Crafts for a Rainy Day!

Today we have a guest post packed with wonderful activities to keep you busy on a rainy day!

Gloomy, rainy days may provide the perfect excuse for sitting around watching films and vegging out. But, why waste the day away when you can be productive? Don’t let the dreary weather dampen your spirits and energy. Try some of these activities that will keep you occupied and bring out your creative side.

Turn a pillowcase into a T-shirt

Some of the best pieces of clothing are those that are worn, vintage, display your favourite rock band, or are created from another item that you love. This is because they have character and sentimental value. If you have a pillow case that you are particularly fond of, then show it off! First cut out holes for the head and arms. Start off very small and then gradually increase the size of the holes until you are pleased. Then cut the shirt to the length you like – long like a tunic, tailored at your waist or a chic crop top. Once you’re finished, you can leave the seams undone and frayed or finish them by sewing a hem or applying an adhesive that is found at craft stores.

Create your own greeting cards

There is something very special about handmade cards. That personal touch and effort really shows and recipients appreciate it. Keep cards on hand for any occasion by making your own personalised stock. Start off by measuring plain stationary so that it fits your envelopes. Then, fold it to form a card. Then use decorative pens or glue to write your salutation and adorn the card with whatever stickers, stamps, decorative paper, patterns and drawings you wish.

Make decorative vases

Have some old wine bottles lying around? Maybe some old vases that are boring and plain? Turn them into spectacular showpieces for your flower arrangements. All you need is spray paint to give them a bright, new look. To get intricate patterns and stripes, spray over rubber bands and them remove them. A glue gun is a great tool to write three-dimensional words and sayings. For even more texture, try adding Epsom salt.

Declutter and redecorate

Okay, just a little. Nobody wants to spend the entire day cleaning. However, it can be much more rewarding than you think. Decluttering and redecorating is quite invigorating. The process of getting rid of old junk helps clear your space and mind. Plus, there are services like musicMagpie that will pay you for any unwanted and old electronics. Afterwards, unleash your creative side, by rearranging furniture, adding color and new decorations to your space.

Snap eye-catching photographs

If a little rain doesn’t deter you from being outdoors, then grab your rain gear and a camera. Clouds, lightening and rain provide for some of the best shots. Play with different filters and settings to help capture the weather, streets, people, garden and anything that inspires you. Once you’re through, create a collage of your pictures or hang them throughout the house.

Guest Post – Must-See Attractions in London

I love going on a day trip to London, although being such a large city can make the choice of activities overwhelming, so today’s guest post hopes to point you in the direction of a fabulously British day out!

Finding things to do in London means choosing between loads of activities. Visitors can start by strolling along the same pathways as the royal family. As 2012 is the year of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee and also the Olympics, it’s a great time to experience a typically British afternoon along with ‘Mum’ and her faithful corgis.

St Paul’s Cathedral

The tour goes through the exquisite cathedral and up towards the heavens, with a dizzying 360-degree view of London in the dome. Walk down the same aisle as Prince Charles and Lady Diana Spencer, when they had a fairy-tale wedding in 1981. Then go below ground to the crypt.

The resting place for many famous historical figures like Lord Admiral Nelson and the Duke of Wellington, St Paul’s is well worth the trip out to London’s Square Mile. Visitors can continue the British theme with an exceptional afternoon tea service at a restaurant in the area. Take your pick from dainty sandwiches, cakes, scones, jam, Cornish clotted cream and loose tea of the highest quality.

Buckingham Palace

The doors of the state rooms in Buckingham Palace are flung open to the public during summer until the 7th of October. These parts of the palace are used by the Royal Family for entertaining and ceremonies. Ogle the lavish decorations including paintings by Vermeer, Rembrandt, Rubens and more.

There is a vast collection of some of the most exquisite French and English furniture in the world. Outside of the palace, wander through 29 acres of gardens with a 17th Century ornamental lake and thriving wildlife.

Following in the footsteps of royalty may not give visitors the Midas touch but you may experience a sumptuous slice of royal life and enjoy the afternoon tea. All in all, it’s the recipe for a breezy and relaxed British afternoon.