Hmmm...

*whispering*  Lets pretend it hasn't been two months since I was last here!

I've had the madness that was Christmas...

I've made a burlesque outfit (not for me before anyone comments ;) )...

I've done bulk orders... 

I've got a new soap - Chocolate!! (ready in 10 days time)...

I've made custom orders...

I've re-jigged the swatch card to make colour groups as there are so many to choose from now :D

These last few months have been ridiculously busy,  I just didn't know whether I would get everything done.  It's taken the whole of the Christmas 'quiet' period plus another three weeks for me to be able to want to do anything again.  I love that my business is successful, but blimey, that was madness!  I was hoping for a quiet January but I already have 5 orders in my book plus a list of people waiting for soaps as I just didn't have time to make new stock during November/December, then I sold out.  Madness I tell ya!

Having had a couple of years to get used to the Craft Fair circuit, I've got a few I love doing so I'll be concentrating on those, rather than trying to fit in as many as I can.  I've also got an Artisans Event in April and an Exhibition in June.   The Etsy soap shop will also be open this weekend which I'm very excited about, as I'm planning a couple of new lines too.

Right, now I've ticked this off my list of things to do, I'd best get on with some secret badges ;)

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 :)

Preparing

November is quite a scary month for Craft Fairs...there is only one weekend where I'm not doing anything.  I'm trying to prepare for them...up there in that piccie is a pile of pencil cases waiting to be finished.  The purple fabric is a commissioned order which I'll show you later as it's virtually finished now.  Today I'll also be sorting through the felt stocks and replenishing the basket that I take to the fairs.  I'll try no to stroke it too much ;)

Owls, Pigs and lots of Hearts..

More sewing done!  Piggie keyrings and toppers for cards....

..another two owl cushions...

...a bunch of hearts - one for each member of that particular family, and lastly...

..a simple padded heart.  

I've added loads more dates to the events list at the side there.  It's been great as some of them have been booked because people are ringing me to see if I can do them, rather than me finding out where all these events are.  I must be doing something right :oD.  Anyway, off to do some more sewing.

New Soap

A new soap for you all (as suggested by Shazronnie Makes Stuff) - Bare with Oatmeal.  Great for those who suffer from eczema as it's very beneficial for the skin.  Ready 22nd March 2012.

Also added a new date to the craft fair list!  Think it's going to be a very busy few months.

Craft Fair Props

 As I've got a fair few craft fairs booked now I thought I'd better get some better display items for the tables.  I picked up those cup holders for £2 each in Wilko's...£2!! a bargain.  The small basket was in the charity shop...it's perfect for putting cards in.  I also got the small kilner jar to use as a money box which will then go in a basket of my goodies to various work places for people to purchase things they like). 

When I got home I set to and got the jar ready.  I removed the kilner inner and made a cardboard one with a slot cut into it.  I've used some paisley vellum to hide the contents, with a round of felt stuck inside on the bottom to stop the clanking of coins (hopefully).  I'll then put a strip of sellotape to stop the lid being opened with a ribbon over that to make it look pretty. 

 This is the soap boxed with different ribbon...

...and this is it with the new labels.  Off to pop them in the shop now so they'll be ready for Mothers Day :o)

Heck..

 I think I'm going to meet myself coming backwards over the next few days....I've certainly been extremely busy and I can't see that ending for the next few weeks!  The above soap is Lemon and Ginger.  It smells gorgeous...lovely and zingy. 

 This is Organic Geranium Rose, which also smells lovely.  I admit I'm rather biased as I don't think I could make a soap that I didn't like the scent of myself.  Also ready is the Eucalyptus, Rosemary and Pine, but I didn't put a picture up as it looks just like the above soaps ;o).  This one smells really fresh...definitely clear those sinuses for you!

The family and I are away for a few days next week, then I come back with no spare time to get ready for my first craft fair.  Poor planning or what :o).  Anyway, as everything has to be ready this weekend I was trying out different ways to display the samples.  I love the simplicity of these small glass fruit bowls.  What do you think?



This pile is pencil cases ready for sewing.  I'm happy to report they are all stitched up now..just got the finishing touches to add then there should be a piccie tomorrow.  So, I've just got a social network course to attend, the craft fair to get ready for and the packing to do before Sunday evening...no pressure at all.

Soon be...

....Valentines Day ;o).  I've been sat making these gorgeous dainty hearts over the Christmas period.  They've been very calming.  Yesterday I spent the evening sorting out the paperwork for the craft fairs and for various craft associations I'm hoping to join.  I've popped a little Craft Fair list on the left hand sidebar...it would be lovely to see you there if you're in the neighbourhood.

Off to pop the hearts in the shop now.  Hope everyone has a lovely New Year's Eve, however your celebrating (or not).  Here's to a good 2012  :o).

Slowing down?

How about you?  Are you still on the mad rush ready for the big day or are you all ready?

I'm definitely on the mad rush as there is also a birthday in the house tomorrow, but, I think I'm nearly there with everything else Christmas-y.  Last minute orders being prepared (piccie up there) and new packaging being looked at.  Also, big news for me, is my first craft fairs for next year have just been confirmed.   That means I've got to crack on with the soap making as the first one is in 6 weeks time!!!!

Variety is the spice of life

More soap orders going out.

Samples dropped off at potential buyers.

My first Craft fairs booked for next year.

Another card made which I'll finish and show you later.

A give-away planned for next week with another wonderful crafter on her blog.

A new blog button over on the right hand side there.

Blimey it's been a busy few weeks.  Hope everyone else is busy too :o).