tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14126986974925293582024-02-06T22:18:01.977-08:00fancypicnic'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.comBlogger278125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-72822051901942687652009-12-15T00:47:00.000-08:002009-12-15T01:37:04.969-08:00'Bringing home the tree...'<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ROi1CyOh74Cn88LV_qmWJcaeIz8oEV0CFBoOz8LDXsE4zGomE-f_YMgaH11M5oNHwvSXi6GYNcIS4yctTarX9QVQl59G3OzcGK2pPHB9RLSwcwGqemxDDLqZC52NMSfH-a2DEshcRJc/s1600-h/Picnik+collage+advent.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415388155558081714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_ROi1CyOh74Cn88LV_qmWJcaeIz8oEV0CFBoOz8LDXsE4zGomE-f_YMgaH11M5oNHwvSXi6GYNcIS4yctTarX9QVQl59G3OzcGK2pPHB9RLSwcwGqemxDDLqZC52NMSfH-a2DEshcRJc/s400/Picnik+collage+advent.jpg" /></a>The approach to Christmas is my favourite time of the year. This year, as last, it began in November with a visit to the Country Living Christmas Fair in London with a dear friend who loves the whole kit and caboodle as much as I do. A great start.<br /><br />December got underway and as usual, we had an hour of family fun building a gingerbread house. I say 'we' - what I really mean is, I sit back on my hands and let them get on with it, resisting the temptation to step in and 'neaten it all up a bit'. We all sat back and admired it. Then little fingers wanted to get in there and break bits off and....eat them!! Pardon? I think not! This little house I like to think will outlast Christmas and will be the final thing to dismantle on twelfth night. First in, last out. Why? I have no idea. But I like it that way. So, as every year, they had to make do with polishing off the leftover icing and glittery sweets.<br /><br />Now, when I was a child, my family had its own traditions - my mum would pop me on the back of her bike on the last day of the school term and we'd go and pick up a tree. It would get lashed to the saddle and handlebars and we would walk slowly back singing 'Bringing home the tree, bringing home the tree....'. Such a fond memory for me. Not until Christmas Eve was it brought into the house and the decorating commenced. I wish, wish, wish I followed on with that tradition. But I don't. We went out in the pick-up for our tree this weekend - drove all the way to the farm shop, hoiked it in the back and drove home again. But it was a fun afternoon, picking and choosing as the woodcutter held each one at arms length for us to walk slowly around and measure up - Father Christmas himself brought the freshly cut trees down from the field on his tractor. Who could ask for more?<br /><br />Our tree, the one that had our name on it, is waiting outside, preparing for its moment of glory...'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-51839514232591606822009-12-06T10:27:00.001-08:002009-12-06T10:41:25.957-08:00Shopping List Saturday...on Sunday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRJ_6kpGjYWsKtMaMKIc372akfkEQ6MXEaCYAf7f2XNzJ9AVfuHzKJ4uqYt9-pE3PHLYQSjj4w9pQuJap3JiErr08nUbU1RzJuKPu385xldDpYfUOHnKsOSpsfyiJs5ToM_b2jMycg0M/s1600-h/winter+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412191783773770930" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGRJ_6kpGjYWsKtMaMKIc372akfkEQ6MXEaCYAf7f2XNzJ9AVfuHzKJ4uqYt9-pE3PHLYQSjj4w9pQuJap3JiErr08nUbU1RzJuKPu385xldDpYfUOHnKsOSpsfyiJs5ToM_b2jMycg0M/s400/winter+collage.jpg" /></a>Winter has arrived - this week saw the ground covered in frost and a strong chill in the air. At times like this, I can only think of layers, snuggly wool and ruffles - we all love pretty things!! I hope you enjoy my selection this week:<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29427090">La Reine Maria Leszczynska bracelet cuff</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7810801">hypericumfragile</a><br /><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28569761">Midnight Clusters Scarf</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5548313">Fabulize<br /></a><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35347193">Elan-Rosa...Knitted Neckwarmer/ Scarflette - Chartreuse Green-Pink Flowers</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5238457">irregularexpressions</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=35302061">Hunter Green Ruffle Flower Handbag</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6930242">mojospastyle</a><br /><br />Thanks for popping in - do check out the lists of fellow Etsians and supporters...please use the linklist in the sidebar. Have a good Sunday!'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-40074913729127999142009-11-27T11:33:00.000-08:002009-11-27T12:43:28.502-08:00Merry Go Round<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwjas9WRmfdxgfcljLIpgsZEZ79oT5LUNtyEjyX9JFDyPsM9u712EVxdEZFDA5WYD6dR6Nn7bMa_gOXzTy7ph2i96zqXKGQ52YFZVMIhRdpC-MdeI6TAbwcgpTq6yNoAJlR1ufyo9nzw/s1600/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408872358559913986" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuwjas9WRmfdxgfcljLIpgsZEZ79oT5LUNtyEjyX9JFDyPsM9u712EVxdEZFDA5WYD6dR6Nn7bMa_gOXzTy7ph2i96zqXKGQ52YFZVMIhRdpC-MdeI6TAbwcgpTq6yNoAJlR1ufyo9nzw/s400/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg" /></a> <strong><span style="color:#000066;">Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their reponses to the same question. This month, our question is:</span></strong> <div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">What is your Purple Cow?</span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong> </div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">This question refers to Seth Godin, who maintained that the key to success is to find a way to stand out and be remarkable - to be the purple cow in a field of monochrome Holsteins.</span></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Absolutely. I couldn't agree more! I mean, when we look at successful artists and crafters work, we can intuitively see what it is that gives them an edge...what makes them stand out. Maybe they have something to offer that no-one else provides or maybe their superb craftsmanship is evident. Whatever it is, they've got it in spades.</div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 245px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5408872042653842210" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqgw7nr9vkjuMnN9FWYs1Mzg0QbyUdJ-LP4Cjhtn9ZzdSwTcFTfXcyzP-H60cSNkjLT5SdKRvSDUNETLnlzJ6klsi_pWbV_jeQZaN2duqyH-FYHkQJOCVr10B1FhtCO8FDXWor-Kk6fRw/s400/purple+cow.jpg" /></div><div align="left">But what about me...? What is my purple cow? Yikes. Do I even have one? I'm not sure. Or about the success part, either. So, I cast an eye over my Etsy feedback that I've received over the past 18 months. That was helpful. Then, I asked my family. Tell me about my work, I said. Throw some words at me that sum it up. Go on, I can take it...and these are the words that my girls and the woodcutter came up with:</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><strong>pretty</strong> - I like this word. It sums up all things girly and feminine. All women want to feel pretty, don't they?</div><div align="left"><strong>bold</strong> - Good! I like to think that if you're going to wear jewellery, <em>wear</em> it! Let it be seen and get you noticed! It's not for everyone, but I try to put a bit of <strong>bold</strong>ness into each piece I create.</div><div align="left"><strong>colourful</strong> - colour is important - it lifts your spirits, it says so much about you. It captures your attention. I need colour in my otherwise rather monochrome life (yes, I tend to live in black!).</div><div align="left"><strong>intricate</strong> - I just love details. It's all in the detail. Sometimes, it's just that one little extra bead that you need to add to a piece to create a certain sparkle and allure, or just one more layer of fabric to complete the story. Without it, a piece can seem almost lifeless.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Now that I re-read this back to myself, I can see that it has made me think a bit clearer about my purple cow - I'm going to name my purple cow <strong>'complexity'</strong>. I realise that every item I create combines all of the above...a bit of this and a bit of that; old bits and new bits; layer upon layer of fabrics; multitudes of beads...I use it all. I like to think this results in the viewer being intrigued and totally drawn in by the complexities of each piece. I can hope...</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><em>I found that quite thought provoking and tough to answer. I wonder how my fellow Merry Go Rounders got on this month? Find out by clicking on the links in the sidebar...purple cows await you!</em></div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-57999085032724592692009-11-18T16:28:00.000-08:002009-11-18T16:56:15.557-08:00New Beginnings<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9yteFIeeFGBQ_Tcbuh80AkMIO6Z3n6OKKXXgpS9br5GCQI_VjGZhXoHaR9CR1qHScNssrvbe9UBbonzAgxh_mdThGU3oHyWjrEDiHGDCEVv0OK43b170qNuP2otdsaWKSJ8QGWByjI0/s1600/wet+umbrella.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 286px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5405605703687903538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiw9yteFIeeFGBQ_Tcbuh80AkMIO6Z3n6OKKXXgpS9br5GCQI_VjGZhXoHaR9CR1qHScNssrvbe9UBbonzAgxh_mdThGU3oHyWjrEDiHGDCEVv0OK43b170qNuP2otdsaWKSJ8QGWByjI0/s400/wet+umbrella.jpg" /></a>Sometimes, a little bit of wind and rain can wash away the cobwebs and pave the way for new beginnings.<br />Last week saw the launch of a new blog. <a href="http://www.curiousnature.wordpress.com/">Curious Nature</a> is a collaborative venture between myself and the lovely <a href="http://www.florcita.eu/">Mariana</a>. For some time we have discussed the possiblities of working together on a photographic project of some description, and this is the result!<br /><br />We are both excited about this long-term adventure. <a href="http://www.curiousnature.wordpress.com/">Curious Nature </a>is a personal interpretation of our world around us - Mariana (<a href="http://www.florcita.eu/">florcita</a>) is an Argentinian ceramicist and fibre artist living in the Netherlands who, like me, shares a passion for detail; for colours, textures and patterns. We are taking our first steps right now, but there are great things ahead...<br /><br />Come and share the journey with us...'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-77618692198956569242009-10-30T04:05:00.000-07:002009-10-30T05:36:14.235-07:00Merry Go Round<img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398349444905313010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir77B4TDQVwEDOcumX5XG_rVOXHcOrkYOMP9UqXNquAoJkoEU6CqwC5PSbhSkpN5KMVrZ7CUktPqkKtWD37xdW0jyGrEl8XA4eYNj4B2sJAgJRDETWGtosZX7y0CnUOLxLDON1hphjxVs/s400/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg" /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#330099;">Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their responses to the same question...this month, our thought to ponder is:</span></strong> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>'Failure sucks...but instructs'</strong> </span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span> </div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Hmmmn. Not easy, this one. Prepare for honesty by the bucketload...</span></div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">I can honestly say that good things really can emerge from failure. Just over two years ago, we embarked on a huge lifestyle change. We sold our house and almost everything we owned and upped sticks and moved here, to the middle of a glorious forest, to set up a luxurious tipi holiday campsite. We had spent several years talking about it, researching it, finding the perfect place for it and gaining planning permissions for it. We started work on it...but this happened and that happened, and the whole project faltered. Now that's a blow to your self-worth.</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left">The woodcutter continued with felling and stripping the tipi poles and I worked in the evenings on <strong><a href="http://fancypicnic.etsy.com/">fancypicnic</a></strong> products. We just couldn't be defeated by this. We had many black moments - moments that so often made it hard to get out of bed in the morning. But how can you let your children down? How can you sit back and let it consume you? Both of us have artistic backgrounds - he'd been a product designer since graduating - and being thrown into this peculiar abyss of <em>'now what?!</em>' made us think. Think really hard. </div><div align="left">The woodcutter hates waste...our tipi poles needed chopping to length and the thick butts removing...and these smoothly peeled offcuts felt good in our hands. They smelled good. They looked darn good!! There must be something we could do with these....</div><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 274px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 228px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5398349076960714482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhn7QzyHqoIAjeqI0mxVcGhJHk1vxHqbGaGErLrXlM9C7uHV4Sf7J4mR2PxezzTNmZYfNs_Phjcs9iXoY3uxGGF7RPXe-GU-ii6p6ICLaqzdx6t2_JtBUfPGnMOfIqJqmn-7d6pZQasWmk/s400/Aboutusmulti800.jpg" /></div><div align="left">And there was. <a href="http://thelogbasket.co.uk/">The Log Basket</a> had arrived. It certainly isn't going to make us millionaires, and it is extremely hard work, particularly for the woodcutter - but it is truly a family business, one where we can spend more time with the children but at the same time work all night if need be. We're doing it for ourselves and we have discovered that working for yourself is tough but incredibly rewarding. It is immensely challenging, to say the least and throws us into many a conundrum - but we like a challenge! We can also see that from this our children are learning. They often get involved with various processes, from helping to offload the logs from the kiln and stack them, to popping the tealights into the candleholders and lending a helping finger when tying the raffia on the gift boxed packaging. My <strong>fancypicnic</strong> baby can develop alongside, maybe even become integrated within The Log Basket (watch this space), and I like that. One year on, I can see that we have room to grow and widen our product line. It is certainly different to cleaning tents and laundering sheets! It sucked to fail, but we realised that we could, and should, be resourceful - and with a bit of imagination and gritted teeth we could change things. A hard lesson to learn, maybe x</div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"> </div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#666666;">Please now pop in on my fellow Merry Go Rounders - their bloglinks are in the sidebar. We are all in different timezones, so please call back to read their posts. Have a great Friday!</span></div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-1759439917539016372009-10-15T02:39:00.000-07:002009-10-15T10:10:31.050-07:00The shop is lucky...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInhciGRYLaMPNhRzzRSY8EZIxuuAEqRQxIS2DZR8KH7LF1J5IjqCvZA7P6X3-o9BsAE6B7i1MhivsS7ekZEiTLjpMbSm6ElO42WnaTlncvydQUiWSAO1AWv4xCEPd-Xib8NRGj5U1uEA/s1600-h/4013147339_ceb8576166_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 384px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5392759658926124482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjInhciGRYLaMPNhRzzRSY8EZIxuuAEqRQxIS2DZR8KH7LF1J5IjqCvZA7P6X3-o9BsAE6B7i1MhivsS7ekZEiTLjpMbSm6ElO42WnaTlncvydQUiWSAO1AWv4xCEPd-Xib8NRGj5U1uEA/s400/4013147339_ceb8576166_o.jpg" /></a> ...it is getting some new stock!<br /><br />Today, the Elven range arrived back from Stampington in America, following publication in the Autumn edition of <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/ba_jewelry_autumn09.html">Belle Armoire Jewelry</a>. Over the next day or two, these five items will be added to the <a href="http://fancypicnic.etsy.com/">shop</a>!'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-21179333430933989162009-10-11T15:15:00.000-07:002009-10-11T15:32:02.909-07:00Shopping List Saturday...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgowDnV397uSyUZKiEL7607QByzfZ1YLA5caSgPC2AZNkzWq5hBwVytmOSNvFIO6lnrny5CwP9GH7Teu7ge3ass5tFtkBOoiZpCELu8dnrgk9VAU8eRGnpC7FZoE7Fa6p3OqWGo3zGnU/s1600-h/warm+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5391469785852688642" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlgowDnV397uSyUZKiEL7607QByzfZ1YLA5caSgPC2AZNkzWq5hBwVytmOSNvFIO6lnrny5CwP9GH7Teu7ge3ass5tFtkBOoiZpCELu8dnrgk9VAU8eRGnpC7FZoE7Fa6p3OqWGo3zGnU/s400/warm+collage.jpg" /></a> ...on Sunday.<br /><br />My spot of window shopping may be a little late this weekend, but I hope these lovely items will tickle your fancy nonetheless. Enjoy!<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=16893685">Calm - soft wool woven bag</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=76569">memake</a><br /><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=17092768">beret31</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5069929">dadaya</a><br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30632046">Small Arctic Fox Scarflette</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6351988">PilliPillihandmade</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31908006">Verdigris And Rust 11.</a>../ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6844052">barefootweaver</a><br /><br /><span style="color:#333333;">For more Shopping List inspirations from fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters, do click on the links in the sidebar; if you would like to share your weekly window shopping with us, let me know!</span><br />Hope you've had a lovely weekend x'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-57751968115945209362009-10-07T00:48:00.000-07:002009-10-07T01:03:56.941-07:00Autumnal Air<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjCd2GMby3OH7kd4Gj8LHvEZCLeaw7BN1GjPKcGbqKChVASoQPC2llNQ0ACBvAnhzeqGk1EjkXSW4VqW4pQWxXcdlXM2Y6T5HvR_CdhNZC2S1RxGHFA3vLHvtrwv_dsFsXXaO5l0LV-c/s1600-h/fabrics+flickred.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5389762406660043634" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPjCd2GMby3OH7kd4Gj8LHvEZCLeaw7BN1GjPKcGbqKChVASoQPC2llNQ0ACBvAnhzeqGk1EjkXSW4VqW4pQWxXcdlXM2Y6T5HvR_CdhNZC2S1RxGHFA3vLHvtrwv_dsFsXXaO5l0LV-c/s400/fabrics+flickred.jpg" /></a> Autumn is most definitely upon us...falling leaves, delicious coppery tones appearing everywhere, and a distinct chill in the air. How about this enveloping, multi-functional neckwarmer to carry you through the season?<br />Completely reversible, with red silk one side and latte and old gold shades on the other, there are so many ways to wear it! Button it up, flip it over, wrap it around...you choose! For a closer look, click <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=32168722">here</a>.'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-20093291150456644052009-10-03T15:04:00.001-07:002009-10-03T15:19:34.271-07:00Shopping List Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx00pRBngle-9dC3xwLrdwhlMjAGFqCvFPXG6onoW8olhCdWudUVJmxpTlN9Njrba3bOeD05C7ZUjyJODfEvcexvxcMqSL9hORkWeZySUMhMl0NOq0_5BlT0g6KnBUINzbAUAmWEi7fY/s1600-h/Bold+sls.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388498215502188402" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIx00pRBngle-9dC3xwLrdwhlMjAGFqCvFPXG6onoW8olhCdWudUVJmxpTlN9Njrba3bOeD05C7ZUjyJODfEvcexvxcMqSL9hORkWeZySUMhMl0NOq0_5BlT0g6KnBUINzbAUAmWEi7fY/s400/Bold+sls.jpg" /></a> So...a week has slipped by...where does all the time go?<br />At the end of this busy day, here are some of my Etsy favourites this week - as ever, enjoy!<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=31909813">Large felt and velvet brooch</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5092242">dogdaisy92</a><br /><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26043100">Siesta cotton canvas cushion in orange and tan</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7451560">roddyandginger</a><br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30248836">Marley the Mini-Zaubermausi</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=40469">cynicthelamb</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28339094">Purple Metal Flower Wall Sculpture FREE SHIPPING (US)</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6944392">merritthyde</a><br /><br /><br />For more Shopping List inspirations from fellow Etsians and handmade supporters, do click on the links in the sidebar; if you would like to join in with your own lists just let me know!<br />Happy weekend x'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-46851127557477550872009-09-26T13:24:00.000-07:002009-09-29T02:06:15.923-07:00Shopping List Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yfWIRZiebTuVh1QW2Jm0DAZSwrdtTdmaKU4XSXe-VLLHj-44Z-IartEDwAvLIw8TvkUCxSh1LhzSsXr3yqQRKhzqMfbCOqokSz5fcdmsMqqwMvZg9U0PRLRidJY5gSonuIUqcrZTAP4/s1600-h/house+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385875085179687378" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5yfWIRZiebTuVh1QW2Jm0DAZSwrdtTdmaKU4XSXe-VLLHj-44Z-IartEDwAvLIw8TvkUCxSh1LhzSsXr3yqQRKhzqMfbCOqokSz5fcdmsMqqwMvZg9U0PRLRidJY5gSonuIUqcrZTAP4/s400/house+collage.jpg" /></a><br /><p>It's Saturday, so let the shopping commence!</p><p>These are a few of my favourites from browsing Etsy this week. Enjoy!</p><p></p><p>1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=29491608">349 Blushing Sparrow Avenue - House Pillow</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5228119">Olive</a></p><p>2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=18359908">Ranunculus No. Three - 5x5 Fine Art Print</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5903376">saranorris</a></p><p>3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=21442279">little love tree</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5195278">gypsyandtwink</a></p><p>4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30600575">the Atheist 4x4 print</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7441765">telltalesigns</a></p><p></p><p>For many more inspiring selections, do click on the Shopping List links in the sidebar for other lists from fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters. Have a lovely weekend...!</p><p>*<em><strong>Late edit</strong></em>...Welcome to <a href="http://buttonsandlizzy.wordpress.com/">Buttons and Lizzy</a>, (a fellow <a href="http://petatron.etsy.com/">Etsian</a>), who has been posting her Shopping Lists for a week or two already (whilst I was taking a summer break) - it is lovely to have you join us! </p>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-6666449805496019432009-09-25T08:14:00.000-07:002009-09-25T09:26:26.589-07:00Merry-Go-Round<div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-5Fm6_k4JqxZuutPOZ8jNlD89OX-Im1UtEpgLf-bJ4nsVHt-s_lXlNQ5Zt-mUbtr_i89H2KGLjHVkVZ30of52-Nc8CIp7q2oSWcg74QXzqtzCjUvrmg7FKKCZo3ROGGw34o-gcxtyX0/s1600-h/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 200px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 145px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385440202876975954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd-5Fm6_k4JqxZuutPOZ8jNlD89OX-Im1UtEpgLf-bJ4nsVHt-s_lXlNQ5Zt-mUbtr_i89H2KGLjHVkVZ30of52-Nc8CIp7q2oSWcg74QXzqtzCjUvrmg7FKKCZo3ROGGw34o-gcxtyX0/s200/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;color:#000066;"><strong>Each month, a group of craftswomen from around the world join together and give their responses to the same question...this month, our little poser is:</strong></span></div><div align="center"></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">'What's Your Next Chapter...?'</span></strong></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;"></span></strong></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5385439832979889282" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVtUJvkRVXPUQQ_xvQ9McNyV1ghnqhwPyPfrJKmuerAkAipRk13uwc16yvHNYWsbYWR9sgaAYe6GCoZDC2LrT8RgewhmwbW5jW-B9TeafkT7kdCkU3OhwomICUl39dEVLxRe7lTI8-Sbw/s400/looking+forward.jpg" />I've been clearing out kitchen cupboards today - they really needed it - and much as it is a dull and tedious job, sometimes, it simply has to be done, doesn't it? All that stuff...clutter...dust...disorganisation...it can all get a bit too much, I think. The time has arrived for me to take stock, clear out and clear up. And I feel better for it.<br /><div align="left">This is a perfect way to describe my life at the moment, as it happens. So much is going on around me; lots of jobs keep calling to me; new skills need to be learned and I just have to bite the bullet and get on with it. But it is hard sometimes to make changes...necessary changes.<br /><br /><br />De-cluttering: throwing out the old and making way for the new.<br /><br /><br />So what does the future hold for me? What will be new, and what will be cast out? Well, the woodcutter's empire is growing. That's a good thing! A really, really good thing. Our future's looking eco-friendly, rustic and wooden.<br /><a href="http://thelogbasket.co.uk/">The Log Basket </a>is exceeding all expectations and our energies have to be channelled. I need to develop a sanders' hands and lumberjacks' muscles. I also have to don a secretary's head and get stuck-in to that lurking headache called paperwork. What do they say? A cluttered house is a cluttered mind? I'm taking steps already...<br /><br />As for de-cluttering, I think really I mean 'paring down'. Stitchery is very important to me - it is something that is truly '<a href="http://fancypicnic.etsy.com/">mine</a>'. Stitchery gives me time to think; it provides that creative outlet that I love; it really becomes an extension of 'me'. I hope that I won't have to leave it behind. I hope that there is room in my life for logs, paperwork, taking pictures and textile explorations. I think a work timetable will evolve and some things will <em>give</em> whilst others <em>take</em> my time. And it will be okay....<br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;"><em><span style="font-size:85%;">Thank you for reading! Please take a few minutes now to read about what the future may hold for my fellow merry-go-rounders - just click on their links in the sidebar, but do remember that we are all in different time zones so posts will appear at differing times.</span></em> </span></div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-90332036130861621892009-09-22T02:28:00.000-07:002009-09-22T02:47:53.498-07:00In Print...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WU5vgT-SGwrPGPzxnEzZHnmj0fyxc_S0kFAn45G0-FPRsqt9XEQUd7834S2zAZQajMkiOkoBCxlO2k6pZROvkj6-Je-SHb77iFzDekWp0btB41WFLDX1svpziSKE9Zm9UbpZp0ouGxM/s1600-h/Textile_0909.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 258px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384226105281744658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_WU5vgT-SGwrPGPzxnEzZHnmj0fyxc_S0kFAn45G0-FPRsqt9XEQUd7834S2zAZQajMkiOkoBCxlO2k6pZROvkj6-Je-SHb77iFzDekWp0btB41WFLDX1svpziSKE9Zm9UbpZp0ouGxM/s400/Textile_0909.jpg" /></a> Yes, this is quite exciting!<br /><br /><div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 130px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5384224799478720050" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXewhALWb-webJU8_1v4nVKsgY77KQ_goctra3zfzUjfZw6fjoKVQsepN9tcB6FrNEdYA89KnzEWFkumU9gf8m7x0EPsWIQgdPKn4L98IsHXcglGih4bAu2ig9yL4NFDfaS8txmjxDnGg/s320/belle+armoire+cover.jpg" /><strong>fancypicnic</strong>'s Elven jewellery has been published - find it in the current (Autumn 09) issue of <a href="http://www.stampington.com/html/ba_jewelry_autumn09.html">Stampington's Belle Armoire Jewelry</a> magazine. Such a thrill to see my textile jewellery in print!<br /><br /><p>This issue (like every issue) is gorgeous - packed full of beautifully crafted, highly individual pieces from extremely talented designers...a pleasure to be featured alongside them. </p></div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com18tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-9059186524085481692009-09-20T09:22:00.001-07:002009-09-20T13:35:40.588-07:00Shopping List ... Sunday, Irish Style<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZJtK0f1uw9QPatsxfRWU1iVm88-uWNrpIkcImbQDsAFqi9ZVDu-0V1goq8uzxFAkWomxTpWzEYfRQqS3_D368iTvOHLuUc9VTr8sF1aDnxoXcwTzP8LYwJZtAgG4JY1DU72-_LDMZnI/s1600-h/etsy+ireland+sls.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5383586220997472962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOZJtK0f1uw9QPatsxfRWU1iVm88-uWNrpIkcImbQDsAFqi9ZVDu-0V1goq8uzxFAkWomxTpWzEYfRQqS3_D368iTvOHLuUc9VTr8sF1aDnxoXcwTzP8LYwJZtAgG4JY1DU72-_LDMZnI/s400/etsy+ireland+sls.jpg" /></a>So - it's Sunday, the sun is out...I'm feeling summery! This week, my offerings to you all come from my Etsy neighbours in Ireland. I featured the lovely <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5721551">TanyaMac</a> in my list last week, and through her, I have discovered the Crafty Ireland Etsy Team and their blog, <a href="http://etsyireland.blogspot.com/">Etsy Ireland</a>. Do have yourselves a little visit...use the shop directory on their blog to find a whole host of wonderful stores! <div></div><div>This is a little delve into just a few of them...enjoy!</div><div></div><div>1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30601706">Bunting and Flags Lavender Sachet</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7355757">SailmakersDaughter</a></div><div></div><div>2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27764202">Little Recycled Flowers in Garnet...sterling silver earrings</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5263499">madeforanangel</a></div><div></div><div>3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26412329">Bone China Cup</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=7247939">niceartthings</a></div><div></div><div>4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=28972922">Cuada Pink Silk Purse - with teal flowers and beading</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6192619">cuada</a></div><div></div><div>Do check out the links in the sidebar for more shopping lists - and if you'd like to join in with your own lists, just let me know! Happy shopping!</div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-53126946989678046082009-09-18T17:05:00.000-07:002009-09-18T17:09:48.778-07:00Shopping List Saturday...will be coming on Sunday for me, this week.<br /><br />Sorry - do pop back in and come shopping with me tomorrow! In the meantime, why not click on the links in the sidebar and take a peek at fellow Etsy sellers' and handmade supporters' lists? Lots of goodies to tempt you!<br /><br />Happy Saturday x'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-70603965572635606252009-09-14T01:29:00.000-07:002009-09-14T01:49:51.327-07:00This may not be stitchery....<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHORuZkvDlTNDJIeW7y-ojFyd7-d88R7cZpvr3jCZh_M49Vyz1acwRunMvoJFHynRX6mjUmPveFbmJ7OdZKh4ayU47dNuGBo7hWAZkUpbAd6yPAxLBFoj9fTbqivxyXxdIbYdfbkrIpHU/s1600-h/best+log+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 134px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381239394335981650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHORuZkvDlTNDJIeW7y-ojFyd7-d88R7cZpvr3jCZh_M49Vyz1acwRunMvoJFHynRX6mjUmPveFbmJ7OdZKh4ayU47dNuGBo7hWAZkUpbAd6yPAxLBFoj9fTbqivxyXxdIbYdfbkrIpHU/s400/best+log+collage.jpg" /></a> ...but it keeps me busy!<br /><br />These are our <a href="http://www.thelogbasket.co.uk/">decorative logs</a>, installed in an alcove of a gorgeous, beautifully converted barn. I love the contrast of the wood against the chalky white walls, and the gentle colouring of the naturally occuring shaded rings at the ends of the logs (they are not stained or treated in any way) add just that little bit of rustic texture.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgi-TpSzVXkRWt9QvVFhZwvh4VbqrHlIAsjyN5K9pEYTOGYJHOD-GqUoTC5ZCNoSusQ2bQQDH9cUaG6Z1ISuzoXMHhFAjui4fxyvq7fGQOp4Ph3FCfoh0RIkIVYaklZGui5u6P05m6ue6U/s1600-h/logwall.jpg"></a><br />Today, a big batch of logs are making their way to their new home - a Zizzi's restaurant. Lucky things....<br /><br /><div></div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-76009693719573580942009-09-12T07:10:00.001-07:002009-09-12T07:31:19.427-07:00Shopping List Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu470Xtt2C17kz3TJNEM7tbICu0RLjLJVTg6ziOFX0Djd2e-d8lnB4HKjkegklQj5x4GdA1-KMyW3xlaksE7Q0lcBnbMAcIew3dWUYdbzdS9d5Ol8hiGPDJDpmNi5ho-rsJz3-PpHDRCo/s1600-h/shopping+list+circles+autumn.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5380583368860292226" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu470Xtt2C17kz3TJNEM7tbICu0RLjLJVTg6ziOFX0Djd2e-d8lnB4HKjkegklQj5x4GdA1-KMyW3xlaksE7Q0lcBnbMAcIew3dWUYdbzdS9d5Ol8hiGPDJDpmNi5ho-rsJz3-PpHDRCo/s400/shopping+list+circles+autumn.jpg" /></a> It's been a while..!<br />Today, the return of the Shopping List to my blog - I've discovered some circular beauties with a nod to Autumn about each of them. I can feel the changing of the seasons in the evenings, as a chill in the air nudges me back inside, to warmth and candlelight. Ever the romantic.<br /><br />Enjoy...<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30068687">Blackberry Wood. Set of 5 paper baubles for decorating your home this Autumn</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5721551">TanyaMac<br /></a><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26409831">Ring Ring 2</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5755175">aubeebop</a><br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27476785">ingrid...crotcheted heat pad</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6206870">EmmaLamb</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=30307829">Recycled paper garland</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6201592">wrenhandmade</a><br /><br /><br />For more Shopping Lists this Saturday, do click on the links in the sidebar and discover new delights chosen by fellow Etsy sellers and handmade supporters. Have a great weekend x'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-79575446760580612012009-09-10T14:26:00.000-07:002009-09-10T14:47:59.206-07:00Sunshine<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CRjGYAYM9auGEi_YzwpkSjPaU7ww37tsM4Lyr7X4Pac0ylYZpNCwsNIwZaRO4TYjXO9btSKFc63y1CXYQ_u_Oujo4igvz_FQBh6wljZcsXrUP5Z2ChaitL-SMaDHo9PMJ4nDYq0hnNw/s1600-h/plucked.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 299px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379955975761616898" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8CRjGYAYM9auGEi_YzwpkSjPaU7ww37tsM4Lyr7X4Pac0ylYZpNCwsNIwZaRO4TYjXO9btSKFc63y1CXYQ_u_Oujo4igvz_FQBh6wljZcsXrUP5Z2ChaitL-SMaDHo9PMJ4nDYq0hnNw/s400/plucked.jpg" /></a> Today has been a day of glorious sunshine.<br /><br />Eldest daughter and I armed ourselves with dishes galore and went in search of ripe fruits...what a lot we found. Now, the kitchen surfaces are laden with freshly plucked, ripe fruit.<br /><br />I was filled with many good intentions earlier this evening, determined to seek out a recipe or two that would do justice to this little cache. Perhaps it will have to wait until morning...for now, it is beautiful to look at - and smells good, too x'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-29885110203759415142009-09-09T09:55:00.000-07:002009-09-09T10:08:33.579-07:00Hello again...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiyKKOHgsrEwf79_DPJzm_VmnsyB4StGf3dnOjw6JLM5Nx3uWYJSFQ9SSjJoHP6U-fQt4gb0oce3mkxyjedy_TcY5b0HNBY4yp1Hus79JJJR_F-Q1OXqvpH5rdjWUUr9Kos8RPfW3yg8/s1600-h/40th.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 376px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379512712235729202" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqiyKKOHgsrEwf79_DPJzm_VmnsyB4StGf3dnOjw6JLM5Nx3uWYJSFQ9SSjJoHP6U-fQt4gb0oce3mkxyjedy_TcY5b0HNBY4yp1Hus79JJJR_F-Q1OXqvpH5rdjWUUr9Kos8RPfW3yg8/s400/40th.jpg" /></a> Fancy meeting you here!<br />I thought maybe it was high time I returned to my blog, now that school has started again after its long summer holiday. But what to write about...?<br /><br />So here I am...and yes, just a little bit older...and a proud owner of a rather fetching <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27738539@N05/3903416676/">timepiece</a> complete with forty - yes, forty (count them!) - bouncing buttons. Thank you, family of mine xx'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-68861003343180445882009-08-28T10:59:00.000-07:002009-08-28T13:17:27.317-07:00Merry Go Round<span style="color:#000000;"></span><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375097391005263458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpTOaRhLr7K1niR81Y2rSfXTGuLMbSUvqV8IyzulP8RLERpgyIiKJZVUL953Fo8Kf37ydg9giKLTG08Y6_t27SdZ9IRF7jL_Z6vkxn0EwaQeuwxawdbpfU1a2ZpilERCkE5JwFIuom8tE/s400/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg" /><br /><br /><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#000099;">Jump on and join a group of artists/craftswomen as they link around the world and tell you a little bit about their lives in art and craft.</span></strong><br /></div><div align="center"><strong><span style="color:#ff0000;">Our question this month is: Summer - What Does It Mean To You?</span></strong></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="color:#000000;">Would you believe... a whole month since my last post...! Where does all the time go?! </span></div><div align="left"><br /></div><div align="left">Well, summertime has been and now very nearly gone - in a week, the girls will be back at school in their new year and new classroom...and in a tiny moment, the looooong summer holiday will be just a memory.</div><br /><div align="left"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5375097099218132162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5rCDqEVZWakE7z72gt9BnuDiYP8vPuAKV7F9et1vnVmB-T86ZT-3iA4O4K0FWFxrXluovJxwxkAoIWX7IRQqr4vLOg9WgHvPKQ2iHXzrMapxDxw9aroVXCBLdtVlK9cXdLxrF4tbi8n4/s400/cropped+summertime.jpg" /></div><br /><div align="left">So what does summer mean to me? Mine begins the week before my daughters finish their school year, in July. I get carried away with the buzz of what lies ahead: slower, more relaxing mornings; stressless days for us all; warm, sunny afternoons sightseeing and visiting new places; a spot or two of camping in Cornwall; meeting up with friends and their families; the children running in and out of the house, delighting in the great outdoors; having lunch or afternoon tea in their wendy house cafe...a perfect summer!</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">On reflection, does that sum up <em>this</em> summertime? Actually, pretty much! There has been the odd downside - the lack of sun for most of the holiday and the camping was sidelined for this year. Last year, as this, I have purposefully switched off from blogging and stitching to spend as much time as possible with my family. I haven't touched the sewing machine for...weeks...(eek)...and I have spent a LOT less time on the computer. It has been worth it. The woodcutter has been flexible with his working day which has meant we have had lots of days out together enjoying a bit of culture here and a lot of nature there; I've seen my youngest <em>finally</em> learn to ride her bike; eldest has cooked for us (with just a modicum of help!) beautifully; she has mastered her own sewing machine and has gone sock monkey mad (yes, one of them is peeking out of the above mosaic); we've all crafted and beaded our way through the holiday. In a word - smashing. </div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Does it really have to end...? The whirrr of that stitching machine is waiting...</div><br /><div align="left"></div><br /><div align="left"></div><div align="left">Thank you for taking the time to read about my summer. Please take a moment or two to read about my fellow merry-go-rounders and their musings on the subject - although we all live in different time zones right around the world, it is amazing to find how similar we often all are. Likewise, it is wonderful to be able to celebrate our differences! Happy summer's end to you all x</div>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-41968719938084711312009-07-31T16:12:00.000-07:002009-07-31T17:02:45.212-07:00Merry Go Round<span style="font-size:85%;color:#666666;">I'm having a bit of a blog break at the moment, to spend time with my girls whilst they are on their summer holidays - but I'm back to participate in this month's Merry Go Round...hope the sun is shining where you are - there's too much rain here at the moment!</span><br /><div align="center"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge2Quy5YH_MZkNgpjpz9oBhiswkwpGqCtoywVbdePURIu-k00bymQYXgtZafg4zJeTHkcCSg5K4PhTmatrCSATRXHYcHHzTGs-CDbK4y5cvrzgtbGnfPLeunMtRUkVA6ErTTbeK1Y3VM/s1600-h/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 286px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 208px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364767554974267698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhge2Quy5YH_MZkNgpjpz9oBhiswkwpGqCtoywVbdePURIu-k00bymQYXgtZafg4zJeTHkcCSg5K4PhTmatrCSATRXHYcHHzTGs-CDbK4y5cvrzgtbGnfPLeunMtRUkVA6ErTTbeK1Y3VM/s400/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg" /></a><span style="color:#000066;"> <strong>Jump on and join a group of artists/craftswomen as they link around the world and tell you a little bit about their lives in art and craft.</strong></span></div><div align="center"><span style="color:#ff0000;"><strong>Our question this month is: What inspires us? A peek into our journals, pinboards or folders...</strong></span></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitwefixKMkfUyaTS6UTXsxsrKg9aeRiQ1LZux9xN5H4EFC7gMD1sl7_-PMGE0LSohLbaOQ8OQY_KHFarshVsxVOX7vT7SSmtc-exVLtldpuZeOIN37p-KoEYEsT1CzITr4LcovnZrFeXo/s1600-h/blog_merrygo_round_pic.jpg"></a><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5364767187632932706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmYm42CpvKaBgG9_bUenADtCIn_CnhJK8LaUhZtBa9SPKs2coxIR1HsFEN9RvqFqQGnhbFV-vGSkHvj4_eyYPX_Hv_2XHWrFEn9EQBdrFLTEf_UI9DeM7kxAHogM3o1Z-APLDbxYW_I2o/s400/inspirations+mosaic.jpg" /> </p><p>Well, this is pretty much my inspiration board these days...</p><p>I've mentioned before that I am heavily influenced by what lies outside my front door. I live in the middle of a wondrous forest, and I love it. I love watching the changing of the seasons - I am in awe of the beauty that surrounds me. The colours that nature provides us with are limitless, and the juxtapostions that occur are inspiring beyond belief.</p><p>Back in my college days sketchbooks were an absolute must, and I diligently filled mine in...often with pen and ink drawings of flowers or vegetables, and the odd sketch of someone sitting in an armchair thrown in for good measure. Journals - or scrapbooks - were also kept, crammed full of images torn from magazines, postcards and packaging snippets pasted in until the covers would almost burst.</p><p>Nowadays, I rarely sketch. I should; I would like to draw again...but it has been a long time! I sketch now simply to work out a template for a piece that I am working on, to refine the pattern before I progress to snipping fabrics. Instead, my sketchbook and journal has been replaced by my camera. What would I do without it? In an instant, I have a record of intricate details, colour combinations and textures. I know I should sit and draw the sepals and stamens that fascinate me so much, but I thoroughly enjoy taking photographs - it feels like a huge reward to sit back and scroll through the images that I have snapped. This way, details are crystal clear and the colours pop...how could I not be inspired?! </p><p>Now that you have kindly read about my inspiration 'folder', do please pop in on my fellow merry-go-rounders (click on the links in the sidebar) - they are sharing theirs with us too, although at differing times...many of us are in different time zones! </p>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-7128385479008939212009-07-16T03:08:00.001-07:002009-07-16T03:19:59.180-07:00goodbye for the holidays<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX3SAuC8RgO6rRaChCX2tx88d_nRtFX6zgEI20M3tjKyfwEFLP79ZlWDLoOwmuSGP5dEAZXTQBukk2nWcIo25g9OZndePipnNBOEkU_HshiebsYJWwmqOAcCEG8eNsrKqhkzAy4Fj9yc/s1600-h/blogpic+summer.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 266px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358999604947164850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcX3SAuC8RgO6rRaChCX2tx88d_nRtFX6zgEI20M3tjKyfwEFLP79ZlWDLoOwmuSGP5dEAZXTQBukk2nWcIo25g9OZndePipnNBOEkU_HshiebsYJWwmqOAcCEG8eNsrKqhkzAy4Fj9yc/s400/blogpic+summer.jpg" /></a><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27738539@N05/3725654751/"><em>goodbye for the holidays</em></a><em>, originally uploaded by </em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27738539@N05/"><em>fancypicnic</em></a><em>.</em></span><br /><p>The time has nearly come - tomorrow is our last day of getting up and ready for school...'one more get-up', as a dear friend would say...until September.<br /><br />Hooray!<br /><br />Today will be my last post for a while. I love the summer holidays - lazy mornings, happy children running carefree and barefoot, a spot of castle-roaming, beach dwelling here and there, tree climbing (them, not me), seeing friends for loooong afternoons, camping....ah, the good life! I'm looking forward to spending some time with my little girls, but I'll be in and out I'm sure. </p><p>Until next time - a very happy, sunny summer to you! xx</p>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-6026857236402692892009-07-11T02:44:00.001-07:002009-07-11T03:20:29.190-07:00Shopping List Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UHXz8xC_MyDtIhPwskKCd711hwj_79TWo3hreeyYFwe5vsKqjnexYhrButSTna0oPD9LIW_BgLQPJcDWXmWvxD7y2ZkAXQmo938TbW93pOyAU0SYjPkZ0-JdxUz6Lfr4KWkKfWhYUv4/s1600-h/red+sls.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5357136392650384850" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0UHXz8xC_MyDtIhPwskKCd711hwj_79TWo3hreeyYFwe5vsKqjnexYhrButSTna0oPD9LIW_BgLQPJcDWXmWvxD7y2ZkAXQmo938TbW93pOyAU0SYjPkZ0-JdxUz6Lfr4KWkKfWhYUv4/s400/red+sls.jpg" /></a>The end of the school year is looming...counting the days!<br />This week's Shopping List is for all little girls out there...and of course, grown up ones too! Enjoy...<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27470822">A Winter's Tale</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5032864">artandghosts </a><br /><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27249736">Radish - sterling silver and fabric necklace</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6054298">3squares</a><br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27428764">NEW Lilla Lotta GladBag</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5283204">lillalotta</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=27646411">Seduction - Print 16x11 inches</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5423386">HidenSeek</a> *<br /><br />It's a rainy Saturday here in the UK - perfect weather for Etsy shopping! Shop handmade this weekend - let my fellow Shoppers inspire you with their lists (check them out via the links in the sidebar)...and if you'd like to join us with your own Shopping List each weekend, let me know!<br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">*This week, I purchased a stationery set, pin button and stickers from HidenSeek - I have to say that it was the most beautifully packaged parcel I've ever received through the post! Simply gorgeous - thank you, Eloise xx</span>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-81411817832643537852009-07-10T02:03:00.000-07:002009-07-10T02:16:28.982-07:00Stitchery<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherIZOn6PpZ_yOvvlZICtkTmPmJJRqTeE6RUMhMSYgFU9Dd6PeZJFGkNqMki3i8v_OtSr9AnZidzqwAmr6supPRxRa8e6gmKR6_FwY2YmzE2AztYf-eu2toFZtsPm6ApSrcmjeIg3-FCk/s1600-h/jewelbright+yoke+collage.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 301px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5356755033192094514" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherIZOn6PpZ_yOvvlZICtkTmPmJJRqTeE6RUMhMSYgFU9Dd6PeZJFGkNqMki3i8v_OtSr9AnZidzqwAmr6supPRxRa8e6gmKR6_FwY2YmzE2AztYf-eu2toFZtsPm6ApSrcmjeIg3-FCk/s400/jewelbright+yoke+collage.jpg" /></a> Fitted in between bouts of log handling and tipi pole delivering...some stitching!<br /><br />So lovely to spend some time with snippets of beautiful fabrics again, sewing away with my machine. I tend to sew in quite a rhythmic fashion - snip the fabric, place the fabric, stitch the fabric; needle in; snip the fabric, place the fabric, stitch the fabric; needle in; snip the fabric .... and it seems to work for me.<br /><br />I don't think it's efficient (I probably should cut out all fabric pieces first and have them to hand so that I simply reach out and select a piece, sew it on and repeat), but it certainly feels indulgent! I end up surrounded by and burrowed in to mounds of silky, sparkly textiles and I love it. There's no monotony, just sheer enjoyment.'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-33132637669023964942009-07-07T03:33:00.001-07:002009-07-07T03:37:26.805-07:00those little red shoes again...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt77o7EMv07nKH6EKpV78tCbzb_hY9ds-N-CVHQpFP-V5F1UV_3IfEyVz0S9cdO1uwyruHxRPGLo37-gZ1ujByjeOwTVPmRamTTnkzFclj1HJ5oQ5HAKtFPyxcyh3DWL_4Nvftp-QnitA/s1600-h/flickrpic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 361px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5355665405582757458" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt77o7EMv07nKH6EKpV78tCbzb_hY9ds-N-CVHQpFP-V5F1UV_3IfEyVz0S9cdO1uwyruHxRPGLo37-gZ1ujByjeOwTVPmRamTTnkzFclj1HJ5oQ5HAKtFPyxcyh3DWL_4Nvftp-QnitA/s400/flickrpic.jpg" /></a><span style="MARGIN-TOP: 0px"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/27738539@N05/3697551496/"><span style="font-size:85%;">dreaming of fairyland</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">, originally uploaded by </span><a href="http://www.flickr.com/people/27738539@N05/"><span style="font-size:85%;">fancypicnic</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">.</span></span><br /><p>You see, if I could be an elf or a fairy I would be...then I could live here, happily ever after. Love toadstools - especially big, bright red and white ones.</p>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1412698697492529358.post-69208962732638294792009-07-04T12:44:00.001-07:002009-07-04T13:03:57.345-07:00Shopping List Saturday<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwT6djgyox26eqE_Lj3Cu_SikzS8tSE-BCPcyQCFs0yNz-G_OmzYCV6H7uMTlagYEt2ieKBVQ_dGtZfgJjM75CidxVggpwAney0v5GxaXoVcmrifTlXAYoGEXPMMW7jR7gONif4UyfNI/s1600-h/grey+mosaic.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5354693406377045186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEwT6djgyox26eqE_Lj3Cu_SikzS8tSE-BCPcyQCFs0yNz-G_OmzYCV6H7uMTlagYEt2ieKBVQ_dGtZfgJjM75CidxVggpwAney0v5GxaXoVcmrifTlXAYoGEXPMMW7jR7gONif4UyfNI/s400/grey+mosaic.jpg" /></a> Serene, calm and elegant...my thoughts for the Shopping List this weekend. Dainty and feminine, I'm in love with each of these items - I doubt I can resist them for much longer!<br /><br />1)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=26129675">Lovely Glass Ring In A Lace Edge Setting</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5516526">UldeYrth</a><br /><br />2)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25551236">Linen Heart Keychain</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5411910">makeyourpresentsfelt</a><br /><br />3)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24116396">Handmade Petite Purse Seed Head Stems Lilac</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5544844">meplusmolly</a><br /><br />4)<a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=25255257">Soiree Necklace</a>/ <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5769426">mamaslittlebabies</a><br /><br />I hope you too love my coveted items this week. If you would like to join us with your own weekly list of Etsy discoveries of handmade beauty, please just let me know!<br /><br /><span style="color:#666666;">I can hardly believe it's been a week since my last posting. I can feel already that I'm winding down in preparation for the long school summer holiday ahead, but there's plenty to be done over the next two weeks. Here's to a productive few days!</span>'fancypicnic'http://www.blogger.com/profile/11203906401082965076noreply@blogger.com5