CREATIVE IDEAS FOR YOUR HOME

e su Is 17

MAKING STYLING KNITTING STITCHING

BAKING & MORE

FEATHER YOUR NEST

Creative makes and bright ideas to style your home this Easter
CRAF T IT TON IGHT !

make it yourself

Really easy tab-top curtains to sew in a day

COVER A MEMO BOARD REVAMP YOUR KITCHEN STENCIL A TEA TOWEL CROCHET A GARLAND

ISSUE 17

4.99

THIS ISSUE: Wayne Hemingway, Rosemary Shrager, Linda Barker, Julie Dodsworth, Suzanne Shaw

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r e t s a E y p p Ha
A
s I write, there is a warm breeze gently drifting through the window, the birds are softly tweeting and the sun is high in the sky; spring has definitely sprung. Its the perfect time to sweep away the cobwebs of winter and refresh and revive your dcor. So go ahead and tuck into our array of crafty projects and interior ideas to give your home that well-deserved once-over. We begin the issue with our celebration for Easter on page 13. Handmade table decorations in soft blue and cheerful yellow, combined with gorgeous rustic touches bird nests, natural feathers and delicate eggs complete the look, making for a truly special occasion. Though, if youre looking for something a little bolder, have a go at decoupaging eggs with bright Cath Kidston napkins (p.38) or stitch a cute chick cushion, courtesy of Sophia Palmer (p.58). Natalie has been hunting for tea towels this issue and gathered her top-picks to share with you. The prints and patterns are absolutely GISELA GRAHAM EASTER TREE, 20, TCH.NET gorgeous and neednt be left just for drying up (thats what the draining board is for!), instead frame your favourites and pop them on display. Or do what Amanda Walker has done and turn one into a piece of art by stencilling onto it (p.30). Naturally, at this time of year, our eye turns to muted colour palletes with pastels taking centre stage; Ive just completed a spruce up of my lounge with a peppering of pale pink and soft lemon. If you need a little inspiration, see Seoanas round-up of sweet shades for your abode (p.88). And dont forget to download your free Emma Block print which fits this theme perfectly read all about Emma on page 81. Last but not least, a massive thank you goes to Natalies dearest mum for allowing us free reign on her home for our photoshoot this issue, and a big thumbs up to her nan, too, for a gorgeous Ashburton carrot cake we couldnt get enough! Happy homemaking,
EDITORS FAVOURITES:

Get in touch
Homemaker, 1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY www.homemakermagazine.co.uk
ELIZABETH HUDSON, EDITOR elizabeth.hudson@aceville.co.uk
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CHILLI PLANT, 7.50 ANNABELJAMES.CO.UK DUCKLING CUSHION, 32, SKANDIVIS.CO.UK EGG SOAPS, 19.95, HANDPICKEDCOLLECTION.COM BIRD BAUBLES, 12 SET OF 3, ELLAJAMES.CO.UK

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MEET THE TEAM

EDITOR Elizabeth Hudson 01206 505917 elizabeth.hudson@aceville.co.uk DEPUTY EDITOR Natalie Osborn 01206 505488 natalie.osborn@aceville.co.uk EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Seoana Sherry-Brennan 01206 505990 seoana@aceville.co.uk GROUP EDITOR Lynn Martin ART DIRECTOR Sarah Mayes DESIGNERS Sarah Mayes, Ami Williams, James Tuthill STUDIO MANAGER Lee Whiteford CONTRIBUTORS Jenessa Williams PHOTOGRAPHY CliQQ 01206 855477 www.cliqq.co.uk PUBLISHING Publishing Director: Helen Tudor Publishing Assistant: Paula Taylor SUBSCRIPTION ENQUIRIES 0844 815 5870 01795 414730 homemaker@sevicehelpline.co.uk MARKETING MANAGER Andrea Dickson andrea.dickson@aceville.co.uk GROUP ADVERTISING MANAGER Martin Lack 01206 505940 martin.lack@aceville.co.uk ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Gina Geremia 01206 505476 gina@aceville.co.uk Gemma Davies 01206 505955 gemma.davies@aceville.co.uk ACCOUNTS Philip Bale 01206 505907 NEWSTRADE SALES Marketforce 0203 148 3300
Cover image: living4media/Revier51 Next issue on sale: 17th April 2014 Homemaker is published by Aceville Publications Ltd., Co No. 04109672. 21 /23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY. Printed in the UK by Wyndeham Heron. All rights reserved. Garments or accessories made from projects published by Homemaker are for personal use only and cannot be sold. Multiple copies of any part of this publication may not be made, and no part of this publication whether in its original form or a reproduction thereof may be sold. All projects and patterns featured within Homemaker are reproduced in good faith that they do not infringe any copyright. All published prices are correct at time of going to press but are subject to change. Aceville Publications Ltd. 2014

HOW WE MADE

ISSUE 17 APRIL 2014

Precision placement is tricky with eggs!

Seoana pauses for a spot of crafting

bonus project
Adorn your Easter chairs with our online make

Natalie chooses her favourite tea towels for the pic on p28

A well-deserved break with Natalies nannas cake

5 things we love about this issue

Eric Lanlards tips on chocolate egg making Exploring Stratford Upon Avons rich history Learning the ins and outs of at-home floristry Our one-day Chalk Paint kitchen transformation! Spending the day with the talented Lorna Syson

contents

58 Issue 17

44

In Every Issue
9 PICK OF THE MONTH Create an eggciting arrangement using egg shells and miniature blooms 10 HEADLINES The turn-to pages for keeping you on top of the latest trends, new ranges and shows 79 I SPY Our round-up of the best blogs and sites that we stumbled upon this month 85 HOMESTORE No space for your stuff? Hide your junk away with our under-the-bed storage solutions

88 MOODBOARD: PRETTY PASTELS Discover how to use sweet shades in a contemporary and chic way 91 REMADE Give your tired wooden furniture a spruce up with our handy hints 92 Q&A This month the experts discuss blinds, window seating and hanging lamps 95 LESSONS WITH LINDA HM regular Linda Barker shares her tips for revamping floorboards 96 OUT AND ABOUT Celebrate Shakespeare's birthday with a trip to Stratford-upon-Avon

98 LEARNING CURVE Expand your crafting wisdom with a creative class or two 112 HOMEMAKER NOTES Find all your essential home hints and secrets here 114 WHAT MY HOME MEANS TO ME Queen of the ice Suzanne Shaw discloses her top entertaining tips

52 KEEN BEAN Recline in style this spring with a brilliantly bold bean bag

DAY

IN A

DONE

54 FAB TAB This issue's masterclass shows you how to stitch a pair of tab-top curtains 58 QUICK CHICK Re-purpose your fabric scraps into a colourful cushion

DAY

IN A

DONE

Home Making
24 BENCH MARK Transform a plain bench into a multi-hued marvel with our furniture facelift 26 LOOK SHARP Use your pen collection to jazz up a trio plain mugs 32 TAKE NOTICE Organise your life with our easy stencilled memo board and quirky drawing pins

60 MAKE YOUR FREE GIFT Bring Cedric the cat and Bertie the bird to life with our how-to guide 62 KNITTED HOME Treat your teapot to a colourful new cosy courtesy of our resident designer, Ruth Cross 66 HELLO DAISY Crochet a floral garland to bring the beauty of the outdoors into your abode

DAY

IN A

DONE

46
6

DAY

IN A

DONE

Home Baking
71 THE ADVENTURES OF CAKE BOY Our baking boffin chats to us about his Easter traditions 72 THREE SISTERS BAKE This talented trio divulge their exotic recipe for coconut pie with a tangy passion fruit curd

42 PAPER PERFECTION Get ready for Easter with an intricate paper cut egg, which is the perfect way to avoid piling on the calories! 49 TAKE A SEAT Complete last issue's crackle dining suite with easy-sew cushions

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106
74 ROSEMARY SHRAGER Indulge yourself this Easter with perfect profiteroles and delectable doughnuts 77 BAKERS BOUTIQUE Get cracking in the kitchen with these eggcellent seasonal ideas

72
Want. Need. Love
40 EDITOR'S FAVOURITES Lizzie reveals the products that she's loving this month 44 EGGS FACTOR Pretty-up your spring celebrations with our pick of Easter treats 64 KNIT NEWS All the latest trends, products and news from the knitty world 104 FLOWER POWER Let your floristry knowledge flourish with our in-depth introduction, plus we get some words of wisdom from flower exepert Vic Brotherson

Homemaker Heroes
21 WAYNE HEMINGWAY This issue Wayne takes a look back at the history of his hugely successful business, Red or Dead 35 JULIE DODSWORTH The iconic British designer doles out her indispensable wisdom about the simple life

Home Styling
13 AT HOME WITH HOMEMAKER Gather your loved ones and have an Easter feast to remember with our rustic makes and styling inspiration 28 DRY RUN We explore the history of the humble tea towel and turn one into a desirable piece of wall art 36 WHY WE LOVE EASTER Find out what we enjoy about this seasonal celebration and decoupage your own pretty tribute 86 DECORATOR'S DIARY Annie Sloan lends us a hand in a kitchen makeover with her acclaimed Chalk Paint 101 NEUTRAL BUT NICE Rona Wheeldon gives us her verdict on Holly Becker's and Leslie Shewrings upcoming flower styling guide

And the Rest...

22 YOUR SAY Get in touch with us for the chance to win a fabulously indulgent prize 47 CORK TALK Never feel guilty for opening a bottle of red again; use the corks to fashion a handy notice board 78 THAT'S RAD Enliven your kitchen with a display of eye-catching tea towels 108 COMING NEXT ISSUE A little teaser of what we have in store for you next issue

Meet the Maker

56 ALICE GILLINGHAM Fall in love with Alice's homespun folksy style and learn all about her intriguing inspiration 81 EMMA BLOCK Illustrator and curator Emma chats to us about her short but illustrious career so far and gives every reader a freebie! 106 LORNA SYSON We spend a day with the awardwinning designer and her furry friend

subscribe online today at www.homemakermagazine.co.uk

7

www.thecreativesanctuary.co.uk

Knitting Yarn Fabrics

8

Workshops

Events

Parties

The Creative Sanctuary 113 Fore Street, Hertford SG14 1AS

T: 01992 558106

PICK OF THE MONTH

Eggs & Flowers

Decorate the Easter breakfast table with this fun miniature arrangement

To create more original arrangements, make sure to get a copy of Simple Flower Arranging by Mark Welford (16.99, Dorling Kindersley).

SCALE DOWN YOUR FLORAL DCOR WITH A SWEET ARRAY OF SUCCULENTS. Pick posies that resemble the bright, sunny hue of egg yolks for a fresh way to liven up your home this spring. To create this dainty display, place empty eggshells in ceramic cups, fill with a splash of water, and trim your selected blooms so that they just peek out of the shells. Here, matricaria, craspedia, freesia and asclepias have been chosen. The small volume means that very little liquid can be held in the shells, so ensure you condition your flowers in fresh water for an hour before arranging. 9

HEADLINES
H

News

events

books

trends

hot products

Bring nature indoors with the new collection of Bold & Noble wallpapers at Bodie and Fou. Stylish and striking, the range draws inspiration from all aspects of the British landscape with a Scandinavian folklore twist. Each design is available in a selection of colours, visit bodieandfou.com to take a peek.

Shhhh!

IN STORES NOW

A NEW RANGE WE LOVE

Fresh start

If you havent got a penchant for pastels and crave a neutral, pared-back scheme this spring, base your dcor choices around the clean and simple style of Willow & Hall. The online furniture company sells a range of hand-crafted sofas and armchairs, including this stylish Dunsmore two-seater sofa bed, which is available in a variety of different fabrics. We love the Dove shade pictured above, which is the perfect base to reflect a number of different trends, including the Asian influences that are creeping into interiors at the moment which we cant get enough of! willowandhall.co.uk

1 2

CURRENTLY COVETING...
Keep your stationery stash organised with this handy little desk bunny, which is definitely the cutest office accessory ever! 18.99, mollieand fred.co.uk

Bristol-based designer and illustrator Lucie Sheridan has launched the Dash It All collection, featuring her adorable sausage dog motif on lampshades, pencil-cases, cushions and coasters. Lucies friendly and inquisitive

Dachschund is an ideal choice for adding a fun flair to your room scheme, and the bold, primary hues are a great way to add a splash of colour to your home. Visit luciesheridanshop.com to browse the full range.

Peter Rabbit has teamed up with Charbonnel et Walker to create a collection of tasty treats just in time for Easter. From 4, charbonnel.co.uk

Have you heard about Yarn Shop Day? On 3rd May 2014, this 24-hour event will celebrate Britains independent wool stores, with an entire day dedicated to these much-loved outlets. Launched by our sister publications Lets Knit and Lets Get Crafting, the initiative will help to raise the profile of Britains favourite craft emporiums. Lets Knit editor, Sarah Neal, has this to say about the event: We know from our readers that they rely on their local yarn store for more than just products, and our campaign is aimed at alerting crafters to the benefits of supporting these independent stores. Visit letsknit.co.uk for more details.

10

SAVE THE DATE...

to Inject the ro n France in ga of Souther in y a p y b ors , k .u your interi o .c e lett visit to vio able et v co f o e hom ing and charm homeware

seele Site to mantic sty

Fibre fans and wool lovers, get ready to mark this in your diaries Wonderwool Wales is back! This lively, vibrant show is expected to attract more visitors than ever this year, with its huge range of exhibitions, daily demonstrations and have-a-go sessions, as well as over 175 stands to shop. The show takes place at the Royal Welsh Showground in Wales, for more information visit wonderwoolwales.co.uk
APR 26-27

OFFICE OVERHAUL

Funky online furniture company Loaf has just released its first home office range, which launches as part of The Whole Hog collection. Masters of laid-back, effortless style, the brand is adding 75 new products to its stockpile, including five industrialinspired desks that are designed to work perfectly with undercounter drawer units, seating, lamps, shelving and other storage options. Handmade from reclaimed fir timber and set on a gunmetal frame, the Den desk pictured right has a built-in drawer and shelves for squireling away unnecessary clutter. loaf.com

Traditional Quilt Exhibition, National Wool Museum, West Wales

APR 1-30

APR 27

The Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Altrincham Grammar School for Boys, Manchester

Sculpture in the Home, The Pangolin Gallery, London

APR 9 MAY 17

Designed by Bryonie Porter, this elegant butterfly-embellished chest of drawers is new from the Natural History Museum, and is guaranteed to bring the lively spirit of the outdoors into your home. Made from Victorian pine, Bryonie and her team cover each chest of drawers by hand, using the vintage Cavallini Butterfly print. The drawers are then finished with environmentally-friendly high-gloss lacquer, making them extremely durable and suitable for everyday use. Look out for this pretty piece in summer at the Natural History Museum, nhmshop.co.uk.

Reads we rate

STITCHING

KNITTING Fair Isle & Nordic Knits, Nicki Trench, 12.99

SUGARCRAFT Cakes in Bloom, Peggy Porschen, 25

CHECK OUT MCGOVERNHOME.CO.UK FOR A HUGE COLLECTION OF MUST-HAVE BEAUTIES FOR YOUR HOME

Home-Sewn French Style, Amelie Morin-Fontaine, 14.99

11

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AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

Set the table for Easter and make it one to remember

AMANDA WALKER

13

JUG, ELLAJAMES.CO.UK; CANDLE STICKS, COXANDCOX.CO.UK; WREATH, TCH.NET

A FRESH START FOR SPRING

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

AT H O M E W I T H

duck Eggs

YOU'LL NEED: White duck eggs Black ink-pad, Hobbycraft Mini alphabet stamps, Hobbycraft Using black ink, carefully stamp individual letters onto the egg shell to create inspirational words. Set aside to dry and then display as a table centrepiece.

Easter bunting
(PREVIOUS PAGE) YOU'LL NEED: Scrap of silk dupion Bunting kit, The Range Length of cotton lace Cream paper roses Yellow gingham ribbon Floral mini pegs White card Pinking shears Sewing machine and matching thread First make a template for the bunting from cardboard; the measurement across the top is 14cm, draw a line to this length, find the centre and measure down 21cm, then join the outer points of the 14cm line to the length to make the triangle. Cut out the template and use to make twelve flags from the silk dupion using pinking shears. Pick out the letters needed to spell Happy Easter and a spacer from the bunting kit. Thread the letters onto the string provided in the kit, leaving 8cm of string between each one. Position a silk flag at the end of the length of lace, lay the lace onto the flag, then lay the first letter on top of this. Pin in place and stitch with a zigzag across the top, catching the end of the string at the start of the stitching and again at the other end of the flag. Place another flag alongside the first and repeat the process until all the letters and flags have been attached. Next, attach a paper rose between each flag; the flowers have a metal stem which can be used for this process, then tie a short length of ribbon around each bloom. Finally, use the floral craft pegs to attach the bunting wherever desired.

{1}

bird cage

{2}

YOU'LL NEED: Small bird cage Turquoise tissue paper Paper rose Decorative eggs, Jane Means Small polystyrene eggs Small feathers in yellow, natural and white Coconut hanging basket liner Cotton lace Yellow gingham ribbon Double-sided tape Cut a length of lace, wind around the base of the cage and secure with a piece of double-sided tape. Fill the inside with a small handful of coconut fibres and turquoise shredded tissue paper. Make a hole in the centre to nestle a couple of decorative eggs and polystyrene ones. Complete by attaching a paper rose and tying a bow in a length of yellow gingham ribbon.

{1}

{3}

{2}

14

DINNER SET, ROYAL DOULTON AT DUNELM-MILL.CO.UK; GREEN EGGS, FEATHERS, HOBBYCRAFT.CO.UK; PORCELAIN BIRD, PIPII.CO.UK; CAKE STAND, RIGBYANDMAC.COM; PLACE MATS, LAURAASHLEY.CO.UK; WOODEN EGG CUPS, CRAFTSHAPES.CO.UK

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art display

YOU'LL NEED: Cream wooden frame Music tissue paper Turquoise paper Twig from the garden Small polystyrene eggs Coconut hanging basket liner Small feathers in yellow, natural and white Cream spray paint Spray adhesive Hot glue gun Find a small twig from your garden, let it dry out, then spray the twig with cream paint - it may need a couple of coats. Whilst the twig is drying, using the spray adhesive, stick music tissue paper to turquoise paper. Cut to fit the back of the frame. Dismantle the frame, removing the glass, and re-assemble with the music paper. Stick the sprayed twig into the inside edge of the frame using a hot glue gun; you may find you have to position and stick extra pieces of twig to create a pleasing shape. Finally, make a tiny nest from coconut fibre, place a few feathers into it along with an egg covered in music tissue paper.

egg cup

YOU'LL NEED: Stamp set, Cox & Cox Paper scraps Scissors Yellow shredded paper, Hobbycraft Decorative eggs, Jane Means Cut out small pieces of card to the size you require. Ours were tiny enough to slip into an egg cup for each place setting. Ink up your chosen stamp, we selected the Chaffinch design as it was the perfect size. Stamp onto the card pieces and set aside to dry. Pop one into each egg cup with a helping of yellow shredded paper and a small egg. You could even paint a name onto the side of each egg cup and use it as a place name setting.

{1}

{1}

{2}

{2}

BIRDS & NESTS RUBBER STAMP SET, 25, COXANDCOX.CO.UK; DECORATIVE EGGS, JANEMEANS.COM

ARRANGE DELICATE EGGS IN CUPS wITH PRETTY HAND-STAMPED TAGS

stamping steps

bird nests

YOU'LL NEED: Coconut hanging basket liner Small feathers in yellow, natural and white, Hobbycraft Natural twine and darning needle Shredded paper Small twigs from the garden Decorative eggs, Jane Means Small polystyrene eggs Pull a length of coconut fibre from the liner and wind it into a nest shape. Thread the darning needle with a length of twine, then weave it in a circle fairly near to the base. Pull up the twine to secure the nest shape, then tie the two ends together. Push small twigs into the coconut fibres; line the nest with an assortment of feathers in your colour scheme, shredded tissue paper and then a couple of eggs to finish. Use as a table centrepiece, or pop one on each plate to create a pretty place setting for each person.

Cut out the paper pieces

{1}

Load up the bird stamp

{2}

Ink firmly onto the paper

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AT H O M E W I T H

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Set the table with Homemakers pretty Easter ideas

l Create beautiful place settings for your guests to really set the scene. We customised ours with pretty ribbons from naturaleigh.co.uk, and displayed delicate daffs in sweet milk bottles from violette.co.uk l We absolutely love these yellow birdies made exclusively for us by the talented Stephanie Carswell. See her range of needle felting kits at her online shop hawthornhandmade.co.uk and have a go yourself. l Instead of a traditional place setting, give our cone idea a whirl. What's more, you can fill them with little party favours. Find the instructions on our website. l Fill vintage melamine travel mugs with delicate eggs for a unique spin on this look. We've used ones from janemeans.com, and added a ribbon of raffia to complete the look.

18

New year new adventures! For more stunning products check out The Little Wool Company.
www.thelittlewoolcompany.com 01409 221699

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For a good range of craft and styling items check out our website where you will find all the great deals and many more surprises.

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HOMEMAKER HERO

The Story of Red or Dead

Wayne Hemingway shares the inspirational story of how his brand came to be

was recently asked to do a talk at an optical industry trade show about how we started Red or Dead, one of the UKs most successful spectacles brands. As with most of what we did back in the day, or we do today with HemingwayDesign, we didn't go about creating Red or Dead glasses using traditional methods... I told the story about how it all started one fateful day in 1981, when I took the rent money that Gerardine and I had stashed in the tin on our mantelpiece, and spent it on studio time for the band I sang in, Diversen. Swiping that cash was the best thing I ever did. It prompted Gerardine and I to clear our wardrobes of the clothes she had made and didn't wear any more, along with my excessive collection of second-hand clothes, and heave the lot down to a new section of Camden market that was opening. We paid 6 a day for a stall and over the weekend took almost 300. To put this into perspective, the rent on our flat was only 18 a week. We were quids in and raring to return to Camden next week. We spent every spare minute scouring charity shops, jumble sales, rag and shoddy yards (a story for another day) for stock, and within weeks we had a few stalls and were taking 2000 a weekend. When we added used and old stock of Dr Martens into the mix, it wasn't long before we reached 5000. Gerardine opened another stall in the magnificent and sorely missed Kensington Market, took her sewing machine with her and made eight styles of womens clothes with fabric bought on Blackburn Market. Just a few short weeks later she had

her first wholesale order, and a massive one at that from Macys New York! We had to come up with a label, so we chose 'Red or Dead' (now there's another story to tell!), my mum set up a manufacturing unit in Blackburn, other family members, including Gerardines sisters, chipped in as seamstresses and we not only delivered the Macys order, but started to sell all around the world. We went on to add shoe collections, bag

collections, won Designer of the Year award at the British Fashion awards for three years on the trot, opened 15 or so shops both here and abroad and, with an amazing set of offbeat individuals, created an

iconic brand that still thrives 15 years after we sold it. In the mid-90s we were approached by Vision Express who was interested in my (as a glasses wearer) and Red or Deads take on spectacles. Just as we had had no training in fashion, other than years spent dancing in discos or watching bands in clubs, adapting and making our clothes and coming from homes where the whirring of sewing machines was the norm, we had no training in designing eye wear. However, we have always been collectors and I relished wearing our best second-hand finds, and we kept others in the museum of popular culture artefacts that we co-own, The Land of Lost Content. These formed our education in becoming eye wear designers. We also found that we had all these weird and wonderful images, adverts, magazine tear sheets, brochures and amazing photographs of models and celebrities wearing eye wear through the decades. We did what we always seem to do: we looked into our own experience. I found a rubbish picture of me wearing big specs in a photo booth and this set the scene for our designs, then our marketing. We are pretty sure that no other designer brand of eye wear has ever launched in quite this way, but it sure makes for an excellent story well, the people at the trade show liked it!

WE DID WHAT WE ALWAYS SEEM TO DO: WE LOOKED INTO OUR OWN EXPERIENCE
21

WE ASKED OUR READERS WHAT THEY'RE PLANNING TO CRAFT FOR EASTER, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST IDEAS: TWEET US @HOMEMAKERMAG
TRACEY TODHUNTER @TRACEYTODHUNTER I'm reworking crochet gift bags to fill with choccies for easter :) LUCIE @LOVELOVELUCIE I have a fabric Easter chick garland in mind to adorn my old Welsh dresser ABSO-KNITTINGLUTELY @KNITTYNADIA I'll be making bunny rabbit stitch markers in all kinds of colours!

y Your Sa
Get in touch for the chance to win a fragrance gift set
SNAP HAPPY

Send us your pics on twitter and instagram @homemakermag

@Illustration_GL

@AmberMunchkinCr

Kirsty Pattison was inspired to teach herself to crochet by our issue 15 cover, which featured gorgeous nesting bowls by Lynne Rowe. We love her bold choice of colours and the addition of a pretty flower motif, and for a first attempt we think it's pretty awesome. Well done, Kirsty!

This beautiful gift box contains an elegant Eau de Toilette and a Cleansing Body Wash, infused with a fresh Freesia aroma. Available online at bronnley.co.uk and in leading department stores.

Win

At Christmas, I received three packs of biscuits which were beautifully packaged in very pretty cardboard tubes. Once the biscuits were eaten (which didn't take long, it was Christmas after all!) I didnt want to throw the packaging away so I decided to use the tubes as plant pots, after being inspired by your feature on unusual planting ideas way back in issue two. I lined the tubes with sandwich bags and put a small pot of cyclamen in each one. I then had to carefully make a vertical cut in the top of each of the pots the cyclamen were in so that they would fit into my tubes. Grouped together I think they look very pretty. My step-daughter recently moved home and I thought they would make the perfect house-warming gift to brighten up the place while it's still dreary outside. Fiona Adams, Leicester

@Jessalli_Dorset

@tilly_mint

@Roxie_P

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Violette

....a breath of French air....home, garden & gifts 10% off code: HMAKER17

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10% Discount Code: FABHOME17 Valid Until: May 31st, 2014

Fabulous Modern Quilting Fabrics Robert Kaufmann Kona Cotton Moda Momo Blend Fabrics Lucie Summers Lotta Jansdotter Riley Blake Aneela Hoey Kate Spain Malka Dubrawsky Ann Kelle Lori Holt

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Irresistible Gifts for Children & Elegant Home Accessories
Visit www.ellajames.co.uk for inspirational decorating ideas for your Easter table and shop for pretty Easter baskets and egg painting kits

Tel: 01572 759 190 for Mail order Email: customer-service@ellajames.co.uk

23

e ur t i n Fur

ift l e fac

Jazz up a plain bench

he quickest antidote to a drab, uninspiring home is colour, and lots of it. A splash here, a splash there within moments a room can be transformed, and you neednt have even touched the walls or called in the professionals. By doing fun DIYs like this bench, bringing brightness into your home is easy, cheap and, rest assured colour-shy Homemakers, it isnt permanent. If you dont like the effect, you can simply paint over the planks! Its full-throttle colour, but with no danger of disaster. This project has been taken from the Likes of Us blog (likesof.us) and is by the very talented Alicia we love her playful use of vibrancy, it really pulls the focus of the room. Equally, a more subtle colour palette could be used. Weve actually listed a few of our ideas in step one. Plus, as each plank is painted before assembly, you can ensure a crisp, neat finish to the seat, no matter what your skill level. Paintbrushes at the ready, lets give this a go!

NEED MASKING TAPE? TRY FROG T EC TAPE ITS PERFNE S LI FOR STRAIGHT ES AND NEAT FINISH .
UK FROGTAPE.CO.

YOULL NEED: Wooden bench Ikea Sigurd Bench Paint in various colours Carpenters glue Planks of pine First, paint your bench white. Whilst its drying, settle on a colour order for your planks. You could go technicolour as shown, follow the ombre trend (turn to p46 for more

{1}

ideas in this style) or alternate between different colours. Taking each plank in turn, apply your chosen colour, remembering to paint the edges, too. As people will be sitting on them, youll need at least two coats, maybe three. Once the bench and planks are completely dry, place the planks on the seat in your desired order. Use carpenters glue to adhere the wood to the bench, then clamp them down and let dry for 24 hours. Once dry, unclamp, then step back and admire your work!

{2}

{3}

DONT HOLD BACK WITH COLOUR

There are all manner of home accessories that will benefit from a lick of paint and youre sure to have a bit left over from this project, so why not put it to good use? Take the candle stick, for example. Inexpensive and readily available, these come in all shapes and sizes and so do the actual candles. Dot around your home for a quick punch of colour, or create a technicolour paradise by arranging them at the table with your newly-painted bench alongside. If youre out of paint, never fear, you can pick these beautiful wooden candlesticks up for 12.50 each from berryred.co.uk

24

HOME MAKING

ALICIA ZASIEBIDA

25

CUSTOMISE YOUR CUPS WITH A QUICK DOODLE OR TOO

IN A DAY

DONE

DECORATE COFFEE MUGS wITH MARKER PENS

A morning beverage is the key to whether your day is a productive success or a woeful waste of time. Whatever your tipple, be it a good, strong coffee or a herbal green tea, that first sip can set you up for whatever life throws at you. As such, its only right that you have the perfect vessel to contain your drink. To ensure that its suited to you, why not create your own? Its easy to embellish a plain mug, just take a handful of coloured marker pens and let your imagination run wild. If youre planning a special afternoon tea for Easter, complete the crafty theme with personalised tumblers. The extra thought and effort youve made for your guests will make them feel really special, and they can keep them afterwards, too.

YOULL NEED: Clean white ceramic mugs Marker pens, fine and permanent Cotton buds Soft pencil Wash and dry your mug thoroughly to remove all traces of grime. Avoid handling the outside too much to prevent more grease being transferred from your fingers. Use a soft graphite pencil to sketch your design faintly onto the mug. Dont worry if all the lines dont come out on the shiny surface, you simple need a few reference points to guide you. Rest the mug on a folded towel to stop it rolling around and

{1}

{4}

{2}

{5}

{3}

begin to draw over your design with marker pens. Use flowing lines and resist the temptation to go over the lines again and again once the ink has dried this will simply rub the dried ink off the surface and make the tip of the pen sticky. When filling in or building up colour in the design, use a dotting motion to eliminate lines in the shade. This method can also be used to blend hues together or produce a gradual change of colour. Allow the completed design to dry before setting the ink by baking it in the oven for 30 minutes at 180C. Place the mug in the oven before heating it up and allow it to cool before removing as a sudden change in temperature could cause the mug to crack.

STYLE SECRETS...
If decorating mugs has given you the customising bug, take your decorating skills and apply them to all manner of different homeware items, and your clothing too! Marker pens are hugely versatile and really easy to use, and the great thing is that, until your design is baked on, you can rub it off and start again! Just be careful not to handle decorated items too much before putting them in the oven or you may smudge your carefully-drawn motifs and patterns. If youre stuck for inspiration, take a look around the blogosphere, or on our Pinterest page where we have created a board of our favourite ideas.

26

HOME MAKING

5 tea pots we love

THERES AN ENTIRE SPECTRUM OF SHADES TO CHOOSE FROM, MAKING THEM PERFECT FOR ANY COLOUR SCHEME
Uplift your table with a simple poppy pattern. 66.95, cloudberryliving.co.uk

Let this feathered friend serve your tea. 32, hunkydoryhome.co.uk

We love this simple repeat motif. 15, paperchase.co.uk

This teapot oozes vintage charm. 35, cotswoldtrading.com

CORINNE BRADD

Satisfy your sweet tooth with this design. 19.99, creative-tops.com

27

Hang about
The humble tea towel is experiencing a revival

owadays, tea towels are less functional, more picturesque just look at the selection weve gathered here. Designers of all ilks are channelling their creativity into this kitchen staple, elevating it way past its everyday duties to give it a new, arty twist. The designs on this page are in our (imaginary) collection, Amanda Goode has shared her vintage one opposite, then, overleaf, Amanda Walker kick-starts hers with a handmade version. How will you start yours?
GET THE DESIGNS FEATURED (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT) TOP ROW: GINAPIERCEDESIGN.CO.UK, OLDENGLISHPRINTS.COM, FLEMINGANDSELL.CO.UK, SPANNANDWILLIS; MIDDLE ROW: SNOWDENFLOOD.COM, ROSAANDCLARADESIGNS.CO.UK, WILLANDGLORY.CO.UK, HAVEAGANDER.BIZ; BOTTOM ROW: SOLOGRAPHICART.CO.UK, ULSTERWEAVERS.COM, SUSANTAYLORART.NET. TWINE FROM NUTSCENE.COM, PEGS BY CRAFTSHAPES.CO.UK

28

HOME STYLING

AMANDA GOODE, TEXTILE LECTURER AT BATH SPA UNI, LETS US PEEK AT HER TEA TOWEL STASH

Beginnings?
When I started collecting tea towels back in the 80s, I soon decided to focus on the ones that gave instruction or offered information. I like their sense of purpose. They have a mission to educate. I liked that someone, somewhere was smoothing out a tea towel and musing, I think I will try to truss a turkey like that or bake a cake according to my star sign!

Why?
I appreciate each towel for different reasons. The drawing may be particularly strong in one or innovative graphics on another. Im also drawn to tea towels that capture a particular era. One example is of the W.I. in the 1950s capturing, through beautiful illustration, their monthly meetings and activities.

Sourcing?
Of course eBay is an excellent hunting ground for new-to-me additions. Some collectors would be horrified, they like the hard chase. Im really not such a purist. And Im happy with any age and condition. I like the worn and tatty ones just as much as those with their price tags still intact.

Size?
Most tea towels are a standard size (30 x 60) and usually cotton or, best of all, linen. This fibre is the most absorbent and hard wearing, but also the most expensive.

Weve continued our collection online! See homemaker magazine.co.uk for more inspiring designs

Design?
Each era has its identity. For example, at one stage the Boards (Milk Marketing, Potato and Egg) all produced towels to promote their goods to the public. Major events are celebrated too such as the moon landing or the construction of the Forth Bridge. And now, with the advent of digital print, the field is wide open for anyone to have a go. Most recently an illustrator introduced a range featuring male celebrities she would like to woo! Ulster Weavers are an established producer of tea towels, but for a contemporary outlet there is the fabulous todryfor.com

Store or display?
I work in a studio in my garden in Shropshire and they keep me company there. However, I have framed a lovely illustration of Oxford Street in London festooned in Christmas decorations large red double decker buses forge along the street carrying the shoppers. It is beautiful.

29

YOULL NEED: Glass cloth tea towel Artists canvas board, 45cm x 35cm 30mm letter stencil Yellow gingham ribbon Felt-tipped pens Double sided tape Spray adhesive Pencil, ruler and paper

D.I.Y. Stencilled Tea Towel

1 2
Make a guide for the stencilled letters. Divide A4 paper into eight equal lines. Decide on the wording you wish to use; the words for this project are all related to baking. Stencil the letters along the marked lines. Stick the stencil to the wrong side of the tea towel with masking tape. Make sure that the stencil is square to the edges and in the centre. The template should be visible through the towel, so use this as a guide to stencil the lettering with blue and yellow pens.

3 4

Remove the template from the back of the towel, then spray the artists canvas with adhesive. Carefully secure the artists canvas board to the back of the tea towel. Cut away the excess fabric, leaving enough to wrap onto the back. Use double-sided tape to secure all the edges to the back of the board. Finally, make a hanging loop from a length of yellow gingham ribbon and fix it with double-sided tape.

Wipe the stencil when changing colours to avoid the inks bleeding
30

HOME STYLING

AMANDA WALKER

Tea towel + pens = a work of art

LET YOUR TEA TOWELS FIND A NEW HOME ON YOUR WALL
Revamp your hard-working cloths into an on-trend print with just felt-tipped pens and a stencil! You could even forego the canvas board and frame it instead; we love IKEAs Ribba collection. Stencilling takes the hard work out of the job, making it easy for even the most ardent stick-man artist to create something wonderful. Alternatively, those with an arty streak can go freehand or get to grips with a more intricate stencil. The choice is entirely yours.

31

ORGANISE YOUR LIFE WITH OUR CRAFTY TRICKS

IN A DAY

DONE

RETRO STENCILLED MEMO BOARDS FOR ANY ROOM!

Everyone needs a memo board. Never again will your to-do lists flap around, crumpled and smeared, at the bottom of your bag, or important dates be woefully forgotten. And whilst its organisational benefits are plentiful, the humble memo board also serves another purpose: introducing a flash of handmade style into your dcor. You cant get much more creative than our design, with its stencilled burlap cover and fibre plaster drawing pins. So easy to make, you just whip them up in a silicone mould an ice or chocolate tray works a treat.

YOU'LL NEED: FOR THE MEMO BOARDS Foam circles Piece of burlap Hot glue gun Stencil of choice Cosmetic sponge Fabric glue FOR THE DRAWING PINS Cool2Cast fiber plaster Sealable plastic bag Mould Thumbtacks/pushpins Sandpaper Glossy decoupage medium or glossy acrylic sealer GENERAL MATERIALS Scissors Acrylic paint Paintbrush

Mix up the fibre plaster according to the manufacturers directions. Pour into a sealable plastic bag and massage the mixture well between your fingers to make sure there are no lumps. The mixture should have a pancake batter consistency.

Drawing pins {1}

{2}

{3}

Cut off the corner and squeeze the plaster out, essentially using it as a piping bag, and fill each section in the mould. Allow it to sit for a few minutes to thicken. Set the head of a drawing pin into each moulded shape. Pour a small additional amount of plaster over the head to secure, but dont add too

much extra you need to leave a good length of the drawing pin free. Allow to dry. Push out the moulded shapes carefully. Sand the edges smooth if necessary and paint the flowers in your desired colours. Seal with glossy decoupage medium or acrylic sealer. Once dry, push into your memo board.

{4}

Massage fibre filling 32

Pipe into moulds

Add drawing pins

Colour with paint

HOME MAKING

Five boards we lOve

Turn to p.47 for another fab memo board idea
Jot down, then stash on a 'tache. 11.85, thegiftoasis.com

Who said organising isn't romantic? 10.95, luckandluck.com

Find this and other ingenious ideas in Organise Your Home by Linda Peterson (14.00, CICO Books). To buy fro 10.99 including free UK p&p, call 01256 302699 and quote GLR 9NV

Tuck or tack the choice is yours. 28, sophieallport.com

Memo boards
Use each foam shape to cut a circle from the burlap that is 5cm bigger all around. Start folding the excess fabric up and over to the back of the foam shape, then secure with the hot glue gun. Stencil your chosen design onto the front of the fabric using black acrylic paint and a cosmetic sponge. Allow to dry. Cut another circle of burlap the same size as the foam shape and glue onto the back with fabric glue. Repeat the steps to make the other two boards.

{1}

Pull the burlap to the reverse

{2} {3}

Pour yourself a brew and get list making. 85, beyondthefridge.co.uk

STYLE SECRETS
Stencil on your chosen design * If you dont want to create your own fabric design on your memo board, simply select coordinating fabrics to cover the circles. * When making the drawing pins, you can use two-part resin instead of the fibre plaster. Mix the resin according to the manufacturers directions, pour into the mould to half fill and allow to set as directed. Set the head of the pins in place and fill the mould with more resin to secure it in position. * You can also use a spray sealer in step four of the drawing pins instead of the decoupage medium, but make sure you are working in a well-ventilated area.

For all your take-away to-dos. 4.25, mygifttree.com

Cover the back to finish

33

Quality Yarns Youll Love!

www.addicted2knit.co.uk or tel: 020 8368 9041

On-line stockists of Liberty Lawns, Liberty Lifestyle fabrics and Liberty Haberdashery plus 'indie' dressmaking and crafting patterns and kits.

For amazing offers visit Sewbox.co.uk

Advertising in Homemaker magazine means:

You'll reach more customers than any other Home Craft based magazine

You're more likely to get a response and it will cost you less to reach the optimum level of readers

For information about our readership and how we can deliver real response for you, email: advertising@homemakermagazine.co.uk

34

HOMEMAKER HERO

All aboard Calamity Jane

Enjoy a simpler, more creative life with Homemakers newest columnist, Julie Dodsworth
ulie Dodsworth is an artisan British designer who works and lives on her narrowboat Calamity Jane on the Grand Union Canal. The question most artists and artisans are asked is where they find their inspiration. For me, the folksy prints and patterns that are part of narrowboat heritage are the core of my designs. I find myself drawn to the motifs and florals that form this most ancient of crafts; roses and castles, hearts and daisies. But for me, the focus is always on the colour. The tones and contrasts are not about what you see, but about what you feel. Colour can change our mood, provide ambience,

excite, relax or inspire us. Finding that magic mix from my humble palette of three colours is quite a challenge, but the best advice I have ever taken was paint for yourself, create something you like, so Im passing that little bit of wisdom on to you! Inspiration, though, can come from everywhere and anywhere. Recently, I was visiting my lovely friend north of the border, and became fascinated by her hens and chickens. There were a plethora of different colours and varieties, and they were all so lovely to watch; scratching and enjoying the freedom of the garden. My friend gave me some eggs to take home and they were the most beautiful mix of colours, Mother Natures palette once again at her very best. Instantly inspired, I painted a design I call hey little hen, which is a celebration of spring... And spring chickens! The blues and greens are a true reflection of the beautiful British countryside, and are guaranteed to breathe new life into your home this season.

I LOVE APRIL
The flush of green on the hedgerows and the rush of spring. My boat boxes busy with pansies and bobbing primroses and the chance to paint in the warmer light. Sticky buds and willows bursting with life.

EASTER TREAT

YOULL NEED: Good-quality china mug Easter egg Cellophane Ribbon

{1} {2} {3}

Choose a chocolate egg to fit your mug or cup, or fill a mug with a collection of smaller eggs. Cut the cellophane in a large circle, approximately 50cm in diameter. Scoop the cellophane around the egg in the mug and tie with a ribbon in a pretty bow.

SEE JULIES GORGEOUS HOMEWARES & GIFTS AT JULIEDODSWORTH.COM

ALWAYS CUT MORE CELLOPHANE THAN YOU NEED; ITS EASY TO TRIM TO SHAPE BUT ITS IMPOSSIBLE TO ADD MORE!
35

s the ripe spring breeze cuts through the air and buds sprout through the earth, it brings with it a feeling of fresh starts and new beginnings. It also brings Easter, which for the last decade and a half or so in my world, has been dominated by chocolate eggs and increasingly creative rationalisations (the calories dont count if you eat standing up, home-made chocolate is good for you, chocolate is made from cocoa plants so it counts as one of your five a day, etc). This Easter is different for me Im expecting my first child, and as I enter the nesting phase and prepare our home for this new addition to our little unit, Ive been reflecting on the memories that made my own childhood so rich and warm.

WHY WE LOVE
Naida Redgrave reflects on why her childhood Easters were so special, and how she plans to recreate them for her new baby
When my younger sister and I spent afternoons in her care, around Easter-time we could be found busily cutting, sticking and painting. There was the year of the papier mch eggs; a three-afternoon labour of love starting with pasting newspaper onto balloons (after Jack was done blowing them up then releasing them into the air, collapsing into fits of giggles), popping and removing said balloons and adding a base coat of paint, then adding the final decorative touches. My sister tended to go wild, adding lashings of eclectic colour like a Jackson Pollock painting I was always more reserved, preferring to paint shapes or patterns. Unfortunately, my unsteady hand would leave my creations often looking unsightly, but it never stopped my mum putting our makes proudly on display on the front room window ledge. wardrobe door with pictures of dolphins as a young teen before I even knew what decoupage was, my love for making handmade, personalised cards which has spilled into adulthood, and my thrifty nature which has left me physically incapable of throwing away nice-looking wine bottles (they make amazing candle holders!).

Easter

A special place
When Easter was just about chocolate eggs, it held the same scale of magic as Christmas, with a visit from the elusive yet generous Easter bunny. I lived down a cul-de-sac where every other house had children, so evenings, weekends and holidays were spent knocking on each others doors, cycling into the woods and making dens in our back gardens. The matriarch of the street, Tina, was also my child minder. She lived right in the middle, two doors up from our house. Her son Jack had the most amazing tree house; split over two floors, it was the perfect place to play. Tina felt like the life and soul of the street, and wherever she happened to be was always the epicentre of activity. Her house was the Easter bunnys chosen destination, and when he came to deposit treasure, the whole street would join in with the hunt. As I recall, the hunts involved one map between us all, with eggs placed in areas of differing height and visibility. Sometimes the bunny would specify who should look for an egg, so if it was on top of something high, for example, then Matt, the tallest of us, would get summoned. We had one wicker basket in which to collect the eggs, and when the hunt was over and theyd all been found, we would divide the loot between us. Year after year, when the Easter bunny visited to distribute his treasures around Tinas garden and house, no questions were asked. Not by me, anyway. I reasoned that the tree house alone was enough to bring the bunny back repeatedly. That, and Tina herself, with her warm and welcoming personality, and enthusiasm for all things fun and crafty.
36

Looking ahead
As my husband and I become increasingly frantic in the way that first time parents do (did we buy the right type of pram? Are we going to make good parents? What if we drop the baby?), theres only one thing I feel completely sure of. In the end, what makes a great childhood isnt what you got for Christmas one year, or even how many chocolate eggs you received the Easter you got very, very ill from overindulgence (word of warning do not attempt to eat six chocolate eggs in one day). When looking back, its the family times spent laughing, dancing and playing; the Tinas of youth; fairy godmothertypes who encouraged you to seek adventure in everything, and real magic; Santas half-eaten cookie on Christmas morning, and visits from the Easter bunny. With each memory leading to the next, its as if the landscape of my brain is its very own egg hunt, and as I venture through, I come across a space reserved that I look onto with excitement and anticipation. Its here that I will sow the seeds for my own daughters memories filled with treasure hunts and crafting, laughter, warmth and magic with all the things that made my own childhood so precious.

Creative calling
Over the years there were so many Easter crafts; a favourite of mine being the bonnets we made, complete with pipe-cleaner chicks, little twigs and foliage. When wed finished, Tina took a photo of us modelling our new hats, and years later, when my family moved to Dubai and I felt homesick for England, I would find that photo in our family album, pull it out and hide it in my bedside drawer. The gap in the album is still there, although I have no idea what happened to the photograph. Its only now, when I isolate these memories, that I realise how much Tina influenced my crafting life; how I essentially decoupaged my

IMAGE TCH.NET

HOME STYLING

37

4 Napkins We Love
USE TALKINGTABLES.CO.UK'S ARRAY OF NAPKINS FOR YOUR DECOUPAGE NEEDS

Floral Fiesta, 3.30 for 40

Pink n Mix, 3.70 for 20

DECOUPAGE EGGS FOR YOUR EASTER TABLE

overed in brightly coloured floral papers, these eggs will last for years, and with a huge range of paper napkins, youll definitely find something to suit your tastes. If you use real eggs, be sure to blow and wash them thoroughly first. YOULL NEED: Polystyrene eggs Egg box Tissues, Cath Kidston White matt paint PVA glue Scissors

{1}

{2}

Paint the egg box with matt white paint. It may need a few coats of paint; remember to let each coat dry before applying the next. If the egg box has a best before date on it, the ink may seep through the emulsion paint. Simply cover the area with a small square of masking tape prior to painting the box. Cut out a piece of pink tissue that fits inside the lid snugly. Lightly cover the area in glue and use a paintbrush to press the tissue onto it, then apply more glue over the top to create a seal. Cut out another pink strip and fix this on in sections as a

{3} {4}

border. Leave to dry. Repeat for the outside of the box, if desired. Peel away the white layers of tissue from the patterned paper and cut it up into approximately 2cm squares. Apply the glue to the eggs with a paintbrush and apply the tissue paper pieces. Try not to let the pieces overlap too much as the pattern will become lost. Carefully cover the entire egg with paper and rest it sideways on an egg cup to dry. Cover five more eggs in the same way. Remember to handle the tissue carefully as it will be very fragile.

Truly Scrumptious, 3.50 for 30

Silver Napkins, 3.50 for 20

38

HOME STYLING

TO TURN AN EGG INTO A HANGING DEC, BEND wIRE INTO AN N SHAPE, THEN PUSH IT INTO THE TOP OF THE EGG AND STRING WITH RIBBON

JANE KHARADE

39

My spring favourites for the month ahead

Bake in the spirit of spring with these fun silicone flower pots. 4 for four, hobbycraft.co.uk

Easter picks
Created with the finest wax and scented with hand-blended fragrances, candles dont get better than this. 26, wbcandles.co.uk

Lizzies

Quick and easy to use, PlastiKote fast dry enamel spray paint is great for small projects. 0844 736 2235, plastikote.com

Adorn your hard-working tea cup with a pretty flower strainer, perfect for an alfresco brew. 16.50, koziol-shop.co.uk
40

Breakfast is too often ignored make a special effort this Easter with a few eggtastic pastel accessories. Egg cup, 4.50, tch.net

WANT NEED LOVE

n io ot om pr

Arrange your gardens bounty in pretty jugs, embossed with oh-soseasonal chicks. From 4.99, retreat-home.com

Need a new bag? This handmade Harris Tweed one could be just what youre looking for. 07914082071, ticklyspider.co.uk

Brighten up your mornings with a set of fun polka-dot egg cups. 11.99 for four, uniquehomeliving.co.uk

One can never have too many ribbons, and this Love Chirp design is just 1.85 for a metre bargain! thehomemakery.co.uk

Whatever youre celebrating this month, these pretty straws and flags will liven things up. 4.49 for 25, gingerray.co.uk

Dont fancy an Easter egg? Treat yourself to this pretty rose cupcake pin case instead. 6.50, 01409 221699, thelittlewoolcompany.com
41

PAPERCUT A PRETTY DISPLAY FOR EASTER

apercutting is a no-prep, cheap as chips craft. If you fancy a go, just grab the tools (which youll probably have already) and get started it couldnt be simpler. This design is by one of our favourite paper cutters, Emma Daniels. Some Homemakers will remember our interview with her from way back in issue one, but if youre yet to meet this inspiring lady, we suggest you click along to emma-daniels.co.uk and marvel at her paper creations, which includes a mind-bogglingly intricate lampshade. Youll also be excited to hear that shes designed a huge table-top woodland papercut for issue 19, but in the meantime, heres a little eggstra (we cant help it...) project to see

Short on supplies? All you need is paper and a scalpel for this eggcellent idea
you through till then. If this is your first time papercutting, try the little hanging eggs or strips of bunting first to get a feel for it. Weve got two templates for you to use online; one is a solid grey design to practise on, and the other is a keyline to do the papercut properly. Dont worry we explain how to use them in the step-by-step. Emma used grey card in her design, but it would work equally well in another colour; just be sure that it constrasts with the background paper so that the intricate detail can be seen clearly. Alternatively, why not fix it to wood or place in a hinged glass frame? Both options will give your work a lovely arty quality, sure to grab the attention of any passers-by!

YOULL NEED: Coloured paper Scalpel Masking tape Cutting mat Frame Cut around our online template; we have two versions, one is a keyline and the other is a solid grey design, as opposite. The latter will allow you to practise the technique, and the keyline is for your actual papercut once youve mastered this, move on to step two where you can use your own coloured paper. Cut around the keyline template. Tape it securely to coloured paper with masking tape. Working away from you, cut along the lines with a scalpel, using light and even pressure. After you've completed all the detail work, cut around the outside of the egg. Peel away the template and tidy any uneven lines. Choose a contrasting sheet of coloured paper or card and mount your design onto it. We used an IKEA frame, but any will do!

Trim around the template

{1}

{2}

{3} {4}

Cut out the detail work

PERUSE OUR PAPERCUTTING PINS

Being big fans of this papercutting malarky, we've dedicated an entire Pinterest board to the technique. There are cake toppers, bunting pennants, sculptures and, wait for it, toilet rolls, all carefully carved into little masterpieces. Check them out at pinterest.com/homemakermag, and feel free to tweet or Facebook us with other inspiring designs you've happened across or made yourself! For those that would like an extra fix of papery goodness, why not pick up our sister title, Papercrafter? Its bursting full of new and exciting ideas, both for the home and to give as gifts. Plus, theres a complete papercrafting kit that comes free with each magazine, so you can get stuck in right away. What could be better?

NDFRANCIS HOP/FRANCESA ETSY.COM/S

42

WE LOVE THE HAPPY HEART APRON FROM MESSYBAKER.CO.UK

HOME MAKING

EMMA DANIELS

43

Heres all you need for this years eggstravaganza

44

WANT NEED LOVE

BAMBOO BASKETS, PLANT POT, TULIP EGG CUPS, tch.net LITTLE BUCKETS, FABRIC EGGS, theseasonalbarn.co.uk RUSTIC PINK EGGS, WREATH, janemeans.com CAKE POPS, cakepopcompany.co.uk PAINT YOUR OWN EGG KIT, ellajames.co.uk MINI EGGS, EGG BUCKETS, TRUFFLES, lakeland.co.uk BUNNY EGG CUP, hopandpeck.co.uk EASTER PEGS, PINK EGG CUPS, mollycupcakes.co.uk HANGING EGGS, retreat-home.com EGG STAMPS, skullandcrossbuns.com EGG PEGS, dibor.com

45

WANT NEED LOVE

BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SOFA with a pink pillow. 32, oliverbonas.com

AN OMBRE GARLAND is a great way to jazz up a celebration. 15, etsy.com

Full Blend
Bring a splash of colour to your home with our ombre patterns and prints
MAKE A STATEMENT and embrace an ombre feature wall. 40, decorwallpaper.com

OMBRE BUTTONS are a stylish way to customise any craft project. 4, hobbycraft.co.uk

NOTE DOWN all your crafty thoughts inside this handy notebook. 3, notonthehighstreet.com

SHOW YOUR FAB FLORALS in this colour fading vase. 35, johnlewis.com

BEAUTIFY YOUR FLOOR with a spectrum of colour. 239, kelaty.com

OMBRE SPLASH your kitchen using these funky tea towels. 9.50, marksandspencer.com

STASH AWAY clutter using these colour-soaked boxes. 49, idyllhome.co.uk

EAT IN STYLE from a blue dip-dye bowl. 29.50, marksandspencer.com

FRAME YOUR WINDOW in a pair of stylish curtains. 168, anthropologie.eu

46

DISPLAY & STYLE

SAVE YOUR CORKS FOR A QUICK AND CUSTOMISABLE WALL DISPLAY

EASY TO CREATE AND ENDLESSLY VERSATILE, A CORK BOARD CAN BECOME A REAL FOCAL POINT IN THE HOME. DONT MISS OUR NEXT ISSUE WHERE WELL BE SHOWING YOU HOW TO MAKE A TABLE TOP FROM CORKS

PROJECT BY ALISON OF THE3RSBLOG.WORDPRESS.COM 47

MIRROR INTO THE PAST...

THE OLD PILL FACTORY

Decorative Antiques & Vintage Homeware... A vintage shop with a difference.

PICK AND MIX

Our dealers offer a mix of hand painted and restored unique furniture, lamps, linens, mirrors, glass, ceramics, toys and vintage homeware. The shop is a charming and enticing place to hunt for that beautiful stylish piece to enhance or compliment your home or collection.

TOP TIP Why not give a lovely gift with The Old Pill Factory experience gift cards? Gift cards are a fantastic idea for Birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas giving and a special present for that special person.

WHAT'S NEW?
Keep an eye out for our exciting new Annie Sloan Chalk Paint workshops coming soon......
TM

53 High Street,Witney, Oxfordshire OX28 6JA - 01993 701013

info@theoldpillfactory.com - www.theoldpillfactory.com

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HOME MAKING

Easy-sew seat covers

Revive your dining table with stylish new chair cushions
ric: Clarke fab zip d n Clarke and a ip Z ; o oss Serafina Rpattern paper; sliders; er and pencil; l buttons; ruloop turner ; Rouleau machine; Sewing t; thread zipper foo

Get ! kitted out

f you loved our crackle-paint dining table makeover that appeared last issue, then youve probably been looking forward to this guide on making the matching furnishings. All you need are some old seat covers, a wodge of gorgeous fabric, buttons and, of course, your trusty sewing machine. This really is a piece of cake for novices looking for their next challenge, and a great way to do-over your dining suite.
Make a template in paper to fit the cushion pad. Centre the pad over the pattern paper, press down on the edges and draw around the circumference. Fold the paper through the centre and firm up, then make the pencil lines more accurate on just one side. Add 1cm seam allowance to this line and cut out. As the template is cut out through the two layers of the folded piece of paper, the curves will be exactly mirrored on the opposite side. Mark on the template the back and front of the pad. Lay the template onto the seat of the chair and mark the position of the two outer back spindles. Position and pin the template

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LOVE THE GOLD EFFECT ON THE TABLE LEGS? USE GOLD METALLIC SPRAY PAINT FROM RUSTOLEUM.CO.UK

OUR MAKER...
AMANDA WALKER

49

DIY DINING CHAIR

onto a double piece of fabric with the right sides of the fabric facing each other, then cut out. Neaten the edges of the fabric pieces by overlocking or zigzagging. Match the two pieces together with the right sides of the fabric facing. Place a pin on the two spindle positions, then around the front curve of the cover. Stitch, with a 1cm seam allowance, from the first pin, around the front curve to the second spindle pin; this will leave a gap in the back. Cut a length of zip to the same length as the gap in the back of the cover plus an extra 5cm. Pull open 3cm of the zip, then pull on the zip slider. This can be a bit fiddly but with practice is an easy process. To stop the slider from coming off, stitch across the plastic teeth at both ends. Stitch the prepared zip into the opening using a zipper foot. With the right side of the fabric facing (the cover should not be turned through at this point) place the opened zip face down, matching the end with the zip slider to one end of the opening. Position the slider 3cm away from the end of the stitching, back into the cover; this will enable the zip to be stitched in place without the slider interfering with the stitching line. Pin one side of the zip in place, then stitch along the edge of the zip's teeth. Pin the remaining side and stitch in place. Carefully thread the zip slider through to the right side, and turn the cover to the right side and press. Measure from the outer spindle to the centre of the back of the chair. Add 2cm to this. Cut two strips of fabric to this measurement and 7cm wide. Fold the strips in half lengthways, then stitch across one end and down the edge with a 5mm seam allowance. Turn the strip to the right side. This process is made easy with the aid of a rouleau loop turner. Tease out the corners and press. Make a buttonhole at the end of one of the straps. Position the raw end of one of the straps 1cm away from the end of the zip; it should be laying away from the zip. Sew the strap to the cover with a 5mm seam allowance. Fold the strap back over towards the zip, then stitch again; the raw end will be sandwiched inside the second line of stitching. Repeat the process with the remaining strap at the opposite end of the zip. Finally, stitch a button to the end of the other strap. Place the cushion pad inside the cover, zip closed, then wrap the straps around the chair back and button to secure.

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MISSED THE PAINTING MAKEOvER LAST ISSUE? SEE ALL THE INSTRUCTIONS ON OUR wEBSITE!
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THE LATEST ISSUE OF SEW IS ON SALE NOW

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GET COMFY IN EASYSTITCH SOFT SEATING

IN A DAY

DONE

CUT, STITCH AND FILL A SNUGLY BEAN BAG

Seating comes in a plethora of different guises, none more relaxed than the bean bag. Squidgy and pliable, its an ideal solution to seating issues as you can easily stash it out of the way in a corner until its needed. If youre handy with a sewing machine, you can make yourself a plush bean bag in under a day. Choose a chic, colourful fabric for your elegant creation, and once the pieces are joined, the mastery comes in filling the sack without spilling the beans! Our version is lined to keep the innards safely tucked away and the handy zipper allows you remove the outer cover for cleaning.
YOULL NEED: 2m cream cotton for lining 2m chosen outer fabric 51cm zip Thread in chosen colour Polystyrene balls Cut out the following shapes from both fabrics: rectangle 60cm x 90cm and a half circle with an 87cm arch and a straight width of 51cm. Trim a rectangle,18cm x 26cm, and then a circle with a 26cm circumference. Using just the lining fabric, cut another circle with a 51cm diameter and a circumference of 170cm. To create the lining, take the large rectangle piece and sew both 60cm edges together with a 1cm seam allowance. Sew the larger circle around the width of the bottom of the joined pieces, leaving a 20cm gap open. Calculate the placement of the four darts equally around the open end of the beanbag; each measures 12cm deep x 26cm wide. Nip the fabric across the width and sew up the marked darts. Finally, attach the smaller lining circle to the darted end of the bean bag. Taking your large main fabric rectangle, join both 60cm edges with a 1cm seam allowance. Sew the zip to the two straight sides of the half circles, close the zip and join this piece around the bottom of the prepared section. Mark the 12cm x 26cm darts equally four times on the open end of the bean bag, then sew up.

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CHARLOTTE BALDWIN-TURNER

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Place the two 18cm x 26cm rectangles (main fabric and lining) together, with the lining on the inside. With right sides facing, sew along the length, then turn back through. Lay the handle centrally on the top circle and pin in place. Sew the smaller circle to the darted end of the bean bag, catching in the handle. Place the lining inside the outer beanbag and through the 20cm gap, pour the polystyrene balls until it is sufficiently filled. Sew up the opening and zip the bean bag closed to finish.

DESIGNER DETAILS
The beans can be wayward little monsters and need containing, so to avoid leaks, be sure that all of your stitched seams on both the lining and main fabric are secure with double-stitched ends. Filling a bean bag can be a difficult process, but with a few simple tricks its a doddle. Polystyrene beans are really light, so make sure you have all windows closed when filling or they may go flying. To fill your bag, we recommend getting an extra pair of hands to hold open the gap for you. Create a funnel out of newspaper, and slowly pour the beans in in small batches. Do this over a bath or sink, so that any loose beans can be contained.

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HOME MAKING

5 bright home accessories

visit minervacrafts.com for a fabulous range of patterned fabrics

Give your sofa a colourful update with a citrus-hued cushion, 10, wilko.com

Brighten up early mornings using a fruity mug, 9.50, scandinavianshop.co.uk

Dine in style this spring, 24 for four, bespo.co.uk

This exotic little fellow is a great place to grow herbs, 39.99, evypeevy.co.uk

Place tea lights in a funky holder, 14.95, 95percent.co.uk

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ss a l c er t s ma

TRIED & TESTED TAB-TOP CURTAINS

Discover how to make the simplest of window drapes

hether its to keep out the light or keep in the warmth, every home needs curtains. Tab-top are one of the simplest variations you can make, and although our instructions look quite hefty, the actual stitching is relatively simple and you can always make a practice version on a smaller scale before going the whole hog. Considering that handmade curtains can cost way into the hundreds, investing a little time to learning the art is well worth the effort. Plus, you have free reign to choose whatever fabric tickles your fancy, which definitely justifies a trip to the haberdashers... Surely that's reason enough to get started?

YOULL NEED: Fabric, Awning Stripe in Seaspray, Laura Ashley Sewing machine with matching thread Tape measure, scissors, pins and iron Measure from underneath the curtain pole to the desired length you would like your curtains to be, then measure the length of your pole. As a rule, the fullness of curtains should be approximately double the length of the pole. For these curtains, 1 widths of fabric in each curtain gave enough fullness. 10cm was added to the length to accommodate the hem and an extra 1.5cm added for a seam allowance at the top. First, join the widths of fabric together to make each curtain; a half width is stitched to two whole widths. The half widths are joined to the outside edges of the whole widths. Fold and press in 2cm along each side edge, then another 2cm. Pin these folds to secure and edge stitch in place. Repeat the process for the remaining curtain. Just as before, fold and press 5cm along the base of the curtains, then another 5cm. Pin in place and edge stitch to make the hems of the curtains.

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Next make the tabs. The length of the tabs is dependent on the diameter of your pole, also the tab will need to circle the pole with a little extra to ensure ease when pulling the curtains. We cut nine 12cm strips. Fold the strips in half lengthways with the right sides facing, then stitch the two raw edges together with a 1cm seam allowance. Turn the strips to the right side and press flat. Evenly distribute the tabs along the top of the curtains; one to sit in each corner and the remainder equally between these outer two. As a rough guide, the tabs should not be more than 20cm apart, the curtains

will not hang well otherwise. Fold the tabs in half to make a loop, pin to the raw edge at the top of the curtains onto the right side. Stitch to secure. Cut fabric 8cm wide and the width of each curtain, plus a 3cm seam allowance (1.5cm at each end). Fold and press 1.5cm along one of the long edges. With the right side of this strip and the right side of the curtain facing, position and pin the unfolded edge of the strip to the raw edge at the top of the curtain. The ends of the strip should over hang the two edges of the curtain by 1.5cm. Stitch the strip in place with a 1.5cm seam allowance and the tabs will be

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sandwiched in between the two layers. Under stitch along the facing strip, then open it out so that you are looking at the right side of the curtain and the right side of the strip, making sure that the seam allowance of both the curtain and the facing are underneath the facing. Stitch as close to the seam line as possible. This stitching line ensures that the facing will roll to the back of the curtains. Fold in the two ends of the strip and fold the facing strip onto the wrong side of the curtain, pin along the folded edge and finally edge stitch in place.

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HOME MAKING

In our sewing room

Corinne Bradd reveals the machine behind our curtains

he Janome CXL301 and this project are a match made in heaven. Being computerised, its simple to operate and the automated functions are fantastic. But aside from the ease of use, there were three areas where this machine proved indespensible. Firstly, creating an even and straight seam allowance is a doddle: use the guides on the foot plate, position the edge of your fabric against the line and stitch, remembering to keep the edge parallel with the line. Second, under stitching requires the machine to stitch through three layers of fabric, and even more at the sides of the curtain as the side edge adds another two layers. But dont fear, youll find that the machine will manage these areas with ease. Finally, as our curtains are not lined and we needed more than one width, the raw edges we edged stitched to stop fraying. The CXL301 has 30 stitches to choose from, and over locking is one of them, which youll need for this process.

299, visit janome.co.uk to find your nearest stockist

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The imperfect aspect of embroidery gives illustration its character

Be charmed by woodland critters and fall in love with Alice Gillinghams folksy, homespun style

ere at Homemaker, weve spent countless hours huddled over our notebooks, desperately trying to think up new concepts for our crafting, but weve found that inspiration doesnt come from rigorous planning and intense thinking, it usually strikes when you least expect it. This is exactly what happened to illustrator Alice Gillingham, who turned a chance encounter with a showy squirrel into a delightfully charming design company.

Skill school
Developing a crafty skill later on in life can prove to be a challenge, but learning new things comes naturally when youre a child, which is exactly when Alice developed her passion for embroidery. From the age of eight I was part of a Young Embroiderers group, which taught me technical knowledge in embroidery and was my creative starting point and initial inspiration. From there onwards I chose to study textiles throughout my eduction, continuing on to degree level. Even before her educational exploration of embroidery, Alice was spurred on by her family to release her artistic side. Since childhood I have always been strongly encouraged to be creative. I have a very crafty mum who enjoys patchwork and quilting so we were constantly doing arty projects together. Although I have always been confident in my textile and embroidery skills, it took me until my time at university to really develop my drawing and illustration, after being encouraged by positive response to my animal illustrations. With a plethora of creative pursuits to choose from, there had to be something special that drew Alice specifically to the world of illustration and embroidery. The combination of the two together is the aspect that I find so enjoyable, as embroidery can completely transform an illustration. I love the way that I can create a drawing using pen and paper and bring it to life using stitch. I find the imperfect aspect of embroidery gives the illustration its character, which is what I enjoy about working with the two techniques the most.

people is usually very different. I was initially inspired by forest creatures on a trip down to the woodland which runs behind my familys garden, where I had a chance encounter with a very camera-loving squirrel. He made the perfect subject for drawing and turning into a design. I always loved stories such as Beatrix Potter and Brambly Hedge as a child, which were centred around animals and woodland creatures, and my stepdads witty animal poetry can definitely be credited as further literary inspiration! So how does one go about turning an idea into a tangible design? Alice explains her approach: Im inspired by a combination of things when starting a new design. Sometimes I start with a material I love and decide which illustrations I feel would work best for the fabric, alternatively I go the other way round and have a particular illustration I would like to use and decide how I am going to turn it into an embroidery.

been unsuccessful and I have reverted back to my own illustrative approach. The next big question that every crafter wants to know the answer to is how to make the transition from kitchen-table hobby to viable business. According to Alice, the most important thing is to have faith in yourself, and not to let your confidence falter. I decided to develop my own range of designs as I enjoyed designing and creating so much. Id received lots of positive feedback on my embroidered illustrations so I was encouraged to see if I could turn them into products for sale. Im still in the early stages of launching my own business and I have found the guidance I was given during my time at university and from talking to people who have started their own businesses invaluable. I think the advice I would give to people is to try and have confidence in yourself and your designs and to set deadlines and goals to work towards as this is an area I have struggled with myself.

Royal aspirations
While we couldnt possibly pick a favourite from Alices enchanting designs, theres one in particular that she is most fond of. Im most proud of my fox designs, as these have been very popular. Its funny really, because when I started working with foxes I found them really difficult to illustrate and it took me a long while to be happy with the design. Alices products may be popular, but theres one special guy that shed really love to design for. I think if I could create a piece for anyone it would have to be Prince George, as I would love to see one of my woodland designs in the royal nursery! So whats next on the agenda for Alice and her army of forest creatures? This year I hope to keep expanding my business and taking any opportunities that come my way! I would love to keep developing my designs and try to broaden my product range Watch this space Homemakers, we have a feeling that Alice and her furry friends will soon be taking over the world... Read more about Alice and take a peek at the rest of her gorgeous designs at alicegillingham.wordpress.com

Woodland wonder
Nature is often cited as a great source of inspiration, but the way in which it affects
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A burgeoning design business can often see a great amount of change in terms of style, but for some brands, like Alices, a strong initial concept and belief in an idea ensures that the true and original ethos is always maintained. I feel I have always had a signature style which is very folksy, homespun and illustrative. Although I have previously doubted my style and tried to adapt to a different approach, these attempts have always

WORDS BY SEOANA SHERRY-BRENNAN

Have faith

MEET THE MAKER

Back up career plan?

To work with animals instead of drawing them!

Small talk

Anything chocolate based as I am a bit of a chocoholic!

Fave snack whilst stitching? Dream holiday destination?

Australia, to visit my family who live there, especially the new born addition!

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PUT YOUR FABRIC SCRAPS TO GOOD USE!

IN A DAY

DONE

APPLIQU A SPRINGTIME CUSHION wITH SCRAPS

Most of us will confess to hoarding tendencies, especially when it comes to stitchy supplies. Its far too easy to stash stuff away, with the excuse that well definitely use it for something, one day. However, whats far more likely to happen is that we continue to add to our mounds until they threaten to take over the whole house, much to the dismay of the rest of the family. So, Homemaker hoarders, let us introduce you to the antidote to your sorrowful, but completely understandable, condition: appliqu. This simple technique involves layering cut-out scraps onto material, then stitching them in place to create a pattern or just a pretty motif. Its a wonderful way to control an overflowing fabric stack, and is so simple that stitchers of every skill level can give it a go. This issue, Sophia Palmer has devised a pretty Easter cushion, but you could just as easily stitch on circles, stars or any shape that comes to mind. The only limit is your imagination and your cutting skills!

YOULL NEED: Scrap fabrics Plain cotton Patterned cotton for the back Iron-on interfacing Card Scissors Cushion pad Sewing machine Thread Measure the cushion pad, then add 2.5cm to each side and trim plain cotton to fit. Draw a bird shape onto card and cut out. Work out how many birds you can fit in a row on the cushion, remembering to leave enough room around the edge for sewing. Draw out the birds onto the iron-on interfacing. Draw one bird the other way round; this will make the individual kissing bird in the centre.

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Iron on each bird onto a different scrap of fabric, then cut these out and pin in rows onto your plain cotton. Appliqu these with a zigzag stitch with your machine. Cut the two back pieces out. These should be the same size as the plain cotton with an overlap of about 10cm. Hem each panel, then pin to your cushion front, making sure all the right sides are together. Sew around the whole edge then turn the right way and press.

HELPFUL HINTS
Take heed of these appliqu tips from our lovely sister magazine, Sew: Carefully press your fabric pieces before stitching for a neat finish Use a variety of machine or hand stitches to get different effects Back the fabrics with fusible webbing to secure them to the work and prevent edges from fraying For really neat edges use felt to create your designs Pick up Sew magazine for all your dressmaking and home stitching needs!

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HOME MAKING

5 fabrics we lOve
visit belovedfabrics.co.uk for a fabulous range of patterned fabrics
OUR FAVOURITE BLUE PRINTS AND PATTERNS, 3 PER METRE, BACKSTITCH.CO.UK

Dorothy in pale blue

Pearl Bracelet in Ice Skate

Mum in White Aqua

Medium chevron in Aqua

SOPHIA PALMER

Magnolia in Fountain

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ur yo

t if g ee fr

SEw YOUR KITTY CUSHION & BIRDIE PAL

Add some charm to your sofa with this cuddly duo

Cut out the shapes

Pin the pieces together

Stitch together all round

Were positive youre going to love our cute Cedric cat cushion and his friend Bertie Birdie as much as we do. Theyre terribly easy to make and only take a quick stitch with a needle and thread. It can all be done by hand and in one sitting too. So pop open the packet right away and say hello to your new sofa pals. Dont forget to show us your finished chums on Facebook and Twitter; we love seeing your handiwork!

Fill the body with stuffing

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Stitch the gap closed

Your finished cat!

FOLLOw THE SAME TECHNIQUE FOR BERTIE BIRDIE AND STITCH IN THE HANGING RIBBON wHEN CLOSING

WANT NEED LOVE

For the hard to find or discontinued yarn Thread Yarn & Fabric may be able to help, whether it be on a cone or a ball. Knitting and sewing clubs are held right next door lead by a designer full of ideas, from upcycling to designing from scratch theres something for everyone. threadyarnandfabric.co.uk

n io ot om pr

Brighten up your knitting and crochet with Rooster Almerino DK, made frombaby alpaca and merino wool it comes in a glorious range of springtime colours. thehomemakery.co.uk

FAVOURITES
These are great kits for budding young crafters who want to learn how to knit. Theyre fun and really easy to follow! remnantkings.co.uk

KNITTING

The Little Wool Company has everything you need from Alpaca to Artesano yarns plus many more to get you started with any projects. thelittlewoolcompany.com

Tangled Yarn now stocks Vivid Blanket Kits, a colourful baby blanket from designers Tin Can Knits. Each kit contains both the pattern and enough yarn (Jamieson & Smith Jumper Weight) to complete this stunning blanket that any new mum would just love to wrap their newborn in! To find out more visit the Tangled Yarn website tangled-yarn.co.uk

Oxford Yarn Store has recently celebrated its first birthday. It has fast become a popular hub in the city for knitters and crafters of all types and ability levels with its wide range of workshops and social Knit Clubs. oxfordyarnstore.co.uk

Exclusive hand-painted silks, cashmere and merino yarns from all corners of the world. The home of Luxury Yarns where luxury doesnt have to mean expensive. luxuryyarns.co.uk

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GLOSSARY: p = purl k = knit st = stitch/es RUTH CROSS is a knitwear designer and author who creates striking and unique knitted accessories for the home. ruthcross.com sl = slip; move the next stitch straight to the new needle without working it wyib/wyif = with yarn in back/with yarn in front

s 2014 whizzes past in a rainy blur, we seem to be hurtling headlong into the wonderful world of chicks, bunnies, huge lunches and chocolate. Hooray, Easter's here! As we sit at home surrounded by mountains of chocolate eggs, the debate begins is it best to eat just a little bit every day for at least a month, or (my method of preference) eat the entire lot in one go in the vain hope that some sneaks past my bathroom scales without ending up on my waistline? Annoyingly this actually works for my husband and of course never works with me, why do men have it so lucky? Aside from dreaming about the impending sweet-centric holiday, my knitting needles have been a lot busier than expected lately, due in large part to the recent dreadful weather this fine country has been having. While weve all been desperate for some clear winter days, we are at least warm and surrounded by ever more ridiculous ideas for things to knit...Some of which might even make it onto my website! Ive decided to translate and publish all of my old patterns alongside new ones, so anyone can make them at home. But with hundreds in the history of Ruth Cross, its a bit difficult to know where to start, so small things first I think; look out for cushions, scarves and mitten patterns coming soon. Meanwhile on the Homemaker pattern hit list this month and in honour of my last ever column, I'm going for something a bit retro with a stripy egg-inspired tea cosy. So, relish the chance to hibernate a little bit longer, put the hot cross buns under the grill, pick up those sticks and whip up something woolly for Easter! Ive written exactly what I did but make yours your own, try different colours, yarns and decorate it however you want. Id love to see pictures of what you come up with, so make sure to get in touch and show off your creations. It's been lovely sharing my knitty adventures with you, farewell and happy knitting Homemakers!

KNITTED

One-row buttonhole: Bring yarn to front of work, sl 1 st pwise, take yarn to back of work, *sl 1 pwise, pass second st on right hand needle over and off needle, rep from * seven times, return last st to left hand needle, turn, cable cast on nine sts (one more than cast off), sl 1 st from left hand to right hand needle, pass second st over and off needle

HOME
With Ruth Cross

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HOME MAKING

Easter Cosy

YOU'LL NEED: 4mm needles 100 grams of double knit yarn (I have used Rowan Pure Wool DK in colours Cypress (A), Shale (B) and Kiss (D) and King Cole's Galaxy DK in Mars (C). However, you can use any DK yarn in any colour combination you want, it's a great way to use up any leftover bits of yarn!) Cast on 175 sts Row 1: Purl Row 2: K3, [p7, k2] 19 times, k1 Row 3: P3, [yon, k2, sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k2, yrn, p2] 19 times p1 Row 4- 22: Repeat rows 2-3, then Row 2 again Row 23*: P3, [yon k2, sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k2, yrn, p2] eight times yon, k2 sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k2 yrn, p1, work one-row buttonhole over nine sts. P1, [yon, k2, sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k2, yrn, p2] nine times p1 Row 24-36: Rep Rows 2-3, then Row 2 again Row 37: P3, [k2, sl1 st wyib k2tog, psso, k2, p2] 19 times, p1. (137 sts) Row 38: K3, [p5, k2] 19 times, k1 Row 39: P1, p2tog, [k1, sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k1, p2tog] 19 times, p1 (79 sts) Row 40: K2, [p3, k1] 19 times, k1 Row 41: P2, [sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, p1] 19 times, p1 (41 sts) Row 42: K2, [p1, k1] 19 times, k1 Row 43: P1, [sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso, k1] ten times (21 sts) Row 44: [Sl1 st wyib, k2tog, psso] seven times (3 sts) Pass yarn through remaining stitches and draw together. Use this end to sew down the side seam until the top of the handle. Sew in all your ends and stitch together the seam under the handle too. Make a Pom Pom and sew it on the top to finish. *This is the row where the spout hole is made; if the centre of your spout is higher or lower you can do this on any even row earlier/ later To replicate the pattern of this tea cosy, you need to change yarns as follows: Row 1-10: A Row 11-14: B Rows 15/16, 19/20, 23/24: C Rows 17/18, 21/22: D Rows 25/26: B Row 27-45: A

TO BUY THESE YARNS, vISIT LAUGHINGHENS.COM

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IF YOU CAN'T GET ENOUGH OF WOOL OR YOU'VE GOT A CRAVING FOR YARN, VISIT ADDICTED2KNIT.CO.UK TO PERUSE A HUGE SELECTION OF GORGEOUS FIBRES

NEWS
Our round up of the latest trends, events and products in the wonderful world of wool

Wonderwool Wales
Fibre fans from across the UK and overseas are set to converge on the Royal Welsh Showground in Builth Wells over 26th and 27th April for the annual extravaganza of Wonderwool Wales. This lively show is expected to attract more visitors than ever this year, and there is an exciting programme on offer to ensure that everyone gets as much out of the weekend as possible. Crafters can shop 'til they drop at the many stands, with a huge range of products on offer including yarns, spinning equipment, knit and crochet accessories, patterns and much more. There will also be beautiful ready-made items available to buy, as well as Woolschool workshops, if you want to pick up a new fibre-based skill. For more information and tickets, visit wonderwoolwales.co.uk.

Runway Report

CRAFTY CLASSES
Cable Knitting Discover how to CLASS master this intricate technique at one of the regular classes held at Beaker Buttons. They run a wide variety of workshops, most of which can be booked at a time to suit you. oxfordyarnstore.co.uk
REGULAR

Colour Knitting Learn how to re ad colour charts and pu practise by mak t your new found skills to mug hugs for yoing some colourful little ur home. liberty .co.uk
APR 5

Continental Knitting Workshop Have you ever wanted to hold the yarn in your other hand to make colour work easier or speed up your moss stitch? This workshop will take the mystery out of this method, and will cover a wide range of techniques. baaramewe.co.uk
APR 6

Pastels are always big news in spring, darker hues are banished to the shadows and fresh, spring tones begin to appear in our wardrobes to reflect the transition into warmer seasons. The subtle lavender shade of this bobble neck jumper is a wearable and casual way to interpret the trend, without looking too sickly sweet. Plus, the three-quarter length sleeves mean that you can continue to wear it well into summer as the sun starts to make a more regular appearance. Pair it with your favourite jeans or go for a bolder look by combining it with another pastel shade. bonmarche.co.uk

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WANT NEED LOVE

3 of the best...

Sparkly yarns

Volunteers have been busy knitting a whopping 5,000 chicks to raise money for the Trinity Hospice Easter Chick Campaign, which is celebrating its 15th anniversary, and you can still help out! Now in its 15th year, the Easter Chick Campaign has raised an amazing 67,000 since Trinity Hospice hatched the plan in 1999. The adorable little chicks will now be stuffed with chocolate eggs donated by local supermarkets and sold at local schools to raise money for the charity. The money raised from selling the cute treat-filled creatures will help Trinity to fund more nurses so that the hospice can reach those who need them. The deadline for knitting the chicks is 6th March so there is still time to whip out your needles and yarn and get involved! For patterns and more information, contact emailcsykes@trinityhospice.org.uk

Washable, easy to work with and nonirritant, Peter Pan Moondust DK yarn has all the advantage of the normal DK with added sparkle! 3.19

How about knitting this funky chicken from our sister mag, Lets Knit?

Rowan Kidsilk Haze Eclipse knitting yarn adds just a hint of sparkle to the famous Kidsilk blend, and is perfect for all your eye-catching fluffy mohair projects. 8.65

Sirdar Soukie DK knitting yarn is a pretty, sparkly yarn sprinkled with sequins that is ideal for glamorous hand knits. 2.95

FOR A vARIETY OF QUALITY wOOLS AND KNITTING EQUIPMENT, vISIT LOvEKNITTING.COM, AND USE DISCOUNT CODE '15HOMEMAKER' FOR 15% OFF YOUR ORDER!
Create a cosy, colourful nursery for babies and toddlers with these 35 brilliant patterns. (12.99, Search Press).

Drip Drop
NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) has launched an eye-catching campaign to attract young people to consider donating blood by catching their attention with knitted blood drops. Over 8,000 of these little woolly wonders have been knitted by generous volunteers and will appear in public places all over England and North Wales over the next month. The campaign is inspired by the yarnbombing trend and aims to encourage passers-by to commit to giving blood. NHSBT spokesperson Donna Batty said: We started preparing for our campaign several months ago by appealing to knitters to help us create the blood drops. We had a tremendous response and were hugely grateful for everything theyre doing to help us. To register as a donor and book an appointment, visit blood.co.uk/trees

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Crochet a daisy chain to celebrate the springtime sunshine

ring the freshness of a summer meadow into your home with this everlasting daisy chain. You can make the garland chain as long as you care to, and even use up oddments of mercerised cotton yarn to create a kaleidoscope of coloured flowers.

YOU'LL NEED: 2.5mm crochet hook Yeoman Yarns Cannele 4-ply yarn in 3 colours: bright yellow (A), white (B), bright green (C) TENSION Each daisy motif measures 7cm in diameter using a 2.5mm hook SIZE Daisy chain measures approximately 234cm long NOTE The daisy chain weighs approximately 28g in total, so only small amounts of yarn are required 66

Crochet daisy chain

TO MAKE THE DAISIES (MAKE 12) Base ring: Using a 2.5mm hook and A, make 6 ch and join with a sl st in first ch to form a ring. Round 1 (RS): 1 ch (does NOT count as a stitch), 12 dc in ring, change to B and join with a sl st in first dc at beginning of round. (12 dc) Cut off A and continue with B. Round 2 (RS): 1 ch, 1 dc in same place as last sl st, 12 ch, 1 sl st in dc just made, *1 dc in next dc of Round 1, 12 ch, 1 sl st in dc just made; rep from * 10 times more, join with a sl st in first dc at beginning of round. (12 petals) Fasten off. TO MAKE THE LEAVES AND CHAIN Foundation chain: Using a 2.5mm hook and C, make 10 ch. Starting with the 10-ch foundation

chain, continue along chain working leaves and chain alternately as follows: Leaf 1: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 trtr in each of next 2 ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sl st in last ch. **Make 37 ch. Leaf 2: Repeat Leaf 1. Make 46 ch. Leaf 3: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook,

1 tr in each of next 2 ch, 1 dtr in each of next 2 ch, 1 trtr in each of next 2 ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch. Make 27 ch. Leaves 4 and 5: Repeat Leaf 3; make 11 ch; then repeat Leaf 3 again (making one leaf either side of chain).*** Leaves 6, 7, 8 and 9: Repeat from ** to *** once more. Make 37 ch. Leaf 10: 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 trtr in next ch, 1 dtr in next ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sl st in next ch. Make 56 ch. Leaves 11 and 12: Repeat Leaf 10; make 11 ch; 1 dc in 2nd ch from hook, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dtr in each of next 2 ch, 1 trtr in next ch, 1 dtr in each of next 2 ch, 1 tr in next ch, 1 dc in next ch, 1 sl st in next ch. **** Leaves 1319: Repeat from *** to **** once. Leaves 2023: Repeat from ** to *** once. Make 37 ch. Leaf 24: Repeat Leaf 1. Fasten off. TO FINISH Pin the daisies along the chain between the leaves, judging the spacing by eye. Using a single strand of A (or a matching sewing thread) and a sewing needle, catch stitch the back of each daisy at its centre, for approximately 1 cm, to the chain. Sew in any loose yarn ends.

wE'vE GOT ALL THE ABBREvIATIONS AND HANDY DIAGRAMS ON OUR wEBSITE

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Buy Hook, Yarn & Crochet at the special price of 7.99 (normally 12.99), with free p&p. Call 01256 302699 and quote 9ZN

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PHOTOGRAPHY BY KEIKO OIKAWA

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CAKE boy cake BOY

Pre-salted lamb, flying bells and tempered chocolate are all on Erics Easter menu
The Easter weekend is almost like a switch you can forget all about the grim winter and start to bask in the wonders of spring, from the longer days and flourishing gardens to fresh, light cooking. Its always nice to entertain around this time of year, too. For me, my Easter table has to have lamb. I like to give it a bit of a twist and use the ready-salted kind. I grew up in Brittany where all the sheep and lambs eat near the sea, hence the meat is pre salted. You can get the same in Cornwall and some places in Wales. Its a lovely dish not too heavy, either, and my chocolate fondants with orange and muscat compote (opposite) are the perfect finish.

The Further Adventures of

CHOCOLATE FONDANTS WITH ORANGE AND MUSCAT COMPOTE SERVES 4

Bells are ringing

During my childhood Easter was always a big family event, because, being a Catholic country, we go all out. There is a completely different theme, though we have chocolate eggs, but we have bells and no Easter bunnies! The story goes that the week before Easter, the Church bells flew off to Rome to mourn Christs death and then returned on Easter morning to celebrate his resurrection, bringing with them all kinds of chocolate eggs. So in France, the church bells stop ringing for a week, and youll find chocolate versions of all shapes and sizes everywhere you look.

2 tsp cocoa powder 125g unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 200g dark chocolate, roughly chopped 75g golden caster sugar 2 eggs, plus 2 egg yolks 25g plain flour FOR THE COMPOTE 1 large orange, peeled and segmented 2 tsp golden caster sugar 1 tsp cornflour 100ml muscat wine Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Grease four 150ml individual pudding moulds, then coat with the cocoa powder, tapping out any excess. Transfer the moulds to a baking sheet. Melt the chocolate and butter together in a heatproof bowl set over a bain-marie. Leave to cool for a few minutes. In a large bowl, whisk the sugar, eggs and egg yolks together until thick, pale and fluffy and doubled in volume. Gently stir the cooled chocolate into the mixture, then fold in the flour. Divide the mixture between the prepared pudding moulds, filling them three-quarters full. Cook in the oven for 12 minutes.

Make & give

When I came to the UK, I decided to make a few chocolate bells for some friends they looked at me as if I was a lunatic! Ive since learned to stick to more English-y gifts, but I still never get anything in return... Its always the same, my friends dont give me any chocolate because they think I eat it all the time. Its an excuse, I tell you! If youre planning to make chocolate eggs this year, here are my three golden rules. First, moulding chocolate is all in the tempering read up online or get a book, its worth it. If you just melt and pour chocolate into a mould its not going to set properly or get a good shine. Second, beginners should start with a smooth mould as the more intricate the design, the more chance of the chocolate sticking. And third, polish the mould with cotton wool so its pristine and your shape will turn out nicely. If you temper the chocolate perfectly, it will retract from the mould as it shrinks as it hardens. Happy Easter and remember to save me some!

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Erics released an app! The brand new Cake-Boy Classics App (4.99) features 80 of Erics favourite sweet recipes, plus countless bonus features, including a recipe finder, alternative ingredients tool and measurement converter a must-have for any budding baker. cake-boy.com

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Meanwhile, make the orange compote. Put the orange segments into a frying pan and heat gently, then stir in the sugar. When the mixture starts to sizzle, mix the cornflour with a little water to a paste, add with the wine and cook until the compote has reduced by half. Remove the fondants from the oven and use a sharp knife to slide around the edge of each to release. Invert onto plates and carefully remove the moulds. Serve immediately with the orange compote.

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Embrace simple, everyday cooking with a delectable recipe from Three Sisters Bake

Family matters

A
YOULL NEED: 25cm loose-bottomed fluted tart tin Baking beans FOR THE PASTRY 235g plain flour, plus extra for dusting 50g caster sugar 150g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed 1 large egg, at room temperature FOR THE COCONUT FILLING 250g caster sugar 100g unsalted butter, softened 2 large eggs, at room temperature 200g desiccated coconut 250ml whole milk 60g condensed milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 15g plain flour FOR THE PASSION FRUIT CURD 2 whole large eggs and 6 large egg yolks 225g caster sugar 250ml passion fruit juice Pinch of salt 110g unsalted butter, chilled and cubed

passion for food is something that is often passed down through the generations, and this is definitely true of the Reith sisters. With a mother who taught Home Economics and a grandmother who transformed an old post office into a colourful sweet shop, it seemed inevitable that Gillian, Nichola and Linsey would leave their respective careers to turn their culinary dreams into a reality. In 2011, they opened their cake and craft boutique, and have been serving delicious, contemporary dishes inspired by their idyllic Scottish village location ever since. This pie is a regular feature on their Soul BBQ evening menu, and came into being after their baker, Dave, was set the challenge of developing a number of Americana-inspired dessert recipes. If passion fruit isnt to your taste, a lemon curd would be just as tasty.

COCONUT AND CUSTARD PIE WITH PASSION FRUIT CURD SERVES 12

minutes to warm up a little. Lightly flour the surface and your rolling pin and roll the pastry out until it is 5mm thick or large enough to line the tin. Drape the pastry over the rolling pin and ease it into the tin, pressing it gently into the edges. Roll the rolling pin over the top of the tin to trim off excess pastry. Prick the base of the pastry a few times then place greaseproof paper into the case, fill with baking beans and bake for 2025 minutes until golden brown. Remove from the oven, take out the paper and beans, and set aside to cool. Turn the oven temperature down to 170C/gas mark 3. To make the filling, beat the sugar and butter together until pale and fluffy. Continue beating while you add the eggs, one at a time. Add the remaining ingredients and beat well to combine. Carefully pour the coconut filling into the pastry case and bake for 25 minutes until golden brown and no longer wobbly. Remove from the tin and turn out onto a wire rack to cool. To make the passion fruit curd, place the whole eggs, egg yolks, sugar, passion fruit juice and salt in a heatproof bowl, whisk to combine then set the bowl over a pan of simmering water. Make sure the bottom of the bowl doesnt touch the water. Whisk constantly for 10-15 minutes, or until the mixture thickens and holds its shape when stirred. Remove the bowl from the heat and stir in the butter. Once the butter has melted, strain the curd through a sieve into a metal bowl. Set the bowl over a dish of iced water and stir occasionally for five minutes until cool. Ideally you should make the curd 24 hours before baking your pie, so that it can chill overnight.

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To make the pastry, place the flour and sugar in a food processor and pulse briefly to mix. Add the butter bit by bit and pulse until the mixture resembles breadcrumbs. Add the egg and pulse until the pastry starts to come together. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead briefly. Shape it into a ball, wrap in cling film then chill for 12 hours. Preheat the oven to 180C/gas mark 4. Remove the pastry from the fridge, take off the cling film and allow to sit for 1020

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Baking Essentials
OUR PICK OF THE BEST FUNKY BAKING ACCESSORIES FOR YOUR KITCHEN
Hemingway Carnival Flour Tin, 8, cotswoldtrading.com Lemon Slice Cake Tin, 15, tch.net

Beau & Elliot Confetti Oven Gloves, 18, hintonshomes.com

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HOME BAKING

The curd can be kept in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks

For more everyday delectable recipes, grab a copy of Three Sisters Bake by Gillian, Nichola & Linsey Reith (20, Hardie Grant).

73

Rosemary has her own cookery school, see rosemary shrager.com for details

Ptisserie made easy

Rosemary Shrager gives us a crash course in the fine art of ptisserie
Helping hand
During my career as a chef, I didnt find ptisserie particularly easy. It is a specialist area, one where you need to learn precise techniques, and I consider myself more of an instinctive cook. As a self-taught chef, I often had to learn on the job and, terrifyingly, was sometimes thrown in at the deep end. I managed to steer clear of the pastry section until I worked for Jean-Christophe Novelli in the late 1980s. He encouraged me to attempt fine ptisserie for the first time and gave me a good grounding in the essential techniques. Later, I was lucky enough to spend two weeks on the pastry section at the Connaught Hotel in London after I phoned up in despair because I was struggling to make croissants. Michel Bourdin, the legendary head chef, very kindly invited me in, and in no time at all I was handling the Rondo, a large machine for rolling and cutting pastry and croissant doughs. Working there was a fantastic experience and I emerged with a lovely croissant recipe, which I later honed in Ireland and at Bradford College so I can safely say I have travelled far and wide in my search for the ultimate croissant!

Weve got Rosemarys in-depth profiteroles recipe online, complete with handy step shots!

osemary Shrager is a natural-born teacher. From her time on reality show Ladette to Lady to her cookery series Rosemary Shragers School for Cooks, and many other guest appearances in between, shes spent her career showing the nation how to better themselves in the kitchen, or just how to use it, full stop. Her new book, Rosemary Shragers Cakes, Bakes and Puddings (18.99, Hamlyn), is no different. She demystifies seemingly complicated techniques, such as sourdough bread and Italian meringue, with step-by-step photos, encouraging you to push beyond your skillset and learn something new. Here, shes shared a delicious doughnut recipe overleaf and has held a profiterole masterclass online at homemakermagazine.co.uk, where youll be guided through the art of choux pastery and crme ptissire.

Take your time

Because I lacked confidence when I started out, I understand how nervous baking can make people feel. Being a good baker is a matter of learning a series of logical steps. Its is as much a science as an art, and understanding why certain things happen is crucial. If you dont understand what you are trying to achieve, it can all go horribly wrong! Im convinced that many people who think they are hopeless at baking have been deterred by one bad experience. So, my advice for the more complex recipes is to always allow yourself plenty of time. The nice thing about making bread, pastry and cakes is that you can set aside an afternoon to tackle them and there is no pressure to get them on the table at a certain time, unlike when you are cooking dinner. The other thing to bear in mind is that lengthy recipes can usually be tackled in stages. Professional chefs prepare things in advance to make life easier, and it makes perfect sense to do this at home, too. As long as they dont rely on whisked egg whites for their rise, most cake mixtures can be made several hours before you need them and kept in the fridge until you are ready to bake. Even for something as simple as fairy cakes, it can be good to get ahead with making the batter. Pastry can be prepared the day before and left in the fridge, and so can bread doughs, ice cream bases and Italian meringue, which is used as a topping for tarts and puddings or as a base for mousses.

Bake happy
Baking is the ideal leisure activity and its wonderful when you can take the time to do something from scratch. I love the idea of making all the elements of a black forest gateau, for example, or baking your own Danish pastries or profiteroles. It goes without saying that theyll taste infinitely better than the ones you can buy. Making desserts and baked goods is one of lifes simple pleasures. I hope my recipes will give you the confidence to tackle something new, whether its making perfect pastry, baking delectable cakes and breads or creating beautiful ice creams and sorbets.

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HOMEBAKER

Baking is wonderful when you can take the time to do something from scratch.

00 75

MAKE A PAPER PIPING BAG DOUGHNUTS WITH RASPBERRY SAUCE MAKES 12

YOULL NEED: 225g strong white flour, plus extra for dusting A pinch of fine sea salt 40g unsalted butter 1 egg 120ml full-fat milk 15g caster sugar 15g fresh yeast Vegetable oil for deep-frying Caster sugar for coating FOR THE SAUCE: 250g raspberries, fresh or frozen Juice of 1 lemon 100g caster sugar, if using fresh fruit 3 tbsp water, if using fresh fruit Sift the flour and salt into a large bowl. Melt the butter in a saucepan, take off the heat and allow to cool slightly, then whisk in the egg and milk. Stir in the sugar, then crumble in the yeast. Add the milk mixture to the flour and mix to form a dough. Place on a lightly floured work surface and tear, roll and turn the dough for about 10 minutes, until smooth. Place it in a clean bowl, cover with cling film and leave to rise at room temperature for one hour, until doubled in size. Gently knock back the dough, then turn it on to a floured surface and tear, roll and turn it for two minutes. Shape into a ball, then roll out to a thickness of roughly 1.5cm and divide into 12 equal pieces. Roll into balls and place on a baking sheet, spacing them 2.5cm apart, then leave to rise at room temperature for a further 3040 minutes, until doubled in size. In a deep pan, heat a one-third depth of vegetable oil to 180C and fry the doughnuts in batches of four for eight minutes, turning them with a metal spoon. Drain on kitchen paper and leave to cool. When cold, roll the doughnuts in caster sugar. To make the sauce, pure the raspberries in a blender with the lemon juice and pass the mixture through a sieve, discarding the seeds. If using frozen fruit, the pure will be liquid enough to serve as it stands. If using fresh fruit, put the sugar and water in a saucepan and bring to the boil, stirring constantly. Simmer for two minutes, then allow to cool before adding to the pure.

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Rediscover your love of baking with Rosemary Shragers Bakes, Cakes and Puddings (18.99, Hamlyn).

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These make a wonderful pudding, and they will keep for a day, but are best eaten fresh. You can add a little spice, such as cinnamon, to the sugar for coating.

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HOME BAKING

Can Cadburys Crme Eggs get any more delicious? If you put them into brownies, then abso-flipping-lutely. Fiona from sincerelyfiona.com has a fail-safe recipe on her blog, just type in Crme Egg brownies into the search bar and youre away.

YES, PLEASE!

GET SET

Making your own eggs is a cheap and fun alternative to store-bought, but before you do, turn to p71 for Eric Lanlards handy tips. Mould, 6, marksandspencer.com

BAKERS BOUTIQUE
Get cracking in the kitchen with these eggcellent ideas
Feeling controversial? Buck the 3D egg trend and make flat ones instead, then adorn them with fun (and edible) Easter transfers. 3.95 for two sheets, chocolatetradingco.com

Transfer time

Make this years egg hunt an event to remember with delightful signs (11.95), which come complete with ground pegs, and coordinating party bags (10.50). littlebabycompany.com

On the hunt

TASTY TREAT

Your eggs neednt be plain, especially when Amelia Rope has such delicious flavours on offer, such as this trio: dark raspberry, toasted coconut flakes and sea salt and pale rose. Yum. 16.81, ameliarope.com

STICK WITH IT

Adding little sugar flowers or motifs will give your eggs a lovely handmade touch; just glue on with melted chocolate.

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DISPLAY & STYLE

LIVEN UP YOUR KITCHEN DCOR WITH FUN PRINTED TEA TOWELS

ITS WISE TO PICK NEUTRAL HUES FOR THE WALLS AND CABINETS WHEN DECORATING YOUR KITCHEN, TO HELP PROMOTE A SENSE OF CALM. THOUGH, ADD SOME INTEREST BY DISPLAYING BOLD AND QUIRKY TEA TOWELS

Turn to page 28 for our guide to simple tea towel printing

TEA TOWELS FROM WILL & GLORY, WILLANDGLORY.CO.UK 78

Voice from the

blogosphere

I Spy
Inspirational gems from the most creative corners of cyberspace
A peek at a board were currently coveting:
PINTEREST.COM/BUNNYSLICK/EASTER

3 APPS FOR AN EGG-CELLENT EASTER

1. CHOCOLATE RECIPES FREE (IPHONE/IPOD TOUCH/IPAD) Got loads of leftover choccy? Find over 2,000 recipes on this handy app, which is a must-have for keen bakers. Plus, you can share your favourites with your fellow chocoholics, whats not to love?

TAKE A PEEK AT THIS MONTHS BLOG, WE THINK ITS A CORKER!

dottie angel
You may remember our interview with Granny Chic founders Tif and Rachelle way back in issue four, when we chatted with them about their passion for quirky crafting and upcycling. After coming together via the online crafting community, the pair became firm friends due to their shared love of style, and went on to produce a book together. Having been inspired by the pairs unique approach to craft and living, we made sure to keep up with Tifs adventures via her blog, dottie angel. A haven of how-tos and uplifting mantras, scrolling through Tifs site is guaranteed to make you smile and encourage you to follow the blogs ethos, to feel a little crafty at least twice a day. Recent ideas that we love (and that were sure you will too) include a crocheted stool cover, hanging heart catchers and happy hangers. Grab your favourite hot beverage and a comfy seat and immerse yourself in the delightfully odd world of dottie angel tonight. dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk

2. EGG TIMER (ANDROID, IPHONE/IPOD TOUCH/IPAD) Guarantee perfection every time with this useful timer system, which lets you customise cooking time based on the size of your egg and how you like to serve it. There are also hundreds of recipes, so you wont be stuck for egg-spiration.

Easter Craft Ideas Every chocoholics favourite holiday is just around the corner, and weve
found a treasure trove of inspiration to help you get your home ready for the occasion. From quirky floral arrangements to simple baking ideas you can try with the kids, theres everything you need to ensure this Easter is the best yet. We love the bunny-shaped wreath, the perfect way to welcome seasonal guests.

3. EASTER BUNNY TRACKER FUN (IPHONE/IPOD TOUCH/IPAD) Keep your family entertained with the Easter Bunnys blog, where he shares his adventures as he delivers chocolate around the world. You can even keep an eye on his progress with the GPS tracker feature!

HOMEMAKERS wEBSITE OF THE MONTH

CROFTMILL.CO.UK
Before the dawn of the internet, Croft Mill were supplying fabric to stitchers and dressmakers across the country with its mail order service. Nowadays, it sells its huge range of fabrics online, and the extensive collection includes many of the old favourites: J.W. Coates, Bradley Textiles and Croft Mill itself. With an expansive knowledge of textiles and cloth, youll find all the advice you need here, so go ahead and have a browse!

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ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

WAYS TO FIND CRAFTSPIRATION

JOIN IN!

I PA D A N D M O B I L E If you're techno savvy as well as creative, then the Homemaker app is one for you! l Find inspiration on the go and from anywhere in the world, so that you're never far away from your next artistic project l Want a past issue of Homemaker? All of our back catalogue, including issue one, is available to download! l Save your pennies with discounted access to Homemaker, both on a one-off and longer six or twelve month subsciption l If you've been beaten to the shops, don't fret, each issue is available at any time so you never have to miss out again! l Sound good? Head to the app store on your device and search for Homemaker.

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Keep up with the Homemaker blog for our latest finds and favourite ideas, where you can find inspiring photography, recipes, projects and other bits and bobs until our next issue.

4
THE BLOG
We post daily on our social networking sites, so take a look if you need some craftspiration. While you're there, you can always exchange tips with fellow homemakers. facebook.com/homemakermag and @Homemakermag

PINTEREST

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HOMECRAFTS FORUM

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Pinterest is a fab, easy way to view and share inspiring images from around the world. We love sharing up-and-coming trends, upcycling projects and forwardthinking ideas on our boards. pinterest.com/homemakermag

Our homecrafts forums are a meeting point for people of all abilities in various creative pursuits, including knitting, crochet, sewing, jewellery making, beading, paper crafting and baking to name but a few. homecraftforums.com

I N S TA G R A M

It's always worth checking out our Instagram page for new uploads, sneak previews of our next issue and behind the scene shots of our team at work in the photography studio. instagram.com/homemakermag

MEET THE MAKER

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I LOvE IT wHEN IM DRAwING OR PAINTING wITH A CUP OF TEA AND THE HOURS JUST SLIP AwAY
rom her childhood making cupboard, full of pipe cleaners, glitter and paint, to authoring and illustrating novels, Emma Blocks creative flair has been evident since her younger years. Having been inspired by art exhibitions her whole life, Emma has refined her own style and is now a successful writer, illustrator and designer in her own right. Her first book, Tea and Cake, was published in 2011, and she is now ready for lifes next milestone.

Admire the artistic abilities of Emma Block, illustrator and author of Tea and Cake
definitely a very handmade style and my desk is always a mess.

Business-minded
After working professionally throughout her university years as an illustrator, Emma had already developed the skills she needed to start her own business. She thinks that starting a portfolio early and having confidence in your work is the key to showcasing your skillset. I didnt want to wait until I had been to university to begin my career. I worked professionally as an illustrator whilst studying, and I think that process of learning and building up a portfolio early on really helped me. My advice would be to use social media, organise your accounting from the beginning, work very hard and have faith in yourself. Since then, Emma has had the opportunity to work with brands like UNIQLO for Orla Kiely, which she believes to be her biggest achievement yet. Emma is yet to write her own childrens book, but dreams to have her own story published one day. At the moment, she currently enjoys bringing a writers words to life with her drawings. Though, Emma has already had her first book published. Having Tea and Cake sat on the shelves of stores like Selfridges and Foyles is one of her proudest moments. There can be a lot of self doubt around graduating as an illustrator in the middle of a recession, so having a book out so quickly really gave me the confidence to carry on. I also think it helped my grandparent understand what an illustrator actually does! Although first and foremost an illustrator, Emma believes that having a multiple skill base gives her the ability to progress in other areas of the creative industry. Being able to write as well as draw has opened up certain opportunities for me, which has been amazing.

Childhood inspiration
After seeing Quentin Blakes Tell Me A Picture exhibition, aged 9, Emma knew she was destined to be an illustrator. Having always loved the challenge of interpreting a writers words and turning them into something visual, her primary passion was creating artistic material. After studying Illustration at university, she began to work on her drawing full time. Her primary influences come from old films, people and vintage fashion, to which she adds a fresh approach and her own personal touches. She loves to sit and become immersed in her work with a cup of tea and a slice of buttered toast, and take note of things that have inspired in her every day life. I might see an old man with a great mustache, a cake in a window, or a beautiful dress in a film and that will inspire me to draw. If I see something that inspires me when Im out and about Ill try to make a quick sketch or take a photo. Emma finds that she enjoys flicking through her own sketchbooks, and often refers to her previous work for future projects. She loves to use a mixture of techniques, which show the time and care that go into each piece. I work in a very mixed media way, using gouache, watercolour, ink, cut paper and pencil. My work used to be very collage-based, but Im gradually starting to use more paint and ink. Its

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WORDS BY LAUREN ANTHONY

ITS WONDERFUL TO SEE YOUR ILLUSTRATIONS OUT IN THE WORLD, NOT JUST ON A COMPUTER SCREEN.

Future dreams
For an artist, seeing your work published is one of the most rewarding feelings. Emma saying that it still makes her immensely proud to see her pieces in print. I love the moment when all the hard work pays off and you get a sample of a product, a copy of a magazine, or see your book in a shop. Its wonderful to see your illustrations out in the world, not just on a computer screen. The future has high hopes for Emma Block Illustration, she has exciting new endeavors lined up for the rest of the year. Its been a really fantastic start to the new year for me: I am starting work on a new childrens book as well as

a big range of stationery. Ive also got a couple exciting collaborations with a few of my favourite creatives coming up. Emma is hoping that her new ventures will lead to more exciting opportunities and she is optimistic for the future of her business. There are so many wonderful brands Id love to work with. Designing a biscuit tin for Marks and Spencer would be brilliant and I would love to one day have an illustration in the New York Times. We wish Emma all the best for the future. See her illustrations on her beautiful website, emmablock.co.uk

TURN THE PAGE FOR A SURPRISE FROM EMMA!

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Print it out from homemakermagazine.co.uk, then frame and display on your wall for everyone to admire. We think its gorgeous and just the thing for livening up your home this spring!

DOwNLOAD YOUR EXCLUSIvE EMMA BLOCK PRINT!

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Whilst its often tempting to stash as much as possible under the bed, a storage statement can be made at the end of it with a luxurious ottoman. In a good-sized room it wont take up much space and can help inject colour to plain surroundings. loaf.com

With the gap between mattresses and floors luring the most random of items into its abyss, make it official with this ontrend statement bag, perfect for stuffing in crafty bits, fat quarters and other odds and ends. notonthehigh street.co.uk

A cute way of storing sentimental items, these stackable boxes slide comfortably into small spaces. Attach a homemade luggage tag for easy identification and mix and match patterns and sizes. If you dont fancy hiding them away, they make lovely gift boxes, too. laurashley.com

HOME STORE
Hide your crafty stash under the bed with our savvy ideas
Got back issues of Homemaker that you simply cannot bear to part with? This timeless wicker basket comes with wheels for easy roll-out access should you want to consult an old tutorial or recipe. When youre done, simply slide it smoothly back under. potterybarn.com

STYLE ADvICE:
There isnt a more natural place to store spare bedding than, you guessed it, under the bed. Also fab for travelling, this lightweight bag will hold a surprising amount and folds completely flat when not in use. cathkidston.co.uk
Christmas might be but a distant memory, but you can never be too prepared for the year's gift-giving extravaganza by organising your paper, tags and accessories in this well designed, slimline case. Storing out of sight helps keep your gifts a secret, too! amazon.co.uk Under-bed storage doesnt have to look unsightly. A traditional frilly bedskirt or valance will cover up any less visually appealing boxes. If you have a low bed and are looking to make more room, invest in some bed risers they are cheap to buy but will give you plenty of space to store items out of sight.

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Head to anniesloan.com to find your nearest stockist

Decorators

DIARY

his issue, we took on the ultimate challenge: to transform a kitchen from dull to dazzling in just one day. Annie Sloan Chalk paint was our weapon of choice, having heard so much about its no-prep, all-surface reputation too good to be true, surely? No, as it happens. The paint glided onto our kitchen cabinets with ease, covering them in a thick layer of matte colour. Two coats is all it took for the makeover to really take hold, and with it, our undying love for the stuff and were hardly alone. Since its launch in 1990, Chalk Paint has revolutionised the way people paint their homes and, as a result, became a catalyst for the upcycling revolution. Opposite, weve written our own special ode to Chalk Paint, but there are many, many more reasons to give it a go. Take inspiration from our kitchen revamp, too; we created a light, rustic space with just a few cans of Country Grey and the help of willing tutor Richard, the owner of Heart and the Home in Essex, all in one day. To see all the before shots and expert commentary from Richard, head to homemakermagazine.co.uk, and wed love to see your projects too share via Twitter and Facebook.

TO ENROL ON ONE OF RICHARDS COURSES, vISIT FACEBOOK.COM/HEARTANDTHEHOMEwESTMERSEA

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HOME STYLING

Read our Kenwood kMix review next issue!

Unlike traditional latex paint, Chalk Paint requires no priming (not even sanding). This can save an incredible amount of time if the piece youd like to upcycle has a heavy coating of varnish or wax.

NO PREP

SIX REASONS WE LOVE CHALK PAINT 4 COLOUR CHOICE

plastic, tiles, metal, glass and even fabric. It truly is the one-size-fits-all of the paint world.

The paint will take beautifully to almost any material, including

USE ON ALL SURFACES

15 minutes to an hour is all it takes for a coat to dry, then you can set about doing another or applying Annie Sloan wax to finish. This will provide a durable, long-lasting coating, and theres a clear and a dark option.

QUICK DRYING

There are a huge array of hues available and, as an added bonus, the paints can be mixed together to form an infinite number of shades.

or mixing with water, you can create texture or a light wash.

Once dry, the item can be artfully distressed to create the much adored shabby chic look, left plain and matte, or, by either leaving the lid off to thicken

VERSATILITY OF FINISH

A one litre tin retails at around 17. Yes, that is a little more expensive than its latex counterpart, but when you factor in the money saved on prep and, due to the quick drying time, a whole piece can be finished in a day, its worth it.

COST

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LET YOUR HOME

astel hues arent restricted to nursery walls and baby clothes, these sugary shades can create a sophisticated and contemporary scheme in your home, as long as you know a few style secrets. Since Pantone announced Radiant Orchid, a soft, purple tone, as the colour of 2014, designers and big brands have latched on to this trend and have made the most of powder blues, sweet pea pinks and buttercup yellows when it comes to creating their collections for the year ahead. To avoid the look from becoming too sickly sweet and overly twee, complement pastels with industrial touches and simple architecture. Ikeas new BRKIG collection combines pastels with clean, graphic shapes for a fun and uplifting style that will channel the trend without turning your home into a candy factory replica. If youre concerned that a palette of pastels wont promote the mature style that you crave in your home, combine with neutral chromas like grey and lavender. For just a splash of pastel, keep walls and furnishings in more subtle shades and add a few candycoloured cushions or vases to adhere to the look without going OTT. These hues really lighten up your living space, and will create a fresh, new atmosphere that will revive both your home and your spirit for the warmer seasons approaching.

BE PRETTY IN PASTEL
The beauty of a trend like this is that you can interpret it in a way that suits you. These pastel jugs will blend seamlessly into any scheme, and provide the perfect vessel for fresh blooms. 22.99, sistersguild.co.uk

Embrace lighter, brighter tones for a modern makeover this spring

Double the perking up potential of your morning beverage by brewing it in a vintage blue Pantone coffee maker. 25, designedinlondon.com

Channel two of this seasons hottest trends with this statement geometric cushion. 40, graduatecollection.co.uk

Ring in the new season with style and keep your talks trendy with a retro telephone. 49.99, cuckooland.com

Relax and unwind in a Petworth fitted cover chair, which is available in over 70 shades, including this subtle lilac tone. From 648, sofasandstuff.com

Have your tea and sweet treat too with these novel little candles, which are made in upcycled tea cups. 7.99 each, elsieandfleur.co.uk

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Paper decorations are a fantastically easy way to pep up your parties, and these honeycomb balls are no exception. 6.99, gingerray.co.uk The saying goes that you eat first with your eyes, so ensure your guests are dining in style with Chantilly, from the Monsoon Home Dinnerware Collection by Denby. Drawing on the glamour of the 18th century, the range combines well-crafted ceramics with feminine and eclectic designs. From 6.50, denby.co.uk

Fiskars fun and functional kitchen scissors will certainly bring a splash of colour to your abode. 15.99, amazon.co.uk

Who ever said that your baking equipment couldnt be as aesthetically pleasing as the finished product itself? From 4, tesco.com

Pastel appliances, the only option for your kitchen in the 1950s, are making a huge comeback, and with appliances available in nearly every colour, youll be spoilt for choice when it comes to investing in a new fridge or stand mixer. Its far easier to decorate in soft colours in bathrooms, bedrooms and sitting rooms, where the atmosphere is relaxing and calm. Keep a masculine edge to shared areas of the home by mixing in dark woods or robust textures such as chrome and metal. Even the smallest touch can transform your home from drab to fab, which is why we love Betty & Peggys online haberdashery, which stocks a range of ribbons, buttons, lace, yarn and bias binding for you to customise your interiors the way you want. Stock up on your sewing stash by visiting bettyandpeggyhaberdashery.co.uk

Get the look

A subtle print in a pastel paper helps to break the look up slightly, as does the use of bolder, more earthy tones. berryred.co.uk

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READER OFFER

READER OFFER

READER OFFER

READER OFFER

READER OFFER

get 15% offSophieAllport range forevery reader

Homemaker has teamed up with Sophie Allport for this rare 15% discout off the whole of the Sophie Allport range!
British Homeware's Designer Sophie Allport's stylish Swallow collection launches in March 2014 and includes fine bone china mugs, kitchen & home textiles, stationery and oilcloth products.

The pale sky blue cotton fabric features Sophies delicate illustrations of Swallows in different shades of blue. The ight of the Swallow is captured beautifully in this fresh and summery design.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS/DATA PROTECTION: Orders must be submitted by phone 0845 0177 866 or online via www.sophieallport.com by 20th April 2014. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Offer subject to availability. A quantity of goods has been ordered in anticipation of response; if demand exceeds this order further items will be manufactured to demand. In the event of products being unavailable, we reserve the right to send an alternative product. Please allow 28 working days for delivery. We can only provide refunds for damaged or faulty goods. Open to UK residents only.

VISIT: SOPHIEALLPORT.COM

CALL: 0845 0177 866

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PROMO CODE: HOMESWALLOW

Did you know you can rub your furniture the wrong way? Always, always work with the grain of the wood, otherwise youll create hideous scratch marks. Also, its best to use a sanding sponge as they disperse pressure evenly, rather than plain sandpaper. Sponges are great for intricate jobs too as itll get into those nooks and crannies. Sanding sponges, 3.99, homebase.co.uk

BUFF UP

CLEAN SwEEP

Staining is a great way to revitalise tired furniture. Its a messy business, though, so either go outside or cover the surrounding areas with sheets. After sanding and working on one area at a time, lightly brush on the stain and wipe off the excess with a lint-free rag after each application. The longer you leave it, the darker the colour, and it will become uneven and tacky. Let dry completely then finish with wax. Stain, 12.50, restexpress.co.uk

STAINED FOR LIFE

Turn old wooden furniture into a piece to be proud of

REMADE
Were bringing your old radios back to life, be that the mechanics, a much-needed deep clean or dazzling new makeover. Also, we scour the web for the best vintage finds, so you can bring a touch of retro style to your home. Already refurbished yours? Email us your tips to appear on this page next issue!

Do not shy away from your feather duster; keeping your furniture spic and span rids the wood of airborne deposits which can build up and scratch the surface. Dont, however, use all-purpose cleaning sprays, and try not to use water, either. Both can damage the wood. If you do use water, do so with a small amount of washing up liquid on a cotton wool pad, applying lightly.

COMING NEXT MONTH...

PAINT & GO

Our favourite furniture paint has to be Annie Sloans Chalk Paint. It requires no prep at all, sometimes not even sanding, and it can be used on just about any material, including wood. Check out our kitchen makeover on page 86 to see the paint in action and learn why it has revolutionalised the paint world. anniesloan.com

Ridding your furniture of a coat of mucky paint or varnish couldnt be easier with paint stripper. Simply apply with a brush and the solution will dissolve the top layer, including paint, enamel, varnish or plastic, and the original wood underneath will remain intact. It can also be used on antiques and fine furniture, so you can be confident that itll work beautifully on even the most treasured heirloom. 11.98, diy.com

STRIP DOWN

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As

Siobhan is the head of design and photography at Tuiss, a blind and curtain purveyor. tuiss.co.uk

Each month we round up the best in the business to answer your homemaking woes, so if youve got a query youd like help with, email Natalie
natalie.osborn@ aceville.co.uk

What things should I consider when choosing a roman blind? HANNAH SHARP

When choosing any window blind it is important that not only does it give your window an impressive wow factor aesthetically, but works from a practical perspective too. The key to buying the right blind is to identify your specific requirements: ie, is it for a bedroom where you require room darkening? If so, ensure your Roman blind has a blackout lining which provides excellent room darkening properties. Is it for a humid room, such as a kitchen or bathroom? Avoid natural materials such as linen and silk which can rot, twist or fade in humid conditions, instead opt for blinds made from man-made fibres such as polyester. Once you have identified these important questions then its time to consider the style of the blind and the scheme of the room where it will be going. Blinds are ideal for picking out accent colours and, for the more daring, are also a great way of providing a big punch of colour to a natural room or to introduce a pattern or design. We supply made-to-measure blinds at Tuiss, and we also offer a free SureSize return and replacement service for any measuring mistakes! Visit us at tuiss.co.uk or call 0800 862 0466.

PULL A BLINDER

TAKE A SEAT

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Clare Rydon is the lighting and home accessories buyer at Made.com, an online shop full of beautifully crafted yet inexpensive homeware. made.com

I'd like to hang a collection of interesting pendant lamps over my dining table. Which designs work well together? EVELYN MARCH

There are two ways to create the perfect pendant group: through material type or colour. A mix of shapes and structures will always work providing you have cohesion in one of these areas. First, lets talk materials. You can create a dramatic statement by mixing structural pendants, such as soft globe forms and geometric shapes, which you can then bring together by using all copper or black metal. Glass pendants also work well in groups of mixed forms and colours. Be brave when picking the designs; you can afford to change it up if the material remains the same. If you are not feeling very confident about selecting a group yourself, you could always opt for a cluster pendant and allow the retailer to make the style decision for you. The Arnold Pendant, pictured here, groups retro-shaped shades in muted tones a true statement piece for any dining room. This also means you benefit from only needing to wire one pendant to achieve the same look. Not so sure on mixing colours? Choose one which complements or dramatically contrasts with your dcor to get the best look. If its quite neutral, select a single pop colour or metallic tone and mix the pendant shapes to create a statement. If you already have bold colours in your room, try a monochrome look or clear glass to add the ambience without taking away from your existing dcor. But whether you opt for a single colour or a single material type, go bold with your shapes and play with scale.

Vicky is the founder of Plum & Ashby, a gorgeous online boutique brimming with covetable homewares. plumandashby.co.uk

I have a window seat in my kitchen, but I dont know how to dress it properly. Help! ZOE FIELDING

Whether original or purpose built, window seats are a beautiful feature in any home and especially in the kitchen. In this part of the house, they open up the space, provide a fantastic focal point and can even offer much needed additional seating when entertaining. My cottage generously features several window seats and I like to make the most of the opportunity for extra seating with fitted cushion pads. My tip is to always go for feather-filled rather than foam, as they provide a plumper, fuller cushion which not only invites guests to sit down, they also are significantly more comfortable for bottoms when sitting for longer! Plumper seat cushions also add to the luxurious look

and welcoming, more homely feel of the room. Additional cushions are also essential. I like to have a variety of shapes and sizes to create interest. If your kitchen is quite neutral, cushions are an easy way to add personality with accents of colour, print and pattern. Finally, dont forget to consider the actual window itself. One of the key aspects to decide is whether you prefer a blind or curtains. To keep the look neat and clean, a Roman blind is both simple and effective. However if you want a cosier more luxurious feel, surround the window seat with interlined curtains. Hanging the curtains in front of the recess means they can be drawn right back to allow light in.

source book
Treat your windows with blinds or curtains from tuiss.co.uk

Illuminate your room in style with made.com

Your home will love plumandashby.co.uk

HANG ABOUT
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ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

ONLINE WITH

MAKING STYLING KNITTING STITCHING BAKING & MORE

omemaker loves to stay on top of all the latest crafty ideas and trends for your home, and sometimes we just can't wait until the next issue to share them with you. If you don't want to miss out on the hottest home news, exclusive competitions and special offers, make sure you join us online. Give us a like on Facebook, tweet us on Twitter, check out our latest pins on Pinterest or comment on our blogs we love hearing from you! With so many ways to stay in touch, you'll have access to creative inspiration even when you've finished reading the latest issue.

BLOGS

Annie Sloan launches an exquisite fragrance collection for the home

Categories: Interiors Tags: Annie Sloan, candles, diffusers, fragrance, home, scent Paint-pro Annie Sloan has just released a brand new range of fragrances for the home. The collection consists of six high-quality fragrances [...]

We catch up with last years Great British Sewing Bee winner, Ann Rowley Categories: Blog Tags: Ann Rowley, dressmaking,
Great British Sewing Bee, quilting, sew.co.uk, sewing Since the show, my life hasnt changed much! I entered in the hope that it would help to raise the profile of home sewing; which it has. [...]

Keep up to date with all the latest homeware news and discover inspirational ideas to make, bake and celebrate on my daily blog at the Homemaker website.
SEOANA, EDITORIAL ASSISTANT

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LINDAS LESSONS

HOW TO

w//////OO//////w
LINDA LOVES

Expose oorboards
Refresh your home with help from Linda Barker

w//////OO//////w
OIL-BASED FLOOR PAINT, 57/2.5L, LITTLEGREENE.COM Little Greene's oil-based floor paint is perfect for colouring floorboards, whether you want something neutral or a statement hue. See Linda Barker's lovely shop, reallylindabarker.co.uk, for more decorating ideas and accessories, and if you're looking for a professional tradesperson, be sure to check out her partner company checkatrade.com, which has a database of reputable contacts.

f youre lucky enough to have original floorboards, celebrate them! Their patina and unique characteristics reveal the houses history, and once properly treated, can completely transform your home. Freeing them from a swathe of carpet isnt as big a job as you may think, but there are certainly stages that youll want to call the professionals in for.

Walk the plank

You should now be looking at your floorboards in their roughest state. This is where I would recommend calling in the professionals to sand, repair and fill any areas that need attention. You can hire sanders yourself, but getting help is often only a fraction more expensive, and theyll get the job done in a matter of hours, rather than an entire (dust-covered, potentially stressful) weekend. Head to checkatrade.com and type floor sanding into the search bar to review a list of local and recommended tradespeople.

Up and out
Removing carpet is definitely a DIY-er. Remove all the furniture from the room, or at least pile it into one corner, and begin by ripping one section away from the wall. Itll be secured with a strip of wood called a carpet gripper; pry this up with a screwdriver. Now, before going any further, take a peek at the floorboards. What condition are they in? Are they broken, chipped or falling to pieces? This initial evaluation can save you a lot of time and effort later, and can establish whether your boards can be saved or if youll need to go down the replacement route. If they look pretty solid, carry on. Once youve ripped up about a metre, cut it parallel to the wall, all the way along, so you have a metre-wide strip. Flip the carpet over, then roll up and secure. Continue until all of the carpet has been removed. Youll now be left with carpet underlay, which is secured to the floor with staples. Pull it loose, then roll and secure as before. Go around the room and take out the staples or, as a last resort, hammer them flat. The staples are small and not always obvious, so make sure youre thorough. Finally, sweep and vacuum the room.

Get busy
There are, however, little jobs you can do. Varnishing the boards will protect them from scratches, spills and knocks, and your sander may be able to do this for you, but if youd rather save the cost, pick up a can from your local homeware store and follow the instructions its very simple. Alternatively, you can channel Scandinavian style and paint them white, or go darker with stain. Also, if your boards are quite gappy, youll lose a lot of heat; its effectively like leaving a window open. I love StopGap (19.99/40m, stopgap.com), a V-shaped plastic strip which you insert into the gaps, invisibly filling the space. In terms of care, vacuum and sweep the area every week (or as often as you can) to keep everything fresh. If you have opted to varnish your floors, you can go over them with a wrungout mop. Too much water will cause the wood to swell, so bear that in mind. And thats it welcome to the carpetless way of life!
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LOOKING BACK:

Soak up the history of William Shakespeares birthplace with a fun day out

UPON AVON
A
city steeped in history, Stratford upon Avon is a delightfully quaint area of Warwickshire, built on markets, pretty rivers and stunning architecture. Home to Simon Pegg and Gordon Ramsey to name but a few, most will know it for its even more famous patron William Shakespeare. For those who havent been before, Stratford Upon Avon is worth a visit this April more than ever, when the city will be celebrating the 450th birthday of the great writer. A man whose ingenious stories have inspired homeware trends for years, he is the reason we all love sumptuous Elizabethan velvet curtains, jeweled accessories, and Mediterranean balconies which we long to pine for our lovers upon. By soaking in Stratfords rich heritage, maybe your own inner creative genius will stir

STATFORD

For literary lovers

The events to celebrate Shakespeares birthday in Stratford are endless, but our favourite has to be The Shakespeare birthday luncheon. Taking place after the now traditional town procession, which sees brass bands and street performers travel down the high street to lay flowers on the playwrights grave, expect a champagne reception and three course meal, as well as speeches from Lord Digby Jones, journalist and broadcaster Baroness Bakewell and Hilary Mantel, winner of this years Booker Prize. Other guests at the luncheon will include ambassadors and diplomats from around the world, so make sure you swot up on your literary figures! shakespearesbirthday.org.uk

FOR FAMILIES
Totally absorbing for both children and adults alike, the MAD museum is a celebration of all things design, with a particular emphasis on steampunk, kinetic and automata art. Featuring the works of resident artists Jennifer Townley, Pascal Bettex and Clive McCarthy, expect to be wowed by intricate upcycling. There are plenty of opportunities for you to get involved in their interactive exhibits too. Open 10.30am until 5.30pm every day from April until September, with family tickets from only 19, its an affordable day out. If youre feeling particularly inspired, the MAD website has lots of handy information on how you can exhibit your own work at their museum. themadmuseum.co.uk

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WORDS BY JENESSA WILLIAMS

OUT & ABOUT

For nature fans

If the miserable weather of the past few months has been getting you down, escape into the exotic rainforest of Stratfords Butterfly farm. Hundreds of the worlds most spectacular and colourful butterflies are housed here, as well as various other insects for the brave hearted, Arachnoland is a fun little bonus room full of scorpions and spiders. If youd rather stick with our prettier winged friends, you can learn about their fascinating lifecycles in the caterpillar room, or add pretty paper and jewellery to your crafty hoard in the well-stocked gift shop. The perfect inspiration for some new spring homemaker projects. butterflyfarm.co.uk

FOR ASPIRING SEWING BEES

Established in 2011, the Sew Me Something emporium is built on Jules Fallons 23 years of experience in the fashion industry, as both a pattern cutter in Hong Kong and as head of a UK college fashion department. Offering workships in almost every type of fabric craft, from book jackets and cushions to pinafores and quilts, her classes are suitable for all abilities, taking place almost every day of the month. Check out their website to see which class suits you, or if you cant make it in, pick up one of their mini project packs from Jules webstore. sewmesomething.co.uk

For retro enthusiasts

Open all days of the week, the excellently named Fourteas teashop is indeed an ode to the decade of the same name, boasting a wide range of ethically sourced teas and coffees with a backdrop of demure girly frills. Owned by husband and wife team Ian and Rachael who met whilst working for The Royal Shakepeare Theatre Company, one of their brews would be a fitting ode to the Bards big day. thefourteas.co.uk

DONT MISS
For magpie-eyed shoppers, the Stratford Upon Avon Farmers Market is a must see. Running on the first and third weekend of every month, keep an eye out for its regular craft fair that draws in countless eclectic stalls. stratforduponavon markets.co.uk/farmers-market

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SHARE SKILLS
In the spirit of Mother's Day, head to Tilly's in Plymouth for a day of family sewing. It's on 12th April and facebook.com/TillyMooMilly has all the info. If you've just missed out, there are plenty of other courses on offer.

MAKE AND MUNCH

It's a match in handmade heaven: cake and craft. Drink, Shop Do in London, a stone's throw from King's Cross, has it down to a tee afternoon tea, to be precise. Its 'Teas and Dos' offer Homemakers a taste of a craft they love, with a platter of what they crave. There are 12 different classes to choose from, such as making lavender hearts, garters and origami bouquets, and four afternoon tea options, plus four additional variations for those with dietary requirements they really have thought of everything. The prices (from 28 for teas and 16 for dos) are based on groups of six people, and you'll need to book in advance. So grab your nearest and dearest, visit drinkshopdo.com and get booking!

LEARNING CURvE
Feel the love with our pick of the UKs best workshops
As a Homemaker, you already know that crafts are more than just making, or even the pride and sense of accomplishment afterwards its much bigger than that. A creative outlet can enrich your life at an interpersonal level; crafting gives you the keys to a caring, inspirational community who share your values and interests. They can be found in village halls and around dining room tables, in sewing cafes and on residential courses, and across the length and breadth of the internet. Here, weve gathered a few courses which help build creative relationships at a pace (and a place) of your choosing. Crafting doesnt happen in a vacuum lets enjoy it together!

SWEET TREAT
Loved Rosemary Shragers recipes on p74? Well, she has her very own cookery school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, where you can learn everything from pasta making to patisserie. We particularly like the look of Delicious Desserts, where John Rogers will revamp your repertoire with new ideas to share with your loved ones. rosemaryshrager.com

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WORKSHOPS & COURSES

FLOWER POWER
LEARN HOW TO TRANSFORM HUMBLE POSIES INTO A CELEBRATION OF COLOUR AND DESIGN AT JUDITH BLACKLOCK FLOWER SCHOOL WHO? Judith Blacklock has authored nine books, is a consultant for Channel 4 and Topshop, designed arrangements for the likes of the Royal Family and the Prime Minister, and taught courses on the subject around the globe. And, in 2006, she had a rose named after her. She's big news in the flower biz.

LET'S SEW TOGETHER!

Join Sew Over It's fun and fabulous stitchy club QUILTY PLEASURE: Sew Over It plays host to eight sewers on alternate Mondays (or thereabouts) from 7pm - 9.30pm in its Clapham sewing cafe, where they make a different quilt block each time. Then, at the end of a nine-week session, the clubbers learn how to sew each of them together to make one big quilt! BLOCKS? Blocks are the squares that traditional quilts are made from. You'll learn how to stitch nine different designs (or 18, if you enrol for another nine weeks and make a double-quilt), including a colour wheel, sunshine, simplicity and flower garden block. TAUGHT BY: Sew Over It's resident quilting guru Autumn is the course leader. She's originally from Texas, where the International Quilt Festival is held every year, and her knowledge on the subject knows no bounds just like her passion for it. MATERIALS: Fabric is provided, however, if you're working to a particular colour scheme it may be best to bring your own supplies. Or you could make a sample within the class, then create it again at home. LOCATION: Sew Over It is two minutes walk from Clapham North station in London, or 15 minutes from Stockwell station. SOUND GOOD? Each class is 35 and refreshments (cake!) will be served throughout. See sewoverit.co.uk for the particulars and to book. The next two sessions are on 14th April and 12th May.

WHERE? Her flower arranging and floristry school is based in London's classy Knightsbridge, and is the only school in the UK which is accredited by the British Accreditation Council. It's full of inspirational people who are ready and raring to show you the delights of floristry! COURSES? There is an incredibly diverse array of classes to enrol on, from professional courses to further (or kickstart) a career in floristry, to one day tasters in floral design and a full set of wedding masterclasses great for DIY brides-to-be and hen parties. And, looking forward to Christmas, Judith can also teach you how to make a delightful wreath in just one 6pm - 8.30pm evening class book early to avoid disappointment. ONLINE? Judith has also recently launched a set of online workshops, all focusing on arranging spring flowers for all abilities. Each of the 15 classes is just 99p, or you can download the set for 12.99. SOUND GOOD? Explore all the Judith Blacklock Flower School has to offer at judithblacklock.com and don't forget to flip to p104 to discover the tools you need to get started at home.

Betty & Peggy Haberdashery on the Isle of Wight offers a fantastic array of stitch classes, including private tuition from just 10 per hour if you just fancy one sewing pal. Get the details at bettyandpeggyhaberdashery.co.uk

ONE ON ONE

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Course Directory
Still searching for a craft class to sink your teeth into? Here, Editor Lizzie has selected four courses and a show which have her personal seal of approval
ISLE OF WIGHT THE COTSWOLDS

Vintage, Contemporary & Vintage Inspired Sewing Emporium

Bespoke Sewing Tuition

based on the Isle of Wight

Cotswold Craft Room, Winchcombe, Glos. GL54 5NT We offer a wide range of craft workshops including Cardmaking, Knitting, Miniature Bearmaking, Mixed Media, Needle Felting, Sewing, Soap Making, Wedding Stationery & Accessories. Visit our website for full details

www.bettyandpeggyhaberdashery.co.uk
LONDON
6 0 ing 25 1 ook ker ive t b ma 14 ce ex me 4. Re ur n : ho 30.0 o e l f y od ti of er c id un h l uc a vo V

www.cotswoldcraftroom.com 07850 505058

Workshops are full or half-day and include all materials

KENT

We run a wide selection of short and full day cupcake and cake decorating courses for all levels. Based in North West London, we pride ourselves on our small, friendly, relaxed classes with eight out of ten students returning for more classes.
www.rockbakehouse.co.uk 07999 783 784

WARWICKSHIRE

LONDON

DEVON

The Haberdashers' Hub

46 Church Street, Nuneaton CV11 4AD 02476 384440 www.habhub.co.uk create@habhub.co.uk

Learn the age old skill of soap making. Create luxury milk and water based soaps from natural and organic ingredients. All levels welcome. Contact or book your course 07935 513168 cosmeticsmaker.co.uk

To advertise your courses or workshops here please call on 01206 505955

Gemma

HOME STYLING

BUT NICE

NEUTRAL

Do you buy flowers for your home and then struggle with ideas for how to arrange them? Well, youll be delighted to hear about a stunning new book by best-selling author Holly Becker and Leslie Shewring. Decorate with Flowers (20, Jacqui Small) provides page upon page of floral inspiration, and pictured here is Rona Wheeldons (flowerona.com) favourite flower story, neutral pop. To read more about the book, plus how to create these beautiful wine bottle vases, just turn the page...

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RONA SHARES DECORATE WITH FLOWERS NINE KEY FLOWER STORIES

YOULL NEED: Carnation Snapdragon Spray chrysanthemum James Storie orchid

NEUTRAL POP This combines mostly beige tones in interior dcor with purple blooms, for a contemporary and classy mood. NATURAL A pure and simple day in the country, in tones of white, yellow and lilac. PASTELS & NEONS Feminine pastels with energetic jolts of neon for pizzazz. MARKET Floral prints and a lively palette with a decidedly handmade, nostalgic touch. HAPPY BRIGHTS Undeniably cheerful and modern with retro touches in primary hues. COASTAL Explore the shore in bright whites, sea glass tones, sunny yellows and cream. NEUTRAL POP Clean upscale urban designs in beige, punctuated with shades of lush purple. GIRLY GLAM Fresh and happy with a flair for mid-century glamour and a touch of shimmering gold. BLACK & WHITE Crisp white and graphic black is softened with natural greener.

Rinse out the bottles, then remove all labels and residue. When dry, spray paint the bottles a matt white at least two coats. Once dry, apply a thin layer of glue to a small area of the bottle and add glitter. Place paper under the

{1}

{3}

{2}

bottle before you apply the glitter. Work your way around the bottle. Making an organic wavy band is easier than attempting a straight line. Fold the paper and pour excess glitter back into its container for reuse.

IN RONAS wORDS: A REvIEw OF THE BOOK

Unique and innovative, Decorate with Flowers unmasks the mystery of flower arranging and provides exciting ways of how to use flowers to add a pop of colour to your home. New approach Holly and Leslie are huge flower fans and with the book, they marry their love of decorating with their passion for fresh flowers and crafting. They want to reach those who are, like them, way too busy to create perfect arrangements and to instead, show a fresh approach to styling with blooms. The book starts with an introductory section covering tools and equipment, an overview of flowers, herbs and containers, plus three step-by-step floral arrangements. To DIY for Youll be encouraged to look at floral design through the eyes of interior stylists with a fresh approach. Holly and Leslie openly share tricks of the trade, including ways to experiment and get playful with flowers to create arrangements that are uncomplicated and inexpensive, without sacrificing style. And if youre fond of craft, there are projects and crafting ideas showing you how to adapt and decorate containers in a creative way with ribbons and trims, paint, string and fabric. Plus, there are wonderful suggestions for how to make pretty floral decorations for entertaining. Behind the book For those of you who may not have heard of these very talented ladies before, Holly Becker is an American author of two best-selling books, Decorate and Decorate Workshop. Currently living in Germany, Holly is a journalist and stylist who writes an award-winning design blog called Decor8 (decor8blog.com). Leslie is a Canadian stylist and photographer with a thriving blog, A Creative Mint (acreativemint.typepad.com). Whether you would like to make the most of freshly picked blooms from your garden or a bought bunch, Decorate with Flowers will show you to arrange flowers with ease and enjoy the process of adding a floral touch to your home. It really is one of those un-put-downable books that will inspire everyone, from those with no floristry experience to seasoned professionals.

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HOME STYLING

CRISP wHITE BONE CHINA PROvIDE A MOODY CONTRAST AGAINST THE DARK GREY BOOKCASE, ACTING TO SHOwCASE THE vIBRANT PETALS IN AN EXPLOSION OF PINKS AND PURPLES

The inspirational Decorate with Flowers by Holly Becker & Leslie Shewring (20, Jacqui Small) is available from all good bookshops.

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isplaying fresh flowers in your home is a guaranteed mood-lifter. The notion of receiving blooms is one which is intrinsically linked with a joyful occasion or celebration, but why wait to be gifted a bouquet when you can treat yourself? For an added bonus, develop a new creative skill and form your own arrangement to brighten up your abode, using a few simple techniques and insider tricks. Its not as difficult as you might think, just follow a couple of carefully considered rules to guarantee a gorgeous display. Weve rounded up all the tools youll need to get started, as well as a few choice tips from the experts and some great classes thatll have your home looking like Kew Gardens in no time!

TYING UP
Flowers often dont stay where you want them, so a little bit of extra help is needed to ensure they dont go astray and impair your arrangement: Youll need some strong twine so that it doesnt break when pulled hard against flower and foliage stems. Natural or green string works best if you are trying to disguise it among your blooms.

Coloured reel wires can be used to bind the stems of flowers or add decorative details. They are available in a wide range of colours and widths to suit a plethora of different projects.

TRIMMING TOOLS
Precision cutting is crucial to preserving the life of your buds, make sure you have the correct bit of kit for the job: Florist scissors are ideal for conditioning flowers; this is where you trim the stems and leave them in water overnight to have a good drink before you transfer them to a new vessel. A clean, angled cut minimises the risk of decay. Florists scissors can also be used to trim thin-stemmed blooms. Strong floral tape, usually khaki green in colour, is used to hold foam or wire in place. You can also get clear tape for binding split stems, making grids across vase tops and wrapping bouquets.

Flower power
Prune and primp your posies to perfection

EXTRA KIT
There are a few other essentials youll need to help your flower arranging endeavours, check out your local garden centre or look online to track them down: Floral foam provides a good, solid base for most floral arrangements. Cut and trim soaked foam with a craft knife, which can also be used to condition flowers.

Secateurs are used to trim and split woody-stemmed foliage and thick-stemmed flowers, and are far less strenuous on the hand muscles to use than scissors.

COURSES & CLASSES

Master the intricate art of this craft with an introduction from one of the pros. Here are some of the classes that we recommend booking a place on:

Floral snips are used for precision pruning tasks that require a more delicate touch, as the narrow blades avoid damaging surrounding foliage and stems.

Simple & Stylish Ways with Seasonal Flowers, 75 for half a day, coleendfarm.co.uk Three Day Taster Course, 535 for three days, academyofflowers.com Beginners Flower Course, 155 for one day, flowerarrangingschool.com

Flower food provides blossoms with enough nutrients to help buds open fully, and will also keep the vase water clear and odourless. Make sure you purchase one that can be used with floral foam. Use a spray mister to revive your blooms with a fine haze of water and keep them looking fresh. WE LOVE RAINBOWFLORISTSUPPLIES.CO.UK AND HINTONHOMES.COM FOR OUR TOOLS

Stem strippers are an innovative product that remove unwanted leaves from stems in one easy swipe. They fit easily in the hand and save you from the time-consuming task of removing leaves individually. 104

WANT NEED LOVE

EXPERT ADVICE
We had a chat with Vic Brotherson, owner of Scarlet & Violet, which was nominated by Time Out as one of Londons best specialist shops. It has rapidly established itself as one of the leading florists in the country.
Ive been a florist since I was 21. It is all I can do and I wouldnt change it for the world. It started out as an accidental career, but looking back I guess it was an obvious choice. I studied Fine Art and knowing that I could never make a living out of painting alone, floristry seemed like the perfect job; it felt familiar.

WHY FLORISTRY?

When it comes to purchasing flowers, buy from the busy, bustling shops that have a high flower turnover (its the old adage: never go into an empty restaurant). Alternatively, special order your flowers to ensure you get exactly what you want and when. Flowers fall into four basic types; blousy rounded shapes (peonies, roses, dahlias), spires (delphiniums, snapdragons, monkshood), inbetweeners (wallfower, clematis) and the stars, those flowers that are seasonal and steal the limelight for a week of two. As a general rule, stick to the following; blousy blooms work together and with inbetweeners, spires work well with each other and with inbetweeners but not with blousy shapes. Give your flowers a good drink before arranging, to ensure they last as long as possible. Remove excess foliage, cut off the base of the stem and place them in water overnight.

VICS TOP TIPS

5 FLORAL PRINT ITEMS WE LOVE

1 2 3

Floral melamine storage bowls, 27.50 for three, sistersguild.co.uk

One of the luxuries of working with fresh flowers is that they are already beautiful, making it hard to go wrong when it comes to displaying them. I know I am lucky to have a shop full of flowers, but even if your budget is tiny and your flower choices are limited, it is always possible to create something beautiful, especially if you have the right container.

WHAT ARE THE BEST THINGS ABOUT IT?

Gardening gloves, 6, tesco.com

Keep as many different styles of container as possible, then your choice will be easier when it comes to starting an arrangement. When choosing flowers for any display, my rule of thumb is to go for ones that actually give me something in return and by this I mean a sense of pleasure. Whether they open and blossom, give off a divine perfume, carry an unusual shape or texture, or have an amazing colour... Only then am I truly satisfied. Check out Vics floristry business at scarletandviolet.com

WHAT ADVICE CAN YOU GIVE TO BEGINNERS?

Flower oak table lamp, 80, hunkydoryhome.co.uk

Joules floral apron, 22, hintonshome.com

TAKE IT FUTHER
If you want even more expert advice, check out Vics latest title, Vintage Wedding Flowers. In this new book, she provides ideas and inspiration for everything from bouquets to buttonholes, to table dressings, corsages and larger arrangements such as garlands and archways and to suit all possible budgets. Flowers are a crucial element of this exciting celebration, so if you feel ready to show off your skills, then this book is a must-have read. Full of beautifully shot colour photographs, and helpful, step-by-step instructions, Vics book will assist you in creating beautiful, timeless wedding arrangements that will make a special day even more amazing.

Flower print chopping board, 11, berryred.co.uk

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A BUSINESS IS LIKE A DRIPPING TAP INTO A BATH: ITS SLOw AND STEADY, AND OvER TIME wITH EvERY SMALL ACHIEvEMENT, YOU REACH YOUR GOALS

LORNA SYSON

AT W O R K W I T H

aturally creative, inspiration is never far from award-winning designer Lorna Syson. I think that people see the world in different ways. I see shapes, colours and complete images in front of me, she enthuses. With this inherent love and understanding of design, Lorna sought academic grounding at Loughborough university, where she graduated with a very well-deserved 1st in multimedia textiles her final collection was six months in the making and the first (of many) 3D flowers that featured within it took three weeks and 14 attempts to complete. Although university gave her the time and freedom to try new things, she counts her loved ones as the most important factor in her business. The biggest lesson I've learnt is to listen to my friends and family. Having a close circle of people to share ideas and problems with is absolutely invaluable. Over these two pages we spend a day with this humble rising star, where she reveals her loves, hates and the importance of a woman called Tiz.

YOUVE JUST WOKEN UP WHAT DO YOU DO FIRST? Its 7.35am and I hop into the shower. I then feed my dog, Jenkins. BREAKFAST OF CHOICE? I have recently got a juicing machine which is fantastic! As a real treat I may have boiled egg and soldiers, if Ive got the time. WHERE ARE YOU OFF TO? I head to my studio in Deptford which is in the Cockpit Arts building. Its only a 30-minute walk and Jenkins comes along with me! WHO ARE YOU WITH FOR ELEVENSES? Being part of the Cockpit community, its really easy to pop into other peoples studios for a

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MEET THE MAKER

QUICK FIRE
Best bit of advice you've ever been given? Whatever decision you make is the right one Hopes for 2014? For the business to carry on growing Guilty pleasure? Cheese Last purchase? A pair of Mel jelly shoes for my wedding in May Inspiration? The British countryside and the world around me!

chat, so it could be another textile designer, ceramist or printer. HOW DO YOU KEEP INSPIRED THROUGHOUT THE DAY? The evening before, I write my list of what needs to be done. I like to set myself smaller tasks which can be ticked off and achieved. My mentor once told me a business is like a dripping tap into a bath: its slow and steady, and over time with every small achievement, you reach your goals. WHATS YOUR PROCESS? I always start with photographs Ive taken from day trips and journeys. I like to print them out, stick them on my wall and work through different ideas until I eventually achieve what I am looking for.

WHO DO YOU BOUNCE IDEAS OFF? I have an assistant called Tiz and I love her style and design ideas. She is a great person to talk to and hash out new projects with. WHATS YOUR DESK LIKE? My studio is always messy I need Tiz to keep me tidy and organised! From the third floor I have a fantastic view over Greenwich. The DLR trains and the overground trains cross over in front of my window, its the most incredible sight. ITS LUNCHTIME. WHATS ON YOUR PLATE? I always have something homemade often its leftovers from the night before. Today I have

a French dish called Tartiflette, which I made with cheese I brought back from a recent trade fair in Paris. Its delicious! WHATS THE BEST AND WORST PART OF YOUR AFTERNOON? The worst part would be a cushion or wallpaper delivery being delayed. Best is receiving a lovely email from a customer saying how much they love their new purchase. It really makes my day! DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS? I take the dog out for a quick walk at lunch time which is really nice to get out of the building and he enjoys it too. WHEN DO YOU HEAD HOME? I head home around 6pm or 7pm,

depending on how much work needs to be done. At busier times I can be in very late but I try and keep these instances to a minimum, as its not healthy. WHAT DO YOU DO TO RELAX? I like to head out at the weekends with my fiance to the park or the woods. Its really nice to be outside, and often when I get most of my inspiration for new work. AND SO TO BED If its a week day its usually pretty early because my fianc gets up for work around 5.30 6am, but at the weekends I like to visit my friends in and around London Check out Lornas beautiful designs at lornasyson.co.uk

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DONT MISS NEXT ISSUE S

On

014 2 il pr a th 7 1 le sa

DONT MISS NEXT ISSUES

DONT MISS NEXT ISSUES

DONT MISS NEXT IS

coming next issue..

Step into the new season with a fresh batch of craft projects

WE REVEAL THE DESIGNER BEHIND THESE BEAUTIFUL FABRICS

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SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND RECEIvE THREE JULIE DODSwORTH STORAGE TINS!

SSUES

DONT MISS NEXT ISSUES

DONT MISS NEXT ISSUES

DONT MISS NEXT ISSUES

Sew a super quick doorstop

Cook for the whole family with Annabel Karmel

RUSTLE UP A DECADENT LEMON MERINGUE TART!

Create an emblem in vintage fabrics

Try our pretty vase display

PLUS: Free plate art kit!

Put your feet up on a hand-sewn stool

Cant wait to get your hands on issue eighteen? Follow all the latest news, trends and project ideas on our blog at homemakermagazine.co.uk or keep up to date with us on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

SUBSCRIBE TODAY AND RECEIvE THREE JULIE DODSwORTH STORAGE TINS!

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NotiCe BOard
We stock a beautiful selection of modern, retro and vintage inspired fabrics. We supply wood, papier mache, MDF & galvanised products ideal to decorate yourself Items include boxes, trays, chests, shapes & letters Your task lighting specialist. With probably the best choice of task lamps available in one place. Free P&P and excellent customer service

BoxyLady.co.uk
www.belovedfabrics.co.uk www.boxylady.co.uk orders@boxylady.co.uk www.craftlamps.co.uk 01373 454448

Card Making and DIY Wedding Invitation Supplies

The Arty Crafty Place is the Home of The Decopatch Place, Block Craft, ARTDeco and much, much more. Check out our fab range of craft supplies and project ideas.
General Craft Supplies Floral Products Card Embellishments Bridal Supplies Baby Embellishments Card & Paper Supplies Seasonal Items Special Offers Visit www.e-crafts.co.uk or call 01384 230000

Koziols award winning designs bring fun into the home where people least expect it and at affordable prices, so spread the word and make your house a Koziol home!

Home of

www.theartycraftyplace.co.uk 01993 773794 Homespun Hearts Craft hangers to display all your projects, Amish-style stencils, quilting and stitchery patterns, rusty tin, buttons and other embellishments, country fabrics, quilting gifts all available on our website.

www.koziol-shop.co.uk 01423 858111 info@exitinteriors.co.uk

Jessalli Handmade Homewares is a Family run small business, making personalised homewares and gifts, in the heart of the Dorset Countryside.

Fat&Sassy and Fat&Fluffy are super-soft, superchunky 'fat' yarns, ideal for home accessories as well as scarves to keep you warm in the winter months.

Web: www.homespunhearts.com E-mail: lesley@homespunhearts.com Tel: 01292 264196

jessalli@hotmail.com Telephone 01963 362033 www.jessalli.com

www.luxuryyarns.co.uk Quote HOME10 for a 10% discount

For more information call Gina Geremia on 01206 505476 or visit the website at www.homemakermagazine.co.uk

HOMEMAKERS HAND-PICKED SELECTION OF ESSENTIAL SUPPLIERS

Molly Cupcakes
Mollycupcakes is a one woman home run business that is full to bursting with bright shabby chic hand painted gifts.

WELCOME TO NEW FOREST FABRICS! Check out our fabulous new website for fabric collections from Art Gallery, Michael Miller, Free Spirit and more.

Oxford Yarn Store is an Aladdins Cave of everything a knitter needs with its tantalisingly wide range of the highest quality yarns, patterns and knitting accessories. Also Knit Clubs and workshops in a friendly and supportive setting.

www.mollycupcakes.co.uk 01634 811335 sales@mollycupcakes.co.uk

www.newforestfabrics.co.uk 02381 783386

www.oxfordyarnstore.co.uk

Simple Sew project kits are the latest addition to Seek It Outs wide range of craft packs. Each Simple Sew project kit comes in a handmade oil cloth bag; making them the perfect gift or me time treat enjoy!

Mix it up in the kitchen with The Messy Baker. Vintage inspired aprons to add fun and glamour to your culinary adventures.

Unique & Pretty Party Decorations

Shimmery Garlands Mini Milk Bottles Hand Printed Utensils Paper Straws Tissue Decorations Sugar Swizzle Sticks

seekitout.co.uk

Website is www.messybaker.co.uk Follow us on twitter @retromessybaker Facebook - retromessybaker Yarns, Patterns & Accessories for crochet, Hand & Machine knitting current ranges & Discontinued stock. 10% Discount code:HMAKER16 applied at Checkout.

www.thesweethostess.co.uk 01784 471 353

for a 10% discount enter coupon code HAPPYHOME

Welcome to The Vintage Quilt, home of pretty vintage style fabrics, patchwork kits, notions, trimmings and lovely handmade small gifts.

Join the worlds busiest online crafting community..

5% discount with code HOMEMAKER

www.thevintagequilt.co.uk info@thevintagequilt.co.uk 01768 372529

...with over 28,000 projects to inspire you plus lots more! Create your own personal profile Add projects to your portfolio Get inspiration and bookmark projects Meet like minded crafters and make friends Comment on your favourite projects Keep in touch with private messages Projects include: Knitting, Papercrafting, Sewing, Crochet, beading and lots more! 9009 members so far, and increasing.. www.threadyarnandfabric.co.uk www.busymitts.com

For more information call Gina Geremia on 01206 505476 or visit the website at www.homemakermagazine.co.uk

 GISELAGRAHAM.CO.UK

NOTES
The essential guide full of tips and tricks you may find useful this month
OVEN TEMPERATURES
CELSIUS FAHRENHEIT GAS MK 110C 225F 130C 250F 140C 275F 1 150C 300F 2 170C 325F 3 180C 350F 4 190C 375F 5 200C 400F 6 220C 425F 7 230C 450F 8 (Reduce these temperatures by 10-20C for fan-assisted ovens)

Id be lost without...
ROSEMARY
This fragrant herb helps take my roast lamb up a notch taste-wise, but did you know it's also a great cleaning aid too? Chuck a few sprigs into a small pan of malt vinegar and bring to the boil. Allow to cool overnight, then dip a cloth into the mixture to lift greasy marks and fingerprints from paintwork.
Elizabeth Hudson, Editor

WEIGHTS & MEASURES

EASTER FEAST
It's not all about the chocolate you know, although we will admit, that is a large part of it... Here are some facts about the celebration you may not know: Over 90 million chocolate eggs are sold in the UK at Easter The UK's first chocolate egg was produced by Fry's of Bristol, in 1873 1.5 million Cadbury's Creme Eggs are produced at the Cadbury factory in Birmingham every day In Scotland and North-East England on Easter Sunday, there is a tradition to roll painted eggs down steep hills

EGGSPLORE THE COUNTRYSIDE THIS EASTER

Iconic chocolate brand Cadbury has teamed up with the National Trust to offer families a cracking time this Easter weekend with their hugely popular Easter Egg trails. This year, the Cadbury Eggsplorers Easter Trail will run from the 18th - 21st April, and is inviting families to unleash their inner explorer with adventurous trails taking place in some of the most scenic and stunning locations in Britain. From spring woodlands to enchanting castle, there are over 250 locations to choose from. Here are some of our favourites: Ancient woodland at Ashridge Estate, Hertfordshire Beautiful gardens at Blickling, Norfolk A majestic estate at Castle Ward, County Down Seaside magic at Plas Newydd Country House and Garden, Anglesey Eggsplorers are guaranteed a delicious chocolatey treat at the end of each trail, and taking part will help to support these National Trust treasures. For more information, visit eastereggtrail.co.uk

If youre confused about how much of this to add, or how much of that you need, refer to our indispensable conversion chart. 1 teaspoon (tsp) 1 dessertspoon 1 tablespoon (tbs) 1 shot 1 fluid ounce (fl oz) 1 pint 1 ounce (oz) 1 pound (lb) 1 cup (sugar) 1 cup (flour) 1 cup (liquid) = 5ml = 12ml = 15ml = 25ml = 30ml = 568ml = 28g = 450g = 200g = 115g = 240ml

STAY SPOTLESS
With spring approaching, it's a good time to minimise the in-house health risks and put the freshness back into the home. Spotless Organic, London's premier eco-friendly cleaning company, shares its top tips on how to green-deep-clean your home effectively: Minimise the use of harsh cleaning chemicals. They can effect your health as well as significantly pollute the environment. Dont use the same cloth for different surfaces. Utilise as many cleaning materials and sponges as possible to avoid transferring harmful elements. Try getting into every small corner of your home. These places turn into nests for moths, dust mites and bugs. In particular, check the inside central panel of radiators for a build up of dust and debris. For more top cleaning tips, head to spotlessorganic.com

The walker must be sure that the toe of the front foot connects with the ground before the heel of the other foot is raised.
From Joan Wheelers The New HOME ENCYCLOPEDIA, 1932

EMBRACE THE DIP DYE TREND IN YOUR DINING WITH THESE SNAZZY PLATES AND BOWLS. FROM 12.50 FOR FOUR, TESCO.COM

112

GOOD WOOD
When it comes to caring for wood, be it flooring or furniture, all it takes is a little bit of caution and some quick cleaning to preserve its lifespan. To make your own effective polish, mix two parts oil to one part lemon juice to leave your wood looking lovely and shiny.

A GREAT TRICK TO KEEP YOUR FLOWERS LOOKING FRESH FOR LONGER IS TO ADD A 1/4 TSP MIXTURE OF ASPIRIN, SUGAR AND A DASH OF VODKA TO THE WATER

HM.COM/GB

113

NS TO ME HOME MEA Y M T A H W

A sociable house makes entertaining enjoyable

Suzanne Shaw talks new plans and how to make a house a home
IMAGE KEN MCKAY / REX

y home is a fantastic summer house. In the warm months we have the patio doors all the way open, overlooking the kitchen. Its so sociable and makes entertaining enjoyable. We lay all the food on the table, usually a massive bowl of chilli con carne and jacket potatoes, and its more like a buffet so people can just wander in and out at their leisure. When I have people over, I want them to feel welcome. Many of my friends say it is a relaxed and calm atmosphere. When we are hosting, we spend most of our time in the kitchen and living area as its open plan so we usually end up gathering there. This year, Im hosting Easter weekend and my mother, nieces and brother will all be coming down to celebrate! It will be a lovely occasion for family time, eating and chilling out. Inside, I would describe the house as light and fresh, even in the colder months. I am not a fan of clutter, so there is nothing to pull your focus. The overall feel is pure simplicity, with clean-cut lines although, we do have a fantastic antique jukebox we bought years ago, which brings in the old elements and breaks up the scheme. It is possibly one of my favourite pieces of dcor.

We have lots of spot lights dotted around the house too, which are perfect for creating a cosy setting. It really feels like a family home. One of the spaces Im most proud of is my bedroom. Ive made it very girly and acquired to my tastes. I have a large crystal chandelier and a canvas of Marilyn Monroe on the wall. Its all very glamorous! I like to make a feature out of my jewellery too, so I use a vintage stand. Another beautiful focal point within the bedroom is my angular mirror, its very quirky and quite attractive as an art piece. The en-suite bathroom is a delight a huge wet room and is totally relaxing. The ultimate treat after a long day. This summer, we are working alongside Anglican Home Improvements and re-vamping the back of the house. Were possibly putting on an orangery roof there are going to make some fabulous adjustments. Just in time for more entertaining and hosting. Who knows how it will look in 2015!

To me, one of the most important features of a home is the sofa. Forget the kitchen, thats the heart of the house! Ours is a great L-shape that takes up the entire room and we love doing film nights where everyone crashes out together. I also like to place emphasis on lighting, using lamps to create ambience.

To plan your own home makeover with Anglican Home Improvements, visit anglianhome.co.uk. Suzanne is also a patron of The Brain Tumour Charity; to read about its current campaign, Headsmart: be brain tumour aware, head to thebraintumourcharity.org

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