Don't be daunted by tiling girls!

This week I have been backup in Norfolk working on the holiday cottage. I have already tiled the shower but needed to tile behind the sink so I thought it was the ideal opportunity to write a little blog about the process,it's not difficult so if you have a small area to tile, give it a go.

I am using brick shaped tiles. I love their more contemporary style in a period cottage. Firstly I had to attach a batten of wood to the wall to allow me to rest the first row of tiles onto. You may not need to do this if you are tiling above a work top or a sink, I had a small gap behind my unit.

Next I prepared the number of tiles I needed and realising a brick pattern would need some half tiles at each end I cut these, you need to score along the tile on the front face put a matchstick of pencil underneath and then put pressure either side to split it.

Tile adhesive is then applied to the wall, this comes ready to use and is applied with a notched scraper. Then you press your tile firmly onto the wall, add a tile spacer, add the next tile until you have finished your row.

Carry on adding adhesive and tiles and spacers until you have finished.

Allow to set,wipe away any adhesive on the face of the tile.

Mix the grout, make sure it is not too sloppy or it will run out of the gaps, I have used a limestone coloured grout from Fired Earth. I use a small scraper or spatula to push the grout between the tile and then wipe away the excess with a damp cloth. It looks messy but is quite easy.

Once grouted clean away any excess grout and allow to dry. Polish the tiles with a dry cloth. You may need to seal them depending upon the type of tile you are using.

Let me know if you have a go! Start with a small area such as behind a sink and then progress as you gain confidence. Good luck!

 

 

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Window Dressing

I usually redress the windows in the shop every 4-6 weeks and stagger doing them as I have got four to do. I'm really lucky that our lovely shop has such gorgeous picture windows and they are a treat to do.

However in January I have all four to do as they have been dressed for Christmas , so this week I made a start!

 

How do I go about it? Well , I usually choose a fabric and theme the accessories around it adding cushions, throws and accessories from the shop which have the right theme or colour.

I suppose it is like painting a picture really, I never plan down to the final details it just tends to flow once you get going. Sometimes it knowing when to stop which is the problem.

I sometimes buy show lengths specifically draping for the windows and have cushions made to coordinate so it is a bit of an investment but it is a showcase for the shop and I think so important for the business.

I also like to add a piece of vintage furniture such as a dresser, chest of drawers ,chair or French day bed. This helps to create atmosphere and depth.

We get lots of lovely comments about our windows, I hope you enjoy looking at the photos.

Debs x

 

 

 

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My New Obsession!

 

I have so enjoyed having a few days off over Christmas and New year and have had chance to spend more time in the kitchen. Whether this is a good thing is debatable!

I made a couple of batches of scones and shortbread but I really wanted to get to grips with bread making from scratch.

So I bought the necessary ingredients and had a go with one of Nigellas recipes. It really is a therapeutic process, in fact quite nurturing and very relaxing. You can't rush the process as the dough has to prove or rise twice.i wasn't very hopeful at this stage

 

 

I love the process of kneading the dough it is such a magical moment when the dough suddenly becomes elastic I'm not sure what the technical term is for this but you can feel the difference as you knead.

Anyway i have a new obsession as i have produced a few loaves of tasty bread in both brown and white .

So this is my New Year obsession, watch this space!

I highly recommend giving it a go, by hand rather than machine.

If you have any great bread recipes I would love to hear your comments, I'm a complete beginner so any advice is welcome.

Back to work tomorrow so less time in the kitchen but I'm determined to keep practising and eating it of course!

Debs x

 

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