Two Angels - angels & petals AND crafty angel

Sweetie shop jewellery

By far one of our best sellers at the moment it the bright coloured jewellery. They provide a brilliant jazzy update and are loved by all ages.

Here are some of our favourites

 The length and design and price of this one make it a real favourite.

Smarties without the calories. Who could resist?

More sweeties. Doesn't this remind you of those kiddies sweet that are threaded on elastic, to be nibbled off?

Colourful & elegant - another winner.

I've saved my favourite to last. At £6 I think this is a steal. Perfect over a white tee shirt for this wonderful summer just know we're going to have.
 
 
 

Homemade Gifts

What could be nicer than receiving a gift lovingly made for you?

Indeed there are many of us who achieve a huge amount of pleasure from creating that special gift.

Occasionally we may lack a little inspiration and that is where a good book comes in. Often, in the back of our minds we had the idea of jam's & chutney's but seeing them beautifully photographed restores our conviction in that idea.

Chutney makes a great present for a man (think father's day), as would this lovely beanie...........

You could easily whip that up in an evening couldn't you?

More inspiration needed?

  I'm loving this shopping bag. Next time you spot a piece of linen at a car boot fair or charity shop, remember this idea.

Still on the 'vintage theme' this next photo shows an unusual idea, but again perfect for using those pretty but chipped charity shop crockery bits you can never resist!

Food is a welcomed gift by most people, and the prettier it looks the more they'll love it..................

So, who have we to thank for all these gorgeous ideas?

 Nicki Trench, home grown talent and domestic handicrafts expert in her little book Homemade Gifts

 
 

Big Knits

We had another packed night at Knit & Natter last night and everyone seemed to have a good time.

These evenings are getting very popular and I'm considering adding in another one, probably a Thursday. Anyone have any thoughts on that?

There was much discussion last night about free patterns on the internet and where best to find them. My suggestion is always www.ravelry.comwhich is a massive site for knitters and crocheter. Full of patterns, some free, some not, which you can download for your own use. It also includes a forum and a whole host of information. Be warned though, this site can seriously damage your productive use of hours in the day!

Father's Day 20th June

Mmmm, men! Notoriously difficult to buy for at the best of times.

I have to say that Angels & Petals do struggle to come up with an abundance of suitable gifts.

However, we do come up with one or two pretty good ideas, we think.

Let us know what you think................................................

 

A beautiful handcrafted Blue tit. £10

 

A glass coaster made in Launceston by Jo Downs glass company. £8

 

An elegant handmade glass bottle stopper. £5.95

 

A little stained glass yatch. Made in Hatherleigh. £4.99

 

Camper van magnetic bottle opener. Handmade in Scotland. £4.99

 

Deliciously scented handmade soap. A good chunky sized bar £3.99

Well, there's a few ideas for you. We've a few more up our sleeve, so why not pop in and take a look? 
 
 
 
 
 

Success!!!

Once again we had a lively Knit & Natter session last night and 2 of the ladies who attended the flower session on Saturday afternoon proudly brought the finished fruits of their labours along to show us.

Chrissie had knitted this beautiful chrysanthemum style flower in a gorgeous blue slightly fluffy yarn. The result as you can see, was stunning.

Emily, who had never picked up a crochet hook before and was nearly driven to screaming point on Saturday! some how managed to go home and over the rest of the weekend produce this very pretty garland of flowers. Not one to be easily beaten isn't our Emily!

Well done girls, and to all whole learnt a new skill.
 
 

A perfect Saturday afternoon

As the weather changed and the rain came in a group of people gathered to drink tea & coffee and eat chocolate biscuits. Oh! and to knit & crochet flowers too.

 
 Decisions, decisions - what colour, knit or crochet???????

Crochet proved the most popular option with even those who'd never picked up a hook before rattling off some rather lovely flora.

The speed of some of those needles & hooks was quite amazing!

 And the results a lot better than my photography!!

Not bad for a first attempt  - you should be very proud girls.
 

More Knit & Natter
Following last night's session of K&N it was decided that due to the popularity of the sessions, we should hold them every Tuesday.

They will take place in the shop each Tuesday evening from 7.30pm.
Entry is £2 and for that you get a drink & a biscuit!

All welcome - just come along and bring your WIP or we'll help you start a new project if it's a while since you've been yarn creative!

Flower Power

This coming Saturday afternoon (28th May) we are opening up the shop to an informal gathering of Knitters & Crocheters, who fancy making some flowers.

The session will run from 1.30pm for approx 2 hours. Please bring along your own yarns & needles/hooks and any favourite flower patterns you may have. If you don't have suitable materials, they will be available to purchase.

Brooch backs will also be available so you can turn your creations into wearable items.

£2 per person (for a cuppa & a biscuit). No suitable for complete beginners.

It's the bunting season

Oh yes, how I love the bunting.

So I decided to make some more.

This time it's a more traditional take on bunting - all be it still crochet.

It is does look rather jolly hanging across the shop.
 

Happy, happy colours for bright sunny days.

Enjoy your weekend.
 

Where ever I hang my bunting - that's my home.

Remember the little hearts bunting?

Well I've found just where I want to hang mine. From an old shepherd's hut. Wouldn't that be cool?

Since the arrival of Rosie, meaning we now have 2 dogs, our thoughts are turning to caravanning. Scary I know. But it does seem like an ideal solution to the 'what do we do with the dogs' scenario, whenever a short break is needed.

I do realise that a shepherd's hut is not really the answer and that a run of the mill cheap caravan for 4 will have to do, but it doesn't stop me dreaming.

Doing up vintage caravans is very 'in' at the moment and it does seem to me to be a project I might enjoy.

Lots of opportunity to use those blankets I've made.

There are lots of inspirational stories and photographs in this book....

I'm not sure how well they'd transfer to a run of the mill second hand van - but I'd like to have a go.

Does look fun doesn't it?

This book, and all others featured on the blog are available from Angels & Petals