It's been almost a week since Made in the Shade and I haven't crafted all week! I have been busy baking and planning a Halloween party so there's some sort of excuse at least. I think it was just so full on before the show that I needed a bit of a mental break from it. But, now I am getting itchy creative fingers and have a few new ideas that I want to work on.

However, tomorrow is Halloween and that means a Halloween party for twelve children, most of them five year olds! We've got all kinds of goodies planned from making caramel apples, to carving pumpkins to a witch who tells magical fortunes. They will be filled with a warming supper and then sent out to trick or treat. This is always an interesting venture here as Halloween isn't anywhere near as widely celebrated here as it is in North America. So, it's often hit and miss as to who's got treats. No one really decorates either so you just go to any door and hope for the best. Every year we encounter one or two people who completely forgot and run to get something from the kitchen for the kids, usually a granola bar!

Let's hope everyone has got warm cozy costumes because, it well and truly feels like winter is upon us now. I have just sent my daughter off to school in a wool coat, scarf, gloves and a hat! It's a fabulous hat from Hotheaded on etsy. I swear she gets complimented on it every day.

I must say I have actually done something constructive! We had a rare moment of light outside where I was able to take photos without the flash going off so I rushed out there and took photos of many items which will go into my etsy shop in the next week or so. I am planning a shop revamp and will be taking out all of the felted stuff. I have somethings that haven't been on etsy at all yet like owls, pillow pals, make your own... kits, t-shirts and chickens. Then it's time to promote like crazy!

Well, here we are a day after my first craft show in absolutely ages. It has been years in fact since I did a show with my crafts so I really had no idea what to expect at all.
Well, I should have remembered the sheer exhaustion that comes from it as last night I went to bed at 11pm which for me is early! I can't remember the last time I went to be before 1am. I slept soundly for 9 hours and awoke not quite refreshed but not ready to pass out as I was last night, gosh has it really only been one day since it ended?
Anyway, the show was Made in the Shade which was held at the Lighthouse, an absolutely amazing and beautiful venue and it really was an honor to be a part of it all. The vibe was fabulous with loads and loads of gorgeous, creative and talented people.
I was thrilled that mostly everyone had taken the time to really dress up for the 1950s theme and they looked fabulous.

I shared a stall with my best gal petal who has Lullaby Lily, Her heirloom quality, all natural, special knitted toys were a big hit and it was great to share with her. Not only because her stuff is beautiful but it was nice to have some moral support and a friend to talk to.

As you can see from the stall, we have really different styles but it really seemed to work together somehow.

I did learn a lot from the day and I think I actually did pretty well as there's surprisingly little that I would change. For the next one, which is on December 6th and 7th, I will be having my own stall and will be bringing along some of my baking in addition to the toys. I know I will be a whole lot less nervous for the next one!

It's been a while since I was inspired to blog. I have been really busy with getting ready for Made in the Shade, in fact I may have gone a bit overboard with the number of items I have made! Ah well, I figure it will be Christmas stock for my etsy shop anyways.

The reason I am feeling inspired now is that I have come across a couple of sellers on etsy that I have never seen before who make beautiful things and I really wanted to share them.
The first is Feltmates who's shop I was first attracted to because of the absolutely adorable felted animals like this little bear which is a sweet little cuddly friend to keep in your pocket.


After looking a little further I came across her absolutely gorgeous and luxurious scarves and handbags. They are simply beautiful and look to be amazing in quality and skill. Do check her out if you need a special gift for someone or even want to treat your self. I have an eye on this one! Hey, I am just saying, Christmas is coming up and all!


The second seller that I just recently came across hasn't had any sales yet which I find surprising because their stuff is really lovely and would be perfect for a gift to a special child. They are Wooly Good Fun, who's name is brilliant too!
I think this adorable and inquisitive looking black cat is my favorite. Check it out and see the big variety of amazing animals they make for yourself!


Well, I better get back to making stuff if I am to afford all the great finds I am seeing on etsy these days!