Nonnie

I love new books!

I've been picking this book up in Waterstones for weeks now trying to decide whether I really needed it. How silly! Of course I need it and anyway, does it really matter if I need it. I wanted it! It is full of really great inspiration. Lots of lovely fresh pictures and clear instructions as well as templates and patterns at the back of the book. It's the kind of book where I'm not going to sit and faithfully follow the instructions of each, but take some of the ideas and adapt them to my own style. I've already got lots of new ideas buzzing in my head.

Just look at this gorgeous scarf. I really am going to have to find some time to learn to crochet. Actually there are instructions in the back of the book so perhaps I'll give it a go.

And I love this cuttlery roll. Ideal for summer picknicks or eating in the garden.

After my experience at the fair last week I definitely feel more inspired than ever and have started to re-vamp my etsy shop this week. I opened my etsy shop last year, way before I discovered blogs, and I have to be honest that I didn't have any success with it. I'm not sure whether it was my pricing that was wrong, or my photographs that weren't right, or perhaps just what I was selling. But I've decided that now I feel so much more experienced in what I'm doing, it's time to give it another go. I've only got a few things in there at the moment but I'm off work on Tuesday and Wednesday next week so hope to have time to upload more items.

We're off sailing again this evening but not on our little boat. Don't tell George the Bear but we're abandoning 'Merit' for a 43 foot long yacht complete with 3 sleeping cabins, 2 toilets, proper kitchen, a saloon and decent headroom. No, we haven't won the lottery, we're lucky enough to have been invited by a friend of Georges who belongs the same yacht club. George is used to sailing on this type of yacht as well as our dear little Merit, but he is concerned that after this weekend I will get used to the life of comfort when sailing and will refuse to go on Merit again! He might be right!

I hope you all have a lovely Bank Holiday weekend wherever you are and whatever you're doing. x

A bit like a tourist

Around half five last night George called me to see if I felt like going out for something to eat after work. Not the kind of girl to turn down an offer like that, I left the office and headed east to his office, battling through the crowds leaving the Chelsea Flower Show. He works just a stones throw from The Tower of London, so we headed in that direction and along the rivers edge towards Tower Bridge.

It was a lovely warm evening so we carried on into St Katherine's Dock which was looking very lovely in the early evening sunshine. We drooled over some of the yachts but as true sailors, laughed at some of the ugly motor boats. I loved these old barges.

We enjoyed a drink in a pub next to the dock then headed back up onto Tower Bridge to cross over to the south bank. The sun was getting low and the sky looked so pretty, especially with some of the City buildings silhoutted against it. You can just about see St Pauls dome in the centre of the picture.

George got very creative and told me to take this same picture but with the bridge as a surround.

I love this one of the old tower and brand new 'Gherkin' building. Makes a great contrast.

After our little walk we headed into a 'Cafe Rouge' for 'Moules frites' (George) and Steak frites (me) all washed down with a chilled bottle of Muscadet. Yeah, I know white wine and steak isn't really the thing, but I prefer white wine in the summer and it went well with Georges Moules!

I love being a bit of a tourist sometimes and appreciating this amazing city we live in. We spend so much of our free time escaping to the sea or country and dreaming about our more rural future, that it's easy to forget what a beautiful city London is. Neither of us want to live here forever, infact we have a three year timescale, but while we are here, we might as well make the most of it. We definitely did that last night. x

All the fun of the fair!

Do I look like I'm enjoying myself? Really I hate pictures of myself but as this is the best overall view of the stall I thought I'd be daring and post this!

So I suppose you're all wondering how it went. Well it was fine, but I wish someone had mentioned earlier that it was the FA Cup final on Saturday! Not really the best day to choose for your first fair. The venue was lovely and it was in a good position right in the middle of the market square, and the organisers put up plenty of large signs to tempt people in, but when Mum arrived in the afternoon, she said she's never seen Stow so quiet on a Saturday afternoon.

So it was definitely a lot quieter than we would have liked and unfortunately those that came in were just not really buying. They were looking and admiring but as for actually getting their purses out... well it just didn't really happen. At least I didn't hear any of those 'well I could make that myself' comments. Infact, one girl that bought some of my cards said that she's always thinking she could make them herself and never does so was very happy to buy mine. And at least everyone was in the same boat. I reckon we all did about the same amount of selling.

So I covered my costs and made a bit extra which at the end of the day I was reasonably happy with. And although it wasn't quite what we were hoping for, it hasn't put me off. Infact, I feel a bit of a challenge coming on. The next one is going to be better! The best thing about the day was the support and inspiration I got from my lovely George. He wasn't going to come with me initially as Mum was going to help, but they were pretty busy with B&Bs so George decided to come. And it turns out he's a bit of a whizz when it comes to laying out stalls. I had everything set out while he was going to park the car, but as the day progressed he asked me if I minded him fiddling with the layout a bit. As it was so quiet I was more than happy for him to do so and I have to say he really improved the way it looked. Unfortunately all these pictures are from early in the morning so just show my layout. I really feel though that the sales I made late in the day were due to the tweaking he'd done. He was also a total superstar in supplying me with tea, going to buy lunch and generally keeping me amused in the very quiet moments. Even better is that he's now totally enthusiastic about the idea of future events and has started thinking about what props we can make and take to improve the layout.

Thank you my love for supporting me and being all round the best boyfriend in the World. Don't know what I'd do without you. x

So generally, despite not making a huge amount on the day, I feel it was a good fair and I definitely want to try another. It's given me more confidence in what I'm selling and lots of ideas for new things. Can't wait to book the next one!

Ready to go.

I just wanted to say a really quick thank you to everyone for your words of advise, encouragement and luck! When I've got more time last week I really will catch up on all my emails and comments and try to say a proper thank you to those of you that left comments on my last post. I feel much more confident about the whole thing knowing you're all thinking of me and now I've done a 'mock up' of the stall. Our kitchen table isn't quite as wide as the table I'll be using tomorrow but it's not far off so it gave me an idea of how it will be. The bunting will be hanging in front of the table rather than on the wall behind which is where is normally lives, but you get the idea. I'm pretty pleased with it overall. Fingers crossed it will appeal to some buyers tomorrow.

I'll be back with a full report on Monday. Hope you all have a lovely weekend whatever you're doing, and I hope that a certain person has a lovely weekend in their new home! x

I'm feeling nervous!

I'm really hoping that unlike me you can see a new banner at the top of the page featuring this pink rose, and that it looks ok! I can't seem to be able to see it despite the fact I've refreshed the page and turned the computer off and on. Anyway, if you can see it please let me know and hopefully it will appear to me soon! Isn't the rose a gorgeous colour. I took George out for dinner on Saturday night as it was his Birthday last Thursday, and I was given this as by the restaurant as we left. We decided that Saturday was his 'official Birthday' as he had a fairly horrid day at work on Thursday followed by a Council meeting in the evening. So on Saturday we had a day out together followed by a delicious Indian meal in the evening. I think it made up for Thursday.

I'm starting to feel a bit nervous now as my first craft fair looms on Saturday. My main worry is whether I have enough stock, or rather if the stock I have is all a bit to much the same. I can see myself up late tomorrow and Thursday making a few more things I think even though I told myself I wasn't going to as I wanted to clear some of my current stock before making more things. I have cushions, collages, painted coat hangers and handmade cards. I've also made the little felt napkin rings and lots of felt and fabric lavender bags, as well as a small amount of bunting, a couple of bags and a 'one off' pinny and some 'one off' cushions. Does that sound like enough? The problem is that I already have more stock than I can really store at home and would like to clear some of it. If the fair is a success then obviously I'll have more space to make more, but if it's a disaster, I don't want even more things taking up space. Not to mention the financial aspect of having money tied up in lots of cushions! But then perhaps I'll sell more if I have more of a selection? I would really appreciate any advise you seasoned fair goers could give. Not just on the stock issue, but anything else you think I should know. I've hired a table, have cloths to cover it, smart carrier bags, containers to display my products and a Mum and Dad who are going to help out during the day. I feel sure there is more I should be thinking about.

Sorry to go on. I'm sure I'm in a worry unnecessarily. It will probably fine, and if it's a disaster it's only one day so doesn't really matter. If any of you are in the area and feel like coming I would love to see you. It's on Saturday, from 10-4 in Stow-on-the-Wold in the heart of the Cotswolds. The hall is right in the very centre of the Market square so hopefully will be un-misable. I'm really hoping for a bit of sunshine to bring all those tourists and locals out and about. Wish me luck?

A Favourite Corner

I thought I'd share a tiny little corner of my home today. My bedside shelf to be precise. It's funny isn't it that when you take photos of where you live you really start to see it in a different way. You really see it. Looking at the photo above I like what I see but I do wonder if it is the bedside of a 35 year old woman or that of a child! We're contemplating moving at the moment and I do have a longing to create a slightly new look. Something a little more subdued and mature perhaps? But I do like my little bedside and the things that are sitting there. It's probably the real me. There's a very simple collage that I made as well as a card I made for George last Valentines. Sitting next to them is the sweet little Angel I bought from Carolyn last year and a gorgeous decorated box from my clever Sis. I must show you all what lives in that box one day. Another of her fabulous creations! Next to the box is a dear little china posy which I've written about before which used to belong to my Grandma. Finally there's my Crabtree and Evelyn rose handcream and a good old Cath Kidston spotty mug full of lovely tea. You'll also be able to spot my bed head which is covered with a lovely paisley eiderdown and another of Catherine's creations which is a gorgeous little bag embroidered with my initial. Above that is another of my heart collages.

All in all a nice bedside although I'm not so keen on the rest of the room. We live in a fairly modern and featureless rented place and I dream of a bit of character and curtains as the landlord has installed rather unattractive wood venetian blinds. I have a dream in my head of how our bedroom will look one day. You will of course see the results when it happens. I might add that George's side is not nearly so attractive. Piles of books and yachting magazines spilling over in a precarious manner are not my idea of a pretty corner of the home but it is his home as well as mine so I can't be too fussy!

Finally inspired

It was a lovely weekend of mixed activites, a bit of shopping, a bit of sailing, a bit of pottering and finally, a bit of creative inspiration.

We stayed in Kew on Saturday and it was just what we needed. Our weekends are generally a little busy so it was nice to not go very far. We caught up on a few jobs and generally lazed around. The best bit was having an indoor picnic in the living room while watching 'Swallows and Amazons' which was just a perfect way to spend the afternoon.

On Sunday we headed down to 'the country cottage' as we've now christened the boat. So it's not quite the size of a cottage but it does offer us our little bit of home away from home. It was actually too windy to sail so we just spent the afternoon pottering which was really lovely. George had a few jobs to do on deck so I cooked us our first proper meal. When I say cooked what I really mean is opened the packet and poured into the pan! Actually what we had was delicious. I discovered a company at the Country Living Fair called Look What We Found who do really lovely kind of packet ready meals. I never normally eat ready meals but for the boat these are fantastic. Definitely beats a tin of beans or soup! Basically they produce lovely easy to prepare dishes using small specialist producers. Rather than me going on, have a look at their website. Even as someone who really likes cooking properly from scratch, I think these are excellent for certain situations.

So on Sunday we sat in our little cabin eating steaming bowls of delicious mutton stew flavoured with rosemary and looking out at the beautiful little creek that is our second home. Bliss.

The pictures you'll see in this post are of the production line I started yesterday. I knew I had to start making a few new things for the fair but I've been struggling to get going. So on Saturday evening I sat with a few books to see if I could inspire myself, and these little napkin rings are the result. I spent a lot of yesterday quietly sitting hand sewing which was very relaxing and also very satisfying seeing the little pile building up next to me. I did actually need a bit of relaxing as we had some unexpected stress on Sunday evening.

After spending the day on the boat, we went for dinner with George's brother and girlfriend so headed off back up the A3 to Kew at about 9.30. We'd been driving about 15 minutes when it started to spit with rain so I flicked the wipers on. Something was clearly wrong as they dragged very slowly accross the screen. I tried all four settings and all were the same. It was at that moment that we also realised the headlights were not quite as bright as usual and within a matter of minutes they got dimmer and dimmer. I have to say that I am very glad to have such a sensible and level headed boyfriend. I don't mind admitting to you all that I did get into a bit of a panic. For those of you who don't know the A3, it is a very dark road, as, apart from in a few places there are no lights and the surrounding countryside is pretty dark. Driving along such a dark road with virtually no headlights is really quite frightening I can tell you and I started to get in a bit of a flap. I was convinced someone was going to come crashing into the back of us but there was no where to stop. Luckily George kept his head and kept me going until we reached a safe place to stop which luckily was a small service station. Unfortunately the garage was closed but there was a travel hotel and after waiting two hours for the AA to turn up, we checked in there for the night and told the AA not to bother coming until the morning.

So yesterday morning started with a drive, we weren't sure would end at home. Mr AA told us the alternator had gone and although the car started, it might not make it all the way to Kew. His parting words were to not use the lights or wipers unless we had to. Easier said than done on a very gloomy morning that threatened rain all the way from Petersfield to Kew. We kept our fingers crossed all the way! But we made it back. We celebrated with a delicious brunch of smoked mackerel and scrambled eggs and an afternoon of films and sewing.

So I'm feeling a little better about the fair. I need to make some more cushions and perhaps a couple of other bits and bobs. I think the fact that so many bloggers seem to have had fairly negative experiences at Craft Fairs, I feel I don't want to go too crazy with my preparations, or produce too much stock. It's difficult to get the balance right. We'll see.

You never know, if ladies don't want my little napkin rings, maybe little girls will like them as bracelets?! What do you think?

Hyacinths

This gorgeous bunch of hyacinths is sitting on the windowsill in our cloakroom at work and I couldn't resist taking their picture. I had to do it quick incase any of my colleagues caught me. I think they would think it was a little strange as non of them know about my blog!

The colour of them is stunning. A really intense blue. And the smell almost takes your breath away. I love hyacinths but would probably never buy the quantity we have here in the office. As well as this vase we also have another in the kitchen. They were originally all in a huge bowl in reception which looked gorgeous. But by my managers standards they've passed their best which is why they're relegated to the staff areas.

This weekend is looking like a mixture of sailing and sewing. We were hoping to sail tomorrow and Sunday but George has not been well this week so we'll perhaps put the sailing off until Sunday. We're also invited to a barbeque in Salisbury tomorrow but again, I think we'll see how he feels. I really need to spend some of the weekend doing some sewing and painting though as I have my first craft fair two weeks tomorrow and I'm totally unorganised. I have quite a bit of stock with Cherry which I have to find time to collect, and I have some more things at home, but I need to make more and give some more thought to how I'm going to set things up. I don't know why it is that I seem to be so behind with everything. Definitely not enough crafting or blogging been going on around here lately! I'm sure I'll get everything done though.

Hope you all have a lovely long(for those of you in the UK) weekend. xxx