First of all I was really pleased to see my patchwork square on the plinth on 12th August. Here is a screenshot from the video.

You can watch the whole hour of Hazel’s time on the plinth with the patchwork at the One and Other website.  As well as a blanket there was a long piece of bunting made from the squares and mine was on the bunting. You can see it on the video at about 11 min 45 secs.

Hazel also read out my message “Our Actions Have an Effect” (at 20 mins 10 secs) and Claire’s (of Pinky and Boo) message straight afterwards. It was really exciting and moving to listen to all of the messages from women of the East Midlands. Watch it here: www.oneandother.co.uk/participants/Hazel_E

I just wanted to share with you some lovely, crafty things I’ve had for my birthday. Even at my age (I’m not telling what that is) I’m spoiled rotten with thoughtful gifts.

Mum and Dad bought me this linen yarn, which is a gorgeous pale blue with gold running through it. Growing flax, which is where linen comes from, is kinder to the environment because its much more resilient than cotton and needs less fertiliser. I think I’m going to use it to make a shawl for my brother-in-law’s wedding in September.

They also got me this pretty pink album which is made from 100% recycled cotton pulp. Its perfect because I’ve been looking for somewhere to put the flowers after I’ve pressed them in the fab flower press I got at Colwick car boot a few weeks ago.

From my middle sis and her clan I got some gardening and cook books as well as a fab book called ‘Waste Not Want Not’ which is full of  ideas on how to re-use things in the home. There’s a whole section on what to do with old clothes so I’ll definitely be reading that part closely. They also gave me a box of yummy Green & Blacks organic choccies which apparently Murphy decided to ‘help’ me with whilst I was out at work this morning. Here’s the evidence…

From my big sis and everyone at ‘number 75 & 21′ I had three tubs of lovely crafty items she had been collecting for ages – ribbons, buttons, colourful yarns and gorgeous fat quarters with bunny prints.

A really special gift from them came in this pretty old tin…

… full of buttons which my brother-in-law’s dad, Norman, had been keeping safe in the loft. They belonged to his wife Mary. Mary isn’t with us any more and when we lost her it was devastating to the whole family as we’re all so close.

So, as you can imagine this is extra special to me and I already have ideas about using these buttons when I’ve gotten much better at dressmaking and made some lovely clothes.

I’m a very lucky girl not just to get prezzies but to have loved ones who are so thoughtful. Thank you x

Businesses and organisations throughout the Sherwood area have got stuck in to support local artists and art for everyone. All week there are exhibitions, workshops and classes with the grand finale, Sherwood Festival at Woodthorpe Park on Saturday 20th June.

I was at the craft fair yesterday with my buddies, Claire (of Pinky and Boo) and Hannah (of Hannah and Bella) and was really pleased to see so many crafters of different styles and disciplines using recycled, vintage and eco-friendly materials.

Workshops and classes taking place next week can been found on the Sherwood Arts Week website as well as even more crafty demonstrations in the art marquee on festival day.

If you want to know about more craft classes throughout the year both Claire and Hannah are teaching at the Textile Workshop. See Claire’s courses and Hannah’s workshops and get yourself some crafting skillzzzzz :o)

It takes place on Wednesday 4th March at Redhill Comprehensive School in Arnold. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Come along, show your support for Fairtrade and have a lovely night out at the same time, with live music and Fairtrade stalls.

Tickets cost just £2 for adults and £1 for concessions and can be bought from various outlets in Gedling. Visit the Gedling Fairtrade Group website to find out more.