There was a discussion going on in Twitterland today about whether we are turning into mini factories all over the country. I was busily producing my new Message Hanging Hearts and tweeted the fact that I had a bit of a factory going on and was this a good thing.

The hearts have several stages...the printing and cutting out of the message labels...the cutting out of the hearts...the pinning in place...the stage one sewing of the label followed swiftly by sewing round the heart...stuffing the aforementioned heart with wadding and dried lavender...and finally, sewing the opening.

It was generally decided that if you like the processes and find them therapeutic, then what does it matter anyway. And how rewarding is it to see the pile grow and have physical signs of hard work at the end of the day. How often does that happen? Unless of course you are going to include the piles of washing and dirty dishes!

So, as the lovely Jane of Snapdragon Garden put it...as long as it's a happy factory all is good!

Good enough to eat

Whilst I was at BCTF last month I was multi-tasking as only a good woman can. Not only was I presenting my own work, but I had my buying hat on too. This made me feel quite schizophrenic at first and I was getting a bit manic not sure what I was focussing on. I did eventually manage to calm down and focus on one thing at a time.

In doing so I saw some gorgeous things that are gradually making their way into Blueberry Park. Remember Jane's gorgeous Pocket Mirrors? The latest addition is some amazing soaps by Maria Clark.
I kid you not when I say I could smell these soaps from the other end of the hall. Honestly, they are the most exquisite things you have ever seen. Perfect little fairy cakes.

I really admire Maria's business ethos. Not only does she use all natural products in her amazing range of soaps, but she runs an ethical business, where she supports women in the community who, for one reason and another, can not hold down regular employment. We are all striving to make our mark in this world and running our own little businesses and to be able to do so in a way that helps others too is important.

Preaching over...hope you enjoy the images :-)

Snapdragon

I first met Jane at Top Drawer in January and instantly fell in love with her beautiful work. It is stunning. I was desperate then to get my hands on her things for Blueberry Park. So when our paths crossed again at BCTF I was determind to order some things.

Today the order arrived and boy are they fab. I was very restraint (mainly because I've blown my buying budget for now, but hey, a girl has to buy what a girl has to buy) but seeing the little Pocket Mirrors is definitely a case of Less is More.

I couldn't decide between these 3 designs, so you guessed it, I went for all 3!

I'm sure I'll be adding to the collection, but in the meantime you can choose one of these little lovelies for yourself (or a gift, if you are feeling nice). They are in the shop now.

(P.S. Don't forget... Just 3 more days to enter my 1 Year Giveaway...xx)

Better late than never

I'm a little behind on blogging at the mo. I have not one but 2 major projects on the go at the moment (more of that another day). What with that and the snow, meaning the children have been around during the week when really they should be off being educated, I am rather late on posting about Top Drawer.

Top Drawer was over 3 weeks ago now (that really can't be true). I had a fab few days down in London. I managed to sneak in an extra day and so got to catch up with lots of friends. I stayed with Jo in my old stomping ground near Hampton Court. We did alot of hanging out at the newly opened Jamie's Italian in Kingston. If you live anywhere in the vacinity of this or one of his other branches you simply MUST go. We tried it at night - fab. And again the next day for lunch - double fab. I could quite happily move in there.


Tara and I met up on Day 2 on the King's Road - my absolute favourite street. With Peter Jones at one end and Designer's Guild at the other and plenty of mooching imbetween, what's not to love? By the time Tara and I had bought out the whole of the Designer's Guild fabric sale table, it was time to refuel, so we spent the afternoon hanging out at The Stockpot. There are worse things in life.

Ah yes, the aim of the post - Top Drawer. This is my 3rd year going to Top Drawer now and I've learnt to focus on what is relevant for me and Blueberry Park. There are some fabulous stands but you can't stop at everything or you'll be there all week. I must appear very rude striding right on by alot of stands and only stopping at those that are suitable. I saw some fab new people and met up with some known favourites. Here's a quick precis of what, for me, were the highlights of TD Spring 2009.

Shelley is the talent behind Pootle Products. Aren't these dolls the best? And her stitched designs make striking greetings cards.

I loved Fabric of the Universe for not only it's simple screen printed designs, but also for it being ethical, organic, natural stylish clothing for little ones.

I really loved these hand stamped bedlinens from Lulu & Nat. They were so fresh and crisp.

And now for something completely different... Michelle Mason's bold and beautiful felt rugs and other lifestyle pieces were extremely eye-catching.

I'd had the pleasure of meeting Rachel, from Lollipop, at Pulse last year. I love the striking simplicity of her products. And I definitely want these stamping label sets and canvas shoppers for Blueberry Park.

Jane runs Snapdragon which is so much more than an online store. Go check it out. And what she can only do with a needle defies the imagination. Stunning little pieces of stitched artwork were made into mirrors, egg cosies, tea towels, tea cosies, cushions...

Trudy, from Buttongirl, is yet another talented embroiderer and her stand was exquisite.


So much to see, so much to buy. So much to put on hold whilst I put my energies into my two other projects. (But don't worry all of you - I will be buying - very soon)