Hinton Ampner

We had a lovely visit to the National Trust property Hinton Ampner over the weekend.

It's only a small property near Winchester in Hampshire - not too busy and it was a gorgeous sunny autumn day, although a wee bit windy.

OH took his camera so I'll let his photographs do the talking (and yes, he does use filters to get the fabulous effects)

the only thing to add is that they do scrumptious cakes - very generous portions - worth going back just to be naughty.

Just click the photo to see it bigger - although I've reduced each photo in size to stop them being pinched - so unfortunately you can't see them in their full high resolution glory.

Gorgeous Jewellery Showcase

I've just spent a very enjoyable hour browsing the shops of some of my jewellery making friends.  I'm always amazed at the talent and diversity of jewellery makers and thought I'd showcase some of their work here

just click the name of the maker under each photo for more information

Astrids Garden

JCU Designs

Pirate Treasures

Laura Groom Jewellery

Kokokelli

MysticMoon

All the above jewellery makers are advertisers or supporters of SHHIM (Supporting Handmade However It's Made). 

my workroom

We've just been challenged on the Folksy forum to photo and post a picture of our workroom or studio

...BUT we're not allowed to tidy - it has to be just grab the camera and take a photo

so this is my very messy workroom

this doesn't look too bad - taken from the doorway.  If you zoom in you'll see the laptop has the post on the forum open.  The other chair is for the cat who likes to keep me company - although she prefers to sit on the laptop so I can't work and have to stroke her

 I have the TV to keep me company during the day - usually tuned to daytime TV but I've changed the channel to BBC News to pretend I'm a bit more highbrow!  My jewellery making table is an absolute mess - why can't I put things away before I start the next project.

and this is my resin making table - nothing brewing at the mo - just a few items to rub down and finish off.