There is one drink I can’t live without and that is, a nice cup of tea. I enjoy tea of all varieties and as I write this I am enjoying a cup of red bush or rooibos tea. This variety of tea is naturally caffeine free so is good to drink in the evening . The underground health website details ten reasons that this tea is good for you. I have recently purchased a glass teapot which is perfect for brewing more unusual teas.
Author: Anne Clark
Gluten Free Banana Loaf
I like to use up bananas once they are too squashy to eat by making a gluten free banana loaf. I first made this gluten free banana loaf several years ago from a recipe found on the Angel Eden blog .
Happy New Year
Its 2015, Happy New Year to anyone who reads this blog. The last four months of 2014 were very busy for my family and I hope things will be a little quieter now so that I can start blogging again.
In November I had a new Stoves duel range cooker and I am still trying to get used to the way it cooks. My previous oven burnt everything and I used to compensate by turning the temperature down about 30% and altering the timings. I am now working on getting used to my smart new cooker.
Harley Gallery and Welbeck Village
Last weekend I visited the Harley Gallery and Welbeck village. The village is owned by the Duke of Portland. He is responsible for continuing the Welbeck Project started by his Aunt, Ivy the Duchess of Portland. The village is not usually open for the public to walk around so it was lovely to be able to visit it.
I Love Making Things.
I love making things hence the title of my blog, Anne Clark Handmade. I also like to create small worlds using papier mache, fabric, wire and knitting. There is a lot of fun to be had experimenting with different materials. A couple of years ago I spent a day attending a Jessie Chorley workshop at Hope and Elvis in Nottinghamshire. We were given an old cutlery box to do something with and I made it into a small room with clock, curtain and dressing table.
Highdown Gardens West Sussex
Highdown Gardens near Worthing in West Sussex, are stunningly beautiful. They are situated on downland countryside with views of the sea beyond. The gardens offer a unique collection of rare plants and trees and have been deemed a National Collection. Entry to the gardens are free but donations are very welcome.
A Shed of my Own.
I really need a shed and that is why I am entering the Beast Shed competition. It may seem strange but I have dreamed of owning a shed for many years but to buy a good quality one that will last, does cost a tidy sum. I imagined my shed to be quite a pretty affair with bunting hung outside, a metal cafe type table and chairs where I could sit and savour a cup of tea. A place to enjoy the garden even on wet days and a place to pot up some plants or do some knitting.
Hand Cream from Hotel Chocolat
I was very pleased when Abi from the Angeledenblog nominated me to receive this hand cream from Hotel Chocolat to try. Abi had been given some of their body butter to test and her thoughts can be seen HERE. The company contacted me to ask for my address and it arrived very quickly. When I opened the package it all looked very special in its own carrier.
Global Service Jam 2014
I have just spent an enjoyable, challenging and exhausting weekend joining in with the Global Service Jam at Quad in Derby. It is the first time that I have ever been involved with something like this so I am giving some feedback on how I found it. To start with, here is some background information on what a Global Service Jam involves. The global bit is easy, it takes place all over the world on the same weekend or as near to that as is possible. This year over 100 cities joined in with Jam sites existing on six continents. On the poster below you can see the Derby Ram just over halfway down.
WaterAid, Knitted Raindrops.
I love knitting and wanted to make something to raise money for WaterAid. WaterAid is an international charity that transforms lives by improving access to safe water, hygiene and sanitation. In this country we can take water for granted, especially this year and many of us must feel we have seen enough rain for a life time. However it is not the same everywhere and thousands of children die each year because they do not have clean water to drink. Lots of information on what your donation can provide and the projects that are going on can be found on the WaterAid website.