Sunday Stash #6

Not so much a stash I currently have...more one I am lusting after.

Knowing my willpower with resisting buying fabrics, unlike this lady, no doubt it will be purchased quicker than you can say...well anything really...

And if you'd like to test your own willpower, head over here.

Lucky lucky me

A while ago I commented on one of my cyberspace friend's blog about how much I loved a shirt she had designed. (I would show you her original design, but I can't find the blog post!) Almost by return, the lovely Kylie emailed me thanking me for the comments and what were my measurements so she could make me one.

I was flabbergasted by her kindness. She didn't want payment, she was just touched by my comments and would be honoured to make something for someone who genuinely appreciated her work.

I accepted her kindness (well who wouldn't?) but only on the proviso I could make something for her. Kylie chose a pin cushion and needle set, which seemed insubstantial to be honest.

Today it arrived and I am blown away by how gorgeous it is, how beautifully it is made and by the fact that it is mine! Not only will I enjoy wearing this ALOT, but every time I do it will remind me of that lovely lady on the other side of the world, who I have 'met' and become friends with through this wonderful world of blogging.

Thank you so much, Kylie xx

(Now all of you, if you haven't come across 3 sheets before, go check out Kylie's wonderful blog and shop)

All in the packaging?

Normally I package my Craft Kits like this...

That's where they got their name 'Take Away...' from. I couldn't, or wouldn't want to, call them that if I was packaging them a different way. However something always comes along to change how you view things.

My friend Jo (a separate post about her to come) and her family came to visit over half-term last week. As usual, bless her, the first thing she wanted to do was go shopping. By that I mean, take our coffees up to my studio and rummage through all my things! She is Blueberry Park's number one fan and always gives me a big boost of confidence by oohing excessively over everything. And the fact that she goes back home with a shed load of gifts confirms her feelings.

This time it was a Christmas shop she was doing. She wanted to order 3 Apron Kits for her 3 children. Jo being Jo - and only my bestest buddy can get away with this - she painstakingly worked her way through my fabric stash and selected the ones she wanted in the kit. Oh, and the ones she wanted the needle/pin sets made out of too! As I say, only Jo can get away with this...Just in case you were wondering...

The point of all this rambling is that these weren't quite ready for her to take back home with her and in an attempt tocut down the packaging through the mail, we decided that they would work all folded up in a cello and wrapped in tissue. Whilst I wouldn't recommend this design for my stockists, as I think the piles of the Take Away Boxes has an eye-catching appeal, I think this really works for a personal order. Particularly when there a few presented together.

What do you reckon?

Planning ahead

It's definitely that time of year. I don't know about you but, even though we've a ways yet before 2010 is upon us, I do need somewhere to write down things for next year. Next year's calendar is definitely something I need now. I normally get one of M & S's family calendars for the kitchen - lots of space and normally I can find quite a funky one. I've been looking at Etsy to see which to get for my studio however. I'm after something prettier up there. Something that's just mine, that isn't going to have everyone's schedules and arrangements scribbled over. I really only need one to check dates, rather than having to write anything on. Here are some of my faves so far...

Cupcakes sure make me happy and I like the fact that there is a little column to write should I need to (only in my favourite best pen of course). This is one of several fun calendars with great illustrations from Yeehaw

This is a very sweet one from Alidesign, but I'm thinking i'd like something bigger. Cute nonetheless

I love this by Beth Fioretti. Very different from the screenprinted ones I had in mind, but a beautiful piece of art on the wall all year.

Back to the screen printed varieties... again this is veering away from the wall calendars (amazing how distracted you can become when you enter Etsy territory!) but very sweet to have in your bag when needed.

I'm liking this one from PSPapergoods and they have a great one for the kitchen too - just not quite big enough for my lot.

I think you can tell from this snippet, that there is alot out there. Many other contenders that I haven't even included. Go check out Etsy for yourselves. I'm sure you'll find plenty that will make it to your not-even-quite-whittled-down list.

Little treats

It's half-term this week. No sooner do I feel that we have got back into some routine after juggling through the summer, then the children are off again. Honestly, the life of a WAHM! My lovely Mum actually gave me a long work day today and took the children out.

Actually, not only did she take them out but she also went to Hebden Bridge to do my errands. She popped some kits into Amy at Ribbon Circus and picked up some jewellery from Rachel Lucie for some orders; mixing my business with the children's pleasure. Win, win ... for me ;-)

I got on with making up orders for a couple of new stockists that have come in this week and ordering some stock that I've been running low on. I was reordering some jewellery from Handmade by Hayley and I realised that I haven't even told you about it yet. Been too busy selling it! This jewellery is fab. It's perfectly priced for little treats for yourself, as well as making a great little gift for girlfriends, when you just need a little something.

It's all been equally popular, but my personal must haves are the Blue Double Strand and the Grey Shell. I guess they are the colours I wear the most this autumn. I'm sorry for keeping it a secret from you, but go check it all out and see what you think. It's all right here.

Sunday Stash #5

Thrilled with my latest Etsy fabric purchase... Asanoha in navy (japenese ai) and mustard, from Chokichokifabric. A fabulous Japanese seller selling the most gorgeous Japanese prints. I think these will be perfect for my latest projects.

This Traditional Circles in mustard is next on my list...

Stunning Jewels

There's quite a lot of new things arriving at Blueberry Park at the moment. It's one of the perks of the job - shopping for a living - how can you not love it?!

The latest to arrive is the stunning jewellery from the talented Rachel Lucie Jewellery Designs. Rachel has an incredible eye for picking and combining the most beautiful stones and turning them into equally special yet wearable pieces.

I can picture 'Entwined' and 'Victorian Sweetheart' being popular for a winter wedding.

'Blue Moon' and 'Blush' are sure to be everyday faves.

And I've definitely got my eye on 'Love Charms' and 'Token of Love'. Oh, go on, I'll admit it, I've got my eye on all of them! After all, I did go shopping and come back with them in the first place!

Going check it all out here. I'd love to know which is your favourite...