This beautiful cushion tapestry kit recently caught my eye. Available from Elizabeth Bradley this design, called Pansies, is from the new Blooms series. It’s such a simple design, yet really shows the beauty of this popular flower. The kit comes complete with wool, instructions and printed canvas and you can choose a variety of background colours to create something to suit your home.
The great news is all readers of Country Homes & Interiors can receive a 15 % discount on this tapestry kit. Just quote CHI15 at checkout online, or when purchasing over the phone, 01865 339050. The discount will be valid for one month from today’s date (July 13th 2011).
Read more →Get a head start on your Halloween celebrations and be inspired by these pretty pumpkin and squash lanterns, made by Deputy Editor Sara Bird. Using Munchkin pumpkins and super-small squashes, simply slice off the top and scoop out the insides. (Reserve the flesh for cooking – see our October issue pg 27 for some quick and delicious recipes). Cut a decorative pattern with an apple corer or knife and place a tealight inside, trimming the candle to fit if necessary. Light, then pop the top back on and place on a window sill or at the front door to give a stylishly spooky greeting for guests.
For more Halloween inspiration and creative makes visit housetohome.co.uk
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This is a really easy way to display seasonal garden favourites made by Deputy Editor Sara Bird. Take a clean, dry jam jar and tie a length of ivy around the top in a single knot. Place some conkers in the bottom of the jar then arrange hydrangea flowers inside. No need to add water as the flowers will gradually dry and fade beautifully, making it the perfect fuss-free display!
For more seasonal craft ideas visit housetohome.co.uk
Read more →If you are heading off to Wimbledon to see the tennis this week, why not take these delicious strawberry pots with you in your cool bag. Our Deputy Editor Sara Bird says, ‘Simply chop up fresh strawberries, place in a clear plastic cup and fill with jelly, then put in the fridge to set. Make the covers by cutting circles of cellophane, using a saucer as a template. Place on top of set jelly pot, put a doily on top and press down to shape and fit then tie in place with pretty ribbon. Try Waitrose for cups and doilies and Hobbycraft for similar ribbon and cellophane.
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Deputy Editor Sara Bird has been inspired by the blossoming elderflower trees seen everywhere at the moment. She’s made this pretty petal garland as a home decoration idea. Simply cut out flower shapes from tissue paper then thread onto strong cotton, knotting either side of the flower to secure each in place. For tissue and thread try all good craft shops or John Lewis.
Read more →Take a look at these instructions for the perfect coffee pot cover. The cover’s featured in our out-any-minute June issue. I love the fabric and it’s such a simple make – I don’t know about you but I’ve been meaning to buy one of these for ages… Now I’ll have a go at making one!
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I do like to have a go at little stitch projects whenever I have the time, but they have to be simple and quick, quick, quick… That’s why I love these ‘coasters in an hour’ from the wonderful Australian blog Penelope Waits. They’re a great way to use up old fabric offcuts and – best of all – you can just stick them in the washing machine, give them a quick press and they’re good as new! Click on the link above for instructions.

Make your own fabric coasters