Craft Show Preparation

I am currently at that point of time when you realise that you have a lot to do and so very little time to do it in. In fact perhaps even writing this blog should have come later in the day, but dammit I wanted a custard cream and a cuppa. 

This time next week I would have done my first of two craft shows of this year. I haven't done one in such a long time that I almost forgot what I need to do, and how much time it takes to prepare. Sure I should have done a lot of it a while ago, but as ever its the classic of its fine I have plenty of time....Uhmm no I don't. That's the problem when you also work a full time job which also has it's own set of deadlines. It's a bit of a pickle but it will all be okay on the day. 

Today in order to get ready I spent most of the morning trying to work out the stand display, I'll be honest I am not a 100% happy with it, but I think it will work. The problem I have is that I have created a lot of things, and its hard to link the pieces together. So what you see in the photographs is only half of what I have stored away, and I have a feeling I will end up not displaying some of the items when I get there. I am fussy with layouts, and so I think I'll end up with a less is more approach come next Saturday. For instance I like the way I have hung my clocks and small wall art pictures but not so happy with the container for the needle cases, top left of the picture (see above). The tissue holders also don't look great, but then I haven't put the tissues into them yet, so perhaps will look better, less flat. I shall ponder on it some more today.

I still have to prep some more needle cases, and make a few more tissue holders, and I want to start a project that I can work on when I am there. I am thinking either another more complex clock or picture. I have a design that I came across last night that I have yet to do anything with. Then I have the bags to stamp up and price labels still to write. 

Phew...

Ps. In case you have forgotten where I will be showing - 

Speeding onwards

This year is really starting to fly by. My holiday has been and gone in a blink of an eye, a year in my job has felt like only a month, and my best friend's wedding which was only last week already feels like a distant memory. And yet it's not over yet, I still have two craft shows to do. It is my plan, my intention, to get some new bits ready for it though how I am going to get it all done before the 26th is anyone's guess. I can but hope!


On top of this I have been making more Tilda bits, I know I should be concentrating on shop stock but sometimes I like to break and really I am making gifts for cherished friends and family. Oh and for the flat.....


This lovely Princess Angel is a second in a pair, you might recognise the style Tilda again, her sister went to my best mate and this one is for my little flat. 

I've made an angel goose which is going to my mum which will hopefully stop her trying to nick Calico the Angel Pig. Hopefully she will like it I wasn't too sure about the Liberty print I chose for the feet and wings?


The next gift is for my other best mate's mum  (the one that got married - Mrs M), who has been making me a tea cosy from a pattern on Raverly and in return I am making her a Tilda figure, but she doesn't know what. I shan't be saying here! It's a surprise. 


I also have a wee decoration that I want to make for my part of the stall at the craft show that utilises a wee metal bucket (got to stop saying wee) that made up the wedding favours for my friend's wedding. It's perfect for me to make a tiny Christmas tree, Tilda has a design which I think would work perfectly, just need to decide on my fabrics, Liberty it is but not sure on the colour yet. 


In this mess somewhere is the gift for my friend, and bits I am making for the show! What you crafty folks up to? And are you coming to Guildford Craftacular? 

Time Flies...

The year has been passing at a rate of knots that is almost hard to keep up with, one major event after another and I feel almost sad that yet another one has come to an end. Though for the couple in question it is the beginning of the next adventure. I do love a good wedding, and even more so when it's watching one of your best friends whose getting married.


I am at home now, in the warm drinking tea and mulling over the rest of the year, the next things to think on is Guildford Craftacular where I will be sharing a stand with the uber talented Anna of Sakura Jewellery. Should be a hoot if nothing else! 


I will be there on both dates so if you are in the area why not swing by and purchase your goodies in person. I've yet to sort out my stock, but there is most certainly going to be clocks, tissue holders, needlecases and more. So if there is something in particular you wanted to be able to get that you've seen in my stores then just drop me a note. 


Speaking of stock I shouldn't waste the day, time to get on with sewing and sorting out. xx

How to Help a Crafty Person

I've had my fair share of creativity blocks over the years, it can last a mere day or it can take weeks if not longer to get over that hurdle. Sometimes it can come out of the blue and the answer to it also can appear out of no where. 

I've pushed projects to one side simply because I don't know what to do it with it because I simply don't think it looks right, its missing something. So on..

One thing I often found useful to get over this was bouncing ideas off other people, even better if its in a place that isn't your home, workroom of where ever it is you get your craft on.

So I was musing therefore this morning of perhaps doing a little session like this. Quite relaxed, perhaps in a coffee shop of even the pub, where people can bring their projects or just themselves and a willingless to share and help others. Hopefully in return you will get over your hurdle, or creativity block whilst helping out someone else in the process. A nice bit of karma.

This is something that can easily be slotted into existing networking sessions, coffee mornings etc, but taking it to a slightly different level. 

I don't know about you, but I love helping people and I like coming up with creative solutions, giving ideas and suggestions to others. 

Not sure, if by the end of this musing, it makes sense and how I would move it to the next stage, especially given my limited time, but I am feeling somewhat more inspired to pull my finger out since seeing the lovely Anna in the Daily Mail. 

Adventure Continues....

Saturday's adventure: This was the first of the days of me hitting the museums in DC, starting at the National Museum of American History, National Museum of Natural History and National Gallery of Art (West & East buildings). It was a really good way to spend the day. 

The American History Museum was one I have always wanted to hit, but the thing I found was that it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Perhaps they were too high? But I certainly found it was lacking something, and was a little tired around the edges. There were few highlights, and the displays weren't very flattering to the pieces. For instances the Ruby coloured slippers one of the major highlights was in a clear box in an area no bigger than my bedroom. Even Kermit the frog looked a little drab. Perhaps it was the choice of wall colouring but white would have been more appropriate it would at least set the pieces off better than they did. I know as they are fabric that certain lights are appropriate but the wall colour could have at least helped with that. Drab beige never did anyone any good let alone textile pieces. 

I didn't stay long I stopped in the shop and headed off to the Natural History, which thank god was so much better. It was bright and the exhibits were well laid out the highlights been the under the sea and the gemstone exhibits. Whilst it was extremely busy, it was a Saturday and clearly the place to take the kids it was fine and easy to get round. Though the shops sucked but that's okay I didn't need any more magnets....

GIANT squid

Now where the Natural History appealed to my inner child the Art Museums warmed to my creative self. Man it certainly lived up to my expectations. The displays were as good if not better than the National Gallery back in London. The special exhibitions were particularly of interest to me finding an artist I want to learn more about John Taylor Arms. Amazing artist and draughtsman. 

Now this museum isn't just one its two in one. With an East and West wing connected by a spectacular corridor which is nicknamed the Star Trek tunnel by someone I know, it's a light show. Though I admit I was somewhat tired by the time I got to this part of the Museum which houses the modern art collection. But still it was a pretty sight.

Watson & the Shark - this only means something to me and one other person who I have a running joke with them about it. 

Giant Mobile! I wonder if this would fit in my flat.....

Star Trek tunnel - Pretty changing light show

That concluded the day for Saturday, something tells me I did something in the evening but at this second of writing this post (in the departure lounge at Dulles) I can't remember!

Evening Jaunt

An evening jaunt ended up me seeing all the main monuments in the National Mall & Memorial Parks. I hadn't planned on doing that I was only going down to the Washington Memorial before trotting off to grab some food....but, once you do one on that strip you can't help but go down to see the others. The evening was lovely and I was taking advantage of lots of people being around to go and take some more photographs. Here you go:

National World War II Memorial

Vietman Woman's Memorial

Vietman's Veteran's Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Needless to say I earned that Five Guy's burger!

Day 3 of my adventures in Washington

Another day and yet more walking needless to say I am somewhat shattered so tomorrow it will be museums and sticking to the Mall.

This was from yesterday when I went to Arlington, this is the Netherlands Carrillon. Plays music on the hour. 

Iwo Jima Statue (US Marine Corps Memorial)

Washington Monument

This was from today's adventures, I went over to the National Zoological Park, and saw many an animal the small mammals and the panda was some of my favourites.

I slogged over to the National Cathedral. I did totally forget it was shut down owing to the maintenance work to repair the spire following the earthquake the other month. It was a very long walk, and it was very hot. Needless to say it was somewhat of a relief to get back to the hotel to have a rest and to change my clothes. 

My adventure

Yep I am in Washington DC folks!

Now time for me to get a move on, off to the Zoo today. A proper blog this evening x

Countdown Continues

I've fallen a little silent since I put my shops on hiatus. I wish I could say I've been up to anything really exciting in that time....but its just the usual life stuff. Work mainly as I've had to clear a lot of stuff of my desk prior to my holiday which officially started 5pm yesterday. Then there was a hen do weekend and just the usual life things. 

So there you go.

However, I haven't stopped crafting, just because I put the shops to sleep for a bit, I have been stitching but things for me. Which has been rather gratifying. It's bits for the flat mainly and the start of Christmas gifts (sorry I hate using that word so early into autumn, so don't shot me for saying it! haha

Say hello to Harold: Designed by my favourite crafts person Tilda. Gawd her designs and books are to die for. This is the first time I've actually done anything from her books, I kept coveting and saying I would, but I finally pulled my finger out.

Once you start you can't stop, and here is Calico the Angel Pig

I can't wait to hang Calico up, he'll be flying over the top of my tree in place of the usual angel. I've still not finished, one my best mates very kindly purchased me a Tilda kit and well I can't just put it away and do it after my holiday, no I have to start it and I'm nearly half way through one of the girls already.

I'm determined to get one finished before I fly on Wednesday so fingers crossed.

That's where I am at the moment. Aside from that I am currently in the midsts of packing and making final preparations before I fly out to DC on Wednesday. I am excited and a little nervous at the prospect of travelling on my own but god dammit I can't wait! As I will be taking my netbook with me I will be making the most of the free wifi in the hotel of an evening to upload images to my Flickr account and Facebook. I also hope to blog about the trip as well. 

P.s the stores will be reopening on the 1st November

This time next week...

The stores will be on hiatus!


I am rather looking forward to having a break from stitching things to sell, not that I am by any means the sort to make things on a regular basis; life and work get in the way for that. Still it's going to give me time to de-stress and think about my direction for the following year. I have a plan you see and it's an awesome one. Best of all it involves working with my favourite girlies. It's an idea that I had worked out a few months ago, limited edition, collaboration clocks, this is still the idea but I want to make it my main focus. I am rather looking forward to it, especially as it also means a revamp of packaging, and I am a sucker for good quality packaging. As this progresses I will keep you in the loop.


Yesterday I was at Thames Festival, yes I made myself go up to London at the weekend. I am glad I went I met some wonderful folks, some I know and others who I know online but have never met in person. So I shall now give a shout out to the following: Tiina Burton, Heidi Burton, Anna-Marie Stassen, Laura Harris, Karen Jinks and Mary McDermott. 

Spot of Tango anyone?

Miss Heidi Burton, doing what we all love to do drinking tea and eating cake.

P.s. Don't forget to take advantage of the 15% discount I have in my Etsy store! You will need the following code during the checkout process to receive this discount - DCHUZZAH11

Winding down

I find myself starting to relax. I assure you it has been a rather long time since I've said that. I am no longer making items for the store and the hair thing idea for my outfit has also been discarded. You know what I am okay with this. Instead I turn my attention to other things like; doodling, more hand stitching on the quilt, and I am thinking about making a couple of other bits for the flat and for Christmas. 


The latter was prompted by the arrival of the Panduro catalogue, which always makes me want to buy load and make more things than I have time for. I have in mind to make a Reindeer head (sounds so wrong when you type it) I'd show you a picture but I am having issues with my memory card so I can't access the pictures. I also want to make some button tinsel, and a flying angel pig for my Christmas Tree. Just a few things. Will keep you in the loop! Hopefully get a new memory card in the post next week. 


Don't forget: 14 more days to take advantage of the 15% discount in my Etsy store. Use the following code at my Etsy store to receive a 15% discount - DCHUZZAH11

Tea, Cake and Discounts

I am having a nice chilled out Bank Holiday weekend before the onslaught begins on a very busy month on the run up to my holiday. Yesterday I was up in town having a very lovely afternoon with Ms Tiina Burton we try to meet up as often as we can to have tea, chat and a good old natter. This is then usually followed by a good old window shopping session. She is very good at stopping me from buying jewellery. I need someone to do this.... 

Now normally we go to Liberty's for tea but since they have changed the menu (which is so dull) and reduced the number of tea it offers (which is now piss poor) I was on the hunt for somewhere new. Just round the corner in Carnaby Street is Kingly Court (highly recommend it great boutique shops) and up on the very top floor is Camellia's Tea House. Oh my lord so many teas to choose from I personally loved 'Skinny Bitch' but opted for Sweet Orange which was lush. This helped wash down the scones, yummy. Very good prices far cheaper than Liberty's and a much nicer atmosphere. For those in a wheelchair whilst it is a little awkward to get round you can get to the top floor via the lift. The staff were very nice too (again better than the snotty lot at Liberty's which can sometimes ruin a good day out). www.camelliasteahouse.com  <-edited

No trip to Carnaby's is complete without a quick dive into the Play Lounge were yet again I walked out with items I didn't really need to purchase but couldn't bring myself to leave behind. So I got some really cute stickers and another 'I love Tea' (lunaartik.com) I am determined to find Earl but got Oolong instead (blue one). They are slowly starting to overtake the flat. I was really tempted to by the uber large Cavey (it was pink and squishy) but stopped short from do so, another time. 

You will note also in the photo below (left) that I have redrawn the headpiece design, I was bored on a train, I think I prefer the design on the second teardrop shape various running stitched circles rather than running stitched lines, works better with the other shapes on the design. 

Now its time for me to pull my finger out, stick Supernatural on and stitch. 

Oh before I disappear to stitch let me tell you about the following discount code: DCHUZZAH11 which is now active in my Etsy store from now till the 18th. It entitles the buyer to 15% discount. It's a little something before the store closes for my autumn vacation. 

Again..

Unfortunately my computer has decided it didn't like me very much and has died on me again, it's currently being fixed for a hard drive issue. So it's a double kick lost programmes and files as well as a hit to the wallet. But never mind, can't be helped and hopefully will have it back next week. It's just as well I have the netbook for a back up although that did just break my memory card....managed to fix that with a bit of tape but it does make me think whether or not I am cursed?? Will find out on Monday when I get into work and use the computer there.


In the mean time I have been beginning  to wind down the project making as I hit a very busy time at work and head towards my holiday in October. I decided in my wisdom rather than buying a hat or a hair thingie for my friends wedding to go with my outfit, I've decided to make something instead.


Here is the design drawn in sharpie on a back of a brown paper bag, which was also used to make the pattern pieces too. It's going to be a hand embroidered selection of almost teardrop shapes, with various types of embellishment ie. buttons, crystals and beads. Attached to a ribbon wrapped metal hair band. 

With the design done, I opted to try out a test version I don't often do examples but with this to know whether or not it would or could work I decided to do it. Also rather making yet another bit of decoration that floats about the house I've turned it into a one of a kind brooch and listed in my store.

It has a stiff middle, I didn't have any pelmet vilene which was a bugger so I used two layers of waste canvas which does the job nicely. Light weight, can be stitched through and can be shaped so it's ideal. The nice thing about doing this example is that it's shown me that the edging needs more thought. Whilst it works (wrapped edging and couching) it to me looks a little rough. So I am going to think of an alternative option. Maybe buttonhole stitch?

This just means I now have to pull my finger out and start working on the main parts in order to get the actual headpiece made in time. Granted whilst I know what I want to wear I really should also pull my finger out and get the dress....

Anyway, that's enough of the head piece for today will start it again during the week think its time for a spot of Supernatural and stitching the quilt. I am starting to get closer to the end with that project.


Although I forgot to say I came to the conclusion this week that owing to busy work commitments I will be closing my store on the 18th September through to November 1st. This is because I can't guarantee that I will be able to post things, and I really don't want to stress myself out any more than I am already. I am slightly getting panicked by the amount of work there is to do over the next month. Everything is coming at once!


I may very well open the store up earlier and I will keep blogging so will keep you in the loop. 

In Pieces...

So with another commission done and dusted I've reverted back to working on some new content for the store, the Etsy one, I'm still getting used to Wow Thank You store, the set-up and layout. With the new items I have gone back to raiding my pretty stashes of fabric and bits n pieces to make a couple of squeezie purses and new clocks. Nothing like playing about to get the creative juices flowing. 


Yesterday I made a clock which was fun to do, and I was so pleased with the outcome. The idea had come to me the other week when I was working on the Pirate clock for my friend. It was basically very thin stripes of various Liberty tana lawn prints stitched together to create a new sort of fabric. It was quite a fiddly operation, but you know me I like to work small and I don't shy away from a challenge. I bonderwebbed the back of each strip applied to a plain white linen and stabbed stitched down each strip, it took a little while, but once you get into it soon gets done. 

I have an idea for another one and will probably work on that one after I have finished my latest project, or knowing me will start it regardless. Anyway, the outcome as you can see is really cute. I stitched very tiny shell buttons to indicate the hours, where I used batting underneath to give it more definition, I just want to prod it. It's now available to buy just click here. 

Now the other project I am working on and soon after I finish this blog post will get right back to it, is a quilted squeezable purse. See the progress:

So this morning I decided to play, I don't often do samples because I am usually the sort to get an idea and just get on it, but this morning I thought no, lets do some playing about with the fabric I want to use. The above image is the result of me using different thickness of threads, colours. Originally I was going to do a series of maze like squares (can't think of the word for it) but then as I started to just do running stitches I ended up doing neatly spaced out straight rows, you can see that result at the bottom corner. With that sample done, I decided it was time to crack on. Here we are stitched in black machine thread for four rows, then in nice scarlet red for one. It will keep me quiet.

What projects are you working on? Show me some links to it! I love looking at pretty things.