Joy in June - Three Blind Mice

OK, there are not three blind mice as in the rhyme but are in fact five! This mouse making is quite addictive and difficult to stop once started.  I have made them with tea stained calico, given them felt ears and stuffed them with a fibrefil and Valerian herb.  They make the most wonderful cat toys.

I had bought the Valerian to go into the sleep pillows I was making but discovered that the herb has quite a pungent smell that can only be described as stinky!  I am so glad that I didn't put it in the pillows!!!  Anyway, cats find the herb as addictive as cat mint and it acts as a stimulant for sluggish cats.

I tested one of the mice on Gizmo.  Thanks goodness they don't have eyes.

Joy in June - Rubber Stamped Cards

I have been itching to get back to rubber stamping for some time now.  Inspired by Ann, a multi-talented crafter from Wales, I have taken the plunge once more.  Ann has a wonderful blog and I often go back and read her old posts as they are so interesting.  Click here to go to her blog.  The cards above are the size of a gift tag and such fun to make.

The owl card above is stamped with lots of mini stamps formed into a circle.  The owl was stamped onto brown card, cut out and adhered to the front of the card.  Sweet simple cards.  Just the way I like them.

Joy in June - Aquilegias and Some Additional Blogging Thoughts

This aquilegia flower is adding a bit of joy to my garden at the moment.  I planted a collection of perennials last year not knowing what they were going to look like.  The first lot of aquilegias to bloom were yellow and then I started to get these ones with peach coloured outer petals.  Very pretty!

Now for a change of subject.  I have been thinking about blogging again recently and why I do it.

• I have written 673 posts at Linden Grove over  6 years.

• The most viewed  post was Fabric Flower Power where I showed some fabric brooches I had made.  I got 359 views and 13 comments.  I think people probably go searching for Richard Jackson's Flower Power plant food and end up here by accident!

• Another popular post was Jam Splats.  I got 325 views and 15 comments.

• I am beginning to wonder how else I could have used my time over the last 6 years.  In addition to devoting time blogging myself I spend ages reading and commenting on other peoples posts.  Some people never visit no matter how many times you leave a comment on their posts - aren't they even a tiny bit curious about the commenter?

• It is mentally draining to put on a 'joyful' face when all you really want to do is scream and tell your readers what a s**t time you are having and can't keep up with the pretence any longer.  However, as most bloggers don't want to offend and want to please those who take the time and trouble to visit and leave a comment, we tend to refrain from doing so.

• I seemed to have reached a stalemate with my blog.  I have seen other bloggers capitalise on their blogs by offering e-books.  I once purchased one by a  lady who used to leave me lovely positive comments.  After I had purchased her book she never visited here again!

• Some bloggers ask for a small donation for a 'cup of coffee' if you have found their tutorials useful.

• Many more bloggers have had success with commissions, craft fairs, teaching, books, features in magazines etc.  I have seen their names pop up on social media.  They are very good at networking.  They no longer comment on this blog.

• In life I often feel as though I am taken for granted.  Maybe this negative aspect of myself has spilled over into this blog.  Well, I know it has.  I go about my daily business quietly trying not to tread on anyones toes.  I am just here.

• Fewer posts, better quality.  Maybe that will spark an interest again.

Joy in June - Giveaway

You need to be quick for this one!  The first person to leave a comment and write 'I don't mind if I do' will receive the summer sprite decoration featured above.  A nice little bit of 'joy' to receive in the post perhaps?

Joy in June - Chocberry Muffins

Baking is something that brings me joy year round.  I developed this recipe combining two of my favourite things to eat - chocolate and berries!  I used milk chocolate chips and blueberries but raspberries or blackberries would be just as good.  You will need a set of measuring cups.  Don't forget to level off the dry ingredients with the back of a knife in the cups.

Chocberry Muffins

Ingredients
2 cups plain white flour
2 tsp baking powder
1 level tsp salt
1/2 tsp bicarbonate of soda
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup sunflower oil
1/3 cup milk
2 medium eggs lightly beaten
1 tsp vanilla extract
Handful of chocolate chips
Handful of berries

Pre-heat the oven to 190 degrees

Method
Place nine paper muffin cases into a muffin pan.    Stir the first six ingredients together (which are the dry ones).  Mix in the rest of the ingredients apart from the choc chips and berries.  Stir until just combined - do not over mix.  Fold in the chocolate chips and the berries.

Place heaps of mixture into paper cases and cook for about 25 minutes until firm, well risen and golden.

Cool on a wire rack

*  I did a similar recipe click here that used wholemeal bread flour instead of plain white, butter instead of the oil and blackberries.  They are both equally good so take your pick!

Joy in June - Paper Piecing

Inspired by vintage embroidery transfers, I decided to make a paper version of a design that appealed to me.  Firstly I sketched the design and then I copied the design onto paper, cut out the shapes and pieced together.  I am not entirely happy with how this one has turned out so I haven't glued the pieces down as yet.  A little more refinement is in order I think!  She was fun to make and I do love her donut shaped lips!

Joy in June - Collage Card

I have not made a card in such a long time.  A little rusty, but still wanting to have a go, I put together this card using various card and paper, an old book image, rub on transfers and embellishments.  I love the process of choosing and mixing the materials even if I make mistakes along the way! 

Joy in June - Compassion Rose

There has been a spattering of rain today.  Just enough to give the plants a drink and freshen up the dusty paths.  The compassion rose reaches its peak in June.  A pretty flower with the added bonus of being scented too.  As I took this photo a cheeky green spider popped out from between the petals.  Another unexpected joy in June!

Joy in June - Strawberries

Anne from My Giant Strawberry is hosting Joy in June where we have the opportunity to focus on things to give gratitude to and to share what is bringing us joy..

Talking of giant strawberries - my first sun ripened one is giving me joy today.