the sea... it was beautiful.

Six ladies and I spent a very happy day making jewellery....

This lady is wearing a necklace she made earlier, and is now working on a purple lariat necklace....

Concentrating hard...

Some of the finished products... rings and bracelets.

It was a fabulous day, lots of amazing jewellery was made, yummy food was eaten and friendships formed......

We have booked another date in the diary for a wire working day.. Tuesday 1st June.... it's during half term, so if you're in the area... living or on holiday.... book yourself in and have a wonderful, creative day in beautiful Sidmouth.

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Before I go, here is a sneek peek at my big project that I am working on at the moment.....

Hmmmmmm.... here's looking at you....

Cheeky????

... any ideas????

I'm hoping to have it finished by the beginning of next week so watch this space for the big reveal....!!!

Lots of love xxxx