5 Places for Halloween Inspiration

When I was younger, Halloween wasn’t really a ‘thing’ in our home. I grew up in a fairly religious household so rather than celebrate Halloween, I used to go to these ‘Light and Laughter’ parties held at the church which always felt a little bit like a poor man’s substitute. When I was old enough to do my own thing, it never really held much appeal to me – seemed like a lot of hassle… but now I’m a parent? I’m ALL OVER HALLOWEEN. The chance to dress my child up in novelty items and work on a themed party?…

View Post

Easy Mother’s Day Crafts with Homebase

I am a complete sucker for a homemade gift. In my eyes, it means so much more to receive a gift that has been lovingly crafted as time is the most precious thing we have. My Mum has been the recipient of her fair share of Hollymade gifts over the years: painted glassware, framed papercuts, photo mosaics, baked goods… I was starting to run out of ideas but thankfully, Homebase came to the rescue and invited me to a special Mother’s Day crafts workshop at their store in Selly Oak. Jane from Tea and Crafting showed us not one but…

View Post

LPM Made This: Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift

Ah, it’s this time of year again… when I pretend that I don’t need to buy into commercialism to prove my love but secretly hope I’ll be surprised with a wonderfully thoughtful and romantic gift. Last year I wrote about my Number #1 Relationship Tip (which is just as relevant now as a year ago) but this year I’ve got something a little more creative to share. If you know LPD in real life, you’ll know he’s not the most natural romantic, but I like to think I am so if you’re on the hunt for a last minute Valentine’s…

View Post

LPM Made This: #SimplicitySewingChallenge Simplicity 6346 Pattern

Back when I did my Introduction to Dressmaking course in March, I had wonderful visions of knocking myself up a quick top or dress whilst the baby slept but the reality has been far from different. How naive was I to think I’d have the luxury of free time on my hands?! I decided to take part in the Simplicity Sewing Challenge, hoping that the concrete deadline would make me somehow FIND the time to complete it. Nothing like a good deadline to spur you on, eh? The newcomers category pattern was Simplicity 6346, a fairly easy looking pattern with…

View Post

LPM Made This: #GBBO Jaffa Cakes

I’m not much of a ‘live’ TV viewer (more of a binge Netlix user!), but the three programmes I make an exception for are Masterchef, The Great British Sewing Bee and, of course, BAKE OFF. I’m still not exactly sure what makes Bake Off such compelling viewing considering it’s just a bunch of people whisking up eggs and watching oven doors but the magic mix of Mary Berry, Mel and Sue and the Hollywood Death Stare has got me hooked. Along with most of the country. I won’t spoil it too much in case you haven’t caught up yet, but…

View Post