tales from our cottage

SpRRRRRinG....

2012-01-24T19:45:00.003Z

Spring eh? well hardly with the weather we've had recently... but here's the view from my salon window, bringing you a little bit of spring....

CoMfOrT FooD...

2012-01-17T07:33:00.004Z

What's with the whole comfort food thing this time of year then...??

Reading blog posts, reading craft (tho I hate the word craft) books...

Catching up with face book friends...

Baking (Ooh get me!!)

& eating the then baking goods...!!!

Sitting in front of the wood burner... (So toasty....)

This can't go on people...

FoR DoG LoVeRs EvErYWhErE...

2012-01-08T11:31:00.002Z

Given that we're now at the start of a brand new year... wise words from our fury friends...

Linoprint found on *Folksy from: Enlightened Hound see more of her work found

HERE

Mr A....

2012-01-03T15:39:00.002Z

Here's to a happier & healthier 2012..

Time eh?.. can't believe Mr Alfie or Al-fraid-o or A-L-L-F-I-E!!

or Mr A as he's also known in this house... has just spent this 3 third Christmas sharing is curly bouncy life with us, it only feels like yesterday when we bought him home from the breeders...

It's been nice to stop & share a fury cuddle or two these past few weeks...

NoRmaL SeRviCe HaS ReTuRnEd...

2011-12-22T11:27:00.004Z

Computers eh..? great if they work.... even better, when you finally realise that the broadband speed is having a quiet nap...

Hay hoe all finally sorted.. hope your all having a FAB Christmas here's to a happier & healthier 2012.. see you on the other side.....

*photo from etsy

StOcKinG FiLLeRs..

2011-12-04T19:08:00.013Z

I've been asked by a few of you, if I could sell a few of my items..

Here are a few smaller items that would make great stocking fillers....

If there is something you'd like to buy please email me at:

Jamesworth082@btinterent.com

Lip Balm hand poured into a vintage style cameo

£5.00

3x Mini Note cards & envelopes with paper butterfly detail

£3.50

Handmade paper Christmas card folded into a match box

£3.00

Handmade Clay heart brooch

£4.00

4x gift labels hand stamped/punched detail

£2.00

Badges £1.00 each

choose from:

Rabbit

Tea Pot

Butterfly

Hot air ballon

FuN @ ThE FaiR....

2011-11-22T07:38:00.004Z

To everyone that came & helped me with this FAB fair thank you so very much..

More pictures links & details can be found over at our

Handmaid & Vintage Blog

HoPe To See YoU ThErE...

2011-11-14T10:48:00.005Z

MeEt OuR SeLLeRs.....

2011-11-04T07:12:00.002Z

Our next Handmaid & Vintage fair takes place in a few weeks..... pencil into your dairies

SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER would be great to see you there...!!

For more information & a sneeky peak at some of our sellers work hop

over to our

HANDMAID & VINTAGE BLOG....

I ShOuLd Be DoInG ThE iRoNiNg....

2011-10-30T17:08:00.003Z

It's Sunday today, so we play "catch up time..." in this house, I'm meant to be doing the ironing, but instead I made a sneaky exit, & played about with paper & rubbers stamps...
Please tell me I'm not the only one that skives off from doing the dreaded 'jobs'...!!

MoVinG FoReWoRd.....

2011-10-21T15:21:00.008+01:00

Not sure how you do move foreword...

People keep saying... "time"..

Others say "routine"..

I've tried both.. not sure either of them really work....

I feel like the world is carrying on all around me at the moment...

Like I'm in some sort of dream..

People keep saying every one's grief is different.. & everyone deals with it different..

I'm just trying to get threw each day, as best I can...

You may remember me telling you a while back that a group of us, hand make things, whilst a few others of us collect vintage finds, flea market finds,

& thrift a bit...

Well, a few years ago we decided to all get together & hold a few fairs...

Starting off small & growing slowly....

We're called HANDMAID & VINTAGE & I'm the organiser...

I have gathered some very talented people, with some beautiful handmades, & some fabulous finds, all different, all unique & all well made, to find out more, about their work & finds, please hop over to our other BLOG

I've been trying to make things, & collect things, it's been at times a blessing

Because you can loose yourself for a hour or too....

I do hope if you have the time, you'll be able to join us on

SATURDAY 19th NOVEMBER

@ Boxted Village Hall

ShAdoWs BeHiNd Us...

2011-10-10T14:30:00.004+01:00

I can't begin to tell you how painful these last few weeks have been.. after a short illness my poor dad passed away recently...

I've tried so hard to keep saying to myself that it's better he's no longer suffering, but it's so hard to really get your head & your heart to accept that you'll never have a conversation again, never laugh at the same jokes again, or look at one another & know that above all, you understand each other, like no one else does, because you're so alike...It's like a part of me has died as well...

My mum had to go to dad's wallet for something the other day, & came across these photo's of me,... I never knew he carried them around with him all the time...

My very proud dad on my wedding day, he was like a small child grinning from ear to ear all day...

A friend wrote to me & said that everyone leaves a touch of colour & shadows behind them when they leave us....
I hope where ever you are dad, that your colours are shining bright...

10 YeArs MaRRied...

2011-09-18T15:46:00.006+01:00

It's been an interesting few weeks to say the least, with a very ill father in hospital, pulling together all the elements for our FAIR & celebrating our 10 years of marriage....

I can't believe where the past 1o years have gone...

From running a business in town for 14 years, to working from home, James taking a massive risk & changing his career, to building & living through 4 extensions at home, to bringing home the curly Mr Alfred our dog...

Threw to new changes & creative adventures here on my blog to web shops & fairs...

Below are some new goodies we're gathering towards our next handmaid & vintage fair..

Be GrEaT To See YoU ThErE...

2011-09-14T21:04:00.002+01:00

Plans are well underway

Sooooo many lovely handmades...

So many beautiful vintage goodies to bring to you...

I hope you're coming.....???

NeW MaKeS....

2011-09-04T18:52:00.006+01:00

My lovely pass time...

Playing about with paper...

Butterflies & bunting cards...

OnE FoR YouR DiArY...

2011-08-27T11:56:00.003+01:00

Preparations are under way.....

More info to follow...

Put it in your dairy.....

MaKeRs & SeLLeRs....

2011-08-19T19:05:00.003+01:00

As many of you may, or may, not know, we already currently, do two HANDMAID & VINTAGE FAIRS a year, one in the Spring & another at Christmas time, & we're in the process of going to a much larger hall & are looking for more stall holders to join us…

We are looking for handmade & vintage people, making & selling these items only please, in & around the Essex & Suffolk area, sorry but we are NOT looking for ‘buy in’ gift wear stall holders, or anymore card or jewellery sellers, but would love to hear from sellers that sell vintage haberdashery & or linens.....
If you would like to join us, Please do get in touch, where I can give you more details regarding this up & coming event...

WiShiN' & A HoPiN'.....

2011-08-11T08:50:00.008+01:00

Wishing & dreamin this Caravan was mine... here's my inspiration.....

Small enough & cute enough...
*All images from cool caravan

Another delightful morning a car bootin'..., early bird catches the worms...
An old trunk to be our storage & coffee table in our kitchen,..
just waiting for me to line the inside with ticking...

Old tin bath & flour tin, waiting for plants & flowers to be planted...

I'm a sucker for an old tin... holding papers, photo's & the like, lovely baker light handles, which will replace the two on a cupboard in our kitchen, & a pot, waiting to have dried lavender resting inside it...

An EvEniNgS WoRk.....

2011-08-03T20:05:00.012+01:00

Had some time off today.. lovely...

Walked Mr Alfie first thing

Mooched about a car boot

Ate ice cream

Enquired about a new/larger hall for our Christmas Fair

& made stuff.......

What things did you do today..?

LiKe A CeLeB....

2011-07-27T20:11:00.006+01:00

*image from sepiasmiles blog

Must share this with you....

When I started this blog, & hand making lark, I was just someone that loved paper, making things, & was 'just' happy that someone else well, liked them too... & enough to dig deep in their pocket to buy things from me....

So I started a blog, mainly to write stuff about things I liked, had seen, & wanted to share...

Along the way I have 'met' some truly lovely people, people that have encouraged me lynn (which led me to send some work in, that then got published!!), people that have sent me lovely cards in the post saying how they loved the things they'd bought from me, & most recently people that have blogged Roseanna about me....

I just want to say... A BIG thank YOU...

HaTcHiNg A PLaN......

2011-07-25T20:18:00.010+01:00

Ooh aren't these just Divine.... gotta an idea...

more another time pehaps.. these were found here

& here are somethings I've been working on, glass pins & glass pendants, french style note-lets, & more ceramic brooches the others flew out of the salon......!!

CrEaTiVe MoJo....

2011-07-18T20:13:00.011+01:00

So... it seems I have my creative mojo back..!!

Blimey who knew....!?!?!!

Here are some things I had in my head, when I was ill, it kinda kept me going,

if that makes any sense at all....??
Anyway, anyway, anyway... here you go a look see at wot I made...

All to be found HERE soon..

BriGhtEr DaYs...

2011-07-15T20:04:00.010+01:00

Spending time with friends, catching up with family, walking the 'Mr Alfie' in new & interesting places, even though he covered himself in mud... bargain hunting at car booties, having time to 'sit' 'think' & 'breath' & deciding to make changes....

Thank you all for you kind words... feeling more like myself, finally..

Just wanted to share some of the lovely old paper I found at the local car boot...

No WordS....

2011-07-04T20:10:00.005+01:00

Just a few images of things I've been making...

Thank you for your kind words...

GiRl FriEnD TiMe....

2011-06-17T17:50:00.006+01:00

I had a great morning out & about with a friend this week, routing about at the local car boot, sharing laughs, & a fried egg Bab... well, it was our breakfast..!!

I've been unwell well recently & this was a real welcome day out....

Here's my recent haul at the booty what joy & all for under a £5....

eLeMeNtS FrOm HoMe...

2011-06-13T21:08:00.007+01:00

Lovely yellow colours from our garden,

great to finally have some rain......

Grrr.....

2011-06-01T20:51:00.004+01:00

Day 4 with NO mobile phone!!! That's right, I SAID day 4 with NO mobile phone!!!!!!

the service & aftercare from APPLE has been appalling!!!

It seems they are a 'faceless organization...'

I wish the person on the other end of the line had told me this, before he gave me a load of tasks to do, & said ring back if this doesn't work!!

IT DIDN'T!!!

So tomorrow will be day 5 with NO MOBILE PHONE...Grrrrrrr!!!!!

I am now on a WEEK with no phone.. sad I know, to rumble on about a peice of plastic, you can talk & take photo's with...

But, the mobile has become so much more than that... how we save images of our day, or text a friend a funny story, or call a loved one with our concerns...

BrEaK AWaY....

2011-05-27T20:49:00.010+01:00

Cream Teas, Delightful shops, fabulous views, & sunny days...

James & I have just returned from St Ives in Cornwall, if you've never been, you're missing a real treat..
It makes a change to see some independent shops, with real handmade treats inside...

We stayed in a fabulous Posh B&B

Their Homemade cake when you came back was naughty but nice...

ScHooL DaYzzz..

2011-05-20T20:48:00.003+01:00

I was reminded recently on 'face book' of my school days...

I can remember having this photo taken as if it were yesterday.

Though what my mother was thinking of?

We, were supposed to Vikings, & here I am, the only child dressed as ROMAN!!!

Check out my cardboard breast plates...!!

& I don't think I managed to stab anyone with my 'square' ended sword..

Anyway, from memory I got killed off the minute I left the cardboard boat...!!

No wonder I look so cheesed off, happy days though....

AnYoNe KnOw HoW To....?

2011-05-15T12:17:00.011+01:00

So here's the the 'thing..'

Can you make a living from handmade & vintage..?

Can it be done? I mean, without starving yourself, or NOT paying the mortgage, & making sure that, the Mr. Alfie, still has his occasional bone to chew on....??

Are there now too many of us out there enjoying the same thing?

Is there enough room for all of us..?

What became a 'hobby' is fast becoming something I really do enjoy & something I would really like to take further, to where? I'm not sure yet, I only know that I'd like too....

I love my job don't get me wrong (to all my clients that read my blog..!!)

But we have enough room in our lives for diversity right..?

I know there's others out there in blog land, that feel the same way, because we all talk.., is working part-time the answer then?

There is only so many times you can "tweet" "blog" & "chat in forums" to get the foot fall threw your online shop,... & whilst I'm on that subject.., some of these online shops are sooooo expensive, almost up there with a brick shop... I know, I had a salon in town for many years....

Anyway, anyway, anyway... rant over... answers on a post card pleeeeese???

All images are from this mornings car booty haul, vintage magazines, tin bath a steal at £4!! & lovely little beef dripping pot, amongst other things.......

FoX POooooo...

2011-05-12T08:47:00.000+01:00

Enough said.....!! :o/

MoLLiE MaKeS......

2011-05-07T19:11:00.004+01:00

At last a NEW crafting magazine in the UK...

Comes out on May 12th & can be bought at WHSmith & Sainsburys... looks fun here's a link

ShOp UpDaTe....

2011-05-02T20:51:00.009+01:00

Got around to updating my little old shop today..

All my handmade goods found HERE

CaR BoOtY....

2011-05-01T13:22:00.007+01:00

A blustery mornings work at the car booty.... What lovely finds tho...

Old rusty watery can, little brown suitcase, rusty tins, & a marmalade pot....

Ahhh.... my work here is done people....

Oh ...No...

2011-04-30T14:43:00.003+01:00

Hope you all enjoyed the Royal Wedding... funniest thing I heard over the weekend was when Allen Carr said that Princess Beatrice's 'hat' looked like a giant pretzel...!!!!

DuM..DuM..DuDuM..DuM..DuM..Dee..DuMM..

2011-04-28T19:36:00.019+01:00

http://www.etsy.com/

TeA AnY oNe.....?

2011-04-26T16:00:00.007+01:00

What have you lovelies been up to over the Easter break..?

I have finally got a week off work... great...!! I can (yawn) wash out all my cupboards & organize (the best bit) our kitchen....
I tell you, I packed so much away when we started this project last May, it was a joy to get things out of their newspaper & 'play' today....

Lovely vintage cups & saucers that were James Gran's...

Lovely tulips a friend gave me..., they looked so lovely with the sun pouring in our kitchen earlier this week...

& we also went to my cousins wedding at the weekend what a beautiful day...

My attempt at "button holes made easy" by the delightful Miss Pickering...
nothing like as good as hers of course....but a girl can try right...?

ObJeCtS Of My DeSiRe.......

2011-04-17T15:04:00.007+01:00

Ah... my new objects of desire....

Lovely Sheperds Huts......

A place to sit.... or to be creative.... or to share my goodies with....

How fabulous are they...? well a girl can dream right...?

eLeMeNtS FrOm HoMe.......

2011-04-11T19:58:00.005+01:00

You may remember some time ago, me telling you, about our extension (yawn..)

Well..., today we started to put somethings back into the new kitchen/living space we've created..., ahem.. I mean, which James drew, created, & worked his B***ks off doing.....

Here are some lovely botanical prints, grouped together along one of the walls, & a wreath, we've hung on one of the walls we decided to leave bare brick...

& these gorgeous flashes of red & pink blooms that are coming alive in our garden right now...

In ThE WoRdS Of ChEr....."iF I CoULd TuRn BaCk TiMe....."

2011-04-04T16:24:00.004+01:00

...... If I could find a way-aa-ee......."

Because we had such a great time.. &, it just goes by in such a whizz, so I'd like to turn back time to last Saturday, to our handmaid & Vintage Spring Fair please....

Just a taster image.... more are available on our Handmaid & Vintage Blog..

So hop on over there for more inspiration.......

On behalf of everyone last Saturday thanks for being part of it...

& to those of you that helped us, with the day,.. thank you so much..

& to those partners/husbands that endured raffia being tied to labels at 6.30am, in bed, that very morning, thank you, & to those who endured a flour filled kitchen, with margarine door knobs, thank you.. & to those who endured a fridge filled with no food.... ONLY soap!!

We thank you...

& remind you that we're planning another...

Handmaid & Vintage Fair at Christmas....!!!

LaSt PoSt......... No TrUmPeT ReQuIReD....

2011-03-31T08:39:00.003+01:00

Well, the last post for a bit anyway.... as it's only a few days till our FAIR & preparations are in full swing 'ere..
(in other words.... there's stuff all over the house!!!!)
BTW.. hope you're coming..?
If not,... there'll be plenty of images (I promise) to share with you...
Here's another small tease...
Laters.....
Now where did I put me trumpet..!!

InSpiRaTiOnS...............

2011-03-27T11:13:00.009+01:00

So we all went to the CL Fair this week... as usual our trip was arranged by the delightful Jaini...

The Fair was very different this year... did any of you go..?

What did you think..?

For me I really liked it... it WAS different......, there were different sellers there, & more vintage stalls, inluding new sellers than ever before, thou sad not to see some of the familiar faces that have been there for many years... is this a sign of our financial times..?

As usual it is always inspirational........ & for me, it's the sellers that take the time to talk to you that I like, because without those of us that trudged around the centre, there would be NO fair... something I think a few sellers need to bear in mind...

Talking of Fairs Our Handmaid & Vintage Spring Fair is only next week........

Here are few more things I've been working on...

Strawberry Shortcake Heart shaped soaps....

Cuff links made from vintage buttons...

CoMpUtEr SaYs Noooo....

2011-03-20T17:21:00.007Z

Ever had one of those weeks..? Where the computer says no.. no... & no again....

Well I Have....!!!!

Lost all my images & some of my fav photo's.. (sad face)

So after many, many hours of screaming at the screen.. I gave in... & asked for help...

All restored now well..., almost...

In the mean time I've been making some new Spring/Easter pieces of jewelley for our FAIR, & gathering some new Vintage things to sell.... thanks to Lesley

Some of my New hair slides..

& Vintage Birthday card packs from the 1950's

Lovely sage green brooch

A lovely vintage icing set

One of my new rings..

Vintage buttons...

DeLiGhTfuL FLoWeRs.....

2011-03-12T21:07:00.008Z

How lovely are the images in this book...?

It was printed in 1928...

I love the dedication in the book to..
The smell of this book is fabulous....

& the images are well..., judge for yourself...

I wAnT ThAt DReSS....

2011-03-05T13:48:00.002Z

Sadly no pennies for it tho... found here

MoRe GooDiEs FoR OuR fAiR....

2011-02-26T18:00:00.003Z

OK. Ok..., I know, more handmade bits n bob towards our
Handmaid & Vintage Spring Fair...
Just thought I'd show some things off, to give you a taster.....
Hope everyone is enjoying the dull, dark, rainy day NOT........!!!!
Have a great weekend folks...

PaPeR PLaY.....

2011-02-23T21:45:00.014Z

Handmade paper heart decorations, made from vintage paper...

Paper star party confetti made from vintage music sheets...

All made by me...

MeEt BrEnDa.....

2011-02-20T20:46:00.007Z

Our kitchen extension continues, each week, bit by bit, more, of our kitchen comes together..

The Rayburn was fitted, a few weeks ago...

BRENDA I've decided to call her..

She's lovely right..? sadly not in use at present though, as she has to be 'commissioned' which I think sounds a little like a 'passing out parade' for Rayburn's....Anyway, anyway, anyway,.. It's a safety thing, you have to do before you can use them apparently....

Doing the FUN bit now, which is, choosing the colours, tiles, handles etc..

So as Brenda sits proudly in our kitchen, I can't stop looking at her...
Funny thing is I have absolutely NO idea how to cook on one... I do hope it's easy??

SnEekY PeAk....

2011-02-16T08:43:00.004Z

Here's some things I'm working on for our Handmaid & Vintage Spring fair....

LaZy SuNdAy AfTeRnOoN.....

2011-02-13T13:48:00.005Z

Some of us are having a lazy Sunday afternoon, 'no change for the Mr Alfie then' something we've not done in a very, very, long time.....
Due to, a moment of madness last spring, we ripping out one side of our cottage, & built a two storey extension, a new bedroom upstairs, & a kitchen downstairs, moving all the electrics, water & waste, & while we were doing that, moved the staircase from one part of the cottage to another... talk about grand designs!!
We've done the majority of the work ourselves, only getting in trades where we need too, what were we thinking of!!?
So today we're having a lazy Sunday afternoon...

Work in progress....

HANDMAID & VINTAGE SPRING FAIR.....

2011-02-10T15:18:00.003Z

For our sins, we're at it again...
Yep, we've decided to do another Handmaid & Vintage fair this time in the
SPRING...
All my gals have been busy making gorgeous bits, & gathering fabulous finds...
Hop on over to our Handmaid & Vintage Spring Fair blog to find out all the details....
Hope to see you there....!!

SpRinG DrEaMinG.....

2011-02-06T17:09:00.008Z

All Etsy

And Finally....

2011-02-02T20:17:00.006Z

You know... you wouldn't think it's that difficult to grab a few moments to be creative, would you?

But time, just seems to slip threw my fingers.

All I seem to be doing, is chasing my tail lately..

Anyway, a few clients cancelled today, & despite the chaos going on in our kitchen currently,

I managed to find some time do make somethings again...

Some goat's milk & rosewater soaps, a few bird garlands...

Here's a few new cards, I've been mixing card, pictures, & lace to some, I like the texture they have..

On a positive note... the days are starting to get lighter, & we even saw the sun for about an hour today..... SPRING can't be that far away right...!?

2011-01-14T20:53:00.006Z

You know, in my job, I'm lucky enough to meet lots of different people, & if this week is anything to go by, hear some very, very funny stories, you, know, the kind, that make you laugh out loud that your eyes water......

But, one of this best things, are, that you meet like minded friends, people that you have things in common, or interests, or that inspire you, or that you can inspire......
Here's some work that Louise bought in, when she came for her hair cut today... handmade crochet hearts & garlands, made from hemp, that come in their very own little ticking bags...

Just Lovely find them here.........

That Lovin' Feeling.....

2011-01-10T17:20:00.004Z

Ahhh..... love is in the air... erm, well, not quite....

still have the kitchen upside down, half a ceiling, no stairs, no heating, no lighting, no work tops, no floor..., yep I know, "be nice when it's done..!!"

To try & take my mind of things & the chaos around us,

I pretend it's not happening..& make stuff...

Here's my latest object of desire, handmade clay heart which can be found here

if you fancy a flop over there....

Boring....

2011-01-05T16:31:00.007Z

I know, I know... I'm about to bore you even further.....

& go on about my iPhone AGAIN!!!

But there are sooooo many apps & I just love the images you can transform

using these photography apps......

O happy days....

Lusting over......

2011-01-02T16:58:00.010Z

*Note to self .....you are NOT a millionaire!! but dreaming is OK....

*Anthropologie

Did you see this...?

2011-01-01T16:58:00.007Z

If like me you spent your time over Christmas either rushed

off your feet.... or laid up in bed........ long story...!!!!

It's only now, that, I've caught up with any TV, that I was hoping

to watch......

*Upstairs downstairs.... truly lovely

*Miranda.... hilarious, & the small blonde friend reminds me, of me,...

I'm about that size, height, & it has been said a few times... "that mad woman....!!"

*Toast.....both funny & sad..

*The Royle family.... best TV moment over Christmas.... "she's in the dyson"

*All can be seen again Here

HaPPy NeW YeAr....

2010-12-31T18:43:00.009Z

May all that you dream & wish for come true

in this New Year....

*Photo's are from my in-laws lake, which were taken on Christmas day,

where the lake was completely frozen stiff.....

Meet Ramone......

2010-12-27T16:08:00.003Z

He's a lovely little chap... goes by the name Ramone.... Ramone Reindeer....

This knitted character is on the front of my favourite Christmas card of the year...

This card was given to me by Babs, I can call Barbara Babs now, we've passed the 'hairdresser/client' barrier after all these years of well... let's just say counseling each other, as well as haircuts & colours....

Anyhoo.....

You can download your own photo's here & PhotoBox limited will donate 5% of the selling price of NSPCC greeting cards to the NSPCC’s Child’s Voice Appeal

So go on then,..... which is your favourite Christmas card of the year....?

keeping warm.....

2010-12-20T17:36:00.010Z

It's been -13 today blimey that's cold...

So we've been trying to keep warm....

As you can see Mr Alfie knows where the best place to be is...

I've been playing around with my iphone app

again, & here's some images from around our home...

Have a great Christmas stay warm & safe.....

Christmas Teatime Treats.....

2010-12-12T17:29:00.011Z

Source: Google

Privileged.........

2010-12-08T20:28:00.006Z

Once again I extremely humbled to be featured
in the latest addition of
Sew Somerset magazine.......

I feel honored to be nestled along side these fabulous
artists, & am thrilled to be a part of it....

p.s thank you Lynn

Christmas Inspirations.....

2010-12-02T19:13:00.007Z

etsy

My New TOY......

2010-11-24T17:50:00.011Z

I was lucky enough this birthday to be bought the latest i phone, by James..

Reckon it was for good behaviour (mine not his...lol)

Only joking... !!

What a lucky girl I am though....

I love the things you can do with this phone, besides sending texts.....

(sorry Jen, I know you got more than your fair share of texts when I first got this, due to my finger accidentally slipping on the 'send' button sorry...!!)

& call someone, this camera is amazing... the apps you can download... & play about with the images & photo's are fab....

Here are some I've been playing around with...

Whoop... Whoop....

2010-11-21T13:42:00.003Z

Phew.... what at a DAY...!!!

A big thank you to everyone involved, & to those of you that attended....

Hop on over to our Handmaid & Vintage Blog

For all the FUN....

In the mean time I've updated my little shop

Right, I'm off for a well earned lie down.....

Can't stop long......

2010-11-15T19:38:00.007Z

Right..., can't stop long... my last post before our fair

Here's my first attempt at making soap... am quite chuffed how they've turned out.... :o)

& the new jewellery glass brooches, I've been working on too..

Thanks so much for the lovely comments you have all been leaving me recently,

really cheered me up &, so nice to know there's people out there, reading my little ole' blog...

OK..., my next post will be packed full of images from our fair...,

be great to see you there....

LATERS..... (wish me luck!!)

Eeeek... this time next week!!

2010-11-11T17:35:00.010Z

Handmade Reindeers

Twiggy Hearts

Rusty Bell Decorations

Handmade Star Tree Decoration

Giant Scented cones, & Cinnamon sticks

So the cottage is currently awash with all things Christmas,
handmade, & a bit vintage.....
The smell is amazing......!!

As you may already know our, Handmaid & Vintage Christmas Fair
Is taking place, on Saturday 20th November, & all of us girlies,
are working hard in the background, to bring you some gorgeous goodies....

Here are some images of things I've been making & putting together, to give
you a flavour of things to come.....

For more details, directions, etc. hop over to our
Handmaid & Vintage Blog

Hope to see you there...!!

Fa - L a - La - La.... La- La

2010-11-08T09:16:00.014Z

Inspirations found at:

Cox & Cox

Not on the High Street

Decorative Country Living

Days Off......

2010-10-18T16:42:00.008+01:00

So after cleaning the house from top to bottom, wading through the ironing...
I had time to... (Ooo.... & have I mentioned I have no roof on one side of our cottage presently..?!)
More on that another post I think...

Why then oh why? do our days off go soooo..... quickly!!?
I look at my watch one minute, & it says, 11.30am the next I look it's 5pm!!!

What's that all about.... answers on a post card PLEASE....

Anyhoo...... here's what else went on today....

Making hearts...

Making NEW Jewellery bits...

Mr Alfie enjoying the autumn sunshine.....
Lucky devil..!!

Right then Off to the gym.......

In preperation.......

2010-10-14T08:23:00.003+01:00

Every closer.... baking, sewing, making, stuffing, all towards our

Handmaid & Vintage Christmas Fair
Would be great to see you there...

A new passion....

2010-10-07T17:44:00.004+01:00

Wanting to learn something new.......

Here's my inspiration....

Lovely handmade soaps...

Image from: odds & suds

What's your NEW Passsion...?

Autumn.....

2010-09-21T11:53:00.005+01:00

Updating the salon with my handmade goodies in the window

I love this time of year... Autumn especially the colours

Busy Mornings....

2010-09-18T13:59:00.013+01:00

Walking Alfie this morning, on a crisp Autumn day...

I took my camera with me, to share our walk with you...

I've also had a some time to start making some things towards our
HANDMAID & VINTAGE CHRISTMAS FAIR

The great british bake off...

2010-09-12T21:48:00.002+01:00

Anyone else watching, & enjoying this..?

The great british bake off

Ahhh.... Simple pleasures eh....?

*image found on flickr

Goodies for sale

2010-09-04T16:32:00.010+01:00

Hop on over to my shop

Christmas & Homemade Chocolate Brownies......

2010-08-30T16:15:00.005+01:00

Some pictures, from last Wednesday, as we both, tried to 'play stylist' for the evening, playing around with Christmas images, for a logo for our next

'Handmaid & Vintage Christmas Fair'

This was all made worthwhile, with mugs of hot tea, & Jen's delicious homemade Chocolate Brownies....

VINTAGE LOVELIES....

2010-08-16T15:20:00.008+01:00

Vintage Wedding Fair

Vintage & Cake

Vintage Shops

Fair Beginnings........

2010-08-08T17:02:00.007+01:00

What can I say...?

For our 1st ever attempt at running our
Handmaid & Vintage Fair, we, were all, amazed
at the amount of people that poured through our village hall doors....

For the full story, pictures, & more information of our fair 'click' on the link below, we'll also be adding a date for our Handmaid & Vintage Christmas Fair, soon, so watch this space..........
Handmaid & Vintage Fair

It's tomorrow... GULP!!!

2010-08-06T17:59:00.004+01:00

Our Handmaid & Vintage Fair is tomorrow...

I Can't believe it's finally here...

Be great to see you there if your in the area....

last minute updates....

2010-07-28T15:28:00.009+01:00

Just found some time to show you these..... ,

I'm almost there, with things I've been making, for our

'Handmaid & Vintage Fair'

just putting the finishing touches to things, .. am so glad I've been able to make things over these past few weeks, speaking with Sharon yesterday, (who'll be making homemade cake & yummy cupcakes etc..) tells me, she'll be making these the day before.... SO NO PRESSURE then....!!!

To see her lovely work pop over to our handmaid & vintage blog where we'll be posting more info & updates, including photos of our day & any future events ...

Hope to see you there....

In the mean time here's a sneaky peek at some of the jewellery bits & bobs I've been making

Some like it HOT...........

2010-07-01T14:08:00.011+01:00

What a scorcher....!!!! am not complaining,... no, really, I'm not,

it's just that I wilt in this heat...

Hope you're all enjoying the sunshine..

In the mean time here's some pictures of cards I've been making for,

our Handmaid & vintage Fair...

Oh... I do like to be beside the sea side...

2010-06-27T17:22:00.008+01:00

Long time no post... what can I say....?

Life just gets in the way at times right!?....

Annnny Way...

Here's a sneaky peek at some things I'm making for our

'Handmaid & Vintage Fair..'

In the mean time James & I recently returned from Brighton...

What A fab place to go, & we were spoilt with lovely weather.....

Fab shops... so many shops....

The Royal Pavilllion

O yes.... & these..... Sea Gulls....

Just watch your ice-cream....!!

Come To Our fair.....

2010-06-14T19:10:00.009+01:00

The Handmaid and Vintage Fair

Sat 7th August

Handmade lovelies Vintage Inspired..

10.30am - 1.30pm

jewellery, cushions, cupcakes, hearts, cards,
Garlands, vintage finds, decorative lovelies, refreshments

and much, much more..

Held at:

The Church Hall

Chapel Road Boxted

Colchester Essex

CO4 5RP

View Larger Map

Busy... Busy... Busy.....

2010-05-30T18:08:00.006+01:00

You've heard of the tooth fairy right...?

Well..., is there such a thing as a 'time fairy...!?'

You know a fairy that perhaps snatches time away....?!

Dunno where the time goes....

Nope... nope, & I won't accept, that time goes by quicker,

as you get older... what's that all about anyway....!!?

Any-hoo...
Here are some pictures of a custom order for my
note-books I make, no two alike, think they look great all grouped together...

Got some new goodies I'll post on here later, & will be available in my little old Folksy shop, & fingers crossed news of a 'The Handmaid & Vintage Fair', I'm in the process of organizing locally...

Happy Bank Holiday people....

ASHES TO ASHES....

2010-05-21T13:21:00.004+01:00

Friday nights fish n chips, mug a tea, curled up on the sofa watching, the last ever Ashes to Ashes......

O happy days.....

From the workroom....

2010-05-09T17:23:00.006+01:00

Handmade Paper bunting...

Tiny hand cut & printed note-lets

Handmade lavender heart
All being uploaded to my shop now... over at FOLKSY

Vintage Delights.......

2010-05-07T18:02:00.005+01:00

Vintage style hair adornments..., handmade by yours truley...

Can be found here

Play & Paper....

2010-04-18T19:32:00.006+01:00

Handmade & Sewn Notebooks, I've been making...

I love making these, I like the different textures of paper & cotton...

All can be found here

finding time.....

2010-04-14T16:28:00.007+01:00

I think the weather, plays a big part in our energy levels,

& the way we feel about life,...

The clocks changing to spring time, means that we are waking

to a sun filled bed room, which is a good start to the day..

Finding the time, in an already busy & full week is always a challenge

&, I've been inspired to create a few things again lately...

I do wonder, as my blog, records the many images of things I've made, where all the ideas come from....?

Some how they just seem to keep coming....

Sunny Saturdays, & Sweet Treats......

2010-04-10T18:51:00.009+01:00

On a glorious sunny Saturday, a friend of mine decided

to do her 1st ever Fair......

What a fabulous day for it...!!

I'm pretty sure, all her goodies were sold...

Not that I'm surprised..., they were truly delicious...!!

Well done girl..... all that hard work was worth it!

Now here's to the next one........

A Personal Goal.......

2010-04-03T18:06:00.013+01:00

Some time ago I was encouraged be Lynn over at

Sea Angels

To send some of my work up to the Lovely magazine

Somerset Life

I can't tell you how long I've drooled over these pages, &

these fantastic, creative artists, in the past...

In the hope or dream... that I may, one day, lay along side

them in this lovely magazine......!!

So I give thanks to Lynn at Sea Angels

Because she believed I could do it....

& kept emailing & nagging, me to send my work in.....

& as you can see from these pages, it paid off...

A very personal Goal, that my work has been published,

& that, I'm just a little bit proud off...

Thanks Lynn xx

Long time no post.....

2010-03-22T20:18:00.008Z

So Spring has sprung &, I've finally got around to taking some photos of Easter things I've been busy making........

Bunny gift labels....

Decorative Chicken

Decorative hearts garland.....

All will be listed in my shop in the next day or so....

AS PROMISED......

2010-03-02T12:15:00.007Z

More goodies... as promised....

Paper Garlands

Tea Rose scented bath bombs..

Jeniffer's DO......

2010-02-28T20:34:00.019Z

So Jeniffer's having a bit of a do at her's..... it's a Mother's day/Easter, handmade, vintage, craft, gift, evening....

You know, I can clearly remember us talking & planning this, when we were packing away our Christmas things we'd made, at the last 'DO' there,... & it only feels like a few weeks ago....!!!!!

Annnny-waaaayy...

With this in mind, here's some of my bits & bobs I've been working on...

More pictures to follow, I'm afraid the poxy battery ran out on my camera, so I'll add them when I have 'em....

Handmade 'Home Garland'

The finished packaging for the garlands

Note-lets made from a mixture of paper &

children book images, hand stitched onto card....

Bunnies, Chicks & Hearts of Easter dec's for a display.....

A BIG BIG THANK YOU TO EVERYONE

2010-02-20T13:12:00.005Z

A BIG THANK YOU...

To everyone for nominating me for lots of Blog awards, I really do appreciate the kind thought, & I don't want to seem ungrateful in anyway...but I'd like to keep my Blog.... 'an award free place'

I hope you understand there's nothing personal in this...
Once again a BIG thanks....

Garlands....

2010-02-17T21:23:00.007Z

I made these garlands the other day...

I love the chalky finish, & chunky words, along with the 'deckchair' like ribbon, which I have made out of light weight clay...

I think they'll work well tied along a dresser, or along a fire place...

Am working on other words too...

& I'll be adding these to my folksy shop in the next few days....

Feedback always appreciated.... :o)

My Romantic husband......

2010-02-14T13:37:00.005Z

No Roses... No Chocolates....No grand BIG padded Card....

But my very, very favourite....

Jaffa Cakes....

My Romantic Husband eh..!?

SPRING is in the air...

2010-02-09T16:33:00.003Z

When Mr Alfie & I went walking this afternoon, there was a whiff of SPRING in the air... with this in mind, here's a sneaky peek, at some Easter & Spring bits I've been working on, still thinking of ways to package & finish these, but I am happy how they're coming together so far....

Hope you all managed to grab a piece of SPRING today....

Sundays & Mr Alfie........

2010-02-07T13:15:00.006Z

I was reminded recently by a fellow blogger Sarah

just how good SUNDAYS really are....

Reading the Sunday papers

Walking The Mr Alfie

Toasted Crumpets with Honey

Listenin' to Micheal Ball, closely followed, by E P,

& Paul O Grady on good old.... BBC Radio2

Whilst cooking toad-in-the-hole......

Lighting the wood burner, & snuggling up on the sofa..

(the very best-ist bit)

Nope, it doesn't get much better than that.....

Hope you have a great Sunday people....