Perfect Light Sponge Cakes Everytime

This method never fails for the perfect fairy cakes

Hello,

I wanted to share a quick and easy tip to get the best ever sponge cakes. It's was passed on to me by a farmer's wife and it really works.

Before measuring out your sponge ingredients, just weigh your eggs. Then weigh out equal butter, sugar and flour and make as per usual. And that's it!

Little trade secrets passed down through the families are priceless

I swear by this quick tip and the cakes are really light. Eggs vary in weight depending on so many factors, so to get the egg weight right balances out the rest of your cake mixture. 

A teaspoon of cream also adds a creamy texture if you want some extra richness.

Try it this weekend and if it works, leave me a comment below.

Happy Baking,

Samantha

Currrently On My Desk

Good Morning,

It's been a busy week so I wanted to share with you my current work in progress projects I have on my desk. It's been a lovely bright sunny Spring day so far, the kind of day that inspires new inspiration as the rays of light flood into my craft space.

Vintage buttons and threads in green

Old reels of ribbons and cord look so beautiful.

 I have to admit that I am a multi-crafter with one or more ideas on the go. Sometimes, it's great to park something and pick another up for a change and not to tired out your creativity?

Current projects for the 1940s weekend at Crich

Distressed frames using watered down primer paints

I always try and keep at least two projects on the go using different craft supplies. This week, it priming these pretty bright fancy frames, making 1940s inspired brooches for an upcoming Crafternoon and a bright green colour hang over from St.Patrick's day crafting. 

Mixing old and new, these printed fabrics were bought last month and look great with the chocolate sweetie buttons I picked up last week in France.

Looking forward to sharing some final projects with you soon!

Happy Crafting,

Samantha

Introducing Vintage Loveliness from Hen Box!

Hello,

Planning a party? 

Have you seen the lovely vintage range from Hen Box . Hen Box is a one stop party shop for all things hen, bridal and pre-Wedding celebrations. Plus the lovely Hen Box has given us a cheeky 10% discount off the whole site! 

Just enter 'CRAFTY10' when you get to the checkout.

Here are my top vintage style picks from Hen Box for your perfect Crafternoon...

pretty, pretty, pretty!

I love these pretty colourful paper decorations (below) to add that vintageness touch to a party. Place on the table or use around a door way as a fantastic entrance for your hen. The green and pink ones are my favourite.

Why not decorate your table with these floral napkins and for all your sweet treats add these pretty cake stands in vintage Summery colours. 

The range is beautiful without being over fussy and would compliment your crafty party. Little touches like matching napkins or sash look great on photos and add those extra little details. 

I look back at my hen party and it's a great keepsake to remember how all your friends and family made your last days as a Miss so special!

For more inspiration hop over to Hen Box's blog and why you are there read about our real life Glamp-site Crafternoon from last Summer at Secret Cloud House Holiday yurts in the Derbyshire peaks. 

yurts, craft and sun..we are ready to go and Crafternoon!

Thanks for featuring me Hen Box!

See you soon for more Crafternoon inspiration,

Samantha x

Our First Derbyshire Spring Market 2015

A Vintage Inspired Market 

Hello,

Sunday was my very first Derbyshire Spring Market . It was an early start and I've been working on the stand like crazy over the last week! It was great to see so many vintage inspired stalls all under one roof.

Here are some pictures from my day...

Setting up on Sunday morning, the venue was spacious and just look at that bunting!

Lots of sweet handmade treats for our lovely visitors. These are strawberry meringue buttons. We had new cards printed for the event with our new vintage stamp logo on.

Lots of samples as I set the stall up as I would do a Crafternoon tea with haberdashery and vintage finds.

And here is me all ready to go!

And the day got busy with some lovely people dropping by the stand.

We had strawberry cake, I made this one on Saturday so it was super fresh and smelt gorgeous!

And I need to thank my lovely Mum for helping me out on the day. 

Thank-you to everyone who stopped by!

See you soon for more crafty projects.

Bye for now,

Samantha x

Spring Market, Sunday 8th March

Hello!

Just popping by to say we are getting ready for our very first Spring Market ! It's very exciting to be asked to show plus we will be meeting with new people, exhibitors and find out what's happening handmade-wise in our lovely county.

I will be blogging about the lovely stalls next week.

If you are going, I'm on stand 86 in the library. And yes... they will be cake....

See you soon,

Samantha