Here Pretty Kitty

FREE......

2010-02-18T04:23:00.000-08:00

POSTAGE

That's right folks, free postage on all items in the shop until Friday 19th Feb 9pm GMT so get them while you can :)

You could be taking home....

or these

or even these!

Two posts in two days....wow, there's no stopping me!

Coooeeeyyyy

2010-02-17T05:07:00.000-08:00

Don't faint!! I know it's been a long long long time since my last post and I am sorry.

I had a baby and got all caught up with Hotdog :)

I thought I would just do a quick little post about someone who boughts some items from my shop.

Her shop is called Crafty Little Mia and she bought these from me.

And this is what she made from them.

It's so gorgeous!

She has a shop full of yummy items so pop over quickly before you miss out!!

And if you want to know more about her then check out her blog.

I've Been Tagged!!

2009-07-04T10:54:00.000-07:00

I am 1 of 8 blogs that have been tagged by the lovely Jean from Jean's Blog.

Now I have to answer these questions and tag another 8 blogs.

All they have to do is

a) Answer the questions

b) Rework the questions + delete one you do not like and put in an alternative

c) Think of a new question

d) Tag 8 people to do the same.

Your current obsession: Sock Dogs, check out my Hotdog and Me shop on Folksy.

Weirdest Obsession: I have to shut all wardrobe doors and draws before going to bed.

What are you Wearing: Black, scruffy, holey trousers and a new brown maternity t-shirt.

What is for Dinner: Not sure yet, depends how hot the day gets as to whether I can be bothered to cook. If I could be bothered it would be Burmese Vegetables…..coconuty yumminess

Favourite Book: The Book Thief by Markus Zusak or Twilight by Stephenie Meyer

Last Thing you Bought: Two maternity tops

What can you hear right now: I can hear the wind rustling the grass, water in the fish tank, birds chirping, my daughter watching telly and my son playing in the garden.

Favourite flavour of Ice Cream: I am very partial to clotted cream flavor from either Kelly’s or Marshfield…in fact Marshfield does one with fudge in as well.

What do you think of the person who tagged you: She makes wonderful jewellery which you can see in her Folksy shop and is very lovely for tagging me J

Where is the world would you go if I gave you a plane ticket: Cuba, I would love to see all the old 50’s cars.

Which language would you learn: French as I have family in Switzerland who I am lazy enough to allow them to speak English to me.

Who do you want to meet right now: Lance Armstrong, I’d invite him for dinner so my partner could chat with him, he’s a cycle freak……my partner that is!

Favourite Colour: Blue, but I like all colours really.

Favourite item of clothing: I am not really into clothing, anything that fits and is comfortable.

What size shoes are you: 5

You have £100 to spare, what will you buy: Probably some books to read and some socks and craft bits…..maybe I should be saying stuff for my kids!

Favourite time of day: Bedtime

Who's style do you most admire: I just found a new blog today called Dottie Angel. I would love to a) be as skinny as she is and b) be able to wear the clothes she does. Totally lovely.

What is your own style: Scruffy, comfortable and lazy.

What are you going to do next: Wash up..yuck phooey.

Favourite Films: The Sure Thing, The Sound of Music, The Matrix

Favourite Fruit: Strawberries and Raspberries

What inspires you: Everything

What Music is your favourite this week: I like most music.

Do you have a dream job: Not to have one……did I mention I was lazy?

What would you change in the world: Respect, acceptance, poverty, hunger, cruelty, most things!!…specifically in this country I would want it to be more kid friendly, like when you go to Restaurants on the continent they welcome children, here we look at them and say they are too noisy. Oh yeah, and make childbirth painless.

Favourite animal: Wolf

Favourite Tool: Washing machine

What would your job have been in Victorian times: Lady of leisure…oh sorry, that would be in my dreams, umm some sort of maid.

You are a SuperHero, what would your SuperPower be: Teleportation, so I could go anywhere in the world and see who I wanted in a blink of an eye.

People I am now tagging:

I can't even sew straight

Thank You Glitzy Kitty

2009-07-04T01:26:00.000-07:00

Last week I received a lovely little package from Glitzy Kitty. It was a prize I had won for naming one of her lovely cats. I knew the prize was the cat but was shocked to discover lots of little packages wrapped up. In them were some beautiful pieces of jewellery. Some earrings, a bracelet, a necklace and 2 rings.

Wow!! How spoilt did I feel....well I will tell you.....very very very spoilt.

So this is a big thank you to Glitzy Kitty and a nudge for you all to pop over to her Folksy Shop or her Etsy Shop.

Meet Jasper, Miss Haversham's Cat

Thank you so much Glitzy Kitty for this more than generous prize. I love it all.

Oddsox Feature

2009-07-01T03:04:00.000-07:00

I am have been really looking forward to this feature all week because it's from such a lovely lady that I met over on Folksy. Sharon from Oddsox has kindly agreed to answer my many mnay questions.

1. Where do you get your inspiration?

I’ve always loved crafting. My Mum & Gran did a lot of dressmaking and knitting when me and my sis were little so there were always bits of wool, fabric, buttons, lace and stuff in the house. So I s’pose the interest in materials and making started quite early. I’m inspired by craft, designer toy and sock creature books, craft fairs, art museums, sculpture parks, graffiti, pets, the zoo, pebbles, second hand shops, boot fairs… lots more but out of breath now! Flickr is also a fantastic place to lose a bit of time browsing other peoples work. It’s a place to be visually greedy!

2. Describe your work space?

I have two – the one that looks and feels like a workspace - the attic. And ‘downstairs’! I usually have a ‘project bag’ on the go that gets dragged about from garden to dining room to living room. I usually leave quite a lot of mess around me too.

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business?

By accident really and quite recently. After being given a sock monkey book by my sister a few years back I really wanted to have a go. Me and my partner both made some but I didn’t stop. The house kept filling up! We even took them on holiday to the Lake District one year and did some photography with them! Then I attended a craft fair that my brother-in-law helped organise and promote through his design agency. Lots of people asked if I had an on-line shop or website – which I didn’t so that’s what started it!

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell?

I quite like the DollySox at the moment. I also love the amigurumi stuff but it takes quite a long time to make. The two big pieces I had in the shop have gone so replacements are on my very long to do list!

5. Where else do you sell?
Folksy is the only shop I have, I’ve done one craft fair so far and have sold quite a bit to friends/colleagues and people they’ve recommended me to. I have another fair booked for November.

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell?
My first Craft Fair was in March. I was nervous because I new there were going to be a lot of really good artists attending and I thought I’d be out of my depth! I was completely shocked at the reception my creatures got! I think there were more adults purchasing for themselves and other adults than for children! I sold three quarters of my stock. So do I think they’re a good place to sell – well that one certainly was! It prompted all kinds of other unexpected interest too. An enquiry about placing some items in the local museum exhibition space, a college teacher asking if I’d like to go in and do a sock creature making session with the students – plus I’ve had a number of repeat sales to people who visited the fair – one from a lady opening a ‘real’ shop. I don’t expect I’ll always be that lucky - the venue and publicity makes an enormous difference. This one was in the Town Hall and I was jammy enough to have my Sock Gardeners featured on the front of the posters and programmes – so that helped! They’re ugly little chaps and I took them along – amazing how many people wanted to buy them! But I can’t spare them – they’ve got a Sock Garden to keep tidy!

7. Describe your style in 3 words.
A bit mad!

8. What are you working on at the moment?
I’ve just finished an Amigurumi commission for another Folksy lady. She sent me a pic of the cat colours and helped choose the wool and make decisions about his face. I have a couple of songbird orders to make with special Happy Birthday messages. I always have at least one sock creature in my project bag and I’m working on a stripey amigurumi cat. Oh yeah, and I have a 9-5 day job as a project manager at a design agency too!

9. What is the weirdest thing about you?
I’m sure other people think my obsession with socks is a bit weird – can’t go near shops without seeking out socks – even in the supermarket!

10. What 1 item would you like to buy from another Folksy seller?
Henry the sausage dog! He’s just perfect.

http://www.folksy.com/items/29909-Henry-Plush-Sausage-Dachshund-Dog-Toy

11. Where is your most favourite place?
Quiet Greek islands and home.

12. What is your favourite book?
I enjoy lots of fiction but here are some of my favourite coffee table books…

13. What is your favourite film?
Oh no I can’t say just one! All Tarantino, Withnail & I, Romeo & Juliet, As Good As It Gets, Seven, Leon…

14. What is your favourite song?
Oh no I can’t say just one! I’ll go for everything by Radiohead – including the weird creature drawings that appear on some of their packaging!

15. If you could do anything for the day what would you do?
I’d repeat a day from a Greek holiday. Me and my partner went to a beautiful, quiet pebble beach and spent most of the day making pebble pictures and sculptures. I loved the idea of people just happening across them for the next couple of days until they either got washed away or knocked down!

16. You are a Superhero, what is your power?
I’d be a shapeshifter. I’d quite often be shifting into the shape of a life-size sock creature. What a laugh!

She has a wonderful blog called The Sock Garden, well worth a visit with a cup of tea and some cake.

Thanks so much Shaz for doing this interview for me, especially on such short notice!!

Thank You Glassprimitif

2009-06-30T06:12:00.001-07:00

I know this is very late and for that I can only offer my deepest apologies to Glassprimitif.

I won her blog competition and received the most amazing prize/prizes. There was so much in there, I was really shocked when I opened it all up. And everything was just so beautiful. If you get a chance pop over to her shop as it really is worth the time.

So firstly, look how beautiful it all looked after I had opened the envelope.

This is everything after I ripped the paper off in a throwback to my childhood Christmas's kind of way.

And these are all the beautiful items that I won.

So this is a huge thank you to Glassprimitif and apologise for the late thank you.

Oh yeah, and she has an Etsy shop too!

Hot Hot Hot

2009-06-29T05:23:00.000-07:00

Phew, I am too hot!! With a 30 week pregnancy bump I am finding this heat unbearable.....any good tips out there?

This is a real quickie today as I haven't blogged since last week.

I got another award for my blog which I am over the moon about. It came from Innocence Jewellery, click me to get to her blog, so thanks very much. I am not going to do the 15 pass on's this time as I only just did some and it takes a Looooooongggg time.

And, I won another prize!!! And whilst typing this I realise that I haven't blogged about my previous prize! So tomorrow, I will blog more in depth about those with pictures and links as they came from 2 great shops. The 1st one came from Glassprimitif and the second one from Glitzykitty

Now I am off to flake on the sofa for mins in front of a fan.

Strangelord

2009-06-24T08:27:00.000-07:00

Wow, aren't the weeks going quick? Which is great for me in my current state of making a tiny little person...29 weeks and counting.

Anyways, onto my Weekly Wednesday featured seller from Folksy. This week is the turn of Strangelord and when you look in her shop all I can say is....what's not to love? It's so fantastical and magical and appeals to my Kitsch side, which is most of me really.

So on with the interview and all the yummy photos.

1. Where do you get your inspiration?
Over the years I've flitted between disciplines (a spot of painting AKA my degree, textiles/fashion-based stuff, performance), but most recently have settled on collaging and assembling everyday objects together. I'm obsessed with the kitsch and the kawaii, but with a nod towards Dada and/or Surrealism. I'm fascinated by the idea of taking something sickly and sweet and contrasting it with the bizarre, nightmarish or oh-so slightly perverse.

I love the immediacy and integrity of combining found images and objects to make something entirely different.

Inspiration comes from my scavenging nature. I'm a compulsive collector. My media is what others may regard as trash -broken jewellery, old toys, junk shop finds, a pretty button, scraps, charms, trinkets. Patterns, childhood imagery, fragments of text. My friends and family all collect for me. And yes, I've been know to pick things up in the street before. If it's good enough for Kurt Schwitters...!

I'm inspired by Joseph Cornell, Max Ernst, Hans Bellmer. I'm inspired by songs, stories, feelings, fears, everything really. My imagination is constantly in overdrive. Through collaging I like to capture these thoughts and stick them down, along with the mess of seemingly un-associated items, arranged neatly, like restoring order to a somewhat chaotic life.

2. Describe your work space?
Collaging takes place all over our shared Victorian terrace -at the breakfast bar, curled up on the sofa, in bed whilst watching some nostalgic old film or camp musical! I've taken over the back bedroom as some kind of gallery-cum-treasure trove that taste forgot. My work hangs on pretty much every available wall space, and is piled in every nook and cranny.

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business?
See above! I've always had the compulsion to create. I can't sit still for two minutes without arranging things nicely or dreaming up new colour combinations. If my imagination, hands, or both aren't kept busy I fall asleep. Literally. This hyper-activity led to an accumulation of art work. Shows only come up a few times a year so sales through this route are limited, and you can only give each friend or family member so many collaged gifts, so the natural progression was to look for an outlet to tout my wares. That's how I stumbled across Folksy earlier this year.

I don't create to live, I live to create. If people like what I do and wanna buy it, that's a bonus.

I often wonder where the few pieces I have sold ended up. I think there's some kind of art in that -something so personal and unique to me, just hanging there in a stranger's house. They don't know why I made it, but obviously it meant something to them.

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell?
All of it -duh! No, sorry. I like pretty much all of my pieces for different reasons. However I'm especially fond of a little collage I call 'Lepidopterrorist'. It's partly about my fear of moths and butterflies (the big Daddy of all my phobias). I like it because i made it on an awesome vintage tile I found at a car boot sale, but I also love the combination of yellow and purple. Complementary -see I remember colour theory!

I have a couple of box collages I think are pretty cool too. They are my homage to Cornell. I like the idea that you can close the lid and it not only becomes personal and private, but portable too.

5. Where else do you sell?
I love getting involved in art shows and exhibitions as it's always so exciting to see your work up an the walls. I'll be showing at the Great Sheffield Art Show at the Octagon 10th-12th July, with 5 new pieces for sale.

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell?
I can't pretend to be an expert -sorry! I'm more arty-farty than crafty, but I do have a massive respect for skilled craftspeople. I'd love to have the patience to master knitting, or be brave enough to use a sewing machine properly!

7. Describes your style in 3 words.
Gosh, only three? I'm way too wordy for that! Idiosyncratic? Accumulated. Sinister-sweet (not cheating much!).

8. What are you working on at the moment?
I'm almost done with a hanging card collage based on a catacombs/archaeological theme.

9. What is the weirdest thing about you?
At one time or another I have been monophobic, clinophobic, nychtophobic, thanatophobic, necrophobic, iatrophobic, phasmophobic, samhainophobic, trypanophobic, catoptrophobic, mottephobic, claustrophobic, wiccaphobic...I am scared of literally EVERYTHING! I think that makes me a slightly odd kid. Makes great inspiration for my work though.

10. What 1 item would you like to buy from another Folksy seller?
I've had my eye on Zedhead's graffiti print clutch for ages, http://www.folksy.com/items/21042-Graffiti-Print-Clutch-Purse, as sometimes I like to pretend I'm a little bit gangsta. Unfortunately my car is currently dying, so until I get that replaced I can't really be too frivolous!

11. Where is your most favourite place?
PARIS. In my dreams I am there. Had the best trip of my life there two years ago with my fella Alex. I made him a box collage to commemorate it.

12. What is your favourite book?
I urge you to read Tracy Emin's 'Strangeland', what ever you think about her art, or the way she's depicted in the media. Her writings are beautiful.

13. What is your favourite film?
Brief Encounter! It's gut-wrenching. I've never seen anyone so perfectly demonstrate the depths of despair as Celia Johnson. It's those eyes. There's something romantic about stations, isn't there?

I saw a fab stage adaptation by The Kneehigh Theatre Company recently. Not quite the tear-jerker I expected, but they really played up the comic elements and the music was super.

14. What is your favourite song?
There are many, for many different reasons. I would like 'There is a light that never goes out' by The Smiths played at my funeral. Patsy Cline breaks my heart and makes me fall off my chair laughing from one song to the next. 'Moon River' always makes me cry.

15. If you could do anything for the day what would you do?
A lie-in would be nice! The best days are spent with someone close -a stroll round a museum with a friend, hitting the shops for some serious mother-daughter time, prancing around a stately home, my man on my arm, pretending that I really am (as I like to believe) descended from the gentry. I'm easily pleased. I take life as it comes, and find excitement in even the littlest of things.

16. You are a Superhero, what is your power?
To make time stand still. It's racing past me at an alarming rate. Did you ever see the kids' programme 'Bernard's Watch'? I want me one of those! Just think of all the collaging I'd get done!
So that's the end of another interview from another wonder folksy seller. Aren't you all great?
The picture above is my absolute favourite, in fact it's on my favourite list back at Folksy, It's called House. I love it.

Thanks again Strangelord for doing the interview.
Happy Wednesday.

An award from Lily Shay Style

2009-06-22T08:18:00.000-07:00

I got a wonderful surprise the other day. I was reading my comments and there was one from a lovely lady over at LilyShayStyle and she had given me an award. An award!!!! I was gobsmacked. So I am humbly accepting the award from her and passing it on to 15 blogs I particularly love.

Here are the Rules:

1. Accept the award, post it on your blog together with the name of the person who has granted the award and his or her blog link.

2. Pass the award to 15 other blogs that you have newly discovered. Remember to contact the bloggers to let them know they have been chosen for this award.

So here are my 15 most favouritest of favourite blogs (in no particular order!)........by the way it's very difficult to choose 15 out of so many fantastic blogs. Viva La Blog!!!

Don't forget to check out all these lovely blogs especially LilyShayStyle. And thanks once again LilyShayStyle it really really made me feel good to get this award.

Ha Ha Ha Ha

2009-06-20T12:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quickie tonight with no piccies.

I wanted to share a couple of things that I have found very amusing lately although you might find them cringworthy instead....but these tickled my fancy and made me laugh.

Firstly, my lovely partner has joined our very new village allotment association and in a recent meeting where they were talking about how to dish out the new plots, they decided the fairest way was to pick the plots out of a hat.......whereupon my partner chirps up " We could call it The Plottery" He says he only got a few sympathy laughs, if I had been there I would have been on the floor laughing, guess that's why I am with him.

Next up I was reading a conversation on Facebook between my sisters talking about their rubbish day. One sister then says that she was going to go and drink alot of wine. My Cousin-in-sin as he likes to be called then added "be careful you don't catch Wine Flu"

And lastly, I just spotted a Knitted Brown Beard on Folksy by a shop called Wife of Brian. Absolutely brilliant.

The Other Mousie Feature

2009-06-17T02:54:00.000-07:00

This week it's the turn of the rather talented Sarah at TheOtherMousie to be featured and I am really excited to be able to pick some of her wonderful items to show you here today.

1. Where do you get your inspiration?

Actually - this is quite difficult! I admire loads of peoples work & wish I could be as clever or talented as them. But I have a grasshopper brain - it's always on the go & most of my ideas just pour out the top of my head - can't you tell - I mean where did Itty Bitty Pirate Kitty come from??

2. Describe your work space?
We have a very busy household so although I always keep my crafty supplies in one place I do tend to work wherever there is a bit of peace & quiet & a bit of space - which is very rare...

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business?
I actually started crafting properly over 14 years ago, just because I can't help it! At that time it was all craft fairs & I'd rent a space in my local library from time to time. I haven't done too much while I've been busy bringing up my 3 children. But as my youngest is getting settled at kindergarten I started to look at it again. The craft world has changed so much due to the Internet - I felt so scared! As soon as I discovered Folksy I knew things would be ok, they are such a friendly supportive bunch & have given me confidence too.

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell?
It has to be my Itty Bitty items - I think that's what people think of when they think of me! I do lots of what I call serious sewing too, but it's the fun items that grab everyone's attention.

5. Where else do you sell?
Apart from Folksy & Etsy, some of it now comes from word of mouth. Also I think I may have just developed a lucrative line of selling at the school gate to my daughters classmates - hope I don't cause any trouble...

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell?
I did one in March that went very well indeed & I will be looking at doing some more in the future. Craft fairs never really change that much - they all seem a bit hit & miss what works for you doesn't work for others.

7. Describes your style in 3 words.
Kitsch, odd, whimsical or I'm not sure!

8. What are you working on at the moment?
A wonderful lady from Glasgow is getting married on International Talk Like A Pirate Day on September 21st & I'm making 72 (74 inc the bride & groom!) Itty Bitty Pirate Kitties as her wedding favours. I'm also continually thinking up new Itty Bitty Kitty variations & trying to fit them in too.

9. What is the weirdest thing about you?
Oh this is such a talent (!!!) I can take my socks off just by using my big toes & turn it into a sock ball - no hands required... it all comes back to socks really!

10. What 1 item would you like to buy from another Folksy seller?
Aaaarrggghhhh - this is a tricky question - I have so many favourites.... but if I had the money I would love to buy something from Jemima Lumley - her jewellery is stunning.

11. Where is your most favourite place?
My home with my husband & children around me.

12. What is your favourite book?
I don't get chance to read as much as I'd like at the moment. But last year I read Pobby & Dingan by Ben Rice & it still haunts me I've read it 3 times since. It means so much to me.

13. What is your favourite film?
Sorry - but out of all the films I love this is the only one I can watch over & over again & never tire of it... The Railway Children - it's a classic. I get to watch it on my own too because my family just don't seem to get the lure of it. Jenny Agutter on the platform saying 'Daddy! My Daddy!!'....... I just have to have the tissues at the ready!

14. What is your favourite song?
Ooooh that's a toughie... I have songs of the moment, I have quite an eclectic taste too. Can I have two - please???? Paper Wings by Gillian Welch and The Book Of Right-On by Joanna Newsom

15. If you could do anything for the day what would you do?
Just to be able to travel anywhere - stress free.

16. You are a Superhero, what is your power?
I would be a superhero that could transform into a fly!! The amount of times I would love to be a fly on the wall - well this could be my chance - think of all the things I could spy on!

Check out TheOtherMousie's blog, it's a really lovely read.

Lastly, many thanks to Sarah for letting me feature her and showing you her beautiful wares, especially her itty bitty pirate kitty which I adore.

Our VW Obsession

2009-06-16T01:43:00.000-07:00

I was looking through some old photos the other day and realised that we had owned quite a few different VW's in our time, so I thought I would do a little montage to them all. As they were all very loved in one way or another.

First up with have Buster, the one that got away.......we miss you Buster!!

Then we had our bone shaker Beetle which someone prior to us had lowered so much it shook our bones when we went anywhere.

Next is our current van, she once was blue but now is yellow. Depending on which family member you speak to she is either called Buster2 or Rusty.

Our T25, what a van, another one terribly missed. The room for camping inside this one was fantastic. We changed the colour of this one too from white to truck yellow! I liked to call this one Smeg as it looked like a fridge.

These next two were bought for spares. However the pick up was a lovely van to drive. The purple one was undrivable!

So that's our VW obsession in pictures.

I'm a Winner!!!

2009-06-15T06:39:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I entered a competition on Scavenge r Bird's blog, which by the way it a fabulous read so pop over and follow them. The competition was to win a handmade brooch from the lovely Nifty Thrifty......and guess what....I won, I won, I won. Woohoo, doing the happy dance.

Isn't it beautiful? I am so chuffed. NiftyThrifty and ScavengerBird aka JiJi Kiki both have lovely shops over on Folksy.

I have named this one......

2009-06-12T02:37:00.001-07:00

RAGE

Or PREGNANT AND HORMONAL

Here's Something She Made Earlier

2009-06-11T06:11:00.000-07:00

Recently I had a request from Oddsox over at Folksy for teeny tiny buttons in pairs. She bought loads, which was great ;-) and was such a lovely person to deal with. Well, I received an email from her the other day to tell me that she had listed some items in her shop that she had used my buttons on. They are so cute I wanted to show them on my blog.....and it just shows you what you can do with a smidge of imagination, a dash of talent and some gorgeous Here Pretty Kitty vintage buttons. As you can see I am not adverse to some shameless pluggin!!

So if you love what she makes, and believe me there are so many more cute items in her shop, or you want to have a go at making something with vintage buttons then pop over to our shops. I promise you a very friendly and pleasurable service from us both.

Talulah Blue Wednesday Featuuuurrrreeee

2009-06-10T02:06:00.000-07:00

Wednesday is here already!! And that means it's time to feature one of those fantastic folksy folk again. This week I am going a little risque with Talulahblue. I just wish I had the body to wear some of her beautiful items...oh yeah...and the courage.

1. Where do you get your inspiration?
My inspiration is largely from all things burlesque and historical figures, such as Marie Antoinette. I also love seaweed, pebbles and beach-finds.

2. Describe your work space?
I work from a spare bedroom, but spill over into the rest of the house, to the annoyance of Mr Tony!

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business?
My daughter began making pasties {nipple tassels} to sell and I thought, "what can I make to complement these?", Also, I became computer literate enough, to sell online. I began just before Christmas 08, with faux fur wraps.

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell?
This has to be my cocktail hats. You just feel special and uplifted when you wear one.

5. Where else do you sell?
On my daughter's site www.talulahblue.com on ebay and I've tried etsy.

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell?
I'd like to try craft fairs next.

7. Describes your style in 3 words.
Eccentric, poetic, whimsical.

8. What are you working on at the moment?
I'm working on a peach bustle and obe belt, which we'll use as "props" for our model to wear in our bridal burlesque photo shoot.

9. What is the weirdest thing about you?
I become obsessed easily.

10. What 1 item would you like to buy from another Folksy seller?
Many things!! I've seen some glass vintage buttons that I keep thinking about.

11. Where is your most favourite place?
A cottage we visit in Cornwall. It's hidden in a woodland setting, with a stream running through the garden. Total isolation.

12. What is your favourite book?
Hideous Kinky, by Esther Freud.

13. What is your favourite film?
The Haunting, 1963 version, directed by Robert Wise.

14. What is your favourite song?
"Midnight at the Oasis", any version, including brand new heavies.

15. If you could do anything for the day what would you do?
I'd be on a beach exploring rockpools, which I consider to be a worthy pastime!

16. You are a Superhero, what is your power?
Looking into the future and of course flying.

Thanks very much for letting me feature you Talulahblue.

Don't forget I still have a sale on until this Sunday so now's a good time to stock up on those vintage buttons!

What a Weekend & I'm 'aving a Sale!!

2009-06-08T07:55:00.000-07:00

I didn't get around to bloggin this weekend as it was non stop from start to finish!! It started with us trying to buy a car through Paypal and ended with us deciding we would have to sell a car!!

I had a day and a half on the phone to Paypal customer service this weekend......by the way there is not much customer servicing that they can do as it turns out. I am still unable to log in to my account due to a page I was accessing being frozen on one of their servers needing one of their tech guys to kick me off.

Their tech guys are all in America so that helps alot!!!!

We managed to sort payment out another way and get the car on Saturday at 4pm with my partner then having to travel another hour to get a special birthday present for my brother in laws 30th birthday...by the way we got him an acrobatic flying lesson, hope it doesn't get too sick :-) The party was that night so it was all very rushed.

Sunday was abit more sedate except for the hungover mess Sean was in. We took the dogs for a nice walk which ended when I fell down a ditch onto my bottom stinging my arm on nettles in the process. I must have looked a right state as being a bit on the front heavy side had to wait until Sean could help me up.

Anyway, enough about my weekend lets talk money off!! I am having a sale, woohoo....on my beloved Folksy to begin with. 20% off the item price on anything in my shop. This will run until 5pm this Sunday.

Most important thing of all though is to message me first so that I can change the amount as I cannot go into Paypal at the moment to refund any discount.

So you could get a lovely 20% of these.....

Or these...

or even these...

Lazy Thursday Afternoons

2009-06-04T06:55:00.000-07:00

My little boy does not go to pre-school on Thursdays so today I thought it would be nice to take him for a picnic at our local river. We ate sarnies on the bench then tried to catch some very little fishy's in the river. We were joined by a frisky pair of damsel flies which my little one thinks lay on top of each other because they are similar.....I said they were just playing ;-)

It was just beautiful down there, the sun was shining, we had food, water and a pile of stones to plop in the river and best of all it's only a 10 minute walk from our house which is useful when you are 26 weeks pregnant. These are just a few snaps of our walk home. Dorset is such a lovely place to live. That's not my house by the way, my house does not have that sort of character.

Polka!!

2009-06-03T03:43:00.000-07:00

It's that time again, my Wednesday featured seller and this week is the turn of Polka over on Folksy. I am a sucker for buttons and bright colours and she's uses both in abundance.

1. Where do you get your inspiration? Mainly its from the HUGE!! collection of fabric I have gained and hoarded. I chop alot of my childrens clothes especially Maisy's and I just love a good rummage round the charity shops. I also LOVE buttons and will sometimes buy something in a charity shop just to chop the buttons off. As for the designs on my brooches and bags they simply evolve as I go along usually based on the colours.

2. Describe your workspace? Ha Ha that's a really easy one!, I completely take over the dining room table, sometimes it spreads to the lounge and my supplies have taken over the garage ( very bad hoarding habit!)

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business? I have always done sewing, making my sindy doll clothes!. Luckily I hope it progressed and improved from there, I started by making collage pictures from fabric, buttons and stitching. I started out by doing stalls at local events including Lichfield festival and Melbourne open arts events. I stared on folksy because I wanted to see if my work would sell to a wider audience and all my friends kept pushing me to do it!

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell? This is quite hard! I really love the tweed bag in my shop with green crochet flowers and buttons, mind you I also love the bird brooches as well.

5.Where else do you sell? Only on folksy at the moment but also registered with Misi, would also like to open a shop on Etsy need to make more stock!

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell? I'm planning to just do some of the school summer fairs round my area. There is a big Christmas craft fair at Kedleston Hall, Derby that I have applied for and also one in Leicester that a fellow folkster ( lisa from noodlebubble) has organised. I think doing a craft fair is abit hit and miss depending on the fairs promotion, also some are very pricey so its quite daunting if you don't sell anything. However I do love the buzz of face to face selling and positive feedback is great.

7. Describe your style in 3 words? ahhhhh!! clashing, funky and busy!

8. What are you working on at the moment? Just finished a really sweet handbag, soon to be listed, its pink and orange floral with garish orange floral flap, this has a pink polka dot flower with a gorgeous cerise button and turquoise gingham handles. Sounds really garish but it looks nice trust me!

9. What is the weirdest thing about you? I've got eyes in the back of my head!! well I say it to my children enough so it could be true.

10. What one item would I buy from another folksy seller? I love the pendants from seaurchin especially this one, mind you my favourite list is very long! http://www.folksy.com/items/27412-Porcelain-Pendant-with-Glass-Bubble-Moon

11. Where is your most favourite place? Definately St Ives in Cornwall I just adore it there I love the arty community and the relaxed atmosphere also Porthcurno Beach at the Minnack Theatre again in Cornwall, one day if I win a cool million I can move down there!

12. What is your favourite book? No favourite books really more into mags!! sorry not very grown up I'm afraid.

13. What is your favourite film? Goodfellas and any other gangsta blood fest!! Casino, The Godfather and I love horrors.

14. What is your favourite song? "oh my god"by the Kaiser Chiefs in fact pretty much anything by them, I love them!! went to see them at the nia and it was fantastic.

15. If you could do anything for the day what would it be? Rally driving!! I love driving fast round lanes and that would be the perfect way to do it, would also like to go shopping with an endless budget, I love buying clothes and shoes.

16. What would your superhero power be? To be invisible, so I could see my children at school to see what they get upto.

I just wanted to say a big thanks to Polka for taking the time to answer these questions.

A Big Welcome To Our Newest Family Member

2009-05-30T07:13:00.000-07:00

Please meet Abbey Pelton the newest member of our family. She has joined us all the way from Long Island, NY!!!

She has come to us courtesy of the Temporal Millionaire or better still The Travel Kitty Project. Hop over to her Etsy shop to see some more Travel Kitties or go and have a look at her Travel Kitty Blog where she plots on a map all her kitties exploits around the world. Lots of adoptive families have posted in photos of their kitties in interesting places and on their holidays.

I bought Quincy Klugman back in November for my sister as a birthday present and loved the idea and the kitties so much I had to go back (regularly) to see what other kitties she had, and then Abbey came up and I just fell in love with her blueness and had to have her join my family.

This is Quincy Klugman

Rag Cat

2009-05-29T08:48:00.000-07:00

Today 2 of my friends asked if my children would like to go and play with their children, which was lovely for them and meant that I had an afternoon to myself. So, instead of doing housework I chose to have a go at making a doll. I have never done this before and am not very good at sewing.....this is a new skill I am trying to master. So without much ado, please meet my new creation, I haven't named him yet.

You'll have to excuse my really skinny legs!!

And how on earth do you sewing around a bend or a circle? I need to practice alot!

My Newish Project

2009-05-28T05:18:00.001-07:00

This is not the most flattering photo in the world but I thought I would give you all a sneak peak at my newish project.

I am 25 weeks!!! How large am I? I still have 15 weeks of growing. I wonder if it's all the chocolate and very naughty coca cola I have been consuming. Must control urges.

It being half term I have to amuse the other 2 children in my life and today in our local town there is an "Art Buffet" mmmmm food I initially thought, how wrong I could be. The art buffet is some huge tables stuffed full of paper, card, paints, glue, glitter, crayons, pastels, fabric, everything and anything and the kids get to create whatever the wonderful imaginations can come up with. And best of all....it's free!! So if ever you are around Sherborne, Dorset during the school holidays look out for it, they love it.

Featured Seller - Aleximo Croissant

2009-05-27T02:41:00.001-07:00

My first featured artist, I hope I do them justice.

I met Alex over on the Folksy Forums when I posted a thread asking for people to be featured on my blog. The response was overwhelming so I am going to make this a weekly thing....time permitting and as long as those pesky kids stay in school!!

I love Aleximo Croissant's shop, it's so fun, funky and vibrant. I sent her some questions which she has answered beautifully even though some of them are a tad on the stupid side.

1. Where do you get your inspiration?

A very wide variety of places, as with a lot of designers most of my ideas happen at night, so I find it imperative to keep a sketchbook by my bed at all times. I love walking around the grounds of Lyme Park, and the gardens at Tatton Park, I often go sketching there. Japanese culture has also inspired a lot of my work, I love anything to do with Studio Ghiblli and gashapon toys. All my pieces start off as sketchbook work, but it may take years before the initial sketch becomes a product or design.

2. Describe your work space?

I currently work in my bedroom, and in the garden when it’s not raining! I have a big desk in front of a south facing window over my garden. It’s a wonderful view with very good light, and I can see all the wildlife and trees, which helps to inspire my work too.

3. When and Why did you start your crafting business?

I’ve always made things, I don’t think I’ve ever bought a birthday card as prefer to make a personalised card for the recipient. I decided to start an online shop whilst I was still at uni to sell all the things I made but didn’t have room for. Sometimes whilst doing my degree I got an idea block, so I always had a side project to be working on. I also pushed myself to learn new skills at uni, and taught myself how to knit for a toy creation brief we did. Often the things I made were given away as gifts, and the positive feedback I received encouraged me to start my business.

4. What is your most favourite item that you sell?

I’m quite partial to my cupcake badges and candy knitted rabbit, I’m hoping to create a cupcake themed blank greetings card soon!

5. Where else do you sell?

I also sell on Etsy as well as Folksy, here; http://aleximo.etsy.com But I’m considering Misi and Coriandr too.

6. Do you do craft fairs and do you think they are a good place to sell?

I’ve only done one craft fair so far that a friend organised, it was a good day, but a bit hit-and-miss overall. I would love to do one of the Handm@de craft fairs, if I could get down to Cambridge. But I have two more coming up for July and November.

7. Describes your style in 3 words.

Eclectic, Random, Anglomania

8. What is the weirdest thing about you?

Even though I’m an avid reader and massive bibliophile, most of my books look like they’ve never been read. I can’t bear to break the spines, and so have perfected a style of reading that keeps the spine and cover intact!

9. What 1 item would you like to buy from another Folksy seller?

I’ve liked this Sakura Knot Pendant from Mettle Design Studio for a while: http://www.folksy.com/items/33741-Sakura-Knot-Pendant?shop=yes

10. Where is your most favourite place?

Windy Top at Lyme Park and DisneyWorld in Florida, I turn into a four year old whenever I go, it’s like you’re living in a bubble. Which can be very welcome sometimes!

11. What is your favourite book?

‘The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters’ by G.W.Dahlquist, this book blew my mind when I first read it, and still does. It has a feel of Conan-Doyle about it, and kept me thoroughly engaged right up to the end, which is impressive for a book 2 inches thick!

12. What is your favourite film?

That’s a toughie, it’s a toss up between ‘My Neighbour Totoro’, ‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ and ‘Labyrinth’.

13. What is your favourite song?

‘The Spark that Starts the Storm‘ by David Bentley, this song is by one of my flat mates from uni, it reminds me of my first year at uni and bbq’s at Storthes. You can listen to David’s music here: http://www.myspace.com/thisisdavidbentley

14. If you were an alien what would your name be?

Xlek Kavlar

15. If you could do anything for the day what would you do?

Work at Pixar, though I’d rather it be much more than a day!

16. You are a Superhero, what is power?

To Fly, but I’d have to have wings.

I would like to say a really big thank you to Alex for being my very first featured seller....and my human guinea pig. I hope you like the feature.

Drum Roll Please.....

2009-05-26T00:11:00.000-07:00

My very first competition has ended and it was most enjoyable. The competition was to come up with my 2nd ever competition to run next month. Simples.

And the winner is............Jaime and Pete from Jamball

And this is the winning entry, so look out for next months competition

"Howsabout this..... As the lovely name to your shop is "Here pretty kitty" have everyone make/design or simply draw a cat of their choice BUT the end piece MUST involve buttons in one way or another. Get people to post their results on your site and then get every applicant to vote on another persons piece at the end of the month. That way you get a true representation of what the followers of your Blog like and everyone gets involved. Lot's of different craft styles and media's will make your blog grow really quickly and it'll make it a surprise even for you log on and see something different everyday."

And here's Jamball's prize. I hope you like it.

These will be winging their way to you.

Competition Date

2009-05-23T01:33:00.000-07:00

I have decided to end the competition a little early. The new end date is 24th May with the winner being announced on the 25th May.

I should have thought the original date was too far in the future, will make a note for my future competitions of which there will be one next month using the winning idea!!

TrashyPrincess's Surprise Swap

2009-05-22T02:06:00.000-07:00

There is this lovely lady called TrashyPrincess over on Folksy who decided it would be a fun thing to do a surprise swap of supplies with some of the other friendly folk on Folksy.

Naturally I joined in as I love a good surprise....I mean who doesn't???

Mine arrived a couple of days ago but due to a rather hectic 5th birthday party I have been unable to blog about it.

I received mine from Jane over at Hooked Yarn and what a lovely surprise it was too. There were fabric samples, a zip, some buttons, a beautiful old postcard, some fabulous crocheted flowers, a funky handmade bag, some lace, a white tea bag and some yummy chocolate which didn't last more than 2 seconds but was very very delicious.

As you can see from the photos it really was a wonderful surprise.

So here is a big thank you to HookedYarn for my wonderful surprise and to TrashyPrincess for organising this. I'll definitely join in again if you do it, it's been an absolute blast.

If you would like to a nice blog then go no further than http://trashyprincess.blogspot.com/

Something About Pigeons and Toes.

2009-05-19T04:20:00.000-07:00

Sean told me something last week that has been driving me crazy ever since. It was how to tell the difference between a pigeon call and a dove call. It goes like this. A doves call sounds like someone saying "united" whereas a pigeon call sounds like someone saying "my toe is bleeding" I have a pair wood pigeons in the garden and when they call to each other all I can hear in my head now is "my toe is bleeding, my toe is bleeding"

And here are the hot to trot love birds!!

Party Bags!!

2009-05-18T09:40:00.000-07:00

This week is my daughter's 5th Birthday and I have been busy trying to plan an old fashioned style party with a more homemade feel to it. I have been busy sewing 14 party bags and making peg doll kits to go inside...much to my partners horror...he thinks that plastic is all they want and he might be right but I still felt a need to do this. I am giving in and adding a couple of plastic toys but I am going to try to go for ore durable ones, like yoyo's.

My sewing leaves a lot to be desired.

Enjoy the rest of your Monday. x

Competition Competition!!

2009-05-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking for a little while about running a competition. So here it is.

My very 1st competition is to come up with an idea that I can use next month for my 2nd ever competition. It has to be fun, slightly wacky but not too complicated as to put people off. The winner will be chosen at midday on 31st May by my mum, my sister and moi.

The winner will receive a gorgeous selection of vintage buttons. I promise I won't skimp!

The winning competition idea will be mine to use on this site the following month.

If you do not have a blogger account or any contact information on your account please go to my profile and email me your contact details. Thanks :-)

Folksy Sunday

2009-05-10T00:37:00.000-07:00

So I thought I would start this beautiful sunny Sunday off with a look at some fantastic items from the very cleaver people who sell on Folksy. And seeing as I am all about buttons at the moment I thought I would make it a button theme.So first up is this rather stylish ceramic pot by Lauren Ceramics
http://www.folksy.com/shops/laurenceramics

This bracelet from iMake would look fantastic with a lovely summery outfit.
http://www.folksy.com/shops/iMake
This is just too cute, from the othermousie
http://www.folksy.com/shops/theothermousie

How funky?? From Jellybelly*jellybrain
http://www.folksy.com/shops/jellybellyjellybrainI am so in love with this brooch from milomade
http://www.folksy.com/shops/milomadeThis adorable set of hair clips is from lovely pigeon
http://www.folksy.com/shops/lovelypigeon
And last but by now ways least is this lovely wall hanging from The Blueberry Patch
http://www.folksy.com/shops/TheBlueberryPatch

So that was just a teensy selection of button magic that I love on Folksy, if I haven't shown one of your items please don't be upset, I could only show a few and they are all so lovely it was difficult to choose. These just show you what you can do with a pinch of imagination and dash of fantastic buttons.......especially vintage ;-)

There are so many more talented crafters at Folksy not just in buttons but on the whole site you really should go and have a look. For that present that is a little bit different than what you can buy in the high streets shops what could be better than this site? Go on, you know you want to....

WooHoo I'm Back!!

2009-05-06T05:44:00.001-07:00

Well I am back, quite a few months later!!! I got waylaid by Christmas and then as soon as the holiday season was over I found out I was pregnant with my 3rd child. So for quite a while I was too tired or sick to blog and I didn't even list anything in my shops! Well now I must be in the blooming stage as I have my energy back and no longer feel like I have a permanent hangover. Oh yeah, and I have a new obsession as you will see from my shops. It's vintage buttons. They are so yummy so I am sharing them with everyone. I thought I would post some photos so that you can see a before and after shot! There is a lot of work getting these buttons looking this good. Here is a tray full of buttons that I bought at a local car boot sale this weekend.

And now for a few after shots

Aren't they simple delicious? And don't you just love my vintage tray :-)

Oh Deer, Oh Deer, Oh Deer

2008-11-02T01:50:00.000-07:00

So it's November already!! And what a cold and damp one it is too. I have been dreaming of those wonderful cold and crisp autumn days so I thought I would find some items from Etsy which made me feel autumnal. And here they are, what a dear lot.....Is that just a bit too corny or what?

This is from www.corrabelle.etsy.com

http://www.followthewhiterabbit.etsy.com/

http://www.3sisterslove.etsy.com/

http://www.sarahwinklerart.etsy.com/

http://www.enfinlavoila.etsy.com/

I hope you like them all as much as I do. To me they are just so scrummy. They can all be found on Etsy.

I Did It!!!!

2008-10-27T10:19:00.000-07:00

I survived my very first face to face sales morning. It was a success as I really wasn't sure I would sell anything at all. I ended up selling quite a few! This is my display.

That day was very busy for me all in all. I started the morning at 4.30am as I do a small job at the weekends. This was followed by the coffee morning I did with my friend and then topped off with a child's birthday party (scary theme) having to dress 2 under 5's as a witch and an evil doctor. A couple hours of over excited kids and parcel the parcel fun and I was well and truly poopped.

Lazy Layouts

2008-10-20T11:46:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the poor layout of my 2nd post. Still learning to post and also very tired!

All Bagged Out

2008-10-20T10:56:00.000-07:00

Today has been a day of bags! I am going to a coffee morning on Saturday to sell my wares, or at least attempt to sell my wares to your typical village school mums. This is my very first time of trying to sell my goods face to face and I am getting a bit stressed and a lot scared. What if they hate them? What if I have gone to all this effort and not one person buys something. Fingers crossed then.

I have been so busy filling my bags up with all manner of crafty goodies today that I really didn't think I would have time to feature my favs of the day from Etsy and Dawanda, but I am managing to squeeze it in while my boyf puts out kids to bed. So without further ado here they are.My first one from Etsy is this from myauntdebbie, it's so much fun and I would love to go to a party with Aunt Debbie.

Next is this beautiful hair clips from kitchentablestudios. The whole shop is full of quirky items I would love to own.

Wow, if i only I was glamorous enough to wear one of these!! This is from PinkTigersDen.

So on to Dawanda.

My first Dawanda treat is this tray from http://en.dawanda.com/shop/enna. I love it, its so retro.

Now isn't this gorgeous. This is from http://en.dawanda.com/shop/letthemeatcake I want to fill this up with cupcakes.

How pretty is this. I would want to take my money out all the time if it came out of something this lovely. This is from http://en.dawanda.com/shop/studioglobe

I am obviously harping back to a different era with these items. I love anything retro. Long live Vintage

Day 1 in the Here Pretty Kitty House

2008-10-18T03:19:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog! I am now officially a blogger. I have decided to come to blogging because I have 2 online shops and it seems the done thing. It does feel a bit strange to bear your soul to the world like this.

My 2 shops are on Etsy and Dawanda so check them out if you get a spare moment. Both sites are an excellent place to find that rare and unusual gift. If you are fed up with buying the same old stuff from the High Street then go and take a peek, I promise you will not be disappointed.

I love the sites so much that I am thinking of showing a selection of my favourites goodies from both on a weekly basis. Look out for that this Monday!

To add a bit of colour to my page I thought I would post a couple of my newest items. All my kits are great presents to give to crafters. They are more personal and pleasant than the plastic boxes you get in the shops and once you have used all the bits and bobs from the kit you are left with a lovely little drawstring bag. I try and use as much vintage and recycled items as possible and mix them in with the new so you get a wonderful array of items to help your imagination run wild.