Thursday 28 February 2013

Thursday Blogging Day No. 9

With another smattering of snow and the weather so cold, wind coming in from the North tried to stay inside warm and cosy as much as possible this last week. Still de-cluttering think this task is going to take a good year.

Suddenly remembered a birthday at the end of February and she loves cats:


and a new boat, now what could I send as a boat warming gift:


Bought this seaside collage fabric last week, had no idea what I was going to use it for but just loved it and think fits the bill perfectly.

Filled 2 black sacks for the dump and 1 for the RSPCA and that was just Sunday morning early.

Have a good week all







Thursday 21 February 2013

WTY Blogging Thursday No. 8

Week 8! almost 2 months and whilst still small we are keeping going. No makes from me this week apart from a tag idea I have been playing with, in a vintage style and had to include some machine embroidery.


De-Cluttering

As crafters think we all buy stock and store some of which is used immediately and others that gets put away for a rainy day, just in case buys or because we want it. Having been crafting for over 30 years I have plenty of 'stuff'. Having been suffering from a creative block recently and so fed up spending ages looking for that certain item I know I have but cannot put my hands on thought now is the time to 
de-clutter. The sewing machines have been hung up for a small amount of time, well okay I admit they are still there and ready to produce if the calling gets too bad. The de-cluttering has started and after sorting and repacking the fabric ottoman and cutting out table have a huge bag for the charity shop, a bag for ebay and space.........

Feeling so much better and clearer to think and only done a small part,  I had been dreading starting and you know how it is you procrastinate which is the best way to tackle such a mammoth task but the creative side is calling but then not there, would highly recommend to anyone. So much so that DH has started on the top attic, again boxes for stuff bought in case needs to go back, old tv's and computers now all relegated to the dump. The attic spaces may not be clear yet and like my sewing and work rooms have a long way to go but oh boy feel as if a weight has been lifted already.

Perhaps this is to do with Spring and a long held tradition of cleaning out the houses, washing curtains etc before the onset of the long balmy summer months, okay hold that thought may not exactly be long or balmy but we can live in hope and so true that de-cluttering your home de-cliutters your mind.

I follow the SPACE formula as aired on Oprah years ago by Julia Morgenstern author of 'Time Management from the Inside Out' an excellent read if you have the time:


Julie's Organizing Formula
  • Sort: Identify what's important to you and group similar items.
  • Purge: Decide what you can live without and get rid of it (e.g. donations, sales, storage, garbage).
  • Assign: Decide where the items you keep will go. Remember, make it logical, accessible and safe.
  • Containerize: Make sure they're sturdy, easy to handle, the right size, and that they look good. The art of containerizing is to do it last, not first.
  • Equalize: Spend 15 minutes a day to maintain what you've done.
Read more: http://www.oprah.com/home/SPACE#ixzz2LE4tSLzb

and it works, so often I have 'De-cluttered' to rush out and buy storage first only to find half not needed or not right for the job, sadly we do not have the half the wonderful storage products available in the US but with a bit of finger searching on google amazing what you can find.
As said at the start of this post not a lot of crafting atm but Spring just around the corner a time to clear the mind, shake off the winter and look forward to the summer.

Check out Wow Thank You proudly supporting UK artisans



Thursday 14 February 2013

WTY Blogging Thursday No. 7

Welcome to week 7 of WTY Blogging Thursday and what a week back to snow and beautiful wintery scenes but oh so cold, roll on Spring.

Been a busy week at home and not as much made as would have liked but after some thought a couple of personalised tooth fairy pillows, they are small enough to hand on a door of a child's bedroom or from a bed post


Starting a search for craft and gift fairs for this year, already booked 1 for late November and have another in the pipeline. Made a decision this year to only do local that way DH can help me load and unload and come back and collect me later in the day. I admit these events will be mixed but like the idea of promoting more local, makes my business better known in the community.

Check out Wow Thank You for wonderful gift ideas for any occasion.








Wednesday 6 February 2013

WTY Blogging Thursday No. 6

Been a cold week although been lucky and no snow at present, feel for all those stuck on the roads this past week, not fun. Have been making this week but spend more time waiting fro delivery of components then get bored and have moved on.... Went to an excellent networking event for Ladies yesterday morning (Tuesday) in Alton, very good. One lady has offered to take my business card to Grayshott Spa, just up the road from me, she works there when they need help after leaving having spent 18 years in the beauty treatment industry to branch out on her own, they have a shop on site and she thinks my items would fit nicely. Another lady organises craft fairs in Alton town, out under gazebo's so maybe in the summer months when a bit warmer, I am a coward and do not fancy standing out in this weather. A good morning of networking. Well onto the makes for last week:

Easter Time

Bunnies hopping around the newly blooming bulbs so what better but some Easter Hunt goodie bags



Easter card with a cheeky bunny


Breakfast table setting for 1


A new project, just love this patchwork bra design and on a handbag



Check out Wow Thank You for all the items shown above and more from talented crafters

Back to the grind stone...oops meant sewing machine