Poppies...

Just a quick blog post to let you know that I've listed some organza poppy brooches over on my Folksy shop.

So if you fancy a handmade poppy this year head on over for a look.

http://www.bethany.folksy.com

£1 from each poppy sold will go to the British Legion

Lots to tell...

... I really am rubbish at keeping this blog up to date.

From now on I will try my very best to keep on top of it!

Well where do I start...

Back in July we went on an amazing holiday to France the weather was fab, the scenery beautiful and the wine too easy to drink! We spent two weeks chilling out and didn't want to return home. The time came though when we had to pack our bags and head back to rainy England.

On my return I was told that the part time job I had to support my own business was to close.

AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGG.

What do I do! I didn't want an office job I'd worked in a pub for 7 years so really didn't want to go back.

I had two options:

1. I search for a job that I would be happy with full or part time.

2. I really push my own business and see how it goes.

I wanted to go for option 2 but with a house to keep running etc there was a part of me that said I really shouldn't...

The searching continued but I wasn't getting anywhere.

The end on July was approaching, I only had 3 weeks left to find a job! Panic set in.

Whilst still searching a friend told me they had a space above their hair salon that was empty and would I like to have a look at it? Ok I thought know harm in looking...

Four weeks later I opened a shop!

Handmade by...

I sell my own jewellery and accessories as well as other handmade items.

It's brilliant, so glad I did it! Ok so I have quiet days and I don't really get days off but it's what I've always wanted to do and now I'm doing it!

I'm in Congleton, Cheshire. If you're in the area do pop in!

http://www.handmade-by.com/

Open Studios & Craft Fair

Victoria Mill Arts Centre is a brilliant new venture for Congleton.
The Mill has been open for a while now but with the climate how it was a few of the businesses within the mill unfortunatly had to go. Leaving three huge spaces to fill.

Stella from Colours & Crafts and Bob from Weavercraft framers (both businesses still in the mill) came up with the idea of creating a creative space for artists and crafts people to work.
From there the VMA was born! The mill now houses 17 artists in individual studios and has an amazing room upstairs for exhibitions, craft fairs and workshops.

The project is still in it's early stages but is showing great potentional.
Most of the mill is open to the public all the time but the studios by appointment only.
Once at month we have started to hold open days, the studios are open for the public to wonder round and there is a craft fair upstairs.

This months takes place next weekend, Sunday June 27th 11am - 4pm, and this time we are trying something new. We are having a craft buffet! Suitable for all ages, you can come along and be creative yourself.

As well as our open days the room upstairs is also avaliable to rent out for all sorts of different activities.

The mill is definitly worth a visit and with a cafe in there too you can come for a morning coffee or lunch.

If you are interested in any of the events at the mill why not get in touch.
If you go to the website the contact details are on there.

http://www.victoriamillartcentre.com

You can find us here:

Victoria Mill Arts Centre
Foundry Bank
Congleton
Cheshire
CW12 1EE

I've Shabby Blogged my blog!

I've been admiring various blog templates and backgrounds for a while but me being as dizzy as I am never realised that I could also have a fabulous blog background by clicking on the 'shabby blog' link in the top left of the blog page!
After getting rather excited about the idea of 'tarting' up my very plain blog I set out to explore the delights of Shabby Blogs.
Well I was like a kid in a sweet shop! Why had I not discovered this sooner!

I had a play around, and it's not quite finished yet but here is my new look blog, courtesy of ShabbyBlogs.com.

Where to find me...

I've got a few craft fairs coming up in May so thought I'd list them here.

If anyone's free and in the area please pop in and say hello!

Saturday May 15th: Astbury May Day, Astbury Village Hall, Nr. Congleton. 12.30pm-4.30pm

Wednesday May 19th: Marton Ladies Evening, Marton School, Marton, Nr. Congleton

Sunday May 23rd: Arts and Crafts at The Mill, Victoria Mill, Congleton. 11am-4pm

If you want to find me at any other time I have a studio in Victoria Mill, Congleton.

Address: Studio J

Victoria Mill Arts Centre,

Foundry Bank

Congleton

CW12 1EE

Recent work...

... Again I'm sorry it's been ages! Time just flies!!

In my last post I mentioned about a big wedding commission I'd been working on.

Well here it is...

Organza flower cake topper

Brides fascinator and birdcage

Above: Bridesmaids hair band

Below: Bridesmaids dress accessory

Brides bouquet close up

I added a brooch given to the bride as her something old and blue lace for her something blue.

Brides and Bridesmaids bouquet

As well as the above I made four button holes for the ladies of the wedding party and an earring and necklace set for the bridesmaid.

I had the most amazing time making these. It was a challenge but a really fun one! Loved every minute of it.

If you would like anymore information about commissions please do not hesitate to get in touch.

It's been far too long...

... I do apologise! It's been over a month since I've been here! So much has been happening the time has just flown by.

Where do I start...

Well I now have my own studio in an Arts Centre in Congleton. Very exciting stuff, it's only small but for what I need it for it's perfect! The launch was on Saturday night and was a great success.

Above are photos of my little studio and below are some shots from the launch exhibition...

Take a look at the Arts Centre Facebook Page . Here you'll find a link to the website and much more!

I took part in the Folksy Heart Swap for Valentines Day. I recieved a fab pin cushion heart from Monstermash . I'll post a photo asap!

I sent my heart to Sharon aka Bliss Knits , who kindly blogged about them...

http://blissknits13.blogspot.com

I've also been featured on the Folksy Weddings Blog. Under the 'Something' tab you'll find my something blue bracelets. Anna is doing an amazing job, this blog is just fab!

http://folksyweddings.blogspot.com

On Saturday I had my first craft fair of the year. It was a Vintage and Craft Fair in Didsbury. Brilliant do! An amazing mix of old and new. I met some lovely people and made a few contacts for some more fairs coming up. So i'll keep you posted of my where abouts!

As well as all this I've had a few wedding orders too.
I've done some flowers for a brides hair.

The Bride had her dress made for her so I used the same fabric to make the flowers.

Photography by www.3poppiesphotography.co.uk

I'm also working on a bit order for some fabric bouquets and a birdcage veil fascinator so i'll keep you updated with how that goes.

Right, I think that's everything! I need to make a big big effort to keep you all up to date now.

NEW YEAR SALE...

...Yup as promised I have 25% off selected items in both my Folksy shops. Including craft kits and button bracelets.

Oh and of course A HAPPY NEW YEAR to you all. Lets hope 2010 is a fabulous year for all things hand made.