♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Treasure Hunting ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

Yesterday I ventured out in temperatures of -7 (nothing compared to some places I know but it was cold) to go to Nettlebed, Henley to see what all the fuss is about. Lou of Vintagenie and White Rabbit Bakery had mentioned this place full of stuff that I would love. Tempted by the sound of filling my shoppers with materials for hats it was an opportunity not to be missed.

We went to the Sue Ryder Sale at Nettle bed Hospice. It happens around twice a month and is located a at a house crammed to the rafters full of donated goods. We trawled through boxes of books and maps, rummaged through fabrics both for my hats and for Lou’s new venture and purchased items at very low prices. Lou’s deck of cards priced at 5p were the bargain of the day, sadly missing the all important Ace of Spades though.

Pots, cake stands, hideous tea pots... I know at least 10 people that would love this part of the sale.

Toys. I tried to look for a few bits for Darren but I hadn’t a clue what to look for. I am sure one day he will experience the pushing and shoving.

Even though it was only at half capacity, it was still pretty busy. There were queues to enter the garden shed full of tools and the women’s clothing area. We did go into the mens room and had a look at the rails of some rather nice jackets and some hideous shirts! I managed to purchase a knitted tie pictured below. It is quite special.

Some of my purchases included a stack of fake flowers perfect for Easter bonnet season! Some picture cards, Thunderbirds and a set of Platnik Animals. I could have easily purchased a stack of maps but I had to restrain myself. Although mostly priced at 25p each, at one point I couldn’t carry the pile. It was time to edit. 

You can’t quite appreciate the fabric in my dodgy picture. I wish I had taken my decent camera. 4 yards of tweed, 3-4 yards of houndstooth, brown velvet and a black wool fur type fabric all for £6. Beats the high street any day. There were plenty more fabrics to choose from mostly at £1 a yard. I couldn’t leave these 4 behind.

Middle left is a little boat. I have to search high and low for the perfect vessels for hats. The galleon I created a while back is so heavy. Hopefully I can transform this mini one into something spectacular soon and get it in my Etsy shop. The hat was kindly donated to Soobird by Lou. It had been sat on her Vintagenie stall for some time now. She even gave me some tubs of feathers. I think I am going to save them and create something unique as part of a White Rabbit Bakery/Soobird collaborative project. So many ideas!

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ Vintagenie Christmas Fair ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

What a great day. I picked up Binkypops early this morning and we set off to have stalls at Vintagenie’s Christmas Vintage and Handmade Fair at the Penta Hotel in Reading. I usually dread these days due to the amount of boxes and bags I have to take, finding a parking space and generally being on my feet all day. I shouldn’t whinge about it because I appreciate all the positive comments and attention my work gets at these events. After all, the reason I do it is to show it all off. However today was very different due to the exceptional organisation from Lou and Anna of Vintagenie. Space sorted, directions sorted, parking sorted it really was the easiest it has ever been. Here are a few pictures from the day. I had to post one of Stephanie's stall as it just goes to show how very different we are. I wish I could turn up with one bag and be done :)

 The chaotic presentation skills of Soobird here. I had more than I thought and was really happy with how it looked. Now to find an ornate free standing mirror just to finish it all off.

You can probably see what I mean... sadly I forgot to get some close up shots of her jewellery, check out her shop to see.

Here we have Shaz of Oddsox with her wonderful sock creations. I couldn’t help purchasing a snowman badge... along with a ton of other bits from the fair.

The Penta Hotel was a great venue, lovely large and warm room. We all had plenty of space which made a nice change from the norm. Often we get crammed into tiny spaces which makes it quite difficult. At the front there was a performance area where a few local (highly talented) musicians took to the stage to perform for us. Hat’s off to the Burlesque performer. She must have been freezing!

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♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ FOLKSY SHOP NOW OPEN ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

Finally managed to get my FOLKSY shop set up. I have been meaning to do this for ages after chatting about it to a few friends of mine that are on there... Check it out.

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♥ Joe & Eileen Wed 26♥08♥2010 ♥

A splendid afternoon spent in Minehead witnessing Joe (Darren's dad) and Eileen wed at St Michaels Church. We then made out way to Binham Grange, which was like an art gallery with sculptures and amazing things everywhere. I want to live there!

Binham Grange

A wire Dung Beetle

I can't remember who the artist was... it's really annoying me. They were about 6 or 7 insect homes made out of brass and ceramic pots. really unusual. Unfortunately pay day was a way off. One day I would like to own one.

Ali and Megan wearing their original 'Soobird' hair pieces. Which can be purchased in my Etsy shop wink wink.

My hat then did the rounds...

♦ ♣ ♥ ♠ So Long August ♦ ♣ ♥ ♠

8.? km high on the top of Mount Kinabalu. The hardest thing I have ever done. No stomach bug or altitude sickness could stop me though!

Well I am back from Borneo... one of the most amazing experiences. I went with 5 of my Sixth Formers (and Kay & Nicky from Ilkeston School with 7 of their students) to Borneo as part of a World Challenge. The students had been building up to this 4 week trip for 18 months. It was an action packed month of jungle trekking, mountain climbing, white water rafting and various other things. Tons of inspiration gathered and now ready to get going creating some hats based on my findings.

I imagine some kind of spiny, spikey fascinator perched on the side of the head with antenna and feelers made from spines...

On route to Bako National Parl, Sarawak. Glorious quiet beaches surrounded by rainforest containing creatures of all shapes and sizes... including Proboscis Monkeys.

I ♥ CARNIVOROUS PLANTS - got to make something based on these!

So bright and vibrant... the picture doesn't quite do them justice. Another idea for a hat.

Kept myself busy on the plane home by painting the 'Student Awards'. I can make a studio space in the smallest of places!

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A busy weekend...

Here are a couple more pins that are now on Etsy. With there being 24 hours in a day I am sure I will have plenty more made by this time next week!



Full House (Kings over Jacks)


Royal Flush (Hearts)

I am really into Etsy, pin badges, playing cards and updating the blog... It's about time it happened and I feel as though I have now found something to concentrate on. I only hope it lasts more than 5mins (like most of my other projects).

After visting Scarlet on Saturday I raced home and produced 6 more pieces. I have decided to make two of everything, one for the shop and one for Etsy. That way I don't have to make any decisions about who gets what. It's difficult making two of something I am a one-off type of person so I am quite proud of myself.

Oh and here is an example of the hats I have been producing. This one is called 'Aces High' and it is the first to go on sale in Tiger Lilly's, Reading. Hopefully in the next couple of weeks I will get a few on Etsy. Just got to find boxes for them now!