Birthday!

I know, I know- I haven't posted for nearly a month now.... but I have excuses! First I was super super busy at school, and then I went away on holiday- but I'm back now!

So what happened in the time I was away?

I became a teenager!

Yes, I was 13, and today I'd like to share with you some of the things I got.

 Finally, I have a rotary cutter! I have an Olfa one with a 45 mm blade, and an Olfa 24x18 cutting mat to go with it. I've got no idea what brand the quilting ruler is though. At the moment I'm trying to get used to using it.

Some lovely, lovely thick, 100% wool hand-dyed felt from the craft shop in Abergavenny.

 

And The Vintage Tea Party Book. This is a very, very lovely book, and not only are the recipes mouthwatering but the layout, photography and illustrations are stunning. I will definitely be using some of these recipies and ideas when I have my vintage tea party for my birthday in September!

Quilt

Sorry I haven't posted for such a long time... I've been working on a secret project! I've been making my grandma a quilt, and since she reads my blog I obviously couldn't post my progress.

This is the patchwork pieces laid out. Please tell me what you think!

Peach and raspberry pie

Mmmm... baked today in food tech, and too yummy looking to resist sharing with everyone. I'm off to try a slice...

Stamp covered picture frame tutorial

Modern Patchwork book review

 So today, I got a little treat in the post! The lovely people from sew mama sew choose two random comments each month, and send them a book! I got Modern Patchwork by Elizabeth Hartman, and I am absolutely delighted!

 It's full of lovely photos of quilts made with gorgeous fabrics, and the instructions are clear and in depth. I especially like the neighbourhood quilt, and I may give it a go!

 I really love most of the projects listed here, which is quite rare. I will often flick through a book and see maybe two or three projects I'll try, but I could imagine making all of these!

It also has an alternative ideas section at the back, which is great as it helps you imagine the quilt in different ways. Also included are a fold out full size paper pattern section, a fabric choosing section and some basic techniques. Something particularly useful for me is the section on rotary cutting, because I'm hoping that I will get a set for my upcoming birthday!
Overall this is a nicely presented book full of amzing quilts, with in depth instructions about how to make them.

Crafty things to do with postage stamps

Yesterday I showed you my haul of stamps, and asked you for ideas. Thanks to MadWild, who suggested covering a notebook. Well, after a quick search on the internet, I found plenty more projects that took my fancy!

Stamp cake garland (by Dsharp)

A stamp covered bangle here

Postage stamp covered bangle via flickr

Postage stamp shoes here

Even for decorating a whole table!

hope you like these!

Stamps

Today I was out shopping in Tewksbury, and as well as a very nice ring...

 I bought this load of stamps! For the incredibly cheap price of only one pence each. I managed to buy 50 in total- but it was only 50p.

 These are some of my favourites. How come England doesn't have stamps with cheetahs and buses on?

I am seriuosly considering moving to Antigua, just to use these stamps. Side note, can you use old unused stamps from other countries as stamps on letters?

I know I want to do something crafty with them, but I'm not sure what. Does anyone have any suggestions? If you do, please let me know below!