Painting with the DoddleArt Box

Painting with the DoddleArt Box

Initially, I was nervous about sending Pickle to Nursery. I was worried he’d be confused by it all. I was worried they wouldn’t care for him in the same way I would. And I was worried it wouldn’t be worth the money. But I needn’t have worried – Pickle absolutely loves it there. In fact, most nights he doesn’t want to come home. He gets to play all day long with his friends, he loves eating with them all at the little table and they spend lots of time outside – which is always his favourite way to spend time.…

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5 Places for Halloween Inspiration

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?…

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Easy Mother’s Day Crafts with Homebase

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…

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LPM Made This: Last Minute Valentine’s Day Gift

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…

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LPM Made This: #SimplicitySewingChallenge Simplicity 6346 Pattern

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…

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