Getting Ready for a Healthy, Happy and Productive 2017

To say that 2016 hasn't quite gone to plan would be an understatement. I had big plans for all aspects of my life; the blog, the business and our home. With the year whizzing by in a flash along with a few personal challenges and the loss of loved ones, my plans have not transpired.

It hasn't been all bad though. Where I haven't achieved a few of my goals, I have achieved something else. Other than a years worth of fantastic memories with my family, knowledge and motivation are top of my list. I have learned so much whilst running my own business (Hello My PA) and re-discovering my confidence in my professional abilities has served to remind me of my skills and how I can use those in 2017 to reach my goals.

This post isn't about looking back over what hasn't happened. Instead I am taking stock of everything I have learned, getting prepared for the year ahead and declaring that 2017, I am so ready for you.

Healthy Home Improvements

You may recall a while ago I shared with you a piece of furniture that I had saved from a 'skip' pile at a local charity donation centre. Before the weather turned too cold, I got to work sanding down the sideboard so I could get creative. I couldn't wait to get it prepped for some pretty chalk paints.

How to Make a Cork Brooch with London Craft Club

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. 

Our last tutorial before the big weekend is Sonia of London Craft Club. London Craft Club was founded in 2014 by Sonia Bownes to help busy Londoners fire up their creativity. Now she and her team of crafty experts put on original, exclusive craft workshops and socials all round London. If you want to get creative, make gorgeous stuff and meet crafty friends over cocktails and cake, London Craft Club is a great place to get started! 

Here is a little taster with a tutorial for making a crisp sharp cork brooch.

How to Make a Leather Tassel Keyring with Rosanna Clare

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. 

The fabulous Rosanna Clare joins us today to show us how to make this fabulous leather tassel keyring. This would make such a great gift and I LOVE the colour used in the tutorial. 

You will find Rosanna Clare on stand W108 at The Handmade Fair! 

Grandma's Poetry Book by Di Castle

When I was asked to review ‘Grandmas Poetry Book’ I wasn’t sure what to expect. As a ‘journey through the eyes of a grandmother’ I didn’t know if I would be the right readership. However, this book has had a profound effect on me and prompted me to connect with some thoughts and feelings that I hadn’t yet explored.

How to Sew a Cube Pin Cushion by Jessalli

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. If you haven't already planned your visit, don't forget to book your tickets using the special Crafty Bs discount code.

Today, Sophia of Jessalli is showing us how to make a very cute cube pin cushion. I should note at this point that the bee was not a pre-requisit but of course is an apt choice of fabric and I love it! 

Meet The Maker: Jenny from The Gingerbread House

This week, we are meeting Jenny from The Gingerbread House. I love reading Jenny's news, reviews and of course craft projects and today we are getting to ooo and aaaa over here very beautiful rainbow quilt. 

How to Create a Floral Doily Cushion with Cricut

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. If you haven't already planned your visit, don't forget to book your tickets using the special Crafty Bs discount code.

This week we are joined by Cricut. A world leader in personal electronic cutting machines, Cricut enables people to achieve their creative best. For 50 years, Cricut has sold tools that inspire creativity, including the Cricut electronic cutting machine, Cricut Craft Room design software, and the Cricut Cuttlebug embosser and die cutter. Today, millions of people use Cricut products to create projects, and Cricut products have won dozens of industry awards, including, most recently, the Best Innovation Award 2014 from Hobbycraft. You will find them at stand E31 at The Handmade Fair but today they are sharing how to create a floral doily cushion. 

Make a Pompom Garden Seat Cushion with Multipom

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. If you haven't already planned your visit, don't forget to book your tickets using the special Crafty Bs discount code.

This week, Multipom join us with step by step instructions on how to create your own pompom garden seat cushion. They will be at stand W3 at the fair so be sure to pop by, say hi and get your free pompom! 

Meet The Maker: Maura from The Messy Brunette

As you will know if you are a regular reader, I love a bit of crochet. When the image of today's featured item landed in my inbox, I couldn't help but smile. I love the way the colours work together and how they are so bright and cheerful in a calm kind of way. This lovely crocheted blanket was made by Maura from The Messy Brunette.

Making Home Link Up #39: The Real Morning of a Mummy

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

This week for me has been a mixture of wonderful moments and high stress levels. Multi tasking has taken on a new meaning over the last couple days as I have had to keep on task for all of my VA clients, keep the blog a float and most importantly, celebrate a very special birthday. 

Baby B turned a big ol' 5 this week. I cannot believe that it was 5 years ago that my first born made his dramatic entrance into the world. Most odd is the feeling of how long ago it seems but at the same time it feels like yesterday. I remember the whole experience perfectly and our journey as parents at Crafty Bs HQ has been amazing. Every day throws up its challenges but equally brings joy, smiles and complete heart wrenching love. 

Let's be real though. We all have those days. Remember this post about The Morning of a Mummy? Mummy's I know you identify...

How To Create Your Own Air Plant Terrarium by The Indoor Botanist

The exhibitors of The Handmade Fair are back with some great tutorials for you Crafty Bs. If you haven't already planned your visit, don't forget to book your tickets using the special Crafty Bs discount code.

Today's guest will be found on stand E80 at The Handmade Fair this September. With a totally unique range of planted terrariums The Indoor Botanist will bring inspiration, peace and the joy of nature into your home or workspace. In this post, they are sharing how to create your own air plant terrarium.

Making Home Link Up #38: A Legoland Adventure

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

The past week seems to have passed by in a blur. Whilst I am trying to figure out how to reset the anti-flood system on my dishwasher, I'm recalling what I have to update you on.

Meet The Maker: Zoe of ZoFlo

Very recently, I have been enjoying decoupage. I find it a very simple and effective way of making things look pretty and it is very therapeutic. Zoe of ZoFlo also enjoys the craft and is sharing something she made recently on #MeetTheMaker this week. 

Making Home Link Up #37: How To Survive The Summer Holidays

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up! 

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

We're back! I hope you have missed the #MakingHome link up as much as I have for the last couple of weeks. We took a little break whilst we shared some great interviews with exhibitors and crafty folk who will be attending Kirstie Allsopp's, The Handmade Fair this September. If you missed the series, you can catch up with the interviews here. I recommend you do. If you are heading to the fair, there are some exclusive offers on the blog and if you haven't got your tickets yet, there is a special discount code to be found in each post as well as a link win tickets for the event! To say I am excited about the fair is an understatement and having interviewed lots of the people going, that excitement is now top level. I have already planned what food I want, what coffee I want, what stalls I NEED to go to and in some cases, I already know what is going to be on offer and I have started a fair fund! Anyway, I digress.

Ernest Wright and Sons Ltd via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

For our final instalment, we have something a little different. Ernest Wright and Sons Ltd have been producing hand crafted scissors since 1902. As a household name, supplying long lasting beautiful tools for everyday projects, I couldn't pass up an introduction to the company from Managing Director Nick Wright before The Handmade Fair. 

Gabrielle Vary Knitwear via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Confession time. I have an addiction to scarves. Alongside biscuits and stationery, they are just something I can't say no to. I have found a BEAUTIFUL collection of them on Gabrielle Vary Knitwear (i literally need them all) and I will be visiting designer Gabrielle at the fair for sure. 

Ama Gyan via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Amma of Me by Amma Gyan is sharing a homemade decor item made from material from a scrap store. If you're a regular reader, you'll know this is right up my street. 

Hayley Louise Crann via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

I have always been fascinated by the ability that some people have for translating beautiful life like designs onto paper with the use of pencils. Such a simple tool means that beautiful prints like this one, depend solely on talent of the creator. In this case, the artist is Hayley Louise Crann.

Unique of Le Ekhaya via Meet The Makers of the Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

This bright statement piece is being shared by Unique of Le Ekhaya.

Rosie of The New Craft House via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair 2016

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Rosie Scott of The New Craft House joins us today for a bit of a natter about first time nerves, a craft blog that turned unexpectedly into a business and running workshops at festivals this summer! 

Michelle of Stupid Cats via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Who doesn't need notebooks? Who doesn't need stupids cats in their life? You absolutely have to check out Stupidcats. Read on to find out more about Michelle, the creator behind Dave and Co! 

Made by Lottie Day via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Today, Lottie Day shares on of her most popular handmade items and I can see why they are! 

Tamsin Francesca Jewellery via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

If intricately designed, hand crafted, statement jewellery is your thing, you do not want to miss today's interview with the extremely talented Tamsin of Tamsin Francesca Jewellery

Felt Mistress Louise Evans via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Felt Mistress Louise Evans won't be at The Handmade Fair, but this guy will! Read on to find out more. 

Jenny Henry Designs via Meet The Makers of the Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

This beautifully designed needlepoint cushion was created by Jenny of Jenny Henry Designs and she joins us for today's interview with an insight to her crafty world. 

Sallyann’s Handmade Bags via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Today we are chatting with Sallyann who creates handmade bags, just like this one.

Laura of Hashtag House via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

Next up is Laura of Hashtag House sharing some artwork that she has created with the use of laser engraving. 

Genevieve of Floss and Mischief via Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair

Welcome to our #MeetTheMaker special, Meet The Makers of The Handmade Fair. Every day for two weeks we will meet some of the fabulous creatives who will be attending this year's Kirstie Allsopp's 'The Handmade Fair'. The fair will run from 16th - 18th September 2016 at The Green (Hampton Court Palace).

Don't forget to use your special Crafty Bs discount code when you are booking your tickets! You can also win yourself some tickets here.

We kick off with meeting the talent behind this beautiful cross-stitch beetle, Genevieve of Floss & Mischief

Making Home Link Up #36: The Ultimate Caravanner’s Cook Book

Welcome to the #MakingHome weekly link up!

Be inspired by posts all about moving house, home decor, DIY, crafts, family activities, recipes, gardening and more. It’s all here under one roof at Mrs Crafty B’s.

Don't forget to join in and link up your own posts. The linky is open from Friday until Tuesday. Find out how to take part at the end of this post. 

Whilst we are enjoying making our homes beautiful, it's always nice to go on an adventure. The summer months are upon us (well, sort of) and we are seeing caravans appearing on the roads being towed by excited families ready for their summer jollies. 

Very recently, I was invited to contribute to an e-book with these families in mind. With hundreds of thousands of Brits every year taking their home away from home, 'The Ultimate Caravanner's Cook Book' is an essential guide to easy home cooking in the caravan.

The Ultimate Caravanner’s Cook Book