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

#MakeForMum

On Wednesday 7th March I will be taking part in a #MakeforMum event. This is an event organised by Child Bereavement UK to celebrate and remember mums everywhere, or for mums to remember their children on Mothering Sunday.

#MakeforMum aims to raise money and awareness to help even more families rebuild their lives after bereavement. If you're interested in getting involved, you can visit their website here or for more information on the charity as a whole. The same for their Facebook page.

To spread the word you can share your pictures on Mother's Day using the #MakeforMum hashtag, or text MUMS02 £10 to 70070 to donate. (£10 is used here as an example, you can insert any amount you choose)

If you are local, pop into the Clare Charity Centre for cakes, candles, jewellery, hand sewn gifts and cards! There's more posted about this event on my Facebook page 

Have a lovely sunny (cross fingers) afternoon!

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

Indie Friday

Today as Black Friday begins I am thinking about the small independent shops, designers and makers. This evening and this weekend I will be at three separate Christmas craft fairs. Each will have a range of creators - each talented and each taking great pride in what they make. Each item on their stall has been made by hand with time and attention. It is something special, something different - something indie.

So if you're inclined to support small businesses, search the hashtag #JACIndieFriday on Instagram and shop, share and shout about something really lovely - a camaraderie amongst makers.

Have a great weekend. I can't believe this is the last one before Advent begins. The Christmas countdown has begun!

Katie

Santa Hat Garland

Earlier in the year I shared mySanta Hat garlands which were available to order.

They're also available to buy on Etsy! Along with other decorations that have all be knitted by hand, by me. They are all perfect if you've got pets or small fingers about -  they don't break if they fall on the floor.

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. (And there's a SALE on now)

It is just over a week to advent and I'm already looking forward to getting out all the decorations and drinking from my favourite Christmas mug.

Katie

SALE - Christmas Is Coming

I just wanted to say that I am joining the sale over on Etsy. All Christmas cards and goodies are 10% off and there are a few miscellaneous designs and birthday cards thrown into the offer too.

Have a really lovely week!

Katie

Shop Small

Search the hashtag on Instagram next Friday for something special and lovingly made. This is particularly pertinent to me ahead of a weekend full of craft fairs at which warm friendly faces put their creations on display, and offer something you can't necessarily get anywhere else. Add a little colour to Black Friday and shop, share and shout about #JACIndieFriday