I'm still here ..

I haven't entirely deserted blogland, but have got out of the habit of posting anything lately.  I'm too easily diverted by sunny days and scrolling through Instagram and 'X'.  (Wish we could go back to the days of calling that Twitter.  Why trash a perfectly good brand name?)  Anyway, I'm here now, and just back from the allotment where I've been splashing water over wilting strawberry plants.  According to the BBC weather app we're due rain on Saturday, and if it falls you'll hear the sound of cheering from grateful gardeners and happy farmers all across the land! 

On the crafty front, I've almost sewn together my Ann Wood stitchbook, just a couple more pages to go.  But I've mainly been obsessing over my new-found hobby of making junk journals and decorating them.  

I'm making tags and journal cards and messing about with die cut butterflies and birds.  All a lot of fun and very absorbing.  

At the moment I'm simply adding anything and everything that looks pretty or colourful to my junk journals, but in future I fancy making themed books.  I like the idea of a spooky, gothicky kind of book, all dark & creepy, as if compiled by a sinister Victorian governess with a mysterious past.  Yes, I know that sounds strange, but whatever ...

I picked up a couple of books from a charity shop the other day.  The Stella Rimington might be good, might be dull, but I'll give it a go.  However, the reference book on costumes will be terrific for junk journal making.  It's full of black & white illustrations of costumes.  

If you've ever wondered what late 19th century clothing was worn by ordinary folks in Brittany, or wanted to know about the robes of late 18th century nuns and the ecclesiastical vestments of 16th and 17th century churchmen (cardinals, prelates, deacons, sub-deacons, bishops and popes), then this is the reference book for you! 

When I've not been engrossed in papercrafts or a musty smelling old book, I've been embroidering this.  

I went a bit mad today and sewed lots of buttons and beads on it.  Very over-the-top, and since taking these photos I've added chunky gold sequins too, plus even more buttons and beads.  Well, I never have been into dull neutral colours.  

Thanks for stopping by, and I'll try not to leave it so long between blog posts in future.