Only 54 Days until Christmas

 Well I am back been a long time and neglected my blog some what. 

A lot of changes Opened a shop on The British Craft House Still on Folksy. My style is the same vintage shabby chic. Not sure that will ever change as love this genre so much.

Joined the Market for Kindness Community for the month of November on Facebook. Pleaser take a look, lot's of talented artists.

Invited to join 2 design teams, involving videos including tutorials or inspiration. My YouTube channel is now very active. Starting a free webpage, purely as a form of advertising all my shops and social media. Not bothering with my own website now as found too stressful, happier to be on selling platforms.

Sadly due to the changes in tariffs and packaging regulations no longer selling outside the UK and Northern Ireland. NI you may wonder is because they come under the same regulations as Southern Ireland being in the EU. 

Still no sign of a new puppy, we now think if not ment to be will not happen. Shame but in April the breeder did not go ahead maybe this month, unsure. We have carved out a new life minus a dog but do miss the walks. A treadmill is not the same, chatting to neighbours, freezing cold with snow, ankle deep, Northerly wind whilst the dog, contemplates the meaning of life.

Art Boutique Design Team, part of the 12 days of Christmas challenge.

Christmas Banner

YouTube Link 

Fun Christmas Stocking and Pennant Banner attached to white satin ribbon with a silver edge. Measuring approx 80" long. This banner has 8 stockings in pretty pairs with a glitter top, heel and toe detail. Cheesecloth added with the pretty image of Santa, Mrs Claus, Winter Girls and Elves. 'Believe' wording added in between the stockings. The middle letter has a cute cardinal sitting on top of the letter I. A pretty addition to your Christmas Decor.

Another creation coming on the 11th and will add snippets of information about my creative life as they happen.

Have a wonderful day xx

2025 Has Arrived

Well okay almost a month and a half since New Years Day. Better late than never. One resolution for me is to post on my blog more regularly, have let it slide over the years, mainly as no longer part of any blog hop. Is this still such a thing? Will have to do a bit of investigative work. 

On the investigative work part have just finished a Detective Flip Flop folio, full of pockets, tags, journalling cards and a removable journal with aged page edges, after the lady detective to whom it belongs has been working hard at her craft, well worn but still plenty of room for you to enter your own notes. https://folksy.com/items/8467739-Folio-Detective-Flip-Folio-2025-37-PB12

Video on You Tube to give a clearer picture:

https://youtu.be/nwFebMWRZU8?si=lVT8pGOopM5VrzYn

Keep meaning to also get back to my embroidery machine, do promise to start a project every day but then get distracted. Keeps looking at me accusingly every time I walk in the room.

Readers may have noticed I have gone back to my original love of vintage/shabby chic style. I love adding lace to items and hopefully you will be seeing a lot of more of this styling in the future. 

Talking of lace, my trims were in a mess and made a pretty box drawer, knew the wrapping paper bought just in case would come in handy.

Finishing on some sad news we lost are beautiful Golden Retriever on the 12th October, he battled to the end but went down rapidly over 5 days. We had to make the decision, still miss him, the loss is getting easier now. Let the lady we bought him from know and she now has a new dog who she hopes to mate in April, all being well you may see another little bundle of fluff arrive. We have said if does not happen not mean to be.

Hew was a beautiful gentle dog very, very large but never growled in all his 13 years and 4 months. Just full of love and always enjoyed a cuddle. 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment if you would like to. I do read all comments and appreciate your time.

Caroline x

August 2024 and a sort of Long, Hot, Summer.

After all the rain in spring, ruining bulbs and the frost killing off other plants. Summer has arrived but due to the unpredictably of our weather some of the leaves on the shrubs and trees are turning already! Will soon be buying violas and pansies to fill the pots with winter colour.

After 2 bad falls, both really self inflicted. The first my foot went to sleep, instead of waiting for the feeling to come back, loud crack, bruised and swollen for about 10 days, had to resort to a walking stick. Second fall. Locked ourselves out of the house, borrowed next doors ladder. Before Lee had a chance I shot up the ladder, through the window. The promptly fell of the window sill into the room. Foot hurt again, bruised knee and arm plus ended up with a black eye and squished glasses as hit the waste bin! Not going near a ladder ever again!

Onto creating have a lot of new items in my Folksy shop. The mist recent are in the Newly Listed section. A montage for your perusal.

Happy Summer

Caroline 

June 2024 Where did the year go?

 Just checked and been an over year since I last posted a blog. What have I been doing? Most of last year and this have been decluttering the house. My craft studio in particular has masses of stuff, do not know why I bought in the first place and not likely to be used. I am trying to have a no buy year but not happening atm, always run out of glue and other necessities. Cannot create without glue or thread!

Been using up paper pads, which let’s face it we all buy because! Then they sit there looking at you accusingly every time you open the box, use me, use me. Making a lot of ephemera packs, recently listed fingers crossed they sell. 

Our 2011 iMac is on its last legs and doing weird things, had to bite the bullet and order another from John Lewis along with a new printer. Not long had the one we have got but does not do back to back printing automatically and as DH is technically challenged thought would change for a better one at the same time. Should be here by Friday, then the set up begins. 

For the month of June have been doing a Creep on June challenge, started by Tracie Fox Designs. Loads of videos to watch on You Tube each day along with brilliant printables to enable one to take part. Along with a journal, loads of tags and pockets plus a box to store everything inside. All now listed in my Folksy shop.

Off for a rest after all the creating, have fun and I will be back

Caroline xx

April and should be Spring

 Looking out the window on the 1st April and all I can see is rain, however the tete a tete's happy faces are there. Cheering what would otherwise be a dreary day.

Not posted in a while and admit have let my blog go but instead of a New Year resolution a spring one to start with posts of what I hope the coming month will bring.

Today sorting my accounts for the year end. See what has sold and what has not, then decisions to make. In the meantime I have got an ongoing sale of a lot of stock, check out the image below:

On My Machine

Hooped ready to go is a cream organza, the plan to stitch a pretty design and make into bridal wrist decoration tied with cream ribbon.

Other creations planned for April

Some more needle keepers but this time trying with fabric, these sold out last time and are so handy when needle working.

Ephemera packs. Love vintage style ephemera and the plan to make some more of these, have proved very popular in the past.

Now this will take sometime but a fabric journal with lots of dainty rose embroideries, lace, tuck spots, pockets and places to write your thoughts. This is something that will be created page by page in between lots of new paper creations.

Easter to look forward to and DH's Birthday about 2 weeks later. 

We have started a new project in the garden. After trying to regrow the grass under the trees for the last few years to no avail, have given up and ordered some recycled flexiborder edging. Should be here by Monday and weather permitting will get that in place. On the 10th going to the farm shop to order some shingle, this area will have stepping stones for pots and Campanula planted in amongst the stones I love this little plant, a burst of colour and spreads so well. The ones we have on the garden have doubled in a year.

Still looking for a solar water feature but struggling to find the right one. There is one out there that will appear just when we need it.

Okay that is it from me will post again on the 1st May and see what I have or not! achieved the past month.

Happy Spring

Caroline

New creations for September 2022

 Well looking a lot like Autumn, the trees are turning and not the end of August yet! Still Autumn is one of my favourite times of year, along with Spring. The colours of the leaves are stunning when in full swing and all part of life's process.

Been working on a collection for September, not finished yet but time has got away from me and the new month arrives tomorrow.

Starting with a Jane Austen themed print in pink and black, depicting Roslings, Pemberley, Netherfield and Longbourn manor houses. Silhouettes of Regency people. Pink pom poms to embellish. 

Marie Antoinette lavender sachet decorated with oodles of lace and rose trim.

Mini desk calendars ready for 2023.

Sewing themed tags in blue or pink.

First of 6 cotton printed lavender sachets of a Queen Bee, including a matching tag.

Second set of lavender sachets as before.

Not sure will manage another 19 items for the Folksy Daily Challenge but will see how I go.

Have also been working on Birthday and Christmas gifts, almost finished just waiting for a delivery from Amazon today. While waiting may make a start on the Christmas cards to go with the gifts.

On a personal front flu jabs booked for a Saturday in September, expect to get the Covid booster reminder soon as well.

Thank you for reading, now off to my craft room to start creating. Until next time.....

New creations for August 2022

 Just looked and have not posted for ages. What have I been doing? Well lockdown for one, started off okay but then got very restrictive but did as we were told. A dreadful couple of years and still not out the woods yet.

Used some of my time to combine my workroom which was too cold in the winter and my sewing room into one. Oh boy why did I have so much stuff! Loads went to charity may regret at some point but honestly had enough to open a shop! Took the adage if not looked at or used would go. The local charity shop in the next village were very happy with my donations, they had had some real rubbish landed on their doorstep. So unfair to offload pure junk to them to have to dispose of.

Once the room was tidy found my mojo came back and started to creat, now have approx 850 items in my Folksy shop.

Today (Sunday 7th August) it is beautiful outside, clear blue sky and not a cloud in site, gentle breeze and not too hot. All that changes on Wednesday through to Saturday and the heat returns in the ‘90’s. will be sitting with fans and loads of iced water to drink.

Okay back to creating a sample of my August creations, Marie Antoinette has appeared again.  Vintage styling my favourite and as per normal found myself gravitating towards this genre again. 

I do hope you have enjoyed my journey over the past two years.

Stay safe and cool

Caroline

By the Sea

 Finally finished my latest collection this week, been in the pipeline for a while but those Mermaids finally came out of the deep blue sea to help with the stitching.

I love the sea, gentle waves lapping on the shore line, chiming of the rigging on the boats in a harbour, seagulls soaring overhead. Children laughing and playing happy to be out and about. Ice Cream vendors streaming their happy tunes.

My new collection is in colours of turquoise, blue and sand including gifts and cards.

All in stock in my Folksy Store click here to view

Next project something yellow and happy.

2021 Please let it be better than 2020

Good Morning folks, been a long time since my last blog post and think 2021 should be when I start again and post at least once a month.

Well 2020 has been a dreadful year, news full of doom and gloom, so many people died from this dreadful virus, at least we now have a vaccine and I for one will be having the jab. Been in lockdown since last March and cannot wait to be able to browse the garden centres again, selecting plants for a new garden project. This year will be the year of a raised mini pond with a few small fish. Right in front of the gazebo seat.

During this lockdown have not been idle restarted and finally finished my Poldark cross stitch that DH bought me about 4 years ago. Framed and in the garden room.

Started a sampler style little black dress chart, this will be for my sewing room.

Also been working hard on new collections for my Folksy shop, going back to my shabby chic/vintage styling. Sometimes tempted by modern but deep down I am a vintage girl and can no longer resist the call of lace, beads, sumptuous fabric, threads, designs the list goes on.

One of my plans is after a merging of my work and sewing room was to use all the in stock supplies I have. DH has decided I have enough to have a shop! do not know what he means, lol. Still have to buy a few things though as just need certain items.

Well on with my showcase of new items posted to my Folksy shop so far starting off with 2 styles of brooches and a brooch pillow

Some keepsake cards

Today’s posting an frame full of Inchies, tiny works of art.

All of these creations appear in the ‘Amelia Rose’s Attic’ section. Stepping into Grandma’s attic and finding wonderful trunks filled with beautiful clothes and treasures.

That is it for me for a few weeks, maybe less. 

Stay safe and with this weather stay warm.

Pumpkins and spooky tales

Halloween or All Saint's Eve

Celebrating the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain.

Normally children would be out trick or treating but doubt will happen this year.

Why not have your own trick or treat at home, hide sweet delights around the house, or garden if dry. Have fairy lights festooned and maybe some pumpkin banners and decorations.

My makes this week have been Halloween inspired and finding some beautiful fabric from Dash Haberdashery on Folksy to make into pumpkin bunting was a delight.

All on my Folksy Store Halloween section

Have a Spookylicious tim

 

New Year Part 2

Well almost 3 weeks into the New Year, have been busy making for Valentines Day. Plus missed last weeks Handmade Monday, where did the time go. My Folksy store has been on sale mode, busy backwards and forwards to the Postbox. Thought it would be quiet but no, sales have gone through the roof. From my point of view good, means I have space for all the new ideas. Sale ended now and back to posting Valentines makes.

Makes so far this year:

Key rings, all done in the hoop on my embroidery machine

A Love Pillow

Tag pockets

Couple of cards

Learning new techniques.

I am passionate about all forms of crafting and made a decision to learn something new this year. The choice has been vast but settled on Weaving. George Weil based in Farncombe, not far from us do a small frame, which for me is perfect as can make into bags etc.  After the sale has finished something I am going to look at treating myself.

Check out the other blogs at Sum of Their Stories

A bit behind this week, DH and I met up with some old colleagues from BT we have all retired now. Sewing machines serviced on Thursday am finally got back to working on Friday.

Should make next week okay as nothing on the cards.

Have fun

Happy New Year and I'm Back

Well after a long break, my last post was in June! My batteries are recharged and a lot of changes have taken place.

Firstly I had major problems with my website, had already changed hosts once but it continued. Got to April and had had enough, so closed my website down and reopened my Folksy shop. It was a risk but have had huge success and never looked back. More sales in 3 months than I have ever had on my own website. I do work at it though and list either something new or a relist every day, visit the other posters on the challenge thread, love and pin their items. Daily promotions on Facebook, Instagram etc.

New Year for me is a rebranding hence a new banner will gradually get my business cards etc changed but as have quite a lot atm, not going to just throw away. New items to make, so many ideas and my NY journal is filling up already. Hope you will join me on my journey.

Have missed blogging and hope Julie will let me back into the fold but needed time away as my batteries were running on empty.

Concentrating on Valentines Day, I know you may all groan as a few weeks off but time goes so quickly and in a blink of an eye it will be the 14th of February. A few makes so far some vintage styling and some not.

Made some lip balm cases out of remnants of vinyl and glitter fabric, they have gone down well. Done from a design in the hoop on my embroidery machine.

Did the usual Christmas Fair in the next village, only 1 I am doing now. Went well good atmosphere and sold lots of goodies. Meeting up with a lady I got chatting to for afternoon tea at the local pub on Wednesday.

Check out the other blogs at Sum of Their Stories

Handmade Monday #133

An odd week weather wise warm on some days then so humid with thunder storm and needed the lights back on! Typical British summer that we have grown to expect. On the plus side the garden shrubs are growing at a rate of knots and looking so good.

Back to a daily life for me:

Sunday 23rd

Updated and published my blog, long overdue and had not realised how long I had been awol. Must do better!

Made up the finger rosaries today and happy with how they turned out. Plus started some of the rosary mini zip bags.

Monday

Dreaded housework part 1

Tuesday

Trip to M & S food, spent too much but that was DH's fault. Farm shop on the way home for some plants.

Wednesday

Housework part 2, still hate it!!!!

Thursday

Finished the rosary mini bags

Friday

Free standing lace cross bookmarks. A 50th anniversary gift and card which I cannot show yet see Handmade Monday #136

Saturday

Photography and blog update, so hot today so did not do much of anything.

Sunday

Blog publish

Looking back did not do much at all last week, did spend a lot of time in the garden, planting etc. Need to water the pots twice a day atm. Off for a relaxation day.

Check out the other blogs at Sum of Their Stories