Autumn Wreath

I was quite taken with the beautiful autumnal colours on a recent walk, and before I knew it I had filled the pram's shopping basket with leaves, twigs and conkers. As all of my craft things are packed away, I decided that I would embrace my inner womble. When I returned home my husband seemed a little bemused by my squirreling little scavenger hunt. I sat and had a little ponder, as to what to make with my finds. I decided to create an Autumn wreath.

Things you will need.
Sticks
Leaves
Needle
Thread

Firstly I wrapped the long sticks, I had collected, around and around in a haphazard manner and poked the end bits in among the other twigs. This took a bit of fiddling about until I was happy with the arrangement.

Things I have learned from this - perhaps use some string to hold this together as every time I moved one of the sticks another fell out. Try not to use sticks with thorns. (Ouch!) Also, if the sticks are not bending easily and snapping then wet these and they should be easier to shape.

Next I surveyed the array of leaves I had collected. I decided that I would form some of the leaves into flowers. Strangely enough the leaves I collected from the ground were a bit dirty, so first I dipped them into water and got rid of the dirt. This also helped make them more pliable when shaping the flowers.

Once I had washed a leaf, I bent it in half and wrapped it round to form the middle of the flower. I then took a needle and thread and put a few stitches in. I then took another leaf and kept adding more and more petals to the flower until it was the size I desired.

I made different sized flowers to be interspersed between the twigs of the wreath. I then positioned the flowers and attached them to the sticks with the thread and left the wreath to dry. The leaves weren't quite as bright orange, but I still love the colour and texture now they are dry. 

I love making objects from things that are literally lying around. What's your favourite autumn crafts?

Toffee Apple Crumble

'Seasons of mists and mellow fruitfulness,' It's the time of the year for one of my favourite Keats' poems.   Autumn is such a beautiful season, and I have been enjoying some autumnal walks with my son. We have collected lots of conkers ready for a family tournament on our half term holiday to Scotland, and autumn leaves and twigs. This week I have been loving wrapping up warm, and having snuggles in blankets.

My father-in-law gave us a veritable hoard of apples that he had been growing, so I have been busy making plenty of apple puree, as we are currently weaning our son onto solid food. With the kitchen full of delicious fruity scents, I thought it only fair that I made something for the rest of us. One of my husband's favourite puddings is an apple crumble (in fact he tells me he is a connoisseur), so I felt obliged to make one. I thought I would try something a bit different, and attempt to create a toffee apple crumble. I must admit I am not a fan of fruit in puddings, but the scent of spice and toffee in the air was magical.

Ingredients

Fruit filling

8 eating apples cored, peeled and chopped. (I used eating apples, but add more sugar if you use cooking)

3 tbsp Golden syrup

100g Caster sugar

1 and a half tbsp Mixed Spice

6 tbsp Water

Crumble topping

150g Butter

150g Flour

150g Sugar

1. Preheat oven to 190°C.

2. Add the sugar and water to a pan stir until the sugar is dissolved.

3. Add Golden syrup and bring to boil.

4. Add apple and mixed spice. Cook until fruit beginning to soften (Adjust water if going dry, but these apples had plenty of juice)

5. Put into ovenproof dish.

6. For crumble topping, rub butter, flour and sugar together then spoon onto top of fruit. (You can add oats for extra crunch)

7. Put in oven for 20 minutes. (I then put the grill on briefly- just to make the topping extra crunchy - be careful not to burn.)

Hope you have had a lovely weekend filled with autumnal treats. I'm just off for a long soak in the tub and a hot chocolate! I love getting warmed up after a bracing walk. 

Cosy autumn finds...

I start this post with an apology for the sparse blogging of late, I have excuses at the ready though! Firstly, I was enjoying the weather and basking in the beauty of my little baby boy. Secondly, I have not been in great health. Thirdly, we have been busy with the stressful pursuit of purchasing a house. I hope you have all enjoyed your summer and are now getting ready for the more inclement weather.

The weather appears to be turning, and as I am eagerly awaiting moving, I am currently dreaming of cosy autumnal nights sat in front of the fireplace in my new home. I cannot wait to start baking stodgy puddings, and making hearty soups. With Halloween and Bonfire Night just around the corner, then the build up to Christmas, I could not be more excited! I love this time of year!

1 Hand knit mug warmer from Etsy.

2 Cookie jar from Marks and Spencers.

3. Furry boot slippers from Accessorize. 

4. Booties from Next.

5. Cable knit jumper from Joules.

6. Pyjamas from Next.

7. Earmuffs from Accessorize.

1. Gloves from Accessorize. 

2. Flower earrings from Accessorize.

3. Leaf necklace from Accessorize.

4. Shoes from Monsoon.

5. Bag from Accessorize.

6. Shoes from Accessorize.

7. Dress from Monsoon. 

Since I have done these style boards, I had a quick trip into my local Primark and bought some bargain versions of two of the items.  I bought a cable knit jumper pretty much identical to number 5 and some studded nude ballet flats identical to number 6. The jumper was £12 (unlike the Joules version at £69.95) and the ballet flats were £6. (unlike the Accessorize at £25) I was a happy shopper! 

Hopefully in the coming weeks we will move into our new home and I am looking forward to sharing with you the transformation into a cosy little nest! I won't leave my next visit with you so long next time!