A little rumble before the Christmas storm?

So the last week has been an interesting week.

After trying a couple of different networking techniques, my Facebook page has seen a surge of interest and I've had a surge of orders. From custom pieces, to items I've made for friends but never for the general public to just general sales and interest. I know much of this is to do with the big 'C' being just over the horizon, however, I can't believe it. Part one of the plan seems to be falling into place. Such a happy little bunny.

So if you have purchased something from me in the past couple of weeks (or at all for that matter) a huge thank you. Without your support I wouldn't be able to start turning a hobby into the dream job.

You are all...

's

(do you like the 's at the end there)

In fairness I don't have many photos to show you as I have been busy making and packing out just to ensure I keep up on orders. However I would like to share this with you. I've never tried making Chainmaille like this. I need to revisit a couple of the links to just smarten them up, however very autumnal don't you think? A lovely little seasonal bracelet. 

Available in my Folksy store - Autumnal Flower

Someone also asked me for some Stitch Markers too. Nothing fancy just something simple. The photo doesn't do much justice however they are quite cute I can assure you.

Stitch Markers

I have a list of things to craft and create, and I am part way through writing a cool post which will be going out later this week. Need to get it submitted over tomorrow - but I can't tell you more just yet :D

Over all this week has been a fun and prosperous one. Our Landlord has decided to sell out flat however that hasn't dampened my mood much. It will mean finding somewhere with higher rent, but hopefully more space... which means more crafting. Complete excellence if I do say so myself.

I will be nipping over to the Handmade Monday weekly to join in and see what other amazing things other lovely crafty people have been up to. If you haven't already... you really need to check it out.

P.S. If anyone is interested I am looking to host a Halloween swap and would love you all to join. If you are interested read my previous post or contact me on with_u_in_mind@hotmail.co.uk for more information.

Keyrings, bracelets, photos and one fast year

Time for another Handmade Monday... where did the week go? *checks under the bed, in the kitchen cupboards and under the stairs.* Nope it's not there. This week has been a busy week, though I don't actually have much to show for it. I simply haven't had time to take all the photos.I have spent most of the week updating photos of my Folksy items and thus I haven't had time to upload and polish the ones of the other makes from this week.  

Grave Find - A Skull Keyring/Bag Charm with Pumpkin, Bat and Bead extras

Tied in Knots - A leather thong Knotted bracelet

Wild Thing - Bag charm/Keyring

I have spent time working on some very simple black cushion covers to replace the rabbit chewed ones. I was going to just leave them all just plain and simple however I think I will have to stitch on a character or two just for variety. I will post pics once I have those sorted.

I have been pumping out Christmas decorations, getting ready for a fair come November. I didn't want to get caught out with one a couple of days to go and no stock to take. I always worry when I take items to fairs if I am carrying enough stock as it never looks much when I set up the table. I have been assured that less is more, however I am sure you have all viewed your displays from time to time and thought 'Hmmmmm...'

This year has gone so fast though. This time last year was a Friday and I was hours away from getting married on the Saturday morning. When I think about all the hours I stayed up cooking, cleaning and getting the decs up, then how little I remember of the actual day I wonder if it was worth all the money in the end. Not meant in a bad way of course :) I was flicking through the albums though and think maybe I should print them off and make a nice little album for them. I found an interesting looking tute on how to bind your own books so when I get 5 I think that will be project number 50,201 :D

Finally, when jumping from Christmas decs to cushion covers I kinda decided I wanted to host a Swap - A Halloween swap and was wondering who would be interested. Bloggers of the world, let me know. It should be fun :)

Working hard to get right

I have been neglecting my blog yet again this past couple of weeks. However, rather than laziness, this time I have had reason. I recently lost a dear member of my family - my cat Moomin. She passed away unexpectedly two weeks ago of a heart attack. As a result we needed to make a quick decision and opted to get a kitten to keep out 4 year of tom, Garfield company. So a lot of change all round. Excuse my indulgence - but this is Moomin and Garfield just chillin' (she's the black and white one btw lol).

And this is the little critter we got a week or so ago. The Tiny Terror known as Hera (yes she is a bitch like Zeus' wife too).

Whilst it has been as sad time I have kept myself busy with work and with crafting! Managed to start getting on top of my Folksy store and stock counting. Making up a few new plushie designs which I am looking forward to starting. So with change there comes determination! Oh and I got myself hooked on Twitter. So between Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest all I need is Google+ and YouTube and I'll have this busy covered on all social media forums :D

So here are a few of my recent make and creations (some of which are in my Folksy store LOL).

Swarovski crystals 

A glaring of Monsters

Don't forget it's Handmade Monday over at 1st Unique Gifts. If you haven't checked it out yet, you really need to!

Finally finished the Hoop

So recently I have decided that along with a few thousand other people that cross stitch, embroidery and felting looks just as good in a hoop as it does in a frame. I have spent so long recently trying to get things ready for the fair at the end of the month that it has taken me a ridiculous amount of time to complete this hoop. Shame on me as it has less than 8 colours in the legend. However, after what seems like forever, I finally finished my first Gargoyle. I got the pattern off a shop on Etsy. There are some fantastic designs on there. Might not be free but they are pleasure to stitch up!

My concern is the next one I have on the list is a HUGE Alice in Wonderland Hoop... little worried that that could take a VERY long time.

Anyways, it's Handmade Monday today which means I get to go and spend some much need rest and relaxation reading other peoples blogs. If you don't already follow the trend, you need to! Go and see what other people have been doing and offer your own work for the world to see.

Chainmaille me more

I cant believe it is nearly the end of January already. It only seems like yesterday I was taking down the decorations and getting upset that I would have to wait a whole year before they could come out again. I know I am not the only one, but I really wish there were more hours in the day. Never enough time! Much speed has this month taken.

Started my new '9-5' job today. Whilst I still despise the fact that I work for 'The Man' I must say this place seems quite nice. Everyone seems friendly enough, and hey, better still, I can't lone work until I finish my probation so I get every Sunday off. Which might not seem much but that means one day in the week I don't have to listen to hubby moaning about my crafty mess! Happy Days :)

I haven't had time to take many snaps over the past week (that might be attributed to the fact I broke a halogen light for my light box and burnt tiny holes all over the carpet. Clever me). However, here are a few snaps of some of my weeks creations. Getting back into the chainmaille in a big way, seems to be the in thing right now too. Due to that I figured I needed to balance things out with some more traditional pieces too ;)

Stainless steel and black rubber jump rings

Silver coated aluminium with painted clay beads

Glass and swarovski crystal mix

Earrings to go with the Necklace above

Glass and Turquoise mixed bracelet on elastic

If, like me, you are interested in what other people have been up to over the past week pop over to 1st unique gifts and join in with the Handmade Monday crowd!

Santa's Coming... soon...

Another busy week this week. Finishing off the ends of some custom orders took a little longer than I thought, but it was worth the time. I literally just had some good feedback on one of the pieces so I am hoping the only way is up. I've also been doing some research at local markets - getting ready for the new year, and hopefully to become a regular at some local events. It may be a very hard time out there, but I have a some faith left that the unusual will always bring interest. All in all, a productive, if slightly tiring week.

Here are some quick snaps of some of the pieces I have been working on. Just hope the recipients will like them.

 My Partner in Crime has been working on her sewing and painting skills over the past couple of weeks. Whilst I am still yet to get a snap of any of these items I can assure you it won't be long. I'm proud of her for jumping in at the deep end. New skills can sometimes be daunting.

Before I go off to wrap some prezzies I'm gonna head off to Handmade Monday to see the makes of the week from other talented people.

However, before I sign off... don't forget... SANTA IS HEADED THIS WAY!!!! WOO-HOO

Handmade Monday 44: let's hop to it.

Christmas is creeping closer, and my house looks messier. Seems to be the trend at the moment. I keep getting side tracked by the craft fairy that keeps knocking on my window. However, I can't be angry with her, she is after all a much more interesting fairy than the cleaning fairy. No offence little fairy people but it's true.

I have been going at it non-stop this week (crafting you filthy minded people ;) )

I have managed, after much talk and no action, to start up our Facebook Page. So I am still a little confused as to how it all works, but I figure what I don't know it I can learn. In all fairness it may take me some time - but why rush a good thing. Well, lets hope it's a good thing!

I've been printing off photos to put together a portfolio so I can start carrying that around with me. Not as much fun as starting up the Facebook page, but every little helps.

I have had a number of  custom requests come through this week for Christmas gifts, which has been a pleasant yet unexpected surprise. I have had to order some bits this weekend which means I am hanging around the door like a fly right now trying not to miss the post man.

I ordered myself I light tent... at last. I figured I need to treat myself from time to time. Anyway, my excuse it will help on those dull days when Helen and I need to take a few snaps. Sound reasoning, right?

And finally, some of the makes for the week.

Helen's son wanted something for his girlfriend to go with the watch I knocked up for him. So as well as having this charm bracelet I will do her some earrings too, and box it up like it was bought from a sweet store.

I made up a set of aqua blue and swarovski crystal earrings and pendant (that will have a chain with it once the post arrives), as well as revisiting some older designs that people have been interested in.

I knocked up a couple of bookmarks:

Helen has been back to her work desk and pulled out this autumnal feeling flower arrangement:

Then at the very last, I had another parcel from the Midlands containing some more cuteness. This time in the shape of a little frog. 

So that just about covers the last few days. But far from me to take a breather! Nope, I shall grab a cup of coffee, read up on the rest of the craft world, hope I get somewhere with this Facebook thingy, maul the postman when he comes with my packages and carry on crafting away.

Please find the time to do the same - grab a coffee (or tea) that is - and hop on over to 1st Unique Gifts to learn about what other talented and crafty people have been getting up to this week.

I spy with my beady eye

This week has been great for ideas, and even for once, on the craft completion front. Not so much for the 'take the photo as evidence you've done something' though. But since I refuse to wear gold and red together (or at all for that matter) I guess you can't call me Super Woman.

I have spent most of the weekend knocking up a small brochure however. Now, is it just me, or does writing something official that can be classed as advertising mean you actually have to think. And it hurts right? I mean even if you know your audience, it never ceases to amaze me how clever you have to be. To be able to write something that is both eye catching, easy to read and stand out. It won't look bad once it's done. When it's done... maybe... possibly... My hubby works in a school. Would it be child labour to make it a project for the kids to do for me ;) (kidding).

I haven't seen my partner in crime this week as I thought I would, so I am still waiting on her arrangements. However it didn't stop me from playing with beads this weekend. Nothing impressive to share with my crafty friends (at least no photos - just means I have more ammo for another post hehehe) but here are a few odds and sods.

If you couldn't tell I had a thing about key rings this weekend. I think that may have been fuelled by my losing my keys... twice. Under all this black, I'm actually blonde! No really I am!

Oh yeah... and I knocked out this demin bag for someone. I don't need to panic about them seeing it though. They don't follow my blog :P Their loss, beats trying to search the house for mothers present hiding place this year. 

I would like to implore all of you to make your way to 1st Unique Gifts and join in Handmade Monday. If you don't have anything to show this week, why not just pop along and read up on other crafters craftiness.