'Shades of grain' by LoveSal

A collection of wood grain, aqua, turquoise and teal.

Giclee Print (item ... JennSki $31.00	kitchen sign diner ... OldNewAgain $54.00	Log pile cushion in... roddyandginger $38.00
Small - faux boix o... vital $25.00	Shabby Chic Giant A... castawayshall $150.00	Tiny Art luciajohnson $5.00
silver woodgrain te... peacesofindigo $71.00	Faux Bois Zipper Mi... CutOutAndColle... $6.00	Papercut Faux Bois ... AshleyPahl $6.00
Walnut Bentwood Rin... stoutwoodworks $155.00	6 oz Stainless Stee... whimsyandink $18.00	organic baby blanke... SewnNatural $53.00
Baby Bird - Mounted... krisblues $50.00	Wood Heart Pin theluckybutton $4.50	TEAL Wood Grain Des... ekohdesign $20.00

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St Lucia Day Feature

Corrabelle

Yeah! I have been featured alongside some of my favourite Etsy sellers on Corrabelle's lovely blog The Mayberry Sparrow. Check out her collection of Scandinavian inspired designs in honour of St Lucia day which includes my Dala Horse tea towel.

I had already started a collection of Dala Horse designs and Corrabelle's was one of them - seems like the perfect time to share x

Tokyopearletterpress

Vital

lovahandmade

dekanimal

The pc press

Dala Horse

Finally, I have a new design to share with you.  I absolutely love Scandinavian design and I am always drawn towards it at Christmas time.  With this in mind I have created a Christmas Dala Horse design which I have printed onto my fairtrade organic cotton tea towels. I am really pleased with this design and think I might end up using it as a centre piece on my Christmas table.  I also have a feeling that a few will be finding their way into presents for friends and family.  I also fancy printing it in a range of colours, but as it is almost December, I fear I may have left it a little late.

Making plans

It's funny, at this time of year I find myself making lots of new plans and preparations.  My focus at school suddenly shifts to September - which is crazy really as I haven't even started my holiday yet!  Last year my plans centred around my wedding.  This year however I am planning to make progress with my Etsy shop.  Over recent months I have found myself craving time to realise some of the many designs and projects floating around my head.  Now with the 6 weeks holiday within touching distance, I feel as if my cravings may at long last be satisfied. 
In preparation for my 'making' holiday, I have been stocking up on supplies and inspiration.  The most recent of which, arrived today. 

I have not had time yet to have a proper read but at first glimpse I know that The Handmade Marketplace by Kari Chapin is going to be really helpful.  The book is up to date and jammed full of tips and advice from people who already run successful craft businesses and covers everything from branding and blogging to pricing and photography.  I am particularly interested in the section on Social Media.  Having just completed a course in Social Media, with the intention of using it to promote my business, I am intrigued to read how Kari and her 'creative collective' have used it to help their businesses.

Another book that I might finally have time to sit down with and digest is Meg Mateo Ilasco's Craft Inc.  I rushed out to buy it (well rushed to Amazon) and the accompanying business planner having read about in on my favourite blog; quitish by Allisa Jacobs.  As with most of the rest of my supplies and inspiration, it has sat on the 'shelf of good intentions' in my spare room begging me to look it. Not for too much longer - I promise!

Well,blog post done. Surely that's step number one of my social media commitment completed? Pop back soon and see how I get on with the rest of my plans.

Facebook Page
Just trying to link my blog to facebook page.  This is just a test post x

Playden

I thought it was about time I posted some pictures of the Playden I made back in March.  I can't claim the concept of this den as my own - it came about from a passing comment made by my best friend Ele.  She happened to mention seeing a feature in a magazine about making a wendy house to fit your own dining table.  Having thrown the magazine away[!] the conversation moved onto something else and I forgot all about the idea.
A few months later, my thoughts returned to the idea of the wendy house and I decided to have a go at designing my own.  The idea was to make a den that would fit easily over a table using the structure of the table for support and shape - like a table cloth with sides that could be easily packed away into a tote bag so that could be stored in a small space.
Another friend of mine has 2 little girls and so I decided that she could be my chief tester.  I decided to try my hand at a bit of applique on this project which I have to say for a first attempt worked well - but ooh was it time consuming.

My grand plan was to make some more of these for my ETSY shop but in all honesty it took so long to make that it's not realistc whilst working full time as well.  So for now this remains one of a kind being enjoyed by 2 happy little girls.

Feature

UK handmade have put together this lovely Valentine gift guide.  It is full of fantastic contributions from UK designers and makers.  It also features my LOVE card. Thank you to the lovely people at UK handmade.