Top Drawer S/S 2012

I arrived home from Top Drawer on Tuesday evening, exhausted but extremely happy. I don't set any targets order-wise, as you can never tell what a trade fair will bring, and especially having never done Top Drawer before, so I had absolutely no idea what to expect...

But I was far from disappointed... each day seemed to pick up pace, as stockists new (and old) came to chat to me and loved my work, and placed orders too, which was fantastic!

One of the highlights for me was meeting so many lovely people over the 3 days... twitter people you know who you are and it was fabulous to see you all again, or to meet you for the first time! Although I was ready to go home after 3 intense days (4 including setting up - a tough job when you are doing it on your own!), I was also a little bit sad, as it had been such a thoroughly enjoyable show!

Preparations...

As we busily prepare for Top Drawer, which starts this weekend (opening on Sunday to be precise), I have just realised how slack I have been with our lovely little blog of late, oops!!

What with recovering from the Christmas rush, being worn out from a succession of festive fairs, and then putting my 'designing' cap back on to decide on new lines for 2012, I'm not sure where the time has gone...

  

So until we get back from Top Drawer mid-next-week (we will be at  stand L100 if you are popping by!), here are a few sneak peeks of new items / card designs / ideas and a trial run set up snap to keep you busy til then... have a wonderful week x

 

A very French Christmas...

This year we enjoyed a very snowy and very French Christmas... with orders all posted and things in the studio just about under control, I decided that a few days either side of the big day itself might be one of the only chances I would get to take a break for a while, so I jumped at the opportunity!

Before starting CMT I spent a couple of winter seasons as a chalet girl, and I've kept in touch with a lot of the people I met during my time in France. So I asked on a whim about the availability over the festive period, and to my delight there was space for us! We packed our suitcases and jetted off to France for mulled wine, cheese... and even turkey on Christmas Day!  

Joyeux Noël xx

noël

As we are winding down for Christmas there is just enough time amidst the last-minute order posting to show you a few festive images from Pinterest... snowy scenes, twinkling lights, baking and cosy homes......

...it's my favourite time of year and these lovely photographs depict everything that is wonderful about winter, I hope you enjoy them and Merry Christmas to you all! x

Festive Frolics

And so our last festive fair is done and dusted... phew! On Saturday I scooted over to London at 5am for the Selvedge Christmas Fair, and what a cracker it was. The hall was decorated beautifully as usual, this time with swathes of Lewis & Wood fabric adorning the walls (a company local to me, so I felt right at home), tea and cakes from High Tea of Highgate (always a highlight) and so many wonderful customers, it was like chatting to old friends. 

Even with the early start, the day flew by, and before I knew it and with last minute sales even as I was packing away my goodies, it was time to hit the road again... but not before saying au revoir to my 'fair friends' (new & old), in particular the ladies from Mud Rabbit, Emily Maude and Cath Ball Ceramics - all beautiful work.

I arrived home to a beautifully decorated Christmas tree, and will be making more tree decorations this week, as I completely sold out at the weekend! I hope you are all getting into the festive spirit and are keeping warm, x

The Makery Christmas Market

This weekend we spent two lovely days at The Makery Emporium in Bath, where we had the opportunity to set up shop for the weekend at their first ever Christmas Market. We met wonderful customers, other designer-makers, and The Makery staff too, who were fabulous - thank you ladies! 

When I'm next in Bath I know where I'll be heading... straight back to The Makery, it was like home from home amongst the fabrics, threads, cotton reels and all sorts of sewing/crafting delights...

...and ever so festive when it got dark in the evenings and the Christmas lights were turned on... Happy December everyone!

Festive Fairs!

After a delightful day of shopping (and selling!) at the Christmas at the Orangery fair in Clifton yesterday, we have spent most of today catching up with orders and writing lists of what to make for next weekend and our next festive fair! 

Next weekend (3rd & 4th December) we will be at The Makery Christmas Market in Bath. We are so excited to set our little 'shop' up again, this is honestly our favourite time of year. 

Seeing the results of all our hard work culminate in a stall full of goodies is so rewarding, and I would set up our stall every day if I could!

So if you are out in Bath next weekend, or nearby and fancy popping in to see the wonderful array of handmade delights at The Makery Emporium, sat nav BA1 5AR and come and find us at 16 Northumberland Place in Bath... hopefully I can restrain my excitement until Saturday! x

The French Market

The French Market returns to Tetbury a couple of times every year, and each time we head on over to get our fill of delicious cheese, a wide range of saucissons, meat and other French delights.

This time was no exception, the smells of Camembert and Reblochon wafted over us, the air was filled with the scent of traditional crêpes being cooked and the general hubbub of shoppers getting into full market swing was delightful to see. We only wish they would return more than twice a year, but perhaps that's just a little greedy! x

Country Living Christmas Fair 2011

Yesterday was a day of recuperation and unpacking after the Country Living Christmas Fair which finished on Sunday. We had a fantastic week and met so many wonderful people over the 5 days, and now can't really believe that we're home again, what a whirlwind! 

So here are a few snaps of our stand, that we shared with the fabulous Julia Davey (Julia Davey Ceramics), who helped the week to fly by - thanks Jules :) 

We are now catching up on orders after a week away, so have plenty to get our teeth stuck into, hope you all have a lovely week, and if you didn't make it to London we will be selling lovely Christmas wares (both our own textiles and Julia's ceramic goodies) at our next festive event, Christmas at the Orangery in Clifton, Bristol on the 26th November, hope to see you there! x

The Country Living Christmas Fair

 

On Tuesday we are off to set up for the Country Living Christmas Fair, I am equally very excited and very nervous! We have been featured in the preview leaflet that went out a few weeks ago and also in an email that was sent this week from Susy Smith (editor of Country Living) to all subscribers and mailing list, which was so wonderful! With most of our preparations done and only the packing of our suitcases to go, I think we are just about ready! 

If you haven't quite got around to buying your tickets for the fair you can call the Ticket Hotline on 0844 848 0152 or head to www.countrylivingfair.com/xmas and enter the code CLXMAS9 to get a discount on your tickets. We are looking forward to seeing lots of lovely people there and to begin the festive season in true Country Living style! x