handmade happiness

Caron Ascoli's sketches

2012-03-16T07:23:00.001Z

I thought you'd like to see two more of Caron Ascoli's bird sketches. Imagine being able to draw like that. Sorry but the coal tit has sold, and the wren shown earlier. I am keeping my fingers crossed that Caron comes to the shop with more of her lovely work today or tomorrow.

By the way if you like the photos on this blog, some of them have been made into postcards and are available at the shop. I'm opening earlier from this week onwards to celebrate the warmer(?) weather. Tuesday to Saturday 9.30am to 5.00pm. Most days I'm still open until 5.30pm or later but I'd better not commit to that.

Lulu and Archie

2012-03-15T08:01:00.001Z

Lulu the golden retriever belongs to Tara who has the shop next door to mine.Lulu has picked up an awful lot about interior design and is one of that shop's star attractions! Normally Lulu quietly dozes on the shop floor only jumping to attention at the sight of the postman. When bouncy little Archie visited (just 14 weeks old) it was wonderful to watch them communicating.After being thoroughly climbed over and jumped on Lulu quietly put the young pup in his place - just like she would with one of her own puppies. Hope you like the photos!

And then there were two...

2012-03-14T06:53:00.001Z

Yesterday the post brought a parcel of bears from their maker Lindsey Agostinelli.
The three bears sat together on their picnic rug in the window surrounded by Rebecca Snelling's cupcakes - a little large for their appetites they thought. And suddenly larger bear Elmo disappeared. He roared off in a sports car with a very nice lady.
Well, their expressions tell you better than I could how they felt about that. Pretty devastated...!

I heart cleaning (not)

2012-03-13T07:40:00.001Z

Whenever Monday comes around and the shop is closed I think I'll clean the house. Correction I think I ought to clean the house. I'm not sure there is anything in the world I find more boring than cleaning.

When the kids were small I had a good routine. I would clean all I could between 7.30am and 8am and what didn't get done then could wait til the next day. Somehow I kept on top of things even with three children and a job.
Nowadays I whizz round like a ' white tornado' when someone is coming round (music helps with speed cleaning!)
Otherwise it's amazing the number of people I think must have a phone call, the emails that need to be answered, magazines looked through and books read that somehow get in the way of that thorough spring clean! I'd rather make some felt or sort through beads or knitting wool for some project or write. In fact writing about spring cleaning is sooo much nicer than actually doing it!

HH window displays

2012-03-12T07:12:00.001Z

Apologies for all the reflections in the window.
I change the display once a week. At the moment it's geared to Mothers' Day.

As well as including a sample of anything new that's come into the shop I try to be practical. Not for me, yet, are the big bold statements which just attract attention. I'm thinking of Anthropologie's curtain of fruit tea bags and giant plastic cup chandelier. Maybe it will evolve that way. A giant newspaper dress and washing line of knitted bras for instance - but at the moment I play it safe. Maybe I'll get more adventurous as my confidence grows. Watch this space!

Felt fish

2012-03-11T08:21:00.001Z

Julia Kirby makes these felt fish (£35) and Heidi Robinson's blue glass panels are £25 each.
Yesterday was a busy day in the shop. One of the joys for me is the creative people who come through the door and the conversations we have. I think I am sometimes guilty of distracting them from looking at the merchandise!
Caron brought in another bird sketch (the first two have sold), Mary, an expert dyer and textile artist, came by with ideas for workshops and another Julia had loads of ideas for what I can make with my embellished felt panels.
Have I mentioned lately how glad I am that I opened Handmade Happiness?

The wonderful drawings of Caron Ascoli

2012-03-10T07:13:00.001Z

Yesterday Caron Ascoli brought two of her bird sketches into the shop. This one of a wren and another (equally proficient) of a coal tit. Both pictures are priced at £15. She loves her garden and says the hedges are filled with little birds. I think these particular little birds will fly off the wall of my shop early this morning!!

Shop window close ups

2012-03-09T07:05:00.001Z

Heidi Robinson glass panel £25; Penny Baker's cushions £24 to £28; my purse £15; coloured knitting needles £2-50 and handmade buttons £1 each.

Kate Hackett's ceramic mugs £15, egg cup £10; my chicks £3-50 and Rebecca Snelling's cupcakes £12-50.

New! Hand felted bowl by Julia Kirby £28.

Inspiration and doing

2012-03-08T07:46:00.001Z

There are a million things I want to make at the moment.

I want to make some crazy patchwork embroidering between ribbons and pieces of velvet and handmade felt. Bags of all sizes, maybe the odd cushion.
I want to make jewellery where the beads are all handmade. The way I used to make it with my polymer clay made into seaside pebbles.
I want to cover those big metal buttons I sell with embroidered pieces of linen or join pieces of ribbon over the buttons with embroidery.
I want to make felt for clutchable mice and big soft cushions.
I want to make some of my jumping people from knitted cords because they're so popular.
I need to make cards for Mothers Day and the yards of bunting I'm not getting on with.

Yes, there's a huge gulf between being inspired to do and actually getting on and doing!
I'll keep you posted!

Spring thoughts

2012-03-07T07:54:00.000Z

Thinking about what to plant this year. Peas, runner beans and courgettes, yes. I find these are all easy in the kind of soil I have.
My five raspberry canes did not produce much fruit last year so I hope for a bumper crop this year. I have a blueberry bush and those tiny wild strawberries grow where they can.
I love sweetpeas and always grow those, then there's the roses.
Tomatoes I find challenging. I've tried to grow those big French ones without much success. Cherry tomatoes are easier but somehow they grew much better in my last garden that this. Maybe I gave them more time.

I love my garden. It's weak point is a high fence all the way round which the previous owner coated with that brick red preservative. It's gradually getting back to that pleasing natural grey but it's taking years.
I like organic for gardens in that I don't want to eat anything that's been in contact with chemicals. But I won't pay organic prices in supermarkets so that doesn't make sense.
I'd like a tub of herbs by the door this year for easy picking. Oh yes and lots of little gem lettuce which also did well. This is the year I must plant a shrub like daphne for the scent and it would be great to have a bush with attractive berries in the winter. What works well in your garden?

Penny's shop

2012-03-06T06:43:00.000Z

Penny Baker, who makes pretty applique cushions and vintage fabric packs for Handmade Happiness, has just opened a shop at Bosham Walk near Chichester. The new shop is upstairs and Penny also has a shop area downstairs. Penny collects and sells vintage clothes and household linens. She says the clothes often have tiny waists by our standards and she sometimes alters the skirts accordingly. Penny is a good needlewoman and everyone admires her cushions in my shop. She also sells in Marmaduke's in Midhurst and has a stall at the Midhurst monthly market.

Yesterday was a day off work for both of us and we had a day out in Chichester. A quick whizz round the shops followed by lunch at the revamped Marks and Spencer cafe. Then we went to the cinema and saw 'The very exotic Marigold Hotel' with Judy Dench and Bill Nighy. It's different to the book but a great 'feel good' film. I recommend it. Finally we put the world to rights over a coffee. So good to have a proper day off. Thanks Penny, I thoroughly enjoyed it!

Blue eggs and marmite

2012-03-05T06:39:00.000Z

These are Old Cotswold Legbar eggs. They bring my boiled egg with Marmite breakfast experience up to a whole new level!! They are so pretty. It's like eating a Farrow and Ball shade card.

Now that so much in the supermarket has risen in price they cost me only a few pennies more than my normal free range eggs and I reckon they'll be even better value if I re-use the shells! I'm thinking mosaic although the shells may be a bit too fragile for that. But I can definitely see the empty shells with a bit of soil in and a seed sprouting out of the top. And they would look so pretty on straw in a pale blue/green bowl at Easter.

I know I'm not supposed to complain on my 'happiness' blog but I do get annoyed when supermarket prices jump up. I've tried complaining but nothing happens.For some reason my brain always remembers prices of everything exactly so I know when something is suddenly 30p more than last week. I reckon my food costs have gone up by at least 25% in the last few months. Do you agree or disagree? (I realise that just by asking a question I am risking getting no comments at all but I'll risk it!!!)

Felting on the washboard

2012-03-04T07:50:00.000Z

As part of the felt making process I use an old washboard given to me by my friend Jane.
The rough glass ridges, seen here, are ideal to rub the wet felt against to mat and shrink the wool further.
In the picture above you can see difference. The left hand piece has had more work than the piece on the right. In a couple of days I'll post a picture of what the finished article, ready to sell, is like.
Before I had the washboard I'd just felt on the kitchen sink's metal draining area. That's fine too.
I don't seem to have as much time as I'd like for felting these days. But I'd like some felt bags for the shop - just small ones - that might spur me on to make more!

Yesterday a lady came into the shop and talked of old kimonos her mother had given her that she was thinking of making things out of. Now I don't want to encourage anyone to cut into and recycle something as beautiful as a kimono, but if a kimono is never going to be worn again, how heavenly could something made out of it look!

Bracelet or hair elastic?

2012-03-03T07:32:00.000Z

I had a session with the sewing machine earlier in the week. While I was making these I thought some people might prefer to wear them as bracelets rather than in their hair. Once round the wrist or two or three times round a ponytail. Of course those with long, tied up hair could buy two and wear them as both! I am anticipating a busy Saturday but as soon as time allows in the shop I'll make more. They're £4.50 each.

Upcycling with buttons

2012-03-02T08:12:00.000Z

Some of my navy blue hand made buttons.
I've just replaced some boring plastic buttons on a cardigan with some handmade ones and it looks completely different. The easiest way to upcycle something old is to change the buttons. Some people do this routinely. They buy a jacket from a High Street shop and then put good buttons on it to make it look much more expensive. I prefer old buttons to new ones - unless they're handmade.

In Handmade Happiness there are hundreds of small old buttons for 25p each. There are big old 'statement' buttons for £1 each and, of course, lots of handmade buttons which are also £1 each - and fully washable.

Happy March to you!

2012-03-01T07:42:00.000Z

My necklace on a Lauren Vidal dress.

Already it's the first of March. The garden is waiting for new seeds to be planted and soon we can eat breakfast outside again!

Yesterday my friend Ann Hutchins who embroiders beautiful pictures, often of fruit or vegetables looked after the shop for me so I could go to Arundel to say goodbye to Tricot Designs and see Angie, its owner. I went with Wendy, who also worked at Tricot Too and we shared a delicious cream tea at the Bay Tree opposite Tricot.

I like Arundel best in August when you can step inside wonderful houses to view the town's Art. I highly recommend the Arundel Gallery Trail. Unlike other art trails you can walk round the whole of this one. There used to be something like it in Petersfield called 'Paint'. Is anyone reading this interested in joining me to revive 'Paint' this summer or in starting something afresh along the lines of the Arundel Gallery Trail?

What makes a good photograph?

2012-02-29T07:49:00.000Z

I took this picture in the Bishop's Palace gardens in Chichester a while ago.
The bird is nicely central (tick) but the messy bits of sandwich used to attract it ruin the picture.

In selecting from the photos I've taken over the years I think I'm learning a bit about what makes a good photograph. That is a photograph that pleases other people as well as yourself. (Excuse me talking about something I've had no lessons in.) The right light is crucial. All those interior shots that make rooms look bigger and brighter than they really are. There's a certain time of day, as it's getting light but not completely light that seems a good time for me to take a photo.

The photos on my blog vary in quality enormously but I am guessing that in selecting photos to share it will be the well lit close ups of flowers, indoors and out,the arrangements of pretty bric-a-brac and colourful handmade pieces that will be the most popular. And on this particular blog the statistics tell me it's the photos of clothes that people like the best.

I Love Liberty!

2012-02-28T07:27:00.000Z

I've been hoarding these old Liberty fabrics for years. This week I'll make with them.

Hollyhocks at Sheet

2012-02-27T08:05:00.000Z

This picture was taken in the summer. It's amazing how the plants grow vigorously with no soil to speak of, the old wall acting as their support.
'The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel' written by Deborah Moggagh is a film I want to see. The idea is that older people (or as the author says those that are 'very grown up indeed') might prefer to live in a hotel in India rather than a British care home. India because it is hot and somewhere that older people are still respected, even revered, for their wisdom and life experience.

I have noticed that after a certain age, unless we demand to be noticed, we seem to become invisible to others and what is worse, some of us don't seem to mind. I agree with Dylan Thomas who said, 'Rage, rage against the dying of the light.' Whatever age we are, male or female, we have as much right as the next person (or politician) for our voice to be heard. The generation that, as children, were told to be 'seen but not heard' has got some raging to do.

Let's look at alternatives for our parents, for ourselves, so that we don't inevitably end our lives in care homes.

Tricot Designs closes in March

2012-02-26T07:59:00.000Z

Out of Xile velvet coat in the Arundel shop.

As it says on the window - it's the 'end of an era'. After Tricot Too, Petersfield closed in August last year, Tricot Designs in Arundel is also to close in the middle of March. There are so many fans of the unusual clothes these shops stocked. For a last chance to buy, make a trip to Tarrant Street, Arundel before March 17th.
These pictures inside Tricot Designs shop were taken a while ago. I worked for Tricot Too and would occasionally do holiday cover in the Arundel shop. Loved it.

New! Henry Ascoli's postcards

2012-02-25T07:10:00.000Z

Yesterday some rather special postcards went on display in the shop.Local photographer and journalist Henry Ascoli makes his pictures into postcards using top quality textured card. Pictured are two examples. £1-25 each. These are postcards that could be framed and remind me of some of the better photographs in Country Living magazine.

Making more buttons

2012-02-24T07:50:00.000Z

My handmade, machine washable buttons.

It's the brightly coloured ones and the black and white ones that sell first in the shop.
I've been making buttons for more than twenty years. Ever since I saw some curious looking beads with patterns on them when visiting my sister in law in the States. They were under a glass counter. I remember asking what they were made from but for some reason I didn't buy any.

Once home I tried making something along the same lines. At first beads then buttons. I used to make necklaces where all the beads were handmade. Very individual.

Spring bunnies

2012-02-23T08:02:00.000Z

Natasha Rothschild's Spring bunnies came into the shop yesterday. Natasha also makes knitted reindeer which are very popular. I like the fact that each one of these rabbits is individual. They have different colours on each side, different facial expressions; some are sleeping and some are wide awake! Come in to the shop and see for yourself. Natasha has lots of ideas for new products. I'm looking forward to seeing more of her work soon.

Pretty printed tissue papers

2012-02-22T06:36:00.001Z

All the above tissue packs are on sale at Handmade Happiness, £2-20 each
Anyone who looked at this blog yesterday will have seen I had trouble posting. I've had to change my browser to Google Chrome because suddenly Internet Explorer wasn't acceptable. My clever son, who advised me says Google Chrome is the future so I'm ok with that.
I find as I get older I like what I know. You get used to doing things in a certain way and 'If it ain't broke, why fix it?'

Is anyone else getting bombarded with emails from Linked In? I am finding it annoying because when someone you know asks you to be 'linked in' with them it seems rude to refuse. On the other hand I've never been much of a joiner. Even at brownies I was involved in a sit down strike because we all thought it was silly and didn't want to go any more.

But this Linked In - what is it all about? How does it benefit you to be 'linked' to all these people you may know or not know? Two of my friends have told me they didn't actually send me invitations to be 'linked in' although I received them.

When, a few months ago a friend invited me to join this organisation I held back from giving them all but the minimum information about myself. I don't know why. But all this sharing of private info and photos (eg.Facebook) makes me uncomfortable. Like the basis for a science fiction novel. You could argue - why is she sharing photos and information on this blog then? I guess I'm comfortable as long as it's only me in control of what is out there...What do you think?

Glorious wool and the book

2012-02-21T06:35:00.000Z

Yesterday, Monday, I had a lovely day walking and browsing. I saw these beautiful wools in Hobbycraft in Havant. The two in the picture above which I bought are sock yarns by Regia and the four below, which I didn't buy are Rowan yarns designed by Kaffe Fassett and each ball is enough for a scarf.

I also bought the book pictured - Really Wild Tea Cosies by Loani Prior which I have wanted for months. Slightly disappointing to find that nearly all the designs are made with two sets of circular needles. I am not adept at circular needles but guess that practice makes perfect...!

Make Your Own Gift Bags

2012-02-20T06:55:00.002Z

Make these following the instructions below.

Ingredients above: One free thick paged catalogue,one glue stick and a thick book.

Tear out three pages and glue the overlapping edges as above.

Have around an inch or 2cms overlap.

Now lay your book in the middle with the top of the book at the top of the middle page, wrap it up like a present, glueing the side edges having cut off excess paper. Leave the top end open. Fold in the base as below:

Above is what the base looks like when you've folded the paper round the book.

Glue the edges. Actually I reinforced this triangular end with some clear sellotope.

To make the two handles tear out another two pages, one for each handle.
With the long straight edge next to you fold the page inwards by around an inch (2 cms) and fold again, four times to make a thick handle as pictured above. Cut and glue. (You'll have about a third of the page unused.)

Fold the strip in half to see the centre then fold again twice at the same distance from the centre, as above. Glue around half of the length of the handle to the carrier bag. Same on both sides and the other handle matching at the back. Done.

Don't carry anything breakable in these bags. I haven't tested how much weight they'd bear but I guess it's not a lot! They are fun to make and will be useful in the shop. I'm hoping to make enough so I don't have to buy in paper carriers.
If you feel like making bags with me I'll do a free workshop on them tomorrow, Tuesday, at the shop from 11am to 12 noon.

Re-cycling - keep it simple!

2012-02-19T05:35:00.002Z

Envelope and card and handmade poster for Handmade Happiness.

In this month's Country Living magazine there's a how to make envelopes from wallpaper offcuts feature. (Wallpaper is a good idea for envelopes as it's nice and stiff and will achieve a good finish.) But how many readers will have pieces of unwanted wallpaper lying around waiting to be recycled? Not many.

But the real problem is that the hand made wallpaper envelopes photographed in the magazine cannot be used because there is nowhere to write an address on them, they are covered in bold pattern. So a sticky label or just a piece of white paper cut into a rectangle and glued on should be the last, vital final step!

In a post I wrote earlier about making your own envelopes I think I say that magazine pages and in particular the covers of Country Living magazine make very fine envelopes!

Yesterday, it being a rainy day and therefore quite quiet in the shop, I made carrier bags. Actually wallpaper would make excellent handmade carrier bags! But as I didn't have any to hand I used a free M & S catalogue instead. Photo and instructions coming up!

New! Printed tissue papers

2012-02-18T06:33:00.001Z

All six designs are pictured at the top of the window above.

I used a bit of the 'Liberty' print tissue in this poster.

You may be a bit disappointed with the quality of these photos. Sorry. I'll try to remember to take a close up shot of the new tissue papers in the shop today.

By the way I've been adding blog recommendations to the 'Nice to Look At' list on the right. Check them out when you've got a moment. What blogs do you enjoy looking at?

Waiting

2012-02-17T06:05:00.002Z

Love this little bird by Abigail Brown, torn from a magazine.

Feels like we're all waiting for Spring at the moment. And I'm waiting to see if my little shop, started four months ago can be a success. These are the toughest months - January til March when people don't feel comfortable spending any money.

I'm learning a lot. Like it's often the customers who love the shop the loudest that spend nothing. My favourites are those treasures who come in regularly with their quiet friendship and always buy something - even if it's only a card or some buttons. Those are the ones who will ensure I can pay the quarterly rent in March.

On a more cheerful note the lovely printed tissues arrived yesterday. I immediately hung them in the window!
I love the Liberty print tissue and the birds, the black toile de jouy and the line drawn flowers. I'll take a picture of them today to show you tomorrow!

Treating yourself!

2012-02-16T07:08:00.002Z

Pretty tin on one of Gayle Bicknell's silk scarves available at Handmade Happiness

So the postman failed to stop by on Tuesday of this week. Therefore a small treat for self seems only fair!

I saw these gorgeous tins in Waitrose alongside the fresh rose petals I wrote about earlier. But they were £7.99 each which was too big a stretch. However yesterday they had been reduced to £3.99 and I bought one. Aren't half price treats great?!

I figure this will make a pretty sewing materials tin for the shop. And in time it will become a collectable antique!

Tricot style

2012-02-15T06:15:00.003Z

When Tricot Too closed last August it left a big gap in the market.

Handmade Happiness customers who used to shop there can't find clothes like those pictured locally. The labels Myrine and Me, Out of Xile, Avoca, Rimini, Laurel Vidal, are not often stocked by other stores.

Buying was done in Europe and the distinctive Tricot layered look was totally different to anything found in the High Street. It catered for people wanting a very individual look. Although the prices were a bit high for most pockets hundreds of women shopped at Tricot Too during the twice yearly sales.

And the good thing about clothes like these is that because they are outside of fashion they never look dated; they are timeless and can be worn for ever.

Ideas and plans

2012-02-14T07:08:00.002Z

Foggy picture because it's taken through glass. My felt heart and Kate Hackett's ceramic hearts.

Happy Valentine's Day!

And lots of (virtual) red roses and chocolates to you!

These are my ideas and plans for the shop at the moment:

Thinking ahead I want handmade clothes in the shop. Just one rail with maybe sample dresses and knitwear on. I want to use the window more imaginatively. I want to involve visitors more in making maybe through having drop in creative sessions regularly which would possibly be free of charge. I need to do more (free) advertising and I need to make a lot more of the stock myself. I am learning a lot about what works and what doesn't work as I go along. It is absorbingly fascinating!

Love is all you need

2012-02-13T07:21:00.001Z

Looking through the window at Handmade Happiness

This Valentine's Eve I'm thinking about love. Not just romantic love but all the different kinds of love. We love our families and our friends and hopefully the jobs we do.
Recently I've realised that if we try to love everyone and everything life is so much easier and more pleasant. I've decided to stop complaining and try instead to love the things I complain about. Take houses for instance. I think if you love your home and everything in it somehow it will co-operate and become truly loveable! This is probably obvious to you but to me it has come as something of a revelation!

Threading rose petals

2012-02-12T07:05:00.001Z

Handmade Happiness yesterday from outside and inside.

Yesterday I saw bags of fresh rose petals for sale at a supermarket on the way in to work. So I spent the first couple of hours in the shop threading rose petals to hang in the window. It was lovely to handle real petals when the temperature was freezing or below. I felt oddly like I was in a fairy tale. Which was it when hay was spun into gold all night long?

I am shocked to see today that Whitney Houston has died at the young age of 48. Tragic and sad. Like Amy Winehouse, her wonderful voice lives on.

Miniature bunting

2012-02-11T06:29:00.003Z

Looking at bunting is very cheering. It's a celebration of life!

That's why I'm thinking wouldn't it be great to have miniature bunting you could pin up on a noticeboard; stick on the top of a letter to a friend; sellotape to shelf edges etc. And cut small like that bunting could be made of anything - painted papers/ gift wrap/ cellophane sweet wrappers.

A while ago I posted a picture of Jane's shed where she had made bunting from the covers of Country Living magazines. It looked great!

Miniature bunting - yes, an ideal way to use those scraps of fabric too pretty to throw away. If you see me on the sewing machine in the shop on Monday that's what I'll be making!
By the way, after this Monday the shop will not be open on Mondays until warmer weather comes.

Very special ribbon

2012-02-10T06:49:00.001Z

I can't remember whether my mother or my grandmother gave me this ribbon. I have two bundles of it in different colourways. I know it is very old because my grandmother had it in her sewing box ever since my mother can remember. It is very beautiful, shot with gold, and I can't imagine ribbons being woven with this level of complexity any more.

My grandmother was a tailoress. She also had that rare skill of being able to look at a photograph in Vogue, then cut a pattern and create an outfit for my mother looking very like it. I wish I had known her better.

For years I have thought this ribbon too good to use but for this Valentine's Day I have used small pieces in the boxes and cards.

Do you store things up feeling you will use them someday but you don't know when?

Spread the love!

2012-02-09T06:48:00.003Z

Valentine's cards £2.50; painted and collaged heart boxes £3.50 by Jenny Stacy at Handmade Happiness.

Yesterday was the coldest day wasn't it? I can't ever remember feeling quite that cold before. At lunchtime I bought a take out hot chocolate from Costa which was wonderfully warming. Funny how you appreciate things more when you are cold. Not so funny how the brain slows up and you find you can't get things done.

I just knitted yesterday. Today I want to be more business like!

Last night we had a great sing at choir. We're doing Eva Cassidy/Sting's number 'Fields of Gold' which is beautiful; 'Hallelujah' by Leonard Cohen and 'Joyful joyful' from Sister Act 2. After next week which is half term we start on three new songs. Can't wait!

Knitting for newborns

2012-02-08T07:53:00.001Z

These tiny clothes (there are poppers under the tiny mother of pearl buttons on the cardigan) will go into the window of Handmade Happiness today. I've enjoyed knitting them but it will be nice to do a bit of felt making now.
I also need to make some more dolls but I am having difficulty finding the right
cotton or calico for them. Calicos all seem to have tiny black spots in them which would not be suitable.

Yesterday I was pleased to welcome Angie who owns Tricot Designs in Arundel and who used to co-own Tricot Too, where I worked, in Petersfield. As I said to her it was a bit like waiting for the Ofsted inspector. I value her opinion.

New cushions

2012-02-07T06:42:00.001Z

Three cushions made by Pam Dew using Kaffe Fassett fabrics.

I love this top cushion. I used to think yellow and orange were impossible to wear and difficult colours to have in the home.I didn't tolerate them in the garden either. But I'm beginning to change my mind. Yellow and orange look great as lemons and oranges in a fruit bowl. And this top cushion could make you change your whole room scheme. The cushion at the bottom of the picture is square and matches the round cushion above it. The yarn is spun and dyed by Michelle Green.

Well yesterday in the shop I made some Valentine's cards. Half way through the morning a man came in...and asked me why the computer shop next door was closed. Then towards lunchtime a customer bought a mug. I went home as planned but returned after an hour and a half in time for a mother who bought £1.50 worth of buttons for her two little girls.

Therefore after next Monday when I have a friend visiting from Kent who wants to make stuff with me in the shop, I will be closed on Mondays until the weather gets better!

To be (there) or not to be there

2012-02-06T08:05:00.002Z

It's Monday and I'm wondering about shop opening times. Up until now I've been happy to open six days a week with Sunday as the day off. But to be honest Mondays can be very quiet, and my neighbouring shop, Tara Wake Interiors doesn't open on Mondays. So today I will be open as usual until lunchtime then I'll leave a note on the door so anyone passing can ring me if they want to look around.
I guess that now I've said that I might just get the busiest Monday ever!!

Only in England....

2012-02-05T06:37:00.003Z

Once again snow is the major news story this morning with the possibility of flights being cancelled and motorists being stuck on motorways. Er, excuse me for saying but isn't snow just a regular part of winter ie. an annual event?

I think it's time we got used to snow and put in measures to deal with it so that every time the white stuff came it didn't send the country into a panic. We can learn how countries with much deeper snow than ours every year cope with it. Fitting snow chains on car tyres for example? Owning a pair of snow boots for slippery pavements?
By the way, the picture above was taken just over a year ago. With only a light dusting of snow here today it wouldn't make for an interesting enough photo.

Yesterday a very cold American came into the shop. She had just spent three hours standing on a stone floor in her village church 'guarding the bells'. Apparently there is a rotor of bell guardians because other churches have had bells stolen for scrap metal. Only in England...but you've got to love it!

Wonderful washi!

2012-02-04T07:20:00.002Z

This week I received a much anticipated parcel of Japanese 'washi' tapes in the post from America. I ordered them from etsy a while ago. Aren't they pretty?

I bought a couple from John Lewis two years ago but I don't think they've had them in since. Does anyone know of a good stockist in this country?
I would love to sell them in the shop but these particular ones would be too expensive to sell on. They'll be used (in small doses) in collage and to seal tissue paper on purchases in the shop.

Knitted cupcakes and ribbons

2012-02-03T07:02:00.002Z

Cupcakes knitted by Rebecca Snelling.

Recent additions to the shop include these fun cup cake pin cushions and reels of ribbon.

Cupcakes are £12.50 each. Ribbons, left to right are celery silk 60p a yd; thin red double sided satin 30p a yard and twisted ombre £1-00 a yard.

It's after 7am and it's still dark outside. Even in this bitter cold I like to have the bedroom window open at night but in these weather conditions it feels like 'The Ice Hotel' in Norway. A friend has stayed in this wonderful place.

Every year the hotel is re-built - everything, furniture, chandeliers is carved from ice. Reindeer skins are on the 'beds'. At nighttime apparently the staff zip you up into a specially warm sleeping bag with only your face showing. She says she slept really well.

Maybe that's the answer then. Sleeping bags under the duvet.

What do you think? Share your experiences/ tips on coping with extreme cold by clicking on the comments below.

Frosty mornings

2012-02-02T07:11:00.002Z

Are you managing to keep warm? It seems too cold to snow right now. From the perspective of the desk in Handmade Happiness where I spent the day making Valentine's heart boxes yesterday, the world has gone into hibernation. No-one comes into the shop. If they venture out at all they do what shopping they have to do and then hurry for home. I would do the same if I were them. It's too darn cold to focus on much else other than keeping warm.

This morning I have put all my Liberty fabrics into the washing machine. I have collected these precious scraps for years now and there's no point them sitting in bags any longer. They'll either be sold or be used to make things for sale.
They won't be used in bunting. Too special for that. But with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June yards of bunting will be needed. And Handmade Happiness will be the place to buy it!!

New in - Becky Snelling's 'softies'

2012-02-01T06:34:00.001Z

When the Handmade Happiness shop was still a daydream Becky and I used to sometimes sell our work at the same places. I once bought one of the 'bunnies' above as I found it totally irresistible. Come and visit them in the shop. They are priced at £29 each.

Like it - who made it?

2012-01-31T07:02:00.002Z

I am breaking one of my own rules this morning by posting a picture without attributing it.
I hate to see pictures in magazines or on blogs of something handmade where the person who made it is not mentioned. However I've looked through pinterest where I must have found this originally and no joy. If you know you made this felted wool bag let me know and I'll put their name by it.

I like the soft colours. It looks well made and is a good size. The construction is simple and the interest is from the great batch of knitwear and boiled wool the maker has found. In short I'd like to have some of these in the shop!

Now back to the tax page. Why do I make such heavy weather of it??!

All change for Spring

2012-01-30T08:19:00.002Z

Kate Hackett's work is now against green instead of cream.

Typical of our changeable British weather that as soon as I finish changing the look of the shop for Spring the coldest winter weather of the year arrives and apparently is going to be with us for four weeks!

Longer post tomorrow. Afraid I overslept today and in 5 minutes I still have to go power walking!!

Notice board

2012-01-29T05:53:00.003Z

This is the first thing you see when you step inside Handmade Happiness. I had planned to have a community noticeboard advertising local art and craft events but it's become more of a Things I Like board. I've just realised I could also pin on scraps of ribbon, fabric and lace that I want to display.
I must take photos of some lovely new work brought in yesterday to show you plus photos of the new ribbons I've just put out on sale.

Buttons and rug

2012-01-28T06:35:00.003Z

My buttons on the table above Glen Wellstead's rug.

This is the quiet time in the shop at the moment. I was warned that January, February and even March tend to be the slowest months of the year business wise.

Now is the time to write that book, make the merchandise and improve displays.

Yesterday I had a ribbon and DIY metal button delivery and it will be good to see the reaction to those things. And one of the shop visitors showed me the most exquisitely made dressed mouse. I'm hoping she'll make more for the shop as her work is special!

Today Becky is coming in with her fab makes and hopefully my son and one of the daughters will drop in. Meantime if you notice me frowning at a load of papers on the desk you'll know that I still haven't finished the dreaded tax return!!

New! Cushions and Jewellery boards

2012-01-27T08:12:00.002Z

Cushions by Penny Baker; jewellery boards by Linda Chivers; collage by me.

I changed around everything in the shop yesterday. More pictures tomorrow.

To Move or Improve?

2012-01-26T05:58:00.003Z

Blankets by Avoca. Photo taken at the shop Gorgeous in Chichester.

Now I'm working next door to an interior designer I am constantly being reminded of how beautiful a home can be! Tara has the most lush embroidered silks, soft velvets, wool throws and textured silk wallpapers. All of which send my imagination spinning into overdrive.

My home feels and looks rough around the edges. It needs time spending on it. Time to focus on making it better. Re-arranging the furniture, organising the storage areas, painting the inside of cupboards and puting up hooks and picture hooks. Generally using what I've got to best effect.

When I first moved in an estate agent knocked at my door. He'd just sold the house attached to mine. We talked about what sold houses - a subject that always interests me. His advice was to keep it simple. He said don't spend money on a new kitchen or a new bathroom chances are the next people won't like it and will rip it out anyway.

So maybe I've taken his advice a bit too literally.Six and a half years down the line I'm still living with the blue worktops in the kitchen which I dislike and the front door that I vowed to change immediately. I have ripped out the horrid pink carpets which makes the house look much better but there's still work to be done.

No I'm afraid I'm still a few years away from silk wallpaper...! My home needs time and energy - and that has to come from me.

What are your thoughts on 'To Move or Improve'? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Please try the comment thing. Some blogs get hundreds of comments. This one doesn't and that's ok. I can't comment on a friend's blog - the process is impossible for me to understand - if that's the case with this blog let me know and I'll change the settings.

Doing the sums

2012-01-25T06:56:00.002Z

At this time of year I am forced to focus on income in and income out to do the tax return. One of my most unfavourite tasks!

In checking through old notebooks I am reminded that life is about so much more than making money. More fun and more important (as long as you have enough coming in to pay the bills and buy food) -are ideas and plans and conversations and education.

Now I have the shop I want it to be profitable (otherwise it will have to close); but more important to me right now is that everyone walking in to the shop enjoys the experience and wants to come back - whether they choose to spend any money in the shop or not.

This is what I bought

2012-01-24T07:17:00.003Z

These are my treasures from Midhurst monthly market on Saturday. It was worth an early start - do you agree? - and I'll try to be there every month from now on.

The only trouble with starting the day really early is that by the time proper work starts you feel you've put in half a day's work already which, of course, you have.

The one that got away was a battered up shopping basket for £5. As I stretched for it so did someone else, faster. At that time in the morning there were some very smartly dressed ladies, who I'm guessing were buying for shops in London and they are quick off the mark. So next time I must stop dithering and grab!

Rag rug colour

2012-01-23T06:27:00.003Z

Rug made by Glen Wellstead for Handmade Happiness.

New for Handmade Happiness!

2012-01-22T06:48:00.003Z

Kate Hackett's new collection of mugs, plates and jugs.

I am delighted to have Kate's new pieces for sale in the shop. Grouped together it all looks so fresh and spring-like.

Long time friend Kate is not only a potter who makes each piece from scratch, she is also an artist who hand paints each piece before puting it in the kiln again.

Yesterday Kate brought in these pieces plus an assortment of 'kitchen fairies' and decorated hearts. I am especially grateful to her as Kate is very busy right now making stock for her stand at the Country Living magazine spring fair in March.

Scents of Spring

2012-01-21T06:14:00.002Z

I love the strong perfume of hyacinths. These are an unusual colour and I remember being given them at this time of year and how lovely it was to smell them in the hall going out and coming in.

I looked at the hyacinths in Marks and Spencer - half price - do they ever sell any at full price I wonder? - but they're either blue or pink. I like white ones, or pale lilac or dark lilac like these. I want some in the shop.

People really appreciate a nice smell. Most of the time our sense of smell doesn't bother us. Supermarkets don't smell of anything except when you approach the bread area. In a clean town like Petersfield I think you could go the whole day without consciously smelling anything at all.

I've been burning an Avoca roses candle in the shop that I got for Christmas. People comment on the nice smell and now it's used up I'll get some white hyacinths to provide that nice, relaxing smell.

Now I'm off to Midhurst - yes, I know it's only 6.30am but apparently you have to be there early to get the best stuff at the monthly market. A friend who has a stall there says the dealers arrive at 6.30 ish so if I'm there at about 7.30am I'll avoid the scrum and hopefully still pick up some pretty 'vintage' fabrics. I'll let you know what I buy...

Cats

2012-01-20T07:04:00.002Z

While in a 'What shall I make next' mood I came across this photo of cats from January two years ago. The wool they are holding is the wool I knitted or crocheted their cardigans from. Cats in Cardigans sold well at the Country Living magazine shows.

Now I do more with felt and lately I am also thinking about re-visiting large bead necklaces and even large bead earrings. But with Valentine's Day on the horizon my time is best spent making Valentine's cards right now. And there's also that pesky tax return to sort out before the end of the month...

Changing shop displays

2012-01-19T08:11:00.002Z

Yesterday I freshened up the shop ready for spring. Armed with the new issue of Vogue I banished winter's rich reds and replaced them with soft, pretty colours. The temperature went up a few notches too.

In the pictures are Michelle Green's handspun, hand dyed wools and my jewellery.

Most popular blog post ever!

2012-01-18T07:02:00.003Z

Lauren Vidal clothes in the window of Tricot Too March 22th 2011. Lamp shade by Deryn Relph.

Titled 'Lauren Vidal loveliness' this is the blog post that is way the most popular on this blog.

The clothes are so unusual aren't they? I remember the way the full skirt of the dress on the left could be pulled round to the front or back and tied in place. Tricot Too in Petersfield closed down last August but the clothes it stocked still inspire people like me.

Collage cards

2012-01-17T05:51:00.001Z

Yesterday while it was quiet (and cold) in the shop I made half a dozen new collage cards.The top card centres on a Rodarte dress with my painted papers around it. I make the envelopes and include a large sticker to close the envelope with.

The first thing I did yesterday was to buy a heater. The temperature in the shop has been bearable up until now! As I had someone coming to learn to knit yesterday the shop needed to be warmer. And the new oil filled radiator takes the chill off allowing me to make things without my hands getting too cold!

I hope you are keeping warm. I wonder if it will snow?

Needlefelted by Michelle

2012-01-16T05:19:00.003Z

Dog by Michelle Green in Follit's window, Petworth, Sussex.

Poodles are not my favourite dogs I have to admit. But I think this one is very cleverly created.

Michelle spins and dyes yarn and makes the sheep and reindeer sold by Handmade Happiness. She also needlefelts robins which sold very quickly in the run up to Christmas.

Since most people who pass the shop in Petersfield have a dog with them I would love to have some of Michelle's dogs in the window. But not necessarily poodles. I think Petersfield suits labradors, jack russels, and maybe a golden retriever?

Climbing the hill

2012-01-15T07:21:00.002Z

Michelle Green's sheep with cummerbunds by me climbing the hill.

Life can seem a bit hilly sometimes can't it? But the challenges all teach us something.

I've been thinking about moving recently and the grass can seem greener elsewhere. But actually when you really think about making changes - big ones and little ones - you can end up feeling grateful for what you've got and determined to make the best of that, not to go seeking another batch of challenges elsewhere.

Despite the extreme cold the atmosphere in Handmade Happiness is warm and friendly. Come on in!

I heart wood!

2012-01-14T06:30:00.002Z

Chopping boards, bread boards, serving boards. All handmade by Christine Burgess. www.christineburgess.co.uk

New boards were delivered to the shop yesterday afternoon. Christine works with local wood from Hampshire and West Sussex to make boards of all shapes and sizes. Those pictured above are available in the shop now priced from £8 to £35.

How's the Diet going?

2012-01-13T07:52:00.003Z

Photo taken at Maison Blanc, Guildford.

Has your response to this picture altered since January 1st?

I always resolve to get slim again in the New Year. But you'd have to have known me for quite a long time to remember what I was like slim!

Is it all about re-training your response to calorie laden food? Loving the veg - especially the green veg. and trying to convince yourself that croissants are very very bad!

I think it's about reward and punishment. As children many of us were brought up to think of chocolate or sweets as rewards for being good. They weren't freely available as they are now, they were definetely treats.

As adults we must re-train ourselves to think that being kind to ourselves (having treats) is to actually put healthy foods into our bodies - fruit, veg, pulses, nuts (and/or meat and fish). The five star fuel!

In some sense we punish ourselves by eating food that gives nil nourishment in return for a whole load of calories. It just tastes nicer... Hmmm.. training is ongoing.

A friend who is enviably slim says brussel sprouts are her favourite food. See? She deserves to be slim!

Workshops

2012-01-12T05:23:00.003Z

These tulips have been on the shop counter for a few days. They look too beautiful to throw away.

Workshops at Handmade Happiness, Petersfield, begin this Sunday, January 15th. If you are interested in learning to knit or crochet or in taking part in 'Free Knitting' on Monday nights (experienced knitters only) email me and I'll forward you the details. jennystacy@tiscali.co.uk

Felt slippers

2012-01-11T07:24:00.002Z

Page from Martha Stewart Living magazine December issue.

A friend who went to New York recently gave me this magazine yesterday. Yes it's American. I used to be able to get it from Borders bookstores until that company went under. There are many good American/French/ Australian magazines. I wish that WHSmith would stock them.

Anyway I was delighted to find this how to for making felt slippers designed by Stephanie Hung.

As I write I can hear a pot of soup bubbling on the stove. Since Monday I have been on a diet or as I prefer to think of it 'change of life style'! I take a thermos of home made soup to the shop with me and have it at lunchtime. By about 3 in the afternoon I am ravenously hungry and have to go out and buy a sandwich but I give myself an 'A' for effort!!!

Sheeps' clothing

2012-01-10T06:50:00.002Z

Sheep in cummerbunds £2.50 each

Michelle Green and her husband make these popular little sheep. I stitched on their cummerbunds for a bit of spring colour.

Some of you will be pleased to know that I am emailling invites to workshops today. As the majority want workshops in the evening or at the weekend that is what is going to happen. More details soon.

Love this!

2012-01-09T07:44:00.002Z

Avoca hot water bottle at John Lewis £35

Yesterday I went to Southampton and had a really good look round John Lewis there. I spotted the gorgeous hot water bottle cover above and had to take a picture of it. So darn pretty but so darn expensive!

In the habadashery department I could only find plain satin or velvet ribbons. When did they cut back? I guess to find something a bit out of the ordinary you have to go to London.

I like the fact that John Lewis has everything under one roof and its design is such that it never feels crowded. I had a lovely day mooching around and buying nothing. I must be a shopkeepers nightmare! I met up with my lovely younger daughter and her boyfriend for a sandwich in pret a manger. I didn't get home til nearly 7pm. It felt like a proper day off which was just what I needed!

Hand spun, hand dyed, British wool

2012-01-08T06:09:00.002Z

Michelle Green buys a fleece from the farmer and cleans, dyes and spins it.She often uses natural dyes like onion skins or dock leaves gathered from the hedgerows which produce an olive green. But natural dyed wools aren't as popular as synthetic dyed wools which produce stronger, brighter colours.

This week Michelle took back from the shop all the natural dyed yarns which have been sitting relatively unnoticed and replaced them with these singing dancing colours pictured above, which sell better. An exception is this naturally coloured wool pictured above from Jacobs and Shetland sheep.

I like to have this British wool in the shop. It looks so decorative hanging from pegs in all the myriad of colours. You have to think outside the box as to what to knit with it but why not just buy it to hang - like a work of art?

Wild Damson - 2012

2012-01-07T07:01:00.006Z

Useful pieces include this hall bench seat (background) with trough under for shoes and boots.

These original glass drawer knobs give the finishing touch to a pretty bedroom chest of drawers.

If you are thinking about making changes to your home in 2012, Wild Damson in Dragon Street, Petersfield is a great place to find useful, practical pieces of furniture at reasonable prices.

Tempting me at the moment is a long table with drawers. The top is stripped, the rest painted a restful pale green/blue. There is a long shelf underneath, ideal for pots and pans. I'm day dreaming about stripping out my kitchen and having some free standing pieces. This would be a good start...

http://www.wilddamson.co.uk/

Making bracelets

2012-01-06T07:27:00.001Z

Bracelets £4-50 each by Jenny Stacy.

The advantage of this quiet time in the shop is that I can sit making. These bracelets are inspired by that indigo Ralph Lauren throw which I wrote about a while back. The throw was a patched, darned and textured affair which looked thoroughly beautiful. It cost over £1,000 but I still carry the image of it in my head.

Fabrics for making with

2012-01-05T06:54:00.003Z

Vintage scrap packs £4-50; vintage furnishing fabrics wad £10 by Penny Baker for Handmade Happiness.

My friend Penny Baker brought in lots of lovely vintage fabric packs yesterday. New to the shop are these wads of old furnishings fabrics from the 30s,40s and 50s. Ten pieces to a pack, all different; I particularly like the yellow fabric shown above.

When I used to sell at the Country Living magazine shows on a regular basis I found that these vintage fabric packs by Penny sold brilliantly. To people who make cushions, or for patchwork, or small sewing projects. Once a bride-to-be bought my entire stock because she wanted to make a heart to tie onto each of her guests chairs with them.

Book Sale

2012-01-04T06:04:00.001Z

Having just said that Handmade Happiness doesn't do Sales I've changed my mind slightly and I'm having a mini sale of books. I have so many craft/cookery books that I need to prune my collection. All books pictured plus more that I'll take in to the shop today are offered at just £3.50 each.

Seeing the light

2012-01-03T05:48:00.004Z

I really like this light fitting which shoots rays across the whole ceiling. Photographed at Watergardens self catering bungalow, near Trowbridge (see previous post.)

Did the strong winds disturb your night? Having woken at 3am I could not get back to sleep so as usual I got to thinking. First I re-designed the bedroom on paper, coming up with a much more spare look I like.

Then I was thinking about the nature of friendship. All the people you work with and get along brilliantly with in your work situation. Then you move jobs and somehow the friendships you thought you'd made don't survive the transition. They were work based friendships and rely on having work in common. I guess if you want those work friendships to survive you have to really work on them.

On the same theme I think if you put yourself out to help someone or someone really helps you it is not necessarily an equal exchange of favours. Instead there are chains of kindness when those people help or listen to others that cross their paths. We're all links in chains. We're just not always aware that we are.

Shop corners

2012-01-02T07:42:00.004Z

Shoppers screen printed by hand by Gayle Bicknell in the lobby.

Ann Hutchins' stitched pictures, right; my doll and Gayle Bicknell's silk scarf on the left.

I'm in the mood for change. Are you? A New Year always feels like a fresh start. Today I will lose weight, re-decorate my house; make a billion things for the shop and throw a wonderful party for all my friends and family. And all by lunchtime!!

I resolve to do all those things in 2012 and make an online shop for Handmade Happiness and visit Paris and create the best shop I can in Dragon Street. I feel so fortunate to have at last got a shop and I love being in it and talking to all the lovely customers. Bless you and thank you for all your support and friendship in 2011.

Embellisher - Day Three

2012-01-01T07:19:00.002Z

I made this spectacles holder yesterday. Just the one. In attempting to sew round it with the embellisher through double thickness I broke a needle. Now I must pluck up my courage to actually handle the needles to replace it with a fresh one. They are very sharp and barbed and I am a wimp.

I have now learned not to attempt seams with the embellisher. I sewed round this one by hand and it is fine.

Happy New Year!

Shall we put off talking about resolutions until tomorrow?

May 2012 be your best year yet!

Embellisher - Day 2

2011-12-31T05:55:00.003Z

I like this best because it's a picture not random experiments.

Here (above) I've tried out silk waste, lace, and cut out pieces of handmade felt.

I like the bright colours of this one. I've experimented with bits of nubbly yarn, wool tops and velvet. The dark background reminds me of the Northern Lights.

Yesterday I played on the embellisher for most of the day as it was quiet in the shop again. I need to move on from experimenting now and produce actual things to sell. The felt is beautifully soft and spec cases and purses would be easy to make. Also brooches and maybe hot water bottle covers.

I'm not forgetting the clothing and cushions mentioned in the last post but maybe they are a bit ambitious for a beginner embellisher!

Embellisher fun!

2011-12-30T06:37:00.004Z

An embellished felt cuff.

An embellished heart.

An embellished crochet purse.

Just before Christmas I bought an embellisher. I was so impressed by what my friend Alison was creating with her embellisher - an Alfa 3000 costing £199 - that I wanted to have a go myself. I have wanted one for some years but I have never seen them at that price before. There are still models out there costing £400, even £700 available but £199 was do-able.

Yesterday I had great fun in the shop trying it out for the first time. It is addictive. Now I want to try out all kinds of different materials to see the range of effects you can get. I'm thinking big - cushions; jackets; scarves.Although realistically purses are more quickly achievable! Felt seems to be the best base material. So I need to make more large pieces of felt to embellish into.

If you want to see examples of Alison's work on the embellisher check out her blog http://www.fibrefrenzi.blogspot.com/ also in the margin on the right as 'colour queen'!

I'm off to make felt!

Chickens

2011-12-29T06:39:00.002Z

At Christmas these chickens would peer in at us through the french windows. They were so tame one allowed me to get this close (see below) to take his photograph!

Yesterday I re-did the shop window removing all the Christmas decorations. I had a bit of a cleaning day, keeping busy. Although one or two people looked around and made appreciative noises it was very quiet and I guess that's how it's going to be for a little while as people recover from the big Christmas spend.
Today I plan to start making a batch of purses which I've been intending to do for a while.

A Rented Christmas!

2011-12-28T07:12:00.004Z

This year my family rented a bungalow near Bath for the three days of Christmas. It meant that between six and eight of us could be together comfortably and I would recommend the idea.

The bungalow was fitted with every convenience and was extremely comfortable - plus the owner had even provided a Christmas tree and decorated for Christmas.

My favourite place was this 'drench room'. The water hits you in every direction. It was brilliant!
http://www.watergardens-stay.co.uk/

It was great for me to see my kids and their partners all under one roof. Highlights included a hysterical game of charades and seven of us playing contract whist into the early hours - a new game to me.

So please excuse my absence but now it's business as usual on the blogging and the shop front. I can't wait to get into Handmade Happiness to sort it out for the New Year. No sale. I think handmade items should never be marked down in price. That seems disrespectful to the maker.

I hope you had the best Christmas you could have wished for and are looking forward with joy and excitment to the New Year ahead.

Alone again!

2011-12-24T05:35:00.003Z

For the second time his mate has been sold and flown off to a new life without him!

Gayle Bicknell's handmade bird gazes forlornly out at the traffic hoping for a glimpse of either of his former partners!

Alone at Christmas. What must that be like?
We, who have families, are so lucky. The Christmas coming together reminds us that we are part of a group. We may not always get on with everyone in that group but they are our clan, our kith and kin and we are lucky.

Do you know anyone who will be alone this Christmas? For them Christmas must be an ordeal when everything closes down so there are fewer distractions than usual. If you haven't already done so why not invite one of those people round for a drink? To raise a glass of Christmas spirit.

I bet you are all groaning now. But those are my thoughts at not quite 6am on Christmas Eve!!

Gift wrapping

2011-12-23T08:08:00.006Z

Wild Damson in Dragon Street offer to gift wrap your purchase with damson coloured ribbon
and a sprig of 'damsons'.

Their neighbouring shops were also impressed to receive this Xmas gift - a bottle of Damson gin.

I'm wondering if my little shop will be capable of this lovely attention to detail after it's been in existence for six months as Wild Damson has?
Items were photographed in Tara Wake interiors. All other items shown available to purchase there.

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-22T06:57:00.003Z

Here is one I made earlier! One of last year's Christmas cards. I will try to make handmade Christmas cards again in 2012.

I am looking ahead now to shop displays after Christmas. I would like the theme to be very natural - birds, trees, flowers, all inspired by the wonderful countryside around us. Winter into spring and all the wonderful potential that a New Year brings.

Following the herd

2011-12-21T05:29:00.003Z

These reindeer were brought in by basket maker Judith Needham.
http://www.judithneedham.co.uk/

Occasionally I meet someone who does their Christmas shopping throughout the year. By around October they've brought all the gifts they need and can sit back smugly in December watching the rest of us buzzing around getting increasingly stressed the nearer the 'Big Day' gets.

Right now it feels like gathering up handfuls of cash snowball style and lobbing them at shops. Today the Christmas spirit has deserted me. So much to do, so little time. I'd rather be sitting in the sanctuary of my little shop, far from the Christmas madness of the crowds of shoppers getting increasingly manic as they can't find the things they want as all the decent stuff has sold out...

But today daughter will man the shop allowing me to join the fray and get the rest of the shopping done. Today I'll be 'following the herd' round the shops in Horsham but still wishing Christmas was only once every five years....

Fairytale chandelier

2011-12-20T06:40:00.004Z

This twinkling chandelier makes me think of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. It hangs in the window of Tara Wake Interiors, my shop neighbour and there is a fairytale magic about it.

You can imagine a white marble staircase sweeping around it at one end of the ballroom or see it as the magnificent centrepiece in a grand entrance hall where guests are greeted... http://www.tarawake.com/

Buttons and singing

2011-12-19T05:52:00.002Z

Handmade buttons at the shop. £1 each. Machine washable.

Yesterday The Choir Company sang in the Square in Petersfield at lunchtime. There was also a funfair in the square - this year's alternative entertainment to the usual ice skating. Funfair organisers kindly turned off their music for half an hour so we could do our thing.

We sang three part harmonies to Something Inside So Strong; Rhythmn of Life; Walking on Sunshine; A Medley from les Miserables; Stand by Me; Don't stop believing; Somewhere over the Rainbow (my favourite); Silent Night and various American Christmas tunes. There are around 60 of us so it sounds pretty good. Gerard Butler, our brilliant musical director, says:'Sing loud. I don't care if it's wrong as long as it's loud.' And that's what we do.

Sold Out!

2011-12-18T06:35:00.003Z

These reindeer, hand made by Michelle Green, have been amazingly popular and I sold the last one yesterday. Kate Hackett's tiny ceramic robins were equally successful but I wasn't quick enough to take a picture of those before the last one sold.

It was a brilliant Saturday with interesting, lively customers and despite the extreme cold outside it was warm and friendly inside even though I've no actual heating!

Today, Sunday I'm going to try to finish off my Christmas shopping. I now think Christmas should be once every five years. That would make it seem really special. Although I don't suppose I'd be any more organised and ready if it were once every five years. My New Year's Resolution is always Be More Organised...but it hasn't happened yet!

Dancing with Flowers

2011-12-17T06:53:00.002Z

This post should be called Christmas panic! But Dancing with Flowers sounds nice and calm!

I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away. Major organisation is needed here.

What about you? Are you busy making lists, trying to make the house look hospitable, squeezing in Christmas present shopping in half hour rushes like me?

Or have you done it all and can now, serenely 'dance with flowers' up until the big day?

Inside the shop

2011-12-16T06:02:00.003Z

Wilemien Stevens' cards, Kate Hackett decoration, toast rack and mug.

Jenny Stacy bracelets.

Scarves by Valerie Benson and Michelle Green.

Are you sending out and receiving as many Christmas cards as you used to?

I think this is something people are definitely cutting back on this year. I notice in the shop that people buy a few good cards for their nearest and dearest but maybe aren't sending out to everyone in their address book.

My kids don't send out cards at all and neither do their friends. It's a generation thing. My mother always receives hundreds from everyone she's ever made contact with. I'm in the middle. I want cards I send out to be special but can't find time to handmake them this year. So readers please accept this virtual greeting from me:

Happy Christmas dear friends;

May you prosper and be happy
now and in the New Year - 2012.

Petersfield Post window competition

2011-12-15T06:06:00.002Z

Yesterday the photographer from the Petersfield Post came by. I hadn't realised how messy my window is until then! After weeks of being forced to hang a toy mouse in the display as part of a childrens' shop trail competition I'd rather neglected it. Today I'll have an overhaul. New in are the basket maker's wrapped reed reindeer, centre. I am pleased a basket maker has visited. Woven trugs and shopping baskets are just right looking ahead to spring...

Maison Blanc and Christmas shopping

2011-12-14T06:27:00.003Z

Pictures taken at Maison Blanc, Guildford.Wouldn't these make wonderful wedding desserts?

Yesterday my daughter manned the shop so that I could go Christmas shopping. I wanted to go to London to photograph Christmas shop windows. I've heard that Harrods looks particularly stunning this year. But time started running out so I went half way - to Guildford.

I like looking for Christmas bits in Guildford because the shops are in a straight line up a particularly steep hill. Spend an afternoon there and you've had a good work out.

My family think stockings are the best thing about Christmas. And as we're all too old for Father Christmas to visit we do stockings for each other.

I found some good bits for my mum's stocking in Heal's and l'Occitane. If I could afford it I'd spend in Jo Malone - the smell wafting on to the pavement from that shop is divine! I love Gap - it's worrying that they have a 60% off sale there at the moment. Surely this is the only time of the year when people expect to pay full price? I also found some bits at the Steamer Trading Cook Shop which I may have mentioned before on this blog re: Guzzini colour.

Yes, one of the best bits about Christmas is anticipating peoples' reaction to the gifts you've bought them. Especially if they are nicely wrapped. But more of that later!

Beauty in unexpected places

2011-12-13T07:57:00.003Z

I love the detailing in old buildings.From another age when a craftsman could show off his skills in every job he undertook. He could take a real pride in his work knowing that generations later people would still be admiring his handiwork.

I admire this ceiling every time I have to queue up at the bank. It's HSBC's ceiling in Petersfield and is in sharp contrast to the boring black and white efficiency of what goes on beneath it.

Giant knitting

2011-12-12T07:30:00.002Z

I'm late posting because I've been distracted by lovely home things on www.ferm-living.com I think it's Danish. I love these baskets. Imagine them as a bed you could curl up in or a baby's cot! You could cover a pouffe in giant knitting or a whole arm chair.

In these freezing cold mornings I'm imagining a perfect Christmas home with a wood burning stove, soft cosy throws and cushions. All in off whites to match the snow gently falling outside.

Alison's embellisher pictures

2011-12-11T07:21:00.003Z

My friend Alison Crosthwaite has just invested in an embellisher.And this is what she's achieved with it already. An embellisher looks like a sewing machine but it needlefelts rather than sews. There are several barbed needles which go through layers bonding them together.

My pictures are from Alison's blog www.fibrefrenzi.blogspot.com I also list it in my Nice to Look At section on the right. To me she's 'colour queen'!

Now do you agree that the shop needs an embellisher? I think it might be a legitimate business expense against tax....?!

Handmade locally and all under £5 !

2011-12-10T06:11:00.004Z

In Handmade Happiness now are Kate Hackett's ceramic decorations: robin £2; Xmas pudding small £2-50; large £4-50;
Jenny Stacy child's bracelet £3-50;
Natasha Rothschild's knitted flower hair decoration £5;
Willemien Steven's card £2-50;
Michelle Green's sheep £2-50 and my matchbox free when you buy my Christmas pudding earrings.

In this picture above are a Christine Burgess' twiggy hook complete with rawl plugs and screws for £5;
a ball of 100% wool that can be felted for £4-80;
Jenny Stacy collage card £3-50;
Heidi Robinson glass pencil brooch £4-00 and my handmade buttons £1 each.

Here are Penny Baker's pretty vintage fabric pack and heart both at £4-50;
my painted face and girl brooch at £3-50 and £5- and some baby buttons for £2-

I thought it would be fun to assemble what you can buy for £5 or under at the Handmade Happiness shop. Lots of people are looking for Christmas bits at the moment as well as main presents. Next I'll do an under £10 selection; then under £30 and under £50.

Yes, I know the yarn and baby buttons aren't handmade - sorry, I included them in the picture without thinking.

Yesterday was the best day at the shop so far. Thank you customers! ***

Felt tree decorations

2011-12-09T07:19:00.002Z

A few days ago I showed how I make felt. This is the result. Not quite finished. The trees on the left have been felted more than the trees on the right. Felting shrinks wool by about one third. So when the right hand trees have been felted down a bit more and all trees had grey velvet ribbon loops sewn on the top they'll be ready. The tree in the middle is the original like the ones I used to make for Tricot. Tricot liked red gingham ribbon. But I prefer the grey velvet.

Buy Handmade!

2011-12-08T06:52:00.002Z

Bryony Jennings who makes lovely silver jewellery and life size fabric animals, and her mum, Margaret, a potter, own this handmade shop in Chichester's Cooper Street. Both their shop and mine sell everything hand made but interestingly we don't stock the same peoples' work. Our shops are very different and I admire the delicacy of theirs. When you next visit Chichester take a look.

Kaffe Fassett's fabrics

2011-12-07T07:09:00.001Z

Pam Dew has made these wonderful patchwork cushions for Handmade Happiness. And looking at them makes my heart sing. Pam lives in Petersfield. There is so much talent in this town!

Making Felt

2011-12-06T06:57:00.003Z

An order for my embroidered tree decorations prompted an early morning felt making session. I use wool tops on my draining board. I know other felt makers use bubble wrap/ bamboo blinds/plastic bags/pure olive oil soap etc. but I like to keep it simple. Wool tops and whatever soap is to hand. Fairy washing up liquid does a good job.

So in the middle picture I've pulled out three layers of wool tops, drizzled on washing up liquid and drenched with hot water then rubbed the wool against the ridges on the draining board to felt. A few rinses and finally I like to use this old wash board I was given by my friend Jane to finish off the felting process.

Now I can cut the felt to shape and, once dry, embroider and finish with ribbon.

I would like to have felt making sessions in the shop. I am wondering if you can felt within a zip lock plastic bag ie. damp the wool tops with soapy water, maybe include a sheet of bubble wrap, and manipulate the felt within the bag. This would be more practical in the shop with minimal mess. Anybody know anything about this?

This morning my neighbour Wanda will be in the shop. I'll return this afternoon.

Champagne taste but beer money!

2011-12-05T06:11:00.004Z

On Saturday night my youngest and her rugby player boyfriend came over and admired the shop before we ate at the nearby Ask restaurant. He was thrilled with the three course Christmas menu for £16.95 complete with sparkler and chesnuts. Just looking at the picture makes you feel like celebrating!

Yesterday, Sunday, I collected some mugs and ceramic Christmas decorations for the shop from my friend Kate Hackett who was exhibiting with the Sussex Guild at Midhurst. I had a good look at the show, hoping to find other things that would fit in with Handmade Happiness...

Then to Chichester for a spot of Christmas shopping.
Honestly as I get older I get harder to please and I found very little. My girls say only buy what you would love to have yourself. Which is a good rule of thumb for anyone doing Christmas shopping I reckon.
I found a white fleece covered hot water bottle at Avoca's 'Gorgeous' shop with 'Baby It's Cold Outside' written on it which I wanted but it was nearly £30 so I left it.

Basically it's champagne taste but beer money.
Then last night my other daughter came down to man my neighbour Tara's shop for a couple of days. Tara is away doing her Christmas shopping in New York. Not that I'm jealous or anything...!!!!