Stitching Cath Kidston

For this month's Monthly Make 2011 with The Felt Fairy, I have stitched these Cath Kidston sew-on badges. This pattern was free in a CK magazine last year. I have changed the colours slightly and plan to make a shoulder bag to stitch these badges onto. Another project to add to my "To Do List"! :)

StanleyCherriesFlowersBut first I need to finish my Florida scrapbook, which has been on hold recently. I intend to finish it before our next holiday, which isn't too far away, as I'm sure I will return from holiday brimming with ideas for scraping the new photos! :)

A Touch of Pink ...

... to compliment the purple.

Tellima Grandiflora

Aquilegias

Saxifraga "London Pride"

Hardy Geranium "Kashmir Pink"

Clematis "Josephine"

Not pink, but F&B String - At the weekend I painted and distressed these two tables, that a friend was throwing out. I plan to use them as occasional tables in the garden. They are just right for sitting a cup of tea on. :)

The Purple Garden

After the blue of the Forget-me-nots has faded, The Snail Garden looks decidedly purple and it is full of bees enjoying the

Ceanothus,Geranium Mrs Kendal Clarke,Bearded Iris,Granny's Bonnets,Geranium Samobor,Aquilegias,And the first Veilchenblau Rose.

Birthday Cake

Here at The Snail Garden we have entered the birthday season again, starting with Fay's 19th birthday. As Fay isn't too keen on fruitcake I decided to bake a carrot cake for her birthday and I turned to this cookery book which I love - the recipes always work perfectly.

It was the first time that I had tried this recipe

and it didn't let me down.

On the day I made a double batch of the cream cheese frosting and sprinkled the top of the cake with cinnamon, walnut pieces and edible bronze glitter.

I think this is a rather sophisticated cake, suitable for a 19th year old's birthday.

Fay approved.

We ate it outside after a birthday BBQ.

April 2011

April has been a month of being at home and away. We spent a week in Norfolk enjoying the countryside with my parents and returned home to a garden in full bloom at Easter time.

This April has been the hottest that I have ever experienced and as a result the garden seems to have gone from Spring to Summer already.

It has actually been the hottest April in the UK since records began.

Loving this hot weather. :)