Thank You

The summer holidays are almost here and it is that time of year again. Time to say thank you! I remember a certain amount of pride in choosing a small present for my teacher and writing in their card. The day I took it into school meant that I had weeks of holiday ahead of me and everyone always seemed to be in a good mood.

I know more than one person who is a teacher or who works in education, and I have volunteered at my local primary school before. I know the effort and ethic involved in this kind of work and, while I did appreciate it while I was at school I find it even more admirable now.

Thank you to everyone out there who supports, teaches and guides us!

Katie

A Few Things

Clockwise from  Left

1. I adore the colours in these beautiful landscapes. Created in watercolour with simple shapes and lines I think they are really striking and effective.

2. How wonderful is it that we laugh because our bodies cannot contain the joy. This pretty much sums up how I feel about those moments when you can't help but laugh as well as those moments when you just can't stop!

3. The plants I got for my birthday live on and I am very happy about that! I love what a plant can bring to a room and although I haven't quite got the space for a giant leafed thing I can hope for one day! I saw this plant pot and it is just my kind of thing!

Happy Wednesday!

Katie

RHS Chatsworth Flower Show

I am at home in the countryside and I think there is something really nice about summer when flowers are blooming and everything is as green as it can be. Which means I was pretty happy a couple of weeks ago as I wandered around the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth at its first RHS flower show.

There were prize winning gardens, natural installations, and blow up greenhouses. There were dozens of cacti and some of the most intricate plants I've ever seen including an allium called 'Art' - a simple and apt name!

The weather was a mixed bag. I started the day in layers, put my hair up against the wind and a scarf on, and then by the end of the day I had shed almost all of it and was having my first ice cream of the summer!

Below are a few snaps I got from the day.

I think my favourite part of the show was the giant greenhouse. It was a blow up dome based on The Great Conservatory that used to be in the grounds of Chatsworth. Heated by coal it was demolished after World War 1 as the cost of it became too much and they didn't have the man power to run it. I was completely inspired by beds full of striking white striped leaves and all the vivid reds and oranges. 

It was a chance to spend time with two of my favourite people in the beautiful grounds of Chatsworth, and with food trucks, coffee and live music too it was a pretty nice way to spend a day!

Have a lovely weekend!

Katie 

Mr or Mrs Fix It.

This card is a design that is relatively new to my stock. It seems to have gone down well with people looking for a greetings card for a man or someone who can turn their hand to any kind of DIY. It is also a nice thank you card for someone who has helped you out with a fix it job!

Like most of my card designs it was inspired by someone in my life -  probably one of my DIY uncles -  but what I love is that I can personalise it for someone you know! Whether you'd like it in a different colour or an age added I am happy to have a go. There's never any obligation to buy and I'll keep you up to date with pictures of my progress.

Have a lovely evening.

Katie

Happy Father's Day!

Dad, 

Thank you for all that you do and all that you've done. Thank you for putting up with my attempts to talk sport and for saying you like everything that I cook! I appreciate it. Don't worry I made you a card too! 

This was a custom order for a pretty special Dad. I was given a short brief and this is what I came up with. 

Thank you to all the Dads, Grandpas and Great Grandads out there. You're all pretty great!

Happy Father's Day!

Katie

Sparkly Birthday Cake

 

My range of sparkly birthday cards is always expanding and this time it is with this birthday cake. It incorporates elements of my other designs - there is sparkle and sprinkles, colour and stars - but with this card the flames flicker too!

These cards are a lovely colourful way of sending someone birthday wishes at this time of year. All my cards are currently made to order so I would be able to include any favourite colours or cake flavours. No request is silly and I'd be happy to discuss any ideas with you if you email me at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co,uk or contact me on Facebook

Have a good evening!

Katie

Ice Cream Sundae

And all of a sudden we're into the Summer months. Not that you'd know from the rain we've had today. We had a small lake in our garden earlier and it has been more than a little blustery.  

Still as I am writing this there is a little bit of light peering through the clouds so I'll look forward, optimistically, to warm days when we can get out and about, and treat ourselves to some ice cream! 

I can't remember the last time I actually had an ice cream sundae but I love their decadence! Remember the ice cream at places like Pizza Hut where you could fill your bowl and finish it off with sprinkles and all the toppings?! What a treat that was. 

The design for this card stemmed from this colourful swirl of an ice cream. I still love using bright pastels in my designs and I like adding a bit of sparkle with the glittery white sprinkles. I will happily make this greetings card with whatever colours (or flavours) you fancy so don't hesitate to contact me if you're interested in a commissioned card. 

I'll cross my fingers the rain stays away. 

Katie 

p.s. For more of my summery ice cream designs have a look at this post. I still love making the ice cream vans and they are a favourite for this time of year. Perfect for Summer birthdays or party invitations. If you're interested in any of my designs do get in touch at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk for more information.