Life after Christmas

After Christmas, door rings with apples and berries can be put out for the birds - they won't eat limes and I'm not sure about chillis (mice love chillis, so birds might too), but they love apples, holly and ivy berries.
I recently saw a good (if pricey) idea from the wiggly wigglers team who sell worm composting sets. They had stuffed a willow wreath with straw, hemp, feathers, wool etc and hung it for birds to use as nesting material. It struck me that the mossed wreaths that form the base of our door rings could be used in the same way - with bits of sheeps wool, etc poked into the moss base and that birds could take pieces for their nests - it might not look as pristine as the one on the wiggly wigglers website www.wigglywigglers.co.uk , but it would work just the same and be fun to watch. Just remember not to use any synthetic materials.

Manic

Well - business is very brisk and very manic - no time to post properly - call me if you have any queries - 01360 660 903

Hop, Skip and Jump club

Today I went to visit the Hop, Skip and Jump club which was having a fun workshop at Haldane Primary School. The money from the Festive Fair is going to be used as part of their Dig-it project in the Spring. The children were fantastic - Marc (pictured) had drawn me a dragon (his speciality) because of snapdragon and I was written a beautiful thank you letter. The art in the room was really impressive - particularly some landscape paintings and figure models. Today they were beginning to make 3D pictures based on African masks so I am looking forward to going back to see the finished results..

candle pots

A candlepot made out of a vintage terracotta flowerpot with a cream church candle and a ring of herbs (rosemary and lavender leaves) and flowers (hops and hydrangea). The height is c. 27cm (10") and the width at widest point c. 24cm (9").
One candlepot costs £7.50 - a set of 3 £20. I think that they would look great in a row along a mantlepiece or table. This arrangement is particularly long lasting. Brighter, more fruity arrangements are also available to order with cranberries, chillis and kumquats.
snap.dragon@ukonline.co.uk 01360 660 903

wreaths for porch doors

I have been asked to make door rings suitable for hanging on porch doors - in shelter but a bit too warm for most fruit. These are my solution - a mixture of lichen, cones, hydrangea, herbs and cinnamon. These could be jazzed up with a big gold hanging bow, or even some glittery decorations, but they also look festive as they are. These should dry in situ and could be kept for next year. A small number of these will be available to buy from the house on Friday 9th and 16th December - 10.30-4. Call 01360 660 903 0r snap.dragon@ukonline.co.uk for details. If a large 18" wreath is required please pre-order.

Bits and bobs

Spongebags - made from vintage and designer materials with waterproof linings. Pictured are Animal Alphabet - red line drawings of animals and letters - a material originally produced for the upmarket children's shop Nursery Window and, in close up, 50s Floral - an original mint condition 1950s material with bright sprigs. Bags are also available in other materials including 1950s barkcloth and a variety of linens. All are £7.50 each.
Also hanging on the tree is a lavender bird - £4.50 - available in chintz or black magnolia. These are ideal for hanging on the Christmas tree but can also have an afterlife as a scented hanger, they are filled with 100% lavender.
I have repackaged the craft kits in boxes which makes them easier to wrap and to transport - Felt flowers has now sold out, but Fairies (to make 2 peg fairies); Mouse (3 finger mice) and Lavender Bags (2 lavender bags) are still available. All cost £3.50 each or 3 for£10. These will also be available after Christmas as party presents.
Today I actually got back into the garden - a relief after so many Christmas Fairs - and planted up more tulips. Today it was Ivory Floradale - a wonderful large early cream with carmine streaks; Mariette - an elegant blue/pink lily tulip; Red Georgette, a multi headed variety; and Rococo, my favourite parrot tulip in red/green and beige. It was unsettling to be working in the garden without the constant cluck chucking of the chickens searching for worms in my wake.