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 

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