Hunt for a Mascot...

If your missing the excitement of 'Olympic Fever' and can't quite hold out for the start of the Paralympics next week, why not this weekend for some cheap fun in London with the family, take a stroll around town in search of Wenlock and Mandeville, our much loved Olympic Mascots!  Here's the ones I found while out and about in town this last weekend...

For your guide and Map on where to find these decorative characters, visit the Mayor of London Website.

Happy Hunting

x ♥ x

What a Result...

As many of you may know,  the Twee and Cakes Book all started as part of my Final Major Project for  my degree at university.  This morning (well last night) at exactly 8 minutes past midnight I received my final grade...and am very pleased to say that all my hard work has finally paid off and I've earned myself a rather agreeable 2:1.

This is the final collection of work I handed in, all branding the Twee and Cakes logo, including the finished book, and a portfolio of my favourite images.

This little sneak-peek shows the introduction page to my bunting making activity...one of my favourite pages in the book...it's bright and colourful and the photography is just beautiful.

I am still desperately trying to get the book published, and am hoping that soon enough, someone will love the look of the book, see that there's a huge gap in the market for something as unique as this, and want to make 1000's of them...until then...here's a sneaky look at some of the images that didn't make it into the book (Well, I don't want to give too much away do I?!)...

Let me know what you think, If you're a keen crafter like I am...maybe this is the type of craft book that's missing from your bookshelf!!

P.S. Make sure you're keeping an eye out on Tatty Tulip's blog...as she will be doing a review of the book shortly, and will be able to give you a real (unbiased) idea of what she thinks of the book.

x ♥ x

My old trusted friend - Judy...

Judys AffordableVintage Fair is coming to London this Saturday and I am beyond excitement at the moment.  I discovered this little paradise of all things vintage, twee and a whole load of kitsch when I was living in Southampton, and was so pleased to find out that they do fairs right across the UK. So wherever you are in our little country, there is sure to be a fair near you!

Judys has been running for a little over 7 years now and it makes a good worth while trip where you are bound to find some real bargains.  Whether you're looking for a quirky new outfit, an intriguing piece of home decor, or just a bit of something different to accessorise yourself...then Judys is the place to go!

 

Judy also loves her music festivals, travelling through various festivals across the country bringing affordable vintage to music lovers nation wide.  A list of all festivals she will be bringing her fair to can be found here

To find out more, and for more information on when and where your nearest Judys fair will be held then take a look at the Judys Affordable Vintage Fair website which can be found here.

Go along, and I can guarantee you will be addicted in no time, just as I was.

If you know of any other great value places to find some real one of a kind, amazing finds at low low low prices, then please do let me know! I'm always open to suggestions.

x ♥ x

*All Images copywrite of Judys Affordable Vintage Fair* 

Renew, Reuse, and Redo...

Unlike the rainy forecast we had for this weekend, Saturday actually turned out to be a lovely warm sunny day here in London, and this surprising weather made me feel very inspired... 

Since decorating our bedroom, Sam and I have a few old sets of bedding that no longer match the rest of the room, and I just can't bring myself to throw them away... I came up with an idea to update these sheets and fashion myself a little Summer dress from them.

I cut the duvet cover into two large rectangles to make the front and back of the dress and placed them together facing outwards.

Once I had the dress all stitched in the correct places, I turned it the correct way out and put it on, using a long cut of ribbon tied around my waist to cinch it in.  It was so easy to make, and really made a beautiful, individual summer dress, perfect for the beach to bung on over your swimwear...

Give it a go for yourself and let me know how you get on, it really is as easy as it looks.

x ♥ x

Getting Nostalgic...

So, checking the weather for this weekend, and the outlook is bleak... I have just the thing to cheer you up and maybe bring back some memories of childhood...

Whilst having my clear out this week, I came across an old birthday present from a good friend of mine...'Balloon Flowers'...a kit containing tons of shaping balloons, a pump, and instructions.

My sister and I decided to have some fun, although after quite some time attempting the flowers and getting nowhere, we had a look online for some tutorials...and this is what we finished up with...

These are the better few of our attempts...but I'd say for first timers, we did pretty well!

Click on the links to find out how to make your own...

... Heart

... Poodle

... and a rather questionable looking Elephant

We had some great fun creating these, and it gave us the chance, in all our growing up, to feel like kids again!!

I am now looking forward to making some more this weekend with my Sam - I know he'll enjoy himself just as much as we did.  

Why don't you give it a go, for something different to do this wet weekend.  For your balloon modelling kit, the best place I have found is Here.

Enjoy!

x ♥ x

Under Water Camera...

Now that I have finished Uni, and I currently have nothing else to do, I have been having a little clear out...I have come across some real little gems that I had forgotten existed.  One in particular is the Under Water Camera which my boyfriend Sam and I bought to get some great pictures as we travelled around the States last Summer.

There are some great shots on it, and I've included some here...

This one was taken in the pool of our beautiful hotel in Miami Beach...our final destination of the road trip.

This is probably my favourite photo of the whole trip, taken in Orlando's Discovery Cove, We spent the day snorkelling and swimming with dolphins...probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life, and definitely a day I will never forget!!

Have a clear out of some of your old bits and see what goodies you come across

x ♥ x

Long time...

It's been a while since my last post, I have just returned from holiday, and I have come home to see that all baby robins have flown the nest, and apparently did so only just after we left.  I have to say, I am a little sad to say that I missed it, but it's lovely to know that they were all healthy and flew off safely and happily.

We travelled around the med on a beautiful cruise ship and saw some amazing sights...my favourite part however...

the ice cream...

x ♥ x

Rainy Days...

On this cold rainy day, who wants to leave the house? Not me, that's for sure.  Here's a rainy day activity that's sure to sweeten your afternoon.

Cranberry Biscuits

These delicious thick cut fruity biscuits, with a delightful melting texture from the cranberries, taste heavenly dunked into a warm cup of tea on a wet drizzly day like today.

To make 24 biscuits, all you will need is:

1 Egg 

1 Lemon (zest)

1 tsp Mixed Spice

75g Semi Dried Cranberries (Craisins)

125g Butter

125g Caster Sugar (plus a little extra to sprinkle)

175g Plain Flour

Step 1.

Sift the flour and mixed spice into a large mixing bowl.  Gradually add in chunks of the butter and massage in with your finger tips.  Once you have added all the butter, stir in the sugar, lemon zest and cranberries.

Step 2.

Beat the egg in a separate bowl, and add to the mixture.  Mix together until you have a firm dough.

Step 3.

Lightly flour you worktop and turn out the dough.  Knead for no longer than 5 minutes, and the shape your dough into a cylinder shape of roughly 20cm in length x 5cm wide.  Wrap your dough in cling film and chill in the fridge for 1 hour.

Step 4.

Preheat your oven to gas 5 (190C/375F).  Unwrap the chilled dough and slice into 5mm thick slices.  Lay your biscuits out onto a sheet of baking paper on a baking tray.  Make sure they are evenly spaced out.  Bake for 15 minutes, or until they are a pale golden colour.

Step 5. 

Leave to cool for a few minutes, sprinkle with a little caster sugar and place on a wire rack to cool completely.

Your biscuits are ready for dunking...Enjoy

x ♥ x

They're on their way...

I have ordered in the finished books this afternoon... so to all of you that have requested a copy, it will be on it's way to you very soon!  Hope you're as excited as I am!

x ♥ x

IT'S HERE...

At last, the prototype of my book has arrived and I am very excited!

Contact me at tweeandcakes@hotmail.co.uk to order your copy now!!!

x ♥ x

London Easter Egg Hunt...

I absolutely Love the London Easter Egg Hunt this year, especially the beautiful owl egg I found tucked away in covent garden!  It's great fun for all the family, and there's even prizes if you can find them all. Visit www.thebigegghunt.co.uk to find out how to join in the fun this Easter.

x ♥ x