Tuesday 8 April 2014

Home and Garden

 It's been a busy week here in my home and garden, what with working on some new design projects, having a crochet crush, tidying up for easter visits, finding the easter decorations, gardening,and watching for the ducks to arrive to dabble in our new pond..........
 ..............this pretty house applique is part of my crafts beautiful magazine project in the may issue....
 ..........there is also a cross stitched house for a spring-like new home card............
 ...........this week my sewing room is filled with patchwork and crochet...............
 ...............the blanket here is my work in progress autumn blanket, which i decided to finish by adding a few more granny squares and a border.......it is not actually finished yet, but nearly is......
 ..............the colours seemed to match the chickens which i'd got out for the easter decorating......

 .............and the tulips in my special tulip cutting patch this year are a mix of lilac pinks, yellows, peachy pinks, and very bright orangey reds...............
 .............i managed to snap some pictures of our visiting ducks, mr and mrs mallard.......they swam for a long time round and round the pond and slept side by side next to it for even longer.........at the weekend we added some more pond plants but i haven't taken pictures of those yet.........
 ...............the tulips are looking very bright and sturdy here but the heavy rain was making the shorter red ones bow over onto the soil, so i had to pick those and bring them inside yesterday.......
 .............indoors, in the warmth, they opened up their petals to become big blowsy flowers......
 .............i have lots of new easter makes and some baking to do, and some easter baskets to fill......next week i will spend some time with my little grandchildren which i am so looking forward to.............luckily i have found the beatrix potter easter egg hunt signs from last year as they want to use them again :)......we are having a family party on easter sunday so everyone can join in................
...............thank you for your visit, lovely readers...........it is always a pleasure to know you are here, and of course i lOvE reading your comments very much :)...............wishing you a happy week with lots of sunshine, flowers and time to craft, wherever you may be...............back soon xxxxxxxxx
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56 comments:

  1. Coco Rose Diaries8 April 2014 at 14:35

    Such a gorgeous post Helen full of colour galore to lift my spirits to amazing heights!

    I hope that you manage to have a beautiful Easter time with your family!

    Take care

    Vanessa xxx

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  2. Christine B8 April 2014 at 14:37

    Love your beautiful applique and cross stitch houses and I always enjoy seeing the pretty flowers you have picked from your garden. Your pond is looking fabulous! Hope you have some ducklings!! :)

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  3. Tammy@T's Daily Treasures8 April 2014 at 14:40

    All the colors of your crochet and fabric and surroundings just match so perfectly. Gosh, I wish I had 1/10th of your creative energy. Mine has taken a nosedive lately. But in 2 more days our Spring Break will begin and I will have 10 days of freedom. Can't wait! Have a great week. Tammy

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  4. Workshop Decor & Gifts8 April 2014 at 14:45

    What inspiring photos Helen! Spring simply live on your page. My eye is not tear off from the new cushions, they are gourgeus ^_^

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  5. Vintage Tea Time8 April 2014 at 15:21

    Your pond looks great and how fantastic to have ducks already - where do they normally reside? Your garden generally looks lovely - esp the tulips. I've got to sort out things for a family Easter tea on Sunday too - hope it's good weather on Sunday. Your makes, as ever, are gorgeous! Abby x

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  6. Jennifer Hays8 April 2014 at 15:23

    Everything you make is so pretty. I love the idea of a tulip cutting patch and in fact, was just saying to my husband that I wondered how many bulbs I would need to plant in order to make such a thing a reality. I will definitely be planting more bulbs this fall, in any case. :)

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  7. Things and Thoughts8 April 2014 at 15:31

    Oh Helen, wish I could have such lovely cushions like yours to cheer up the living room of my country house!Everything smiles by you...
    Many hugs from me, Olympia

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  8. Lillie and Moss8 April 2014 at 15:32

    Such a lovely post Helen as always! I've been in a slump lately and this is exactly what I needed to see. All my inspiration is flowing again! Thanks,xx Shari

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  9. Unknown8 April 2014 at 15:47

    Thanks for the breath of spring in your post! Wow, I'm invigorated now. Such pretty pillows, and everything else was wonderful.

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  10. Brenda Pruitt8 April 2014 at 15:48

    Such colorful cheer I always find when I click on your blog! I think I'm going to have to show my Color My Decor readers what you're up to for spring. Hope that's okay!
    Brenda

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  11. justpootling8 April 2014 at 16:05

    Just gorgeous Helen, so many lovely colours and so much excitement to look forward to in the next couple of weeks.
    I love the photo's of the ducks, they're such funny creatures aren't they, it always makes me chuckle watching them.
    Have a lovely week,
    Kate x

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  12. Hayes8 April 2014 at 16:12

    Hello Helen,
    The ducks do look as if they are having fun. I love the colours in your crochet blanket. Also the fabrics in your appliqued house cushion. The one similar in your book inspired me to make my own. Always like your cross stitch little makes. Love Pat x

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  13. Jane8 April 2014 at 16:13

    Aww Helen how lovely to have a pair of visiting ducks, my tiny garden is far too small to have a pond. Enjoy getting ready for Easter...it looks as there is some glorious work going on over at yours. Great to see the tulips in bloom too, all that hard work planting it up has come to fruition. Have a lovely week xx

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  14. Unknown8 April 2014 at 16:49

    What a pretty looking pond! Mr. and Mrs. Mallard look like they truly love it! You're autumn blanket looks so fun, I can't wait to see it finished! I'm looking forward to Easter-baking too, there are so many recipes I'd love to try!

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  15. Ali8 April 2014 at 16:51

    Beautiful post as always - just love all your makes and your photos are so bright and cheerful :-) Have a lovely time with your family xxx

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  16. Annerose8 April 2014 at 17:10

    Wunderschöne Tulpen, tolle Farben. Ich liebe auch diese kleinen Hexagons und arbeite sehr gerne damit. Ich bin schon gespannt wie dein fertiges Projekt aussieht. Danke für deinen lieben Kommentar auf meinem Blog, ich habe mich sehr gefreut.
    Liebe Frühlingsgrüße Annerose

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  17. greenrabbitdesigns8 April 2014 at 17:21

    I think Easter at your house will be a lot of fun Helen.
    Your crochet and patchwork go lovely together. :)
    Love, love, love your tulips too. You definitely have done a good job with your pond to have Mr & Mrs Mallard move in already.
    Wishing you a lovely family Eastertime.
    V xxx

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  18. scrappyjacky8 April 2014 at 17:45

    Your photos really conjure up the feeling of Spring and Easter.....and such lovely,joyful colours.
    Am loving that little applique house.

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  19. Teje Karjalainen8 April 2014 at 17:51

    Hi Helen! Most beautiful again!I love your granny Project and ceramic birds - we heve those also in Finland. Your tulips have gorgeus colours! I just bought few great fabric pieces of Marimekko. x Teje

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  20. 20 North Ora8 April 2014 at 18:35

    Your posts always make me smile! They are always so bright and cheerful - how could one not smile? Your flowers, as well as your projects, are just gorgeous!

    Judy

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  21. Sam I Am......8 April 2014 at 20:43

    Oh. what a sweet little house pillow and card too. I love the polka dot house on the pillow! Your flowers are just gorgeous and you have your own pond with ducks....how wonderful is that?
    Yes, Easter will be here before we know it. I found a little pattern to crochet some "peeps" pastel bunnies for the grands and I have to get to it. I'll be mailing so it needs to stay light weight. I thought I'd sew up some little treat bags and fill with some real Easter treats too.
    I baked cookies yesterday and today is taxes and finances (ugh) but it's rainy and windy out and cool so it's a good day for it.
    Love your Eater and Spring time decor! Hugs....Sam

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  22. Simone8 April 2014 at 21:31

    I love the colours in the autumn blanket and the spotted hexies are wonderful! How lucky to have ducks come into your garden. I would spend ages just watching them! x

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  23. Deb @ PaperTurtle8 April 2014 at 22:01

    Your posts are always such a delight to my color-loving-soul, Helen! Wishing you a lovely Easter with your family. :o)

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  24. 20 North Ora8 April 2014 at 23:07

    Helen - your posts always bring a big smile to my face. They are always full of color and beautiful things. Thanks for brightening my day!

    Judy

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  25. ~Lavender Dreamer~9 April 2014 at 01:37

    Those cute chickens look so good with your pretty colors. I want to sew some this week! I need to get busy. I'm always inspired by your blog. We need more bunnies, don't we? heehee! Sweet hugs, Diane

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  26. homemade@myplace9 April 2014 at 03:05

    this post is soooooooo Spring-y !!!!!!
    xxxxxx Ale

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  27. thriftwood9 April 2014 at 07:24

    I just love your posts Helen ... they zing with colour and are a veritable visual feast! Everything tones and matches so effortlessly ... I absolutely love that crochet cushion on the white chair xxxx Simply beautiful xxxx

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  28. Unknown9 April 2014 at 07:43

    Happy Spring post! Oh the colours...tulips are my favourite flower, and your displays make me smile...the ta-da moment for that crochet blanket promises to be an absolute explosion of colour, I'm already enthral led simply with the border! Chrissie x

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  29. gilly9 April 2014 at 08:37

    Love all your pretty things and gorgeous makes! And those tulips are just perfect. They are my favourite flowers and I'm anxiously awaiting the buds in my cutting garden to bloom - we just need a wee bit more sunshine here!
    Happy Wednesday :-)
    Xx

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  30. Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces9 April 2014 at 13:26

    Just hopped over from your feature at Color My Decor...I love your charming blog...I am a new follower!

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  31. Rhona9 April 2014 at 14:10

    Your posts are always so bright and cheerful and full of wonderful colours!

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  32. Deepi's World9 April 2014 at 14:59

    Hi..you have a very lovely blog.I am a new follower.

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  33. Amy at love made my home9 April 2014 at 15:39

    So many beautiful things Helen, I really like the little house cushion, very pretty and so cute too! xx

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  34. Tessa9 April 2014 at 16:17

    Hi Helen, Just wondered if you could direct me towards a pattern for the lovely flower crochet cushion you show in this post? Its so pretty- |I'd love to have ago at making one.
    Rose

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  35. Christine9 April 2014 at 17:41

    I love the house cushion and card. I will have to find that magazine. All your pictures are so lovely. Have a wonderful Easter!

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  36. Teresa Kasner9 April 2014 at 20:33

    Oh Helen.. I loved all your photos.. and I'm really excited to know more about your pond. We have a pond, and 3 waterfalls, but I've always wished we'd had it made bigger, the pond part. We might look into that. I adore the colors you choose, you have an unerring eye for color. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  37. sky-blu-pink9 April 2014 at 23:35

    How lovely that your inside and outside match so beautifully! Hope you have some time to relax at Easter after all your busy preparation.

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  38. Pat10 April 2014 at 06:46

    Wow Helen, your tulips are soo beautiful, and the ducks in the pond must be such a delight .. thanks for a lovely, uplifting post!
    Patxx

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  39. driftwood10 April 2014 at 07:01

    your tulips are beautiful x

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  40. Joy10 April 2014 at 12:40

    This post has brought me such pleasure Helen, thank you! I love the light, bright airy feel to everything and am in love with all your makes, especially that gorgeous appliquéd house! The tulips are delightful and what a treat to have the ducks in your pond.
    Where would we be without colour in our lives! Joy xo

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  41. serendipity10 April 2014 at 17:32

    What a lovely colourful post, as always! xx

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  42. Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage10 April 2014 at 20:16

    I'm a new follower too...thanks to Brenda at Cozy Little House. I am totally smitten with your blog.. the gorgeous colors and fabrics, and flowers! Your photography is to die for... and your entire blog is eye candy. Now I know where to come to when I need some refreshing and new ideas and inspiration. Besides crochet and sewing, I also love paper crafting... so I have THREE addictions! Marilyn

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  43. Art and Sand10 April 2014 at 20:34

    I am in love with all of the colors around your house - both inside and out.

    I played 2 sets of singles tennis at 7:30 a.m., worked in the jungle clearing weeds for 2 hours and then we took Lulu for a walk on the beach. I have decided that I have earned the time to just play in my creative space for the rest of the day.

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  44. ♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM11 April 2014 at 08:54

    Ooh, so much prettiness here today dear Helen...you've definitely inspired me for the weekend ahead!
    Your little house applique cushion is just gorgeous and I love the colours in your crochet...x
    How fantastic too that Mr & Mrs Mallard are visiting...I think I would want to sit and craft in your garden all day long!
    You always have the prettiest flowers on display....just lovely!
    Hope you have a happy weekend!
    Susan x

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  45. Mia11 April 2014 at 11:43

    Hello Helen,

    What a beautiful post again, that little house-design is so so cute! And your tulips are gorgeous, those lilacs are my favorite!

    Wishing you a happy weekend soon, and yippee: less than week until Easter!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  46. Blondie's Journal11 April 2014 at 16:47

    Hi Helen! I've seen your comments at Brenda's Cozy Little House and I thought I would visit. So glad I did, your blog is so colorful, it just sings happiness. And the pictures of your garden are just beautiful! How nice to have a pond, are Mr. and Mrs. Mallard the same pair every year?

    I can't wait to follow along on your adventures! :)

    XO,
    Janr

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  47. Unknown11 April 2014 at 19:52

    Always a pleasure to visit your blog, full of colors and hapiness...
    Thank you for this moment my dear friend :)
    Love
    Nina

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  48. My Little Home and Garden11 April 2014 at 20:32

    Ducks, flowers, yarns, and fabric; all are fabulous! I can practically hear the birds chirping around your beautiful springtime post.

    Have a wonderful weekend, Helen.

    Karen

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  49. Ladybird Diaries12 April 2014 at 10:40

    A gorgeous colourful post! Your garden looks wonderful, love those tulips. Your makes are beautiful, I love the colours you use in your makes, so pretty and fresh.
    Marianne x

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  50. Lori ann12 April 2014 at 19:18

    oh helen! i'm so excited! i finally purchased your new book! i have been very much wanting to pick up a needle and thread again, you are such a constant inspiration to me.
    love all your pretty easter decorations and makings. congratulations on the magazine article (i hope i can find it at our bookstore!). and you have ducks! at your own pond! how lucky!
    happy easter! love, lori

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  51. Annie Cholewa12 April 2014 at 20:07

    So much spring colour, and all those wonderful tulips ... you have such a beautiful garden Helen :)

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  52. Unknown13 April 2014 at 16:27

    Lovely Helen sorry for the late comment but life has been so full at the moment - what a fabulous post Helen as always. The colours and textures of everything in your post is just stunning - a wonderful feast for the eyes. I love your blog as you know Helen and you never cease to amaze me with the sheer quality of everything you do - you are such a talented lady. Have a fabulous Sunday and thank you for a lovely post. Sending you big hugs and loves
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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  53. CJ13 April 2014 at 22:30

    You have been busy. And you're garden is looking beautiful. Hope you have a good week.

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  54. Madelief16 April 2014 at 20:04

    What a jolly girl Lolly is, to be a cover girl! Congratulations Helene!

    I enjoyed the photo's of your garden. We have the same sort of tulips in bloom at the moment :-)

    Wishing you a Happy Easter!

    Madelief x

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  55. Gracie Saylor22 April 2014 at 22:44

    What fun to realize that you have a Mr. and Mrs. Mallard visiting you on your side of the pond, too, Helen! I get so excited when ducks visit us I send out a duck alert in our household so we can gather together to enjoy viewing them :) xx

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  56. Unknown6 October 2015 at 00:47

    Thanks for the breath of spring in your post! Wow, I'm invigorated now. Such pretty pillows, and everything else was wonderful.
    happy wheels
    super mario bros
    pacman
    agario

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Thank you for your lovely words...I so enjoy your comments and read them all.