Blog Giveaway -- Recycled Bottle

I've finally reached 200 fans on Facebook, so thought I would celebrate by running a blog giveaway. Would you like to win one of these recycled bottles (contents/knife not included). They come in the following colours; olive, bright green, dark green, clear.

For your chance to win one of these quirky bottles, all you have to do is leave a comment stating which colour you would prefer and what your favourite tipple is. That's it. No catch, it really is that simple.

And, if you are not following me on my blog or not a fan on my FB page, just join up and you will also be included. The closing date is 8th April.

If you do not win, you can purchase the bottles here

The giveaway is open to international bloggers too.

Good luck,

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

I Can Cook - Fish Triple Decker

My daughter loves I Can Cook on CBeebies - it's a great program for kids and encourages them to cook (and clean up) in the kitchen. My daughter is only 2, but she likes to get involved and often 'helps' (sometimes hinder!!) me when preparing lunch and dinner.

I decided to make one of the recipes from I Can Cook - Fish Triple Decker. I was so proud of my daughter, as she made all of her own dish. I didn't (and she wouldn't let me) help at all. She even has her own small oven dish:

She was also keen to help with the washing up (although I think its the splishing and splashing in the water she likes, and making foamy mess):

I have to admit that the dish was delicious and I thoroughly enjoyed mine, as did my daughter and thought I would share the recipe with you:

Ingredients (per small person):

* haddock or similar white fish fillets

* 2 small mushrooms

* 4 olives, without stone (I left this out)

* 1 rounded tbspn sweetcorn

* tomato sauce

* 2 stalks curly parsley

* 1 slice of day old bread

* pinch of black pepper

* 25g grated cheese

* oil for greasing

Method:

* Grease an ovenproof dish and add fish fillet

* Squirt a liberal amount of tomato sauce on fish and spread all over

* Tear mushrooms, place over fish

* Add sweetcorn and olives

* Cut parsley and sprinkle over fish

* Grate bread

* Mix breadcrumbs with grated cheese and add pepper

* Tip mixture over the fish

* Cook in preheated oven 180 fan/200/gas mark 6 and cook for 20 minutes

or until cooked thoroughly.

This is a good recipe to encourage kids to eat fish and vegetables - and when they make it, they will want to eat it!

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Work in Progress

I finally took a photo of 'Journey' above - this had been made last week, but hadn't had space to photograph it. The glass piece is set in to a wood plinth to finish it off. There are copper fish fused between the layers.

In the background of the photo above, I have created some coasters with the new Graffiti design. I am working on making some Coast Curve Clocks in the foreground. This the Coast Curve Clock when wall mounted, it is very pretty when light shines through it:

These are the Graffiti coasters - it's my latest design and just trying it out to see what people think. It's quite a retro design. These are pre-fired, and will brighten slightly when fired. Let me know what you think of the Graffiti design:

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Aviemore Gallery

I visited the Aviemore Gallery on Saturday to drop off a trade order. We then spent the day in and around Aviemore as it was such lovely weather.

We had lunch in the Mountain Cafe - my favourite place, you can see the Cairngorm Mountains whilst eating your lunch, heavenly. I then drove up the mountain and watch all the skiers. It was such good fun watching people skiing (and falling over). We had to wait for the funicular train to leave its depot - my daughter was thrilled that she saw the train.

On the way back down we stopped at Lake Morlich and watched the ducks. They were so cute and came running up to us as soon as we got out of the car - they must be used to people feeding them. Unfortunately, we didn't have any bread, so they must have been quite disappointed with us. We then drove on to The Hilton Hotel site and looked around their wooden lodges in the forest. It was a beautiful setting. The Hilton also have an outdoor activities area - rock climbing, trampolining, ski hill etc. Aviemore is a great place is you like outdoor pursuits, there is just so much to do.

Instead of taking the A95 main route home, I decided to take the scenic route from Grantown and we drove 24 miles and only passed three cars - talk about gridlock !!!

All in all we had a fab day.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Blog Award

I've received this special award by Charlotte of Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics - a big thank you to her. Charlotte has also been poorly this week, but I'm sure the Blog Award given to her cheered her up. Welcome back to blogland Charlotte.

Doesn't the photo remind you of Spring - it's getting lighter and warmer and my spirits are certainly lifted by the welcome change in weather.

I would like to send this award to the following people, whose blogs I enjoy reading:

1) Blueberry Park
2) Glamglass Gifts
3) Blue Fish Handmade
4) Murano Silver
5) Azure Islands Designs

Be sure to pay these sites a visit, they are talented people and write interesting blog posts.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass

The Singing Cornishmen (Fishermen's Friends)

I'm supporting my fellow Cornishmen today - these are the Singing Cornishmen, known as the Fishermen's Friends. They meet every Friday evening (summer months) on the beach front in Port Isaac and sing sea shanties. They were spotted by a music producer who had been in the audience last year - long story short - they have now signed a £1m recording contract. How great is that.
You may have heard of Port Isaac in Cornwall, it is where Doc Martin is filmed.
You can pre-order their album here - http://www.fishermansfriendsportisaac.co.uk
I heard a sing from their album on the national news last night, it sounded fantastic, something I had never heard before. I will definitely be buying their album, released next month.

Special Delivery - Bullseye Glass

It's finally here - my pallet of glass. My stock was so low, I was in desperate need of more glass. The glass was very well packaged in its own crate/pallet. It just needs to be carried to my studio now, which is going to take many, many trips as I can only (safely) carry two sheets at a time. They are full sheets, so very big.

Apart from working on my usual designs, I have also been working on some new pieces for the British Craft Trade Fair (BCTF). I will be exhibiting at the BCTF in Harrogate next month. Time has just flown by and I'm sure the panic will start to set in very shortly.

However, I'm really looking forward to this event, as I've heard so much about it and particularly about how massive it is (yikes). So obviously - huge competition.

Now I have more glass, I had better get cracking (not literally!).

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Greypuss Jewellery on FB

Greypuss Jewellery are running a fantastic competition - your chance to win £100 worth of silvery bling. They sell wonderful silver jewellery, including tiaras and wedding jewellery.

All you need to do is visit Greypuss Jewellery on FB and become a fan. They are trying to reach the 100 fans mark.

You could also visit their website and see the stunning jewellery - there is also helpful information regarding birthstones, wedding anniversaries and gem stones.

Don't forget you could win £100 worth of goodies.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

A Mothers Day Treat - Part 2

I'm glad to report that I survived my hubby's surprise cooking. Joking aside, my pasty was delicious (although I didn't let on that much). My daughter loved hers and we scoffed the lot.

This was my pasty - it even looked good.

After 18 years together, it just goes to show that anything is possible and hubby being so spontaneous was very welcome.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

A Mothers Day Treat - Part 1

I'm in total shock - lost for words.

I was treated to a rather nice chinese meal last night, followed by a delicious carrot occasion cake. A pleasant evening relaxing by our cosy wood burning stove with a spicey run and some nibbles. A perfect end to my long day (I attended my first craft fair of the year).

And, this morning started off wonderfully, cup of tea in bed, surprise cards and chocolates (not one box but two). We were all sitting in the lounge watching Madagascar, when hubby asked "where is the rolling pin"?? I told him and he left the lounge, with me thinking it was rather a strange thing to ask.

Anyway, an hour later, he asked "can you crimp my pasties?" PASTIES, PASTIES I shouted with delight. My favourite of all time! He had been quietly working away in the kitchen making pasties for our tea.

This is the reason for my shock - he NEVER makes a meal (beans on toast is his limit!), let alone pasties. I'm lost for words.

I will report back soon.................

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Craft Matters - Have Your Say

Do you support contemporary crafts? I think most of us would answer yes to this question. Well, now you have a chance to have your say about the subject of all things craft, whether it be glasswork, painting, pottery, or cardmaking.

The Craft Council started the 'Craft Matters' Initiative back in October 2009 for anyone to voice their opinions on the subject. For more information on how you can help, visit Craft Matters and add your comments.

Signatories range from well-known names to people who have been helped through a difficult period in their life by participating in a craft activity. You do not necessarily have to be a hands-on crafter to take part, you can just be an admirer of contemporary crafts or a collector.

Sign up now and submit your comments - stand up and be counted and state what contemporary crafts means to you. Please blog about this and pass it on.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Spring Fair @ Banff Castle

I will be attending the Spring Craft Fair at Banff Castle on Saturday 13 March. The fair will be open from 10am - 4pm and there will be 16 other crafters selling their wares.

If you are looking for a last minute Mothers Day gift, why not pop along - you'll find something handcrafted and unique. If that doesn't grab you, just pop along for the yummy soup on offer.

And if you are feeling full after your soup, you could have a pleasant walk around the seven acres of ground.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

COAST Art Festival

Painting by Pearl Ozanne

I had some good news today - I have been selected to exhibit at the COAST Art Festival this year. The exhibition runs from 28th - 30th May at the Town Hall in the coastal town of Macduff.

This will be the third year to have run and I was lucky enough to take part last year also. I really wanted to attend this year, mainly because my glass art pieces have progressed and I now produce sculptures.

It was a fantastic event last year with over 35 different activities taking place, from craft workshops, food marquee to various exhibitions in and around banff and macduff.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Blog Givewaway - Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics

Charlottle Hupfield Ceramics is running a fantastic giveaway. She is celebrating her first anniversary of blogging, so decided to have a 'blogiversary' - a great idea.

Just click on the link word above to be in with a chance of winning a beautiful customised ceramic plaque - you can pick your own shape, colour, background, wording. Basically you can choose whatever you like.

I love Charlotte's work, she is very creative and makes a whole range of ceramic goodies such as bowls, coasters, magnets and plaques. You may even find something special for Mothers Day!

Check out Charlotte Hupfield Ceramics.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Ooh.com - For Crafters and Makers

Ooh.com is a free general noticeboard for trips, courses, workshops, accommodation and events. We spend a lot of time digging around trying to find exciting and unusual things to do - all events listed on Ooh.com are by individuals or companies. Listings are from passionate people who really care and offer the chance of participating in something you do not normally hear about.

People browsing the site can find local stuff going on near them, but if people are travelling abroad and want to take part in the more unusual non-tourist activities, these are also listed. Basically, whatever you're looking for, whether it be this weekend, next weekend, home or away, anyone can book new things to do.

Some of the great 'crafty' things listed in the UK are; silk painting, shibori indigo dyeing, kimono dressing, omiyage, bush craft, carving in stone - to name but a few.

Other outdoor type activities include beekeeping taster day, graffiti, hedge laying, mountaineering, surfing and more.

There's even stuff for foodies - food smoking, preparing for an afternoon tea, chocolate shoe making - loads more.

In fact, it's a great site and have found some wonderful things to try, I haven't heard of some them!

If you have something to offer, why not list it on ooh.com - its FREE. Check it out now!

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx

Festival Wellies and Snow

I've had to buy wellies because we've had so much snow. I already have good waterproof walking boots, but as we've had such deep snow, I'm just getting too wet. They'll be good for a couple of festivals I'll be attending this year too. Although, someone else seems to have bagged them:

It's a beautiful day today, it's really sunny and so bright, the sun reflecting against the snow. This is the view from my studio - looking towards a snow capped Ben Rinnes:


And the back garden, hence the reason for the wellies:

These photos were taken this morning, just to show you how much snow there is still lying.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy Glass xx