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!

Change in Plans and Commissions

So another week comes to a conclusion and with it has brought more exciting things. Now originally I had thought that now till Christmas it was going to be a lot quieter for me, I could sit and work on the few commissions I had and start researching new ideas for 2013...And whilst I have been working on the commissions, such as this lovely personalised Christmas gift.

I do love a bit of trailing, actually I love it a lot which is why the whole thing ended up in the stitch. 

I've got myself involved with another fair, this is what happens when you go and see some dear friends. Have a chat and get roped in. So this Thursday and Friday you will get another opportunity to purchase my items before Christmas in person. Sure it's going to be a little bit on the chilly side but there is going to be mulled cider! What more can you want? Actually the Thursday I won't be there in person, my dear friend Anna  Stassen (http://sakurajewellery.com) will be holding the fort whilst I am at work. Then on Friday I will be coming up to man my stall. So come along and say hello!

I shall be taking majority of my clocks, collars and all my cute little pieces like my very last button needlecases, baubles and mirrors as well. Ideal stocking fillers! After this event my store will be going into hibernation mode for the winter, tucked up in a cozy bed, so that I can get myself ready for Christmas, and yes you guessed it working on the commissions. 

Nice and quiet....yeah.