noodleBubble niceBlog

Making Cress Shapes

2012-02-14T03:30:00.000Z

In the middle of Half Term? Here's something fun to do...

You Will need -

Small Child

Biscuit/Cookie Cutter Shapes

Plastic Tub

(or plate -as long as flat- tub works best as it'll contain 'overwatered' cress)

Absorbent Paper

Toilet Roll/Kitchen Roll

Cress Seeds

Take the Absorbent paper -

fold it to fit into your container

Press It Down

Pop your Biscuit/Cookie Cutter Shape on the Tissue

WATER WELL
Shake CRESS SEEDS over the tissue INSIDE the shape

Pick up the ones that strayed outside the shape

Make sure the shape is covered

Label - think we've labelled this Good To EAT?

...Keep watering Well...

CHECK DEVELOPMENTS EVERY DAY / HOUR!

WOWSER!

Woof Woof!

Now boil an egg and go and enjoy an egg and homegrown cress sandwich... Ooooh! Careful how you open the egg you could make a Cress Hair man with that shell ...

Happy Half Term X

Monthly Make

2012-02-13T06:30:00.000Z

''If you fancy committing to make at least one item every month then this group is for you!! Hopefully making a pledge will give us all a much needed kick up the butt and might even spur us into a frenzy of mad making!''

...in theory making SOMETHING every month shouldn't be THAT hard should it...

We'll see how I get on this year - it's organised by THE FELT FAIRY
you can JOIN IN at any stage
each month there'll be a different Flickr group to add your MAKE to ...

happy making!

desperately searching leather boots....

2012-02-12T10:55:00.000Z

Hello I am looking and have been for over a year for some Boots...they look a little like this but HAVE to, have to, HAVE TO be Leather....

have YOU seen any?

daffodils...

2012-02-10T06:30:00.000Z

Remember the monthly challenge I joined in with on Folksy...and the ensuing twitter debate on numbers of petals a daff may or may not have...

Well here's my entry - it's got 6 petals.

Some other Daffodil themed items from folksy-

true so true...

2012-02-08T07:00:00.000Z

Source: madiganmade.com via Lucy on Pinterest

Heart Swap

2012-02-07T04:30:00.000Z

Well hello lovelies, have found yet another swap...

HEARTS this time...

''This month’s swap asks you to create something with the theme of a Heart. The item you send to your swap partner is handmade together with a bought treat in the swap package which must not exceed £3 in value''

Like last months Owl Swap it's organised by Popular Crafts Sign up by 16^th February 2012 and post your handmade heart out by the end of March.

off with her head...

2012-02-06T12:45:00.002Z

...its 60 years today

since the queen came to the throne...

Do you think Philip took her a milky brew in bed this morning?

Or at least offered to take the corgis round the block-

it's right slippy out.

There's CELEBRATIONS a plenty planned

2, 3, 4 and 5 June.

I quite fancy A street party

unless I'm thrown into the tower after this post

Dala Horse for #Pinaddicts Challenge

2012-02-06T06:30:00.000Z

First Monday of the Month so time to reveal to you my

#Pinaddicts make for January...

Whilst the idea of the challenge was probably to actually
make some of those tutorials that you've pinned...

I've chosen an object from my 'Need It' pin boards...

I chose to make a Dala Horse because

(shh! Secretly) I have become a tad obsessed...

...I keep bidding on ebay

& scouring shops but as yet haven't been successful....

and I'd like one to call my own....

....so reached for the felt

he's all hand cut and hand stitched

I did have fun making it and now
I've got my very own Dala Horse!

Pinterest is VERY addictive but a fab wealth of
'resource idea inspiration'
and I think a MUST for any creative -
My boards are HERE

If you're not on Pinterest and would like an invite
just leave your email address in the comments below.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

remember last sunday...

2012-02-05T08:00:00.000Z

... you know when I couldn't find the dining room table....

It was ACTUALLY because rather than tidying and hoovering...

I thought it was IMPORTANT to get this monstrosity covered-

It was a real quick fix...

1st - HOOVER SEAT

Then Unscrew it

(with a knife- saved half an hour looking for

garage keys then finding tool box

ONLY to find it empty...you know the drill...

if there's a corner - cut it.)

I've used an existing cushion cover-

trim so fits over seat pad

and can be tucked neatly under

Fabric Glue (I used copydex)

the existing cushion on the base

Pull the new fabric over the seat

and press down hard.

Flip it and screw back to stool

I put a little briwax on the wood

because it had been sanded slightly.

Stand back, ADMIRE

then tidy up your house

(there's room in the stool to shove a fair bit in)

Weekend reads....

2012-02-04T04:30:00.000Z

In the press a lot at the mo are The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins as a film is due out at the end of next month...

They ARE cracking reads -

''Katniss is a 16-year-old girl living with her mother and younger sister in the poorest district of Panem, the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send one boy and one girl to appear in an annual televised event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but one thing is constant: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by lottery, Kat steps up to go in her place.''

Although aimed at a Young Adult market I read the trilogy one after the other over New Year & I have to admit Life did grind to a halt...I've had reports of snappy children - not wanting to be disturbed whilst reading them and also parents having to hide the books until homework is done OR so their child actually gets some sleep.

Wonderful!

As a long time red eye sufferer from nights

'just one more chaptering'

it warms my heart that the next generation are enjoying books as much as I do...

have a good w'end x

Folksy February Challenge

2012-02-03T05:30:00.000Z

The theme for the Folksy Challenge in February is

St. David's Day and Wales.

As last month (theme Scotland/Burns night) the rules are the same - make something to sell in your shop fitting the theme. For full details and sign up just click the link above.

Whilst fiddling with felt & staring at Daffodils waiting for inspiration to bite me on the bum I realised all the daffodils in the vase in front of me had

SIX PETALS.

I made a quick six petalled bloom but counting petals on daffs became my obsession and as oft, when on my couch I lie In vacant or in pensive mood I instantly thought of twitter to find out the wider picture

noodleBubble Lisa Williams

Twitter I need your help -Do Daffodils ALWAYS have 6 outer petals? Performed limited research here on bunch of ten - they all have 6 petals.

4 hours ago Favorite Reply Delete

tattooed_mummy retweeted you

4 hours ago :

Twitter I need your help -Do Daffodils ALWAYS have 6 outer petals? Performed limited research here on bunch of ten - they all have 6 petals.

LitlemouseLilly Clare Porter-Carey

@noodleBubble think it might depend in the type of daffodil - my mum grew lots of varieties.

noodleBubble Lisa Williams

@LitlemouseLilly ah! Good point.

PeteBrassington Pete Brassington

@noodleBubble Usually the three outer segments are sepals, and the three inner segments are petals

LitlemouseLilly Clare Porter-Carey

@noodleBubble why do u need an exact number?

noodleBubble Lisa Williams

@LitlemouseLilly Don't get out much... Was making some last night out of felt & got me wondering when all mine had 6.

johnp0 john paton

@noodleBubble unless they grow near nuclear power stations. #iwanderedlonelyasacloud

LitlemouseLilly Clare Porter-Carey

@noodleBubble lol :) umm that reminds me I need to finish my dafodil fairy illustration

ShutUpTimmy Tim

@noodleBubble Daffodils are monocots. Which means its petals will be in multiples of three.

ShutUpTimmy Tim

@noodleBubble (Dicots are multiples of 4 or 5)

Chastity_Flyte Chastity Flyte

@noodleBubble This is BRILLIANT. Right at the cutting edge of research.

noodleBubble Lisa Williams

@Chastity_Flyte Not wearing goggles but may get some later.

Chastity_Flyte Chastity Flyte

@noodleBubble Stop it. Next you'll be saying you have egg down your lab coat.

noodleBubble Lisa Williams

Twitter is SO clever- as expected has a lot of daffodil experts. Thank you all. *reaches for yellow felt*

So there we go none the wiser really, shocked by the vast amount of knowledge at my fingertips and will probably continue to call the outside bits of daffs petals. Such fun.

Next time you're near a daffydowndilly, please, count the petals and let me know!

January Sales

2012-02-01T00:30:00.000Z

January is usually a quiet time for me...

but not this year.

I seem to have had a very busy month online over at Folksy

...lets hope it continues through the year!

Tutorial Tuesday - Lacy Votives

2012-01-31T15:00:00.000Z

Following yesterdays little teaser - the super sexy Lace Votives.. I had to have a go -

The ones I'd pinned had been sewn and looked a lot nicer than the ones I've created but for a quick fix try this way -

First gather Lace, Glass Votive, PVA & Spreader

and if you're working on the best dining table something to glue on.

Cut Lace to fit around your votive

Awful Pic- sorry - it WAS a rainy day project.

COVER the lace (reverse if two sides) with PVA

Start at a corner and
wrap the glued lace around the votive

PRESS firmly against glass, glue may squidge over your hand at this stage

Wipe excess glue from hand over jeans

Wish you hadn't

nB Lace will dry hard

Wait til its dry

or if you can't be bothered grab candle and light immediately

Bask in glow of a quick project completed or

Get carried away and start covering
EVERY glass object in the house in lace

PUT THE MILK BOTTLE DOWN

on a serious note - am collecting jam jars to give similar treatment in white lace or brodarie anglaise for a vintage chintzy outdoor tea party in the summer....
Can someone remind me of this later in the year please?

Super Sexy Lacy Votives...

2012-01-30T15:00:00.000Z

Source: google.co.uk via noodleBubble on Pinterest

Aren't they delicious - another PIN from my Pinterest boards - These are from Camilla at Family Chic

Pop back tomorrow to find out HOW!

MISSING.

2012-01-29T11:30:00.000Z

Sorry,

Has anyone seen my dining room table...

last properly seen I think on New Years Eve
...when it disappeared under a sea of bottles and glasses...

I suspect it may be under here but I really quite need it as

Heather and her blondies are coming for lunch in a bit.

Hope you're having a lovely weekend X

This Weeks Work In Progress...

2012-01-28T09:30:00.000Z

Check out my compartmentalised WIP... O SEW TIDY!

Blimey that looks very organised and neat - scary how the camera can mislead. It actually looks like I've been burgled upstairs in the workroom so I've been sewing on the sofa in front of films this week. Naturally have now managed to litter downstairs with baskets of wadding, bags of felt, random felt cutouts, templates, half finished projects and ugh threads...threads... threads are hanging from every outfit & chair.

So,what have I been working on? In the picture are new design flowery brooches destined for my Folksy Shop which just need finishing off. I'd set myself a target this year-as I sell an item immediately replacing it but am struggling to keep up with the sales at the mo. I haven't photographed the owl themed item I'm sewing as that's for a swap and want to surprise ...Oh and also in there are some dala horses for the #pinaddicts challenge.

Just thought - I'm scheduling my blog posts as won't be in on Saturday so by the time this actually posts I expect with my fantastic organisation and efficiency they'll actually all be finished, photographed and listed...yeah yeah...and my house will be tidy too.

have a lovely weekend all X

Folksy Finds !

2012-01-27T07:00:00.000Z

If you're a fan of folksy on facebook

head over to check out (and enter) their latest comp -

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000Z

Source: dustjacketattic.blogspot.com via Alyssa on Pinterest

No Sew Bunting...Tutorial Tuesday

2012-01-24T10:00:00.000Z

When Faced with a suitcase of Free Vintage Fabric
what 's a girl to do?

MAKE BUNTING!

I'd got the fabric from our local resource centre whilst stocking up on bits for a crafty weekend with noodleBubble Junior so wanted the project to be something we could both get equally involved in i.e No Sewing Machine.

SO please Gather together
at your tidy work spaces

Variety of Fabric,
Fabric Glue (I use Copydex)
Bias Tape as long as bunting required,

Pinking Shears and finally,
some right stiff cardboard

With your right stiff cardboard draw
& cut out a Pennant shape-

ours was 5''across the top and
10'' at its longest point.

You can draw round each pennant
but life's a bit short really

we're not making a family heirloom here
just something for the 5mins
of British Summer we're due this year so

just cut roughly round the shape.

The advantage of using right thick card you can pop your template

on the fabric and just cut away without damaging it.

The Pinked edge eliminates the need for hemming .

Alternatively at this stage

Set your helper to work & get yourself a tiny gin

Once you've cut out all your fabric
arrange the different pieces
so there's a good mix of patterns

Open up the bias tape at the top-
glue to the fold and place the shortest side
of the pennant in the space.
Then glue and fold this strip over
the pennant material.

With this flappy bit (technical term) of bias tape
glued down to the fabric pennant

GLUE the bias tape in half over the fabric

and continue to glue & fold along
bias tape to the previous pennant

Leave a space slightly wider than your pennant between each one.

The fabrics we're using are VERY thin old patterned cottons so the pattern shows through from the wrong side - if you're using a fabric with pattern just on one side alternate the pennants as you go along so it can be enjoyed from either side. Happy making!

oh! I almost forgot.

The MOST Important thing is to...

...KNOW WHEN TO STOP

Please, do feel free to link up any tutorial posts to this one(past or present)

Owl Swap!

2012-01-23T12:31:00.001Z

Am just running in quickly- I've had a rather drifty morning 'waiting for the library to open'. By 9.10 I'd managed to buy a new ring, some makeup, order a hair colour (yes ORDER- the chemist hadn't got the one I wanted so has ordered it and I can collect it tomorrow - you don't get service like that in many places do you?) Then went into the second hand book shop for a lovely browse and Yes, inevitably bought two books. By this time the library had opened... so picked couple of books up but met my neighbour in there & spent more time putting the world to rights with her and before you know it it's lunch time and have hardly done a thing....

But have discovered & signed up for this swap

''AN OWL SWAP - create something with the theme of an Owl. The item you send to your swap partner is handmade together with a bought treat in the swap package which must not exceed £3 in value.''

Head over to Popular Crafts to Find out more & Join in the fun!

Right off to actually try and get some sewing done today - the sun's out and am fighting the temptation to snuggle in a chair and start reading!

On the shelf Sunday

2012-01-22T10:00:00.000Z

noodleBubble's bookshelf: 2011

On the Shelf Saturday

2012-01-21T10:30:00.000Z

So, last years Reading Challenge was to read a book a week and I JUST made it... Tomorrow I'll post a list of covers and the rating I gave them...

I read some AMAZING books and some AWFUL
& some were so awful I couldn't read them at all.

My fav book of the year was Jamrach's Menagerie by Carol Birch. I nearly abandoned it near the start but ended up LOVING it. Would recommend to everyone. Followed VERY closely by Before I Go To Sleep by S J Watson.

BEFORE I GO TO SLEEP by SJ Watson - UK Trailer from S J Watson on Vimeo.

Have set myself the same target for this year...

and already read a couple of absolute corkers.

Dala Horse Doings

2012-01-19T14:52:00.000Z

SO, have joined yet ANOTHER making challenge, this time it's the

#pinaddicts challenge

from the LoveBumps blog...

I've yet to meet someone that doesn't LOVE Pinterest Life sucking though it can be. It does get tempting to Pin Pin Pin and continue to Pin for a rainy day and then the day never comes when you do all those projects and soak up ALL that fabby inspiration...

So we've pinned, now we're making...For my first make AM LOVING Dala Horses and had pinned some from over at Planet Utopia so am working on an embroidered Dala Horse Dangler/Hanger!

We'll all link up our makes early in February so pop back to have a peep OR grab your stash and join in the fun!

Happy Making X

Making in January...

2012-01-16T11:17:00.000Z

To kick start creativity this year I have been working on a challenge from over on the Folksy forums -

''Each month there will be a set theme and the aim is to make something to sell in your shop that fits the theme.''

The theme this month was Scotland.

So I've made some wee Scottie Dog brooches...Been an AGE since I've picked up a needle so absolutely loved doing these - especially the embroidered collars (which haven't photographed that well)

Two things proved tricky - my initial sketches looked more like rhinos than dogs (would share the smile and show you but this time of year things are thrown straight on the fire) and then the new computer doesn't like my cameras editing package. They've made it up now .

So , off to feel smug for a bit - challenge completed, listed and blogged.

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:36:00.001Z

Image from Lovely Designs on Folksy

Well, another year over...and what a fab one it's been!

I've turned 40 so am officially a grown up

Early in 2011 noodleBubble was in a mag,

I found out in December it was one of the top 250 shops on Folksy,

& noodleBubble is now in a couple more bricks & mortar shops.

Muchos excitement.

So 2012,

hopefully even better? !

Few things in the pipeline for the start of the year and

(tummy butterflies)

an exhibition in December at Studio 61 in Derbyshire.

EEK! Any one know what to do with those butterflies?

So will pop back and fill you in properly but wanted to pop a post up as I seem to have got out of the habit of blogging... nice to be back...What have you been up to?

kisses and love X

This weekend...

2011-11-23T15:34:00.001Z

Good enough to eat...folksy friday

2011-11-04T07:51:00.000Z

Here's a selection of Edible looking treats found on

Folksy - The place to buy and sell Handmade

Click the pic for full details

mmm Delicious huh!?!
Have lovely weekend and see soon X

Nice find...

2011-11-02T12:13:00.000Z

I think we all like to listen to different things as we work - some need silence, some music... I like to catch up with films but do find that if the action is TOO good I soon get distracted and end up actually curled up watching the film... sewing abandoned. I'd started to listen to audio books from the library and whilst online & choosing what to request next I discovered Books Should Be Free There's a range of audio books there that you can click on and start listening to immediately and for free!

For a while I've been wanting to read Anne of Green Gables as it's an old favourite of a dear friend so it seemed a natural choice for my first listen! I HAVE enjoyed it -each character is read by a different person & although some of the voices don't quite suit the characters once you get past that it's lovely having a story read to you while you work... Head over and have a peep - I'm just wondering what to listen to next - If anyone has any old favourites to recommend do let me know...

Fab Book Trailer...

2011-11-01T07:30:00.000Z

...not sure about you but this made me want to read it immediately...

The Distant Hours - Kate Morton

What do you think?

The book itself is v readable - won't go down in history as one of the greats but a good way to spend a few of these up coming dark autumnal evenings...enjoy!

IF YOU'VE GOT ANY RECOMMENDATIONS
POP THEM IN THE COMMENTS BOX!

p.s. HOW is it NOVEMBER 1ST ?

My Blackberry is not working...

2011-10-14T13:57:00.003+01:00

Think all Blackberry users will be feeling let down this week - here's a little smile for you all.

Have super weekend all X

Drinking & Sewing

2011-10-10T19:33:00.001+01:00

Fab Shop Window at Liberty London

It's been a while - I abhor blogposts like this - but it has & the photo above from Liberty of London actually illustrates exactly what I've been doing rather than blogging.

A. Been poorly & slept a LOT

B. Bought lot new (to me) furniture so been arranging house to squeeze it all in

( Didn't actually all fit)

C. Art Deco drinks cabinet amongst items in B.

(Bargainous & photies to follow)

D. Rude NOT to keep it stocked

E. Silly not to drink what's in it

F. ah! Cocktail O' clock was born

G. NOT too sure why I'm doing these alphabetical points

H. I'll stop now

Also along the window - Christmas Shop Now on 4 -

Yes, it's started so Ding Dong etc have been sewing and sewing and sewing and sewing - I've listed a few bits over on Folksy but mostly heading in to shops.

ANY drinks you'd recommend? I like Tequila (it makes me happy) Rum, Kahlua, Baileys, Whiskey... not so keen on Gin... Love Lime... Erm I'll actually try anything...

Book Swap Weekend!

2011-09-15T14:13:00.001+01:00

Sarah Crown's book swap: Gormenghast, originally uploaded by The Guardian on Flickr.

This is a piccie of the first Book 'dropped' for the Guardian & Observers Book Swap weekend . A copy of Gormenghast...left in a secret London Location by Sarah Crown - Guardian Books Editior

Over the next few weeks, they'll be distributing thousands of books around the country. They’ll be left on park benches, buses, cafe tables; anywhere people will stumble across them. Every book swap book will have a special bookplate inserted inside the cover so the finder knows that the book can be taken.

If you want to join in the fun & leave a book for someone to find, here’s what you need to do:

• choose a favourite book you’d like to pass on to another reader
• download a Guardian and Observer bookplate and write a short message on it before sticking it inside the book
• leave the book somewhere where it will be found then take a picture giving a clue to where you have left it - you don’t have to be obvious - and upload it, geotagged to their 'left' Books Flickr group
They’ll display all the geotagged photos on their book swap map.

Visit www.guardian.co.uk/books to find out more.

If you're lucky enough to find a book and want to upload a photo of it to the map, Go to the Bookswap 'found' books Flickr group.

Anyone on twitter -follow the fun at #guardianbookswap

Good Luck!

On The Shelf - SUNDAY - Pigeon English

2011-09-11T10:30:00.000+01:00

So, continuing from yesterday- my Booker Shortlist that MADE the ACTUAL shortlist-

2. Pigeon English Stephen Kelman ...
I enjoyed this and would recommend it (probably to older children & adults) but don't feel it could win the Booker. Like 'Room' nominated for last years Booker we have a child narrator... supposedly 11 but the voice to me seems to be of a younger child (even if he is new to the country & language). I had a sense of dread in my heart for the last half of the book - as Harri starts his own investigations into the murder you feel nothing good will come of it - will he be framed or maybe get his sister into trouble... Not a cute and cuddly read, more of an upsetting but realistic glimpse of a side of life hopefully most of us will never experience first hand.

Pigeon English Blurb Newly arrived from Ghana with his mother and older sister, eleven-year-old Harrison Opoku lives on the ninth floor of a block of flats on an inner-city housing estate. The second best runner in the whole of Year 7, Harri races through his new life in his personalised trainers - the Adidas stripes drawn on with marker pen - blissfully unaware of the very real threat all around him. With equal fascination for the local gang - the Dell Farm Crew - and the pigeon who visits his balcony, Harri absorbs the many strange elements of his new life in England: watching, listening, and learning the tricks of urban survival. But when a boy is knifed to death on the high street and a police appeal for witnesses draws only silence, Harri decides to start a murder investigation of his own. In doing so, he unwittingly endangers the fragile web his mother has spun around her family to try and keep them safe. A story of innocence and experience, hope and harsh reality, Pigeon English is a spellbinding portrayal of a boy balancing on the edge of manhood and of the forces around him that try to shape the way he falls

From the announced shortlist I've also read the Julian Barnes - didn't rate it at all. Will keep you posted!

On the Shelf Saturday- Booker Shortlist.

2011-09-10T22:00:00.000+01:00

This year (like last) I wanted to read the Booker Longlist before the Shortlist was announced - and Like Last year fail FAIL FAIL! ...am still in the queue at the library for most of them...

HOWEVER unlike last year, TWO that made my shortlist are ON the Actual shortlist -

1. Jamrach's Menagerie - Carol Birch
I started reading this begrudgingly - from the blurb (see below) it sounded like the sort of book I hate - salty sea dogs and random wild animals loose on the street... But I'd set myself the task of reading the Booker longlist to stretch myself a tad ... IT WAS AMAZING...The best book EVER... Well, that's possibly a bit steep certainly best book I've read this year (to date) I had to just lie on the bed gasping when I'd finished -gut wrenching. Thought provoking. Truly Inspiring. Made me swear out loud as was reading it in parts (with shock.) The following review deftly sums it up - Never mind not being able to put it down there is a 100-page section in Jamrach's Menagerie in which you will not be able to breathe. Rarely have I read a book that so deftly marries high literary value with unbearable suspense.' --Robert Hough

JamRach's Menagerie blurb - I was born twice. First in wooden room that jutted out over the black water of the Thames, and then again eight years later in the Highway, when the tiger took me in his mouth and everything truly began.' 1857. Jaffy Brown is running along a street in London's East End when he comes face to face with an escaped circus animal. Plucked from the jaws of death by Mr Jamrach - explorer, entrepreneur and collector of the world's strangest creatures - the two strike up a friendship. Before he knows it, Jaffy finds himself on board a ship bound for the Dutch East Indies, on an unusual commission for Mr Jamrach. His journey - if he survives it - will push faith, love and friendship to their utmost limits. Brilliantly written and utterly spellbinding, Carol Birch's epic novel brings alive the smells, sights and flavours of the nineteenth century, from the docks of London to the storms of the Indian Ocean. This great salty historical adventure is a gripping exploration of our relationship to the natural world and the wildness it contains... Makes it sound Poo - Ignore this and just read it - It's utterly amazing.

Will do the second tomorrow... can you stand the suspense?

Judging books by covers

2011-09-08T10:30:00.000+01:00

Am loving modern technology - no more wandering the library shelves, ending up picking up anything just so I don't go home without a book...

Now there's so much to help your choice... Ads in mags...

noodleGoggle just found this on You Tube - Fab.

Will let you know what I thought of the book on Sunday 'til then am off to see what else I can add to my Library Reservation List

TeePetals Giveaway...

2011-09-07T13:34:00.000+01:00

Hi!

Just a quickie to pass this on - Teepetals is having a Giveaway on her blog for the above wallet... 5 ways to enter the draw to win... so whadya waiting for - Head over!

So much for a sewing day here today - Not yet picked up my needle and have only managed to cut out 3 pieces of felt.

Toodlepip - Hope your day is more productive?!

Back to Normal! LOVELY!

2011-09-06T16:12:00.000+01:00

First proper day back yesterday...

Reopened on Folksy and pretty soon sold 10 of these fab bracelets...

They're perfect for gluing ANYTHING flat backed onto - Scrabble tiles... Floral Cabs... noodleBubble Junior & friend had fun in the holidays decorating some Glass Cabochons which we then stuck onto bracelets.

After a full of beans invincible day yesterday I was going to have a slower paced day today however had an email first thing from a shop in Norfolk...they'd like to start stocking my pieces... Hooray Hooray...it was too early for champagne so had a Turkish Delight to celebrate (NEVER too early for them here) and then started feverishly making making making...

TOMORROW is a sewing day and I'm looking forward to a few films while I stitch- Avanti with Jack Lemmon and Hayley Mills is at the top of the pile...

oooh! Win Mollie Makes Subscription...

2011-09-05T16:44:00.000+01:00

We've ALL heard about Mollie Makes now - right?

No, NO? How? Where've you been... Google it...Buy it....click the link below and enter the comp...

Have spent the Day making Earrings and then thought about getting them listed so headed Etsy Way for a birrova change....

...and as sometimes happens, forgot what I was doing, spiralled down an array of handmade Loveliness and ended up on the Etsy Blog (Earrings STILL not listed)

SO, on the Etsy Blog Jane Toft (MM Editor) has been a Guest Curator... and at the end of her post is a tempting subscription offer for Mollie Makes.... Even more EXCITING is the competition - TO WIN A SUBSCRIPTION for a YEARS MOLLIE MAKES. Simple to enter - just enter your details and confirm your email. Ends Sept 14th so do it now before you forget -unless you have the ability to remember things for longer than 5 secs - a skill I seem to've lost of late...

Right am off to make some pasta and warm up - been using Epoxy so had the door open all day combine this with bare legs and brrr! is it officially autumn or what?

LOVELY LOVELY Fabric Swop Parcel ...

2011-09-04T10:30:00.021+01:00

If you suffer badly from

Fabric Envy

I suggest you

AVERT YOUR EYES

NOW

mmmm. Look at the loveliness...

this is my parcel from

Maxine at Tiny White Daisies

as part of the Bluebell and Rosie Fabric Swap...

The Swap was for two Fat Quarters but as I use bits for Buttons etc Maxine sent this utterly Amazing Bumper Parcel which was positively perfect in every way...

Thanks SO MUCH to you Maxine...and to Kate for organising...

Anyone know of any Crafty Swaps going on at the mo?

Ah! Normal service returns... soon... I hope...

2011-09-03T10:25:00.000+01:00

Ah! I'm back!

Have you had a Good Summer?

I've had a good one... wasn't the sunfest I'd planned for but it's been fab.

Was extra pleased to be home as while lying on above beach (Wells) I had a REALLY good idea involving moving most of our furniture & curtains... as I type there's chairs precariously stacked to my left...some in the front garden...contents of cupboards strewn all around and not one room looking habitable... Add to the picture one unmeasured (Bargain) Art Deco Drinks cabinet bought Accidentally and Spontaneously on the school run yesterday...

*pause while I flop my head back on the jaunty angled sofa*

I was up at 5 this morning, am still in my jamas, ache all over... even my hair hurts but I WILL NOT be moving the furniture back to its original places...

UGH! Best get back to it...

noodleBubble will hopefully(!) be open online again on Monday

Your Party Invite...

2011-08-13T09:28:00.007+01:00

Well, so much for getting the felt out and having a relaxing sew...

Have had another lovely week making some stock for Forest Elf Boutique, a new shop in Warwickshire...

If anyone is nearby there's a party planned...

Am off on hols so won't be there myself but hope some of you can make it and let me know all about it?

Am planning on packing a bag of embroidery for hols but I haven't had time to think about what books to take (usually the FIRST thing I think about)

Anyone got any recommendations?

Quite like a real long, 'get your teeth in to it' type book for hols - something like Wild Swans?

Was just wondering about Wolf Hall? Anyone read it? Or any other suggestions? The longer the better...

May not be posting again before I go away so if not, toodlepip, Enjoy the party if you make it and see u soon X

Owl Buttons...and much MUCH more...

2011-08-06T18:05:00.005+01:00

Hello!

Having a Hectic Fun filled Summer Hols here... and have even seen the sun a bit...

I've just been away for a Pimms soaked, laughter filled few days in Worcester with an old pal and am now back and Open for Business again...

So just time for a little Shameless Self Promotion

The Button Fairy's got a few new bits in over at noodleButton -

Wooden Owl Buttons are back in after all the stock flying out in a day last time..

And the super Flat Pad Bracelets -

Fab for gluing ANYTHING with a flat back onto...

With my noodleBubble head on am struggling to keep up with demand for Earrings and have just sent another bumper parcel off to The Gift Gallery York... Tonight am working on some little bits for Goodie Bags for a Glamping Hen Party...and next week am going to get the felt out and do some sewing - my favourite and my best... I do miss a lovely sit and sew...

Hope you're having a happy Summer Hols ♥

Before I Go To Sleep...

2011-07-31T10:00:00.000+01:00

On The Shelf Saturday

This is THE best book I've read this year...

''Christine wakes up every morning in an unfamiliar bed with an unfamiliar man. She looks in the mirror and sees an unfamiliar, middle- aged face. And every morning, the man she has woken up with must explain that he is Ben, he is her husband, she is forty-seven years old, and a terrible accident two decades earlier decimated her ability to form new memories...''

Whilst reading it you have an increasing sense of dread in your tummy and really begin to feel Christines confusion & distrust EVERYONE. It really is AMAZING.

Have a Super weekend all X

It will never be...

2011-07-28T11:07:00.004+01:00

I've been in love with Rob Lowe for longer than I can remember...

Certainly 20 years... probably 25...

I've just read his autobiography,

on page 89 there's the Shocking News -

''to this day I have a terrible, visceral reaction to a woman in pajamas''

So, bit of a shocker for predominantly PJ clad me.

Pause while I look wistfully into the distance.

Back to my Buttons...they never fail to entertain and delight...

ps actually an entertaining read particularly for anyone who lived through the 80's

Come face to face with fear itself...

2011-07-23T11:59:00.002+01:00

On The Shelf Saturday -

My current insatiable appetite for Swedish Crime was satisfied briefly by

The Hypnotist

by Lars Kepler

I'd had high hopes from the cover-

'one of the most disturbing thrillers ever written'

Perhaps I'm getting desensitised but it isn't. There are some gruesome scenes and a cracking story but it doesn't chill your brain. The only thing that kept me up at night was getting the book finished- the chapters are short so it tempts you to just read one more...one more... and it IS a gripping story.

Lars Kepler is a pseudonym for a literary couple who live in Sweden... I can't help feeling this is another book produced to fill the void left by the death of Steig Larsson... his Millennium Trilogy fans are eager for more but certainly no one I've read has come even a tiny bit close.

What are you reading at the mo?

Have a fab weekend X

School's out for Summah....

2011-07-18T09:13:00.000+01:00

Well here we are the long balmy summer holiday stretching out in front of us....

ah...

relax...!

aaaargh! Once again it's as grey as can be and pouring down.

Bleugh! It looks and feels like Autumn outside so think we'll be wearing mostly wellies and doing lots and LOTS of making...

What are your plans?

BlogFest 2011 GIVEAWAY !

2011-07-15T01:06:00.006+01:00

Normal posting will continue after the weekend but for now

Hello from Blogfest...

Here's your ticket -

it's a massive Blog Hop - organised by Cinnamon from

all those taking part have a 'Doorstop Prize' and links to the next Blogs to visit which will also have giveaways going on

WOWSER. Yeah I know....

Let me introduce myself - for those that haven't dropped by before -

Lisa aka noodleBubble... I try to live each day as if its my last (hoping it's not!) so spend very little time cleaning and a lot of time laughing & making pretty things...

I love in no particular order...Alphabetising EVERYTHING...Bubbly Baths...Clean sheet night...Doodling...Evenings by the fire...Friends & Frippery...Gardening &specifically lying in the garden watching the clouds...Happiness & Hysterics...Ink - drawing with it..Junk- Rescuing it and reusing...Kittens...Libraries (public)...Motherhood...Needle and Thread...Ozone...Perfume (feel undressed without it)...Quiet...Reading...Sand between my toes...Thrifting & Typography...Umpteen things really ..Vintage...Winter Snow Falling...XKissesX....Yorkshire Pudding...ZZZZzzzzz

My Doorstop Prize / Giveaway is a copy of One Day by David Nicholls -

There's a few up for grabs...

Just comment below to enter the draw to win...
You don't need to be taking part in Blogfest to enter but why not hop around and see who else is taking part...Random Commenters chosen at close of draw.

Draw open WORLDWIDE 15th - 17th July

Winners will be contacted via email so add yours to the Comment please!

Thanks for stopping by

Next stops on the hop are -

130 Notorious Spinks Talks Books

131 Novels On The Run

132 Oh My Books!

133 Once Upon A Chapter

134 One Book Shy of a Full Shelf

Pop over and say Hello

and have a Fab weekend!

Fabric Swap anyone ???

2011-07-13T19:26:00.000+01:00

Click the Pic to join in the fun - Am VERY excited ...

Also have monster headache so am now off to bed

night night ♥

Anyone got any Twitter advice?

2011-07-12T12:07:00.000+01:00

I like Twitter!

I have it on my phone so it's easily accessible - Working at home can be a tad lonely so it's a quick easy way of connecting with the world. A virtual water cooler - available 24/7 for chat and digression...

Next week I've told my friend I'll teach her about Twitter.

However, she wants to use it more as a way of getting her products 'out there' - EEK! Any one got any tips?

I also use Twitter to find out what everyone's reading and if there's anything I should try...

I regularly use the search option when I'm in a new town - I've found events and places that I otherwise would have been missed...

I enjoy watching a TV show with half an eye on Twitter - EG Have I got News For You has the hashtag HIGNFY so searching that on Twitter while the show's on brings a whole new dimension (and often a lot more laughter) to a show...

I also have a few friends on Twitter (actual not virtual) so it's a free way of keeping in touch regularly...It's also a fab way of finding like minded people but as ever I'm wary of virtual friends - anyone can pretend to be someone else online...

Despite this I do like Twitter, no, Scrub that I LOVE it... DO let me know any top tips that I can pass on to my friend next week...

Signed up for Blogfest 2011?

2011-07-10T11:11:00.002+01:00

It's JUST around the corner - are you signed up yet?

15th July 2011

On the Shelf Saturday -Blue Monday

2011-07-09T08:02:00.133+01:00

Wowser,

I'd never read a Nicci French before but was against the clock in the library so only time for a quick grab and go....The Top Ten fiction Books are only available for 7day loan and are hence separate on the counter so grabbed and went...

mmm...for those that like being gripped and then a little twist or two -it's perfect!

Since reading it I've found out that Nicci French is actually a Husband and Wife team writing alternate chapters...It doesn't read like that at all - v much ONE strong voice telling the story. ALSO this is to be the first of EIGHT books to feature the new heroine, psychotherapist Frieda Klein - we'll see how that pans out - I'm eager to read another but sometimes feel authors/publishers need to know when enough's enough with these series books.

I've enjoyed three of C'J Sansoms Books this year- The Shardlake Series but am feeling now maybe he should've stopped at three. There are another two...

Kay Scarpetta should retire, in fact should probably have retired a few books ago- Patricia Cornwell take note!

Jack Reacher Should NEVER have survived the ignition of the underground facility filled with fuel in 61 Hours. Lee Child, it's too late to undo it now but you disappointed a LOT of people with the follow up - Worth Dying For so I hope you've got some biggy worked out for September 29th 2011 when The Affair is out in the UK.

...it's at this stage that I'm realising JUST how many series books have hooked me in...

Case Histories -Kate Atkinson. Nice, there were three - all neatly televised recently with the man that played Lucius Malfoy in Harry Potter (Am hopeless with names - he was rather delicious to look as Jackson Brodie)

Alex Cross, yawn, are you still going strong too...and your 190 year old Nana? Good Lord we've had Along Came a Spider, Kiss the Girls, Jack & Jill,Cat and Mouse, Pop Goes the Weasel, Roses Are Red, Violets Are Blue,Four Blind Mice, Big Bad Wolf, London Bridges, Mary, Mary, Cross, Cross,Double Cross, To Africa In Cross Country, Back in Time - Alex Cross's Trial, I Alex Cross, Cross Fire. ENOUGH ALREADY!

Blimey tirade over. DO enjoy your weekend...and let me know if you're reading anything good!

Giveaway! Win- SwirlyArts Goodies

2011-07-08T10:33:00.004+01:00

Following last weeks Friday Feature on the witty and attractive Lynsey of SwirlyArts-

It's GIVEAWAY Time

To win all this!

Cheeky Chicken Doorstop

Cards &Tags

from SwirlyArts

(Open Internationally)

Very Simple to enter

closes JULY 22nd, 2011 09.00 GMT

when one random commenter will be chosen -

Just Comment

(with your email please)

on this post!

...for further chances of winning...

Tweet, Blog, Facebook details of this Giveaway

Each time you enter please write a new COMMENT
...feel free to enter every day...

Thanks and Good Luck

♥

And the winner is....

2011-07-08T10:17:00.004+01:00

Can you hear the atmospheric drum roll over the sound of Absolute 80's?

No, me neither but anyway...

A set of Charlotte Hupfield Plant Markers will be heading over to

The Undomesticated Scientist

Well done - will contact you for address details in a mo.

Thanks all for entering and hang on -

SwirlyArts Giveaway starts also in a mo.

Delicious Fabric Delivery

2011-07-06T09:37:00.005+01:00

Yesterday was all about EARRINGS. Floral & Button, they're both selling well at The Gift Gallery, York so was putting together another parcel...

I've had the morning off to deliver the local Conservation Society Newsletters (nice nose around all the lovely houses around me) followed by coffee and crafty chat chez Pink Milk....This afternoon is all about FABRIC...

Specifically ta daa the recently delivered-

You've heard the Measure Twice, Cut Once adage- add to that Stare at it for at least an hour...dream about it every night before delivery...Stroke it... Carry it around seeing it in different lights... Then decide NEVER to cut into it and put it with all the other DELICIOUS NEED IT NOW FABRICS at the back of the wardrobe....

I'm not doing that with this - There's actually not enough room in the wardrobe - Piles of fabric keep falling and popping the doors open...I'm finishing this post then cutting into it straight away with NO faffing - I've dreamt about it long enough the time is NOW...

Cat Collars...

2011-07-04T13:33:00.004+01:00

Saturday had a horrible start- A beautiful white cat had been (we assume) run over outside our house and was lying in the gutter...

Thanks to the collar we were able to reunite cat with owner...

It made me realise how important collars are - we have one cat that removes collars 'Sid' and a Kitten Betsie that has to have the hugest bell her small neck can carry to let the little creatures know she's coming.

I've just seen that Mogs Togs are offering personalised Cat Collars - What a fab idea - Full Details Here. I think me and 'Sid' need to sit down and look at the Mogs Togs Website together later although I think he can tell that wearing a collar may give away his 'nobody loves me please feed me' game...

Have a Good Week all X

On The Shelf Saturday....

2011-07-02T12:18:00.005+01:00

I haven't read much this week as I've been painting, decoupaging and making mini blackboards.... Have had a LOT of fun but the fumes give me a right stinker of a headache SO have been listening to an audio book while I work...

INKHEART by Cornelia Funke

The book is a children's book (Amazon says 10+ although my 7yr old daughter's now enjoying it) but really its a treat for book lovers of all ages. It's been around AGES but I've only just discovered it.

The basic story - Mo & daughter (Meggie) travel a lot . Man turns up called Dustfinger...Mo tells Maggie his secret - He's a silvertongue - when he reads aloud characters can become real - he has no control over which (good or bad... Human or Monster..) and for each character that comes to their world - one from theirs goes into the book... I'll leave it there - It's an utterly wonderful story with some amazing characters...

For those that aren't readers I do recommend a listen to the audio book or failing that - The Film as it's such a wonderful story. My favourite Character is The Aunt - Elinor.

What makes it even better - it's a TRILOGY so collected the second 'Inkspell' yesterday (also as an audiobook) It's SO nice to be read to but you have to choose where you listen V carefully - in bed it can lull you to sleep... doing something like painting is ideal as long as you don't have to give what you're doing too much thought...then you can simply get lost in the story.

ENJOY your weekend X

Feature Friday - SWIRLY ARTS

2011-07-01T06:33:00.006+01:00

FRIDAY FEATURE focuses on the work of Lynsey of SWIRLY ARTS.

Many will already know Lynsey, she's a regular Blogger & Tweeter and is probably best known for her Cheeky Chickens...

Lynsey was initially a Primary School teacher, specialised in Art at University...

When looking for Birth announcement cards... NOTHING suited so made her own...and look where she is NOW!

Selling on Etsy, Artfire and folksy Lynsey is ''aiming to have every item in my shop contain at least 1 recycled/upcycled component - I'm about 75% of the way there!''

Maps, Cards, Packaging, tatty books with pages missing...all the bits that usually end up in the bin are given a lovely new lease of life in the form of badges, notebooks, stickers, tags....

Her own Swirly Thoughts are here and because she is superhuman - there's ANOTHER blog a Mon-Fri treasure trove of cute stuff for you and your home! It's called CUTEABLE...

Check it out!

So do pop back next week for our

Bumper Swirly Arts Giveaway

-Cards, Tags and a Cheeky Chicken Doorstop...

and it's not too late to enter last weeks

Charlotte Hupfield Giveaway

ARE YOU AN ARTIST / DESIGNER / MAKER -

WOULD YOU LIKE TO FEATURE ON THIS BLOG?

PLEASE EMAIL

noodleBubble AT Hotmail DOT co DOT uk

for further details

Thank you Tatler...

2011-06-29T12:01:00.007+01:00

I'm a bit rubbish with sunglasses - Wearing them I always feel a bit of a poseur (despite usually having half a garden stuck in my hair) I'd had the same pair for years - worn mostly as a hairband then shoved at the bottom of my bag getting fluffy and scratched... SO it was time to get a new pair... When I saw July's Tatler -

mmm nice - Thank you indeed... Fab new £3.99 Sunnies with free mag...

B**gger

2011-06-28T11:41:00.005+01:00

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARGHHHH

IS IT JUST ME?

(I know it isn't)

Blogger you

are being a big fat pile

of POO.

I can't comment on blogs...

...I can't follow any new blogs.

BLOGGER this is not acceptable behaviour.

You need to try a lot harder...I know it's been hot and it's nearly the end of term but that REALLY is no excuse and does not bode well for your final exams. Please think seriously about this and we'll talk again at the end of the week when I hope this PROBLEM has disappeared.

Monday...

2011-06-27T10:28:00.002+01:00

I was up at the crack of dawn.

I've washed, shopped, cooked, even already eaten tonight's pudding (I KNOW, how damn EFFICIENT) and now am off into the garden while the sun shines to do a bit of pruning (and more importantly) to lie in the sun in the quiet.

Have a good week all.

These are some of my fav flowers - planted just next to my deckchair spot!

On the Shelf Saturday...

2011-06-25T12:36:00.006+01:00

Two Books this week have utterly gripped my heart to the point I've been getting up at 5am just to cram in a bit more reading time...

Annabel by Kathleen Winter (Jonathan Cape)

(read the start here )

Whatever You Love by Louise Doughty (Faber and Faber)

Both were on the longlist for the Orange Prize so am looking forward to reading the winner as these were both SO very well written. If you're wondering what to read next I do recommend them both VERY strongly.

Really I could do with something to read that I don't enjoy so much as am a tad tired and on Thursday the whites of my eyes had turned pink HOWEVER last night I started When God was a Rabbit... and am loving it... tiptoed down this morning in the small hours for a big strong sugary tea and a lovely quiet read whilst wrapped in a blanket...

*yawns* mmm sorry Have a Good Weekend all X

FF GIVEAWAY - Charlotte Hupfield Giveaway!!!!

2011-06-23T11:02:00.008+01:00

Following last weeks Friday Feature on the talented Charlotte Hupfield -

It's GIVEAWAY Time

To win a gorgeous set of

CHARLOTTE HUPFIELD

PLANT MARKERS

(Open Internationally)

closes JULY 8th, 2011 09.00 GMT

when one random commenter will be chosen -

Very Simple to enter

Just Comment

(with your email please)

on this post!

...for further chances of winning...

Tweet, Blog, Facebook details of this Giveaway

Each time you enter please write a new COMMENT
...feel free to enter every day...

Thanks and Good Luck

♥

Bit daft but...

2011-06-22T07:46:00.004+01:00

I've just started reading the beautifully written and Orange Prize longlisted

Whatever You Love. by Louise Doughty

The picture on my copy shows a girl in a tunic my daughter's had in her wardrobe for a few summers now... Consequently I can't look at the book without picturing my daughter...

What are you reading at the mo- Anything you'd recommend?

Six Dinner Sid!

2011-06-20T11:17:00.002+01:00

Have you read Six Dinner Sid where everyone on the street thinks the black cat is their cat? He has 6 names, 6 places to sleep and most importantly 6 dinners...

Our very own Sid is called Jimmy. Here he is squeezed into the Dolls House sitting room and spilling into the hall a bit...

Bless him - a rescue cat that we brought home over a decade ago. He would come home smelling of perfume, fish... We pictured him being fed by an elderly lady - His Salmon Gran.

When we moved Jimmy soon found his other 5 families for food, love and shelter. I am frequently embarrassed by the tales that follow the sentence 'oh that's YOUR cat is it?'

Yesterday a neighbour told me Jimmy was outside their door crying and had pulled the tape off their Cat Flap (They recently lost their cat) and was trying to force his way in. ''I don't know Lisa, I'd just made some toast and was opening a tin of Sardines...''

Poor Jimmy he's old but certainly not daft. He apparently got a little bowl of sardines for his trouble.... I am rolling my eyes as I type....