Showing posts with label Peak District. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Peak District. Show all posts

Friday, 12 February 2016

New Facebook Page

Hi all,

Just a quick post to tell you that our good friend Shelagh runs Craft and Gift Fairs and Events at the Bakewell Town Hall in Bakewell, Derbyshire and she has just opened a Facebook Page about it. Posts include event dates and times, as well as who is attending, directions, photographs and products and all kinds of things. David (with his RNLI charity stall) and I regularly attend her fairs as they are so well organised, delivered and attended by the public. Stall holders have some fabulous items including crafts and gifts, art work, photography, textiles of many kinds, jewellery, candles, outdoor ornaments, glass art and many other things. Please pop on over if you get a second and leave a comment or a Like.

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

Tuesday, 2 February 2016

Chatsworth House and More

Good afternoon folks,

As promised in my last blog, I have made the 'made to order' order of Chatsworth House in Freehand Machine Embroidery and it has been packed very carefully and posted off on it's 16 hours flight to Birmingham, AL, USA :)

Here is it:

Click to Enlarge

It took what seemed like FOREVER to make, as I guess you'd expect (!) yet I loved every single minute of it. It has multiple layers giving a slight 3D effect, and made using subtle colours so that the main 'bit' pops - namely the house itself (complete with gold window frames!) It is in a 20cm x 30cm white frame and can stand or be hung. I hope my client loves it as much as I do.

The windows were fun to do

Here's a little shot of the making-of process:

Looks quite simple really...

The funny thing about this was that the evening I had finished it, and flopped on the sofa with a well earned cuppa, a program came on the TV about Chatsworth House and I had to turn it off - I couldn't look at the house any more! I had been 'Chatsworthed' out... ;)

And sew, sorry so onto my other items:


These are my latest design of Freehand Machine Embroidery iPad Air and iPad Air 2 cases, but this time, I have added a little pocket on the back to hold earphones.

I have a Kindle case and it has no pocket, so my earphones get stuffed in the pouch with the Kindle and it's not very good. At least with these cases, there's no chance of scratching or marking your devise.




They all have pretty interiors too. At my last fair I discovered that people will buy tablet cases for other devises and tablets even if they are a little too big - so that's an advantage I guess.

Next up:


Another batch of my Carrier Bag Key Rings after the last load went to quickly. The resounding noise was "oooh!" at the last fair when people discovered what they were. However one lady said they must contain very small carrier bags, but I showed her they are in fact full sized carrier bags, just flattened, folded and rolled. I still think they are brilliant! You always have your keys so you always have a bag. Simples.

And next:


Yep, another Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop in Freehand Machine Embroidery, ready for my stall at the my next fair. This is piece number 4 and while ever there is a demand for them, I will keep on making! I simply love these and while they take a long time to make, I enjoy doing so.

The penultimate for today:


Another re-do due to good sales and popularity - these are Rice and Lavender filled Hand Warmers. They are an ideal item for this time of the year and they smell delicious. As well as the rice, they contained French Lavender Heads, from Provence no less. My work room smells heavenly when I am making these... You just pop them in the microwave and then you have cold hands (or ears!) no more. Lovely.

Finally:


I showed you one of these last blog and so now I have made a few more, here they are. These are really fun and cute and yet are practical at the same time. I have several other styles lined up for these so watch this space.

So that's all for today, what do you think? Please let me know, I'd love to hear your thoughts and share this blog if you like.

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2016

Wednesday, 16 September 2015

Too Early for Chrismas???

Afternoon everyone,

Yes, I am sure most of you are saying, it IS too early to be thinking of Christmas, but in the business world, it started months ago. In my business world it has just started. In my personal world, forget it! At least until the start of November.

However, I have had to start on the Christmas lines because I when I am exhibiting at fairs, most of my customers will see me only once before the big day, so I need to hit them with the stuff! I have a few things already made but I wanted to show you this:




This is Mini Burlap or Linen Christmas Bunting and I think that explains a lot (!) but I will add that it is made using really soft material that I have secured then frayed and adorned with cut little Christmas 'emblems' shall we say? The bunting can be hung anywhere, but would look really cute on a mantle piece or shelving unit. It is approximately 3' 6" long and has 12 flags.

So far I have made three sets and I will be taking them to my next fair - details coming soon.

Also on the Christmas theme, I was thinking parties and so have revived a line from the past:




These sold quite quickly the last time I made them and so I will make quite a few, Chalk Board Coasters. They are incredibly handy when entertaining as you simply write your guest's name on the coaster, so their drink doesn't become confused with somebody elses. They are also good for labelling food items that may be on the buffet, like nuts and sweets, so they are versatile and cute too!

Again I will be taking these to my next fairs and we'll see what happens.

This weekend I am going with my husband to the Bakewell Town Hall as there is a craft & gift fair on from Saturday to Monday, and he sells items donated to him to raise funds for the RNLI (Royal National Lifeboat Institution). He asks for and people very kindly donate unwanted goods including ornaments, vintage glass wears, jewellery, wood items, antique items and silver wears and he sells them at prices much lower then in a retail shop, making it that the people who donate the items are giving to a great cause, and the consumers are gaining an actual physical item for giving to a charity. It's a win-win situation! On Monday there is a cafe in the hall too which is in aid of the Goboka Rwanda Trust, and over the three days there will be an interesting array of crafts-people displaying, talking about and selling their goods. Also on Monday, it is Market Day in the town and there is always a great atmosphere. So, if you want to start early with your Christmas shopping, you know where to come!

That's all for now, thank you for reading, either pass this on or leave me a comment. Thank you.

Julie. :)

(C) FMN Crafts 2015

Tuesday, 1 September 2015

Latest News

Hello all, long time no blog...hope you're all well.

It has been a busy summer - mainly working in the garden with renovations - but I have still been making and doing craft fairs. Here are a few of my latest items for you to view:


A lady ordered this through my Etsy site, she rescues Warren Chickens and wanted an iPhone 6 case that represents this, so I came up with this. As I don't have an iPhone 6, I looked up the measurements and made a dummy phone from card so I know it'll fit - as I do for all orders of mobile cases. What do you think? Well, in actual fact I made this one first:


Which is also very cute I think! But I damaged the zip right in the last stages of making (grr) so I had to start again. As I spend so long on the design and making detail, I needed to make a new design as I just couldn't spend another 2 days on the same one!

Theses cases, like all of the ones I make are padded to protect the phones, they have white canvas interiors and a pop of colour in the zips. Even though these are made to measure for mobiles, they could also be purses or pouches. Don't you just love the details? Click on the photos for larger sizes.

While I was at it, I made this one for my craft stall, in a design that my husband came up with. What do you think to this?


This is also an iPhone 6 case (as I know many people have iPhones now) and I just love the colours in this. Again, it took just about 2 days to make but I really, REALLY like them! Plus, it fits well with this being the 70th year since World War 2 ended.

Next up:


This is the second in the line of Vintage Materials and Doilies Sling Bags that I have designed and made, which sold the first time I put them out at a fair! The materials are so good and I simply love the doilies, which come from numerous charity shops. I make the straps 60" long so that they can be knotted into any position the owner likes, i.e. cross the body or as a shoulder bag of various lengths, I line them, add magnetic snaps to close and include two large internal pockets. So, not only do they look cute, they're practical! And, as they both sold the first time they were put out, I have to take that as a sign, I will make more...

Here is an order that was placed by a lovely lady at my fair yesterday in Bakewell:


She was looking at my Flat Based Make Up Bags and the Tissue Packs and really liked them, but she wanted them in matching materials and the bag to have an oilcloth lining, or at least wipe-out-able (new word). So she chose the materials, placed the order and I got cracking today. I am very pleased with how thay have turned out and I have made matching sets before - time to make more me thinks... These are packed up nicely and are ready to be posted in the morning. Isn't the material just great?! So funky.

And finally for today:


Well, it's called Creature (until I think of a better name, answers on a post card please) and he/she (?) happened quite late at night. Not that I couldn't see and that's why it came out wonkey - that was intentional! It's just that sometimes things come to mind and I simply have to go and make it right away. Look at 'it's' eyes! So cute and curious. My friend Jayne, who makes fantastic cards, said they would make cute items for small children or even babies to hold, so I could make them child friendly and promote as this... What I am going to do though is make a set or a family and see where the creativity takes me, so watch this space!

Ok, that's all for today, I'll try not to leave it too long before I blog again but in the meantime, take care and thanks for reading. If you like, please leave a comment or visit my Facebook page.

Julie.

P.S. I have just started knitting... hehe. :)

(C) FMN Crafts 2015.

Saturday, 16 May 2015

Three New Items...

Hello all,

Just a small post today to show you my latest makes, so first up:


These are men's (or not) hard wearing wallets, made from fab upholstery materials. I made some of these a while ago and they all sold well; I know of at least two people who really like this style of wallet saying they are not only durable but fit well in a jacket or trouser pocket without the bulk of a usual wallet.

They have a lining which contains four pockets for cards, which can actually hold eight and at the back there is a notes slot. They are really soft to the touch too, quite tactile it seems...

Next up:


I saw this material and knew right away that I had to make bags from it! This is a small laminated cotton bag that can be used for all kinds of things, but mostly it can be used as a lunch bag (as in the pic) or as a children's bag for books, toys or otherwise... 

And finally:


This is a freehand machine embroidery flowers, denim and cream throw cushion that I simply love! I made one similar a while ago and that sold quite quickly and so today I finally got around to making another. This is 16" square and has an envelope back. What do you think?

Finally for today a quick reminder of the Antiques, Craft & Gift Fair I am attending tomorrow at the Ashford-In-The-Water Memorial Hall, near Bakewell. If you fancy a day out, please come along, entry is free, there are refreshments and fabulous stalls and the surrounding area is just a beautiful part of the Peak District. Doors open at 10.00am.

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2015

Friday, 15 May 2015

Ashford-In-The-Water

Evening all,

Just a short blog to let you know of a new fair I will be attending on Sunday (new to me) at Ashford-In-The -Water.

The fair is an Antique, Gift and Craft Fair in the Ashford-In-The-Water Village Memorial Hall, a village close to Bakewell, where there is free admission, refreshments and fabulous stalls peddling their wares including jewellery, fine antiques, home wares, creative artworks, beeswax products, wood items, cards, textiles and much more.

Advertisments have been made through social media as well as posters & banners in all the local areas, leaflets in all the surrounding antique shops and leaflet drops at all the other craft and antique fairs attended, so it's sure to be a busy affair! Spread the word if you can...

Doors open 10.00 - 4.30pm.



See you there!

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

Thursday, 30 April 2015

New Items and a Giddy Moment...

Hi all,

For today's post I would like to show you a few new items (there's never a dull moment here), first up is a small batch of Freehand Machine Embroidery Cards that I took to the fair last weekend:


Whenever I put these out at the fairs they go almost straight away (which of course is good!) but I can pretty much guarantee I will not go home with many... Those of you who are eagle-eyed will notice there are some similarities to ones I have made before, but you may also notice there are some slight changes in style and colours materials/used, due to natural evolution of skills and experience in making items...

The next thing to show you are these:


These are really cute little Linen Coin Purses! They have two different sides to each purse, a cute little zip and a cream lining and a snazzy little string pull. Even though they are really small, they pack a punch in the content they hold! These will be going out at my next fair.

And my third items today:


My Freehand Machine Embroidery Denim and Firm Linen Purses. These are slightly different to the ones I made last time in that they have a different front to their back, so it makes them even more interesting. I love the little birds design and the materials are so hard wearing, adding to durability. They look cute too and you can get LOADS in them. I made one a while ago for myself and boy, does it take some abuse! I am not a pretty handbag type of girl - in that the exterior will be lovely, but inside? Jeez. My Mum often comments on the amount of unnecessary stuff items I carry in my bag and asks how it all fits, so my purse does get bashed around a bit, but it still looks like new :)

And finally for today, I tweeted about my Freehand Machine Embroidery Bakewell Pudding Shop framed piece of art recently and the Bakewell Pudding Shop themselves picked it up; here's a screen shot:


Teehee! I was made up! I am so proud...

And on that note, I'll sign off, until the next time :D

Julie.
(C) FMN Crafts 2015

Friday, 24 April 2015

Final Post This Week: Bakewell and New Items

Evening all,

For the last post of this week I would like to show you a couple of things, but before that details of my fair as mentioned in the earlier post.

I am at the Bakewell Town Hall tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 4.30pm for a Craft and Gift Fair, organised by Dawn of Craftwise Art and Craft Markets.

The Craftwise Art & Craft Markets have been held regularly in Bakewell Town Hall since 2002, they are held in the downstairs room and admission is free.

There are a range of quality gifts available including handmade cards, knitted baby clothes, wrapped gifts, fabric crafts, a variety of different styles of jewellery, art work, photography and others - it sure is a great fair to visit and I for one am looking forward to it.


OK, so just a couple of things to show you that i have managed to make before tomorrow, firstly these:

 
You will recognise the new style rabbit from the previous post but I have also tweaked some of the others, either in design or materials used. These are part of my selection of Freehand Machine Embroidery Cards which I think are little pieces of art in themselves.





Plus, they can be framed after standing on the shelf or fireplace and hung on a wall :)

And finally for the week, this:


This is a Freehand Machine Embroidery Bunting Door Stop. It is made using sturdy denim and hard wearing linen, it has a webbing strap handle and is decorated in cute little bunting pieces. It is filled with sand, stones and padding and holds open a door just as it should. I like this. :D 

Click to enlarge

As you would expect, this will be going with me the the fair tomorrow.

If you feel like a day out, please go to Bakewell in the lovely Peak District, it is a fabulous little town that has all you need - including our craft fair! You will not be disappointed. 

Thank you for reading, please leave a comment if you wish.

Julie.
(C) FMN Crafts 2015

Tuesday, 14 April 2015

Fab New Items

Evening all,

Just one little post today, to show you these:


This is my first batch of three Mixed Linen Patchwork Cosmetic Cases.

David and I went to Bakewell yesterday on a day trip (can't seem to get enough of the place!) and on the market, we came across a stall run by a lovely lady named Sue, who runs a business called Wonkey Donkey Bazaar. She has a fabulous collection of all things crafty including the gorgeous new linens you see above (the cream based ones). As soon as I saw them, I knew I had to have a load of them! 


These cases measure a generous 7.5 inches wide by 5.5 inches tall and are roomy enough for all types of cosmetics and toiletries. They have pretty embellishments, fabulous red zips and are lined in complimentary cream cotton. They also have fancy stitching and just look at the buttons! Even though I made these myself, I must say, I love them!









 

What do you think? We are in Bakewell again next Monday exhibiting in the Town Hall so I will be taking these with me - details of that and more later.

Thanks for reading, please leave a comment below if you wish, or Like me on Facebook.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2015

Sunday, 5 April 2015

Craft Fair

Well actually these details came a little later than expected...sorry about that.

The Crafts, Gifts and Food Fair has it's final day for the Easter break at the Bakewell Town Hall, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1BT tomorrow, Monday 6th April 2015.

There are some fabulous stalls there, including textile creations - all owner designed and hand made, local beautiful photography and that of further afield, unusual and impressive hand made jewellery, a chocolatier with some truly yummy goods, my husband's charity stall raising funds for the RNLI and many more.

It is market day on Monday's in Bakewell so there is something for everyone and as it's a Bank Holiday it will be lively! A great atmosphere no doubt.

Doors open at 10am, if you don't know where it is once you have arrived in Bakewell, just look for the signs that say 'Follow the Sheep!" And don't worry, there is PLENTY of parking available and if you'd prefer, you can walk, cycle or bus it in. There are no excuses...

So, see you tomorrow!

Oh, and if you mention this blog, I'll give you 10% off any order over £10 :)

PASS IT ON!

Julie.

Monday, 30 March 2015

Bakewell and New Makes

Hello all,

Just a short post today to say I had a really fun weekend in Bakewell, and to show you what I made today.

At Bakewell it rained a lot but the people still came out and it was great to meet with friends and make some new ones. I sold quite a few things, including my Headstone Viaduct Freehand Machine Embroidery Picture I made a few weeks ago:


A really lovely couple with a tiny baby in arms came to the stall, fell in love with it and bought it without much hesitation. I was so very pleased - not just for myself but for them; I simply love this piece of art and the techniques used and I could tell right away they felt the same. They have already sent a message saying it looks great on their wall, so I am even more excited about it. :)

Because I have sold quite a few things at recent fairs and online, I seem to have been non-stop in the workshop over the past few weeks and so today, I was back in there making these:


Small Freehand Machine Embroidery VW Camper Van Cushions.

I LOVE camper vans, especially pre 1967 split screen camper vans. In my opinion, these vans have a greater style than those of later dates but of course, this is just my opinion! I made a 'green theme' one recently that sold only on it's second day out and I have had many comments regarding them, so I thought I would make a few more.

These two in blues and pinks were fun to make and I am really chuffed how they turned out. I gained some new materials a few weeks ago and they work great for these vans so expect more... They are a really cute size and pack a punch at 12" square, they would also fit in many places of your home - or make great gifts!



What do you think?

I will be back in there again tomorrow as this coming weekend will be a busy one - I am in Bakewell for 4 days, Friday to Sunday so that will be fun! With it being Easter weekend, I am expecting lots of people coming through the door. If you fancy a day out, please come to the Bakewell Town Hall to visit the fabulous stalls peddling their wares. Doors open at 10am each day and if you don't know where it is, you will see signs for the fair all over Bakewell that say 'Follow The Sheep'. Can't miss them...

Thank you for reading, leave a comment if you like below or visit my Facebook page for more. 

Julie.
(c) FMN Crafts 2015