Pink Elephants

I love pink elephants. Although more and more there seems to be one in the room these days, when I'm talking to certain people..

Laura the Elephant Keychain

Pink Elephant Asleep

Pink Elephant Hair Clip

Pink Elephant Fabric from This and That from Japan

Some new bags

Some of the bags with the new gold frames.

The Olivia Clutch

Super Cute Scottie Dogs

Gold Embroidered Flower

I have got a new photo set up and it still needs some work but long term it should make my life easier. I never get much joy from photo editing, so I'm trying to minimise that amount I do by working on the actual photo's. Still a long way to go.

New frames

One a lighter note from yesterday, I did use my new gold frames for the failed fair.

 
They are growing on me and I will post a couple of pictures of them in action tomorrow.

I ordered my usual silver frames back in December and when they arrived they were a 1/2 inch smaller on the sides. I only discovered this fact the night before St Georges market, when I couldn't use all the bags I had sewn :( To say I was upset and annoyed was an understatement. When I went back to my suppliers, my usual silver frames have now been changed. So my problem was I had bags sewn and no frames to put them in. They did have some gold frames, which were more expensive but the right size. I decided to cut my losses, not let fabric go to waste and order them.

They definitely suit some fabrics more than others but at least my hard work has now got a frame and I finally have some more stock for my shop, new listings soon I promise. I will probably order some more so as to put off having to redesign the bags for the new silver frames for as long as possible.

Although all that framing has sparked a bit of creativeness, just need my rib to catch up.

NICHS Craft Fair - March

I don't usually do craft fairs at this time of the year,  but I booked today's back in December. Clearly my judgement was clouded as I was still on the Christmas high.

 

It was awful. There is no nice way to put this. The blame unfortunately lies fair and squarely with the organisers. They happily took our money and then crowbarred as many people into a room as was possible. They did no advertising, locally or otherwise, and then charged people money to get in. 

It was for charity and that took the edge off slightly until one of the organisers from NICHS  stood up and spoke. During her introduction she told the stall holders to save the complaints until the end and then proceeded to remind us that the money we had paid was for charity. It was scheduled to run until 6pm and at about 4pm they told us to pack up. A few hardy characters did a sit in, after all if we stayed they had to stay.

Here's my grip. The event was for charity, however we as businesses had paid the money for a service. It may have ultimately went to charity but it wasn't a donation, it was a charge. At no stage did they do anything to manage this nightmare on the day.

Bad craft fairs are part of the deal from time to time, but when the organisers don't do their job that's unforgivable.

Getting Back on the Horse

Yesterday was a big day, as I got back in the saddle. Three and a half weeks ago I fell of a horse (not my own little baby) and broke a rib. I was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced but it also meant that I couldn't ride buddy. Yesterday I decided to give it a go.

It was fine, he was a gent and looked after me well. I won't say it was pain free but it was ok.My husband has been a star throughout this whole thing, and the photographer. He's not really a horse person, but he has picked up the slack and done all the heavy lifting. I am far from better, still a few painful weeks ahead, but at least I feel better inside my head. I was just happy to be back up in the saddle, three weeks ahead of schedule. Now I just need to take it slowly and not over do it :0)

French Village Bakery

Yesterday morning we popped into Belfast for a few messages and food. We parked on Stranmillis Road, so OH could get his hair cut and imagine my utter delight to find The French Village Bakery was back. My husband looked bemused as I babbled about it having the best pastry in Belfast.

It all started many years ago when I was a student at Queen's University. Stanmillis was my stomping ground and I discovered a little bakery that did takeaway sandwiches before they were trendy and the most amazing pastry. Lunch was often a large latte and a caramel choux. A few years after I left uni, it disappeared.

So on Saturday imagine my delight it was back. Same road but a different location. I wondered if it could still be as good..... it was as good as I remembered, better even.

Two caramel pastries and real coffee was enjoyed when we got home. Yum.

How do you eat yours?

We had ours with Kettle bacon and cheese.

On Pancake Tuesday it has to be Scotch Pancakes.

There was much debate today about types and recipes, most people were getting crepes, but I find this so odd, as here in Northern Ireland, we are brought up on these thick fluffy pancakes. Don't get me wrong I love a freshly made crepe with chocolate spread, but not on Pancake Tuesday.

This year we opted to go savoury and it was delicious.  I have used the same recipe since I was 9years old, my brother made them in school and came home with a recipe. Feel free to try it out.

Ingredients
8 oz plain flour
2 oz caster sugar
2tsp cream of tartar
1 heaped tsp of baking soda (bicarbonate of soda)
a pinch of salt
1 egg
1/4 pt milk

Method
Mix dry ingredients
Add the egg
Slowly add the milk and mix. It should be a thick consistency but not sticky. (You may need more milk depending on your flour)
Cook on a hot griddle rubbed with butter.
Eat warm and enjoy

Sherbet Pips

Sherbet pips is available as pre-cuts. I've been waiting for this fabric line since I first saw it about 6 months ago, so I treated my self to a little charm pack.

Sherbet Pips is designed by Aneela Hoey, from the UK, for Moda. Pop over to her blog to read about her inspiration for the range.

Hugo the Hippo

I'm all about the cute and this little boy is just about as cute as they come.

 

Check some of the other fabulous characters available from LeatherPrince. Another great place for present ideas.

Jewelled Eye Candy

 

I am totally loving these gorgeous little spoons from Cox & Cox. I have images of delicately digging into a little chocolate delight or some ice cream with thick sauce. 

There are many lovely things to look at on this website and it's well worth a visit for a little screen shopping. It gave me some fab ideas for presents.

Stitch Magazine

I have been trying to control my urges to purchase fabric books, however I can never resist Stitch magazine. So imagine my joy when I discovered the new spring addition was out.

 

I usually get it from Interweave in the US, but I discovered that the delightful Hulu Crafts, here in the UK now keep a limited supply of it. The big advantage is that I only had to wait 24 hours for it from Hulu Crafts, compared to nearly 6 weeks from Interweave. So I was able to have a little browse over the weekend and here are some of my picks.

 I like mushroom fabric and really love this little quilt.

 I've been doing some work with felt lately and this little cushion is like eye candy, all those lovely bright circles.

 A bag with some free embroidery

 A lovely cuff

 A pretty scarf made from linen

The funny things is the I never really make anything to wear,  but these last two are really possibilities. I like the fact they are accessories, which seem less like putting myself out there.

I enjoy reading about techniques and seeing how I can incorporate those into my bags. If nothing else I like the eye candy. It allows my brain to think about all the things I could make if I just had another few hours in the day. Oh I feel a little daydreaming coming on.

Girls who love horses by Heather Ross

I saw this delightful fabric by Heather Ross, while blog hopping.

New kokka range

 I am always on the look-out for horse fabric and I still have a little stash of original Heather Ross horse fabric.

original horse fabric

  This new line will be available from Kokka from spring 2011, but some prints are available from Spoonflower in different colours.

Fabric day

Last week, I ordered some new Moda fabric from Hulu Crafts

I also bought some new pre-cuts. I love this new hideaway range from Moda. I was attracted to some of the cute snow glade patterns and the hideaway hamlet, top fabric.

As usual I have grand plans for this, but will I ever get to use them? I hope so, watch this space. I'm not sure what yet but I may just try something simple.

Distracted

I've been very distracted lately. We have a new arrival around here. He has been much sought after and waited for.

Meet The Accountant, I know it's an unfortunate name, so we've named him Buddy. He's very cheeky and quirky, so he should fit right in. He has already escaped from his stable once and has had to have new locks fitted to his door. He is a looker and quite a ladies man. This is the only descent photo I have right now and even that was taken by my cell phone. I'm sure more will follow, although I am going to try and not become one of those "mummy's"

The new addition has given me pause for thought. I now have an extra mouth to feed, so I'm going to have to start working a little harder :o) Maybe I should phrase it as I need to start working, again.