Tuesday 28 May 2013

Matlock Bath and New Uphostery Bag

Hello all,

Hoping you are all well - I am just recovering form a busy Bank Holiday spent at Matlock Bath Craft and Gift Fair, Derbyshire. It was a fun weekend with many coming and goings and I made quite a lot of sales, so was very pleased. I had some great neighbours and enjoyed my time there, already looking forward to going back.

Part of my stall

You see my sock monkey in the middle of the stand? Well I sold him. BUT I DIDN'T MEAN TO! I have him sat there and I take orders from him as I let customers choose their own sock (new, of course!) and I love Monkey. But a lady came up with a toddler, asked how much, passed me the money and took him before I even realised what was happening - I was distraught! Monkeyyyyy! But I didn't have the heart to tell her once she had walked away as the little girl had already kissed him and was hugging him tight... arr. But my little Monkey! Oh well....

I made quite a few more button bracelets to take and they did well again. I sold many items I have had for a few weeks but my ultimate hot cakes for this fair were make-up bags. I don't know why in particular but I sold three in one go at one stage! So that was good.

This week I will be looking at other fairs in and around Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire that I can stand at too. I had a lot of hints and tips from fellow stallholders this weekend for which I am grateful. Thanks to all. Also thanks to Lynn for holding the fort for Joolz and Nathan who were away in Scotland, well done you! (and helpers...)

And for the second reason to post - my new upholstery bag in black and cream:


It is made from a strong and gorgeous black and cream upholstery material, I have lined it with black cotton material, added a swinging pocket which easily accommodates a mobile phone or purse and made some funky and unusual handles. I corded some of the material, gathered it into circles and attached using black webbing. This bag is in the boho style and am just about to add it to Etsy.

What do you think? Leave me a comment or Like me on Facebook please and I'll see you next time.

Julie.
(c) FMN Crafts 2013



Wednesday 22 May 2013

Material Horde and New Design Upholstery Bag

Evening all,

Hoping you are all well, thank you for visiting my blog :)

I have been busy of late, and my newest creations include glasses cases, re-worked bags, shopping bags, rucksacks as well as button bracelet & rings, but first let me tell you about my recent horde.

I found a new fabric shop in town. Well, my Mum did actually, God bless her, she saw an advertisment in the local paper and kept it for me. So yesterday I checked it out and came out with 12 different top quality pieces of upholstery and curtaining fabric. 12! I was so happy. I think you can see most of them in this huge bag:


I just love upholstery and curtain materials, they are so versatile and easy to work with - but above all, they are sturdy and last a long time. So I thought about how to use the first piece and my first creation, which I finished today, is this bag:


I REALLY like this bag and am sorely tempted to keep it myself - even though I know that is not good for business. ;) I wanted something a little different and so I thought and planned and drew and made this!

It is fully padded for stability, including the shoulder strap and flip fastening making for extra durability, it has a smart round base and the flap fastening is also rounded, it has an inside hanging pocket and has a magnetic snap to close and is lined in a complimentary cream cotton material. It is roomy enough for a multitude of items and is in a beautiful taupe and sage green floral print. It sits really nicely on the shoulder and will go with many outfits, and can be used for many occasions too. Do you like it? Leave me a comment if so!

I was going to show you my other creations as listed above, but it is 23.37 here and I am just too tired! They will come tomorrow and beyond so please check back here later. Thank you.

Share me or Like me if you wish, or leave a comment in the box below - feedback is heaven!

Goodnight,
Julie.

(c) FMN Crafts 2013