Something Crafty

My blog organisation system is a bit like the Tardis. There's all sorts that I haven't got around to posting and I thought I'd better share these carefully edited snaps of loveliness, lest they end up in the 'abandoned' folder. It goes without saying that I like to get crafty, whether I'm good at anything apart from knitting and the odd bit of illustration is another story. Sometimes it's nice to just give things a try and there's so many cool places springing up, providing an alternative to my two main hobbies (shopping or eating, natch). It can be so rewarding to concentrate on something completely different for a few hours and to emerge with a unique decoration or tasty bit of grub. I'm glad that I finally got around to sharing these three completely different experiences, it might make a nice present for someone like-minded or be the perfect way to spend time with a loved one!

Cosy Creativity

There are so many amazing backstreets in London, you'd never think that a few minutes away from the craziness of Marble Arch, you'd find a calm little place where you can make perfumes. Homemade London is a workshop haven with creatives teaching their skills in a digestible way, allowing you to make something special within a few hours. At a preview event a little while ago, I probably took to the scent making a little better and actually learnt about the components that make up the kind of smells I like. Turns out that I only like a bit of spice in my food, I gravitated towards anything fruity and floral and made a nifty little oil to help energise myself on these cold mornings. The Christmas card workshop also looks like a fun way to spend an evening plus the sewing classes might be useful for any of you who are needle-shy.

Painting Pottery

Most of my Brighton visits tend to involve lusting after bits in one of the many independent shops, so it was very unexpected to actually make something worthwhile at The Painting Pottery Cafe. You get to choose from a number of different items, anything from bowls to butter dishes, which you can then adorn with as many colourful paints as you wish. I used this chance to attempt my own Anthropologie-esque number but as per usual, I ended up coveting Olivia's milk carton once I'd made my choice. Always the way! I definitely need to find somewhere that does this in London as I know this would be right up my little sister's street.

Macarons & Martinis

I'm obviously not the only blogger with a macaron obsession and hopefully not the only one who started spelling the word properly this year (pardon my lack of French). I've always been slightly apprehensive about making them, so when I attended a recent Oh La La masterclass it was a case of 'here's one I made earlier'. Due to logistics you don't get to bake them, but Meredith does give you tips on the process plus her all important recipes. I had no idea that most of the ones you buy are frozen, yes even ones from Laduree! During the class you're free to assemble them as you wish (I may have made a disproportionate amount of the salted caramel flavour), plus there's also the attraction of unlimited martinis. Pricewise this is a bit more of a treat, but it would be a great option for hen dos (yes I'm getting to that age now) or a birthday with a difference.
If all else fails with my activities, there's always the Renegade Craft Fair later this month!