A quick thought

Quite a lot has been going on in my life lately. After the upset of my friend  being diagnosed with breast cancer ,and her ongoing treatment ,which is all good T.G. I had a biopsy myself about a week ago. It involved a mark on my face which was growing slowly .I am now awaiting results so hopefully all is well!
Apart from that I am still kept busy with my alteration business (Nips &Tucks) and also my crafts which I love making ,particularly my Christmas decorations that I'm working on at the moment.
As this a new laptop I'm working on, I have not had time to upload my latest pictures of my crafts, so bear with me on this issue. Bye for now!

Life Changes

The past month life has not been good ,in fact getting a kick in the "butt" would describe it perfectly!
My best friend ,since my late teens,was diagnosed with the dreaded "Breast Cancer".Total shock not just to me and her family but more importantly ,to herself. It's like time has stood still yet gone so fast. Looking on the good side ,it was a small tumor and has been removed successfully,but she now has to face 8 sessions of "kemo" as we call it, and more treatment to follow. Dr say she will be ok ,but what amazes me is how your life can change so quickly, in the blink of an eye !
Such a true saying " Your health is your wealth "

Simple Change to Sleeves

Making a simple change to this dress. Cut the sleeves to elbow length and then gather the fabric at the centre sides of each sleeve,  sew a couple of nice buttons on and now you have changed the whole look of your dress (for the better)

Piece of left over fabric

After altering this lovely bridsmaids dress into a knee length dress I had enough fabric over to make a matching clutch bag . The bag has an inside pocket and magnetic snap closure.

Another satisified customer ! 

I cannot believe it's been over 4 weeks since I last posted.Where does the time go? Lots of alterations of bridesmaids and communion dresses has put my crafts on the "back burner" for a while but I'm starting to catch up now. The craft fairs are beginning now so my baby blankets and booties are selling well.
Apart from this football has taken over and I must say I'm looking forward to watching  the Ireland and Poland match Sunday.Whether they win or not lets just enjoy the game!

Fair in lucan

The last weekend in April was a busy one for me.I was exhibiting some of my crafts at "Art Attacks" in Balgaddy ,Lucan. An Art and Crafts fair helping to support the local senior school.Altogether about 45 artists and crafters were there and what a great bunch they were !So enjoyable and helpful and of course I spent most of my earnings on lovely goodies for my home.Don't you think it's great to treat yourself once in a while from your own earnings ?
A little taster of my crafts.

Two of my Quilts along with my Baby Flannel Blankets and of course my lovely booties.

Although not too much footfall those who were there bought quite a few paintings and crafts. Most enjoyable.

http://www.facebook.com/valeries.crafts

From Fabric to Apron

This was a piece of fabric I bought  last November, "Skulls and Roses" I call it. And I love it!  Every time I looked at it I kept wondering just what to make so as you can see it's now a lovely apron. Trimmed in red cotton with pocket and frill around the bottom. I guess you certainly would be noticed cooking in the kitchen with this apron!!!!!!!!

Take a look at it on my facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/valeries.crafts

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/NTE1Nzg0MXwyNTI0MjU4MjEz/spring-in-the-country

This is my painting of Country Cottage that was listed in the Etsy treasury above if you would like to view
Thanks Ale for including it .

Vintage dress restyled

This lovely simple  vintage dress bought in Dublin. A request,from a lady for her second marriage, to change this dress befitting for a bride. The fabric was so beautiful ,delicate,light and simple.
As you can see the neckline was typically vintage, as was the sleeve style.

Adding a satin waistband with a decorative embellishment fitted to the front changed the style greatly,but something was missing!!!!!!!!!!! Yes an underskirt to fill the skirt,now it was complete.

Can't wait to see this lovely lady all dressed up on her wedding day.
It was a pleasure restyling her dress.

Pretty Flower Girl

This lovely "flower girl" dress I restyled to fit pretty Kieri .The bows and headband matched the bridesmaid dresses.Kieri was flower girl to her mam and her brother was pageboy.     What a handsome pair they make!

Easter Chicks Flannel Blanket

This is my newest flannel baby blanket,so pretty in reality trimmed across the top in lemon with a lemon heart sewn under my "Angel" label.
Slightly stronger in colour than the picture shows. Reverse side in white flannel fabric. So soft and cosy for baby.

I love making these baby blankets and  bibs to match.

 I have also decided on making matching baby booties !
What do you think?

This is a commission painting of mine, painted for a very good friend and I have just realised prints of the same have been selling on an Internet site in China in varies sizes.  So much for "copyright" laws,how on earth do you do anything about this scam?
Has this happened to anyone else? I would be delighted to hear feedback of what you can do about it.! And also what on earth do you say to your client?

Baby Fabric

HI all , just thought I would like to show you some of my new baby fabrics which have arrived.

Won't they make lovely blankets,all flannel with plain flannel backing and large enough to fit a cot/crib.

Keeping in touch!

Hi all, I seem to be getting very lazy posting on my blog. I worked so hard coming up to Christmas with alterations and crafts,selling at markets etc. Maybe I needed the break! But I have been busy in my workshop lots of alterations including altering a lovely vintage wedding dress and also (for a different customer) a pretty flower girls dress. Obviously I cannot show you the photos yet but I will in the coming weeks! By the way I would love to see some of your work!
Bye for now.

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

Well here we are the first day of the new year! just where does time go,one minute you're working hard getting ready for craft fairs ,selling your goods along with sewing for your customers and the next minute it's all over and beginning a new year just to start all over again. Is it just me or does anyone else feel the same?
Not that I'm complaining about having plenty of work! 
This year I found quite a lot more people are buying homemade crafts and asking about the work and style.
Here's hoping we will see more and more talented crafter's emerging and quality work sold .
Regards