Monday 28 November 2011

A Temple, Puddles and Birds.

I had a go at another Christmas make idea, I was looking for something less time consuming than the owls.

I came up with this little birdie. He's a cross between the coloured birds in this post and the quilled bird in this post.

I think I'll make the wings a little less frilly for the next one, then do a few more to sell cheaply at the next fair. They're very simple to do...

1. Cut a piece of card into a bird shape (this particular shape is taken from "Christmas Crafting in No Time")

2. Fold a length of paper into a concertina, round the ends with scissors, insert into a slot cut into the, glue wings together at the top, and attach a thread for hanging.

I am also making more owls for the forthcoming nursery fair. Why? Because... all seven hanging owls and the spicy owl pillow sold at the school fair on Saturday - hurray! I put the price at £4.50 for the hanging owls and £7.50 for the owl pillow. So just for those that's £38 direct to the school which is more than I would have given in a straight donation, plus I did enjoy making them, and of course, taking photos of them, putting them on my blog and receiving some lovely comments about them! Thank you to all who did take the time to comment, all comments are much appreciated. I must admit now that the thrill of making them is starting to fade a little, but I'll manage a few more I'm sure.

Yesterday afternoon we went for another little walk. Anyone who follows my cycling posts will probably have noticed little hilltop folly which frequently appears in my photos. Despite living here for nearly 10 years, I'd never made the little detour up the hill to visit the folly, till now. However, we soon realised we hadn't picked a good day...

... a huge enormous puddle! I waded slowly through it carrying N. It probably stretched for 100yds and for about 50 of those it came up to within 2" of the tops of my wellies.

Hubby and A decided to try skirting round the puddle (you can just make them out on the far right of the above photo)

It initially looked like they'd made the better choice, but they got very muddy.

Still, we made it!

The folly (or temple as it's often called) was bigger than I thought it would be, and although empty there was more inside than I expected - such as the remains of a fireplace and evidence of an upper floor level with the windows. It was built in 1760 so is also older than I expected too. Apparently its original use was thought to be as a religious shrine and later it was used as hunting base, being close to a deer path.

At least it provided shelter from the wind.

The views were pleasant too, though we resolved to come back and appreciate them more on a nicer day.

Sunbeams and the setting sun peeking through a gap in the clouds.

We returned to the car along the cycle path to avoid the puddles. I love returning to a warm cosy home after a cold and blustery late Autumn walk - one of my favourite things!

20 comments:

Simone said...

Firstly must say stunning sunbeam shot! Secondly, I am so glad that you managed to sell all your owls. I think quality sells! The paper bird is very effective and I am sure they will sell well too.

Jacquie said...

So pleased your owls sold well...they are so pretty and the detail is fab . Hope the next fair goes well :0)
Jacquie x

YarnRoundHook said...

Pleased to hear that your owls sold so well. As for that puddle - it looks like a lake!

VintageVicki said...

Fantastic that all the owls sold - bet you were very pleased :)

Great photos from your walk - thank goodness the puddle didn't get any deeper!

Louise said...

I've enjoyed this walk, very interesting and lovely views. We have a similar sort of thing in Derbyshire, solomons Temple, which has an interesting history though I don't think it's as old as that one.

After seeing the spice filled cushion on your last post, it sounds great, a nice change from the usual lavender! If you make any more I might like to buy one!

Mereknits said...

Beautiful, beautiful photos, thanks so much for taking us along with you.
Meredith

Anonymous said...

Beautiful pictures to accompany your walk. I would have chickened out at the puddle.

Well done on the sales, what a good sum to give to the school.

Grateful4Crochet said...

Congratulations on selling everything- no surprise there as they were gorgeous!!!
Love your walk photos, especially the last one
I also love that feel of being tired and cold and coming home to a war, house- nothing beats it!!

Lyn said...

Well done on the sales of the owls, I am sure the birdies will fly too!
More stunning photographs from your walk.
xxx

Hazel said...

Gorgeous birds and owls. Wow that puddle looks like a lake!!! Mahoosive!! x

periwinkle said...

I'm really pleased for you that your owls sold well, it kind of gives you a big boost doesn't it. Waters are swelling all over the place at the minute. The river beside where my parents live rose to one of it's highest ever levels last night, very scary especially for my friend who had the river literally at the bottom of her front gate!

Mrs. Micawber said...

I love the look of the green, green hillside.

Those birds are adorable. I think the wings are just right. Your photos make me want to get out the paper and scissors and glue.

Isn't there something a little thrilling about wading through a puddle that deep? Especially since it didn't QUITE reach the tops of your wellies.

Beautiful sunbeam and folly photos.

Pomona said...

What a lovely walk - and what an unbelievable puddle! Glad your owls did well - I am not surprised that they were snapped up. You might like my giveaway - hope you will join in.

Pomona x

Anonymous said...

Oh! I used to go walking there. And snowboarding with my hubby to be who was then my hubby. And while pregnant with my twins who are now 10. We must have moved away just before you moved there. love your blog. x

blueskyscotland said...

Some great photos Anne.Glad you made it up to see the folly.
A Lot of rain over your way recently I hope you are above the flooding.
bob.

nimble fingers and steady eyebrows said...

I love your bird, I am going to try to make him tomorrow, as well as an owl and a gazillion other christmassy things. - Annie

Jennyff said...

Well done with the sales, always rewarding to have your makings well received. Hope you are keeping cosy in this snowy weather.

Anonymous said...

I've been out of the loop for a month and have missed out on sooooooooo much. The owls are really lovely and a snip at £4.50...all that work and attention to detail. So pleased you sold them all. Love the gorgeous snowflakes, in fact everything you made looked fabulous. And to think I missed out on the giveaway too - boohoo!! Glad to catch up on your outdoor activity too (photos as always, beautifully shot). We have just bought bikes as mine only had 2 gears and Rob's was a 1950's triumph with 3 gears (lucky him)....and then the snow fell. Typical! Guess we will have to try to curb our enthusiasm until next year!

Katie x

Beth of The Linen Cat said...

Lovely photos from your walk, and I'm not surprised the owls sold well, they really are lovely and a bargain at 4.50 for all the work involved. I hope you don't get owl making fatigue doing the next batch, the schools etc are very lucky you make such a great contribution.

Beth/The Linen Catx

Lifesastitch said...

Beautiful photos, everything - owls and scenery,

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