In preparation of my forthcoming trade fair.....nearly ready!

Yes in only a matter of weeks I will once again be exhibiting at the BCTF event in Harrogate and therefore I thought I would show a few of my new products. Some things might look very familiar.....but I'm always improving my work (as designers and makers we owe that to ourselves- its good to stretch our minds and skills) so hopefully my improved work should be better than last year.

My butterfly scented cushions are very new! I do not know why I've never thought of making these before. They are lovely and perfect for a girls bed room.

 My hanging lavender bags are my best seller......great for a 'New Home' gift, birthday treat or Mother's Day gift. I really enjoy making these and yes they are improved because every time I make them I feel they are getting better!

 New......new....new bird and butterfly purses and cosmetic bags! I know these are not yet finished (I'm waiting for my labels)!!!! As soon as they arrive I endeavour it will be take a day to finish this little lot off!! I'm really excited about my new purses I've really enjoyed sewing the bird and butterfly details.

My fabric pots are still a good seller- they're tricky to make but worth it and useful! Houses, wild flowers and birds rule my craft pot world! Pop over to my Etsy shop and visit section https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/onceinthenorth?section_id=14134054&ref=shopsection_leftnav_1 I have 'Made to Order'  Mother's Day fabric pots, last day for ordering is 11th March.

A Few New Bags and My Mum's Vintage Button Collection

Oh yes vintage buttons.....let me show-

My mum gave me these buttons almost 20yrs ago and she had them for a long time before that. Let me tell you that my mum was a bit of a trend setter in her day, living in London during the 60's and going to art college. FAB! So I've always imagined that these buttons would be able to tell a few interesting stories.

Sometimes I've kept these beauties in a box or a jar, I've stored them away and I've had them on show. I've always admired them and also been curious by them. Just recently I took another good look at them and found myself wanting to use them in my textile work and designs. I'm not sure why I haven't done this already.......I think it's been a lack of confidence or maybe not wanting let some of them go.

However I have made a couple of cute clutches/purses and embellished them with my mum's buttons

 This pretty blue cornflower clutch is my favourite out of all the bags I have made recently. I love the HUGELY OVER SIZED turquoise button- this is what I call perfection.
My bag is for sale here-
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/77154492/handmade-clutch-in-cornflower-blue-and

I think perhaps it is also a matter of patience and waiting until the right fabric or even design idea comes along!

All of my bags are for sale at http://www.etsy.com/shop/onceinthenorth

I think I will take some more pics of these lovely buttons to show them off!

By the way please ignore- spelling mistakes, puntuation, gobildeegoop....I caught the sun very badly yesterday and I'm starting to feel rubbish! I will correct any errors tomorrow.

  

B is for...........

                                                              BUTTONS......

BUTTONS.........

BAGS...... BABUSHKA.......

and BIRDS

                                                              All new in my folksy shop