My new assistant

I have seemed to have found a new assistant.  My cat Ruby has found a liking to all things Lilies and Daisies.  Her favourite thing at the moment is to bother me when trying to get stuff done. 

Whether it is sitting in front of the computer screen when trying to list things, sat on the printer when printing out postage labels, eating the odd ends of fabric or sitting on my lap when trying to cut out - she is always around!!  It is one of the things I love about cats.  They always find the most awkward place to sit and the most annoying thing to do.  I have discovered that trying to stop her, just makes her do it all the more, so she will remain my assistant until she get bored and decides to chill out on the stairs (another brilliant place to sleep and trip everyone up).

On another note, I have listed all the cabochon rings on Etsy and hopefully I will list them on Folksy over the weekend.  Sold one as soon as it was listed!

Couples in the park.

In the Sunday Times magazine, I noticed a beautiful photo of a couple led in the park.  It just reminded me of when me and J first met, and had nothing to do on weekends but laze around being very loved up.  It is a image I can't get out of my head for some reason.  I can't find the photo now, but it was similar to this.

(from Time.com)

 7 years on and life is very different.  We now have 2 children, a cat, busy working lives and a house to manage.  However, we are still very loved up.  And life, although very hectic and different to back then, is still perfect.  I feel so lucky for everything I have.

More orders

This week has been crazy.  Had loads of enquiries and orders.  Always find it gets really busy towards the end of the month - must be something to do with pay day!! :)

I am just keeping on top of everything.  Had a big order for hair slides and more magnets so it will keep me busy over the next few nights.  The purple slides are something I made for the winner of the blog giveaway, and I really loved them.  They are now listed on eBay at £2.20

The cabochon rings are selling really well.  It was just a trial, but as they all sold quickly, so i have had some new colours and designs arriving today.  There will be more rings, but also will be using smaller ones for hair slides.  They are not listed yet, but if you want to pre-order them, then just contact me.  Rings are still £3 each and the hair grips will be £2 each.

Magnet Mayhem

Magnets are selling like hotcakes.
Not a day passes when I get at least 3 emails asking about job lots.  It is really good but it does mean that haven't had much time to do anything else. 

Looking forward to a 4 day bank holiday weekend off from the day job in which I plan to sort out all my shops.  Time for a spring clean, so will be removing some items and hopefully adding some new designs and patterns.  Not sure what will stay or go, so make sure you have a browse to make sure you don't miss the opportunity to get something, or you might miss it for a while.

Also got my first sale on Folksy!!  Just wish had a bit more time to list more items, as sure that would get more sales too.

I talk too much about wanting more time.  Seems the general trend of my blog!! :)

New stuff

Yesterday I received two parcels in the post.

A new selection of fabric.  Even although I have too much fabric already, it is nice to add a new range of colours and designs so people, including me, don't get bored of the same designs.  Really love the tiny red floral design.  It will look really good when made into earrings.

Then a blank mug and a porcelain pen.  This is for a new idea I have had in my mind for ages and really hope it works.  I will share if it turns out ok.  This is for me, but if it goes really well then I might consider doing it to sell.

Fabulous Links

I don't usually post twice in one day, I don't usually have enough interesting stuff to write about.  But I just noticed a new follower and when I checked out their blog, noticed they had done a link to me and written lovely things.  Definitely needed to share this, and thought i could also share the lovely things Clare has written too.  Bloggers are brilliant!!

Shout about Art: Seriously, It Felt like Christmas
Heart Handmade: My amazing Monday
Heart Handmade: Shop Focus

These are all about me!! :)

Blog award

Yesterday I received this blog award from Emily of Sassy Smolak.  I have to pass it on to 7 bloggers and reveal 7 interesting facts about myself.  Only problem is that I haven't had time to think about either yet, so I will have a think over the next few days and eventually get around to it.  Thanks Emily for choosing me.  I was so happy to get my first blog award, and it really made my day.

It is good that I am so busy.  Magnets are selling very well.  Just had a big order from a new customer via eBay, and my third Etsy order.  Things are definitely picking up on Etsy, just when I was thinking of giving up on there.

This is my badge/magnet/compact mirror press.  It is only a small one but ideal for me.  Although occassionally it does play up, and then I want to throw it out of the window.  I am hoping it works well this evening for my large order!!

It was my present to myself at christmas.  It was expensive and at the moment, I can only make 45mm badges.  I am hoping to save and get some other size components, but I am not the best at saving!

Stuck home

Have a day off, it is a beautiful day....but I can't go out because waiting for delivery men.
Why do they give you such a broad time.  Could be anywhere between 9-5, and the whole morning has gone and I am still waiting.  Not even my delivery.  J is having a new shed and Liliana is having a trampoline.

I haven't been wasting the time though.  Have been busy packing orders.  I now have 7 envelopes waiting for when I will be able to escape to the post office.  Daisy has been helping me (trying to eat paper and envelopes).  This is the folder I keep all the paper and labels for wrapping.

Also had good news last night.  My sister's friend wants me to host a product party in June.  It is something I have been thinking about doing, but just scares me as will have to get so much stuff made before.  So now my brain is working overtime, thinking of how to lay everything out and present things.  I would also love to get some new things made ready for it, so trying to prioritise and what would be best to do first.

I definitely need to get a note book as feel like all my ideas will spill out and get lost from my busy brain.  So much to think about. 

Needed another photo to make this post a bit more interesting, so this is my button tin, where I store all my lovely buttons.  (I am a bit addicted to buying them!)

Need some more hours

Nothing much craft related happened today.

Had a good weekend selling things on eBay, so spent the morning packing the eBay stuff
Then I had work from 12.30 till 9.30 so just got home.  Also had another Etsy sale (thanks Rebecca), so was very excited last night.



Going to have an early night, as baby has decided that it is growth spurt time again, and was awake every hour last night for milk, and I am expecting the same again tonight.

I hope I don't sound too whingy.  I am actually in a very good, but tired mood. 

Photos are of new hair slides I finished on the weekend, but not yet listed anywhere.  I need a few more hours in the day!

Busy magnet day

Had a busy day yesterday, sorting out the magnets. I now have repetitive magnet wrist strain.

Made paper and fabric ones, and forgot how lovely they look, when have a huge stack made. Still haven't got all the designs done, but got bit fed up then so the next batch will have to wait until next week. I made around a 100 magnets!!

 Some are already listed on eBay, and the rest will be listed on various shops within the next week. The most popular ones are listed as single items, and if anyone wants a group, just contact me, and I can do a custom listing for you with reduced postage. They work out at 40p each or 45p for the fabric ones. They are super strong for their size.

My fridge is covered and I also use them to decorate my locker in work. If there is something you have specifically in mind, and you can't see it, then just ask and I can see what I can do.


Also remember that all designs are also available as badges or compact mirrors too.

I have already put the washing on the line, and it is going to be a gorgeous day, so enjoy yourselves and make the most of the weather!!

Cabochon Rings

Just added pink and cream cabochon rings to my Etsy and Folksy Stores.



These are limited as only have 3 of each. They are something I am trying out. They are simple, but look brilliant on.
I wore one of the cream ones last night and got loads of compliments.

Magnets here

Just a quick post to let everyone know that the magnet components have arrived. I will be making some up tonight to photograph and hopefully they will be listed then by tomorrow evening.

Will still have the old favourites, polka dots and the Cath Kidston designs, but also some new fabric ones.

Will let you know when they are definitely available to buy.

That Thursday feeling

Have decided that Thursdays are boring.

Slow day in work, everybody seems bored, too early to get excited about the weekend, no sales, no new followers and I am so so tired.

I have done one good thing today.  A friend in work is getting married in June and she doesn't want the traditional hen party so instead we have organised her a 'Chicken Day'.  We are having a Vintage-style Ladies Afternoon tea party with cucumber sandwiches, fresh cream cakes and the all important tea, at a very posh Hotel  We might also have a Pimms or two!!

It could be a very civilised affair....or the Mad Hatter's tea party!  Still deciding which one I would prefer best!

Happy days

Been having a really good day.

First woke up to discover that I have made my first sale on Etsy.  Was feeling slightly miserable about Etsy as not sold anything on there, but added some more items on the weekend, with new photos, and it has seemed to have worked.

Also, have more followers on my blog, more comments and lots of views.  Glad to know that people are interested in what I am doing.  I have subsequently, had a surge in sales on eBay, so thinking this may be connected, along with my new improved photos.

Then came home from work to discover email containing lots of gorgeous photos from Claire from Heart Handmade.  I sent her a box of goodies , along with the hair slides she ordered, to say thank you for all the help and support she has given me, especially with this blog, and in turn she has taken some very special pics!  (All the photos on this post are from Claire - she is so good!)

Roll on more days like this!!



P.S. Hi to my sister Andrea, who has just discovered my blog, thanks to my brother Ian.  Love you both. x

Postitive Feedback

Came home from a crappy day in work to find a lovely email from a customer:

"Hi, Just a short note to say thank you for my lovely earrings. Am really pleased with them and with the level of service I've received. Have been more than happy to leave feedback and look forward to buying from you again in the future. Best wishes and thanks once again"

I just love receiving messages and postitive feedback about my stuff.  There is nothing more rewarding and it leaves me smiling for the rest of the day.

I always remember the first feedback I received, which was amazing, as was so sure that nobody would like my stuff.

So everyone...keep telling me what you think...I love it!! 

New Badges

The weekend has been busy for me.  I have a new corsage project underway, been making up the blog giveaway prizes and managed to get my badge making machine out to make up some new fabric badges, which can be found on my eBay.

My favourites are these red and white strip and spot.  You can never tell what the fabric will be like until the badge is made, but these are really effective.

I also had an idea to make up some plain cream badges to sell to crafty people who want to design their own brooches.  They can be embellished with whatever you want and are a good alternative to brooch pins as give a professional look.  They are being auctioned on eBay at a starting prize of 99p for 3 but if you want more or a different colour, then contact me for a blog deal.

New project...for me!!

I have decided that I am actually going to make something for myself.

There are some gorgeous Amy Butler patterns around so I have decided to try this one.  Really wanted to have an Amy Butler fabric too but it would have cost too much so I have got this blue floral fabric instead off eBay for a bargain £2.99 per metre.

 

My mum is a professional dressmaker and sewing teacher, but she is always too busy to make anything for me.  She has taught me well, but find I haven't got the patience for these bigger projects.  I always want things done asap.  I will keep you all posted on how I am getting on!!

Blog Giveaway Winners!!

Blog winners have been selected by the random number generator.  I listed everybody and gave them a number and the results are:
Number 2 is: 'The Creative Place'
Number 4 is: 'Emily!' from Sassy Smolak
I will be contacting you both shortly to confirm what colours you want.
Thank you for everyone who entered and thank you for your support.  I know it was only a small number but hope that this will be the start of bigger things.
I have decided that the blog giveaway will happen every month, so continue to keep looking.

Website in progress

More work has been done on my website.

It now has links to all my shops and my blog.

The next stage is going to be a full product list.  I can do various designs for all my products, including slides, badges, magnets and earrings, but would take too long to make, photograph and list all of these options.  So, I plan to show all of the designs available, and then customers will be able to request items to be made for them.  This already happens to a small extent, when people email asking for certain designs.

The other idea I have had, is that I can make earrings, slides, rings and mirrors to match wedding and bridemaid dresses.  This started by a friend enquiring about the compact mirrors for her bridemaids.  They are the perfect size to carry in a purse or small bag.  She gave me some of the bridemaid material, and then they were able to have matching mirrors to check their make-up and hair.

Really love when people request a certain thing, and I am able to match what they imagined.

New slides

BLOG GIVEAWAY STILL ON......ONLY TWO MORE DAYS TO JOIN...CLICK HERE!!!

Just a quick post to show you some of my new hair slides that have been listed in my shops.

If you would like some of the slides, in any other fabric, just send me a request and I can see what I have.

I have so many ideas at the moment, but as usual, not enough time.  We have all been ill the last few days, but now off for four and the weather promises to be good, so fingers crossed for taking my messy 'to do' box, out in the garden.

What's in a name?

For the blog giveaway click here.

Only a quick post as just got in from work and back there in the morning. 
Been working all bank holiday and been so busy.  Somebody should tell these doctors about not doing much on a public holiday!!

Thought I would just mention about where the name 'Lilies and Daisies' came from.  Well my two daughters are Liliana and Daisy so it just seemed obvious.
 

Their names were a pretty random selection, so I haven't got some flower obsession.  My daughter Daisy was actually supposed to be a boy so we had a massive shock 6 months ago....and her bedroom is still blue!

First Blog Giveaway

As you know, this blog is new and I only have 2 followers!! (very sad face)

So to encourage people to follow me, as know there are lots of secret watchers, I have decided to do a blog giveaway.The winner will receive both a felt flower corsage and felt hair slides in a colour of there choice (I have almost every colour I think!).

All you have to do is join as a follower and leave a comment stating what colours you would want if you win. Easy!!

This will run for a week so will end on the 10th April. Let everyone you know too.
Thanks, Anna

P.S. For my first follower Claire - you will of course be included too :)
P.S.S. Thanks Claire for designing my giveaway photo layout and my new banner.  Check out her blog, Heart Handmade.

Easter

Pasg Hapus.....or Happy Easter!!