Thursday 12 June 2014

Having Fate in School Fetes

Since deciding last December to no longer set up stalls and participate in craft fairs, besides hosting my own Open Houses, last Saturday was my first time back out there. 

It was my sons' school (Leighfield Academy in Uppingham - Rutland) fete and I was both excited but secretly dreading it. School fetes don't usually have a great reputation among crafters because they tend not to be profitable, so this is understandable. 

The PTA asked me to make items that the children can buy using their pocket money: I almost broke out in hives!!! Pocket money is not exactly my market!

As most crafters that I know, especially those that work with fabric, I don't throw out the tininess scrap of fabric and this proved to come in very handy!!! My first port-of-call for inspiration was Pinterest and I created this School Fete Board.

Since I was wasn't going to charge the cost of my labour on any of the Cheap and Cheerful Bits & Bobs items, they had to by quick and easy to make. Little that I know that making them would help to get me out of a sewing/creative slump and I had great fun making them. They also went down a treat with the kids (and some grown-ups too).

It turned out to be a successful day as I got lots of Newsletter Sign Ups and names of kids interested in my Sewing Workshops!

Leighfield's was so good that I will be doing Uppingham C of E's this Saturday 14th June.

If you are local, make sure to pop by!

Wednesday 11 June 2014

look at what I have been up to Lining of envelope - customer is a big cat fan.



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1q3Y87R

look at what I have been up to Envelope's lining, closing with magnet clasps



via Instagram http://ift.tt/TJLtcY

look at what I have been up to Little doggie stamp on craft paper envelope



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1oUfQHo

look at what I have been up to Craft 'Paper' Envelope lined with cotton fabric with a matching cotton stamp



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1oUfOz5

look at what I have been up to Kraft brown 'paper', fabric and magnet clasps?! It could only be a Lined Fabric Envelope.



via Instagram http://ift.tt/1l7Of1d

look at what I have been up to Choosing this bit of the fabric as my customer is a cat fan



via Instagram http://ift.tt/Sy8u1f

look at what I have been up to I just LOVE this fabric- there just so much 'going' on in it!!!



via Instagram http://ift.tt/Sy8rT2

Friday 6 June 2014

Clutch Kiss-lock Cotton Purse - Queen's Face



28.00 GBP, by OhSweetBagOfMine via Etsy http://ift.tt/1pNlZbV

Clutch Kiss-lock Cotton Purse - Red, Orange and Blue Abstract Semi-Circles, Circles



28.00 GBP, by OhSweetBagOfMine via Etsy http://ift.tt/1pNlYVr

Clutch Kiss-lock Cotton Purse - Guitars



28.00 GBP, by OhSweetBagOfMine via Etsy http://ift.tt/1pNlWga

Clutch Kiss-lock Cotton Purse - Leaves on Orange



28.00 GBP, by OhSweetBagOfMine via Etsy http://ift.tt/1kEbXYO

Lunch Bag from Oilcloth - Camper Van



18.00 GBP, by OhSweetBagOfMine via Etsy http://ift.tt/1kEc1aM

100 Days to Self-Love

Today starts my 100 days to self love. 
From the start of thus year, I've seen loads of 100 Days of Happiness Challenges. I secretly pleaded to myself to find my happiness this year. A mammoth challenge for someone who suffers from depression. 

It started off well by rejoining the gym and signing up with a personal trainer. I also signed up for a 10k for April. 
Then Burpees happened and I hurt my left ankle! Unable to workout at the gym or train for a few weeks saw me slip into a boast of depression.

An interesting thing happened though. In January while still feeling well and buzzing from my new years' resolutions, I met a wonderful lady Cassie at a Mums in Business networking group. I was instantly drawn to the idea of what Cassie does and took her business card, not knowing that a month later I would be needing her services. 

Cassie is a Body Confidence Trainer and we met at her home (she usually does Skype but this mama was desperate and wanted some face to face one-to-one). I went to her for help to clear my mind and help to take back control and the recording she made me helped with my focus. Though Cassie is not trained to help with depression, meeting with her helped to open my eyes to the possibility that I can get over my depression and live happily. Or at least, manage it. 

April came and I ran the hell out of my 10k and I loved every minute of it! But I stupidly decided around the same time to diet! Why? Why, did I do this to myself? I only lasted about a month of attempting to (and failing) follow it before giving up but it totally messed my head up and my self-confidence took a massive hit. 

It is now 2 months on from the 10k and that diet and it's the first time since January that my depression has come on. 

But this time round I feel different. I feel like I know what tools I need to use to get back on solid ground. Off to meet up with Cassie on Monday for a new recording and I've started my 100 days to self-love. 

So day 1:

Today I honour my hands. I got a manicure. My hands cook for me and my family; they make beautiful crafts for my business; the clean my lovely house; the hold my children's hands, and my husband's. 

Please visit Cassie's website:
www.cassiefarren.com