Misi Monday

Today my theme is going to be birds..................with the cold weather that we are having it is so important for us to continue to put out food and water for our garden visitors.

How pretty are these handpainted bird boxes by Claire Briggs, sure to brighten up any garden.

I thought this Amigurumi snowy owl by Cutedesigns, would feel right at home at the moment.

These recycled Mr & Mrs Bird gift tags, by SwirlyArts, would be so handy to keep in your gift drawer and so original!

Owls are one of my favourite birds, so I love these earrings by the Hairy Growler. Can you guess what they are made from? A spoon!

This pillow with a puffin by ArtbyMimi, is handpainted and would look lovely in any room.

The joy of reading!

In between crafting I love to read. I always have a book on the go, sometimes having more time to read then others! My favourite books are those that have a mystery or twist in the plot and nothing too soppy.










However, I love to try new authors as well and some books that I have enjoyed over the last year have come from the Richard & Judy book club lists. Ones I can recommend are:-


"No Time for Goodbye" by Linwood Barclay



"The Memory Keeper's Daughter" by Kim Edwards



The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

I am also very lucky to work with two colleagues who also enjoy reading and we pass on books between each other. I was introduced to my current read this way which is "Girl Missing" by Tess Gerritson, a thriller writer.






As a book reader you are always looking for something to mark your page and what better way then a lovely bookmark. Yesterday, I made these, which are now available in my shops.



It would be an ideal Valentines Present for the Book Lover!!

Folksy Friday

I have been browsing the wonderful Folksy site and I have choosen some lovely items today to show you, with the theme - Orange. I thought looking at some warm colours would cheer us up in our snowy conditions.

This is a lovely orange and feather fascinator, by Tiaras and Flowers. Take a look through her shop for some wonderful headwear when you don't want a hat!

This overnight bag made by Pidgeon Stitch, would be ideal to put in the car with some items incase you are caught out in the snow!

and something to pop in the bag is this Orange Heart Felted Soap by the Rainbow Room, it is a natural and handmade goats milk soap with a blend of cinnamon and orange essential oils. Then handfelted in a blend of Merino wool and silk. Very pretty and practical!

and for something a little bit different, how about these little orange ninja earrings, by Lilleys. Take a look at her shop for lots of other little ninjas!

and finally I would like to be able to send these to all my blog followers! Can you guess what these Eco Daisies by hmsdesign are made of? Plastic carrier bags!! Beautiful and everlasting.

Advertising Prize

I have been lucky enough to win a feature and a months free advertising on the wonderful blog Haptree and me.

It couldn't have been better timing as I want to focus on my online sales this year through my own website and my stores on the two handmade craft sites of Folksy and Misi.

My plans are to update my stores with lots of new items during the coming weeks, offering a variety of jewellery, bookmarks, bag charms and watches. I will also be focusing on making items for Valentines Day and Mothers Day which fall in the next couple of months.

As well as a great blog to follow, Haptree and me also has a shop on Folksy. Here is a couple of my favourite items, this jewellery kit , I love the giraffes image on this one................

or how about this small purse, I love the russian dolls design.

If you would like the chance to be as lucky as me and win a months free advertising. How can you say no to that offer? Then pop over to Haptree and me's blog now and enter for next month.

It belongs to Turtle - blog

IT BELONGS TO TURTLE

Let me introduce you to turtle, who loves to look at things and when he finds something good he likes to blog about it.

"Sunny Weather" is his first feature and you can read it here.

Turtle, is a very friendly little guy and loves to make friends with everyone. He would love to tell you what he has been up to, so if you don't want to miss out on his adventures, pop over here and follow him now.

Misi Monday returns

In an effort to promote other crafters this year, as well as my Folksy Friday feature, I am also reintroducing Misi Monday. I hope by picking different themes each week I will be able to pick a wide range of sellers for you to meet.

My theme today is going to be cats!

I love this drawing, by Merlin57, the eyes certainly hold your attention.............

and how about this bag for my fellow knitting crafters......... from Roseland bags.................

then I spotted these lovely finger puppets by With Hugs and Kisses, sure to keep a little one happy for a while!

and finally how cute are these Stray Cats by More Cake Designs.

.........this has recently been listed since I did the blog for today, but I thought is was so cute for a little girl I had to mention it also. It is a reversable pinafore dress by Heathers Treasures.

Bag Giveaway

If you weren't lucky enough to get a bag in your Christmas stocking, here is your chance to win this lovely one.




To be honest I don't know why I am telling you, as it is in my favourite colours, so I love it!


If you would like the chance to win like me, then pop over to sugarmouse's blog and enter.

Good Luck everyone!