MISI - Make It Sell It

Pretty pink on Misi

2011-07-11T02:56:00.000-07:00

I did the Race for Life yesterday and my daughter and I dressed up all in pink. I still have pink fingernails and a slightly pinkish sheen to my hair so today's Misi blog is inspired by the colour PINK.

Beautiful button bouquet from Blue Button Bride:

Pretty pink rose studs from Pretty n Chic:

Flower Embellishments from Coastal Crafts:

Pink Skull candle from Nicola Schafer:

Fluffy Pink monster from PurpleMac:

Hope you enjoyed our PINK Misi!

Helen
xxx

Summer at Misi...

2011-05-16T01:02:00.000-07:00

Time to celebrate Summer on MISI with some gorgeous items chosen by members on the forum.

Seaside cushion from Handmade with Love

Flowery necklace from MissKukie

Vintage suitcase from Love Mimo

Keeps the bugs away with a Citronella candle from Pauline's Candles

What is Summer without ice-cream? Card from Pauline's Passions

Beach Huts Felted picture from The Cat's Whiskers

Original Acrylic by Starfish Quay

Handpainted Silk Scarf by Neate Crafts

Helen
xxx

Misi goes Green!

2011-04-25T00:53:00.000-07:00

The Misi forum members chose Green as this week's theme so here we go...

Starting with buttons from Lilley

This gnome from Made in Broadstairs...

Cushion from Gingerlily...

Book Bag from Luvlii...

Girl's dress from Alisa...

A card from Pauline's Passions...

A necklace from Scottish Princess...

Thank you to everyone on Misi who helped me choose our Green items for today's blog...

Helen
xxx

Teatime on Misi

2011-04-18T06:19:00.001-07:00

Anyone for a cuppa?

Misi has loads of teatime themed items...

From Painted Hearts...

This cute pendant from NixNax...

Handpainted teapot from Blue Bird Crafts...

Pink noticeboard from Eternal Earth...

Personalised mug/cup from Cre8agift4u...

Now all I have to do is find the biscuits...

Helen
xxx

Easter Bunny Hunt on Misi

2011-04-06T04:10:00.000-07:00

Come and join the Easter Bunny Hunt on Misi...

And you could win the beautiful "Honey", a miniature mohair rabbit made by Lisa Bears...

Helen
xxx

Misi finds... gifts for men...

2011-04-04T01:33:00.000-07:00

Everyone on the Misi forums has searched high and low throughout Misi and found some gorgeous Gifts for Men...

Motorbike painting from Neate Crafts...

Something all men should have handy for emergencies from Pauline's Passions...

Personalised cufflinks from Glamglass Gifts...

A fun sign from Garden Signs...

A guitar model from All the Small Things...

Number plate keyring from Celt Craft...

And last but not least an original painting by Fentiger...

Helen
xxx

Happy Mother's Day

2011-04-03T03:51:00.000-07:00

Mum's Mirror by Loubylou.

Have a lovely Mother's Day.
Love from all of us on Misi...

xxx

Next week's theme...

2011-03-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Please help me choose next week's theme via the Misi Forum...
Thank you...
xx

Misi likes to PARTY!

2011-03-21T01:23:00.000-07:00

All these items have been chosen by the Misi Crafters on the forum... Feel free to join in anytime :-)

Right, so for our party, we'll need some invitations...

Pauline's Passions...

Mollie Moo Designs...

We had better get our dancing shoes on...
Mrs Cactus...

And put on our party dress...
Dig for Victory...

Let's get some cookies for our guests...
The Pink Fairy Cake...

And our cake should have a fantastic topper...
Bev Bremner...

Something with a music theme...
Andrew2134...

And after our party, we should give out some party bags to our guests...
Crochet Flowers Garden...

Hope you enjoyed our party tour around Misi...

Helen
xxx

Shopaholics love Misi!

2011-03-13T03:34:00.000-07:00

The Misi Blog has been blogged about on Shopaholic!

Gorgeous site ~ get yourselves over there and see our Editor's pick feature!

Mother's Day on Misi...

2011-03-07T01:16:00.000-08:00

Countdown to Mother's Day begins... The Misi Crafters on the forum were looking this week at the gorgeous handcrafted Mother's Day gifts on Misi. There was just so much choice. Of course, it depends, does your mother love jewellery?

Megan Jane Jewellery...

Scottish Princess...

Or would she like a quirky plaque/sign...

Kristi Krafts...

Miss Evie...

Does your Mum love delicious smelling goodies...

Pauline's Candles...

Bathtime Blooms...

Is she the Fluffy Teddy type...

Lisa's Bears...

And of course, don't forget to get Mum a card...

Pauline's Passions...

My Tweet Things...

With so much choice, you won't be leaving Misi empty-handed...

Helen
xxx

Natural Misi...

2011-02-28T01:25:00.000-08:00

The theme for this week is Natural...
I asked the Misi crafters on the forum to show me items that were on a natural theme... Whether that be eco-friendly, nature, flowers/plants.
And as usual they delivered a lovely selection of handcrafted goodies...

Maisie Moon Designs...

Helen
xxx

Misi has hope...

2011-02-21T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week's theme is HOPE...
The Misi crafters have a few suggestions...

Ayla...

Pauline's Passions...

Vintage Cottage...

Pink Daisy ~ Sarah Read...

The Fairy Glen ~ Jewellery by RMC

Helen
xx

Misi Craftalong!

2011-02-20T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Misi crafters are going to have a craftalong during March, visit the Misi Forum to find out more and join in!

Our theme for the month ~ Spring Flowers...

Card by With hugs and kisses

Helen

xxx

Misi sees the Sun!

2011-02-14T01:48:00.000-08:00

So I decided on the Sun this week as the weather had been so dismal and depressing that I wanted to brighten it up. The Misi crafters intepreted the theme in some very unique ways. Love this about crafters, so creative :-)

We'll start with... A sun mosaic by Olgadepolga... (sorry no shop name so that's the crafter's username)

A Sunflower vase by LewesiaGlass...

A Sun Bangle by Glamglass...

Melina Sapphire Hoops Earrings by IsabellaGems...

You are my sunshine plaque by Suzie-Bee Designs...

A Smiley face cushion (nice sunny yellow) by Blue Sunflower...

A sunny holiday journal by Unique Kelso...

A summery bracelet from Scottish Princess...

And finally, to finish... A sunset from Mosart...

If you would like to join in with our theme of the week, look out for the Theme of the Week thread on the Misi Forums...

A random selection of creations suggested by the Misi crafters...

xxx

Misi turns Blue...

2011-02-07T01:20:00.000-08:00

When I suggested Blue as this week's theme I was overwhelmed by the response. It's been really difficult to choose just a few items from the great items chosen by the crafters on the Misi forum.

I'd like to start by mentioning the Blue Sunflower shop ~ a very special charity shop on Misi with some gorgeous Blue/Sunflower themed items, all donated by various Misi crafters ~ stopping by there is a must for items like...

And now to begin our tour of Blue Misi... this gorgeous pendant is from Lodichka...

Cute blue applique bag from Studio G...

Personalised Baby Shower Guest Book from Kelso...

Love this little bottle from Lewesia Glass...

Adorable baby shoes from our Crafter of the Week ~ The Pink Fairy Cake...

Tea cup candle with it's own tea pot by Pauline's Candles...

Blue birdy t-shirt from Heather's Treasures...

Cross Stitch 18th birthday card for cricketers from Bramley Cards...

And finally, a beautiful turquoise wire-wrapped pendant from Priti Jewellery...

xxx

Misi makes... Valentines

2011-01-31T01:00:00.000-08:00

A collection of beautiful MISI creations selected by the crafters... Starting with this lovely bracelet from our Crafter of the week... Mornie G Jewellery

And a personalised Love photo frame from Do It Momma

These sweet little earrings from Megan Jane Jewellery

These letters from Princess Sparkle are so stylish

I personally fell in love with these from RosieJo Jewellery...

And any of the above jewellery presents would be perfectly wrapped in this from Roberts...

Happy Valentine's Day!
Helen
xxx

Introducing...

2011-01-24T03:19:00.001-08:00

The MISI Mods:

Helen@TheBeadingLady
Zoe@KnitzandBitz
Debs@Hennie

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Sparkly Things

2010-06-04T01:00:00.000-07:00

Let's meet Carol... who is the crafter behind... Sparkly Things on MISI...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I've been making jewellery for about 6 years, I started not long after the birth of my daughter, I was looking for something to do as a hobby and jewellery has always been a passion. I started selling my jewellery when I realised I was running out of room to keep it and my wesite has been running for 4 years.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
There are so many wonderful jewellery makers out there and I worry that what I make does not compare, but everytime I get a sale or a compliment it always helps my confidence. Last week at my workplace, a few of the women there were looking at my website and there was a lot of 'oohs and aahs' going on, someone commented that it sounded like they were at a firework display.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
There are several jewellery making magazines out now, I think they are probably the best place to start, they're a mine of information for basic techiniques and also suppliers.

How did you find Misi?
It was actually mentioned in the Daily Express, a small piece about making money by selling crafts and after having a look around the site I thought I would give it a go.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
It would be the purple turquoise wrapped pendant, I'm pleased with how that came out and I do like a bit of purple.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Lots to choose from but I think I'll go with V B Designs, they're items are so unusual.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season and why?
Spring, just as it's starting to warm up and you can get out of the house again after being stuck in during the winter.

What is your favourite food?
I'll give most things a try, Chinese maybe.

How many DVDs do you have?
I normally rent, but if I include the children's DVDs we have just over 50.

What is your favourite animal?
Cat, they like their independence.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Richard Armitage, aka Lucas in Spooks or Guy of Gisburne in Robin Hood.

Thank you for chatting to us today Carol.
Visit Sparkly Things to see... well, more sparkly things :-)

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Lej Jewellery

2010-05-28T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week's crafter is Jo from Lej Jewellery...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started jewellery making not long after my daughter was born nearly 3 years ago. I had done other crafts like cross stitch and card making and felt like a change so i decided to give it a go.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only negative aspect is having to wait until my children are in bed before i can start to craft. I used to be able to craft in the day when my daughter had her naps but she no longer has afternoon naps so i have to wait till shes in bed. She is at the age now where she is starting to ask if we can go and make bracelets so i put a stopper bead on some tigertail and give her a box of beads and shes quite happy to sit for half an hour or so. My son isn't really interested and i don't think i could get him to be without beads in the shape of spongebob.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

To have fun and enjoy playing with all the differnt techniques but to be careful as it can be very very addictive.

How did you find Misi?

I was emailed by Emma when the site had just opened. It took about a month before i decided to set up my shop but i haven't looked back.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

My favourite item is this necklace http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/25896/fall_lampwork_necklace.html. I bought the lampwork beads but they weren't what i was expecting and i wasn't quite sure what to do with them so 6 months later i thought i'd use them and made this necklace. I love the colours.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

One of my favourite shops (because i have loads) is http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/Joannalondon.html. I love the teapots also the cups and saucers, i'd love the have a big dresser in my kitchen filled with them all. Kind of reminds me of being at grandmas house.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season and why?

Autumn, i love all the colours when the trees start to change and the cold wind which makes you want to wrap up all snug or curl up on the sofa with a hot cup of tea and thick socks.

What is your favourite food?

My favourite food is sausages with mash and beans, i could eat it everyday. I also have a thing for red onion chutney at the minute and put it on everything.

What is your favourite type of music/singer?

My favourite type of music is something with a guitar in it. My favourite cd at the minute is Ida Maria but i'm a big fan of red hot chili peppers and stereophonic.

How many DVDs do you have?

Not a lot, we used to have loads but they were never watched so i listed them on ebay. The kids have tonnes we have kept most of my sons for my daughter to watch.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Josh Hartnett mmmm, or Simon Baker. Can i have two? yes why not :0)

Thank you Jo. Visit Jo's lovely shop, Lej Jewellery, on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Sunrise Cards

2010-05-14T01:00:00.000-07:00

This week's crafter is Tracey from Sunrise Cards on Misi.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started three years ago , card making was supposed to be a small hobby to keep me amused as my children were getting older and I was feeling slightly redundant, I enjoyed it as soon as I started and my husband decided to make some as well , within a day we were both hooked and soon realised that we were going to end up making more cards than we would ever need. We decided to try and sell some and since then the cards have just taken on a life of their own. Its worked out well as three years down the line obviously the children are even more off hand with lives of their own and this gives my husband and I a common interest.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

there are two main negative aspects , firstly we don't have as much time as we would like to spend on our cardmaking as we both work as well but we have to work to get over the second negative aspect which is we spend a fortune on supplies !!!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Firstly be aware that it is very addictive and you will end up spending every last penny on great things to put on your cards. I found in the early days ( and even now to be honest ) that I got so many ideas by looking in magazines , online blogs, forums etc , these places really help when you need a bit of inspiration. Also join crafting forums etc and don't be afraid to ask for help and advice, I have found 'crafters' to be the nicest people I have ever met.

How did you find Misi?

there are often posts on the craft forum where I'm a member about Misi so I decided to see what it was all about.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

Again due to lack of time I haven't listed as much as I would like in my shop but I think my favourite item at the moment is the takeway card
http://www.misi.co.uk/gifts/40807/takeway_card_.html

I think its fun and I love the bright colours

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

it has got to be cocoapod - I am a chocoholic and everything in their shop looks so nice - there's some great novelty items in it.

Random Facts:

What is your favourite time of day? - My favourite time of day is probably about 8pm as we've usually had dinner and tidied up , the jobs are done and its time to settle down for the evening ( unless we're making cards lol )

What is your ideal vacation? Our dream is to go back to Austria which is where we went on our honeymoon - we've always said we want to go back for our silver wedding anniversary which is next year so fingers crossed.

Where were you born? - I was born in Basildon Essex

What is your favourite animal? - I think it would have to be a penguin !!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? - my friends always tease me about this but I quite like Hugh Grant

Thanks for chatting with us Tracey. To see more of Tracey's lovely cards, visit Sunrise Cards on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ The Beading Lady

2010-05-07T01:08:00.000-07:00

Yes, it's me, Helen aka The Beading Lady ~ thought I should see if I can answer the questions that I've been torturing everyone else with :-)

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started making memory wire wrap bracelets about 2 years ago at a jewellery-making party and really enjoyed it. I bought a few bits and bobs and then sold a few. I've been learning new techniques and styles on a regular basis and trying to expand my range.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Time, I just don't seem to have enough of it. Oh and the mess. Little beadies everywhere!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Make sure your tools are fairly decent and start small, find out which style, designs, techniques you enjoy and then you can expand on those.

How did you find Misi?
*blush* I can't remember, isn't that terrible? It was November 2008 and honestly can't remember how, think I may have just stumbled upon it.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I think this pendant, really enjoyed making it and love how it turned out.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Can't pick one. I'm biased because I quite often enjoy a shop because I like the shopowners. lol

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
First thing in a morning (after the initial "argh, don't wake me") when my kiddies have come for a cuddle.

What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
My brother came over with this big wrapped up box, and inside were lots of other little wrapped up parcels. Took me ages to unwrap but was totally worth it, inside were loads of different jewellery findings for me to play with :-)

What is your favourite animal?
Always loved dolphins but since losing my baby last year I have a special place in my heart for butterflies, they just became very significant to me for some reason.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I have to agree with most of the other crafters who have said ~ Johnny Depp!

So, that's me ~ if you'd like to see any more of my creations, please stop by The Beading Lady.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Vintage Beadery

2010-04-30T01:08:00.000-07:00

Let's meet Ley from Vintage Beadery...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started beading after finding a book on brick stitch in the library where I work, I had a collection of beads, vintage ones m,ostly which I didn'tknow what to do with, I've never really liked more traditional beaded jewellery, or at least never fancied making any, but this book had some beautiful designs, particularly the paisley shapes on the front cover. I made a necklace using some of the beads I'd hoarded, and started looking for other books. That's when I discovered beading with cabochons by Jamie Cloud Eakin. This was the breakthrough, her work is beautifula and I wanted to make some of that. I started with a few glass cabochons bought cheaply from a local craft shop, having also bought some much smaller beads and proper beading needles. The first piece sold to a friend at work and led to 3 more sales. I'd also been collecting beach or sea glass for a while and suddenly I got a flash of inspiration and put the two things together. I suppose I've been doing this for nearly 3 years now.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
One of the big negatives is the time it takes, it's a very slow process. Also I insist on using very small beads and I'm getting quite old. The first one has no real way round it I and the second involves lots of light and a magnifying glass round my neck.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Don't! Seriously make sure you have a lot of patience and are prepared to do a fair bit of undoing what you've done, when I finish this I have some of that to do on my current piece.

How did you find Misi?
I did a lot of searches for things like selling crafts online etc and eventually found Misi, I think I found Etsy first but was a bit put off because they insisted on you having a credit card which I didn't have.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
At the moment my favourite is the Peacock's Eye pendant, I'll probably like something else next week. I'm very pleased with the thing I'm working on at the moment.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
JoJo jewellery, she's really got the hang of that silver stuff!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
Around 6.00clock in the evening when I get home from work and have a cup of tea.

If you could go anywhere in the world, money no object ~ where would you go?
Oh all over ,but I'd love to visit Japan

What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
A beautiful photograph taken on her travels by our daughter Zoe, You can see it on Flikr it's a lovely picture of a lake with turquoise blue boats and she calls herself zoesoldout. I think it's in Nepal

What is your favourite animal?
Cat, or giraffe

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Johnny Depp!

Thank you Ley. If you would like to see more examples of Ley's gorgeous beadwork, then visit Vintage Beadery on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ CM Crafts

2010-04-23T00:54:00.000-07:00

Let's meet Clare from CM Crafts...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
Let me just say first I am dyslexic and I am proud of it I have had to work hard but I have always loved art because it is the one thing I can do with out the worry of spelling and getting it wrong but I did not get into making the cards I do today about 9 years ago even then they were only very simple but i have grown over the last year to doing more different and harder cards which I love doing.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The blocks I get when I sit down and I cant see the card in my mind I get over it by getting all my books and I have started to take photos of my cards so I can always look back on them.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Come over to my house and have a play with all the bits and bobs I have
then go and have good look around a craft store and talk to the ladies there and also come to on to Misi to talk to the lovely people on the site.

How did you find Misi?
My sister in law told me about the site a year before I plucked up the courage to come on and I did not know how to spell it I had to ask her about 5 times and each time when I got to the computer it had gone.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
It would have been my hand bags cards in a box but i have sold all the ones i have made so i am picking a hand bag charm called pretty in pink and purple

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I love them all but i love Expressorize and also her new shop Expressorizesale.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite month and why?
June as its my birthday and it only 6 months to Christmas

Confess one secret that no-one knows about you?
I am a secret barbara cartland reader I have just over 200 of her books I think this comes from the dyslexia they are easy books to read and easy to follow.

What is your favourite chocolate ?
I love most of them

What is your favourite animal?
I love most of them cats and my favourite

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
That's a hard one I guess it would be Harrison Ford but when he was in star wars and the indiana jones films.

Thank you so much for taking the time to talk to us Clare. You can find CM Crafts on Misi and see more of her lovely items.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pixie Doodle

2010-04-16T01:11:00.000-07:00

Let's meet Emma aka Pixie Doodle...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I have been Needle Felting for about 2 years now, after trying various other crafts such as card making and jewellery making which i still do from time to time. I started needle felting after finding a blog by a lady called Kay Petal, who makes the most amazing characters.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only things are sticking a very sharp needle in your finger when not looking what you are doing, which i do a lot! I just need to pay more attention! The other problem I have is my cats are addicted to my felt beads and balls and keep running off with them! I have to get a box with a tough to remove lid and problem solved!!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Just buy some merino wool, a couple of needles and give it a go. Its very addictive once you realise the amazing things you can make with a bit of roving!!

How did you find Misi?

I think it was recommended on another forum I visit regularly, had a look and loved it and over a year later I still here!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

My favourite thing has to be Doodles the Turtle, I think he is so adorable!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Can I have two faves please? I really love Mornie G Jewellery and Little Scruffs! Both gorgeous shops with amazing items.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?

Im a morning kind of girl, but I also love snuggling up in my bed at night.

What is your favourite colour?

Pink

How many DVDs do you have?

About 300 hundred with my hubby and kids! I love all types of films, but not keen on war type ones.

What is your favourite animal?

Pigs or tigers. Not much difference there lol!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
My man of the moment is Gerald Butler- funny, sexy and very handsome!

Thank you Emma. Please stop by Pixie Doodle on Misi for some lovely creations.

Helen
xxx

Apologies about the photos ~ having a sizing issue at the moment. xx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Neate Crafts

2010-04-09T01:29:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Susan from Neate Crafts...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
It seems like I have always been making something!
I trained as a Fine artist but taught myself all my crafts - Pyrography, knitting, sewing, crocheting, glass painting, silk painting, jewellery, macrame, patchwork...the list goes on.
I am addicted to trying new crafts. I just love it!

Are there any negative aspects?
Housework goes out of the window but I Always put my family first.
Never enough hours in a day. My husband bought me a peg loom for Christmas but I haven't had time - yet to sort it out.
I have too many ideas for the amount of time I have to put them into practice.

How do you get round them?
I try and spend a few hours early in the morning doing all the housework.
I am also trying to be patient, and in fact got told only the other day that I was a very chilled, easy-going person!
I also bought myself a shed and put it at the bottom of the garden and that is where I work from. (except when it is very cold and wet, so I then work from the house as I always have some project here).

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your particular craft?
Just have a go. There's no right or wrong way in creating. Sometimes it's the 'mistakes' that make it work!

How did you find MISI?
Misi found me. Emmas husband had been on my website and asked if I would be interested in joining. THANK YOU so much for asking!

What is your favourite item in your shop right now?
I think it has to be my Monkey hat as it turned out exactly as I visualised it when I designed it!
But, I also like my Lizard Point, Cornwall painting, it brings back such happy holiday memories. Also the sea is so dramatic there.
It is also one of the first of my paintings where I used a more relaxed style instead of the rather formal style I also do. I really enjoyed painting it!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
IMPOSSIBLE QUESTION!
I have found something in every shop on Misi that I like.
But if I have to choose one I do love 'Impsandthings'. The tree sprite is my favourite it has such character. I just wish I could afford to buy him!

Random Facts about you:

Favourite Chocolate?
I have two - Lavender Chocolate so subtle and scented, smooth and relaxing.
- Chilli Chocolate- the hotter the better. They both give different moods and experiences.
I love trying new ones all the time, and if I had time I would love to be a Chocolatier too!

Favourite place you have visited?
I have so many favourites but I just love Cornwall. It has a quality to it that I can't put my finger on. It may have something to do with the fact that I recently found out that some of my ancestors came from there.
Of course I love where I live now not only because my family is here but it is so beautiful and dramatic at any time of the year, and the scenery is so varied.

Favourite movie?
I can't choose just one. It depends what mood I am in.
I love 'Hot Fuzz' - so funny, but also because my husband is a Special Constable in Cumbria Police.
Chocolat- I love chocolate and Johnny Depp.
Bridget Jones Diary- so funny.
Kingdom of Heaven- Brilliant film based on historical events with the Knights Templars( which I am fascinated by).
Ridley Scott is such a great director, O'h and Orlando Bloom is in it too!

Thank you Susan, it was lovely hearing about you. To see more of Susan's talent, visit Neate Crafts on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Sunrise Cards

2010-04-06T01:02:00.000-07:00

A few years ago my friend asked me to make a card for a relative who had just lost her sight , at first I didn't know where to start but then thought about all the different textures we could use to make it as tactile as possible.
I wanted to make it so that she could get as much enjoyment out of feeling the card as a sighted person would by looking at it.
I also managed to find a site that taught me about braille so that I could include that on my cards.
We sell our braille cards in an online shop set up by a man who lost his sight and does a lot of fundraising work.
http://sightzone.webs.com
he gave us a braille labeller to start us off and helps us to sell our cards
I have attached the three cards that we have made for my friends relative over the last three years.

Tracy and Paul ~ Sunrise Cards

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Expressorize Ur Self

2010-04-02T01:16:00.000-07:00

Today's Misi crafter is Clare from Expressorize Ure Self...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I have always been completely fascinated with jewellery & I first started by hosting jewellery & handbag parties, it was also something I could fit around looking after my youngest at home before she started school.
I have always been crafty, I have done hairdressing, floristry, card making , I started jewellery making & that is when I knew where the passion lay.
I started hand making my jewellery about 4 years ago & the excitement of the process is still as strong if not stronger. From hunting the supplies down to receiving them in the post , then to creating ….the whole process I love it!!!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Mmmmm it can be very time consuming. I try & get the balance as right as I can!
Also it can be costly. The idea of sell some then use that to buy new supplies kind of goes out the window for me. I see gorgeous beads & just must have them there & then no matter what!!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Magazines & books are a great way to learn, start with cheaper supplies so if mistakes are made its not with more expensive materials. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different materials & have fun!!

How did you find Misi?
Emma from Misi sent me an email, she must have found my website I had at the time & she asked if I would be interested in joining Misi.
I am so thankful she did, it is a lovely friendly community!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
This butterfly.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
This shop is amazing, I would love the imp I would put it in my porch (if I had one)

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite television programme?
I love house makeover programs & similar like location location & 60 minute makeover

What is your ideal vacation?
I have always dreamed of a cruise around the med

Where were you born?
In Lancashire, Billinge hospital to be precise

What is your favourite sandwich filling?
A toss between tuna mayo & egg mayo I think (can you tell I am indecisive!!)

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Jonathan Rhys Meyers (Yummy!!!!)

Thank you Clare. For more fine examples of Clare's work, visit Expresserize Ure Self on Misi...

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Victoria Burnett Designs

2010-03-26T00:58:00.000-07:00

This week's crafter is Camilla from Victoria Burnett Designs ~ a shop she runs with her sister, Claire...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
The idea for our business really came from our grandmother, who decided to create some wooden mice characters for her daughter (our mother’s) wall. Mum really loved them and decided to take the idea and run with it, setting up a small business that she ran from home. She created a whole range of characters including foxes, pheasants and frogs, and was a regular, along with our father, on the charity fair circuit. Her work was enormously popular, and she was featured in a couple of magazines as well as on the local news. One of her mice even took up residence in Buckingham Palace! This was all achieved with absolutely no advertising and no access to a computer, so no internet, no Facebook, Twitter, or even MISI, just plain old word of mouth.
Very sadly, Mum was diagnosed with cancer, and after a remarkable 6 year battle, we lost her in 2003. In the meantime, I was (and still am) working full time as a scientist in London (studying ageing) but realized that this was not the ultimate career for me. I wondered about the practicality of restarting Mum’s business, and discussed the possibility with my sister, Claire, who is based in Wiltshire and who was also looking for a creative output. Together we decided that we would see if we could replicate Mum’s work. This turned out to be a steep learning curve, as although we had grown up surrounded by these pieces, we had absolutely no idea what techniques she used to make them! Consequently we had to start from the beginning and learn firstly to use a fret-saw in order to hand-cut each piece, then work out what types of varnish to use, in what combination and how many layers, and then see if we could create an antique finish. After a lot of trial and error, we felt that we had a product that we were happy with, and launched the business in October 2009, making us the third generation in our family to produce these pieces. We named the business Victoria Burnett Designs in honour and remembrance of our mother, and in acknowledgement that at the moment we are using her original designs (although we are working on new ones to add to the collection as we go).

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
One difficulty is sourcing the wood for the pieces as we buy in 8x4 foot 6mm birch-faced plywood. This varies a lot in quality from piece to piece, as one piece may have a perfectly usable face, whilst the next may have knots, plug-holes and random discolouration, making it useless for our purposes. This means that when we go to the wood suppliers, we have to go through their entire stack of plywood to pull out maybe one or two sheets that we can use. As you can imagine, this is not always a popular request as more often than not the 6mm ply happens to be stacked right near the ceiling, so it can take a while, is dirty work, and requires one or two strapping young men to help (ok, so maybe that’s not altogether a negative aspect…)!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Make sure you have a lot of space, time and patience!

How did you find Misi?
Through the wonder that is Google.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
For me it would have to be Poppy or Prudence. I have a particular fondness for them as I have Mum’s originals at home.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)
I really love the products in Moon Cat – perfect for my next house!

Random facts about you:

What is your favourite season?
Got to be summer – sun, wine and plenty of bar-b-ques.

What is your ideal vacation?
Anywhere that involves the first two items mentioned above, combined with great food and plenty of trashy novels.

What is your favourite food?
Err, what isn’t my favourite food? I must confess to a terrible weakness for gherkins and wine gums.

What is your favourite animal?
Orcas, dugongs and dogs (sorry, that’s three).

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I have always had a great fondness for Guy Pearce. And as a lover of Gray’s, McSteamy would be welcome to stay…

Thank you so much for chatting with us. Visit Victoria Burnett Designs on Misi to see more of their adorable characters...

Helen
xxx

The Misi Awards!!

2010-03-21T14:28:00.000-07:00

The Misi Awards...
A bit of fun on Misi to find the "Newbie of the Year", "Looniest of the Year", "Cutest Make of the Year" Award, amongst others.

To vote, please read this thread on Misi and find the Admin listed next to the award. Pm the admin with your nomination.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... Chelly's Gems

2010-03-19T01:02:00.000-07:00

This week's Misi crafter is Michelle from Chelly's Gems... let's get to know her a bit...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I'm generally a crafty bug, I'll try most things, jewellery making seems to have lasted the longest . It started about 4 years ago when I was stuck for an idea for christmas present for my mum. I found a jewellery kit in Ward Graphics and I've been hooked ever since.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The only negative thing I can think of is when I get an idea for a piece of jewellery and it looks really good in your mind, but then I try to make it and it doesn't work, I generally go away have a cup of tea and a piece of chocolate and try again a different way.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Enjoy your self! I find making jewellery very relaxing and destressing (that's when beads don't fly off the table).

How did you find Misi?
Through Google search

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
Do I have to choose just one? I like every thing in my shop, but if I was pushed to choose just one it would have to be the crystal bracelet, I love the colour and the way it sparkles.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I can't decide, but I really do like Artbymimi, I especially love her campervan cards, very funky

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
In the morning when no one else is up.

If you could go anywhere in the world, money no object ~ where would you go?
I would love to go back to Hong Kong, when I went there for my honeymoon I felt very at home there.

What was your favourite Christmas present this last Christmas?
It would have to be my fluffy slipper boots that my two girls brought for me

What is your favourite animal?
Chocolate labrador no competion.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Can I have 2? Well I am any way, I would have to say Daniel Craig and David Tennant, I'm all for sharing :))

Thanks Chelly ~ a very enlightening interview. For more examples of Michelle's high quality creations visit Chelly's Gems on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Joyknitt

2010-03-12T01:06:00.000-08:00

And today we are meeting Joy from Joyknitt.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started knitting at age 5, when my mum taught me. that was 56 years ago and I have been knitting on and off ever since. it only occured to me a couple of years ago that I could actually sell my creations and earn some money to buy more yarn.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
I dont think there are any negatives to the way I do it, these days I knit in the evenings while watching tv so I dont attempt to do anything that requires a great deal of attention. over the years I have done quite a few intricate designs to make clothes for myself or my family, but I dont tackle these to sell, as one tiny mistake could devalue a months worth of work.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Start simply and work your way up by learning as you go along.

How did you find Misi?
I saw a link to misi on one of my friends facebook pages and followed it. prior to that I had sold a few items on ebay, but not for anything like what they were really worth

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
This yellow hat

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
This is a really hard one, as there are so many talented craftspeople out there making really lovely stuff, but I guess my favourite is artbymimi, mimi has such a fantasticly unique style

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season? spring, after a long few months of short days and cold weather it is lovely to see everything starting to turn green, to see gardens full of yellow daffodils and things bursting into life

What is your ideal vacation? walking in the wonderful lake district (without the rain that usually accompanies this exercise)

What is your favourite food? potatoes in any way, shape or form

What is your favourite animal? I love all animals, but my favourite of the pets I've had has to be barney, the greyhound, a huge great thing but as soft as they come.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? robert redford (I think that shows my age!!)

Thank you Joy. Beautiful knitted items found at Joyknitt on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Joyknitt

2010-03-09T01:15:00.001-08:00

The Veg Patch
by
Joyknitt

You may (or may not) remember from my last guest blog that rog and I moved about 18 months ago away from busy, noisy outer london - sorry, postal address was surrey, but still really outer london - to wiltshire. the house we bought was attractive to us for two main reasons, the first being a really well-built, but unfinished, outbuilding designated originally as a billiard room and now on course to become separate workspace for each of us, and the second being the garden which, while not being too big, is a nicely enclosed blank canvas for us to work wonders on.
we already have plans in hand for the renovation of the outbuilding, so I'll be blogging about that in later months, but for now as we wont really be able to do a great deal in the garden until the builders have been and gone, I have decided to take a small area of our very rough grass (I hesitate to call it a lawn) and turn it into an organic vegetable patch for use this coming season.

I have spent about three or four hours on and off over the past few days out there so far, and have double dug a small area and partially filled it with my own compost, made in a compost bag using kitchen scraps, fruit peelings, leaf rakings etc, and the contents of last years grow bags. I hope, as long as the weather continues to stay dry and not too cold, to have the entire area dug and filled before the end of march, so I can start planting in april.

what really motivated me to get going on this was something really silly. I have been buying organic desiree potatoes grown in bromham, which is only five miles from here, at the weekly market and the other day I read in the newspaper that gordon ramsey recommended that particular variety as the best one for making home-made chips. I found a few potatoes in the bottom of the bag which had gone past being ok to peel and eat, so rather than throw them away (call me cheapskate if you want to) I thought "why not plant them in the garden".

Rog has promised me a greenhouse, but that, again, will have to wait until after the builders have been and gone, so I have started off a few seeds in a seed tray which sits next to a lovely big east facing picture window in the dining room.

So over the next few months I'm hoping to have the opportunity to show you how the veg patch is coming along, and possibly the renovations to the outbuilding as well.

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ ArtbyMimi

2010-03-05T01:09:00.000-08:00

I love our next crafter's bold style ~ introducing Amy from ArtbyMimi.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
To tell you the truth I can't remember when I first started. All my childhood memories are of: apron on, paintbrush in hand and just genially having fun making a mess. The amount of times mum has come home to find the kitchen in a mess because I’ve decided to do paper and mache after school. Even now, some random idea just pops into my head and I’m there till early hours in the morning painting and drawing away.
But the first time I tried my hand at doing art professionally was in 2005. I first sold my paintings on Ebay and then I got into craft fairs and still fully enjoy it.
It’s literally in my blood, my Granddad painted and drew and so does my dad. For all it’s worth, I would never turn my back on it, as it’s all I’ve ever known.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The blocks! It can be very frustrating when you’ve got an idea and you just can't get it down onto paper or canvas.
To get around it I turn to something else but if that doesn’t work, then take a break. It’ll return in time.
A few years back I used to draw and draw and draw. Dragons mostly. But then a lot of things happened in my personal life, one after another and it flew up a huge brick wall. I found myself not able to get anything onto paper.
So after a few frustrating months I turned to painting and found after a little while, I found my escape from this cell. Instead of drawing fantasy, I painted landscapes.
It’s been 5 years since but I am now finding as I’m moving on in my personal life, my drawing and painting are as well. I am pleased to find this year; not only my old style is returning but it is also evolving. I have produced 4 paintings so far this year and I love it!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
If your heart is in it and feel it’s the right thing for YOU, do it!

How did you find Misi?
I was told about it one day when my mum came home from work, telling me she found an interesting site at lunchtime.
I have been searching for a site where I could sell my work, not have to battle to get my work noticed but also UK base as the exchange sometimes put people off. So Misi was a fantastic solution.
I have been on another site before Misi and I didn’t get half the views and not one 10th of the sales as I do on Misi. The friendly community and strong support is an added bonus. So glade I was introduced.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
Hmm…that’s a hard one as it changes but right now I couldn’t bare for anything horrible to happen to my first painting created in this new year, ‘Mother’s Love’. I’m no mother but it just says a lot to me and I hope, for anyone else who sees it.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Again another hard question…I use a variety of shops for friends and family’s cards and gifts but if I had to choose it’ll be Spratsie. She did a brilliant sculpture of Ginny (my black giant rabbit) and me and I will treasure it for many, many years to come.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite place to eat? There’s a small, traditional café down in St.Ives called Bumbles. Sadly there are not many cafes like Bumbles left now in St.Ives but I hope Bumbles never disappears.
Or a BBQ on the beach is always fun.

What is your favourite chocolate? I like all chocolates but I just found fruit and nut Toblerone recently. YUM!

What is your favourite time of day? About 10pm

What is your favourite place that you have lived? I have lived in two places in my life: Bromsgrove and St.Ives in Cornwall, so defiantly Cornwall as I’m a country girl at heart.

What is your all-time favourite movie? I have only just seen Avatar and it was AMAZING! I only wish I could go see it in 3D now.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? Hmmm…this is even harder than all the questions above combined! LOL! David Tennant, Jensen Ackles or Will Smith? Hmmm….LOL!

Thank you Amy. Beautiful paintings by the talented ArtbyMimi on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Bloggers?

2010-03-02T01:15:00.000-08:00

I've just realised that I've run out of guest bloggers!!
Please could any of the wonderful volunteers who previously wrote a guest blog or anyone new, please contact me through Misi.
The only requirement is that you are a Misi Member.

Thanks,
Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ SP Jewellery

2010-02-26T00:52:00.000-08:00

Let's meet Sharon from SP Jewellery...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I first started making jewellery at school in my Textiles classes - so I would have been about 14 or 15 which is 16 years ago. My teacher had boxes of tumble polished gemstones in the store cupboard - I started stripping electric cables for the copper wire and used that with the stones...
I have always crafted as a hobby, but after I left my job 10 years ago when I had a breakdown I needed to fill my time and also make money as work wasn't an option so I started selling my stuff!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are, how do you work around them?
The worst thing is that it is quite isolating for me, I am at home by myself most of the time - but it is something I have got used to :( friendly places like the Misi forums are literally a life saver for me!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
As jewellery is so competitive my main advice would be to try and be a little different, or specialise in something so hopefully you get a name for yourself for that particular thing...

How did you find Misi?
I was invited back in the beginning by Emma, I listed a few things and left them up for a while, but started listing properly last November.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I like these earrings because they are a bit different to what I usually do and took me ages!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Bodrighy and ArtbyMimi these are the 2 I've spent most time looking at...I'm just waiting for a day when I have enough money to buy from either!!!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
late evening - it's when I am most productive (don't ever ask me to do anything in the morning)

What is your favourite chocolate?
I don't eat much chocolate - but aeros are nice - milk or mint.

What is your favourite colour?
orange / red / green, everything should be brightly coloured - I recently painted my bathroom what I thought was pale lime green but it is almost fluorescent - we're just starting to get used to it.

What is your all-time favourite movie?
Lord of the Rings

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I'm a bit boring, I'm not really interested in anyone famous....Rupert (my bf) is quite enough for me!

How many DVDs do you have?
I have 147 DVDs, I did have more but sold some on Amazon before Christmas to raise some cash :)

Thank you Sharon. For more examples of Sharon's creative talent ~ visit SP Jewellery on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Candle Cavern

2010-02-23T01:00:00.000-08:00

Nature’s Natural Purifier
by David

Picking a subject for this blog I thought would be easy – just pick something interesting and talk about it. Then you worry that what may be interesting to you may be mind-numbing to others. So I decided to think of something that’s positive for us and those around us AND we can enjoy it.

As a candle maker, throughout my time I have used mainly soy wax as a candle medium. This is aimed at wanting to develop & promote interest in candles from natural products and from a sustainable source. It was this ethos that led me to work more and more with Beeswax which, I confess, I now thoroughly enjoy as much.

By nature, I am a curious type and decided to find out exactly what it is, where it actually comes from and the benefits of beeswax. I found a lot of fantastic information and research (from the good ‘ole internet mainly) opening an interest and enthusiasm to use, produce and provide candles from beeswax as well as promote the natural benefits that beeswax contains.

As most of us know, beeswax is the building material of the honey bee which they use to make honeycomb. But, the benefits of using it as a candle fuel generally is quite revealing.

Firstly, beeswax candles burn brighter, longer, and cleaner than any other candle! The flame emits essentially the same light spectrum as the sun and in the process of burning emits negative ions that are known to clean the air. These negative ions help rid the air of pollen, dust, mould, toxins and many other pollutants and it is this feature that makes beeswax candles ideal for allergy sufferers – something that affects and limits many people to a greater or lesser extent.

Air contains electrically charged particles or ions. Ions act upon our capacity to absorb and utilise oxygen, and therefore cause powerful effects on our lives and well being. The ions in the air can affect our mood, energy and health. Positive ions are loaded down with pollution and allergens that are drawn to them and suspended in the air. Negative ions, on the other hand, remove the pollution and allergens from positive ions, allowing them to drop harmlessly to the ground.

As it burns, the candle flame convects air, passing it through the flame. It burns off pollutants in the same manner as a catalytic converter in your car. Thus, beeswax candles are natural air purifiers.

I admit I am a convert and believer that beeswax candles can help practically as well as provide a pleasurable experience. It does cost more but sometimes you get what you pay for!

Lots to be found at my Misi store.

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Kim's Creative Crafts

2010-02-19T01:03:00.000-08:00

I would like to introduce Kim from Kim's Creative Crafts. Let's find out a little more about her.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started crocheting about 2 years ago when I was pregnant with my second child. I was bored of knitting as I could only really knit blankets and scarves as they were the easiest. I learnt how to crochet from watching tutorials on uTube, then learnt how to read patterns and now I know enough to make my own creations.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Sometimes I find it difficult to crochet around my life as a stay-at-home mum to 2 small kids but I find the time to do it while the kids are asleep!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

I would deifnitely recommend reading books from the library, watching tutorials online and look out for inspiration wherever you are.

How did you find Misi?

I found a thread about MISI on the Bounty website in the arts/hobby forum.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

At the moment I love my easter egg cosies even if it is a little early for Easter!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Thats a tough choice - can I choose two? Looby Crafts for her gorgeous cards and Poppy Patchwork for the amazing denim items!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?

Early in the morning, not too early though - when the day still smells fresh.

What is your ideal vacation?

Going back home to Cape Town.

Where were you born?

Cape Town, South Africa

What is your favourite animal?

The first one that springs to mind is a Bengal Tiger.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?

Hmm...tough one... Jared Padalecki or Jenson Ackles!!

Thank you Kim. Take a look at Kim's Creative Crafts on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Joyknitt

2010-02-16T01:00:00.000-08:00

Retired

I've never really "been" anything which has a title, like a teacher, or a policewoman, or a secretary, and never really wanted to be, I have spent most of my adult life, well 39 plus years of it, as a full time mum. thats not to say I haven't worked, as any full time mum will tell you, I have been nurse, childminder, head stroker, food fixer, drinks fixer, clothes maker and mender, food and supplies purchasing officer, pram pusher, nappy changer, hand holder, taxi driver, classroom assistant, swimming lesson clothes changer and dryer, readee (I think I just invented a new word, it means being read to), school outings tag-alonger and head counter, uniform washer and ironer, sports day helper, christmas fair helper, summer fair helper, argument mediator, peacemaker, bruise and cuts tender, bike pusher, birthday party organiser, cake baker, pet cleaner, house cleaner, toy sorter (lego, my favourite), and in latter years driving instructor, banker, cookery teacher, and oh I could go on and on and on, you all know how much a mum does.

I've also had some really good fun along the way, especially on the school outings, joining in with ice skating, abseiling, rock climbing, archery, orienteering, and I've been to the natural history museum, the british museum and the science museum, as well as the roman remains at fishbourne and the observatory at hurstmonceaux. and family outings when we have been to the victory and the mary rose at portsmouth, hms belfast in london, madame tussauds and the planetarium, chessington world of adventures, thorpe park and alton towers, the eiffel tower, montparnasse tower and cite de science in paris, seaside holidays in bournemouth and cornwall, one magical trip to the usa where we went to niagara falls, and many, many more. so bringing up kids has been my greatest achievement and living and learning through their experiences has taught me a great deal and made me the person I am today.

but now they are grown up and I am retired. it happened quite suddenly, one minute my first son was born, and a few weeks later, so it seemed, the fourth one is off to university and I am in an empty (well, almost, husband and cat are here as well) house. all I ever wanted to do when I was a grown up was to get married and have children and now I have done it, fairly successfully, I think, and its time to move on. its time to do something for me.

It took me quite a while to get used to the idea that no-one had any calls on my time, all the time I was "mumming" I used to dream about a future when I had all this time to myself but it always seemed to be just out of reach, just a few more meals to fix, a few more teenage mountains to climb, a few more tantrums to be overcome and a few more tears to be shed. and I do really miss having little dependents around, but what I love is the freedom and knowing they have all turned out ok, they are reasonable members of the human race, what more could I ask for.
so picture me now, a little granny figure sitting in my rocking chair on the front porch with my cat and my knitting on my lap. I wish!!! well in fact I dont wish, I am as busy now as I ever have been, I am a self employed phoenix trader selling cards at craft fairs and home parties, I make my own bread, I house sit for our local b&b establishment when the owners have evenings out, I drive back to surrey during half-terms and holidays to catch up on the older two sons and their partners and the grandchildren, rog, my hubby, and I walk all over the place, we are having great fun discovering the wonderful wiltshire countryside we moved to a year ago, we go to the gym once or twice a week, we are also renovating our house and outbuilding (big enough for a studio for me and an office for him), turning our small patch of unkempt grass into a decent lawn and useful vegetable patch, and later this year I am embarking on an open university course on digital photography. and I just about have time to sit down in the evenings in front of the tv to do some knitting or crochet, which is my "me" time.
So retired I may be, but idle? no thanks.

4 Sons

Joy
xx

Happy Valentine's Day!

2010-02-14T04:01:00.000-08:00

Hope you are all being spoilt rotten by someone special in your life.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Spratsie

2010-02-12T01:00:00.000-08:00

This week's Misi crafter is Daisy from Spratsie... I think I may have to add a new question soon ~ how do people come up with their shop names?

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
My husband is the one who started out originally, doing little dragons and some of the earlier work in my shop. I got inspired by watching him work and thought I'd give it a go as well and surprisingly it went really well. From there on it just kept evolving. I've been doing this for about 6 months now. Looking forward to making some bunnies and chicks for Easter,They are going to be so cute. I love how things come alive in my hands!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Not really, although I must say I don't really like working with white, it stains really easily! Before I start I wash my hands really well, wipe the surface I work on and try not to touch anything but the white clay.
The other thing that breaks my heart is when a sculpture falls over or breaks while it's baking...not fun :(

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Buy some good tools and soft clay. I found Sculpey is a good one to use. I use Fimo as well but they are very hard and need a lot of kneading. When I started I bought some books to learn a few techniques, they came in very handy.

How did you find Misi?
By luck! I first opened a shop on Etsy but didn't have much luck and a lot of friends asked me if they could buy straight of me as they didn't want to pay in dollars. I had a browse around thinking there must be something similar here in the UK and up came Misi...hurray!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I like my valentines sculptures but my favourites at the moment are my "cupcake magnets". I made some for myself and they look so cute on top of our microwave!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Oh there are so many!! I like the chocolate truffle company, the chocolates are so yummy.
Another favourite is The Pink Fairy Cake, her items are gorgeous.
I've also got a lovely print made by Artbymimi, and am planning to buy some more!
I love buying keyrings and charms and recently bought some really nice ones made by Sprinkles Sparkles and Beauchique.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? I can't decide between yellow or pink.

What is your favourite TV programme? Lost (can't wait for the new season to start), Grey's anatomy, 24, Friends, Glee, How I met your mother, Flashforward and I am currently re-watching all the Beverly Hills 90210 series (about to start season 8...I love it!). As a teenager I watched Twin Peaks and it freaked me out but I would love to re-watch them all again just to see if it would make any sense this time.

What is your favourite food? Chinese, I could have that every day. I also like exotic fruits such as mango, papaya, pomegranates, lychee's,...

Summer or Winter? Summer, nothing beats a beautiful summers day

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Heath Ledger if he were still alive :( , Brad Pitt and Joaquin Phoenix (that reminds me I'd like to watch Quills again, such a good movie)

Thank you Daisy. Daisy's lovely unique figurines can be found in her store on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ LiveWire Jewellery

2010-02-09T01:06:00.000-08:00

The trials and tribulations of the frustrated but endlessly enthusiastic crafter

So first a confession, I’m not a very arty, crafty, creative type! I never have been. At school I was more into sports (and boys!), I enjoyed trying out art and craft but I never really pursued it and I certainly didn’t show any great promise! So it’s funny now that as I’m writing this in my studio I’m surrounded by boxes of beads, gemstones, ribbon, metal, pliers, hammers…

It all snowballed rather quickly, one day I bought a couple of beads to match an outfit for a wedding and managed to make a pair of earrings after cannibalising another shop bought pair and then a few tools followed, a few more beads, a bit of wire, some leather cord, a few more beads…it didn’t take long for me to develop some kind of magpie like obsession with shiney, sparkly, beautiful beads so if you see someone hunched over trays of beads, scuttling back and forth, already weighed down with materials that’s probably me!

But it’s not just about the shiney beads (or gorgeous fabric or whatever your addiction is) it’s that whole process from start to finish, the fantastic idea, the problems and setbacks that always plague the crafter and then the glorious finished item! I think it satisfies some deep urge in us to use our hands in a really practical way especially if, like me, you’re still waiting to give up the nine to five (you certainly don’t get the same satisfaction from filing away some paperwork!)

And that is what I think connects us all, the very essence of what we do, the ‘handmade’, not from some factory churning out thousands of the same item. It’s made with love and passion, with paper cuts and fingers super-glued together, with hundreds of failed attempts and sighs of frustration, endless cups of tea and some late nights, it’s all those half finished projects lingering guiltily in a box and the thrill of your first sale. So fellow crafters be proud of your work and make sure you tell everyone, ‘I made that!’

Steff
Live Wire Jewellery

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Live Wire Jewellery

2010-02-05T01:22:00.000-08:00

Today's Fab Friday crafter is Steff from Live Wire Jewellery. Steff creates some really unique shapes with her jewellery ~ worth a look.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
It all started when I went in to my local art and craft shop, i'd been in lots of times before but never really bothered with the jewellery section. Then on one visit I noticed some gorgeous orange lampwork beads that I thought would look perfect with an outfit I was wearing to a wedding so bought a couple without thinking about what I was going to do with them. When I got home I managed to make them into earrings by destroying another pair and using the components, needless to say with a pair of my dad's old pliers they weren't very neat but they did the job and it got me hooked! That was about 3 years ago and from those two lampwork beads I now have a whole room of beads, tools, gemstones and books!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are, how do you work around them?
I enjoy making chainmaille pieces but it can make my eyes feel really tired looking at all those jumprings and working out where they all go! so I take regular breaks to give them a rest, it also gives my hands and wrists a break and gives me chance to raid the fridge for a snack!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Take a class or buy a book/magazine etc. When I started out I didn't know the best way to make jewellery, so pieces broke and clasps fell off. It saves a lot of time by learning a few key techniques!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
My Mint Box Chain Bracelet, it started off as a (very) long length of wire which I've coiled to make little jump rings, cut each one by hand and then woven them into a box chain. Finished off with a roughly polished nugget of fluorite, one of my favourite semi-precious stones.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I recently stumbled across Imps and Things which has some amazing handmade tree sprites and imps, that just have such fantastic expressions!

Random things about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
Those very rare times when I wake up before my alarm!

What is your ideal vacation?
I like to go to far flung places (when I can afford it!) being able to visit a Masai village in Tanzania was amazing, and I got to see the beautiful colourful jewellery they wear.

Where were you born?
I was born in Godalming, a small town in Surrey (less than an hour away from London, England). Godalming has a wonderful little craft shop which started me off into the crafting world!

What is your favourite animal?
Well it's got to be dogs or more specifically my dog Ichi, she's only 2 and is the most affectionate dog ever!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Christian Bale without a doubt!

Thank you Steff. Take a look at Live Wire Jewellery ~ inspiring creations.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Just K Jewellery

2010-02-02T01:12:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know my work will be aware that I often embed sweets in resin but I’d also scrounged some fragments of material from my mum – she makes patchwork quilts and the materials she uses are ideal to use with resin as they have small patterns.
I mixed a batch of resin and half filled a selection of different shape moulds. As I’d already cut the material to shape I knew it was the right size so I floated the material on the resin and gently pressed it down until it was submerged.

I was going to use a polo mint in the rectangular shape so I let this resin cure until almost hard. I do this to avoid getting air bubbles under the sweet.

I added some more clear resin to just cover the polo mint, let it partly cure and then sprinkled some crushed glass and silver glitter onto the resin and left it to cure fully under lights. The lights help to speed up the curing process.

The next stage is to add the second layer of resin. I mixed a batch of resin and put a small amount into another mixing cup. I added some metallic claret coloured pigment powder, mixed well and then poured it into the mould. I didn’t have enough for the second mould so I added some more clear resin to the mixing cup and this time some red glass paint. I mixed well and poured into the mould.

For the last pieces I stirred some metallic blue pigment powder into the resin and poured into the moulds. This time there was some blue resin left over so I added more clear resin to the mixture and a couple of drops of black glass paint. Again I mixed well and poured into the polo mint mould.
Once the resin had cured fully I was able to de-mould them. I like to leave them under the light for a few more hours before handing them. There are always some rough edges on the back which I rub down with wet and dry paper.

I’m not sure what I’m going to do with these pieces yet. I might make the blue floral squares into rings by gluing them to flat pad ring shanks. The red floral batons will probably become necklaces so I’ll drill a hole into the top with a pin vice and then glue in a top pin.
If the polo mint becomes a key ring I’ll drill a hole all the way through the top of the piece and use a large jump ring or triangular clamp to attach it to a key ring blank. I like the effect of the glitter sparkling against the midnight blue resin, makes me think of stars in the night sky, this one might yet end up as a pendant.....

Karen Rickard

http://justkjewellery.blogspot.com

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Lazy Daisy Glass

2010-01-29T01:19:00.000-08:00

This week's Fabulous Friday crafter is... Kathryn from Lazy Daisy Glass. Kathryn wrote a fantastic guest blog for us a last week about glass fusing ~ now read about Kathryn and see a few of her gorgeous creations.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I first started working with glass about 6 years ago - first working with stained glass. My background has been administration/working in an office, so this was a great hobby to try.. When I first moved to Scotland i passed a stained glass workshop and popped in to see all about it. I always wanted to try it, so enquired and enrolled on a 6 week course. One year later i was still attending the course and loving it. I bought the essential equipment and set up at home - only as a hobby. I attended local craft fairs and sold through friends. Sales began to slow down dramatically - no one was buying stained glass hangers or decorative pieces. Two years ago, I had a huge desire to work with fused glass and invested my maternity money in a kiln, some glass and a book. I studied the book, did some research on the internet and began practising. I loved working with fused glass and the possibilities were endless. I now have my own studio and run my own business from home (as I am also a full-time mother of a 2.5 year old) and attend large shows and trade fairs. I enjoy my craft very much and always thinking of new ideas.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The only negative aspect would be looking after a 2.5 year old and combining a full-time job. I work many hours and never stop - it's a seven day a week job. Obviously with a young child to look after, I cannot spend many hours during the day in my studio and find that frustrating at times. But my priority is looking after my daughter. In emergencies, I have asked a friend to look after her for a few hours, but this doesn't happen very often, as I believe that she is my responsibility. Other than that, it works very well. Working from home gives you the flexibility of choosing your own hours.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Always try before you buy - as the equipment is very costly, it is worth spending some time on a course. Afterall, you may not enjoy it as much as you had hoped. It is quite a technical craft and there is a huge amount to learn about kilns and how they operate. I initially invested £1000 in my first kiln, studio equipment and some glass. I have recently invested in a large flatbed kiln and costed £4500 (including additional wiring/installation). As you can see, it is not a 'hobby' craft - you need to be pretty serious to work with fused glass. Start small, as I did, and you can invest further if you think you like it or can make a living out of it.

How did you find Misi?
When MISI first started, I was contacted by Emma, but was not in a position to try it at that point. I had too many other things going on. As MISI became more popular, I thought I would try it. I now have a few items in my shop, but not my complete product range. I subscribe to Craft & Design Magazine and was recently reading an article about internet shop-window sites - MISI was featured and Emma gave an interview about the site. I think Emma has done very well publicising the site.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I have just added a new item - Swirly Heart hanger. This is my favourite because I love hearts and what they symbolise and the swirl just adds a bit of colour and hopefully people will think that they are a little different. An ideal item for Valentines Day or even a wedding present.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I think this shop is wonderful - Julie Waldron
Combining art with functionality is a great idea. The clock designs are beautiful.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season? It would be summer - everyone has a spring in their step and are much happier.

What is your ideal vacation? I love the carribean and have been on holiday to this part of the world a few times. I do not spend everyday on the beach though, I like to explore the islands and local culture.

What is your favourite food? Cornish pasty and Cornish Clotted Cream - although not together!! (being Cornish I would have to say that!!)

What is your favourite animal? My cat, Goldie. I rescued her from the streets of London, she was in a terrible state when I found her, but she's beautiful now. I love all types of cats - they are cute and cuddly.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed? Oooo, there are quite a few!!! Hugh Jackman is my favourite - I tend to go for the rugged looking ones. He was great in Swordfish.

Thanks for sharing Kathryn. Please take a look at Lazy Daisy Glass for beautiful fused glass designs.

Also, if anyone would like to be featured on Fab Fridays or create a guest blog for us ~ please pm me through Misi.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Maisielu

2010-01-26T01:16:00.000-08:00

Our guest blogger today is Amanda from Maisielu.

Why I Blog?

When thinking of a subject for the Misi blog I thought it it would be interesting to discuss why we blog at all. What use are these internet diaries that people talk about?

When I first considered doing my hobby as a job, it was happening upon craft blogs that give me the courage to go for it. I started blogging at the same time as putting my items on Misi, but found it difficult at first thinking , why would anyone care about my life, goals or hopes for the future?

Not having written full sentences since college I found the actual writing really hard, and I was always the girl who ends up fogetting/losing her diary so keeping it up to date became an issue.

But then you get some followers, and comments and then sales, and Pow you’re hooked. I am.

What can blogging do for me?

*Creating a blog can give you a space of your own to interact, learn and create on. And even better people can find you there, my blog was picked up on Google long before any of my shops were.

*It’s really easy to set up through sites like Live Journal, Typepad, Blogger, Myspace, or Wordpress you easily go through the process.

Then when you’ve got used to it. its easy to adjust to your style, and best of all most are free.

*It can create a valuable record of your creative process, in todays mass produced socity its inportant to have a record of where your ideas came from.

If someone copies your designs you can refer them back to your dated blog and ask them to remove the item from sale.

* Add pictures, if you make something show the potential new owner how much work has gone into the piece, its nice to see how your piece was made rather than thinking of it being mass produced in a factory somewhere abroad.

If you don’t like writing as the saying goes “a picture says a thousand words”.

*Its a great way of archiving your work, pictures and ideas to refer to at any time or place, if you lose your computer data you’ll still have the information on your blog.

*It’s a great way of connecting with others and gaining feedback.

I hope this inspires you to set up your own blog, and remember if you do shout about it, let everyone on Misi know so we can find you.

And most of all, enjoy it.

Amanda .x.

Thank you Amanda ~ come on crafters ~ get blogging!

If anyone would like to do a guest blog or be featured on the Misi Blog Fab Fridays ~ please message Helen through Misi.

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Jewels of Isis

2010-01-22T01:18:00.000-08:00

This week's Misi crafter is Marianne... Jewels of Isis...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

When I was giving up the 9 to 5 eighteen months ago, I was persuaded by friends who are antiquities dealers to buy ancient Egyptian and Roman beads from them to make into jewellery. This meant learning HOW to make jewellery and how to run a web shop, neither of which I had considered before. I loved it so much that I branched into semi precious work, hoping for a bigger market!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

If I had done a bit of research first, I would have realised that Jewellery making is very popular at the moment - everyone and their cat does it - and maybe it would have been better to try something just as creative but with less competition! Its too late now though, I love it too much to give it up, so all I can do is try to be as creative and as individual as I can be.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Take up pottery instead! Only joking - try to find a niche that you enjoy, and concentrate your efforts and money on producing something truly unique.

How did you find Misi?
Emma contacted me on Facebook, so I signed up after a brief and unsuccesful trial on another selling site.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
This one - Rhiannon

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
There are too many to list - there are several other jewellers I admire, some very clever ladies who make beautiful things by knitting, sewing and crocheting, and some very talented artists.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite month and why?
May, because it is generally warm and dry, and my garden looks its best then.

What is your ideal vacation?
Anywhere where there is no noise, no street lights, very few people and I can take my dogs! self Catering in a remote cottage in Argyll last May was perfect.

What is your favourite chocolate?
I'm not a big fan of chocolate, crisps are my downfall, but I do get a huge box of Thorntons Continental every Christmas (and usually make them last till Easter!)

What is your favourite animal?
Well its got to be horses or dogs, depending on which of mine is being most naughty at the time.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Not so much the actor, but the character he played - Legolas from Lord of the Rings. I did like Aragorn, but he needed to wash his hair!

Thank you Marianne. Visit Jewels of Isis to see the creations of a talented jewellery maker.

Helen
xxx

Guest Blogger ~ Lazy Daisy Glass

2010-01-19T01:14:00.000-08:00

As a guest speaker, I thought I would talk about my craft of Glass Fusing.

What is Glass Fusing? (Part 1)

Glass fusing is a glass fabrication technique used to heat glass in a kiln until it reaches a soft point, which allows the user to manipulate the glass in a variety of ways. This method for working with glass is sometimes known as kiln-forming or warm glass. Warm glass operates at lower temperatures than glassblowing (which can be referred to as hot glass). A wide variety of objects can be produced through glass fusing, ranging from necklaces to bowls.

Warm glass is heated between 600 and 925 degrees Celsius. At these temperatures, glass softens enough that when pieces of glass are heated and pressed together, they will fuse into a single seamless piece.

There are many processes within fusing - slumping, draping, fire polishing, tack fusing, frit casting, pate de verre, combing, glass casting (more on these in Part 2). Besides fusing flat objects (see Fig 1 - Lazy Bones Fish), I also use the slumping method, which is one of the most popular techniques. Slumping is when glass is heated to a certain temperature and left to stretch and drop (slump) into a mould (see Fig 2 - a slumping mould). I created this three piece sculpture using a wave mould (see Fig 3 - Coast). It is a very controlled process - the glass is heated enough for it to allow to slump very gradually. If the process is not controlled you could end up with lots of melted glass in a messy heap!

A number of supplies are needed to practice glass fusing; including a kiln and tools to work with the glass. A kiln is vital to working in this technique and also the most important investment you will ever make. Therefore, it is important to make an informed decision. KIlns come in all sorts of shapes and sizes. My first kiln was a Hot Start Pro - a seven-sided shape (Heptagon, I had to look that one up!!). I decided to buy this particular one because it was slightly bigger than the small box ones (like the Paragons) and suited my needs better as I wanted to experiment with bowls and plates and not just make jewellery items. I have progressed since then, and now own a flat-bed kiln which measures 1 metre x 800cm - this is a huge leap, but my business has grown and I now supply trade. In order to keep up with orders, I had to invest in a larger kiln.

It is also important to have safety equipment like goggles and fire resistent gloves. Glass fusing also relies on the use of compatible glass; if the wrong types of glass are mixed, the piece can crack or explode as a result of different cooling patterns and densities. Surprising not all glass is compatible ie., it expands and contracts at different temperatures.

Written by Kathryn from Lazy Daisy Glass

(If you would like to become a guest blogger please pm Helen through Misi)

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Samigail

2010-01-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

This week's crafter is Fiona from Samigail's Handmade Gifts.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started learning pyrography just before Christmas 2007. My husband wanted some ideas for what to buy me for Christmas and I decided I’d like to learn a new craft. So I stumbled onto pyrography and thought it sounded interesting. I got quite excited and impatient to start learning my new chosen craft so instead of waiting until Christmas though I bought myself a little kit and started straight away! I made some Christmas decorations for my 2 children and a friend saw them and said she’d like them as teacher presents for her children to give at school and so I started making things to sell.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only problem I’ve encountered is if I burn a piece of wood incorrectly and ruin the wood as there is no correcting the mistake once the wood is burnt! Anything tricky I draw on the picture first, or if it’s a lot of wording I write it all in pencil so I can be sure the spacing and layout looks nice.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Keep practicing on scraps of wood. It took me a while to get the hang of the wood being burnt effectively so it wasn’t all horrid and blotchy/messy.

How did you find Misi?

Through a craft forum.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

My tooth fairy hanger. Some of my plaques (like the Babies don’t keep one) have a poem on which has come from a website which allows crafters to use the poems on crafts to sell, albeit with certain restrictions, such as amounts sold per week.

However, the tooth fairy hanger has a poem on that I wrote myself so I do feel quite proud of it.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Gosh, there are so many gorgeous products and shops – I can’t name just 1!!. I love so many, I’ll name just 3 - the Chocolate Truffle Co, Photo fairy Tales and Belovedly.

Random Facts about you:

What was your favourite Christmas present last year?

My son started reception at school last year and at Christmas he came home with a calendar he’d made on the computer with a space theme. It is so amazing!

What is your ideal vacation?

My friend and I were talking about holidays earlier today and reminisced about exotic holidays pre-children. Now my ideal vacation would be a camping holiday for all 4 of us with DRY weather – it would certainly be a novelty!!

Have you ever done an extreme sport, if not, would you?

No – although I have started trampolining again after a 20 year break – I think I’d consider it an extreme sport after 2 children and dodgy bladder control!!

What is your favourite fruit and why?

Banana’s, because I can enjoy them so many different ways – plain, or with greek yoghurt and honey, or in a smoothie

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?

Patrick Dempsey – Mcdreamy in Gray’s Anatomy J

Thank you for chatting with us Fiona. Take a look at Samigail to find some lovely handcrafted items.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Just K jewellery

2010-01-08T01:09:00.000-08:00

This week's Misi crafter... talented Karen from Just K jewellery... Karen works with resin and creates the most lovely, unique pendants.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I’ve been making jewellery for about 3 years. I gave up full time work in order to have more ME-time and had always wanted to make jewellery. I got some books out of the library, started teaching myself and became totally addicted to beads and making jewellery. I wanted to develop my skills so I went on a silver clay workshop locally. I bought a book on silver clay from Amazon who then emailed me some suggestions of jewellery making books. One of these was Sherri Haab’s resin jewellery book which I bought and couldn’t wait to have a go.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The housework and domestic chores never get done as I’m always crafting, taking photographs or working on the pc. I wish I could work in a tidy way and put things away before I start the next project. There isn’t a negative aspect to making jewellery – I love it!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Find your own style and stick to it. You’ll find you like some techniques but not others so why bother making jewellery that you don’t enjoy. Also be inspired by other peoples work but never copy someone else’s design.

How did you find Misi?
On a crafters forum

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
That’s difficult as it’s usually the last thing I made. I love this resin pendant as I was experimenting and the patterns just formed in front of my eyes. I made a batch of six and they are all slightly different.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Glamour Junkie – I love scarves and hers are lovely

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite evening snack/nibbles?
Cheesy Wotsits
What is your ideal vacation?
A cottage in France, especially in the Dordogne
What is your favourite website (other than Misi)?
Groovy Cart
What is your favourite colour and why?
Red – I love strong, bold colours
What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Paul Newman as a young man

Thank you for chatting to us Karen. For unique, beautiful jewellery ~ go and visit Just K Jewellery on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Happy New Year!

2010-01-05T01:39:00.000-08:00

Best wishes for 2010.

I'm looking for volunteers to be interviewed for the Misi Fabulous Fridays, please pm me through Misi if you are interested and I will send you a list of questions.

I'm also looking for guest bloggers ~ you must be a Misi member and willing to do at least one blog per month.

Thanks,
Helen
xxx

Merry Christmas!!

2009-12-25T01:06:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas everyone!

Hope you all have a fabulous Christmas and catch up with you in the New Year on the Misi Forums...

xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ LoubieJewels

2009-12-18T01:04:00.000-08:00

This week's lovely lady... Louise from LoubieJewels...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started card making but it didnt challenge me anymore so one day I woke up and thought I would like to create something stunning and went shopping, I havent looked back since, its been about 2 years.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
I find in general people would rather go and get something mass produced and not shop mademade, if they do they expect handmade to be cheaper but generally we can not compete with these prices, its a shame I think there are so many talented ladies out there - i'll always shop handmade if I can.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Research first, I started with nothing, no ideas and guessed- looking back I would have researched more, I love my stuff now but cringe a little at my early stuff

How did you find Misi?
Crafts beautiful I think, it was a small note on the site and I could have easily missed it - I think it was fate, I love it and spend as much time as I can on it, the ladies (and Gents) are some of the nicest people I know and Emma has done wonders for us all.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I've developed a new love for Glass pearls, I love their colours and how bold they look, i`m just working on a collection and I love them all.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I love the bears on Paw Prints of Staffordshire, The tins of Wisteria and of course all the handmade beads - I know i'm terrible but there are just so many to choose from

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite TV programme?
I'd have to say Greys anatomy, I love it I knnow its not like real life but there is always some sort of romance and drama going on

What is your ideal vacation destination?
Jersey in the Summer, my Uncle lives there and its full of little boutiques and I found a great little bead shop, just one girl in a beach shack all day every day, life looks just so peaceful and beautiful

What is your favourite website (other than Misi)?
Is there one other than Misi - well and my website of course (www.loubiejewels.co.uk), i'd have to say Facebook for catching up with my school friends, and its where I got back intouch with my other half

Do you have a hobby (other than your craft)?
Only really salsa dancing, but i'm always planning something even if it is the shop I aim to have one day, Lolas Boutique.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Channing Tatum, man can dance and he's beautiful! He's the only one on my "can do" list!

Thank you for chatting to us today Louise. Take a look around LoubieJewels for last minute Christmas gifts...

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ MornieG Jewellery

2009-12-11T01:01:00.000-08:00

This week's Misi crafter makes beautiful jewellery. Please welcome MornieG...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
The christmas before last I couldn't find anything I liked or could afford to wear to a ball. Always looking at craft magazines and saw one with a necklace on the cover I liked the look of. Found that it was a to do project so I bought the magazine, made some alterations, ordered all the bits from USA as I didn't know any better at that time and it was an American edition, and eventually made it after a few false starts, with days to spare. But I was so proud of it and still have it. I was totally hooked on the idea of making jewellery, but only seriously started the following June when I got a web site and a gallery to sell some through. I want to find the time to teach myself to silversmith. I have all the basic kit just need to stop procrastinating and get on with it.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Time is the biggest one. As a wage slave I still work full time, anything from 40 to 50 hours a week, help my OH with designs and seeing clients sometimes for his business, take a couple of dance classes a week and make the jewellery. Then there is keeping up the websites, taking the photos, craft fairs when i can get into one at short notice, and all the other things connected with running a home. The jewellery just has to be slotted in between everything else often late in the evenings. The only TV programme I watch is Strictly on a saturday night, I'm not much fun at a gathering when everyone is talking about whats on the box, I've no idea!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Could say lots of things like, research your market, sort your funding, organise your time, get other members of your household to support you and help out, don't get carried away buying components willy nilly for stock, but all that would be, do what I say, not what I do . We are all in this for different reasons, I am trying to run a viable business direct to my clients, unique quality goods at a fair price, others may be a hobby maker which would have a differernt set of rules, reasons and goals.

How did you find Misi?
In a roundabout sort of way by word of mouth, but I think the source was Jean from Talking Beads, thanks Jean.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
Often the favourite is the latest design you make. I have started to work with sea glass from Rob Johnson and I absolutely adore it, especially the beads he makes from it. They are expensive but the romance of sea glass is wonderful, imagining where it might have originated, its former life, firstly transformed into beads by a lampworker to then be made into something beautiful ( I hope ) and useful like jewellery, recycling at its best.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Everybody says they can't choose as there are so many and they are right, I haven't even scratched the surface of viewing them all yet, and the rate they are increasing is wonderful. Just found Stickman, his walking canes are amazing and beautiful. As a furniture designer I love timber and appreciate his craft. I would have one just to stand in a corner and look at. Dogplant is wonderful. Martins planters were my first purchases from MISI. He made me a special order black cat and a cow for Christmas presents, he must have liked the suggestion as they went straight into his shop. Jewellery wise, I think it has to be The Hairy Growler, I covet the fork bangle, by the time you read this I may well be the proud owner of one !

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?
Sunrise or sunset, not that I get to see too many sunrises as I'm an owl rather than a lark. The sheer beauty of those times of the day can take your breath away.

What is your ideal vacation?
Has to be by water somewhere. I go to Norfolk to have a few days to get my head together sometimes, holed up in a little cottage by myself, and walk the beaches around Heacham, read, listen to music and relax. I take my jewellery and if I want to still be making something at 3 in the morning I can and sleep till 10, not that I do sleep in, as I want to be up and on the beach.

What is your favourite colour?
To wear, I live in black but lilacs, purples, pinks I suppose, but not pastels clear and bright.

What is your favourite animal?
Tigeress, the perfect feline. Beautiful, lithe, elegant, fiesty, clever, captivating, dangerous. Everything I aspire to, but never will be, the perfect woman.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Daniel Craig. Not into 'pretty' men, got to be a bit rugged, tall, with come to bed eyes, and look a bit naughty ( You can interpt that how you like ha ha )

How many DVDs do you have?
None, never have time to watch them. I have the loan of a set of Garth Brooks concert DVD's and they have been sat there for nearly 2 years now without even been taken out of the box. One day, maybe this Christmas !

Visit MornieG Jewellery on Misi for a tantalising taste of gorgeous goodies. Quick ~ you only have 2 weeks until Christmas!

xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Fairly Girly

2009-12-04T01:05:00.000-08:00

Today we are talking to Lorraine from Fairly Girly. Huge apologies to Lorraine ~ I am soooo not organised this morning and this came up without pictures first. Just fixed it so you can see a few of her beautiful creations...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

About two years ago I changed my job at the College slightly to job share with a colleague. Then I saw a jewellery making course advertised on one of my days off and thought I would like to have a go at that. I had sort of given up on my other hobbies when I had my son and thought it was time I did something for me! My friends encouraged me to take it a step further and start to sell what I make and Fairly Girly was born about a year ago.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only negative for me would be lack of time - as a busy working mum there is never enough hours in a day and we would all like to spend more time crafting.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Just to have fun and be as creative as you like, it really doesn't have to be that expensive to begin with. A basic tool set, some findings, threads and beads will get you started to see if you like it. You will soon find that you have a mountain a beads!

How did you find Misi?

I found Misi through a craft forum and took a look and thought it was worth listing a few items. I think we have all found that it is a very friendly site and has a great sense of community where we all help each other.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

I think it has to be the sterling silver aqua hearts bracelet the links of hearts make this very eyecatching.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

There are so many wonderful shops on Misi it is hard to chose one.......but if I had to pick I will say Carolyn's Creations as she made me two custom orders for a birthday and 50th anniversary, and they were delighted with their gifts.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite way to travel?

I mostly walk to work dropping my son off on route......that sounds really good doesn't it! I suppose my favourite way would be by plane because that would mean we are going on holiday :-)

What is your favourite chocolate?

I love white chocolate and as a child remember loving a pink, pink panther bar as a treat......showing my age here I feel.

What is your favourite time of day?

Has to be mid evening, all the jobs done and sitting down to relax.

What is your favourite place that you have lived?

I have only ever lived in two places, St Austell in Cornwall where my family still lives and Bideford in Devon where I now live. I think I am lucky to have only lived in the South West, being spoilt having beaches, moors and countryside right on the doorstep.

What is your all-time favourite movie?

This is a tricky one for me as don't get much time to watch movies and the ones we have recently are childrens ones.......the most recent being James and the Giant Peach. My son had to go to school as a Roald Dahl character recently and this is what he chose.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?

Another tricky one.....Johnny Depp.

Thank you for allowing us to chat to you Lorraine. Lorraine's shop on Misi is Fairly Girly, go and visit now.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Mad about Bags

2009-11-27T01:01:00.000-08:00

This week's Misi Crafter is Tracy from Mad about Bags... Wow, you really need to take a look at this ladies store, seriously stunning bags.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I've been crafting since I was a little girl, knitting, sewing, cross stitching and much more but I started making bags back in 2005 when i made a bag for my daughter Rachel -a pink parisian cat design complete with beads and marabou trim, I then started making them as gifts for her friends and it just went from there.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Buying fabric/being given fabric - I just can't stop or say no, it doesn't stop at fabric unfortunately as i have cross stich kits, wool, buttons, and trims too. I think even if I lived to be 150 years old I'd still never finish all the projects that I have. I can't believe when I first got married I only had a couple of small boxes of fabrics and crafting materials. My solution to this problem was to have a workshop in the garden its huge 24"x12" but I've still managed to fill it to the rafters with fabric

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Buy an overlocker I love mine and it gives a professional finish to you bags (always remember though not to phone your husband whilst he is in a meeting and you're in the sewing machine shop to ask if you can buy said overlocker as while its a most important decision for you he's really not that bothered which one you buy)
Use good quality interfacings again these give your bags a smooth finish and a firm bottom!!!
Dedicate a room to your sewing that way you can start and finish when you have the time rather than having to pack away each time, and if that's not possible use the dining room table and eat off your lap!!!
Marry a very understanding man who doesn't mind you stealing his shed, filling your house with crafts and spending money on sewing machines and fabric!!!

How did you find Misi?
I was searching for UK based handmade websites and after hours of trawling the net found MISI and was hooked straight away.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I love the Pink Ribbon Handbag - I've had this fabric for a little while and couldn't decide what to do with it, and then it was Breast Cancer Awareness month last month (Oct) so I teamed it with some hot pink fabric and made this bag.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
oohh! that's really hard as there's so many fabulous shops to choose from
I've just had a look in my favourite shops and my top three would have to be
Badge the Badger
Rosy Tint
and Katianne
but if I had to choose one it would be Rosy Tint as I've bought a couple of knitted toys from Rachael and they're just fantastic.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite season?
I love the Autumn when all the leaves turn golden

What is your ideal vacation?
New England in the Fall (autumn)

What is your favourite chocolate?
I'm a white chocolate kinda gal, the milky bars are on me!!!!

What is your favourite colour?
green with red hair it couldn't be anything else!!!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
I always find these questions kind of hard as I've like films but not really in terms of who's in them just whether i like them or not but if I had to choose then it would probably be Kevin Kostner in the bodyguard

What is your favourite band/singer/type of music?
I like lots of different music and can't really say I have a favourite, as long as its got a catchy tune and good lyrics so that i can sing along (badly) then I'm happy.

Please stop by Tracy's shop ~ Mad about Bags. I'm sure you'll find something gorgeous for a friend, daughter, niece, granny...

xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ All that Glitters

2009-11-20T01:00:00.000-08:00

Today's lovely Misi crafter is Shona from All that Glitters. Obviously you can probably tell from her shop name, Shona loves sparkly, glittery stuff ~ a woman after my own heart. Let's find out a little more about her...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

My jewellery making began with Fimo back in the early 1990s. My poor suffering Mum still has some of the fetching fluorescent Christmas earrings and day-glow broaches I made. The colour pallet expanded in 2007 when I enrolled on a 6 week beginners jewellery evening course. Where I fell in love with jewellery making all over again.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Chipped nail varnish and a small bank balance! Luckily the two things cancel each other out! Buy cheap nail varnish as you need to redo it quite often and then you have more money left to buy beads!!!!!!!!! (It doesn’t work like that at all! But as I have no will power to resist lovely beads I tell myself it does!)

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Give up dreaming of ever having nice nails again! Also go along to your local bead shop and sign up for a class. Bead shop people are usually madly passionate about beads and will try and help you as much as they can.

How did you find Misi?

I met Emma at a craft fair in December 2008 and signed up when I got home!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

The Brilliance Bracelet in Crystal Silver is one of my all time favourite things! It’s just so sparkly! I also love the teacup pin cushions. I only made them because I wanted one myself ;)

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Now that is a difficult question!!! I love shops which have items which are a bit unusual. Anything sparkley usually also gets my attention!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite way to travel?

Train

What is your favourite chocolate?

Peanut M&Ms

What is your favourite time of day?

Late afternoon. I have no idea why! Maybe it’s because it’s the perfect time to eat cake?

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)?

I love Dooce.com (I’m going to go to America and steal Chuck!)

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Beetlejuice or Jack & Sarah or Lilo & Stitch – a bit of a selection there!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?

Alan Davies, Wentworth Miller or Seth Grogan! Got to keep my options open

Thank you so much for chatting to us Shona. For more of Shona's glittery creations, take a peek at her Misi shop All that Glitters

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ LoobyCrafts

2009-11-13T01:52:00.000-08:00

Misi crafter of the week... Louise from Looby Crafts.
Welcome, let's learn a little bit about Louise.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

5 years ago my OH suggested we make our own Christmas cards, so we trundled off to Hobbycraft, bought some stuff and settled down at the dining table. Well he made 1 card and was bored, where as I was completely hooked and sat there all day! It’s just grown from there really – one small box of stuff to a whole room full!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Not really, the biggest thing is having so many ideas in my head and not enough time to get them all done – so I make myself lots of lists!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Just play around and experiment! Don’t get hung up on if your stuff is as good as other peoples’ etc. Just find your own style and embrace it – the whole point of a hobby such as papercrafting is to ENJOY it!

How did you find Misi?

Last November I did my first ever craft fair and I did so well I came home all fired up and googled “sell handmade” and there was MISI! I loved the look of the site so I registered and Looby Crafts was born!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

It would have to be this desk tidy, I don’t normally get too attached to the things I make, but I wouldn’t be too sad if this didn’t sell!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

I can’t possibly choose just one! There are so many talented people on MISI, but I would have to say Sprinkles Sparkles for fabulous jewellery and accessories, Carolyn's Creations for personalised embroidery and The Pink Fairy Cake for all sorts of wonderful stuff!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite time of day?

I am so not a morning person! So definitely about 10pm, sitting in my craft room creating and watching a DVD – bliss!

What is your favourite chocolate?

Definitely a Wispa – so glad they brought those back!

What is your favourite colour?

PINK!

What is your all-time favourite movie?

Gone in 60 seconds

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?

David Boreanaz – swoon!

How many DVDs do you have?

Embarrassingly far too many to count, but probably around 400

Thank you Louise. Louise's shop is Looby Crafts, go over to Misi and take a look at more of this talented crafter's work.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Sprinkles Sparkles

2009-11-06T01:05:00.000-08:00

This Friday we have a sparkly lady named Avril and her store Sprinkles Sparkles.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started out by making key rings, which I would hand out to my friends and relatives as little gifts. That’s where the obsession started!
I would pop into the local bead shop, buying glass beads that were bright and colourful, where I then made my first pair of earrings!

I have been making jewellery for four years and beaded accessories about six months.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Making jewellery can be very expensive, if you don’t limit yourself to a budget. I have learnt my lesson to only buy what I need, when I need it! I can then spend more money on booking craft and trade fairs, that I absolutely love doing.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Do your research!
Go online, pick up books from the library about beading or buy magazines. Find out what interests you, like bead jewellery for example then find out about the tools you will need, the beading wire that you will be using, and how much it’s all going to cost you!

How did you find Misi?
I found out about MISI while browsing a fellow crafters website! I saw the link at the bottom of the page, clicked it, and signed up to MISI almost immediately!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
It has to be my ‘Fairies in the Garden Bracelet’. It’s very bright and colourful, made from glass, hematite stars, coloured freshwater pearls with a huge blue glass heart, with a hanging fairy charm.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
It has be Looby Crafts! Her work is fantastic. Not only that, but Louise welcomes commissions through her shop. I have had a fair few bespoke cards made by Lou, and they have all been fabulous!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite place to visit?
It has to be my childhood holiday town of Burnham-on-sea, in Somerset. It’s about an hours drive from Bath, on a good day! We try to get down there as often as possible, just spending the day down there walking along the road by the beach (I don’t like sand!), browsing the shops, eating ice cream, and going to the arcade to spend my 2p’s!

What is your favourite chocolate?
Easy! It’s got to be Maltersers!

What is your favourite time of day?
Just after my evening meal! When it’s getting dark, then ‘pop’…. the wine bottle is open!

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)?
I have so many!
But at the moment it has to be Creative Connections. I can easily spend the day chatting away to my crafting comrades, and checking out everyone’s new makes of the day!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Haha!
Thanks Helen for this question…. But it has to be Jude Law! Phwooooor!

What is your all-time favourite movie?
Can I have 2?
I love Titanic, and The Holiday! I cannot remember how many times I have watched both of them! Maybe too many!

Thanks for chatting to us, Av. Go and have a nosy around Sprinkles Sparkles ~ beautiful stuff.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Crochet Cynth

2009-10-30T01:05:00.000-07:00

Today's Misi Crafter is Cynthia from Crochet Cynth.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I started messing about with a crochet hook and some yarn 3 years ago when a couple of friends announced that they were going to have a baby boy. I thought it'd be nice if I could make something for the baby. Hence, I did the most basic double crochet baby blanket ever. I did it, but I thought to myself I didn't have the talent for it, so I packed it up and focused on my knitting.

A few months ago, I noticed that my downstairs neighbour Penny has been crocheting all day long. I found it fascinating, and thought to myself 'Perhaps Penny can teach me how to crochet' So with her help, I blew off the dust on my crochet hook and gave it another go. This time, I got completely hooked on to it. It also helps when almost everyone around me is either having or expecting babies. I've got myself enough target audience to test my techniques and try out a few patterns here and there. Before I know, I got custom orders lined up to the point that my hook's smoking!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Negative aspects
There are actually a few. It's sooo addictive that once I've started, I'd forget all about eating, drinking or any other basic needs. I'd sit there for long hours to the point when my lower back is killing me. Then there's the darning the yarn. I trust that most fellow knitters and crocheters would agree that it is one of the most essential yet tedious and boring task to do to complete the project. When I use a very fine hook, I get cramps in my hand.

How do I get round them
My loving other half would make sure that I've got cups of tea regularly. I do try to stand and stretch every now and then. We have invested in an inversion table, so that would help stretch my back after long hours of sitting and crocheting. Darning the yarn, unless some of you are willing to let me outsource it, I'm stuck with it. However, I do find it more enjoyable when I do it along the way instead of leaving it all to do at the very end of my crochet project. Sometimes I vary the projects I do, so that I don't always get cramps by using finer hooks.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
I personally recommend watching some YouTube videos to start with. The following linke gives you a good collection of videos: the recordings, her instructions and explanations are clear, and most of her demonstration comes in slow motion as well.
http://www.youtube.com/user/tjw1963#play/user/E13D21C2E1F58CD7/14/11Wh7IOT9BI

Good starting point for beginners: 4mm - 4.5mmm crochet hook and double-knit yarn
Best to start with something none-fluffy, because even the more experienced crocheter would find it annoying or difficult to crochet fluffy yarns.
Choose a project you love, so you can enjoy it more while you learn how to crochet.

How did you find Misi?
Crafting friends have always recommended I set up a shop on Etsy. I have my concerns as American competitors can get a wider variety of yarns at a lower cost. Hence, I was looking for a UK-based Etsy-equivalent, and I found Misi on a directory of online craft shops.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
Marshmallow Deluxe line of baby blankets. I love making them as the yarn is deliciously soft and I can vary the colours to make each one of them unique.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
I have most certainly hearted quite a number of shops, but the one that I keep looking at frequently, is PebbleRox. The sparkle, the bright colours and the beautiful designs caught my attention from day one.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite way to travel?
Any form of transport that would just allow me to sit back, relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

What is your favourite chocolate?
Definitely dark chocolate, especially truffles and those with nuts.

What is your favourite drink?
A nice cup of Chinese tea. I can't choose between the following: Pu'er, Tie Guan Yin, Oolong and Bi Luo Chun

What is your favourite place that you have lived?
Among the places that I've lived, I like Bristol the best. It is a city that has so much to offer that I can always find something new to do and somewhere new to visit. I love its great balance of the buzz of city life and serene greenary. Ballets, plays and concerts at Hippodrome, Colston Hall and the Academy; jazz gigs at Old Duke and Folk House; restaurants at Welsh Back, Whiteladies Road and all lovely ones dotted around the city that serve a wide variety of cuisine; quiet stroll by the river or up Leigh Woods; shopping at Cabot Circus ... the list just goes on.

What is your all-time favourite movie?
I am a movie buff, so it's hard to choose from all the wonderful movies that I've seen. Top of my list would be:
- Shawshank Redemption
- Pursuit of Happyness
- Boy in the Striped Pyjamas
- Miracle at St. Anna

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Now this is an easy question to answer! Jason Statham for sure. Ok ... maybe Denzil Washington too? :D um... Adrian Lester isn't bad either ....

Thank you for that fabulously informative interview Cyn, I think I want to take up crotcheting after reading that. Visit Crochet Cynth and have a look at Cynthia's beautiful creations ~ she does custom orders too.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Ciren's Call

2009-10-23T01:07:00.000-07:00

Today's fabulous Misi Crafter is Ciren's Call. Amy creates some really unique items with wire that I really wish I had the patience to learn to do.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I've been making jewellery for about six months now, and it all started one night after talking to a friend of mine who also has a dog from Many Tears (the rescue that I got Peaches from). We were trying to work out a way to raise funds for them, and jewellery making was suggested. The following morning, it still seemed like a good idea, so I started looking around the web, and mentioned it on a number of the CKCS forums I'm signed up to, and one of the ladies on there -rosiesmum - offered to send me some bits and pieces that she had lying around from when she's given it a try. When the two massive packages arrived a few days later, I was stunned, and I can't thank her enough for getting me started.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Although not entirely part of the craft itself - now that I'm trying to sell the things I make, the biggest pain for me is the photography side of things - I'm always having to steal my hubby's phone to take the pictures, and I'm always having problems with getting the lighting right - although after the recent Misi meet in Bristol, I now have a couple of ideas on getting that sorted :D

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

If you're planning on selling what you make - get a Misi shop ASAP ;)

How did you find Misi?

Google - it really is your friend :D

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

Depends what day it is - I love all the things I make..

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

I really can't pick one - they're all great in their own right.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour?

Blue

What is your favourite food?

Chicken

What is your favourite season?

Spring - I love the feeling that the world is waking up :D

What is your favourite time of day?

Around 6pm - which just happens to be when hubby arrives home from work

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)?

Facebook - I probably spend waaaay too much time on there!

What is your favourite TV programme?

Open all hours - an oldie, but definately a goodie.

Thank you for answering all my nosy questions, Amy. Please visit Ciren's Call and take a peek at her lovely creations.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ My Funny Bunny

2009-10-16T01:05:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday, hope you are having a good one.
Please welcome this week's Misi crafter... Monica from My Funny Bunny.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

Well, hard to say when I started exactly as it's been in my life since forever! I have been sewing by hand since I was little! My aunt was a high society seamstress in her time, my grandma & her mother were professional embroiderers and my other grandma worked as a seamstress in a factory and crochets! My mum dabbles in all crochet, sewing, clay, jewellery making, knitting, you name it!

My mum did a lot of knitting while she was pregnant with me and she used to rest her arms on her belly while knitting so apparently as a baby I had a habit of "knitting" with my fingers lol! Pity now I can't knit to save my life!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
Negative... I don't like to think there are any, just the need for space to do what I do but then again I took over the not so spare room! Lol

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
What you don't know ask! Google helps too there are a lot of tutorials on the Internet including on YouTube.

How did you find Misi?
Recommended to me through another seller which in turn was contacted by Emma! Yay for Emma!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
My favourite item is probably my giant toy felt die! It took ages to make but I loved the end result... Lots of people like it too but no one has bought it yet :(

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Without money restraints I would buy Pebble Rox whole shop!!!! Hehehe but there are loads of other shops I love there too!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite place to eat?
My mums house, where I can be found often! He he he

What is your favourite chocolate?
Snickers, lindt & any truffles!!!

What is your favourite time of day?
Depends but generally early afternoon.

What is your favourite place that you have lived?
Portugal.... Ohhh the heat, the sun!

What is your favourite colour?
Umm... Bright colours in general but right now I have a thing for orange!

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Ooooo shouldn't say this as I am a married woman!!!
Many! Hehehe but Brad Pitt, zack Effron or whatever his name is... Isn't that weird I wouldn't kick him out of bed yet I'm not sure if his name is right?! Hehehe

Don't forget to visit my blog! www.myfunnybunny.com

Thank you for talking to us Monica. Pop along to My Funny Bunny to see some lovely creations and I believe she is also running a great Mum & Baby Giveaway on her blog right now...

Helen
xxx

Happy 1st Birthday MISI!

2009-10-16T00:18:00.000-07:00

Wow! One year today, MISI was born.

Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday to you,
Happy Birthday dear MISI,
Happy Birthday to you!

I am planning a little party between 8pm - 10pm in the Staffroom of the forum, if anyone would like to stop by for Cheese & Wine.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ The Crystal Lady

2009-10-09T01:00:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Anna ~ The Crystal Lady who makes beautiful creations with healing crystals too.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
Before I became pregnant with my youngest son I worked as a Pearl and Beadery Stringer. The work was fun, I loved opening all of the various boxes that arrived every morning from jewellers around the country. There was far too much pearl knotting for my liking though, very tough on the fingers. After I began my maternity leave I started looking around for something to do so that I could stay at home after he was born to look after him and his brother. I originally started making just Swarovski Crystal Jewellery as I love sparkly things. A few months later my mother asked me to make her a special necklace and chose various gemstones to put into it. Purely by accident I discovered that the stones were all supposed to have healing properties. This was fascinating and the necklace when it was finished was beautiful. Following this, I took a home study course in Crystal Healing and taught myself how to build websites. Now, here I am with two websites, a social network and various other online stores. Helping people with my jewellery is always the best bit though.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
I find it difficult to actually create my jewellery during the day while my son is still small but other than that even niggly things are a pleasure when it comes to my business.
What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Try and stay organised. It involves lots of small bits and pieces and you will work faster if you know where they all are!

How did you find Misi?
I met my good friend Tasha (Madam Salami) on Twitter and she pointed me in the direction of Misi.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I love my chunky carnelian Bracelet. I’m making a necklace in the same style in Tanzanite for my mum.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
That’s tough, they are all great. I have to say that I have spent a lot of time on the shop of Jezebel Charms. I love her jewellery.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite way to travel?
Walking on a beautiful spring day.

What is your favourite chocolate?
Cadburys Whole Nut (The bigger the better!)

What is your favourite colour?
Blood Red

What is your favourite place that you have lived?
I used to live in a big house by the sea. I still miss it.

What is your all-time favourite movie?
Still Crazy. The acting is fantastic and so is the music.

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Johnny Depp

How many DVDs do you have?
Far too many to count. lol

Thank you for sharing with us Anna. Stop by The Crystal Lady and I'm sure you'll find that Anna has the perfect item for you.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Peggy's Knits

2009-10-02T01:30:00.000-07:00

Today's fabulous crafter is Diane from Peggy's knits. Love her little knitted bags...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I have been knitting since I was very young, my nanny taught me to knit, her name was Peggy and she influenced the name behind Peggy's Knits.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

The only negative aspects really is the time, I never have enough time as everything is one of a kind and hand knitted, but I try and be organised to get round this problem.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Just have fun, get some big needles and some good quality wool to start with, local knitting shops if you have one are great for advice and someone to chat to one on one.

How did you find Misi?

Through a knitting forum I go on.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

The pleated wrap, because it is so versatile and anyone could wear one.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Sprinkles Sparkles, I have bought lots of her items and they are such good quality and packaged beautifully.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite place to eat?
Pizza Hut

What is your favourite chocolate?
Milk chocolate

What is your favourite time of day?
When the children go to bed and I can sit down in the peace with my knitting.

What is your favourite place that you have lived?
Norfolk where I am now

What is your all-time favourite movie?
The Chronicles of Riddick

What actor/actress would you NOT kick out of bed?
Vin Diesel

Thank you for chatting to us Diane. Take a look at Peggy's knits for some beautifully knitted items.

Helen
xxx

We have a winner!!

2009-09-26T04:00:00.000-07:00

So this is how we did it:
I assigned everyone a number then printed out numbers on paper, popped them in a bowl and asked hubby to get numbers out the bowl.
First was number 12...

Congratulations to:

Designs by Isis

who has won the first prize in our Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway!!

And the next number he picked out was number 29:
Congratulations to:

East of the Sun Art

who has won the second prize (plus the added bonus of a bracelet by Designs by Isis)!

**Please could you both pm me through Misi with your postal address and I'll post out your fantastic goodies next week.

Thank you so much to all the generous Misi Crafters ~ I'm sure both winners will love their packages of goodies.
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pauline's Passions

2009-09-25T01:05:00.000-07:00

Please welcome Pauline from Pauline's Passions to the Misi Blog. Let's ask her a few questions and get to know her...

How did you get started and how long have you been doing it?

I've always been crafty as a child I loved nothing better than colouring in and doodling.
I learned to knit and loved knitting dolls clohes,toys,most of my childrens baby clothes and jumpers until they were old enough to think picture knits werent cool. Eventually athritis set in and I couldnt knit any more I watched t.v one day and saw alan and barry on create and craft demonstrating card making and I thought I could do that so I got some supplies and made cards for freinds and family but soon I couldn't stop I had boxes of them so I gave a lot to local charities to sell. People started asking me to make them for them and were offering to pay me.
When my brother got married he asked me to do some stationary for his wedding people commented on how nice they were and said I should start selling them so about 3years ago I started selling on Ebay and registered as a small business.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and how do you work round them?

I love it so much it's hard to be negative although I dont have time for housework and I have so many supplies it's taking over the house and I am forever buying things I dont really need I can't help it I just love to craft.

What tips would you give anyone starting your craft?

Always make sure you use good quality card etc and allocate yourself some space. dont be afraid to play around there's an artist in allof us get inspiration from things around you and most of all enjoy it.

How did you find Misi?

I found it on google I had been trying to set up a website but couldn't find one I could understand I'm not very good with computers and couldn't beleive how easy Misi was to use it was everything I had been looking for and much cheaper than ebay.

What is your favourite item in your shop?

I think my favourite item would have to be the grandfather clock I added recently I have just started working with templates and I think the 3d cards are so much more than just a card.I will be adding many more soon.

What is your favourite shop on Misi?

There are so many fabulous shops on misi it is almost impossible to choose but for me it would be Paulines candles her candles are lovely and smell absolutely georgous the chocolate ones are fabulous.and cirens call for the lovely jewellery I have some of her pieces on my wish list.

Random Facts about you...

Favourite colour---ice blue
Favourite food------anything hot and spicy but I'll eat anything.
Favourite season---winter when the snow is falling it's magical.
Favourite time of day------really early morning with a coffee in the peace and quiet before any one is up.
Favourite website that is not Misi-----www.create and craft.
Favourite Television programme----has to be big brother although I watch a lot of create and craft during the day.

Thank you Pauline. Take a wander over to Pauline's Passions to see some beautiful craftmanship.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Pennydog

2009-09-18T01:25:00.000-07:00

This week's crafter is Kerry and her shop is Pennydog. Kerry works with resin and the effects that she creates in her work are just so unique, well worth a second look.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I've been making jewellery in general for over 10 years since I was 12, but specialising in resin for just over a year now. I've always wanted to do more than just string beads so I tried beadweaving (much more intricate- and too time consuming!), polymer and silver clay and finally settled on resin. I like making pendants from scratch!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Yes! I used to have Asthma and it seemed to go away during my teenage years. Within the last month the toxic styrene fumes have brought it back with added lung pain too. It can also make you dizzy and nauseous. I really should look after myself and wear a mask more often!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Apart from read the mixing instructions thoroughly, ventilation is key- don't run the risk of giving yourself lung cancer. Also it will not come out of your clothes, carpets, etc so it can be quite expensive in that respect! It is very fun though.

How did you find Misi?

I joined very early on so I struggle to remember! I think I joined when other people in the crafting community were talking about it on the Etsy forums and also Crafteroo. Emma also came onto Crafteroo and introduced herself a short time later.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

I like the coasters I've started to make. They're not cheap, they use a lot of resin but I do like the end result and the fact that they can be matched to your own decor and tastes.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Soapy Chica's shop! We've worked together on soap and soap dish gift sets.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? Orange

What is your favourite food? Curry- any kind but not too coconutty

What is your favourite season? Autumn

What is your favourite time of day? Early evening when I've come home from work and the real work begins!

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? Crafteroo forums: www.crafteroo.co.uk

What is your favourite TV programme? I like comedies, so probably would say The Big Bang Theory at a push though there are so many other great shows (Mock the Week, Argumental, etc anything that makes me laugh)!

Thank you for chatting to us Kerry. You can see more of Kerry's gorgeous items at Pennydog on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Don't forget...

2009-09-14T05:55:00.000-07:00

... to enter the Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway...

Some fantastic handcrafted prizes including; bags, charms, earrings, bracelets...

Enter here.

xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Carolyn's Creations

2009-09-11T00:40:00.000-07:00

This week's Misi Crafter is Carolyn from Carolyn's Creations... or Sewembroidernut as she's known on the forums :-)

Carolyn is amazing with custom orders ~ she creates exactly what you have asked for and it turns out 100 times better than you could imagine yourself.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I started sewing at school when I was 11 years old and have been sewing ever since. I made all my children's clothing until they were teenagers and they decided that home sewing was no longer "cool". I might add that they are now asking me to sew for their children because everything is so expensive!! Precisely the reason why I did it in the first place! I knit, crochet and dabble in all things "crafty"! I own 7 sewing machines which is a bit over the top I have to admit, BUT I use them all!! I started with machine embroidery in 2003 when we were commuting between Holland and London, spending more time in UK than Holland. I could not manage without a sewing machine in London and had always wanted an embroidery machine so bought one that could be used for either normal sewing as well as machine embroidery. Machine embroidery is addictive, fun and very rewarding. Every project I undertake is so different and I love the challenges MISI members throw my way.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
The only negative thing about my craft is not being able to get to places to get supplies so I rely heavily upon the internet. I always research places we visit to make sure I get to see the fabric and craft shops in the area. My OH is very supportive and encourages me in my hobbies. I am not happy unless I am creating something, and that does lead to a surplus stock and the problem then is, how to move it on. No matter how big my stash is I NEVER have the right piece of fabric when I want it!! AND there are never enough hours in a day!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Start with small projects and then slowly get into bigger things. I started my granddaughters off with sacking, doing cross stitch and then I made them into oven cloths for them. Machine embroidery is an expensive hobby as there are so many hidden extras that are required,so if you are contemplating buying an embroidery machine I would suggest you do what I did and get a combination machine and then you have not wasted your money if the embroidery side does not work out. The internet is an amazing place for resources and it pays to check out all the tips and free designs available. If at first you don't succeed - Don't give up - try again and again. You will win in the end.

How did you find MISI?

I saw a link on "The Sewing Forum" and decided that MISI looked very encouraging. I joined right at the beginning and it has been good for me.

What is your favourite item in your own MISI shop?

These little trinket bowls are lovely on dressing tables. I have one in my spare room which I fill with chocolates for guests. Whatever colour they are done in, they all look so different.

What is your favourite shop on MISI (besides your own)?

That is a really hard question but I have to say I love Jane's jewellery and the choker at suzidoo has also taken my eye . There are so many talented people using MISI, that it is difficult to choose, just ONE! Overspill for supplies too! There are a lot of shops I have not even had a chance to look at so there could well be others I have missed.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? Bright Pink

What is your favourite food? Apples - fresh - straight from the tree!

What is your favourite season? Summer

What is your favourite time of day? Uninterrupted crafting time!!

What is your favourite website (besides MISI)? www.thesewingforum.co.uk , www.virginiaquilter.com

What is your favourite TV programme? Holby City & Casualty - sorry cannot choose between the two!

Thank you so much for chatting to us Carolyn. Take a look at Carolyn's Creations to see more of her talented designs...

The Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway!!

2009-09-05T01:30:00.000-07:00

Yipeee! Autumn is here! Ok not so much, yipee, as ~ oh where did summer go?
But never mind, it gives me an excuse to name the giveaway ~ The Amazing Autumn Misi Blog Giveaway.
And why is it amazing?
Because some of the wonderful, generous crafters at Misi have donated some AMAZING prizes!!

In no particular order we have the following prizes donated by lovely Misi people...

*A beautiful bracelet from Designs by Isis

*An adorable angel charm from Jolicious

*Stunning earrings from MornieG Jewellery

*A pretty bookmark from Talking Beads

*A delicious candle from The Pink Fairy Cake

(uh oh, I'm going to run out of AMAZING adjectives)

*A fabulously fluffy bag from Peggy's Knits

*A lovely lavender heart from Neate Crafts

*A heartwarming scarf from Pickled Pumpkins

*A helpful first aid kit and scissor holder from Carolyn's Creations

* A gorgeous Hair accessory from Julies Booties

* A funky flower keyring from FairlyGirly

* A pair of useful magnetic pegs from Made by Val

* A beautiful Hair accessory from Fairyqueen Jewels

* A fun fridge magnet from Kelso Kreations

* A cute little bunny from My Funny Bunny

* An adorable little bag from Mad about Bags

* A branded, very rare Misi bag from MISI

* A lovely shopping bag from Cutie Pie

* A beautiful bracelet from Delicate Sparkles

* Plush Purple Wristwarmers from Knitwits

* Very special Birthday Gift tags from Stitching for You

* A gorgeous little parcel of goodies from Looby Crafts

All these amazing (do you think I've said Amazing enough times yet?) prizes will be packaged into one big parcel for one lucky winner.

I have also held back a few small items for a second prize.

*An lovely snowflake charm from Jolicious

*A helpful notebook from Carolyn's Creations

*A cute mobile charm from The Beading Lady

* Beautiful Hair Accessories from SprinklesSparkles

Right, all you have to do to enter our little giveaway is either:

1) Visit one of the stores above and find a favourite item from one of them ~ now copy the link and post it on this blog's comments.

OR

2) Go over to Misi and take a look at the Handmade Spots ~ this brings up a different page everytime you click it ~ take a look through a few pages and find something that really captures your interest or imagination ~ now copy the link and post it on this blog's comments.

Please add your username to your comment too. If you aren't already registered on Misi, please join ~ it's free and very easy. And Misi promises not to spam you!

If the winner happens to be one of the Amazing people who donated a prize then you will not receive your own prize back ~ it will be substituted with one of the second prize items.

Competition closes at 12 noon on Saturday the 26th September 2009, when I will throw everyone's names in a hat and get my hubby to pick the lucky winner.

Good luck
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Little Scruffs

2009-09-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

This week's crafter is Jean from Little Scruffs ~ those gorgeous miniature bears that we all have on our wishlists...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I think it was about 2001 that I went on a weekend bearmaking course and haven't stopped since!!

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

I love everything about bearmaking but because it takes a long time to create a miniature bear- probably about 8 hours not including designing, website upkeep, queuing in post office etc etc , I will never be a millionaire!

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Bearmakers come and go but I think if you are going to get anywhere you really have to stick at it. Also loving bears is a great help!!!

How did you find Misi?

Misi found me and I am so glad, there are the nicest bunch of creators you could ever wish to meet on here!

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

Alfie is my favourite bear still for sale in the shop at the moment. It still amazes me that people have such different favourites!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

How could you ask that!!!??? There are far too many wonderful shops to have a favourite. Some marvellous card shops, knitting, jewelry, Carolyns sewembroidery..... oh gosh I could be on all night!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? It changes/ Perhaps purple

What is your favourite food? Anything that is edible - maybe Chinese

What is your favourite season? Spring

What is your favourite time of day? Anytime

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? one that is called www.miniaturemohairbears.co.uk !

What is your favourite TV programme? Loose Women!

Where have you lived? On a little Island in the Orkneys with only 400 people on where both my daughters were born. Spain and England *I just added that!!!

Thank you for chatting to us Jean (and ad-libbing extra questions, lol). Go to Little Scruffs shop to see the most adorable miniature bears ever.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Talking Beads

2009-08-28T01:05:00.000-07:00

This Friday's Fabulous crafter is Jean from Talking Beads...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?
I booked to go to a craft retreat in Devon 8 years ago and I was taught how to make a single spiral bracelet, I then taught it to two of my two friends and that is how we started Three Jays Beading. Last year Three Jays ran out of steam and so Janice and I started Talking Beads. My husband came up with the name as ‘that it all you two ever talk about’ . Talking Beads is seed beading and large feature beads, pearls and crystals.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?
No negatives really, except the cost! We are devils at going out for a few beads to finish off an idea but before we know it the bill can be nearly £100 between two of us. The other side is the inspiration. Sometimes we sit in front of our respective beads boxes (yes, plural) and nothing works. I can make and unpick beads all day and not make anything worth keeping. Other days the beads almost jump together onto the mat and arrange themselves. So, the negatives are always turned into positives. Luckily we both have day jobs and husbands to pay the bills.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?
Go slowly and listen to advice. We rushed in and bought everything in StitchnCraft because we thought we needed it. For seed beading you really do only need either one of our kits (plug-shameless) which will include all of the materials you need, or go online for a free pattern and then just go and buy the ingredients list from the pattern. Join a beading group to learn new stitches and tricks of the trade. Buy as few books as you can in the first year. The best one we found was the Bead Workers Guild Bracelet Book. After a short while you will know if you like it or not. By the way, we always tell our pupils that the first inch is the worst, in any stitch. Seed beading is VERY fiddly and until you have the first inch or so it is hard to get the tension right as you have nothing to hold onto. Main advice is buy little and go to a group. The large crimping beads we also use, the advice is the same, go to a class and buy for a project. Otherwise it is costly and you buy a lot of beads you do not need.

How did you find Misi?
Emma sent me an email, I was so excited, I don’t know how she found me. I have picked up a lot of useful advice from girls on the forums and bought some lovely items.

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
This Red Coral... Janice, who is the other half of Talking Beads, made this and I think it is fabulous. If it is not sold by the beginning of Dec it may have to go off to Australia for my daughter’s mother-in-law. It is just her sort of thing. (if it does sell, we have another stunner for her, so feel free to buy it!)

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?
Can I have two, Hennie and Little Scruffs. I have one of Jean’s bears, his name is Tomas and I want to cry whenever I look at him, he is so sweet. He is really for my grandaughter Alice, but as she is too little now he is living with me. Hennie has made an elephant for Alice and written a story to go with it.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? Red

What is your favourite food? Can it be cake, most sorts

What is your favourite season? Spring, we live in Wiltshire and so the parks and gardens around here and the hedgerows are wonderful in the spring.

What is your favourite time of day? Morning, early. People you meet before 9 am are so much happier than the ones you meet after 9am

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? Google News ( I only have enough room in my head for headlines!) and Emma Ralph ( I love her beads so much I can not bear to make them into jewellery, they are just GORGEOUS)

What is your favourite TV programme? At the moment, Dragons Den

Thank you for chatting with us Jean. Please visit Talking Beads and see some more of her gorgeous creations.

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Friday... The Interview ~ Cutie Pie

2009-08-21T01:05:00.000-07:00

Today's Misi Crafter is Michelle from Cutie Pie.

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I've always loved making things. Every since I can remember, if I needed something, I would try to make it. I hoarded so much stuff when I was younger, fabric, ribbons, paper, stickers etc and I still do. My mum used to sew a lot and made most of my babies dresses herself, she encouraged me, showed me the basics and bought me a manual singer sewing machine for Christmas when I was about 8. I've still got it and am now teaching my daughter to use it. I decided to try and make some money after lots of my friends came to me if they needed things and kept telling me to sell what I make. So I took the plunge, found a name that suited and started to make.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

Not having a dining room anymore!!! I've taken over it. In the summer its ok as we don't use it that much, but in the winter we have friends over and light a fire in there and I have to pack everything up and hide it somewhere. For the past year, when I've been making things for stock I've had my youngest at home with me, so having to entertain him and try to make things has been awkward at times, but he starts school in September, so hopefully I'll have more time for me.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Make sure its a passion of yours. Don't try and do something like this if you've not passion for it otherwise it will show in what you produce. If you love sewing & creating, then play, practice, make things for yourself and friends which will be seen by others and let it all grow from there. Don't ever worry about not being good enough, if people like what you do they will buy it. Sometimes we are too critical of our work, we forget that the buyer sees something they couldn't make themselves but really wants.

How did you find Misi?
A girl I used to go to school with is now a textiles teacher in a local school. I met her at a local craft fair and we got chatting. She had opened a shop, Handmade Perfection, and recommended Misi. So I looked MISI up and opened my shop in October I think??

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?
I think it would be the crochet jug cover. I made one for me, for my pimms, and thought it turned out rather well. So made some more, its lovely to see them taking shape as I don't use a pattern, they confuse me!!

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Its hard to choose between Tinymoments - She makes fantastic, individual pieces or The pink fairy cake - She has in her shop, everything I wish I could do myself.

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? - Pink

What is your favourite food? - Roast Beef

What is your favourite season? - Winter, log fires and wooly jumpers

What is your favourite time of day? - night

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? Girlguiding UK - I'm a Brown Owl too.

What is your favourite TV programme? - Harry Hill's TV burp.

Thank you for chatting to us Michelle. Go along to Michelle's Cutie Pie shop to see more of her beautiful creations...

Helen
xxx

Random Misi Spots

2009-08-18T02:07:00.000-07:00

There is a label at the top of the Misi page called "Handmade spots". Spots are a selection of items from across the store picked at random. There are 20 items per page and a refresh creates a completely new 20 items. I think most of us have spent a good few hours just cruising through the Spots, marking favourite items onto our wish lists. Well, that's what I did this morning. I'd like to share a few that caught my eye.

This funky ring from Jelly Belly Jewellery

A gorgeous t-shirt from The Pookey Boutique

Simple but stunning from Gem Jewelz

Handmade silk embroidered bag from Absolute Accessories

And finally Stress Relief Rag Dolls from Funny Banana

Hope you enjoyed my random finds...

Helen
xxx

Fabulous Fridays... The Interview ~ Hennie

2009-08-14T01:05:00.000-07:00

My plan is to interview a Misi crafter every week and post the interview up on a Friday ~ hence Fabulous Fridays...

Our first Misi Crafter is Hennie, an amazingly talented knitter and sewer (sewer being a person who sews, not a place that dirty water goes)
Hennie also writes enchanting stories for her story bags, worth a look...

How did you get started in your particular craft and how long have you been doing it?

I have been knitting and sewing since I was about 6. Almost 44 years now.OMG that's scary.

I taught myself to crochet about a year ago.

My grandmas were both crafters. One a knitter, the other a sewer, I think it's always been in my blood.

Are there any negative aspects to doing your craft and if there are how do you work around them?

No negatives really, apart from not having enough time to put all my ideas into fruition. (I'd like to spend my time crafting and not a lot else lol) My head is full of ideas,my craft room full of supplies, but as soon as I complete one idea, a dozen more take it's place.

What tips would you give to anyone thinking of starting your craft?

Have a go. If you can't knit or crochet, there are excellent teaching videos on the net. I have managed to teach over 100 children to knit and sew, it can't be that hard.lol
Sewing - start with a cushion, basically 2 squares same size. Put the squares, right side of fabric together, machine or hand stitch round 3 sides and ¾ of the fourth side. Turn the cushion right side out. Stuff (Pillow stuffing is okay for practising) Then sew up the gap.

How did you find Misi?

I received an email (via Busymitts website) off Emma. Thank you Emma

What is your favourite item in your own Misi shop?

It's sold now, but I think Bonnie Alice, the elephant complete with her story and sack, were my favourite things. I really enjoyed writing the story.

What is your favourite shop on Misi (besides your own)?

Oooh so many to choose from. Jewellery- would be Lisa and Designs by Isis, or Jo - Lej jewellery. Or Karines - The Pink Fairy cake, because she has so many different crafts on there, the woman amazes me!!

Random Facts about you:

What is your favourite colour? Yellow

What is your favourite food? Lemon Meringue Pie

What is your favourite season? Spring

What is your favourite time of day? Morning

What is your favourite website (besides Misi)? Www.busymitts.co.uk www.weightwatchers.com

What is your favourite TV programme? Don't watch telly!! CRAFTING!!!

Thank you very much for speaking to us Debbie. If you would like to see more examples of Hennie's talented work, visit her shop on Misi.

Helen
xxx

Introduction...

2009-08-11T03:02:00.000-07:00

Hi, it's me ~ Helen aka The Beading Lady :-)

Hope you are all keeping well.
Emma has very kindly accepted my request to write for the Misi Blog.
I feel very strongly that Misi is a fab place to sell craft items, buy craft items and generally get to know some very friendly, helpful crafters and I'm hoping to express that in this blog.
I plan to interview a few Misi crafters and showcase a lot of Misi creations.
I would love to hear your suggestions and comments about what you'd like to see on the Misi blog... ideas for themes, interviews and anything else that you want to hear about.

Chat soon...

Helen
xxx

Vintage Yum!

2009-05-27T01:29:00.000-07:00

A little snippet of vintage and vintage inspired treasure finds on MISI

Bring back memories? I often wonder what became of Peter and Jane! Tobyboo has bought them back to life for us. With this delightful print taken from the 1964 book '4a Things We Do'

Wedding season is creeping up on us! What better way to make a vintage statement than in one of Clara Bows 'absolutely Darling' Magenta Rose 1920's style Cloche Hats.
She offers customs too, so if your struggling to find the perfect hat to match 'That dress' shes your girl!

We are the mods, We are the mods, we are, we are, we are the mods!
This Little mod inspired hair pin is made from upcycled vintage buttons.
Grab your vesper and your vintage Fred Perry wear and top it all off with this fab little grip!

Based on a vintage embroidery pattern this Nellie the elephant days of the week quilt is a must have for the vintage inspired nursery!
Devon Bear Designs has used a mixture of vintage fabrics with new vintage inspired Cath Kidson Fabrics and backed it with an authentic vintage pure wool blanket.

This one is close to my own heart. My grandparents had the tea set although I cant remember them having the teapot the striking Bacchus design is stunning and hard to forget. A must have for the modern 70's inspired home.