Confessions of a crafty mummy

So close.....

2012-01-08T06:06:00.000-08:00

....but still so far a cliche I know! But it really sums up how I'm feeling right now. This shop business is a uphill struggle! I still haven't found out if I'm going to get the shop, my offer was accepted but that still depends on the references. Which the bank for one said they didn't do! Cue 6 hours over 2 days spend in the bank arguing that they do do it, its on their website that they do and their own customer service tells me they do! And all this wasted time means someone else might get in there with a better offer and nab it first! Grrr.

On a happier note, the money for the deposit has almost been raised! Just another £250 to go and we are there!!! Wooohooo! Im getting all excited and making a list (and checking it twice... not quite out of Christmas mode yet!) of who I would like to stock in the shop, taking into consideration that they might not want to join in the fun so I'm making it HUGE so there will be enough. The local press is also interested and I've barely begun!

Please keep your fingers crossed for me, hopefully I'll find out this week.

In the meantime there's still a little money to be saved and all purchases go towards the deposit fund, and I'm having a clear out of crafty bits I no longer use, most have never left the packets so the other half is happy its finally leaving the house, so here's some links that may be of interest ;)

http://onestoppampershop.co.uk/ of course! There is still a sale on until tomorrow.

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150341162324366.343848.281890569365&type=1 Lots of vintage crockery thats just waiting to be filled with candles and sent off to a new home

And a whole heap of destash thats just crying to be loved! http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150205309694366.310180.281890569365&type=1

Maryann xx

New year, new opportunities

2012-01-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and a immensely fun new years eve? With new year comes new hope and new opportunities. This year I'm hoping I will have the opportunity to open a gorgeous little high street shop! I've made a offer and its been accepted. All I've to do now is get the deposit together - yes I know that should have come first, but hey, I'm not known for being organized lol.

And decide exactly what I would like to put in this shop, I am rather keen on the phrase "bringing handmade to the high street" and that exactly what I would like to do, a unique collection of products you just can't buy anywhere else. As well as being a working craft shop with workshops and guest classes.

But I can't make everything myself can I? And I know alot of you are crafters. So... how about....

Renting shelves! I'm not entirely sure of the hows whats and whys?

What would you expect to pay for it?

Would you expect to pay commission on sold items as well?

Would you prefer sale or return?

Would you be interested in the first place?

Would it be ethical of me to be selective?

Im sure theres alot more im going to ask, but I’d really appreciate it if you would help me bash out some ideas here?

SALE! SALE! SALE! SALE!

2011-12-30T02:59:00.000-08:00

SALE NOW ON at One Stop Pamper Shop
Orders will be despatched after the 5th January
Offers ends when its all run out! Which may be very quickly at this rate!
Hope you have had a Happy Christmas, have a Happy New Year and all your dreams come true in 2012
Maryann
http://www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-22T03:57:00.000-08:00

Well this year has yet again been full of ups and downs, but for a change there has been so many more ups! Early January I wrote a list of my goals for this year, and somehow I have managed to realise each and every one of them! This is a first for me, normally at this time of year im thinking thank god thats over, this time im looking forward to what 2012 is going to bring!

If you had told me this time last year that by next Christmas I would have my own shop, the website would be going fantastically, I would be living in a new house, the children would be loving their new schools and we would be happier than we had been for a long time, I would have thought you mad!

And that has been down to some very special friends and family and also my wonderful customers.

I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas and that 2012 brings you all you deserve and more.

Maryann xx

December Newsletter

2011-12-03T04:20:00.001-08:00

Can you believe it, just 21 days until Christmas!! Just where did this year go? There has been so many changes here at the pamper shop and all of them brilliant ones! I hope the year has been just as good for you? As always I will not be closing the website for Christmas, but there is a last order date for guaranteed Christmas delivery.

You may of course still order after that but orders may be slower going out while I catch up and maybe have a cheeky little rest!

While your shopping don't forget to check out the new and special offer pages, there are some fab presents and discounts available! I hope you have a fab weekend.

Maryann xx
http://www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

September Newsletter

2011-09-14T02:16:00.000-07:00

I hope you are all well on this morning? I forgot it was September, dressed for summer and now slightly chilly, seeing as I left my duvet at home do you think it would be acceptable to go cuddle one of the lovely woolly sheep over on the farm? hehe

I have been working hard the last few weeks, thinking up new goodies for you to try, sourcing new candle holders and finding some gorgeous bath products to add to the collection.

The Christmas shop is now open - early I know but lots were asking when they could start their shopping and I aim to please.

And of course there is the weekly specials still running.

If I have done this newsletter right you should be seeing pretty pictures this time! If your not please give me a shout so I can try again next time - html is not my thing!

I hope you all enjoy the rest of your week

Maryann xx

www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

For those of you that Don't subscribe to the newsletter...

2011-06-07T06:10:00.000-07:00

Hi! I hope this email finds you all well and hopefully enjoying the sunshine? Of course the sun is shining here seeing as its not my day off, That was yesterday and it absolutely tipped it down!

Well its the start of another week at One Stop HQ, which means only one thing - The new weekly specials are out! This week there is 20% off some of our vintage tea cup candles, The large Marshmallow fluff is reduced to £5 for this week only and theres 2 other special offer that I will let you discover for yourselves.

And of course I don't think I have told you about the new candles I have on the site? There is personalised wedding candles, New baby candles and a fantastic fathers day candle. As always though all of these can be changed and adapted to whatever you would like.

I hope you all enjoy the rest of the week.
Maryann xx

www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

Hanging lavender bird kit.

2011-05-22T07:17:00.000-07:00

We was sent this kit by Claire Mackaness from Beautiful things,

I thought it was quite fun making the bird even though I got stuck and needed help on some bits! My Mum helped me when I got stuck. I hand sewed it and it was very tricky trying to get the stitches as small as possible but my Mum helped and I got there in the end. The lavender went all over the work-top when I was trying to get it into the small hole. I found it hard closing the hole up and pinning the ribbon in the right place. But it was all good fun! And now mums shop smells of lavender, I think I would have preferred a different smell. All the steps were very easy to follow, I would like to do more of these kits because I thought it was great fun.

Blog by Amy aged 10, Photos by Mum.

You can view all of Claires beautiful things here http://www.folksy.com/shops/artyfartymack

Newsletter - 17/5/11

2011-05-17T04:52:00.001-07:00

What more could you want? This month there is far too many new things to list here so im afraid you are just going to have to pop over and take a look! I am especially pleased about the vintage crockery range thats now online, How gorgeous are they? There is only 1 of most items so if you want one, grab it quick. http://onestoppampershop.co.uk/index.php?main_page=products_new

There is 2 new scents - Lemonade - A gorgeous fantastic scent that I absolutely love!! And Summer holiday, So pretty and fresh, Perfect for the season.

And of course there is this weeks special offers! I think there is a nice mix there! http://onestoppampershop.co.uk/index.php?main_page=specials

If your local why not pop in and see me in the shop? 53, Barleylands Craft Village, Billericay, Essex, CM11 2UD

I hope your all having a great week,

Speak soon
Maryann xx

www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

Candle making classes

2011-05-08T05:13:00.000-07:00

The latest newsletter

2011-04-25T13:24:00.000-07:00

Hi, I hope this newsletter finds you well?

Some of you might have seen the build up to the shop opening, Saturday we finally did it! I now have my own little space where I can indulge in my creativity and customers can come browse, it really has been fantastic and im already in love with it! I can't imagine spending my days anywhere else now! I has given me a new lease of creativity and im coming up with lots of new ideas, Some can already be seen on the website, Some have been planned for months but I've not had the space to make them, well now I do. New things so far - http://onestoppampershop.co.uk/index.php?main_page=products_new

More items on the website.

I have also extended the shop opening offer to the website as well, so for every £10 you spend I will automatically send you a free gift in your parcel.

Please do let me know what you think of the new candles!

Have a great week,
Maryann
www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

Opening day.

2011-04-23T12:41:00.000-07:00

Well it went........ Wonderfully! I will just post a few photo's for now, Its been a rather long day and im incredibly achey.

Please excuse the blurring, I think everyone was rather excited!

Quick update

2011-04-21T11:14:00.000-07:00

Just a couple more photo's now there is some furniture in there, Just 2 sleeps to go and im so excited!!! yet still a little on the nervous side. Just the finishing touches to be done tomorrow and its all ready for customers!

More progress!

2011-04-18T09:04:00.000-07:00

We started moving the shelving and stock into the shop today! I won't waffle on, just put the photo's up

My army of helpers! You didn't think I could do it all by myself? Although im not to sure the smallest was actually helping, There was a search for missing screws shortly after I took this photo.

I know its still early days, But I wanted to see what the shelves look like with stock on. Impatient? Me? Never! lol

Shop progress

2011-04-17T13:33:00.000-07:00

This week has been manic, frantically getting all the bits and pieces together, loose ends tied up and stock ready! I really can't believe it is happening! Never in a million years would I have thought I would end up with a shop, let alone one in such a fantastic location. I now have the keys in my hands,

the basic stock is made

Some new candles - All my other half's idea, He thinks black will sell well so lets give it a go!

And most importantly! There is new coffee cups!!!

Now all I have to do is get all the furniture to she shop, paint it, arrange it and put all the stock on - Oh and learn to use the till!

Shop photos!

2011-04-08T10:13:00.000-07:00

Ok this is never going to be the most exciting post of the century, but it is to me! The contract is signed and I have almost got the keys in my hands, and many many plans in my head! Ok so I must stop drinking coffee and calm down! For the moment I am just going to make the best of what is there, move in and decorate properly later, as you can see the space is perfectly usable as it is and lovely and bright - you cant see that from the photo's, they were taken on my phone so you will just have to take my word for that one. I would post pictures of me jumping up and down with excitement, but I fear that would just be too much for you and would have you reaching for the eye bleach, instead here is some pictures of my blank canvas!

A shop!

2011-04-02T04:07:00.000-07:00

I have been given the chance to open my own little shop in a very prominent craft village, I have been trying to get into this place for the last 4 years, Now suddenly I have the chance. You cannot believe how pleased I am!

But, There is always a but isnt there! As this has come out of the blue there is no money put by for the deposit! Oops!

So, with this in mind I am having a flash sale 15% using code - SHOP One Stop Pamper Shop

Please share this as much as you can, I am determined to make this happen!

Loulou!

2011-03-31T06:16:00.000-07:00

The Lovely Loulou from loulou's Luxuries is here to say hello!

Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.

I'm Lou Lou (Kerry to those in the know) and by day I work in a fabulous boutique making people look and feel gorgeous and by night (and weekend and every waking spare moment!) I make beautiful pieces of handmade jewellery with a vintage touch. I live in South West London with my wonderful boyfriend who is letting me gradually turn the flat purple and pink with flowers!

What made you start?

I've always loved making things, my mum has countless cross stitches, pillow covers, plaster casts and bracelets that I've made since I could tie a knot but I never thought I'd do anything remotely crafty in the future. It wasn't until last year when I had some time off from the day job and started playing around with beads and vintage bits and bobs. Low and behold...a couple of months later Lou Lou's Luxuries was born! And she's here to stay (I hope!).

Do you consider yourself/the business a sucess? Why is that?

I do consider myself a success! (someone has to! haha) I've not been doing this a long time but I'm extremely pleased with how popular Lou Lou's Luxuries has become and hope to see it continue to grow! Come and see me in another year and let's see what I have to say then!!

What do you want your business to grow into?

I would love (love love love) to see Lou Lou's Luxuries in a 'real' shop! Maybe a quaint little shop near a park with beautifully decorated windows and a little section behind the till where I could make custom orders. It's all a pipe dream at the moment but still something I'd love for the future. There is also a cunning little plan in the making for some truly luxurious items...watch out for what might be called...The Opulence Range!

Is this what you thought you would be doing when you left school, What were your dreams?

Definitely not! That wasn't the answer you were expecting was it? But no way, not in a million years! I was meant to go to uni, study for a degree in forensics and anthropology and then go from there. But I am so glad that I'm where I am now instead of still slogging away for that degree. I am loving my creative side for the first time since I was a toddler and couldn't be happier :)

Do you prefer handmade or high street? What are you favourite shops?

I definitely prefer handmade and make the effort to shop handmade whenever I can. There is something so special about knowing that something has been made lovingly especially for you. Favourite handmade shops include the fabulous Cards and Candles for All Occasions - Laura is amazing and card craft adn I go to her for almost all my card needs. The amazingly gorgeous smellies from One Stop Pamper Shop - such delicious smells cannot be bought on the High Street! And the absolutely beautiful Girly Bunches and Cupcake JoJo who have helped me to decorate my home!

Links: Cardsandcandlesforalloccassions: http://www.cardsandcandlesforalloccasions.co.uk/

Onestop I think you know http://www.onestoppampershop.co.uk

Girlybunches: http://www.folksy.com/shops/girlybunches

cupcakejojo: http://www.etsy.com/shop/cupcakejojo

Whats you idea of a perfect sunday?

A perfect Sunday doesn't start until about 11:30am. That's about the time to move from bed onto the sofa and await a delicious bacon sandwich from the other half, followed by a gallon of coffee and and film snuggled up in front of the telly. Squeeze in a bit of crafting and then a Sunday roast and that's the day sorted! Oooh and if there could be some sunshine and the scent of fresh cut grass coming in through the window then that's a bonus.

Loulou's luxuries is currently offering 10% off to our readers when the quote onestoppamper in the paypal checkout - This will be refunded.

Thanks very much Kerry!

Booties by Dannie interview.

2011-03-27T07:24:00.000-07:00

What made you start the business?
I started by making baby booties for my son when he was little and I had friends who asked if I could make things for them as well.

Do you consider yourself/the business a success? Why is that?
I do, although I feel that I still have lots to do. I feel successful because I have a fan base & returning customers. I am growing from month to month and moving from strength to strength.

What do you want your business to grow into?
I would love my business to grow large enough to allow me a full time income. I know that I am limited on how large I can get considering my craft but I know that it is obtainable.

Is this what you thought you would be doing when you left school, What were your dreams?
I wasn't sure what I wanted to do when I left school so I couldn't really say. I'm sure that with my background that something creative was always inevitable!

Do you prefer handmade or high street? What are you favourite shops?
I prefer handmade when I can afford it. I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into handmade but that can also make things more expensive. I think my favourite place to shop is TK Maxx. I love looking for a bargain and you never know what you will find when you turn up.

If money was no object, What item would you buy "just because you can"?
I've always wanted an original VW Beetle. It would have to be British racing green with tan interior. On a grander scale I would love a large (5 bedroom) house, on a lake with a boat house, somewhere in New England, USA.

Whats your "secret vice"?
Shoe, oh for the love of god, SHOES!!!! I think that my husband is grateful I wear a size 9 so that greatly limits me in most high street shops.

And finally, Whats you idea of a perfect Sunday?
Hmmmm....I think a perfect Sunday would be spent down the pub with my husband and friends, eating lunch, having a few beers while watching football all afternoon - child free of course!

Many thanks to Dannie for sharing with us! I wish you every success with http://bootiesbydannie.com/

And the winner is.....

2011-03-25T09:42:00.000-07:00

Comment number 7! superluckydi

Congratulations! Please send your name and address to contact@onestoppampershop.co.uk and I will pass them onto Helen.

Thanks to everyone for taking part!

Sarah from S L Jewellery & Accesories stops by to say hi!

2011-03-25T05:44:00.000-07:00

Hello. I'm Sarah the busy hands behind S L Jewellery & Accessories.
I have always had a passion for crafts and a desire to be my own boss
with my own empire but have never quite had the confidence to take the
next step. When I was pregnant with my little boy the desire and
passion began to grow. After my gorgeous little boy was born it seemed
to give me the confidence boost I needed to start the ball rolling. I
wanted to make my little man and my family proud.

What would be a normal day for you?

A day in my life is quite chaotic most of the time. My day usually
starts around 5.00am with my little boy. He is at the wonderful age of
2 and doesn’t sit still for a minute. Throughout the day it seems to
be a mix of quality time with him, the glory of household chores and
as much admin as I can squeeze in usually writing blog posts, updating
the website, contacting supplies or businesses that I can work with.

Once my little boy is tucked up in bed …. the creativity begins! This
is where the toy scattered rooms become a showcase of all things
sparkly!
I love all parts of of my job so much so it feels strange calling it a
'job' I think the most rewarding part has to be the customers and the
wonderful feedback you receive when they finally get to meet the
unique hand-crafted item you have talked about!
Obviously working with sparkly things its pretty fab too!!

What inspires you?

Inspiration is never hard to find it comes from people, places almost
anything. I'm lucky that I have so many wonderful people in my life
and I live in a beautiful place so I never really have to look far for
inspiration.

How do you juggle a family and work at the same time?

Mixing work and family life is one of the most difficult yet rewarding
parts. Waking at 5.00am and having a day with a 2 year old can leave
me too exhausted to work late into the night. I think the key is not
to put too much pressure on yourself (I should take my own advice) and
just make sure that you manage the time you do have well.
If perhaps you don't get everything done don't be hard on yourself
just look at all the things you have managed to get done.

I am very fortunate to have an Iphone so between building towers and
painting with my little one I can check emails and reply. It helps so
much not leaving it all build up to the evening.

Whats new at SL?
Don't tell anyone i told you because they haven't quite launched on
the site yet but we have created a beautiful selection of bridal
bouquets which are an amazing alternative to flowers.
Here is a sneak preview

And lastly, how can we find you?

Please come and say hi on twitter http://twitter.com/S_L_Jewellery

facebook http://www.facebook.com/pages/S-L-Jewellery-and-Accessories/94160226703

or on my website www.sljewelleryandaccessories.co.uk

The charity candle

2011-03-24T13:36:00.000-07:00

We have just launched our charity candle, it is great to be in a position to (hopefully) help out others less fortunate, and little Ella's story touched me. There must be so many more babies out there that this treatment could help. So 50% of all sales will go to www.therosiecampaign.org.uk towards there 7 million target for a new extension and equipment which will include 2 new cooling sets.

Here is a couple of photo's of the candle, The pictures link to the sale page where you can read the full story.

You can also find out more about this great cause here http://www.therosiecampaign.org.uk/ and here http://www.facebook.com/pages/Ellas-Journey-to-Raise-Awareness/195746520444790

From the Wilde, A interview & Chance to win a Poppy Treffry tea towel.

2011-03-21T01:34:00.000-07:00

Competition now closed.

The lovely Helen has agreed to be my first guinea pig.... ahem... I mean interviewee! I hope you all enjoy finding out a little bit about her and her wonderful emporium.

Tell us a bit about who you are and what you do.
My name is Helen Wilde, I live with my husband, a Beagle called Bunty and a house Rabbit called Pan in a little Derbyshire village, I launched the online emporium www.fromthewilde.com in July 2010.

What made you start? Until 'From the Wilde' was born last July I was working for Europes largest art publishing house as a fine art dealer and running one of their galleries. After a rather nasty health scare at the start of last year I decided that I needed to move out of the city and go back to the countryside that I've always loved. I hung up the suit, bought some wellies, got married, bought a dog and created 'From the Wilde' - I've always been passionate about contemporary design and British craft, I have a Ceramics degree and had always wanted my own gallery.

Do you consider yourself/the business a sucess? Why is that? Having not been in business for a full year yet I consider everyday a success! whether it be a new follower on facebook, a magazine feature or a new client.

What do you want your business to grow into? a beautiful online emporium of handmade quality products, I don't want to create a mass market of hundreds of artists or be a jack of all trades!

Is this what you thought you would be doing when you left school, What were your dreams? I always knew it would be something craft/design led - I gave up a place at Oxford University to do a pottery course!

Do you prefer handmade or high street? What are you favourite shops? Always handmade, I actually prefer antique/vintage products to new - our house is over 200 years old and i can never resist a good antiques market! (or skip to that matter) I believe in spending money on quality products and looking after them!

Whats your "secret vice"? I most certainly have a penchant for 'Mulberry' handbags (If my husband asks - they were in the sale... honest - ;) and don't laugh.. seeds! I love growing my own veg, fruit and flowers - I have drawers full of seeds!

One thing you wouldn't tell your parents? a very long time ago I was lucky enough to live in St Ives and whilst there i was arrested for skinny dipping... O the shame!

Helen is offering our readers the chance to win a Poppy Treffry tea towel Simply comment on this post and tell us what you love best about From the Wilde. A winner will be selected at random on 25/3/2011

And for those of you that either don't win or can't wait till then, Helen is giving our readers 15% off with the code 2222

Time to kick start this blog!

2011-03-20T10:09:00.000-07:00

This poor blog has been neglected for such a long time, Starting from tomorrow we are going to publish a series of interviews with Crafts/Small business people. We may even have some fabulous offers for our readers!

I hope you will keep a eye out for the first interview with Helen Wilde of www.fromthewilde.com

I know! I know!

2011-01-23T05:15:00.000-08:00

There hasn't been a blog post from me in nearly 2 months! Ooops!

But I do have my excuses - It was Christmas and I was so exceptionally busy, I was absolutely overwhelmed with orders, not that im complaining, That was fantastic!! Then I was dying of toothache, ok maybe not dying but it certainly felt pretty bad.

And then I was creating the valentines range & Im starting a photography course next week. Phew... I think that's everything. Is that enough excuses for not blogging? Maybe if I promise to do better will that be enough? lol

Well, Fingers crossed I will be back tomorrow with some big news!

Have a great day x

Offer of the week & lots of new things!

2010-11-08T11:16:00.000-08:00

Hi there, I hope your all keeping well, Nice and dry? Although I suppose that's not easy with all the rain we are having! Its just as well I have lots of yummy things to enjoy while yours cosying up at home.

I have just added another 20 scents to the candle ranges, A whole new bath and body range - Who doesn't like a relaxing bath and massage?

And this weeks special offer is 10% off the entire shop to make it all a little easier on the pocket, Just use code "presents" at the checkout.

All this makes it a fantastic time to go shopping for all your Christmas goodies

And don't forget our create your own gift sets - With the addition of one of our packaging options you can fill your own gift boxes, Take a look here for more information.

Have a great week!

Maryann x

Folksy Buy & Replace!

2010-10-12T13:40:00.000-07:00

Now closed! But please pop over to its new home and join in there! http://craft-carousel.blogspot.com/

Its treasury time! Over on etsy they have buy replace treasuries, Well we may not have actual treasuries on folksy but that doesn't mean we cant have a buy and replace!

Heres how it works - Buy any item from a featured shop and then you will replace it in the treasury with a item from your shop. You don't have to buy the featured item shown here, just something from one of the featured shops. If you buy something let me know and tell me which of your products you would like in its place, And if your not a seller and want to join in? Well why not nominate one of your favourite shops!

Im going to run this for a week and see how it goes!

Feel free to tell people about this, Tweet, Facebook.....

Sales so far - 35

A bit of exploring!

2010-10-12T11:34:00.000-07:00

Ive been so busy lately I think family time has dwindled a little, So yesterday I took the day off! We pulled on our wellies and went exploring! Well the beach is a new experience for a littley!

So we went and we discovered water!

And almost discovered how wet it is!

We discovered sand

And seaweed, Yuk!

Its nice to stop and just enjoy the simple things sometimes don't you think?

IT'S CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!

2010-10-09T10:55:00.000-07:00

Well not quite, But the Christmas range is here at last!

We have beautiful gifts!

We have sparkling snowballs smelling of fresh snow - Or melts smelling of peppermint and vanilla to you non believers

We have tin candles with magical embeds of candy canes and reefs.

Mince Pies

And much more to come in the next few days!

10% off for life????

2010-10-08T03:13:00.000-07:00

Surely this is too good to be true? You cant have something for nothing right?

Wrong!

Most people haven't noticed our loyalty scheme, Or not quite sure how it works - So here it is!

You place your first order and I send you a code that if used within 30 days of me sending you your goodies gives you 10% off your next order, with your next order I send you another code and so on...

In effect giving you 10% off for life if you order once every 30 days.

Just a little thank you for being great customers, And because I can!

I hope you have a great weekend

Maryann xx

A spontaneous sale!!!

2010-09-06T11:39:00.001-07:00

10% off all bath products for the next 24 hours!

Just because I can! Just click the photo to be transported straight there!

I need your help!

2010-08-13T02:16:00.000-07:00

I have just entered the wall's bring it on Britain competition.

Its to win £5000 to put towards my dream - Which is to make even more candles so you would benefit too!

Please please go over and vote for me and ask your friends to as well! http://apps.facebook.com/bringitonbritain/dream/details/id/261

How stunning are these?

2010-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

My favorites from todays A-Team listings
Click the photos to go direct to the shops

Steampunk Bracelet/Cuff "Sacred Scarab"

Nostalgic love Original photograph

Swirl pendant

Some fab items for the first day of listing don't you think?

The "A" Team

2010-08-01T00:51:00.000-07:00

No not quite the one your thinking of! The August Folksy listing team is called the A team too.

They list a item a day for a month and it proved to have quite fantastic results last month with a total of 1007 sales between them - Fantastic stuff!

So I figured this month I would join in and give it a go too, Well I've got nothing to loose.

There hasn't been many listings yet - its still early. So I'll come back later and show you my favourites. Untill then here is my effort for today -

No more take-aways!

2010-07-31T12:13:00.000-07:00

I have just sat down to eat my 4th takeaway - Not this month but this WEEK! How bad is that?

I have managed Pizza twice, 1 Indian and 1 Chinese.

I think I need some specialist help! Not of the kind you are thinking, I need help doing the weekly shop.

There are reasons behind this take-away madness. Can you imagine taking 5 fighting, screaming and running off kids into the supermarkets? Even the thought of that brings me out in a cold sweat!

But this is having a effect on my overall health, Most noticeably my skin, I look like I have the pox. So it does have to stop, So I am banning myself from take-away for a entire month, Ok so I will be trying to fall off the wagon by this time next week - Please kick my backside if I even so much as mention anything that isnt healthy.

Any tips on surviving the supermarket are most appreciated. And I need to start cooking proper, Healthy family meals again, So send in your suggestions and I will blog how we get on!

You never know I might even loose some weight this month too - Miracles might happen!

And the winner is....

2010-07-30T12:06:00.000-07:00

Number 19 - MissBohemia Congratulations!!! Please email me your address and I'll get them sent out in the morning for you.

Thanks to everyone for entering

Folksy Friday - Girly Girl

2010-07-30T01:41:00.000-07:00

Because girls should be girls and boys should be boys! I would love to own any one of these dresses, they are all gorgeous!

Wedding Wednesday

2010-07-28T09:24:00.000-07:00

So it's the summer holidays and I'm being driven so mad by the I'm bored/Mum what can we do/So and so just hit me stuff, that I'm loosing my blogging creativity.

So I figured seeing as its #weddingwednesday over on twitter I would highlight some of the wedding candles we do and what we can do with them.

We started off with the regular table candles which are available in any colour and any scent you like.

And we have the jar candles, Now it stuck me that brides wanted some kind of present and memento to give to their bridesmaids, So why not combine the two. We can personalise the labels on any of our jar candles with your own message.

And I'm working on some brand new idea's for favours today so watch this space!

Not always a next time.....

2010-07-26T02:00:00.000-07:00

Take your moments when you can.

Don't regret - Learn from it.

Don't be sorry - It's done.

If you can change it - Do it NOW.

Be happy and smile about the good times.

Don't say I'll do it tomorrow.

There's not always a next time.

So many chances pass us by and yet we don't stop long enough to see them, We are so often living far too busy lives to stop and smell the roses.

So why not stop chasing rainbows and take a look at the pot of gold right in front of us.

I'm in a slightly sombre mood today, I hope you don't mind me sharing today's thoughts with you too much, I'm going to go share some smiles with the children at the park now. No time like the present right?

First steps - WARNING! cuteness inside.

2010-07-25T02:15:00.000-07:00

First steps already? Wow K has grown up so fast! It seems like barely yesterday we were encouraging her to crawl. And yet yesterday she decided it was time for walking, She had a little go at tweeting too (pulled a few keys off my laptop as well but I can't complain) Who would have guessed a child of mine would be so forward. If she grows up much quicker she will be running my business for me by the end of the week. And all with still nearly a month to go until her first birthday.

Doesn't she look pleased with herself?

So now I have to childproof the house - and properly because this child is into everything!

The Fruits (and vegetables) of my labour

2010-07-24T07:11:00.000-07:00

Well after a rather shaky start we nearly have something worth eating growing in the garden. We so far have

Somewhere around a million tomatoes - I grew these in hanging bags so the dog and little fingers couldn't get them.

1 French bean

2 Courgettes

and a few Peppers

Most that should be ready-ish within the a week. Self sufficient yet? Maybe not lol

So has anyone got any recipes for this lot? But most of all, What on earth do I do with 1 French bean???

Fabricaholic

2010-07-23T00:41:00.000-07:00

I thought this week I would do a Folksy Friday based on my latest addiction - Fabric!

These are just a few of my favourites, I would be here all week listing them all.

Blog giveaway

2010-07-21T08:38:00.000-07:00

Im going to hold a mini giveaway - mini as its only a small prize - but a prize

The prize is a pack of 6 sparkling tea lights in Japanese Cherry Blossom

To enter all you need to do is follow this blog and leave a comment saying which of the products on my website is your favourite.

I will draw the winner using Randomizer at 8pm on 30/07/10

War has broken out!

2010-07-21T04:38:00.000-07:00

The school holidays began at 3pm yesterday and by 3.10 we had mayhem, No the cat is not flushable, Please don't argue over the huge pile of last years school work - It's all going to be "filed" shortly anyway. Oh for god sake no you can't sleep in the garden. And best of all WILL YOU JUST STOP ARGUING!!!! that kind of thing. Sound familiar? Yes? I thought so!

What a daft idea it was to work from home! At least if I had a "real job" then I could escape to the office between the hours of say - 5am till 10pm! Sounds good doesn't it? I could have a couple of weeks off and we could have a lovely holiday somewhere hot where they have childcare. And I wouldn't go bald within the first few hours of the summer holidays!

But alas, I thought this route was better for my children, And I suppose it is, In the long run my hair will grow back and I will hopefully have 5 well balanced and fulfilled children.

But how do I cope until then? Please, Any words of wisdom will be ever so gratefully received.

I have some new goodies to show you!

2010-07-20T12:43:00.000-07:00

I have been working on lots of new things lately - The first is some pretty little tea light candles - Prefect for putting round a bathroom while you have a nice relaxing bubble bath.

And a brand new range of soy candles! A few of you have asked for these to be available - You ask and we do! Please let us know if there is anything else you would love to see available. Im pretty sure theres nothing we can't do!

Lots more things are in the pipeline so keep your eyes peeled.

Hope your all having a great week and the summer holiday's haven't made you pull you hair out already, I think I will be at least partly bald within the week - And they only finished school at 3pm today.

Maryann xx

Sorry for being a bad bad blogger!

2010-07-13T03:35:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in the best part of.... Well ages! I'm sorry - But I'm back again now.

My Grandad passed away last month and to be honest I'm having quite a tough time dealing with it. My parents were useless so my grandparents were my everything. Now they are both gone I feel like I have lost my way in the world. Oh well, I suppose all is well in the world again - they are back together at least.

I have my wonderful partner and my children, But it seems there is something missing right now. They made me who I am today and for that I will always be grateful.

On a chirpier note - I have been so busy even if I had wanted to blog I haven't had time. It seems the word is well and truly out about my candles and that can only be a good thing!

And I have opened a clearance corner on my website I'm ending up with all odd amounts of melts and end of range scents it seems mad to throw them away when you could be getting some use from them. Go take a look and see if you can grab yourself a bargain.

See you again very soon xx

Blog feature

2010-06-26T04:07:00.000-07:00

My yummy goodies have been blogged about over on White Lily Green

A pretty new blog with just one follower, Take a look and show it some love!

Sorry I haven't blogged much lately, I have had alot going on here, Things will be back to normal soon xx

Be lucky

2010-06-11T00:11:00.000-07:00

I seem to have had a little luck this week, So I think im going to try and spread a little around - Its not fair if I keep it all is it?

Eco candles - A poll

2010-06-10T11:04:00.000-07:00

After a few people asking, I have taken the plunge and bought some soy wax to make some soy candles.

Now before I go any further than this and decide how bigger role they will play, I would like some opinions.

Both have their advantages and disadvantages, But what is more important to you? Price, Look, Being "greener" or dont care as long as it smells good?

Please let me know in the comments below!

Edited to add a link for those of you who have requested "educating" Feel free to have a read

The only thing that I can see that this article fails to mention is the fact that paraffin wax is a by-product of petroleum so therefore produced anyway and The impact soy farming is having on rainforests as documented here

Its all about ME!

2010-06-09T02:31:00.000-07:00

I have just discovered this fantastic blog - Lottie Loves and I have decided to join in the Finishing School workshop over there. Now please bear with me because im NEVER this open and honest about myself. Im not sure how long im going to stick with it. But here goes - deep breath!

Weeks 1 - Attitude
The first task is to think about what makes you happy about yourself.

What do I like about me? What makes me happy? Tough question and it did take alot of thought. With 5 kids its not often I get to just think about myself.

I like my eyes, I love the colour, they are a nice shade of green.

I love the fact that im creative, Give anything a go and make beautiful things. I can take a idea and most of the time turn it into reality. I have the best job in the whole world! I can create in my P.J's With the music turned up, having a little dance and there's no one to tell me to stop!

I love the fact that I have not turned into my parents! That's a story for another day.

I like that I can look fantastic if I make a little effort - O.K. so maybe not when im slobbing in my P.J's But it CAN be done.

I love that I have a happy family and that for the most part I make that happen. And I love that my family is proud of me!

I think that's enough soul baring for today - I don't want to make you all feel nauseous!

Bee's Bee's and more Bee's

2010-06-04T00:42:00.000-07:00

I am absolutely petrified of Bee's! Ever since I sat on one.
But they have decided to move in anyway - They have made their home in the wall outside my front door. So I can either get used to them or knock the house down so it seems! So in light of this I have decided to dedicate this weeks Folksy Friday too the Bee's

My latest creation

2010-05-28T12:16:00.000-07:00

Modelled on a rather grubby baby at the end of a long day of playing.

Folksy friday

2010-05-28T02:58:00.000-07:00

Ive not managed to do a Folksy Friday this week, But let me direct you to someone that has The Little Bead Box She has featured some fantastic things, Including one of mine!

Thankyou Plum!

2010-05-19T03:45:00.000-07:00

WOW! I have never won anything, But I have been entering a few competitions and blog giveaways lately to try my luck.

This morning I had a wonderful surprise turn up, The parcel man knocked and handed me this huge box, Now I know I've been going a bit mad on ebay lately but I was sure that I hadn't ordered anything this big.

So cue much excitement - Who had sent me a present? So I got to opening the box with much interest and a llittle help from Itty Bitty...... And she got extremely exited when she see the contents - More baby food than she had ever seen in her life!

It turns out that I had won the competition over on Whimsical Wife's blog A whole months supply of baby food! I am so incredibly pleased!! Thank you so much Plum and Whimsical Wife!

Im pretty sure Itty Bitty is pleased too, judging by these pictures -

Its my birthday!

2010-05-13T08:45:00.000-07:00

Yippeeeeeee!

To celebrate im having a 10% off sale on the website - for 48 hours only.

http://www.onestoppampershop.co.uk/

And there is a new scent available - Clean cotton.

Guaranteed sunshine!

2010-05-10T12:26:00.000-07:00

Even if its grey outside. Limited edition of just 20

Bright yellow sunflower scented votives

Warning! May contain nuts!

2010-05-07T00:13:00.000-07:00

I though this week I would pick a random word for my theme! Nuts!

Mmmm Cake!

2010-05-06T09:22:00.000-07:00

Stuff the diet today, A girl deserves a treat right?

So I spent this morning cooking Banana Bread and Lemon Drizzle Cake

Ok so they dont look quite the same as the professional versions, But im sure they will taste just fine!

Well that didn't go so well....

2010-05-04T03:23:00.000-07:00

I have eaten sensibly, Not starved myself and ended up loosing just 1 lb. Oops.

Where on earth might I be going wrong? I hoped that the first week at would be the week I lost the most.

On a more positive note - I've started exercising! I forgot how much that makes you ache and im paying for it today - But in a good way! This at least, I know is working.

I might even have the urge to go for a run this evening. I don't mind running at all, It just makes me feel incredibly self concious.

Oh well, I have just consoled myself with some bread pudding! Yes I know that's not the idea but I have to have some treats right? And it was actually quite disgusting so I wont be doing that again.

Start weight 11 lb 12oz
Todays weight 11 lb 11oz

Will try harder from now on, Hopefully next week I'll have something more positive to report.

Folksy Friday - Picnic time

2010-04-29T14:27:00.000-07:00

Start with some sunshine, Add a rug, Something to carry the food and of course the cutlery. Don't forget the wine and add some cake to the mix - The perfect picnic!

Ok so apparently my bottom is to big...

2010-04-27T05:05:00.000-07:00

So in a attempt to kind of shame myself into sticking to this damn horrible diet - Which consists of normal food and very few treats, As opposed to big treats every few hours. Im going to chart my progress here for you all to see.

Ive done very very little exercise since the baby was born so its about time I started that - Properly!

I seem to have accumulated several fitness dvd's some trainers and a exercise machine thingymajig, So I suppose its about time to put them all to good use.

So here goes - First weigh in was 11 stone 12 lb

Wish me luck!

A update on the gardening

2010-04-26T03:27:00.000-07:00

Seeing as the first attempt went so badly, we ditched the courgettes and tomatoes and started those over.

Looks like we are doing much better this time :o) And we have some extra things growing now - Well just starting. We have basil and french beans growing too.

I have also been working hard getting all the new products on the website - Theres now some new melts online that can only be ordered from the site.

Hope your all having a great monday x

My first Folksy Friday

2010-04-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

Just a few of my favorite things that are lurking in my favourite items waiting for me to buy them

Not a post as such....

2010-04-18T07:48:00.001-07:00

But I thought I would let you know I have been featured on The Sock Garden

Mum? How do you spell upolla?

2010-04-17T09:03:00.000-07:00

This was the question big L asked me this morning, Now most things I can spell and I was pretty certain that I'd heard of most words that the children would know - So this one took me by surprise, I asked him what a upolla was and he didn't know. 10 Minutes and much frustration later we worked out he was trying to write a story, Starting with "Once upolla time" Cue the stifled giggles from the older ones! How cute is that?

Do your kids come out with any cute oddities?

I have also been working hard the last few days on a new range that includes a Rich Italian!

A sneak peek

2010-04-15T07:08:00.000-07:00

At what I've been up to today - so far.

Our brand new website

2010-04-14T06:07:00.000-07:00

Is now live! With not even a speck of dust on its brand new shelves!

Its http://www.onestoppampershop.co.uk for anyone that wants a nosey.

Please let me know what you think or if you find anything out of place

10% off your next purchase voucher given with every website order

A Re-think and a giant rabbit

2010-04-12T07:30:00.000-07:00

I've had a little bit of a re-think on my postage prices and my special offers - Well with a little bit of a nudge!

I have put free postage on all my jewellery and also -

It was pointed out to me that people might like to try just one before buying a few, The postage for a single candle made it hard to buy just one candle and if people had never tried them then they might not think they are worth it…..

So to try and encourage you to try I have introduced a weekly-ish “Try Me”

I will choose a scent and price it at £1.75 – Including postage.

Starting with French Vanilla

And as for the giant rabbit - Well we decided it would be a good idea to jump on the train and take all the children into London and have a walk round the shops and see a few sights, We went into Selfridges and who should we bump into?A giant version of little L's favourite character of all time - Meet little L and Peter rabbit

It was actually a really nice day and much less stressful than I was expecting. I didn't expect taking 5 children on the tube to be one of my better ideas, but apparently it was!

I have been gardening!!!

2010-04-01T08:45:00.000-07:00

This is not usually a activity I partake in often - We sometimes grow a few tomatoes in the garden but that's about it and I would normally but the plants already half grown. This year I decided to see it through from start to finish - or until I manage to kill everything off which is more likely!

So last week with my shopping list, wrote by the children of course. I went off to the shops to buy us some seeds and mud. (I resisted the pretty vintage looking watering can, That can come later!)

A week later and this is our efforts so far -

Ok so its not going to make us self sufficient just yet but its a start, Right? lol

So does anyone know what I do with the courgettes next? Im sure they aren't supposed to look like that!

Busy, Busy, Busy!

2010-03-27T07:56:00.000-07:00

Its been all go this week! I've had a few orders come in and I enjoyed pottering around doing those - Oh why does it have to rain EVERY time I go to the post office though? Not that I really mind of course, Im loving working again and so lucky to be able to do something I love so much! I have so many ideas running wild in my head right now - Theres going to be lots of new things on sale soon! And I've been getting some wonderful feedback on my folksy shop That always makes my day.

And of course working from home means I can spend so much time with my littlest daughter, Shes nearly 8 months old and already shares her mums love of fresh bread!

Mmmm yummy dairylea and bread!

Ive been bakeing aswell,We made a lovely pineapple upside down cake. But as usual there are no pics because even though im on a diet I have helped devour the lot already - I promise next time I shall try my best to get some pictures before the herd descends upon it!

And My sister has been down for a couple of days - She moved to northampton in January and we dont spend nearly as much time together as we used to, So in my true style we went shopping and I bought some more lovely new shoes! In my defence though they were reduced to only £10!!!!

Neglect!

2010-03-14T05:51:00.000-07:00

I have neglected this blog quite a bit lately haven't I? It is for good reason of course.

I have been working on new stock and surprises!

So far I have added some more jewellery to my shop

Some gorgeous button jewellery which is so much of a temptation to keep!

Some butterflies- I have more of these in different colours yet to be listed

and some bridal jewellery

And as for the suprises? you'll have to wait and see!

Sunshine award

2010-02-24T04:01:00.000-08:00

I have just recieved my 2 blogging award - But the first one im brave enough to accept. Thanyou very much http://fairyfinesse.blogspot.com/ for this one and http://dottiedesigns.blogspot.com/ for the last one, I didnt quite know what to do with it then.

The Sunshine Award is to awarded for inspiring positivity and creativity within the blogging world.

To accept the award the rules are;

Place this award on your blog or in a post.

Pass the award on to 12 bloggers

Link the nominiees within the post

Let the nominiees know they have received the award by commenting on their blog

Share the love and link to the person from whom you received the award.

My nominations are the following lovely bunch of creative and interesting bloggers...

http://woolandwireuk.blogspot.com/
http://birgittadesignz.blogspot.com/
http://pussygaloresockcats.blogspot.com/
http://maddimakes.blogspot.com/
http://emmainwonderlandphotography.blogspot.com
http://pipistrellecrochetdesign.blogspot.com
http://fleursdeperles.blogspot.com
http://niftyknits-somuchyarnsolittletime.blogspot.com
http://mrsgibsonsatelier.blogspot.com/
http://justkjewellery.blogspot.com
http://amelieshouse.blogspot.com/
http://lauralobsterlove.blogspot.com/

Not so mouse.....

2010-02-24T03:53:00.000-08:00

Well the mouse we was making at half term turned out to be more of a mess than a mouse!

We tried to use my daughters gr8 gear sewing machine, which turned out not to sew at all and intead was comepletely useless, Or maybe we were the useless ones and were doing it wrong.

Anyhow, here are our efforts -

So I have been thinking about buying a sewing machine, Not a all singing and dancing one, Tust a full sized but reasonably priced one. Any reccomenations?

A busy half term

2010-02-16T05:00:00.000-08:00

As usual when the kids are off school, its been manic here so far this week, Though I have been able to get some creating done! So far I have been able to upload these to the shop

And I have put a special offer on the shop - Go take a look.

Well just a quick one today, I have to go and help the littlies sew mice. Ill be back later to show you our efforts, and most probrably my fingers will resemble a pin cushion!

Miss you Nan x

2010-02-13T08:19:00.000-08:00

Its been a bit of a strange day - 4 years since my nan passed. I have been doing my best to do things to take my mind off of it for a while, But of course nothing works. My Nan was like a mother to me, Well much more of one than my biological mother ever was. Every good memory I have of my childhood somehow involves my grandparents so of course everything I do with the children today is reminding me of her.

We started off by making a lemon drizzle cake, which I would show you a picture of but its in our tummies already! Nan taught us to cook as children - Scones, cakes, mince pies, sausage rolls and turkey soups were her favorites to make.

Then we sat down and done some crafts, Oh what a mess I used to make of my nans house, paint and glue everywhere, all being made ready for a grand performance of some kind! Though we stayed away from the paint and glue today, I have learnt from my nans mistakes! See Nan you taught me something.

You see nan, whatever happens and wherever you are, you are always with us xxx

2010-02-11T13:01:00.000-08:00

Im sitting here trying to write this whilst singing what seems like a million verses of the wheels on the bus, thats the only thing that is keeping baby happy today. So please forgive me any mistakes!

Not much blogging been going on the last few days - it has been absolutely hectic, Tuesday it was my sons 5th birthday and he wanted to take his friends bowling so off we went to the bowling alley with 7 kids in tow - which actually turned into quite a nice evening, I wasnt expecting that, maybe chaos but they were all rather well behaved.

and yesterday I had the dreaded parents evening, Just for one of the children. And got caught in what amounts as a snow storm in this country. It went on for all of 15 minutes! Tho the children were most impressed as it was going up thier noses. Why on earth they were impressed I dont know, do they not realise the damn stuff is cold??

My new goodies arrived, finally, some turning up by courier at 7pm - Couriers actually work that late? I was sooo excited when they turned up, like a kid at willy wonkas! It all smelled so gorgeous.

Well my goodies and my excitement have now turned into this candle,

I have listed it here if anyone would like a nosey.

Finally!!

2010-02-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

I have joined the world of bloggers! And what a day to decide to do it - After staying up late putting together a "fantasy order" of candle making supplies then wondering should I place the order or buy yet more junk from ebay, before actually placing the order, the baby decieds it's time to get up. Ok so mummy doenst actually need sleep I CAN survive on coffee alone for one day. No crafting today tho far to tired and then my wannabe teenager comes home from school and wants to argue for the rest of the night, oh well at least I have my goodies to look after, They should be here tomorrow - I cant wait!!