Wednesday 6 March 2013

The Red Carpet, Awards....and we what did during half term...

Busy  at the award ceremony the other week - what a gay old time we had. I don't recall seeing your good self though - were you there?

 I am  hoping that you missed that rather embarrassing moment when I blubbered like a broken tap as I was presented with the 'Golden Fabricos Award for Best Newcomer'.  I couldn't help but gloat as I glimpsed Crusty Alltop's dagger-like glares (I do believe I saw her elbow Cath Scratchitt and whisper: 'That's the one  I told you about...').  This year I sadly missed out on the 'In memory of the Dipped Basket Award' - this is the presentation for the most innovative design of 2012.  My submission of a rare, beautifully carved King  Charles the Second oak coffer (garnered from a skip only a week previous) - refashioned into a mid-century sideboard failed to make the grade this year.  Drats!  I had spent a fair bit of time sanding that down and then a ruddy age buffing it up!!!!  I have my eye on the prize for next year - I shall spend the next 51 weeks unpicking some Elizabethan stump work (so 16th century dahling) a lucky purchase at the car boot.   Goodness knows why those Tudors had to spend sooooo long doing that stuff.  I shall be using the thread to make a few doilies for the Christmas tree - what's not to like!!

If you are new to reading this blog I welcome you aboard but sorry that half of this nonsense will make little sense!

Aside from attending the Awards we had a busy half term - I am surprised that I managed to fit the Awards in to be honest.  So:

Maille decoupaged (aka: sticking bits from an old Bunty Annual..) a letter 'M' and she was very chuffed with that



Bronte and I made some resin pendants:


Can you guess which ones are Bronte's?  The little flower pictures are old stamps from Finland...I forgot to photo them after we had put the resin on!

I had a go at fabric paints:


Did not turn out very well (and I had something specific in mind to make out of my creation)  so creation on hold for a while!

Dom made some home brew beer - I did not photograph that....

Bronte benefited from the lucky purchase from a charity shop - a vintage (?1960s) Moygashel linen skirt that fitted her perfectly and she likes it (phew - so difficult to do that nowadays!):

A while ago I bought Bronte a BEAUTIFUL velvet fitted coat - from the 1950s (secretly I wanted it but either the coat was too small or I was too large....not sure which way round that would be....)


I bought a new camera (very cheaply and I was very chuffed as to how I did that) just after Christmas so I have been practising how to do that blurry shot thing:


How do you do..(sorry that I chopped off the thumb)


Old meets new...


As we had a couple of nice weather days we went for a lovely walk.  Spring n-e-a-r-l-y here....




Still practising with new camera



I am glad that our countryside (and cities come to think of it) is peppered with twisty turny roads (they were a bit of a pain to learn to drive on though I recall)


 Scenic views - too slow to capture the deer, let alone any birds!





We dyed an old blanket:


In order to....


Make a bit of it into this:


Initially I 'wanted' these badges sewn on...


But it was Bronte's bag....


So Bronte stitched some stars and sewed on badges of her own


Used the tried and trusted eyelet technique!  You may recall this from the last duffle type bag that I made.  I also used the tried and trusted 'cut round the bottom of a plate pattern' technique!



Next time I am going to give piping a whirl! 


Had tea and cake of course!


(I confess to not making the cake....shameful)

I bedecked myself with the lovely brooch that dear Eco Ethel so very kindly made just for me!


I attempted to bedeck myself with her lovely bunting too but thought it best on the mantle:


Thank you so much again Eco Ethel

 Bronte finally had an outing with the camera that we had bought her for Christmas.  One of those low tech analogue ones.  Here Bronte is wearing some stirrup leggings from the 60s that I |used to wear in the 80s (much to my horror she is also wearing an old shirt belonging to  Dom and vintage jacket that I bought from a charity shop circa 1985!!!!)  I thought that teenagers wanted new stuff!!!

We know how to live!





PS: I will be sending the usual signed, limited edition (just 500,000 published) of my book : 'Crafting with La Cootard' (the follow up to: 'Creating with La Cootard' which of course was the prequel to the best seller: 'My Granny would spin in her grave if you thought that was chic dear') to Crusty Alltop - she rather rudely returned a copy last year saying that she thought I had pinched some of her best ideas.  I replied saying: 'If those are your BEST ideas dear then you need to think again...'

PPS: Reflected 'fame' (guarded usage) is a very sad thing.  My dear friend Bryony had occasion to visit Ms Judi Dench's home during half term. She has visited before and was invited in because Ms Dench wanted to meet Bryony (what the MAHOOJA)...there is much more to this story but would bore the vintage pants off you.... though it did result in a series of the funniest emails that I have ever written (laughing at my own jokes as always).  This time around 'we' had the rehearsal down to a T - Bryony would take along a selection of my bags and purses (and perhaps some bunting if there was time) and once Ms Dench had a need to use the 'small room' said bags and purses would be strewn around with gay abandon.

This would naturally result in a:
 'Oh, this old stuff...my friend makes it....'
'Really....for the Oscars..?'
'Well..... I suppose she might if I ask her nicely' -  type of conversation.

A great deal depended upon 'small room' usage! To this end tea drinking was to be doubly encouraged (with optional extra of senna if Bryony was feeling brave!!)

If time allowed and Ms Dench was 'delayed' (oh dear) in the small room then bunting erection would commence.

 Bryony had her hair done and everything!!

Tension building...

Bryony had me lined up on 'speed dial' so that I could light some matches and get sewing STAT!!

Upon arrival......

.....Ms Dench was in America.............

PPPS The hair bit was made up - Bryony never has her hair done....

PPPPS Bryony is also my source for a behind the scenes video of Miranda Hart doing a personal comedic scene...I have been sworn not to show that so best not....it is funny though

PPPPPS: I once met Terry Wogan...when he was commentating at Princess Diana's wedding.  In order to be in prime position had stationed myself on the Victoria Memorial in front of Buck House the night before  - barely saw a thing and being marooned on the island Memorial meant that I was desperado for the 'small room' myself....

PPPPPPS: Only kudos with the children is the fact that Dom and I went to 'Live Aid' - first time around!! Bronte has my ticket (which of course I kept)  framed in her bedroom....'Queen' were quite good that day....

Arrivederci Roma......

52 comments:

  1. I was just thinking, I fancy some Custard on my Weetabix, and there you were! There's been a black hole in the blogasphere, glad you're back and thanks for pics. Must rush off to write a decent post as I fear a surge, shall we have a cyber party when you reach 200,000? EE xx

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    1. Thank you most kindly Ms Ethel. Let us have a cyber party indeed - will you please supply the gift bags!!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  2. Oh Jenny I do think this just may be one of your bestest posts... so much fun squeezed into a week then a post... you are a hoot!! and love the nature shots too! I'm impressed with these new technical abilities too... How did you get to copyright all your images?? I do hope at last the message sinks into those who'd like to share them that they would really to stay just where you put them..
    Smiles Cass x

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    1. Oh thank you Cass - given your photography skills I am blushing suitably! For the wording I used a bit of free software called TSR Watermark software and though I had a look at others this was by far the simplest to you.
      Thank you always for your kind words Cass
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  3. Your new camera is doing a sterling job. Those scenic countryside pics are marvellous....gorgeous part of the world you live in.

    I like La Dame Dench but why would you want to see someone and then pop off overseas? A bit rude, non? Oh well....at least you got some giggles out of it. :)

    Your girls have beeyooootiful hair. Just saying.

    And oh me oh my so much to comment on....let's just say that you are a clever clogs and it's all cool and lovely and you deserve to win awards. Will that do? :)

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    1. Dear wendz - thank you dearie for kindness. The children have inherited my thick hair - which of course when you have thick hair you always wish for fine hair....Funnily enough I was going to do an odd little post about hair !

      Spring is round the corner wendz and we can gird our loins again!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  4. WOW ! Soo much to read and take in here, Mrs! ~and of course smile at :)The eyelet bag is ever so cool as is Bronte, I must add.......LOVE the country pictures, you have taken and my daughter wanted that camera for Christmas too! ( actually
    I had it on my Santa list as well)I probably wouldn't have known how to use it though..I don't do instructions...Mrs Ethel is a clever one and a kind one too! Nice peeps on here! ~ Great post, Jenny! With the kindest thoughts...Maria x

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    1. Thank you kind Maria - I ended buying the camera though Quidco so got it a bit cheaper...every little helps. I can't say that it is a very sophisticated and Bronte still has the one that I had at around the same age and aside from the colour they both do the same thing (in fact my original plan to cover my old camera with fabric....)

      Take care
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  5. Please can I come and live in the Custard household - am sure I'd be no trouble ;)

    Lovely countryside pics - aren't we lucky to live on this island :)

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    1. If you wipe your feet
      Make nice things
      Wash your cup up after tea
      Lay the table neatly
      Then you may come and live with us....ha ha

      I do truly relish in our wonderful landscape - very lucky indeed
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  6. Like VintageVicki can I come too.......?
    Julie xxxxxx

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    1. Yes indeed Julie - same rules as above apply though!

      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  7. Love your post. It's good to start the day with a smile and even better with a chuckle. Thank you xx

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    1. Thank you kindly Jile and thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      jenny

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  8. Judi Dench, Terry Wogan AND Live Aid! What wondrous circles you do move in!!!

    My daughter's partner's father's friend's son is a Fairly Significant Character in The Archers family. That's about the nearest I get to encountering stardom. Oh, and seeing Helen Mirren across a crowded theatre last Monday.

    I love the brooches! Springtime Blessings xx

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    1. Angela I would very much like to share a cup of tea with you as imagine that you would make me roar with laughter - I like deadpan muchly

      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  9. Bringing a smile to my face again. Love that bag and what I would give for your girl's hair ... you could cut it off and make me a wig!
    What camera is that?
    M x

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    1. Aww - thank you - I imagine one day they will both wish to have it cut off....just as I did....I used to be able to sit on my hair it was so long....
      Bronte's camera is a Diana Dreamer - http://www.urbanoutfitters.co.uk/lomography-dreamer-diana-f+-camera/invt/5560410283215/&colour=Mint

      It is a low tech non-fancy very basic camera and no better than the one that I had as a children to be honest....!

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  10. I am exhausted......reading this, I am exhausted! What are you on my dear friend?
    Glad to have you back, (I now need the loo you've had me chuckling so much, I know too much information!). And when I return, I will have another read through, make sure I've not missed anything!!! :) x

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    1. Do you dear Ada - I am exhausted too....!
      I hope that I haven't precipitated some urinary malfunction!!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  11. Very charming vintage! I love your pendants too! Happy day to you! :) Hugs, Holly

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    1. Thank you very muchly for your kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  12. What wonderful photos!!!! You live in a really pretty part of the world...looks like what I imagine heaven to be.....and yes, what camera is that???

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    1. Aww thank you Sandy - our islands green and pleasant lands are a constant source of wonderment.
      Bronte's camera is a low tech Diana Dreamer camera - a remake of ones made in the 60s and 70s I think

      Take care
      Best wishes

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  13. photos are fab! its great getting a new camera but it does take lots of practise, i never find enough time to just go out and take photos but you have inspired me. tomorrow could be the day :)

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    1. Yay - I hope that you managed to get out there.

      I do not know what buttons to press because I cannot bear to read instructions.....one day

      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  14. Wonderful, wonderful post Jenny...you always tell a good tale :) The photos are ab fab - hats off to the new camera and skilled operator :)
    x

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    1. Oh thank you Barbara - no skill involved though and I have yet to read the instructions....I probably never will...

      Take care
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  15. I don't know how you didn't win an award!! You should get one for making us all smile! What a busy time you have been having and love the results from experimenting with your camera.
    Sarah x

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  16. Love it ... you are beyond hilarious ... you are a tonic, as my granny used to say ... Bee xx

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    1. Thank you kindly Bee - we aim to please!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  17. I thoroughly enjoyed all of this post! Words amazing, pictures lovely and it made me smile from start to finish - so glad I found your blog! Glad ou had a good half term week! Faye x

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    1. That is so kind of you to say Faye (hey that rhymes!) - glad to put a smile your way
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  18. Particularly love the Bewitched brooch and your stunning countryside images. Are you sure you're not a pro photographer, Jenny? x

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    1. Ho ho Anna - just as I did with the computer I twiddled buttons until what seems like the right combination comes up! I will read the instructions soon...
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  19. Hi Jenny,my how busy you have been,thoroughly enjoyed your blog,thankyou for taking the time to pop by mine.'bye for now Pam.P.S really lovely brooch from our Ethel.

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    1. The brooch is very lovely indeed Pam
      Thank you for calling in
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  20. Jenny, I know you are probably out and about practising Your "depth of field" images etc. but I urgently need to inform you that You are 'mentioned' in my post today.....Daisy J

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  21. that cake looks so yummy =)
    I'll be happy if you check out my blog too :)

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  22. Oh my! I can totally see why Lazy Daisy Jones stalks you as her bestest bloggy crush! Ooohoo, your funny ~ AND you take wonderful pictures! (Which I promise not to pilfer or pinch when I'm busy stalking you myself)(and by stalk, I mean it in a nice bloggy way...not the crazy kind of way...well, I am a little crazy, but that can't be helped, and it's what gets me out of bed at 4:30 morning each day.)
    Anyway ~ Awesome place you have here! Delighted to have been pointd towards your slice of Blogland! :))))

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    1. Ah dear Melody - then we can meet up in the early hours - we are usually awake at 5.30 so a little later than your good self but still leaves plenty of hours in the day!
      Thank you for your kind words
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  23. Am now a follower thanks to Lazy Daisy! Hi x

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  24. Hi Jenny, I wondered where you had got to over the last week or two. Your blog always raises a smile for me and I chuckle away as I'm reading it. I wonder if K A has actually read any of your posts?

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    1. Goodness I hope not I would be sorely embarrassed! Of course there is no resemblance between My KA and any other KAs in the world today!!!!

      Ho ho
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  25. very envious of your new camera..some great pix. Thank you for sharing. Lizzie

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    1. Thank you Lizzie - one day I will find out what all those twiddly bits are for!
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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  26. I don't get the awards ceremony references but your post did make me chuckle a lot! I enjoyed your half term moments and you are clearly getting to know your new camera well as your countryside photos are stunning!

    Gillian x

    ps - my family live near Chichester, hence the Eternal Maker visits...what a shop! I wish we has something like that in Leeds.

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    1. I don't I get the awards ceremony bit either !!!

      The Eternal Maker is quite different to my usual 'shopping' so it was a real eye opener to go somewhere so full of lovely fabrics and bits!

      Hope you come this way again
      Best wishes
      Jenny

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