Handmade Takes Time

I have got to the point where I am blessed with being really busy.  I have lots of orders and request for custom items.

Unfortunately, people may have to wait a couple of weeks for items. Obviously I inform them at the time of request, but some people still think I can get them there tomorrow.

I could employ someone, but this means increasing my prices and I feel I like to keep prices reasonable so that Handmade Special Items are still affordable.

I could try and rush everything, but each item and order is special to me and I like to make sure it is made with attention to detail and to a standard that I would want for myself.

Handmade takes time.

Sam x

Happy New Year

Its about time I posted on my blog again, it seems to have whizzed by since my last posting in August, which was about our new chickens.  They are doing well by the way, and we are just waiting patiently for an egg.  I rather thought they may have blessed us with one for Christmas Day, but nope, we are still waiting.

I have just invested in a new sewing machine, as during my Christmas rush of orders, bits started to fall off of my old one and it was a constant battle to keep it going.

I have found a bit of time to play in the last few days, which is what I enjoy doing most.  Experimenting with fabrics and lace and adding bits and bobs.  Nothing is safe when I am having one of those moments and the latest victim was a pendant that I still had for sale.  I had made it earlier in the year and had hung it from a ball chain.  I took this off and experimented with placing it on  a lanyard style hanging instead and I am rather pleased with the finished piece.

I shall be popping this in my Folksy shop shortly Pants & Paper Shop This Way.

I hope you have all had a fabulous year and wish you all a very HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Pants xxxx

Chickens

Some time ago I told you about my daughter and her desperate wish to own some chickens.   The idea was that she would help me make my mirrors and for everyone sold 20p would go in the chicken fund.

Thankfully, we live in a village and have a lovely landlord, who does not seem to mind us turning our garden into a small holding, just got to work on him for the pigs now.

After mentioning the chicken wish to a very kind neighbour, he  made a few phone calls and we were donated a coop and run and three chickens to go in it.  My daughters chicken pot had enough to buy all the equipment and food needed for happy chickens and last thursday they arrived.

The chickens have been named Hershey (left), Peanut (fore) and Twizzler (back).  They are eight weeks old and already have very different personalities.  Peanut is definately in charge.  Hershey is much bigger than the rest and likes a cuddle.  Twizzler is the friendliest and loves a stroke and cuddle and digging holes.

Just got to wait a while for our first egg.  The chickens are cream legbar's and they lay pale blue eggs. 

Of course, its the summer holidays and as I am a early riser, it has been down to me to crawl up the garden early hours, in my P.J's to let them out.

I shall keep you informed of their progress and hopefully some news of egg laying around Christmas time, fingers crossed.

Sam x

And the winner is ....

Firstly, I must apologise for the delay in announcing the winner.  I was up the hospital saturday night with severe pains in my head.  It turns out I have a nasty infection in my ear canal and have been dosed up with pills, painkillers and drops.  Last night the pain got a bit too much and I took to my bed with a heat pad.

Anyway, this morning my daughter pulled out a name and I am pleased to announce the winner is MARGARET.

Well done.  I have messaged you and will pop your prize in the post.

Thank you to everyone that entered.

Sam x

Just Because ... its giveaway time

Hi

Not been blogging for a while, so its nice to see you again :).

I was recently asked to make a little bag as a thank you gift for someone.  Somewhere in between my phone cases and kindle cases.  I proceeded to sew one and then another and then another, now there is no stopping me.  But, before I list them up for sale, I have decided to offer one as a prize in a giveaway.

It's not a bag for anything in particular, just a hanging bag for your door, a bag to pop your phone and lippy in for a night out, a bag to hold your sarnies, a bag for giving to someone special.  I call them 'Just Because Bags' .... just because.... well I can.

To get your hands on this one,  all you have to do is to follow this blog, pop over to Facebook and like my page or  pop along to my Folksy Shop and give it a tweet.  If you could leave a comment below to let me know you have tweeted/facebooked etc, I shall then pick a name of hat and announce to winner on Sunday 8th July 2012.


Good Luck


Pants xxxx

Mirror, Mirror and Chickens too,,,,

My daughter is desperate for some chickens in the garden.  So she is helping me with my new range of mini mirrors.

I have created some fabric ones and also some made from prints of my favourite brooches.

Each one is sent in its own little felt pouch.

From every mirror sold, my daughter gets some pennies put in her Chicken Fund.   I shall keep you posted.

I shall be listing some in my Folksy, Etsy and Notonthehighstreet shops.

And the Winner is ...

Thank you so much to everyone that entered my Lavender Bag giveaway.  My daughter, Bayley, has just done the picking out of the hat.  The winner has been chosen and is....

LITTLE BRICK HOUSE.


Well done.  I will in touch shortly.

Hope you all have a wonderful Bank Holiday, despite the weather.

Sam x