101 Things in 1001 Days #80

Create or go on a scavenger/treasure hunt

Over the Easter Weekend, myself & Nick decided to go Geocaching!! I had heard of it a few weeks ago but hadn't had the time to properly research it so didn't fully understand what it was all about. So over the weekend I downloaded the app & we decided on the best area to go so we could walk a route.

If you haven't heard of it before, you basically look for small capsules that are hidden in the outdoors - on gate posts, signposts, under bushes, in tree stumps! These are marked on a map on the app & you can also ask for a hint if you're struggling to find it. Once you find it, you open the capsule, log your name & the date you found it on the bit of paper inside then put it back exactly where you found it for the next people to find! You can also log it on the app too. 

The app shows you where to find the capsules

There are different size capsules, some with small items in which you can move around - but that all gets a bit technical & we are new to the party so just stuck to writing out names. There are literally thousands all over the place & the app it's totally free. It's a really good way to encourage people to get outside. You can pay for the premium version, which allows you to find the more challenging ones - I am seriously considering doing this!

I am not sure if it is cheating my ticking this one off my list as it isn't really a scavenger/treasure hunt but it's a very similar idea & a brilliant way to satisfy your inner nerd! Have you ever been Geocaching before? 

♥  

ZoFlo

Crafty Haul #4

I think we can all agree that I am not very good at updating you on my crafty purchases, with my last Crafty Haul being in May 2015. As I have treated myself to a couple of bits recently, I thought I would share them with you all.

As you all know, I recently won tickets to the Craft4Crafters Show in Exeter where I picked up some really lovely fabric at a great price. I have some really great projects line up for both of these fabrics, which I can't wait to share with you when they are done. 

I recently saw a project idea that really caught my eye; a cute clutch bag with a purse clasp. So when I popped into Millie Moon & saw this oversized purse clasp, I just had to get it! They had lots of different sizes available, with this one costing £5. It was a bit of an impulse buy, but I have some fabric in my stash that I immediately had in mind for this project so that made it slightly more acceptable. I also picked up a burgundy zip, for a sewing project I am currently working on...

I am yet to receive my next item, but I can't wait for them to arrive; Line Painter Pens! I have a project in mind for these, which I why I purchased them (obviously) so I will be sure to update you all when I use them & let you know what I think of them. I found these on Amazon & they only cost around £10.

I think that is about it for now. Lots of future projects in the pipeline to update you all on which is exciting.

Have you purchased any craft gems recently?

♥ 

ZoFlo

Get Crafty Card & Decoupage Starter Kit // Review

Remember that time last summer when I was lucky enough to win a box of goodies in a competition? Well, I have finally cracked open the Get Crafty Card & Decoupage Starter Kit. Ill be totally honest with you, I wasn't convinced from the look of the designs on the box. It didn't look very "cool" or "fancy" so I just popped it on the shelf & there it stayed. But ya know what? It's lush. I feel really bad & it just proves you shouldn't judge a crafting kit by the box....! 

The kit comes with a pack of plain white cards & envelopes, a pack of 3D Foam Squares & loads of cute decoupage designs to make beautiful handmade cards! It is so simple to do & super quick too. If you ever forget a friend's birthday you could knock them up a lovely homemade card in a flash & they wouldn't know any different! It is the perfect kit for beginners & I actually really enjoyed having a go at it whilst watching TV. 

I only did 2 cards for the time being - I didn't want to get carried away & waste the supplies! I did use some extra patterned card with mine too, just to add a little more colour to my designs. You could really add anything you like to it; buttons, ribbon, even mix the different decoupage designs together. I'm pretty pleased with my designs & can't wait to have an occasion to make another one! 

Beware friends & family - you'll all be getting handmade cards from me this year! 

Have you ever done any card making before? What kits would you recommend? 

♥ 

ZoFlo

101 Things in 1001 Days #86

Go for Afternoon Tea

Last year for my birthday I went with a friend to a local spa. It was really lovely to spend the day relaxing & our package also included a Facial followed by Afternoon Tea! I always love the idea of Afternoon Tea, as it is a more ladylike way of stuffing your face with sandwiches & cakes....!! 

It was absolutely delicious & the perfect way to finish off a day of pampering. Have you ever been for Afternoon Tea? What places would you recommend? 

♥ 

ZoFlo

How To // I ♥ U 3D Card

I always think handmade cards are the best - but Valentine's Day can be a tricky one. I have a simple Valentines Day Card idea which is super cute & "cool" (for those that are in new relations & don't want to seem too clingy/loved up)! 

To make your card you all need:

• White Card
• Coloured/Patterned Card 
• Craft knife (with a cutting matt)
• Glue
• Pencil & Rubber

I obviously stumbled across the idea on Pinterest & after much searching, I managed to find the perfect printable template. Once you have printed your template & cut it out....

1. Use your pencil to carefully draw around your template on to the white card, remembering to mark which lines to fold & which ones to cut. 
2. Using your craft knife (& cutting matt) cut along the correct lines. 
3. Gently fold along the correct lines to create a 3D/Pop-up effect.
4. Very carefully rub out any pencil lines that may be showing, taking care not to rip the card.
5.  Once you are happy with the way it looks, glue the back of the white card & carefully stick it to the patterned card (it is easier to do this if you fold both cards in half first & stick down one half at a time)

....and you're done! 

I'm sure you'll agree it is really quite simple & looks really cute! If you do have a go yourself, please share with me on Twitter or Facebook.

♥ 

ZoFlo

101 Things in 1001 Days #92

Upload a Video on YouTube

When I wrote this, I am pretty sure I had in mind some kind of DIY Tutorial or similar. But I'll be totally honest with you - I would find that hideously awkward! I wouldn't even know where to begin & definitely don't have the confidence to sit in front of a camera & babble on before uploading it for all to see. Scary! So instead, I have settled for a lovely little GoPro video edit of a Sunday bike ride in the sun we had a few weeks ago. It was a lovely day & we didn't have much else to do. I got Nick the GoPro for his Birthday so we thought it would be fun to test it out. I did a very basic video edit & added in some music. It was really fun & I want to make so many more videos of our day trips/adventures so watch this space (although I wouldn't ever do a proper vlog as again, I think I would be too awkward). So here is my first (very simple) YouTube video.

I hope you enjoyed it! If you did, please hit the like button. And if you want to stay updated with any of our future advertures, maybe hit the subcribe button :)

♥  

ZoFlo


Music: Love Like This - Kodaline

Throwback // As Level Textiles

I have always been a "keen bean" when it came to Textiles. I absolutely loved it as School & graded highly in it. After my second year of college - when I figured out that English Literature just wasn't for me (yawn) - I decided to pick up As Level Textiles. Looking back, I could of done so much better, but I was at that careless age where I didn't give a damn & had no idea where my life was heading. So for a giggle, I thought I would share with you some of my amazing As Level Textiles Exam Work!

So my exam theme was Sanctuary: Beach. And apparently, this was my inspiration...

I am assuming this was about the time that Girls Aloud were cool & "I Can't Speak French" was released. I was obviously very keen on the slutty, shipwrecked look! I have some images taken from my sketchbook showing my thought processes & how I got to my final piece - which I must add, looks nothing like the above!

I made prints from real fish (eww) & shells I some how aquired - probably from a tacky seaside shop - which are included in my sketchbook. Thankfully, I only opted for shell prints on my final piece, so it doesn't smell fishy! I also ended up making it faaaar too small, which was fine by me as it meant I didn't have to model it in the College Fashion Show. The girl who modelled it for me was lovely & slim & had legs to die for, so it was probably for the best! As you can see, it doesn't look anything like my original inspiration, but it is still quite beachy/slutty so I think it turned out okay(ish). At the time I remember I was really pleased, until I got my exam results back then I realised that it actually was a bit crap (I got a C which is okay, but not the same as my A I got at GCSE)!

Although this has been a rather different post, I hope you enjoyed stepping back in time with me & looking at my appaulling work. If you did, then you must thank my wonderful Mother, who decided she no longer wanted my portfolio at her house (so rude) so hand delivered it to my house...! Cheers Suzy, you inspired me to share my work with the blogging community.

Next time: A peep at my BTEC Photography Work - if you fancy it?

♥  

ZoFlo

101 Things in 1001 Days #95

Grow Sunflowers

 I love Sunflowers. They always remind me of summer & are so pretty. I have wanted to grow my own for so long, but just never really got around to buying any seeds. Last year, I was given some memory seeds, in memory of a relative who passed away, so I definitely wanted to plant these ones. They seemed more special than any other seed! Instead of popping one in a pot, I went a little crazy & scattered a few in one plant pot. Ooops. I am now overrun with Sunflowers! I honestly didn't expect them all to grow, as my experience with growing my own vegetables led me to believe that not everything grows (I'll be uploading a post about growing veggies in the future, so keep your eyes peeled). 

 

Only one pot of my many Sunflowers...!

Just looking at them out the window makes me smile. Even when it's raining they brighten up the garden. I have some seeds left, so definitely want to have another go at it next year. Perhaps next time I'll grow less though & focus on getting them to climb higher. Have you grown your own Sunflowers before? Do you have any tips?

♥  

ZoFlo

101 Things in 1001 Days #93

Go to a Flea Market

 I have never been to a Flea Market before, but it is something I have always wanted to go to. Luckily I have the Shepton Mallett Flea & Collectors Market about 15 minutes from me, so no excuses to not cross this one off my list. So off I trundle last Sunday with my Gran, who was more than happy to come along with me (although I'm sure it had something to do with the cheap upholstery fabric)!

 

 

I had no idea what to expect really or even how much money to take. But I knew what I was going for - a chair & some fabric - & made sure I only took cash for the amount I was happy to spend. I saw a few nice chairs, but most of them had already been painted & upholstered. I wanted something that was going to be more of a project so picked up this little beauty. It needs to be sanded, varnished & the padded seat needs covering but it's perfect. Just what I was hoping to find & at £25, I really did pick up a bargain!

There was so much other stuff to see & although we weren't there for the Jewellery, Paintings, China or Retro Phones(!) we still had a browse before moving on to the fabric. I knew it was going to be cheap fabric as a friend had mentioned how cheap it was when she went but I didn't expect it to be £1.50 a meter! At first, I thought "you can see why some of the rolls are £1.50 a meter" but then the most beautiful fabric caught my eye. There were three different varieties, all the same pattern but slightly different colours. One blue, one green & one blue & gold. I opted for the blue & gold as I thought it would match my chair perfectly. I would say I only needed around 1/2 a meter for my chair, but at £1.50 a meter it would be rude not to get more...so I got an extra 2.5 meters to keep safe in my fabric stash! You know, just in case.
 

It was such a successful morning & I am so excited for the next one. There was so much more I could of purchased, but I didn't want to go too crazy. I am hoping to make some new cushion covers soon so this would be the most ideal place to pick up some fabric for these. I will definitely update you on my next trip. Have you ever been to a Flea Market before? Did you pick up any bargains?

♥  

ZoFlo

Kirsty Allsopp Themed Card Pack // Review

I have been so busy recently, but last week I finally had some time to have a play with one of the crafty sets I won in the Sykes Cottages Craft Competition. As I was feeling lazy (it was a Sunday), I chose the Kirsty Allsopp Themed Card Pack - I also had a friends birthday coming up so it was perfect! The pack came with everything you need to make 5 cards, all with a cupcake/birthday theme! Everything was pre-cut so no fiddly bits & it even came with foam sticky pads. These were great as it created a 3D effect, which immediately makes cards look more interesting & brings the designs to life. 

I only chose to make two cards for the time being, but the two I did make I am so pleased with. It is such a great pack & is perfect for card making beginners. Although everything is the same, which limits the design of each card, there is nothing stopping you from raiding your craft box/cupboard/room (delete as appropriate) & adding extra bits to them to make each design a little different. I added a cocktail stick to one of mine to create a little flag on top of the cupcake. Cute!

What card making packs would you recommend?

♥  

ZoFlo

100 Happy Days // Update #3

I can't believe I am over half way through my 100 Happy Days - it's speeding by! The last few weeks have been amazing. So here are my photos from the past few weeks, taking us up to day 60 of my 100 Happy Days..(Very photo heavy, real sorry)!
 

Note: I realised after uploading these that they aren't in order really - eg. I didn't leave Glastonbury Festival to go home & have cuddles with Humphrey!!

Hopefully you are enjoying these updates. So much has happened since my last update. I wonder what the next 40 days will bring me...

♥  

ZoFlo

Catch up on update #1 & update #2

101 Things in 1001 Days #76

Send a Postcard to Someone

 This seems like a simple one, but who even sends postcards these days? I don't. Unless it's just me being mean. And I never seem to recieve them either.

Whilst I was at Glastonbury I noticed there was a Postcard Tent, where you could send a Postcard to someone. I love sending nice things in the post, equally as much as I love recieving nice things too, so I decided to do one for my parents. There was loads to choose from, but I settled on one that was colourful & slightly unusual. Very Glastonbury-esque! I kept my message short & sweet, as there was a big queue for the pens/stamps, but nevertheless my Mum & Dad loved it (I think).

I definitely want to send people postcards more often! Even if I am not on holiday. Is that weird?

♥  

ZoFlo

Thursday Thoughts #28

Happy Thursday!

This week I am at Glastonbury Festival - Yaaaaaaaaaaaay! So it is only right to have an appropriate thought for today...

Photo Source

I love everything about Glastonbury Festival. It is literally my favourite time of the year. Perhaps I even like it more than Christmas! It is so close to where I live, so if you don't go it is absolute torture. When the diversion signs go up about a week or so before the Festival opens, I always get really excited. It's all everyone talks about here in Somerset! Camping for 5 days, wearing flowers in my hair everyday & listening to all of my favourite bands whilst drinking copious amounts of cider...I can't even think of anything I would rather do. Even if it is raining. I will (obviously) be uploading a post when I return about my experience, as it is too good to not share with you all - I hope you don't mind!

Enjoy the rest of your week! I am here until Monday so I know I will definitely enjoy mine *reaches for another can of cider*

♥  

ZoFlo

100 Happy Days // Update #2

We have reached day 32 of my 100 Happy Days - it's going so fast - & I have had some really great times. I've met up with an old friend, spent time with my Niece & Nephew, enjoyed the sunshine with friends, lost at Badminton against Nick twice & won a competition (more on that soon)...So it has been a fun/busy few weeks!

 

I have lots of plans over the next few weeks (including Glastonbury Festival - Wooo), so the next update will have some slighlty more interesting photos.

Are you doing 100 Happy Days too?

♥  

ZoFlo

You can see update #1 of my 100 Happy Days here