ripplestone review

Thursday, 1 April 2021

Spring arrives with Pasque Flowers & Pots of Seeds

The sudden spell in warm, dry weather has meant lots of growth in the garden and a chance to get out and get on with a bit of weeding and tidying up after such a long lockdown winter.

These Pasque Flowers are a lovely welcome sight for Easter.

The fierce frosts destroyed this old pot but the pansies it held survived, clearing up the pieces, I found this makers stamp with its pretty little flower motive intact.

Peacock butterflies have been emerging in the sudden heat this week, I guess from hibernation, a delightful distraction.

Indoors, pots of seedlings are taking over the windowsills, this week the heat beginning to make them too leggy! I've quite a few 'free plants' outside this year as well, as self seeders start to emerge, feverfew, love-in-a-mist, ox-eye daisies and strawberry plants and the warm temperatures have also meant the chance for a bit of sketching in the garden!

Wishing you Happy Easter.

Tuesday, 2 March 2021

Thoughtful Spring Gifts...

This month in my Etsy shop I have added a new design, based on oak leaves collected from our little oak tree last Autumn. These new fridge magnets are lightweight, slim & ideal for popping in an envelope along with a card for posting as a thoughtful gift for someone special. Click on the images below to go straight to my Etsy shop to browse.

Oak Leaf Fridge Magnet

Oak Leaf Blank Greetings Card in pale mint with recycled envelope.

All my items are designed and made by myself and, where possible, I use locally or UK sourced materials.

Monday, 1 March 2021

Springtime in the Garden

Happy St. David's Day!

After a weekend of beautiful blue skies & warm temperatures the little daffodils in the garden have bloomed, a lovely sight after a dismal winter. I have spotted bumble bees, honey bees & a brimstone butterfly over the weekend, along with more garden birds making the most of the sunshine.

Spring means it's time to reach for the seed tin, check what seed is still viable from last year & work out sowing times. I use a moon phase planting calendar to help plan timings. For germination, especially if sowing directly outside, it seems to help. There is a full moon towards the end of March so will aim to sow outdoors by then, if no frosts are forecast.

I have bought some new flower seed for this year, Helianthus annuus 'Sonja' for the bees, some Mexican Marigold for companion planting, Phlox drummondii 'Creme Brulee' to fill in the borders & Brachyscome multifida 'Blue & White Mix' to use in pots for the patio. I found a few self-seeded foxgloves growing well & a few strawberry runners which have survived my neglect & the fierce recent frosts, these welcome free plants are always a bonus.

Tuesday, 19 January 2021

New Handmade Cards and Crochet Keyrings for 2021

I'm delighted to offer a new selection of individual handmade gits and cards in my Etsy shop. Including a new card design ideal for St. Valentine's Day, a finger labyrinth and Good Luck cards.

I try to make sure I am including local or UK sourced materials, reduce the amount of plastic and use recyclable packaging where possible throughout my range.

Crochet keyrings using British Wool, featuring flower or wheel motifs.

Handmade cards, each one is individual, using a block printed Hamsa motif in watercolour.

'Grow Love' card featuring a flower motif hand stitched onto watercolour paper.

Hand stitched onto watercolour paper that is traditionally made in Somerset and mounted in a lightweight card frame this finger labyrinth is ideal for a moment of quiet reflection.