tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-67870537171486447282024-03-16T18:52:37.785+00:00Miss BeatrixA blog about all things homemade, vintage-inspired... and tea!Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.comBlogger151125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-51293130296099051352014-06-23T13:04:00.000+01:002014-06-23T13:04:33.553+01:00A New Home for Miss Beatrix<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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It's been oh-so quiet on this blog for the last few weeks, but as usual with me there has been a reason, a project being worked on in the background.<br />
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As of Thursday 26th June (because my birthday seems like a good day for it), my little blog will be moving to a new home. After two and a half years of being a Blogger blog, I've decided to go self-hosted. This is partly because it's time Miss Beatrix got a fresh lick of paint, and partly because the name Miss Beatrix encompasses my blog, my Etsy shop, the #PostCircle community and Creatives Unite. So I think that after all the work I've put in to bring those projects to life, a new home, capable of helping them grow further, is needed.<br />
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I don't want to lose a single one of you. My blog has never, to me, been about numbers of people, but it <i>is</i> about <i>people</i>, and I am genuinely grateful for every one of you who has clicked the follow button over the past two and a half years. So I'd be delighted if you'd decide to continue on this journey with me by updating your blog reader. As of Thursday you'll find my site (with a new name too!) at:<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"> <a href="http://teawithmissbeatrix.com/" target="_blank">teawithmissbeatrix.com</a></span></h2>
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If you follow via Bloglovin you shouldn't have to do a thing. If you follow via Blogger, I'd be grateful if you could follow via <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/teawithmissbeatrix" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>, or once the new site is live you'll find you can very easily subscribe to receive posts by email.<br />
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Thank you for your support, and see you on the other side! <br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-1642014428897061492014-04-29T18:40:00.004+01:002014-04-29T20:29:27.420+01:00Creatives Unite Non Uniform Day<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/patternpiper/creatives-unite-non-uniform-day/" target="_blank">Link</a></td></tr>
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"What is this madness?" I hear you cry, "there's a uniform for <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/p/creatives-unite-are-you-in.html" target="_blank">Creatives Unite</a>?!"<br />
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Well no. Not unless you count pyjamas.<br />
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I have a question for you. Yes, you.<br />
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<i><b>Are you stuck in a style rut?</b></i><br />
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You see, myself, Lauren, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/hairstoncollado" target="_blank">@hairstoncollado</a>, Amanda, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/pidgecrick" target="_blank">@pidgecrick</a>, Zoe, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/ScentedSweetpea" target="_blank">@ScentedSweetpea</a>s and Sam, aka <a href="https://twitter.com/patternpiper" target="_blank">@patternpiper</a> were having a blummin' good chat during Creatives Unite on Twitter last Thursday (if you don't already join us for a spot of creative time on Thursday evenings then do; all you need to know is <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/p/creatives-unite-are-you-in.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and we got to discussing the 'uniform' of jeans, top and cardigan that us busy ladies can all be guilty of falling into when we're busy being fabulous/mums/working several jobs/looking after a large-eared demanding dog.<br />
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So then Zoe had a rather faburiffic idea... why not run a style challenge in May, through Creatives Unite?<br />
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"Now then," you're thinking, "now then, just what has being stuck in a style rut got to do with Creatives Unite?"<br />
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Well here it is. In order to get out of said style rut, we've decided to be more creative about getting dressed in the mornings. It could be the simple addition of a brooch or a scarf, or maybe a different hairstyle or make up (I'm so guilty of doing the same boring make up routine every morning). And then we can use our Creatives Unite time on a Thursday to make things to help in our challenge... perhaps making a bracelet, or jazzing up a pair of sneakers like Zoe has, below. Perhaps sew a headband or paint our nails or create a Pinterest board for inspiration... the list is endless! Sam has already put together <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/patternpiper/creatives-unite-non-uniform-day/" target="_blank">her own Pinterest board</a> to get us started.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6skv63gAh13wLgR2SNcSr18zGZvVfzCo8Fk6fv2skhWd5jCQoqnVjKCnGgWC6lPqCOrwNCWnu_0EZBU61DJQ5RaMG2rLQ_WfWyyPh3SZC50FFmrszqVWlrzyV7V6vM-jp956yIYiDcQ/s1600/plimsolls.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk6skv63gAh13wLgR2SNcSr18zGZvVfzCo8Fk6fv2skhWd5jCQoqnVjKCnGgWC6lPqCOrwNCWnu_0EZBU61DJQ5RaMG2rLQ_WfWyyPh3SZC50FFmrszqVWlrzyV7V6vM-jp956yIYiDcQ/s1600/plimsolls.JPG" height="640" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://scentedsweetpeas.blogspot.co.uk/2014/04/pimped-up-plimsolls.html" target="_blank">Zoe pimped up her plimsolls</a> as a positive way to get started on our challenge</td></tr>
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So, from May 1st, this Thursday - which happens to land perfectly on a Creatives Unite day - we'll be sharing our photos using the hashtag #creativesunitenonuniformday, all in the name of adding a little zing and confidence to our daily lives. Follow me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missbeablogs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/Miss_Beatrix" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/missbeatrixsnaps" target="_blank">Instagram</a> to follow my progress, and do check out the other lovely ladies too.<br />
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The only question that remains, then, is... are you going to take part?<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-33744797018169383272014-04-27T13:38:00.000+01:002014-04-29T10:29:21.231+01:00Latest Crochet Makes<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well it's happened. </div>
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I have a feeling that the reason I procrastinated about learning to crochet for so long was because really, I knew it would be addictive. I have spent enough time reading blogs and on Instagram to know that housework gets left undone, to-do lists are left unticked, and entire days end up wrapped around the hook once the crochet bug has been caught. ...But I'm very happy about it!</div>
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I never want it said about this blog that I am a crafter in pursuit of perfection, which is why I try to show my projects, wonky shonkyness and all. As a crochet newbie I'm yet to make anything without a few flaws, but that's all the fun of the learning process, and of course producing anything handmade. </div>
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So after finishing the <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2014/03/first-crocheted-project-beatrixs-bunting.html" target="_blank">bunting for Bea</a> the next thing I made was a couple of chunky snoooooooods, the pattern had been recommended to me as a good one for beginners by <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a>. I'd actually started one of them before the bunting, but found that crocheting round in circles was a little confusing - I couldn't see where the next stitch was because the fabric curved - but once the bunting was complete I found I was sufficiently practised to crack that, and produced two snoooods over two evenings. Very satisfying after fifteen years of spending weeks at a time knitting scarves!</div>
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There wasn't anyone around to help take a photo of moi in one of these snoods, so here is a very grainy, dodgy selfie on the evening I finished the first one - my mum had the honour of receiving this fine portrait (cough) to cheer her up (cough) when she was working on a night shift. I'm sure she was very proud. (Cough cough).</div>
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Moving swiftly on... my next crochet make was a little impromptu, in that my gran passed away, and I had decided that I wanted to wear a white rose to her funeral service. She was a proud Yorkshirewoman, and having lived myself in Yorkshire for seventeen years now, including four in her native Leeds, I felt it would make a nice emblem to wear on the day. The problem was that the night before I had a crisis of confidence about wearing a real rose, especially as I'd chosen not to wear black, in case others thought it was more appropriate for a wedding than a funeral. So, at 9pm I hopped on YouTube and sought a speedy tutorial for crocheting a white rose. This was the result...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWyq_KP_BG1k9z2-T9Hx9462l_VtM8TkBhOa7DvfVUBblcTBan-YBh2M1G9L-KBKytHyMDqESTaBb9nYNY-JABJIN2yfpfAUVZLwRXo8v3DmMuEC3eAFJkUgjBCvk5CkHUBsUE8wddKk/s1600/White+Rose.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWyq_KP_BG1k9z2-T9Hx9462l_VtM8TkBhOa7DvfVUBblcTBan-YBh2M1G9L-KBKytHyMDqESTaBb9nYNY-JABJIN2yfpfAUVZLwRXo8v3DmMuEC3eAFJkUgjBCvk5CkHUBsUE8wddKk/s1600/White+Rose.jpg" height="640" width="580" /></a></div>
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I really enjoyed making it, and felt it made just the right statement on the day. I've whipped up this peach one since and am positive there will be many more to come - they make such nice presents and embellishments after all.</div>
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Next up, a pair of slippers for my mum's birthday this week. I spotted this rather lovely soft yarn - 30% wool - for £2 a ball on Doncaster market, and as it reminded me of a pair of slippers my mum had owned previously I took it as a good sign! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJozNeege4W7yuLxK_Ee-mf9GG7OTzEZmBXgNEFLdanYwAp0cfNW9qTQNzHZQ7pEg6hyUn_2-Pe7XfUZBdzl6YOqh6B3-v01RyLv2chvSFxW_x8vWSMKt-6aj6qmhK5HQDQGM7N4zN0HA/s1600/Slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJozNeege4W7yuLxK_Ee-mf9GG7OTzEZmBXgNEFLdanYwAp0cfNW9qTQNzHZQ7pEg6hyUn_2-Pe7XfUZBdzl6YOqh6B3-v01RyLv2chvSFxW_x8vWSMKt-6aj6qmhK5HQDQGM7N4zN0HA/s1600/Slippers.jpg" height="640" width="620" /></a></div>
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This was my first attempt at adapting a pattern. I used the how-to in <i>Makery</i> by Kate Smith but found that by the time it came to binding off the finished slipper wouldn't have fit a child. Luckily it was just a case of keeping on building the rows until I had the right size. I also decided to add straps to help them stay on. My favourite part was choosing the buttons, as always!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqo1tB43Qe18ndPdqAau9iJDZAJz8hGcDdVVt-h9zpwx2WtyWLZVC4tAN0Fh9Wt7lHrtvIbWeL0gQ9IadEw0u9ArhNsMbSwcZHFy2ch9kDSGWykC1jhhDqaU7WaY3jl_AIfSeOxJEgmk/s1600/Slippers+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTqo1tB43Qe18ndPdqAau9iJDZAJz8hGcDdVVt-h9zpwx2WtyWLZVC4tAN0Fh9Wt7lHrtvIbWeL0gQ9IadEw0u9ArhNsMbSwcZHFy2ch9kDSGWykC1jhhDqaU7WaY3jl_AIfSeOxJEgmk/s1600/Slippers+Closeup.jpg" height="420" width="640" /></a></div>
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A foray into cotton for my last makes. I found a kit for making coasters among my Mollie Makes freebies, but found the pattern a little tricky for my skill level. So I used the yarn to have a go at <a href="http://www.yvestown.com/" target="_blank">Yvonne Eijkenduijn</a>'s supremely pretty <a href="http://www.yvestown.com/flower-coasters/" target="_blank">coaster pattern</a> (US) instead and after this one turned out a little dodgy...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sb8UHryAy3Q0N7Sbw7RzCOohwnle2ncfJ3ZJNkyF92RjPOSaJg2eFjp2Cv3r6fS11ay-1QO_-d-5FP_YOodRert7XwmYO3BSCS9H3a88GQZ1lvgohjkT0hkI3yicV-AkBdt4TjrZT8k/s1600/Pink+doily.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Sb8UHryAy3Q0N7Sbw7RzCOohwnle2ncfJ3ZJNkyF92RjPOSaJg2eFjp2Cv3r6fS11ay-1QO_-d-5FP_YOodRert7XwmYO3BSCS9H3a88GQZ1lvgohjkT0hkI3yicV-AkBdt4TjrZT8k/s1600/Pink+doily.jpg" height="640" width="594" /></a></div>
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This blue one turned out nicely. I'm keeping and using both of course, it's like having my own personal crochet journey dotted around my home!</div>
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So, a yarn order has been made, but that's it; no more until I have got some other tasks done!<br />
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Have you got any crochet blog recommendations for me?<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-84878243299492237822014-04-07T07:00:00.000+01:002014-04-07T07:00:02.589+01:00On the Subject of Collecting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Someone asked me a few weeks ago whether I collect anything.<br />
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At the time, I think I said, "Well, I er, collect books..."<br />
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"Yes, but lots of people collect books," he said.<br />
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Oh. After a bit of thought nothing else had come to mind, so I declared myself, when it comes to collecting, a rather boring sort of person, and said that no, I didn't collect anything, really.<br />
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Later I realised that this isn't strictly true, and that actually, collecting is a rather subjective term. What makes a collection, a collection? And what makes a collector, a collector? It's a question that has been ambling round my head ever since.<br />
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I thought about the jars I keep on a shelf. One houses buttons, another shells, another washi tape and another ribbons. I think of purchasing for these jars as 'keeping up the stocks'; making sure I always have supplies in for my next craft project or commission. (Yeah yeah, great excuse!) But their contents have been collected and curated, bit by bit. I also have bags of yarn, tubs of beads and pots of paints. Does that make me a collector?<br />
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I thought about the vintage plates I use to furnish my glass desk. I bought them so as to make my desk aesthetically pleasing... but in doing so, did I become a collector of plates? Do I collect vintage crockery, or do I just happen to own a fair amount of it?<br />
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My brain really got going then and I thought about the mountain of jazzy socks I own because they're always wandering off, the DVDs in my bedroom and the Beatrix Potter-related items dotted around my home. What about the fact that I have more teapots than the Mad Hatter? Does a collection simply mean 'having lots of something', or does it constitute a certain amount of curation, seeking items sharing similar qualities? Does a collection have to be proudly displayed and boast its own dedicated dusting apparatus to qualify as such?<br />
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In the end I came to a conclusion (you'll be relieved to know this).<br />
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1. Collectors are always interesting, though their collections may be interesting to many, or only to themselves.<br />
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2. Collections comes in many forms, but to qualify as a collection its items must have been gathered with a certain element of pride and joy. The fun is in the collect-ing, not just in the collect-ion. That's why we all owned so many Pogs back in the day, and why some can't ever open the drawers under their beds for fear that the TY Beanie Babies will finally burst their vacuum pack bags and the secret will be out. To qualify as a collection, its owner must be proud of it or find joy in ownership of it.<br />
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3. It's never okay to collect porcelain dolls. I'm sorry, but this is my blog, they are scary and stare-y, and that's just a fact. Moving swiftly on...<br />
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Am I a collector? Why yes, I am. And if my collecting ever goes too far and I stray into the category of hoarder, it'll be the books that are my downfall. And I actually own a fair few collections within my book collection, too. I own every book Roald Dahl ever wrote, I leap on 1970s Enid Blytons wherever I find them and have a hefty shelf packed full of children's books (I so wish <i>The Gruffalo</i> had been around when I was a kid.) I also collect craft materials with a certain amount of pride. If you ever pop round for a cuppa, don't ask to see my fabric stash. You'll be there forever.<br />
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So, are you a collector? What do you collect? And is it something you'll admit to next time an intellectual type challenges you at a cocktail party?<br />
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PS: I'm not an intellectual type, so you can tell me :)<br />
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PPS: next time I am put on the spot with that particular question, I will now be prepared. I shall sniff, examine my nails, and say, "yes, I collect bodies. I have lots in my cellar at home." And then smile cheerfully and sidle off to admire the buffet.</div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-15628385809956338662014-04-01T07:00:00.000+01:002014-04-01T07:00:01.130+01:00New Beginnings: An Update on Seasonal Affective Disorder<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In January last year I wrote a post about <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/some-thoughts-on-seasonal-affective.html" target="_blank">Seasonal Affective Disorder</a>. To my surprise lots of people have been in touch since, to tell me that they suffer from SAD too, or to say that they read this post and came to realise why it is that they feel like a different person during the dark winter months. I've come to a significant decision in my dealings with this disorder in the past week, so I thought now, as we emerge from another winter, might be as good a time as any to give you an update on how I've coped with it this year, and other little positive habits I've picked up in doing so.</div>
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You can read about my own past with SAD <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/some-thoughts-on-seasonal-affective.html" target="_blank">here</a>. If you've not visited this subject with me before you'll find it helpful to read that first, then come back, (hello!) But just to clarify - for some people SAD can take the form of crippling, life halting depression during the darker months of the year. They can become suicidal even, and have no choice but to rely on anti-depressants to help them through until Spring. SAD does <i>not</i> manifest in that way for me. I have suffered mild depression in past years due to SAD - enough to make me very unhappy and feel the need to seek official diagnosis - but I cannot comment on what it's like to have chronic depression, and wouldn't even try to. I feel it's important to make that distinction for the sake of those who will tell you that this is a disorder that can be incredibly debilitating, so we must be aware that there is a spectrum of suffering.<br />
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Anyway, I'm pleased to say that the Autumn/Winter of 2013/14 has brought no symptoms of depression for me at all this year. I'm not sure why this is, whether it's the result of coping strategies or luck. I have felt down and frustrated at my lack of energy and productivity, but I could see that had a direct cause. The downside is that I have noticed feeling much, much more tired than in previous winters. That feeling of being a bit like a badger, the desperate need to crawl into bed and hibernate, has been particularly strong. I have felt physically tired, and wanted to sleep much more.<br />
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This isn't surprising, because if you think about it, this very wet, mild winter has meant that we haven't had that very bright winter sun in the mornings and at sunset. As much as I have appreciated not having to drive to work on icy roads, the absence of the sun that tends to accompany very cold days has meant that we in the UK have spent weeks at a time in dull grey light - the very worst for those of us who need as much sun exposure as we can get at that time of year.<br />
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I work full time, work part-time on the side and have a very active life around my work. While I have functioned in my jobs, I've really felt the need to ration other activities over the winter. I have never said no to a social activity, but it might mean that a coffee with a friend is all I do that day. I might spend the whole of Saturday on a day out, but it would be a few days before I scheduled anything else. I found myself doing this subconsciously, allowing gaps in my diary for recuperating and going to bed as early as I liked.<br />
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The side-symptom to this need for hibernation has been feeling mentally sluggish. I've been more forgetful, preoccupied and felt generally less on-the-ball than I would normally. I feel like I've dropped a fair few brain cells somewhere! This can feel very frustrating, and has meant high-concentration activities like driving and keeping track of ongoing projects at work have been more tiring. I've had to stop myself during tasks, to re-focus and step back and check what I'm doing. I've definitely been making more silly mistakes and felt more ditsy, and that has meant having more 'bad days' where I chastise myself and get annoyed that my brain won't work at full capacity.<br />
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So that's the negative. Onto the positive and my decision. You can read my post of last January to see how I cope year to year with SAD, and if you're starting to think you're a sufferer too I hope you'll find the tips useful. Here's what I've added this time round:<br />
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<li><b>I have bought The World's Best Alarm Clock</b>. I need to wake up at 6am every morning for work, and SAD sufferer or not, most people say it's the worst part of the day during the winter. <a href="http://www.boots.com/en/Lumie-Bodyclock-Starter-30_983843/" target="_blank">This clock by Lumie</a> starts to very gradually light up half an hour before my get up time, and wakes me with imitation daylight. No more being jerked awake by a harsh alarm, then having to fight to find the light switch before my body pulls me back into sleep again. No more tiredness headaches in the morning. Huzzah! It's a bloomin' expensive alarm clock, but has been the single best investment I have ever made for dealing with SAD (and mornings in general), because it works with my natural circadian rhythm. It's also going to help now that the clocks have gone forward an hour and mornings will be darker again for a while. It's not nearly so hard to get out of bed now. It also helps to have a dog who is very fond of breakfast.</li>
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<li><b>Happy music in the car.</b> Like many people I spend a lot of time every week in my car. I'm a morning person so the drive to work is usually okay, but the real danger when you have SAD is that it's either dark or getting dark when you're on your way home. Dark = drowsy. Drowsy = very dangerous. My most sleepy time of the day happens to be the time I need to be most alert. So it's happy, bouncy music only in my car during the winter! The boppier the better. It keeps me singing (badly), improves my mood, and keeps me awake. I also listen to lots of audiobooks on familiar journeys, to keep my brain ticking over (it's been quite nice, driving home through the rain, listening to Harry Potter, Enid Blyton and Paddington Bear, you should try it!), and I vary the route I take whenever I can. If you have the option of walking part-way or cycling to work, I'm sure that will make a big difference to your mood and energy levels. </li>
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<li><b>Wee Willie Winkie</b> <b>ain't got nothing on me</b>. I don't care if it's only 9pm. If I'm so tired during the dark evenings that I'm getting a headache, I allow myself to retire to bed. It's far better than languishing on the sofa, unable to function and feeling miserable, and the extra sleep helps me to function better at work the next day. If I have something on in the evenings, fine, I'm there and I'm taking part, but if the day's work is done and I start sighing and wondering whether to flop in front of the tv, I don't. Bedtime. I've also started getting ready for bed much earlier, so that by the time I decide I'm sleepy I don't have to start having a mental argument about taking my make up off, showering, making lunch for the next day, blah blah blah.</li>
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<li><b>I'm like a whirling dervish in the mornings</b>. I refuse to let SAD steal away six months months (half my life!) of energy and productivity every year, so I have to work smart when I'm at my best each day. For me that's the mornings. I make a colour-coded to-do list without fail the night before (usually while sitting in bed with just the one eye open!), and I try to do as much of it as I can by lunchtime. It's pretty good practise all year round, actually. SAD has forced me to become much more organised!</li>
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<li><b>I still believe exercise is the best answer</b>. Yep. It's the toughest part. The last thing in the world I want to do is stride around the streets near my house in the dark during the winter. It's cold, I'm sleepy, and it takes an age to wrap up in layers. Not to mention cleaning the mud off Bea when we get home, and that annoying thing where my socks come off with my boots. Gah. <i>But</i> I got a dog to trick myself into exercise, because she needs it every day, and I know exercise wakes me up, puts me in a better mood, and stops me feeling quite so sluggish and lethargic. I've also just bought some running shoes...</li>
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<li><b>It's the simple things</b>. It's always a good thing to notice the small pleasures in life and be more mindful, but I find it particularly helpful during the winter, when I'm more easily stressed and a worrier. I've planted seeds to grow in the office at work, made sure I always had a craft project on the go, varied my packed lunches much more, and dozens of other little things to brighten the day and give myself something to look forward to. Not one of them took much energy, but it's nice to wake up in a morning and think, "I wonder if my seedlings have appeared yet," or "ooh, houmous for lunch today!"</li>
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So, onto my decision. I'm a great fan of planning, making lists and setting myself big and little goals. The traditional time of year to do this is, of course, New Year. The prospect of a fresh new annum, full of possibility has always appealed to me, and it's one of my favourite rituals to spend some time in December planning ahead and setting exciting new challenges. </div>
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<i>Except</i>. We're now a quarter of the way into 2014. I have spent that first quarter feeling like my biggest achievement has been to get out of bed every morning and just about function until it's time to flop, exhausted, back onto the pillows again at night. Some days are better than others between January and March, but generally it's not the ideal time for me to be springing into action on my new year's resolutions. I adore Christmas, but I tend to find it tiring (I had a three-hour nap on Christmas Day last year), and by New Year I'm worried about where on earth I'm going to find the energy to bounce into January with much enthusiasm. I'm just too tired.</div>
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I was musing on this problem one evening last week in the bath. I thought about how happy I am that it is now Spring. I'm starting to feel back to my energetic Tigger-like self, interested in everything and anything, bursting with creativity and plans and feeling full of mischief. And it occurred to me (as the best ideas do when in the bath) that it's a really rubbish idea for me to run my year from January to December. What's the use in making all sorts of exciting plans and goals, then feeling so tired that I can even begin to make a dent in them, and ending up declaring myself useless and a failure? <i>Would it not be better to turn a little bit Pagan about the whole thing, and shift my year to begin when I'm at my best, in the Spring? </i></div>
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So there, folks, is my significant decision. My year now runs April to March. This means I can put all that enthusiasm for a new year into action immediately and see results as the new leaves are forming on the trees, the lambs are skipping round the fields, and the sun is shining. </div>
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<i>"Aha,"</i> you might be thinking, <i>"Aha, hold on there Skippy. You still have to have winter at some point in your year. What then?" </i></div>
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You see, it's just a mental shift. By the time Autumn and Winter come along, I'll have had my most productive time of the year, instead of starting it in my worst. I'll be winding down my year as the weather turns colder and the nights draw in, and I'll have the satisfaction of knowing that the biggest challenges of my year have been met (or not, but I will have tried) and I can plan for the more slow-paced goals, such as maintaining my current fitness levels, learning a new craft or reading certain books, etc., when I start to feel woozy again. As I've mentioned before, I actually enjoy many elements of autumn and winter, and it would be nice to be able to relax and enjoy curling up and resting, without beating myself up and rushing to meet un-ticked goals before the year ends. </div>
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If Spring is all about new beginnings and rebirth, it doesn't make sense for me to start my year in the cold and dark, when the natural world is sleeping and my body wants me to do the same. So I am realigning my year to fit with nature's way of doing things. </div>
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So, Happy New Year from me! What about you? SAD sufferer or not, would you change the very fabric of how your year works? I'll be interested to read your thoughts!</div>
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PS: Check out my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/missbeatrix/miss-beatrix-wins-at-battling-sad/" target="_blank">SAD Pinterest board</a>. </div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-88454424095299186152014-03-31T07:00:00.000+01:002014-03-31T07:00:08.223+01:00First Crocheted Project: Beatrix's Bunting<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I crocheted an actual thing! Instead of spending my evenings frowning over the basic stitches and sticking to nice, safe practise rows, this week I finally bit the bullet and made something.<br />
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I decided to have a bash at this 'my name is' bunting from <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Granny-Chic-recipes-inspiration-handmade/dp/0857831550/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396192680&sr=8-1&keywords=granny+chic" target="_blank">Granny Chic</a> </i>by Tif Fussell and Rachelle Blondel, as I must admit to a certain fondness for <a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Tif's</a> best friend, Little Olive. She very much reminds me of Bea in the way she helps Tif with her crafting, and one of the things I love most about living with a dog is when Bea snuggles up in her bed after a walk and has a good snore, while I sit with a cup of tea and watch her and smile to myself. For me this picture says it all:<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.dailymail.co.uk/home/article-2219040/Lifestyle-Gran-Designs.html" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Since I moved house late last year Bea's bed has just been placed in the spare room out of the way. She sleeps in there quite happily every night, but knowing how important it is for a pooch to feel they have a space to call their own, I thought this make would be a nice way cordon off a little area just for her, where she can arrange her favourite tennis balls and blanket just how she pleases, and dream of adventure.<br />
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I think she likes it. After such a gratifying first crochet make there's no stopping me. It's onto a snood next (say it with me... SNOOOOOD!), and then it's onto Ali Campbell's <i><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crochet-Beginners-who-want-Improve-ebook/dp/B00ENGFC7S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396192731&sr=8-1&keywords=crochet+for+beginners+who+want+to+improve" target="_blank">Crochet for Beginners Who Want to Improve</a> </i>for my next challenge. But first, I have a knitted scarf, two large embroidery projects and a mixed media piece to finish! </div>
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Wish me luck!</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-47939140148640338812014-03-24T07:00:00.000+00:002014-03-24T07:00:17.346+00:00A Day's Crafting at Hope & Elvis<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Saturday I was lucky enough to spent a day crafting to my heart's content at <a href="http://www.hopeandelvis.com/" target="_blank">Hope & Elvis</a>, in the beautiful grounds of <a href="http://www.welbeck.co.uk/" target="_blank">Welbeck Abbey</a> in Nottinghamshire. </div>
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I first read about this magical workshop space in Mollie Makes issue sixteen, when I had one of those, "ooh, that's local, why haven't I been there yet?" moments. Past and future guest teachers include such big names of the craft world as Tiff Fussell (<a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Dottie Angel</a>), Rachelle Blondel (<a href="http://talesoftedandagnes.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Ted & Agnes</a> and together of the book <i>Granny Chic</i>), <a href="http://www.loopknittingshop.com/category/190/Julie_Arkell" target="_blank">Julie Arkell</a> and <a href="http://tomofholland.com/" target="_blank">Tom of Holland</a>. It's been an ambition of mine to visit for a long time. And so it was with a skip of glee that I journeyed along on Saturday, to be taught how to make intricate nostalgic jewellery by the talented <a href="http://www.judithbrownjewellery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Judith Brown</a>.</div>
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Isn't Judith's work stunning? She uses fine wire and beads, as well as fasteners, hooks and eyes and other haberdashery items to make her delicate, lace-like pieces with a vintage feel. I think the beauty of this workshop for me was that at the start, when I ambled over the admire Judith's work, I couldn't even begin to fathom how we were going to go about attempting to make anything similar. And as Judith says, the story behind her work is that it isn't immediately obvious what her jewellery is made from; it's only on close inspection that the familiar components make themselves known.</div>
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As you know, I love the idea of making something new from something old, so this notion really appealed to me.</div>
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Fancy a look around the Hope & Elvis studio? Here we are...</div>
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As you can see, Louise Presley, owner of Hope & Elvis, has a real eye for collecting vintage materials, and she also uses this space to make her own creations. </div>
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...Sigh. Meanwhile, back over at the workshop table, I had made my first attempt at 'sewing' with fine wire. My piece turned out rather... 'loopier' than I anticipated (stop that), which surprised me slightly, as I'm often saying that all of my crafts tend to be detail-focused and intricate. Anyway, the Gods of Craft are fickle beings, and on this occasion I ended up with quite a bold effect, compared to others' more neatly sewn creations. I'd never worked with wire before, or made jewellery, so it was great fun to give a completely new craft a go.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLSCk7DR-XDjuetdg958f-XCEnWACSWDfNNO6EzcTS93qsMXXyAgGYQIYl53jfZSRgSI2Ve586rukS7dHF1azez-19XraG8tcIhQNgxoT4E7T-D2CYmin5MCHrM97Ez-jONCOaXSovJQ/s1600/First+attempt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMLSCk7DR-XDjuetdg958f-XCEnWACSWDfNNO6EzcTS93qsMXXyAgGYQIYl53jfZSRgSI2Ve586rukS7dHF1azez-19XraG8tcIhQNgxoT4E7T-D2CYmin5MCHrM97Ez-jONCOaXSovJQ/s1600/First+attempt.jpg" height="640" width="564" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">That's a bra ring, in the middle there.</td></tr>
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Here was my afternoon effort - a work in progress. My nan recently gave me the lace sleeves from her wedding dress with attached pearl buttons, with the instruction that I have to turn them into something (no pressure!) so I intend to finish below with a pearl drop button, and one of my other grandmother's traditional pearl buttons in the middle. It will be a celebration of grandmothers!</div>
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Others in the group managed much more sophisticated techniques than I, and I think we were all impressed by the collection at the end of the day!</div>
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Thank you so much to <a href="http://www.judithbrownjewellery.co.uk/" target="_blank">Judith</a> for her patience and excellent teaching skills on the day - it's never easy to teach small, detailed work to a group. And thank you to Louise for making me feel so welcome, providing a fantastically yummy lunch, and allowing me to amble around her studio with my iPad snapping photos. I'm so pleased to have been able to visit at last!</div>
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Visit <a href="http://www.hopeandelvis.com/index.html" target="_blank">Louise's website</a> to learn more about booking your very own Hope & Elvis experience.</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-92022125653638071712014-03-17T07:00:00.000+00:002014-03-17T07:00:01.117+00:00Hillarys Blinds Country Crafts Competition Entry<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="text-align: left;">When I saw on <a href="http://www.ukcraftblog.com/" target="_blank">Craft Blog UK</a> that <a href="http://www.hillarys.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hillarys Blinds</a> had launched a competition for craft bloggers, I thought it would be the ideal chance to throw myself into a sewing project for the first time in... well, about a year! The brief was simple - choose a sample from their new Country Retreats fabric range, make an original design, and write a blog post about it.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fua5q4tTsggVyEOSAF7WETIbZ_HYGeB_LEuEB2bCDhTSgyDXpSECDJdYv7OmBqHGqk5-wWtbZfFm-ILQuLpW9pv6eZKaHD7sl9k4N9ffARwA27ZiVG7SiD2Ct63le5XqezRpk6zoX2s/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Inside.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Fua5q4tTsggVyEOSAF7WETIbZ_HYGeB_LEuEB2bCDhTSgyDXpSECDJdYv7OmBqHGqk5-wWtbZfFm-ILQuLpW9pv6eZKaHD7sl9k4N9ffARwA27ZiVG7SiD2Ct63le5XqezRpk6zoX2s/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Inside.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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This beautiful fabric, 'Bird Parade' leapt out at me straight away, especially as it would give me the perfect excuse to make and paint a peacock button to go with it, so all I needed was to decide what to make.</div>
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The next day I was at work - I work in a large college - and it was pouring with rain. We sell Pink Pig sketchbooks (made in Huddersfield - I <i>love</i> them), and I was trying to find a large carrier bag for a student, who was upset that her portfolio had not only got wet, but was getting repeatedly bent at the corners from being carried back and forth to college every day. I'd just stocked up on fresh sketchbooks myself the day before, and so it hit me - I'd make an A3 sketchbook folder, to protect my Pink Pig when out and about!</div>
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So I used my shiny new Pink Pig to sketch out a design...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOqV4O8vqukv_o1-p-jYDabY7dGwv943WUMVESV2XqipICJBykbVb1U8DGdD0quXVDCJ75T3-OCinG4sT7r_SqcraTrqJfqBbbR6kMMVHFMXII3p3q9oxAM5Q8MeLFj299vzEcsIH-XY/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjOqV4O8vqukv_o1-p-jYDabY7dGwv943WUMVESV2XqipICJBykbVb1U8DGdD0quXVDCJ75T3-OCinG4sT7r_SqcraTrqJfqBbbR6kMMVHFMXII3p3q9oxAM5Q8MeLFj299vzEcsIH-XY/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Sketch.jpg" height="484" width="640" /></a></div>
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...And visited my local market to buy delicious ribbon and cotton thread. As I was waiting to pay I admired a huge carousel of stunning embroidery threads, and it gave me an idea for adding embellishment to the back of the folder.</div>
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Using my sketchbook as a guide, I cut my peacock fabric and the inside grey cotton to size. The Hillarys fabric was already nice and thick, so I just added fusible interfacing to the lining fabric, and then used spray starch to give both pieces some extra structure. </div>
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Someone decided to 'help', of course!</div>
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Before I could start sewing I needed to add the embellishment to what would become the back of the folder. I settled on a large, sweeping peacock feather design. This is where I was nearly defeated, because it turned from what I thought would be a couple of hours' worth of embroidery into fourteen hours' work over the space of two days! I was worried I wouldn't be able to finish the project before the deadline, but I took my embroidery hoop to work with me and put my lunch breaks to good use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglTe30WxVCBJc5RVYJKtEwUsHM8uFEGQwwWokiKrKvzhU8U6AXCRvg-Y5sjpyUePtaPsqAVF98xSr7AMMfr-CLrGN-uQtjAdhrSL1bn07hPhXC0kD3Ra0AoraWAshShx-vHRgd9hjDx4/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Feather+Sketch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhglTe30WxVCBJc5RVYJKtEwUsHM8uFEGQwwWokiKrKvzhU8U6AXCRvg-Y5sjpyUePtaPsqAVF98xSr7AMMfr-CLrGN-uQtjAdhrSL1bn07hPhXC0kD3Ra0AoraWAshShx-vHRgd9hjDx4/s1600/Hillarys+Blinds+Feather+Sketch.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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After that there was lots of pinning, a bit of arm flapping as I got nervous about running the fabric through my sewing machine, and eventually the project came together. I made the button and enjoyed using fluorescent blue paints to give Mr. Peacock a bit of grandeur.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40PUf15WpA1BYIlnCn_J-bMU86tINYY8Jxfu6hrgIbufIKRJkEQisnSIJejWptl0y4gF98VnUz09MsoVUT6oS4JNzglnGRVahQ0m9dZo63EOURJHvE4P0RSuI5y_4V0vOcP46PyR9-eU/s1600/Audrey.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh40PUf15WpA1BYIlnCn_J-bMU86tINYY8Jxfu6hrgIbufIKRJkEQisnSIJejWptl0y4gF98VnUz09MsoVUT6oS4JNzglnGRVahQ0m9dZo63EOURJHvE4P0RSuI5y_4V0vOcP46PyR9-eU/s1600/Audrey.jpg" height="478" width="640" /></a></div>
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I added a magnetic popper as a fastening, which was interesting as I've never used one before...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ry76QN9KC6sIFk1i3siRTEM95IUmBkx9f-IdBRsASS_WpDYeBx4KOoG8eufsnrypRTfiyq3ZgHttx6JlZ4ekIapvKAVU_YKqJxHefWZJGlcRdMiMimMQ-QtWyjQzYuYGKRpCxY9KNK0/s1600/Popper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ry76QN9KC6sIFk1i3siRTEM95IUmBkx9f-IdBRsASS_WpDYeBx4KOoG8eufsnrypRTfiyq3ZgHttx6JlZ4ekIapvKAVU_YKqJxHefWZJGlcRdMiMimMQ-QtWyjQzYuYGKRpCxY9KNK0/s1600/Popper.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I knew I wanted to add quite a bold rosette to the front of the piece to make it look like the feathers on my handmade button were extending outwards. The latest issue of Mollie Makes provided me with an idea for making a rosette out of felt, so with a little improvisation I had what I wanted. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm-lQVP4KpOUix2dJPudMJuuMOiSJjlUX-Hk24mYn990tbut21TqLRzgiI3-DEatXkRU9vmZpW1xP2pOGTT2Iqhp3OfUiU6QNuMOaD82UQBV2YKa0OFpUDYBpbboTox75kmI5UzqmKW0/s1600/Rosette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEm-lQVP4KpOUix2dJPudMJuuMOiSJjlUX-Hk24mYn990tbut21TqLRzgiI3-DEatXkRU9vmZpW1xP2pOGTT2Iqhp3OfUiU6QNuMOaD82UQBV2YKa0OFpUDYBpbboTox75kmI5UzqmKW0/s1600/Rosette.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I gave the finished folder a last spray of starch so it can easily be wiped clean.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KDPlBb6IvH7JiV38HIwTYk1PCNKpVrFPPt4_SSClvhzGMda-2O8roMThHTNTAURxsxlq0Kilt8PHDXgfyMYRsFbxJIIoLF10ZFLHtmnTJJVGA0nmrkMqLrdHBRy9G9Usqwe5N8LQwvc/s1600/Hillarys+Blind+peacock+rosette.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9KDPlBb6IvH7JiV38HIwTYk1PCNKpVrFPPt4_SSClvhzGMda-2O8roMThHTNTAURxsxlq0Kilt8PHDXgfyMYRsFbxJIIoLF10ZFLHtmnTJJVGA0nmrkMqLrdHBRy9G9Usqwe5N8LQwvc/s1600/Hillarys+Blind+peacock+rosette.jpg" height="500" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Phew! It was great to get stuck into a sewing project for the first time in a while, and it was good to remind myself of the importance of taking my time in ironing and re-ironing my fabrics, measuring, and paying attention to getting nice straight hems - something I've always struggled with! I love using bird and animal motifs in my crafts so using one of my buttons allowed me to add in some extra personality.</span></div>
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Now my beloved Pink Pig sketchbook won't be getting wet and bent next time I'm on the move!</div>
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You can see the other fabrics that were available to choose from for the competition <a href="http://www.hillarys.co.uk/inspiration/the-hub/2014/country-craft-competition/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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Have a crafty week!</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-16851549328210373062014-03-04T07:00:00.000+00:002014-03-04T07:00:05.292+00:00Book Review: Vintage Home by Sarah Moore<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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I'm a little bit in love with Sarah Moore. </div>
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I bought her first book, <i>Homemade Gifts Vintage Style</i> two years ago, (reviewed <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/homemade-gifts-vintage-style-review.html" target="_blank">here</a>), and it's now become a bit of a chicken and egg situation, because I honestly couldn't tell you whether my own vintage styling and love of thrifting has developed as a direct result of that book, or whether I love her style so much because it matches my own so closely. All I know is that when I heard that her latest volume was to hit the shelves, I <i>had</i> to own it, so own it I do. </div>
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Like many others I thoroughly enjoyed watching Sarah on the recent series <i>The Great Interior Design Challenge</i>, (she's also a regular columnist for <i>Country Living </i>magazine doesn't one know) and was doing a little happy bounce around my room when she scooped the big prize. I feel she has won something for all those clever people out there who turn their backs on consumerist mass production and use good old-fashioned crafting skills and a new perspective to turn something unwanted into something practical and homely.</div>
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<i>Vintage Home </i>contains over fifty project ideas. It's presented in a similar way to <i>Homemade Gifts, Vintage Style </i>but I think Sarah somehow delivers this one with more confidence, and more self belief behind her words. The book contains stunning photographs...</div>
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It's a brave challenge to take on writing a book based on using thrifted materials, because of course it's not as easy as popping out to B&Q or Hobbycraft and stocking up on all the materials you need. There's serendipity involved, patience, and a little, well... luck. It could be months before you track down that perfect fabric for reupholstering one's pouffe or that picture frame worthy of being made into an abacus. But I think this gives the book longevity. Even two years later I still walk around car boot sales and charity shops, spot the perfect tartan wool blanket for converting into a notebook cover, and scurry home with my prize to make the how-to from Sarah's first book. It's the thrill of the chase that's almost as delicious as the finished result.</div>
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Whether it's style inspiration you're after or some practical ideas for your home, I'd say <i>Vintage Home </i>fits the bill. I picked up my copy from The Works for a bargainous £6, but I know it'll become a much flicked through favourite on my craft book shelf.</div>
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Do you own either of Sarah's books? What did you think?</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-1166366418346373612014-02-25T07:00:00.000+00:002014-02-25T07:00:01.254+00:00Happy Birthday #PostCircle!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Hooray, #PostCircle is one today! What a year it's been. Just think how many thousands of letters must have crossed the world in the last year, how many smiles we have raised and how many friendships we have formed.<br />
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By now you'll know that tonight we're having a party on Twitter to celebrate. Join us using the #PostCircle hashtag between 8 and 10pm and you can expect the following:<br />
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<li>Special discount offers from some wonderful shops, including my friend <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/claireabellemakes" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a>, gorgeous craft supplies and stationery shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/rikyandnina" target="_blank">rikyandnina</a> and <a href="http://www.jessicahogarth.com/" target="_blank">Jessica Hogarth Designs.</a> I'm mad about Jessica's coastal stationery range.</li>
<li>A #PostCircle Awards ceremony</li>
<li>Giveaways... including the below book by Liz Williams. Make sure you're using the #PostCircle tag to be automatically entered.</li>
<li>Happy post chat from the biggest gathering of #PostCircle members ever.</li>
<li>Tunes!</li>
<li>Imaginary cheese and pineapple on sticks. What?</li>
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I fully expect to get banned for tweeting too much tonight - I suppose it's the equivalent of Twitter binge drinking. Binge tweeting.</div>
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See you there!</div>
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PS: All the offers tweeted during the party will be summed up on my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missbeablogs" target="_blank">Facebook page</a> just after 10pm, to help you keep track. But they will only be valid for 24 hours!</div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-6825099366247963332014-02-17T07:00:00.000+00:002014-02-17T07:00:06.362+00:00My Top Ten Crafting Disasters<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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In the latest post in my <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-creative-life-series.html" target="_blank">Creative Life series</a> I wrote about the <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2014/01/the-creative-life-series-on-failure.html" target="_blank">joy of failure</a> in crafting, and how it can teach us so much. As a light start to the week here, as promised, are my top ten crafting/homemade fails:</div>
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<li><b>This mouse</b>. When these sweet little linen mice featured on the cover of <i>Mollie Makes</i> issue eleven I knew I had to make them. The first one, see above, looks like he is suffering from some sort of overactive bladder. The other two continue to resemble the opening scene of the first episode of <i>Game of Thrones. </i>Grisly.</li>
<li><b>My first ever pompom</b>. I made it in the traditional way, with cardboard rings I'd carefully made from a cardboard box. Except I made the rings rather large, the pompom turned out to be a monster, and it moulted all over the place. Finally, it went bald like a sad little ageing pompom, and had to be consigned to the bin. Poor pompom.</li>
<li><b>Buttons</b>. Yes, I make buttons and sell them in my <a href="http://etsy.com/shop/missbeatrixshop/" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>, but it wasn't always plain sailing. The first buttons I ever made were wonky, too thick and clumsy, and fell apart when you tried to, y'know, use them as buttons. I very nearly gave up button-making as a bad job.</li>
<li><a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/peg-bag-of-doom.html" target="_blank"><b>This peg bag</b></a>. Oh, how well fell out during the making process. </li>
<li><b>A lavender heart</b>. Thinking it would be rather lovely to hang handmade lavender hearts on all the coat hangers in my wardrobe, I made a job lot a couple of years back. Except I neglected to sew up one of them up properly and it leaked dried lavender all over my wardrobe. I was picking bits out of my shoes for weeks, but did feel strangely relaxed when it came to choosing what to wear each morning.</li>
<li><b>A batch of mojitos</b>. I love a good cocktail, and when I once attempted to treat friends to a fresh pitcher of one of my favourites, I was surprised when it was suggested I make a career change to dentistry. It seems I'd managed to make mouthwash. Very poky mouthwash.</li>
<li><b><a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2013/04/latest-sewing-project-and-important.html" target="_blank">This cushion</a></b>. A gift for my nan, who happens to have been a very talented sewer in her day, it turned out all baggy on one corner and I still can't for the life of me fathom why. Not good when you know it's going to be shown off to one's grandmother's bemused friends.</li>
<li><b>Pretty much everything I ever tried to knit that isn't a scarf</b>. I love knitting scarves. Scarves are safe. But each time I try to knit anything more sophisticated I end up running to my mum for help. She and, again, my nan, are excellent knitters so I really do feel I'm letting the side down. (Don't worry, I've decided crochet will be my thing, or it will be once I've finished my first crocheted... er, scarf. ...what?)</li>
<li><b>Teacup candles</b>. Ah, what a messy weekend that turned out to be. I bought dye for the soya wax, thinking I'd make my candles tea-coloured and give them as gifts to my friends. Let's just say I overdid it and had to tell everyone it was meant to be hot chocolate. Then they'd sniff the candles to smell the gorgeous chocolate scent, and I'd be forced to admit I'd forgotten that bit too... Oops. </li>
<li><b>A few weeks ago I made the below fairycakes</b> as a joke birthday present for a work colleague. I tried to make the icing look as as garish as possible, but think I succeeded a little too much. </li>
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So come on, do tell, what's been your worst crafting disaster?</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-74256559410770789412014-02-10T07:00:00.000+00:002014-02-10T07:00:09.424+00:00#PostCircle Star of the Month: January<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm not very good at getting this out on time, am I? Must try harder. Anyway, without further ado, it's time to announce the #PostCircle Star of the Month and the #PostCircle Team of the Month.<br />
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Ready?<br />
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Congratulations to Claire of <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Clairabellemakes</a>!<br />
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I got a lovely email from fellow #TeamRabbit member Jo, telling me how Claire sends delightful letters, and had even taught Jo to knit by letter. I love a bit of snail mail skill sharing! Well done Claire, we of the happy post world salute you.<br />
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And the team taking the trophy this month? (There is no trophy, but hey, we can pretend)...<br />
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It's #TeamSparrow! I've been watching you guys on social media and it's been lovely to see the appreciate tweets among you. Well done!<br />
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That's it for another month - remember, it doesn't matter how new a group you are, how short your letters are or whether you post first class or second, we're looking for lovely, thoughtful post that makes a difference to those who receive it.<br />
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Happy posting,<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-72096816206121549602014-01-30T07:00:00.000+00:002014-01-30T09:08:01.796+00:00The Creative Life Series: On Failure<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
It seems <i>almost</i> unnecessary to write a post to creative types on the subject of failure. Creatives are by their very nature experimental, and experimenting is by its very nature about trial and error. Creatives have an innate thirst for trying lots of new techniques and crafts and methods. Inevitably, sometimes they will work out brilliantly, and other times, not so.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/44191640064005421/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Crafters in particular understand failure. Oh, we really do. While a musician might play one or two instruments really well, a dancer might have a specialism in one discipline, or an artist might favour oil over acrylic, hobby crafters tend to be multi-crafters. Serial crafters. I have a theory that if you find you are good at one particular craft, you are likely to be equally talented in a number of other, related crafts. For example, a jewellery maker might be good at wire work. A cake decorator might be good at polymer clay modelling. Because of our multi-tackle method of our hobby, though, we naturally experience more failure, because we try lots of things and so there is lots more that can go wrong. And I sometimes wonder if this gets some of us a bit down in the mouth.<br />
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Is it failure though? I think there are two types of so-called failure. One is wonderful, while the other is a tragedy.<br />
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<b>The "I tried making something and it went wrong" failure:</b><br />
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I have lost count of how many craft projects I've attempted that have gone wrong. In fact, in mulling over this subject I wrote some of them down and amused myself so much that I'm going to share the list with you next week. But did I actually fail every time a project went wrong? Of course I didn't! As Edision would say, I'd simply discovered yet another way of how <i>not</i> to do something next time. I learn so much every time something goes wrong. Sure, it's frustrating, and disheartening - expensive even - when a craft project doesn't turn out like I pictured in my head, or, worse, as it looked on Pinterest (<i>oh, Pinterest, you cruel, mocking mistress!</i>) but making something that no one in the history of the universe has ever made before should involve a certain amount of trial and error. If it was easy, everyone would be doing it, and it would be neither fun or special.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7TQnpMsJ7Xn5N_WjQJeG-bnmfSeIyl0ZgBPT7q7_maJLpTMkI_1sHWLN9Fs3fhqD1Vg1yOwIoPLkvPzfwzHafJ8uY5ZwJQN_cY1JvyxGtB5tnh6ZnTDbbzosg0oikvRLjJ06Sae6Go4/s1600/balloon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD7TQnpMsJ7Xn5N_WjQJeG-bnmfSeIyl0ZgBPT7q7_maJLpTMkI_1sHWLN9Fs3fhqD1Vg1yOwIoPLkvPzfwzHafJ8uY5ZwJQN_cY1JvyxGtB5tnh6ZnTDbbzosg0oikvRLjJ06Sae6Go4/s1600/balloon.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/468515167456940446/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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The great thing about crafting is that there are so many gazillions of projects to make that one failure can teach you a lesson you can apply to many hundreds of other projects in the future. The important thing is that you have fun, and keep on crafting, (there's a bumper sticker right there). The Ancient Greeks used to purposefully put one imperfection into every pot they made as a reminder that no human is perfect. You can tell that story stuck with me because I tell it often, but it's become almost a mantra for my own creativity too, and indeed every other task I take on in life. <i>Strive for excellence, not perfection. </i>Flaws in our work and projects not working out can be one of the best things about crafting, really, because those failures are the moments when we learn so much about our craft, about how materials work, and most importantly, we learn about ourselves.<br />
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Every man made item that has ever been is the result of man failing and trying again, failing and trying again. As crafters we have the privilege of being creators, bringing into existence items that have never existed before, and never will again. The failures between starting a project and a finished article we are pleased with are what makes that item unique. There will never be another.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdf70nAsOjYQoGOhefBjAlyxFleD-g2qgxbmuggqZdSKNMn0IlpKv36ORe69ysWErFopIzgZob8F5VOeG0D_HxiJ1mO_jHTagdK_eDnOasb7NtEqLn3toPUCci8RL5koan5nh03B3YsU/s1600/write+it.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtdf70nAsOjYQoGOhefBjAlyxFleD-g2qgxbmuggqZdSKNMn0IlpKv36ORe69ysWErFopIzgZob8F5VOeG0D_HxiJ1mO_jHTagdK_eDnOasb7NtEqLn3toPUCci8RL5koan5nh03B3YsU/s1600/write+it.jpg" height="432" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/260997740878783800/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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<b>The "I tried that craft once, but I was crap at it" failure:</b><br />
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Of course, the real failure comes not in ending up with a wonky, er, 'breathable'<b> </b>jumper that only your mother could love. The failure comes in the curse of the multi-crafter, which is this:<br />
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<i>Getting over-excited and wanting to try loads of crafts is one of the best things about being a crafter. But all too often it can mean we try a craft, struggle, decide it's not for us, and then declare that we are 'a knitter, not a crocheter' or are rubbish at sewing... and we close ourselves off to the beauty of trying again and getting better and instead rush off to try something else. And then something else...</i><br />
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The only failure in crafting comes in abandoning a project halfway through, and therefore never getting to know it in all its complete, wonky glory, or trying something, deciding we're just not cut out for the world of flower arranging, or glass etching, or embroidery, and giving up entirely. <i> </i><br />
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And I've done that a fair few times too. In fact, if it wasn't for the amount of times I've gone crying for help to my patient mum or a crafty friend, I'd have plenty of abandoned craft hobbies on my list. But the last few years have brought me a sort of confidence when it comes to giving new crafts a go, and an understanding that the true value comes in having fun trying, not necessarily in being good at it. In other words, a sort of bloody mindedness and devil may care attitude. It's my job to explore and learn!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7pQLbLHLRVOWMg-qTa9cCGkEXw6V_4YXgSRwg_drA1erc69GPQfs5v_8qy7yIMpa4T737fRH25hrfbuU-B1Dqzg0QRGDeIRki_akAaST0l6nJvEMYrHJORbPfg4aEyolldT4rqQh0xU/s1600/creative+people.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP7pQLbLHLRVOWMg-qTa9cCGkEXw6V_4YXgSRwg_drA1erc69GPQfs5v_8qy7yIMpa4T737fRH25hrfbuU-B1Dqzg0QRGDeIRki_akAaST0l6nJvEMYrHJORbPfg4aEyolldT4rqQh0xU/s1600/creative+people.jpg" height="640" width="448" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/378232068675829105/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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You could put the boot on the other foot and say that we have to give lots of crafts a go before we find the one or two that we excel at, and that is certainly true. We can't all be good at every craft, or indeed enjoy every craft. But when it comes to failure, I say we don't sweat the makes that don't work out as planned, and we don't ever utter the words, "I'm not good at xyz" unless we've given ourselves the time and patience to really find out.<br />
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The words you're looking for are, "I'm not good at xyz... <i>yet</i>." And you can apply that to every new thing you try in life.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJLZKKog4FqqdZeDJ3VpqQg6_3krc24eMG3ynwfXMt_IBk3k7Q93s_a5RoQRHy0XFIjra6Jo_bXRr5H5M8r5qzoR-hAo7hr5dYA1SoFYmZQUhCnJYavGsqCuWBR-GPNAWARkNWISr_Fo/s1600/rien.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLJLZKKog4FqqdZeDJ3VpqQg6_3krc24eMG3ynwfXMt_IBk3k7Q93s_a5RoQRHy0XFIjra6Jo_bXRr5H5M8r5qzoR-hAo7hr5dYA1SoFYmZQUhCnJYavGsqCuWBR-GPNAWARkNWISr_Fo/s1600/rien.jpg" height="640" width="602" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/408420259928679405/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
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Crafting. It's clever stuff, ain't it?<br />
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P.S: You can read the first six installments of the Creative Life series <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/p/the-creative-life-series.html" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-14709185110851640372014-01-23T07:00:00.000+00:002014-01-23T07:00:00.724+00:00A Chat With a Creative Business: Zoe of Craft Candy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHpXHXu6nK-Ua7EV19bwgrPToCDOjNFDrREjFg_hPxKw5pTIod28HwDLbcsaPeac2lw7e0HVU8DQ9DEGRsx60PJDt-77a9B7pJ6oH3_RDBaP7Zsqi1u8jdsw1Ly2QKx26cuNxpS1Nbts/s1600/2013-11-08+17.33.48-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEHpXHXu6nK-Ua7EV19bwgrPToCDOjNFDrREjFg_hPxKw5pTIod28HwDLbcsaPeac2lw7e0HVU8DQ9DEGRsx60PJDt-77a9B7pJ6oH3_RDBaP7Zsqi1u8jdsw1Ly2QKx26cuNxpS1Nbts/s1600/2013-11-08+17.33.48-2.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Last weekend I was able to share some news with you on Twitter and Facebook that I've been hinting at for some time. </b>I'm really excited to be the new Chief Writer (someone make me a hat!) at <a href="http://craftcandy.co.uk/" target="_blank">Craft Candy</a>. <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"> </b>It's a company that had been on my radar for a while, having read about it in various magazines, and I had downloaded their app as soon as it was released, so the chance to work for such a forward-thinking, creative business while writing to my heart's content makes me a happy Anna indeed.<br />
<br />
For 2014 I thought I'd bring back the 'Chat With a Creative Business' series as I know I take a lot of inspiration from noseying at how creative businesses work, and where better to start than with Zoe Arch, Craft Candy's founder?<br />
<br />
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Hi Boss! So we already know
I’m sold on the idea of Craft Candy. Can you tell us how you started it and what
it’s all about?</b></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Hi! Well, before I started Craft Candy I wasn’t interested in owning my own business.
I had a job I loved, things had started to fall into place and I was content
with work and life in general. I started to get an itch to learn something new,
but finding something, anything creative to do in my community was hard work
and very frustrating. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I now know there
was loads going on but unless you knew the right person, followed the right
blog, picked up the local newspaper at the right time, then it was pretty hard
to find these events, so I started blogging about the events I could find. And
so Craft Candy was born!</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Today Craft Candy is a platform, a website and app (fitted with GPS) to
list creative events from across the UK. Craft Candy is about making local creative
events accessible to more people. We are working hard to make sure
that every creative event i.e. workshops, classes, markets and clubs listed on
our site are searchable online. Sure, many creative events are free to join,
take part in or visit but with limited budgets for marketing how will all of
these great activities and events be found & ultimately visited? This is
where we come in. Craft Candy has a growing community of followers across a
number of social media platforms, we market these events across our social
platforms so they are easily accessible to our creative community and the
events are listed on our app. The GPS in the app lists the events in mile
radius from where you are standing, so you can decide if it is local enough for
you to visit or too far away.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYDx6PxACoXCkFTUwM_grM0psPMxWEKOAsJ9w8vNCovkQrJjjXVhAaFHkG9wAytCSJwrs7P3VGwlW-xJWL81kVkKvJz3nwtAEq5Kxmk57LVomLMGdsCNg19eaoXRHCHapTq98Ug3F1IE/s1600/CraftCandyLogoWht.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxYDx6PxACoXCkFTUwM_grM0psPMxWEKOAsJ9w8vNCovkQrJjjXVhAaFHkG9wAytCSJwrs7P3VGwlW-xJWL81kVkKvJz3nwtAEq5Kxmk57LVomLMGdsCNg19eaoXRHCHapTq98Ug3F1IE/s1600/CraftCandyLogoWht.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What do you love most
about running your own creative business?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I'm still learning, having a start-up is incredibly hard work! However
what keeps me going is how reactive it is, we have the capacity to talk about
something today and implement it tomorrow, which is very cool and suits my
personality. The other things I love about running my own business are that I
get to meet lots and lots of interesting people. Those people really get Craft
Candy and what we are trying to achieve.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s your social
media of choice?</b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Well if you know of any self-help groups for excessive pinners, please
‘pin’ me in that direction!? Shopping is now on the backburner, I've noticed my
house has become considerably untidy since Pinterest entered my life, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>generally I can't leave the site until I find
and pin <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">that</i> last amazing image to my
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/CraftCandy/" target="_blank">Craft Candy projectboards</a>, it’s an early morning, late night… <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>actually, anytime of the day addiction! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">But on a serious note, if Pinterest was around many moons ago when I was
at university having to carry tons of magazines & scraps of newspaper
cuttings for my projects, it would have been a life saver, a website full of
inspirational images from over the world, which I could pin and add them neatly
to one place which is accessible anywhere. So now I’m making up for lost time!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wm4c6Xh5W7gcj5o2cP3z27G3gB6Zgosgft1p78W-XlzjzVc3N-AC7JwoRSyQ5j8ZPWkf_kqPQZOaTrxx3QKTdC3XHJ_5kllzhJNozDPDivY4-9kIO07i0LgyL70fXh0NbR4XB1YKLRI/s1600/Necklace.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Wm4c6Xh5W7gcj5o2cP3z27G3gB6Zgosgft1p78W-XlzjzVc3N-AC7JwoRSyQ5j8ZPWkf_kqPQZOaTrxx3QKTdC3XHJ_5kllzhJNozDPDivY4-9kIO07i0LgyL70fXh0NbR4XB1YKLRI/s1600/Necklace.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">We’ve talked a lot
about how Craft Candy is growing to incorporate all sorts of creative events,
as well as crafts, such as photography and gardening. Where else do you see
Craft Candy heading?</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I started as a blogger and as you know bloggers are very good at
harnessing their own communities. With two bloggers now on the team, we want to
use our blogging knowledge to grow the Craft Candy community. Our aim is to
grow a fabulous creative and interactive community of like-minded lovelies, with
whom we talk to, build relations and share relevant information<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>such as creative news, offers, discounts, the
latest blog posts, fabulous images and of course your local classes and events
information. We aim to build relationships different and better to other
companies, treating everyone as individuals and having fun conversations.</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlemknUxIN-LKUXVxxTwnCllU6X67DRmHaACjQ3SsHEtJ_cJwI06yHhSMBKDiioOlKjL3zS4idqIx0G09CCRlZcfc6Zzq0holQIuvGejWcggzMwxwUkJysOSwXN256gWaOgF_Th_3wZc/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBlemknUxIN-LKUXVxxTwnCllU6X67DRmHaACjQ3SsHEtJ_cJwI06yHhSMBKDiioOlKjL3zS4idqIx0G09CCRlZcfc6Zzq0holQIuvGejWcggzMwxwUkJysOSwXN256gWaOgF_Th_3wZc/s1600/DSC_0016.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my first jobs as Chief Writer was to accompany Zoe to the Renegade Craft Fair. It's a hard knock life.</td></tr>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What’s been your greatest
business triumph so far?</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Having a start-up business often means there are weekly business
triumphs and I’ve learnt to appreciate everything from featuring in a magazine
to hitting key milestones. I've also met some amazing people who have become
great friends along the way, so there is never just one achievement I can
pinpoint.</span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">Greatest challenge?</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">There have been a quite a few challenges on the Craft Candy journey, and
remember we are still very much at the beginning of it. If I had to pick one
I'd say funding, a challenge familiar with all start-up businesses but starting
with no money makes a business very resourceful and puts us in a great
situation for our future plans and funding prospects.</span><br />
<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJkyQbvDO91G0L6Q8PcEIBZ8Xx0Jw_t40HU4iRSd-RaEktTgUvzpOcp2A6Jf0v_pXRHks2X67cv0RdgBZorpz4vvFH-Ratu4jmHt3KytG3jshgHeYrHDN2K4Y73rRN0oA5JyOB0CXtvQ/s1600/zoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjkJkyQbvDO91G0L6Q8PcEIBZ8Xx0Jw_t40HU4iRSd-RaEktTgUvzpOcp2A6Jf0v_pXRHks2X67cv0RdgBZorpz4vvFH-Ratu4jmHt3KytG3jshgHeYrHDN2K4Y73rRN0oA5JyOB0CXtvQ/s1600/zoe.jpg" height="640" width="450" /></a></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">And finally, where do
you go for creative inspiration?</b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-family: "Cambria","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Consolas; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">I live in London and it’s not possible to walk anywhere in the city with
your eyes closed, nothing goes unnoticed, it’s an inspiring city and I like to
think I find creative inspiration everywhere. You'll always find a notebook
& pen in my handbag ready to take notes, sketch ideas and take down
information. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>But saying that, I spend
hours on the internet researching websites, blogs, reading news articles,
planning my next imaginary holiday, the internet really has made the world more
accessible.</span><br />
<br /></div>
Thanks Zoe! You can see that the boot was placed on the other foot when I was interviewed for Craft Candy <a href="http://craftcandy.co.uk/blog/meet-our-new-chief-writer-anna-burnell" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
<br />
<img align="left" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa465/missbeatrixloves/Blog%20Photos/sig.png" style="border: 0;" /><br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-26853562890564029642014-01-20T11:30:00.000+00:002014-01-20T12:52:35.554+00:00Introducing the #PostCircle Angels!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I come bearing good news with this blog post.<br />
<br />
#PostCircle launched nearly a year ago now (I have birthday plans too, watch this space!) and it all started because my friend Amy mentioned that it might be fun to reignite the lost art of letter writing and receive some happy post for a change, instead of tedious bills and circulars. We both live in Sheffield so it didn't make sense to only post to each other, and so I casually agreed to gather together maybe three or five people to form a 'post circle', and we could send cheery mail to brighten one anothers' days. <br />
<br />
Eleven months later, and #PostCircle currently stands at 273 members. By the time you finish reading this post that number could well have changed again. It's been an amazing response, leading to countless new friendships, thousands of days made better, support given in tough times, and the lost art of letter writing well and truly revived. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQDPMDwsMUyHHX98bl9f8gBiQSwri-gYSjwqhFyBRA_0STgTu53ahkOMgvG02qSP1bfZ6LrykaEXJ6FxSFrxcg9g6ALE4Ug2e5TsrSbUuRSnwlrTlhCqysv-e6c0tXdapIEg98_9Fib4/s1600/%23PostCircle+Snippet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtQDPMDwsMUyHHX98bl9f8gBiQSwri-gYSjwqhFyBRA_0STgTu53ahkOMgvG02qSP1bfZ6LrykaEXJ6FxSFrxcg9g6ALE4Ug2e5TsrSbUuRSnwlrTlhCqysv-e6c0tXdapIEg98_9Fib4/s1600/%23PostCircle+Snippet.jpg" height="640" width="394" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">#PostCircle has appeared in the latest issue of <a href="http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Nostalgic magazine</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
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My problem is that I have become a victim of my own project. The emails arrive in such numbers that people are sometimes left waiting for weeks before I have the opportunity and energy to plough through them all. Putting the groups together is a time consuming and often mind-fuddling process, which I've been struggling to cope with around two jobs, a small business and this blog. And so I was delighted when I casually mentioned on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missbeablogs" target="_blank">Facebook</a> a few weeks ago that I'd be needing to ask for a couple of volunteers before long, and three lovely ladies immediately emailed to give up their time to help out.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
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<div style="text-align: left;">
#PostCircle members and fans of post, allow me to introduce you to <i>The #PostCircle Angels!</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
These angels are already prolific letter-writers, and passionate about spreading joy in paper form. Two are members of more than one #PostCircle group, and all three are going to help me to keep #PostCircle ticking over so we can all continue to enjoy it.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjTjeznPnVP74WljJ5gedAug2Ca47qNfghW6zM0iQEVM1V8dxMe0iNqaRBKpPA28dRXq49MZo-rPQlVOFny01C8aqDSIETHaNxxjZVMy3f7B3j7r-CvWKjssZK9CmzGggwDmRTr7dFqw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNjTjeznPnVP74WljJ5gedAug2Ca47qNfghW6zM0iQEVM1V8dxMe0iNqaRBKpPA28dRXq49MZo-rPQlVOFny01C8aqDSIETHaNxxjZVMy3f7B3j7r-CvWKjssZK9CmzGggwDmRTr7dFqw/s1600/PicMonkey+Collage.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Clockwise from left: #PostCircle Angels Claire, Annee and Debbie</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span><span style="font-size: small;">Welcome #PostCircle Angels! Tell us about yourselves...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A chat with Claire:</span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You’re already a #PostCircle
super-member! What do you love about writing letters and sending happy mail?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I've
always loved writing letters and had loads of penpals when I was younger -
before email and mobile phones took over! Writing letters now brings back that
same feeling that I got then - anticipation, excitement and the joy of
getting to know new people. I get such a buzz from receiving happy mail - it makes
a change to get something lovely through the post instead of bills and junk -
and being involved in #PostCircle lets me pass that wonderful feeling on to
others!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What’s the best thing
you have ever received through the post?</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My replacement engagement ring! (Replaced because I lost it - a very long story!)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You’re in the Sparrow group. Do
you identify with that creature at all?!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I don't
identify with a sparrow because I am actually a Fox! (I say that as Fox is my
maiden name and not because I think I am a supermodel!! )</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you think your
handwriting says about you?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My handwriting
is pretty ordinary and always starts off neat and tidy but the longer I go on
the messier it gets - which pretty much describes me every day!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Without post we’d have to find
new ways to send paper messages over long distances.</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"> <b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;">What would your message in a bottle say?</b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My
message in a bottle would most likely be 'send more wine!'</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What would your carrier pigeon be
called?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">My pigeon
would have to be called Whiskas as he'd end up as cat food (I have two cats!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A chat with Annee:</span></b></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Tell us a little
about yourself</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’m a wife and a working mom of three; I also run my own little graphic
design business. I love lists, planning and organisation and have been known to
break into a cold sweat around clutter! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I used to be a ballet dancer (before my cherubs arrived). I have 9 and ¾
fingers (amputated a finger in a letter box... oh the irony). I love Paris!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You’re already a
#PostCircle super-member! What do you love about writing letters and sending
happy mail?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve always loved to write and had a ‘thing’ for stationery for as long
as I can remember.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I was little I
saved up my pocket money to go to John Menzies (just like WH Smith) and I had
an eraser collection to die for!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I wrote
to all my friends, even if they stayed a few streets away, we’d make up names
for each other and be excited when the letters arrived and I loved decorating
the envelopes.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I still wrote letters up
until I was in my thirties (ahem)... Then it changed and was just a little note
on the blank side of birthday and Christmas cards as e-mail and Facebook
arrived and the art of snail mail slowly drifted into the distance… THEN
#PostCircle was born and my love for writing was re-born! </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There’s just something magical about writing a note and knowing that
whilst you sleep it’s making that journey to brighten someone’s day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some simple words of encouragement,
acknowledgement and telling someone about your day or special news… you know
that when they open the mail they are absorbing your words and (hopefully) enjoying
that little piece of happy mail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know
that each #PostCircle letter I receive brightens my day!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">All thanks to you Anna!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What’s the best thing
you have ever received through the post? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">There’s so many to choose from… one of my favourites was from fellow
#PostCircle Angel Debbie, her fabulous letter stretched nearly the length of my
living room! I’ve never seen a letter that long and I possibly never will
again… oh and, it was double sided!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">You’re in the Vole
and Otter groups. Do you identify with those animals at all?!</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I didn’t know much about the mighty Vole when I was placed in this
group. When I researched I found that “the Water Vole is Britain's fastest
declining wild mammal and has disappeared from many parts of the country where
it was once common.” (source: <a href="http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/water-vole%29">http://www.wildlifetrusts.org/species/water-vole)</a>...
Not too long after that I was contacted by the Scottish Wildlife Trust to tell
me that they have found lots of voles near to where I work, they are living
nearby in a place that isn’t common for them to live!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>How amazing is that?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They are a protected species now, Go VOLES!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My second group is #TeamOtter which I’ve just recently joined… an
Otter’s den is called a couch, that’s my favourite place to be too, on my
couch!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I also write to some wonderful ladies from other groups, we hooked up on
Twitter via the #PostCircle hashtag.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">What do you think
your handwriting says about you? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">My handwriting can be quite sharp but soft at the edges and often little
hearts or birds as I ‘dot the i’s’ …. I think that means I can be quite strict
and I do like things in order but I really am a big softy!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Without post we’d have
to find new ways to send paper messages over long distances. What would your
message in a bottle say?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
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<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"> My message in a
bottle would say (along with my contact details):</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">I’ve been lost at
Sea,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">But now you’ve found
me,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">How much time has
passed,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Since my pen touched
this last?</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Am I breathing the
air,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">That surrounds
everywhere,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">Or am I sleeping a
slumber,</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;">As above called my
number…</span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt;"></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<br /></div>
<h2 class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">A chat with Debbie:</span></b></i></span></h2>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Tell us a little about
yourself </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I’m a
married mum of two from Somerset, whose life revolves around her family and a
multitude of family pets, which includes a cat with thumbs. When I get free
time you can either find me out riding my horse, walking the dog, geocaching,
or sat at my bureau writing letters. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You’re already a #PostCircle
super-member! What do you love about writing letters and sending happy mail?</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I find
using a pen very relaxing, be it writing, drawing or doodling.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So I have always enjoyed sending snailmail.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I started
writing letters when I was at primary school when my best friend moved away and
we agreed to stay in touch by sending letters.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At secondary school I took part in a French exchange and corresponded
with my allocated partner before I went to France to stay with her.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">In my
twenties my boyfriend, at the time, was in the Army and when he was posted
abroad I would write letters to him several times a week.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Since
having the children, I wanted to get back into letter writing and Twitter has
given me the opportunity to find likeminded people who enjoy putting pen to
paper and creating happymail.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">#Postcircle
has allowed me to connect with some fantastic people in my groups and by
searching for #Postcircle tweets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What’s the best thing you have
ever received through the post? </span></b></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I don’t
think I can narrow this down to one particular item, as every letter, postcard,
notelet or card is as individual as the person sending it.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">When
writing letters some people like to be very creative and others like to just
put ink on paper and I am very happy to receive either.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As far as I am concerned if someone has taken
the time to put pen to paper and write to me, and in doing so have recorded
their feelings, shared some news (be it good or bad) or described a particular
event that has happened to them, then that is very special to me and I treasure
every letter that I receive.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">You’re in the Hare and Ptarmigan groups. Do you
identify with those creatures at all?!</span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"></span>Some would say I am as mad as a March hare and I do always seem to be
dashing around here and there like a hare would be in Spring.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The ptarmigan is described on the RSPB
website as a plump gamebird, so I would say I can relate to the plump description,
as I am about to embark on a weight loss regime!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">What do you think your
handwriting says about you? </span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">I don’t
particularly like my handwriting, but people have commented that it is neat,
tidy and easy to read. I find my writing varies depending on my mood, what pen
I am using and the quality of the paper I am writing on and has definitely
varied in style over the years.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>My
current style of writing is quite big and rounded, so I like to think of it as
friendly and bubbly, which I hope sums up my personality too.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Without post we’d have to find
new ways to send paper messages over long distances. How would you send post instead? </span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;"></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If there
was no post, I would set up my own horseback delivery service, thus allowing me
to enjoy both of my hobbies (snailmailing and horse riding) at the same
time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I would recruit others to do the
same and create a network of deliveries covering the UK.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">If you'd
like to say hello to the new #PostCircle Angels you can find them on Twitter:</span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/beluski" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Claire</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/AnneeApple" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Annee</span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://twitter.com/SqueakyPigShop" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">Debbie </span></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-GB;">and
they'll be using the #PostCircleAngels hashtag for their #PostCircle-related
tweets.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="color: #666666; line-height: normal; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> </span><img align="left" src="http://i1199.photobucket.com/albums/aa465/missbeatrixloves/Blog%20Photos/sig.png" style="border: 0;" /></td></tr>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-49514705235623639062014-01-13T07:00:00.000+00:002014-01-13T07:00:05.565+00:00The DHL Craft Bloggers' Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOyLNTVIByQPzcje4mzJnbrDCHV9BejOGD28i-fmahYIhur5I_mixq0bXz3c2YPBb7QkoCegvGMb1Laov5G_WfDfBo_tph31zewhZKv-7qh9KaMbQoYgC_DEkMTW7uxRUm04fmQdRMwE/s1600/Goldfinch+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCOyLNTVIByQPzcje4mzJnbrDCHV9BejOGD28i-fmahYIhur5I_mixq0bXz3c2YPBb7QkoCegvGMb1Laov5G_WfDfBo_tph31zewhZKv-7qh9KaMbQoYgC_DEkMTW7uxRUm04fmQdRMwE/s1600/Goldfinch+Closeup.jpg" height="640" width="612" /></a></div>
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A few months ago I was contacted by <a href="http://parcel.dhl.co.uk/" target="_blank">DHL</a> who asked me if I'd like to take part in their Chinese Whisper chain for craft bloggers. The remit was simple; a group of craft bloggers were placed in a chain, with the first in the chain being given a theme. They could craft anything they liked on that theme, and then those efficient people at DHL would swoop in and deliver it to the next person. No one else would be told the theme, each of us creating something based only on the item we received. This all sounded fun to me so I said a hearty yes and awaited my DHL delivery. </div>
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When a bright yellow cardboard box turned up at my work bang on schedule one Wednesday morning I was pretty darn excited. I was sent an item by <a href="http://izabelaitsme.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Izabela</a> and just look at what I received!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_rxc5mrRvKmMgQZ1QtvDKIn4VV1CQHqSgonSiMXydWk6ufEdSyvL5RwdlTuI3VHMbUc5PTsNDIqS7b3U5sAKBEVQRsUVSopgsvrtvEtcPK86LcHA6N4Bx-A4QkoVGYFNQpqApi1sK1o/s1600/Rabbit+Slippers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu_rxc5mrRvKmMgQZ1QtvDKIn4VV1CQHqSgonSiMXydWk6ufEdSyvL5RwdlTuI3VHMbUc5PTsNDIqS7b3U5sAKBEVQRsUVSopgsvrtvEtcPK86LcHA6N4Bx-A4QkoVGYFNQpqApi1sK1o/s1600/Rabbit+Slippers.jpg" height="640" width="500" /></a></div>
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Izabela is one talented lady, and these have the added benefit of being practical too! </div>
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Knowing I was last in the chain, I was very tempted to go on the Pinterest board created especially for the campaign and have a nosy at what the other participants had made, but decided to play ball and only interpret the theme based on the item I had received. So I thought, hmm... 'rabbits... rabbits appear in Springtime...'</div>
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So I made this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnin8h_A3JcljIoav0NSU_YBMx4Z9l9mO2mHVV98OTxxMkEWtNroSZpI20vLvSVgXeACLIe68WJI33czcPyPnCN5DwkRj_XkRcIcv85dk1DRsG3zxgA9GZ7PXIJAfuwdyRQSBgidJvn6I/s1600/Spring+Wreath.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnin8h_A3JcljIoav0NSU_YBMx4Z9l9mO2mHVV98OTxxMkEWtNroSZpI20vLvSVgXeACLIe68WJI33czcPyPnCN5DwkRj_XkRcIcv85dk1DRsG3zxgA9GZ7PXIJAfuwdyRQSBgidJvn6I/s1600/Spring+Wreath.jpg" height="632" width="640" /></a></div>
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Yes, an excuse to prepare for the Spring I'm starting to yearn for, and to use mixed media, which I am all over at the moment. I also hoped it might bring some Springy happiness to its recipient, <a href="http://thevintagemagpie.typepad.com/" target="_blank">Nicky</a>, as if she's like me she might be feeling her home is looking a little bare after Christmas. (Or 'bear' in Nicky's case as she is a talented bear-maker.)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z_3nRKcWEXqCwEAMYaGr8ITpDD9iUn_TQHZyAXeYSXdFKOdqa1LtK9JJYiINYPufQ_rnw2j0K2CYb3ZirWhvBIp9O-_AE0TUPmNmDEOiU0WZQVHxUQC4Hr5gnwLGWvHFbxNQY7cMIRk/s1600/Ladybird+Closeup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2z_3nRKcWEXqCwEAMYaGr8ITpDD9iUn_TQHZyAXeYSXdFKOdqa1LtK9JJYiINYPufQ_rnw2j0K2CYb3ZirWhvBIp9O-_AE0TUPmNmDEOiU0WZQVHxUQC4Hr5gnwLGWvHFbxNQY7cMIRk/s1600/Ladybird+Closeup.jpg" height="640" width="560" /></a></div>
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We were provided with some <a href="http://www.hobbycraft.co.uk/" target="_blank">Hobbycraft</a> vouchers for taking part in the campaign, which is where I bought the foam wreath and the buttons, oh, and extra supplies of glue for my hot glue gun, which got a lot of use during this make! For the rest I used yarn I'd got free in a magazine, vintage velvet and felt I already had in my stash, a random wooden ladybird I found hanging around in my office at work (sshh), and I made some buttons of my own to finish it off.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDS3EPBWZt-ewVpVAj95r-cXx-V5qWA5ShSf8D1UlUCHfM2NmkgOn931qYkeTx6X-9XAel1A_ubb0URWt5tGyqbg7xzVr8Z1XT35KgtL_CKaApyaCFVijHTILbl6VlVr8DVnnjLkzMyM/s1600/Buttons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCDS3EPBWZt-ewVpVAj95r-cXx-V5qWA5ShSf8D1UlUCHfM2NmkgOn931qYkeTx6X-9XAel1A_ubb0URWt5tGyqbg7xzVr8Z1XT35KgtL_CKaApyaCFVijHTILbl6VlVr8DVnnjLkzMyM/s1600/Buttons.jpg" height="640" width="478" /></a></div>
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I ended up buying a couple more foam wreaths actually because now I fancy brightening up my home with a Spring wreath of my own (anyone got another wooden ladybird knocking around?!) and a second one for Autumn. I'm embracing the magic of the seasons this year!</div>
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Thanks DHL for a fun project, I'm off to wear my bunny slippers with pride. Oh, and you and me can both look at that <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/dhlexpressuk/dhl-chain/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> now! I adore those <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/17310779791330422/" target="_blank">wobbly eyed sheep</a>.</div>
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How would you have interpreted the theme?</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-43692837897039191642014-01-06T07:00:00.000+00:002014-01-06T07:00:03.679+00:00Gran's Button Tin<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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A few weeks ago my gran sent me her button tin. I had known for a while that she had it in mind to pass it my way, and I expected a hoard of buttons from past garments and sewing projects. I had no idea that the contents of this rather beautiful tin would be quite so old.</div>
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It turns out that my great great grandfather was a tailor by trade, so you see a love of buttons is in my blood! Many of these buttons belonged to him, and are now so old and delicate that a few of them started to disintegrate as I stirred my fingers around the tin. </div>
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A collection of old leather buckles was included...</div>
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And a leather button so old that it looks rather alien to my eye!</div>
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Others are more recent and clearly my gran's own buttons, some being quite 1950s and '60s in style. Even so, the cardboard some are attached to is now very delicate. </div>
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I'm starting to slowly clean up some of the more robust buttons when I get a spare few minutes here and there, and I'm not sure what I can do for the older ones other than wrap them up safely in their cheery yellow tin and treasure the thought, next time I'm making a batch of my own buttons, that I'm now the proud owner of a piece of my own personal button history. </div>
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So many people have special memories attached to their elder relatives' button tins. I had never seen this particular collection before, but as my gran turns 90 years old this Wednesday, I feel like I'm the one to have received a special gift.</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-58070013295453939792014-01-04T19:03:00.000+00:002014-01-04T19:03:08.241+00:00#PostCircle Star of the Month: December<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well this is exciting, isn't it? I'm about to announce the first #PostCircle Star of the Month! A little late, granted, but I got there in the end. You can read all about the idea of celebrating one fab #PostCircle member and one #PostCircle team each month <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2013/11/introducing-postcircle-star-of-month.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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#PostCircle mailing was rife over Christmas. I myself received some beautiful post from members (thank you all!) and I notice several members have mentioned that sending more post, or getting back on the #PostCircle bike, is an aim for 2014. This is great news! Just think how many peoples' days are made better through receiving something cheery and encouraging through their letterbox.<br />
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Anyway, without further ado, I'd like to announce Team Ptarmigan member <a href="https://twitter.com/SqueakyPigShop" target="_blank">Debbie Jeffery</a> of Somerset as December's #PostCircle Star of the Month. Congratulations Debbie! Debbie is such a keen letter writer that she is actually a member of Team Hare, too, but it was this image that impressed me most this week:<br />
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An actual ptarmigan pin, sent by Debbie to fellow member Serotiny! Awesome.</div>
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And now, for #PostCircle Team of the Month - it has to be the whole team - Team Ptarmigan! Well done.</div>
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So it's all to play for in January. To be considered for #PostCircle Star of the Month be sure to be sharing your post pictures (please cover up addresses) on <a href="https://twitter.com/Miss_Beatrix" target="_blank">Twitter</a> and <a href="http://instagram.com/missbeatrixsnaps" target="_blank">Instagram</a>, using the #PostCircle hashtag and preferably your team tag too, ie, '#TeamPtarmigan' or '#TeamRobin'. That way I can see what you're up to and give credit where credit's due!</div>
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See you for another edition at the end of the month, and happy posting,</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-43777569723686796862014-01-01T07:00:00.000+00:002014-01-01T07:00:03.209+00:00Blowing Away the Crafty Cobwebs and Welcoming in 2014<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Well hi! I'm just stoking up the fire in the Miss Beatrix sitting room and popping the kettle on. Welcome to 2014 in this here corner of the internet. </div>
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I should probably get the duster out too, because I've not been here myself for a while. I've been around, in the background, still keeping #PostCircle and Creatives Unite ticking over, still working on various projects, but I haven't felt fully present with this blog for the last few months of 2013. Don't worry, it wasn't because I suddenly fell out of love with blogging or craft or being creative, or standing on one leg on a chair in my tiny garden taking photographs. If I'm honest - and I've had time over Christmas to do a fair bit of reflecting on all this - I sort of, well, burned out. Took too much on. Forgot how to say no. Started dashing from one crazy deadline to the next and lost myself along the way. 2013 was a stellar year in many ways - I emptied my happiness jar of all its bits of paper goodness last night and it was like confetti - sooo many wonderful moments to treasure. But it was also one of the toughest years of my life. I'm grateful for the strength and the lessons brought by hard times, but let's face it, they can stifle one's creativity a little.</div>
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Anyway, a fortnight off the day job couldn't have popped up in my calendar at a better time, because it's made me realise how exhausted I've been, what I want to cut back on and what I want to focus on and make the best it can be. I've found time to read all those craft magazines, blogs and books I've been stockpiling for months, I've worked on craft projects for the first time since the summer, and I'm pleased to say that at the core of everything, I'm more in love with craft and creativity and sharing this with the world than ever before, so I'll be back blogging regularly from now on. I'll just be doing it in a less pressured, more deliberate sort of way. We have slow fashion - I'm advocating slow blogging. It's the future, folks. </div>
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I'm really excited about this year. I've been busy getting stuck into a new creative role for the past three months, and it's very nearly time to be able to tell you all about it (eeeep!). I have shed loads of craft projects waiting to be indulged in. #PostCircle is undergoing some big changes as I type this, which should mean I stop getting stressed about it and you get a faster turnaround when you join. And I've set some really motivating personal, professional and creative goals. (I don't do resolutions, per sé, instead being a staunch advocate of <a href="http://leoniedawson.com/shop/kits/amazing-year-workbook-calendar-2014/" target="_blank">Leonie Dawson's Incredible Year Workbook</a>. If you haven't heard of it, I can <b>highly</b> recommend it, it's magic stuff and really made a huge difference in how my 2013 panned out.)</div>
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Here are some of my creative goals for 2014 (because I'm also all for accountability!)<br />
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<li><b>Become a reader again.</b> Ask anyone who knows me and they'll tell you I'm a bookish sort. I love stories, and the part they play in our everyday lives and our identities. I adore getting lost in a great read. The problem has been that I've not made enough time to read over the past few years, so I'll be making that a priority to recapture the reading magic, and for much-needed relaxation and learning. Backing away from the iPad...</li>
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<li><b>Give quilting a bash</b>. Way back in June the extremely kind and thoughtful <a href="http://quirkyhannah.wordpress.com/" target="_blank">Hannah</a> sent me some #PostCircle themed patches for my birthday. While I regularly take them out of my WIP basket and admire them, I still haven't got round to paper piecing for the first time since I was ten. Come on Anna!</li>
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<li><b>Crochet an actual thing, and keep on crocheting.</b> I learned the basics in 2013, thanks to the patient and lovely <a href="http://nicethingsby.co.uk/" target="_blank">Adele</a>. Now she tells me I need to stop faffing about and make something, and I'm rather inclined to agree. </li>
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<li><b>Do two craft fairs.</b> I've started preparations for this one - I'm currently making two signs for my new-look stall after being inspired by a day spent at <a href="http://gemmanemer.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Button Tin</a>. </li>
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<li><b>Bring new button designs to my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/missbeatrixshop" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. </b>This one is also already in motion. I adore making and painting buttons, and can't wait to list new designs. </li>
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Of course I'll keep you posted on my progress! Stay tuned for news of the makes I've been working on lately, some glimpses around my new workspace now it's been crafted up (see the first peek above), and the latest edition of my newsletter.</div>
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Happy New Year! What creative goals have you set yourself for 2014?</div>
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P.S: In 2013 <i>thank you all </i>for... * Joining up to #PostCircle and making it a monster project far beyond my wildest dreams * Your cheery, supportive participation in Creatives Unite week after week * Your button purchases and hellos at my craft stalls * Reading this blog and leaving lovely comments * Cards and letters in times of need and celebration * Cheering me on through social media, even when I've posted one too many cute Instagrams of Beatrix (is there such a thing?!) * Your 'saw this and thought of you' tweets * x<br />
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PPS: I'm a day late in publishing #PostCircle Star of the Month - so you can guess what tomorrow's post will be!</div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com22tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-69462149025806672682013-11-13T12:39:00.001+00:002013-11-25T11:18:29.096+00:00Introducing #PostCircle Star of the Month<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
I'm slowly starting to clear the backlog of #PostCircle emails which have been building up since my house move. <br />
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One of my favourite things to do when I'm feeling a little bogged down with it all is to amble onto Twitter or Instagram, tap in the #PostCircle hashtag, and spend some time looking at all the lovely post you've been sending to one another. It really makes me smile to see all the excited 'look what arrived in the post this morning!' photos, thank yous, and even nicer, members checking up on one another during difficult times and life changes. #PostCircle may be my invention and mine to administrate, but it's you, the members, who keep it going and I genuinely think some of you are changing people's lives, and bringing them comfort, excitement, friendship and gorgeous stationery (yes, it's an important thing!) through a series of special paper kindnesses whizzing their way around the world. <br />
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It's pretty darn amazing.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-5-8UMGmNY3KWkw5UYto_kMxnADJpdpPf6bDd9yuLon1lI_iTFfen8KEKvdLYdaQfGmi2otGREd7P2j3NAUNYiaetBcYcvcAp3MqD_C8Fsi_waNCTI99iK_2ibIWfIVCwRiwIQcksKU/s1600/Ice+cream.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA-5-8UMGmNY3KWkw5UYto_kMxnADJpdpPf6bDd9yuLon1lI_iTFfen8KEKvdLYdaQfGmi2otGREd7P2j3NAUNYiaetBcYcvcAp3MqD_C8Fsi_waNCTI99iK_2ibIWfIVCwRiwIQcksKU/s640/Ice+cream.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Emma sent her #PostCircle pals an ice cream party in a box! AMAZING. </span></td></tr>
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And as I scroll through social media, feeling like a proud #PostCircle parent, I notice that certain names and groups crop up over and over again. Some of you are <i>really</i> prolific when it comes to writing lovely letters. Others of you might send less post (which is fine), but the post you send makes me gasp when I see the amount of thought and care that has gone into it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sarah Doyle sent some cheery happy mail this week.</span></td></tr>
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So in these difficult times, when it's easy to become isolated in a sea of worries, world disasters remind us just what horrors others have to fight through, and most post still consists of ever-increasing gas bills and annoying leaflets about PPI compensation, I have decided that these #PostCircle stars deserve some recognition. So from now on, once a month, I'll be publishing a blog post where I celebrate one #PostCircle group, and then one individual #PostCircle member, and that member will be receiving a little special something through the post from me. <br />
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This isn't a competition in who can send the most post. Postage can be expensive, so there will never be pressure placed on members to send more post than they can afford. But the groups and individuals sending each other regular, thoughtful post, generating joy and friendship will be noted.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Laura Weiller of #TeamKingfisher got an iconic London postcard</span></td></tr>
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So how to take part and build on this fantastic #PostCircle community we've created?<br />
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<ol>
<li>Use the <strike>force</strike> er, hashtag: <b>#PostCircle</b>. Share the post you send and receive on <a href="http://instagram.com/missbeatrixsnaps" target="_blank">Instagram</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/Miss_Beatrix" target="_blank">Twitter</a>. I check them reqularly so I can smile at what you've all been up to. You may want to include a hashtag for your team too, so it's easy to identify you. For example, #TeamSparrow or #TeamBadger. Be proud of your team!</li>
<li>Post your #PostCircle photos to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missbeablogs?ref=hl" target="_blank">Miss Beatrix Facebook page</a>. Tell me who sent it and why it makes you happy. </li>
<li>Some of you hate social media, which is why you joined a letter-writing group in the first place. No problem. Pick up your pens and send me a letter telling me why you think another #PostCircle group member, or your group, deserves Star of the Month. You can email me at: <b><a href="mailto:missbeatrixwrites@gmail.com">hellopostcircle@gmail.com</a></b> for my details, or of course cut out the letter bit and tell me by email. </li>
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The more we share our happy post, the more we can inspire others to send more happy post of their own. #PostCircle provides two-way happiness; the therapeutic effects of sitting down and writing by hand, and connecting with someone is a more considered, slow-paced fashion, and of course the excitement and joy of receiving a thoughtful scribble. There are more than 250 members in #PostCircle now, so the possibilities are endless. The first #PostCircle Star of the Month will be announced in December!<br />
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Happy posting, <br />
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P.S: I have been lucky enough to receive some really lovely, thoughtful post since my house move. Thank you so much for your cards, emails, tweets and blog comments :) xx</div>
Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-15665943231773266642013-11-06T11:37:00.001+00:002013-11-06T11:37:59.292+00:00I'm Back...With News!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
Well hello!<br />
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I have returned from a bit of an impromptu blogging hiatus, after a house move (stuff <i>everywhere</i>!), a longer-than-expected wait for internet in my new home, and then a hefty backlog of work to plough through before normal service could resume. Not to mention tricky things like locating the best spots for taking photographs in a new house, finding my photography props and craft materials, and trying to make <i>that </i>pesky wire stretch from the other side of the room so I can finally charge my camera! <br />
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Anyway, the world of Miss Beatrix didn't entirely grind to a halt during what I have now named The Period of Chaos. I'm pleased as punch to have been interviewed and have a craft project featured in <a href="http://www.homemadewlove.co.uk/" target="_blank"><i>Homemade with Love</i></a> magazine this month.<br />
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Anna Simmonds is the magazine's new editor and she was so lovely to work with to put this article and project together. If you're starting to feel as Christmassy as I am already the issue is packed with crafty scandi-inspired ideas, so it's well worth snapping up a copy - not least because you can spot some other lovely bloggers in there too, including <a href="http://adventuresandteaparties.blogspot.co.uk/" target="_blank">Adventures and Tea Parties</a> and <a href="http://claireabellemakes.com/" target="_blank">Claireabellemakes</a>. Congratulations to Anna and her team for giving the mag such a gorgeous new look.<br />
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I'm thrilled to have my treacle tin lanterns featured in a thrifty Christmas gift guide in <i><a href="http://prettynostalgic.co.uk/" target="_blank">Pretty Nostalgic</a> </i>magazine. It's inspired me to make lots more and fill the garden with them on these cold Autumn nights! You can read my original blog post about them <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/2012/02/how-to-make-treacle-tin-lanterns.html" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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In other news, five more #PostCircle groups have been set off in the last few weeks. I know some of you are waiting patiently to be placed, and I hope to get to that early next week - please bear with me! I could do with finding my desk first...<br />
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I'll also be back hosting #creativesunite from this Thursday, so hope lots of you can join me for some Christmas present crafting ('or-it's-too-early-to-think-about-Christmas-so-let's-avoid-it-with-some-nice-crafting... crafting').<br />
<br />Lastly, one of the major problems with moving house was that I ended up not having an oven for much longer than anticipated, and that has meant no button making (boo!) I'm working my way through a pile of custom orders at the moment, and then I'm hoping to get some more stock in my Etsy shop. I'm also busy preparing for a craft fair in Sheffield at the end of the month - details to follow on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/missbeablogs" target="_blank">Facebook</a>.<br />
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That's all for now folks - see you for normal blogging service next week!<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-59363308474626700202013-10-06T14:11:00.004+01:002013-10-06T14:11:59.026+01:00Crafting Through the Chaos<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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You may or may not have noticed that things have gone a little quiet round here lately. I'm being very careful not to apologise for this because it's one of my bugbears about blogging - and if bloggers weren't out in the world being very busy and making life happen we would have nothing to blog about!<br />
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My lack of regular blogging hasn't been due to a lack of creativity though, oh no. Major exciting projects are afoot, which I am excited to share with you in due course. I've been putting together some crafty projects for a couple of magazines, I'm preparing for my next craft fair... and I'm slap bang in the middle of moving house! It's a pretty major task, and I'm currently writing this from the floor of my old bedroom - just me and Beatrix and not a scrap of furniture in sight. All very zen! I'm feeling positive about the prospect of all the making opportunities for a new home, so that's going to keep me and this blog busy for months to come.<br />
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Anyway, I'm trying to keep life running as normally as possible through all these changes and chaos, so the day job, my Etsy shop, #PostCircle, Creatives Unite, and, oh yes - my social life - are all pretty much functioning, with Bea being spoiled by various friends coming to take her out on walks while I shift worldly possessions.<br />
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You might think it would be easiest just to abandon all crafting until things settle down a little, but I've been finding that five minutes' knitting here, and a bit of button painting there have been great de-stress activities. I'm still knitting my never-ending scarf (still, yes, still) and can even amble around with the wool tucked under my arm, knitting away and looking like I'm playing the woolly bagpipes.<br />
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So next time life's hectic I wholly recommend a five minute craft break. After all, there is more than one type of productivity, right?<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-79463770812415332102013-09-24T09:02:00.001+01:002013-09-24T09:02:35.623+01:00Creative Life Series: The Circle of Craft<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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We all know the personal benefits to being a crafter. There's the satisfaction of playing the creator; of bringing something into existence that would otherwise never come to be, and being in control of the making process from design to completion. There's the therapeutic aspect, the feeling of connection with our crafting ancestors, of continuing their strong relationship with textures and making things without complicated technology. Best of all, there's that indescribable joy of presenting a loved one with something we've made just for them... and their happiness balances perfectly with the long hours we've invested in the gift's creation.<br />
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Crafting can be a very personal thing, and a very solitary thing. But the greatest revelation for me since starting this blog in 2011, is that crafting can be anything but solitary, if I want it to be. There is a Circle of Craft, looping through both the internet and real life.<br />
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Blogging led to my starting <a href="http://miss-beatrix.blogspot.co.uk/p/creatives-unite-are-you-in.html" target="_blank">Creatives Unite</a>, so I could sit at home of a Thursday evening in my pyjamas, crafting away solo, and yet be surrounded by a group of friends, all crafting away at the same time, chatting, perhaps sipping tea and indulging in a cheeky piece of cake. If someone's late, they tend to let us know, then we can welcome them in when they burst in through the virtual door, hang up their dripping virtual coat, and plonk down on a virtual scatter cushion in front of the virtual fire. Photos of our makes shoot across the country and beyond during this time. Within seconds of completing a row of crochet I can be receiving feedback on the tension, and encouragement from people who have been crocheting for years. The evening never ends without expressions of joy over our evening's progress and good night tweets.<br />
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I have some wonderful friends in 'real life' too - no more real than those crafting away hundreds of miles away from me - but friends I can meet up with regularly and see and share a pot of tea with. You could call this group a separate Circle of Craft, but actually, they are part of the same one - I met them via the online craft community, a community now so vast and far-reaching, that blog and tweet for long enough and the local crafters will always start to identify themselves, as though we have a need to seek out similar personalities and meet one another. This local community has morphed into new and interesting forms, including a craft club, a new WI, a book club and means I have a new set of friends with both shared and complementary talents to my own. Who knew that Twitter could help you feel more at home in your own town?<br />
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If our ancestors - those fishermen weaving nets and knitting ganseys, those ladies gathered in the drawing room working on huge, spreading tapestries to keep out the draughts, those knitters making jumpers for the troops during the Second World War - that one day their small circle of craft could reach all around the globe, so that someone in Sweden could praise their work before the last stitch was even completed, so that someone in Bristol could say, 'hey, love that idea, I might try that too!' or that someone in America could help you translate those confusing crochet terms, well, it would have blown their minds.<br />
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Whole families, communities and industries have been built around crafting. The Circle of Craft grows ever larger and stronger, and includes everyone, regardless of distance. The benefits to you personally are never ending, and the contributions you can make, limitless.<br />
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What's your part in The Circle of Craft?<br />
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-2908889831507326942013-09-17T07:00:00.000+01:002013-09-17T12:50:14.712+01:00Interview With Elena of Randomly Happy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b>Everyone, if you haven't already, you need to meet Elena. </b><br />
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I first came across Elena's gorgeous blog, <a href="http://www.randomlyhappyblog.com/" target="_blank">Randomly Happy</a> last year, and have been repeatedly bowled over by her fresh photography style, chipper writing tone and innovative sewing how-tos. If like me you dream of being able to whip up snappy outfits on your sewing machine, Elena's your woman. Her blog also oozes modern, creative inspiration, all with a dash of Italian flair.<br />
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I'll hand you over!<br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"></span> <b style="font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Hi Elena, and welcome to Miss Beatrix! One of the things I particularly love about your blog is your fresh, positive approach to sewing and all things handmade. What is it about making that draws you in?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Aww shucks - what nice things to say! I'm glad you like the blog and think the content's not too awful :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I started sewing seriously when I couldn't find anything I liked in the shops. I made a skirt, then curtains, and a dress... and well, it's kinda snowballed. But I guess it's always been there in the background - I grew up making and sewing (my Italian mama is a very talented sewer and pretty deadly with crochet and knitting).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;"><b>Why did you start blogging?</b></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">I first started reading blogs while I was sourcing ideas for our wedding back in 2010. There were just so many awesome things about blogging: the ideas, the people, the creativity. I just really wanted to be part of it. </span><br />
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<b>So you're a psychologist! How does this affect your approach to life and being creative?</b><br />
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I'm always analysing people, trying to work out what drives people's behaviour. I'm probably the most tedious dinner guest you'll ever have. But than I also know a lot of random facts about the brain - so it's a tough call.<br />
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<b>What was the first item you ever sewed?</b><br />
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The first thing I made on my very own sewing machine was an A-line skirt. But I was one of the founding members of the 'Pins and Needles' gang in elementary school (pretty bad-ass, right?) so the first thing I ever sewed was something really wonky and really hideous.</div>
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<b>Are you a fabric addict? Where do you source your clothing fabrics from?</b><br />
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I wish I could be more of a fabric addict! We have such a small house I wouldn't know where to put great big stockpiles, so I tend to stock up when I have a project in mind. Mostly I buy off of ebay, etsy, and occasionally from a man I know at the Brighton bric brac market who finds amazing vintage fabrics.<br />
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<b>What advice would you give to a beginner at sewing?</b><br />
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Just give it a go. It's honestly not that hard to start out and you'll be impressed with all the awesome things you can make. And if things go wrong a seam ripper is your best friend.<br />
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<b>Where do you see the DIY revolution heading in a few years' time?</b><br />
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What a good question! I love the fact that's it's taking off. When I first started there was nothing really. Just me and some little old ladies shopping in the haberdashery shop in Liberty. But now loads of people are into it - hopefully that means we'll get a bigger choice of fabrics, tools and fun bits. <br />
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<b>And finally, any advice to new craft bloggers?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: arial, sans-serif;">Just get in there and get involved. </span>Find what you like to do and publish your posts. Reach out to other bloggers and have fun.<br />
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<b>Thank you so much for chatting with us, Elena! I can't wait to see what wonderful projects turn up on your slice of the web next!</b></div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6787053717148644728.post-91039947876406213572013-09-06T07:00:00.000+01:002013-09-06T07:00:13.328+01:00Miss Beatrix Delivers a Craft Workshop<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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On Tuesday I had the honour of paying a visit to a different WI to my own in Sheffield - Netheredge WI (aka WINE), where I delivered a workshop in making button bracelets. </div>
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It was an area of the city I hadn't visited before, and it was great to be able to see how another group works and meet lots of new faces. After a little introductory speech I dished out piles of colourful buttons and we set to work threading them to make our bracelets. This was the second time I've demonstrated this particular craft, and it never ceases to amaze me how every single person interprets the idea differently and picks such fantastic colour combinations. </div>
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My impromptu stall/show and tell table...</div>
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Wine and crafts - I like this WI's thinking!</div>
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I really enjoyed spending the evening with these ladies, and any excuse to get out into Sheffield and promote being crafty and creative is always welcome.</div>
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Anna @ Miss Beatrixhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14565943094937521882noreply@blogger.com8