Escape to the Cotswolds

We have just returned from a very relaxing week in the Cotswolds. I haven't been there since I was very small so I had no memory of how lovely the area is.

We stayed near the Cotswolds Water Park and were lucky enough with the weather to be able to enjoy an afternoon on the lakeside beach.

Bea was thrilled to be allowed an ice cream all to herself.

We spent a day at the Cotswolds wildlife park - absolutely the best zoo I've ever been to.

Although this sign made us a little wary of going near the lions!

I wish I'd got some better pictures of Bourton on the Water, it is a very, very pretty village.

And it has a model village (I seriously love model villages) which Bea enjoyed, although it was a shame it doesn't have any little figures, only the buildings and a couple of cars.

A lovely British holiday was had by all!

Cat In The Hat dress

Bea named this dress herself. We watch Cat in the Hat quite a lot at the moment and as soon as she saw the dress she said 'my cat in the hat dress!' I can kind of see why...

Please excuse the crazed expression in this photo - its what you get when you ask for a smile. And excuse the bluriness - I was laughing at the expression.

I made this little dress for Bea to wear for a wedding following the Junebug dress tutorial from Craftiness Is Not Optional.

I fell in love with the button detailing on the front and simple shape. I decided to make mine sleeveless as I thought with the stripes it would be a bit much so I had to construct my bodice differently from how she describes.

The tutorial was easy to follow and I'm really pleased with the way it came out, even if I couldn't get the model to cooperate!

Beautiful!

I love this hand drawn type by illustrator Sasha Prood. Its so delicate and intricate.

ABC

I have a new item in my new shop.

These are handmade alphabet blocks with my illustrations and hand drawn type on.

Each block is hand cut and painted, then the images are applied before the whole thing is given several coats of non toxic varnish.

They also come in a handmade calico drawstring bag to keep them safe.

I really love these blocks. They are so much fun to work on I am now doing the whole alphabet so it will be possible to order a personalised set. Great for nursery decor!