A return to sewn pictures

About 20 years ago I used to sell my sewn pictures in a number of shops and at a local indoor market-they always sold well and thankfully they were a favorite thing to make.
One picture I sold had hundreds of teeny tiny bees see on-depicting a huge beehive. I loved it, I was pleased to sell, but remember the emotional wrench of letting it go.
I tend do that with every picture I make, so much love and time goes in to them.

I have very much returned to this style of imagery again and have sold a few lately.
I've recently begun a series of sewn pictures that are based around my adorable god daughter. I had such a lovely day visiting her today, taking photos to use for the sewn image...and eating cake!

a whirlwind of a year

 

On one the last days of the year, I decided to look through how far I have come in relauncing myself full time back into the creative craft world and in such a short space of time.


Over 18 years ago I was selling items that were handmade through markets and fayres and for a long time it was put on a back burner, done on a much smaller scale...But in May, after feeling quite lost and unsure of the next direction- thought long and hard about what I was good at and what I loved.

High up on that list was design-and considering that was what I trained in, it was a perfect place to start. Very quickly I also became aware that the need for workshops delivering skills such as sewing and crafts.



It was thanks to Cafe Create and Joanne Land that these begun in September and the new workshops planned for the upcoming spring are so exciting. The felt making workshop was popular and such fun, and will be delivered again in the new year.

Attending the Darlington Sunday Peoples Market was another high moment, going back to a platform that I love-There is nothing finer than talking to the public about what I am passionate about-introducing lost skills such as sewing to adults who have never tried but always wanted too is such a wonderful feeling!

 

 

Over the last five months the products sold have evolved and I'm so much happier with the quality and content-I have such pride in every item created, knowing it will bring joy to the person who will own it.

 And I'm astounded as to how well my internet sales have been-through Etsy and receiving emails via the internet, so much so that in the new year there will be E-Commerce added for ease of both selling and for they buyer.









In October I could have burst with Joy at being included in the magazine Craftseller in their 'Ask The Expert' section on the Q&A Page.
I'm very much looking forward to more features in the up coming months as well as having features in two other magazines this spring.













So to sum up-this year begun feeling a little lost and in need of emotional, professionals happiness. I returned full time to a creative platform and so much thanks goes to my family. They have been, as they always are amazing!, Simple amazing!

And not forgetting my very close friends who never once doubted for a second

that I could do what I set out to. It might now seem like much,

but for someone take the time to say "well done" is heart warming.

Next year is going to be so exciting-I cant wait for it to begin!

http://www.etsy.com/shop/DrawnThreads

Drawnthreads.uk@gmail.com

www.Drawnthreads.co.uk

December and Christmas time

Drawn threads has had a wonderful December-from attending the Darlington Sunday people's markets to madly getting a multitude if orders together to post out to customers-I haven't stopped but have loved every minute if it.
From a wonderful event at Carmel college to one of the nicest markets I attended, the 'turning if the lights' event, we had some wonderful customers and despite being very chilly we had an amazing night. My two wonderful Christmas elves were a huge support and I couldn't have done with out them.

Santa bags are all you need!

Drawn threads will be on the Darlington People's Sunday market tomorrow and selling our 'Santa bags'-theses include everything need for his arrival such as a felt mice pie for the big guy himself and a carrot for Rudolph too. There is also a letter to write your list and a decoration for your tree.

Helping old ladies on busses

I got together with my now husband 22 years ago yesterday. We had been 'best friends' for a number of years and he always gave me the encouragement that I needed to believe in my self.
At the time, I was studying at art college and then went on to study Graphic Design. All the while he would show up to exhibitions of my work, giving me encouragement and confidence in my talent.

He was, and still is one of the kindest individuals I have the pleasure of being around and on a daily basis I 'loose' him whist he helping to get things off a shelf for someone in the super market, help neighbours if they needed it-without a second thought or as the title says 'helps old ladies onto busses'.

When it became apparent that I wanted to formally set up my business, blog and web site, yet again his unfailing support was there. What ever I do, whether it be a craft fair, market stall or popping to the post office, he always does it without a second though-and never moans too much, even on the coldest market days.

My business wouldn't be a success without him silently there in the background and anyone who comes to the Darlington Peoples Sunday Market every first Sunday of each month would say "He looks better in the pink money pinny that I ever could"!

Carmel quality fayre

Last nights fayre at Carmel College in Darlington was just lovely.
The delightful carols sung by the choir set the tone for the evening and the festive stalls looked amazing!!!!
Well done kids!

I had some surprising sellers such as the needle books and pin cushions and the IPad cases went down like hot cakes.
The "I love ...." Bags were also a huge hit and I'll look forward to seeing them around town.
And it's left me thinking "why have I never done the Carmel fayre before"?
especially when I have attended many other school fayres and craft fairs around the region over the years.

Now it had left me with a hectic few weeks re-making the stock for the next markets at the end if November.
And its all smiles from me!

A whirl wind couple of weeks

Crikey...what a mad few weeks and I've had to put blogging to one side and concentrate on the orders and stock.
It's an exciting time of year and I love the buzz of the up coming Christmas season and I love being busy, but I will be so pleased when Christmas is finally here!

I've been at a number of events, last week was the November Darlington People Sunday Market last week, meeting new customers and new stall holders but my goodness, it was SO cold!
This week I'm at Carmel Collage Christmas Fayre, I'm really looking forward to it. I volunteered Reuben to help clear up afterwards, well, it is school!

So now I've got all my stock complete, all ready for the Carmel College Quality Christmas Fayre on Thursday and I've just finished an order for a 11 year olds girly birthday party for felt rose corsage' to be worn on the wrist-I'm looking forward to hearing all about it soon.
I can now breath and take in all the joys of the festive season.