Autonomous Artisans

A big thank you today goes to Rose of Felt Giraffe, who had the chutzpah of asking me yesterday if she could feature my Design-an-Apron Kit in a feature she was doing on Aprons for the blog Autonomous Artisans that she writes for. I know. The cheek of it. Free advertising? What was she thinking? And what on earth was I thinking by agreeing?
Thanks, Rose. Your article is fab and I am desparate to get my hands of one of the beautiful aprons by La Marquis des Anges

Loud and proud

I have been working long and hard at producing a new website and I'm finally proud to announce that it is ready to face the world.

I can take no credit for any of the technical aspect of the site. That honour goes to the fantastic Joanne from Poppy Design who has worked incredibly hard to come up with, what I'm sure you will agree, is a stunning site.

Whilst we are on the Oscar thanks, I obviously have to thank again my very talented friend Roz for her logo designs.

If you ever need any assistance in either building a site or having a great logo designed then look no further than these 2 people - they're your ladies.

Anyway, I'm keeping you. Go take a look for yourself.

Kicking and screaming

Yesterday I got dragged, kicking and screaming by Manda to go to the fabric shop with her. I know. I obviously didn't want to go. After all, what is one to purchase in a store like that? I did the best I could under the circumstances. I didn't want any of it, obviously. Certainly not the to die for linen in cool shades of off-white and duck egg blue. Certainly not the spotty fabric, perfect for the apron kits. Definitely not the tiny floral fabric, equally perfect for my cards and Personalised Pictures. AND as for the liberty prints. Who needs 'em?

The simple things in life

I don't see myself as high maintenance. As long as we are all well and happy. As long as I have time to play in my studio (actually I even let Ruby and Matthew play in there with me on Sunday). As long as I can get out for my runs. Honestly I don't need copious amounts of material goods (although I LOVE my new bracelet Matthew bought me for my birthday).

It's the simple things in life that I get so much pleasure from.


Like having a little tray of bread and jam and drinking tea out of my mug that my 7 year old so sweetly went out to buy for my birthday.

And the winner is...

...congrats to Hannah from Span's Stitchin', who was quick off the mark and became the 100th person to favourite me on Etsy. Thanks, Hannah. And thank you the rest of you who did too - just not quite as quickly as Hannah.

These cards are on their way to you... Can you guess which ones they are?

97, 98, 99...

Every now and then I check my Etsy 'Who Favourite's Me' and I was delighted to see today that 99 of you lovely people out there Favourite Me.

So in celebration of this up-and-coming milestone of 100 favourites, I am offering the lucky 100th person a random set of 4 my cards. So if you haven't already hearted me, now is your chance. Just click here.

A place for everything...

...and everything in its place.

My gorgeous attic studio had got a little bit out of hand to say the least. Over the Christmas silly season everything gets dumped and there is no time to make sure it is all away and sorted. I probably should have taken a before picture to show you quite how bad, but you'll just have to believe me on that one. Noone was allowed in - I was far too embarrassed for anyone to see what I slob I'd become. Right, Manda?

When work slowed down in the New Year I got on the case of sorting it out. This was no mean feat. Stock was left in all sorts of places. Fabric was thrown (gasp) any which way it can and it was generally a complete trash pit.

Stage 1 was to clear out the cardboard boxes of stock lying randomly all over the floor.

Stage 2 was to do a proper stock take and put it all away in an organised fashion.

Stage 3 was to pull down all the fabric piles and sort and put away properly.

Stage 4 was to clear the desks and file the paper work.

Stage 5 was to sit back and enjoy.

I am determind to not let it get as out of hand as it did. I am so lucky to have this amazing space to work in and even though I enjoy being up there under any circumstances, I am the first to admit this is now a pure slice of heaven.