Accentuating the positives

The older I get, the more trials life throws at me, my friends and my family...some days it can really dampen my spirits. This is because I allow them to be my main focus - even if I'm washing up or driving to work, these little worries are nattering away at the back of my brain.

I've always been a firm believer in looking for the silver linings in life's grey clouds...there is usually a spark of positivity to be found even in the most dire of situations. I'm not saying that they compensate for the situation itself but, that they may only have occurred as a result of it and with them they bring a little joy. And they should be celebrated. Heck, some days we need all the boosts we can get! Sometimes it's just a little moment of cheer, a "stop and smell the flowers" respite, that does the trick.

I've decided to try and remember, note down, & enjoy these little moments or by-products...these shining haloes to life's clouds. When I do, I will do a (sometimes wordy, sometimes tidgy, sometimes photographic) post here to help me keep track of them. Hopefully, by focusing on life's positives, I will dilute the effect of the obstacles I must navigate.

Today's little lift? Thunderstorm raging outside, rain pouring down the windows and me sat in the lounge with George, watching a movie...me crafting and him building Lego. Simple pleasures. Comfort. Company. Love.

x

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stockist! & a place to visit

hello there!

I have good news, oh yes! I have a new stockist :)

my tin of goodies on a beautiful dresser in the gift shop

Thanks to a stall at Threshfield School Summer Fair, my wares were spotted by the lovely Amy of Kilnsey Park who then asked if I fancied stocking my Ditsy delights in their gift shop. "Oh yes, I would!", thought I, but hopefully I was outwardly more controlled and professional than I was feeling inwardly. I mean, what a compliment...being approached by a potential stockist not only shows that they like your products but, that they like them enough to share with their customers. A fair compliment indeed, in my book.

view of the shop towards the entrance

So, up I ventured with my bag full of goodies and a very patient boy (we had to go straight from school on Friday without giving George prior warning). Whilst I chatted with Amy, George was lucky enough to wander the grounds, feed the fish and fall in love with some ducklings (who very nearly adopted George & he them).

Even when a shop/gallery owner declares an interest in your designs, there is still that "will they/won't they?" apprehension when you finally meet. I'm happy to say that they did and thanks to Amy being thoroughly lovely and oh so calm, the visit was an entirely pleasant one.

the fresh food counter..fish pie, smoked salmon to name but two delights

It just so happens that when George was born, we actually lived in Kilnsey, in a cottage backing on to the park and the trout lakes...it is such a beautiful area with the magnificent Kilnsey Crag dominating the scenery. I had forgotten how lovely it is up there and especially at the park - there have been a lot of changes (all good!) since I last visited and it is now on our "to do during the Summer hols" list! (for me, mainly because the cakes looked scrumptious and the cappuccino that I had was, indeed, delicious...more sampling required, I feel!

fresh food, ice cream, homemade cakes, fresh coffee & a tummy rumblingly good restaurant menu

The park itself is a working trout farm as well as offering other activities for visitors, such as:
fly fishing; fun fishing; adventure playground; nature trails; gift shop; restaurant; red squirrel conservation programme; and the rare and beautiful Lady's Slipper Orchid.

my Ditsy Bird Designs rainbow trout brooch exclusive to Kilnsey Park

Whilst I was there, the park was preparing for a Herbs & Potions weekend as part of National Herbal Medicine Week...I only wish I'd known in advance as I would have loved walking through the grounds, looking for herbs, and then making up herbal vinegars and oils! Their next event is The Mad Professor's Bug Weekend (6th & 7th July) which sounds like great fun for bug fanatics, and then it's their 35th birthday weekend (10th & 11th August) celebrating 35 years for this family run business.

So, if you should find yourself in Upper Wharfedale, do pay them a visit and perhaps have a look in the shop for the tin of Ditsy Bird goodies.

Sarah
x

My week in pics

Hello!

So we've reached Friday again and we have the extra treat of a bank holiday to look forward to...the weather forecast is actually looking hopeful, too, which makes a refreshing change! It has been positively chilly and blustery up North today...roll on sofa, fire & movie time tonight so I can hunker down under my blanket and get warm for the first time today.

It's been a funny week...Paul has had his second week in his new job after a (shocking) three month gap between contracts. This is a major deal for the chap who has worked (& worked away) for the best part of 28 years. Trust me when I say that, the three months were a trying time all round...but also a lesson in appreciating in what you have & the strength you have within you - to adapt, persevere & prevail.

So, not having Paul around is still relatively new, and then we add in to the mix the fact that George had his first residential trip with school! Two nights in York sans parentals...a fab time was had by all judging by this afternoon's presentation in assembly :) Monday morning, 9:05 and I was totally alone and it would stay that way until 3:40pm on Wednesday. I was a little lost to say the least. Answer? Kidnap Mum for a tearoom visit to sup, scoff and peruse the artworks and products they stock there. Cracking answer, that one.

As my son departed for the train, it became apparent that he'd packed my arty mojo in his case too! I was unable to doodle! Oh the horror.
{I can confirm that said mojo returned with child...thank goodness}

So, yeah funny week.

But both chaps are back in the Birdhouse tonight so all is right with the world - it's an evening of tasty food, cuddles and watching The Hobbit again for us. And doodling. Obviously ;)

Here are a few pics from the week that was...

Have a lovely weekend!
Sarah
x

Paper cut bird card

I posted a photo of this in my last post but thought I'd give a teeny how to, in case anyone else fancies a do.

I was massively inspired by a beautiful paper cut bird mobile in the Made In Paper* magazine, that I bought in Durham on our Easter weekend getaway. I never seem to end up following tutorials through but, instead, poddle off down my own creative track.

I traced the basic design of a bird I'd previously doodled, onto some thick white paper. I then cut out bits n bobs that I thought may look pretty, whilst trying very hard not to tear it, and correcting any tears/whoopsies with a smidge more cutting ;)

I liked the idea of a contrasting paper behind the birdy in order to show off the cuts...this lead to my gluing said chirper to a bit of black card, then cutting around the bird shape. Then the urge to doodle was too strong so I *had* to add the white dots in the gaps - I know, I need to control these urges but hey, I like the little dotty additions.

At this point I had intended to string him up but I changed my mind and stuck him on a card with some foam tape to lift him a little and give him the elevated position he deserves. A bit of text later and there we have it, a cheery, chirpy birthday card for my beloved god mum!

*This is my favourite crafty mag I've bought by far - ever! But I do love paper & have always loved paper...it's quite steep at £7:99 but, truly, it is more of a large paperback book - so many beautiful projects to try. Not much in the way of non-girly/flowery designs but...you could apply the knowledge learned, to your own ideas & schemes. I plan on trying out many more of the projects in my play time...pretty pom poms & bunting for a party perhaps? I luffs it & have been found stroking the cover before now.

Thanks for popping by!
Sarah
x

Easter roundup thus far

Hello!

We're into week two of the Easter fortnight here in North Yorkshire and it's fairly flying by in a flurry of overnight stays; work; chilly walks; trying out my new/old bike; crafty mags; wonderful old doors; Spring swap treats & family time.

Here is a photographic round up thus far...

snow day

morning!

a boat load of snow fell overnight so we are all at home today - thankfully I had the good sense to stop on the way back from work yesterday, for essentials such as hot cross buns and a bottle of fizz, so all is not lost ;)

currently the boy is downstairs on the PS3, texting his pals to see what they're doing today and the mister is still snugged up in bed - I foolishly left my alarm set, even though I knew we were going nowhere as George has been off school sick this week. I tried to doze back off but my brain had others ideas - it fired into action, shooting images of all the things I could make and draw like a slideshow of handmade colour bursts and that was me sold! Here I am in my little room (hovel) drawing, blogging, supping tea and planning. I love planning and plotting...two of my all time favourite things to do.

I've been playing with ink and watercolours recently

I have a wonderful commission to get on with, for an equally wonderful friend...some whimsical Easter decoration ideas and I quite fancy making a few more of these darling little chicks from the Myrtle & Eunice tutorial...they are so utterly dinky, and perfect for keeping your hands busy whilst your eyes oggle the tellybox - you should really give them a go!

tutorial is here

Sarah

x

draw, draw and draw some more

Good morning!

how are you today and what are you up to?
I am finally listing some new brooch designs I've been working on over the past couple of months! As mentioned in my previous post, I have been drawing (a lot) in order to perfect my style and technique. I'm getting there and am really chuffed with the results...and even more chuffed with the response they've been getting on my Facebook page and on my Instagram account.

click here to view it in my Etsy shop

I had already listed my new wooden pendants - I really love how these have turned out...the rustic feel to the slices of windfall branches as well as the beautifully smooth birch rounds. I have a black and white rustic version on at the moment and it is my current 'go to' accessory as it happily sits on most of my tops and dresses. It is also wonderfully light to wear...I have lots of pendants (magpie!) but find some of them aren't suited to everyday wear due to their weight and the pull on my neck. Thankfully, this is no longer a problem and I can accessorise at will ;)

click here to view it in my Etsy shop

Today is all about word brooches and heart garden brooches - little birch hearts, decorated with paint and then hand drawn on with ink using my dad's old dip pens. My dad was a talented artist and I'm delighted that I am able to use some of his tools in my endeavours...I love the feeling of continuity. I also love that George often wanders in to ask if he can play with my pens whilst I'm working.

So that's me!
I hope you like the new designs and rest assured, more will be on their way in to shop as I beaver away with my inks.

For now, I'll leave you with some images of my drawing practice and the brooches & pendants.
Have a great day!
x