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

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

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

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 

A Glimpse of Summer

This great British weather keeps giving us a glimpse of Summer. There was a burst of sun amidst the rain clouds today. I'm trying to look beyond the grey skies to Summer celebrations. I've got a couple of weddings coming up and a few summer birthdays to celebrate too.

I was very ready for colour and vibrant greens! It seemed to take Spring a long time to.. well spring but, when it did, all of a sudden there were leaves on the trees and the grass was long again. And I was pretty happy about it.

If you've also got some (cross fingers) bright, sunny Spring and Summer birthdays coming up, there are some unique and handcrafted greetings cards up in my Etsy shop. Created by hand with a pair of scissors these are cards with a difference and perfect for that extra special someone. Colours can be personalised so don't hesitate to ask upon purchase.

Have a lovely evening!

Katie

The Magic of Unicorns

Unicorns have taken over the world and I really don't mind it. To me they represent the unique and different. The magical!

I was talking to a young girl about animals from different countries. She named the unicorn. Her friend had been on holiday at half term and had seen a unicorn in the forest. She wasn't sure she believed her friend but that it was a nice thought. And that's the point isn't it. I think that's why they've taken over the world - they're nice.

I first made this unicorn card last year. I saw it bought for birthdays and parties but my favourite moment was when someone bought it as a cheer up card. It put a smile on someone's face so I guess, in a very corny way, my unicorn became a little piece of magic.

Hope you have a lovely weekend celebrating those other magical creatures - Mums! It is Mother's Day on Sunday and I, for one, am ready to give mine all the thanks I have.

Katie

Spring

Last weekend felt a little bit like Spring. There was a chill in the air but the sun was out. I was ready for the grey January and February skies to be replaced by blue, and for the great outside to take on some of the colours I've been using in my cards for the last couple of months.

Because my mind has been on Mother's Day and Easter and that's prime time of year for bright pastels!

The world has caught up - daffodils are starting to emerge and bright purple crocuses are out in force.

It is about this time of year that I start thinking of Mother's Day. I consider what card I am going to make for my mum and how we can treat her to say thank you. I'm hoping for another refreshing Spring day so we can spend time together in the sun.

I've listed a few Mother's Day cards on my Etsy shop. They're all blank for a special, personal message. I can also do custom designs if there's something you like but would prefer some personalisation.

Have a really lovely weekend!

Katie

Happy New Year!

And again, somehow, another year has come to a close and we find ourselves at the beginning of a new year. Happy 2018! 

Over on Instagram people tend to post their 'top nine' and I've done the same for the last couple of years. Regardless of how many likes a picture gets it is a lovely way to remind you of moments that you might have forgotten in the passing of days or just in the craziness of Christmas!

I used the top left picture to mark the opening of my Etsy shop. While most of my sales are, at the moment, through word of mouth, events and commissions, it is nice to have somewhere where people can buy online if they wish. People would ask if I had an online shop when I saw them at sales and I can finally say yes! I've also enjoyed seeing what people like!

The cacti on the right of the middle row, to me, marks my love of plants. It might seem small but I've enjoyed cultivating a small collection. It also reminds me of the generosity of my friends and family. I was given plants for both my birthday and Christmas and they're all lovely.

The owls. These are a little bit different. Often people buy these owls as wedding, engagement or anniversary cards and to think I'm adding a small part to someone's day and happiness is quite a nice thought. I made a similar card for my grandparents in 2017. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary and we had a really nice party with family. Not everyone will be able to celebrate an occasion like that so it isn't something I'll never forget.

With the very best wishes for 2018, thank you for your support.

Katie

Cacti Love

This cacti card is one of my favourites from this year. Plants are everywhere at the moment and I enjoyed making some of my own. I've been working on another house plant design this week at the same time as dreaming of the perfect plant to go on my bedside table.

I hope you have a good weekend. I am off on a lovely adventure and I can't wait!

Katie

Day Dreams and Ice Creams

It has been grey for the last few days. Where has Summer gone? I'm finding it a little hard to believe that we still have August to go - right at this very minute it feels like it could be September and Autumn next week!

So I will day dream about sunny days and ice cream lollies instead. We can pretend we want to reach for sprinkles and strawberry sauce rather than kettles and cups of tea! This is another card from my sparkly birthday range - it is perfect for birthdays or as an invitation, and can be custom made in any colours.

I've just checked the weather with great optimism. It is looking a little brighter next week. I will cross my fingers and hope for Summer!

Have a great weekend!

Katie

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

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

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.  

To the Seaside!

It is these hot, sunny kind of days that make me want to go to the beach. I'm usually there on grey, windy days and while I appreciate those days for their Britishness, I have lovely memories of colourful beach towels and dripping ice creams in Summer.

I don't live very near a beach and with lovely plans for this long weekend I couldn't just leave to find the closest bit of sand. However I can pretend I am at the seaside in two weeks!

On Saturday 10th June I am having a stall at Napfest. This is Naphill and Walter's Ash's summer fete and this year the theme is 'At the Seaside' I'll be there with a wide range of cards including some seasonal specials - ice cream lollies, beach huts and lighthouses to name a few.

I've been visiting this event since I was small and it is the perfect occasion for all the family - stalls, a BBQ, and I believe there is a fancy dress competition. You can find out more on their website.

I will be taking orders on the day so if there are any special birthdays or anniversaries coming up, this might be the perfect time to talk to me about your ideas. (Or you can email me at katiesarah.makes@hotmail.co.uk at any time. I will be happy to give you more information.)

Have a lovely afternoon and I hope you enjoy the rest of the long weekend.

Katie

Father's Day

Father's Day is coming up on Sunday 18th June so I am sharing some of my greetings cards for this year! I've take elements of my favourite and most popular designs and created some cards to show those dads out there that we care and are really grateful for all that they do!

I am now taking orders for Father's Day cards so if there is something you see and like, don't hesitate to get in touch. As with all my creations elements can be altered and colours changed for an extra special greeting. Or maybe there is something else you have in mind and would love to send to your Dad this year - I take commissions too!

It has been such a gorgeous day today. I haven't had a chance to soak it up so I am hoping it sticks around until the weekend when I have a few nice things in the diary.

Have a lovely week!

Katie