Worthing Open Houses 2013

My first time as an exhibiting artist in the Worthing Open Houses event started today, with a great day at Camelot House in Worthing. I'm exhibiting there with 3 other artists and couldn't ask for a better venue. We had 65 people through the door today and are hoping for many more tomorrow and over the next two weekends. Everyone seemed to enjoy the variety of work on offer - not to mention Denise's delicious home-baked cakes! - and we received some lovely comments and compliments.

I'm there again next weekend 29th/30th June, 12-5pm. Please come and say hi if you can.

Summer Solstice

Well, it's the longest day and after a pretty dull start, it's turned into a lovely sunny evening. Shame the sunrise wasn't visible but at least we should be able to see it go down. I do love the long, light days in June and the summer solstice always seems to be a bit magical and memorable. Over the years I can recall quite a few that were special, for various reasons, from getting together with friends for a celebratory drink, to holidays in the sun and travels to far-flung places.

In 2010, I arrived back from Indonesia after a wonderful holiday there. In 2008, I set off for Santiago at the start of a 4 week trip across South America, which was amazing. In 2007, I booked my flights to Australia and soon after handed in my notice at work (3 months, that was tough!).

In 2001, I was unpacking boxes in my new home in Sussex at the start of a long, slow, warm summer. Bliss! In 2000, I started a new job after a six month break, spent studying Spanish and French in Tenerife and Nice.

It seems that the solstice represents more than just the longest day - it's a time for new beginnings, chapters closing, adventures starting - it's a special day, with special memories. I shall watch the sun go down on this one with a warm glow.

Where Am I Going To Put All This Fabric?

OK, I admit it, I'm officially addicted to buying fabric. I can't walk past a charity shop or boot sale without having a good hunt for some rare remnants or old curtains that could be upcycled into cushions or bags. The trouble is I'm collecting it faster than I'm using it, which means I'm gradually drowning under an ever-growing pile of fabric. Even worse, sometimes I can't even bring myself to use it, because it's so gorgeous I just want to keep it and look at it! There's no hope for me, I'm past help.

I've decided to be strong now and STOP BUYING IT!!! I wonder how long that will last.........

Is it May Already?

Wow, where is the year going? (I must be getting old as I remember this is something that all old people say every year!) But seriously, it's May already and it still feels like Spring is only just kicking into action, so it's hard to believe four months have passed by while I've been huddled up in my winter woollies and stitching away in my little sewing room.

I haven't exactly been hibernating, but I do feel that it's now time to come out of my 'burrow' and start enjoying the Spring sunshine and hopefully a bit of warmth.

I've done a few craft fairs in the past couple of months, with varying degrees of success, but am really looking forward to my next two fairs over the weekend of 11th/12th May, both of which are new to me. The first one is in Midhurst, at the Grange Leisure Centre (Saturday 11th May), and the next day I'm at Denbies Wine Estate in Dorking (Sunday 12th May). Both are a bit further afield than my usual fairs, so it'll be interesting to see how well my work is received 'up-country'.

What have I been making lately? Well, after feedback from buyers, I designed a new cross-body bag and made it up in four different versions, one of which I kept for myself (actually, it was the prototype, so that's my excuse!). Two were in lovely faux-suede fabrics, which work really well. Here are a few photos for you...

A Flurry of Craft Fairs

It's that time of year when all the craft fairs are being set up and I have to decide which ones to do, not just for the next few months but right through until December! I've already done two fairs - one at Haskins, Roundstone in February and one last Saturday at Felpham - so I'm warming up and getting into the swing of them.

The Haskins fair was over four days (a bit of a marathon) and was very quiet initially but it got better towards the end and I covered my costs with a bit to spare. The Felpham one last weekend was also quieter than expected, but again I covered my costs and had a profitable day. I also met some great new sellers and picked up news of other fairs and events to follow up.

I have two more fairs booked at Felpham in April and May, and I've just added the Assembly Rooms, Chichester to my calendar, in June, September, October and November. I'm taking part in the Worthing Open Houses event this year too, which takes place over three weekends in June/July. The Arts in the Courtyard fairs are on in June, July and August, and I've booked a space at Crafts at Lancing College for the last weekend of October. It's all getting very busy!

I've added all the above plus a few more to the events calendar on the right, so keep an eye on it and maybe I'll get to meet you at one of the events.

Wedding Bags Unveiled!

As promised here is a photo of my first two wedding bag designs - one is an elegant ivory silk and lace bridal bag, the other is a pretty little satin and lace dolly bag, perfect for brides or bridesmaids. Both are now available from my CiesseTextiles shop on Folksy and also as custom orders if you'd like them in different colours or fabrics.

I'd love to hear what you think of them.

Little Wedding Bags

'Tis the wedding season soon, so perfect timing for my next project - little wedding bags. I have a few designs in mind and will be putting together some samples over the next week or so. These little bags will be just right for brides or bridesmaids to keep their little essentials in and will be the perfect finishing touch for that big day. Keep watching for the grand unveiling (sorry, no pun intended!).