Carolee Crafts

By The Sea

2012-02-01T06:02:00.001Z

Waves lapping against the shore, warm sun on your back with a gentle breeze. Oh how I look forward to warmer days at this time of year not too hot just warm, the freezing cold winds a distant memory. Well back to reality and with the threat of snow turned my attention to the sea.

Bunting Pillow

As 2012 is the Jubilee Year thought bunting and patchwork in blue, pink and white shades with a toile deckchair and beach hut embroidery

Seaside Tote

This is an old make and found amongst my stock and just had to add to the summer theme

At the Beach Door Pillow

Add to a bathroom with a seaside theme, fun door pillow to add the essence of summer to any room

Off to dream of the halcyon days of summer and thank you for reading

Thinks the sea looks good fun and all that sand!

Commenters and Numbers

2012-01-31T11:29:00.000Z

My giveaway is now closed and have decided to do two draws one for the UK and the other for the Pinkies in the US.

Commenters and numbers for the Monday blog Giveaway are:

UK

1. The Lifes and Loves
2. Ros made Me
3. Penny
4. Adaliza
5. Butterfly Blossom
6. Wendy
7. Sim Ja Ta
8. Little Harriet
9. Stephen @ Soy of the North
10. Picto
11. Jam Dalory
12. Sarah Dragonfly Jersey
13. M Crafts
14. Fat Monica
15. Jill Christmas Pie Crafts
16. Helen
17. Jeeberella
18. Highland Monkey's
19. Zukie Style
20. Three Cats
21. Your Friend Susie
22. Pickle Lily
23. Devon Country Diary
24. Carol C

The winner is: Jan at Picto No. 10

USA

1. Lisa
2. Susie
3. Gail

4. Shabby Shan

The Pink winner is: Shannon No. 4

Have messaged you both for initial and address.

A New Chinese Year

2012-01-29T18:00:00.000Z

We are now in the year of the dragon by the Chinese Calendar a good excuse to develop a collection of all things oriental, something mysterious about the East maybe not as much as 50 years ago but legends still surround this area of the world steeped in tradition.

Oriental Doll Door Pillow

I got this fabric through a fellow crafter on Facebook who was destashing, only enough to make the one pillow and seems elusive to get anymore but love the vibrant colours which are so unlike me. The embroider design is beautiful in cerise and red with of course black and white.

Dragon Velvet Embroidery Evening Bag

Got this bag finished did not think would make the deadline but here it is black velvet and printed satin with gold cord and tied together with black ribbon.

Friendship Day 30th July

I did a blog on this recently and plan to do a blog roll call on that day, does not clash with HM. Can be something you have made specifically for Friendship day or just a tribute to someone special. If you want to join in email me with the title "Friendship Day' and I will remind you approx 10 days before the date so we can all join in on that day, 1 sign up so far, come on guys it will be fun.

Look what I won from 'With u in Mind' thank you Kat

a box full of goodies to play with, thank you

Giveaway Jacobean Initial Sachet

Following on from Kat's giveaway thought a giveaway a good idea for the Chinese New Year celebrations.
A machine embroidered initial (of your choice) sachet in Jacobean style scented with lavender. Each comment will be allocated a number in the sequence made and then one number drawn at random. I will contact you for address details. In your comment please leave the Initial that you would like if you win.

Measures approx 10 X 10cms, some letters may be a larger square. Backing fabric Shakespeares Flowers Script in green.

Check out the other blogs at

Make Mine Pink for Show and Tell Monday

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Chief Helper! NOT!!!!

Books

2012-01-25T06:00:00.000Z

It is official I love books and had some wonderful titles for Christmas, in fact all those on my Amazon 'Wish List' although now empty not for long.

In the world of kindle and iPad books I still love the real thing. I do have books on my iPad and they are very easy to read and for travel would be perfect and quite happy for fiction to be read in this way but to me for crafting reference, nothing better than a brand new book all pristine to open and flip through the pages. Dip in and out as the fancy takes me, sit with a cold homemade lemonade under the garden trees in the summer and browse through a book with the birds singing and the bees buzzing around on their honey collection journey, the dog mooching around ferreting for new smells and finds.

These are the titles I received all wonderful in their own right and cannot say which is my favourite, all gems with hidden treasures and inspiration:

Needless to say my Amazon 'Wish List' is growing again and I need a new and bigger bookshelf for my sewing room. To me electronic will never replace these wonderful paper tomes.

Blogging for Bliss and excellent reference point if you blog regularly or want to find out more

Victoria is a US magazine filled with wonderful places to visit and the most fantastic goodies and had to have these from the same source.

Printing by Hand for a fabric fanatic ideal

Remember Angel from Dragons Den with her distinctive Vintage style and bright red hair, I love this book and admire her for what she has achieved.

Fascinators fascinate me and thought perfect to go with my new style evening bags, all yet to be revealed.

& finally a Country Living publication and I know can here you ask what have I got this for as being a dinosaur of crafting business but I consider never too old to learn and times change along with rules and regs, this is an excellent and inspirational read whether like me crafting for more years than I care to remember or a novice. Not taking away from the US business books this is purely for the UK meaning the reference section is invaluable.

Why not share your reads and if you are as passionate about books as I am.

coming from one who does not read and thinks books are a nuisance as take the attention away from where it should be!!!! i.e. HIM

A Tribute to a dear Friend

2012-01-24T06:00:00.000Z

Friendship seems such a simple word but can become all encompassing in your life. We all need friends whether they are near or far.

Just over a year ago I met a wonderful lady online, confident I can now call her a best friend. She has been through hard times but will always email me with a smile considerate of what is going on in my life. Never moans when she has every right to, sends me fantastic pic's of her two fur babies and cares. Her friendship has made my life better and I would love one day to meet up in person. She has had some bad news over the last week and whilst I am not there in person hope she knows I am there in spirit and that the following verse tells her that she and her family are in my thoughts all the time:

Thought of the week what do you consider to be a true friend and do you have a friend whom you may have neglected unintentionally. Remember our friends choose us for who we are not what we have or may give and a true friend is always there through thick and thin.

International Friendship Day is on the 30th July and although some way off at the current rate of knots the year will soon whizz past and the day will be here before you know it. Are you going to join in Friendship Day it would be so good to have a special blog for that day honouring a special friend, if interested email your interest with the header 'Friendship Day' and I will diary to start a blog hop on the 30th.and contact you to remind you a week before on the 23rd. Your blog could be Friend based things you have made or tributes to someone special in your life.

In the World of Crafting

2012-01-22T18:00:00.000Z

and retail you have to work in advance of the actual event, now that is all very well said and done but actually doing is another matter. As you know I left Valentines a bit late this year as should have had done by the 17th December to appear in the UK Handmade Showcase. Back on the 17th December I was so focused on Christmas as February 14th seemed ages off, now Christmas over almost the end of January and panic set in Valentines now put to bed and onto Mothering Sunday 18th March so here are some new products made and up to date, now what next?

'God made you my Mother' Door Pillow

The wording says it all with a beautiful embroider design, delicately scented with roses.

Mother Door Pillow

As above but with Mother intertwined with roses.

Mum Flower

A card and gift in one, the plaque is held on with a brad and easily removed as a keepsake.

Mother's Day Roses

A more traditional card with a beautiful embroidered design and the card has been backed with rose print paper and butterflies.

Mum Rose Corsage

An handmade organza rose and leaf with a lace fan and trim with an etched Mum charm, backed with felt and a brooch finding.

Laundry Bags

I supply a local girl's school with large laundry bags and they have let me know well in advance they they will be wanting 56 by May 2013 eek!. That may seem a long time off but as I am not into production line sewing quite happy with this timescale, already had 23 ready done in stock and found some fantastic 'Diva' fabric for another 5 do hope they like them, I think they are fun and colourful. Got my eye on some on ebay this week, so could be more on the way.

Have a happy week crafting and for my American fiends hope the snow is not too bad, stay warm.

Check out the other blogs at

1st Unique Gifts blog

Make Mine Pink

Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge 21st January

2012-01-21T07:00:00.000Z

Challenge No. 169 Food & Drink

Now what to make? into door pillows atm and have the most fantastic cup cake designs not to mention cupcake print fabric so here's one for the girls:

A strawberry cupcake door pillow scented with strawberry pot-pourri, I could just tuck into the cupcake with a lovely hot cup of tea.

Check out the other entries at Secret Crafter Saturday Challenge Blog

Valentines Day

2012-01-15T18:00:00.000Z

is just around the corner and yet again I seem to be playing catch up. Note to oneself must get better organised and plan events 3/4 months in advance, not sure going to happen but maybe, just maybe talking about it and committing to print you may see a new organised me. Now don't all laugh at once!

Valentines Day - A day for love all around the world

Made in 100% wine coloured silk and embroidered with a lace heart, lined in black cotton with an organza bow to tie with a Swarovski wild heart charm.

Awine red silk brocade with a mock bow and diamante heart buckle detail, on a silver coloured frame lined in black cotton. I love the rich colour of this brocade and feel something different form the plain silk.

Said I had been playing with my new machine, this is a machine embroidered brush stork effect initial with apple blossom to decorate and with padding lounged onto a 20 X 20cm artists canvas frame. Backed with lilac felt and has a hanger already added.

A message heart sachet, scented with rose potpourri embellished with a diamante heart and ribbon rose. As you can see I am now addicted to these diamante heart sliders and the other shapes available I love glitter so expect to see more of them in my designs.

Rose Eye Mask

Love this fabric unfortunately as always the case for me can never remember where I bought it but thought a Valentines Eye Mask would look good. embroidered of course with 'Do not Disturb' and just knew those glass hearts would come in useful.

Went to the Fabric fair at the Farnham Maltings today, what a crush and this was only the main hall the other rooms were full with beautiful quilts made by the various local quilters guild.

and what a selection my idea of heaven and what did I buy? Now what will I make, the fabric on the left think Queens Diamond Jubilee, the blues and greens think back to my mood board of beautiful Peacocks. The script fabric, well Mothering Sunday is not far off so watch this space for more details.

Have a good week and don't forget to check out the other blogs at:

Make Mine Pink

&

1st Unique Gifts Blog

Employee of the year 2011 and aspirations for 2012

2012 a Handmade Year

2012-01-08T18:00:00.000Z

A lot has been spoken both on tv and forums about giving handmade gifts and cards. I think handmade is brilliant but unfortunately handmade, homemade and craft seem to have got a bad name recently, why? This is the hard question and after seeing the comments on the BBC news interviews last year following Kirstie's programme, think some of the public are under the impression that craft is cheap tat and badly made, this can be the case as I have seen at some fairs I have visited along with bought in goods. Because of this the true perfectionists of quality handmade goods are moving away from traditional ports of selling, moving to galleries and online venues.

Over the years when in recession more and more people turn to making gifts with a view to saving money, out of these creators there often is born a true talent that with nurturing can go on to make such beautiful items and stay the distance in the handmade market whilst others get found out and fall by the wayside.

Galleries for some are too expensive but could be considered a good point to start to get your products known and if well labelled with your contact details and website may produce further sales direct. There is however a strict selection process to enter galleries which some may find daunting. I like the fact that you often have to produce exhibition standard work for assessment by your peers refreshing that you know they care about what is displayed and you will exhibiting alongside other professionals. Approaching a gallery is no mean feat and be warned as they are often entered into through word of mouth recommendation rather than a direct approach and most of all they expect the exhibitor to be professional and you often have to book an audience in advance.

The hardest part of giving handmade is for the men in the family, mine have no interest in much apart from kindle books so this year had to resort to kindle vouchers, nothing handmade about it but one thing I always try to do is give the recipient something they want and not something to be relegated to the back of a cupboard, so in some cases handmade is not appropriate.

I made silk boudoir cushions this year as gifts for two girlfriends and both were so pleased with the gift, Kim very kindly left a comment on my last blog post and Christine told me over the phone that she loved that I made her something each year. This type of response makes it so worthwhile that the time and effort is appreciated by the recipient. I love to give more than receive and especially love to make to give thinking of the colours and designs that the person would prefer and as time is so precious now feel any gift handmade is giving part of yourself as well.

So lets together make 2012 a Handmade Year boosting the true value of handmade and the uniqueness of the given gift.

On a creative note been playing with my machine and as Valentines day is only round the corner! plan to stitch a lace heart bag using water soluble backing then mounted onto wine red silk, will enclose a Swarovski heart on a lobster clasp, this can then be added to bracelets, pendants, bags etc with a hand stamped personal message card on the inside and a matching tag on the outside. You never know could be used for an engagement ring with 'will you marry me?' on the tag. Plus some heart confetti, such an old romantic and so long ago since I was asked, oh! approx 35 years ago now. Also to make this week an initial canvas, jacquard frame bag with a diamante heart details, so much to do not to mention post to my website, Wow Thank you, update my blog plus Facebook and Twitter. A crafters work is never done.

Check out the other blogs of tales of crafting do at 1st Unique Gifts blog

Happy New Year

2011-12-31T18:00:00.000Z

2012 has arrived and the past few weeks seem just a blur. All that hard work shopping, wrapping and more for the big day then gone in a blink of an eye. Hope you are not too hungover from the celebrations last night.

A New Year and whilst I am not big on resolutions only for them to be broken by the end of January, do think this time of year gives renewed hope and an excitement of what may lie ahead. Just think a whole year to plan, design and make with a hope that on the sales front things will be better this year than 2011. New journals to fill and in my case a new iMac and iPad just love them both, still love my old Mac but had seen better days and thought change now before it all goes up in smoke. DH has been given the old Mac as he is technologically challenged he is quite happy but I do allow him on here on occasion if he is good, lol.

Back to resolutions! one I am going to make and ensure that I do not drift away is to lose weight before the Doc lays into me, we are walking Shiloh 3 times a day now which equates to approx 2 - 3 miles a day so exercise is being ticked just the food issue now, I love my grub and love to cook. Lee is slim and does not have a weight issue and can eat for England which makes my job of dieting even harder and also not a great advocate of diets or dieters prefer healthy eating and change eating patterns. One thing I will not be is a dieting bore never having a treat when out, watching every morsel, you have got to enjoy life and to be a slave to the 'D' word is not my life.

I have looked at several shopping sites in the past to sell from such as Etsy etc but feel that a new one called 'Wow Thank You' looks brilliant, joined last year on a special offer but that was it so along with my own website this is work in progress for 2012. At this stage not doing any more craft fairs, really felt looking back at the analysis that I did them to line the pockets of the organisers whereas I attended at a loss. Also felt I had too many irons irons in the fire as often happens, opportunities come along and you think 'What if' so you grasp all and end up achieving very little and spread yourself so thin. So back to the beginning and 2012 will be like a new business with new ideas and designs more down the luxury route so exciting and this has given me my passion back as those of us that work for ourselves know that without passion for what we do we can fail.

Check out the other blogs at

1st Unique Gifts

Make Mine Pink

Wishing you all a very Happy and prosperous New Year

Still thinks he is Employee of the Year, debatable.

Safe to share

2011-12-26T18:00:00.000Z

Hope you all had a good Christmas, suitably stuffed and not too bored with the reruns on tv.

I made a silk boudoir cushion for a friend that I was not able to show but as this friend reads my blog had to hold off until after the big day. In ivory silk dupion machine stitched design of flowers and of course had to add her name to the centre.

Having worked with silk for these Christmas gifts has focused me as to what to use in the reinvention of my business. I think silk and velvet has a timeless elegance and opulence that most people recognise, can be a difficult fabric to work with but the colours are so vibrant think worth the effort. Whilst I still love my patchwork cottons dealing with prints can be a problem as not always repeatable and I wanted to have a line where I could carry minimal stock and make to order. Will not stop me making OOAK's though as sometimes a work of art just has to be created.

Great excitement now that Christmas is over, a holiday I love but I have been planning my relaunch for a few months now, will be having a big sale on my website of existing stock January through February with reductions from 10 to 50%, will publish the first wave on the 1st January then once or twice a week until the 28th February. My aim is to clear the decks and provide storage space for my new look, if you love Vintage you will want to see what is added on the 1st March.

The next blog will be into the new year, so wishing you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year from Caroline and the helper! at Carolee Crafts.

Check out 1st Unique Gifts blog for more holiday tales and makes.

This time next week.....

2011-12-18T18:00:00.000Z

it will all be over, all the preparation, extra trips to the supermarket, battling the crowds, then gone in a blink of an eye. Does not mean I will not be enjoying the festive season though as I love the decorations, twinkling lights and general magical air all around. I may be 54 and do not have children but Christmas still holds wonderful memories and it is what you make of it. Lee (DH) and I love this time of year and whilst may hate the shopping part love everything else that is Christmas.

Christmas day off to mass and light some candles for those gone but not forgotten, back home for a delicious feast, a good film or two, walk the dog, then late afternoon gift opening, just perfect.

I got a lovely surprise when the postie arrived on Saturday an envelope all the way from the US of A and what did I find nestled inside?

A beautiful Christmas card and 2 delightful ornaments a musical tree and mitten edged with white fur. Thank you so much Nancy I love them.

Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas to you and your families, have a wonderful time over the Holidays.

Only 14/13 days until Christmas

2011-12-11T18:00:00.000Z

Not sure where these last few months have gone but they have disappeared in a puff of smoke am sure the trainee wizards from Hogwarts have been experimenting with time disappearance spells. However in between my planning for next year and stocking up on Christmas goodies have been making gifts and cards. The cards are all in the post except 1, local deliveries done just down to the final few gifts to make. Can only show one of the makes as the other one may well be seen by the recipient and don't want to spoil the surprise. An embroidered cushion and eye mask, all done on my new machine which is just heaven, adding some special smellies. The fabric is silk and wanted to keep the colours muted to go with most decor's do hope she likes it.

Embroidering on silk has always been a bit problematical before and whilst I did panic on the Friday night "what have I done? all that money on machines!" got over it now and and so glad I went ahead as the stitching was a dream. Just got to master the downloading of designs now. All this new technology sometimes wonder if I am getting too old but a lot of it could be I do not read instruction books but dive straight in, get in a pickle then have to read the machine book.

Perfectly Peacock Mood Board

Think the colours say it all I love them, this is my inspiration for my first project of 2012 and my new direction/reinvention of Carolee Crafts, more will be added but to the finished item. I love mood boards as they are the best place to gather items that may not be used but purely for a colour spectrum, I tend to lay them out photograph and file the photo in a journal for future reference. Peacocks are such beautiful birds and I remember when we lived in the Walled Garden in Loxwood they would come over from the Clock Tower next door, my Mother would entice them to open their tails which they tended to at her request, just beautiful the colours out of this world.

Pantone colours for 2012

Not too sure about the Tangerine Tango but does mean that DH can get his shorts out that he bought in Florida all those years ago and I must search for my sunglasses, lol. Do like the bottom 5 colours though and could see me adding a bit of the Cabaret & Bellflower.

Check out the other blogs at

Make Mine Pink

1st Unique Gifts

Have a good week

Handmade Monday is here again.....

2011-12-04T18:00:00.007Z

and only 20 days until Santa struggles to get his girth down the chimney.

Our tree is up mainly because DH and I are big kids and when it comes to the festive season we love all things Christmas and here is a picture of Shiloh at age 6 months, it will be his first Christmas and yes the tree is still standing and no flying baubles YET!!!

No crafting from me as taking a break from making to recharge my batteries for my new direction in 2012 but that has not stopped me getting 2 new machines for my old one. Already have the new normal sewing machine and the embroidery one should turn up on Monday, now that is when the fun begins playing getting to know the machine and it's quirks and you never know may have made something by next week.

New Year, new me (hopefully a thinner one) and new ideas, my notebooks are getting filled and in the middle of making a mood board which may end up on Pinterest of my first project. Think colours of a Peacock in silks and organza, pearls and crystals with glitter and feathers. Have I whetted your appetite? that is all you are going to get may let you into the mood board when done but no finished design will be shown until 2012.

As the festive season fast approaches remember to stay true to a 'Handmade Christmas' if possible and love your family and friends, treasure each moment with them.

Check out the blogs on Wendy's blog 1st Unique Gifts

of course the fantastic ladies at Make Mine Pink who make each day a pleasure with their friendship and help when needed.

This post today is in honour of a very good friend Kim who is going through a hard time atm sending you love and hugs Kim you are a true friend.xx

A disarster of a weekend

2011-11-27T18:00:00.004Z

In the words of Craig Revel Horwood Saturday's fair was a disarster, well lit hall, clean, good mix of stalls, good quality items but not as many visitors as would have hoped and not much buying, well except the shoe lady and she did a roaring trade.

This has been a long list of events which have not worked and made my decision to finish with fairs during the current climate easier. This decision also comes at a time when I am changing the face of my business and confirms that what I am doing is right.

As a business never easy to make changes as you have no crystal ball to see into the future to check the decisions you make are the right ones at least being a one man band only myself that can be let down. Such a shame that handmade has reached these levels and again would love to know why, think with the lack of spare funds in purses customers are looking to stretch their money as far as possible in the gift section and buying cheaper bought in goods to at least have the same Christmas as previous years with oodles of gifts around the tree. So quantity over quality wins.

Took some pic's of my stall, shame about the sports nets at the back but am happy went back to the full stand as it becomes my shop window for the day. Apologies for the picture quality I am not David Bailey!

Had a Christmas card order from the Pamper event on Thursday an unusual request as this design is not normally Christmas but hope the customer is happy.

Don't forget to stop by the other blogs at 1st Unique Gifts and Make Mine Pink.

Have a Happy Crafting Week

Handmade by Me Thursday

2011-11-24T05:41:00.000Z

Another Thursday and sorry no creations from me this week. My machine made an awful noise and died on Sunday, so now sitting in a repair shop in Woodham hoping? (well not really more later) to be repaired. Back to the repairs have my eye on a new machine, my Janome is very old now and have decided to move away from Janome and back to Viking. My old blue and silver viking was a gem and so good not sure why I ever changed. I do like the Janomes but their software is not that good and they are so expensive object to paying the same price for a sewing machine as a small car.

So this is a picture of my dream so watch this space.

Craft Fairs

There is always a lot of controversy surrounding handmade fairs and this year I have not exhibited at as many, why? mainly due to the cost of the rents and competing with bought in goods as they have to go away from handmade to fill the halls. Sad times and have made the decision for 2012 to concentrate on my website and the selling sites, think sometimes we can spread ourselves too thin and I for one end up running round like a headless chicken trying to achieve all and ending up achieving nothing. This is all part of my New Years resolution for my business to consider opportunities more carefully and do what is right for the business and me.

I hope that the true handmade fair will return it always does as the old saying
'What goes around comes around'

Have a wonderful Handmade Thursday

Advent Calendars

2011-11-20T18:00:00.001Z

Only 35/34 days to go, the difference depends when you read this blog whether Sunday or Monday. I am sure it was only a few days ago that the number of days was 100+ and now where has the time gone.

For those that read my blog regularly you will know that not much crafting has been done of late as I have been having a big sort of stock and a change of direction, however this weekend I did make 1 advent calendar for an order for a fur babies in our lives, now my machine has died making an awful noise. This one is for a dog using Christmas dog fabric for the pockets, light bulbs for the main backed with burgundy.

2 events for me this week:

Thursday 24th 7pm to 9.30pm

Pamper Evening

Jolly Farmer

Binsted Lane

Blacknest

Nr alton

Hampshire

Saturday 26th 10 am to 3.30pm

Christmas Fair

Priorsfield School

Godalming

Surrey

If anyone is in the are please drop by and say hello to Jill (Christmas Pie Crafts) and myself we would love to see you.

So many virtual craft fairs this year, something different but perhaps the new way to go:

CRAFTfest runs the weekend of the 26th and 27th November

Handmade with Passion runs from now until end of January

After all my sorting and tidying going to have a humongous sale of all my existing stock starting 1st December, some items may be reduced by as much as 50% so if you are looking for a bargain check out my website or the Handmade with Passion virtual fair, all will link back to my website.

As this is a blogging Monday check out

Make Mine Pink

1st Unique Gifts blog

Check out Blogaholic Social Network a must for frequent bloggers

Why not join Handmade by Me a forum for all creative types by joining you can also participate in the Thursday Blog Hop a good place to get your business noticed.

Enjoy your week

What is vintage?

2011-11-16T23:59:00.002Z

Vintage, Retro, Edwardian, Regency, Victorian, Antique, Gerogian

All words that describe various era's of our world so how do you know which is which, some are quite self explanatory but others? well!

Gerogian - 1714 to 1837 overlapping with Regency

Regency - approx 1811 to 1820

Victorian - 1837 - 1901

Edwardian - 1901 - 1910
Antique - at least 100 years old

Vintage - Mainly 1920 to 1960

Retro - about 15 to 20 years old

The timescales for Vintage and Retro do tend to move and now in some cases includes up to the 80's. Either way these styles are fondly followed today and in some cases never really date and can be very valuable. Vintage is having a revival whether due to the recession or looking back to a gentler time when things were simpler, maybe not as easy but certainly a quieter time when you did have time to 'smell the roses' and chat to neighbours, get to know people instead of passing in the street with no acknowledgment.

I am lucky to live in a small Hampshire village and the residents do stop and talk, say 'Good Morning', the owners of the local shop know their customers by name gives a warm glow and feeling of belonging so maybe that is why vintage is so hankered for of day's gone by when sometimes things were better. Mind you could not do without the computer or my digital sewing machine let alone the washing machine but do enjoy just sitting doing hand embroidery or water colours to while away a few hours. To sit and read in the garden or now winter by the fire, a good book and cup of hot chocolate with marshmallows. Time to sit and think and not be bothered with the rat race and impersonation of ants that goes on in cities.

Looking back over my last few posts they have mainly been about the crossroads in my life, could be the time of year, the realisation that I am not getting any younger and tbh am just fed up with the direction I have been plodding in plus off course with the big tidy up have not made a sausage. Have quite enjoyed the time away from the machine but am looking forward to some Christmas gifts that are still to be made. A handmade Christmas where possible this year can be difficult and some will have a amazon voucher to add books to their Kindle as not everyone is into handmade.

Cherish your yesterday's
dream about tomorrow
but live for today

Inspiration

2011-11-13T18:00:00.006Z

Welcome to another blogging Monday with:

1st Unique Gifts Blog

Make Mine Pink

Check out the participating blogs and enjoy what everyone has done last week.

I have finally finished my big stock sort, checking everything has a price tag, listing for an inventory and packing into some nice new plastic storage boxes. This task has taken longer than expected but had a very poorly puppy last week and with trips to the vets not much more done. Shiloh had Gastroenteritis not sure where or how he got it but as only 5 months old quite a worry and he came first in our lives, mind you not much different there.

Inspiration is my blog theme this week as many of you know I am on a road to reinvention of my business, having done the sorting task this has enabled me to focus and look forward to 2012 I now know what I am going to do with the old stock, have a sale at the next 2 events and then on my website. My aim is where possible to completely clear all stock leaving me free for my new creations.

Definition of Inspiration:

1. An inspiring or animating action or influence

2. Something inspired, as an idea.

3. A result of inspired activity.

4. A thing or person that inspires.

Inspiration for me is all around me be it nature, magazines, people, shop window displays. I love the latter particularly small boutiques that whilst only having a small space, sometimes less than a standard craft fair stall, can produce a window that just speaks to you to take a peek and then venture into the shop. In our local town of Farnham there is a Milliners (Beverley Edmondson) not something seen much now but her shop window is just beautiful and only about 4 ft across. It just draws me in a bit like a child with her nose glued to a sweet shop window.

My Inspiration:

I have a stack of journals that are crammed with pictures from magazines, photos of nature such as an Autumnal Morning to my own sketches of designs for that day when maybe, just maybe I get around to making. In the meantime these ideas are my dreams and those that know me know I have a love of stationery, no pretty notebook or notepaper are safe. The strawberry notebook at the bottom of the picture is my latest acquisition, by Cath Kidston just perfect for my new ideas of 2012. Empty at present but not for long, have a new pen standing by for the peaceful time over Christmas when I can live my dream and fill this perfect book with I hope some very special ideas.

I know I may never get around to completing all the ideas in my journals but they give me inspiration whenever I have a design block and often come with me on day trips to be able to read whilst waiting for DH to finish going through what feels like the whole stock of a second hand record dealer. Camera, pens and watercolours along with a bottle of water are always at hand a girl just never knows when creativity will strike.

Jill from Christmas Pie Crafts is a friend and crafting colleague we often meet for coffee to put the crafting world to rights. Like myself Jill loves stationery and bought some pretty little bulldog clips which she very kindly shared with me, thank you Jill they will come in so useful for my new venture.

Have a wonderful inspirational week what ever you do and remember you are never to old to dream or to try something new, just be happy and never look back and wonder what if? just go for it.

Handmade by Me Thursday

2011-11-09T23:59:00.004Z

"Today is the first day of the rest of our lives"

Never sure where this saying originated from but so very true along with

"Tomorrow never comes"

I think we all get wrapped up in our own problems, that is human nature, waking up with pain or a worry is never good but we only have one of each day we live, never to get that day back. Every now and then I stop and think about that fact and realise that each day I am getting older as are those around me. Things are said that would be best kept within ourselves but once said cannot be taken back only apologised for. This post is really a continuation of my journey from Monday's post.

I had a comment on my Monday blog this week from a lovely lady whom I admire by what she has acheived and her business standing. Her words made me realise along with others that I did have the right to change or revert direction and that being true to myself and my abilities was priceless. I think we all come to a crossroads in our lives whether on a personal or business front and I have struggled over the past few years on sales and realise that I have tended to go down the route that was expected of me, try this or try that. Noticed that the quality of my stall display has also gone downhill and sat and realised that the passion had gone this in turn is affecting my motivation.

Now decision time do I carry on? Hell yes I love what I used to do, love to make unique pieces that may take hours and okay will not get the cost back for my time but I know that my time spent is so fulfilled and satisfied, to produce a work of art at the end that I am proud to put my name to and display at an event. Nothing better than rummaging in antique shops for bits of vintage lace, broken jewellery to add to a creation that has been made with love.

Thank you MB for the encouragement that you gave me and all the Pink Ladies, your help and advice is priceless.

Check out the other blogs for poetry, makes and tales of a creative week.

CRAFTfest - Online Craft Fair 26th and 27th November

2011-11-06T18:00:00.005Z

I am working towards getting my album sorted on Creative Connections for the CRAFTfest on the 26th and 27th November. A fantastic idea of an online craft fair, participating members have been split into coloured teams (Lilac, Purple, Pink, Blue and Teal) and in total approx 170 crafters are participating. Never done an online event before but cuts out the lugging of stock, unpacking and setting up, repacking and back to the car so looking forward to the weekend.

New Beginnings

I have been crafting for more years than I care to remember and every now and then I reinvent my business and the direction it is going in. I feel that as handmakers we have to evolve, move with the times try something different or revisit something old, My passion is vintage and whilst over the years I have tried out new things some have worked some not but at the back of my mind is still my first love of vintage, a gentler age, embroidery, lace, antique pearl buttons. These items take longer to produce but take me back to my training of freehand machine embroidery, hand and ribbon embroidery, delicate roses made from ribbons, flowers from organza embellished with pearls. A cushion with ribbon roses and a reclaimed vintage brooch. What does all this mean? well 2012 is the year I go back dig out my old sketch books and idea journals concentrate on Vintage and specialise doing what I love. I know that the older style is not for everyone but now is my time to return to a niche market and steer away from mass production.

Craft has changed so much over the years and trends come and go, the market is now flooded with so many people making the same style of thing, craft shows with table upon table of textiles or jewellery or sadly with imported goods. To earn money we all take the chance but sometimes, just every now and then you have to take a look at what you are doing, does it hold the same passion. To work for yourself you have to love what you do and most of all follow your dream hence 2012 for me is my dream year to produce wearable works of art and go back to my routes. I do hope you join me on my journey and enjoy the finished products as much as I know I will enjoy making them.

Check out the other blogs at 1st Unique Gifts

Make Mine Pink

Handmade Thursday

2011-11-02T23:59:00.001Z

Handmade Thursday

Sorry no crafting tales from me this week as our router went on the blink on Monday, BT sent a replacement which arrived today but have only just got over an all day powercut. However do check out the other blogs linked below:

Christmas Card for nearest and dearest

2011-10-26T23:59:00.005+01:00

Welcome to Thursday blog hop with Handmade by Me

All welcome all we ask is that you join the forum, introduce yourself, visit and comment on the blogs participating.

A Christmas card for my husband, every year I struggle to come up with a different theme but this year just love the tatty Teddies, here's hoping he feels the same.

He hates 3d decoupage but loves embossed cards, so kept it flat but found the blue embossed snowflake paper yesterday at Art of Craft.

Back on Monday for 'Handmade Monday' and look forward to seeing you them.

A week of sorting

2011-10-23T18:00:00.027+01:00

Sorting? a week? well not quite. I have been wanting to sort my stock for some time but craft and life just gets in the way, well I got in the way. The thought of trawling through oodles of stock, checking price tags and listing was daunting to say the least and I love to create but took the plunge on Saturday and have 2 boxes full of lovely goodies all easy to find. Have another 3 boxes to fill and think I will need to buy some more bit have made a start! Have got to buy some proper numbers next week.

Thought I deserved a break from all the hard work and having received some new fabric through the post on Saturday and it was just sitting and calling to be made into what? as lavender print thought sachets:

Strawberry sachets from fabric in my stash

These items have been priced and stock listed already, just hope this new super organised me continues and putting old, old stock on ebay next weekend as think another free listing is due.

Last week my blog was selected by Popular Crafts Magazine section Word on the Web, very proud and feel privileged that out of all the wonderful blogs out there mine was selected.

Check out:

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts blog

Handmade by Me Thursday Blog Hop

2011-10-19T23:59:00.022+01:00

Another week nearer Christmas and still finding it hard to produce festive themed items just seems too early but have made another door hanger this time with a snowman and gold print tree background. Planning on at least another 9 of these making 12 in total.

Have a good week and check out the other blogs with Handmade by Me in the link below

Caroline

Red and white, Santa and a tree must be Christmas

2011-10-16T18:00:00.028+01:00

Another week has crept past ever nearer the festive season and another Handmade Monday with

1st Unique Gifts and Show and Tell with the wonderful ladies from Make Mine Pink.

Good News this blog is in print, well in recommended blogs in Popular Crafts magazine along with Jills' Christmas Pie Crafts. We are both so excited and good after all these years to be recognised. Have to buy a copy or 2 and plan to add a pagelet to my website as any press coverage is good.

Red and white tutu was the make of the weekend, took a look outside and such beautiful weather and as due to change for the worse later this week thought better try to see the lawn again and get rid of all those leaves

Door hangers one with a Father Christmas and the other with a tree and gifts, machine embroidered onto mistletoe fabric backed with white felt, a perfect decoration for any door handle.

More of these will be added over the coming weeks, with different backing fabric and designs.

Check out Show and Tell with the wonderful ladies of Make Mine Pink

&

1st Unique Gifts Blog

Have a great week peeps getting ready for Halloween on the 31st and Happy Crafting

Caroline

Saturday Challenge

2011-10-15T01:00:00.002+01:00

I am a lover of glitter and a girl can never have too much in her life, only problem I find is I end up with just as much on me as on the item I am decorating, not to mention the workroom and the dog, lol.

My admission for this weeks challenge is a simple but I hope elegant card, stamped in smokey gray with a hint of colour and glitter

Caroline

Continuing a theme of ghosties and ghouls

2011-10-12T23:59:00.003+01:00

The year is racing past and not sure will get everything done I want to this year, always happens start off in January with all good intentions and new ideas interrupt my organisational chart and in a blink of an eye the year has gone. Indian summer over and autumn is well and truly here the last few months to Christmas will be gone in an instant, so some comprehensive planning needed with 'To Do' lists expanding daily. Plan to put on some Christmas music for my planing session, always gets me in the mood for the festive season, so watch this space......

Back to Handmade by Me Thursday blog hop and continuing with Halloween a purple and black tutu, did not quite finish as still have the purple ribbon to sew around the waist but almost there.

this tutu may already be sold but they can be made to order, appearing on my website any day now.

Check out the other participating blogs in the link below, off to hunt for white pom pom trim for a red and white tutu for Christmas and Halloween decorated rosettes on lolly sticks to come next Monday.

Spooky, It's Halloween

2011-10-10T01:00:00.001+01:00

Well not quite but getting into the spirit early:

Spooky Bow Ties

made in cotton fairy frost diamond black fabric, fastened with velcro and the pumpkin just had to be added for extra spookiness.

Pumpkins/Jack 'o' Lanterns

Fun decorative stuffed fabric pumpkins with glitter leaves and black features:

Halloween tag set, only 1 made so far hoping to make some more later this week along with some lolly stick rosettes, all will become clear....

I would like to thank all of you that do comment on my blogs, your thoughts are important to me showing me you care

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink a group of caring professional women

Check back on Thursday for Handmade by Me blog hop, with more tales of daring do and creativity.

Christmas is Coming

2011-10-05T23:59:00.006+01:00

Christmas is coming

The geese are getting fat

Please put a penny

in the old man's hat

If you haven't got a penny

A ha'peny will do

If you haven't got a ha'penny

Then god bless you

by Edith Nesbit Bland

Ha'pennies have long gone but the magic of Christmas remains, I still look forward to the festive season, decorating the tree and house, hanging the stockings over the fire. The smell of mincemeat cooking in the oven, memories of Christmas past and present.

For Handmade by Me blog hop this week a fairy vanilla scented door pillow:

Check out the other blogs on the handmade by me blog hop, a place to show how you have been creative, read other blogs and most of all spare a few minutes to comment on the posts. We all love to read the comments made on our blogs plus it shows you care and all part of joining in.

A Pink Show and Tell

2011-10-02T18:00:00.010+01:00

As mentioned in my blog last week October is a Wear it Pink Month to raise funds for Breast Cancer Awareness, the main day is 28th October when every effort should be made to wear something pink. I love Pink as do a lot of my friends from Make Mine Pink.

Pink hand towels trimmed with print fabric and broderie anglais, tied with organza ribbon and a rose to decorate

Miniature drawstring bag for jewellery, messages or just because...

Secret Pocket Cushion made in a pink heart and ribbon print fabric, the flap has a seed bead and pearl tassel with an organza flower at the point. The pocket can hold a paperback book or maybe a diary.

Also this weekend has been World Cardmaking Day check out Christmas Pie Crafts blog for more details and my offering? well had to be pink off course, a bookmark card suing vintage prints with that extra touch of glitter:

Have a happy crafting week Friends

Caroline

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

International Card Making Day with Christmas Pie Crafts

& also check out a fantastic website directory Crafts 4 Charity thank you for your support Mick

The Joy of doing what you love

2011-10-01T07:01:00.000+01:00

How many of us start off with a hobby which eventually we are able to turn into a business. I took the plunge in 2003 with Carole Crafts, starting out with purely textiles evolving into a variety of crafts, some self taught, some not over the period of the last 8 years.

Since 2008 I have been luck enough to be creating 24/7, no boss to answer too except myself, no longer a wage slave trying to fit a business into free time in the evenings and weekends. To be able to follow my dream of living and working from home is my bliss and I am eternally thankful that I have had this opportunity.

It is hard at times and especially during the current climate handmade gift buying has taken a battering being replaced by cheap imports. I am still passionate about handmade, with care and attention to detail being able to produce something that little bit different, most of my gift line is OOAK (one of a kind). I am a bit of a crafting butterfly and production line making is not my forte being able to design and create something different each time is a joy and hopefully customers will appreciate that fact, they are able to buy something that hopefully would not have been seen before or certainly not an exact replica.

Inspiration is all around me, today being 81 in the temperature stakes enabled the windows to be flung open, the birds are singing and hard to believe that not 2 weeks ago contemplating turning on the heating, this sort of day with the peace and quiet of the garden except for the wildlife gives me time to sit and reflect the direction I want to go in next. As a crafter you have to evolve and move with the times, what worked 5 years ago will not today.

My style is predominately vintage, love traditional tea parties time of eras gone by when ladies would sit and embroider, drink tea from china cups and tiered plates filled with cucumber sandwiches and fresh cream delicacies, dresses draped in lace and pastel prints. I know not practical for today but that love of vintage fripperies is still here and whilst I have to at times add a modern twist my true love is never far away.

Advice to anyone is hard as we are all different and so very unique, that thought must be held onto at all times in your life but one thing I do agree with is follow your dream, whatever that may be however small you start, never get to an age and look back and regret that you never did. Life is so very short and I am making sure that if I should reach the grand old age of 85 that I can look back sigh and say yes it was a good life and I don't regret one minute of it, any mistakes I made, made me stronger and the person I was and am today and most of all I lived my dream.

Wear it Pink

2011-09-29T06:50:00.002+01:00

As mentioned in my Monday blog this week October is the month for the Breast Cancer campaign with the main day of fund raising being 28th October, check out the website for more details:

Wear it Pink

I have registered to join in the fund raising and am planning a selection of gifts and cards in a dedicated area of my website, 20% of any sales of these products will be donated to the Breast Cancer Campaign.

Wouldn't it be good if we could get a handmade group together, linking websites and blogs with craft in pink, to be part of the cure. You can download posters and flyers, search for an event in your area or like myself and a few others join as a co-operative and promote handmade at the same time, do you want to join in? check out the following criteria.

1. A dedicated section on your website for all things pink (or your entire site up to you)
giving a donation of the sales to WiP. (this is not a donation given to customers but a percentage of sales taken that you are prepared to send to WiP)

2. This is aimed at handmade only to show what the handmade community can do

3. Let me have your link

4. Link back to the other participating sites, the whole point of this exercise is to raise money for a good cause and by linking with each other makes the group stronger.

5. Advertise what you are doing on your websites, blogs, events etc during October

I would like to be able to let Wear It Pink know what we are doing along with the participants so if interested and prepared to commit to the whole month send me an email (via my website) with your business name, website link and terms offered.

Participants:

Carolee Crafts - Website

Christmas Pie Crafts -

The Grimm Exhibition - Website

Lady Luck Jewellery - Website

Pixie Doodles - Website

Irish Wedding Dreams - Website

Let's add to the list and get Wear it Pink on the road.

I will be adding the Pink Collection from Saturday with more items gradually through October

Preparing for October - Wear It PInk

2011-09-25T18:00:00.001+01:00

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month with a special drive on the 28th, as a business I would like to do my bit and have registered for and info pack. Plan to make a selection of gifts, in pink of course, donating 20% of all sales, plus have a donation button for the standard £2.00 or more. Would be good if more of us could get involved and one way would be to blog pink every Monday during October, if anyone wants to join in am happy to add a special link to your websites from mine reciprocated of course. You never know we may get our own shop hops going plus help a good cause at the same time.

Now onto Handmade Monday and Show and Tell Monday

Finally sorted out my excessive 'To Do' lists and think they were a hindrance rather than a help, looking at a list a mile long does not do much for the enthusiasm to tackle one task let alone 100's. So well pruned and have decided to concentrate on one week at a time, things that are not due this week get pushed to the back of my mind. Pictures taken and website updated for my 'Dear Santa' plaques, commissioned order for a ballet slipper applique bag with a name embroidered on the front done and being posted off on Monday. This left me Sunday to stitch/craft to my heart's content and 2 petal fleece baby jackets, fit 6-12 months old, lined in pink cotton.

Continuing the ballet theme and not one to waste fabric, door pillows these follow on from my 'Best Friend' for cat and dog lovers earlier in the year.

Magnet Cartes et de Cadeaux, a gift on a card, dinky glass tiles backed with pretty paper and a magnet, placed onto a card representing a notice board, a message can be added. An easy way to post a gift without breaking the bank.

1 down another 9 to go but think that will be for another day.

Check out the other blogs at 1st Unique Gifts

&

Make Mine Pink

Have a good week and don;t forget to check back on Thursday for 'Handmade by Me' blog hop.

Caroline

Handmade by Me Thursday Blog Hop

2011-09-21T23:59:00.003+01:00

Production line making is hard for me as I am like a butterfly flitting from one thing to the next, a new length of fabric lands through my letterbox and I want to create not continue on the task in hand, so this week I have had to ensure that I complete the 'Dear Santa' plaques which have been hanging around for a week, that may not be long but needed parchment paper to print off the lists, red and green ribbon for hanging, every obstacle was put in my way. Sheer determination has seen this task completed at last:

and I am happy with them, all packaged ready for my first fair, or Jill's of Christmas Pie Crafts who a trooper that she is has offered to add them to her stall at the school bazaars. Thank you Jill.

check out the other blogs at the Thursday Blog Hop with Handmade by Me:

2011-09-18T18:00:00.002+01:00

Another week of crafting at Carolee Crafts packing as much in as possible, not a lot of makes this week but a lot of planning, sketching designs etc.....

Christening Card

This was a bespoke order from a Facebook Group called Handmade in Hampshire, started by Gemma and growing by the day.

Bought some wonderful fabric from Lucy again from Handmade in Hampshire, love the ballerina's and by adding applique satin ballet slippers with organza bows made a pretty gift for any little or big girl that loves pink an ballet.

Not one to waste anything, what could be done with the strips left? Scrunchies. Still have another length left so watch this space

Handmade Monday was started by Wendy of 1st Unique Gifts and opportunity to share our makes and tales of the previous week. Read the blogs of talented crafters and leave a comment, so come and join in at 1st Unique Gifts Blog

Show and Tell with Make Mine Pink

not forgetting please join us for Handmade by Me blog hop Thursday, a forum dedicated to the business side of crafting with chat thrown in, may be small but we are perfectly formed.

Handmade by Me Thursday Blog Hop

2011-09-14T23:59:00.001+01:00

Christmas is coming and the geese are getting fat... well probably not yet and I know early.

Saw this idea in the latest Docrafts magazine but decided to put my own twist on so what you see is something completely different apart from the outer shape.

Edged in gold metallic paint, backed with a Christmas print backing paper, which in turn has been highlighted with glitter pens and foiled decoupage Santa. The notebook is printed onto beige parchment style paper and stitched into complimentary cover with Christmas sticker, gold snowflakes to finish. the holes have gold eyelets and red ribbon will be added when I buy some on Sunday.

Join us at Handmade by Me for the Thursday blog hop:

A busy week

2011-09-11T18:00:00.001+01:00

Car taken for MOT and passed, Yippee!. Shiloh had his first training class and was a star, more details on his blog along with his first walk in the big wide world, a real pro. Juke box repair man visited as Lee's Wurlitzer has stopped working, shock and horror. Last but not least I have been crafting. The first part of the week was a disaster but Friday evening and over the weekend my creativity has been on a roll, making easel style calendars with 3d decoupage, floral embellishments mounted onto printed backing paper, added to my website: The Writing Room - Escritoire a perfect small gift for yourself or a friend a pretty addition to any desk.

Soul Song

Angel of the New Dawn

Angel of Purity

Cobblestone Lane

Funky Fairy

Rose Bouquet

My workroom has so much WIP and you can guess what the plans are this week, FINISH projects started before starting anything else, well not sure about the last bit but will give it a go, have a good week all and see you on Thursday for 'Handmade by Me' blog hop.

Check out the other blogs:

Make Mine Pink for Show and Tell Monday

&

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Handmade by Me Thursday Blog Hop

2011-09-07T23:59:00.000+01:00

It's that time again, another Thursday has arrived and not crossed much off my 'To Do' list, since Sunday but have managed to make a Christmas Card for a special friend and her husband. Know I am safe publishing as she is not into blogland. Thomas Kinkade again I just love his paintings and so great to see a living artist's work.

This cottage is glittered to within an inch of it's life but what is Christmas without the odd bit of glitter.

Puppy training tonight, Lee will be armed with the camera and this should be so much fun, Not! Only 8 puppies in the class so hopefully Shiloh should learn something, so will post details on his blog tomorrow.

In the meantime check out the blogs below and happy hopping:

September crafting

2011-09-04T18:00:00.015+01:00

Good Morning All and welcome to another week of crafting. Had a commission for a birthday card a bit last minute but as a friend have forgiven her. The spec was river, lakes and Cotswolds so Thomas Kinkade was perfect:

and as on a roll decided to get my friends card done at the same time:

gift wrapped, made a Swarovski Heart pendant with pearls and crystals on a sterling silver chain.

Yet another birthday card, at this rate will be starting on 2012, lol

A card for a friend of DH's who is a movie buff

Check out the other Handmade Blogs at 1st Unique Gifts
&
Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

That's all from me for this week folks

Happy Crafting!
Caroline

Handmade by Me Thursday Blog Hop

2011-08-31T23:59:00.000+01:00

Where does the time go? start a new week turn around and almost the end of another. Thinking ahead my offering for the Handmade by Me Blog Hop is Boys Christmas Bow Ties, fun, colourful and smart

Check out the other blogs by following the links below:

Autumn is almost here

2011-08-28T18:00:00.048+01:00

The clocks have not even gone back yet but sure feels like Autumn is here, some of the leaves are turning and the thought of hot chocolate and homemade marshmallows is becoming more appealing not to mention warm cider with ice cream and caramel sauce, yumm!!

What have I been making this week? another Christmas Card this time a double easel for a couple, love the art deco era.

Fairy Wands

A different take on a card a fairy wand with a gift tag, embellished with ribbons, feather and rose, the back of the tag has been left blank, measuring approx 5.5" tall. Wording on tag: Fairy Blessings, A sprinkle of magic or Fairydust. Each tag is different so a lucky dip.

Hair Combs

Quick and easy but still pretty, paper roses with organza ribbon bow.

Finally a card using Anna Griffin papers. The flower is hand drawn and cut out in different sizes, petals shaped with a hint of glitter, the butterfly adds extra sparkle.

Cannot believe how I managed it but a Christmas Card, Birthday Card, 12 Wands and 6 hair combs. What next?......

Check out the other blogs for Handmade Monday at 1st Unique Gifts

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

New on Thursdays we have a blog hop with the Handmade by Me forum. Thank you to those that joined last week, this is a forum with a difference a place to chat and promote your business, coming later a place to sell those unwanted craft materials, join now and add your business to the Directory.

I would also like to than Julie from Handmade Originals for adding my company to her website, a wonderful idea showcasing handmade gifts and card websites.

Handmade by Me - Thursday Blog Hop

2011-08-25T00:01:00.003+01:00

Handmade by Me is a new forum, currently small but perfectly formed. We may be new but have big ideas just for fun or to help build your business, from blog hop Thursday's to themed shopping Friday's. We would love you to join us come for coffee or just a browse.

Now for the important bit blog hop Thursday, show us what you have been working on or done this last week, link to the participating blogs sit back with a cup of coffee, read and enjoy, remember to leave a comment as we all love to hear your thoughts.

Venetian Masquerade Ball

Into making these little trinket boxes at the moment, something able to do at the kitchen table whilst puppy watching, believe me he needs a lot of watching, lol. The box is painted in box with black, dipped in glitter, with feathers mini Venetian Masks, flowers and more.

So come on and join the fun, please note that all contributors must be members of the forum and all posts relate to handmade by you only.

Caroline

Another trinket box

2011-08-21T18:00:00.003+01:00

Another Monday in Craft Land, due to Shiloh (puppy) not crafting as much as I would like but have managed to make another trinket box. These are easy to do at the kitchen table and small enough to sit on a tray and be moved for mealtimes. Using up bits I have collected over a period of time, those may use treasures sourced from various avenues, of which I do have a plethora but they do not eat or drink nor doing any harm that is my excuse and sticking to it.

A Christmas card for MIL, she loves robins and thought the shaker card would keep her attention.

A new friendly craft forum for those in business or just a hobby.

For a short period we are offering new members the option of putting an advert

or link in our business directory. Join us for coffee chat and more just click on the logo and look forward to seeing you there.

Check out the other blogs at:

Make Mine Pink

1st Unique Gifts

A week in the life of....

2011-08-14T18:00:00.000+01:00

a Crafter & permanent dog trainer atm, lol

Missed last week's Show and Tell been busy with our new puppy, oh boy are we worn out you can check out his hectic week at Shiloh's Tails, onto crafting makes of the week:

As I have spent hours sitting in the kitchen had to make something suitable to the kitchen table, I love trinket boxes and all things pink so this is one of many:

Small and pink with feathers, roses, pearls a minature tag and hat charm with of course pink glitter, still to add the ribbon round the rim of the lid.

Check out the other blogs at:
Make Mine Pink

&

1st Unique Gifts

Letters into words

2011-08-01T10:05:00.004+01:00

Phew! did not think I was going to make it. A gentleman emailed me after googling and finding my post on a forum thread last year! about letter cushions, he wanted them for his nephews birthday on the 22nd August. Agreed to do, ran out of stuffing ordered some more arrive hated the quality so had to unstuff another cushion I had made. It will be used but would be better suited for a cushion that has an inner pillow, hope that makes sense. Just hope my customer is happy with the result now.Not much else done due to a distraction that arrived last week, he has his own blog and will be updating later in the week.

Check out the other blogs at:

1st Unique Gifts

&

Make Mine Pink

Thank you for reading

Caroline

Blogging Monday is here again Folks

2011-07-24T18:00:00.000+01:00

Now I know I am getting older, things are taking more time than they did a few years back my brain is willing although leaning towards memory lapses now and again but I never get as much done as planned, start the week on a Sunday evening with a 'To Do' list reading like War & Peace come Saturday does not look much better. Do go off at a tangent on occasion and can take some time getting back to the straight and narrow course so not as much as I would have liked to show, however 2 more tote bags, 1 tidy bag, kimono shoes to match the baby gift posted last week for a friend, just waiting for her to produce said offspring and a birthday card for BIL.

Back to what I love a crazy quilted silk Victorian door hanging in colours of the sea, blues, greens, greys, and cream with shell charms, flowers and beads. Machine embroidery stitches and lace. Although small these pieces take time but enable me to be more creative and love the randomness of the patchwork.

Everything bought for Shiloh's arrival on Tuesday, well almost all off to collect the baby gate reserved at Homebase tomorrow, some more grub as Golden's have a penchant for food. Builder almost finished the puppy run but will not be able to use fully until Thursday, at least the badgers stayed away had visions of them ploughing their way through half set concrete. Contract received and insurance through from the kennel club.

Blog started for Shiloh so anyone can follow his tails from Tuesday.

I want to introduce my very good friend Kim from Apple Crafts she is based in Lincolnshire and starting some new card making classes soon. Kim is a wonderful lady , very patient and an excellent teacher, if you are in the area and would like to learn new techniques plus have fun check out her website for more details.

Hobby and Craft Forum is still looking for new members, we have a directory to advertise your business, morning coffee to pass some time away and more, whilst small we are perfectly formed and have some big ideas for the future.

Check out the other blogs at:

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Show and Tell Monday

2011-07-17T18:00:00.004+01:00

Yet another week has past and ever nearer getting our puppy, new basket, toys, blankets and food not to mention the builder re fencing, concreting and fitting a gate to the puppy run, costing an arm and a leg but will be worth it.

Makes for this week more totes and tidy bags for my Purse Strings collection, this section will have gifts under £5.00 price tag.

Started the baby gift collection for a friend who is due any day now, thought the colours in this romper suit will suit a boy or a girl, card made just need to personalise, name door sachet (have to wait for this one) and the matching bootees still to do.

Tis'the Season

Have gone and done it now my first offering for Christmas 2011, planning on doing these in sets of 3, mini snowglobe cards with German glass glitter (beautiful) as the shaker bit.

Just need to plan what else I can add .........

Check out the Show and Tell Blogs with Make Mine Pink

&

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Don't forget to check out the new craft forum a place to discuss business ideas and hobbies.

UK Craft forum

Crafting Monday

2011-07-10T18:00:00.001+01:00

Welcome readers to another Crafting Monday been busy won some fabric on ebay
for the school bags, managed to get 5 out of the fabric:

Not one to waste anything made 2 small tote bags

and a tidy bag out of the offcuts, have to squeeze as much as possible out of a length of fabric.

Shiloh update, now 4.5 weeks and the collection day is getting nearer Sally sent us some up to date photos and this says it all, what have we let ourselves in for:

The one marked with a blue X on his rump is ours, talk about walking over everyone
and here he is finally asleep

Check out the other blogs:

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

&
Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Blogging Monday

2011-07-03T18:00:00.009+01:00

Dorset Girl awarded me the 'One Lovely Blog Award' thank you so much, the rules are that you must link back to the giver, tick.

Seven random things about me:

1. Love Morse and Lewis tv programmes
2. Avid reader of 'who dunnits'
3. Favourite dvd atm is Marie Antoinette with Kirsten Dunst
4. Love the smell of roses both actual and essential oil.
5. A fresh air freak, hate to not have the windows open
6. Early to bed and early to rise, best time of day 5:00 in the morning
7. Love the colour Pink

15 nominated blogs for this reward

1. The Graphics Fairy for some wonderful downloads
2. Claire Ogden Designs
3. Coeur d'Alene
4. diza Tiaras
5. Lazy Daisy Glass
6. Pei Li's minatures
7. Pickle Lily
8. Ali's Craft Studio
9. Adaliza
10. Beautiful things made by Claire
11. Kryshee's
12. Balderdash and Bunting
13. Ragbags and Gladrags
14. The Silver Shack
15. It's a Mistry Design Studio
16.Eat it Anyway
17. It's an Alien Life

An odd week seemed to be rushing here there and everywhere and not getting much done so makes for this week:

Been thinking of this style handbag for some time, had just enough of the stripe fabric left over from another project, different but happy with the end result.
The handles go throguh large eyelets.

Yet another pair of picot edged baby shoes, this time in a random wool of pink, cream and taupe.

This yarn just spoke to me, normally a pastel girl but thought these would be a funky addition to the modern babies wardrobe and appreciate that not everyone likes pastels. Found the heart buttons and the orange lace in my extensive stash of goodies, a wonder what you can find when you look, lol

A Sunday make, velvet and organza flower, velvet leaves, a vintage style button for the centre with ribbon and beading detail. Mounted onto a brooch bar.

We visited our new puppy this week, he is so sweet and cuddly, know most of you have seen the pics but just had to add this one, think he could be sleeping on the job initially but will soon get him trained to be useful (NOT!!!) Fell asleep on Lee's lap must have been happy. Have started a countdown app at the top of this blog to when we collect him and he has been adopted as the Crafts Forum puppy so to elevate him to this position he may even get his own blog.

Check out the other blogs for
Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts
&
Show and Tell with Make Mine Pink

Just to remind you there is a friendly and supportive hobby and craft forum out there, with a lot of members, who are running successful craft businesses, willing to support and share their stories. If you want a place to chat and talk about your craft, please do join up, we'd welcome new members. Link.

Monday again

2011-06-26T18:00:00.003+01:00

Am sure some days go missing each week and instead of 7 days down to about 4, could do with 10 in a week. Well my 'To Do' list is not shrinking, keep getting distracted by other ideas so go off at a tangent and do not complete what I should. Onto Handmade Monday and Show and Tell this week my aim was to make myself some clothes, don't like what I see in the shops and as have an ottoman full of fabric thought save some money, so my makes:

Kaftan in a fine cotton voile with beading round the yoke, this caused quite a few problems as my eyesight for small things is not brilliant and the pesky little creatures kept flying off the tray but got there in the end

and then another kaftan, this time nothing round the yoke as despite my sewing room representing a well stocked shop (so DH says) could not find the right trim, so trawling the almost non-existent habi shops this week, plus added some trousers in a linen mix, made in the rugby style with the stitched seams down the front, think this strengthens the knees.

Demo for the Mencap Make With Me campaign sorted and posted, they approached me this week to get involved very honoured, have done some tags as fun and easy to make, no folding and can use up all those left over stickers bought because I like the look of them and never used, what did I say about a shop?

Also have to do a display photo for the Get Britain Trading campaign if anyone is interested in joining the pledge and adding your site, it all helps to promote your business, here is the link:

Get Britain Trading

Please check out the other blogs at

1st Unique Gifts

&

Make Mine Pink

some wonderful talented people out there.

I was awarded the Versatile Blogger this week and a big thank you to Martha of After Hours for the award, I was also able to nominate some favourite blogs for the same award, in case you missed it the post is below this one and the award goes to:

Janet's Creative Pillows
The Polka Dot Rose
Cottage Flair
Gail Friend Designs
1st Unique Gifts
Aviya Glass
Ink & Sheep

Going to visit with our new fur baby this Thursday, he will be 3 weeks and 4 days, calling him Shiloh, DH was a Virginian fan, some of you may be too young to remember this.

Have a good week crafting all and enjoy the good weather in between the showers.

Caroline

Make With Me A Mencap Campaign

2011-06-26T11:17:00.009+01:00

Welcome to a Tag tutorial, hopefully quite a simple exercise but fun.

You will need luggage tags (available from most stationery shops)
Silicone Glue and a glue stick
Stickers
Patterned paper
Stamps and ink
Paper Punch flower shape
Plain paper
Crystal stickers
Brush or sponge
Ribbon (I used organza)

1. Remove the string from the tags and using a brush or sponge dab some ink around the outsides of the tag, blending into the centre.

2. Take your stamp, I chose a scroll pattern and using the same ink stamp at random around the tag, make sure some of the stamped design goes off the edges as looks better.

3. Taking the patterned paper tear a small rectangle, making sure it fits on your tag and stick down with a glue stick. Does not have to be precise the more random the better.

4. Add your stickers to your tags, again no set place to put them just as you feel looks good.

5. Take the paper punch and punch out approx 3 flowers per tag, placing something in odd numbers always looks better to the eye.

Using silicone glue, tab a small amount on the centre of each flower and stick to your tag

6. Add some crystal stickers to the centres of the flowers

7. cut a length of ribbon approx 48cm (19"), fold in half and pass the loop from back to front through the whole at the top of the tag

8. Pass the loose ends through the loop and pull tight, neaten the ribbon ends by cutting at an angle across, this stops fraying.

9. Add a paper flower (in my case a rose) to the top near the ribbon. Tag finished.

Tags are fun and easy to make, no folding can be given as a gift and used for bookmarks.

To see more of the Make with Me and Bake With Me campaign check the Mencap website

Versatile Blogger Award

2011-06-22T08:15:00.005+01:00

Thank you to Martha of After Hours blog for giving me the versatile blog award, check out Martha's blog here I have to...

1. Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award.... (done)

2. Share seven random things about yourself (now that is difficult)

3. Award seven recently discovered bloggers with this award and contact them to let them know they have won..... (done)

7 random things about me:

1. I buy and horde fabric, lace and trims in fact anything that I like the look of.
2. Used to ride until a bad fall and never got on a horse again, too old now.
3. I love to read and always have a stack of murder books to plough through
4. Love Golden Retrievers and having lost my old boy age 15.5 years in November getting a new fur baby in July
5. Love cinnamon toast and Helmans with everything
6. Love early mornings getting up at 4:30 to the sound of the birds
7. Could not live without my Mac

7 blogs I would like to nominate:

1. Janet's Creative Pillows Janet's work is beautiful and original she is a wonderful Pinkie friend

2. The Polka Dot Rose - Susie is a special lady

3. Cottage Flair - wonderful creations by Jennifer

4. Gail Friend Designs - Gail a beautiful & talented person

5. 1st Unique Gifts - without Wendy we would not have Handmade Monday

6. Aviya Glass - Terry's wonderful creations

7. Ink and Sheep - Laura and her wonderful stamped images

A Lazy Week

2011-06-19T18:00:00.004+01:00

Another Monday and that time again for 'Show and Tell' and 'Handmade Monday'. The week has sped past and not a lot made, finished a few projects hidden in the cupboard one of them a pair of picot edged bootees with an organza ribbon and rose detail plus an organza bag to keep safe.

Vintage Style Christening Card

A gift and card in one -

A card with a laminated bookmark mounted onto green pearl card, backing pearl vellum with a leaf print and complimentary accents and matching insert, left blank
The saying is : 'A book is like a garden carried in the pocket - Chinese Proverb'

Check out the other Monday Blogs at
Make Mine Pink

and Handmade Monday with

1st Unique Gifts

Buzzing around and more

2011-06-12T18:00:00.000+01:00

Cannot believe it is that time again for Show and Tell and Handcrafted Monday, only 197 days until Christmas, soon be Christmas in July time are you all ready? don't panic because I am not either but must plan early this year. On approx 25th July I am getting a new helper, he will be officially introduced at that time but will need a lot of training to achieve the standards I like to meet plus not sure what his roll in Carolee Crafts will be atm, could be more of a hindrance than a help, we shall wait and see, anyway I diversify onto the makes this week:

Key fob pouches, ideal for holding a lipsalve, memory stick or a garage remote control as bought by a very valued customer

then more for the Petit Bebe collection traditional ivory and silver

but then for something different

and a cute bumble bee sun suit with ruffles

Onto some rose scented vintage tea cup candles with hand stamped tags and not one to waste wax just enough to make two tea lights

Fair ground attraction Gift Card in pink glitter with pearl paper and parchment print, topped with stars and more.

Think that is enough for this week or could turn into war and peace

Check out the other blogs at Make Mine Pink

& 1st Unique Gifts Blog

What have I been making this week?

2011-06-05T18:00:00.009+01:00

I was lucky enough to have a school friend ( Find it harder to remember my school days now, lol) contact me last week for a special wedding card for a couple tying the knot on the 11th June, the spec was something cute so hopefully you will like it Melanie, should have got it by now:

Don't you just love CD Roms, so much easier than drawers full of paper and toppers, plus this way DH does not know how much stock I have, lol as a CD is small and can be well hidden.

Decor

I just loved this fabric, wish I had bought more but made some door sachets, scented with fresh linen pot pourri, so pretty and perfect for a dog or cat lover.

Petit Bébé

I love silk and thought this fleur-de-lis print was just a perfect start to my Petit Bébé collection
had planned a gift card and tag set but on opening my order found not pearl paper but card, so annoying but will get there in the end just a slight delay in proceedings

Off to plan the makes for next week, in between clearing MIL's flat, running my own business, a home and a husband, being kept busy but they do say: 'Idle hands are the devil's workshop' so keeping busy is a must. Have a happy week creating.

Check out the other blogs

Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

&

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

A new Venture

2011-05-29T18:00:00.000+01:00

Not much achieved this week laid low with a tummy bug but gave me the chance to sketch some designs, pattern drawn up, fabric chosen and funky safari and teddy at the beach

dungarees are born:

I have been toying with the idea of adding a baby and toddler clothing collection, this fabric spoke to me and cannot even remember where I bought it. I hold my hands up and admit I have a fabric addiction, cannot walk past a sewing shop without a quick look, you never know what treasures may lurk behind the shop doors.

Disco Diva Teddy Trousers

Remember the 70's? and Abba? in pale blue and pink edged with broderie anglais lace a pair of Disco Diva Bunny print fabric, perfect for a Little Princess.

Next project some tutu style skirts, watch this space.

Check out the Handmade Monday blogs on 1st Unique Gifts

&

Sow and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Crafting Monday Blogs

2011-05-22T18:00:00.000+01:00

Monday here again folks and after our fair last week I have not done much crafting so check out the crafty make blogs on 1st Unique Gifts

&
Make Mine Pink

I did finish a hand painted and machine embroidered picture which I made some time ago but never got around to framing, searching on my travels last week produced a frame I am happy with, used dark green mount to I hope set off the design:

I cut my own mounts but gave up picture framing a long time ago, cheaper I am sad to say to buy ready made. Last Christmas Lee (DH) bought me some Disney signature trading cards again have been meaning to cut the mounts and frame for my workroom, have had the frames standing in a corner since December so before too much more of the year has gone this weekend was D Day and they got done, all the measuring for the 2.5" x 3.5" cards takes some doing not to mention the mount cutting but am so happy with them and think they add something fun to my work room walls.

Have a Happy Crafting week

Artisan and Spa Event

2011-05-15T18:00:00.001+01:00

The day finally arrives up at 6:30 to put out road signs a last minuet shop, the hall starts to fill with stallholders and their goodies, the sun shines and the rain stays away. The footfall was no where near as good as we had hoped which was disappointing to say the least.

The best dressed stall was one by Sparkle Handbags with their beautiful display of bags and cheerful dispositions, they greeted customers and made them feel at ease.

Sparkle Handbags

Crafty Little Bookmarks

Soaps 4 You

Oils & Spoils

Claire Murray

Shedkraft

Something Glassy

Monkey Matters

GJ Designs

Ditty Designs

Ann Fenton - Colour Me Beautiful

Little Hands and Feet

Therapy room

Along day hall cleared, home and unpacked a day of rest today (Sunday)

Check out the other blogs at 1st Unique Gifts

&
Make Mine Pink for Show and Tell Monday

A New Venture

2011-05-08T18:00:00.000+01:00

Monday again, where does the week go? could do with a few more hours in the day and days in a week but that is not going to happen.

No crafting from me this week as managed to slice the top of my thumb off with a mandolin, so careful when slicing the veggies but not enough care taken when washing up, thumb bandaged so well and so huge to be useless and my right hand as well!!! So what have I been doing? reading, going through my journals of ideas just generally chillaxing, in some ways this down time has rejuvenated me to start afresh, have a few ideas whizzing round with a slight change of direction but no more... you will just have to wait and see as the story unfolds, like a butterfly emerging from the Chrysalis into I hope something wonderful.

Check out the fantastic blogs on Make Mine Pink for Show and Tell Monday

&

Handmade Monday with Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts

Wendy organises this every Sunday without fail, thank you Wendy.

Inspirativity Artisan and Spa Event
Saturday 14th May
Only 6 Days to go

To make the event a bit more fun we are having a best dressed stall competition voted for by the visitors with a prize of a bottle of wine and a certificate to display with pride.

Have a good week crafting everyone.

Caroline

A Crafting Week

2011-05-01T18:00:00.001+01:00

Yet another week has gone by and here we are in May, soon be Christmas in July digging out all the red and green fabric and card stock planning for the winter season ahead.

Back to this week mad some fairy sachets with a dainty fairy charm filled with rose pot-pourri.

Been planning my stall for event which is now only 13 days away, as I am only using a small table to make more room for our stallholders wanted to plan positions etc in advance, so as not to panic on the day. May make a few tweeks on the day but in general quite happy with the look.

Don't forget to check out the other blogs for Show & Tell Monday on Make Mine Pink
&
Handmade Monday by Wendy of 1st Unique Gifts

Just reminding you about a new forum called The Craft Plaza started with the aim to bring crafters in business together, the main part is for general viewing and after 20 posts you can apply to be upgraded to a business membership, where we will be having business talks, marketing ideas and more. This is not so much a social forum but geared towards the small business crafter and to promote British craft to the public.

Have a good week everyone and hope you all enjoyed the wedding.

Fairy Wishes

2011-04-24T18:00:00.001+01:00

Happy Easter Everyone

Hope by now not too many eggs have been eaten, must admit did not have one this year being very good now how long will that last? The hunts have been hunted and the weather is as glorious as it is here, wall to wall sunshine, perfect or as Pop Larkin would say 'Perfick'

Had a dilemma on what to hang the fairy houses and bags of last week's blog on my stall, had been looking for cherry blossom but not one to pass up on a bargain or two or even three found these sweet peas all 3 stems for the same price as 1 cherry blossom twig.

The vase another bargain meant as a candle holder but as no water required just too pretty to pass on. Whilst searching for these bargains another a wire tray with clear glass base perfect for all my scented sachets.

Finally to prove that I have been making two cards for my Fairy Wishes Collection:

The Inspirativity Artisan and Spa fair is now fully booked, two rooms full of crafters and therapists, menu planned signs done, cakes still to be baked but the day before and some fudge made, have also to enter the attic in search of my vintage 3 tier cake stands, where's Lee?

Enjoy the rest of your Easter break, not working apart from for myself of course do not get that return to work dread but I will be thinking of you whilst sipping coffee under the rose pergola.

Checkout out Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink, thank you MB

& Wendy of 1st Unique Gifts, thank you Wendy

Have a great week be positive and live each day as if your last, appreciate what we have and grateful for all our friends both near and far.

Fairy Wishes

2011-04-17T18:00:00.000+01:00

Fairy Houses

Doubling as a small treasure box, the lid lifts off to reveal a fully lined inner house to store small treasures or secrets, these are not toys but a decorative item. Mainly stitched by hand, not that the Fairies were around to help, dancing among the bluebells at the bottom of the garden.

Nor forgetting mini fairy bags drawn together with ribbon and a fairy charm as a guardian of the contents
Fairy Door Sachet

Scented with rose with Believe embroidered onto glitter frost fabric, edged and backed with Ballerina Fairy fabric

More Mono Chic: just added 2 elegant ladies to the black and white collection, with a hint of gold and gray, perfect for every occasion.

Finally the start of some give aways for our Artisan fair on the 14th May, organza rose pot pourri sachets tied with pink ribbon and embellished with a paper rose bud.

check out the blogs at 1st Unique Gifts
&
Make Mine Pink

A crafting week

2011-04-10T18:00:00.000+01:00

What a beautiful week, spring has finally sprung the birds are happy and making a racket to prove the point, had to take a picture of our tulip magnolia the colours and shape speaks fairy houses to me so yes that is my task for this week the Fairy Tales collection.

Green Morning Fairy fabric made into an apple shaped decorative cushion, measures approx 7.5" X 8" and is filled with fibrefill and apple pot-pourri. I love the glitter in this fabric, takes me back to my childhood and the belief that fairies do live at the bottom of the garden.

This week fairy houses which are mini storage containers in disguise for treasures and secrets, all to be revealed next week.

A commission of a lime green, black and white craft tote but extra large and lined with black

Visited the Headley Park Hotel this morning with Jill, a wedding fair was being held within the hotel, a lady doing colour analysis was interested in our May event so we could have another potential for the therapy area, almost full now but still so much to do.

A thank you to Wendy of 1st Unique Gifts for another Handmade Monday
& not forgetting
the Pink Ladies and dear friends for Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Mono Chic & more

2011-04-03T18:00:00.000+01:00

Mono Chic Collection

I think of titles then plan around the title in this case Mono Chic, all black, white and gray maybe with a hint of silver or gold, elegant and timeless:

Rose embroidered and scented door sachets

Black rose patchwork handbag on a silver frame with chain shoulder strap

Getting to be my signature pieces, just love these little framed bags, this one has a dragonfly charm to compliment the shimmering fabric

A matching coin purse

Wild rose black and white silk necklace

A plethora of rose scented hearts

A Birthday card for a relative

Using the free disc of designs from Debbi Moore could not resist this beauty, shaped liked a shell with a detachable bookmark on the back.

A bought gift this year of machine embroidery threads, lazy I know but the cross stitch design I have been planning for the last 2 years is worked on black aida and my eyes ain't what they used to be....., hoping with the advent of lighter days to be able to complete for Christmas????

Another busy creative week planned, visiting Normandy Village Hall on Thursday with Jill to plan and allocate stall space for the 14th May, almost full and going to book the upstairs room for the spa treatments at the same time. Just under 6 weeks to go......

Check out the other blogs with Wendy at 1st Unique Gifts
&
Make Mine Pink - Show and Tell Monday

Mothering Sunday

2011-04-03T06:11:00.003+01:00

3rd April Mother's Day in the UK

I lost my Mum in 2006 after a battle with Alzheimers I think of her every day and thankful to her for making me the woman I am today, independent and creative. Love you Mum>.

What better tribute than a poem by my favourite poet and friend, thank you Nancy your work inspires me, sometimes makes me sad, sometimes makes me laugh but the enjoyment I get from your work knows no bounds.

YOU ARE THERE

I reach for the phone and begin to call,
Then remember you're not there after all,

The news to share had gladdened me so
I had to call,
Just wanted you to know,

That holiday dish you alway made,
Received such marvelous accolades,

What was it you added or maybe changed,
When I'd make it,
It never tasted the same,

Although you're not here to talk to in person,
You're here in my heart everyday,
And I see you in your great-grand children's faces,
In gestures and things that they say,

Every special event,
Every joy,
Every pain,
I wish you were here to talk to again,

But you are there in every thought and prayer,
Dear Mother,
You're in my heart
Forever there

Nancy Ellen Crossland
©2008

Monday Craft Day

2011-03-27T10:39:00.009+01:00

It's that time again Monday Show and Tell and Handmade Monday, where does the week go? Not much creating this week more visiting my favourite fabric shop in Sturminster Newton, Hansons Fabrics and Craft, pure bliss if you love all things sewing, wall to wall fabric, lace, beads and more and the journey through the New Forest was fun as well, all the ponies.

Mono Chic

Afternoon Tea

Amelia Rose

& just in case

So as not to upset Lee (DH) on to Frome (Froom) for him to visit his favourite 60's record collectors shop 'Raves from the Graves' nestled up a small street with a stream running down the middle. I enjoyed some cinnamon toast and coffee whilst waiting.

and finally a Marie Antoinette decorative cushion, with handmade organza roses and leaves, filled with fibrefill and pose pot pourri and must not forget the Swarovski crystals to pin up her skirt.

Marie Lace and Crystal necklace, machined lace centre, topped with Swarovski crystals, flowers, satin bow, crystal embedded heart with satin and organza cording.

Check out handmade Monday at 1st Unique gifts
and Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Another Handmade Week

2011-03-20T01:00:00.000Z

From Marie to modern times....

Been on a roll this week and seem to have been making for England. Continuing on with the Marie theme a delightful framed mini bag in blue and gold print with a white fancy lace top, embellished with a crown, Swarovski crystals and a glass heart

Rose scented sachets with a detachable crown charm

PDF Pattern now available on my website for the craft/tidy tote bag along with the finished sample as shown for sale

Something I have been thinking of for a while then filed at the back of my mind until reminded by a friend recently and ipad holder/bag, shown in dark brown cord with a red fleece lining

A bit more fun in mint and white spot, lined with green print fabric and button detail

Kindle and Nintendo holders to follow.

Check out handmade Monday at 1st Unique gifts
and Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Even nore bags....

2011-03-13T09:17:00.008Z

Laundry/Tidy Bags

The final 24 bags completed for a school order, fun scooters, random squiggly stripes and more, what a fun way to add colour to the dormitories.

Introducing The Craft Plaza a business forum for UK based craft business, a public forum for coffee and more, a business section for those who run their own business or looking to start. Big plans afoot for the Craft Plaza why not join us for the journey.

Monday is Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink a blog hop day to check out what the Pink Ladies have been up to from makes to vintage finds:

For Craft Forum Members Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts
Pop over have a read and leave a comment

Apples & Totes

2011-03-06T21:00:00.000Z

Welcome to another week of Show and Tell Monday and Handmade Monday

Slightly different had a request for a company apron from a friend, I love applique work and tried to replicate her logo style as much as possible, posting off today hope she likes:

As many of you know I supply tidy/laundry bags to a local girls' school but am always left with strips of fabric, usually make small tidy bags but thought something a bit different a craft tote, the centre is open and measures approx 7" X 5" has a stiffened base with 4 pockets around the outside, not a huge tote but ideal for carrying all those pesky craft tools and bits and pieces. I move tools etc from my workroom to use in my sewing room and back again normally leaving a trail of debris behind or mislay an item that I then spend ages looking for. The first one was a bit rough around the edges but serves it purpose and these are now the fine tuned product, will be adding to my website as they are made, random colours and patterns, ideal for a workshop/class situation as you can easily spot your tote. Also thinking along the lines of a pdf pattern with full instructions etc which I may post on my website and Etsy for those who like to make.

Visit Make Mine Pink to read all the Pink Ladies blogs

and 1st Unique Gifts for the Handmade Monday blog hop

More from the Zodiac Collection

2011-02-27T01:00:00.000Z

Welcome to Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

and Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Another week has passed of creating and writing down ideas, have finally finished the first two signs of Pisces and Aries, now have up to and including Cancer, will add more as the year progresses to end up with a full compliment of signs.

Pisces February 20th to March 20th

Aries March 21st to April 20

Zodiac Rose scented sachets

Not much else to show from last week but the creativity has started up again, providing does not decide to have a holiday again should have more to show next week.

Any handmade crafters available for the Inspirativity Artisan and Spa Event on the 14th May in Normandy, Surrey, check out our website, spaces still available

Don't forget to check out the Pink Ladies at Make Mine Pink
&
Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts

Marie Antoinette

2011-02-21T01:00:00.000Z

Marie Antoinette

'Let them Eat Cake'

Now I do so agree with this saying with a hot cup of tea, what better way to spend an afternoon.
Trying to concentrate on one collection at a time but hard to do as see some beautiful fabric, trim, paper or lace that would fit in with another idea, discipline should be the name of the game but love what I do so much that to put too many restrictions on myself is just not cricket. So slightly adrift a lavender giant peg, decorated with pansy print fabric and a handmade organza flower and leaves:

Now onto the main subject in hand Marie Anotonette, two let them eat cake cards, the images are printed onto photo paper, mounted onto Anna Griffin paper and embellished with flowers

Slightly different but love the monochromatic look, again the roses are printed onto photo paper, mounted onto vintage style paper, black and white organza bow with glitter flowers & butterfly.

Wild Rose Silk Necklace

The finished item now with amber seed beads wrapped around the silk with glass hearts at intervals, measures approx 26", very Marie

I am lucky enough to do what I love all day long, 24/7, 365 days a year, without my husband's support, Lee, this would not be possible. I know others are not as fortunate and have to go to work in the big wide world, so I am grateful for the life that we have,
Thank You Lee my best friend and most loyal supporter.

Check out the other Show and Tell Monday Blogs at Make Mine Pink

and Handmade Monday with 1st Unique Gifts
Thank you Wendy for bringing us all together.

Monday Blog

2011-02-12T08:35:00.007Z

Another week into the New Year, soon be thinking of Christmas in July, in between looking forward to the Spring these long dark days have gone on long enough, the Inspirativity event is in full swing, the hall is filling up with Artisans and Therapists, some wonderful displays expected.

Launched my Lavender Collection last week now for something a little different the

Marie Antoinette Collection

A much maligned and often misunderstood Queen of France, popularity in all things
Marie Antoinette has grown, maybe down to the film of the same name, she has now found
favour in many hearts across the world. Just a taster of things to come:

Working on a Marie Antoinette pillow with her dressed draped in organza and rose buds...

& back to more creative routes, a silk and organza necklace, the flowers are handmade with a pearl centre, love these colours and great fun to make and wear, corsages next....

Check out the other blogs at Make Mine Pink

and the Handmade Monday bloghop with the Craft Forum

Zodiac Treasures

2011-01-31T01:00:00.001Z

I have been working on new sections for my website, problem is I flit from one section to the other so have still not completed one unit yet, still, having fun along the way and that is the whole point of crafting to enjoy what you do, once the enjoyment goes out of creating, time to have a break.

So to kick off my offerings for Gemini comprising, card, tags which are ideal as bookmarks,
gift bag and tag and a scented sachet, all with a hint of glitter, ribbon and paper roses.

Currently working on Cancer, then may start going backwards plus other ideas in the melting pot such as Afternoon Tea. I love to create in themes seems to focus me more and to make shopping easier if you want a lavender gift, the cards and gifts will all be under one umbrella. No diving backwards and forwards through a site, nothing to say you cannot mix and match but co-ordination is the new buzz in town.

Thank you for visiting my blog, please leave a comment if you wish.

Check out the other show and Tell Monday blogs at Make Mine Pink
and Handmade Monday's at 1st Unique designs

Caroline

What has happened to January?

2011-01-24T01:00:00.000Z

We are almost at the end of the first month of the year, just do not know where the time has gone. Have I achieved all I wanted to? NO! but must not moan I am happy and healthy so all is right with my little world.

I have a very good friend called Kim, we have never met but over a period of time know we can depend on each other, to offer support when needed, she is always there when I get down, helps me through any crisis however large or small, we email several times a week and know if we ever get a chance to meet will be like an old jumper, comfortable to be with. Wanted to use part of my blog today to ask us all to value friendships we have whether near or far without friends the world would be a lonely place.

The Lavender Collection continues....

I just love these bag frames and the this size is perfect to make for little bags, for evening, during the day or just to hold your treasures and secrets safe.

A couple of hand stamped lavender tags, coloured using pearlised pens, a touch of glitter, butterfly stickers and gems. The lace has been machine stitched to the base of the tag.

Happy New Year

2011-01-03T01:00:00.000Z

Happy New Year

2011 has finally arrived, resolutions made and started, dreams dreamed, wishes made,
hopes renewed. Each New Year I start a new calender and diary, new note book for my ideas a fresh start and it is a good feeling that we are able to cast off the old and look forward to the new, whatever 2011 may bring by joining together, supporting each other, anything is possible.

I have several projects and aspirations for the New Year and what better start than to have won the Vetcy Grand Prize with Victorian etc on line emag.
I cannot thank you all enough for your votes, this is a great honour.

Lavender Dreams

Lavender Dreams is just one of the new sections being added to my website in January, made in shades of lilac with the purity of white and sometimes the elegant scent of lavender, hints of ribbons and lace, delicate jewellery and vintage styles.

Over Christmas I made a sample lavender embroidered mouse, happy with the results and typical of mice there are more on the way........ they are approx 4.5" tall to the tip of the ears, have glitter cording for the tails, scented with lavender, sit on a table de dressage to bring a smile to a new day.

Cross stitch dancing mice framed in silver plated miniature frames

Lilac Union Jack cushion

and more to come.............. Watch this space

Check out the other blogs for Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Almost Christmas

2010-12-20T01:00:00.000Z

Happy Christmas

Look what I ordered from Nancy at Coeur D'Alene

Had been admiring these tags for some time and thought an ideal gift but could not give away as so beautiful, so have kept as a Christmas gift for moi, they will be ideal as bookmarks when I start to research for my new lines in 2011

also enclosed in my parcel was this beautiful vintage Christmas tag and notelet from Nancy.

Thank you Nancy your gift line is fantastic.

Christmas is nearly here, come for a tour round my decorated living room:

We have collected decorations throughout the years and each year add something special to our tree, this year was a Jim Shore Disney Tradition creation of Jiminy Cricket as company to Snow White and the Seven Dwarves last year

This will be my last blog post before Christmas and I would like to wish you all a very
Happy Christmas & may all your dreams come true.

Love
Caroline

What a week

2010-12-06T01:00:00.000Z

Show and Tell Monday

The weather has been so cold, with snow and ice on the ground, many housebound for several days, for me a perfect time all snug and warm to spend sewing doing what I love.

A black Gladstone style bag, this is an order for a very good customer, she loved the brown one but her favourite colour is black, sometimes with a hint of red and I had to oblige.

Not much else to report from snowy Southern England but don't forget to
check out the other Show and Tell blogs at Make Mine Pink

Snowed In

2010-12-03T11:34:00.005Z

Snowed in on a Pink Friday of 'Sleigh Bells and Winter Roses'

No sign of the roses but can almost here the sleigh bells having a practice run for the 24th December, only 22 days to go, the tension is mounting.

We are at a standstill and have not been out since Tuesday, snug as a bug, heating on fire lit and plenty of food, the smell of butterscotch cakes in the oven, a perfect day.

Music and Roses

2010-11-22T05:40:00.005Z

Show and Tell Monday

Almost Christmas, 33 days to go, a time of magic and love, a time to let those near to you or far away know that you care. Decorations on the tree, festive houses, cards through the letter box Postie working overtime, scents of spices and fruits in the air from homemade mincemeat to be turned into pies sprinkled with sugar, delectable aromas fill the house, crackling of the log fires, roasted chestnuts, all go to make a Perfect Christmas.

Music, Roses with a hint of Champagne

My offering for Show and Tell Monday a quilted waistcoat in pink, brown and cream, with a sprinkling of lace butterflies and vintage lace trim

A picture of my stall at the Bramley fair on 6th November, not that happy with the display as feel it needs more height at the back, should have remembered to pack my shelves.

Check out the other show and tell stories at Make Mine Pink

True Friends

2010-11-15T01:00:00.003Z

True Friends

Sometimes in our lives we have to overcome an obstacle and that time you have friends to turn to and that is the time when true friendships come to the fore, to know you are not alone. I have several e-friends, namely the Pink Ladies from Make Mine Pink, Kim and Jill who have been there for me this week after the loss of our fur baby Barney in the early hours of Sunday morning. Thank you girl's.

Barney 1995 to 2010
In tribute to Barney a poem by a wonderful Author, Nancy Ellen Crossland, check out her book at Amazon 'Within these branches' a beautiful read

FAITHFUL FRIEND

Faithful friend
You always sense
My moods, my sadness
When I'm feeling tense

Like my shadow
You're always there
Though you cannot speak
I know you care

A gentle nudge with your nose
A paw on my lap
Tug on my clothes

You speak a language
With your compassionate eyes
Sense my lows
Rejoice in my highs

Faithful friend
With a wag of your tail
Your devotion to me
Will never fail

A reward now and then
A scratch under the chin
A walk in the park
Faithful friend
How fortunate
I've been

Nancy Ellen Crossland
5/26/2010

and last but not least:

A big thank you to Kim

Kim is a kind and sweet lady I have met on line through a UK based forum, we have become good friends, knowing each of us if there for the other in times of happiness and sadness.
On Saturday I received a beautiful handmade card and gift through the post, the gift a card kit to give me something to do and it is in my favourite colour of pink. Think this kit will be made into a framed picture for my Sewing room, to always remind me of a dear friendship.

Thank you Kim, you are a true friend. x

A basketful of scented fruit

Well I have been on about them all week and finally finished, the basket is covered and lined in black with pink and black ribbon wound around the handle. The glitter roses are a bit dark but will be replaced eventually with pale pink once I get to my supplier.

Don't forget to check out the other blogs at Make Mine Pink

Show and Tell Monday

2010-11-01T01:00:00.001Z

Alice in Wonderland

Last week watched the brilliant Tim Burton film, Alice in Wonderland with Johnny Depp, what more can I say.

So could not resist this fabric depicting the Alice characters made into a bag

Just had to cover a headband

and what better way to finish the ensemble with a necklace

CHRISTMAS COUNTDOWN

54 DAYS TO GO

Check out the other blogs at Make Mine Pink

A trip down memory lane

2010-10-27T07:14:00.007+01:00

Yesterday Lee (DH) and I went on a trip down memory lane, visiting areas I used to haunt when growing up, the weather left a lot to be desired but we were determined it was not going to ruin our day and it did not.

First stop Shere (were the film The Holiday was partially shot) a lovely Surrey village, apart from the cars unspoilt by time.

Then onto Abinger Hammer (metionjed in the Domesday book in 1086, then known as Abinceborne) where the blacksmith hits the bell with a hammer on the hour

The clock was given in memory of the first Lord Farrer of Abinger Hall who died in 1899 and has a motto which states: “By me you know how fast to go!” The clock represents the iron industry and the role played by the county of Surrey in the industrial past.

Then on to Cranleigh

and finally could not resist a photo of the Christmas decorations at the local garden centre,
just magical

Thank you for joining me on my trip down memory lane

Bags, Bags and more bags......

2010-10-25T01:00:00.002+01:00

Show and Tell Monday

Another week and ever nearer to Christmas only 61 days to go, presents all bought just a few left to make then the fun of wrapping and not to mention decorating the house, turning our home into a magical grotto.

Four events booked starting the 6th November (only 12 days to go) so have been stitching like mad

Crystal framed bag, made with a beautiful embossed satin, timeless elegance

A selection of fun phone/camera pouches in Amy Butler fabric a good stocking filler for any age

Check out the other blogs on Make Mine Pink

Look out Mary Poppins

2010-10-18T01:00:00.000+01:00

Show and Tell Monday

I have always loved the film Mary Poppins, can remember as a child awe inspired when Marp opened her carpet bag and everything including the kitchen sink appeared. Having received a bag of fabric from a neighbour and this beautiful carpet style fabric was inside, what better tribute than to make t modern twist on a carpet bag, 3 machine needles later and metal frame inserted this is the result.

Cream Silk and Pearl Evening Bag

Classic combination of silk and pearls all in cream

An not forgetting the frilly and frothy scarves, purple, to be worn
by those wishing to age disgracefully .

Check out the other Show & Tell blogs at Make Mine Pink

Frothy and Frilly

2010-10-11T07:23:00.005+01:00

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Frilly and Frothy

Another two scarves this time in fuchsia and cream/winter white

3 knitted last night and half way through a 4th, just love to knit and watch tv, keeps my hands out of the biscuit barrel. These scarves are every definitely frilly and frothy, glamorous and fun, with hints of the three musketeers.

Check out the other blogs at Make Mine Pink

Inspirativity Events

Well Jill and I have gone and done it, booked the hall for our first handmade event next April, a beautiful location and the hall we have chosen is bright and sunny. Off this week to research some potential stall holders and have to sample the local coffee and maybe cakes

Show and Tell Monday

2010-10-04T01:00:00.005+01:00

Show and Tell Monday with Make Mine Pink

Another week and Autumn is here, fires being lit, smell of burning pinecones, crackling and hissing logs and only 82 days until Christmas, only seems like 5 minutes ago packing away the decorations for another year in January.

Black frilled scarf

I finally finished this project am happy with the results, not an easy wool and the black, need a new pair of eyes, lol

Just for fun, yoyo and button flower hair slides

A black lace wrist band with shoe and handbag charms and embellished with pearls and small silver bells.

and a white one embellished with a ballerina, pink butterflies and pearls

Victorian Etc
an online magazine

I have won the web category for Art and Craft so if you can find the time to vote for me daily to hopefully win the grand prize would be eternally grateful, this award is a great honour.

A busy week ahead with a meeting at the end of the week with my crafting buddy Jill to view The Kiln, a possible venue for our Inspirativity events, hand crafted and pamper days with refreshments of homemade cakes and light lunches. We have been discussing this new
business venture for some time and feel 2011 with the UK Craft & Design* month in
May would be the perfect time.

Craft and craft selling is changing in the UK with events opening up to give a different approach to the normal church hall venues, customers are expecting more and now want an experience, so out with the old and in with the new unique, stress free atmosphere sometimes associated with high street shopping, easy parking and quality made local crafts.

Craft & Design Month May 2011*

Sponsored by craft& design magazine

Watch this space:

Inspirativity
from Inspiration comes creativity

email: inspriativity@btinternet.com to be kept up to date

Being launched soon a website of events in 2011 for a new shopping experience

Check out the other show and Tell blogs at Make Mine Pink

Thnak you to Knit 1 for the Road

2010-09-24T06:14:00.002+01:00

I have been lucky enough to have an interview published by Margaret from Knit 1 for the Road, her generosity knows no bounds.
It is fun to read about other talented crafter's so be sure to check out Margaret's blog for more stories and pictures of the wonderful work available out in the crafting community.

Thank You Margaret
Caroline