Christmas is Coming

Three months until Christmas Eve! And I am excited to reveal some of my new Christmas cards. These are the perfect cards if you have a beloved pet pooch or know someone with a special pet pal. They're available in my Etsy shop now!

Designed by me, each card is handcrafted by hand with a pair of scissors. They're the perfect way to send some seasonal greetings and to let someone know you were thinking of them at this special time of year.

If there is another breed of dog you'd like to order please do get in touch and I'd be happy to work on something custom for you.

Spotted the penguin?? She wanted to be part of the gang! That is a little sneak peek of more of my Christmas cards for this year. For now I've got some other designs up in my Etsy shop too.

I hope you have a very lovely Autumn! I can't wait for crunchy leaves, flannel shirts and cosy scarves.

Katie

Owl Love You

On Monday I shared some of my wedding cards and I've now got a better look at one of my favourite new designs for you. These two owls would be great for a Summer wedding but they'd also work for an engagement or anniversary.

This card is up in my Etsy shop but if you're ever interested in something a bit more customised I would be happy to work on something for you. I've used sparkly card and bright pastels in this particular card but I could create something that matches a wedding's colour theme, or move away from the pink if that's what you have in mind.

Have a very lovely weekend!

Katie

Father's Day

Are you ready to celebrate your Dad and all that he has done for you? Do you love him to the moon and back? Father's Day is in just over a month and I've popped a card up on Etsy if you're looking for a special handcrafted card to say thank you. There will be more coming soon.

Have a very good day,

Katie

Handmade Wedding Cards

On a warm day like this Spring feels like it is making way for Summer. (It is easy to forget it was chilly and chucking it down a matter of days ago!) Yesterday felt like the perfect day for a party or a wedding.. 

Have you got an invite to a wedding this Summer and want to wish the happy couple well with a card that will stand out from the rest? Handcrafted too so it is a bit special? I've got some greetings cards that might just do the trick up in my Etsy shop. Each card is created by hand using a pair of scissors and so even cards of the same design are always a little bit different to each other. 

There is my love birds card which would also be great for engagements and anniversaries. I've adapted this one with different colours plenty of times so if there's a theme to the wedding, or you've got favourite colours in mind, do get in touch! The same applies for all my cards including the lace effect wedding cake and owls cards above. The charm of my cards is that they're completely handcrafted so personalisation is definitely something I can do. Whether you'd prefer one bird, pink flowers or orange hearts! 

I know that some people have bought cards from me to use as gift wallets at weddings. They've popped gift vouchers inside. (Hopefully for independent retailers! #supportthemakers) I might be biased but I think the handmade touch adds something special to a gift now that boxed gifts aren't such a thing. 

I hope you had a chance to enjoy the sunshine this weekend or that you can get out in it for a bit today. If you're interested in a custom creations don't hesitate to get in touch by email, on Instagram or on Facebook. All my information is on my website. Happy Monday!

Katie 

A Dog's Life

Back in the middle of March I shared that there would be more dog cards coming soon. I can now happily say that they are up and available in my Etsy shop!

I can imagine I'll be adding more as the year goes on but if there's a breed missing and you'd like to place an order do get in touch. As with all my cards I am open to take custom orders. I can adapt my designs for specific occasions with certain people or ages in mind. I'm excited to work with you.

I hope you love them as much as I do. I think this beagle and the husky are my favourites at the moment.

Have a very nice weekend.

Katie

Hello

It's been a little while since I introduced myself properly so I thought it was time I said a proper hello.

Hi! I'm Katie and this is me. Well part of me! (I'm not the biggest fan of photos.) In no particular order here's a few little facts about me...

I've been making and creating for as long as I can remember. Growing up the end of our dining table was piled high with paper and felt tip pens. A blue Walls ice cream tub full of them!

I love Christmas but Spring and Autumn are my favourite seasons. I'll take a chilly sunny day over anything else. Although a summer's day reading a book on a proper great British beach will do down a treat!

I love books. I don't really have a favourite genre but I am definitely a nostalgic rereader!

I love words and I love sentiment. I'm a big believer in the handwritten and I think words in a card can be pretty powerful. There's a reason it's called happy mail! I keep all the letters and cards I receive and I having those tangible reminders is lovely!

I'm a plant mum. Not a very good one but I try. I'll stop banging on about my 9ft + sunflower at some point.

Along with my cards and other artwork I like sharing a little snapshot of other things I get up to. I like seeing it on other people's Instagrams too. I think it's nice to see that there is a person behind the creations - the charm of independent businesses!

Come and say hi - pop on over to my Instagram for more of what I am up to on the day to day:

https://www.instagram.com/katiesarah.makes/

Thanks for reading and following along. I hope you're having a lovely day.

Katie ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀

Custom Dog Birthday Cards

Is there a dog person in your life who deserves an extra special birthday? A personalised card might be the perfect way to top off their day!

Whether it is a lovely golden lab or a charming terrier I'll happily have a go at recreating their pet. Custom breeds as well as custom colours for collars, hats and balloons are available! Get in touch at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk or contact me via my Facebook page.

I've created lots of special dog cards before - including some for Christmas! It's never too early (but maybe March is pushing it!) so don't hesitate to get in touch if you've got a seasonal vision. I can adapt the details of my designs to create something that you're really happy to send to a loved one.

Hope you have a good day. Enjoy your weekend!

Katie

The sorry I forgot didn't get it written in time I love you and it is never too late birthday card

I am of the strong belief that is never too late to let someone know that you were thinking of them.

Sometimes we have a lot on and things slip through the cracks. Even when there are people we treasure sometimes we forget to get a card in the post in time or we don't remember until it is too late. I can almost feel that jolt of realisation thinking about it now. It is okay. We're all human.

Why not send a card anyway even if it will arrive a little bit late? I think it was this question that led me to creating this tortoise card. A card that might get there a few days late but bears the same sentiment and best wishes as a card that arrives on time.

Although it is also great for anyone who just loves tortoises! Anyone remember George from Blue Peter?

I hope you're having a good day!

Katie

Something Exciting!

Alongside my cards I've been creating custom pieces of art for a while. I'm happy to say that I'm starting to pop some framed art up on Etsy. I'm all about bright colours and these pieces are great for any person of any age, and for any room too! There are a couple up for now but more will be coming soon. 

And if you're ever after any custom order -  card or frame - feel free to get in touch!

Katie 

Mother's Day Cards on Etsy

Somehow we're already nineteen days into the second month of the year. And with a few sunny days you can't help but think of Spring. I'm looking forward to daffodils and birthday season, celebrating some of my favourite people, and I'm thinking I'm ready for a haircut, less jumpers and wearing something over than boots!

With Spring my thoughts turn also to Mother's Day, and I've got some cards up in my Etsy shop now. Tell your mum you love her, treat her to some sentiment and some words of thanks. You could do it with a special, entirely handmade, card! All my cards are designed by me and made with care and a pair of scissors. I might be biased but I think they're something a little different, unique and special.

I tell my Mum I love her all the time but I'll happily take a day to say it a little louder and treat her. And I'll definitely put it down in writing.

I hope you're having a good week and the sun is shining for you, even if its a little bit of sunshine you've had to make yourself.

Katie

Wishing you all a VERY Merry Christmas! 

Love Katie x

Thank You

And almost just like that my Christmas markets and fairs are over for the year. It's been enjoyable and it has been hectic, and I just wanted to say thank you to anyone who has been to one of these events, bought from me in the last few weeks, or supported me with enthusiasm and kind words! I appreciate it! Thank you for shopping independently!

It is a bit of a tight squeeze for Christmas but my Etsy shop is still open. So if you're shopping for next year or would like a misc. design for birthdays and special occasions pop on over! There will be more designs in the new year! (Dare I mention Valentine's Day already?! Probably not.)

I am also always available for orders. Any big birthdays in the new year? Weddings? New babies? I'd be happy to work on something extra special for you. So if there are any fantastic people with obscure hobbies that need celebrating never hesitate to get in touch at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk

It is one week until Christmas Day! I'm looking forward to spending some treasured time with family and friends, and everything festive that comes with that.

I hope you are having a joyful Christmas time!

Katie

Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets 2018 

Friday 9th November

Winter Wansaland Shopping Evening

8pm - 10pm

Naphill and Walter's Ash School
Kilnwood
Walter's Ash
High Wycombe
HP14 4UL

Saturday 10th November

The Village Makers' Market

12pm - 4pm

Tyler's Green Village Hall
Church Road
HP10 8LN

Facebook Here

Tuesday 13th November

The Walnut Tree Christmas Fair Charity Fundraiser

6pm - 9pm

The Walnut Tree
Bourne End
SL8 5DN

Website Here

Saturday 17th November

Tetsworth Christmas Gift Fair

10am - 3.30pm

Tetsworth Village Hall
High Street
Tetsworth
Thame
OX9 7AB

Facebook Here

Saturday 24th November

Goring Craft Fair

10am - 4pm

Goring Village Hall

High Street

Goring-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG8 9AG

Website Here

Sunday 25th November

Goring Craft Fair

10am - 4pm

Goring Village Hall

High Street

Goring-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG8 9AG

Website Here

Sunday 25th November

Peterley Manor Farm Christmas Market

Peterley Manor Farm
Peterley Lane
Great Missenden
HP16 OHH

Website Here

Thursday 29th November

Wheel Power Seasonal Shopping and Pamper Evening

5.30pm - 9pm

Stoke Mandeville Stadium
Guttman Road
Aylesbury
HP21 9PP

Saturday 1st December 

Amersham Museum Christmas Craft Market

11am - 4pm

49 High Street

Old Amersham

HP7 0DP

Website Here

Sunday 2nd December

Amersham Museum Christmas Craft Market

11am - 4pm

49 High Street

Old Amersham

HP7 0DP

Website Here

Saturday 8th December

Bourne End Community and Craft Market

10am - 1pm

Bourne End Library
Wakeman Road
Bourne End
SL8 5SX

Facebook Here

Sunday 9th December

Wycombe Museum Christmas Craft Fair

Time TBC

Wycombe Museum
Priory Avenue
High Wycombe
HP13 6PX

Website Here

Special mention for Marie's 4th Anniversary celebrations at Fired Works. Come along to her shop in Chalfont St Peter on Saturday 2nd November for beautiful gifts, my handmade cards and some nibbles too!

I can't wait for all the festivities! So many lovely handcrafted gifts to browse and some delicious refreshments available at some of these fairs as well. I can almost smell the spices and wood smoke of Christmas. I think that's okay to say now that we've only got nine weeks to go!

Katie 

Bourne End Community Craft Market

Just to let you know that I will be Bourne End Community Craft Market  on Saturday 13th October. Come along between 10am - 1pm for lovely cakes and bread, as well as an assortment of handmade gifts. It is held in Bourne End Library so browse for a cosy Autumn read while you're there!

Every market there is a tombola with proceeds going to a new charity each time. Every stall donates a gift to the table so you're in with a chance to win something a bit different!

I'll be there with a selection of Christmas cards as well as an assortment of miscellaneous cards -  all blank inside for your own message!  If October is too early to be thinking of Christmas I will be back again in December on Saturday 8th. By then I'll be more than ready for Christmas. I'm anticipating my first mulled wine of the year now!

I hope you're having a lovely day.

Katie

Christmas However You'd Like It.

And just like that Christmas is on the horizon. My thoughts turned to Christmas makes and markets a while ago but now it finally feels safe to talk about the festive season. The merriest time of year and yet September still feels a little too soon to be thinking of all things Christmas. But you've got to be prepared and I'm easing you in with fun, bright blues and purples - because why does Christmas have to be all reds and greens?

As with all my cards I can customise any design you like. Would you like a penguin with one more hat? Or perhaps a snowman with a spotty scarf? Please do ask because I'd be happy to work with you to create something you love for someone special. You can always contact me on Facebook or by email at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk

I will be sharing more Christmas cards and handmade goodies, as well as info on the markets and fairs I'll be at this year, with you soon!

I hope you've had a lovely day.

Katie 

Handcrafted Christmas

It has been a little while since I was last here. The time has slipped away in a whirl of summer days and preparations for Christmas. Yes Christmas. It is September and I am well into prep for the festive season. Soon I'll be sharing info on the markets I'll be at as well as this year's Christmas card designs. As ever they will be available to order and personalise.

For now, if you'd like something special this Christmas or are looking for a nice seasonal gift why not have a look at some of my handknitted decorations.

For as long as I have been attending Christmas fairs I have been selling garlands alongside my handcrafted cards and this year they are once again available to order! The standard garlands are a 10 hatted string for £10 and a five hatted string for £5 + postage and packaging. Each hat measures approximately 3.5cm x 4cm.

If you're interested in a custom garland, with any number of hats, don't hesitate to get in touch - I would love to discuss this and pricing with you. You can contact me on Facebook or by email at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk.

You can also keep an eye on my Etsy shop for handmade garlands and decorations including my favourite handknitted robins. They're a lovely addition to any tree and they won't splinter at the hands of little fingers or troublesome pets.

I can personalise a robin with any letter for an extra special touch -  I've sold them before as a gift for a baby's first Christmas.

If when you think of Christmas you think of snow, I'll be back soon with my handknitted snowman decoration. Choose your colours and your letter for the perfect Christmas pressie.

I hope you've had a lovely day!

Katie

Handmade Flower Garland

Summer is here in all its glory. A little too toasty if you ask me.

While lots of gardens are feeling the heat - I know I'm having to take extra care of my giant sunflowers - these are some flowers that don't need any looking after. 

This garland is a great gift and works well as a room decoration. They also look really nice hung outside in the garden. A lovely addition to a party. 

There are ten flowers on each garland and the individual flowers measure approximately 4.5 cm. Each flower is made and assembled by me, by hand so I am able to make them in whatever colours you fancy.

If you are interested in buying and hand knitted garland for £15 + postage and packaging, feel free to message me on Facebook or email me at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk for more information. 

I hope you're having a good week, and that you're not melting too much!

Katie

Custom Cat Card

I'll bet the cat person in your life deserves an extra special birthday! And what better way to start their day off than with a personalised card.

Whether it is a ginger tom or a pretty tabby custom orders are available. Get in touch at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk or contact me via my Facebook page. I can personalise the cat in any colour but also alter the colour of its collar and birthday balloon.

I wouldn't call myself a cat person but I like my cat. She follows you around, and always finds the warmest place to sit. She doesn't like lots of people but at the same time she doesn't like to be left out of the fun.

I created an impression of my cat for my sister's birthday once and again for Mother's Day. The extra touch definitely got a bigger smile.

Have a really lovely evening.

Katie

Father's Day

I don't know a lot about Football. My sister does. But I can just about tell you what the offside rule is. Actually, don't even ask me that. Just in case.

My dad knows about football. So every now and then I humour him. I read a headline and pretend I know a bit about the latest transfer from here to there. He humours me in return.

So for Father's Day this year I decided to make something that reminds me of our Father Daughter relationship. Its got nothing to do with stereotypes - because men or dads like football. My sister is just as much as fan as he is. Its because when I go to a game with my dad I spend half the time distracted by the colour of the player's boots or watching the people in the crowd and he doesn't
seem to mind.

I don't know about you but my Dad would be at the top of any league table.

Father's Day is on the 16th June, and I've got this card up on my Etsy shop.

Have a great weekend!

Katie

Wedding Season Starts Here

The sun is shining and for me wedding season starts on Saturday. In the next few weeks I've got a family wedding party, a Hen Do and my friend's wedding. I am excited.

My favourite thing about these weddings? That they're not tradtional, and they've put their own stamp on them. Everything fits with their personalities. Which is what I like about creating my cards -  that they're a bit different. And every one is handcrafted, and therefore guaranteed to be different to every single other card (even one of the same design.)

I've popped a few cards perfect for a special couple up on my Etsy Shop. And if there's ever anything you'd like custom made, don't hesitate to get in touch on Facebook or at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk

Have a really lovely afternoon.

Katie