Christmas and a major life milestone!

The Christmas Season is well and truly here. I have a light schedule compared to some other crafters I have spoken to but feel like I am already exhausted! Over the next few weeks you will find me at:

• Devonport Craft Market – 1st November
• Michael Park School Fair – 7th November
• Devonport Craft Market Christmas Spectacular – 15th November
• Crafternoon Tea (cross fingers) – 21st November
• Royal Oak Market - Building Sustainable communities- 22nd November 
• Devonport Craft Market (Windsor Park) 6th December

 I have been working hard out to get enough things made in advance and to have supplies ready in case I need to make more of something in between markets.. It is hard to know how to pace everything out in terms of the making and the buying of stock.

I guess this is the sort of thing the girls behind Auckland Craft Collective have in mind when planning their sessions. It would be good to know how other crafters manage this process. Post any ideas you have for me - I need all the help I can get!

I have another series of Scrabble tile pendants aptly named ‘Songbird’ that will be coming out on Sunday at the Devonport Craft Market. They are cute!

I have some LOVELY new gift bags for my Cufflinks – they will make a lovely Christmas present for the men in your life. I have also invested in some more ‘conservative' fabrics for the less out-there men in your life!

Also new are the twine / washi tape pennant ribbons (that come in 1m or 2m) and pennant cup cake toppers(they are a bit of fun.

I also came across these LOVELY Heraldry pendants. I hope you will like them too!

Last bit of Songbird News. I have a new retailer that I am VERY excited about. I am just working on the order and once delivered, I will post details and some photos.

And on a slightly more personal note, the Child turns one on Friday.

It is hard to believe it has been a year since he entered our lives and I also can’t believe how much I have learnt about myself and what I am capable of achieving in this last year. While I am excited about celebrating his birthday, I am also quite reflective on the impact (for the better) that this little man has had on me. I wouldn’t have my life any other way right now – well perhaps I could be better if I would have won scrillions of dollars on Lotto so I could craft full time!!!

Thats me for the moment
Craft Love
Sx

It was mostly Coffee (thanks Atomic) but it was a spot of Tea too...

Crafternoon-Tea was a raging success and a LOT of fun.

my stall - Crafternoon Tea

I had such a great day talking to my fellow crafters, making some purchases (see below) and selling up a storm (thanks Kingsland).

R. W. Scissors (cards & Tags). Forgot to get the name of the clock lady.. sorry.

Biggest hit on the weekend was the new earrings I made in time for this market! I was thrilled that other people liked them.

Another big seller this weekend was my Christmas gift tags. Nothing like getting organised early for the silly season!

On another matter.....

A regular family hunting ground is the Warkworth / Matakana area. We have immediate family and friends who live in the area and whom we visit whenever we get the chance.

The beauty and variety of environments in this area are spectacular.

We wake up to sun (well most of the time) streaming across the sea, past Kawau Island and the Tawharanui peninsula which is the best way to start the day. We also take the opportunity when we are there to check out the local vineyards, restaurants, and art galleries.

We were up that way a couple of weekends ago and I took some time on my own to go to Matakana Township – yes I went on its busiest time of the weekend (during the Farmers Market) and I checked out the Cream of Matakana as well as the local church op shop.

If you haven’t been or haven’t spent much time in this area – I recommend it. A short 45min drive and you are well out of Auckland and into another world.

Attractions for you to visit:

1. Matakana Farmers Market (Sat Morning)      
2. Charlies Ice-cream shop ( I won’t describe it other than to say you need to experience it for yourself but buy some Table grapes if you get the chance) 
3. Stay at Merlot Cottage 
4. Check out the Church Op – Shop in Matakana and the Hospice Op Shop (Argyll Lane, Queen Street, Warkworth)  in Warkworth
5. Visit the Cream of Matakana 
6. Buy some bread at the Matakana Patisserie 
7. Go to a movie at the Matakana Cinemas – even if you can’t go to a movie, get one of the movie attendants to show you into the three movie theatres – AMAZING is all I can say 
8. Take a picnic and go for a walk at the Tawharanui Regional Park
9. Check out the Brick Bay Sculpture walk (fine day)

Those are my top tips for the area – there is so much more to do so make sure you have a day or two to really explore and find your own favourites. I sound like a travel agent / tour guide don’t I!

Last but not least. Check out this beautiful photo. Each year a Thrush Family come back and nest outside the door to my parents-in-law’s bedroom. This is the 5th year they have come back and this is their latest family. Such an amazing sight.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Craft Love

Sxx

To Tea.....

So I am branching out.... Getting out of the Devonport bubble and heading to Kingsland next weekend for a spot of Tea. Crafternoon Tea that is.

I decided it would be nice to 'participate' in a Craft market without all of the organisey bits and I am looking forward to 4 hours of stress free, crafty goodness.

I will be joined by some Devonport Market peeps but hopefully I will get to meet some new crafters in crime.

Check out this post from Lily's Make Believe. As they said 'The images speak for themselves" - they do and were a wonderful start to my day.

Hope to see you in Kingsland Next weekend (17th October 10-2pm, Trinity Methodist Church Hall, 400 New North Road)

Craft Love
Sxx

Sunday Sunday

I had a great day at the Devonport Craft Market yesterday. Caught up with my lovely market friends Cat Taylor and Joanna from Infusions as well as my partner in DCM crime Sarah from Cotton Kiwi.

There were some great new stall holders there - I couldn't resist showing you these beautiful Dolls from Margaret's dolls...

Despite the horrible weather, I had my best market day ever. I was so pleased as I have been working really hard this last month and it is reward knowing that the hard work paid off.

Loads of my new Vintage Whimsy pendants went to lovely new homes - the new owners promised to look after them so that is all good.

Below are a few photos of my stall - Christmas additions and all. I was really proud of the way it looked yesterday. Spot my new Cat ornament (thanks Sarah!) - A few of the Scout boys asked how much the birds and the cat were..... Sorry boys not for sale, they are mine all mine :-)

Enjoy your week everyone
Craft Love
Sxx

So I couldn't resist

I couldn't resist popping up some photos of the Whimsy set of pendants and brooches heading to the DCM tomorrow. I love them and while I want them to find homes - I will miss them.

Craft love

Sxx

In good cheer

I am in good cheer. It comes from a bunch of things. The child is in extremely good form. 
He is such a blessing. We are having so much fun as a family at the moment. Good times.

I am also looking forward to the market this weekend.

I have christmas things on offer as well as a couple of new ranges - Deco Darlings and Vintage Whimsy (no photos as yet). Hopefully they will be well received.


I love selling at the Markets. The great people I get to mingle with, the satisfaction of someone buying something I made (you mean you actually like it enough to pay for it - YAY).
The development of wonderful ideas in the Craft community (aka Auckland Craft Collective A good nights sleep after a jam packed day.


Figuring out Twitter (seriously it was like I was my Mum trying to figure out how to record something on the VHS way back in the 80's)             
                                  
Well I must away to create a culinary delight for little man.

Craft Love and Buttons to you all Sxx

                                                             

PS. Look forward to seeing you at the Devonport Craft Market this Sunday 10-3, Devonport Community House (32 Clarence St, Devonport)
photo credit: fotosfera