Other Forget-Me-Not Businesses

Hi all,

Just a quick one, I wanted to point you in the direction of my other businesses, still linked in with the Forget-Me-Not name:

Forget-Me-Not Miniatures

and

Forget-Me-Not Mini Food

The first is the business my husband David and I run, where we make and supply 1/12th scale dolls house collectable furniture and accessories and the second is the business I run, which is 1/12th and 1/24th scale dolls house miniature food.

And of course, don't forget (Get it? That's why we chose forget-me-not, so people don't forget...)

Forget-Me-Not Crafts

which is my own business, for real sized people!

Please click on the links and take a look...thank you for reading, Like me if you like, or share or leave a comment. :)

Julie.

Shh, it's a secret

Evening all,

This post has to be kept quiet as this item is for my step-son and daughter in law...sshhh. They are expecting their second little girl in about a week's time (eek!) and I thought they would appreciate the item below. I don't think they follow my blog so on this occasion, I'm quite glad!

Here it is:

 

Does it look like a Messenger Bag? Well it is, but with added benefits. I have named it a Person to Pushchair Nappy Bag. Oh yes indeed. Meaning you put all the items you need for nappy changing, on a day out with baby, into the bag and place it over the arm of the pushchair - or over the body of the parent/carer. But it gets better...

As you will see from the picture below, it attaches to the pushchair in a way that prevents it from swinging around and hitting your legs while you walk. The straps are velcro so can easily be attached and detached as needed. (I haven't got a pushchair to show how it works, but I think you'll get the gist...) and then, if you need to take the bag with you, it slings over your body as a stylish messenger bag. :D

 

Now, I can't take credit for the idea on this item, I saw it over at makeit-loveit and did just that - but of course I made a few alterations to suit.

I also made a little nappy holder to go with it:

Cute huh? You can just take out the nappy bag (which actually has baby wipes and talc inside in the photo) and use when you need, or drop into a different bag as and when. The possibilities are endless! 

I have put a few bits and bob inside too to get them started and there is PLENTY of room for much more inside. The outside cloth is really thick and sturdy and I made the inside with oilcloth - easy for moping up spills...

So, what do you think? Do you like it? My husband was very pleased and I like it too - I hope they do!

Drop me a comment, or 'Like' me on Facebook, or Share me please :) I'd love your feedback.

Take care, thank you for reading, until the next time,

Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013

Button Bracelets and Veg Half Apron...

Good evening all,

Today I have been working on these:

And this:

 

Yep, TOTALLY different projects!

Firstly, the button bracelets. I had made quite a few before but I sold out (all but one) at the fair on Saturday, Sunday and Monday at The Matlock Bath Craft & Gift Fair and so I made some more. There's only 6 complete at the moment until I get some more buttons! There was actually a lady who visited my stall on Sunday who said she had a lot of buttons she didn't need anymore and asked if I would like them - the words 'snap her hand off' came to mind! She took a card and said she'd contact me - I hope she follows through...

Secondly, the half apron in vegetable print. The idea came to me whilst making the button bracelets. I HAVE NO IDEA WHY. I have had the material, made by Charlotte Ramel for Ikea for ages and only ever thought about making vegetable bags with it. But, as they prefer thicker and darker bags I thought it wouldn't do, so it sat on the shelf. But today - boom - it just came to me. I quickly got my pad out, sketched and measured and planned and sewed and it was done. It's finished size is 20" at the top, 22" at the bottom and 19" long and I think it's really cute! Every home should have a pinny and I think this would bring a smile to any cake making session. :)

Anyway, just going to pop them on Etsy so thanks for reading and see you soon.

If you fancy sharing or Liking, please do.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Matlock Bath Old Methodist Church Craft & Gift Fair

Evening all,

So, it's gone 1am and I am STILL up, having spent today unloading, sorting, stock taking and generally working my butt off post-fair to get the workroom and house back in order, after the build up and exhibition at an 'All Things Bright and Beautiful' event in Matlock Bath, Derbyshire. The event was a 3 day Easter Bank holiday affair and I exhibited some of my wares and sold a few - I am cream-crackered but had a really good time.

Part of my stall, my stall close up, one of the many advertising signs outside, people coming in during setting up

 The venue has been, to quote Joolz the organiser/owner, " a four year labour of love" renovating the old Methodist Church and they have done an amazing job. I remember it years ago when it was a furniture shop and it was full to the brim. It was so dark and dingy it was a pleasure to get out, but now, as you can see from the pictures, it is light and airy and a great space for exhibitions. My favourite part is the original wood floor. Nathan, husband to Joolz, said it took 200 man-hours to get it looking so good. Wow.

I was really pleased to get some interest in my goods and although mornings seemed to be 'slow' for me, I sold quite a few things in the afternoons including all but one of my button bracelets, tissue holders, hand warmers, various make-up bags, wrist 'go-bags', totes and Easter baskets, so I was very pleased. I was stood next to 'Dad's Bees' who sell lots of products which all contain honey produced by their family's bees in Chesterfield. Although they don't have a website at present, you can see their fabulous food hygiene rating of five info here. We had quite a few laughs with Linda and Paul throughout the day, and I was very pleased that my husband could spare time helping me load and unload and sell a few things, especially as he was exhibiting at Kettering at a Dolls House and Miniatures Fair on the Sunday. I have learned lessons and can't wait to go back again. The fairs are on each weekend right through to the end of October, including the time of the Matlock Illuminations, so if you get chance, please pop along and spend a bit with the stall-holders.

Also, I would like to mention a button I have just placed on the blog regarding pillow case dresses, made for girls in poorer parts of the world. I won't say much more right now, only that you need to click the button and see what a great idea it is. An America charity put an article in a magazine entitled 'Dress a Girl Around the World' and has since gained a UK Partner in Louise of SewScrumptious. Fabulous!

Anyway, I MUST go to bed now, thanks for reading and if you like, 'Like me on Facebook, leave a comment here, share me with your friends or leave me a message on Twitter.

Until the next time...
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Large Shopping Bag and an Extra Surprise!

Good evening all,

I won't waste no time here, so how about this for a shopping bag?

I designed and made this is a large shopping bag / tote, measuring 17" x 15" x 6" across the base, from a really pretty, yet sturdy curtain material. I have always loved the heavier duty materials and have seen a few bags floating around the high street and thought, hey, I can do that! So I did.

My priorities were:
1) Large with flat base
2) Long lasting
3) Pretty yet sturdy.

The power of three prevails.

But I also wanted:
1) Great looking material
2) Lining
3) Metal magnetic snap.

So I got it!

But then, as I am obviously greedy, I also wanted this:

A matching purse! I just couldn't resist and it only took about an hour to make, so I was really pleased. In fact, there was so much material I have made three sets so far... *Insert smug face*

So, they are both lined with a complimentary cream cotton material, the bag has long straps so that it sits comfortably on the shoulder but can also be held at arms length, the bag has a magnetic metal snap closing and the purse has a zip and handy key split ring. Grab some cash, attach your key, throw in the bag and off you go! Shop till you drop (you'll drop before the bag does!).

Does this sound like a really cheesy commercial? Sorry, even though I say it myself, I just love these, they made up much better than I anticipated and I want to share. :) I will be putting on Etsy soon, although...

...on Saturday I am off to the Craft and Gift Fair at the Old Methodist Church, Matlock Bath, Derbyshire and I am REALLY looking forward to it! (So I'll be taking them there.) It's my first time there and the venue looks great. With it being a bank holiday weekend and it being Matlock Bath there is sure to be huge footfall - I just hope I get some interest and sell a few things. It's a three day event so I'm packing in the comfy shoes! I'll let you know how it goes...

If you like this article, leave a comment please. Or Like me on Facebook and share with your friends.

Take care,
Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013

Peak District and Patchwork Wrist Go Bags

Hello all, hope you are having a good weekend.

We are just back from a truly wonderful week in the beautiful Peak District, at a farm called Monks Retreat. The owners still run the farm and they have made a fantastic job of a barn conversion, making three holiday cottages from it. They are in Millers Dale, which is close to Buxton and we regard these cottages as a home from home - we have been at least four times now and will, God willing, go back again.

We had a mixed week of weather, from rain to snow to sun to frost, we walked around 30 miles in total and we loved every minute of it. During the time of the snow, we walked through the open tunnels on the Monsal Trail and they were full of icicles. They were huge! And falling... and scary. But, we still loved it!

And so now, we are back to the real word and back to the sewing machine - I must confess, I missed it! I wouldn't have thought it possible, but as soon as I got sewing again, it was such a good feeling. Sad? Maybe! But hey-ho.

So this is what I have just finished making, Pink and Blue Patchwork Wrist Go Bags. I actually started them a couple of days before we went away hoping to finish them in time, but it wasn't to be, so I have finished them today. I have made them before, after quite a lot of planning and mistake making (!) and they are designed to grab and go. There are three pockets inside for store/credit cards, your mobile and a chap stick or lipstick, then the main pocket for a few tissues or a coin purse, or a snack bar - whatever you like! This time, as they are a little easier to make now (practice I guess) I made six. They are for those times when you need to take your essentials with you, but don't really need a full bag of stuff, like the school run or a run to the shops. These were designed through necessity.. ;) The handle is easy to grab and hold safely over the wrist, and the key fob is ideal for your front door key. Perfect!

  

As I was making them, I took a few pictures and I have collated them here:

They sure were fun to make! See them on my Etsy shop soon...

For now, I'm off to eat a wonderful Sunday dinner my husband has made for us and relax into the evening...back to work tomorrow!

Have a good week, leave a comment if you like, 'Like' me if you like and share if you like too!

Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013

Wollaton Park Community Hall Fair

Evening all,

Today I want to share with you a few pictures from the craft and gift fair I attended today in my home town of Nottingham. In fact, the fair was so close to where I live, I could have walked there had it not been for the amount of stock I needed to take. It was an OK day, I made some sales, I got a lot of interest and my name is out there even more. Oh, and I made some new friends, so all is good. :)

The pics:

My Craft Stall at the start of the day

One end showing a lot of toiletry bags, totes, purses and chalk boards

The other end showing cross-stitches, necklaces and hand made cards etc

My mini cross-stitch initials and signs of the Zodiac

My Mother's Day Specials! Beautiful rose tins full of goodies she'll love

My hand made cards, only £2 each!

A good view of the bags

And a good view of the hall during set up

When I first got there, there were one or two stall holders already setting up, so I got stuck in and found I was about the last to be ready. Then, at the end of the fair, I was the last to leave! Did they just scoop their items into bags?!

The stall was made of two different sized tables so I had to change my stall around to how I planned, but I think it still looked lovely. I made some sales that I was surprised and pleased at, so more of them to make to re-stock and it's onto the next fair! Thanks to all those who came, thanks to the organisers of this fair and thanks for reading this blog. Please leave a comment if you wish, I'd love to hear from you and share if you wish too.

Thank you, I'm off to bed - cream crackered!
Julie.