tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7706058322028358452024-02-19T06:42:23.876+00:00FlutterbiesA blog following my jewellery making, with hints and tips to make your own.Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-21829998727658439272011-01-15T07:42:00.004+00:002011-01-15T07:49:17.756+00:00Sew Much Fun!I am quite excited today!<br /><br />For a while I've been focusing my efforts on starting a craft group in Nottingham, and the first meeting is finally rolling round on Monday!<br /><br />It's so much fun to get together with a group of people and share what you're passionate about, and this is an opportunity to do just that. It was much easier to organise than I initially thought, and there has been a lot more interest than I expected - there are a lot of enthusiastic crafters out there!<br /><br />I set up a website for the group through Meetup, a great place for aspiring groups to get themselves seen. If you want to check it out, you can find my web page <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Sew-much-fun/">here</a>. At some point I'd like to design my own website, but that's for another day...<br /><br />I've been a bit overwhelmed by people's generosity as well; the first session is meeting at my house, as I didn't know of a venue that wouldn't cost a small fortune to hire, but just this week I've heard from the <a href="http://www.meetup.com/Nottinghack/">Nottinghack</a> group offering a potential venue! I'm going to check it out next week so fingers crossed...<br /><br />I'm very excited!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-58369767313110892982010-10-12T06:46:00.005+01:002010-10-12T11:19:59.985+01:00Interview with HaptreeI've finally found my way back online... life has been a bit crazy lately; I've moved house, I'm getting married in 11 days (11 days!) and have got my first round of professional exams in November. Jewellery making has somewhat taken a back seat lately.<br /><br />But it hasn't taken a back seat for everyone, particularly not for Hilary, the brains behind <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/haptree">Haptree</a> on Folksy, as well as <a href="http://www.haptree.co.uk/">her own website</a>, who's shared a bit about her life and craft...<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/154118-Small-Purse-CUTE-Strawberries-and-Bunnies-?shop=yes"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527034081280334322" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikNKPdInQ5UFUo2eF10Xmq1DZMz7vcxM-jL6AoePzLN2s9ub8vReAW8accdOuleimzuB8QlRhzzm7_quDbwxNhFU94SH8-DumzoFxWaeb7D4L1iUq6u0gEJSWT-DrO1CGjKGzKaLwXZJHO/s320/haptree_055.JPG" /></a> <style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><br /><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">We would like to get to know a bit more about the person behind the craft.<?xml:namespace prefix = o /><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">If you were an animal, what would you be? – A horse, possibly with wings.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Cadbury or Galaxy? – Green & Blacks<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">What film did you last see at the cinema and what did you think of it? – W</span><span style="font-size:100%;">here the Wild things Are – I thought it was strange, interesting, depressing and yet uplifting.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">What is your favourite season? It’s tough as I think I enjoy the beginning of every season and yet I can’t wait for the next.</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/154118-Small-Purse-CUTE-Strawberries-and-Bunnies-?shop=yes"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: pointer" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5527034360646910290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzhqqa5QkzStyqZ_MKERtZDC17i1MYc8N3ZR9OT7RcqIMVlbcDAn0jJjaE8sdi1JpeBVSoNLp4Wsv_54ipwS68MsMVwpVgA5uHlRrs-JlC0wvDOZlGXRkqxh5oiXLf29ZEQGYGLDv3Uvl5/s320/haptree_084.JPG" /></a></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">And now about your work.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s the first thing you can remember making?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">A green and red stripy knitted rectangle.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s your favourite material to work with and why?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">I like sewing beautiful Japanese cotton best.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Who has been your biggest inspiration?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">My partner has an amazing attention to detail and I’d like to hope a bit of it has rubbed off on me since we’ve been together.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s your best crafty tip?<o:p></o:p></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Measure twice, cut once – it’s boring but saves time and money and four letter words.<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">What’s your favourite item in your shop? (can you give me a link for it, thanks)<o:p></o:p></span></p><p style="MARGIN: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;" class="MsoNormal" ><span style="font-size:100%;">Allways the one I listed most recently!<o:p></o:p></span></p><p>Also, if you take a trip over to <a href="http://haptreeandme.blogspot.com/2010/09/giveaway-haptree-purse-beadkit-and.html">Haptree's blog</a>, you could win yourself a gorgeous selection of items in her competition, including the red purse at the top of the page.</p><p>Thanks Hilary!</p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-63781811742326588272010-05-29T08:06:00.010+01:002010-05-29T08:26:38.893+01:00Spreading the Prettiness!I do feel like I've utterly vanished from the online world lately, however, I'm now back and ready to go!<br /><br />My bracelet has recently spent a couple of weeks with Caroline who runs <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/RedMoon">Red Moon </a>on Folksy, a lovely place to go if you're looking for a unique gift.<br /><br />With Caroline, the bracelet had an adventurous week, spreading its prettiness all around:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00coYQDJrmjpqkv5sFnQrWAS7Z1ViyEITa9aavVrb60w1GpvOr2r0lHY3v0GTTBpxDdwcQ27OgD1hqwMT4MBYR9uEL5G6IltMFuJ688xf-M3D1rjM2HY7xBy2QK3tvHZMiXdonePpJtnH/s1600/DSC00654.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh00coYQDJrmjpqkv5sFnQrWAS7Z1ViyEITa9aavVrb60w1GpvOr2r0lHY3v0GTTBpxDdwcQ27OgD1hqwMT4MBYR9uEL5G6IltMFuJ688xf-M3D1rjM2HY7xBy2QK3tvHZMiXdonePpJtnH/s200/DSC00654.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476587612935655778" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGn2wtA6o2oeMLMOVMgLbJdZEKhii9Ovox6Hhb82pDw3WdJSL55J01zmwmHRlDLAXgV22-pRL31HwkRnnPkfd0BgagqQ8zCJ5b5bgouQXp3w_oOnv4bns1OIpZLUlw8KFnLnxpMCc6rdp/s1600/DSC00653.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnGn2wtA6o2oeMLMOVMgLbJdZEKhii9Ovox6Hhb82pDw3WdJSL55J01zmwmHRlDLAXgV22-pRL31HwkRnnPkfd0BgagqQ8zCJ5b5bgouQXp3w_oOnv4bns1OIpZLUlw8KFnLnxpMCc6rdp/s200/DSC00653.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476587613364704242" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A trip to the park<br /><br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp4Tbgcnp7I3XoblKY_4E3uBN-90NHLd1619-VOZ1MghI5FL4T74WCJbzGwNImiVtDZTiVxzq4h2dgNdaDE_r3PdSM-4jBUDgAbceRaaaGpuTV9wRapJXscRx8LICV0dtyZX42e11VY34/s1600/DSC00655.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 185px; height: 247px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyp4Tbgcnp7I3XoblKY_4E3uBN-90NHLd1619-VOZ1MghI5FL4T74WCJbzGwNImiVtDZTiVxzq4h2dgNdaDE_r3PdSM-4jBUDgAbceRaaaGpuTV9wRapJXscRx8LICV0dtyZX42e11VY34/s320/DSC00655.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476587901695626162" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">A bit of football!</span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><br />"It helped push my youngest son to school to pick daughter up, it did a bit of gardening, went for a Chinese, a walk in the woods, had a picnic and played a bit of football! My daughter also had a little wear."<br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbYcoFkV7On24RdRzn1pnuQQaA9IZX4V0bbcEIpEoFcSMEsDsTm-ZAnGZOV9SJ5qVEZRecJGA6hx5qrcj20hmFDBB3CnxOC3sEqyAFBwBlLYqT-z_zRQlJ9S0d-vxTNnA6iEZJTrkWmP-/s1600/DSC00656.JPG"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxbYcoFkV7On24RdRzn1pnuQQaA9IZX4V0bbcEIpEoFcSMEsDsTm-ZAnGZOV9SJ5qVEZRecJGA6hx5qrcj20hmFDBB3CnxOC3sEqyAFBwBlLYqT-z_zRQlJ9S0d-vxTNnA6iEZJTrkWmP-/s320/DSC00656.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476587909035420098" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;"><br />Walking in the woods</span><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRUx2DW1IINKGHLwCG6go3bOLsnjn6IYrQTAVEk_nxW6F27Ky3cQCAdu2BuAxAy3gm3XfrQgmd7W2yeJZ-yC82YI3QyWso34odkkSuQ4Tb48_AjFrrzD-B166TjT1qTJzaU1Q4679FDh0/s1600/DSC00650.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 267px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghRUx2DW1IINKGHLwCG6go3bOLsnjn6IYrQTAVEk_nxW6F27Ky3cQCAdu2BuAxAy3gm3XfrQgmd7W2yeJZ-yC82YI3QyWso34odkkSuQ4Tb48_AjFrrzD-B166TjT1qTJzaU1Q4679FDh0/s320/DSC00650.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476586477859609522" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Chinese!!!</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaO1T0pzNY32Y2AP2w_jODHlyRvFVMBc0jQBb1yXTfYoJW3LhI5-IFw6E4psRuDfp-dyCTOvo4F4uROiYHQA4xHKen6REStpKzc4xCV-V753fMJQhJOyrh0AucMMSKSqCz60oEVeJY0FX/s1600/DSC00651.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 289px; height: 217px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCaO1T0pzNY32Y2AP2w_jODHlyRvFVMBc0jQBb1yXTfYoJW3LhI5-IFw6E4psRuDfp-dyCTOvo4F4uROiYHQA4xHKen6REStpKzc4xCV-V753fMJQhJOyrh0AucMMSKSqCz60oEVeJY0FX/s320/DSC00651.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5476586674042740210" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />The bracelet is off on a new adventure now; if you would like to take part then leave me a message!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-48101479251731506242010-04-19T19:37:00.005+01:002010-04-19T19:43:50.449+01:00New job and swimming!I feel very much like I've vanished lately! I started a new job at the beginning of last week and it comes with a fairly hefty commute, and I've spent most of my evenings totally wiped out!<br /><br />The weekend was good though and I'm very proud of myself as I completed the Marie Curie Swimathon!<br /><br />It was a great afternoon on Saturday, and myself and two friends managed to swim 5km to raise money for Marie Curie Cancer Care, and did it in a faster time than we predicted so were very happy!<br /><a href="http://my.artezglobal.com/personalPage.aspx?registrationID=303022&langPref=en-CA"><br />So far we've raised about £250 for Marie Curie and are sooooooo happy with it, but if anyone can spare £1 then we are still busy collecting and all donations are incredibly gratefully received.</a>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-38676361302323549242010-04-11T07:19:00.001+01:002010-04-11T07:20:30.932+01:00Interview with Bonnita<span style="font-size:100%;"> <a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/166658-Sock-Squirrel?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDOfghIhAzAQPuDUDKr8fxcOj9RV-i7IxOkiD-eXm3tT_FaHP76YM-mHFN6W705fWuGXS43MOrTZnxzA3sM4xahaqgJt7ZylhSeq7SxWlruE7WqJt2aLVul2n0iUWGy76G9Olo45jbWSV_/s200/adf.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454057718117358466" border="0" /></a><b style="font-family: georgia;">It's that time of the week when I talk to another crafter, to find out a bit more about what's out there... This week I'm talking to Bonnita who has a number of shops on Folksy, including <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/MoMoaby">Momo made by Moaby</a>, <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/Juicimoon">Jucimoon</a> and <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/bonnitagraphics">It's all about the Graphics</a>. So lets talk t</b><b style="font-family: georgia;">o this multi talented lady to find out a bit more...<br /><br /></b><b style="font-family: georgia;">If you were an animal, what would you be?</b></span> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Any Bird of Prey!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Cadbury or Galaxy?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Galaxy all the way baby!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What film did you last see at the cinema and what did you th</b><b style="">ink of it?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Erm.......Can't remember I rarely go</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What is your favourite season?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Autumn, the colours are beautiful<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/354609-Blue-Thong-Necklace?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjohGf9StgOnIW77Ohb-NBzv0DVlfKnthBbax2Le6BHD7rS4ium838qSKxlxW8glWIl3JqA9pR7BuvjHK4lG6i1AIFsxMP11OX95hJHUWyZ_0Dc6xZ6HDkBpaGGW4f78qGPGB2bTzzKVVWj/s320/DSC_0061.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454057989801085570" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">And now about your work.<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What’s the first thing you can remember making?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">A crochet cupcake that went very wrong lol</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What’s your favourite material to work with and why?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Wool, u can do so much with it, knit, crochet, pom poms ect.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">Who has been your biggest inspiration?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Not really who as a person but a country, <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">Japan</st1:place></st1:country-region> and china has a huge influence on me I love their style of Amigurumi.</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What’s your best crafty tip?<o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">Enjoy yourself!</span><span style=";font-size:100%;" > </span><span style="font-size:100%;">And spray mount can make a fantastic temporary bond</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><b style="">What’s your favourite item in your shop? <o:p></o:p></b></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/201486-Limited-Edition-Momo?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA7TLrwIJD2yvSL6ikWlX-1HXs4_dRAhDJmFKt8yIGkZdqnvTlaTttmtggfiUquZ5c_9DkMht3dTeM3FeYa6nB5gfGfqJnU9fGNYRtryzeXfCHY6EoSpSAjV62Q2ZRwvj9_xFWsuwTSLy6/s320/MoMo1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454057340015108962" border="0" /></a>I had so much fun making her, she is a lot bigger than picture makes out too.</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Thanks Bonnita!</span><br /></span></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-68788595705550552362010-04-10T07:42:00.003+01:002010-04-10T07:45:09.270+01:00Book Review - Engleby by Sebastian FaulksI've just finished reading 'Engleby' by Sebastian Faulks.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJSM9TW2dGiTEga0IuzEvDmyoTyM30GgMdp-4cADXdug_sNghW1Gp90W5kX2HNZaAc16an4i9mrx5XlxTvG_IroPKbIl_QA1U2YhH5Vcuk6hujc11JZLuzpzJWc-KGhGNuQj6UTdrCSBc/s1600/41sp1CJe20L._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnJSM9TW2dGiTEga0IuzEvDmyoTyM30GgMdp-4cADXdug_sNghW1Gp90W5kX2HNZaAc16an4i9mrx5XlxTvG_IroPKbIl_QA1U2YhH5Vcuk6hujc11JZLuzpzJWc-KGhGNuQj6UTdrCSBc/s320/41sp1CJe20L._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5458395860148717522" border="0" /></a>On the back cover one of the press quotes declared this to be different to anything else he'd written. When my bf read this he asked me if the book was depressing, I answered 'yes', to which he said 'well then it's the same as everything else he's written!'.<br /><br />I loved Sebastian Faulk's book 'Birdsong', and it was that which led me to buy 'Engleby'. This book followed the life of the character Engleby, narrated in the first person, through his childhood, university and career. The standard of writing was brilliant, the storyline flowed and the Engleby himself was at the same time both disturbing and compelling. Despite this, you never feel that you know Engleby or can work out what makes him tick, and that is the purpose of the book: that as his life moves on and mysteries from his past come back to haunt him, you realise that this child who you thought was mildly odd is frighteningly dangerous.<br /><br />I don't know whether to say I enjoyed the book or not. Something drove me to keep reading, to finish it, but at the end I couldn't say whether I felt it had been a worthwhile experience.<br /><br />If you like a compelling storyline, mystery, intriguing characters and a hero who isn't a hero, then this book is worth a shot; but I wouldn't declare it to be a book everyone should read.<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Picture from amazon.co.uk</span>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-21994459375140801782010-04-09T11:22:00.004+01:002010-04-09T11:28:18.925+01:00A Week's HolidayI've had a week off work this week and it's been lovely.<br /><br />Initially I thought I needed to come up with all sorts of exciting, self-improving or impressive things to do; mostly so that when someone asked me what I did I would have something decent to say.<br /><br />I think I do that too much: do things so that I can sound impressive when I'm talking to others.<br /><br />But not this week!<br /><br />I'm feeling much more relaxed than anytime in the last few months, I've finally caught up on sleep, caught up on TV, caught up on talking to my family, caught up on spending time with my Mum, caught up on fresh air and sunshine, restarted going climbing, got around to making some jewellery from precious metal clay <span style="font-style:italic;">7 years</span> after buying the stuff. And I feel good.<br /><br />When someone asks me what I did I'll probably say "Not a lot, just chilled out", but in truth this has been the most impressive, the most successful and basically the nicest holiday I've had in a long time.<br /><br />Don't underestimate a week spent at home!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-75974673083694773382010-04-05T19:38:00.003+01:002010-04-05T19:40:50.063+01:00Interview with Lazy Daisy<span style="font-family: georgia;">First of all, a belated Happy Easter! I hope you've been thoroughly enjoying the bank holiday weekend! Due to the bank holiday I'm a bit delayed in putting up last weeks interview, but here we go...</span><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/146774-Fused-glass-pendant-abstract?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbY2VFuMA_sHL6YYHUQufGeBT_e8tZkKq0aCiJZPv5gG5ARs6SzY2E8Y04rzJViv-pNxxULz2AmLwShZZCKV_uFlU2MnCFrXaZItxmDnQq5q1zRsrkBz1a9RE2lIabNP6ou2Q3VoIvT52/s200/DSC01994.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453985140878113826" border="0" /></a> <!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--><span style="font-family:georgia;">This week I'm talking to Kate from Lazy Daisy, a shop full of fantastic button and glass jewellery!</span><b style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">We would like to get to know a bit more about the person behind the craft.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">If you were an animal, what would you be? </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">A cat, preferably a pampered one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">What is your favourite day of the week? </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">Friday, I only work half day and the whole weekend is still ahead.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">If you were stuck on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">If I was sensible, a satellite phone, but in reality probably a craft kit!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">Who would play you in the film of your life? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">Emma Thompson. I would like to say someone more glamorous but fear I may be struck by a thunderbolt!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/221253-Spotty-button-bracelet?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd6CdHmJ_5KczLo1e2dDqFLoDJ8r_IIuNMNkFXy0q_t4D4Q_ygYbXlkZqZ4q-hF_RPB15v3tzpQ9h57IeiRnEtv7mD_3VGmVah3G9MBMZ_flEEbQPAEvM2qpk3MLTHImh9J1NNlpClNBJ9/s320/DSC02077.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453984765795378994" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">And now about your work.<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">How did you get started? </b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">I learnt to crochet at primary school and started making bead earrings at high school.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">What’s your favourite material to work with and why? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">I love beads and buttons, especially buttons. I used to love emptying out my Grandmother’s button box and sorting through it, I love finding different and interesting buttons and get sadly excited by a new find!!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">Where do you go for inspiration? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">I always notice what people are wearing. My younger sister is a good source of inspiration as she likes things that are different and less run of the mill.</p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What’s your best crafty tip? <o:p></o:p></b></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal">Try and source materials from the manufacturer.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><b style="">What’s your favourite item in your shop?</b><b style=""><o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">It is usually whatever I last made but at the moment it is a button bracelet made of vintage buttons. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/229185-Vintage-button-charm-bracelet?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrGqc16kw6eSx7vIYGdFlpRbcqNMF9m0quJOq_NjaC7GuHTZJNE4R4kQ1-kvclFzk4Cys8GlYx4l6y4GLqz0lKxtcE9-tcZ9cRfv1UMeqr7iVFymidDRmq-Rrw116-u_ZOQHxcuivfuXA1/s320/lazydaisyfave.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453984491565828770" border="0" /></a></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;">Thanks Kate!<br /></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-32924133685743676112010-03-31T21:09:00.006+01:002010-04-01T10:05:32.887+01:00Folksy FavouritesHi everyone! After a few hectic days with no time to post, it's time I shared some more beautiful items with you.<br /><br />I've just been looking at my list of favourite items on Folksy, and it seems to have grown enormously since last week! But the first item is this stunning keyring by <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/NOfkantsCurios">NOfkantsCurios</a>, carved from agate.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/370553-Pink-Dream-Leaf-Agate-Gemstone-Carved-Leaf-Keyring-Goldtone-findings"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZKjyI6646xY2xozjs-g0BVDVXDIUxyYGKSC1A4agkgMqpQHLGRhzfZc0yYm9ZPPvCLG4iNh6ZHTEXftia-jzpiNHSCbC38rn9mC-SgGO8dC9VHEyZ-7e3dHB4ZxRvhoIy2Wd8umE-bJtq/s320/17016_product_220326736_thumb_large_1_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454895042172593666" border="0" /></a>My second pick is from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/dottydaisies">Dottydaisies</a>, and is this absolutely adorable upcycled owl plushie :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/353085-Tilda-owl-plushie"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzo2MaIUq-O9ieD0UiGTJhEdck3JrjF94kFsnZN-Zvb9NeGJhcTekCRqPUUZWKplrMl3JCHhqIcGdpasQDpSyEA2AE6VFhuF8Tyms3IKbIPlRtgDt93RAVM-tS26ks2x8chNDWey3h83yG/s320/DSCF0073.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455091903925232178" border="0" /></a>And my final item this week is so cute! It's this little gingerbreadman necklace from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/mozzypopjewels">Mozzypop Jewels</a>:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/196378-Gumdrop-Buttons-necklace"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEit1qPT4-0EOy9u7iZxfyOsOXKKeWhFcE6ND9yEgO2UVZMb5ERPy0flwkQOZdKZw-HhcbXOjUzjORRDRVnSZwRDzhNqRhqaGkVt_LJKCm_w80Xm1qujEI5sFPKCSv9r7_Cv7egX8Y5w99zj/s320/GB_folksy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455092328695639810" border="0" /></a>I hope you like them!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-77687241617780125222010-03-29T09:49:00.006+01:002010-03-29T09:59:56.176+01:00Spreading the Prettiness!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzODCkemYQz1yeIC2x2iYgXFwcqDmxqh5v3JZbPn84Xh0aFT8c_HV_1nsZMZmwDVP4Zp6dfC0BPfKEFouOIa_sFsjl9eZHmE7gxs0v5gWyOCava1OHfW8bNL0XhVJn6nLFbgAhWFmA_BB/s1600/IMG_1551.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFzODCkemYQz1yeIC2x2iYgXFwcqDmxqh5v3JZbPn84Xh0aFT8c_HV_1nsZMZmwDVP4Zp6dfC0BPfKEFouOIa_sFsjl9eZHmE7gxs0v5gWyOCava1OHfW8bNL0XhVJn6nLFbgAhWFmA_BB/s200/IMG_1551.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453976856866796098" border="0" /></a>Wow, it's been a hectic weekend, but more about that later in the week. For now I'm going to focus on calming, pretty things, and revisit something I posted about a few weeks ago...<br /><br />You may remember me talking about '<a href="http://flutterbiesjewellery.blogspot.com/2010/03/help-to-spread-prettiness.html">Spreading the Prettiness</a>'; the idea being that a bracelet would roam the country on your wrists, spreading a bit of beaded prettiness and reporting back on its progress as it goes.<br /><br />The bracelet has recently spent a few weeks in Hampshire in the company of Dottie from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/dottiedesigns">DottieDesigns</a>. During that time it was worn, sparkled, admired and complemented,<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLtr5DoZltP7aTawjjA1n2tLWAZKlPQaql3kUCjz-Uuu2J_cH8nMKWZmIkTA8glYCZqUbg_9D7p1p6e8PY0qdfvaUpBpVB2FMwyJltJ_2AvKd7nYxRHO7g7O9zhTeT7Ba8To12edlXu1M/s1600/IMG_1556.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlLtr5DoZltP7aTawjjA1n2tLWAZKlPQaql3kUCjz-Uuu2J_cH8nMKWZmIkTA8glYCZqUbg_9D7p1p6e8PY0qdfvaUpBpVB2FMwyJltJ_2AvKd7nYxRHO7g7O9zhTeT7Ba8To12edlXu1M/s200/IMG_1556.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453977122548391058" border="0" /></a> it went out and about and it helped with everyday tasks...<br /><br />... and stolen by a little girl with a love of pretty things! In Dottie's own words<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" > <span style="font-family:georgia;">"</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color:#000000;">My daughter took a real shine to it and wore it a bit too, the picture is of the night that she had snuck into my room and nicked it and was trying to wear it to bed. Bit of a worry as she's not yet 3!!"<br /></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu9NS_iygM8oi4_S2kB7jv77JcAfc6epk80O4RqkT3mRPdz3kmk6TDHoAbGYMlaj2B0GaoFquoAwF_9Y2vr66XmUAVLyF94HxZSuxii8SpquFHhAhm8FXMWKDlwHPgNwO8j3FjeQ5-SN9/s1600/IMG_1552.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwu9NS_iygM8oi4_S2kB7jv77JcAfc6epk80O4RqkT3mRPdz3kmk6TDHoAbGYMlaj2B0GaoFquoAwF_9Y2vr66XmUAVLyF94HxZSuxii8SpquFHhAhm8FXMWKDlwHPgNwO8j3FjeQ5-SN9/s320/IMG_1552.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5453976748617880674" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-family: georgia;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color:#000000;">The bracelet is now in a new home and reports will be coming in soon so watch this space... and let me know if you'd like to take part!</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic;font-size:100%;" ><span style="color:#000000;"><br /></span></span>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-58458300398016918932010-03-26T13:58:00.007+00:002010-03-26T14:08:02.785+00:00Interview with Careford Creations<span style="font-size:100%;"><a style="font-family: georgia;" onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/279441-Evening-Stroll-Bruges-Photographic-Print-10-x-8-free-shipping?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMqcpkXzSZ5xZcTG_ex6wlWgPnEJ2NPLeeHvPX_Ve1Fks0UUp3nBLt3qBXKCjDNDEKFkRY9cY6jZC9jALg-W1pEkV3vHhxFOqOYkC499uwr3mLnLK9_I9MQ6QKhb89v2UZEr1rtwyqafEI/s200/Evening_Stroll_Bruges.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452943476280694994" border="0" /></a><span style="font-family:georgia;">Interview time has come around again, and today I'm talking to Victoria from </span><a style="font-family: georgia;" href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/CarefordCreations">Careford Creations</a><span style="font-family:georgia;">. Specialising in stunning photography, Victoria's shop also contains beautiful polymer clay creations. I'll leave Victoria to do most of the talking:</span><br /></span><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="country-region"></o:smarttagtype><o:smarttagtype style="font-family: georgia;" namespaceuri="urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:smarttags" name="place"></o:smarttagtype></span><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if !mso]><object classid="clsid:38481807-CA0E-42D2-BF39-B33AF135CC4D" id="ieooui"></object> <style> st1\:*{behavior:url(#ieooui) } </style> <![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Tell us a bit more about the person behind the c</span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >raft...</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Well, my name’s Victoria, or Vic. I live with my husband and son and we have another baby due in April. I was working as a primary school teacher but stopped working last summer to be a full-time mum and spend more time on photography and crafty stuff.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >If you were an animal, what would you be?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’d love to know what’s at the bottom of the ocean, so maybe a really peculiar deep-sea creature!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What is your favourite season?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">One thing I love about living in the <st1:country-region st="on"><st1:place st="on">UK</st1:place></st1:country-region> are the seasons and I do like all of them for one reason or the other. Sorry, I really can’t choose!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p>If you were stuck on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I could spend hours reading an atlas! Not necessarily to help me get off the island, but I just find them fascinating.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your favourite colour?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Probably yellow.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/265381-Polymer-Clay-Lace-effect-Heart-Pendant-free-shipping?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghcSplOks8CQlbxTA141sgG-Fdr2zS9_mgGfc38PZ0x4NDTvDWGBWJZU9Mw5zF4PM94hdy2ZywnmGrkBwclenVH8lH2NT9yJy9jEfgNS5dUws9kiz3trECFy3tmFrChD6G6-UdIRpEbP66/s320/HeartPendant.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452943105248643346" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >And now about your work.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">How did you get started?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’ve been taking photos since I got my first camera for my 9<sup>th</sup> birthday. I decided to start selling about 10 years ago, although didn’t do a great deal about it for another few years. As for other crafty things, I’ve always loved making stuff, right from when I was very little.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your favourite material to work with and why?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I really love working with Fimo. There’s so much you can do with it. I love experimenting and even when something goes wrong, you often discover something you can use in some way.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Where do you go for inspiration?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/265049-Set-of-5-Lakes-Greeting-Cards-free-shipping?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MRRZDu35SaY49kwSXYlI0X7xqPMDE9U3LrmV9POgZKHhuxyEOIfJiIZvjg8gsgrIMes6BX3sGm-MwzhnHpTc6SMcjNjCpXRz1F6_O7Cu7ADbB3GHC4giBxx7XXPzDx9bWi-vS1_HVoL_/s200/LaeksSet.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452943338354127186" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Everywhere really! For photos, I may see something on TV or in a book, or just be out and about and the colours, shapes, textures will inspire me to set up a photo. For Fimo, food, animals, travel and fairytales inspire me. So as you see, a bit of everything!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your best crafty tip?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Try out lots of crafts to find one you really enjoy and are good at. When it comes to selling however, I think it’s probably best to stick to one thing...</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-weight: bold;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p>What’s your favourite item in your shop?</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I really like this handbound notebook, with a photo of a pink rose on the cover:</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;font-family:georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/200710--Pink-Rose-Handbound-Notebook-free-shipping?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOjrEgGu5l2OStE63Giz3zD1eIQ-kiPTW9Xw8eruHjSxjsOQRuyI27RZBHrigBzB6sXtCbUFKNRaVSm78qL_FYHH7wn127tKYy4JuDk4TXdvO57OvyXuUHsNcG6ibfNRrsp9ljP2zFCP-A/s320/PinkRose1Brightened.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452942098193244178" border="0" /></a>Thanks Victoria!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/200710--Pink-Rose-Handbound-Notebook-free-shipping?shop=yes"><br /></a></span></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-77949520180519015572010-03-25T08:08:00.006+00:002010-03-25T08:21:58.951+00:00I love chain :)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/364577-Gorgeous-Green-Necklace?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 171px; height: 171px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiauo6OCD2ZMrtUUKFOnaAVuSf3d5Zttah9yi1j3WUll8PX0lPqippptCDgaI7pbuas0tFkXkLTXpLa8Oo5oNRcipe1Fa6D8NYG3L8BX66XVMew4hl90xXH1eXsx1e6pLP3SjsI88yz4L35/s200/IMG_4940.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452482392314106914" border="0" /></a>I've been making some new necklaces lately, much simpler than my usual fully beaded designs but striking for all that. I'm trying hard not to just steal them myself...<br /><br />Though to be honest one of the things I love about making jewellery is the ability to always make a piece of jewellery to match an outfit - even if it's only half an hour before I go out (which has been known!).<br /><br />For the new necklaces I've been using sterling silver chains as a base and making a beaded pendant to go on it. Generally I'll choose a colour to base the necklace around; sometimes based on a particularly lovely bead that I want to include, and then build the pendant around that colour using glass beads, wire and chain.<br /><br />This is one of my favourites:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/381353-Turquoise-Heart-Pendant?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOlN5rsUvsXm48hZ2GmgceLKGp9LuGoYn8YUgh97jX9_kit2jl6kjUaozx2ZKKY7tJP9gIu60ZxYRiRjtzVMknKvlRsEgoqZ1ISu94VzKGc_C150qZPRwxXWlZNMzSEJ6xDoOhU5mQvzQt/s320/IMG_5004.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452481389788909234" border="0" /></a>I love it partly because of the colour - I think the mix of turquoise and blue works really well, but I also love the little heart pendant that I added as a focal point. The chain that this one is on is a spiral chain; it's a bit more interesting that a basic curb chain and looks really pretty.<br /><br />One of my other favourites is this purple one:<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAPPcrdhYKiPT-yIzmmpxTeZFOCMy24aqg9tq-_5bpchr_2dIozL2t_wZMvzULX7oARV3TcQ6mNDG6AOnWGyfs2I_RFUKGgYjDWyZIYaswyNlY9f83ENh9laCQaw0hUJISkAJEE4h3Rl6/s1600/IMG_4970.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibAPPcrdhYKiPT-yIzmmpxTeZFOCMy24aqg9tq-_5bpchr_2dIozL2t_wZMvzULX7oARV3TcQ6mNDG6AOnWGyfs2I_RFUKGgYjDWyZIYaswyNlY9f83ENh9laCQaw0hUJISkAJEE4h3Rl6/s320/IMG_4970.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452482136100621890" border="0" /></a>My favourite thing about this necklace is the little cream dove pendant. It's so pretty and goes really well with the purple and white beads which made up the main part of the necklace. I hung this one on a snake chain; it gives a really different effect from the spiral chain I used above as it holds its shape more (you can see the way it curves around rather than hanging to a point) and makes the chain more of a feature of the necklace.<br /><br />What do you think?Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-42504186952443508162010-03-24T15:16:00.006+00:002010-03-24T15:25:50.580+00:00Folksy Favourites :)I missed doing Folksy Favourites last week, and since the last one I've found so much gorgeous stuff I just don't know where to start!<br /><br />I think my first item is going to be one that I only stumbled across yesterday. It comes from a shop called '<a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/lostatseashop">Lost at Sea</a>' and is a lovely little brooch. It's such a simple design but so effective, and I love the turquoise colour.<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/376309--Double-Cloud-Pin"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjW2j7mNkn83KFFJmSbbvR3aFJoRt9fxpKTuiEhNiZ5NJJUUChYpO5CbdWJ5LdeLfGb3JnYZ7VUCiodkVgQkLH9qXXjQxlUQFKDlGAg93fc1Xvd9QSLOPKy4OmVk23JO6E0MYBoV41Zyt2v/s320/Blue_doublecloud_inlay_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452220311596637522" border="0" /></a>Ok, item number two made me smile the first time I saw it, and smile every time I've looked at it since. Absolutely adorable... here is Doris the Duck by <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/Jenby">Jenbys</a>!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/356017-Doris-the-Duck"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpgCGR1XcGk4vb4mMcfbsLjVmdIaQ3Jyh4Tts9ppa7uQFALOiYe8AhwIruMb3nJbxp3IvGpq-dprVlOSvRX1tKir1Bkb1Yrch6gJ6wZ8uMgQDks_eVa6n2VXwY5_vWp6ySQTrq17OaNAbF/s320/Doris_1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452220806832106370" border="0" /></a>Now then, final item for this week, but what to choose?<br /><br />As someone who is just getting into crochet and so knows the hardship of having balls of wool rolling all over the place (including down the train carriage - apologies to everyone who was on the same train as me the other day!), and who absolutely adores bags, I'm going to plump for this little offering from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/Nicsknots">Nicknots</a> for my final item. A great design for holding your wool while you work, and gorgeous fabric!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/349397--Miya-Japanese-knot-bag-Ideal-for-sock-knitting-Bird-fabric"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5q53YPeTgWbJown8Tr7r1Vi7Gcl3wcP17wZ17UQEQ2ixChcv9sOCfS0J2CoxIrtv2u0MogGFCNrPmF6t9iQv8x80B1dLrM7M9fiYx27Hta8FeRR_lB-PmO7sl_U5kpJnqlH0O-gxi8J6N/s320/miyabkbird2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5452221608354898066" border="0" /></a>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-74063839468756832172010-03-23T10:05:00.001+00:002010-03-23T10:09:03.860+00:00Craft Fair!Yesterday I did my first craft fair in months, at the Oxford Literary festival. Sales weren't great but we had a good time!<br /><br />My Mum came to help me out (having someone with you is a must so you've got someone to talk to in those quiet patches!), and we had a lovely day and met some great people on the other stalls :)<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRdLbM2pRfgb-qDaBxHrQU5Qy9irqG-noUDG7Ab15GQ52slq78H11AL3QONmPA8BSgLmTf44TEvnoAkUCl6SmVFtXR2tX3vz1tfCccqE8r4pFHe3Qrsmd52NpBeFylmHVmhrHXXw0FTcT/s1600-h/Image020.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqRdLbM2pRfgb-qDaBxHrQU5Qy9irqG-noUDG7Ab15GQ52slq78H11AL3QONmPA8BSgLmTf44TEvnoAkUCl6SmVFtXR2tX3vz1tfCccqE8r4pFHe3Qrsmd52NpBeFylmHVmhrHXXw0FTcT/s320/Image020.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451768734595621842" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj677WlXkKJn8v5jcUCNZtdmDMDEKbQSUFl8BrLMq786gNqXek-MmhbFXYzJS9aPVKHjn2vibqhZFo_nhxUjM3BMWern1VkKuW5UL8ZJ7SgoSlc8gsQFZjdA2E5jnNq52_m8myBV5l6w1oq/s1600-h/Image028.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj677WlXkKJn8v5jcUCNZtdmDMDEKbQSUFl8BrLMq786gNqXek-MmhbFXYzJS9aPVKHjn2vibqhZFo_nhxUjM3BMWern1VkKuW5UL8ZJ7SgoSlc8gsQFZjdA2E5jnNq52_m8myBV5l6w1oq/s320/Image028.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451768740680211362" border="0" /></a>Working out how to display the jewellery is always the hard bit. We had two tables so there was plenty of space, and put boxes and cushions under the tablecloths to give some height. I also took the mirror off my dressing table - a nice big mirror for people to admire themselves in and a good place to drape jewellery.Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-91175585993609943512010-03-19T10:24:00.001+00:002010-03-19T10:25:35.350+00:00Interview with Midsummer Stitches<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/316069-Upcycled-fabric-birdie-in-boots-?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 145px; height: 145px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2vU2RLF6WiG5YGx0vmWCsh34qYJ2GUQIgX4_Ed2irZFP3WbqbEkXdYcJRLN2AZ3f-kCmhYjawGoE_7C0LGgH1OGr7m_xXmd0THY6vIr4D7uYevhZhtWlvl8tn50TVsO-dE_OAcZZNwx6s/s200/IMG_2411_thumb.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446293899944818338" border="0" /></a>Fabric craft this week, and for that we're heading to <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/midsummerstitches">Midsummer Stitches</a>. Staying true to its name, this shop is full of bright, happy and summery products; pinks, yellows, blues and greens all help to lift your mood and make you feel just a little bit happier for visiting.<p class="MsoNormal">Let's have a chat with Julia, the creative mind behind the shop...<br /></p><span style="font-weight: bold;">If you were an animal, what would you be?</span> <p class="MsoNormal">A cat, sleeping in the sunshine on my favourite cushion!</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">What is your favourite season?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Spring: weather changing, fresh smells and the promise of the summer ahead.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">If you were stuck on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">My partner and two girls, home is where they are....</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">What’s your favourite colour?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Hmmm, pink no red no both! Can I have both?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/307177-handcrafted-corsage?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibrvC2k99zM9ELnQeGGiD4irRKrV2DP-CCqb_YoHzWioKEgSB2NZz3t4NM1JE-Rir6YB3a7QYlyzOng3XkQ33mKDnlOX3-IwOFVepJRRNlyOjUtNykdx0RaCHWhxf6rsmesUOSnHFQEhVd/s320/IMG_2364.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446294121595630674" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><br /></p><p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">And now about your work.</p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">How did you get started?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Making everything as a child with glue cardboard etc (I must have drivin my parents crazy).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Then onto making my own clothes at about 13, feeling the need to stand out (I am sure I did).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Full time student at 25 studying design, soft furnishings and upholstery for three years with two toddlers(interesting).</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Taught this for five years, then decided to go it alone I now have a great business making<span style=""> </span>handsewn curtains and creative textile gifts I work full time and I love my job! This morning I have delivered an antique clown costume to a client, posted a vintage fabric cupcake and am about to start a lovely set of velvet Roman blinds for a different client....perfect.</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><o:p> </o:p></p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p>What’s your favourite material to work with and why?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/234761-Vintage-and-Cath-Kidston-fabric-Patchwork-cushion-cover?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbFOU8HXehBwShwNBCm84LWpDIB6JlEODnmqycSb1eFLnACa89GkaHKonWA8UaytHaRmwMeqhlIWgwTwdaJU-Zu2Aks7KEIliIEVkmKWa4ehRjFBLnhqmzVlgaZVpguq6U7hF4UYRfHu_2/s200/IMG_0121.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446294604204879586" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think it has to be silk, from a corsage to a huge pair of curtains it looks and feels wonderful, its crisp texture and range of colours is unbeatable </p> <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">Where do you go for inspiration?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">Well, some days a blowy walk with the dogs can fire me up, tomorrow im off to <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">London</st1:place></st1:city> looking around the markets and the vibe of that is always good, but for me a lazy day wandering around Stratford is great sitting by the water....hmmm roll on sunshine?</p> <span style="font-weight: bold;">What's your best crafty tip?</span><br />Take a notepad, Im always scribbling ideas, sometimes I find pictures I don’t even remember doing and you cant always find a napkin when you need one! <p style="font-weight: bold;" class="MsoNormal">What’s your favourite item in your shop?</p> <p class="MsoNormal">I think this decorative blooms bag</p><p class="MsoNormal"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/299713-Decorative-blooms-bag?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTb1d0lDJfHOms19VyKLLypOPbthchCLJfkfc06K_cSaoeep4hJq0xvbobKu8-vXdPmnRpTlPaKuxZSi834sKpZ3-7P7xm-92uzuMQ0n9J-DUZczeRC2a0aSfDHcN1P3SHU98-xp53HbHK/s320/IMG_2311.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446293631132601026" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">I love the colour combination and really enjoyed making it, im working on some more bags at the minute with a similar theme but a variety of colour and sizes...after all you can never have too many bags right?</p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-style: italic;">Too right you can never have too many bags... :D Thanks Julia!</span><br /></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-63589004805845185462010-03-18T09:20:00.000+00:002010-03-18T09:21:10.705+00:00Cake Making!I had so much fun at the weekend. It was my fiance's birthday last week and we were having a party on Saturday night. I love making and decorating cakes so I said I'd make one for him. The only question was... how to decorate it?<br /><br />Over the last few months his housemate has been getting him into the XBox (specifically Call of Duty - you know, the bloke-type game involving running around and shooting people) and it's been a bit of a standing joke, so I decided to make him a relevant cake. So here it is...<br /><br />... the XBox controller birthday cake!!! :D It went down very well - caused a lot of amusement!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXCC1u5mpzLomGh1om2VVNTSvFaxeNxfmLybBTgVk22b-JP3CQJmxn-6fTyEOOSa4r2d47r9SgCdmlRksirFOCIAl9ucDz0mwW5VjPr3gUcofGvG2od7FO_EbNXNabDJ9thGLnwUCImmN/s1600-h/IMG_4897.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbXCC1u5mpzLomGh1om2VVNTSvFaxeNxfmLybBTgVk22b-JP3CQJmxn-6fTyEOOSa4r2d47r9SgCdmlRksirFOCIAl9ucDz0mwW5VjPr3gUcofGvG2od7FO_EbNXNabDJ9thGLnwUCImmN/s320/IMG_4897.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449192610054229986" border="0" /></a>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-90548914044186205062010-03-16T11:07:00.000+00:002010-03-16T11:08:27.377+00:00Book Review - Meltdown by Ben Elton<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWREyFqloP2E4hbrN0wF6zLzk4XQtL1X89vNOSbc0XDWBuqdeO4lhNKkOplMbxVKvSdWWYwbYXNRuhhTFBWdftAxrKRyuY_zINbtx-zPhMoMKq88QQU9-l_2rjBJYQ6SaMlyYzbL505yj/s1600-h/51C8acnvhlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTWREyFqloP2E4hbrN0wF6zLzk4XQtL1X89vNOSbc0XDWBuqdeO4lhNKkOplMbxVKvSdWWYwbYXNRuhhTFBWdftAxrKRyuY_zINbtx-zPhMoMKq88QQU9-l_2rjBJYQ6SaMlyYzbL505yj/s200/51C8acnvhlL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446291780134928818" border="0" /></a>I've just finished reading 'Meltdown' by Ben Elton. I've been an avid reader of his books for a number of years now; his style of writing is so dry and he doesn't even try to pretend that he's not ripping off the X-Factor (in Chart Throb), transport systems (Gridlock) or Big Brother (Dead Famous). His general style is to take something that's happening at the moment - whether it's a TV programme or a political or social movement, and to run it to the absolute extreme. His humour is brilliant, and it's so easy to recognise yourself in so many of his characters.<br /><br />However, I've found his last couple of books to be somewhat lacking. 'Chart Throb' I found to be annoyingly repetitive (though as this is the same effect that X Factor has on me maybe it did its job!) and Blind Faith to be just a bit too extreme so it became unbelieveable.<br /><br />It was fantastic therefore, to see him return to form in his latest offering, 'Meltdown'. This book follows a group of high flying friends through the credit crunch as their fortunes (and friendships) take a nosedive. He looks at the banking crisis (the first bank to go under is Caledonian Granite, reminiscent of Northern Rock anyone?!), cash for honours, MPs expenses, insider trading and the the property market. With such a wealth of subject material he can really go to town on developing a great cast of characters, some of whom you love and some of whom you want to slap.<br /><br />If the credit crunch has been getting you down and you can't see the funny side, then read this book. The subject matter may be serious but the writing is hilarious.<br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">(Picture from www.amazon.co.uk)</span>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-51822795711087056452010-03-15T10:09:00.007+00:002010-03-15T10:28:52.516+00:00Swap<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiFrEi2bhRaKaMM5KygEjlgP6AHmDSAtEjyKrKQbXZA0a8FhZcbWmisTzOl0lHRD1Gg9p4Xkvbmov22ASRj_Cqi-ngqmRh0-Eb00BNa2sGrwOXbyEZnA55S8eP-RhuTHUsJqgMLJ5TCaJ/s1600-h/IMG_4934.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoiFrEi2bhRaKaMM5KygEjlgP6AHmDSAtEjyKrKQbXZA0a8FhZcbWmisTzOl0lHRD1Gg9p4Xkvbmov22ASRj_Cqi-ngqmRh0-Eb00BNa2sGrwOXbyEZnA55S8eP-RhuTHUsJqgMLJ5TCaJ/s200/IMG_4934.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448802097574314354" border="0" /></a>I'm wearing an incredibly pretty necklace today. My Mum commented on it first thing this morning, and for once I had to say that I didn't make it, it was made by Zoe of <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/jewelbox">Jewelbox</a>.<br /><br />Last week I took part in a 'swap' on Folksy. It's a fairly simple premise - everyone sends a small gift to someone else, and gets one in return. I was so excited when a package arrived on the doorstep, and when I opened it I was wowed by what I'd been sent.<br /><br />I received a gorgeous peach coloured necklace and bracelet set made with swarovski crystals. The necklace is really pretty and delicate - perfect to wear under a blouse at work, making me feel dressed up without being too overstated. The bracelet is made on memory wire which always looks fantastic, but I love the simplicity of the design and (it always being the finishing touches that make something special) the little bunch of crystals hanging off one end of the bracelet.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8K8e8kmk4edriErmPKo2maj6OAEn74hcTF6luX-WcrEewr45Vizwz13XbE1nOPWQJd-p0e4hZgg7e7_0YU3VgdB2bkW2m6N9HM9s7m7OZQ2vRacToiHk4Kk2Sbcsnt2w7Kwy3aWe4vP/s1600-h/IMG_4931.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 309px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbb8K8e8kmk4edriErmPKo2maj6OAEn74hcTF6luX-WcrEewr45Vizwz13XbE1nOPWQJd-p0e4hZgg7e7_0YU3VgdB2bkW2m6N9HM9s7m7OZQ2vRacToiHk4Kk2Sbcsnt2w7Kwy3aWe4vP/s320/IMG_4931.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448801970898795234" border="0" /></a><br />So thank you Zoe! I love my swap! And if you're looking for a really pretty piece of jewellery of fantastic quality, then take a look in <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/jewelbox">Jewelbox</a>.Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-86776007689869746022010-03-12T08:56:00.001+00:002010-03-12T08:57:42.435+00:00Interview with Sugar & Rhubarb<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/268817-Ninja-Kitty-LAVENDER-FILLED?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeOo7ob4UG-kP04uCwK80PHcXQ_K0XhibGI8LOBsDyOUvnynMoI2hcPD9W0ZHlEWDeC7lGe14qH979xlYf9uk7_ZY-mO35xk1Yak-AJ-AiCcRcj5chA59UzjFRimDy9d-by87BUiLhNQIV/s200/pompom_collar_mauve.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443685625879906018" border="0" /></a>My interview for this week is with Gemma who runs a shop I just can't get enough of. Just when you think it's all calm and pretty textiles - door stops, tea cosies and brooches, WHAM! there is a ninja kitty! So here we go chatting to the owner of <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/sugarandrhubarb">Sugar & Rhubarb</a>.<b style=""><br /></b><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">If you were a colour, what would you be?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">Pink with blue polka dots, I’d be lying to myself if I said something plain!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">Cadbury or Galaxy?</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">Oooh this is hard.... Cadburys crème egg, but galaxy chocolate bar- one of those embarrassingly huge ones, that you should never eat alone, but you do.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">If you were stuck on a desert island, what one thing would you want to have with you?</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">Yumyums... but only if I could take more than one – it would be too cruel if there was just one.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">Who would you want to play you in the film of your life?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">Obviously someone as stunning as myself... Scarlett Johanson might be a good match ;)<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/201958-Egg-Cosy-honeybees-poppies-FIESTA?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3WEnY1bOcGq_dO82vZ45zCEFyOhVjkR0FPE0tzOFbpiWGBj0fohQaNS994JVzlegRGE8lz8VR3VCp3FTTnT7BINBNpbvM4y8V-BPEinIMj8Gp3pxsRdtWOPGvlXaYsRl1m0R1NbfusevJ/s320/fiesta_cosy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443686355318585474" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">And now about your work.</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">What’s the first thing you can remember </b><b style="">making?</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">It was a lavender bot... a little lavender filled sphere with a face on. I hadn’t mastered sewing very well and it was a bit wonky... slightly<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">embarrassing really. I made loads and tried to sell them at a vintage fair with my friend who was selling off most of her wardrobe. The price progressively went down from £3 to 90p during the day. It caught the eye of a few kiddies, so that was nice to see their little faces light up when they paid for one. It wasn’t really my target market but it gave me a warm glow nonetheless!</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">What’s your favourite material to work with and why?</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">Any pretty cotton fabric. I love anything by Heather Ross, Kokka, Amy Butler, <st1:city st="on"><st1:place st="on">Liberty</st1:place></st1:city> and Cath Kidston. I could spend hours in places like Ditto in <st1:place st="on">Brighton</st1:place> just ooh-ing and ahh-ing at prints.</p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">Who has been your biggest inspiration?</b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">My cat... no must be serious for these interviews ... think business head. People like Poppy Treffry and Anna from Widget the Sock Bunny – they show that your once small ideas can turn into a worldwide phenomenon,</p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style="">What’s your best crafty tip?</b><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/297081-Hydrangea-brooch-lilac-tearose?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLm0ON-xrBPEyrRmA__RtIKNfSnNWPh_fuFwIG8q3-JGbRkKBy2ug1LdT1K3-GQaRUFHpQ1WETNkc3EUWdh0bWSUX3brntQkcWlLgac3s63uykaQVlPJ4IXyabhb4Mu2FkH_54S688fLFQ/s200/hydrangea_pink_lilac.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443686971048937330" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal">Have faith in your skills and never price too low! It takes a lot to have confidence in yourself and your creations, and too many people suffer from self doubt and price too low. Woody had a wonderful <a href="http://wisdomofwoody.blogspot.com/2010_01_01_archive.html">blog entry</a> on pricing your stuff so that you can make a profit, and it’s surprising how much better I feel about listing my items on folksy and etsy now that I know I’m making a small profit from each sale I make. </p> <p class="MsoNormal"><b style=""><o:p> </o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><b style="">What’s your favourite item in your shop?<o:p></o:p></b></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;">It has to be Ninja Kitty. He took a lot of failed attempts and learning to get where he is now. He’s even got his own blog which makes me giggle whenever I write entries – I am of the LolCatz generation and having his blog lets me write those silly thoughts I have about cats without looking too strange because I can say an inanimate object wrote them!!<br /></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/242653-Ninja-Kitty-GREEN-VELVET?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgADsqHQTG3e89W_ZEuDWxu-9BtDVURPRjMbzXBytym2fMuUtW3TGqL0lMrQxUy6a97fHTY_mnnZ-8UCdN_XWjPBqdVy1ZBgy0Q4saXNrxtzxEdtJtVMn12OG9Bg6w5nc181sb1zOTvb_ab/s320/green_sash_front.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443686685026984450" border="0" /></a></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-12582630126651360392010-03-11T09:21:00.002+00:002010-03-11T09:21:59.361+00:00Ladies that LunchI've just been offered a new job! I should be starting in April and I'm really starting to look forward to it, hopefully I'll still have enough time for jewellery making too!<br /><br />My new job involves a bit of a commute, so unfortunately I'll no longer be able to meet my Mum for the odd long lunch and bit of shopping in the middle of the day...<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCNZIaJzh7fStrwWtWdXURtHZW32PaPM5BEOrnNg3_Q_0c6pB-RBYhlt4tw1GzQrl7RwaDHES3uoobUy5c_iEnRtStS_zLgebLZrZWX-twQaqQm0aoOVt0HyWDJWs_GD51wYUgK1KQIqc/s1600-h/Image013.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFCNZIaJzh7fStrwWtWdXURtHZW32PaPM5BEOrnNg3_Q_0c6pB-RBYhlt4tw1GzQrl7RwaDHES3uoobUy5c_iEnRtStS_zLgebLZrZWX-twQaqQm0aoOVt0HyWDJWs_GD51wYUgK1KQIqc/s320/Image013.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446288471635052610" border="0" /></a>The excuse of a new job to buy lovely new clothes has not been lost on me, but unfortunately with a rather detrimental effect on my bank account, not yet half way through the month and the money is gone! Ah well!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-84672206609823670762010-03-10T09:42:00.006+00:002010-03-10T09:55:16.306+00:00Folksy Favourites :)I've been off searching Folksy again, not that it takes much searching to find some amazing things!<br /><br />One shop that I stumbled across this week is <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/ohgosh">OhGosh!</a>, and oh gosh what a gorgeous shop it is (expecially for this self confessed bag addict!). This stunning green leather purse is just one example of one of the many items I love in this shop, but I could go on forever; why buy a mass produced bag or purse when you can get a unique item so stunningly handmade?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/245037-green-with-flower-leather-purse?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiMWA1GGdNt1HmgVuy9F_jgesG_ju-WBiuIW0buGNlYXeVzXLWKvUvFG_ma-20qRiI4DWX_MwjWgw-TKBz6TocdeU0P11bZHOT19L8Brs44dKonQ9mxseZItx6nAzKHFbuZHd1rSvVVSt-/s320/IMG_7900.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446938794436336098" border="0" /></a><br />Going along a totally different vein now, I spent a lot of time this week browsing <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/noodleBubble">noodlebubble</a>. I love the brooches and buttons, and the bright colours always lift my mood. One thing I especially love is these giant buttons; measuring an amazing 50 mm across, I have hundreds of great ideas for them - from scarves to hats to cardigans, oh boy you could have a lot of fun with these!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/303901-HUGE-Buttons-"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglpP2cviKs4bG6tsCRGjvDre9zNMiTPgaMrAPEpaxpcZ7ReYsXxnqm361kjzmkwkdwGsjzd6lOuJNAKPzJWgyA5Qn52zvplMr-7_fFka5NnZQL5KUmoCrkJuGr3zpCH45MGWeRpjsxdpTB/s320/L1070153.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446940069372435650" border="0" /></a> My final choice this week comes from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/Cherryloco">Cherryloco</a>. I was having a bit of a down day, and browsing online for some retail therapy when I stumbled across these earrings. Who could fail to be cheered up by the happy smile and the thought of blue skies and white fluffy clouds? The workmanship in all the products is amazing, definitely worth taking a look.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/344901-Happy-cloud-earrings?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8v3v-2vwSZ1pT9I2PrcmPJMbzxa16GlJ0ILF_pJKQgCkDzb_x_V3IIlqudv1D3t_xfzmq46HdscxLMvdRDBUWYX9UAxlSlavuxZNOrbho4BvfxP0Ylvo7loi9BmD4pnaxLLrl67rb2ZKW/s320/happy_clouds_earrings2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446941010789797026" border="0" /></a> I hope you like these picks, I'll be back with more next week!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-91900003708456645932010-03-09T11:41:00.001+00:002010-03-09T11:42:14.767+00:00Cheese & Potato Pie RecipeOoh now this is a lovely lovely recipe. My Mum's been making it as long as I can remember, it tastes gorgeously cheesey and also ticks the comfort food box.<br /><br />Here we go then....<br /><br />Slice up a pile of potatoes into slices maybe 0.5cm thick.<br />Slice up a couple of onions.<br />Grate a huuuuuuuge pile of cheese.<br /><br />Take a casserole dish and fill it with layers of potato, onion and lots and lots of cheese. When the dish is full, pour milk on until the milk comes up to around 1cm below the brim.<br /><br />Put it in the oven and bake for.... 3 - 4 hours. It seriously does take that long to cook as it's really dense and you need the potato to get really soft. If you don't have that long, then stick it in the microwave for 10 or 15 minutes first to get it hot through, then you can put it in the oven for around 1 hr and it should be fine. Check it's cooked by sticking a knife in the middle, if the potato is properly cooked then it should go in really easily.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5TCwayPdVgmkGBGT36jUaTtm_KpK-2chF33hIg8vq8rr4r6tjU6j_ma703LfuwF7aKTWEOtIc1X95M9_Dk0S3EZXxMpwRZIFX7-KCuen9dWXn29cAqrt9gHbXX7jYvq81l9GbuJjZ7Jb/s1600-h/Image004.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV5TCwayPdVgmkGBGT36jUaTtm_KpK-2chF33hIg8vq8rr4r6tjU6j_ma703LfuwF7aKTWEOtIc1X95M9_Dk0S3EZXxMpwRZIFX7-KCuen9dWXn29cAqrt9gHbXX7jYvq81l9GbuJjZ7Jb/s320/Image004.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446287747673701250" border="0" /></a><br />Dish up piles of the cheesey goodness and enjoy!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-64363447524525579412010-03-08T10:15:00.009+00:002010-03-08T10:28:49.897+00:00Earring MakingI had a bit of an earring making session last night!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/197650-Turtle-Earrings?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 199px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjy7AXRQHk1EQRPnQjAoHQ6dM21IHHoA2IWPRyLcLAZLJmwsYFjI7hi4ztEnQv4jIPG-Ah_Zo9cYlZPXIDYdc8foJJLyOYO5cAk9NbvNgzlW2g0D9a5sjq7AbOnf4iuw0SZvIROGtgX4Q5e/s200/IMG_4841.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446206311362716322" border="0" /></a><br /><br />With a craft fair coming up in a couple of weeks, I suddenly realised that my stock of earrings was phenomenally low (erm... about 4 pairs!). I had ordered some new sterling silver hooks last week and set about turning them into earrings.<br /><br />I love dangly ear<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQIpFFHtXAXDlXV7eDqOxrxsVYWaijFCMDOrTYF9F-MhE4_A4q1Z4XEeH__eHj7xdgwjMiS4NbQijV90RfqgN1aq10uYb-uICbliIctBBU_1cPZwhAdGPLZyol0365OfTVnF4MoYc38IK/s1600-h/IMG_4818.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 158px; height: 150px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAQIpFFHtXAXDlXV7eDqOxrxsVYWaijFCMDOrTYF9F-MhE4_A4q1Z4XEeH__eHj7xdgwjMiS4NbQijV90RfqgN1aq10uYb-uICbliIctBBU_1cPZwhAdGPLZyol0365OfTVnF4MoYc38IK/s200/IMG_4818.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446205516520521474" border="0" /></a>rings, and made lots of earrings with small shell beads hanging from them. I also made some angel earrings (a bit like the <a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/214389-Angel-Keyrings?shop=yes">angel keyrings</a> in my shop) and some more turtle earrings which are just sooooo cute!<br /><br />All in all a very good evening's work I think!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/339457-Heart-Earrings?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 152px; height: 151px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJZuRc_Ay3EI2QhUVxbYdclvdbstHHO3D5XAh5x04IlSMx9Wlj76smzYTLzwupZYFNWY5OerCveglfwC_Hk-ZeZ84hjcs6r_rVdorZHIscmqz6LrBiEC_PbQ3e299kX20M0cmQ-TwlxjXb/s200/IMG_4832.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446205908121919858" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/339457-Heart-Earrings?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 310px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9ZtQp37iMFUihMDurTAhSxmdQQs9yFPyw1gtkbkk2tHwV2ZPA5O88abO0lhkGh65Yh40_Mdl1dBTIufjGeOvvLCTnz8EVlHAa2o-vFIeFHSK3MDdcGNPIXVNTauerdZ5bsbPfWT-V46sF/s320/IMG_4826.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446205226084325794" border="0" /></a>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-42457281396122022102010-03-04T09:16:00.001+00:002010-03-04T09:17:39.940+00:00Interview with Quite Contrary Crafts<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/314361--I-love-my-Mum-hand-cut-Card?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizVgzCDo1meWTRnda-PzZfhitBjVOFYkQGdhR8vf1mONH5e8ajWT9QR5k691gU4TvxT64B55pu0bX7DN_NMyAROvE_r5BgbS8A055fgNbeHa8HBx7jls9yZuWY2YkuRxuNkq9zIrNSwXtR/s200/M2.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443684278404270002" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">This week's interview is with Mary from <a href="http://www.folksy.com/shops/QuiteContraryCrafts">Quite Contrary Crafts</a>. This is a really lovely shop full of beautiful cards, pictures and mugs at great prices. A fantastic place to go to get a card for that special person... (don't forget it's Mother's day on the 14th!)<br /><br /></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><span style="font-family:georgia;">Let's meet Mary...</span></span><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" ><br />If you were an animal, what would you be? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I’d like to say something cool and sleek like a fox, but in rea</span><span style="font-size:100%;">lity I’d probably be a slightly clumsy tootling-along-happily Wombat!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What is your favourite meal? </span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">I seem to have an addiction to Thai Green Curry at the minute. Though I think my favourite all-time meal is my Mum/Dad’s Sunday Roast, it just can’t be beaten!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Hot weather or cold weather?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Cold weather – I love the layers and knitted accessories that c</span><span style="font-size:100%;">ome with it</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your favourite colour? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Turquoise</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/240885-Happy-2nd-Birthday-Hand-Cut-Personalised-Card?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIl-LxqWVJDk-zR5_VTAIy1BzPJSjSmXkP09UptckRca8TrrWbHXIBSnnCwqOTG505CYalBTq8urAXz8RPJFLsfZfVKekRnr5np04GPmZ4tB8imPHEdAlPeLwMNX3ivJCpLI6F8nbN5pie/s320/Cards_536.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443684133861259442" border="0" /></a></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><o:p> </o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-weight: bold; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">And now about your work.</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >How did you get started?</span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"> I’ve always loved Art, completely absorbed into whatever I’m making at whatever time of night! It all started from creating things for friends’ and family’s Birthdays – after trying all sorts of things, when me, the craft knife and the card finally met it all seemed to fall together; my Parents loved their Christmas cards, then my friends did…and then I found Etsy and Folksy and Quite Contrary Crafts was born!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your favourite material to work with and why? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s obviously got to be card with me – I love how it can be transformed with just one tool and a few cutting strokes into something that’s more than just a ‘card’, the way the light reflects through my designs on those rare sunny days. There’s so much versatility with it too – my new Rose paper-cut designs are the start of a whole new exciting avenue to explore! However, it is also the vain in my life when one small wrong cut can bring everything tumblin</span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/321145--I-Love-Tea-Mug?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 200px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinY04NqZA6xl1yt2fb8XMermSfIrMn5dr_feF55u4KTWQEl0yefy1G4YXckYQH6-iwUoi8DOpgPPwdVEX5f2yEq5KYBLnObUboSLKlHVvD0wHGtEOpFYer2ez57siPe864nHblMvoHpBa_/s200/r1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443684503002917106" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:100%;">g down and I have to start again!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >Is there anyone in your life who has particularly inspired you?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">My Grandad, in the way that whatever happened in life he constantly had a grin on his face and a cheesy Cockney joke to share, even at 93, and always saw the best in life – it reminds me to keep my head up, even through the tough patches, as something good is worth waiting for!</span></p> <p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your best crafty tip? </span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p style="font-family: georgia;" class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size:100%;">As ‘classy’ as it sounds, wrapping a bit of sticky plaster around your scalpel handle can make it a lot more comfortable – my poor right hand kept getting various aching red bits in odd places until I discovered this!</span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:100%;" >What’s your favourite item in your shop?</span><span style="font-size:100%;"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;">It’s got to be one of my newest ideas, my ‘I love cake!’ card. It just makes me smile (possibly as I’m a bit of a cake-o-holic!) – I’m thinking of framing a couple of the ‘I love’ cards and putting them in my kitchen to make it all nice and cheery!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.folksy.com/items/132394-Hand-Cut-I-love-Cake-Greetings-Card?shop=yes"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIgXpXg1uTFk7lNFDTS3BHo4unGOQmy39dGMtcjRJpQhkrokXyQAFWuomoXBy-5yWH1QS9flgBKNSLxVb6h12hjSolxn95M4F0zTsTGNDGOGgUY4FWvhrH48qH1PpoXdXmu8oL63YOjf8K/s320/cake1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5443683575012058210" border="0" /></a></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 6pt 0cm; font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size:100%;"><a href="http://www.folksy.com/items/132394-Hand-Cut-I-love-Cake-Greetings-Card?shop=yes"><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:worddocument> <w:view>Normal</w:View> <w:zoom>0</w:Zoom> <w:punctuationkerning/> <w:validateagainstschemas/> <w:saveifxmlinvalid>false</w:SaveIfXMLInvalid> <w:ignoremixedcontent>false</w:IgnoreMixedContent> <w:alwaysshowplaceholdertext>false</w:AlwaysShowPlaceholderText> <w:compatibility> <w:breakwrappedtables/> <w:snaptogridincell/> <w:wraptextwithpunct/> <w:useasianbreakrules/> <w:dontgrowautofit/> </w:Compatibility> <w:browserlevel>MicrosoftInternetExplorer4</w:BrowserLevel> </w:WordDocument> </xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml> <w:latentstyles deflockedstate="false" latentstylecount="156"> </w:LatentStyles> </xml><![endif]--><style> <!-- /* Style Definitions */ p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {mso-style-parent:""; margin:0cm; margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:12.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple; text-decoration:underline; text-underline:single;} @page Section1 {size:612.0pt 792.0pt; margin:72.0pt 90.0pt 72.0pt 90.0pt; mso-header-margin:36.0pt; mso-footer-margin:36.0pt; mso-paper-source:0;} div.Section1 {page:Section1;} --> </style><!--[if gte mso 10]> <style> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0cm 5.4pt 0cm 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0cm; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman"; mso-ansi-language:#0400; mso-fareast-language:#0400; mso-bidi-language:#0400;} </style> <![endif]--></a></span></p>Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-770605832202835845.post-9668545973114709842010-03-03T09:35:00.003+00:002010-03-03T09:38:13.990+00:00Help to Spread the Prettiness!I'm looking for volunteers to take part in a bracelet walkabout...<br /><br />I have this very pretty bracelet which sadly has been languishing at the bottom of a box for some time now. This is a very sad state of affairs as this bracelet's whole purpose in being was to be pretty and to sparkle on a wrist somewhere, and to soak up the admiration of everyone who saw it.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpEoWpbzd33wMNmuf8BJBrzShRYGTs8GzRXkD4LRsVyPMNOgI6_jNs8ZjVQ-85zV15MQc3tdQM2QmPlC3YWhfiW1L0vvJNnLG5_NdKJwVR8MkX4yTPgrOu10HyB4CRgcQL1ylWu9f2tFr/s1600-h/IMG_3894.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfpEoWpbzd33wMNmuf8BJBrzShRYGTs8GzRXkD4LRsVyPMNOgI6_jNs8ZjVQ-85zV15MQc3tdQM2QmPlC3YWhfiW1L0vvJNnLG5_NdKJwVR8MkX4yTPgrOu10HyB4CRgcQL1ylWu9f2tFr/s320/IMG_3894.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444338999397431618" border="0" /></a>I feel it's time that this bracelet was given a chance to fulfil its purpose, but for this I need some help and that's where you come in...<br /><br />Basically the idea is this: You get the bracelet for about a week, during which time you wear it somewhere nice and take a photo of it looking pretty and sparkly and generally doing what pretty things do best. Then send me the photo and a little write-up about where it has been that week and the prettiness that it has spread around, and I'll post it here so that we can all appreciate the prettiness.<br /><br />Then I will send you the address of the next person in the list and you can post the bracelet onto them, and the cycle continues...<br /><br />If you are interested then send me an <a href="http://www.blogger.com/worthington.ka@googlemail.com">email</a>, <a href="http://www.folksy.com/users/Flutterbies">a folksy message</a>, or leave a comment here, and I will work out an order :)<br /><br />Help to spread the prettiness!Flutterbieshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06165870229356567246noreply@blogger.com4