April Daisies

Happy New Year!

2012-01-03T11:07:00.000Z

Well, that was 2011 .... some good days and some not so good but time now to move on and see what 2012 has in store for us.

We've had a great start to the new year with a feature in Period Living's February issue, many thanks to Karina Garrick (styling) for asking us to make the board and thanks also to Tom Leighton (photographer) for some stunning pictures and Maggie Stevenson (Homes Editor) for the feature.

We were thrilled to see a bespoke board we made especially for Period Living in their online magazine http://viewer.zmags.com/publication/6af8bba9?page=6#/6af8bba9/6

but it's even more exciting to pick up the magazine in a shop and see it in print!

Here's the bespoke board I made for this feature on page 34

"A noticeboard is a decorative and practical place for notes, postcards, and a starting point for your decorative scheme"

It's covered in a gorgeous Sanderson fabric (Lytton) and the beautiful Picot braid is from Zoffany.

And there's another picture and a mention on the Stockists page at the back of the magazine too!

You can have a noticeboard made especially for you too!

There's lots to choose from on the website or you can send us your favourite fabric and we'll make a bespoke board ... just for you.

Email us at aprildaisies@btinternet.com

and we'll work with you to create a unique, stylish and practical addition to your home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Happy Birthday April Daisies!

2011-09-26T13:25:00.001+01:00

In October 2011, April Daisies will be 5 years old

... Happy Birthday to us!!

True love across the miles!

2011-09-15T09:46:00.000+01:00

Last week I received an order for a heart shaped chalkboard, quite straightforward but I noticed the address in Leighton Buzzard was unconfirmed and I suspected it might be a gift. Not wanting to enclose an invoice with a gift I checked and received a reply confirming my suspicions.

Parcel wrapped and dispatched, invoice sent to Dundee and I thought no more of it until I received the loveliest email and picture ...

It made my day waking up to such a lovely message from this customer.

"Just a massive thank you for dispatching the Heart Chalk Board so quickly, my girlfriend absolutely loves it and as you can see from the pic she updates it daily with days to go until we meet up again....chicks eh?!!"

And the countdown continues ...

... this was yesterday's picture, if my calculations are correct then I think tomorrow might be the grand reunion of this couple. So obviously looking forward to being together!

Thank you for sharing this with me, stay happy and enjoy life together!

2011-09-04T11:56:00.002+01:00

Happy Holidays!

Here at April Daisies' HQ we haven't had more than a couple of nights away for more than 4 years, all very lovely times but nothing like a week's holiday to recharge the batteries and get away.

This year has been busy on all fronts, a new job for my husband, the business ticking over and keeping me out of mischief, poorly relatives on a regular basis ... and so the list goes on!

Determined to have a break we spent many hours searching for somewhere to visit and have to admit to being disappointed with some of the options until we found a special haven ...

Located in North Berwick, an all time favourite place and in a perfect location.

We were greeted by a very smart entrance...

... which led to a haven of luxury!

The attention to detail made this the little bit of luxury that we'd been looking for!

The rain stayed away (most of the time) but it did threaten to make a rather stormy entrance at one point ...

We took the train ...

to Edinburgh

Paddled on almost empty beaches ...

and generally relaxed!

And of course, no trip to North Berwick is complete without a trip to my favourite shop ...

Time and Tide - I picked up another gorgeous throw to match one that I'd already bought a couple of weeks ago and got one or two bits and pieces to put away for Christmas presents (forward planning!)

I spent an afternoon at the Spa in the Marine Hotel and enjoyed "Autumn Spa Day" while my hubby swam in the pool and enjoyed the facilities

We had dinner there one evening and it was absolutely delicious, stunning views too!

We saw this stunning apartment that was featured recently in 25 Beautiful Homes

... Imagine sliding back the windows and enjoying the views from the terrace, overlooking the Firth Of Forth!

So, as we left on Saturday morning and the rain clouds gathered, we both considered ourselves very lucky to have had a week to recharge our batteries in this beautiful part of our country.

Thanks to Evelyn and Aaran Haven ... definitely a haven that we shall return to!

Happy holidays! xx

Bespoke orders

2011-08-23T16:13:00.000+01:00

Bespoke orders are the most popular here at April Daisies, working with clients to create something unique and special.

And none more unique than one of last week's creations.

A simple request ... "I am looking for a shaped board - shaped like a bustier in a black velverty material with the criss-cross ribbon and diamonte/glass studs. Size something like 50 x 50cm"

So, after a little research and lots of emails and pictures this was the result

I think the customer was happy too .... some very lovely comments left on the website and some kind comments by email

"Give praise where praise is due, I am so thrilled with it, can't thank you enough. Have also linked on facebook, putting a picture on there of my board. Without a doubt I would recommend you to anyone and everyone!"

Happy Customers = Happy April Daisies! :)

Competitions!

2011-06-22T14:30:00.000+01:00

Sometimes, I can be quite lucky and pick up a bargain or two (see the previous post about beds) but when it comes to competitions I'm not normally successful .... I try but usually to no avail.

But the power of Twitter waved its magic wand yet again and after a retweet or two I received some very exciting news ... I had won the opportunity to have 10 of my products professionally photographed by the very talented and lovely Lyndsey James! How very exciting!

I knew a little about Lyndsey and her gorgeous work as I had recently sent her a heart shaped chalkboard to be used in her forthcoming book about how to take quality product photographs. I am already delighted with the results of these pictures, taken on location in rural France where Lyndsey's Mum lives and runs her own business making gorgeous bunting.

So, I put together a parcel of some of my favourite and most popular products and sent them off. After a lovely conversation with Lyndsey, where I said what I thought would be useful and took on board Lyndsey's experience and expertise, I waited patiently to see what the pictures would look like.

I AM THRILLED and I LOVE THEM ALL!

So ...Lyndsey! Thank you so much for all your support, effort and advice.

It's very much appreciated. x

I had a lovely afternoon on Tuesday, updating the website with the new images and I have set up a shop on Etsy (which is linked to my Facebook page) with just a couple of things so far to see how it goes.

If you make lovely things and you want them to look amazing on your website then I would happily recommend sending your products to Lyndsey, the results won't disappoint. Prices start from £6 and details can be found by clicking here .

I'm looking forward to the Autumn and seeing the book and learning how to take better pictures, there's still time to get in touch and see if your products may be suitable for the book too!

A new bed!

2011-06-06T14:29:00.000+01:00

For a while now, we have been thinking about replacing our mattress, purchased in 2003 at considerable expense it is starting to sag in various places - despite my efforts to turn it on a regular basis!

We looked .... and sighed! How much? For a mattress? Not even a new bed frame, just the mattress!

So, one very windy Sunday afternoon I happened to spot a memory foam mattress on Freecycle. I assumed that it would be a mattress topper and thought that this would extend the life of our sagging mattress so a while longer. I got in touch with the "Freecycler" and asked if it was still available. A very quick response came back and I was thrilled to discover that not only was it still there but it was only a couple of miles away. VERY EXCITING!
I persuaded my lovely hubby that it would easily roll up and fit in the back of the car, how difficult could it be? Well, in gale force winds, it took four of us to gently coax the mattress in to the back of our car - with little room for driving! Husband crouched down in the foot well and I drove with my knees somewhere up around my chin ... most uncomfortable but well worth the discomfort when we got home with an almost unused, king size memory foam mattress ... I can still hardly believe my luck!
It was used twice by the previous owners who found it too firm - can't say we've had that problem, I love it!

So, we lived for a week or two like the Princess in the story of the Princess and The Pea with the mattress on top of the existing bed until I found time for a rethink of bedroom furniture. Our spare double bed has now found a new home with my niece and our original king size bed has moved in to the spare room to give visitors a little more room and comfort, which left us with a new mattress and no bed frame. More searching and planning then a bargain spotted on EBay, a little last minute frantic bidding and a king size pine bed frame was mine for £31 ... but it was in York and we are in Northumberland! But, with family to visit at half term, my ever obliging husband was dispatched to pick up the bed.

And here it is ....

Perfectly usable and in excellent condition but I wanted to make it feel like a new bed so ...

.... out came the paint and the brushes and now ....

... I feel it's more like my bed. The addition of the mattress makes it almost complete,

Add sheets, pillows and goose feather duvet (another bargain purchase from Laura Ashley) and I think the room is almost done. Still have a table to paint to add to the foot of the bed but I think I have achieved enough for today!

and so to sleep, perchance to dream!

Sweet dreams xx

Getting it right ...

2011-05-26T11:58:00.000+01:00

Making exactly what the customer wants can often be tricky - emails, photographs and phone calls all help but when one of you is in Northumberland and the other is at the bottom of the country it can be difficult to get the point across!

I strive to ensure the customer receives exactly what they had in mind when they get their order and I hope that our clients appreciate the efforts that we go to.

I was recently sent some lovely fabric to make a bespoke order for a client in London ...

Next job was to match ribbon. After much searching and a request that it should be similar to the ribbon on an existing board we agreed that the customer would get the ribbon and send it to me.

Ribbon received and further consultations as to how the ribbon should be placed.

This way?

No. it needed to be more "square" ... like this?

No, not like that! How about this?

Perfect! And the finished result? It looks like this ....

Lots of pinning, placing and phone calls but all resulting in a happy (I hope) customer!

Introducing a new line for April Daisies

2011-03-29T14:40:00.001+01:00

Recently, through the magic of Twitter, I was contacted by Lynne at No 18 Maison Boutique, a unique household boutique specialising in UK designer made products. Focusing on the small, individual talented artists and based in Newcastle Upon Tyne, it's a gorgeous shop opening on Thursday 30th March 2011

http://www.no18maisonboutique.co.uk/

Lynne was looking for a folding, fabric covered screen to hide a wall mounted boiler in the new shop.

After much decision making and fabric choosing, a very stylish white fabric with black leaf print was chosen and I set to work ....

It's now in its new home, screening the wall mounted boiler from the customers' view when they visit the shop!

And with one of the initial fabric choices, I made a noticeboard as a gift for the new shop ... somewhere to keep all the bits and pieces in a safe place

So, fuelled by my sucess, I made a smaller version for my kitchen. Perfect for screening the wellies, coats and boats that seem to have made their home by the back door!

And now .... I have added this new line to the website. Each screen will be tailored to your requirements, fabric and sizes to your specifications, therefore creating a unique addition to your home or workplace.

If you'd like some more information, then do get in touch!

E; aprildaisies@btinternet.com

T; 05601 933739

W; http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/page10.htm

Celebrations!

2011-03-14T08:49:00.000Z

Happy Birthday Celebrations!

This weekend was my lovely hubby's 40th birthday and so we decided to get away from work and business and take ourselves off to North Berwick to celebrate. It's a favourite place for both of us and it seemed the right place to be to celebrate a "no fuss, I'm only 40" birthday!"

After much searching and decision making we satyed here ...

http://www.no12qualitystreet.co.uk/index.htm

A very stylish, newly refurbished B&B right in the centre of town.

Perfect for a walk to the shops, a stroll to the beach and close enough to walk for our evening meal in town.

We arrived early on Friday evening and managed a quick walk to the shops, just to check they were all still there, and stopped off for hot chocolate and cake. Then a brisk walk along the beach and back to the room to shower and change for supper, a delicious Chinese meal followed by another walk on the beach... in the dark with the waves crashing on the rocks!

The weather wasn't great on Saturday but with 10-15cm of snow forecast and falling close by we escaped lightly with sleet and rain. Wrapped up and facing the elements we enjoyed a bracing walk along the beach, had chips watching the waves and wondered, yet again ... why we don't live there!

Then back home to more presents and cards and to enjoy supper with my family.

A very enjoyable weekend and hopefully just the right amount of fuss for my very special husband, but just in case he didn't hear me say it often enough this weekend ....

Happy 40th Birthday Andy! xx

Presents in the post!

2011-03-07T10:28:00.000Z

Well. it seems that Spring has finally sprung ....

... still frosty but giving way to beautiful sunshine and blue skies. Let's hope it lasts!

As I pottered in the garden at the weekend the postie arrived with an envelope, I couldn't think what it would be but was delighted to open it and find ...

... a gorgeous keyring from Ness.

Recently, @VanessaByPost were offering a free keyring in exchange for a retweet and follow on Twitter. Now, I never get freebies. I'm always just too late and miss out so I was thrilled to receive my present in the post, all for spreading the word on Twitter.

Thank you Ness, I shall add my new keyring to my growing collection of Ness loveliness

and, with a birthday coming up, I shall drop some hints about further goodies from http://www.nessbypost.com/Default.asp?&cookie%5Ftest=1

... maybe a new purse is in order!

Twitter love!

2011-03-01T11:30:00.000Z

Just a quick post to say "Thank You"

to Kristy from http://www.simplybowsandchaircovers.co.uk/

Recently, the lovely Kristy offered to display my heart shaped place settings in her studio and when she's out and about at wedding fairs in West Northumberland and Cumbria

I think (but then I am slightly biased) they look fab!

Thank you Kristy xxx

Weddings

2011-03-01T11:22:00.000Z

The last few weeks have been busy, busy, busy .......

I had a lovely order for some of these gorgeous hearts, tied with a very pretty pale pink ribbon. I know nothing about the use for the order but I am assuming they may be for a wedding as, to go with the place settings, I also made some of the large heart chalkboards ...

.... for a table plan, perhaps?

We'll have to wait and see, I hope I get to see some photos of the hearts in action - I'll keep you posted!

It's the little things that can mean so much

2011-02-17T15:13:00.000Z

On Tuesday, after a difficult few days of poorliness and the news that two of my husband's relatives had died, we arrived home to find a parcel. Not expecting anything, I was curious ...

... and it didn't take me long to find the scissors and open the carefully wrapped box. There was a clue in the pink cupcake tape that sealed the box but I still had no idea who the parcel was from.

As I delved further in to the box and unwrapped the bubble wrap, I pulled out a cake!

With it, an envelope and a lovely message from Sarah at Lahert's Cakes in a suitably cupcake card.

A little while ago, we were suffering quite badly with deep snow and freezing temperatures and it was much discussed on Twitter. I was struggling to keep warm and feeling frustrated that parcels were missing but messages from Sarah @CakesandTreats and many others kept me going!

Lovely Sarah made a promise to send me cake when the weather improved and true to her word ... the cake arrived!

Not just any cake but a beautiful Chocolate Fudge Cake, perfectly presented and wrapped and looking far too good to eat!

I have never been sent cake before and I can honestly say, that it's a great gift to receive. At the end of the day, there is nothing better than a piece of cake and a cup of tea ... especially when you know it's been made with love and sent with kind thoughts!

So, thank you Sarah ... your thoughtfulness and kindness is very much appreciated!

And if you're in need of cheering up or you know somebody who will appreciate a surprise then I can thoroughly recommend the chocolate fudge cake from http://www.lahertscakes.co.uk/

Very, very tasty!

Thank you Sarah xxx

Time for love ....

2011-01-17T11:50:00.000Z

..... and if you're a little shy but have something really important to ask then .....

Maybe this might help?

Happy Valentine's Day ... with love from April Daisies x

http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/page4.htm

Another year!

2011-01-04T13:00:00.000Z

So it seems we started January 2010 with heavy snow and ended a busy year with heavy snow.

Looking back, I realise that 2010 has been a mixed year and I am ready for 2011 and some spring weather.

Here's a few of the highs (and a couple of lows) of 2010 ...

January saw Northumberland covered in deep snow with beautiful blue skies

February was the month April Daisies' heart shaped chalkboard made an appearance in Good Homes Magazine, courtesy of Swanky Maison and also the time to wish your loved one a "Happy Valentine's Day!"

March brought a flurry of orders for Mothering Sunday as we all find a way of telling our Mums how special they are as the long awaited spring arrives

April .... a 40th birthday to celebrate

May was the month for wedding orders, lots and lots of tiny hearts painted and dispatched to make place settings for someone's special day. We also enjoyed a Graduation ceremony for my hard working hubby who achieved his NPQH status

June arrived and so did an increase in bespoke orders, working closely with customers to make sure they get the right results and are happy with their individually designed and unique product

July saw our products featured in a give-away competition from Swanky Maison in Real Homes magazine and an opportunity to be with family as we celebrated a family wedding

August came with some beautiful wedding photographs showing our place settings in action and I also became Godmother to a very special little girl

September was the time I took advice from Camilla and watched her work her magic with my press releases

October saw another competition from Swanky Maison, this time in Country Living Magazine and another example of an innovative use of hearts for table plans at another wedding

November arrived all too quickly and the preparations for a busy Christmas were thrown in to chaos when the snow arrived

December saw more and more snow and more and more disruption to normal service. Parcels missing and unhappy customers made the weeks before Christmas particularly stressful this year.

But, Christmas arrived and more than a month after it first fell, the snow has finally melted and we can see the ground again. Today it is raining and it's almost a pleasure to hear the pitter patter on the roof!

Today is also the day my lovely husband starts his new job, I wish him so much happiness and I know he will do his very best to be a brilliant Head Teacher and, as he has supported me in so many ways, I will do my very best to support him along the way!

I'd like to take this opportunity to say thank you to all who have supported me in 2010, from family and friends to customers and clients across the country - too many to mention but you know who you are. Without you all I would not succeed!

I wish you all a very happy New Year

and look forward to welcoming you to April Daisies in 2011.

Snow, snow and more snow!

2010-12-01T12:50:00.000Z

On Friday we woke to a covering of snow, not too much but enough to make everything pretty!

Then the weekend arrived and more snow arrived, bitterly cold days and heavy snow falls during the night.

This sheep wasn't impressed that I was disturbing his hunt for food but he did stay long enough to pose for the camera!

. We managed to walk to the local village shop about a mile away and pick up some milk and eggs, enough to make a cake and keep us supplied with hot drinks.

Then Monday arrived and more snow too!

Schools closed all over Northumberland and many people unable to get out and about, except for the opportunity to sledge and throw snowballs.

I wonder when the birds will see the bird bath again? There is about a foot of snow on top of mine this morning. The footpaths have disappeared and the garden looks amazing!

All is quiet and still.

Snuggled up, with the curtains closed it's easy to forget the world outside so just before I went to bed last night I thought I'd check outside .... I had to push the door open and discovered a further couple of inches had fallen whilst we were safe inside.

I'm wondering if we can bring Christmas forward this year?

The scene is set .... Happy Christmas!

20% off ...... a great incentive for Christmas shopping!

2010-11-09T13:36:00.000Z

http://aprildaisies.co.uk/page6.htm

The weather has certainly changed this week and soon Christmas will be here and the next few weeks will be filled with decisions to make about what to buy.

So, to make life a little easier we've added a little special offer to the website in the run up to Christmas. If you purchase two large heart shaped chalkboards then we'll reduce the price by 20% ... that's two hearts for £24 (inc p&p!) the perfect opportunity to get a couple of presents sorted or even treat yourself! Choose any ribbon colour and we'll gift wrap them too if you let us know it's a gift!

http://aprildaisies.co.uk/page4.htm

Happy shopping .... we look forward to your visit!

http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/

Competitions to enter and discounts for shopping ....

2010-10-14T10:18:00.000+01:00

Last Saturday my Country Living Magazine arived in the post, gorgeous autumn colours adorn the front cover and tempt you to open up and read what this country lifestyle magazine has to offer this month.

I am tempted by 30% off tickets to the Christmas fair, something I never seem to have time to visit but it's on my list of "things to do"

But the offers for CL subscribers are tempting too .... a gorgeous array of goodies worth over £150 to be won courtesty of http://www.swankymaison.com/ and a further offer of 15% discount when you shop online, choosing from carefully selected, handmade accessories by British craftspeople.

Both offers end on the 30th November ... plenty of time to pick up some Christmas shopping!

Table plans for a wedding

2010-10-11T16:35:00.001+01:00

Earlier this year I was asked to supply 15 heart shaped chalkboards to be used as a seating plan at a wedding .... out with the jigsaw and the paint and a parcel was sent to the Mother of the Bride.

Then a cry for help, the Bride and Groom wanted to use names of places they had lived as the table name. Even with the beautifully neat writing of Mum it was too tricky to get the table name and the guests on each heart. So we made 15 chalkboard recatangles to hang above the hearts.

And here are the hearts in action .....

.... don't they look fab? I think so!

"They were terrific and just the job, everyone said how good they were. I hope the picture gives people other ideas for their versatility and brings you much more custom. Thanks again for all your help!"

A little bit of gorgeous Autumn colour in the garden

2010-10-11T16:25:00.000+01:00

As the days become shorter the opportunities to wander in the garden become less but today I was struck by the beauty of the colours in the leaves as Autumn sets in.

Everything changing colour, leaves dying and dropping .......

..... perfect Autumn days!

Happy customers ...

2010-10-07T09:01:00.000+01:00

Last week I received an email from a client I had made a noticeboard for a year or two ago. The last one was a pink checked fabric from Laura Ashley and it was for her daughter's room, this enquiry was for a much larger board using a plain cream fabric that is my favourite!

All made and parcel posted, a slightly anxious time as I ALWAYS worry that the parcel will be delayed or damaged or it might not be what they were expecting .... then the most lovely comments and feedback arrived last night.

"Board arrived safely today - thank you, it's gorgeous and perfect! Thank you so much for your brilliant service - it's been much admired already and it isn't even on the wall yet"

Happy customers! Happy days!

A day for making memories!

2010-10-04T10:38:00.000+01:00

Way, way back in 1990 my Mum arranged for us to go into Newcastle to have some professional family portrait pictures taken. Best clothes and very formal but lovely pictures of Mum, Dad, me and my brother.

As we've all changed .... a lot ... and there are now eight of us in our family, Mum has been asking for a couple of years that we all get together and have some new pictures taken. There always seems to have been something happening that has made it difficult for all of us to be in the same place at the same time and we've found plenty of excuses and reasons for it not to happen ... until yesterday!

I recently found Danny Cain on Twitter with his wedding and portrait photography business

http://www.serenity-photography.com/

and thought that I'd arrange something for Mum and Dad's wedding anniversary present.

We had a chat on the telephone about the sort of relaxed and informal images we wanted and I had no hesitation in booking the session.

Sunday 3rd October arrived and so did the rain ... not too many shots in the garden then?!

The house was clean and tidy and "the family" arrived, poor Danny must have been slightly overwhelmed with two excited and curious children.

The living room was transformed into a studio (apologies for my brother to the left of the picture!)

A white backdrop was added ....and the fun began!

And we did have fun! Pictures together, pictures with people we love and care about, memories made for us all to treasure as the years move very quickly on.

Danny was great at making us all relaxed and comfortable, he spent 3 hours in the house and garden taking several hundred pictures (that's a lot of smiling!) and I'm really looking forward to seeing the end results.

If you're looking for a wedding photographer or thinking about having some family portrait pictures taken ... just for fun or to mark a special occasion then I would highly recommend Danny Cain

http://www.serenity-photography.com/

Thanks Danny for a great afternoon!

Christmas ... in September?

2010-09-23T16:27:00.000+01:00

Why not? It's never too soon to start planning and thinking about it and so when I spied a message on Twitter from @makersonline asking for Christmas images for their new blog I got together the camera and went off to find the closest thing I could to a Christmas tree in the garden!

The results? You can see for yourself here http://christmas-gifts.makers-online.co.uk/?p=11 where April Daisies are mentioned.

A little bit of help from Photo Shop and I'm quite pleased with the results. You can buy these gorgeous hand painted hearts on the website http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/page7.htm and http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/page4.htm

They're perfect for tree decorations, gift tags and place settings on your Christmas table.

Happy Christmas!

With a little bit of help ....

2010-09-23T16:17:00.000+01:00

... from Camilla (see previous blog entry) I am hoping to have my first "proper press release" all done and dusted soon. Will tell you more when Camilla has worked her magic and got me sorted with images, she's very patient and I'm sure she must be thinking she's taken on a bigger challenge than she anticipated.

I have spent most of today taking pictures ... not very successfully, it would appear! So once this is sorted I will be ready to roll - watch this space!

New opportunities ....

2010-09-20T11:33:00.000+01:00

.... recently I have been thinking about "what next" for April Daisies. It's tricky knowing what to do and how to go about it, who to ask for help and how much will it cost! So I pondered a while and twittered a while longer, waiting for inspiration to hit me.

Twitter, for April Daisies, is a constant source of support, knowledge and companianship and I was delighted to find a new addition in the shape of @InFeature and the lovely Camilla!

Camilla is a journalist and copywriter specialising in home interest features for the consumer and business press. She is experienced in writing for a multitude of other markets too! You can see her website by clicking on the following link http://www.infeature.co.uk/. It's sounds like a great job!

Having spent a little time looking at InFeature I wondered if they might be able to help April Daisies and so I plucked up courage and sent an email. I was thrilled when Camilla rang me and offered her help and advice with writing a press release.

All of a sudden I find I'm at a new and exciting stage with the business. I have no idea where it will take us but I am already confident that I have found someone who is willing and able to help me move on ... and for that, I am very grateful.

Thank you Camilla for your help and advice so far, I'm looking forward to working with you! x

Twitter friends!

2010-09-13T08:45:00.001+01:00

Through the wonderful world of Twitter I discovered the gorgeous online shop "Leonards Interiors" owned by the lovely Tracy, based in rural Lincolnshire.

It's a shop full of gorgeous ceramics and home accessories, beautiful ribbons from Jane Means and stylish cards from Dots and Spots. So I was delighted to be asked to make a range of products specifically for Leonards Interiors, incorporating the ribbon from Jane Means to tie in and match with the existing product range.

A selection of fabric boards, peg boards and heart shaped chalkboards were made and dispatched

and if you click on this link

http://www.leonardsinteriors.co.uk/news.html

you can see how great they all look with the cards and tape

from Becky at http://www.dotsandspots.co.uk/

Thank you Tracy, for choosing April Daisies!
x

Recharging the batteries ...

2010-09-05T08:39:00.000+01:00

..... with a few days away in Scotland.

I have enjoyed this view of North Berwick on so many holidays over the last 40 years, lots of memories come flooding back as I stand looking down towards the walled paddling pool and the harbour ..... waiting and watching for Dad to finish his round of golf, running down the steps to get to the beach, eating an ice-cream and watching the waves crashing on the rocks. Holidays with Grandparents, Mum and Dad, friends and holidays with my wonderful husband - who loves it here just as much as me!

Happy days!

This year we spent a lovely day on the beach at Seacliffe with stunning views to the Bass Rock and Tantallon Castle, almost deserted ....

..... but for the morning exercise class of the local stables!

We also had a boat trip around the Bass Rock on Sula II, crystal clear water below and clear blue skies above, out of the harbour ....

we set off towards the rock which is the home to thousands of gannets, the noise (and smell!) is incredible but it's an amazing sight

Then back on dry land and watching the sun set ..... a perfect end to the day!

I love it here!

Cath Kidston Fabrics

2010-08-10T09:21:00.000+01:00

This week I received a beatifully wrapped parcel from Cath Kidston, an order of fabric from a customer to make a noticeboard. As you can see, the material is so pretty. Soft blue background with delicate pink flowers, very summery!

It didn't take long for my client to decide on her ribbon colour ... a soft pink with bronze pins added to complete the board and it's almost ready to post.

Very, very pretty!

More weddings!

2010-08-08T17:43:00.000+01:00

Back in May I blogged about an order of 170 hearts for place settings for a wedding.

The bride has just emailed me to say ....

"We had a fab day! Our photos are now online so you can see your gorgeous hearts in all their glory. We had so many comments about them and some people have kept them as a memento. They looked fab!"

I think they look fab too!

Thank you to Caroline at http://www.cp-photography.co.uk/ for letting me have the images, some of the images showed a couple of the guests wearing the hearts as pendants - another alternative use, an innovative way to network!!

It looks perfect and I wish both Jen and Richard a lifetime of love and happiness.

Thank you for choosing April Daisies to be a part of your special day!

Customer service? Nothing's too much trouble!

2010-08-08T17:29:00.000+01:00

Recently on my blog I mentioned how we like to make sure our clients receive only the very best service at April Daisies so when I was sent some beautiful fabric to make a bespoke board I set about making sure that this time was no different ....

..... The board was covered and an image sent to my client. Not quite the right ribbon colour they had in mind so off to the craft shop where I buy the ribbon and start again with a different colour.

Looking good .... but still not right. This time we found the perfect colour online and my ever patient Dad was dispatched to pick up the third choice.

Perfect? I think so!

Thankfully, my client is happy too so the parcel is on the way and will soon be hanging in the kitchen - where it will proudly display all their little boy's "art work"!

Another example of our excellent customer service .... it has to be just right!

Happy Days!

2010-08-02T11:34:00.001+01:00

Friday was a family occasion we have been looking forward to for quite a while.

We headed off to Ormskirk for the wedding of my cousin and what a day we had!

It was lovely being with my wonderful family and sharing such a special day with the Bride and Groom.

A few pictures to share ...

30th July 2010

Happy wedding day to John and Jenny

Beautiful flowers adorned the most spectacular marquee

Stylishly set tables with appropriate names for a cricket loving groom!

A feast for the eyes ... as well as our stomachs complimented by an endless supply of champagne and fine wines

A quick run across the outfield in very heavy rain for the Best Man in search of the Groom's missing speech!

Attention to detail ... a postbox for the cards!

And finally ... the cake!

Congratulations to you both, you've certainly had a very good start to your married life.

Good old-fashioned customer service ....

2010-07-13T18:09:00.002+01:00

It's never easy trying to please all of the people all of the time but that's our aim here at April Daisies!

Recently I had some time to update the website and this made me think about such things and thought I'd share our customer feedback.

The bespoke service that we offer is an ideal way for customers to have something made uniquely and specifically for them, it's also flattering to be asked for advice and ideas. Some clients have their own ideas or suggestions and we are keen that these must be respected, while other clients are more open to different thoughts and perspectives.

Personal contact throughout process is crucial to me. Even when a trusting customer leaves the style and design to me I send regular updates and emails, photos and ideas, always seeking their clarification and confirmation before I finish a project to ensure that the finished result is exactly what the customer has asked ... and paid for! And in my opinion that's exactly how it should be!

You can see how this good old-fashioned customer service pays off by having a look at the lovely comments on our feedback page http://aprildaisies.co.uk/page16.htm

A competition!

2010-07-03T10:19:00.001+01:00

I have been a partner with Swanky Maison since they first launched and I know how hard Cath and Emma work at promoting the business @ http://www.swankymaison.com/
April Daisies has already hit the headines with a picure of a heart shaped chalkboard courtesy of Swanky Maison in April's copy of Good Homes Magazine and this month it's competition time .....

http://www.realhomesmagazine.co.uk/competitions/swanky-maison

.... a chance to win a selection of goodies from Swanky Maison. Click the link and enter - Simple!!!!

2010-06-27T17:21:00.001+01:00

Back in November 2009 I was contacted and asked to make some hearts to be used
as place settings at a wedding in 2010.
120 hearts were painted, ribbons tied and a parcel posted off to the bride to be, I was promised some photos of the hearts in action but what I didn't expect was access to the most stunning wedding pictures I have ever seen!
I am blown away by the quality of the work of Nick Despres, his website http://www.nickdespres.com/ and his blog nick-despres.blogspot.com are just a hint at the talents of this very creative photographer.

The bride and groom (Liz and Chris) started their journey with some pictures in January to mark their engagement in London http://nick-despres.blogspot.com/2010/01/special-engagement-session-part-1.html and again in February http://nick-despres.blogspot.com/2010/02/liz-chris-engagement-part-2.html with a trip to Guernsey. Then a gorgeous day in May provides the backdrop for their wedding day on the Island of Sark http://nick-despres.blogspot.com/2010/05/liz-chris-wonderful-wedding-in-sark.html.

There's a picture of the hearts in action on the blog but Nick has very kindly agreed to let me have some images of the hearts and I love them ... I hope you agree!

This is how Liz described how the hearts were used ...

"We had a wonderful day and the hearts looked fantastic; in fact everyone started attaching them to their jacket lapels, handbags and hats and by the end of the night everyone was wearing them!"

"Our photographer is excellent and has made choosing photographs a very difficult decision!"

Liz was born and grew up on Guernsey but is now based in London for work. Their love of sailing and many weekends spent in Sark made it the perfect choice to start their married life.

I wish them both so much happiness and I thank them for choosing April Daisies to be a small part of such a special occasion, although I have now looked at the photos so often that I feel like I was there!

Thanks to Nick too for letting me have the images, I would certainly recommend him!

http://www.nickdespres.com/

Weddings!

2010-05-29T08:01:00.000+01:00

Had a lovely email recently enquiring about some mini hearts for a wedding .... 170 of them to be precise!

So off to work and several hours later there is a transformation ....

then lots of sanding and rubbing down before another coat of paint ...

and the hearts begin to look like something suitable for a wedding.

But it's definitely the ribbon that adds the finishing touch...

and the hearts are finally ready to post to the bride.

Thankfully the task of writing 170 guests' names on the hearts is not mine!!

I'm looking forward to hearing all about the wedding and seeing a photo of the hearts in situ at this very colourful wedding, the groom has decided that as he doesn't know what his bride will be wearing then he will be keeping his outfit a secret too so it will be surprises for everyone.

The comment from an obviously very excited bride made me smile and I hope this happy couple have a wonderful day and a very happy future together, I feel proud to have had a tiny part in such a special day!

"Thank you for your confidence in the day being fab, I have been really chilled about it all until this morning and suddenly the realisation it is next week has kicked in!

I am really excited about the day but more so about being married as we don't live together at the moment so it is all change!"

Good luck Jen and your new husband xxx

A weekend of mixed emotions!

2010-05-24T15:39:00.001+01:00

How the sun shone! The sky was blue and the birds were singing.

Grass cut, egdes trimmed and the garden was looking lovely, including Mr Magnolia who hasn't flowered for four years!

An early start on Saturday as we drove to Nottingham for a very special event, my lovely hubby has been working hard and has been awarded his NPQH

We were invited to Nottingham University for the Graduation Ceremony on Saturday and had a lovely time, the campus is beautiful and has lakes, swans, ducks and seats to admire the view ... not at all like being at school!

We had a lovely time, lots of tea and cake before the Graduation ceremony then a delicious buffet lunch and I was very proud of my lovely man!

Then we headed back " Up North" to see our friends who have just moved home. New house is looking lovely, all very organised considering they had only been there a day! A very bouncy spaniel was happy to have his tummy tickled before collapsing in the heat. It was just a quick visit and I hope that we will be back to see them soon. It was a strange feeling as we neared home and passed their house with new people on the drive, carrying boxes and moving in!

Safely back home and back to our life ... a life which seems strangely better when the sun shines!

A spring walk!

2010-05-15T18:24:00.002+01:00

The sun has been shining and I have spent several, much needed hours weeding this afternoon. Dandelions, buttercups and nettles winning the fight for space amongst the more desirable plants in the garden. It's all looking a bit better now and the compost heap is considerably higher!

As the afternoon sun glistens on the glossy green leaves on the rhododendrons down the drive ... pink, red, white - the bees are buzzing as they flit from flower to flower!

It's a magical time, as the buds burst out in to flowers.

The apple blossom is out too and soon we will have the first signs of the fruits to come.

So ... the grass has been cut, the edges trimmed and (some) of the weeds pulled! Must be time for a well deserved drink ... Cheers!

Happy Birthday Flowers!

2010-04-14T09:15:00.001+01:00

Last weekend I celebrated my 40th birthday with friends and family and I thought I'd share some images of the beautiful flowers I received.

On Friday this gorgeous bundle of scented stocks arrived from my very dear friend Laura from http://www.thelaureltree.co.uk/ I wish you could smell them ... delicious!

Then on Saturday more flowers arrived and I almost ran out of vases and places to put them! My sister in law made me 2 gorgeous arrangements, one for the kitchen table with daffodils and one for the coffee table with stunning striped tulips!

I have had such a wonderful weekend and the weather was just perfect, clear blue skies and big yellow sunshine!

These bags of flowers arrived and have already found new homes in pots to brighten the patio, the colours are stunning and I shall have something to remind me next Spring when they flower again.

Flowers in a pot, flowers in bags, flowers in vases, flowers with candles .... flowers everywhere!

Memories!

2010-04-09T09:46:00.001+01:00

Yesterday the postie brought me a small but beautifully wrapped package. Inside was the most gorgeous applique notebook made by Jane at Snapdragon's Garden. http://www.snapdragongarden.co.uk/userimages/procart18.htm

It's a website full of beautifully handmade things and when I saw this it instantly reminded me of holdays in North Berwick with my Mum and Dad. I have so many happy memories of holidays in the caravan and I know they will love their present, it's perfect as a "thank you" for everything they have done to organise the coming weekend and celebrations for my 40th birthday!

April Daffodils?

2010-03-22T21:41:00.000Z

Finally, spring seems to be here in Northumberland! It's been a long, cold winter and seeing the daffodils trying so hard to reach for the sunshine makes me realise just what a struggle it has been for the plants and wildlife. Everything seems so much later this year but hopefully Easter will see a dazzling array of spring flowers and bouncing lambs in the fields.

Easter is always such a special time, we were married on Easter Eve (and my birthday) and the daffodils were still in full bloom at Church in Alnwick and almost nodding as we drove to the reception at Eshott Hall. Happy days!!

It's proving to be a busy few months ahead, we have a family wedding in July to look forward to and I am thrilled that I have been asked to be Godmother to my friend's daughter too. I think there'll be a little bit of "frock" shopping to be done ... and maybe a hat too!

Mothering Sunday!

2010-03-14T15:34:00.000Z

A time when families can be together and celebrate the love of a Mum! Mine is coming for dinner this evening with the rest of the family and I am looking forward to being together!
So just incase you don't already know Mum ....... lots and lots! xxx

Beautiful fabrics!

2010-03-11T15:17:00.000Z

Have just made and posted this beautiful fabric noticeboard off to Camndridge.

The fabric is from Osborne and Little and it is, quite simply, the most gorgeous fabric I have ever used.

The picture doesn't really show it so well but it was very soft and just so lovely to work with and made a very stylish board indeed.

Hearts in Good Homes!

2010-02-27T18:11:00.000Z

Loving the image of our heart shaped chalkboard in April's edition of Good Homes, there's something a bit special about seeing something you've made in a magazine - the things you dream about!

I know the girls are working hard at http://www.swankymaison.com/ and it looks like it's all paying off

Spring in a basket!

2010-02-27T17:59:00.000Z

Just sat down to watch the rugby when the doorbell rang .... it was worth the interruption though!

This beautiful basket of spring flowers arrived from my cousin, to say thank you for helping them move house last week.

Such gorgeous colours to brighten up the end of a dull, damp and generally cold February

2010-02-23T20:24:00.000Z

Some cushions and a board I made recently in situ ... it's lovely

to see where and how everything is used once the parcel has been posted.

Looks like a perfect office space - no excuses for now!

Thanks Michele, it was lovely working with you and great to see the products in place.

Happy Days!

2010-02-22T12:19:00.000Z

Last week we spent a few days in Perthshire, visiting family and helping my cousin move into their beautiful new home near Dunkeld. Thankfully, the rain stayed away and we managed to achieve quite a lot in 2 days.

Job done and we drove in to Edinburgh to enjoy a night "on the town" and a delicious Indian meal!

This was followed by a day in St Andrews and then a stop on the way home at North Berwick - I almost didn't come home!

This is my favourite place and I have been at least once a year for almost 40 years! It feels very much like home and I love it! Sitting watching the waves and the boats, sun shining and waves crashing - just perfect!

We had a quick walk up the High Street and visited the gorgeous "Time and Tide" who have opened a second shop this year. Bought some lovely bits and pieces, including a fab new bag with a huge daisy on the front, obviously a purchase for the business!!!

Felt very sad to leave the seaside and already planning a return visit .... Easter? Or can we manage a spring weekend before? Let's hope so!

Spring?

2010-02-22T12:02:00.000Z

A hint of spring this weekend, Saturday was a beautiful day with blue skies and gentle breeze - short lived as the snow returned on Sunday evening, not too much but still a covering!

The daffodils are just pushing through the ground and the snowdrops are delicately shivering in the cold!

We had a brief a visit to Meldon Park in Northumberland at the end of last week to see how and where I can display some products when the shop re-opens on 3rd March. It's a beautiful setting and the walled gardens and courtyard are perfect for a wander before returning for a coffee in the conservatory. Have a look at the website http://www.stewartandcofinefood.co.uk/ - I'm looking forward to working with Emily and Jenny

Happy Birthday Dad!

2010-02-05T10:46:00.000Z

Happy Birthday to you. Happy Birthday to you.
Happy Birthday dear Dad. Happy Birthday to you!

Today is my Dad's birthday - Happy Birthday Dad!

Wishing you a lovely day and looking forward to seeing you later.

Lots of love from me xxx

A Valentine Heart ... made with love, just for you!

2010-01-18T18:43:00.000Z

Spread a little heart-shaped love and send a gorgeous handmade chalkboard to your Valentine this year.

The perfect place to leave notes of love .... or in most cases what you need when you next visit the shops!

Either way, something to treasure the whole year through.

Can be gift-wrapped and sent with or without a message to keep up the mystery.

http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/

Different sizes available so check out http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/

and see how we can help you send some love this Valentine's Day

And still it snows!

2010-01-07T18:29:00.000Z

The first snow fell in Northumberland on Thursday 18th December 2009 ... and we haven't seen the ground since! Freezing temperatures have meant the snow has stayed and compacted, fresh snow has fallen and so the process goes on. We have more than 10" of snow and a couple more of compacted ice and snow underneath so we're walking closer to the skies each day.

Schools are closed and roads remain difficult so it seems, for now, I must keep looking at the beautiful scenery and enjoying the slower pace of life and stillness that the snow has brought with it.

April Daisies is still plodding along although supplies need to be replenished soon, along with the bread and milk!

Soon it will be Valentine's Day and love will be all around us - hopefully!

So if you're waiting for the snow to pass and have time to spare then take a look at the website, there's a heart for every occasion but definitely when it comes to February 14th.

The perfect gift, a card and present in one and something to treasure the whole year round.

Say "I love you" with a handmade gift from April Daisies

Made with love, just for you!

http://www.aprildaisies.co.uk/

Happy New Year!

2010-01-01T17:13:00.000Z

Happy New Year from April Daisies!

More heavy snow in Northumberland on New Year's Eve 2009

Best wishes for a happy and healthy 2010

A winter wonderland

2009-12-29T11:59:00.004Z

We've had snow in Northumberland now for almost two weeks and it doesn't look like it's about to melt yet!

The temperature at 7pm last night was down to minus 5 and this morning the trees are glistening in the sunshine whilst the snow on the ground is frozen solid.

More snow is due and maybe more sledging too, it will keep Mr April Daisies busy entertaining our niece and nephew

With time to think comes plans for the future, get to grips with Twitter and maybe Facebook too, to start with. Then new ideas and designs ..... what shall we do next? Maybe a cup of tea and a Christmas chocolate will provide the inspiration!

Certainly this beautiful weather will provide inspiration for photographers and artists in Northumberland, it's just started to snow again and all is quiet and still!

2009-12-21T11:23:00.006Z

Happy Christmas!

2009 has flown by and looking back makes you realise just how hard we've worked and how much fun we've had making and creating. I have just wrapped six internet orders and a last minute order of twenty hearts for a new shop in Preston, but before we brave the cold and snow here's a little taste of the progress in 2009 ...

The lovely feedback that we receive from customers makes it all worthwhile, visiting a fabulous new shop in Harrogate to deliver goods and meet the owner was a real pleasure and receiving repeat orders from happy customers is the ultimate in thanks and approval.

April Daisies has enjoyed sigining up and working with two new online shopping markets http://www.notmassproduced.com/ and http://www.swankymaison.com/ and we wish them every success in 2010.

We have been asked to supply several new and gorgeous shops with our products across the UK and together with our exisisting outlets we now have a growing number of beautiful places to buy our range. Thank you in particular to Laura in Bourton On The Water, Dawn in Sheffield and Clare in Norfolk for your continuous support.

Towards the end of the year we had our first ever mention in a magazine - the December issue of 25 Beautiful Homes featured our gorgeous fabric noticeboards and with it a flurry of interest and orders!

"April Daisies ... is a company offering a number of fabric boards, as well as bespoke models made using your own material" How exciting to see our name in print!!

This was closely followed by the best alternative use for a heart shaped chalkboard .... Click on the following link to see our Heart shaped chalk boards in action!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyNM5hM7Fls The most creative use yet!!!

We've had several orders for weddings too and that's such a priviledge, to make something just for one couple to celebrate a wonderful occasion is an honour.

And my blog would not be complete without a mention of Laura .... my friend in the Cotswolds who is always there when I need her!

In the beautiful village of Bourton On The Water is the gorgeous Laurel Tree Shop (www.thelaureltree.co.uk) filled full of so many things that are carefully and lovingly chosen. Thank you Laura for your continuing help, encouragement and support and for being a real friend!

My very last thanks go to my family ... to my Mum who is always willing to pick up supplies and run errands, to my Dad who is always there to brave the elements and bring out the jigsaw to cut out more shapes when I've a heap of orders and then my fabulous husband - the person who calms me down, reassures me it will all be ok, sits for hours threading ribbons and wrapping parcels, cuts out shapes, paints hearts and is a dab hand with a hammer or stapler! But mostly for telling me I can ... when I think I can't!

Thank you all for your love and support xxx

Gorgeous fabrics!

2009-12-04T13:49:00.006Z

Recently I have been sent some gorgeous fabrics to create bespoke boards for customers, it's such a pleasure to make something unique and individual.

Usually it's a straightforward task but as you can see in the picture below it can be more of a challenge when the fabric is not all in one piece, and is infact the hems cut off the bottom of the curtains!

I think I managed and the customer was delighted so that's the most important thing!

Everything on Red - Hearts Music Video

2009-11-29T11:19:00.005Z

I often try to think of different uses for the heart chalkboards that I lovingly make and paint but I think this has to be the best so far ... what do you think?

Busy painting hearts this morning when I received a lovely surprise email. Recently I was asked to make and send a heart shaped chalkboard to be used in a music video, today I received an email thanking me and giving me the link to the action!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyNM5hM7Fls

Thank you Aleksis - the heart looks great, the song is fab and the video brilliant - well done all of you.

Best wishes from April Daisies for a successful future!

Boards, boards and more boards!

2009-11-23T11:39:00.002Z

Have had a busy few weeks making boards in a variety of gorgeous fabrics that customers have sent me. I love making them to suit different interiors and colour schemes and in all sorts of shapes and sizes!

Just about up to date with the heart chalkboards then another order for 20 more .... aaaaaagggghhhhh!!

Time to put the fabrics away and get painting again!

A step forward in the life of April Daisies

2009-11-01T14:35:00.005Z

Friday was an exciting day!

My Dad arrived straight from the newsagents where he had bought the

December edition of 25 Beautiful Homes.

A tiny mention, but a mention nonetheless, on page 22

of April Daisies and our gorgeous fabric notice boards.

Thank you to the lovely people at the magazine who emailed and phoned to check details.

Competition!

2009-10-23T13:26:00.002+01:00

Win one of 2 handmade prize packs worth over £200 each filled with gorgeous handmade gifts & goodies for you, your friends and your home. Shop Handmade's favourite designers have donated their favourite products just for you. See what's in each prize pack by clicking on the link;

http://www.shophandmade.co.uk/competitions.htm - a chance to win one of two marvellous bags of handmade goodies!

Check out the blog http://blog.shophandmade.co.uk/ for more details!

New doorstop design

2009-10-22T15:02:00.002+01:00

Have been trying to update the doorstop page in the website for a while now and have finally come up with a new deisgn.

I'm loving them! Just the right size and shape and hopefully tightly stitched to stop my friend's springer spaniel puppy undoing the ribbon of the previous design and tipping the rice out all over the floor!

Slippy customers!

2009-10-16T10:57:00.003+01:00

Arrived home to find a carefully wrapped box containing two gorgeous pieces of fabric to make some boards for a customer. What a job to cover the boards though, the fabric has slipped all over but thankfully the boards are now covered and looking great - just need pins and backing and they'll be on the way to brighten up a wall or two!

2009-10-11T10:54:00.003+01:00

Back to normality today but we had a lovely day in Harrogate yesterday. Delivered an order to a new shop opening in the Town Centre - it is still full of boxes but when it's finished it will be gorgreous, packed fill of beautiful things.

It was so busy and some shops already full of Christmas decorations!

Had time for a cup of tea in the Hotel Du Vin and then lunch in Pizza Express - all in all, a lovely way to spend a Saturday.

A good afternoon's work!

2009-09-28T15:41:00.003+01:00

This afternoon I have finished one of the very large boards and made 3 smaller boards, now I have 2 hearts to paint and then I am done for today!

Italian job!

2009-09-27T20:30:00.002+01:00

Today my lovely friend at The Laurel Tree had lots of hits from Italy on her website and wondered why .......... now she knows!

http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=it&tl=en&u=http%3A%2F%2Fshabbychicinteriors.blogspot.com%2F2009%2F09%2Flaurel-tree.html

Well done Laura, you have a gorgeous shop and work so hard, you deserve it!

Ps - chalkboards look gorgeous too xxx

A work in progress

2009-09-26T17:49:00.003+01:00

I have been asked to make two large noticeboards - one in pink gingham and one in blue gingham. Two very lucky children, I think!

So today I made a start ... had the wood cut to size this morning and picked up all the bits and pieces I need. Had to shout for help though, my arms just wouldn't stretch that far.

I have made good progress but will finish it tomorrow then begin the blue one next week - better than a workout at the gym, not sure if the postie will agree!

Have allowed my helper to watch the footie so I'd better start supper

A visit to Edinburgh

2009-08-30T10:49:00.003+01:00

Enjoyed a day watching the sights of the Edinburgh Festival, a very colourful and lively Royal Mile. Managed to buy some gorgeous new fabric too - just need to stock up on wood now and get them made and listed on the website, maybe a Bank Holiday Monday job?

2009-08-24T13:02:00.005+01:00

A bright and sunny chalkboard - I made this to send to a new customer and it cheered me up so thought I'd share it! Looking for new ribbon suppliers with a little help from my lovely friend at The Laurel Tree.

Hearts everywhere!

2009-08-21T13:44:00.003+01:00

What a day! Have finished an order for a new shop in Henley in Thames and making good progress on an order for Sheffield. More to start next week for craft shop in Rothbury and another shop in Darlington. I am surrounded by hearts to paint!
Parcels to post later and the sun is shining which slightly compensates for the grief the computer is causing me today!
Picked up supplies yesterday and updated the website with feedback and lovely people who stock my products - Thank you to all who do!

A busy day!

2009-08-18T08:53:00.003+01:00

A doorstop and noticeboard to make today and an order of hearts to cut out and get started for a new shop.

Need to stock up on supplies too!

Christmas is on the way!

2009-08-15T13:46:00.002+01:00

Today I have been taking photographs to send to an online company to use for Christmas marketing - It's the first time I have had the Christmas decorations out in August!

All now safely packed away and waiting (hopefully) for the orders to arrive