Need to make a 1970s Wig Stand? Read on my friend..

So, my lovely Mum gave me this book, with things that I may seemingly like to make (!). I can lend it to you if you like ? (Actually the baby blanket is really stunning) - but really...... what is that rabbit doing to that dog?

Firstly the WIG STAND???!!!!! Nothing about this is right - is it? Seriously? What is going on? And what's with the eyelashes? Are they to make it that bit more glamorous? It's like some psychedelic Dr. Who Monster? If you found this in your girlfriend's bedroom - wouldn't you just run to the door? Love the type face don't you - sooooo 70s!!! It's a bit Blue Peter -not sure I'll be making the loo roll lamps - - times are hard - but not that hard!

TTFN XXXXX

Hassocks, Stocks, Lepers & Frescoes

We live in a little village in West Sussex, South England. In our village is a beautiful, old Church dating back to the 10th Century - it is always open and very well cared for and loved. Most striking are the hassocks, the kneelers, which the women of the Parish make for the pews. Each one is lovingly created using needle-point, each with its own significance or sentiment. There is no shortage! Here are just a few....... There are also the most incredible medieval frescoes, the colours still vibrant and incredibly well preserved. Below is a Leper's Squint . I had never seen one of these before. Lepers had to stand outside the Church away from the congregation, so to allow them a view of the Priest during Mass. The Parish created a viewing hole via the outside wall, then an interior hole - angled perfectly for the lepers to see through. Interesting isn't it? Outside is the original 16th Century Village Stock. I wonder who got put in those? Or what was thrown at them? In fact, one of the present villagers revealed to me that it was his ancestor that actually built them!!! I feel so privileged to have this on my doorstep and to live in a country where this is so readily available and accessable - and FREE TO ALL !!!!! Hope you enjoyed your trip to our little Church this Spring Sunday! TTFN xxxxx

Crochet Love

I'm back! A gazillion posts to do - so let's get started! Firstly crochet - and as Spring is upon us I made a Springtime Wreath (pattern available at the lovely Attic 24 ). It was very easy to follow the pattern I have to say and I still consider myself a beginner, not bad for an afternoon's work (obviously not work at all)My mum gave me a little vintage crochet book and a new one for my birthday and there are quite a few things I would love to make from each -crocheting tastes haven't changed so much since the 1960s have they!? I am also making two blankets, one I started last year in time for Christmas (HA!) - maybe this year's hey? I dip into it from time to time, but we are not in a serious relationship and enter each others lives on a random basis. The other is far more committed and for another post - lots of sunshine squares - its going to be amazing - I hope? More posts to come. I hope you haven't forgotten about me ? I still love all your blogs and as usual they keep me smiling!

TTFN XXXX

Christmas Bits!

Courtesy of Bluebird Crafts

Hand painted Christmas Eggs.

Just a few Christmas images to send you all on your festive way. Like.....who has time to read??? Just some from my kitchen - how do you decorate your kitchen, or do you?

Vintage Christmas Salt n' Pepper Mr & Mrs Claus!

Christmas Pudding Pot, where chocolate coins magically appear.

Have absolutely fab Christmas with your families and always know your bloggy friendship is valued by Marble Rose.

TTFN xxxxx

Marble Rose Homemade Christmas

It's a homemade Christmas over at Marble Rose-dom. Lack of money is a driving force - but I still think receiving a gift someone has poured effort and love into, is worth its weight in gold, even if it is a little skeewiff or lopsided.

I haven't made a Betsy Doll for nearly three years -but I had promised my niece - and myself that she wouldn't be left out! I posted Betsy today, so I hope the Royal Mail treats her well.

Then I made luxury flannels for the ladies in my life - (mum and sis in laws) - I always despair at the kids using my flannels for "washing' their dolls - or whatever else they care to wipe it on - so making a flannel that absolutely shouts "VERY SPECIAL MUMMY FLANNEL" - may just act as a small deterrent to other small hands? (hmm or the complete opposite?) These flannels are BIG - I mean nice-big-close your eyes - cover your face in warm water and sigh - BIG. Trimmed with cute material and lace, I placed them in some baskets and added some special bubble bath and obligatory chocs. What better way to wake yourself up in the morning eh? And finally my crochet - yes those years of knotting, tears and sore fingers paid off. I've made the girls some hats and my sis-in-law a snood thing with her fav colour wool - and a small wee Panda Bear for my eldest - (crocheting in that black wool was like crocheting with eyelashes!) So that's it for now. I did my best and offer it with love. Home-made Christmas indeed. Can't wait to show you the Lulu Charm Dolls I've made for the girls and tell you about the Children's book I've written " Adventures with Mrs. Rolipop" , endorsed by Boden. (Free Clothes!) Squeal! TTFN xxxxxxx