Go to Buxton. They have nice water.

If you happen to be passing Buxton between now and 14th August, I highly recommend that you stop off and have a nosey in the Art Gallery/Museum.  One of my favourite artists is exhibiting there and it's a feast for the eyes.

It was my first time seeing this piece (the trainers below), as its size has meant that it hasn't been shared on the blog (I mean, who has a scanner that big?!).

See? Huge!

'Ten Examples of Unnecessarily Handsome Shoes'. No photo of this, unfortunately. I love all of the different perspectives and annotations.

'Wish I Knew You Well'. This full colour drawing blew us away (Mr Pippa was with me). I seem to remember it being larger than the others (I didn't think to make notes).

As well as the works on the walls, there were the cabinets. The first was the woodland one. The pieces looked so at home with the leaves and twigs in there. And the dead bee.

I'm not sure I'd realised when first spotting this drawing (above) online that this piece is not, in fact, drawn onto lined paper which happened to have tea/coffee mug rings on it, but those details have been drawn too. Andrea Joseph often catches me off guard like that. I love it.

I spent most of my time looking through these cabinets:

I also adored being able to get so close to the glass cabinets that my nose occasionally bumped the glass as I studied the sketchbooks and spotted the items which appear in the drawings. I would have loved to flick through one of the sketchbooks.

When chatting to Andrea later, she mentioned that this drawing (in the sketchbook above) was drawn in a coffee shop in Buxton - a coffee shop I have now been to. It's funny how just a little thing like knowing where/how a piece came together gives me a whole new appreciation of it.

What a treat!

Go on, get your skates on. You've got until 14th August.

P.S. Thank you, Mr Pippa for being photograpaher for the day :)

Pinterest Pins {rooms for tiny people}

Pinterest really is a marvellous way to waste time looking at pretty things.

Lately, I've been looking at things like this...

                                            Source: blog.puffling.com.au via Pippa on Pinterest

...and this. You know I love a colour-coded bookshelf.

                                                         Source: ohdeedoh.com via Pippa on Pinterest

...and this.

                                            Source: thebooandtheboy.com via Pippa on Pinterest

That suspended plane had given me an idea.

And how about this for displaying books: an Ikea spice rack.

                                         

Nice little nook.

                                                Source: flickr.com via Pippa on Pinterest

...and this one just made me smile.

                                  Source: weheartit.com via Pippa on Pinterest

That was my way of announcing news. Can you guess what it is?

That's right, I'm growing an alphabet tree on a bookshelf! Um, no.

something on the wall and some daffodils

I love daffodils. They're such a happy, humble, friendly flower.

After seeing this on Pinterest (a dangerously addictive place), I was inspired to create my own canvas. I like how the lyrics roll into the wooden letters beneath. That was completely intentional, you know. I didn't need it to be pointed out by someone else. Nope. Not me.

that's love

{Print for sale here}

By the way, what do you think of the Valentine blog makeover? I like it. I'm going to keep it for the rest of February, by which time it'll be time for a spring banner. Spring: I'm so ready for you.

I know. That whole anthropomorphisation-of-days/months/years thing that's fashionable at the moment annoys me too. I felt it was necessary. I promise not to overdo it.

Would you like to see the view from one of the places we stayed in last week? I'll show you no matter what your response. It'll melt your face with its British beachy beauty. This was taken from our window.

Mmm nice.

consumable gifts {part 6: the packaging}

Hello and welcome to the 6th part of this Consumable Gifts series.

So, you've made some scrummy treats but you're not sure how to wrap them. Somehow a crumpled plastic zippy bag just doesn't do your jam justice. What a mental image. Hopefully you'll find some better ideas here to inspire you.

Things in Jars
Jam, chutney, pesto, body scrub, cookie mix - so many great homemade consumable gifts can go into jars. If you want to impress, buy a nice jar - one they can keep things in afterwards (one they'll want to keep things in afterwards). Or if you're being thrifty by reusing old jam jars, well done you! But do hide the unattractive lid. Here's a lovely idea:

(image found here)

Find some pretty fabric to cover the lid and attach your own handwritten label. Or forget the fabric and just go for a bold label like these from Jamie Oliver:

(image found here)

I adore this one (below) with the sealing wax. You could use sealing wax to hold together ribbon, bakers' twine or old fashioned string (or an old bootlace, if you really want).

Maple Honey Caramel Spread: it's enough to make me want to move to America, just so I could try some.

If you're giving more than one jar as a gift, think about packaging them together. I like this idea - mainly because it uses a free and plentiful resource. Looks quite effective too.

(image found here)

Fudge And The Like
As we know, Martha Stewart has some ideas for how to wrap fudge here (only two ideas though. Not that impressive, is it Martha?) or there are Candy Packaging Ideas here. This is a fave of mine:

(image found here)

There's a great tutorial for these at Givers Log (brilliant site), along with a load of other fantastic ideas. In fact, I could just give you that link and call it a day, but I'll show you a few more. Below is an idea I stumbled upon o Givers Log for a DIY Bakery Box. Genius!

(image found here)

Or how about this gift box made from a paper cup? Nifty.

(image found here)

Or make your own paper box (tutorial here) - they are super easy.

I think that's enough for you to be going on with for now, don't you? Oh alright, here are some more nice packages to inspire you. You see, you don't need fancy wrapping paper: brown wrapping paper, newspaper and maps all make really effective wrapping paper. Use some string or bakers' twine or ribbon to brighten it up a bit. Maybe you could make your own label too?

1. Regalos decorativos bajo el árbol, 2. You mean the world to me, 3. all ready!, 4. This week I..., 5. Paint chip package, 6. Season's Greetings. 10 pack gift tags., 7. Untitled, 8. Einzigartige personalisierte Aufkleber, 9. Untitled


If I've whet your appetite for pretty packaging, have a nosey at the Flickr groups nice package and gift wrap.

Now, I'm feeling inspired enough to go and wrap some fudge. I shall return with photos.

consumable gifts {part 3: handmade and edible - the savoury ones}

Hello and welcome to the 3rd part of this Consumable Gifts series.

Let's get straight into the list: homemade food gifts {the savoury ones} or savory if you'd like a translation into American English. Although, I think you're bright enough to do the translating yourself.

1. Chutney
Make sure the recipient actually likes chutney before making them four jars of the stuff. Recipes: Christmas Chutney, Fragrant Mango & Apple Chutney, Apple & Cranberry, Spiced Courgette, Rhubard & Date, Tangy Onion, Classic Apple, Mango. I don't even like chutney and I think they look quite tempting.

(image from here)

2. Homemade Bread
Only give this one if you know they'll have a chance to consume it soon. You could make it a bit fancy - some sun-dried tomatoes in there, perhaps?


3. Salad Dressing
Here's one recipe. Put it in a fancy bottle and tie a ribbon around it, if you like.


4. Bag of Homemade Dried Pasta
Looks great here (and there are even ideas on how to package it).

5. Pesto
This writer here thinks it would look great in an old-fashioned French storage or Kilner jar. Yes, it probably would. Here's another recipe (free printables with this second one).

(image from here)

6. Bread Mix in a Jar
As with the cake/cookie/brownie mix in a jar idea from part 2 of the Consumable Gifts series, layer the ingredients in a large jar. This mix needs no kneading and they show you how to make the kit at that link too. Brilliant!

7. Flavoured Oil
Here's a recipe for Chilli Oil, but I'm sure there are plenty more. Nice glass bottle and some ribbon and you're sorted.

8. A Spice Mix
Here's a recipe for a Chilli Spice Mix and tips on how to package it. Or, give a spice mix with recipe ideas, like here. Good old Martha Stewart with an All-Purpose Spice Rub here. Or, not spices but I think it fits into the same category: Garlic Bread Seasoning. You could give some nice bread with it too.

9. Jam/Marmalade/Curd
Sweet or savoury? Well, I put these in the savoury category because you have them with savoury things. Sweet Cherry Jam, Lemon and Lime Marmalade, Three Fruit Marmalade, Lemon Curd. Or, if they like lemon curd, perhaps they'd like vanilla curd or banoffee curd (we're currently finishing a jar of banoffee curd and it's delish on hot toast).

(image from here)

10. Spiced Nuts
Spiced Pecans here; Spiced Nuts here.

Coming up next: homemade food gifts {the drinks}

consumable gifts {part 2: handmade and edible - the sweet ones}

Hello and welcome to the 2nd part of this Consumable Gifts series.

In this post, I've compiled a list of consumable gifts ideas, focusing on (you probably guessed from the title) gifts that are both handmade and edible. I haven't included cookie and cake recipes because you can find those for yourselves. Also, think about when you're giving the gift: will the recipient have time to consume it before it's past its best? Maybe they already have a cupboard full of cake and one more would just be a burden. Unless it's freezable, maybe? This is why I've chosen things in these posts which will keep a bit longer.

We begin with homemade food gifts {the sweet ones}. I got quite hungry creating this post.

1. Fudge
Make batches of different flavours: peanut butter fudge, chocolate fudge, vanilla fudge, chocolate mint fudge, irish cream fudge, holiday fudge, or just plain and simple fudge (more ideas and recipes here). Slice it, wrap up in greaseproof paper, put it in a box and tie with ribbon or bakers' twine - more ideas for packaging here.

2. Mix in a Jar
Layer a simple mix for cookies/biscuits/brownies into a nice jar (the jar can be part of the gift too). All they then have to do is add the wet ingredients. Attach the recipe to a card and tie with ribbon.

(image from Fried Chillies)

[For ideas on how to decorate something in a jar, check back here later for a post on packaging ideas]

3. Cookie Dough
Wrap up a log of dough for them to keep in their freezer and bake with when ready. It doesn't go stale and is something a bit different. See here.

4. Brittle
Good old fashioned peanut brittle is my favourite. See here for more ideas and recipes. You could wrap it unbroken, with a mini hammer and ribbon, like this one.

5. Candied Citrus Peels
See here.

6. Gingerbread Caramels
I love the packaging for this.

7. Fleur de Sel Toffee
See here.

8. Cake in a Jar
It keeps! It can be stored for 6 months, possibly longer. No cooking required for the recipient: just open and eat. Find it here.

(image from The Kitchn)

9. Chocolate Drizzled Mints
Looks fun to make, too.

(image from Gimme Some Oven)

10. Truffles
Autumn Spice Truffles, Chocolate Truffles, Amaretto Truffles, Chocolate Peanut Butter Truffles, Low-Fat Mint Truffles. Dip them in chocolate and sprinkle white chocolate shavings or nuts before the chocolate sets, top them with bubble wrap chocolate decorations, or just leave them as they are.

11. Peppermint Creams
From Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, no less.

12. Homemade Marshmallows
Candy-Cane Marshmallows and Marshmallow Snowflakes look great in hot chocolate.

13. Edible Glitter (aka Sanding Sugar)
You chefs may be wincing when I call this edible glitter but, to a novice, that's kind of what it looks like, don't you think? It's actually Sanding Sugar, though.

(image from Bake at 350)

14. Neapolitan Coconut Strips
They even have packaging tips here.

15. Caramel Bourbon Vanilla Sauce
Pour into a little jar and attach a spoon with garden twine. Beautiful.

16. Candy Bracelet/Necklace
A great gift for children who don't have a problem with E-numbers. Or just big kids who don't care about E-numbers.

(image from Paper&Cake)

17. Hot Fudge Sauce
This looks great. On profiteroles, perhaps?

18. Cinder Toffee/Honeycomb/Sponge Candy
As it is, or dipped in chocolate.

19. Buttermilk Syrup
Put it in a bottle and stick a label on. Maybe you could give waffles with it? I'd like that.

20. Hazelnut Chocolate Spread
Homemade tastes so much better than Nutella.

21. Gumdrop Pops
Not quite homemade, but they are home-assembled. It certainly makes sweets look even more exciting.

22. Pecan Clusters
These look great in their handmade packaging.

23. Vanilla Syrup
Great gift for a coffee lover. I prefer it in hot chocolate. This recipe is really simple.

(image from Craftzine)

24. Praline Ice-Cream Sauce
This one's made in the microwave - great!

25. Brandy Butter
This one looks especially pleasing with a spoon attached with bakers' twine.


Coming up next: homemade food gifts {the savoury ones}

consumable gifts {part 1:the preamble}

After a recent de-cluttering, I was reminded that we have far too much stuff. We spend time and money accumulating stuff. We then spend time and money housing the stuff and cleaning the dust off the stuff.

Inspired by a blog called 365 Less Things (I know. It should be 'fewer', not 'less'. But the content is excellent so I can forgive them), I became more ruthless in my de-cluttering (I still have a long long way to go. I'll never be a minimalist, but my clutter had reached the 'unmanageable' stage, so immediate action was required.). It did get me thinking about gifts though. Some of the things I was getting rid of were gifts and, until recently, I had kept many things out of guilt.

A friend of mine made an interesting point: how often do you go to someone's house and look around for the gift you gave them three Christmases ago? (The answer to that rhetorical question should be 'never' for this argument to work) Then there are these conversations:

Random friend: Hey look!

Me: What?

Random friend: The dog* statue!

Me: Um...

Random friend: You got it for me! Remember?

Me: ...Did I?

Random friend: Yeah! I love it! You got it for me 5 years ago when you went on holiday.

Me: Are you sure that was...

Random friend: Yeah! It must have been you. I think it was you. Well anyway, I love it! I always keep it on that shelf.

Me: Great!

You must have had one of those conversations before.

That thinking helped me to get rid of things I had been keeping (just because they were gifts) even though I no longer wanted/needed/liked them. Remember: the people giving the gifts really care about you. So, that photo frame blessed you for 5 years - great! Don't hang onto it just because you feel you should. Some things are good for a time. Just because you're getting rid of it now, it doesn't mean you never liked it. Tastes change, fashions change, needs change. Get rid of it and get over it.

This then led me to think about the gifts I'm giving. I don't want to give someone something which will add to the clutter and end up in landfill. I'd rather they had something they'd really use and/or use-up.

Can you see where I'm going with this?

Consumable gifts!

One Christmas, a friend of ours made fudge as a gift to us. Not only was it great fudge but it was gone within a month, so no extra clutter in our home. She enjoyed making it (I hope) and we enjoyed eating it.

That got me thinking (you can tell I've been doing a lot of thinking in this blog post**. It happens about once a year. Don't get used to it.) about other handmade consumable gifts. I've compiled a list and I will very kindly share that list with you. I'm nice like that.

So, part 2 in the consumable gifts series will be the handmade gifts (I thought I'd share that list first so that you actually have enough time to make these things before Christmas).

For now, I will leave you with a picture of some sock cupcakes (why not?).

*I would never every buy someone a statue of a dog.
** I tried to condense my long, rambling thoughts on the topic into one blog post (this one), which is why it may seem a bit disjointed. Sorry about that. I just thought you'd like to know where this sudden drive for de-cluttering and consumable gifts came from.

yummy colour-order bookshelves

I've gone and done it (thanks for doing all the lifting, Mr Pippa).

You know how I love seeing things in colour order? (Yes, you already know this.) Remember ages and ages ago I said I'd love to put my books into colour order? I'm not the first to do it:

(source)

 (source)

 (source)

 A face! Made from books! (source)

And while we're on books and bookshelves, this one made me smile. Is it just me, or does it look as though the shelves are looking down thinking, "Why do those books keep falling out whenever I look down?" (source)



 (source)  
Again, not colour order but I like it. You just know that the day after you do this, you'll need to use the book 3rd from the bottom. No, I shan't be arranging my books like that (fear not, Mr Pippa). Interestingly, we do happen to have something similar going on on our living room floor. It's not an artistic statement, it's just a pile of books to take to the charity shop. Could I have been subconsciously influenced by this picture?


Anyway, enough of that. Here are my shelves:

Hooray! Grouping colours is fun!

Yes, that's right, I created this blog post for the sole purpose of showing you my bookshelves. 


That is all.

inspiration

Interesting. Found it on Pika Land {the illustrated life}.

They do say that there are only 7 original ideas in the whole world. I don't know who they are, but I get the point they're making.