Elderflower Hunt.

 Isn't the weather glorious....we all went out on an elderflower hunt...to make a jam and cordial....

 And we found lots......

 Personally I love the smell of elderflowers but the hubby complains that they smell of cats wee.......

I had a little helper eager to carry my basket.

 We sat down in a meadow for a rest and before we knew it the girlies had a crown made from meadow grasses and wild flowers, including clovers, queen anns lace, dandelions and daisies.

 The girls loved them .....when we got home we put the elderflower heads to soak for three days before we can make out lovely jam x x x

Hope you are all enjoying the wonderful sunshine too x xx

Picnic time

 Hasn't the weather been wonderful....Daisy has been enjoying the sunshine......

 And so have we ,we went for a picnic on The Byes.......

 We were interrupted by someone...a great big wriggly room that was handled lovely till it pooped on them!

 Esme and Patience love running around outside......

And they love their dressing up box, they will insist on going everywhere in  dressing up clothes.

And we rounded the day off searching for fairies in amongst the tree trunks.......we didn't find any but we found a fairy house and some fairy dust.....well the girls did!

Lavender Workshop only a couple of places left x x x

The next workshop is on Saturday 14 June and is based on Lavender! They are being held in Hesta of Bodkin's HUGE crafty kitchen.
You will be greeted by china and lavender biscuits over which we will all spend a few minutes getting to know each other.

Craft Activity 1: Learn How to Fabric Paint on Canvas Bags
Shown by textiles expert, Hesta of Bodkin.

Craft Activity 2: Learn How to Make Beautiful Delicate Lavender Jelly
Taught by Claire-Louise of Sidmouth Poppy (everyone will get to take home a jar.

*Break for lunch made of locally sourced / foraged goodies.*

Craft Activity 3: Learn to Make Traditional Lavender Bottles
They are used to perfume your drawers and wardrobes and make wonderful gifts.

The afternoon will then wrap up with a lavender infused cake and tea on vintage china and everyone will have a chance to admire each others handicrafts before leaving with a lavender goody-bag.

£45 for workshop to include lunch, tea and cake and goody bag.

Pre-booking is essential via Eventbrite: http://bit.ly/1hedu6Y

 

Does my bum look big in this??????

Lavender Workshop

 Bodkin and Sidmouth Poppy are collaborating!!!!!!

We are joining together to do all day pop up seasonal workshops!

The next one is in a fortnights time and is based on Lavender! They are being held in Hesta of Bodkin's  HUGE crafty kitchen

You will be greeted by china and lavender biscuits over which  we will all spend a few minutes getting to know each other......

Then it will be on to the first activity of the day....Hesta will show us all how to fabric paint on canvas bags.....

Then Claire-Louise of Sidmouth Poppy will show you how to make this beautiful delicate Lavender jelly....of which everyone will take home a jar...

Then it will be a locally sourced/foraged lunch..here are a few pictures of one we did earlier.....

The we will proceed to the afternoon activity.....

making these wonderful traditional lavender bottles which are used to perfume your drawers and wardrobes and make wonderful gifts x

The afternoon will then wrap up with a lavender infused cake and tea on vintage china and everyone will have a chance to admire each others handicrafts before leaving with a lavender goody-bag......

Bodkin and Sidmouth Poppy's Lavender Workshop

Saturday June 14th

10.30 -3.00

£45 for workshop to include lunch, tea and cake and goody bag.

 Please  ring  01395 577752 to book a place on the workshop....(full payment or  £15 non refundable deposit will secure you a place on the workshop )

We are planning seasonal workshops throughout the year....Autumn/Winter/Christmas so even if you cannot make our Lavender workshop please keep an eye out for up coming workshops.

Or to book direct please use link below.....
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/bodkin-and-sidmouth-poppys-lavender-workshop-tickets-11867902215

my first sourdough loaf

 My first attempt at a sourdough loaf.....I have enjoyed feeding my starter....although at sometimes I was convinced it wasn't working...it was just doing all its growing when I wasn't looking at it...and when I did it was flat and hungry....

 I kneaded and kneaded and was convinced it wouldn't work ...but...at the end of the first proving I could see that it had.....

 Didn't have a fancy proving basket so I just lined a mixing bowl with a heavily floured napkin.....

 But I had a brain wave I need to find a lacy cloth or doily and have patterned bread!

 After the second proving I was well impressed...i still had two hours to go but was worried it would "over" prove....so I cooked it...should I have left it????? Can anyone tell me?

 Here is the finished loaf......It was very light and tasty..although it didn't taste sour at all ( i did use a recipe that included a tablespoon of honey)

It was gobbled up with tons of butter dipped into my home made pea and ham soup, a family fav...and the next day I used it to make garlic bread to accompany our meal....It was very satisfying to make and I intend to use the weekend to perfect  my baking skills....practice makes perfect!