Mince Pie Stars and Palmiers

Just thought i'd share with you my yummy cooking creations from this morning.
I won't take all the credit though.
Lorraine Pascale is one of my favourite pastry chefs, and while watching her show last night
(Lorraine Pascale's Last Minute Christmas)
I was inspired by her Mince Pie recipe.
Here's how mine turned out. I am rather pleased!

My Mince Pie Stars

These yummy delights are Palmiers, great for parties or an alternative for dipping in soup.
This recipe was taken from Lorraine's 'Baking Made Easy' Book.
Hopefully her new cookery book is waiting under my Christmas tree!

Sun Dried Tomato and Rosemary Palmiers

How delicious do they look!?
I guess you could make them with a variety of fillings, but this was the first time i'd made them. So maybe when i'm a bit more confident i'll try something new :)

These are suppose to be for christmas, but honestly?
I don't think they'll last that long! Hahaha xx

Advent Swaps and a Crochet Virgin

Another chilly morning in Oxford today
I can't believe it's Christmas in 6 days! Manic!
I've been meaning to update my blog with my recent advent swaps from my lovely twitter friend Judith
Here are the gifts from last week...

   

Aren't they all fabulous?
I also received 2 Cath Kidston booklets for Day 11 and 19 but i've lost the little tags.
I hope Judith likes her swap items, i've tried my best getting things that she said she likes and enjoys so hopefully i've done my bit :)

With Christmas round the corner, i thought i'd have a go at making some orange and cranberry decorations to hang on each of our doors.
I must say when they were cooking away they smelt delicious! I put them on the radiator for an extra day to make sure they were dry and attatched the cinnamon sticks i brought from a lovely little french market.

I am a Crochet virgin.
I've always wanted to learn and lots of people say it's easier than knitting (which i am a VERY basic knitter) So with my new crochet kit i got from my swap, and a massive book on crochet and knitting for my birthday, i got started. I found it hard learning from the book so turned to good old YouTube for help.
I found a great link to a lady in Australia that teaches how to make little crochet flowers..
For my first ever attempt, i am very pleased with it.
Not bad for my first go eh?

What do you think?

I think i'll turn it into a little brooch for my coat.
I can't believe how easy i found it, i think i'll definatley be sticking to crochet from now on!
Another little project i'm working on is a quilt for my sons 2nd birthday.
He is obsessed with 'The Very Hungry Caterpillar' book, so i ordered some lovely fabric online and cut them up into patchwork squares. But i won't show you a picture just yet ;)

Anyway. Hope your all having a lovely christmas break, and all ready for the big day!
Love to you all, Jodi xx

Food Faces

My second post in 1 day!

Just wanted to share with you one of my 'Food Faces'

Finlay was brought a Food Face Plate from Habitat last year for christmas, and ever since i've been trying to come up with cool dinners that he will love to look at and eat!

I've been following a lovely blog by Mummy Cool who also makes food faces for her little boy.

This was a creation of mine i did yesterday...

Nacho King-Cole

Yummy Nachos with melted cheese and salsa, Mini Chicken and vegetable Fajhita and herby wedges.

What do you think?

Advent Swap Day 3 -8

Evening!
I know i said in my last post that i would blog every other day during the advent swap, but i have a stall at a school christmas fete tomorrow evening so i've been preparing for that.
But here are my lovely swap goodies from the lovely Judith...

How beautiful are they all!?
The sweets are half gone, there were more Reindeers but they've already been strung up ;) The bookmark is in my current read, the soap smells divine, decoration is on the tree!
I hope Judith likes the gifts i have sent/made for her. I will put a bunch of pictures together of Judiths gifts, i forgot to take pictures before i wrapped and sent them! Whoops!

Anyway i better get going, want to get some last minute stitching done before my stall tomorrow!
Hope your all having a lovely week!
Love to you all, Jodi xx

I'ma bad blogger :(

I have been a very bad blogger... My last post was nearly a month ago :(
BUT! I have been incredibly busy and i had a very bad virus that has been sucking the life out of me. Now i'm feeling much better and can start blogging again.
The reason i've been so busy as i have taken part in Hookin With Lala's Christmas Advent Swap. I was a little late putting my name down, but my lovely twitter friend Judith wanted to take part too so we paired up.
I received a lovely box of goodies, and here are my 2 first swap items...

The earrings are beautiful, and i plan to make lots of christmassy cakes, So the cupcake cases will come in very handy!
Really been looking forward to this swap, and i look forward to each days little suprises. Judith doesn't have a Blog and i forgot to take pictures of what i sent to her. So i will get some pictures and post them on the next blog post.

I can't believe its Christmas in 23 days!!
AHHHHHHHH! SO EXCTING :D

Finlay is extremely looking forward to it, we put all our decs and tree up on Tuesday and he loved it! I think it will be nicer for him this year as he understands it a bit more, last year he was just interested in the wrapping paper and boxes.

Anyway, i won't be blogging everyday. But i will put a picture from each day on every other post.
Hope your all having a lovely week, and have a great weekend!

Love to you all, Jodi xx

Craft Stall and Fireworks!

Today was the day of my second Craft stall, and i'm really pleased to say it went quite well!
It was only in a village hall and it wasn't incredibly busy but i did make a few sales.
A lovely lady had said her daughter in Washington DC has heard of my work, wether it's through my Blog or FB page and told her to check my stall out, i was very touched!
There was a range of stalls there, including a jewellery stall which was run by a very nice lady. I ended up buying a lovely pair of green drop earrings, she makes all the glass beads and stones herself. She's in the process of making a website so once it's up and running i'll put a link in my next post.
But here is a picture of my stall, i think it was safe to say i brought the right amount of stock with me...

Tonight we went to the Bonfire and Firework display in Stadhampton.
There was no fee to get in but they asked for a donation, i was very impressed! Food wasn't too expensive either (which is rare!) absolute nightmare getting out of the carpark though!
Didn't take too many pictures, as i forgot to charge my camera... "/

Finlay enjoying the fireworks :)

Did any of you guys go to a firework display? I used to HATE fireworks when i was little, but now i have a little boy myself, i put on a brave face and grin and bare it.
Anyway, i can't really write about what i've been making as i'm taking part in the christmas swap. So it's all hush hush until christmas time.

Hope you have all had a lovely week, and have a great weekend!
Love to you all, Jodi xx

New items, Christmas fete and more...

Hello everyone
I'm very sorry i've been neglecting my Blog recently, but i was away on holiday for a week, and now the family (including me) has the flu.
I have managed however to create some new items to sell on my facebook page and at craft fairs.
What do you think to these hanging Apple decorations?
Perfect gift for a teacher or lover of fruit!

Another item, that was made earlier this morning...
Baby taggie comforter, ideal as a new baby gift or just to spoil your little one! Don't worry, we all do it!
I have some fabric on order at the moment, so there will be some 'girly' ones soon :)

After the disaster that was my first craft fair, and all your lovely comments of support. I have managed to get a stall at a Christmas Fete at Pegasus School in Oxford, my auntie works there which is also a bonus as she says it gets incredibly busy!
I can't show you all the items i have been making as some of them are part of my 2 christmas swaps i'm taking part in. But here are some lovely little decorations...

How cute are they!?

AND....
They are as cheap as chips! I'm selling them for just £2.50 each!!
The little reindeers come in either red or white, and are ready to hang (comes with twine)
My gingerbread men sold so quickly, so i've got some on order and just waiting for the postie to deliver them. Hopefully i'll have some left to actually sell at the stall!

Anyway, i better go. Little man is being very clingy at the moment, and wants a cuddle.
Hope your all having a fabulous half-term week, got any plans?

Love to you all, Jodi xx

Wilbur and friends

I made a new friend for Wilbur...
His name is Daniel the Dinosaur
He's a friendly chap and loves to munch on leaves!

I'm really enjoying making 'Plushies' for my page, all of them will be £5.00
Which i think is a great price, and perfect for stocking fillers, new baby gifts and birthdays :)

What do you reckon?

All my plushies are made with felt, DMC thread and polyester toy stuffing.
I've sewn the eyes on all my plushies so he is perfectly safe for babies and children.

Only a short post today, as my little man has just woken up.
Hope your all having a lovely day, the sunshine is out in Oxford!

Love to you all, Jodi xx

Wilbur the Whale and other stories...

Hoorah!

My business cards have finally arrived!

I've been waiting a long time for these, and i'm very pleased with them!

I can finally promote my business at craft fairs, and i will also be sending a few with sold items through my facebook page.

I've been trying to improve the look of my page by taking professional photos of my items and trying to contact all my likers and letting them know about my new products.

Here is a link to my page:

Oh Sew Beautiful

I'm very sorry i haven't written much on here...

I'm taking part in 2 Christmas swaps, knitting hats for SCBU and making stock for my christmas craft fair.

I'm away on holiday next week, so trying to cram as much in as i can!

Just thought i'd introduce you to Wilbur the Whale.

He's a new creation of mine from my new 'Plushie' range, i'm currently designing some more friends so he won't be alone. Wilbur has already made his way into my FB Page shop, and is a bargain at just £5.00!

He's made with felt, DMC thread and filled with polyester toy stuffing. He has sewn on eyes so is safe for children. Great stocking filler!

What do you think?
I have some other new items in my shop too, so go check them out!
 If there is anything in particular anyone would like to see, please say! I really enjoy crafting and making things and am happy to share my upcoming projects with you all :)

Hope your all having a lovely day/week, what projects have you been getting up too?

Love to you all, Jodi xx

Goodbye Fudge

Yesterday we said goodbye to Finlay's pet rabbit Fudge.
We brought her for Finlay last year as an early christmas present, but the last few months our council tax and rent has gone up. And unfortunatley we agreed to find a new home for her, as we couldn't afford to keep her anymore :(
Luckily a family friend was looking for a rabbit anyway, so she came and picked up Fudge and the hutch yesterday. I didn't know wether to let Finlay say his goodbyes but i didn't want him to get upset and ask where she was. So he said his goodbyes, and they left.
He was heartbroken.



Our friend only lives round the corner from my Mum so it will be easy for him to go and visit. But i've promised him a toy bunny that he can keep forever.
If anyone knows of a good online toy shop or boutique please let me know.

Hope your all having a lovely day x

Run, run, run as fast as you can...

 With Christmas round the corner, and me taking part in 2 of Hookin With Laalaa's christmas swaps, AND doing another craft fair at christmas for a local school.
I've been busy, busy, busy!

But i just thought i'd give you a little sneak peak at some new decorations i'm currently making...

I've made lots of little felt decorations too, but as some of them are part of my swap i cannot show them to you just yet ;)

As it's our first proper Christmas at home this year, i'm trying to make it as homemade as possible!
The theme is Gold & Red
So currently trying to make all my decorations, might even have a go at making a wreath!
I'm really starting to dislike tinsel, so i think i will make some little garlands to go around the tree this year.

Just wanted to say a quick thankyou to Project-Goddess and KandiPandi for your kindness at helping me out with my 'Lets Knit For Charity' appeal.
Kandi sent some beautiful little crochet hats, and PG sent me some white and pink wool.
I've already started making some little pink hats, and just brought some beautiful blue wool.

I'm going away in 10 days for a little family holiday which i'm really looking forward to as i need a break!
But my knitting needles will be coming with me, as i have 1001 things to do in the next 2 months.
Next year, i will be much more organised!! Haha :)

Hope your all having a lovely day
Love to you all, Jodi xx

Lets knit for charity!

I am organizing a little Knit-Together for the Special
Care Baby Unit at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford

I've started to knit little hats for the babies in SCBU, i'm not that talented when it comes to knitting. I can only manage scarfs and hats! Now it's getting colder i thought it would be a good idea to knit little jumpers, cardigans and hats for the little ones.

As it's Christmas soon, i wanted to do something special for their charity SSNAP

This is a subject very dear to my heart...



My son Finlay was born at 32 weeks, weighing just 3lbs
I had the perfect pregnancy (Or so i thought...) When he was born, there were many complications, some i'd rather not mention.
At one point we thought he wasn't going to make it.
If it wasn't for the help of the midwives, nurses and doctors, he wouldn't be here today.
SSNAP really helped me, and i can't thank them enough for the support they offered me and my partner through a very difficult time.

This is Finlay today...

I am so grateful to everyone who works in SCBU, they really are angels.

I would love and really appreciate it if everyone that follows my page would knit maybe 1 or 2 items (Or donate wool, patterns etc.) that i can take to the unit.
My son has 4 routine check-ups every year and his next one is on Monday 7th November
(So ideally items should be sent to me by 1st November)

If anyone would like to help, please can you send me a PM or leave a post on here so i can contact you with my address to send the hats/clothes too.

I've already started knitting...

This little hat would fit a 24 week old premature baby.
If you would like any links to websites for patterns please let me know :)

I hope everyone can take part, it's such a worthwhile cause
The unit doesn't have money to buy clothes, nappies, sensory toys, blankets etc. They rely on donations and support from the government.
If you would like to donate to the charity there is a link on their website

Thankyou for listening to my story
I hope everyone can help out and keep a little one warm this winter with some handmade knitted items

Love to you all, Jodi xx

Currently knitting....

WINTER IS COMING!!
I've decided to knit myself a fluffy scarf for the coming winter months...
This photo was taken last night (It's a bit bigger now)
But what do you think?



Hopefully this won't take me too long :)
I think it's safe to say the summer days are almost over!
Are any of you guys currently knitting anything exciting?

Love to you all, Jodi xx

My Cupcake Swap & Homemade Pizza!

Today i received my Cupcake Swap parcel from
The Krafty Cupcake

I was so utterly suprised about the quantity of goodies i got, and i will admit, like my last swap i entered. I did get a little emotional. Some people are so incredibly kind, and i really hope that Sue enjoys mine.

All my wonderful goodies, Thank you so much Sue :)

Strawberry Scented Cupcake Cushion

Aren't they beautiful? I got 10 of these gorgeous Rose cupcake toppers

I hope you have all had a fabulous Swap, looking forward to seeing all your parcels filled with goodies!

Keep your eyes peeled for a future 100 Follower Giveaway

:)

On another note...

Me and Finlay went for a long walk this morning. We went down the river, to the park, post office (to send m swap parcel) and to Sainsburys to grab some 'pizza supplies'

We made Mini Naan Pizzas, with cheese, tomato, ham and peppers.

I cut up all the ingredients so Finlay could put what he liked on his naan, this didn't work...

He just ate all the ham and cheese!

So Mummy helped him (a teeny tiny bit)

Here is Finlay's homemade pizza!!

Doesn't it look delicious!?

Finlay enjoying his yummy pizza :)

I bought Annabel Karmel's new book 'Top 100 Meals in Minutes'
It is FANTASTIC!
Finlay is much more adventurous with his food now, so really looking forward to creating new recipes.

Hope you've had a lovely day, it's been very sunny here :)
Love to you all, Jodi xx

Meet Maisy...

I love Mice! So I was very happy to see a lovely friend of mine selling some beautiful little Lavender mice on her Folksy!
She arrived this morning, and smells absolutely divine!
I have called her Maisy :)

She was made by Kandi Pandi 
I don't think i could bare hiding her away in my drawers, so i'm yet to find a new home for her.
Maisy does have siblings, so if you want one go and check out Kandi's shop!

Hope your all having a lovely crafty week!
Jodi xx

Bank holiday monday

Just thought i'd share with you a new creation.
My cousin Emma is going away to University in September, so i'm making her a box of 'homely' goodies as a suprise leaving present.
I wasn't really sure what to make, but i know she's taking lots of photos of family with her so decided a photo frame was a good idea...

What do you think?

I've put together some bunting aswel, but not sure what else to do...
Do you have any ideas?

On another note!
How is everyones cupcake swap going? Have you all got in touch with your partners? I'm sending my parcel on wednesday, just need to get a few more bits then i'm done :)

I've just started making some christmas bits now, which will be going into my Folksy shop very soon.

It's only a small post today i'm afraid, been very busy cleaning as my family are coming over for a visit tomorrow, so i'm trying to tidy away all my crafty bits!
Hope you all had a lovely bank holiday weekend xx

Folksy folksy folksy!

Just thought i'd let everyone know, i now have a Folksy :)

http://www.folksy.com/shops/ohsewbeautiful

My First Craft Stall

Me at my very first craft stall

Lavender Bags & Handmade Cards

Patchwork Cushions & Teacup Candles

Pegs, Spoons, Heart Plaques, Wax Melts & Pincushions

Bunting, Hanging Hearts, Plaques and Magnets

Well...
Not sure what to say.
We got to the market at 7:30am to set up and left at 4:00.
I made £26
I'm so incredibly upset, people were walking past and just 'pfft' -ing at my stall. Some lady asked why i was selling Cushions and candles....

IT'S A CRAFT MARKET!!!

I've really been put off from doing a craft market again, i think i'll just stick to online selling
(Not that anyone actually buys anything off me!)
Not sure what else to say...