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 

Christmas Craft Fairs

Christmas Craft Fairs and Markets 2017 

Tuesday 7th November

Walnut Tree Pub Christmas Fayre and Tapas Evening

6 - 9 pm

The Walnut Tree Pub
Hedsor Road
Bourne End
Buckinghamshire
SL8 5DN

Website Here

Saturday 11th November

Bourne End Community and Craft Market

10am - 1pm

Bourne End Library

Wakeman Road

Bourne End

Buckinghamshire

SL8 5SX

Facebook Here

Friday 17th November

St Edmund Campion's Christmas Shopping Event

7pm

St Edmund Campion CP School
Maidenhead

Facebook Here

Saturday 18th November

Goring Craft Fair

10am - 4pm

Goring Village Hall

High Street

Goring-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG8 9AG

Website Here

Sunday 19th November

Goring Craft Fair

10am - 4pm

Goring Village Hall

High Street

Goring-on-Thames

Oxfordshire

RG8 9AG

Website Here

Friday 24th November

Naphill Christmas Gift Fayre

6pm - 9pm

Naphill Village Hall
236 Main Road
Naphill
High Wycombe
HP14 4SX

Saturday 25th November

The Downley Makers' Market

11am - 2pm

The Downley Memorial Hall

Downley

Buckinghamshire

HP13 5XJ

Facebook Here

Saturday 25th November

Hughenden Valley Village Hall Christmas Bazaar

From 2pm

Coombe Lane
Hughenden Valley
High Wycombe
HP14 4NX

Saturday 2nd December

Amersham Museum Christmas Craft Market

tbc

49 High Street

Old Amersham

HP7 0DP

Website Here

Sunday 3rd December

Amersham Museum Christmas Craft Market

tbc

49 High Street

Old Amersham

HP7 0DP

Website Here

Amersham Museum Christmas Market

Amersham Museum reopened this Summer after ten months of renovations. The museum looks amazing and I am excited to return for its Christmas Market on Saturday 2nd and Sunday 3rd December.

I had a table at this event in 2015, before they closed for their renovations, and had such a nice time. It was a windy and rainy day and yet everyone's spirits were raised. I am looking forward to seeing what the event will hold this year.

Merry Wednesday!

Katie

Christmas Cards

It is only October and while I am loving everything orange (It is a big yes please to Autumn leaves and pumpkins!) I'm definitely anticipating Christmas! I'm looking forward to the craft fairs I'll be visiting with my cards in November, but if online is more your style some of my designs are available on my Etsy shop. 

I hope you're having a lovely weekend.

Katie