January 2013 Photo A Day Challenge

Whilst I am battling with the effects of a post Christmas near sugar induced coma, and working the old nogging to get those creative ideas down onto paper, and fabric. I am making myself do a little challenge for the month. This will be some undertaking. Mainly because I have enough trouble remembering to take my vitamin tablets each day let alone trying to remember to take a photograph. 

What am I wittering on about I hear you cry. Probably, actual tears, perhaps of slight boredom as I am slightly going about the houses writing this particular paragraph and not actually telling you....

So, what is it I've signed up too? Some of you might have actually seen my status update on Facebook and the subsequent tweets and thus will already know that I've decided to do the Fat Mum Slim Photo a Day Challenge for January. 

Each day has a theme/challenge call it what you will. And all you need to do is take a photograph that fits it. Easy you think? Well, not really. Most of the time I am going to be at work and whilst most of my colleagues know I am an utter nutter taking photographs at random points during the day might raise a few eyebrows. Okay, more than usual. Still I think that because I am actually just going to use my mobile phone, which whilst the lens ain't great, I might stand a chance of completing it. What the hell, right?

Here are the themes:

I have successfully managed to get to day 2 and already I am racking my brains for something interesting out of the box for tomorrow. 

So how have I faired in the photographing taking stakes thus far....

Day 1 - Today

Me looking at the calender and cringing

Day 2 - Something New

This was a pure stroke of luck in the timing. I ordered over Christmas from Lynn Bailey (Print Maker) a picture that will be for my new place (hopefully). Originally I had my eye on her bumble bee print but I was encouraged to get this little Dormouse. Basically it's me in a nutshell. The Bee Print though, will be mine.....

Who else is taking part? Do let me know, as I'd love to see what you take snaps wise. I know the very sweet Kitty Pink Stars certainly is. Because she was the one that got me onto it. If your not, then do follow the #fmsphotoaday

Fingers Crossed and Forward Planning

Calico the Pig gets a winter makeover

I thought it was about time to do a post Christmas blog post. I've returned from spending time with my family to my humble little flat. Needless to say there was a momentary blip in the good mood on stepping back in the flat, but then I just have to remind myself that this is the last December in it. 

I have to be utterly honest I am  going to be awfully glad to see the back of 2012, sure there have been some great turning points but there was also a lot of rubbish too. So I want to sweep that all away and crack on with 2013. I am a firm believer that it's going to be a good year not just for me but for friends and family. I know some lovely folks that deserve a break and I think it will happen. 

Fingers crossed.

So now that I am back in the flat and surrounded by my materials, my lovely gifts I have received have been put away and the washing has made it to the basket (housework can wait one more day). I can start working out my plans for next year. I have some big things to sort out to do with making this a business and I also have in my mind designs. And for the next few days I can at least start working on the latter. The shop isn't opening back up till the 14th Jan, perhaps a little later, so I have the time to work on the designs and make samples. Also have some research to do for packaging. Next month I will also have in my mitts a handmade stamp for me to make my own fabric labels. 

Who else is going to be glad to see the back of 2012? What your plans for 2013, hopes and wishes? 

Yummy treats made for friends and family.

Finished Commission

Whilst I come too from a cold and wet day at the More London Christmas Market yesterday, I wanted to take a moment to drink a cuppa and show off one my latest commission pieces. You might remember my post the other day of the piece in progress, but I wanted to show you it complete. I am so utterly thrilled with the finish, that next year commissioned decorations will be offered. It is a little too late to be able to do more this year, but they will be back. Opportunity to order will be available over the year, because whilst this one is for Christmas it can easily be adapted for other occasions. 

Its been stitched in Trailing, which as you know is my favourite stitch and on the back it has been stitched in Back stitch (rather apt). Swarovski crystals were used to adorn it, and to embellish the 'i'. 

Very tactile and yummy.

Christmas fair's have come to an end for me this year, I am now starting to look to 2013, and where I go from here. New designs are a foot and actually approaching people to stock my work. Big step for me, but I am up for a challenge, think getting my foot on the property ladder has certainly spurred me on!