When Tanya came into the shop I was immediately impressed with the originality and cleverness of her handmade cushions. I've not seen anything quite like this before. She uses good quality fabrics and thick feather pads. I think these will appeal to lots of HH customers.
Friday, 30 May 2014
Tanya Williamson's applique cushions
When Tanya came into the shop I was immediately impressed with the originality and cleverness of her handmade cushions. I've not seen anything quite like this before. She uses good quality fabrics and thick feather pads. I think these will appeal to lots of HH customers.
Tuesday, 27 May 2014
Specialist shops and personal service
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| Uncovering the past. This old sign is revealed above the chain Superdrug in the High Street |
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| It reads: Fishmonger. Baker. Family Butcher. |
This sign reminds us what a town's High Street used to be like. It had a butcher, a baker and a fishmonger. Now all those things are under one roof - Tesco.
Petersfield does still have a butcher but it's not on the High Street. High Street's are expensive places to have a shop. Only chains and jewellers can afford to be there. Specialist shops are in back streets or side roads where rents are cheaper. But most towns are all chain stores. It's convenient to park at Waitrose (for example) and do all your shopping there including gifts and birthday cards. But spare a thought for any little specialist shops in your town. If they are to survive they need your custom.
Petersfield is lucky in that it has a lot of small independant shops. Not in the High Street but in the peripheral roads - Dragon Street and Lavant Street. Like Handmade Happiness. People are thrilled to discover this shop selling all kinds of gifts handmade by people who live in this area and cards that local artists have had printed. It's special, the standard is high and it attracts people who don't always want impersonal, artifically lit ailes of goods. They want something a bit old fashioned. Like these old shop signs. It represents old style values like specialist knowledge and personal service.
Petersfield does still have a butcher but it's not on the High Street. High Street's are expensive places to have a shop. Only chains and jewellers can afford to be there. Specialist shops are in back streets or side roads where rents are cheaper. But most towns are all chain stores. It's convenient to park at Waitrose (for example) and do all your shopping there including gifts and birthday cards. But spare a thought for any little specialist shops in your town. If they are to survive they need your custom.
Petersfield is lucky in that it has a lot of small independant shops. Not in the High Street but in the peripheral roads - Dragon Street and Lavant Street. Like Handmade Happiness. People are thrilled to discover this shop selling all kinds of gifts handmade by people who live in this area and cards that local artists have had printed. It's special, the standard is high and it attracts people who don't always want impersonal, artifically lit ailes of goods. They want something a bit old fashioned. Like these old shop signs. It represents old style values like specialist knowledge and personal service.
Saturday, 24 May 2014
The whole package
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| Little cards with envelopes made by Jenny Stacy |
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| Pretty post from Bluebellgray to Tara Wake, my shop neighbour |
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| The other side of the Bluebellgray envelope |
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| It's Chelsea Flower Show week so I have to include flowers from my garden. The jug is by Avoca. |
I used to love making those tiny cards. They were featured in Country Living magazine many years ago. Now they're for sale in Handmade Happiness. £1-50 each.
Talking of cards I was impressed with Tara's post from Bluebellgray. It's so pretty and individual with a sticker to hold the reverse together. An origami envelope featuring one of the splashy designs on fabric they are well known for. It represents the whole package. Everything that company does reminds people of who they are and what they do and is memorable. They have achieved the 'whole package.'
It can cost a bit if you want a stamp made with your company name and address, or special tissue paper printed with your own design, or gift boxes and bags with your design or logo. Post cards and business cards fitting your company image don't come cheap either. And none of this is strictly necessary. However if everything you send out and everything you package reminds people of the quality of your company surely that is worth a small investment.
Talking of cards I was impressed with Tara's post from Bluebellgray. It's so pretty and individual with a sticker to hold the reverse together. An origami envelope featuring one of the splashy designs on fabric they are well known for. It represents the whole package. Everything that company does reminds people of who they are and what they do and is memorable. They have achieved the 'whole package.'
It can cost a bit if you want a stamp made with your company name and address, or special tissue paper printed with your own design, or gift boxes and bags with your design or logo. Post cards and business cards fitting your company image don't come cheap either. And none of this is strictly necessary. However if everything you send out and everything you package reminds people of the quality of your company surely that is worth a small investment.
Wednesday, 21 May 2014
Making for Christmas
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| Through the Handmade Happiness window at Christmas |
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| Christmas 2013 at Handmade Happiness |
In a shopkeeper's life the important time is Christmas. Easter can be a good selling time too, and in August visitors to the town may buy souvenirs to take home from your shop but really nothing compares to sales at Christmas. Some makers stockpile everything they make to sell at Christmas and for a moment last Christmas I was tempted by the idea of becoming a year round Christmas shop. But just as you are reluctant to think about Christmas now, in May, I know that people would not like to see the word 'Christmas' above a shop in Petersfield all through the year.
However today I am thinking about what I want Handmade Happiness to sell in the run up to Christmas. Yesterday I started making half a dozen new dolls. I want to make a lot of new jewellery and design some attractive Christmas stockings, decorations and advent calendars. I need to contact makers to discuss their Christmas ideas. Maybe this year there will be a theme or maybe we'll just try to have something to appeal to everyone.
I need to analyse what sold best last year as a guide to this year's stock and right now I need to reply to an email inviting me to do a Christmas fair. Magazines are thinking about Christmas issues right now and fair organisers are planning their biggest event of the year. I'll think about all this on my walk this early morning in the lovely May sunshine!
However today I am thinking about what I want Handmade Happiness to sell in the run up to Christmas. Yesterday I started making half a dozen new dolls. I want to make a lot of new jewellery and design some attractive Christmas stockings, decorations and advent calendars. I need to contact makers to discuss their Christmas ideas. Maybe this year there will be a theme or maybe we'll just try to have something to appeal to everyone.
I need to analyse what sold best last year as a guide to this year's stock and right now I need to reply to an email inviting me to do a Christmas fair. Magazines are thinking about Christmas issues right now and fair organisers are planning their biggest event of the year. I'll think about all this on my walk this early morning in the lovely May sunshine!
Sunday, 18 May 2014
In the window this week
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| Lovely handmade gifts available in Handmade Happiness now. See details below. |
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| Can't resist sharing these peonies blooming in my front garden right now. |
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| As big across as a side plate and so pretty. |
It has been good having my daughter and baby bump to stay and help in the shop. Only six weeks to go now and only two weeks left for her to keep working in London. We knitted together, the pile of tiny baby clothes is gradually growing.
In the shop window this week is:
A bike parts bracelet by Pam Dew; a flowery jug by Kate Hackett; a handmade kaleidoscope by Frank Higgins; he also made the miniature brass kaleidoscope pictured middle fourth row;
Knitted cat in striped jumper by Sue Inglis, who also made the matching card; a selection of silver rings and a wish bracelet by Kirstie Turner; and a sugar tongs bracelet by Jenny Shutler.
Wood engraving card by Rosamund Fowler; mouse mug by Ali Cooper who also made the blue spot mug below; and knitted teddy by Joyce Holland-Hill.
I was fascinated by a regular customer's report of a country show he had visited recently. He was offered a barn owl for £120. It was in an ice cream tub. Apparently the seller breeds them.
At the same show was a sign saying: 'Make your own axe. Sleep with your axe in a shelter you've made under the stars. Then use your axe to butcher a deer.'
I checked out the website www.twistedfirestarterbushcraft.co.uk They offer survival courses which are highly praised in their reviews. I'm reassured that the deer are already dead when participants get to work on them with their handmade tools. And they do not sell barn owls.
In the shop window this week is:
A bike parts bracelet by Pam Dew; a flowery jug by Kate Hackett; a handmade kaleidoscope by Frank Higgins; he also made the miniature brass kaleidoscope pictured middle fourth row;
Knitted cat in striped jumper by Sue Inglis, who also made the matching card; a selection of silver rings and a wish bracelet by Kirstie Turner; and a sugar tongs bracelet by Jenny Shutler.
Wood engraving card by Rosamund Fowler; mouse mug by Ali Cooper who also made the blue spot mug below; and knitted teddy by Joyce Holland-Hill.
I was fascinated by a regular customer's report of a country show he had visited recently. He was offered a barn owl for £120. It was in an ice cream tub. Apparently the seller breeds them.
At the same show was a sign saying: 'Make your own axe. Sleep with your axe in a shelter you've made under the stars. Then use your axe to butcher a deer.'
I checked out the website www.twistedfirestarterbushcraft.co.uk They offer survival courses which are highly praised in their reviews. I'm reassured that the deer are already dead when participants get to work on them with their handmade tools. And they do not sell barn owls.
Wednesday, 14 May 2014
Three handmade dresses
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| Grey linen dress made by Roly Phillips. Size 16. Felt bag by Jenny Stacy |
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| Purple linen dress made by Roly Phillips size 12. Bag by Jenny Stacy |
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| Red cotton dress size 12-14 with embroidered panel on back made by Pam Dew |
Handmade Happiness has three dresses for sale which can be worn with Seonaid Noble's cashmere cardigans which we also stock. These are comfortable, easy to wear dresses which could be layered to wear through the year.As usual my camera doesn't do them justice, the colours are more intense.
I hope you are enjoying sunshine wherever you live. For the last week I've been getting out for an early morning walk and the cool morning with bright sunshine is ideal walking weather. I always hope to see a deer or maybe a fox though I rarely do.
My daughter Amy is coming to stay for a few days today which will be lovely, so tomorrow I will have company on my walk and in the shop.
Yesterday I heard of two new shops opening which offer shelves for makers to rent. I have mixed feelings about this. I've always thought that makers shouldn't have to pay out in order to sell their things. Shops and galleries can sell them for them free of charge.
But you could argue that makers expect to pay for craft fair stalls to sell their work so what difference is paying a monthly rent for a shelf or two in a shop? I suppose it all depends on whether or not the items actually sell and how much that rent is. It would be annoying to say the least to have to pay rent when nothing is actually selling. And when nothing actually sells you don't know what to make more of and what to make less of. So I think the message is: sell where you want to buy from, that place will be the right place for you and the things you create by hand.
I hope you are enjoying sunshine wherever you live. For the last week I've been getting out for an early morning walk and the cool morning with bright sunshine is ideal walking weather. I always hope to see a deer or maybe a fox though I rarely do.
My daughter Amy is coming to stay for a few days today which will be lovely, so tomorrow I will have company on my walk and in the shop.
Yesterday I heard of two new shops opening which offer shelves for makers to rent. I have mixed feelings about this. I've always thought that makers shouldn't have to pay out in order to sell their things. Shops and galleries can sell them for them free of charge.
But you could argue that makers expect to pay for craft fair stalls to sell their work so what difference is paying a monthly rent for a shelf or two in a shop? I suppose it all depends on whether or not the items actually sell and how much that rent is. It would be annoying to say the least to have to pay rent when nothing is actually selling. And when nothing actually sells you don't know what to make more of and what to make less of. So I think the message is: sell where you want to buy from, that place will be the right place for you and the things you create by hand.
Sunday, 11 May 2014
A time of transition
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| Peony |
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| Wisteria |
Looking after a shop five days a week is a bit sedentary. All this sitting for two and a half years is not good for your spine. On Thursday I was told that the way to get rid of my sciatica is to have a week of not sitting and not bending. So I'm in the shop but I'm standing. The other bit of advice the physio gave was to get on the floor every two hours to do 10 yoga 'cobra' cycles. (This is like a half press up, sometimes referred to as a 'ladies' press up.) Now I would be mortified if a customer walked in when I was on the floor in cobra position so they've had to be dropped but I am trying not to sit.
New in the shop are two linen dresses made by Roly Phillips and a thick cotton dress and jacket made by Pam Dew. Photos coming. Also lovely new cards from Fareham illustrator Jill Poole.
Have you tried drinking green juice? This week I bought a juicer and tried green juice and it tasted good. Washing up the juicer wasn't as much fun as using it. I juiced cucumber, spinach leaves, an apple, lemon juice, a celery stick, should have put in a bit of ginger root but I didn't have any.
A friend's husband has got the juicing bug. She reports him pulling grass, stinging nettles and thistles from the garden to add to the juicer mix. Surprisingly she says the result tastes delicious. Not tempted? No me neither!
New in the shop are two linen dresses made by Roly Phillips and a thick cotton dress and jacket made by Pam Dew. Photos coming. Also lovely new cards from Fareham illustrator Jill Poole.
Have you tried drinking green juice? This week I bought a juicer and tried green juice and it tasted good. Washing up the juicer wasn't as much fun as using it. I juiced cucumber, spinach leaves, an apple, lemon juice, a celery stick, should have put in a bit of ginger root but I didn't have any.
A friend's husband has got the juicing bug. She reports him pulling grass, stinging nettles and thistles from the garden to add to the juicer mix. Surprisingly she says the result tastes delicious. Not tempted? No me neither!
Wednesday, 7 May 2014
Chichester Art Trail - a glimpse
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| Geraldine St Aubyn Hubbard's handwoven scarves and clothes |
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| Top: Lin Bundfuss' mixed media textiles and below: Mary Moon's felt |
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| A pretty garden with pond in Chichester |
First an apology that the top two pictures are taken from the brochure. I didn't feel comfortable about asking to take pictures at the various venues.
Chichester Art trail encompassing 173 artists must be one of the largest art trails. Geographically it extends from Emsworth in the west, down to Selsey in the south and across to Slindon to the east of Chichester. I wanted to get to Slindon to see my friend the artist Sandra Izard but the car was playing up so I didn't get that far. Instead I went to Nutborne to see Geraldine St Aubyn Hubbards weaving. I remember her exhibiting at Chelsea Craft Fair many years ago. And I remember the first time I saw her great big loom - taking up a whole room in her house as it does. Her work is beautiful and if she hadn't been talking in a roomful of people when I visited I would have asked if she would be interested in having some scarves in Handmade Happiness!
Just down the road I saw Malcolm Macdonald's studio. Malcolm produces functional, domestic pottery. I love his mugs and just had to buy one even though someone had just drank a cup of coffee from it and it had to be washed up first! If you are interested in ceramics this studio is a must see. (The trail continues next weekend May 10th and 11th and you can pick up a brochure from Handmade Happiness.)
On to North Mundham on the Selsey road to see textiles. Lin Bundfuss (see above) experiments with different techniques to produce mixed media textile hangings and framed pieces. Mary Moon, at the same venue produces some fine handmade felt for her wall hangings and framed pictures. Textile artists will enjoy this venue.
With art trails it's good if you can see a clutch of artists within walking distance of each other but the Chichester art trail is laid out over such a large area this is just not possible. The Arundel art trail works well as you can walk from venue to venue around the town(that's in August). Petersfield used to have it's own art trail 'Paint' but that fizzled out eight years ago.
I'd love to look at more of the Chichester Art Trail next weekend, once the car has been to the garage, but I doubt this will be possible. But you may be able to go. Enjoy it and if you feel inclined, pass on any recommendations via the Comments box.
Chichester Art trail encompassing 173 artists must be one of the largest art trails. Geographically it extends from Emsworth in the west, down to Selsey in the south and across to Slindon to the east of Chichester. I wanted to get to Slindon to see my friend the artist Sandra Izard but the car was playing up so I didn't get that far. Instead I went to Nutborne to see Geraldine St Aubyn Hubbards weaving. I remember her exhibiting at Chelsea Craft Fair many years ago. And I remember the first time I saw her great big loom - taking up a whole room in her house as it does. Her work is beautiful and if she hadn't been talking in a roomful of people when I visited I would have asked if she would be interested in having some scarves in Handmade Happiness!
Just down the road I saw Malcolm Macdonald's studio. Malcolm produces functional, domestic pottery. I love his mugs and just had to buy one even though someone had just drank a cup of coffee from it and it had to be washed up first! If you are interested in ceramics this studio is a must see. (The trail continues next weekend May 10th and 11th and you can pick up a brochure from Handmade Happiness.)
On to North Mundham on the Selsey road to see textiles. Lin Bundfuss (see above) experiments with different techniques to produce mixed media textile hangings and framed pieces. Mary Moon, at the same venue produces some fine handmade felt for her wall hangings and framed pictures. Textile artists will enjoy this venue.
With art trails it's good if you can see a clutch of artists within walking distance of each other but the Chichester art trail is laid out over such a large area this is just not possible. The Arundel art trail works well as you can walk from venue to venue around the town(that's in August). Petersfield used to have it's own art trail 'Paint' but that fizzled out eight years ago.
I'd love to look at more of the Chichester Art Trail next weekend, once the car has been to the garage, but I doubt this will be possible. But you may be able to go. Enjoy it and if you feel inclined, pass on any recommendations via the Comments box.
Saturday, 3 May 2014
It's iris time
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| Pale irises in my front garden now |
This time of year feels like all change time. New energy and new goals.
I want to make more things for the shop (it's been all baby clothes lately!) and I want to give you readers better quality posts - more how tos for instance. So I'll blog once or twice a week instead of every other day when I have something exciting to share.
The shop is evolving and it's already a very special place. This morning kaleidoscope maker Frank Higgins is visiting with more examples of his beautiful craft. Makers are producing new items to fill the shelves. The talent displayed is sometimes almost overwhelming.
This Monday I plan to check out the Chichester Art trail. I'll let you know who I find. Meanwhile rain or shine Handmade Happiness is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Meet you there?!
ps. I wrote two posts today. Check out the bike parts jewellery post under this one!
I want to make more things for the shop (it's been all baby clothes lately!) and I want to give you readers better quality posts - more how tos for instance. So I'll blog once or twice a week instead of every other day when I have something exciting to share.
The shop is evolving and it's already a very special place. This morning kaleidoscope maker Frank Higgins is visiting with more examples of his beautiful craft. Makers are producing new items to fill the shelves. The talent displayed is sometimes almost overwhelming.
This Monday I plan to check out the Chichester Art trail. I'll let you know who I find. Meanwhile rain or shine Handmade Happiness is open Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 5pm. Meet you there?!
ps. I wrote two posts today. Check out the bike parts jewellery post under this one!
Bike parts jewellery
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| Pam Dew has painstakingly cleaned and re-assembled bike chain for this necklace and bracelet |
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| Bike chain earrings by Pam Dew. I like the tiny writing on them. |
As promised here is the bike parts jewellery made by Pam Dew for Handmade Happiness that I said I'd show you. A very different present for the bike enthusiast I think you'll agree. And a good talking point for the non-cyclists amongst us.
Thursday, 1 May 2014
In the window today
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| A selection of local makers work for sale in Handmade Happinesw |
Pictured above are wrist warmers knitted by Kate Box; a spring flowers mug thrown and decorated by Kate Hackett and a pretty purse sewn by Carol Smith.
A pocket teleidoscope which changes everything you see into kaleidoscopic images by Frank Higgins, a dog brooch sewn by Karen Boller and the next three pieces and the bowl below them are the work of Ali Cooper; the blue storage jar is made by Samantha Robertson; the flattened spoon bracelet by Jenny Shutler and the stitched notebook by Sheila Barrow.
Handmade Happiness contains so much talent. When you start to think of the hours and hours of designing and making that's gone into the pieces on display it's a bit overwhelming. I'm so pleased I opened HH when I did. It's always lovely when people admire the things in the shop and the shop itself. And with the help of supporters and friends I want the shop to just get better and better.
A pocket teleidoscope which changes everything you see into kaleidoscopic images by Frank Higgins, a dog brooch sewn by Karen Boller and the next three pieces and the bowl below them are the work of Ali Cooper; the blue storage jar is made by Samantha Robertson; the flattened spoon bracelet by Jenny Shutler and the stitched notebook by Sheila Barrow.
Handmade Happiness contains so much talent. When you start to think of the hours and hours of designing and making that's gone into the pieces on display it's a bit overwhelming. I'm so pleased I opened HH when I did. It's always lovely when people admire the things in the shop and the shop itself. And with the help of supporters and friends I want the shop to just get better and better.
Wednesday, 30 April 2014
New cushion and jewellery from Pam Dew
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| Sheep and lamb cushion by Pam Dew. Note her own make ceramic buttons |
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| A Jenny Stacy button on the back! |
Pam Dew is an excellent needlewoman who makes beautiful quilts and applique cushions. She is also a keen cyclist who has now been inspired to make jewellery using bits of bike! Her third passion is ceramics and as you can see she has used her own ceramic buttons on this latest cushion.
You can see her new website www.pinspotspedals.com by clicking onto the top picture. I'll show you the jewellery - earrings, necklace and bracelet made from bike chain (well cleaned and polished) and slivers of rubber tyre - in another post.
Amazingly Pam also works full-time in a quite unrelated job but is always buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. She is a fan of 'green juice' where you turn cucumber, apple, spinach and basically any edible green thing into a juice and drink it and it's healthy and energy producing.
I haven't got a juicer at the moment but I reckon I need to get one. Yesterday I worked out that out of every 24 hours there are 9 whole hours when I am neither sleeping nor working in the shop. I need more energy to overcome the dragging effect of sciatica and be more productive in those hours. Green juice may be the answer! Have you tried it?
You can see her new website www.pinspotspedals.com by clicking onto the top picture. I'll show you the jewellery - earrings, necklace and bracelet made from bike chain (well cleaned and polished) and slivers of rubber tyre - in another post.
Amazingly Pam also works full-time in a quite unrelated job but is always buzzing with energy and enthusiasm. She is a fan of 'green juice' where you turn cucumber, apple, spinach and basically any edible green thing into a juice and drink it and it's healthy and energy producing.
I haven't got a juicer at the moment but I reckon I need to get one. Yesterday I worked out that out of every 24 hours there are 9 whole hours when I am neither sleeping nor working in the shop. I need more energy to overcome the dragging effect of sciatica and be more productive in those hours. Green juice may be the answer! Have you tried it?
Monday, 28 April 2014
South Downs oil paintings by Claire Paul
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| South Downs view by Claire Paul |
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| Oil painting by Claire Paul |
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| by Claire Paul |
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| South Downs view by Claire Paul |
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| Hay bales in the sunshine. View over the South Downs by Claire Paul |
New at Handmade Happiness are these oil paintings looking out over the South Downs. Local artist Claire Paul, whose house has views like this, brought in her original art on Friday and I am delighted to offer them for sale on her behalf.
Friday, 25 April 2014
Baby Knitting and Sewing
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| Simple garter stitch cardigan and pretty cotton bloomers |
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| This pattern allows for a large nappy I think...! |
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| Same cardi different bloomers. I haven't gathered the waist yet. |
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| I made this a while ago with cotton/wool yarn Amy chose. The pattern is by Erika Knight |
Today I'll be puting elastic into the waistbands of three pairs of bloomers. I was making them them in the shop yesterday and it's nice to work at the sewing machine between customers. In fact I plan to have a corner of the shop where the sewing machine is out permanently.
We don't know if baby will be a boy or a girl and I realise I'm making blue things. Girls look lovely in blue but I wouldn't put a boy in pink. But I did enjoy making the pink bloomers. I find it hard to find the right kind of material. I want 100% cotton or brushed cotton but finding them in small prints to suit babies at a reasonable price is hard.
I recommend Erika Knight's patterns for knitting baby things. The green cardigan is the most successful cardigan so far. I knitted a white one a while back with a few pairs of socks- you may remember. The blue cardigan pictured above has turned out a bit wider than I intended ditto the knitted romper above but I hope they'll still look sweet on a baby.
Now I want to make some cotton tops. Just a simple long sleeve t shirt shape. Ideally with an overlap at the back and cotton ties at the back of the neck. Experimenting is needed...
We don't know if baby will be a boy or a girl and I realise I'm making blue things. Girls look lovely in blue but I wouldn't put a boy in pink. But I did enjoy making the pink bloomers. I find it hard to find the right kind of material. I want 100% cotton or brushed cotton but finding them in small prints to suit babies at a reasonable price is hard.
I recommend Erika Knight's patterns for knitting baby things. The green cardigan is the most successful cardigan so far. I knitted a white one a while back with a few pairs of socks- you may remember. The blue cardigan pictured above has turned out a bit wider than I intended ditto the knitted romper above but I hope they'll still look sweet on a baby.
Now I want to make some cotton tops. Just a simple long sleeve t shirt shape. Ideally with an overlap at the back and cotton ties at the back of the neck. Experimenting is needed...
Wednesday, 23 April 2014
Handmade Happiness - advertising
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| The under-advertised exterior of Handmade Happiness |
A challenge. I want a sign writer to use every white space above the shop (four spaces) to write Handmade Happiness in a hand-writing style way with perhaps the telephone number as well, but how to position that?
Second challenge. As you can see the shop has a flag pole from which a sign could be suspended. What do you think? A big wood sign would attract attention but personally (and I know this is silly of me) I am always wary of wood signs dangling over the pavement as I think they might fall and hurt someone one day. Is that totally daft?
Other possibilities are one of those surf shop signs (too plastic) or a quilted fabric sign (too flappy). Whatever is suspended must tie in with the age of the building (400 years old) and the character of the shop (handmade art). My imagination is telling me a collaged sign on foam board but I wouldn't want to get the step ladder out twice a day to take it up and down. I think it should be permanent.
I now regret the way HandMaDE Happiness is written because people ask if the letters MDE have a special significance. No. I just thought it would look more interesting written like that.
Ditto on the A board outside the shop which has more function as a childrens' plaything as the kids from the primary school love to walk through it! (And I'm happy for them to do so.)But at the same time I think the wording on it (which is green, another mistake) should again be more reflective of what the shop is like on the inside. Maybe the A board would be better collaged?
Second challenge. As you can see the shop has a flag pole from which a sign could be suspended. What do you think? A big wood sign would attract attention but personally (and I know this is silly of me) I am always wary of wood signs dangling over the pavement as I think they might fall and hurt someone one day. Is that totally daft?
Other possibilities are one of those surf shop signs (too plastic) or a quilted fabric sign (too flappy). Whatever is suspended must tie in with the age of the building (400 years old) and the character of the shop (handmade art). My imagination is telling me a collaged sign on foam board but I wouldn't want to get the step ladder out twice a day to take it up and down. I think it should be permanent.
I now regret the way HandMaDE Happiness is written because people ask if the letters MDE have a special significance. No. I just thought it would look more interesting written like that.
Ditto on the A board outside the shop which has more function as a childrens' plaything as the kids from the primary school love to walk through it! (And I'm happy for them to do so.)But at the same time I think the wording on it (which is green, another mistake) should again be more reflective of what the shop is like on the inside. Maybe the A board would be better collaged?
Tuesday, 22 April 2014
Paris
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| The view from my window at the New Orient Hotel www.hotelneworient.com |
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| Packaging |
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| The Parc de Saint Cloud just outside Paris |
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| Another view of the Parc de Saint Cloud |
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| Notre Dame |
I'm wondering if I'm testing your patience by writing about Paris again. From now on posts will be about Handmade Happiness ok?
Did I ever mention that we lived in Paris when Tim and Amy were small? Three years living in Saint Cloud which is just outside the centre. Our rented house had two cherry trees in the garden and was just down the road from the Parc de Saint Cloud pictured. We often walked there and Tim was keen that we went there this trip. It is very beautiful especially on a warm sunny day.
I've included a sardine box because one of the things I like about going to different places is seeing the packaging in the food shops. Different to ours. And if I liked sardines I'd use it in a collage.
When we lived there before I remember that even if you were just served one croissant it was handed to you in a white box with a white ribbon round it. I didn't notice that degree of packaging this trip but I love that attention to detail that leaves a good impression with the customer. And we all want customers to feel they want to come back to our shops!
Did I ever mention that we lived in Paris when Tim and Amy were small? Three years living in Saint Cloud which is just outside the centre. Our rented house had two cherry trees in the garden and was just down the road from the Parc de Saint Cloud pictured. We often walked there and Tim was keen that we went there this trip. It is very beautiful especially on a warm sunny day.
I've included a sardine box because one of the things I like about going to different places is seeing the packaging in the food shops. Different to ours. And if I liked sardines I'd use it in a collage.
When we lived there before I remember that even if you were just served one croissant it was handed to you in a white box with a white ribbon round it. I didn't notice that degree of packaging this trip but I love that attention to detail that leaves a good impression with the customer. And we all want customers to feel they want to come back to our shops!
Sunday, 20 April 2014
Eating in Paris
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| Laduree window |
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| Laduree window 2. The packaging is sooo pretty |
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| We ate in a creperie. This one has a good look but we didn't stop here. |
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| Beautifully made cakes! |
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| Our picnic. In the bags are avocados and pains au chocolats |
I confess I put on four pounds in Paris but I hope it will disappear now I'm not eating pain au chocolats, baguette sandwiches and restaurant meals.
On my birthday evening we had a wonderful meal at Chez Toinette in Montparnasse. I recommend this place. It's small and intimate, very French with delicious food cooked traditionally with a lot of butter(!) The family had duck or beef in rich gravy and I had salmon in a Parmesan and cream sauce (I know!). All meals accompanied with brocolli, sweet potato puree and a mould of potatoes gratin dauphinois. For desert I wanted the strawberry soup with lime sorbet or the creme brulee but no I was almost forcibly persuaded to have the chocolate cake which turned out to have my new age in giant candles on it!! The whole restaurant led by the waiter sang Happy Birthday or 'Joyeuse Anniversaire' to me...
On the first night we went to a creperie near the hotel. We all enjoyed a 'gallette de Sarazin' the savory pancakes made with greyish, tasty buckwheat flour filled with meat, cheese and vegetables. (Amy and I had mushrooms, cheese and spinach in ours.) Followed by a sweet pancake with cooked pear, ice cream and caramel in my case. The men had Calvados (apple brandy) or Cointreau (orange flavoured liqueur) poured over theirs and then spectacularly set alight.
My son Tim who is very tall and slim was on a personal mission to find the best pain au chocolats. He found the best place to buy them. Why are croissants and pain au chocolats much better in France? So melt in the mouth buttery with so many doughy layers and a lot of chocolate.
We had two picnics in parks. We found strawberries to be very sweet and tomatoes soft and tasty. A bit more ripe than those in England in April. Runny Brie and strawberries and avocado baguette sandwich anyone? That was my self assembled choice. The others put ham and slices of hard cheese and tomatoes in theirs. Fruit and/or pain au chocolat after.
We found that cafes in the tourist areas were very expensive. A mineral water for three euros ninety for example. The same price as a beer. Better to walk to somewhere in the back streets used by the locals.
I hope this post brings back some good memories of Paris for you or makes you want to visit Paris one day. Curious how it's very near London but so completely different!
On my birthday evening we had a wonderful meal at Chez Toinette in Montparnasse. I recommend this place. It's small and intimate, very French with delicious food cooked traditionally with a lot of butter(!) The family had duck or beef in rich gravy and I had salmon in a Parmesan and cream sauce (I know!). All meals accompanied with brocolli, sweet potato puree and a mould of potatoes gratin dauphinois. For desert I wanted the strawberry soup with lime sorbet or the creme brulee but no I was almost forcibly persuaded to have the chocolate cake which turned out to have my new age in giant candles on it!! The whole restaurant led by the waiter sang Happy Birthday or 'Joyeuse Anniversaire' to me...
On the first night we went to a creperie near the hotel. We all enjoyed a 'gallette de Sarazin' the savory pancakes made with greyish, tasty buckwheat flour filled with meat, cheese and vegetables. (Amy and I had mushrooms, cheese and spinach in ours.) Followed by a sweet pancake with cooked pear, ice cream and caramel in my case. The men had Calvados (apple brandy) or Cointreau (orange flavoured liqueur) poured over theirs and then spectacularly set alight.
My son Tim who is very tall and slim was on a personal mission to find the best pain au chocolats. He found the best place to buy them. Why are croissants and pain au chocolats much better in France? So melt in the mouth buttery with so many doughy layers and a lot of chocolate.
We had two picnics in parks. We found strawberries to be very sweet and tomatoes soft and tasty. A bit more ripe than those in England in April. Runny Brie and strawberries and avocado baguette sandwich anyone? That was my self assembled choice. The others put ham and slices of hard cheese and tomatoes in theirs. Fruit and/or pain au chocolat after.
We found that cafes in the tourist areas were very expensive. A mineral water for three euros ninety for example. The same price as a beer. Better to walk to somewhere in the back streets used by the locals.
I hope this post brings back some good memories of Paris for you or makes you want to visit Paris one day. Curious how it's very near London but so completely different!
Saturday, 19 April 2014
La Drougerie, Paris
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| Linen yarn above wool yarn |
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| Fake flowers, fabric and butterfly in display cabinet |
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| I like these little velvet flowers |
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| Luxury ribbons |
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| Luxury ribbons close up |
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| Pretty glass beads |
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| Nearby a minimalist shop front at agnes b. |
I'm back from Paris. Foot weary but I had the best time. I've taken 117 photos. Thought you'd like to see the ones of la drougerie - every makers' heaven, first. Another year older but hey, I'm so lucky. I have the most wonderful kids who gave me 3 days in Paris as my birthday present.
The trip was easy and fast by Eurostar. The New Orient Hotel was within walking distance from the centre but peaceful and less crowded. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel in rue du Constantinople in the 8th to anyone visiting Paris. Clean, with very comfortable beds and thoughtful, friendly service. And an easy walk to the nearest metro (Europe or Villiers) though if you wanted to you could walk to Gare St Lazare which we did a few times.
At la drougerie I bought a baby clothes pattern and some thick pale blue felt. Sophie and Amy my daughters and Jess my son's partner all bought earring ingredients. I particularly liked the wing charms and wish I'd bought them now. After popping their heads round the shop door for a few seconds the three men found a nearby cafe to wait for us. We surreptiously took photos as you're not really allowed. Sophie's are the best. They look like gorgeous postcards. More of my less proficient photos to come. Happy Easter!
The trip was easy and fast by Eurostar. The New Orient Hotel was within walking distance from the centre but peaceful and less crowded. I would thoroughly recommend this hotel in rue du Constantinople in the 8th to anyone visiting Paris. Clean, with very comfortable beds and thoughtful, friendly service. And an easy walk to the nearest metro (Europe or Villiers) though if you wanted to you could walk to Gare St Lazare which we did a few times.
At la drougerie I bought a baby clothes pattern and some thick pale blue felt. Sophie and Amy my daughters and Jess my son's partner all bought earring ingredients. I particularly liked the wing charms and wish I'd bought them now. After popping their heads round the shop door for a few seconds the three men found a nearby cafe to wait for us. We surreptiously took photos as you're not really allowed. Sophie's are the best. They look like gorgeous postcards. More of my less proficient photos to come. Happy Easter!
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