Its been a long time since we posted here…life has gone crazy.
However, we are hoping to get back into the swing of things, so let’s kick off with sharing this “mood/style board” from Stafford Cottage, that is featuring some of our Jewellery!
One Year on…
Hello readers, Jen here….Goodness me, time flies…
Almost a whole year has passed since our last post.
Seb is now a whole year old…a real little man.
I have moved down the hill to Rodborough, our first beautiful little home.
A red bricked slice of heaven.
I am now a Working Mama and Seb has discovered a love of art.
I am keeping as creative as time allows…
With a little card making and (sporadic) jewellery making –
I alsoam taking part in One little Word 2015 and GetMessyArtjournal workshops…
wow, a busy bee!
Whats new with you?
Shani has been a busy bee, setting up Hampton Cakes…
Her beautiful artisan cakes are just fabulous.
She made this amazing Bunny Cake for our little man’s Blessing day.
Some exciting news :)
Here at Made in Minch HQ, we are delighted to announce the safe arrival of Sebastian Ray Taylor born on 22.03.14 (hopefully this explains the lack of blog activity and fashion Fridays!) we are really enjoying newborn life and I was even making jewellery during early labour-that’s dedication!
Our maternity photos were taken by the wonderful Camilla Reynolds http://camillacreativephotography.com/2014/04/02/pregnancy-photo-shoot-gloucestershire-maternity-photography/ way back in January.
It was so much fun!Camilla put us straight at ease, in our most beloved place(The common) and we were lucky with the light beautifully caught on camera forever. We are so pleased to capture such a magical time in our life story!
Just thought you’d like to know! Thanks for your support- Jen and baby Seb x
TUTORIAL: Cutaway Cards, Making the most out of my paper!
Hello there, well what a summer we have had here in our tiny town.
Its been full of comings and goings and lots of craftiness.
Whilst making a few cards,
We thought it might be fun to try and make the very most out of our stash.
If you are anything like us, being hoarders crafters, You seem to have something of everything!
Believe us, it is very easy to get overwhelmed
and not know where to begin.
So lets start here!
Just a few basic essential things needed here, although feel free to adapt as you wish!
We thought we would make two cards using just a few tools.
We chose a pretty, sparkly, and floral paper to base the card duo on.
Cut the strip to the length of the card blank.
*Gently* fold in half to get the centre marker.
Punch the first shape carefully.
HANDY HINT: Turn the “Window” of the punch upwards.
This is so you can be fully in control of where you punch.
Repeat (we cut 3 butterfly shapes)
This next step is if you fancy making the background paper on the card embossed.
We use our faithful BIG SHOT Die cutting system, however any brand will do the job!
Place the front of the card in the folder, close the folder
and sandwich the folder between two plastic plates.
Crank the handle and …. ROLL!
Embossing folder: swiss dots
Next, take the plain strip of card and double side sticky tape the back.
(In the bottom corner you can see how the embossed effect looks.)
Carefully stick the plain card down – cut off excess at the sides.
Now its an idea to lay the cutaway layer on top to make sure it works.
We made sure the plain strip was a little wider than the cutaway to make a pretty border.
Stick the cutaway layer. (we used tape again)
Now we used a sparkly pen to add a few coloured spots for interest!
TA-DA!
CARD #2
Using the “left over” butterfly shapes, we simply stuck some pop dots to the back,
embossed the cardstock…
And stuck them down!
Super easy, no fuss or mess at all.
Ta- da!
There you have it two pretty, quick and thrifty cards!
If you are inspired by this, please leave a link to your experiments!
Enjoy….
Handmade Dreams are Made in Minch!
S and J x
Jen :: {{Currently 4}}
Watching :: Neighbours. Im addicted.
Listening: The 1975 :: Chocolate.
This song makes me think of summer driving!
Eating :: Bacon sandwiches… I just cant get enough!
Thinking about: New jewellery designs and sewing ideas for Made in Minch
Wearing :: My new Cotswold stripey canvas shoes!
Looking forward to: Seeing the seaside later this week!
What about you?
How are you doing?
If you fancy playing along please leave a comment and a link to your blog!
Just heading out for dinner with friends – Have a lovely night!
JandS x
Tutorial : Washi Tape Bunting Cake Topper
This is the perfect, quick way to add a little fun to any form of cake, pudding, icecream, pizza… just about anything.
Want to know the best part? You only need a few items that you very much are likely to have in your craft stash already.
1. Knot a length of paper twine onto a kebab stick.
2. Tie them both securely. 
3. Cut a length of Washi Tape, lay it under the twine.
4. Fold the ends over and press together
5. Continue !
6. Carry on until you have created as many flags as you’d like.
7. Decide how you want to shape the flags. Traditional triangle flags or inverted (as above) are both effective.
9. Add them to whatever food, treat or cake you’d like to jazz up a little!
Our beautiful cake from Buttercup Baking.
Could not recommend Sally and her delicious dairy free Summer fruits and meringue butter cream frosted cake more!
Look out for a more in depth feature later on this week …
Happy Weekend!
Handmade dreams are Made in Minch
Fashion Friday : We’re standing in a light that won’t fade.
Hello!
How is your weekend going?
We are basking in the glorious afterglow of another hot day.
Our village definitely comes alive in the summer.
The warm breeze skips over the common and makes for a beautiful evening walk.
Do you have a “go to” place that calms you after a busy day?
The common is definitely ours!
GOLD FOREVER by The Wanted
We’re standing in a light that won’t fade,
Tomorrow’s coming but this won’t change,
Cause some days stay gold forever.
The memory of being here with you,
Is one I’m gonna take my life through,
Cause some days stay gold forever…
The dress is so easy to wear, light and comfortable.
The neutral base colours of navy, grey,cream and purple really come into play here.
Teaming them with bright coral is a fun twist.
These shoes were a birthday present.
They are incredible, 3 clashing colours,
Pink. Purple, coral… tropical!
These are echoed in the bag and necklace. 
Graphic Dress :: Heart at Stafford Cottage
Wedge shoes :: Clarks
Tutti Fruity necklace :: Stafford cottage
Grey bracelet :: Stafford cottage
Star Print bag :: Stafford Cottage
Location :: The Greta Park, Minchinhampton
Styled by :: Jen
Photography by :: James and Jen
Happy weekend, are up to anything lovely?
Handmade Dreams are Made in Minch
Weekend Wishes : Wedding anniversary and a WINNER!
Thank you to everyone that joined in with our Giveaway!
We have a WINNER!
CONGRATULATIONS Kelly!
Let us know which scarf you would prefer
(lime Dragonfly/multi butterflies)
and an address,
and we will get it in the post to you ASAP!
We have had our 3 Year anniversary this week, and I was halfway through making
a special weekend wishes edition…. Drama, Drama…
We spent an emotional anniversary with one of our kitties at the vets…
We will celebrate at a better time, however…
How do YOU like to celebrate special occasions?
A card?
A meal?
We’d love to know!
Handmade Dreams are Made in Minch!
Source: brookefield.blogspot.com via Brooke on Pinterest
Source: funsubstance.com via Jess on Pinterest
Source: pinkpistachio.com via Shelley on Pinterest
Source: simplyandwithlove.tumblr.com via Leo on Pinterest
Source: hellolibbydear.com via Sara on Pinterest
GIVEAWAY & Fashion Friday : And you live your life with your arms stretched out.
Hello there!
How has this week been treating you?
I went for a little potter this afternoon after work to put together a post,
whilst listening to Bright as Yellow by the innocence mission .
Lets talk about the shoes shall we?
My shoes were selected by my 16 month nephew with the most adorable
“ssssoooooesss peeeeessss”
Who am I to argue?
They are really comfortable with a small wedge heel and ankle strap.
One of the features I love, however, is the pattern inside the shoe.
Small details like that matter to me!
What is the element you look for when buying shoes?
The necklace is super light and at £6,
it really isn’t too hard on the pennies,
and looks really special. Win!
THe dress is one of my staple “go to” top/ dresses for this time of year.
It is long enough to be decent for work.
Cool enough that I don’t overheat (a major problem for me)
and covers up in a n elegant way.
The bracelet was a spur of the moment idea.
All you need is a pretty brooch (bee) and a string of freshwater pearls in a bracelet, and BOOM…
a pretty and unusual accessory.
On my explore (whilst running errands) I found these gorgeous
little yellow doors. I was so taken with them, they *had* to feature in here somewhere!
Tunic Dress :: Adini at Stafford Cottage
Wedge shoes :: Brantano
Butterfly necklace :: Stafford cottage
Bowling bag :: Stafford Cottage
Scarf : STAFFORD COTTAGE GIVEAWAY!
Location :: Well Hill, Roof terrace.
Styled by :: Jen
Photography by :: Jen
Happy weekend, are up to anything lovely?
Dont forget to enter our giveaway…details below!
Handmade Dreams are Made in Minch
(International entries are subject to airmail/ postage costs …)
Giveaway will close at Sunday 30.06.13 at 8pm GMT
Just to give you an idea of how big these scarves are, they can be used as a bed runner!
3 Years ago today …
26.06.10
I married my best friend.
Later on this week, I will share a few home made elements and a themed weekend wishes.
Off out for a romantic walk after an emotional roller coaster of a day.
Have a great evening!
Jen@madeinminch
made in minch 
