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

56 comments:

Coco Rose Diaries said...

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

Christine B said...

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!! :)

Tammy@T's Daily Treasures said...

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

Workshop Decor & Gifts said...

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

Vintage Tea Time said...

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

Jennifer Hays said...

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. :)

Things and Thoughts said...

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

Lillie and Moss said...

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

Unknown said...

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

Brenda Pruitt said...

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

justpootling said...

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

Hayes said...

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

Jane said...

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

Unknown said...

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!

Ali said...

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

Annerose said...

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

greenrabbitdesigns said...

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

scrappyjacky said...

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

Teje Karjalainen said...

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

20 North Ora said...

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

Sam I Am...... said...

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

Simone said...

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

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

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

20 North Ora said...

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

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

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

homemade@myplace said...

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

thriftwood said...

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

Unknown said...

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

gilly said...

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

Linda @ Itsy Bits And Pieces said...

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

Rhona said...

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

Deepi's World said...

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

Amy at love made my home said...

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

Tessa said...

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

Christine said...

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

Teresa Kasner said...

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 :-)

sky-blu-pink said...

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

Pat said...

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

driftwood said...

your tulips are beautiful x

Joy said...

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

serendipity said...

What a lovely colourful post, as always! xx

Marilyn McLeod @ Pink Paper Cottage said...

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

Art and Sand said...

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.

♥ Mary Janes TEAROOM said...

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

Mia said...

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

Blondie's Journal said...

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

Unknown said...

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

My Little Home and Garden said...

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

Ladybird Diaries said...

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

Lori ann said...

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

Annie Cholewa said...

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

Unknown said...

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

CJ said...

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

Madelief said...

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

Gracie Saylor said...

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

Unknown said...

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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