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| Bracelets by Jenny Stacy |
I spent the day playing with bits of fabric and wool and building up these unusual bracelets.
Friday, 23 January 2015
Making bracelets
I spent the day playing with bits of fabric and wool and building up these unusual bracelets.
Monday, 19 January 2015
Screen printed dog cards by Sue Inglis
Sunday, 18 January 2015
That time of year
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| Purple hyacinths |
It's that time of year when snow is forecast and I long to fill my house and shop with flowers.
Spring is coming!
Apologies for not taking photos in the shop recently. I want to show you Christine Burgess' new paintings of the sea. Four paintings one of them large. All seascapes with a Turner-like appreciation for clouds and their reflections on the ever changing colours of the sea.
Sue Inglis brought in some new screen printed cards she has made of different breeds of dogs. I think these will be very popular.
And Katrin Eagle has needlefelted some brooches which I've added to the big board of brooches in the shop. Photos to come (promise!)
Gentle reminder: This month the shop is closed on Tuesdays. January opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10-5. If you can't make those days and want to come in to the shop email me (look right) and I'll meet your there at your convenience if I possibly can.
Btw I've sorted out the comment box below so all you have to do is click on Comments,write what you want to write and click on the 'I am not a robot' box. Done. Couldn't be easier.
Spring is coming!
Apologies for not taking photos in the shop recently. I want to show you Christine Burgess' new paintings of the sea. Four paintings one of them large. All seascapes with a Turner-like appreciation for clouds and their reflections on the ever changing colours of the sea.
Sue Inglis brought in some new screen printed cards she has made of different breeds of dogs. I think these will be very popular.
And Katrin Eagle has needlefelted some brooches which I've added to the big board of brooches in the shop. Photos to come (promise!)
Gentle reminder: This month the shop is closed on Tuesdays. January opening hours are Wednesday to Saturday 10-5. If you can't make those days and want to come in to the shop email me (look right) and I'll meet your there at your convenience if I possibly can.
Btw I've sorted out the comment box below so all you have to do is click on Comments,write what you want to write and click on the 'I am not a robot' box. Done. Couldn't be easier.
Wednesday, 14 January 2015
Handmade UK
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| Pam Dew's gloriously colourful quilt using Kaffe Fassett fabrics. |
Looking round Handmade Happiness textiles are very well represented. I may need to balance things up with blown glass, quirky ceramics, wrought iron etc. So I need to look for these things further afield. Handmade still of course but handmade in the UK not necessarily handmade in the Petersfield area.
This week the Top Drawer trade fair incorporting 'Craft' is on in London. I wondered whether to go and have a look but actually I can see all the exhibitors' products on their website. Has the internet made such shows unnecessary? Serious buyers need to touch and handle what's on offer but for browsers like me I can probably see what I want to see online.
I went to Top Drawer a couple of times before I had the shop and I was shocked that individual sellers demanded £500 minimum orders. I expect it's more than £500 now.
My next opportunity to view lots of craft under one roof is at Unravel at Farnham Maltings in February. A show about all things wool, oops, textiles again.
Now excuse me while I check out the websites of the people whose work I like who are exhibiting this week in London.
On Friday Christine Burgess is bringing in her latest paintings. Can you remember the seascapes pictured before Christmas on this blog? Loved them. I can't wait to see her latest work.
This week the Top Drawer trade fair incorporting 'Craft' is on in London. I wondered whether to go and have a look but actually I can see all the exhibitors' products on their website. Has the internet made such shows unnecessary? Serious buyers need to touch and handle what's on offer but for browsers like me I can probably see what I want to see online.
I went to Top Drawer a couple of times before I had the shop and I was shocked that individual sellers demanded £500 minimum orders. I expect it's more than £500 now.
My next opportunity to view lots of craft under one roof is at Unravel at Farnham Maltings in February. A show about all things wool, oops, textiles again.
Now excuse me while I check out the websites of the people whose work I like who are exhibiting this week in London.
On Friday Christine Burgess is bringing in her latest paintings. Can you remember the seascapes pictured before Christmas on this blog? Loved them. I can't wait to see her latest work.
Friday, 9 January 2015
A different way of buying = treats
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| New stitched, painted and collaged picture by Sheila Barrow |
I just flicked on the radio and they were talking about the bad state of the economy, as per usual. I've noticed in the shop that people are careful. They don't rush to buy, they go away and think about it and then come back.
Before Christmas people said:'We're only buying for children this year.' Or they did Secret Santa where each person only buys for one other and the person they buy for is drawn from a hat.
So was less spent overall last Christmas? I doubt it. But I do think there are different patterns of spending now and shops like mine need to be alert to it.
I think people who are sensible and careful most of the time because they have so many calls on their money need to have the occasional splurge. The occasional treat to make life rosier.
A colourful brooch or a keyring; a pair of soft, cosy socks; a thick magazine with a cup of hot chocolate. Nothing expensive so there is no guilt attached just a small indulgence to make being good and restrained for 90% of the time that bit easier.
If I'm right and people want special things to buy for themselves through the year then the emphasis moves away from Christmas spending to give a more even spread of spending in other months. And that has got to be a good thing.
Before Christmas people said:'We're only buying for children this year.' Or they did Secret Santa where each person only buys for one other and the person they buy for is drawn from a hat.
So was less spent overall last Christmas? I doubt it. But I do think there are different patterns of spending now and shops like mine need to be alert to it.
I think people who are sensible and careful most of the time because they have so many calls on their money need to have the occasional splurge. The occasional treat to make life rosier.
A colourful brooch or a keyring; a pair of soft, cosy socks; a thick magazine with a cup of hot chocolate. Nothing expensive so there is no guilt attached just a small indulgence to make being good and restrained for 90% of the time that bit easier.
If I'm right and people want special things to buy for themselves through the year then the emphasis moves away from Christmas spending to give a more even spread of spending in other months. And that has got to be a good thing.
Friday, 2 January 2015
All change!
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| I like the way they've drawn on the big windows at Anthropologie |
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| A clean and tidy display of book magazines at Anthropologie |
I'm reaching for something without being quite clear as to what it is I'm reaching for!
This is day three of a big re-arrange in Handmade Happiness with the help of my friend Chrissy Pearce. The furniture has all changed round to allow room for a work table which I will try to keep clear of things for sale. It is for making on!
The new emphasis for this year at Handmade Happiness is that things will be in the process of being made either by me and/or by others while the shop is open. There will also be lots of things for sale of course but it will not be all about selling. It will be more inspiring and more have a go and, for me, a more productive place to be.
I remember a shop in Midhurst where a designer dressmaker used to sit at her sewing machine all day running up pretty gowns, sometimes for Hollywood actresses. There were clothes to buy there and a brilliant £10 basket that my girls loved rummaging through but the shop owner kept right on making.
The shop opens tomorrow, Saturday. Come and see what you think of the new layout. I'll put pictures on my blog too. Please note that next week I hope to focus on my poor neglected house and the shop will only be open on Saturday January 10th after which it's business as usual.
January opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.
This is day three of a big re-arrange in Handmade Happiness with the help of my friend Chrissy Pearce. The furniture has all changed round to allow room for a work table which I will try to keep clear of things for sale. It is for making on!
The new emphasis for this year at Handmade Happiness is that things will be in the process of being made either by me and/or by others while the shop is open. There will also be lots of things for sale of course but it will not be all about selling. It will be more inspiring and more have a go and, for me, a more productive place to be.
I remember a shop in Midhurst where a designer dressmaker used to sit at her sewing machine all day running up pretty gowns, sometimes for Hollywood actresses. There were clothes to buy there and a brilliant £10 basket that my girls loved rummaging through but the shop owner kept right on making.
The shop opens tomorrow, Saturday. Come and see what you think of the new layout. I'll put pictures on my blog too. Please note that next week I hope to focus on my poor neglected house and the shop will only be open on Saturday January 10th after which it's business as usual.
January opening hours are Wednesday to Friday 9.30am to 5pm.
Tuesday, 30 December 2014
Penny Seume - in Anthropologie and Handmade Happiness
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| Penny Seume velvet cushions in Anthropologie |
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| Striking velvet print by Penny Seume on a chair in Anthropologie |
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| Penny Seume's distinctive fabrics in Anthropologie |
It was a thrill for me to see Penny Seume's work in the new Anthropologie store in Bath.
I feel privileged to have Penny's cushions and lampshades in Handmade Happiness because her work is so original. Inspired by city landscapes at night Penny paints and collages pictures which are transferred to velvet and linen and made into household objects. To see more of Penny's work visit her website www.pennyseume.co.uk
I feel privileged to have Penny's cushions and lampshades in Handmade Happiness because her work is so original. Inspired by city landscapes at night Penny paints and collages pictures which are transferred to velvet and linen and made into household objects. To see more of Penny's work visit her website www.pennyseume.co.uk
Monday, 29 December 2014
Bath - shops
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| Shannon. What a good idea to have little shelves on each side of the window. |
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| Katherine Fraser, weaver. I like these cushions |
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| Interesting fabric... |
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| Wish this had been open. Nice lettering. Close up of door in previous post. |
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| A little bit of France. Patisserie Valerie. |
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| Clothes I want to see again. |
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| Could this be Handmade Happiness Too?! |
Looking at these pictures makes me want to go straight back to Bath!
I'd visit by train next time. It took too long by car. I'd like visit these shops when they are open.
Meantime I have the Petersfield branch of Handmade Happiness to consider! The shop will be open this Saturday January 3rd. Before that I plan to give it a good clean and sort out.
The emphasis in 2015 will be about making. Making in the shop, especially in those quiet months of January and February... I also want to have a selling website - anyone tried Shopify? and more publicity in magazines for Handmade Happiness.
I'd visit by train next time. It took too long by car. I'd like visit these shops when they are open.
Meantime I have the Petersfield branch of Handmade Happiness to consider! The shop will be open this Saturday January 3rd. Before that I plan to give it a good clean and sort out.
The emphasis in 2015 will be about making. Making in the shop, especially in those quiet months of January and February... I also want to have a selling website - anyone tried Shopify? and more publicity in magazines for Handmade Happiness.
Sunday, 28 December 2014
Bath - buildings
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| An interior design shop |
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| Old church, now a restaurant |
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| Like the big lit star in the top window |
Saturday, 27 December 2014
Christmas in Bath
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| We stayed at this house on a very steep hill
Georgian buildings, pale yellow stone, nice little shops. Bath was a wonderful place to spend Christmas in. The family and I, including baby Juno were together in this four bedroom house just a short walk from the city centre. We walked, we played games - 'Articulate' being the favourite, we ate too much and enjoyed chatting together. I hope your Christmas was just as happy!
More pictures tomorrow.
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Wednesday, 24 December 2014
Merry Christmas to you from Petersfield
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| I love these traditional little jackets from Janet Paley pictured high in Handmade Happiness's window |
I wish you a serene Christmas!
It's all rush round here and I'm sure you feel the same. Getting everything ready for tomorrow.
Handmade Happiness is open this morning. After today it will be closed for a short break.
I'll write again at greater length after the Christmas holidays. Have fun!
It's all rush round here and I'm sure you feel the same. Getting everything ready for tomorrow.
Handmade Happiness is open this morning. After today it will be closed for a short break.
I'll write again at greater length after the Christmas holidays. Have fun!
Friday, 19 December 2014
Woven scarves by Katrin Eagle
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| Katrin Eagle scarf |
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| Woven scarves by Katrin Eagle |
Katrin Eagle has just moved to Petersfield and yesterday she showed me the lovely scarves she makes. Kristin dyes the wool, spins it and then weaves it to make these one-off scarves.
There are 7 for sale in Handmade Happiness and I have a feeling that 7 lucky people will be receiving them for Christmas...
There are 7 for sale in Handmade Happiness and I have a feeling that 7 lucky people will be receiving them for Christmas...
Wednesday, 17 December 2014
Love this and appreciating people
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| I love this. Sooo beautiful! |
I'm feeling very lucky to have found the makers whose work makes Handmade Happiness so special. Makers who are on their own creative path, developing their ideas and creating really original products.
Some makers come up with one idea and stick to it, creating a lot of the same. This is probably all right when your work is being exposed to millions of people all at once, many of whom won't have seen it before. But in a small shop like Handmade Happiness in order to satisfy regular customers with continuously changing stock I prefer makers who are experimenting with what they do, pushing their own boundaries if you like and regularly coming in with new ideas. Each is on his or her own journey and it shows in the distinct look of their work.
In January I hope to develop some of my own ideas which at present are confined to notebooks. No time to make right now, the shop is too busy. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Some makers come up with one idea and stick to it, creating a lot of the same. This is probably all right when your work is being exposed to millions of people all at once, many of whom won't have seen it before. But in a small shop like Handmade Happiness in order to satisfy regular customers with continuously changing stock I prefer makers who are experimenting with what they do, pushing their own boundaries if you like and regularly coming in with new ideas. Each is on his or her own journey and it shows in the distinct look of their work.
In January I hope to develop some of my own ideas which at present are confined to notebooks. No time to make right now, the shop is too busy. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
Monday, 15 December 2014
Shop news
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| Amazing photo of boxing hares taken locally by photographer Paul Soden |
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| Jacqui Watkins, whose lino cut cards are so popular has brought out a range of notebooks £3-95 each |
Paul Soden is happy to lie in wait for hours to get the perfect shot of local wildlife. Handmade Happiness stocks his large format cards (which could be framed) of birds of prey, hares, deer, pheasant etc. for £2.50 each. This framed photo - female on the right connecting with male on the left with a sharp right hook was taken at East Meon. A Christmas present with a difference for £29. www.paulsodenphotography.co.uk
Saturday was the busiest day bar none in Handmade Happiness. Makers Sue Inglis (knitted ornaments) and Tanya Williamson (applique animal cushions) are coming in with more stock on Tuesday and on Sunday talented artist Sheila Barrow brought in a browser of unframed pictures for the shop to sell and three more framed originals.
I am also excited to see Christine Burgess' new paintings, also coming in on Tuesday. Recently I showed a picture of her atmospheric seascapes. They sold very quickly and now several people are waiting to be contacted when the next paintings come into the shop.
Michelle Green delivered 6 of her beautifully made needlefelted robins on Saturday along with a small herd of her reindeer.
Kate Box whose soft wrist warmers are so comfortable and warm to wear is coming in with fresh supplies too.
Opening hours this week are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Basically if I'm in the shop it's open! Enjoy your week.
Saturday was the busiest day bar none in Handmade Happiness. Makers Sue Inglis (knitted ornaments) and Tanya Williamson (applique animal cushions) are coming in with more stock on Tuesday and on Sunday talented artist Sheila Barrow brought in a browser of unframed pictures for the shop to sell and three more framed originals.
I am also excited to see Christine Burgess' new paintings, also coming in on Tuesday. Recently I showed a picture of her atmospheric seascapes. They sold very quickly and now several people are waiting to be contacted when the next paintings come into the shop.
Michelle Green delivered 6 of her beautifully made needlefelted robins on Saturday along with a small herd of her reindeer.
Kate Box whose soft wrist warmers are so comfortable and warm to wear is coming in with fresh supplies too.
Opening hours this week are Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Basically if I'm in the shop it's open! Enjoy your week.
Saturday, 13 December 2014
Wren picture
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| Jill Poole's delicate painting of a wren |
Just a reminder that the shop will be open tomorrow Sunday from 10am to 12.30. It will be closed on Monday. Today, business as usual 10am to 5pm.
Today I am fascinated by Fairisle knitting. I am looking forward to doing some serious making in January when there will be a clear work table in the shop for me and anyone that wants to bring along what they are making to work together. Maybe there will be a joint project...But first I plan to re-decorate the shop while it is closed immediately after Christmas.
Today I am fascinated by Fairisle knitting. I am looking forward to doing some serious making in January when there will be a clear work table in the shop for me and anyone that wants to bring along what they are making to work together. Maybe there will be a joint project...But first I plan to re-decorate the shop while it is closed immediately after Christmas.
Monday, 8 December 2014
In the shop now
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| Katherine Wardropper's delicately made Christmas decoration |
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| Katherine Wardropper's decorations come in a range of colours |
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| Kate Hackett's ceramic fairy decorations |
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| In the window Penny Seume's lampshade, Clare Lund's wood tree, and Tanya Williamson's applique cushion |
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| Pale blue velvet duck cushion by Tanya Williamson and set of 6 cherrywood serving boards by Chris Black. |
Handmade Happiness is 'a museum of masterpieces' a customer said recently. The quality of the handmade items frequently amazes people.
Katherine Wardropper developed her own technique at art school and since then has worked with an Elizabethan costume designer when she designed and created an intricate head piece for Helen Mirren and she makes jewellery and giant wallpieces. See her work at www.katherinewardropper.com
Penny Seume prints her own artwork onto fabrics to produce very distinctive cushions and lampshades. www.pennyseume.co.uk
Tanya Williamson makes popular applique cushions featuring animals, birds, even a stag beetle. When someone asked if she could make a cushion showing a bassett hound she didn't hesitate and delivered the cushion two days later.
At the last count 43 peoples' work is stocked in Handmade Happiness. Come and see.
In addition to normal working hours Handmade Happiness will be open again next Sunday 10am to 12.30.
Katherine Wardropper developed her own technique at art school and since then has worked with an Elizabethan costume designer when she designed and created an intricate head piece for Helen Mirren and she makes jewellery and giant wallpieces. See her work at www.katherinewardropper.com
Penny Seume prints her own artwork onto fabrics to produce very distinctive cushions and lampshades. www.pennyseume.co.uk
Tanya Williamson makes popular applique cushions featuring animals, birds, even a stag beetle. When someone asked if she could make a cushion showing a bassett hound she didn't hesitate and delivered the cushion two days later.
At the last count 43 peoples' work is stocked in Handmade Happiness. Come and see.
In addition to normal working hours Handmade Happiness will be open again next Sunday 10am to 12.30.
Extra Opening Hours -today 10-12.30
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| Carluccio's boxes of panettone. |
Today I'll take some photos in the shop. Somehow there aren't enough hours in the day at the moment. Yesterday afternoon I drove to Waterlooville and had a good look round tkmax, for a bit of Christmas shopping and this afternoon I'll hopefully get into Chichester for a wander. I'm searching for baby girl's gifts. She's already had the best presents ie. the ones from Handmade Happiness so now I have to spread my net wider!
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