Embed CRAFTfest Stall

I saw this on the Crystal Lady's blog, so thought I'd give at a go. This is  a slideshow of my stall at the CRAFTfest


Find more photos like this on Creative Connections


hope that worked
signing off for today

F xx

Latest Creations with AccuQuilt

Hello, today I thought I'd show you some of the items I have created with my new AccuQuilt Go, before I move on to some more designs.

You may have seen on a previous blog that I made an 'Owl' cushion following a pattern from one of the AccuQuilt books, well I decided it would be better and more fun to make up my own. So I decided to start with a cushion.

For this cushion I started with a 16 inch square, and simply played with hearts. I cut a number of hearts in 3 different colours, and just kept moving them around until I was happy with the look. I placed 4 large hearts in the centre and tucked smaller ones in underneath as I worked out. I had already added bondaweb to the fabric before cutting the hearts, so I removed the backing paper, sorted my design, and then just ironed so they all stayed in placed. I then simply stitched around the edges of each heart to ensure they were secure. Finally I attached an envelope back to the cushion, inserted pad and hey presto, cushion made in record time.
I am thinking about creating kits for this cushion in different colour ways, would love to know if anyone would be interested.

Having finished my cushion I decided to have a play with my small flower cutter. Again I added bondaweb to the fabric before cutting.

Again I cut a selection of flowers and leaves before I began, and just 'played' until I was happy, I decided it needed something more so added a butterfly to the design (again cut with my Go). I then removed the paper backing, ironed, stitched around, and hey presto a new wall hanging. With this I added wadding and the backing before stitching, so that it was quilted at the same time. Once all stitched, I bound the edges with the same fabric as the flowers, and added a channel on the back for hanging. Again I am thinking of doing kits, let me know if you'd be interested and what your favourite colours are.

What next was the following thought - well I had lots of hearts and flowers left over (getting a great collection now!) so I thought what about a Kindle cover.

I felt this needed something on the back too

I personally love the colours of this one, might have to keep it for my Kindle. There won't be kits for these, as I sell them on my website www.perfectpatchwork.co.uk

I am going to spend some time today cutting, then tomorrow I am going to a craft fair, where I will be creating new designs, so people can see how I do them. If you're in the area please pop along and say hi (Feniton Devon). I might even have a special discount for you if you mention my blog.

Hope to see some of you tomorrow, and I'll post new makes as I do them

Signing off for today

f xx

My Memories Suite plus FREE GIVEAWAY

Hi

I am doing another review today. A few weeks ago I was given a copy of the My Memories Software and was asked to do a review.

I have never used digital scrapbook software before, so this was a real eye opener for me. I had no idea what to expect, but was amazed at the capabilities of this software, you can not only do digital scrapbooks but, cards calendars, invites and much more.

I found the software navigation very straightforward to use, even for a total novice like me. It is very easy to change paper colours (or add new ones), add motifs, design layout and import photos too.

Although this software is ideal for the beginner don't think it wouldn't suit the more experienced scrapbooker, because the capabilities are such that even the experienced user would be 'wowed' by it. It has the facility to add audio and video to your creations as well, something I did not expect to find in digital scrapbooking, but I guess in the digital age this is a must for the serious user.

There are a multitude of free designs which can be downloaded from their website, and of course additional designs which can be purchased.

These are a couple of my favourites:

I think these designer packs are fantastic and give you so much to create with, there are 90 free designs which you can download, and remember that gives you much more than 90 to play with, as most of them are packs, with papers, motifs etc included.

This one is so cute and easy to produce fantastic photo cards for that favourite person in your life.

As I am not a scrapbooker I decided to create a personalised Christmas card (also due to the time of year), and this is what I came up with - remember I have never used any software like this and for my first one I only spent about 15mins - This in itself shows just how easy this software is to use.

I also decided to have a go at a Birthday card

the only thing I struggled with to start with was finding the elements that I had downloaded, but once I had found them I was away. I would recommend this software to anyone who wants to design their own scrapbooks, cards etc. And for those of you that do I have a special giveaway which you could win. A COPY OF THE MEMORY SUITE SOFTWARE FREE

All I ask is that you visit the Memory Suite Website and tell me which is your favourite free download and why. The lucky winner will be announced on Saturday 12th November.
If you can't wait that long you can purchase the software direct from the site and as a thank you for reading my blog here is a discount for you


As a special for all of my readers, Memory Suite have given me my very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - ($20 value!)  Simply input the following code at the checkout -   STMMMS8902    Don't worry about delays in receiving your software as it can be downloaded direct from the site, so as soon as you purchase you can go ahead and start creating.


Hope you enjoyed my blog today, and happy browsing


Signing off for today
F xx

AccuQuilt Go

Hello again

Sorry I have not been about for a while, but been very busy. Toady I am going to tell you what I have been up to.
I have bought myself the most wonderful addition for my patchwork and quilting - The AccuQuilt GO

This machine is amazing, a MUST have for all patchwork and quilters out there. It comes with a die which had 2 different sized squares and triangles, and they are so accurate it's amazing. Makes piecing so much more accurate, quicker and gives a better finish.

I also treated myself to some additional dies:

I have plans already for this die, including a cushion cover and a wall hanging (I'll post pictures when they are done).

I bought this one to do some amazing baby quilts, and intend to combine with the round flowers (see below) to do some vibrant and batik wall hangings.

I used the 'leaf' from this one together with the circle below to make an amazing cushion today - my first real play with the Go

This is the first time I have used the Go and am really pleased with the results -

I used the squares from the value die (came with the machine) plus the circle and the feather, I cut 2.5 inch strips with my cutter (have added the strip die to my wish list) and away I went, so quick, so precise I am well impressed.

Tomorrow I plan to try out my heart die, so watch this space for what I come up with, but overall this cutting machine is so easy to use and so precise I would now not be without it, wish I found them years ago.

signing off for today

F xx

CRAFTfest Lilac Group

Hello again,

Today I am going to tell you a little bit about some of the stall holders in CRAFTfest Lilac Group. There are still a few stalls left if anyone still wants to join us just pop over  HERE. It's a 2 day online craft fair that anyone can join from their sofa even!

Now to the important stuff: I have some amazing stall holders in my Lilac group so here they are:-

Aingeal Designs

Aingeal Designs creates affordable greetings cards and gifts that are suitable for many occassions. I like experimenting with different mediums and ideas, and am currently working on a range of cards and gift combinations to save time and money when searching for a gift and card together.

To view her designs click HERE

To visit her on Facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

To read her blog click HERE

Random eyes boutique

I'm Ren, and I am the owner of Randomeyes Boutique. I make kitsch jewellery and accessories based on food, drink and other random objects...all with kawaii inspired googly eyes! I began making these items as a hobby in the Spring of 2009, but I officially launched the brand at the Clothes Show Live 2010, where I received a fantastic response! Since the launch, I have given my website a makeover and included lots of new limited edition products, as well as a ring category! I now have over 300 items in my store, including earrings, necklaces, bracelets, rings, pins, magnets, mobile charms, keyrings, hairslides and mirrors.

To view her designs click HERE

To visit her on Facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

Cheshire Cat Crafts

I have always been a fan of crafting, ever since I was a child and since then the passion to craft has grown. I enjoy giving people hand made gifts and I have taken this a step further by putting some of my creations online. I create a variety of craft items, I especially enjoy making jewellery, hand painted glass, polymere clay items, hair accessories and a whole lot more. I enjoy creating items from recycled materials too, as well as giving some of my jewellery a vintage twist. These items would make great gifts, or why not treat yourself. 

To view her designs click HERE

To read her blog click HERE

Handmade by zenia

My name is Zenia. I design and make Fused Glass Jewellery and Gifts.

Each piece is individually handmade in my kiln. I mainly use Dichroic and Bullseye glass which make up my fused pieces.

Fused Glass is a technique that involves layering glass which is then placed in the kiln and melted or fused together at extremely high temperatures.Also I design and make Beaded glass jewellery. I source the beads from unusual suppliers and artisans.

I work from my home studio in South Northamptonshire and as well as having my on-line shop, I also attend craft fairs and events in the area.

To visit her on Facebook click HERE

To follow here on Twitter click HERE

The Dressing Up Chest

The Dressing Up Chest makes dressing up clothes, fancy dress and 

dance costumes for children. You can select from those shown on

the web site or commission a costume in the character or style of

your choice.

Based in West London, but serving the whole of the UK, Libby

established the business when her own children no longer needed

the stage and dance costumes she enjoyed making for them.

Each costume is lovingly put together using good quality fabrics

which can be washed and worn again and again. If you would like to

give the child in your life an alternative to mass produced, synthetic

fabric costumes then email info@dressingupchest.co.uk

To view her designs click HERE

Handmade by Claire

Well my name is Clare, I started my passion for handicrafts when I made my wedding invitations and all my favors for my wedding, it was suggested I went into business, so here I am trying to make a start, it's kind of drifted from just wedding stationary and now I seem to have ventured into making items of jewellery, felt brooches, decorating wine glasses, assembling wine glass charms, wire decorations with shelll beads and swarovski crystals as well.  

To view her designs click HERE

To visit her on Facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

JustKjewellery

an eclectic mix of fun and quirky handmade jewellery and accessories. I LOVE working with resin and one of my favourite things to do is embed real sweets in the resin. Intrigued - then take a look.....

To view her designs click HERE

To visit her on facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

To read her blog click HERE

Butterfly Bessie

Butterfly Bessie emerged in early 2011 with an eclectic mix of gifts and accessories carefully handmade in my home on the edge of the beautiful New Forest. Using modern and vintage, re-cycled and up-cycled, I hope that there is something for everyone to enjoy. From hair clips to cake-stands, cards to Christmas decorations,

To view her designs click HERE

To view her CRAFTfest stall click  HERE

To visit her on facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

Happy Hands

 

Hi I'm Gayle mum of two and proud creator of Happy Hands, which produces a broad range of wedding accessories. Through out my life Art and Design has played a big part. My background is in Fashion Design and Manufacturing so I've always been creative. I opened the doors to Happy Hands when planning my own wedding. Starting with wands, slowly but surely I developed to other items including Tiara's, Hair pieces, Wedding Favour, Table Decor and my favourite Organza Bouquet. All my products are all 'hand crafted' and 'bespoke' for you. Happy Hands today continues to grow from strength to strength. I continue to progress with my passion (borderline obsession) with enthusiasm, pride and demand for perfection. My aim is to fully satisfy the customer's specification to budget and wedding scheme. 'YOUR DAY YOUR WAY'

No matter how 'Big' or 'Small' every girl dreams of their wedding day... You want perfection... So do we...

To view her designs click  HERE                          To view her CRAFTfest stall click HERE                           To visit her on Facebook click HERE                          To read her blog click HERE

 All Things Blankets & More

"All Things Blankets & More, the home of handmade personalised cat beds, blankets, cushions & throws. (I cater for cat owners as well). Originally inspired by my 4 cats cuddling up with me under my homemade blanket on the sofa; I decided to make them their own blankets. All my cat range items have therefore been tried & tested by my own cats first for their approval.

To view her designs click HERE  or HERE

To visit her on Facebook click HERE

To follow her on Twitter click HERE

I hope you have enjoyed seeing the first of my group, there will be another blog, with the rest of my team members.

Signing off for Today 

Felicity xx

Local Pub under New Management

Hello again,

Today I wanted to introduce the new manager at our local pub; The Hungry Fox Pub. The pub has gone through so many management changes over the last couple of years, it's nice to have a manager (Paula) that is not only a lovely lady, but really has her heart set on making a success of the business, and truly bringing The Hungry Fox back to life. This will make a huge difference to our local community, and I wish her every success in doing this.

I have eaten with her on a number of occasions since she took over, and I've got to say her home cooking is brilliant, and the menu keeps expanding too, so lots of reason to go back again.

See what she has to say by way of an introduction to the local people:

The Hungry Fox,

Station Road,

Broadclyst Station,

Broadclyst,

Nr Exeter,

Devon,

EX5 3AS,

01392 460832,

07827576538.

Dear Resident of Broadclyst,

As you are aware The Hungry Fox, has changed management yet again. If I am correct I am the sixth manager/ tenant in six years, according to the latest edition of The Broadclyst Broadsheet.

Well if that is the case; let me tell you a little bit about myself & why I have taken on The Hungry Fox Public House, in your village.

My name is Paula & I was born in Plympton nr Plymouth in 1957, so I am 55 years old & have lived in various parts of the Med, Far East & back here in the UK; thanks to my Father who was in the Royal Marines. So as children; with my brother & sister; we traveled with my Mother & Father wherever our Government sent The Royal Marines.

After leaving full time education in 1973; in Chichester West Sussex; I tried my hand at a number of careers, but never settled until the end of that long hot summer in 1976. I found myself entering the catering industry, working in a friend’s Fish & Chip shop in Chichester,

After a number of years, I then progressed to run my first Pub kitchen at The Black Boy Inn, Old Fishbourne, and Chichester. During my time there I put myself through college to earn my City & Guilds.

I spent 9 years working for Jim Lindsay & at times I was running all of his Pub Kitchens.

While still living in West Sussex I also worked for Rank Leisure in one of their Night Clubs & also at The Body Shop factory in the Canteen in Littlehampton.

At the end of 2000, an opportunity to move back to Devon came around, so I took the opportunity to come home.

I first moved back to Ilfracombe on the beautiful North Devon Coast. I worked for seasonal coaching Hotels & The Terrace Tapas Restaurant.

Towards the end of 2003 work took me to Barnstaple at The Cork & Bottle, for nearly 4 years. After leaving I set up with friends, Catering an Outside Catering Company, but also working as a relief Freelance Chef.

The relief work has taken me to a number of establishments here in Devon, namely The Mulberry Inn Cheriton Bishop, The Hoops Inn Nr Bideford, High Bullen Golf Club & Hotel Nr Umberliegh, Shebbear College, Ashwicke Hall International School Nr Bath; both for Sodexo.

This now brings me back to why The Hungry Fox?

When I arrived back from Ashwicke Hall in Early August, Tony Lock; who had just reopened the pub; phoned & asked if I was interested in taking it on, either as an employed manager or would I like to take the lease that he had with Punch Taverns.

I came down from Barnstaple for a couple of weekends to check what the situation was, & I liked what I saw & felt about the Pub & it’s Location.

So I opted for the latter deal & took over the lease on the 29^th August 2011.

As you are probably aware the Pub is up for Sale; this is Punch Taverns option if the turnover does not increase to an acceptable level. If the turnover does increase, I will be offered a rolling lease; so if we as a community want to see our local businesses flourish, through these difficult financial times, I need all your support.

I have taken this chance to help turn around The Hungry Fox, because I saw an opportunity to bring back to life a Pub with huge potential that is well known throughout the County.

I have just taken on 5 local bar staff, 3 who have worked here in the past.

The previous manager had gone along with the £3.50p all day carvery. We as a Local Pub; which serves good home cooked food at reasonable prices; have put in place an initial menu.

This menu includes Starters, Steaks, Fresh Fish, Pasta, Homemade Burgers, Home cooked Ham, etc along with Hand Cut Chips

But also check out our specials board for something else that is Home cooked or different.

Please call in for a drink, coffee or a meal & please make yourself known to me & my team, so we will hopefully remember you on your next visit.

All Major Debit and Credit cards now accepted.

Also we are developing a small Take Away Menu. A sample of this is included.

Yours            

                                                      

Paula Susan Milton.               

          

Take Away Menu.

Please see below a selection of food available for take away:

Beer Battered Cod & Chips……………………………….......................... £5.00p

Whole tail Breaded Scampi & Chips………………………………………  £5.95p

Two Pork Sausages & Chips……………………………………................   £4.95p

Home Made Burger in a Bap & chips……………………………………..   £5.95p

Three Pork Sausages, Mash & Onion Gravy………………….………..….  £5.95p

Sweet N Sour Chicken & Rice or Noodles…………………..……….…… £6.95p

The Hungry Fox Chicken & Vegetables……………………..……….……  £6.95p

9” Thin & Crispy Pizza……………………………….................................  £6.95p

9” Deep Pan Pizza - Cheese & Tomato ………..........................................   £6.95p

                                  Pepperoni………............................................. extra    £1.00p

                                  Ham & Pineapple…………............................  extra    £1.00p

Vegetable Fried Rice with Sweet N Sour Sauce……………….……….....  £6.95p

Portion of Chips………………………………...........................................   £1.50p

Portion of Cheesy Chips………………………………..............................   £1.95p

Now that you can see what Paula has to offer why not pop across for a visit and try some good home cooking while you're there; I'm really close by too so you could pop in for a close up of your favourite quilts at the same time!

Hope to see some of you local people in there soon.
Signing off for today

Felicity xx

The Glorious South West in Pictures

Hello again,

today I have decided to give you a brief view of my history in the Southwest, all in pictures; I hope you enjoy them.

Firstly Rock in Cornwall where I was born

now on to one of my favourite haunts as a child, and I often visit as an adult - Padstow, just across the water from Rock

one of my most favourite beaches of all time - Daymer Bay, not far from Rock and so unspoilt

and just behind Daymer Bay is the glorious St Enodoc church which was buried under the sand for many years, and dug out by the local people, and the vicar

I grew up in a small Mid-Devon town Tiverton

and went to the local Grammar school

now on to my teenage years, this is the sort of thing we got up to - raft races down the river Exe

then at 22 I got married, the reception was held at The Fisherman's Cot at Bickleigh

 I then went on to have 3 children, all born at Heavitree Hospital

I now live near the city of Exeter

but with the most beautiful countryside right next door - here's one of our local dog walking sites - Ashclyst Forest

I have the moors either side of me, to the North Exmoor

and to the south Dartmoor

and finally a 'less nice' side of Devon - work! I work for a company that looks after the trunk roads, and this is what we deal with in the winter - Haldon Hill

I hope you enjoyed that snap shot of my life

Signing off for today

F xx

Lilac Items in Honour of Lilac Group

I have decided to do a blog featuring Lilac items, in honour of my Lilac group in CRAFTfest, I hope you enjoy my selections, and please come back for my blog where I will be featuring members of Lilac Group and I'll tell you more about them. Happy browsing





Lilac Pinboard   Merudu







lilac mouse  needles and buttons







Lilac Coral  Jane Loudon Accessories










Flower Fairy Wall Hanging Lilac  Perfect Patchwork

Lilac Crochet Bead Earrings  Froosh Maroosh

Lilac Cupcake Flower Pot  Fabulous Coconut

Bag, lilac dreams  Marice's World

Lilac daisies card  Busybeecards handmade cards for all occasions

Lush Lilac Charm Bracelet  Creative Treasures

LILAC POPPY FASCINATOR  Melissa Jane

Lilac Elelphant Keepsake Box  Kippers Keepsakes

I hope you enjoyed browsing, and don't forget I will soon be posting a blog featuring members of Lilac Group

signing off for today

F xx