A present for Jo

Last year I went on a course with Janet Bolton, an internationally famous picture maker and textile artist. She makes the most wonderful textile pictures in a folk art style. Her subjects are everyday scenes from life, but she brings a special insight to her pictures which makes them come alive. She is also a kind and generous teacher. So I have wanted to make little pictures for a while. William the Pidgeon  (see below) was the third attempt and now I have made Jo a birthday present. Every morning, she sits at the bottom of her garden with a cup of tea. She wears her mum's old coat and is always joined by Brough the dog and Willow the cat. It is the start of her day. So here is her birthday present, which now hangs framed and in her kitchen. Thank you Janet for your wonderful teaching. 

A guilty secret

I give talks to local WI groups occasionally. These ladies are well known for their wonderful cake making. Recently we were chatting after a talk and the topic of cakes came into the conversation...quilt makers are well known for their cake eating.... The lady asked if I knew about the Infamous Cake In a Mug recipe..... made famous by London West End Women's Institute? you can read about them here. Well, I looked it up as soon as I got home and yes, there it is, complete comfort in a mug for those of us love cake and it only takes 3 minutes to cook! So here is the recipe, you know you want it.....

5 minute Chocolate Mug Cake
4 tablespoons self raising flour
4tbsp sugar
4 tbsp cocoa
1 egg
3 tbsp milk
3 tbsp oil
3 tbsp choc chips
splash of vanilla

Method:  Add all dry ingredients to the mug and mix well. Add egg and beat well. Pour in milk and oil and mix well. Add choc chips and vanilla and mix. put your mug in the microwave and cook for 3 mins at 1000 watts. The cake will rise over the top of the mug, don't worry. Cool slightly, then eat from the mug with cream, ice cream or squirty stuff.... feel the comfort rising!