#Monday Moodboard - Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

It's back to work tomorrow and back to the normal routine, another year over and a new one just beginning. I don't write resolutions but this year I do intend to fulfil some long overdue goals. Watch this space...

As usual, have a great week. Xx

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#Quick Crafty Makes 4 - Random Softie Rabbit

I love the ugly dolls and softies I have seen on the internet, they look effective and the random nature of their bodies and facial features adds to their character. I had a spare hour and the urge to use my sewing machine so decided to make my own.

This has got to be the cheapest, quickest and easiest make I've ever done. A couple of pieces of scrap calico, a quick wizz on the sewing machine, some stuffing and simple embroidery stitches to add features and voila, my rabbit is complete. The more random the shape the better.

This took less than an hour and my children are already arguing over him, so much so, that I now have to make another!

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#Blog School Homework - New Year Self Diagnosis

It's good to have another blog school lesson to complete, if you've not heard of blog school take a look at Pip Lincolnes blog here.

This lesson is about a bit of blog 'self diagnoses' for the new year, we are asked to consider 4 suggested starting points:

Based upon the above I have come up with the following six 'New Blog Resolutions'.

1. Design

I need to think about the layout and design of my blog, I'm thinking about moving to Wordpress but am, as yet still undecided. I've heard that you have more control over the design, layout and editing of your blog. Any opinions on this would be very welcome.

2. Blog Pages

I would like to explore the pages options more, how can I utilise this better? I currently have a list of lovely websites and blogs that are in dire need of updating.

3. Images

This is something I struggle with. I don't want to rely on apps too much to edit, I prefer natural daylight images. I MUST set up a mini studio, this would help improve the quality of my images.

4. Writing

This is a bit of a weakness for me, English was never my strong point at school. Proof read and be less self conscious is the order of the day I think.

5. Blog Traffic

One thing I've learnt from blog school is that traffic flow through your blog is more important than followers. I need to work on improving traffic.....I'm not too sure how to do this so will have to do some research.

6. Make Do Sew - Blog Name

The name of my blog. I changed the name a few times when I first started blogging, but I took some advice from a well established blogger that the name should indicate what the blog is about. What do others think? I have a few others names in the pipe line but am worried that I could loose what I have already built up.


I've been blogging since March 2012 and 'Make Do Sew' has improved as my skills and understanding have developed.  I hope my blog continues to grow and reach more people; for me blogging is about sharing and this is what I will continue to strive for in 2013.

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HAPPY NEW YEAR....woo hoo!!

Happy New Year, thank you for all the lovely comments, followers, subscribers and occasional visitors, wishing you health and lots of happiness in 2013  xxx

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#Monday Moodboard - Boxing Day Walk by the Thames

We've had a quiet but happy Christmas this year. I've eaten too much and not drunk nearly enough booze (I'm a lightweight these days) but that can all be rectified next year!

On Boxing Day we decided to go for a walk along the seafront, it was a cold but bright and sunny day. I love the Thames, it has so much history and contrast along what is a relatively short stretch of water.

I hope you've all had a wonderful Christmas and are doing something nice for New Year whether it be a big party or a night in with a take away and the telly. Have a good one xxx

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Jam Jar Love - 14 up-cycling ideas

There's something homely about an old jar, their robust and reliable qualities present many possibilities for recycling. Post Christmas is the perfect time of year to squirrel away all the empty condiment and pickle jars ready for a years worth of recycling. Here are fourteen fun and innovative up cycling ideas some of which I hope to attempt in 2013!

1.colourful crafty storage

2.cottage style vases

3.striking chandelier

4.mini terrarium

5.haberdashery meets pin cushion

6.party lanterns

7.cool cocktails

8.quirky storage

 

9.simple money box

10.artisan bread

11.yummy homemade jam

12.seasonal snow globe

13.mini salt and pepper shakers

 

14.inspiring fine art

 

 

 

1.birdcage design  2.a alicia blog  3.boots N gus 

4.a cultivated nest  5.buttons and bobbins 

6.the natural wedding company  7.eat in mess  8.house to home  9.january to december  10.simple bites  11.jamie cooks it up  12.make and do girl  13.crafter holic 14.jimmy cauty

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Dear Santa, please may I have...

Georgina who writes the blog 'Life at The Coop' has tagged me in a Christmas wish list challenge, should I choose to accept this challenge (which I have hence this post) I have to write a list of 5 ultimate Christmas gifts and then invite 5 other bloggers to do the same.  Due to lack of time on my part, it may be difficult for my 5 chosen bloggers to do this as Christmas is now imminent so I'm sorry but the tag stops here, until next year! 
So, in no particular order....

1. A cliche I know but world peace, this year has seen so much conflict and disaster.

2. A new mattress and bed, a good nights sleep is the key to lower stress levels and happy days!

3. A year free of family feuds would be a gift from heaven. Happiness for all.

 

4. A dishwasher, do I need to explain this, I must be the last person with kids that doesn't have one?

5. A shed, workshop or studio space of my own. I do have a small work area in the house but my own studio would be amazing.

XX MERRY CHRISTMAS XX

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