Happiness comes when selling your crafts

The school Christmas bazaar went really well on Saturday and was a great practise run for the upcoming two day craft fair in 2 weeks' time. Thank you to everyone who popped in and double thank you to everyone who made a purchase!!

It is so thrilling to a) have someone say they like something you made and then b) for them to buy it. People actually paid money for the things I made with my own fair hands!! That makes me so happy :)

When I have moments of doubt about whether my crafts are good enough, Hubby always says they are great and of course people will want to buy it. But it is even more fulfilling for a total stranger to say they like it and want it for themselves. **huge grin**

There are photos of the stall but they are still on my sister's camera so will follow shortly. I do however have a pic for you. This scarf was the star of the show and if there was a prize, it would win 'Most Coveted Item' :

PS. Extra special thank you to Hubby and Sister who helped on the day and also to everyone who contributed their crafting skills to boost stock levels!

Princess Crafts' first assistant

Thought I'd post you a pic of the newest member of staff to the Princess Crafts team:

Christmas bazaar on the horizon

Only two days to go until the Christmas Bazaar (Buttsbury Junior School, Billericay) and the house looks like a bombsite! There are boxes of fabric, candles, teacups, tissue, bubble wrap etc etc everywhere!

On the upside, I can marvel at the cuteness of some of my teacup candles, so here is a selection of my favourites:

Secret projects in the making

Although I may have been a bit quiet recently regarding what I'm making, fret not, there is plenty on the go! Most of them at the moment are secret makes which will eventually become Christmas presents, so I can't speak too much about them for now.

I can however reveal that I've been made a few bits which are destined for a new little person born to the world last Friday. (and before you ask, no I have not had a baby) Once his mummy receives these in the post, I will blog some pictures. I must say I'm particularly pleased with one item in particular...

My most recent finished project is some Christmas bunting which I shall be selling at my upcoming craft fairs, here are some piccies although they're not great due to the fact that it is dark long before I get home from my day job! Let me know what you think of them!

French horns and Christmas holly on one side and golden snowflakes on the other

 Black and gold snowmen on one side and gold snowflakes on the other

Teacups make it to the big time!

Remember last month I mentioned that I sent some teacups to the USA to be featured on a telly show? (If not, read this post) WELL they were!!! I have yet to get my hands on some video of the show but check out these two links to see my lovely teacup candle on their website!

Link 1
Link 2 on this page, my teacup candle is item 10

Learning to love the sewing machine

I have previously mentioned that I'm scared of the sewing machine but as it turns out, it's not that scary after all. In fact, I'm becoming rather fond of it.

This used to be my Granny's sewing machine and it saw a lot of use in its day. It has now had a bit of a revival and has been helping me get to grips with the whole concept of maching sewing.

I even have the original instructions and boxes she used to keep the bobbins in!

The C Word

This is a strange time of year for a lot of people. Autumn has most definitely arrived, the nights are drawing in, the bulk of the year is behind us and then the big C is looming...yes, I mean Christmas. For many, the mere mention of this C word sends them into a state of complete panic/denial but for people like me, it plays on your mind right up until the last minute. I mean this in a good way. I LOVE preparing for Christmas and now that I have my own home (this is our 3rd Christmas as Mr and Mrs) it is a serious Event requiring long term planning.

For me, the thinking about Christmas officially starts after my birthday (27th October) and it snowballs from there - pardon the pun. For me, half the excitement is in the planning and organising of presents, menus, new decorations and The Tree. The other half is seeing it all come together  - The Tree being exactly how I want it, the presents looking too good to unwrap, the fridge bursting with goodies (everyone comes to us for Christmas Eve dinner - an new tradition now that I'm a married lady), the making and eating of mince pies, ah the list is endless...

I'll get to the point now, owing to financial constraints,  I have decided that this year is going to be a Homemade Christmas, more so than in previous years. This year I shall be making probably about 90% of the gifts I shall be giving and I can't wait to get started. I have so many great ideas for (nearly) everyone that I am worried I won't get them all done in time! My hubby is even getting in on the act and will be producing some great pressies with his homegrown delights from the garden, so looking forward to seeing the results!

As well as all the regular things, each year I like to find new decorations to add to the collection - something that me and Hubby don't agree on. I am regularly accused of getting carried away and I regularly reply with something along the lines of 'I don't care, I'm doing it anyway'. However this year is a bit different and I shall be making the new additions instead of buying them. More about this in future posts.

Here are a few pics of my recent projects:

Stocking shaped bunting 

 Frosty the Snowman bunting

This bunting will be in my shop soon so keep an eye out!

This all leads me to the question: What is best a Shop Bought Christmas or a Homemade Christmas? I'd love to hear what you are all planning for The Big C, please leave a comment or two!

Birthday Giveaway - NEW winner is.....

In light of the previous two winners of the birthday giveaway not having come forward, I have decided to draw a another new winner. This will be the last chance so if it is you, you must make yourself known asap!!

Picked at random, the NEW winner is Clara Smeaton!! Please get in touch either by leaving a comment here or on the Princess Crafts facebook page.

Last chance for a surprise treat!!

My name in print...

... well almost!


Imagine my shock/amazement/surprise when reading my latest copy of Cross Stitcher magazine when I found this:

It's a small thing but it definately brought some excitement to my bedtime reading! I love the Cross Stitcher mag and def recommend it to anyone who is remotely interested in cross stitching, and they have just had a complete revamp so it's even more cool and modern that it was before! Check out their website to see what's on offer.