I Heart You

I knew that making a New Year's resolution to sew more would be pointless, at least until the day job calms down. However, I am determined to craft something for Valentine's Day rather than pay over-inflated prices for something "romantic" but tacky.

As ever Etsy is a great place for inspiration, so I thought I'd share some heart-themed ideas from my treasury list.

I love the simplicity of this handmade card by RainyDayColors:

  (Photo via http://etsy.me/xAJ7VC)

These Lego heart necklaces from Luv4Sams are also simple but sweet:

(Photo via http://etsy.me/yE0i3I)

And these hand-carved heart stamps from MemiTheRainbow look like loads of fun:

 (Photo via http://etsy.me/Ab3QEo)

You can see more heart-themed gifts for Valentine's Day and beyond at my Etsy treasury list.

Sunday Skirts

As this isn't the first time I've mentioned Christmas on here, you won't be surprised to know that I've already started on the mulled wine. I figure I'm allowed as I'm making Christmas presents, with the added bonus that if they turn out well I'll develop some more lines to sell in my shop.

I haven't quite gone as far as playing the Christmas tunes yet (the boyfriend draws a line when it's still this early), but I was pretty pleased with this cute little skirt. Next I'm planning a range of different fabric and sizes (this one should fit a 2 year old). I'm thinking of making one for my goddaughter in a Liberty print and I'm already regretting not buying some of their adorable Hello Kitty fabric. It seems to have sold out online but hopefully it wasn't just a one off collaboration.

(Photo via: http://www.liberty.co.uk)

Renegade Craft Fair Comes To London

This weekend, the successful US based Renegrade Craft Fair came to London for the first time. It was great to see so many crafters that I follow online and to discover new talents as well.

Of course, I might be biased but I thought my friends Robin and Mould had one of the best stalls and their new fox prints were certainly proving popular. I managed to buy some early Christmas presents from them - although I’m already thinking about keeping one of the fox cushions for myself! 

Photo from www.one-ofakind.co.uk

I also bought a sweet tea towel from the lovely One of a Kind which sells beautiful textiles designed by Kate Rawlinson. Her stuff features lots of trees - which I love!

I took a break from stocking up on loads of hand-designed cards by stopping off at the Honksville stall run by British artists Katherine and Rebecca. I fell in love with this brilliant beard-lovers badge and had a go on the tombola on their stall. Although I didn't win anything, I think the tombola and lucky dip they'd put together were a great idea. It reminded me how important it is for vendors to have some affordable options so people can have fun and still take a piece of someone’s artwork home, even of their budget doesn’t stretch to a print or cushion. All notes I’m filing away for when I get around to having my own stall at a fair!

Photo from www.honksville.com

I also managed to grab handfuls of business cards for some online shopping and I’ve booked out my diary for the Got Craft holiday fair on 27^th November at the Tooting Tram and Social. It's another craft fair with connections across the pond, it looks ace and anything with a Christmas theme is always a winner with me - see you there!

Too early for Christmas...?

Some people might say yes, but for those of us who need to get crafting you can never be prepared too early. I'm not alone as there are loads of lovely things on Etsy already and I've pulled together a treasury list of inspirational Christmas items.

               Christmas Tags - Do Not Open Until December 25th by Shabby Peas Designs

 

Believe Christmas Mantle banner by Any Occasion Banners

                           Retro Kids Cookie Decorating Party set by Blush Printables

For more Christmas inspiration have a look at my treasury list.

Sunday Sewing

Thankfully, I managed to stay in long enough this weekend to start making things again - which is just as well as I have some pre-orders in for some bibs and the babies are on their way. I also finally got around to making some cushions with this Orla Kiely Car Park Print material that I've had for ages.

As you can't seem to buy Orla Kiely material by the metre, (surely there would be a market for it?) I ended up buying some pillowcases and picking them apart. I used the smaller print on one side to cover a footstool from a junk shop and always intended to make cushions with the larger car print on the other side. I managed to cover the stool almost a year ago, so I'm very pleased I can now cross the cushions off my to do list. They were so quick to make I'm not really sure why I put it off for so long.  

I've seen on Twitter that a few crafters are already talking about Christmas. I have to confess that I started thinking about it on the first day of September. (I get a bit over-excited about Christmas so I'm banned from talking about it until this month.) So the next job is researching some new product ideas which I'm looking forward to - a glass of mulled wine anyone? 

Another happy customer...

I can't resist sharing this adorable picture of Leonard. He looks very happy to be modeling the Happy Hedgehog bib that his proud godfather Tom bought him as a christening gift.

Summer Slacking

Can it really be July already? Apologies for neglecting the blog for a while but things have been pretty hectic with me leaving my old job, decorating, going on holiday to France and starting a brand new job. Usual service will be resumed shortly with updates on new products and sunny summer inspiration.
In the meantime, here's some French macaroons (or macarons) to keep you sweet!