Sweet Mary

Button collection - forgot to include my mother's button tin that I played with as a child. Country Living (UK)magazine collection- part. Fabric collection - part. Pin cushion collection with favourite red one bang in the middle. A very clever lady called Merynn Read has made a few of these. They are works of art especially the two wool fabric ones at the front. A small part of the painting collection that my mother (in photo) has painted and given to me over the years. Two ceramic hearts from my children. I have just spent the best day, sorting out my Sweet Mary room, in readiness for packing up and moving. The above photos were taken over the day to highlight some of my favourite collections.

I have been reading the UK Country Living magazine for years and constantly re-read all my back issues so each new issue is eagerly awaited. Unfortunately, in New Zealand we have to wait a long time after the issue date as most overseas magazines arrive here by ship unless you pay the big money for air freighted. The December issue arrived in our local shops last week and I was delighted to discover the feature on what people did with their empty Bonne Maman jam jars. I fill mine with buttons, still unfinished jam and homemade chutney. I would love to put homemade presents inside them and give away as they are the prettiest jars but I just can't part with them. Country Living waiting on my bed as a reminder to sneak off early and read it from front to back and no peeking at the pages ahead. That ruins the anticipation. This magazine constantly inspires me - I can pick up a back issue from years back and still find it relevant today, even down here in New Zealand.