Friday 20 December 2013

Latest Happenings

Hello all,

Haven't been here for a while - been so busy! I have to keep reminding myself to breathe...

So here are a few little pictures of what's been happening in the world of FMN Crafts. I recently went to Bakewell and did a weekend fair which was a whole lot of fun. I had some great neighbours and there were quite a few people through the door. I sold a few things too ;)


These pictures are fairly small as they were taken on my mobile, but you get the idea. The pictures above were of my stall and when I look at it like this, it looks quite full! Although the stall is not huge, people take their time when they stop to look and I can see why now...there are many different things to look at! The fair was at the Bakewell Town Hall in Derbyshire and the fair was organised by Dawn and Steve of Craftwise. They are the most lovely people ever and will do absolutely anything to make you feel welcome and comfortable at their fairs. This is why, although I have to travel quite some distance to get to and from the fair there, I do them because the organisers are so friendly and helpful and make it worthwhile.

While there, I stayed at a delightful little cottage for two nights which was quite close by and it was really, really lovely. Although I didn't get to see much of it as I was obviously at the fair, I did get to spend time on the previous Friday there and get walking in the Peaks. It was really cold but so picturesque.


The cottage I stayed in is called Monks Memories (the section on the extreme right on the first picture) and is part of the Monks Dale Farm in Millers Dale, near Buxton, Derbyshire. My family have stayed there several times, in all three cottages as they sleep different amounts and we just love it. If you ever want a quiet, relaxing and beautiful holiday, this is the place to go. Around the actual farm there is only a road into the nearest town 5 miles away and lots of footpaths, but walk down the Limestone Way, right next to the cottages and you are into Millers Dale which although has more that Monks Dale Farm has in the way of occupation & amenities, it does only have a church, a pub, a telephone box, a B&B and some holiday cottages. The perfect little retreat!

Sinse then, I have been busy in the workshop and mostly I have been restocking items I have been selling out of, so not much point in showing you items previously made, but I have made one new line and it's these wash bags:


I wanted to make a slight difference to the make-up bags I make in the form of wash bags, as I get asked quite a lot if I make them, but I often find that using oilcloth for the interior (so it can be wiped out) is a little too stiff and hard to manage at times, particularly with a softer cotton exterior. I looked at laminated cotton but couldn't find any that went with the rustic material you see above, but then I found some 'wipe-able' (it said in the shop) material, which I can only assume to be cotton coated in some fine wax or cotton that has been sealed in some way. Any thoughts? It is pliable and matches the earthy feel to the upholstery material exterior quite nicely :) I decided also to make it a little different by adding a handle and by using large eyelets to put it through. I really like the result! And I especially loved the hammering involved by installing the eyelets! Tension? What tension?! These bags are ones that will last for a very long time, they are robust and big enough to hold your essential toiletries. They measure 9 1/2" across at the widest part and 5 1/2" tall. I made them with flat bases too so they will stand up and the zips are locking zips, so no chance of it coming undone in transit. They will be in my Etsy store very soon...

And finally I have been on a material hunt for quite a few days and after three trips came home with this lot:


Well actually, there is a lot more as I forgot to photograph the green wipe-able, the denim and the curtaining material I just got, so you'll just have to imagine them! These materials above were a great find. I usually shop around and these were in one of my favorite shops - I couldn't resist! Had a bit of a heart attack at the bill, but oh well, I hope to re-coup that through sales ;) Pass it on...

These materials are all 100% cotton so there is so much scope. I tend to like to mix things up so I am going to have great fun using these. Watch this space.

And then, as I would imagine all the rest of the country I have been getting ready for Christmas. I am a little scared as I seem to have done everything and there is still quite of bit of time to go...surely this is an indication that I have forgotten something! Oh well, we'll see...

And on that note, I'll be off, thank you for reading, share or Like me on Facebook please or simply leave a comment. Merry Christmas! :)

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Monday 11 November 2013

Stanley's Cake Boutique

Evening all,

Just wanted to point you in the direction of another one of my family's fabulous business's that is new and exciting - Stanley's Cake Boutique.




Amy makes amazing and delicious cakes in Charlton, London and she has many styles of cakes, including the Shoe Collection:
 

This fantastic 2 tier Princess Castle Cake with micro fairy lights:


This Dinosaur Jungle Cake:

  

These delicious Chocolate Fudge and Butterscotch Cupcakes:


  And this Elegant Black Candelabra and Feathers Cake:


I mean, just look! Fantastic. Check out her Facebook page and I dare you not to order...

Thanks for reading,
Julie.

Monday 4 November 2013

Matlock Bath Craft Fair

Afternoon all,

A little 'wordy' post here but just wanted to say I survived the 12 days stint in Matlock Bath! I had a fabulous time and although business was good at the weekends, the week days were a little slower. But, it was expected, so mustn't grumble. October is a funny month for people to do day trips and holidays...We had a few bus loads in though, so that helped :) My main reason for today's post was to mention some fab people I was surrounded by and their businesses:

Stall placements changed from the weekends to weekdays, and on the first weekend I was stood next to Duncan and Vicky of Jewelz Online who sell some beautiful silver jewellery and scarves and I also stood next to Amanda of The Rustic Camper who sell wonderful cheeses and homemade chutneys. Then during the week days I was stood next to the completely wonderful and funny Lisa of Lisa Joanne Smith who is a stained glass artist and makes absolutely beautiful jewellery from it, and on the other side of me was Stephanie of Jofli Bears - not just bears but bears with backpacks that go on adventures!

Also around me during the 12 days were Len, Linda and Paul of Dad's Bees who produce and supply their delicious home made honey products of such diverse varieties, made using honey from their own bees; Kevin Wood who is an Artist and Illustrator, specialising in meercats! He brilliantly decorates drinks coasters, wall plaques, designs posters and teapots etc with his creations and is soon to be found on Etsy (go on Kev!); Elaine Hall of The Body Shop selling wonderfully priced Body Shop products, especially good on the run up to Christmas; Shelagh Wray who sells beautiful unusual and vintage jewellery and is setting up her own Fairs next year (woop!); the pint-sized and adorable Carol of Beaumont Bags who sells uniquely designed leather bags, money wallets and journals, as well as Betty & Brian who sell gifts for £2.50 for the Alzheimer's Society and Ian & Verity, Tom, Claire, Elaine, Sue and more who make and sell jams, chutneys, cards, bags, buns and fudge etc - I guess there are just too many to mention! But, ALL of these businesses are brilliant in my opinion and must be looked at, so if you get a minute...

The Matlock Bath Crafts, Gift and Food Fairs have closed for a few months now but re-open in February, so watch their Facebook page for that. BIG thank you's have to go to Joolz and Nathan who are the organisers of the Fairs and provide a magnificent hall to exhibit in that they took months to renovate brilliantly, as well as free entry to the public and numerous cups of tea for the stallholders!

I will be exhibiting three more times before Christmas, so if you want to see my products 'in the flesh' you haven't got much time left and yes, Christmas is coming! Details of my fairs are usually on Facebook or Twitter. If you wish to order from me Online, remember my products are hand made - allow extra time for me making them and getting them through the Christmas post please

Anyway, thanks for reading and pass this on if you wish, leave a comment or like me on Facebook :) Until the next time...

Julie.

Wednesday 16 October 2013

Sheet Music & Maps Gift Bags

Good afternoon,

I would like to share with you what I have just finished making...


These are gift bags I have made out of sheet music I bought from a recent fair. The books are really old and I just fell in love immediately. I have always wanted to make gift bags but never had paper or card big enough - here was my chance!

I have made them as sets of three so there's a variety for many sizes of gifts, they have red ribbon handles which I think gives a great pop of colour and I made a tag for each too. I used masking tape to hold them together as not only did the cream colour match perfectly, it adds to the rugged look and feel of the old sheet music. They fold down flat too.

They are all made of individual music pieces, mostly solo piano, but some in the books also have song. I labelled each packaging with the contents as you can see here, including the sizes of each bag as they do vary ever so slightly: 


I think they would be great to hold a gift for a music lover, but even if not, they would be great to hold any gift! Tell you what though, my fingers are REALLY sore from all the folding and pressing - it's good quality paper you know! I did use a ruler for definition, but they still hurt. Oh well, poor me, no pain no gain :)

I also just made this too:


This one is made from a really old map! The area is the Peak District in Derbyshire - my favourite place, so I couldn't resist buying the map. And even though the creases are really, well, creased, I think it adds to the character :)

Then I made this one:


This one is a newer map! And it is of Pickering...no connection to me in any way, just part of the map I found at the sale! 


I am off to Matlock Bath on Saturday for 7 days (yep, 7 days, wish me luck!) and I will be taking these bags with me. Hopefully I am sure they will sell, I think the Derbyshire map one will be a draw if nothing else and I will have made more by then too. I'd buy them!

Thanks for reading, share if you like, comment if you like or Like me on Facebook and I'll speak to you soon. Have a good day.

Julie.
(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Monday 7 October 2013

Bunting

Good afternoon all,

Just wanted to show you my latest creation - nothing new in the world, but certainly new to me - my very own bunting:


This is for the front of my stall when I do Fairs. I have some paper bunting, but as you'd expect it is starting to deteriorate, so I thought I would make my own :)

I used pieces of my favourite materials, backed them for stability and durability and added to a 6 feet plus length of bias binding. I think they are really cute!

I couldn't take too many brilliant photos but I think you get the idea. I am inspired by it now to make more to sell - perhaps in really small scale so they can be added to the edges of shelves, or in 'normal' scale but in themes, like Christmas and Easter etc... I think this is another one of those 'the possibilities are endless' instances ;)

So look out for my bunting if you visit a fair! Thanks for reading, share if you like or Like me on Facebook.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Friday 4 October 2013

Latest Batch of Button Bracelets and more...

Evening all,

Firstly, I wanted to share my latest creations with you - it's been a busy week! Here are some new Button Bracelets:


Each has around 8-9 buttons, I used black and white waxed linen string (so the buttons don't slip around), I added beads to increase the cuteness and they measure between 6 1/2" to just over 8", so there should be a bracelet to suit all :)

I managed to get hold of some gold themed buttons and have made a couple of bracelets that could be described as 'bling'! They would look really good with a LBD for a special night out though... I also like the dark theme one with a pop of red in the middle. Mind you, I do like the neutrals though as they go with anything. Oh, the choice!

When I make them, I lay out the string and then just let my fingers wonder to find the buttons required. It's relaxing and almost therapeutic.

I plan to save these for my next fair as I only have five apart from these, but of course if you see one you would like, I can list it on Etsy for you with no problem at all. Guess how much they are? Just £1.99 each. Yep, you read it right!


Also, you know my Floral Diary Covers? Well I made some blue ones too, with check interior:




These Diaries and Diary Covers have proved popular with folk at fairs so far, so I put some on Etsy, you should take a look. They make great gifts for neighbours, teachers, friends and family members. The idea being that diaries are replaced each year so the owner always has a pretty addition to their handbag or work area. Lovely! And at only £3.99, it's hard to resist. :)

Thanks for reading, please share this if you like, Like me on Facebook or leave a comment. I had a comment earlier in the week and I was really pleased! (Hint hint...)

Have a great weekend,
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Wednesday 2 October 2013

Extra, Extra, Read All About It!

And so, in addition to the last couple of posts, I now have made these little beauties!...


In case you were wondering, they are my latest Christmas Gift Set which includes a Tissue Pack with 10 tissues, a Double Sided Purse which is big enough for cash and cards, and a 2014 Diary with Diary Cover.

All are in the Rose Floral range and all are complimentary to one another. For example, the Tissue Pack has the Rose Floral exterior with Blue Floral interior, the purse has one side of Rose Floral and the other is Blue Floral with plain green zip and plain cream interior, and the diary is Rose Floral exterior and plain pink interior, so they all work lovely together!


They make an ideal gift in that they are all items that are carried in hand bags and are used every day. They could also stay at home, so there are no restrictions. They are ideal for flower lovers, Cath Kidston fans as I use some of her material, and people who appreciate hand made items :) Do you know any one who fits into any of these categories?

I have made two sets so far, I will put one up on Etsy shortly and I hope to see you there...

Thanks for looking, please pass it on if you like this post or leave me a comment.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Friday 27 September 2013

...Follow Up to New Gift Set

And so today I managed to buy some Boots Lipsalves and finish off the Gift Sets ready for tomorrow's Fair!

The Boots Lipsalve





In it's holder ready to add to keys or hand bag

All wrapped up and tagged

My package labels

Lovely packaging - just add name

The first three done :)
And so, I will be exhibiting tomorrow, Saturday 28th September at the St.Leonard's Community Centre, Wollaton, Nottingham at a Coffee and Craft Morning in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support. If you are able to come along there will be some great stalls and some great coffee, tea and cakes! You will be supporting a fabulous cause.

AND you'll be able to purchase some of my yummy gifts too!

Pass it on...
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Thursday 26 September 2013

Diary Covers

Hi all,

Just a quick post today - I made and wanted to show you this:

  

So as the title of the blog suggests, it's a diary cover. 

This was my Mum's idea - we were sat in a coffee shop last week (as we do most weeks!) and the idea just popped into her head! We discussed it and this is what we came up with :) And I'm pretty pleased with it. We talked about it having a section to hold a pencil (if the diary didn't have one with it) but I decided against it as it could look a bit like a gimmick. I also thought about adding decoration to it, but in the end I decided just to keep it simple so that there were no 'bits' that could snag or get torn off in a hand bag.

These are for hard back diaries and one is supplied with the cover when purchased. I could also make book covers too using the same principle. Maybe matching sets... Yet again, the possibilities are endless. 

What do you think? They will retail at £3.99 and I have a few ready made now. I will also be making them in different materials soon too. Would you like one? They will be in my Etsy store soon.

Thanks for reading, share if you like or leave a comment.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013.

Wednesday 25 September 2013

Next Gift Set

Evening all,

It has been a little busy here recently, well, a lot busy actually, but now we have finished at Miniatura for the year, I am able to concentrate on the crafts again for a while.

Here is the second in my line of Christmas (or other) Gift Sets:


This Gift Set is a Tissue Pack and Lip Salve Holder.

I simply love these materials and so have teamed the two items together, making it a very pretty hand made gift set for any lady who likes an organised hand bag (or needs one!).

I know two ladies at least who carry tissues in their bag, right Mum? And I carry a lip salve too so why not have them in a matching set?

These have not been packaged yet, like the sets in the previous post, as I need to buy some lip salves to add to them first, but they will be packaged beautifully, making it very easy for the gift giver.

This coming Saturday I am at a Craft and Coffee morning, in aid of Macmillan Cancer Support and their Worlds Biggest Coffee Morning planned for Friday 27th September 2013; I will be taking my Gift Sets there - fingers crossed they'll go well! Would you like one? They are priced at £8.99. Message me if so or come along to the St. Leonard's Community Centre in Wollaton, Nottingham from 11am - 2pm for a cuppa and a shopping spree :D

Thanks for reading, leave a comment if you wish or remember you can follow me on Facebook or Twitter anytime.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Wednesday 11 September 2013

Dare I say the word 'Christmas' yet?

Hello all,

Hmm, if you are anything like me, I would not be amused while we are still in September...but I'm in business, so it's actually mentioned in June :) Lucky me :D

Anyway, my point is, I have just started to put together Christmas Gift Sets. Here are the first two sets:

The Presentation Packs

These are my beautiful Rose Shopping Bags teamed with matching Rose Coin Purses.

I simply love this material and I think it is so versatile in it's uses. These shopping bags are always good sellers at my craft fairs as stand alone items, but to have them paired with delighful matching purses, just makes shopping day that little bit nicer.

These have been put together with Christmas Gifts in mind, but of course they are ideal as gifts for any occasion. 

The Rose Shopping Bag and Rose Coin Purse together

They come neatly folded, carded for stability, wrapped and beautifully presented. The tags are on ready for use and each pack will have a different, but complimentary to the theme tag.

The Rose Coin Purse holds money and cards
 

The Rose Shopping Bag folds up to be the same size as the Rose Coin Purse for ease of transport

What do you think? Do you have that special person in mind that would appreciate a hand made gift like this? I know I would LOVE to receive a set...

So, for the next however long it takes, I will be making and collaborating sets including place mats & coasters, aprons & oven gloves, pin cushions & scissors cases, make-up bags & make-up brushes holders, bookmarks & glasses cases and...the list goes on. Check back regularly for updates.

If you want to comment or have any questions, just get in touch. If you would like to 'Like' me on Facebook, please do! Thank you for reading.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Monday 2 September 2013

Recent Fairs and New Makes

Hi all,

Hoping you are all well. I am currently recovering from a stint of fairs, 7 days in a row, at Matlock Bath and Bakewell in the beautiful county of Derbyshire.

As mentioned in the previous post, I stood for the week at Matlock Bath and I had a great time. The stall holders around me were lovely and we had a few laughs, and the customers were friendly and interested in my products. I sold quite a few things throughout the week, so much so that I was a little worried I wouldn't have enough stock left for the Saturday fair in Bakewell!

So onto Bakewell - that was a really good fair too, organised by Dawn of Craftwise and it has a lovely atmosphere. I sold quite a few things and made some great new contacts too, so all is good :)

I think I drove around 360 miles during those 7 days, to and fro' the fairs, so that as well as standing throughout the days resulted in a long stay in bed afterwards! Lovely.

But, I was back in the workshop today - I have a list of things to re-make now and there's no time like the present!

So, today I have been making shopping bags. I decided to take a few photos along the way just so you can see a little bit of an inside view. This is the rose and cream one:


And this is a new music material one:

A little less pictures, but the same principles used. 

I really like these bags, they are so versatile and hard wearing and as they are 100% cotton, they can be put in the washing machine as many times as you like.

I will be putting them on my Etsy shop soon, so please take a look. 

Thanks for reading, if you like this blog, please leave a comment or Like me on Facebook if you wish. Have a nice day.
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013


Monday 26 August 2013

Matlock Bath Craft, Gift & Food Fair

Evening all,

Today and yesterday, I had a stall at the Old Methodist Church Crafts, Gifts and Food Fair and I had a really great, if not tiring time! Here's part of my stall:


Here's when people were just setting up before the made rush: 


And here's my Husband David's stall next to mine - he was selling Dolls, Teddy Bears and hand made Christmas Decorations in aid of the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (#RNLI)


We had a good time, there were plenty of people through the door, it's free might I add, and we made quite a few sales. 

David and I will be there again tomorrow and then just I will be there until Friday. It promises to be an exciting week! Joolz and Nathan, the two wonderful people who own the premises and run the fairs, have experimented a little by opening the doors throughout the week, as well as just the weekends and from the last two weeks have found it to be very popular - and in demand, so that is why I am standing this week too. Must give it a try as I love Matlock Bath and the fair, so why not?! David is only able to stand with his charity stall (today and) tomorrow, so if you are in the area and looking for a few bargains, please come and pay us a visit. The RNLI are a non-government funded charity who saves lives at sea - every day. Please give as much as you can.

AND if you mention this blog post, to either David or myself, you will receive a FREE GIFT! Ohhhh can't be bad! :D

Don't forget I'm on Facebook  and Twitter too; please leave me a message!

Thanks for reading, speak soon,
Julie.

Saturday 24 August 2013

Mens Wallets and Unconventional Item...

Good evening all,

It's been a while since I last blogged. Do you have kids? Summer holidays? Need I say more..?

Anyway, I have still been designing and making up (in between sorting 'stuff') and I want to show you these:


I know that most of the items I make are predominantly for females and like the tin cans I made a while ago for men, I made these wallets too. My husband liked them straight away and that is why you will see 7, instead of 8! There is room for 4 cards (or more if you put two in each slot like in my purse!) and there is a large slot at the back for some notes. I made these purposely without any form of clasp, so that it will sit flat in the back pocket and not catch on the way in or out. I also made them using hard wearing upholstery material as I know they will be well used, and I lined them in black cotton. I really like them, what do you think?

I also have been working on something a little less conventional. This is a peg bag, but not as you know it...:


I call it an Peg Bucket! This developed from one of those 'we have a problem and need to find a solution' situations. My peg bag is the traditional coat anger style, that hangs side ways on the line, sometimes making it awkward to get to the pegs - and so I thought about it, and made this style where it opening facing you. :) Now, not only is it easier to get to the pegs, but also it clips on and off the line easily, it's sturdy and will hold many pegs, it can clip onto you laundry basket too if you wish and has a draw string closure to keep your pegs clean when not in use. Cool huh? Plus, it's pretty...

I have only made one of these so far, I'm going to wait and see what the reaction is tomorrow when I take it to the fair at Matlock Bath.

Anyway, that's all for now, have a great weekend.
Comment if you wish or Like me on Facebook - either way, I don't mind!
Julie. 

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Monday 22 July 2013

Button Bracelets

Good morning all,

Just wanted to share these little beauties with you:


 My latest batch of home made button bracelets :)

Whenever I do a craft fair, these seem to be the 'hot cakes' of the occasion. They always get a look in and the comments are always the same; "arr, they're so cute!" and "I've got loads of buttons, would never have thought to make these!" and such like...

I love making them and I make them of varying lengths so everyone is sure to find one that fits, but I had to stop as I ran out of thread! I use a special thin yet strong waxed twine and its great, as it sits just how you want it to - it holds the buttons in place yet molds easily to the wrist, giving a lightweight feel and a very pretty look!

Here's a pic of when I had just finished this batch:
You see the twine? That's all I have left...soon be off to the shops!

My next fair is at the beginning of August so I am saving these for then - of course if you would like one, just ask, we can get that sorted. They are only £2.49. Bargain!

Thanks for reading, pass this on if you like or leave a comment.

Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013

Thursday 27 June 2013

Matlock Bath Crafts, Gifts and Food Fair

Evening all,

Just a little reminder that if you are free on Sunday and love Derbyshire, please nip into Matlock Bath and visit the Crafts, Gifts and Food Fair


I'll be there selling my lovely items...and there are always some beautiful locally made items, including lots of yummy food and cakes. :)

Thanks a lot - pass it on!

Julie.


Tuesday 25 June 2013

Tins, tins, tins!

Good afternoon, thank you for dropping by.

I want to show you these that I have just finished, in preparation for my Craft Fair coming up in Matlock Bath on Sunday:


They are re-worked tins made into pencil, pens, make-up brushes, utensils or 'what-ever-you-like' holders!

I prepared the tins for use, then lined them inside and out. For the inside I used felt and for the outside, I used craft paper with embellishments. Pretty cute, right?


You can see from the picture above quite clearly the felt lining and the contrasting base colour that applies to most of them, and then the ribbon around the edges. I liked using two different designs on most of the tins to add a little fun. They can be placed in any position and will always look cute!


The one above here has cute little cupcakes and stripes and so would fit into many places of the home, including as shown above, in the kitchen. There's really no excuse. ;)



This one is made using a smaller tin and so I made it a child's tin. It still comes with 12 crayons as the others do, it's just a little smaller in stature. The rabbit will hopefully appeal to many.

 
And the second of my children's pencil holders is this brightly multi-coloured one. I love this! It is of the small size but packs a punch. There's no chance of losing it...


Back to the full size again and this one will fit into many areas of the home again. And like I said before, they don't have to be just for stationery, they can be for make-up brushes, hair brushes and combs, utensils, paint brushes, scissors, bingo dobbers (!) - what ever takes your fancy. 


And finally I made this one that is a little more hard wearing and will suit tools and equipment as it has a more 'hardy' appeal. This is lined in one colour felt (black) and has upholstery material on the outside, from floor to ceiling, that will manage many knocks. Perhaps one for the men in our lives? Or is that too stereo-typical?

Anyway, I know there will be more to come, but wanted to share these with you for now. 

What do you think? I'd love your comments and I take questions too, please get in contact. Don't forget you can find me on Facebook

Thanks for reading, take care.
Julie.

(C) FMN Crafts 2013