handmade happiness

Knitted cupcakes and ribbons

2012-02-03T07:02:00.002Z

Cupcakes knitted by Rebecca Snelling.

Recent additions to the shop include these fun cup cake pin cushions and reels of ribbon.

Cupcakes are £12.50 each. Ribbons, left to right are celery silk 60p a yd; thin red double sided satin 30p a yard and twisted ombre £1-00 a yard.

It's after 7am and it's still dark outside. Even in this bitter cold I like to have the bedroom window open at night but in these weather conditions it feels like 'The Ice Hotel' in Norway. A friend has stayed in this wonderful place.

Every year the hotel is re-built - everything, furniture, chandeliers is carved from ice. Reindeer skins are on the 'beds'. At nighttime apparently the staff zip you up into a specially warm sleeping bag with only your face showing. She says she slept really well.

Maybe that's the answer then. Sleeping bags under the duvet.

What do you think? Share your experiences/ tips on coping with extreme cold by clicking on the comments below.

Frosty mornings

2012-02-02T07:11:00.002Z

Are you managing to keep warm? It seems too cold to snow right now. From the perspective of the desk in Handmade Happiness where I spent the day making Valentine's heart boxes yesterday, the world has gone into hibernation. No-one comes into the shop. If they venture out at all they do what shopping they have to do and then hurry for home. I would do the same if I were them. It's too darn cold to focus on much else other than keeping warm.

This morning I have put all my Liberty fabrics into the washing machine. I have collected these precious scraps for years now and there's no point them sitting in bags any longer. They'll either be sold or be used to make things for sale.
They won't be used in bunting. Too special for that. But with the Queen's Diamond Jubilee in June yards of bunting will be needed. And Handmade Happiness will be the place to buy it!!

New in - Becky Snelling's 'softies'

2012-02-01T06:34:00.001Z

When the Handmade Happiness shop was still a daydream Becky and I used to sometimes sell our work at the same places. I once bought one of the 'bunnies' above as I found it totally irresistible. Come and visit them in the shop. They are priced at £29 each.

Like it - who made it?

2012-01-31T07:02:00.002Z

I am breaking one of my own rules this morning by posting a picture without attributing it.
I hate to see pictures in magazines or on blogs of something handmade where the person who made it is not mentioned. However I've looked through pinterest where I must have found this originally and no joy. If you know you made this felted wool bag let me know and I'll put their name by it.

I like the soft colours. It looks well made and is a good size. The construction is simple and the interest is from the great batch of knitwear and boiled wool the maker has found. In short I'd like to have some of these in the shop!

Now back to the tax page. Why do I make such heavy weather of it??!

All change for Spring

2012-01-30T08:19:00.002Z

Kate Hackett's work is now against green instead of cream.

Typical of our changeable British weather that as soon as I finish changing the look of the shop for Spring the coldest winter weather of the year arrives and apparently is going to be with us for four weeks!

Longer post tomorrow. Afraid I overslept today and in 5 minutes I still have to go power walking!!

Notice board

2012-01-29T05:53:00.003Z

This is the first thing you see when you step inside Handmade Happiness. I had planned to have a community noticeboard advertising local art and craft events but it's become more of a Things I Like board. I've just realised I could also pin on scraps of ribbon, fabric and lace that I want to display.
I must take photos of some lovely new work brought in yesterday to show you plus photos of the new ribbons I've just put out on sale.

Buttons and rug

2012-01-28T06:35:00.003Z

My buttons on the table above Glen Wellstead's rug.

This is the quiet time in the shop at the moment. I was warned that January, February and even March tend to be the slowest months of the year business wise.

Now is the time to write that book, make the merchandise and improve displays.

Yesterday I had a ribbon and DIY metal button delivery and it will be good to see the reaction to those things. And one of the shop visitors showed me the most exquisitely made dressed mouse. I'm hoping she'll make more for the shop as her work is special!

Today Becky is coming in with her fab makes and hopefully my son and one of the daughters will drop in. Meantime if you notice me frowning at a load of papers on the desk you'll know that I still haven't finished the dreaded tax return!!

New! Cushions and Jewellery boards

2012-01-27T08:12:00.002Z

Cushions by Penny Baker; jewellery boards by Linda Chivers; collage by me.

I changed around everything in the shop yesterday. More pictures tomorrow.

To Move or Improve?

2012-01-26T05:58:00.003Z

Blankets by Avoca. Photo taken at the shop Gorgeous in Chichester.

Now I'm working next door to an interior designer I am constantly being reminded of how beautiful a home can be! Tara has the most lush embroidered silks, soft velvets, wool throws and textured silk wallpapers. All of which send my imagination spinning into overdrive.

My home feels and looks rough around the edges. It needs time spending on it. Time to focus on making it better. Re-arranging the furniture, organising the storage areas, painting the inside of cupboards and puting up hooks and picture hooks. Generally using what I've got to best effect.

When I first moved in an estate agent knocked at my door. He'd just sold the house attached to mine. We talked about what sold houses - a subject that always interests me. His advice was to keep it simple. He said don't spend money on a new kitchen or a new bathroom chances are the next people won't like it and will rip it out anyway.

So maybe I've taken his advice a bit too literally.Six and a half years down the line I'm still living with the blue worktops in the kitchen which I dislike and the front door that I vowed to change immediately. I have ripped out the horrid pink carpets which makes the house look much better but there's still work to be done.

No I'm afraid I'm still a few years away from silk wallpaper...! My home needs time and energy - and that has to come from me.

What are your thoughts on 'To Move or Improve'? I'd love to hear about your experiences. Please try the comment thing. Some blogs get hundreds of comments. This one doesn't and that's ok. I can't comment on a friend's blog - the process is impossible for me to understand - if that's the case with this blog let me know and I'll change the settings.

Doing the sums

2012-01-25T06:56:00.002Z

At this time of year I am forced to focus on income in and income out to do the tax return. One of my most unfavourite tasks!

In checking through old notebooks I am reminded that life is about so much more than making money. More fun and more important (as long as you have enough coming in to pay the bills and buy food) -are ideas and plans and conversations and education.

Now I have the shop I want it to be profitable (otherwise it will have to close); but more important to me right now is that everyone walking in to the shop enjoys the experience and wants to come back - whether they choose to spend any money in the shop or not.

This is what I bought

2012-01-24T07:17:00.003Z

These are my treasures from Midhurst monthly market on Saturday. It was worth an early start - do you agree? - and I'll try to be there every month from now on.

The only trouble with starting the day really early is that by the time proper work starts you feel you've put in half a day's work already which, of course, you have.

The one that got away was a battered up shopping basket for £5. As I stretched for it so did someone else, faster. At that time in the morning there were some very smartly dressed ladies, who I'm guessing were buying for shops in London and they are quick off the mark. So next time I must stop dithering and grab!

Rag rug colour

2012-01-23T06:27:00.003Z

Rug made by Glen Wellstead for Handmade Happiness.

New for Handmade Happiness!

2012-01-22T06:48:00.003Z

Kate Hackett's new collection of mugs, plates and jugs.

I am delighted to have Kate's new pieces for sale in the shop. Grouped together it all looks so fresh and spring-like.

Long time friend Kate is not only a potter who makes each piece from scratch, she is also an artist who hand paints each piece before puting it in the kiln again.

Yesterday Kate brought in these pieces plus an assortment of 'kitchen fairies' and decorated hearts. I am especially grateful to her as Kate is very busy right now making stock for her stand at the Country Living magazine spring fair in March.

Scents of Spring

2012-01-21T06:14:00.002Z

I love the strong perfume of hyacinths. These are an unusual colour and I remember being given them at this time of year and how lovely it was to smell them in the hall going out and coming in.

I looked at the hyacinths in Marks and Spencer - half price - do they ever sell any at full price I wonder? - but they're either blue or pink. I like white ones, or pale lilac or dark lilac like these. I want some in the shop.

People really appreciate a nice smell. Most of the time our sense of smell doesn't bother us. Supermarkets don't smell of anything except when you approach the bread area. In a clean town like Petersfield I think you could go the whole day without consciously smelling anything at all.

I've been burning an Avoca roses candle in the shop that I got for Christmas. People comment on the nice smell and now it's used up I'll get some white hyacinths to provide that nice, relaxing smell.

Now I'm off to Midhurst - yes, I know it's only 6.30am but apparently you have to be there early to get the best stuff at the monthly market. A friend who has a stall there says the dealers arrive at 6.30 ish so if I'm there at about 7.30am I'll avoid the scrum and hopefully still pick up some pretty 'vintage' fabrics. I'll let you know what I buy...

Cats

2012-01-20T07:04:00.002Z

While in a 'What shall I make next' mood I came across this photo of cats from January two years ago. The wool they are holding is the wool I knitted or crocheted their cardigans from. Cats in Cardigans sold well at the Country Living magazine shows.

Now I do more with felt and lately I am also thinking about re-visiting large bead necklaces and even large bead earrings. But with Valentine's Day on the horizon my time is best spent making Valentine's cards right now. And there's also that pesky tax return to sort out before the end of the month...

Changing shop displays

2012-01-19T08:11:00.002Z

Yesterday I freshened up the shop ready for spring. Armed with the new issue of Vogue I banished winter's rich reds and replaced them with soft, pretty colours. The temperature went up a few notches too.

In the pictures are Michelle Green's handspun, hand dyed wools and my jewellery.

Most popular blog post ever!

2012-01-18T07:02:00.003Z

Lauren Vidal clothes in the window of Tricot Too March 22th 2011. Lamp shade by Deryn Relph.

Titled 'Lauren Vidal loveliness' this is the blog post that is way the most popular on this blog.

The clothes are so unusual aren't they? I remember the way the full skirt of the dress on the left could be pulled round to the front or back and tied in place. Tricot Too in Petersfield closed down last August but the clothes it stocked still inspire people like me.

Collage cards

2012-01-17T05:51:00.001Z

Yesterday while it was quiet (and cold) in the shop I made half a dozen new collage cards.The top card centres on a Rodarte dress with my painted papers around it. I make the envelopes and include a large sticker to close the envelope with.

The first thing I did yesterday was to buy a heater. The temperature in the shop has been bearable up until now! As I had someone coming to learn to knit yesterday the shop needed to be warmer. And the new oil filled radiator takes the chill off allowing me to make things without my hands getting too cold!

I hope you are keeping warm. I wonder if it will snow?

Needlefelted by Michelle

2012-01-16T05:19:00.003Z

Dog by Michelle Green in Follit's window, Petworth, Sussex.

Poodles are not my favourite dogs I have to admit. But I think this one is very cleverly created.

Michelle spins and dyes yarn and makes the sheep and reindeer sold by Handmade Happiness. She also needlefelts robins which sold very quickly in the run up to Christmas.

Since most people who pass the shop in Petersfield have a dog with them I would love to have some of Michelle's dogs in the window. But not necessarily poodles. I think Petersfield suits labradors, jack russels, and maybe a golden retriever?

Climbing the hill

2012-01-15T07:21:00.002Z

Michelle Green's sheep with cummerbunds by me climbing the hill.

Life can seem a bit hilly sometimes can't it? But the challenges all teach us something.

I've been thinking about moving recently and the grass can seem greener elsewhere. But actually when you really think about making changes - big ones and little ones - you can end up feeling grateful for what you've got and determined to make the best of that, not to go seeking another batch of challenges elsewhere.

Despite the extreme cold the atmosphere in Handmade Happiness is warm and friendly. Come on in!

I heart wood!

2012-01-14T06:30:00.002Z

Chopping boards, bread boards, serving boards. All handmade by Christine Burgess. www.christineburgess.co.uk

New boards were delivered to the shop yesterday afternoon. Christine works with local wood from Hampshire and West Sussex to make boards of all shapes and sizes. Those pictured above are available in the shop now priced from £8 to £35.

How's the Diet going?

2012-01-13T07:52:00.003Z

Photo taken at Maison Blanc, Guildford.

Has your response to this picture altered since January 1st?

I always resolve to get slim again in the New Year. But you'd have to have known me for quite a long time to remember what I was like slim!

Is it all about re-training your response to calorie laden food? Loving the veg - especially the green veg. and trying to convince yourself that croissants are very very bad!

I think it's about reward and punishment. As children many of us were brought up to think of chocolate or sweets as rewards for being good. They weren't freely available as they are now, they were definetely treats.

As adults we must re-train ourselves to think that being kind to ourselves (having treats) is to actually put healthy foods into our bodies - fruit, veg, pulses, nuts (and/or meat and fish). The five star fuel!

In some sense we punish ourselves by eating food that gives nil nourishment in return for a whole load of calories. It just tastes nicer... Hmmm.. training is ongoing.

A friend who is enviably slim says brussel sprouts are her favourite food. See? She deserves to be slim!

Workshops

2012-01-12T05:23:00.003Z

These tulips have been on the shop counter for a few days. They look too beautiful to throw away.

Workshops at Handmade Happiness, Petersfield, begin this Sunday, January 15th. If you are interested in learning to knit or crochet or in taking part in 'Free Knitting' on Monday nights (experienced knitters only) email me and I'll forward you the details. jennystacy@tiscali.co.uk

Felt slippers

2012-01-11T07:24:00.002Z

Page from Martha Stewart Living magazine December issue.

A friend who went to New York recently gave me this magazine yesterday. Yes it's American. I used to be able to get it from Borders bookstores until that company went under. There are many good American/French/ Australian magazines. I wish that WHSmith would stock them.

Anyway I was delighted to find this how to for making felt slippers designed by Stephanie Hung.

As I write I can hear a pot of soup bubbling on the stove. Since Monday I have been on a diet or as I prefer to think of it 'change of life style'! I take a thermos of home made soup to the shop with me and have it at lunchtime. By about 3 in the afternoon I am ravenously hungry and have to go out and buy a sandwich but I give myself an 'A' for effort!!!

Sheeps' clothing

2012-01-10T06:50:00.002Z

Sheep in cummerbunds £2.50 each

Michelle Green and her husband make these popular little sheep. I stitched on their cummerbunds for a bit of spring colour.

Some of you will be pleased to know that I am emailling invites to workshops today. As the majority want workshops in the evening or at the weekend that is what is going to happen. More details soon.

Love this!

2012-01-09T07:44:00.002Z

Avoca hot water bottle at John Lewis £35

Yesterday I went to Southampton and had a really good look round John Lewis there. I spotted the gorgeous hot water bottle cover above and had to take a picture of it. So darn pretty but so darn expensive!

In the habadashery department I could only find plain satin or velvet ribbons. When did they cut back? I guess to find something a bit out of the ordinary you have to go to London.

I like the fact that John Lewis has everything under one roof and its design is such that it never feels crowded. I had a lovely day mooching around and buying nothing. I must be a shopkeepers nightmare! I met up with my lovely younger daughter and her boyfriend for a sandwich in pret a manger. I didn't get home til nearly 7pm. It felt like a proper day off which was just what I needed!

Hand spun, hand dyed, British wool

2012-01-08T06:09:00.002Z

Michelle Green buys a fleece from the farmer and cleans, dyes and spins it.She often uses natural dyes like onion skins or dock leaves gathered from the hedgerows which produce an olive green. But natural dyed wools aren't as popular as synthetic dyed wools which produce stronger, brighter colours.

This week Michelle took back from the shop all the natural dyed yarns which have been sitting relatively unnoticed and replaced them with these singing dancing colours pictured above, which sell better. An exception is this naturally coloured wool pictured above from Jacobs and Shetland sheep.

I like to have this British wool in the shop. It looks so decorative hanging from pegs in all the myriad of colours. You have to think outside the box as to what to knit with it but why not just buy it to hang - like a work of art?

Wild Damson - 2012

2012-01-07T07:01:00.006Z

Useful pieces include this hall bench seat (background) with trough under for shoes and boots.

These original glass drawer knobs give the finishing touch to a pretty bedroom chest of drawers.

If you are thinking about making changes to your home in 2012, Wild Damson in Dragon Street, Petersfield is a great place to find useful, practical pieces of furniture at reasonable prices.

Tempting me at the moment is a long table with drawers. The top is stripped, the rest painted a restful pale green/blue. There is a long shelf underneath, ideal for pots and pans. I'm day dreaming about stripping out my kitchen and having some free standing pieces. This would be a good start...

http://www.wilddamson.co.uk/

Making bracelets

2012-01-06T07:27:00.001Z

Bracelets £4-50 each by Jenny Stacy.

The advantage of this quiet time in the shop is that I can sit making. These bracelets are inspired by that indigo Ralph Lauren throw which I wrote about a while back. The throw was a patched, darned and textured affair which looked thoroughly beautiful. It cost over £1,000 but I still carry the image of it in my head.

Fabrics for making with

2012-01-05T06:54:00.003Z

Vintage scrap packs £4-50; vintage furnishing fabrics wad £10 by Penny Baker for Handmade Happiness.

My friend Penny Baker brought in lots of lovely vintage fabric packs yesterday. New to the shop are these wads of old furnishings fabrics from the 30s,40s and 50s. Ten pieces to a pack, all different; I particularly like the yellow fabric shown above.

When I used to sell at the Country Living magazine shows on a regular basis I found that these vintage fabric packs by Penny sold brilliantly. To people who make cushions, or for patchwork, or small sewing projects. Once a bride-to-be bought my entire stock because she wanted to make a heart to tie onto each of her guests chairs with them.

Book Sale

2012-01-04T06:04:00.001Z

Having just said that Handmade Happiness doesn't do Sales I've changed my mind slightly and I'm having a mini sale of books. I have so many craft/cookery books that I need to prune my collection. All books pictured plus more that I'll take in to the shop today are offered at just £3.50 each.

Seeing the light

2012-01-03T05:48:00.004Z

I really like this light fitting which shoots rays across the whole ceiling. Photographed at Watergardens self catering bungalow, near Trowbridge (see previous post.)

Did the strong winds disturb your night? Having woken at 3am I could not get back to sleep so as usual I got to thinking. First I re-designed the bedroom on paper, coming up with a much more spare look I like.

Then I was thinking about the nature of friendship. All the people you work with and get along brilliantly with in your work situation. Then you move jobs and somehow the friendships you thought you'd made don't survive the transition. They were work based friendships and rely on having work in common. I guess if you want those work friendships to survive you have to really work on them.

On the same theme I think if you put yourself out to help someone or someone really helps you it is not necessarily an equal exchange of favours. Instead there are chains of kindness when those people help or listen to others that cross their paths. We're all links in chains. We're just not always aware that we are.

Shop corners

2012-01-02T07:42:00.004Z

Shoppers screen printed by hand by Gayle Bicknell in the lobby.

Ann Hutchins' stitched pictures, right; my doll and Gayle Bicknell's silk scarf on the left.

I'm in the mood for change. Are you? A New Year always feels like a fresh start. Today I will lose weight, re-decorate my house; make a billion things for the shop and throw a wonderful party for all my friends and family. And all by lunchtime!!

I resolve to do all those things in 2012 and make an online shop for Handmade Happiness and visit Paris and create the best shop I can in Dragon Street. I feel so fortunate to have at last got a shop and I love being in it and talking to all the lovely customers. Bless you and thank you for all your support and friendship in 2011.

Embellisher - Day Three

2012-01-01T07:19:00.002Z

I made this spectacles holder yesterday. Just the one. In attempting to sew round it with the embellisher through double thickness I broke a needle. Now I must pluck up my courage to actually handle the needles to replace it with a fresh one. They are very sharp and barbed and I am a wimp.

I have now learned not to attempt seams with the embellisher. I sewed round this one by hand and it is fine.

Happy New Year!

Shall we put off talking about resolutions until tomorrow?

May 2012 be your best year yet!

Embellisher - Day 2

2011-12-31T05:55:00.003Z

I like this best because it's a picture not random experiments.

Here (above) I've tried out silk waste, lace, and cut out pieces of handmade felt.

I like the bright colours of this one. I've experimented with bits of nubbly yarn, wool tops and velvet. The dark background reminds me of the Northern Lights.

Yesterday I played on the embellisher for most of the day as it was quiet in the shop again. I need to move on from experimenting now and produce actual things to sell. The felt is beautifully soft and spec cases and purses would be easy to make. Also brooches and maybe hot water bottle covers.

I'm not forgetting the clothing and cushions mentioned in the last post but maybe they are a bit ambitious for a beginner embellisher!

Embellisher fun!

2011-12-30T06:37:00.004Z

An embellished felt cuff.

An embellished heart.

An embellished crochet purse.

Just before Christmas I bought an embellisher. I was so impressed by what my friend Alison was creating with her embellisher - an Alfa 3000 costing £199 - that I wanted to have a go myself. I have wanted one for some years but I have never seen them at that price before. There are still models out there costing £400, even £700 available but £199 was do-able.

Yesterday I had great fun in the shop trying it out for the first time. It is addictive. Now I want to try out all kinds of different materials to see the range of effects you can get. I'm thinking big - cushions; jackets; scarves.Although realistically purses are more quickly achievable! Felt seems to be the best base material. So I need to make more large pieces of felt to embellish into.

If you want to see examples of Alison's work on the embellisher check out her blog http://www.fibrefrenzi.blogspot.com/ also in the margin on the right as 'colour queen'!

I'm off to make felt!

Chickens

2011-12-29T06:39:00.002Z

At Christmas these chickens would peer in at us through the french windows. They were so tame one allowed me to get this close (see below) to take his photograph!

Yesterday I re-did the shop window removing all the Christmas decorations. I had a bit of a cleaning day, keeping busy. Although one or two people looked around and made appreciative noises it was very quiet and I guess that's how it's going to be for a little while as people recover from the big Christmas spend.
Today I plan to start making a batch of purses which I've been intending to do for a while.

A Rented Christmas!

2011-12-28T07:12:00.004Z

This year my family rented a bungalow near Bath for the three days of Christmas. It meant that between six and eight of us could be together comfortably and I would recommend the idea.

The bungalow was fitted with every convenience and was extremely comfortable - plus the owner had even provided a Christmas tree and decorated for Christmas.

My favourite place was this 'drench room'. The water hits you in every direction. It was brilliant!
http://www.watergardens-stay.co.uk/

It was great for me to see my kids and their partners all under one roof. Highlights included a hysterical game of charades and seven of us playing contract whist into the early hours - a new game to me.

So please excuse my absence but now it's business as usual on the blogging and the shop front. I can't wait to get into Handmade Happiness to sort it out for the New Year. No sale. I think handmade items should never be marked down in price. That seems disrespectful to the maker.

I hope you had the best Christmas you could have wished for and are looking forward with joy and excitment to the New Year ahead.

Alone again!

2011-12-24T05:35:00.003Z

For the second time his mate has been sold and flown off to a new life without him!

Gayle Bicknell's handmade bird gazes forlornly out at the traffic hoping for a glimpse of either of his former partners!

Alone at Christmas. What must that be like?
We, who have families, are so lucky. The Christmas coming together reminds us that we are part of a group. We may not always get on with everyone in that group but they are our clan, our kith and kin and we are lucky.

Do you know anyone who will be alone this Christmas? For them Christmas must be an ordeal when everything closes down so there are fewer distractions than usual. If you haven't already done so why not invite one of those people round for a drink? To raise a glass of Christmas spirit.

I bet you are all groaning now. But those are my thoughts at not quite 6am on Christmas Eve!!

Gift wrapping

2011-12-23T08:08:00.006Z

Wild Damson in Dragon Street offer to gift wrap your purchase with damson coloured ribbon
and a sprig of 'damsons'.

Their neighbouring shops were also impressed to receive this Xmas gift - a bottle of Damson gin.

I'm wondering if my little shop will be capable of this lovely attention to detail after it's been in existence for six months as Wild Damson has?
Items were photographed in Tara Wake interiors. All other items shown available to purchase there.

Happy Christmas!

2011-12-22T06:57:00.003Z

Here is one I made earlier! One of last year's Christmas cards. I will try to make handmade Christmas cards again in 2012.

I am looking ahead now to shop displays after Christmas. I would like the theme to be very natural - birds, trees, flowers, all inspired by the wonderful countryside around us. Winter into spring and all the wonderful potential that a New Year brings.

Following the herd

2011-12-21T05:29:00.003Z

These reindeer were brought in by basket maker Judith Needham.
http://www.judithneedham.co.uk/

Occasionally I meet someone who does their Christmas shopping throughout the year. By around October they've brought all the gifts they need and can sit back smugly in December watching the rest of us buzzing around getting increasingly stressed the nearer the 'Big Day' gets.

Right now it feels like gathering up handfuls of cash snowball style and lobbing them at shops. Today the Christmas spirit has deserted me. So much to do, so little time. I'd rather be sitting in the sanctuary of my little shop, far from the Christmas madness of the crowds of shoppers getting increasingly manic as they can't find the things they want as all the decent stuff has sold out...

But today daughter will man the shop allowing me to join the fray and get the rest of the shopping done. Today I'll be 'following the herd' round the shops in Horsham but still wishing Christmas was only once every five years....

Fairytale chandelier

2011-12-20T06:40:00.004Z

This twinkling chandelier makes me think of Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty. It hangs in the window of Tara Wake Interiors, my shop neighbour and there is a fairytale magic about it.

You can imagine a white marble staircase sweeping around it at one end of the ballroom or see it as the magnificent centrepiece in a grand entrance hall where guests are greeted... http://www.tarawake.com/

Buttons and singing

2011-12-19T05:52:00.002Z

Handmade buttons at the shop. £1 each. Machine washable.

Yesterday The Choir Company sang in the Square in Petersfield at lunchtime. There was also a funfair in the square - this year's alternative entertainment to the usual ice skating. Funfair organisers kindly turned off their music for half an hour so we could do our thing.

We sang three part harmonies to Something Inside So Strong; Rhythmn of Life; Walking on Sunshine; A Medley from les Miserables; Stand by Me; Don't stop believing; Somewhere over the Rainbow (my favourite); Silent Night and various American Christmas tunes. There are around 60 of us so it sounds pretty good. Gerard Butler, our brilliant musical director, says:'Sing loud. I don't care if it's wrong as long as it's loud.' And that's what we do.

Sold Out!

2011-12-18T06:35:00.003Z

These reindeer, hand made by Michelle Green, have been amazingly popular and I sold the last one yesterday. Kate Hackett's tiny ceramic robins were equally successful but I wasn't quick enough to take a picture of those before the last one sold.

It was a brilliant Saturday with interesting, lively customers and despite the extreme cold outside it was warm and friendly inside even though I've no actual heating!

Today, Sunday I'm going to try to finish off my Christmas shopping. I now think Christmas should be once every five years. That would make it seem really special. Although I don't suppose I'd be any more organised and ready if it were once every five years. My New Year's Resolution is always Be More Organised...but it hasn't happened yet!

Dancing with Flowers

2011-12-17T06:53:00.002Z

This post should be called Christmas panic! But Dancing with Flowers sounds nice and calm!

I can't believe that Christmas is only a week away. Major organisation is needed here.

What about you? Are you busy making lists, trying to make the house look hospitable, squeezing in Christmas present shopping in half hour rushes like me?

Or have you done it all and can now, serenely 'dance with flowers' up until the big day?

Inside the shop

2011-12-16T06:02:00.003Z

Wilemien Stevens' cards, Kate Hackett decoration, toast rack and mug.

Jenny Stacy bracelets.

Scarves by Valerie Benson and Michelle Green.

Are you sending out and receiving as many Christmas cards as you used to?

I think this is something people are definitely cutting back on this year. I notice in the shop that people buy a few good cards for their nearest and dearest but maybe aren't sending out to everyone in their address book.

My kids don't send out cards at all and neither do their friends. It's a generation thing. My mother always receives hundreds from everyone she's ever made contact with. I'm in the middle. I want cards I send out to be special but can't find time to handmake them this year. So readers please accept this virtual greeting from me:

Happy Christmas dear friends;

May you prosper and be happy
now and in the New Year - 2012.

Petersfield Post window competition

2011-12-15T06:06:00.002Z

Yesterday the photographer from the Petersfield Post came by. I hadn't realised how messy my window is until then! After weeks of being forced to hang a toy mouse in the display as part of a childrens' shop trail competition I'd rather neglected it. Today I'll have an overhaul. New in are the basket maker's wrapped reed reindeer, centre. I am pleased a basket maker has visited. Woven trugs and shopping baskets are just right looking ahead to spring...

Maison Blanc and Christmas shopping

2011-12-14T06:27:00.003Z

Pictures taken at Maison Blanc, Guildford.Wouldn't these make wonderful wedding desserts?

Yesterday my daughter manned the shop so that I could go Christmas shopping. I wanted to go to London to photograph Christmas shop windows. I've heard that Harrods looks particularly stunning this year. But time started running out so I went half way - to Guildford.

I like looking for Christmas bits in Guildford because the shops are in a straight line up a particularly steep hill. Spend an afternoon there and you've had a good work out.

My family think stockings are the best thing about Christmas. And as we're all too old for Father Christmas to visit we do stockings for each other.

I found some good bits for my mum's stocking in Heal's and l'Occitane. If I could afford it I'd spend in Jo Malone - the smell wafting on to the pavement from that shop is divine! I love Gap - it's worrying that they have a 60% off sale there at the moment. Surely this is the only time of the year when people expect to pay full price? I also found some bits at the Steamer Trading Cook Shop which I may have mentioned before on this blog re: Guzzini colour.

Yes, one of the best bits about Christmas is anticipating peoples' reaction to the gifts you've bought them. Especially if they are nicely wrapped. But more of that later!

Beauty in unexpected places

2011-12-13T07:57:00.003Z

I love the detailing in old buildings.From another age when a craftsman could show off his skills in every job he undertook. He could take a real pride in his work knowing that generations later people would still be admiring his handiwork.

I admire this ceiling every time I have to queue up at the bank. It's HSBC's ceiling in Petersfield and is in sharp contrast to the boring black and white efficiency of what goes on beneath it.

Giant knitting

2011-12-12T07:30:00.002Z

I'm late posting because I've been distracted by lovely home things on www.ferm-living.com I think it's Danish. I love these baskets. Imagine them as a bed you could curl up in or a baby's cot! You could cover a pouffe in giant knitting or a whole arm chair.

In these freezing cold mornings I'm imagining a perfect Christmas home with a wood burning stove, soft cosy throws and cushions. All in off whites to match the snow gently falling outside.

Alison's embellisher pictures

2011-12-11T07:21:00.003Z

My friend Alison Crosthwaite has just invested in an embellisher.And this is what she's achieved with it already. An embellisher looks like a sewing machine but it needlefelts rather than sews. There are several barbed needles which go through layers bonding them together.

My pictures are from Alison's blog www.fibrefrenzi.blogspot.com I also list it in my Nice to Look At section on the right. To me she's 'colour queen'!

Now do you agree that the shop needs an embellisher? I think it might be a legitimate business expense against tax....?!

Handmade locally and all under £5 !

2011-12-10T06:11:00.004Z

In Handmade Happiness now are Kate Hackett's ceramic decorations: robin £2; Xmas pudding small £2-50; large £4-50;
Jenny Stacy child's bracelet £3-50;
Natasha Rothschild's knitted flower hair decoration £5;
Willemien Steven's card £2-50;
Michelle Green's sheep £2-50 and my matchbox free when you buy my Christmas pudding earrings.

In this picture above are a Christine Burgess' twiggy hook complete with rawl plugs and screws for £5;
a ball of 100% wool that can be felted for £4-80;
Jenny Stacy collage card £3-50;
Heidi Robinson glass pencil brooch £4-00 and my handmade buttons £1 each.

Here are Penny Baker's pretty vintage fabric pack and heart both at £4-50;
my painted face and girl brooch at £3-50 and £5- and some baby buttons for £2-

I thought it would be fun to assemble what you can buy for £5 or under at the Handmade Happiness shop. Lots of people are looking for Christmas bits at the moment as well as main presents. Next I'll do an under £10 selection; then under £30 and under £50.

Yes, I know the yarn and baby buttons aren't handmade - sorry, I included them in the picture without thinking.

Yesterday was the best day at the shop so far. Thank you customers! ***

Felt tree decorations

2011-12-09T07:19:00.002Z

A few days ago I showed how I make felt. This is the result. Not quite finished. The trees on the left have been felted more than the trees on the right. Felting shrinks wool by about one third. So when the right hand trees have been felted down a bit more and all trees had grey velvet ribbon loops sewn on the top they'll be ready. The tree in the middle is the original like the ones I used to make for Tricot. Tricot liked red gingham ribbon. But I prefer the grey velvet.

Buy Handmade!

2011-12-08T06:52:00.002Z

Bryony Jennings who makes lovely silver jewellery and life size fabric animals, and her mum, Margaret, a potter, own this handmade shop in Chichester's Cooper Street. Both their shop and mine sell everything hand made but interestingly we don't stock the same peoples' work. Our shops are very different and I admire the delicacy of theirs. When you next visit Chichester take a look.

Kaffe Fassett's fabrics

2011-12-07T07:09:00.001Z

Pam Dew has made these wonderful patchwork cushions for Handmade Happiness. And looking at them makes my heart sing. Pam lives in Petersfield. There is so much talent in this town!

Making Felt

2011-12-06T06:57:00.003Z

An order for my embroidered tree decorations prompted an early morning felt making session. I use wool tops on my draining board. I know other felt makers use bubble wrap/ bamboo blinds/plastic bags/pure olive oil soap etc. but I like to keep it simple. Wool tops and whatever soap is to hand. Fairy washing up liquid does a good job.

So in the middle picture I've pulled out three layers of wool tops, drizzled on washing up liquid and drenched with hot water then rubbed the wool against the ridges on the draining board to felt. A few rinses and finally I like to use this old wash board I was given by my friend Jane to finish off the felting process.

Now I can cut the felt to shape and, once dry, embroider and finish with ribbon.

I would like to have felt making sessions in the shop. I am wondering if you can felt within a zip lock plastic bag ie. damp the wool tops with soapy water, maybe include a sheet of bubble wrap, and manipulate the felt within the bag. This would be more practical in the shop with minimal mess. Anybody know anything about this?

This morning my neighbour Wanda will be in the shop. I'll return this afternoon.

Champagne taste but beer money!

2011-12-05T06:11:00.004Z

On Saturday night my youngest and her rugby player boyfriend came over and admired the shop before we ate at the nearby Ask restaurant. He was thrilled with the three course Christmas menu for £16.95 complete with sparkler and chesnuts. Just looking at the picture makes you feel like celebrating!

Yesterday, Sunday, I collected some mugs and ceramic Christmas decorations for the shop from my friend Kate Hackett who was exhibiting with the Sussex Guild at Midhurst. I had a good look at the show, hoping to find other things that would fit in with Handmade Happiness...

Then to Chichester for a spot of Christmas shopping.
Honestly as I get older I get harder to please and I found very little. My girls say only buy what you would love to have yourself. Which is a good rule of thumb for anyone doing Christmas shopping I reckon.
I found a white fleece covered hot water bottle at Avoca's 'Gorgeous' shop with 'Baby It's Cold Outside' written on it which I wanted but it was nearly £30 so I left it.

Basically it's champagne taste but beer money.
Then last night my other daughter came down to man my neighbour Tara's shop for a couple of days. Tara is away doing her Christmas shopping in New York. Not that I'm jealous or anything...!!!!

Juggling

2011-12-04T07:50:00.003Z

I don't understand how women do it. Juggling a full time job with looking after the family and home. There just isn't time to properly look after themselves as well. Things that are good for women like excercising and eating food cooked from scratch - when do they fit in those things? Doctors agree that to live to an active, mentally sharp, old age women must excercise regularly and eat healthily. But the juggling act required to fit in those things makes them hard to achieve.

On a small scale I thought I might make a big batch of vegetable soup and take it to work in a thermos each day with, ideally a hunk of homemade bread. Save money, lose weight and eat healthy. Win, win, win. Have I done it? No.

On a large scale - have you seen those programmes about British teenagers experiencing life with the Amish? It is fascinating. The men go off to work. Hard, physical work, farming and making furniture from the trees they cut down, with the occasional barn raising. Meanwhile the women stay at home and spend all day doing housework, cooking and looking after children. The British girls find it hard to accept that this simple life makes them happy. But maybe if there are no choices they are just making the best of the life they are given. No juggling required.

Gayle's colour

2011-12-03T06:59:00.003Z

I love the bright splash of colour Gayle Bicknell's work gives to the shop. Gayle, from Alton, teaches textiles and makes wonderful thread covered birds and screen printed pieces as pictured above.

The shop is full of handmade stock - 17 makers plus myself. There's almost too much to choose from. As it gets dark and the fairy lights twinkle it looks magical ...

I would love to be making more of the stock myself but I spend most of my days happily talking to customers. From Monday onwards, with the table cleared for workshops, you will see me sitting busily making at that table. A promise to self!

New glass decorations

2011-12-02T06:53:00.002Z

Heidi Robinson, Petersfield glass maker, brought these fun decorations to the shop yesterday. She also provided glass bunting which sold almost the minute it touched the display table. Reds and clear lime green - a clean, contemporary look.

On Monday the first Handmade Happiness class will run from 11am to 1pm on Beginners' Crochet. It costs £20 to include tea/coffee and biscuits and all materials.If you want to be there email me jennystacy@tiscali.co.uk

The following Monday there will be a Beginners Knitting Class and finally for 2011 a Free style knitting and crochet class for those who can already knit and crochet on Monday December 19th.

Advance notice. Pam Dew has agreed to teach a Quilting class on Monday January 23rd from 11 to 3. Again please let me know if you want to join. First come, first served.

The Inspiring Blanket

2011-12-01T06:43:00.003Z

This much admired blanket is made entirely of sock yarn knitted in squares starting in one corner and increasing then decreasing.It must have been made to sample up to 49 different coloured yarns and the colours are wonderful. Sock yarns are not just for socks!

Penny's Vintage Scrap Packs

2011-11-30T08:43:00.002Z

My friend Penny makes up these 'Vintage Scrap packs' for Handmade Happiness.

The heart is an example of what you can make with the contents. People buy them for making for dolls' houses; making wedding favours or just adding to their fabric stash (is that an American expression - stash?) They cost £4.50 and are very popular.

A treasured Fairy Mouse

2011-11-29T06:07:00.003Z

Photo by Henry Ascoli

This mouse belongs to a lovely customer. It reminds me of those tiny dressed mice - in Liberty prints?- I vaguely remember from childhood. Her son sent me this picture and I hope they don't mind me posting it on my blog. The mouse is old and 'falling apart' but still very special.

I spent Sunday with the oldest member of our family(80) and the youngest (nearly one). Baby Sofia is a delight to watch. Crawling at a terrific speed, like a baby bullet, through furniture legs and over peoples' feet with a happy, relaxed nature and a ready smile.

'Granny' must have been like that once. But now she is trying to come to terms with the loss of her life-long partner. A man she thinks the world of. Her family visit often but they can't bring him back to her. Right now baby and Granny need about the same amount of care. Life seems to take you on a circular path.

Look at this!

2011-11-28T06:38:00.002Z

If you love colour and want to see crochet in a brand new light look at www.gipsybazar.blogspot.com

I've added it to my 'Nice to Look at' section titled crochet colour.Wouldn't it be great to have clothes like this for sale in Handmade Happiness?

Ceramics and cards

2011-11-27T07:35:00.003Z

Inside the shop Kate Hackett's bowls, toast racks, hearts and stand up decorations are displayed with Willemien Steven's popular cards.

Kate is making Christmas mugs with robins on, small mugs with hearts on each side and lots of robin ceramic decorations for the tree that will all be in the shop shortly.

Meanwhile I've had another delivery of Willemien's special cards that, before having the shop I always used to buy from her and I'm delighted to be her only stockist in the area.

Yesterday the round table was delivered, as promised. And very good it looks too! Today I'll email all those who put their names down for workshop details. And the week after next workshops will start.

Presents for men?

2011-11-26T06:37:00.003Z

These chopping boards and bread boards make great presents for men. I always find it hard to find presents a man will appreciate. It just seems so much easier to buy for women - you buy something you would like to receive! So I'm really pleased to sell Christine Burgess's handmade boards in the shop. Christine lives in West Sussex and all the wood she uses is local. Oak, sycamore, beech - the label on each board says: 'Beech from Goodwood' or 'Sycamore from Stanstead Park' or 'Oak from Andover, Hampshire'. It's a nice touch and tells you that nothing about this board has travelled far. Solid local wood and solid local workmanship.

Knitting and Crochet weather

2011-11-25T07:14:00.002Z

Michelle's spun and dyed wool, Victoria's spun and dyed mohair (from her goats); Valerie's 'seaweed' scarves and one of my hats.

I took these pictures in the shop. It was cold though bright. Just the weather for knitting or crocheting.

A lovely lady called Jan offered me a round table for the shop yesterday. So kind and generous. Her daughter has a round pine table, 4 ft across on a central pedestal. It sounds just the job for having in the centre of the shop with chairs round it for workshops. When we're not workshopping it can be used for shop display.

Jan's husband is bringing it to the shop on Saturday. Thanks to Jan and her family.

The first workshops will be, appropriately enough, Beginner's Knitting and Beginner's Crochet.

After that a 'Free style knitting and crochet' where the two skills are combined to produce really textural pieces.

Felted knitting by Natasha Rothschild

2011-11-24T07:14:00.002Z

New in the shop are these pretty hair accessories and reindeer decorations by Natasha who lives in Petersfield. The flowers are £6.50 and the reindeers are £9.50.

Eating Well

2011-11-23T06:35:00.005Z

This picture was taken at Sussex Produce in Steyning High Street.

We are all so busy that it is easy to get into bad eating habits. I find that I snack in the shop on junk to keep myself going rather than eating proper nutritious meals.

Wouldn't it be wonderful to have a cook/housekeeper to provide bowls of nourishing soup and colourful chopped fruit at intervals, not to mention keeping the house clean and tidy for us to come back to at the end of a long working day?

It's this juggling act of trying to achieve in all areas that sometimes ties us up in knots. From the moment we wake up there's the house wanting to be cleaned and tidied; maybe some excercise; replying to emails; taking phone calls. Then work proper starts. I find that my ideal early morning includes a boiled egg for breakfast - with marmite and a brisk walk for half an hour with a friend. Both generate lots of energy for getting everything else done.

Piccadilly, Times Square and Petersfield

2011-11-22T08:03:00.002Z

Yes, we have lights in Petersfield and very nice they are too! In these days of austerity when shops don't want to spend money on Christmas lights it is very nice to walk home at night and see those same familiar lights cheering the town centre.

Bears by Lindsay Agostinelli

2011-11-21T07:25:00.002Z

I'm now on a quest to find special items for the Handmade Happiness shop. These handmade bears that came into the shop on Saturday, are special. I've known Lindsay, who lives in Sidlesham, West Sussex, for years. She's a member of the Wessex Guild of Craftsmen who visited Petersfield with their work at the weekend.

Dragon Street gets Christmassy!

2011-11-20T06:41:00.002Z

Wild Damson sells desirable furniture at reasonable prices, much of it painted in fashionable colours in house.

Tara Interior Design next to Wild Damson for luxurious gifts and the best selection of fabrics and wallpapers for your home.

Handmade Happiness for handcrafted gifts, everything made in England. From outside...

and from the inside...

Embellished clothing

2011-11-19T09:12:00.002Z

I'm late this morning after the late night shopping last night. Apologies.

This photo is of an Anthropologie shop window in US and I love the jacket in the foreground. Felting, beads, giant buttons it's all here. Regular readers will know that I want, one day, to have a rail of handmade/ upcycled clothes in the shop. You're creative - show it by what you wear!

Window dressing

2011-11-18T05:19:00.002Z

Tonight is the childrens' Christmas trail. One strange and unexpected thing will be hidden in each shop window. Mine is easy to spot...

I'll finish decorating the window today. Small things to be hung on the white tree and its base covered in knitted gloves and socks; some real greenery somewhere would be nice; fairy lights and garlands.

Tonight is late night opening - until around 8pm. The how to keep mulled wine warm question has been resolved, I think, with a couple of giant thermoses. I feel quite excited!

By the way my neighbours - Tara Interior Design and Wild Damson have done beautiful Christmas windows. Definetely worth a look. Wild Damson has even had lots of outside lights specially installed. Pictures later!

What's inside these Christmas boxes?

2011-11-17T06:31:00.003Z

Today I must do the Christmas Window. Shopkeepers take this very seriously.

Because Christmas is the important money-making time of the year and money taken at Christmas has to support us through the mean, lean times of January and February, the Christmas window must attract shoppers in to your shop to spend their money with you. And it's not just about spending money on Christmas presents.

I found while working at Tricot Too that Christmas provides many women with the excuse to treat themselves in a way they wouldn't do the rest of the year. Yes, they may say the scarf they love is for their sister-in-law but they know and you know that they'll find something else for sister-in-law nearer the Day!

And as well as buying presents there are cards to buy, and decorations for home and tree. But no-one wants to focus on any of this too early. That's why my Christmas window (and I'm hoping it doesn't look like a dog's dinner but I can't be sure until it's done!)is waiting for tomorrow, the start of Petersfield Christmas Festivities, when the town's Christmas lights are switched on by the Mayor.

Through the Shop window

2011-11-16T06:22:00.003Z

Needlefelted robin by Michelle Green, screen printed purse by Gayle Bicknell.

Reindeer by Michelle, cards by Willhemein.

Heart by Kate Hackett.

This Friday the shop will be open late and customers will be offered mulled wine and mince pies. My lovely shop neighbours, Tara Interior Design and Wild Damson will also be opening late. We are all looking forward to a bit of a party!

There seem a ton of things to do before then. Fairy lights to rig up, Christmas shop window to design and install, means of warming and keeping warm mulled wine and mince pies to sort out plus today I am determined to get angels made. But with the fantastic help of daughter one who manned the shop yesterday and will do again today, we will get there.

Petal Anderson's rabbit

2011-11-15T06:53:00.003Z

This is the other thing I bought at the fair. I find him irresistible and I want more handmade rabbits by Petal to sell in the shop. She also does 'tweedy birds'!

www.petalanderson.co.uk

There is one more thing I will be ordering from a made in England maker I met there. But more of that later.

Caroline Zoob designs

2011-11-14T06:29:00.002Z

At the Christmas Country Living show on Friday I bought these cheerful gift tags and 4 sheets of this wrapping paper. www.carolinezoob.com She also does a nice paper bunting with similar designs.

Kaffe's fabric designs

2011-11-13T05:37:00.002Z

I came across this picture on www.pinterest.com a while ago. Quilted squares using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. Sorry I can't identify the maker.

Glimpses at the Country Living Christmas Show

2011-11-12T05:32:00.002Z

As usual the Islington show was packed with shoppers making it hard to move in the aisles and almost impossible to get close enough to look at the most popular stands. It is heartening to see so many people willing to be tempted to spend their money on Christmas this year in spite of all the doom and gloom on the news.

The cushions at the top are designed by Jan Constantine; I like the old fashioned garlands by Nicky Snow; and, above, this is as close as I could get for a while to my friend Kate's stand. I'm looking forward to having some of her lovely things in the shop soon.

And what, you may be asking yourselves, did Jenny buy? Well I did buy a couple of things and I spoke to a few handmade in England stallholders about having their things in the HH shop. More of that and pictures later.

Have wool - can knit

2011-11-11T05:54:00.002Z

These lovely yarns have just arrived. The top one is 100% wool which means it's ideal for felting if you want to felt your work. The alpaca/silk is just extremely soft. Good for babies' things and scarves.

I'd like to get a round table for workshops. Lots of people want to learn knitting or crochet and I want to host making for Christmas workshops too. My daughter is visiting so I might get her help in carrying my (not round) kitchen table down to the shop so we'd have that to sit around then I can start emailing out workshop invitations. She is pleasantly surprised with how full of stock the shop has become. People come in daily with nice things they have made. Particularly super are the wood chopping boards/ bread boards that Chris Burgess makes from local trees. I like the way each piece is labelled with where the wood is from eg. Stanstead Park or Goodwood. http://www.christineburgess.co.uk/

Today I'm going up to the Country Living Christmas Show - daughter one will be taking care of the shop. Hope to take lots of pics of nice things!

Gayle Bicknell's cushions

2011-11-10T06:26:00.002Z

Gayle visited the shop yesterday with these screen printed fabric cushions she'd made, three large screen printed notebooks and two more purses. It's all so colourful. Love Gayle's work. And the incredible thing about these cushions is that you can wash the covers in the washing machine. Gayle is head of textiles at Alton College. See her blog www.thelifeofatextilesteacher.blogspot.com

New Orla Kiely bag design for Tesco

2011-11-09T06:52:00.002Z

Spotted this when in Tesco on Sunday. I think they're £4 each.

I realise now I've got the shop, how hard it is to fit in ordinary food shopping. It's tempting to pick up groceries on a daily basis from whatever supermarket's nearest which is mostly what I've been doing. But this is an expensive way of buying food.

Friends do all their shopping on line but I like to choose which bananas etc. So Sunday becomes the only shopping day or I could just get up earlier and do the weekly shop before work starts.

Melanie's paper stars

2011-11-08T05:20:00.002Z

Melanie brought this cleverly made Christmas decoration into the shop on Saturday. I am intrigued with how she made it. I wonder if she'd be interested in giving a workshop?

Melanie, who is Canadian, also makes soft yet practical baby's bibs and lavender filled sachets 'for childrens' drawers'. Examples are for sale in the shop.

The sheep are by Michelle. £2.50 each.

My neighbour Wanda will be in the shop today (Tuesday) as I have to go to London. The family have an appointment at Lords cricket ground to scatter my father's ashes. It's just what he would have wanted.

Singing and recording

2011-11-07T07:24:00.003Z

I love to sing. Yesterday the choir company's Farnham and Petersfield members drove out to a concrete bunker on a farm which houses this recording studio.Above is the big space where we sang 'Something Inside So Strong'; 'Somewhere Over the Rainbow' a song from Les Miserables, 'Rhythmn of Life' and 'I'm Walking on Sunshine.' Our choir master, Gerard Butler, who sings professionally and coaches other professional singers is brilliant at getting the best out of us. He says 'I don't care if you get it wrong, just get it wrong loudly.' So we all let rip and raised the roof.

The microphone pictured above is for individuals or small groups. When three women from Farnham and me from Petersfield gathered round to sing our add on I felt like one of the Supremes. For two pins I would have burst into one of their hits. But no, only three words were required. Well ... it's a start isn't it?!!

Cats in cardigans

2011-11-06T06:57:00.002Z

Here is one of my 'cats in cardigans' next to some 1950s silk roses (£3 each) and some special old glass buttons.

Today, Sunday, is my day off and I'm doing something completely different. My choir are visiting a recording studio to make a CD and DVD. It will be an interesting experience. I'll take some photos and share it with you tomorrow.

Christmas stockings

2011-11-05T06:53:00.003Z

My large stockings in Handmade Happiness. The bag is also made by me. Stockings are £45 each and the bag is £29.

These ones are good for boys and some people prefer the simpler design. The blue mohair/silk is sold but I have the same yarn in shades of pink. It is from Victoria who keeps goats.

I've been making these stockings for five years now and I used to make a small fairy to go on the top of the embroidered tree. I must make some more fairies as they also sell well in decorated matchboxes.

Who is this?

2011-11-04T06:26:00.003Z

The new guy from the block is 'James' the carousel rocking horse. Made by Petersfield craftsman Bryan Osborn, James is bound to attract attention in Handmade Happiness. He is suitable for 3 to 8 year olds and built to be passed down the generations.

Here is James in all his glory. His maker, Bryan Osborn also makes traditional rocking horses with real horse hair manes and tails and proper saddle and tack. The price? James costs £750 and a traditional rocking horse sells for £1,000. Full details and photographs available in the shop.

Changing and growing

2011-11-03T08:56:00.003Z

After two and a half weeks I can see my shop changing and growing. Growing because every day people are bringing in their handmade pieces to add to the ever increasing number of things to admire and buy.
I thought it was a tiny shop but it's surprising how much stock it takes to fill it. And changing because I keep re-arranging and changing things round. The big change will be the working table in the centre of the room. I need a big table for the workshops and I find that when I make at the counter it rapidly gets messy and unbusinesslike with all my bits.
I also want to change the sign above the shop to different lettering and have wording all along the space pictured above. But all this is minor. The big joy is the conversations with the customers. I am meeting some really special people and most of them seem to like the shop and the way it's developing!

Heidi Robinson's glass pieces

2011-11-02T06:11:00.002Z

New in the shop are these decorative glass panels made by local artist Heidi Robinson.

Heidi also makes Christmas decorations for the tree and these fun crayon badges.

Ann Hutchins' stitched pictures

2011-11-01T07:04:00.002Z

These beautiful examples of hand stitched applique are for sale in Handmade Happiness. Ann lives in Petersfield and is one of the most talented yet modest artists I have ever met.

She is fascinated by vegetables and re-creates them in fabric and stitch in a way that is quite remarkable.

They are all for sale but they look so good in my shop lobby that I will be reluctant to let them go!

Follitt window

2011-10-31T07:09:00.002Z

I did a lot of driving yesterday and whenever I pass this shop I have to slow down to take a good look at their window. It's Follitt in Petworth, a shop for one off pieces all beautifully arranged.

Inside Follitt.

The shop diet

2011-10-30T06:44:00.004Z

Since signing the shop contract I have lost nearly a stone in weight. This is not through any deliberate effort on my part, it is just through rushing around with never a moment to rest and reflect.
I also find that at lunchtime if I take a bite of sandwich a customer is bound to come in at that moment to ask a question.
So eating anything has to be done surreptiously. My daughter is a huge influence for good. Instead of chocolate biscuits she makes me eat a seed bar (not something I'd choose to buy!) She herself prefers sushi and miso soup instead of sandwiches. Neither of which I fancy trying. But I realise I'm a bit stuck in my ways. I prefer to go with what I know rather than experimenting with something I may not like. Probably typically English!

Late last night I put together some workshop proposals which I'll send out to everyone who has left me their contact details. And of course I'll publish it all here.
By the way I wish the clocks had gone forward last night instead of back. Now I'll never get my body clock to wake me at a normal time. (It was stuck at 4.53am!)

Noticeboards made in Haslemere

2011-10-29T05:36:00.003+01:00

The shop is selling noticeboards handmade by Catherine Hewson in Haslemere. Catherine often uses Emily Bond fabric, as shown. I think this one would be ideal for a dog owner to keep any doggie vet records, photos and of course, collar and lead.
See more of Catherine's work at http://www.catherineantoinettedesign.com/

Good news! The long awaited card machine was delivered yesterday, just in time for today, Saturday's customers.

Cushion and Blanket

2011-10-28T06:50:00.002+01:00

I just made this cushion (front above, back below) but it's the blanket that's getting all the attention. I bought it at Harting Village Day this year and I wish I had made a note of the person who made it. Knitted in 4ply sock wool the colours and patterns remind people of Kaffe Fassett.

Shop news

2011-10-27T07:25:00.002+01:00

I am getting the most interesting people coming in to the shop.
One day it's American men searching for props for films; another day I had a fascinating discussion with a 'court dressmaker' who also used to make for Harrods. Yesterday I met a lovely lady who used to knit for The Scotch House in London and a London School of Fashion graduate who makes wonderful dramatic clothes.
I'd like to host a clothes workshop. Upcycling something you own or something you've found in a charity shop with ribbon/ buttons/ bits of knitting and a bit of slashing to customise it into something uniquely 'yours'. That would be fun.
Yesterday the latest issue of the Petersfield Post featured three of us new shops on page 4.

Meantime the lovely photos I wanted to post I can't show you because picasa's not talking to blogger. It's a known error and I hope they fix it fast. With any luck I'll be able to post what I intended to post later today!

Kate's hearts

2011-10-26T06:10:00.000+01:00

Heart decorations by Kate Hackett.

Kate has made these for the Handmade Happiness shop. They are £3 each and will be lovely as tree decorations or hanging off gift bags, wreaths; mantlepieces; dressers etc at Christmas. In fact they are nice for any time of the year. See more of her work at www.katehackettceramics.co.uk

Working out the workshops

2011-10-25T07:00:00.002+01:00

I did this sample of 'free knitting' ages ago but it still inspires me to pick up the knitting needles.
Yesterday in the shop was the best of days and the worst of days. It was best because my friend Jane travelled over from Kent and we happily talked for several hours punctuated by cups of tea and many naughty chocolate biscuits. We were joined for a while by Mary from Liss who contributed lots of useful ideas and I hope Mary, who is an expert dyer will be a regular visitor . It was the worst day financially for the shop but then Saturday was the best day financially so it all averages out.

What is the most convenient time for people to come to a workshop? I had thought evenings to suit mums who could come out once children were in bed, leaving dads to babysit but yesterday Mary and I remembered the 'Creative Lunches' East Hampshire used to provide for artists when there was more money in the pot and 'Creative Lunches' seem like a good idea for the shop as lunchtimes are usually quiet. But what food is clean enough to eat when you're also knitting/drawing/rag rugging/sewing or collaging?

Just noticed that I said I'd show Kate's decorations today. Sorry. I'll take photographs of them in the shop today for tomorrow's blog post.

Free knitting by Alison

2011-10-24T07:06:00.002+01:00

These bags are made by Alison Crosthwaite. What's even more impressive is that some, if not all the yarns used have been spun and dyed by her as well. She's also dyed the lining.

See them up close in Handmade Happiness! The shop also stocks Alison's silk painted cards.See the colour queen link on the right for more of her work.
NEW in the shop today are Kate Hackett's handmade ceramic decorations. These are rather special. I'll show you what they look like tomorrow!