2012 - Wow!

At the start of the year was my first ever craft fair - 3 months after learning to drive.  

I'm now stocking the felt that I love to use, as well as ribbons, buttons, bias, card and trimmings.

I've been to my first trade fair...as Handmade Haven.

I've sent parcels all round the world  (and now have a map to stick pins in).  I've made things that I never would have attempted unless someone said "Can you just make me....."

I've worked with/I'm working with some amazing businesses - both local and international.

By the end of the year I've done numerous fairs and events and now, now I have my very own workshop!

I feel slightly overwhelmed and rather humbled to think of all my goodies spread across the world, to think of everything I've achieved this year.  This would not have been possible without my fabulous Hubby who encourages me continually, who put up the workshop and made it perfect, who is the perfect soul mate.  I've also met some fabulous people doing the craft fairs..many whom I think I can now call a friend, as with many of my online customers, who return for more things - I must be doing something right ;)

So, to 2013.  I have already got my first Soap Making Demo booked for the beginning of January!  Ooh, I can't wait to see what the rest of the year is going to bring :)

Back to it...

Blimey those four days of not sewing felt like weeks!  I've rectified that now by adding to the very low stock of notebooks!  Today I've spent hours in the Hut sorting old packaging for re-using, tidying up, putting away the few bits of Christmas stock I had left, filling up the felt basket (that looks sooo much better now), sorting out my first ever tax return (eek)...lots of bits.  It felt good :)

I've also been sorting through some of my buttons that I've picked up along the way.  I shall be adding these to the shops as pre-loved button 50g packs.

Last Christmas bits....

Mini pamper sets..

..special request for a sheep Christmas card (these will definitely be on the card list for next year!)...

..a gorgeous pair of stockings.  These were for a wedding gift :)

A special bag for a little girl.  

Soap gift bundles.

And, last but by no means least, a Christmas Hanging Bird :)

Wishing you all a very merry Christmas and a wonderful New Year.

Thank you all for your continued support and encouragement.

New Pure Wool Felt Colours

Dark Brown

Night Blue

Red-brown.

All available on the website now :)

The Hut on the Patch

Well, after four months of building and sorting, the Hut is finally open for business ;)  It only took three days for me to fill and sort everything (although, I'm quite sure I'll find some more bits lurking in the dark corners of the house).  So lets have a little tour shall we?  Above is the felt and fabrics, 

 then we have the packing stuff, the stock, card, cushions pads, etc, 

then we have the work bench side!  Buttons, findings, felt balls, zips, etc...yummy-ness itself over this side.

I haven't found a permanent place for the ribbons and bias yet!  Hubby says he will make me a portable ribbon stand though, so watch this space.

Ooh, and my felt order arrived yesterday so I could top up the stock levels.  There's also three new colours which I'll pop in a separate post ;).

This is what the Hut looked like after the open day at the weekend.  I love this picture..it looks so cosy and inviting.

So there you are, I haven't photographed the other shelves or my packing/cutting table yet/boards yet, but you get the idea.  My very own workshop - The Hut on the Patch.

And the winner is.....

....Debbie :o)

I shall be back with a post about my Hut soon but I just wanted to post the winner of the fabulous Christmas ribbons.

Celebration Give-away

To celebrate the opening of my workshop ~ The Hut on the Patch ~ on the 15th, I'm having a give-away on here for those that can't make it in person ;)  

The winner will receive 10 metres of Christmas ribbons

Rules

To enter just leave a comment here. 

Open to everyone (only one comment each please).

I will post anywhere.

You may enter even if you do manage to pop in and say hello on the open day.

I shall draw a name from a hat on 15th December 2012 so be quick.  Share as much as you like ;)

Good luck.

Last Preparations...

Today we have been to Ikea for the last few bits for The Hut on the Patch.  Billy bookcases in the boxes...I can't wait to get moved in next week!  Back tomorrow to launch a give-away to celebrate the opening, so make sure you come back won't you ;)

Lots of....

Lots of cards being made...

..and pamper sets being made...

...plus the Angels...

..lots of felt orders going out (all round the world!)...

 and mini sets given as fund raiser gifts.  There's lots of 'normal' orders too.  

The workshop is coming on!  I shall be having an open day on 15th December (11-4) for anyone who would like to pop in and see me/the workshop.  Contact me if you're interested :)

I have my last little fair today before I finish up some Christmas orders, make some Merit badges then hopefully get on with some of my Christmas stuff....I haven't even made the cake yet!

Angels...not just for Christmas

I have revamped my angel from last year (which was flat, and quite boring really), into this gorgeous-ly simple Angel.  She is quite beautiful, I have to say.

I also made one that was not Christmas-sy as Angels are not just for Christmas are they? ;)  I'm currently working on some more colours then they will be in the shops.

A bit of Harry

You should all be aware of my love of all things Harry Potter (and if not, where have you been?! ;) ).  Well, when the lovely Carolyn posted up a picture on Facebook of a Harry doll that she'd made I just squealed with excitement.  She then proceeded to tease me with Hermione, and then Ron.  Well, I just had to have a set didn't I?  Aren't they gorgeous?  They shall be venturing into my Hut on the Patch (ie the workshop) when it is finished.

Carolyn also does loads of other gorgeous dolls, angels and bits, so why not pop over to her page and say Hi.

Advance Warning

My felt supplier put up the cost of the felt last month, but I've resisted putting up my own prices until now.  From 1st December the cost of the felt sheets are as follows :-

15 x 20 cm sheets  - 80p each

20 x 30 cm sheets - £1.50 each

This is still a very good price for 100% wool felt sheets of fantastic quality :o)

New - Christmas Cards

I wonder...

....what the customer in SOUTH AUSTRALIA!!! is going to be making with all this yummy felt?

New Ribbons, Bias and Bits!

Lots of yummy new bias...

...even more gorgeous ribbons...

...and two completely new things - the gorgeous cotton lace trim and the 1mm waxed cords.

They are all available on the website now :o)