Unexpected success in my first craft and flower exhibition.

Since embracing village life with a move eighteen months ago, I felt it was about time to get involved with the annual craft and flower show...as you do!
Joining the Craft and Chatter group a few weeks previously inspired me to get involved, as well a bit of friendly rivalry I have to say.

In fact, I found myself helping out for the whole day and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Anyway, three exhibits later and I came away with a trophy!
It's only little but I'm proud of it anyway.

So what did I exhibit...?
Two miniature flower arrangements...and I've never arranged flowers before...got a first place for this one...

...and a third place for this one...in the novelty class

...and then my baby polar bears got me another first place in the miniature craft section....

According to those in the know, these little guys won me the trophy...which makes all the hard work creating them worthwhile...

DIY bookcase ideas for Top Ten book list results.

The results of a fun survey, involving 500 teachers deciding on their top ten 'must-read' children's books, released it's results this week.

And the winner was....please insert lengthy pause with dramatic music aka the X Factor.... 

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory by Roald Dahl...!

But where are you going to store all these books..? Here's a few DIY ideas, with the help of a friendly 'chippy', that caught my eye...

 aulifestyle

 buzzfeed

 custommade

 design-magazine

 mogujie

 popsugar

 redtri

And if you want size rather than shape....

runtoradiance

ikeahackers

Is this the perfect kid's playhouse..?

Architecturally-trained mothers, Christine Petersen and Anne Froydis Linnerud, started creating their delightful plywood playhouses in 2013 after they struggled to find anything suitable for their own kids.

And they are oh-so practical..!

Suitable for indoors or out, each house is held together by big flat 'pegs' so can be put up and taken down at will...which makes it so easy to store away when not in use...and can be painted or decorated as you wish...!

Kids get such a great deal sometimes....don't they!

Every kid's room needs a den space!

Where else can your little ones dream of imaginary lands and adventures...or sit quietly with a book...or invite their favourite toys for tea...I think you get the message...

The following images all feature indoor dens but, with the school holidays rapidly approaching, how about some tips on designing an outdoor Summer den...?  

 alebesso

 amberinteriors

 brit

 coosje-blog

 milkainteriors

 mocoloco

 petitandsmall

 yatzer

boligpluss