Fewdyshen

You should be OK the first week of June. Too late at the end of July as the shells will have hardened. Stick a darning needle through the walnut to test if they are still soft enough. I think I picked mine in the middle of June. That's the easy bit.......... You have to pierce the walnuts lots of times to let the brine in. WEAR RUBBER GLOVES! I ignored this advice thinking that a quick wash in bleach would restore the colour to my hands. Three or four weeks of disgusting looking hands and fingernails followed. The walnuts have to go into a strong brine for one week (stir them around each day). Then drain and rebrine for a further week. Drain and wash the walnuts and lay them out somewhere warm (in the sun preferably) until they all turn black. Mine took just one day but it was a warm summer! When all that's done pickle them. The choice of vinegar is up to you. I used the best wine vinegar with a touch of balsamic and some sugar - and garlic. Trying to think what else I used. Pickling spices probably. Whatever it was it seemed to work. I've given lots away and have had requests for more. I don't think I'll have to do them this year as 8 kilos go a long way!!!! Pat

Does the card only work in the 'home' box? We have two boxes and two cards. One of the cards is for the Sky entertainment package and the other is just a basic Sky second issue. Pat

I think you are so brave to do this. Good luck, hope you sell lots and lots. Sharon's work looks very good and one day we'll appear on your doorstep - might even trundle to Montmorillon market. I have a store cupboard full of limited edition prints and notelets that ONE DAY (when we've finished the house)I'll start marketing. Always feel embarrassed when it comes to my own work. Happy Christmas! Pat

Just heard that Flybe are hoping to start flights from Southampton to Limoges! Pat