Bits n pieces ...

Good morning my lovelies! How are we all on this bright February morning? I'm being slightly optimistic there ... it's rather grey and dull at the moment, but it is only 8 am, there's time left to shine ... (I always was a glass half full kind of girl). Could I just take a minute to thank you all for your kind comments on Tuesday, they really mean a lot to me, you know.

We seem to be heading towards Spring if everything in the garden is to be believed ... the snowdrops started the parade, and are now being closely followed by the daffodils, hyacinths and crocuses.  I'm not going to be lulled into a false sense of security though, by this display of showy blooms ... I think winter hasn't had the last word just yet!

I've had a lot of commissions lately for my little hand-sewn pictures, especially as Valentine's Day and Mother's Day are just around the corner, and I have 3 to do this weekend.  I also have a standard lamp to paint and revamp, also for a customer, so things are ticking along nicely and I've got several fairs on my calendar, so I'm going to be very busy, which is what I love! While the weather is bad, I like nothing better than to put some good music on, make a big pot of tea, and settle down either with my paintbrush or needle and thread ... the weather can do its worse, I'm in my little bubble ...

Things that are making me happy this week are ... thrifty finds! My little house, above, came from Tesco ... from the Christmas clearance shelves ... it gives a lovely glow, and I don't think it should be locked away until next Christmas, do you? (It was £2 ... shhh!).

Another good find were these lovely jugs (oooh, Mrs!) which I found in a local charity shop ... they weren't cheap by my usual standards, but I'd sold a lot of pictures that week! They were £8 for the pair, but just look so lovely filled with tulips, and brighten the bleak outlook of my kitchen window.

Before Christmas we decorated the hall ... it was long overdue, and my niece's boyfriend came and painted everywhere a pale cream which really brightened it up.  I still felt something was missing though and on a trip to Harrogate, popped into Cath's shop, and took home a sample of the Garden Birds wallpaper.  I kept telling myself it was too expensive, and not thrifty at all, but I was sent a voucher and got 20% off and free delivery, which wasn't to be sniffed at! I absolutely love it because it has an old, comfortable feel to it, and looks like it's always been there ... which if you know me at all, that is exactly the look I try to achieve! Ruby likes it too ...

My magazines dropping through the door (bought using Tesco clubcards vouchers, naturally) are always a welcome sound ... and look what was featured inside ...

my lovely new wallpaper! I do love it very much ...

What are you all up to this weekend? I do love to know, you know! I'll be catching up with you all in my teabreaks ...

Lots of love, Claire xxx