Friday 30 May 2014

'Kaffee und Kuchen'

A lovely morning spent with a special friend over 'Kaffee und Kuchen'. This is one of my favourite German phrases-what a wonderful tradition they have of coffee and cake, not that I don't love our British institution of afternoon tea but I'm afraid I have never liked the brew, only coffee! We meet for coffee at different places but a favourite has become the  Par Garden Centre . The cafe has delicious pastries best of all you get free refills of as much coffee/hot choc as you like! They do great lunches too-their fish and chips in Cornish beer batter always looks so tantalising!
The Garden Centre stocks some lovely vintage style gifts, Cath Kidston etc and is always worth a browse.
Today I spotted these wonderful vintage beach inspired items-I love the little lady in her retro swimwear!

I couldn't resist treating myself to this brilliant enamel sign-I have just created a craft room with a seaside theme so it is earmarked to be hung in there tomorrow. 
I make a little range of vintage style hearts with messages and last year designed this 'By the sea' one:
So today I started on a fresh batch of these for the summer. I use Cath Kidston bue mini spot and 'little boats' -this design always reminds me of summers at the coast in times gone by. For the message I handstamp on to white cotton/linen using 'Versacraft' ink. This year I will make some bunting to go with them-this was the plan for last year but the summer ran out before I got down to it!
I am loving meeting new friends here-please do leave me a comment if you have time! Hope you have a lovely, sunny weekend, Alison xx

10 comments:

  1. Hi Alison I do love that little lady she is gorgeous, reminds me of you. Your sign will be perfect for your new craft room can't wait to see it. I think the little hearts are just so cute and sweet and what a lovely idea to do some bunting too. You are going to be busy Alison. Like you I love my coffee - very weak and milky but nevertheless I cannot cope without a regular supply plus a nice helping of cake - what a perfect morning Alison - heaven. Have a wonderful weekend, your blog is going from strength to strength. Big hugs and loves
    Dorothyxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

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    1. Thank you so much Dorothy. hope it is lovely and sunny where you are-it is gorgeous here today! xx

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  2. Your morning with your friend sounds very special, and I love your new sign - very appropriate and a great 'go-along-with' for your exquisite little hearts! Enjoy your makings Alison and I'll be looking forward to seeing more of them soon, love, Joy xo

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    1. Thank you Joy -I will be making some more hearts soon and have the bunting on the go!. Hope you are having a lovely relaxing weekend ,
      Love
      Alison xx

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  3. Kaffee und Kuchen is definitely a German tradition to embrace and your local garden centre seems like a wonderful place to enjoy it.
    I'd love to see a picture of your seaside themed craft room.
    Lovely little heart projects.
    Happy weekend!
    Margaret

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  4. Hi Margaret, I have just been looking through Solstitches-I can't believe what amazing cross stitch and embroidery projects! I love samplers, especially vintage ones. My mother was an avid embroiderer, I shall be following this with interest. I love cross stitch, tapestry and embroidery too-there's never enough hours in the day!
    Hope you are having a lovely weekend
    Alison xx

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  5. Hi Alison your morning with your friend sounds perfect. I too like my coffee but I like tea as well. Coffee in a morning and tea in the afternoon, very traditional I know. Your new sign will be perfect for your craft room and I love your hearts as well, the bunting will be the perfect addition to complete the look.
    Have a great weekend
    Jackie x

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    1. Hi Jackie Thank you so much for popping over. You've reminded me of how my mum used to like coffee in the morning and tea in the afternoon-the traditional way! Your blog is lovely-what gorgeous cards you make. Hope you're having a lovely sunny weekend,
      Alison xx

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  6. Hi Alison. I was so intent on researching the "VersaCraft" ink that I forgot to leave a message.
    Like yourself I embrace all sorts of Crafts. I thoroughly enjoy the learning process. Some I stick with and others I let go.
    I have boxes of Ink Pads for card crafting and never thought of crossing some over into fabric work. Silly me!!!!
    I have returned to fabric work after a very long absence. Bought a new sewing machine and am really enjoying myself.
    Hugs

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    1. Hi Cally, I had started stitching message labels/ribbon to little keepsake hearts but wanted 'By the sea' for which no ribbon available. Discovered how easy it was to print on cotton with rubber stamps-the Versacraft ink pads are great-the ink seems so much stronger and long lasting! Alison xx

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