Those exciting times . . . . .

After a well deserved summer break with my family my thoughts were aiming towards the Christmas Fairs. My goal this year was to take part in the Spring Market at the Roundhouse, Derby with Deb. Im so pleased to have been with the Fabulous Places markets for a full year now. I have met some lovely stall holders and now have some great customers too.

One of my other goals alone side running my own business has been to renovate a home with my husband which we have done. But as you know the finishing touches always take just a little longer but boy do you appreciate it when they arrive. I like to support other local businesses and artist/makers when choosing blinds, carpet, accessories or just those lovely little finds. So for some time my husband and I have had rails and ikea bags as our wardrobes and we are now excited because we'll be having bespoke wardrobes very soon!!

At this point in the year I have been inspired after a good rest and have started on a few new creations. My love of the countryside and the farm animals I paint I've wanted to incorporate the natural finds I also enjoy to collect on country walks. Including these in my work to produce accessories for the home. 

I love the natural colours, textures and I have collected the dry grasses in particular from hedgerows and pressed them into the air drying clay in which I use. At my events this year I have displayed the grasses in a jug and also do this at home. Customers have liked it so much they have wanted to purchase them!!!

Since creating these new accessories I am now stocking at The Little Shed, Allestree. Annie has been very supportive and displayed them really nicely throughout the shop. I continue to create the clay shapes with words and you can order your personalised ones too through my website. 

So from this I have then combined my illustrations, with my watercolours and hedgerow finds to produce these one off mini pieces. Ive had so much positive feedback, good sales of them too and requests for them this year already.

Orders on any of the work that you see is very welcomed, personalised, for a particular event or with a particular colour/theme in mind. Each of the pieces are individual, hand created for you.

In October half term my little family took a break for a few days to The Lakes. It was very wet, as expected but great to see, go for a walk or two and potter about the shops. We also explored the world of Beatrix Potter which my little one loved.

Back home orders were being completed and thoughts on my first Christmas event, stock, setting up, display ideas. The Christmas market was my first two day event and went really well. Great feed back, work sold and commission taken. Having only a goal to attend one event yet took part in three, I have been really pleased this year with how well I have done at The Roundhouse. 

After the Christmas event with Debs I attended the three day Christmas fair at Swarkestone Garden Centre. I had to wrap up warm standing in a large green house in November but worth it. I shared the stall with my friend Jan who does pyrography and met some new stall holders and lovely new customers. 

Above, bottom left, is the commission of a family dog as a surprise Christmas present. I was really pleased with it and I think it went down well!

So after a very full year with lows and highs throughout, I feel really pleased with the direction that Sweet Pea Designs is growing. Having started the business 16months ago Ive achieve far more than I expected with the fantastic support of my friends and family. 

Im looking forward to what 2018 brings for the business, with many more ideas, fairs to attend and opportunities to share. Thank you to all those that follow me on social media and a happy new year to you all.