Beautiful bluebells...

I took this picture earlier in the year just as spring had sprung! It was such a beautiful scene which is captured here by the contrasting greens and purples.

Funky card...

I managed to pick up this up in a craft shop the other day. It is paisley print material which has been cunningly attached to cardboard making it perfect for all sorts of paper crafts. The only problem is that it is almost too pretty to cut up!

Bags galore...

This bag started life as a skirt from a 'swishing party' (where you pay a set fee, donate some items of clothing, browse the other clothes that have been donated and grab what you want when somebody shouts 'swish' (at least this was how the one I went to worked out!)). Anyway, this skirt was about 5 sizes too big, but I really liked the material so I cut it up and made it into a hobo bag. It could do with having a lining, but I haven't been brave enough to try that yet!

For a first attempt though, I am quite pleased :)

Nature and art...

I think insects are just amazing - there are so many varieties (representing more species that any other class of animals on the planet). I am really intrigued by the work of Christopher Marley, and the synergy of taxonomy and art. Have a look at his work at: http://www.pheromonedesign.com/public_html/index.htm

(Picture is an unidentified insect photographed in the Western Ghats, India)

Recycling crafts...

These are my first attempt at tin can lanterns: I just used old soup tins, filled them with water, put them in the freezer (this prevents the cans from losing their shape) and then used a hammer and a punch to make different patterns.

I used wire and beads for the handles and put extra-large tea candles inside.

What a great colour...

I love the colour of this bottle top ... in fact I liked it so much that I had to sneek it away from the restaurant after we'd had our drink so that I could keep hold if it. I wonder if B&Q can mix-up paint from a bottle top?!?

Buttons...

I recently went to a shop in Yorkshire called 'Duttons for Buttons' which stock literally hundreds of unusual buttons. The shop is quite tiny but is packed full of every type of button you could every want, and each one is priced individually. I actually felt quite overwhelmed! If you like buttons even a little bit, you need to visit this place.

Their buttons have even featured in the Pirates of the Caribbean films!