It has been a while...

It feels like it has been forever since I posted having spent ages planning my Mother's 50th surprise party and handmaking the decorations and food with my Sister. I will update with some of the things we did at a later date, but first I have some time in my lovely home county to while away in the sunshine before heading back oop north. 




Oh and this is Mother Bears new ring tone since turning 50...


Now for some sun soaking, hello 30 degrees centigrade. May as well be on the Hawaiian Islands!! 

Candle Recycling!

I had two candles in my room in big glass jars that I could no longer get my hand in to light, rather than throw them out I decided to make new ones.I didnt want to smash the jars as they have posh lids and are good quality so I think I can use for something else.


First I got new containers for the candle wax to be poured into, I chose a wide rimmed tumbler I had and a cute flower pot I got for 99p in a charity shop. Then I put the jars into a pans, filled the pans and heated on an electric hob.

Once the wax had melted I simply used a fork to pull out the wicks and attached them to the bottom of the new containers, held the wicks upright with the same forks and poured in the melted wax, leaving to harden.

A few small tips I found online/was given but didn't generally follow (tut tut): 

•  Trim the burnt wicks before melting to stop the wax going a horrible colour (which I could reach to do but it didn't happen to my wax, luckily).
• Gently heat the new containers to prevent cracking (Good quality containers and those built for heat resistance shouldn't crack though)
• DO NOT MICROWAVE WAX (this one I definitely followed)
• Make sure the pots are glazed if ceramic or else will soak up the wax and become flammable!!

I can't believe how easy it was. I just have to trim the wicks before I light them.

Next time Tea cup and saucer candles!

Bargain Shopping

With my homemade home plan I am being realistic, knowing I will have to spend money. The plan is to visit boot sales and fairs, charity shops and antique places for thing that are decorative but I wont be able to make myself!


This week I had some spare cash and dragged my boyfriend to the charity shop local to his. Given that its the closest one to a posh area of Sheffield they always have nice things  :)


Here is what I found:

=

A beautiful cut glass decanter, though I don't drink whiskey so liquid suggestions welcome. This cost just £5! I have put it away for safe keeping, it seems a shame to hide it away but I want it to reach my homemade house, student living isn't the place for such a pretty glass item. My boyfriend says the top reminds him of crystal maze :)

This has however got me thinking of crafts, colourful liquids in clear bottles...


I also got:

This beauty is what I have been searching for for about 4 years in shops and boot sales (when I remembered to look), a perfect square frame 10" x 10". I have an 8" record with the song I was named after on it (found in a charity shop by my uncle) and have been looking for a frame ever since. I think I will put my new found love of decoupage into practice onto the frame as it is a bit scratched. I just need to find something to use the pretty picture for. This find cost me only 75p...BARGAIN!

Time to get to crafting!