Gallery
Orkney Islands
A Week of Snow and Ferry Rides
What a weeks it's been! While easter brought celebrations of spring, we were plunged back into winter. It began with 60mph winds and was quickly followed by constant snow showers. It certainly hasn't done my garden any favours and yet I can't deny that it has been a...
Winter in the Orkney Islands
Having lived in the Orkney Islands for 16 months now, we have experienced all of the seasons and while spring has to come in top place, winter is definitely my second favourite. I remember that before moving here, I read some very depressing accounts of Orkney...
Out and About in the Orkney Islands
Although two weeks of lesson planning stopped me sharing on my blog, it didn't stop us from getting out and about in the Orkney Islands. It was my kids holiday fortnight after all and we had two wonderful days, exploring more of Orkney's Mainland. It's only a short 20...
Self-Sufficiency
Sowing Seeds for Years to Come
It was one of those four seasons days today. It's quite a common phenomenon in the Orkney Islands: rain, hail, snow, bright sunshine and blue skies, and high winds all in one day! So, we opted to have an indoorsy kind of day. Matt had managed to get hold of a bag of...
Getting the Garden Started for Spring
As soon as the snow melted, spring arrived on our little island and it has been gladly welcomed. Suddenly the air is full of the sounds of bird calls once again, the willows in our garden are bursting into a mass of fluffy white buds and there are huge drifts of
Having a Handmade Christmas
I have been very absent from this blog through December and the reason has been, that every spare minute has been spent making Christmas gifts. We have a simple Christmas. It has been a gradual process through the years - when I was a child Christmas meant sackfuls of...
Craft for Kids
Woven Easter Placemats Tutorial
This woven easter placemat tutorial, is a great way to introduce kids to weaving and all that you need to do it, is some coloured paper, scissors, ruler, pencil and glue stick. If you haven't got any paper the same size as ours, don't be put off. The measurements are...
How to make Felt Beads
I thought that I would share this little tutorial on how to make felt beads. They're really easy to make and are also a great way to use up little scraps of felt. Older children will be able to make these for themselves, or you could make up a bagful of these, for...
Making Advent Peg Dolls
Making wooden dolls, has been a favourite craft in our house since we started making them last year. Since then, my kids and I have created lots of little characters. Some are just for decoration and others get played with everyday, but all had the same humble...
Basketry & Natural Crafts
Baskets from my Garden
I have been spending some time this week, working with plant-fibres that I have gathered from the garden. Eventually, all of my baskets will be made with materials that I have grown and gathered myself. This idea of sustainable craft, is so important to me. I feel...
Build a Spring Nest Tutorial
Like many other people, I am really glad to see the arrival of spring. If you are hoping to welcome spring into your home, with a nature display or looking for a fun way to present easter gifts next month, then you might like to have at go at making a spring nest. You...
How to Make a Brigid’s Cross for Imbolc
February has arrived and with it, the celebration of Imbolc. So I thought, that I would have a go at making a Brigid's Cross, with some rush from our garden. Common Rush is traditionally used for the making of these crosses in Ireland and fortunately for me, it grows...