Wonderwool Planning - Part 3

Ok, so lots of customers always ask how colour changes in spinning and felting... so I have a batch of blends to make samples from. You can find these in the shop.



I'm hoping these will help inspire at the show.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Merry Go Around: What do we hope to learn/achieve this year?

Ok, so today's question is 'What do we hope to learn/achieve this year?'

I've probably started to answer this question already in my posts since early January, but I haven't sort of set it down in a list as such, so maybe this is my opportunity...

I want this year to firstly be a year of change in my personal life... we want to move home... while renting has been easy, it's not really 'home' as such and I think that's what D and I are missing. We also need space, wool is very insulating in the winter, but not something I really want to be looking at while I'm eating dinner! So the search is on...

Business-wise, again change is key. I really want to refocus myself, things felt a little out-of-hand towards the end of last year... busy in a good way, but chaotic and chaos scares me [the 'me' who likes to be organised!] Writing lists upon, lists of things I need to do, just doesn't get things done. Instead I need a time plan and to stitck to it...

Just this week, I started shipping orders daily and am using a new business system with Royal Mail so at least dispatch will be a little less complicated. The time I hope to save I will invest back into customers, product and sales... each in their own way need a little refocus this year. I feel like I need to take the step between a small business 'trying to find it's way' and a 'focused' small business with committed confidence to the market I work in and goals set for acheivement. This probably sounds like I haven't had a clue about what I have been doing so far... but I think it's more a confidence thing [will it work, won't it? Should I really go ahead and say, 'this is what I do?' Am I ready for the next step?' Do I see a future where I employ staff, or is this just something to amuse me during the day, while D is at work?]... maybe confidence is something we all struggle with when taking bigger steps??? The first sign of my lack of confidence is showing now... as I read this back... it scares the hell out of me, that I just sounded so very business like... but then who else is going to do it for me... I need to take the reins and run with this thing. I want it to work and to grow, so I need to shape up! [there, that told me!!] So change it is...

Me... what do I want for 'me' this year? Well, as some of you know... I have this thing about trying my hand at new crafts, or learning and this year is no different. Although I won't be learning from scratch, I will be picking up knitting again. I have been inspired by customers to explore the other fibre crafts that I can make out of my fibre! I have ordered myself a few books and found my needles... I'll start small, but who knows by the end of the year I hope to have made something at least!

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

----------------
This post was part of a blog Merry go Around, where I have got together with some friends to talk about a similar subject on the same day... a nice way to meet people!

Alison at Tweed Delights - http://idreamoftweed.blogspot.com/

Mitsy at MindArt - http://artmind-etcetera.blogspot.com/
Kim at Vilt a la Kim - http://viltalakim.blogspot.com/
Sara at Crafts of Texture - http://sarastexturecrafts.blogspot.com/
Fabienne at Easterya Jewellery Creations - http://easterya.blogspot.com/
Mariana at Florcita - http://www./florcita.eu/
Agathe at Le Bar du Vent - http://lebarduvent.blogspot.com/
Lily at Lily Pang Art and Design - http://lilypangart.blogspot.com/
Wendren at Wren Design - http://thewrendesign.com/
Ruth at Birdland Creations - http://insidetheartisan.blogspot.com/

My 'Little Club of Thank Yous'...

It's tough out there being a small business, working from home and so I wanted to show my appreciation for all of my customer's support. So I decided to open my 'Little Club of Thank Yous'...

To sign up, all you need to do is add your name and email address to the side bar prompt at http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/ and in return members receive a monthly update newsletter, filled with tips and tricks. Newsletters will also include;

Seasonal Discounts
Show Discount Vouchers
Exclusive Competitions

Do sign up, to take advantage of the latest 'Thank you' offers.

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Guess what the girl is making today?

Can you guess?



That's right a pair of shoes! I'm felting them for our latest challenge at http://www.workingwithfelt.ning.com/



I need the templates to be 30% bigger to allow for wool shrinkage.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Where did you get that banner?

http://www.bigvaluebanners.co.uk/


Mine was a 50cm wide by 150cm long, PVC banner and including VAT and next day carriage just a little over £27! Absolute value for money... and so much more professional looking than my handmade idea! They are a very helpful company and can even help you with your artwork.

If you do email them for a quote, do say I sent you... always nice to know where a sale comes from!
Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Changling: Daily Shipments bring change!

It's taken a while to get my new shipping systems set up, but today rings the final change... I'm now shipping orders daily!

I'm hoping this will bring me a little more free time during the day, by cutting the two hour, three times weekly jaunt to the Post Office (depending on the size of the queue) and replacing it with more manageable daily pick ups by Royal Mail. It will take a bit of getting used too and reorganising myself is a must, but I'm hoping ultimately the time saved (or spread out evenly!) will give me opportunity to concerntrate on customers, sales and product.

I definately think it is the right choice, the 'Post Run' was becoming a bit of a dirty word in my house... D dared not mention it, especially if the weather was looking bad outside! I did say this year needed to bring a change in the way I work and I'm hoping this is the start... [she says, dashing off to update here shops' terms and conditions! A busy day ahead she thinks!]

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Aha... Wait no more!

They arrived today... Very excited!!



I haven't knitted properly in years and decided now was the time to go back to it... After all, what else can I do with the yarn I spin? Weaving is next on the list, but I need more room for that!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Waitin by the door...

For my Amazon order to arrive...



I hope it gets here today...



I really want to play with my new craft books! I know, I know patience is a virtue!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

And as if by magic...

Just after I posted yesterday, guess what arrived!


One very happy lady!
I will post a Special Thank You blog post, so you all know where to go get your banners made up!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wonderwool Planning - Part 2

I was going to make my own banner for the stall... I'm not sure I was really looking forward to that, a lot of hard work and not really enough time to do it justice. So as you can imagine after posting Part 1, when I received a comment giving recommended details of a PVC banner maker I breathed a sigh of relief... I think this is more likely my answer! I'm hoping to have more news on that soon.

I've also been relooking and my showing format. Anyone who met me at my first Woolfest in Cumbria last year and again at Fibrefest, here in Devon will have seen a vast difference in stall layout and presentation. Initially I spent zero on my presentation, not because I couldn't but rather I was unsure whether long term investment was wise so early on. Once Woolfest proved a sucess I scaled up a bit for Fibrefest and noticed the difference for it. Now I'm thinking a lot more about presentation and what fibres to show... I do have a wide range and just can't show everything... less is more as they say! With this in mind I'm working on a tailored package for Wonderwool Wales, including some exclusives... more news coming soon!

I'm also still planning my tutorial idea, but need to finalise the stock before I fully commit to a theme and start work. I'd like to make a start on what I'm making to draw interest on the first day... but I also need to make a few other pieces to have something to talk to customers with.

Finally I've been putting something together for my customers, a little thank you and I will announce this separately.

Sara  x

Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Thank you...

I just wanted to say a big 'Thank you' to Erika of Erika Davis Designs at http://www.erikadavisdesigns.co.uk/index.htm. Erika has very kindly helped me out this past month, after we met on an on-line forum... so thank you Erika.

Do pop over to her website, as she has some really lovely jewellery and accessory pieces.

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Customer Photos: Creative Bumblebee's Scarf for a Friend.

Ali's Scarf
Originally uploaded by creativebumblebee

This is a photo posting from my new customer Flickr Group at http://www.flickr.com/groups/1303917@N20/pool/ where you can find what customers have been making with my fibre.

This textural scarf was made by by Maria of http://www.creativebumblebee.co.uk/

Maria created this using my 'Wildberry' Merino 64s, Rainbow, Twice Blend and was made as a birthday present! I particularly like the way the lines of yarn create a new dimension in texture.

Do check out Maria's website, for some of her other wonderful creations.

Thank you for sharing Maria!
Sara x
Wildberry can be found at http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/userimages/procart30.htm

Happiness is....

...


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Ravelry Badges Arrive...

Just got to write my user Id (SarasTextureCraft) on the bigger one... Then you'll recognise me at shows!


- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wedding outfit...

Here's a sneek peek if my dress (for brother-in-law's wedding) from Monsoon... Lace bolero is from Miss Selfridge (sale a year or so back, not really worn it yet!). I expect the family won't recognise me!!

It has some lovely cream, almost 'Morroccan tile-like' embroidery.

 

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com

The Changling... still formulating!

So we've managed to work on some details and even did a couple of drive by's (no not shooting, just the nosey house hunting!) to see some of the places on offer... and surprisingly things aren't as bad as we first thought... there's a bit more out there within our budget, we just need to pin point location and narrow our search.

I even think it will work with my soon to start daily pick ups quite nicely! Yay!!

Sara x

Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Limited Edition Batts

Finally we have some more batts in store on Etsy... D did very well and helped card a few of these. I think the man wants a job?!

Of course hun, you can have a job... you can card for me anytime!

Sara x

Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Thank Yous...

I just wanted to thank a few people today. People who have recently been very supportive and so are very special to me...

Maria Dent of http://creativebumblebee.blogspot.com/
Florcita of http://www.florcita.eu/
Blue aca of http://happyhangaround.com/
Aldona of http://www.etsy.com/shop/aldonasuneviciene
Heather of http://www.flickr.com/photos/feather/

You are all an inspiration!
Thank you!

Sara x

Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Workshops...

As many of you know, late last year I really tried to get going with this and did do a couple of private classes... I had hoped to really get this going again this year, but things have gotten a little too busy to plan and book anything as yet. I'm hoping to have some news again on this in the next month or so.

Sara x

Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Here, fishy fishy!

The biggest fish I ever did see... As long as my leg!



No seriously we are really out looking for a house today, just popped into the garden centre!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com

Wonderwool Planning - Part 1

I need to start planning my stall... I can't leave it to the last minute on a smash and grab raid of the stock room, I want to really try and plan my theme. So as we speak I am looking a new blends to launch and keeping track of old faithfuls. I'm also looking at taking along some of my limited edition batts.

I want to make a banner... but I'm worried about time... maybe I need to find prices for a prefessional banner... let's have a look, there must be somewhere in Exeter I can call in and ask...

I also need to think of a demo, something that shows off my products and something new... hmmm. Thinking cap is on sideways I think today, as I'm coming up with ideas, but not killer ideas...

I'll let you know how I go.

Sara x
Addicted to Fibre, Feltmaking and Spinning? Or want to learn more? Visit my www.sarastexturecrafts.com for everything your addiction needs!

Kreativ Blogger Award...

There must be something in the water, becuase I'm feeling lucky this week! Maria from Creative Bumblebee, just gave me my second blogging award at http://creativebumblebee.blogspot.com/2010/01/oh-wow-another-award-thanks-you.html. Thank you Maria... it means a lot. Sx

For this award Maria says I must list 7 interesting things about myself and then pass on this award to 7 other deserved bloggers. So if you've been nominated in this post and want to play, here are the guidelines:

P.S. I'm going to cheat and do just 5 things about me and three bloggers, because I'm a bit pushed for time today. Sorry!

1. Thank the person who gave you the award
2. Place the logo on your blog
3. Link to the person who nominated you
4. Name 7 things about yourself that people might find interesting
5. Nominate 7 bloggers for this award and post links to their blogs
6. Send a message to let them know they've been nominated

Ok, let's see... 5 things about me... right now...

• As I type this I am eating chocolate and singing along to the radio!
• I am working on some more limited editions for the eshop.
• I have gotten halfway through what I need to get done for my new eshop.
• I am loving living in Devon and am hoping to find somewhere permanent this year.
• This year will be my first Wonderwool show and I'm very excited! Need to start planning!!

3 bloggers who inspire me right now are...
http://wipso-astitchintime.blogspot.com/
http://thyme2dream.blogspot.com/
http://mysweetfairy.blogspot.com/

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

My little friend... Mr. Smuggly.

My little friend sits on his rocky throne upon my shelf, looking down at me. Although I’m never quite sure why he’s expression is so smug?

Did he move that box, that’s ever so slightly in my way?

Mr.Smuggly is needle felted with my felting needles 36, 38, 40 and 42, using Norwegian Batts over his pipe cleaner form and a hint of Merino on his eyes. All of these items can be found in the eshop.
Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

Sunshine Blog Award...

Thank you Maria for nominating me for a blog award at http://creativebumblebee.blogspot.com/2010/01/sunshine-blog-award.html, I really appreciate that!

The idea of the Sunshine Award is that it is awarded to bloggers whose positivity creativity inspires others in the blog world... so thank you that means a lot!

The rules for accepting this award are;

1. Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
2. Pass the award onto 12 bloggers. I'm going to do just 3 though... a lame effort I know, but well rules are ment to be broken!
3. Link the nominees within your post.
4. Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
5. Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

So here goes... For cheering me up on a rainy day!

http://lizetfrijters.blogspot.com/
http://eyesoftime.blogspot.com/
http://mademoisellechaos.blogspot.com/

Sara x
http://www.sarastexturecrafts.com/

The knitted scarf is coming on...

It's going to be lovely and warm!


I just need to finalise the beading and detail design.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone.
See you soon, Sara x
www.sarastexturecrafts.com