Sunday 11 November 2012

Handmade Monday No. 92

Two weeks until my last event of the year and only the second this year, so a time to reflect what sold at the first event, what needs to be added for this final push.

November Birthday

A card I made for an old school friend, we have known each other for more years than we care to remember and the only one I have stayed in contact with. We were bff back in the day and whilst may not see each other now due to distance still keep in contact through Birthday's and Christmas.


A while back went to visit the Long Barn at Alresford, they grow the most delicious lavender and had to buy a large bag. Whilst wondering round the shop saw a gap which I thought could fill so samples sent last Monday and fingers crossed:

A lavender bag, wash bag and sleep pillow


Will let you know how I get on, maybe for nothing as I know things are very tight atm but nothing ventured nothing gained.

Went to a women's networking meeting on Tuesday, Ladies Who Latte, have been to the Farnham one before but this was a new venue for me. Held at The Alton House Hotel, a beautiful Georgian building and wonderful grounds. The meeting was very good run by Kathy Gilbert, relaxed atmosphere and not on the normal formal programme where you all have to speak for a minute but more coffee and chat, networking at your own pace which for me was so much better. One of the best networking events I have ever been to and I have been to a few.

Back to making, my next and last event is being held at the prestigious girl's school 'The Royal' at Hindhead, so google to hand trawled through to look for ideas as to what girl's are into, quite a varied spectrum of ideas but settled on mini bags including some fun Christmas ones. These were fun to make and with the added embroidery (a teddy bear pocket) will hopefully let them stand out on my stall.



The latest Jeanne d'Arc Living magazine arrived and words evade me, just wonderful:


Also arrived the latest issue of Pretty Nostalgic


Went into Guildford yesterday and picked up the latest copy of Selvedge No 49 called Evergreen an absolute must if you are into Textiles


Finally the Vintage Directory, ideal for all things vintage can be picked up at fairs or for a postal subscription. I also did a special Christmas advertising online offer with them this year and considering whether to go in the actual directory.


Not as much done as would have liked this week as Thursday woke with the most horrific back pain, hurts to sit, stand, walk and lay flat. Still not sure what I did but have had problems before, r & r maybe.

Final bit of news got a request from a local Surrey magazine if they could feature some of my handmade items in the Christmas gift issue, really chuffed with the offer. The magazine is an upmarket, exciting lifestyle magazine that is contemporary in style and aimed primarily at the yummy mummies in Surrey and the age group 30 - 45, while also appealing to the wider community.
Off to try to have a back breather and catch up on all those tv programmes that I have taped.

Check out the other blogs at Handmade Harbour

I would like to thank all of you that visited and commented on my blog last week, a bit late in my trawl but hope I got round to you all, your comments are appreciated.





18 comments:

  1. That teddy pocket is adorable! I always love it when my copy of Selvedge lands on the doorstep, it's a fabulous magazine.

    Have a great week x

    ReplyDelete
  2. Wow you have been busy! Will you find time to look through that reading matter? I hope so because they look really great. Good luck with your idea for the shop and the next fair. Congrats also on the magazine. Seems like a really great week - hope this week can follow with expectations!

    ReplyDelete
  3. The lavender bags are beautiful. I hope they work out for you. Good luck with the fair. I have decided to have a go at a fair in the Spring. Any handy hints would be most appreciated!
    Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  4. congratulations on the Surrey magazine feature! that's great news

    fingers crossed on the lavender goodies, they are all gorgeous and sure to be popular :)

    good luck too at the girl's school, you little bag is adorable! x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Caroline, that card is beautiful, I'm sure your friend was made up to receive it.
    I am currently suffering a painful back so you have my deepest sympathy. Hope it gets better soon
    S xx

    ReplyDelete
  6. Those lavender bags and accessories look lovely. I think the little bag will really catch peoples eyes on your stall. You got a great haul of mags, that will keep you going for a while!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Your lavender bags are really pretty, I like the shhh... and your teddy looks such a happy chappie, good luck with your fair, sounds like it may be a good one :)

    Jan x

    ReplyDelete
  8. I love magazines too, just been given a copy of Craft and Design, can't wait to have a peek! Good luck with your last event :)

    ReplyDelete
  9. I love the lavender bags and the teddy bags are cute. Good luck with the fairs x

    ReplyDelete
  10. Those little bags are lovely, I am sure they will sell well. Hope your back gets better soon too. Take it easy. xxxx

    ReplyDelete
  11. Hope your back is better soon - constant ibuprofen and paracetamol is what I usually go for!
    Love the lavender set :)

    ReplyDelete
  12. Well done one the magazine contact! I can bet you will get some lovely sales from that.

    Hope you are feeling better with the back pain. Nothing worse on feel bad and not knowing why.

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful and good luck with everything! You have such a busy week and I am sure your lavender bags got a space, they would be mad to turn you down! Hope you're feeling better.
    Jo x

    ReplyDelete
  14. What a great post so much lovely stuff. The card looks beautiful and the mini bags are really sweet. You've got me very tempted with magazines.
    Ali x

    ReplyDelete
  15. Hi Caroline,,, Sneaking a peak at some blogs at work. Everyone is out at the moment. Tee Hee. :) I love the Teddy Bear bag, it is just adorable, but I love everything. Your booth was so pretty! I have never seen the magazine "Selvedge" It looks like something I would love!
    Well, I hope you have an amazing show to end the year! Give that handsome Shiloh a hug for me! (()) Gail

    ReplyDelete
  16. Wow, busy week. Love that embroidered bag ... But then I do have a thing for handmade bags!!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Really pretty lavender bags and the teddy is cute.
    Good luck with the fair.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Hi Caroline, sorry to hear you are in pain - hope the r'n'r helps. Gorgeous teddy bag! I hope the event goes well - a friend of mine went to that school (20 years ago!) and said it was lovely :-) Simmi x

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for your comments. I do appreciate the time and trouble taken to comment and will publish as soon as possible.