I've been doing a lot of hiding in my studio at the moment. The dust, the noise, the constant tramping through my house by as many as 5 workmen sometimes is taking it's toll. It's taking it's toll on my sanity as well as my creativity. It's fair to say I'm not getting much done in the way of work at the moment.

Yesterday, however, I managed to spend an uninterrupted complete hour up there. I think it had something to do with the fact that the builders didn't turn up and so there was only the decorator here. There's only so much disturbing one man can do.

I've a lot of deadlines to meet at the moment and am so short of time that it's been difficult to work on new things or build up stock. I'm aiming to do a Fair towards the end of March and I am pretty much aware that I don't have much stock at the moment...or anything new for my regulars.

I made a couple of my animal cushions and was pleased with having more of those made up. I then, on a very similar theme, made an initial cushion as an idea that had been brewing. I'm sure you all do it too, but I always trial these with my kids initials. Well, if they don't work for work, they can get something out of it. Guess who's already sleeping on this one?

I'm so glad I got all that done yesterday, because today, well that's an entirely different story...

Cushion Developments

It's been half-term this week, which is always a juggling act between doing work thet must be done, work that I'd like to get done and looking after and being with the children. Basically, nothing really gets done on any of the scores and if we get through the week all still friends then it's been a successful one.

Today was penned in to be a definite work day. Matthew has taken the day off and taken the children to Newby Hall, which is one of their favourite places. If only I'd clicked on the website today to check directions, openning times, anything, I would have seen they were having a Craft & Food Fair today. How could I miss that??

So, I'm back home and they are off in the sunshine. The least I can do is make sure it is a productive one.
I haven't done much work this week, but what I have done is finish the 3 boys' cushions. What do you think? They are going to be for sale as is, but also be available in a kit form for you to have a go yourself. All contents (except pad) and instructions to make exactly what you see. What d'ya reckon? Fancy having a go?

I can't decide which is my favourite. I'm quite partial to the Giraffe. He's rather cute.

I really must tackle my To Do list now, but next week I'll be cracking on with making the girls' versions. They are all ready in my head, just have to have the time to get them done.

New cards

I've been busily creating new children's card designs. I had a request for some for wholesale and they wanted more designs than I currently do. So thinking cap on and I've come up with these...

And then off course I had to come up with some for the boys...

And then these little fellas were itching to be released...

I'm hoping to come up with an even bigger range and take them 'out there'. I'm not sure if my confidence is up to that, though. Every time someone makes an enquiry about them and then actually orders, I can't quite believe that they are taking my 'hobby' out there into the serious world of retail. Maybe I'll just sit back and wait for people to contact me. Or just maybe, I might go forth and be proactive. We shall see. In the meantime, all will be available to buy here and here, just as soon as I have time to post them