Pretty patterns for crafts – Friendly Nettle Cafe

November 17, 2025November 16, 2025 Rasa Pelham Arty Love, Autumn, Daydreaming, Pretty patterns for crafts, Updates

From Café Walls to Woodland Colours

An artistic pattern featuring orange mushrooms and green ferns intertwined with branches on a blue background.

I didn’t plan any of this (sort of).
All I really wanted after handing over the café was slower living, some breathing space, more time with the kids, doing something creative again, and a bit of life that wasn’t run on coffee orders and timers. Nothing dramatic.

But part of slowing down meant I finally had time to pick up watercolours again. I have always been drawn to nature (I even briefly considered becoming a herbalist at one point), so painting leaves, ferns, mushrooms… all of it felt like slipping back into something I had been missing for years.

A watercolor painting featuring detailed fern leaves in warm, earthy tones, set against a light blue checkered background.

And then, instead of herbalism, I somehow ended up on a surface pattern course, which connected so many things I never realised belonged together. Creativity, nature, quiet routines, colours, food, stories… all the things I naturally gravitate toward.

A watercolor painting of vibrant pink peonies surrounded by green leaves on a textured brown background.

Looking back, I think Friendly Nettle was always meant to become something bigger but also slower. More creative, more hands-on, more about noticing and making. And I just did not have the headspace to realise it back then. Even when I was not at the café, I was still mentally there with messages, staff things, tiny worries, checking in. By the end I barely brought my own kids in. There was simply no room left to imagine anything beyond the daily running of it.

Stepping away has centred me in a way I did not expect. And now that bigger yet slower direction feels much clearer.

A watercolor painting featuring orange flowers and green leaves on a light background.

Do not get me wrong, as mentioned in my previous post, I do not regret one bit opening the café. Meeting so many friendly faces, building a space people loved… I genuinely do not regret things like that. I see it as a huge learning experience. And I have learned so much business-wise that I can now carry into this new Friendly Nettle turn.

And maybe it is fitting that I am writing this on the eve of the café reopening under its new name.
There is something quietly peaceful about watching it take on a new story while mine is gently shifting too. It feels like a clean handover, the café becoming what it needs to be now, and me finally having the space to explore what Friendly Nettle has always been quietly nudging me toward.

A mural featuring the phrase 'Heaven is welcome here' with vibrant flowers and a small bird on a blue background.

I cannot tell you exactly what it is going to be yet, but from where I am standing, it is looking really exciting.

A person wearing a maroon sweater and black pants is standing in front of a blue wall, painting colorful flowers and plants. Various paint cans and tools are arranged at their feet.

And now shall we talk about Moon Shadow?

Back at the café I tested what felt like hundreds of grey paint samples. Nothing looked quite right until I found Moon Shadow. It was not really grey at all, but something softer and warmer, and it immediately stood out. It just felt right for the café walls.

I loved it so much that I ended up using the same colour in our own home. And honestly, I do not think I will ever get tired of it. I keep reaching for it in my work too. The warmth makes reds and pinks look almost alive, and the deeper colours sit quietly against it.

An artistic illustration featuring intertwined branches and leaves in various shades of green, with orange and brown details, set against a light blue background.

Maybe one day I will be sick of it, who knows, but for now it feels like the most natural background for everything I create.

A watercolor illustration of intertwined mushrooms or organic shapes with a warm brown background, showcasing detailed line work and textures.

So why all the woodland themes suddenly?

Once life slowed down, I started noticing things again. Colours, textures, tiny shapes I normally rushed past. And honestly, most of it happened while going for dog walks. When you are not racing anywhere, you suddenly see interesting leaves on the pavement, funny mushrooms on tree stumps, soft moss on old walls. All those small things started creeping into my sketchbook without me even trying.

It was not meant to be a theme or a project. It just happened because for the first time in years, there was actual time and headspace for things to land. We have also been outdoors more in general, so the woodland vibe makes sense. A bit of moss here, a fern shape there… I just kept seeing things I wanted to paint.

A close-up of vibrant green fern leaves, showcasing their intricate textures and patterns in a natural setting.

So what is this next chapter about?

I guess the simplest way to put it is this. I am slowly creating something that will encourage others to create and make too. Something that leans into slowing down, noticing, playing, and letting things unfold without rushing. And of course, something that still brings people together. Community was such a big part of the café, and I would love for this next chapter to keep that spirit alive in its own way. Maybe even nudge communities to slow down and make things together again.

I cannot tell you what it is just yet, because it is not fully shaped. But if you find yourself drawn to nature, slower living, small joys, and making things with your hands, then stay around. You will see.

Good things come to those who wait.
And no, not the hustle version of that phrase, the original one that actually lets you breathe.

A watercolor illustration depicting various mushrooms surrounded by green ferns and dandelion-like plants, showcasing a vibrant and natural scene.

And while you wait, do pop in to The Hangar Cafe and Bar for a drink. I know I will be for my one flat white (or three).

Rasa x

November 27, 2018January 16, 2024 Rasa Pelham Arty Love, Christmas waiting, Crafts!, For little ones :), Paper Crafts, Pretty patterns for crafts

Origami advent calendar

So here it is, our advent calendar for this year :). Very very simple to make and I have already received many compliments from friends! I simply used some pattern designs that I created for watercolour challenge few months ago and it brighten up our living room already. Yey!
Each package contain origami idea which is great for me (I love learning something new!) and great with involving kids. I am planning to either teach Lukas how to make stuff by folding paper (for easy ones) or let him decorate completed origami item. I am also considering not to be stuck with using only paper. The possibilities are endless, regular blanket could turn into star for all you know. For those who are following me on social media be prepared for daily dosage of origami!

You ready to make your own origami advent for this year? Then let’s crack on!
You will need:

A4 or square size patterned paper, either printouts or shop bought gift wrapping paper
number tags
origami idea “ribbons”
scissors
treats to add into the packages (optional and we decided to go without this year)
a hanger
string or slim ribbon

First, cut out all the tags and origami idea “ribbons”.

Make all the packages for every 24 days. Begin with folding in corners (1.), then fold in the sides and insert all the contents (2.). Finally fold in the pointy corners once again on both sides (3) and secure it using double sided tape. Use a string or a ribbon to wrap the package like a gift (4.). Don’t forget to insert the tag before tying the knot.

Once all the packages are complete, then all you need to do is tie them on the hanger and hang it on the wall.

Happy Christmas waiting!
Rasa xoxo

October 17, 2018January 22, 2024 Rasa Pelham Arty Love, Learn something new, Pretty patterns for crafts

Watercolour challenge: repeating patterns

This month I am doing something very exciting for my watercolour challenge. Yes, it’s patterns, my favourite art form! However it would be not very challenging if I did something I am good at already?! This is why I decided to perfect my skill of repeating patterns with some new methods.
When I used to create repeating patterns before it was mostly by drawing/painting/arranging different items/details in repeating order. But as you may all know this is not an accurate way to create repeating patterns. The objects I draw can differ in size as it is literally impossible to exactly replicate the same item/detail every time.
Alternatively I used to take a square of the drawing or paining and repeat it on the photoshop (or any other editing software), but this created very boring, common patterns. I always wondered how do you make repeating patterns that are seamless.
I was little inspired by this YouTube and other few videos on how to create drawn repeating patterns. This method is all about cutting a square shaped picture into four blocks and then swapping them around so the edges of the picture end up at the centre so you can draw on the seams to make it look like that those seams were never there (you really need to watch that video to really understand it). However, this method would not work with watercolour. As you can imagine, watercolour would probably leak at the cut edges.
This is when I came up with the idea to create repeating pattern using a grid. Although this is not a perfect way to create a repeating pattern, I realise the grid gives a good guideline. I started this by painting 7 different design blocks that flows into each other (tessellation) and creates a reasonably repeating pattern.

This could then be coped and pasted on any editing software.

Pattern seem to be more accurate when created on the computer, however it still has that hand painted look because of its origins.

I created another pattern in a similar way, except this time round I painted enough of those 7 blocks in a row that created one huge block which was repeating itself naturally. This way all I needed to do is copy and paste this block few times.

Next I wanted to break away from the grid without actually leaving it. I painted leaves in repeating order. The grid allowed me to keep the leaves in similar shape and line. So when I repeated it on a computer this pattern repeated itself flawlessly.

I tried the same technique on another design and this time round I realised the problem of the grid itself. The grid would not erase after it has been painted over. And with the light colour you can see the grid very clearly. I had to use the clone tool to hide those annoying lines that was never meant to be part of the pattern.

After repeating the pattern the same way as the others I realised it does not match very easily with plain painted areas (it’s very difficult to get the same shade of colour every time). This also had to be corrected with the clone tool.

Finally instead of a grid I used a dot system. It guides you like a grid, but its not as visible in case you can’t erase it.

As you can see, this creates almost perfect repeating patterns ;-).

Hope you are inspired
Rasa xoxo

September 13, 2017February 19, 2024 Rasa Pelham Inspiration, Paper Crafts, Pretty patterns for crafts

Forest in patterns

I have been so busy this year that I forgot when was the last time I have been creative. So no wonder when we went on holiday and walked around in the forest in Lithuania I was amazed once again how beautiful nature is! After taking detailed pictures of fern, moss, wild blueberry bushes and pine bark all I wanted is to create, create and create. So I did what I do best (I believe) is to make patters inspired by woodland of course!

First I used watercolour to make these backgrounds. It was hard to begin with (It’s been sooo long since I touched any paint), but the more relaxed I got I was able to produce decent textures. I used to dislike water colour when I was a kid as it is difficult to control the colour merging with each other accidentally. But I fell in love with it when I went to art college as I realised you need to treat water colour completely differently. You need to be free with it. It is very therapeutic if you try ;-).

Once the water colour dried I cut it into shapes and mix and matched with the other backgrounds I created earlier.

I love how this bark pattern turned out, its not exactly like a bark, but it is very pretty to me :-).

Hope this post got you inspired, you are welcome to use these patterns I created anywhere you like (I am thinking to use it for my desktop if you ask me)
Rasa xoxo

May 20, 2016March 8, 2024 Rasa Pelham Photography, Pretty patterns for crafts

Photography challenge: flower pattern arrangements

This month’s photography challenge have been the most enjoyable so far. It includes patterns and flowers, my two favourite things! Although I don’t feel like I learn anything other than what camera settings do I realised that I probably need to invest some money on lighting.

Arranging patterns is something I enjoy and I believe it is what I am good at (heaving my big headed moment over here). However photographing it is quite a different story. When it came selecting camera settings I thought if I use highest f-stop (more about f-stop read here) I could select a large depth and therefore everything would look clear and focused. The outcome was not what I expected. The picture bellow looked blur with f22 which is why I ended up using the macro setting.

The other thing I knew I needed to perfect is the lighting. Since the patterns need to be repetitive I thought even lighting would be the best. To do that I needed the light glowing from above, which why I decided to do my shoot outside. Because only outside the natural light is all around you unlike indoors it only comes from the windows. I chose the day that was cloudy rather than sunny as I certainly did not want any harsh light. The turnout again was not that great. I still had some shadowing on one side of the picture. I don’t know why…
The other problem I encountered when photographing is the wind. As you can see in the picture bellow it was hard to keep my arrangements stationary :-D.

Although I did not have much success with this challenge, I really enjoyed picking all these flowers, all found in our garden :-).

Have a lovely weekend xx
Rasa

October 22, 2014October 20, 2025 Rasa Pelham Budget £, Gift Giving, Paper Crafts, Pretty patterns for crafts

Say it in 3D: make a pop up greeting card!

A pop-up greeting card featuring the phrase 'Happy Birthday Auntie Pam' in pink letters against a gray background.

Let’s be honest, do you keep the greeting cards you receive for birthdays or Christmas? I don’t, although I try to reuse them in paper crafts. I know that majority of us would eventually bin them. And knowing this makes me sad :(. I don’t like the idea that we spend 2-5 pounds on the card for it to be binned. This is why I make every possible effort to make a handmade card. There are two major reasons for that. It cost practically nothing since I reuse or use up all the paper stash I have. Handmade cards have a better chance in surviving longer as it has a sentimental, caring value attached to it.
I like making my own patterns that are perfect for for making paper crafts, here is one of them ;-).

Pattern of small, hand-drawn flowers arranged uniformly on a light background.

A handmade greeting card with a floral pattern, tied with a pink ribbon.

Ready to make one now? Read on for the step by step pop-up card project.

Screenshot of a blank canvas in Adobe Photoshop CC, displaying dimensions for a card design.

A blank digital workspace in Adobe Photoshop, displaying the dimensions of a card layout measuring 14 cm in height.

A blank white canvas in Adobe Photoshop, with various tools and options displayed on the interface, and dimensions labeled in centimeters.

A blank digital template for a pop-up card design in Adobe Photoshop, displaying measurement guidelines on a dark interface.

A blank 3D card template displayed in Adobe Photoshop with measurement annotations.

A screenshot of Adobe Photoshop showing a design for a birthday card with the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE PAM' in pink font.

Handmade birthday card crafting showing the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE PAM' in decorative lettering on a white sheet of paper with a craft knife and ruler beside it.

Handwritten greeting that says 'Happy Birthday Auntie Pam' in purple ink on white paper with a ruler and a crafting pen in the foreground.

A close-up of a handmade birthday card with the text 'Happy Birthday Auntie Pam' on a green cutting mat, alongside a craft knife and some paper scraps.

A pop-up birthday card with the text 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE PAM' displayed prominently on a green cutting mat.

A handmade pop-up birthday card with the phrase 'Happy Birthday Auntie Pam' prominently displayed in an artistic font. The card is partially opened, showing a blank space for a personal message.

A pop-up birthday card featuring the message 'Happy Birthday Auntie Pam' displayed in colorful letters on a patterned background.

Close-up of a handmade pop-up birthday card partially assembled, featuring cut-out letters and patterned paper.

A pop-up birthday card with the message 'HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUNTIE PAM' prominently displayed in decorative letters. The card features a closed ribbon and a simple gray background.

Have fun!
Rasa xoxo

September 30, 2014November 12, 2025 Rasa Pelham Autumn, Inspiration, Knitting, Pretty patterns for crafts, Updates, Winter Warmers

Things I look forward to in October

A collection of colorful berries displayed on a cardboard surface, featuring red, pink, and white varieties.

October may be uneventful, but there are plenty of things to look forward to… such as autumn itself! 🙂

1. AUTUMN is a beautiful season. Look at all the colours! And it’s not only orange, brown and yellow…. I love the combinations of pink, forest green, orange and cream. And lets not forget purple! I have been so inspired by it all that I have been painting last night like mad (and that does not happen very often). I love creating new patterns. New autumn pattern bellow is here for you to nick, use it to wrap a gift or put in on the wall ;-).

A whimsical autumn pattern featuring orange berries, pink flowers, and green leaves on a light beige background.

2. KNITTING JUMPERS is almost my part time job. I took on three (yes, three) jumper knitting projects so far. But that’s quite enjoyable as I can do it while watching a movie or chatting with a friend! Here is my first cardigan in progress, can you guess what part it is? Yes, it’s a sleeve! Many more parts to go :-).

A knitted cardigan sleeve in a soft pink yarn on a white background.

3. DRINKING HOT DRINKS kind of goes with knitting. It’s important to keep yourself warm and all snuggled up while doing some crafty work! My favourite hot drink at the moment is spiced coffee (although I haven’t had any this year yet, but will make some soon!). It’s one of those drinks that is satisfying and not too fattening (minding my figure right now!). Click here for the recipe ;-).

An arrangement of various spices, including star anise, cloves, and cardamom, placed on a light-colored surface, with a reflective silver bowl nearby.

Happy October!!!
Rasa xoxo

September 1, 2014November 24, 2025 Rasa Pelham From my childhood, Let's Celebrate!, Lithuanian, Organisation, Paper Crafts, Pretty patterns for crafts

Happy 1st of September!

Two young girls sitting at a table with school supplies, one focused on a drawing while the other looks at the camera, overlaid with text 'Back to school organisation tips'.

1st of September has always been an official 1st day at school in Lithuania with celebration and parades. Don’t you think that celebration is a great way to start the school? To me this was something I looked forward to, although I was never a good student (except arts and biology).

A colorful watercolor pattern featuring a grid of various sizes of triangles in shades of red, green, and pink.

Another thing I was looking forward to at school was catching up with my friends, shopping for new stationary, organising the books and getting ready to start. So I could say organisation has been my stronger point. I used to enjoy (still enjoying) putting things in order so it looks prettier and it’s easy to find stuff when you need them. I guess I should be able to give you some tips in this area of my expertise. But one thing I should point out that this won’t make you a better student and spending too much time on it will lose your focus on something else more important. I of course have learned that good balance is the key to almost everything!

A group of six children, smiling and posing together in a classroom setting, celebrating the first day of school.

A simple pattern with yellow dots scattered on a white background, suitable for decorative purposes.

So today I just wanted to share a little project on how to protect your books with pretty covers. Luckily my friend Vickie had a moment to show me how she does it, because she is basically a pro at wrapping books in paper. Keep on reading for the full instructions while she does this at the cute little café we found the other day…

For this project you will need some nice wrapping paper (free printable wrapping paper patterns I included here are great too), self adhesive book covering film (can be found at Ryman’s, WHSmith’s or Staples), scissors, pencil, ruler, sticky tape and…. cup of coffee (or tea if you prefer 😉

A workspace laid out with a cup of coffee, scissors, a ruler, a pen, decorative wrapping paper, a self-adhesive book covering film, and other stationery items ready for a DIY book cover project.

Measure out the wrapping paper against the book to see how much you will need.

A pair of hands measuring and preparing to wrap a book with brown wrapping paper on a table.

A hand holding scissors over a green book on wrapping paper, preparing to cut the paper for book covering.

Give at least 5cm extra paper around an open book!

A close-up view of a book page displaying various textured patterns and accompanying instructions, with a person's hand visible in the frame.

Once you have cut the right size paper for wrapping, measure the same amount of self adhesive book covering film as well. Peal off the backing from the film and carefully apply wrapping paper on top. Make sure there are no bubbles or other imperfections (reposition if needed) before continuing with the next step.

Two hands placed on a sheet of wrapping paper on a table, preparing for a book-wrapping project.

Measure the book spine on the paper and cut the strip to fit the book width.

A person cutting wrapping paper to cover a book's spine, with the book open and visible on a table.

Do this on both sides of the paper!

A hand is measuring the size of a book against a sheet of brown wrapping paper, preparing to wrap the book for protection.

Fold in the bottom paper flaps to measure…

Two hands preparing to wrap a book with paper on a table.

… As you may need to widen the gap by cutting of the corners

A person's hand holding a book open, while another hand is holding scissors, preparing to cut wrapping paper for book covering.

Fold in the side flap. Tip: give loads of space, close the book to check if the paper is not restraining it. It would be advisable if you fold in the side flap on the other side of the book at the same time.