One Thousand Blog Posts

This is it.  The 1000th post at Linden Grove blog.  Many of you have stayed with me throughout the journey including Rosie, Julia and Judy who all left comments back in August 2008 and whom still regularly comment today!  Rosie left the first comment on 8th August, Judy on the 12th and Julia on the 19th!  Thank you all so much for your loyalty and supportive comments over the years and for your friendship.  I will be sending Rosie, Judy and Julia a little paper crafted something by way of a thank you.

I never imagined that blogging would open so many doors for me.  Doors and windows into the lives of people, that without blogging - I would never come to know. Some days I enter the world of crochet bunny maker extraordinaire,Vivienne, at home in Ireland and see her latest creations with their hand sewn dresses and crochet cardigans, all matching so beautifully.  Other times I am sitting on the porch at a ridge meadow farm in Wisconsin as the night draws in, watching the sunset with Sharon as the chickens bed down for the night.  I am happy to witness life's celebrations in Vermont as Karen talks passionately about her little piece of earth.  Back at Wisconsin, Sharon's daughter Anne is a self taught artist and creator who has made a huge impression on me.  She is kind and intelligent and mastered the art of water colour painting with persistence, hard work and a love for the medium. I sit in her art studio with the cats and watch how she transforms a piece of paper into a botanical observation with meticulous strokes of a brush.  All of these people share a passion for nature, humanity and beauty as do many of my blog readers and commenters.

Of course I am not really in the presence of the great people depicted above.  It is all metaphorical.  They write with such diligence and conviction that I really feel as though I am by their side.

Thank you to all my friends old and new who comment, email and snail mail me.  You have all added an extra dimension to my life and enriched it more than I could ever hope.

If you would like to receive a little paper crafted something from me to celebrate my 1000th blog post then please leave a comment below to be put into the draw.

From the bottom of my heart - I thank you all  💗

Lovely Things from Blogging Friends

I have been fortunate to either win or buy lots of lovely things from bloggers over the years.  I have featured just a few of them above (which were in easy reach).  The latest gift received was from Ann - a lovingly made wooden heart with pyrographic detail that remains in its glassine envelope because I love glassine envelopes so much!  She has some pretty crocheted daffodil brooches on her blog at the moment which she is selling to raise money for the Marie Curie charity.  Please do go and have a look here.  She makes beautiful things.

Now on to the mini celebration kit giveaway.  I cut out equal sized pieces of paper and wrote down each name of the readers that wanted to participate.  I folded the papers over twice and then threw them over my left shoulder.  I had predetermined that the one fallen closest to me would be the winner........and the winner is.........magsmcc. 

Magsmcc, would you please forward your address details to me at simone.lindengrove@gmail.com and I will get your prize posted off to you.  Thank you to everyone that participated and letting me know what you enjoyed about reading my blog

The Seven Year Itch

As of yesterday I have been blogging for seven years!  I have had my ups and downs during that time sometimes revealing more on here than I probably should.  You can see my very first post here.  Unfortunately those first four commenter's never visit anymore and two of them sadly gave up blogging a few years back.  I used to be thrilled to receive a comment in those early days but used to worry that I wouldn't have anything to post about.  I even kept a folder with 'things to blog about' written down in it just in case I was lost for words!

In the last seven years people have come and gone but I have a regular band of people that keep showing up so I must be doing something right!  I don't know how this blog is going to evolve over the next seven years - I guess it depends what is going on in my life and what I choose to share.

To celebrate my blogiversary I am having a little giveaway.  I will be sending a Mini Celebration Kit - featured on previous post - to a commenter randomly selected in a weeks time.  It would be useful to know in the comments which post of mine has had an impact (if any) on you over the past seven years.

Thanks for reading and especially for coming back for seconds!

Simone x

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?

Persevering with Wire Crochet Beaded Jewellery

I am still experimenting with wire and bead crochet jewellery with varying results.  Have you ever tried to unravel wire when you see a mistake has been made?  It is not the easiest of jobs and requires much *perseverance.

I was a little underwhelmed with the response to my necklace giveaway and am at a loss to understand why so many people have declined to comment or enter.  I have done 19 giveaways previously and the   responses to my giveaways in the past have been good and made the process much more fun.    There is still time to enter by leaving a comment on the previous post not forgetting to leave a reason why you would like to win it. 

This has been a very strange week.  Although the weather has been dry and pleasant I have been staying close to home.  I cut the grass on Saturday but feel it was a bit premature as the ground is still so muddy and the blades of the mower kept churning up the earth.  I still need to sow seeds but my heart isn't in it and I do feel that I need to be in the right frame of mind before I attempt to do this.

My voluntary work has come to a standstill at the moment.  The group has got so large that I feel my role has been diminished.  It is such as shame as my voluntary work was the only contact I have with people outside my immediate family.  As the group has grown my confidence has waned.  I am not surprised that now we are into wine production and not just maintaining vines, everybody wants a piece of the action.

Today I feel as I am on tenterhooks.  I need to go out shopping but really feel I need to stay close to home.   Too much time on my hands methinks!  Too much time to worry about silly little things that don't really matter.

I hope that you are all having a nice week and not being a worrywart like me! x

* my word of the year 2014

Bead and Wire Crocheted Necklace Giveaway

Thank you to everyone who took the time to help me decide on what to make next.  The necklace received the majority of votes (4) and then the spring fairy (3), with the OOAK art doll, soap and cat toy receiving 2 votes each.  The earrings didn't receive any votes at all!

It was a challenge making the necklace as I have never crocheted a wire necklace (or any kind of necklace) before!  I had fun choosing the 'beads' and settled on green Russian Amazonite chips and tiny white freshwater pearls.  I crocheted them onto fine silver coloured copper wire.

The necklace is quite short and lies up high on the neck, much higher than the impression given on the bust above.  It is very delicate and pretty and I am sure would flatter anybody.  It is fastened with a silver coloured rope designed toggle clasp.

 Jewellery is notoriously difficult to photograph especially when you just have a shoot and point camera and don't use any special effects.  I really must brush up on my photography skills (something else to add to the 'to do' list.)

If you would like the chance to win this necklace then please leave a comment below indicating why you would like to win it.  Now, when I have done giveaways before I have not asked for anything in return.  On this occasion, I just request that you help to promote my etsy shop either on your blog or Facebook or via Twitter or by any other means you can think of!  It is very hard to get seen on etsy, much like being a needle in a haystack and on most days I have no visits at all and have to resort to Twitter just to try and direct some traffic to my store.

Going back to the suggestions on my previous post, I am going to work my way through the list and make ALL of the items starting with the fairies and then the art doll, soap and cat toy and I may even make a pair of earrings!  Thanks to all that participated. x

Contemplative Angel, Blogiversary and Suggestions Wanted

I feel a bit scattered at the moment and couldn't decide what to photograph so I used a photo from spring last year.  I am feeling much like the contemplative angel sitting above (yet without the serene expression!).  I have so many things I want to make and do that it is difficult to focus on just one thing.  When faced with so many choices and decisions I tend to do nothing and want to either hide away or sleep!  Well, here is where I am hoping that my blog readers can be my saviours!  From the list below,  could you choose something for me to make?  I will make the item that gets the most votes and then offer it up in a giveaway!

• Earrings
• OOAK (one of a kind) art doll
• Soap
• Bead and wire crocheted necklace
• Spring fairy (like the grumpy ones but smiley!)
• Cat toy (with Valerian herb)

Three of the things on the list I have never made so it will be a bit of a challenge!  I do hope that I get as many comments as possible as I am itching to get started!

I missed my 6th blog birthday on 1st March so the giveaway will serve as a celebration that I am still very much alive in the World of blog.

Have a lovely weekend and please do let me know what you would like to see me make and maybe even win it! x

Grump-Fest of Fairies

I have added a few more grumpy fairies to the collection.  Securely attached to their presentation card with the grumpy poem.  Now people can know why the fairies look so disgruntled!

After making so many angry faces I decided on a 'happy' fairy.  She caused me so many problems especially with trying to keep the wings fixed and I am sure that her smile was quite sinister at times!

I am going to give the fairy making a break whilst I concentrate on making some bracelets.  After so many attempts on trying to finish them off, I think I've cracked it.

Grumpy Fairy Giveaway - Please click here.

Another Grumpy Fairy

The fairy is grumpy because of all things

She wasn't given a pair of wings

She tried to fly with a leap and a bound

But soon came crashing to the ground

The fairy folk told her what they had learnt

Wings weren't just given they had to be earned

Be good and be kind said the wise old crow

And before you know it your wings will grow

Simone Whipp 2013

If you want to be in with a chance of winning a grumpy fairy then please leave a comment here or in the previous post.

Grumpy Fairy Giveaway

I had great fun making this pipe cleaner fairy decoration.  No saccharin sweet smile for her though - I forgot to give her wings so she is very grumpy.  Instead of flying up into the trees she has to climb them the hard way!

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning a grumpy fairy then please leave a comment here and I will tailor make one especially for you in the colours of your choice (according to my supplies)!  She is only about 3 inches tall (7.5 cm) and is not suitable for small children.. She is for display purposes only.

I will draw a winner in about a weeks time to give you all a chance to participate.   Good luck!

Ostara

Ostara, otherwise known as the Spring Equinox (vernal equinox) in the Northern Hemisphere. This year the Spring Equinox is March 20th. The day and  night are equal in length all over the World.  We celebrate it officially as the first day of Spring.  The wonderful hare in the photo above epitomises Spring for me.  The mad march hare that bursts with energy, sparring and leaping among the grasslands.

Is that a new magazine? I hear you ask after I pledged not to buy any more at the end of last year.  I didn't buy it.  My son had forgotten to give me a Mother's Day card this year so I said that I would prefer to receive a magazine instead.  A card and gift rolled into one!  I was spoilt for choice looking at the magazines on the stand but instead of reaching for the familiar Country Living I went for LandLove.  It seems much more like Country Living used to be before it seemed to lose its way.  I would highly recommend this magazine if you can get your hands on one.  If you are trying to cut down on magazine purchasing though, why not just buy a really good one each season and read it cover to cover?

To celebrate this new season, I am having a giveaway!  To enter the giveaway then please leave me a comment below and let me know what you would like to win!  Perhaps you would like something handmade by me?  Something to eat?  Something to grow? Something pretty or practical or both!  I will tailor the gift to suit the recipient.  Do not be shy in letting me know what you like.

Wishing you all a lovely Ostara.  I am going to celebrate by giving the house a spring clean!


*The giveaway has now closed.  Thank you for entering!

***********

Friday Cake Bake No.14

The last time I did a Friday Cake Bake was May 2010.  I can't believe it was that long ago!  Anyway yesterday I baked a *Caraway Seed Cake to be eaten today.  Hopefully the seeds will remind me to germinate my ideas over the coming months.  I must jot my ideas down today (after eating the cake!) and watch them evolve as I develop them week by week.  I am excited to have creative juices flowing once more!

I must say a huge thank you to everybody who left a comment on my last post.  It means a lot to me when people like the things that I make.  It was interesting to find out your favourite semi-precious gemstones, flowers and animals.  I was not surprised to see rabbits, cats and roses top the lists although the choice in gemstones was much more diverse.

I used a random number generator to pick a winner for the giveaway.  I put in numbers from 1 to 15 as that is how many people responded to the post.  The lucky number was 13 and the 13th person to comment was Lisa.  Well done Lisa.  Could you please email me with your details so I can get a charm sent off to you.  Thank you to everybody that took part.

* Delia Smith's Book of Cakes

Charmed by Moonstone

Today I have been making some nature inspired charms using genuine moonstone, Lucite bell shaped beads and the most teeny of tiny leaping hares.  Just look at all the light that comes from inside the moonstone.  Beautiful!  I have threaded the charms onto organza ribbon but they can be added to any type of chain, ribbon or cord and worn as a pendant on a necklace.  I have used lilac, soft green and peach coloured beads that all complement the rainbow of colours that emanate from the moonstone.

If you would like to be the owner of one of the charms above then please leave a comment here stating your favourite semi-precious gemstone, flower and animal.  When I feel that I have enough respondents I will draw a name out of the hat or use the random number generator (if I can figure out how to use it!)

The only 'rule' I have about entering the giveaway is that you must have commented on the blog on a previous occasion.

Good Luck

************
This Giveaway is now closed.  Thank you for entering!

Mediterranean Flavour

Having a good blog hop on Monday I discovered an inspirational blog called Ferns at the Balcony.  I was transported to the Greek olive groves and was fascinated to read about the olive harvest whilst the snow here had chilled me to the bone.

Needing to satiate my palette with some good, wholesome Mediterranean food I gathered together the ingredients and made the Greek cake Fanouropita from the warmth of my kitchen.  I had to improvise as I didn't have vostizza currants and had to substitute brandy with Calvados but the end result was quick, easy and tasty..

Today Rose Fern has another delicious recipe on her blog, one I will be making over the coming week, no doubt.  Please go and visit this delightful blog.  It will lift your spirits especially if you look back at some of her older posts too of blue sky and golden beaches.  She currently has a giveaway to win a small bottle of her freshly harvested olive oil.  Be lucky!

A Shop Update and Winners!

I have just updated my shop with two new Birthday cards and two Anniversary cards.  I have reduced the price of a kitty face keyring, the baroque pearl necklace and the wool felt bead necklace.  Please do come and have look as it is always nice to have visitors! :-)

Thank you for the comments on the giveaway post.  I wrote down all the names of people that wanted to take part and asked my son to pick out names from one of my spotty china mugs!

1. Sharon (sallymomsprouts)
2. Lisa (Jumble and Jelly)
3. Julie (KC's Court)

Would you please email your address details to me so that I can send out your bracelets.  Thank you so much to everyone who took part. 

Making Memories

Thank you for the comments on my last post.  I suppose a good reason for blogging is to make memories.  I can look back at what I have done over the last few years and feel a sense of achievement and purpose in my life.

Talking of memories, I have been busy making bracelets on memory wire.  Memory wire is great because it retains its shape and one size fits all!!!  They wind around the arm about four and a bit times and you can wear them higher up the arm or have them loose fitting around the wrist.

If you would like to be in with a chance of winning one, then please leave a comment here stating which one you would prefer to win.  The only other request I have is that you must have commented here previously.

Good luck!

COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED

Giveaway Winner Announcement

All twenty names went into the golden tea light receptacle.  I gave them a good a shake and without further ado or hesitation I took the plunge and pulled out Amanda Claire from Amanda's Patch. 

Congratulations Amanda!  Please email your details to me so that I can get the key ring sent off to you.  I may get some more key rings made up to sell at my Linden Grove Mercantile blog unless I get distracted by paper crafting in the meantime! 

Thank you to everybody who takes the time to comment here, as I know your time is valuable.  Thank you also for your concern regarding my eye test.  I have to have further tests at the hospital to see if there is a problem with the back of one of my eyes but getting an appointment could be a long way off yet.  In the meantime I have updated my look with a nice new pair of designer glasses.  I may even colour my hair this weekend and paint my nails.  (I don't think I have painted my nails for about 20 years!)  Have a lovely weekend however you decide to spend it. x

Keep in the Sunlight

You may recognize these words from the end of the quote in my last post.  I am striving to 'keep in the sunlight' at the moment and trying not to worry about what may or may not happen in the future.  I went for a routine eye test last week.  I came away with a letter for my GP as the optician has noticed something in the back of my eye that needs further examination.  The best thing for me to do in this kind of situation is to keep busy, so I have been keeping busy.  I  have made this tactile keyring.  You wouldn't lose this in your bag now would you?!!!  It is stitched onto a light pink Aida fabric, filled with a polyester filling, and a touch of home grown lavender in the middle.

It is nice and squidgy and backed with a vibrant paisley print.  It has all been sewn entirely by hand and may look a little rustic around the back ( a bit like me!)

I would like to offer it as a giveaway, so if you would like to be entered into the draw then please leave a comment on the end of this post.  Everybody is welcome to enter no matter where they are in the World.

I will pick a winner in about a week's time.

A Daydream

One day I will live on the edge of a market town.  My house will be near enough to civilisation but far enough for isolation.  The house will have enough rooms to accommodate all of my interests.  I will have an art studio, a craft room, a pantry with shelves laden with all types of home made preserves, an apothecary full of lotions, potions and tinctures to both heal and delight.  There will be a library full of books and enough spare rooms for friends and family to stay.

In the garden flocks of chickens and pekins will be able to roam free in a fox-proofed area.  There will be a large vegetable patch and flowers will seed themselves liberally.  Rose arbours will line pathways and a wildlife pond will be home to all kinds of creatures.  At the bottom of the garden is a woodland with a stream running through.  

A squashy-faced lap cat or two will keep my chair warm and I will sell my home made wares across the Internet to my bloggy friends.  Nothing but a dream.  A wonderful, inspiring and hopeful dream..............

The giveaway winner from my last post is.............Rosie from Corners of my Mind.  Rosie could you please email me your details and I will get a surprise package sent off to you.

Embellishments

 I love to collect embellishments.  Fabric flowers.........

 .....natural shell buttons.........

 .....wool felt shapes............

 .....shiny, sparkly things.....

.......feathers, fancy buttons and pom poms!  I am happy to get them out of their containers, look at them, and put them away again!  I really need to start putting them to good use in my crafting!

As I mentioned in my last post, I would like to do a giveaway very soon as a way of thanking my regular commenter's and supporters.  I still haven't decided what the giveaway will be other than something in the way of cards or gift tags so it will have to be a surprise!

If you would like to be entered into the giveaway, then please leave a comment here and a little bit about what sorts of things you like e.g, floral things, cats, dogs, wild animals, birds, traditional or contemporary designs, nature, seasonal, soft colours, bright colours etc.

I am looking forward to finding out what kinds of things you like and will announce the winner's name on my next post!  Good luck! x

The giveaway is now closed.