Bags and Books

Last night was Book Club night.  Guess what - we talked about the book for almost 10 minutes.  A record I believe.  I was most proud as I had chosen the last book - The Crimson Petal and The White - the general consensus was good/very good.  Did I read it? urm no I failed to buy enough copies and have not got around to getting one.   S is lending me hers when she has finished.  The book this time is Water for Elephants but unfortunately the online delivery had not arrived so we have to wait a few more days.  Will have  a large pile of books to read.  Good stuff.  Book Club is always such fun we really do have a laugh and giggle and last night I had my first slice of CAKE in 8 weeks.  Oh my goodness it was absolutely delicious SM who hosted the party is a fabulous maker of cakes.  Chocolate with delicious chocolate butter cream icing.  Heaven in your gob as we say in our house.

Now to the bag part of my post.  Two weeks ago I made myself two new holiday bags.  I spied a tablecloth in a second hand shop and when I discovered it  had pictures of places of Cornwall on it I was tres excite.  I loved the colour combination and when Louise asked if I would like to have a sewing day on a workshop I grabbed the chance and off I went to make a new holiday bag.  Not many sleeps and then we will be on our way to Cornwall.  We  love it and can't wait for the break.  We stay on a caravan site in a static caravan.  The site is very quiet and peaceful and we have been a fair few times so it is a little like home from home.  The nearest town is Helson but we are only a stones throw from St Ives, St Michael's Mount, Penzance, Falmouth etc.  Bliss.  Here are the bags I made to take with me.

A small handbag and a larger over the shoulder number

Oh how I love St Ives

I was very pleased with the results

Inside details

St Michael's Mount

Front view

Inside pocket

The Island at Newquay - many happy teenage holidays spent in Newquay - we used to get burnt to a crisp as was the fashion in those days - the redder the better - if only we had known - I am much more careful now!

I thoroughly enjoyed making these bags.  The patterns where in Louise's extensive pattern collection the fabric from my stash.  One holiday tablecloth, an old thrifted linen tea towel (the stripy yellow, orange and blue fabric), Laura Ashley vintage blue fabric, old sheet for lining and some East of India spotty ribbon.  

When my Mum saw it she loved it so much I made her one too

Truro Cathedral

Falmouth

Stripy ribbon - I did a button tab for Mum to make it a little more secure

So Diane if you see a bag like this whilst you are in Cornwall it will be ME.  

Cakes for Betty

Betty was due to return from her holiday in France on Sunday evening so I set about making her some fairy cakes to welcome her back.  Also she had not had a cake on her actually birthday - we tried Nellie baked her a large cupcake cake but alas it was not in the oven long enough and the middle was runny.  Disappointing but after a blast in the microwave it was delicious with custard.  Nellie is a very good baker and cook - she is dreadfully messy whilst she is doing it - but I suppose I can cope with that - I can, I can - actually I can't the mess is awful yukity yuk.

I have got some lovely photos but I can't download them it is taking ageeeees.  Any tips on downloading would be most appreciated.

Anyhow as Betty was going away the day after her birthday we decided it wasn't a good idea to make another one.  I did tell her that there would be something on her return.  Whilst in bed, not sleeping so well, ideas popped into my little brain.  Disney themed fairy cakes - the possibilities were endless.  I had a few ideas of my own and then I Googled - or Boogled - myself silly with all the ideas. 

I bought the cakes from Morrisons - thinking it would save me time - it did.  It also made is easier to ice they were all the same shape and size so I didnt have to bake loads of cakes to get the right shapes etc.  We had 12 each to decorate Nellie and Belle made theirs after I had done mine.  I had great fun but Belle got a little bored with hers so I finished them off with some ready made frosting from Morrisons.  A new line I think I didnt like it much it had a strange texture - taste not bad - but not as good as home made buttercream icing.
I was going to do a reveal here with a photo of the cakes but I can't seem to get the photos on here.  I will try tomorrow because I really must go to bed now I am fair tuckered.  (very tired).

Can you see this - I did it - I got a picture on and it only took seconds not half an hour - Great success

The alien from Toy Story

Drink me from Alice in Wonderland and a Fairy Wand



Can you see any more?

A toadstool from Alice, a fairy crown, 101 dalmations, mickey and minne and a glass slipper.  I had such fun.  Actually I think my bestest favourite is the top one with the tiny flowers and pearls and SPARKLES or if you are from Yorkshire  shunkley (don't know how you spell it).  

Well photos on but font is different and I don't know why.  Ah variety is the spice of life.

Been charity shop shopping today - so exciting - well for me anyway going again tomorrow with my friend Louise we are going to race each other around the market to get the best buys.  Ha Ha wonder who will win.  Will post about it tomorrow and show and tell my purchases