My attempt at a doily bowl

So, it is actually working! I was getting a bit stressed about what my next blog post would be (as I have spent most of my time cleaning baby sick off me, the floor and various bits of furniture) and then I remembered, that's why I am doing this, to force me to do things I do really enjoy doing but never seem to have the time. So, today I made my take on the doily bowl adapted from here. When I say adapted, I mean make a slightly rough around the edges version with the supplies I had available to me at home without having to go anywhere special to buy any of it. So, here is how it went...

The things you need to make this are:

• Some kind of clay type product - I used a fimo type clay - I would probably try to find a sturdier material next time
• A doily - I used a family heirloom (sorry mum) but paper doilies would be fine and may well work better
• A rolling pin
• 2 different sized bowls
• A knife
• An oven
• Nail file or sandpaper - I used a nail file as that's all I had but I think sandpaper would be better

Roll out the clay until it is bigger than the size of the small bowl. Do this on a clean flat surface as clay will pick up sorts of debris (crumbs in my case).

Put your doily over the clay and press down to secure it. Then take your rolling pin and press down quite hard as you roll over the doily and the clay so you get the desired effect. This was mine..

..after about 3 attempts

Then put the small bowl over the top and cut away any excess clay (hence why you need to roll it out so that it's bigger than the small bowl)

Put inside the larger bowl - make sure the edges of your clay do still curl up as you're going to bake this. Put it in the oven and bake for around 30 mins

This is mine before I took a nail file to the edges.

..and voila - a little more nail filing is probably required but I think I'll get Mr Kitch to find me some sandpaper later and I'll give it another go. I love this, it was simple and quick to make and is totally individual. I used white and haven't treated it but it would look lovely with some sort of varnish on it or in different colours. My gold casio is my favourite thing too so I included it in my picture. So pleased I have started writing this as I probably would have sat down with a brew and indulged in my guilty pleasure - fashion police (shhhh) but instead I made something lovely. Give it a go!

LK x

Soundtrack: Air - Le soleil est près de moi

First signs of Spring?

So, I am new to the world of writing blogs. I have been avidly reading other blogs for a few years but never felt that I, well, had anything interesting to say. The fact that I am starting to write my own does not indicate that my life has suddenly developed an interesting twist you understand, I am just one of those people who makes New Year's resolutions and really wants to do all this interesting/active/creative stuff but I always feel like I just don't quite do it. So I thought I would track my progress. I will be bringing you (or me really as 'you' is nobody yet...and could remain that way!) my development with all my creative stuff (baking, cooking, crafting, sewing and gardening) and my post pregnancy quest for a waist. With Spring just around the corner (she says as snow is forecast for the next few days) I will also be tracking my love affair with my campervan, Nev.

So, coming back to my first ever post title, I ventured out into my beloved garden today to find the first signs of Spring. I love all the seasons but Spring is when my love of gardening comes out of hibernation. I found life out there people...

I'm always so suprised when things actually grow! I planted the rhubarb last year but had to watch it grow without actually picking and eating it (which is what you have to do with rhubarb for the first year - so my mum tells me) My love of rhubarb knows no bounds so I am very excited about this year's crop. Being very new to gardening I am also very pleased to tell you that it is all just so easy. I just shoved it all in the ground and voila. My garden is...how can I put this...urban and erm rustic but I love it.

So, that wasn't so hard, I quite enjoyed sharing. Until next time blogworld

LK

Soundtrack: The Eagles - Hotel California