Happy Valentine's

Today is Valentines Day - I never send one of my own cards but got a little carried away when buying. So one went to Sophie, one to Sam and of course one to Jeff!

Pea's always feature in our cards being called 'Peabody' - I fell in love with this one by aianna - It was created by 3 sisters, who were our neighbours at our recent trade show.

I bought this card for Jeff by Ink Press - I love their cards and find them one of the best when choosing cards for men!

This card I again found at the trade show by Odey Publications - another 'pea' card!

I bought Jeff this print - says it all really

(but sadly I can't remember where I got it from to add a link)

He got me this lovely spotty card by Jenny Arnott

and this gorgeous hand embroidered vintage heart, hand made by the lovely Caroline at My Poppet Petite - I love it - lucky me!

I hope you have had a lovely day - have decided to do a little giveaway with my next post, so keep a look out in the next day or so!

Mug Shot!

I spent Saturday evening clearing my dresser.....

....of everything, in preparation for a photo shoot on Sunday.

Owen arrived, the dining table got pushed back to make way for all the equipment and

then Owen did his magic - taking photo's of the the 'MUGS'!

It was great to see the pictures pop up onto the laptop screen as they were being taken.

I think you'll agree, the final results are fabulous.

All that needs to be done now, is for Jeff to do the technical bit and get the images all loaded on to the website this week and then they will be ready to purchase.

And all that's left for me to do is, tidy up, get all the mugs bubble wrapped and into boxes ready for orders.

They are made of fine bone china by a company in Norfolk, UK.

They are 8.5cm high and 8cm diameter and will retail at £8.95 each

A couple of weeks ago, I received an email from Ali of Cheeky Pickle, asking if I would write a blog post about how dots and spots moved from being a kitchen table hobby into a full time business. She asked me if I would share as much information as I was willing to, in order to help, inspire others to do the same.

I was more than happy to help and think it's a great idea. When I started out, as many of you know, I was still a teacher and it was just a hobby but in 3 and a half years I no longer teach, have over 300 UK stockists and work on dots and spots full time. I was lucky to find one or two helpful people along the way who were willing to help but was surprised and shocked quite frankly, by the number of people who weren't willing to share.

Here is the link to Ali's blog - do subscribe as she has a few more like minded posts in the pipeline. I hope you find it helpful - if it helps only one person then it will have been worth writing and it's always a good process to write and review your own journey and take stock of what you personally have achieved and just how far you have come.

Spring Flowers Wrapping Paper

As we are still experiencing chilly weather - too chilly for my liking, so I thought I would again, think ahead to Spring.

The collages above are the main component of my Spring Wrapping Paper design. As before, I work out my design by laying out the torn paper pieces, I then fix them into place......

.....ink them in and my bit is done. I then work with my printers on the layout, size, spacing and repeat of the design to create the finished paper.

I must say, it is proving very popular and only today have I sent out over 200 sheets of it to our trade customers. The reverse is the multi star design so extra choice - you can buy it from our website - just click on this link - Spring Wrap and scroll down the page. Fingers crossed this chilly weather moves on before too long, I need it warm up a little.

First snow of the year!

Today it has started to snow - it was forecast so no great surprise. I'm nice and warm in my studio - heater on, cup of coffee and hot water bottle as a foot warmer. Jeff and the children have gone to the park to 'make the most of it'!

I'm not a fan of the white stuff - this was my view last year - I'm hoping it doesn't come to this. We were supposed to be going to visit a big trade fair in Birmingham at the NEC tomorrow but have decided to give it a miss - best to stay closer to home I think!

Donkey!

Today I got a parcel - I was waiting for it excitedly!

Inside was 'Donkey'

It was created by the very talented Shelagh - Flossie Limejuice

I fell in love with this gorgeous creation from the minute I saw it.

And now Evangaline has a companion.

I love every little detail.

I LOVE DONKEY!

So my fireplace is filling up with some of my favourite things Evangaline made by the talented Vanessa Cabban, Donkey made by the fabulous Flossie Limejuice, my fab bunting made by the gorgeous Gabs of Moobaacluck fame and last but not least my wreath (at the bottom of the shot) meant to be for Christmas but is now in place all year round, made by the lovely Rebecca at Edamay.

What a lucky girl I am!

Have a lovely weekend.

Squeeze!

I have just managed to 'squeeze' in a little design time to get these 'Thank You for Shopping' postcards made up, as I have completely run out!

If you have ever placed an order with us, you will have received one - just a little thank you with your order.

My printers are fab though. I had a meeting with Steve this morning to discuss products for 2013 and when we had finished chatting - these 2 boxes were waiting for me - all printed and cut, ready to go!

So if you place an order, you will get one of these lovely cards to say thank you. I usually do a hand written scrawl on the reverse, so turn over and excuse my messy handwriting!