DIY tutorial: Origami butterflies

Origami butterflies are incredibly easy to make which makes them an ideal craft for children and they make beautiful decorations for parties and weddings too. You can hang them indvidually or all...

Gatsby Fever

Last Thursday, I went to see ‘The Great Gatsby.’ There was so much hype about it I had to go and see it as soon as it hit the cinema and thankfully I wasn’t disappointed. It certainly was a little...

A new obsession

I have been swooning over pink fridges all weekend. Ever since I saw my new neighbour trying to manouver one in to her house, I have become obsessed with the thought. It’s going on my wish list, I...

Homemade scones with jam and cream

I don’t think I’ve made scones since I was in primary school but came across this recipe when looking for inspiration from the Bake Off book. I was looking for an old favourite to make for my nan...

Ricotta and spinach rolls

I spent most of the day on Saturday baking lots of little treats, from samosas to scones. I made some things for the freezer as I like to have a stash to pull out in a nibble emergency and others …...

Vintage treasures…….

I’ve been having a good old rummage about recently. I try to visit a couple of charity shops each week and when I can I like to go for a mooch around antiques fairs. The other week I went to …...

Money-saving garden tips

This year I have made the decision not to grow any veg, reason being I just don’t have the time to care for them. Last year I was so busy that I forgot to water them and by the time … Continue...

Forget-me-nots and a special offer

It’s been a busy couple of months down at Sweet Mabel HQ. I’ve been having a little change around and have re-designed the Sweet Mabel logo and theme, I do hope you like it. I chose to work with...

DIY tutorial: Make your own lino-cut stamp

Since Christmas I have become obsessed with using rubber stamps, I use them to decorate all kinds of things like greeting cards, gift tags and paper bags. The shops stock so many different shapes...

Easter in pictures

It began with a beautiful wedding….. And a beautiful bride to match…… Then followed the Easter treats…. I hope you had a lovely Easter Xx

Wishing you a very Happy Easter.

Chocolate and Hazelnut Cheesecake

I have Nigella to thank for this delightful pud. After a few friends were raving about it I thought I should try it out for myself. I have never eaten Nutella or any kind of chocolate hazelnut...

The tea cup of pretty

This darling little tea cup and saucer was found in my local charity shop. I love the pretty pink floral pattern which has been beautifully designed by Alfred Meakin. Unfortunately when I got it...

Spring Inspiration

Easter is around the corner but sadly Spring seems to be delayed. All of this cold weather and snow was not what I had in mind for March. I love Spring for its fresh sunny days and the way the …...

Pompom flowers

Here is a quick tutorial on how to create your own bunch of pompom flowers with wool. They look pretty bunched together in their own vase or placed between real flowers. When I attempted this...

Vintage pretty greeting cards

Available now in my Etsy shop. These cards are lovingly handmade and can be personalised with a name or short phrase.

Cookies and Ginger snaps

It’s been a while since a baked some treats, it used to be a regular occurance on a weekend but when it’s only left to me and my man to eat the goods you start to feel a bit greedy. … Continue...

To all you mums

and a special mention to my own gorgeous mum……. She is wonderful and I love her lots!! Wishing you all a fabulous day! Xx

Charity shop finds

I think I have the charity shop bug again, I couldn’t resist having a little look around a couple of local shops on my day off. I used to pop in all the time but I seem to have got … Continue...

A short break in the Lakes

If you’re thinking of getting away for a few days then I can’t recommend the Lake district enough. I didn’t realise how much I needed a little break until we went to Penrith for a few days last...

Ouefs en concotte

I am particularly excited about this weekend because I have a whole week off work to look forward to, hurrah! My man and I have lots of nice things planned including a few days in the Lake District...

Spring is in the air

I braved the cold and went out into the garden at the weekend. As the sun was shining I thought it was a good time to have a potter about the yard and a little tidy up. It was nice … Continue...

Weekend in Pictures

What a beautiful weekend, I always feel better when the sun shines and it gave me the motivation to get lots done too. I’m going to let the pictures do most of the talking this week. Pottering in...

Weekend in Pictures

Well what was meant to be a rather tiring and busy weekend, actually turned out to be very nice and relaxing. I think I have the snow to thank for that.As usual when the UK is hit with a flurry …...

DIY tutorial: Handmade Peony flowers

I have been looking around for some ideas for a prop to photograph alongside the cards and gifts that I sell in my shop. I usually photograph my wares at my mums house, it’s light, airy and she has...

Happy 2013!

Oh it’s good to be back. I do hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! Mine was certainly full of suprises, good and bad. Unfortunatley illness prevailed over our house for most of...

Anchovy Palmiers

These are possibly the easiest and tastiest little party nibbles I have ever made. I only started eating anchovies at the beginning of the year and now I can’t get enough of their salty goodness....

Orange and clove pomanders

Oranges or even Satsuma’s and clementine’s remind me of Christmas all year round, maybe it’s because I used to get a Satsuma in my stocking when I was little. Or it could just be that I love the...

Homemade Christmas decorations

This is my favourite time of year for crafting. Inspiration is everywhere, especially in the shops when you see something that you know you could easily make yourself. I’ve been thinking about...

The markets are back!

Every year I look forward to the arrival of the Christmas markets in Manchester. It is a tradition to visit them on the day that they open and sample some of the fine food and drink that is on...