Kirstie and Kirsty sitting in a tree

Hi folks, thought I would stop by and write a quick post while the OH cooks tea and I have a few minutes! Things are typically manic here, trying (without success) to make some stock for upcoming fairs - and other things just keep getting in the way!
I have added a few new festive lines to my Folksy and Etsy shops, including Christmas Tree Garlands...

...eight co-ordinating trees strung onto a length of bakers twine,

some Scandinavian-inspired toadstool decorations...

...and some Mistletoe robins on cinnamon sticks which were so popular last year.

Also some driftwood Christmas cards...

...in 3 quirky designs...

I have also squeezed in some custom orders including this parrot for a little boy's new pirate-themed bedroom!

And the title of this post? I was most surprised, yet thoroughly delighted to find a little photo of me in this new publication!

Here I am on page 95! The photo was taken at the Royal Cornwall Show - but there was no mention of any book! In fact, if a friend hadn't tipped me off, I may never have known!
So that's enough excitement for one week! Enjoy the rest of your weekend lovely people! xx

Royal Cornwall Show 2011

Well, it's all over and to be honest, I'm absolutely shattered! Such a big build up over the past few weeks, then setting up, followed by 3 long days (8.30am - 6.30) - I feel like I could sleep for a week!
I really wasn't sure what to expect sales-wise and actually I would have hoped to have done better: there were ALOT of people who walked straight past my stand and that can be very disheartening! But I gave out over 200 business cards, so I suppose there may be leads from them at a later date. Plus I met some fab people - fellow stallholders, craftspeople, and some very lovely customers. Apparently Kirstie Allsopp was there on the first day with her crew, but unfortunately she didn't come to our tent - much to our disgust! (Although her photographer did take a photo of me and my stand - I keep checking my e-mails to see if Kirstie has messaged me!!) And not wishing to name-drop, but my best sale was to this well-known chap! He bought one of my collages and some other pieces!
Though I would dearly love to take a few days off, I have about 250 driftwood cards to make for shops and galleries, so I've got a bit of catching up to do!

BTW, cards and prints of my collages are now available in my Folksy shop!

6 days to go....

...and I'm still frantically making! To be honest I'll be glad when it's all over because I'm tired out and feel like I'm not spending enough time with my boys. Not to mention running out of room: my stock seems to be taking over the house!

There's quite a few unique driftwood pieces ...

...fifty of these!

And remember this? I finally got around to finishing it! Still undecided whether to take it to the show or not - even if I do, I wouldn't have a clue what price to put on it!

I'm very excited to have some giclee prints of my collages!

This is my banner - it's all coming together!!

And finally, I've had some greeting cards printed as well - plus plenty of new business cards to hand out - and with funky rounded corners too!
I will make sure I take a few photos when I'm all set up next week, and then I'm looking forward to a few days off and catching up with you all in dear old blogland!
(I just realised it was my 2nd blog anniversary last weekend, and I've been so busy I missed it!!)

Hope you all have a most excellent weekend! Enjoy the sunshine!

15 days to go!

Trying not to panic! The gazebo should arrive any day now, and cards (greetings and business variety) are on order. Just got to make more stuff to sell! The driftwood cottage with washing line created a lot of positive interest on my Facebook page, so I want to make a couple more like it.
Bye for now!

A quick hello!

Just touching base to say Hi and give you the lastest! I'm so sorry if I haven't got around in blogland much recently - I promise I will catch up properly after the Royal Cornwall Show.

Anyway I've been stitching some more pictures to sell....


I sewed some glass beads on for this handsome fellow's 'crown'...

I seem to have accumulated polka dot cotton in every single colour!

Any stitchings that didn't make the grade or were too small for the frames have been made into one-off cards.

I just collected some work from the framers: above is my latest collage...

...and finally - remember these? I got them framed at long last! And pretty pleased how they turned out too!
Have a fab weekend one and all!

Royal Cornwall Show

Happy Monday everyone! The Royal Cornwall Show is only a few weeks away, and I'm desperately trying to make loads to sell on my stall there! This is the biggest fair I've ever been a part of: it's a 3-day event, and I have no idea how much stock I'll need! What if I sell out of everything on the first day? Or even worse, don't sell anything at all?!
I'll be offering a range of goodies: some driftwood boats and cottages, my collages (hopefully in card/print form as well as the framed originals) and some textile pieces too - might as well try and appeal to as many customers as possible!

So I've been busy making love birds...

in some new colours...
No two will be the same!

Which is your favourite pair?

I've also been experimenting with a bit of freestyle stitching...

Thought that subject matter like this may go down well!

They will be framed and displayed with similar stitched pieces.

This is my favourite so far.
Gotta go and make some more! Have a fab week y'all!

Have a gander....

At these geese...



...stitched freehand on the sewing machine and taken from these old sketches...

I've got a pitch booked at the Royal Cornwall Show in June, thought I'd frame some stitchings and see if I can sell any! I'm going to frame the top 3 together, ie in a triple frame.

On the subject of birds, look as this fantastic book I bought a couple of weeks ago.

Take a look at the author's website here. She also writes a great blog here. The book includes patterns and instructions on making all manner of birds. I can't wait to get enough time to have a go at this beautiful swan...

Before I go, I must tell you that another Homespun Fair is fast approaching!
It's taking place at Portscatho on Easter Monday (April 25th) and promises to be a wonderful event. You can find more details on the Homespun blog.

Really hope to see you there!