It's Showtime...at last!

What's all this? THREE posts in one day? Well, I just thought I'd show you that finally (imagine please that you read that in italics....cursor problems continue!) I've managed to complete something, after the inconweeniences of the past couple of days. One 'Showtime Pendant'. Yes, just one, but I've nipped out and stocked up on replacement machine needles, so I hope to have one or two more by the end of the weekend. Think ringmaster regalia, bygone times, the end of the nineteenth century and all the decadences and fun of a day at the fair. I think I'll put it into my etsy shop tonight http://www.fancypicnic.etsy.com/.


On a lighter note, youngest enjoyed a school trip to some underground caves today (http://www.clearwellcaves.com/), but dreadful and neglectful mother that I am, I forgot to send her to school in jeans...but I did remember to tell her to enjoy the day and to listen to what she's told, and to make sure that she's in the right place at the right time. So maybe I'm not such a bad mother after all....because she didn't get left behind!

Someone slap me with a wet fish, please

Phew! What a day!

The day began with some all singin', all dancin', wrappin' and despatchin' of another sale, this time wingin' - okay, enough - winging its way to France. Farewell, mon collier! Oh, enough of the dramatics...where's that wet fish? I've replaced it with this, above. Click on my DaWanda shop link on the side of this page, if you'd like a closer look.

That's several items sold, now, whoopee! - not that I'm counting - so it's about time I got my derriere (francais, n'est pas?....leave it!) into gear and knocked up (with a large amount of love, and a bucketful of talent, obviously) a few more items. Some claret-coloured velvet has been uncovered, and I've received some sequin trim from India, which is tres fantastique....so I think the creation of few 'Showtime' pieces (circus inspired, remember?) can hereby commence...!

But before that, I just have to go and put the finishing touches to a little gift I've very quickly thrown together for a friend's birthday. It's only very small, but small means fiddly, and I'm not exactly famous for my patience...!

Circus Skills Workshop in Progress

I think you can see our trip to the circus was an amazing success...this is eldest and her father having their own 'skills' workshop in the garden. I'll have to be careful - he'll be handing down his fire-breathing and unicycle riding tips to her next!
A huge, great big thank you to my fab friend Rachel, for recommending it to us!

''...join the spirit of the nomad...liberate the Gypsy in your soul and let your spirits soar...'' (Sarah Llewellyn, Gifford's Circus)

The children were completely enthralled from start to finish, as were we. A wonderful travelling troupe, with fabulously evocative costumes, harking back to the end of the nineteenth century. We were members of an intimate audience, part of one big country-style party, privy to all of the goings-on and shenanigans at this very special showtime fair, with the girls ending the evening by dancing in the ring with the performers. What more could you ask?


Eldest has just walked in to the room, and said, 'Yesterday, d'you know, I actually held hands with a juggler?!!'

Thrills, spills...and all the fun of the fair!

Roll Up, Roll Up...

Lots of peeled poles made their way to Bath this morning, to become supports for a tipi in a garden. Lucky garden!

Sadly, I had to miss the field events sports morning for my eldest at school. However, it was lovely to pick her up and be presented with two certificates gained for first place in the skipping race (from last week - yes, I was there for that one!) and stilt-walking! We belong to a circus family, don't you know?! No, seriously...well done, twirlie!

A lovely assembly this morning, too, from youngest and her Reception class. As always, they were all super - confident, well behaved and entertaining. Thank you!

Talking of circuses, we're off to enjoy one tomorrow (thanks, Mum!). Can't wait! What with children's parties tomorrow, and performing in - sorry - watching the show, there may not be any blogging for me on Saturday. I know, I know, you two readers will miss me! See you back here soon, if I don't run away with the circus, that is....our stilt-walking skills are in great demand, you know!!