Handmade Monday 68

The snow finally disappeared and then we had a few lovely spring days. this enabled us to clean the inside of the car (dog's fault full of fur), get some gardening done and lots of long dog walks. Even had a go on the new village outdoor gym, staggered home and had to have a lie down, lol. Dog looked bemused by the whole fiasco.

This week's makes, started an altered book and finally got it finished, for my first attempt very happy

Ordered some Zutter wire cutters in pink, arrived in white. Now I know this is a small thing but does annoy me when these large companies do this, clearly shows pink in the title of the item, so complained. If as a small business I did this I am sure customers would not be happy and would think me un-professional. Unless clearly stated colour lucky dip, which it did not. Update they do not have the pink have let me have the white and refunded the money paid.

Still using my planner and working, did have a few weeks when I forgot and low and behold ended up procrastinating far too much. It does work. Have now cleared my worktable and stood said planner at the back so I can get to it easily and complete each day.

Some more makes and more A6 notebooks. The book binding cradle arrived and must admit so much easier to make sure the holes are in the correct place for the stitching.

Notebooks completed so far and really on a roll with these.

Post it note clipboards also done

Next project: Mini canvas with rice paper as the background and lace stitched butterflies added. Will try 4 to begin with and see how I go.

Another project planned mini dream catchers

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Until next week, have fun x

Handmade Monday No. 67

Another week has gone by in a blink of an eye and we now have the Beast from the East part 2. Staying in the warm and creating.

This week has been a bit slower as on the good days, out in the garden. The weekend wall to wall snow and a bitterly cold win.

Makes this Week:

Continuing the Wedding theme - Ring Bearer Pillows

The first ones are approx 7" X 7"

Mr & Mrs in white silk and silver thread

With his ring in antique cream silk

Doves in ivory silk

The second ones smaller at 5" X 5"

Antique Cream Linen Love Bugs

White linen key to my heart

Ivory Linen Love Story

Made another canvas this time for sale featuring ballet.

Finally another hand stitched notebook with a mini post it note clip board and pencil. 

Have so many papers that need using up and thought these could be bargain buys at a fair and on my website.

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Handmade Monday

Well the snow has finally gone, we now have rain. I quite enjoyed the down time with the snow and no one going in and out of our road. So quiet and peaceful. The village was silent apart from the sounds of sledges being pulled along by long suffering Dad's. Feet crunching in the snow, walking dogs or going to the village shop for supplies. Fire lit and the house had a cosy glow. Got through 3 books along with some creating.

Had loads of 'bits' left over from my card sets, did not want them going to waste and found I had some mini cards in stock. Used up a load of the toppers and ended up with 20 cards.

For Julia: Found my large sheet of sticky pads, in a drawer which I had checked, honestly. I now have a plethora of sticky pads all together in one place, lol. Problem so happy I found these that forgot what I was searching for, put it down to age, lol.

Projects this week?

FAIRY CARDS

Age Birthday card sample, several fairy types to select from and made to order

WEDDING PLAQUE

Again a sample and made to order

WEDDING CARDS

3 designs all personalised as required.

MIXED MEDIA CANVAS CHALLENGE

Finally a mixed media canvas entered into a challenge. Keeping this one for my own sewing room, even DH was impressed.

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Looking back cannot believe how much I have achieved this week, funny how some weeks are more productive than others.

Have a fun week x

DH's Birthday card & My Thoughts

I mentioned my plans to make DH a card last week, he is picky and hates decoupage, just hope he likes this creation. Took ages as had to piece all the bits onto the Jukebox. The records are raised but not actual decoupage.

Card's for men

Completed another set of card's

My Thoughts

Sometimes I think I have too much time on my hands, lol but this week sat reading the latest Belle Grace magazine from Stampington. their ethos:

Bella Grace is a special, 160-page publication devoted to discovering magic in the ordinary. Our aim is to touch the souls of our readers through beautifully penned stories and striking photographs that capture life's beautiful journey. For anyone who is tired of trying to fit ill-considered standards of what beauty is supposed to look like or reaching for unattainable ideals – Bella Grace gives you permission to just go ahead and toss them. Embrace imperfection. Celebrate your messy life. Shine a spotlight on small, everyday moments – they are special, and they are yours. If you are looking for the most creative, inspirational women’s magazine available today – you’ve come to the right place.

Not bought this one before but do love the Stampington magazines, always done on good quality paper and full of inspirational articles and ideas. The book has sections where you can fill out your own feelings.

I bought for the idea of Happiness Boxes, have started to put a few together to send as gifts, a lovely idea. More about those later in the year. All in all a beautiful publication and hence permission to myself to go back to Vintage style.

As you may be aware I have gone away from my love of Vintage and Shabby Chic designs a bit the last 18 months. Mainly because I got turned down for the Home and Vintage fairs last year. This threw me a bit and felt I was lost direction. At the same time do appreciate that not everyone likes lace and Vintage images. 

Got to thinking why can I not do both, my website, up to me what I make and display on it hence my new section: Amelia Rose. Named after my Grandmother felt this would be the ideal section to make and display all things vintage and vintage style, using reclaimed fabrics, lace and trims plus a bit of new for good measure. So ladies watch this space if you love this type of genre as much I do, you will not be disappointed.

I think as creative types we constantly strive for acceptance of what we do and want everyone to love what we make and understand what goes into creating a piece to sell. Sadly this is not the case and to some buyers it is just that an item to purchase. One thing I have learnt about business ie working for yourself you have to love what you do and instead of worrying about what others think look for those customers that have the same passion as you do for a particular style. They are out there.

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