Photo Friday - Llanthony Priory

We took our tent for a trial run over the bank holiday weekend, camping at the beautiful Llanthony Priory in the Brecon Beacon...

Read More

Our Garden - An Introduction

We've lived in our current house for about a year, and so the garden is a complete mix of plants and structure from previous owners and things we've added and changed.  Here's a quick tour of how our garden currently looks: Vegetable plots This is completely our work, and has been the focus of our efforts since we moved in. When we arrived this area was overgrown with knee high grass and weeds....

Read More

A Tale of Two Tables: 3. A Twist in the Tale

Wood is a living thing. Even after it has been felled, dried, and cut it will continue to move. It will expand and contract, crack and generally warp. This is particularly noticeable across the grain on wider planks. Subsequently the attachment of the table top is designed to allow the whole sheet to expand and contract. All the best laid plans however can be thrown by the timber. Many...

Read More

Photo Friday - Peony

We have discovered a Peony in our flower bed and it is just blooming ...

Read More

Garlic Bread - comfort food to go with anything

I find fresh bread food for the soul. Combine this with garlic that is one of the most warming ingredients and this is the perfect accompaniment to so many foods. This particular loaf I made on a damp early spring day and we enjoyed it with bowls of lasagne. The high butter content gives this loaf an extra softness and richness that is best enjoyed fresh. It is very simple with a bread machine but...

Read More

A Tale of Two Tables: 2. The Hills Are Alive With the Sound of Chainsaws

I like wood. It may be strange to some, but those who have worked with it will understand. It is a tactile, sensory thing. Some woods assault the nasal passages with their rich oils whilst others caress the skin with their smooth planed surfaces. Some give to the slightest cut whilst others are strong as steel. They can be as pale as snow or brightly coloured like an autumn sky. Grain can provide...

Read More

Photo Friday - Apple Blossom

...

Read More

A sharp point

2013 for me has so far been the year of the scalpel. That's not as scary as it sounds, honest! I asked for a craft knife for Christmas last year without any real idea what I would use it for, but aware that often when making cards I've struggled to implement what I planned with a pair of scissors. Joe bought me a scalpel with a retractable blade. I don't think either of us could have foreseen the...

Read More

A Tale of Two Tables: 1. Grand Designs

There has been a large rectangular hole in our home ever since we got married. Our first flat was unfurnished so we begged, borrowed and freecycled the furniture we needed. The table is the only piece of furniture left that is on loan. More than a year ago we decided to start planning and, several design iterations and a house move later, construction is now under way. The biggest challenge to be...

Read More

Photo Friday - Twiddling with Trains

3 1/2" Gauge Live Ste...

Read More

Welcome to Our Urban Cottage

So here we are, on the frontier of the blogging world, itching to tell you all about Our Urban Cottage. We moved into our first house in June 2012 and since then have been hard at work taming the garden and decorating the house. We now have four chickens and spend sunny weekends outside digging, cutting, pruning and planting. We also love to dabble in all sorts of traditional crafts from spinning...

Read More