A new blog header and a lovely, sunny weekend - life is good!

Introducing my new blog header! It's taken me every evening after work this week to cut, so it was a time consuming piece but I think it was worth it! What are your thoughts? Should it stay?

Disaster nearly struck as I had forgotten to mirror the year (top left) when I drew it from the cutting side. Thanks to my Dad's eagle eyes, disaster was averted and the date is the correct way round!

Here are some more close-ups of the papercut.

new blog header

I like the idea of having to look at it for a while to find all the little details hidden among the flowers. There are a whole variety of things to spot, from teapots (see below) to bees and butterflies.

new blog header

There are also a few stars hidden in there too.

new blog header

At the beginning of the week I also completed another heart commission to be given as a wedding present. I'll be able to reveal that one when the big day is over later this year!

My Mum and Dad came to stay on Friday night, and, as luck would have it, the weather has been absolutely stunning.

We took the opportunity to get out exploring the lovely North Devon coast, walking from the south end of Westward Ho! around the corner and along the South Devon Coast Path.

South West Coast Path Westward Ho

It's warmer than it has been in a long time and a sure sign that spring is in the air. It makes me feel very happy to be outside enjoying such incredible scenery, catching some rays and much needed vitamin D.


The colours at this time of year in England are so vibrant. There's something lovely about these tufts of springy grass on weather-worn mounds of earth.


Mum and Dad went home on Saturday evening, so Sam and I took advantage of a second day of sunshine for a little road trip to Bude, about 40 mins south and just over the border into Cornwall.

We took a little walk along the breakwater for a closer look at the crashing waves. The surf was amazing today - a little too big for most of the surfers braving the winter-chilled sea!

This photo shows the view from the end of the breakwater across the bay of Summerleaze Beach and back towards the town.

Summerleaze beach, Bude

After an ice cream we set off north along the coast, past Crooklets and on to Northcott along the South West Coast Path. The views were beautiful across the sea and coast, and back across the fields.

view towards crooklets, bude

A ladybird hitched a sneaky lift on Sam's shoulder!

lady bird on t-shirt

After a brief pause to admire the view, we set off back to Bude for a well-deserved pasty from Tasty Pasties - and they are just that, yum!

When we got back it was still sunny in the garden, so the sun-worshipping continued, this time with a book and lounger.

As it got a little chilly, I came inside and finished a sleeveless top sewing project that I started on Saturday evening. I adapted it from a few patterns and the block that I made last week, which may explain why it's not quite right!

sleeveless top sewing project

The little tucks in the neckline weren't originally intended, but when I tried it on the neck was a little baggy so I improvised.

sleeveless top sewing project


It needs a good iron!

sleeveless top sewing project

The back went a little wrong as I didn't line up the shoulder darts with the waist ones, so there was a baggy part between the points of the darts which I just pinched together and bodged so its still a bit lumpy.

Not bad for a first attempt though and it'll teach me to match my darts line up next time!

I'm sharing today's post at Handmade Harbour, Manon Popje's Illustrations, Be Different Act Normal, Lamb Around and Tatertots and Jello

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Clare Willcocks: A new blog header and a lovely, sunny weekend - life is good!

Sunday 9 March 2014

A new blog header and a lovely, sunny weekend - life is good!

Introducing my new blog header! It's taken me every evening after work this week to cut, so it was a time consuming piece but I think it was worth it! What are your thoughts? Should it stay?

Disaster nearly struck as I had forgotten to mirror the year (top left) when I drew it from the cutting side. Thanks to my Dad's eagle eyes, disaster was averted and the date is the correct way round!

Here are some more close-ups of the papercut.

new blog header

I like the idea of having to look at it for a while to find all the little details hidden among the flowers. There are a whole variety of things to spot, from teapots (see below) to bees and butterflies.

new blog header

There are also a few stars hidden in there too.

new blog header

At the beginning of the week I also completed another heart commission to be given as a wedding present. I'll be able to reveal that one when the big day is over later this year!

My Mum and Dad came to stay on Friday night, and, as luck would have it, the weather has been absolutely stunning.

We took the opportunity to get out exploring the lovely North Devon coast, walking from the south end of Westward Ho! around the corner and along the South Devon Coast Path.

South West Coast Path Westward Ho

It's warmer than it has been in a long time and a sure sign that spring is in the air. It makes me feel very happy to be outside enjoying such incredible scenery, catching some rays and much needed vitamin D.


The colours at this time of year in England are so vibrant. There's something lovely about these tufts of springy grass on weather-worn mounds of earth.


Mum and Dad went home on Saturday evening, so Sam and I took advantage of a second day of sunshine for a little road trip to Bude, about 40 mins south and just over the border into Cornwall.

We took a little walk along the breakwater for a closer look at the crashing waves. The surf was amazing today - a little too big for most of the surfers braving the winter-chilled sea!

This photo shows the view from the end of the breakwater across the bay of Summerleaze Beach and back towards the town.

Summerleaze beach, Bude

After an ice cream we set off north along the coast, past Crooklets and on to Northcott along the South West Coast Path. The views were beautiful across the sea and coast, and back across the fields.

view towards crooklets, bude

A ladybird hitched a sneaky lift on Sam's shoulder!

lady bird on t-shirt

After a brief pause to admire the view, we set off back to Bude for a well-deserved pasty from Tasty Pasties - and they are just that, yum!

When we got back it was still sunny in the garden, so the sun-worshipping continued, this time with a book and lounger.

As it got a little chilly, I came inside and finished a sleeveless top sewing project that I started on Saturday evening. I adapted it from a few patterns and the block that I made last week, which may explain why it's not quite right!

sleeveless top sewing project

The little tucks in the neckline weren't originally intended, but when I tried it on the neck was a little baggy so I improvised.

sleeveless top sewing project


It needs a good iron!

sleeveless top sewing project

The back went a little wrong as I didn't line up the shoulder darts with the waist ones, so there was a baggy part between the points of the darts which I just pinched together and bodged so its still a bit lumpy.

Not bad for a first attempt though and it'll teach me to match my darts line up next time!

I'm sharing today's post at Handmade Harbour, Manon Popje's Illustrations, Be Different Act Normal, Lamb Around and Tatertots and Jello

Labels: , , , , , , , , , , ,

15 Comments:

At 9 March 2014 at 14:59 , Blogger Ginx Craft said...

The photos of the Devon coast look lovely. Perhaps we have made it through the winter.

 
At 9 March 2014 at 15:20 , Blogger Unknown said...

I'm in LOVE with your header, it is absolutely amazing! you ROCK!! :) Michelle

 
At 9 March 2014 at 15:28 , Blogger Unknown said...

Thanks Michelle :D

 
At 9 March 2014 at 15:32 , Blogger vicky myers said...

Great pictures, I agree sunshine and vitamin D is rather good:) I love the pleats in the neckline, you would never know they weren't planned!

 
At 9 March 2014 at 15:34 , Blogger Liz said...

Wow, love the header Clare and good first try on the top, we all learn from our happy accidents xxx

 
At 9 March 2014 at 15:43 , Blogger Fiddly Fingers said...

Love all the intricate bits in the header, you have the patience of a saint! Great first attempt at the top and a gorgeous colour :) Your pictures around Bude show a perfect way to enjoy the sunshine!

 
At 10 March 2014 at 03:14 , Blogger Jan said...

I've never been around the areas in your photo's but it looks stunning and well worth a visit. I love your header too, I like the way a papercut can be changed by changing the backing. Love the teapot and all the other little details.
Well done on your top, the tucks look like they are supposed to be there. :)
Jan x

 
At 10 March 2014 at 05:25 , Blogger ike said...

OMGoodness - the Blog header sooooo rocks !!! You are absolutely amazing at this intricate cutting schtuff - I am in awe !!!
Fabulous scenery - I really love that part of UK. So pleased you are having good weather.
Great job with the sewing.... don't worry - these things all come with practice :-D

Huggies

IKE xxxxxxxxxxxx

 
At 10 March 2014 at 06:33 , Blogger Unknown said...

Wow your new blogger header is Amazing!!! So impressed!

 
At 10 March 2014 at 06:41 , Blogger Unknown said...

Lovely blog post, and for a job that didn't go to plan the top looks good

 
At 10 March 2014 at 13:53 , Anonymous Teresa said...

Love your scenic photos - it's such a lovely part of the country. I am in awe of your papercutting - I have no patience with that type of thing and am so jealous!!

 
At 10 March 2014 at 16:15 , Blogger Unknown said...

I think those tucks are a great finishing touch. Can't imagine you wearing the top quite yet. Must still be chilly along the coastline. Beautiful pictures. You live in a great part of the country!!

 
At 12 March 2014 at 08:00 , Blogger Lucy Blossom said...

Of course your blog header should stay - it's amazing, and now that you've pointed out some of the little details I'm going to get a cuppa and look closely at it for a while and see what I can spot.

 
At 12 March 2014 at 10:24 , Anonymous Anonymous said...

I love your top, he colour is really vibrant and you should be proud of yourself!

 
At 5 April 2014 at 14:49 , Blogger Moois van mie said...

waaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaww!!!!!!!!!!

 

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