A Weekend in Sussex

Last Bank Holiday I went down to Sussex for a weekend away. It is somewhere I haven't spent a lot of time but now I would  like to go back! The area where we stayed was beautiful cottage after beautiful cottage. The village had a green in the middle of it and more than one pub. We had do-it-yourself quesadillas one night. The chicken came sizzling on a skillet.   

Petworth 

On the first day of our weekend we went to Petworth House. For a weekend that saw us hiding from the rain for a chunk of it we got lucky with blue skies and fluffy white clouds. A cup of tea, a look around the house (renowned for its art particularly the Turners) and a visit to an exhibition of Sky's Landscape Artist of the Year was topped off with a wander into the grounds. 

Little Hampton

The second best thing to a beach in the sun is a beach on a grey, windy day. It all looks a little moody and you can wrap up like Michelin Man! Trust me I did. It was so blustery that as I rearranged my scarf I was overwhelmed and got lost in it.  

Not exactly a vibrant day at the beach but I'll always enjoy a wander down to the water or a walk along a very British promenade.

This 'bench' seemed to run the length of the beach with coloured panels all along it and a couple of these installations too. 

Weald and Downland Living Museum

It is always interesting to see a snatch of history in this way - with buildings from all different eras. I don't think I've been to a museum like this since I was a child so it was nice to go back now I'm older. However the child in me couldn't resist making a wish and blowing away the clock of a dandelion. There was a meadow filled with them and a small lake with adorable little ducklings.

This day was a mess of crazy British weather. I started the day in layers and was down to a t-shirt at one point. That was for a second before the sun slipped behind the clouds and I needed to put a jumper back on. Still with moody clouds and blue skies everything was very vivid.

Getting a breath of fresh air is one of my favourite things to do. I try to do it on the day to day but it is always nice to escape for a few days. 

I hope you had a lovely long weekend. I got a good dose of laughter, friends, family and food. 

Katie 

To the Seaside!

It is these hot, sunny kind of days that make me want to go to the beach. I'm usually there on grey, windy days and while I appreciate those days for their Britishness, I have lovely memories of colourful beach towels and dripping ice creams in Summer.

I don't live very near a beach and with lovely plans for this long weekend I couldn't just leave to find the closest bit of sand. However I can pretend I am at the seaside in two weeks!

On Saturday 10th June I am having a stall at Napfest. This is Naphill and Walter's Ash's summer fete and this year the theme is 'At the Seaside' I'll be there with a wide range of cards including some seasonal specials - ice cream lollies, beach huts and lighthouses to name a few.

I've been visiting this event since I was small and it is the perfect occasion for all the family - stalls, a BBQ, and I believe there is a fancy dress competition. You can find out more on their website.

I will be taking orders on the day so if there are any special birthdays or anniversaries coming up, this might be the perfect time to talk to me about your ideas. (Or you can email me at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk at any time. I will be happy to give you more information.)

Have a lovely afternoon and I hope you enjoy the rest of the long weekend.

Katie

Father's Day

Father's Day is coming up on Sunday 18th June so I am sharing some of my greetings cards for this year! I've take elements of my favourite and most popular designs and created some cards to show those dads out there that we care and are really grateful for all that they do!

I am now taking orders for Father's Day cards so if there is something you see and like, don't hesitate to get in touch. As with all my creations elements can be altered and colours changed for an extra special greeting. Or maybe there is something else you have in mind and would love to send to your Dad this year - I take commissions too!

It has been such a gorgeous day today. I haven't had a chance to soak it up so I am hoping it sticks around until the weekend when I have a few nice things in the diary.

Have a lovely week!

Katie

Roar-some!

Please excuse my lazy, laughable pun! 

I love making these lions for my cards. From the colours through to the crazy mane to the moment they become a character when I add their eyes. 

I made this congratulations card for someone special who was particularly fierce and had done really well. They were worthy of a medal and a trophy!

Whatever you've achieved today - Well Done!

Katie 

Sunday

A little slice of my Sunday. 

1. Yesterday I planted a strawberry pot! I am hoping that I can grow at least a handful of strawberries from the plants we have. There'll be something satisfying about growing my favourite fruit! Kneeling in the sun with mud on my hands yesterday afternoon was nice enough even if my attempts are not very fruitful! (These strawberries are from my fruit greetings card)

2. The other day I found this recipe for an orange and rhubarb cake. I don't bake very often but this was a different choice for me. There was no chocolate in sight! Now my cake didn't look as aesthetically pleasing as the pictures on The Kitchen Paper (my Instagram picture proves this) but it was still a very tasty cake to eat.

3. I stumbled across a painting not long ago which led me to this blog. I wish I could remember which painting I first saw because it perfectly captured a thought of mine. I spent a little while browsing a few of these personal messages yesterday. They convey big ideas and make you think.

4. Yesterday I baked and I cooked. Good Food is a great go to for recipes and this Fruity pork steak was a hit in my house. With red onions, apples and a five spice dusting to the pork it had a great flavour!

I hope you had a good weekend!

Katie

Big Birthday Celebrations

It seems like I have put a birthday hat on almost every animal however it wasn’t until I was brainstorming a birthday card design for a friend’s mum that I realised I’d never made an elephant birthday card. I’d definitely never put an elephant in a party hat!  I didn’t really know why considering elephants like these are some of the most popular greetings cards. I said I’d mock one up and see what my friends thought.

They were happy and I was even happier to alter the design slightly and add this fun card design to my stock. It picks up the same sparkly theme as my cupcakes and ice creams and uses some of my favourite summery colours. I am drawn to anything in these bright pastels!

This birthday card has already stemmed a number of other ideas that I plan to work on soon!

I hope you have a very good weekend!

Katie 

Lately

I'm taking a moment to appreciate the small things.

At one point last year I decided I wanted to have some plants. I had a couple of succulents and the poor little things didn't make it. I don't think I got the balance quite right when it came to watering! For my birthday earlier this year I was given (entrusted with) a few plants including a lovely hand painted pot of cacti. So far so good!

I first found this recipe for cheese and Marmite muffins when I wanted to bake but someone else was bringing pudding. On the few occasions I have made these cheesy treats they've been met with raised eyebrows. It takes a bite! And after that people are convinced. They've even won over a couple of 'hate it' Marmite people! A note to anyone who is making them - They look nothing like the picture. They look messy but taste good. Make sure you try them warm!

I've really been enjoying listening to Rag and Bone Man while I've been working this week. The perfect accompaniment to creating, admin and ticking jobs off the list!

Happy Wednesday!

Katie

Elsewhere

I know I've been a little quiet here lately.

Writing for my blog and sharing my creations and finds is something that I miss. I really hope to get back in the groove with regular posts but, in the mean time, I'd love it if you popped over to my Facebook or Instagram and gave them a like or a follow. You can see my latest greetings cards and I'll be sharing some Father's Day cards soon. As always, anything that you see is available to order and open to customisation.

Have a very lovely week!

Katie