Tigerlily Makes: 2013

Monday, 16 December 2013

Slippers Course – Bookings Now Being Taken!

Everybody loves toastie toes, which is why I am now taking bookings for my next Slippers Course, on Saturday 25^th January!

Held at the stunning Middleton Hall in Tamworth, this one day course is suitable for all abilities. All materials are provided including a pair of slipper lasts that you keep and can use again... as well as tea, coffee, cakes and biscuits to help you through the day. You will also be given a full set of course notes and after-care instructions. There is also the lunch option for an additional £5.00, at the Courtyard Café.

We start at 10.30 am and by the end of the course, after just 6 hours, you will have your very own pair or hand-made (by you!) felt slippers to take home – once you have made one pair, you’ll be making them for everyone!

Places on all Tigerlily Makes courses are limited, so don’t delay – join us, and you’ll never have cold feet again!

http://www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk/slippers/

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Friday, 13 December 2013

Christmas Craft Kits For All The Family

Home crafting has never been more popular, with more households taking the DIY approach to seasonal décor and making their own.

Why not add a touch of Tigerlily Makes to your home with one of my festive craft kits. Adorn your tree with our robins, festive felt hearts and hanging puds. Full instructions are supplied with each kit.

We’ve also got the eye-catching Very Berry Pudding Bag Kit, ideal for the fashionistas amongst you who want to accessorize with something a little bit different this Christmas.

Your home deserves something different, which will be with you for years to come.

http://www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk/shop/products-page/felt-making-kits-accessories/christmas-kits/

Happy making!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Thursday, 12 December 2013

Gift Vouchers – for the crafty ones in your life!

With just two weeks to go until Christmas, are you starting to panic as to what to buy for the craft lover in your life?

Trust me, I’ve been there! Traipsing up and down the aisles at craft fairs, looking for something that will make someone smile on Christmas Day.

Solve the problem this Christmas by giving a Tigerlily Makes gift voucher. The recipient can spend it on one of my courses in 2014; treat themselves to a craft kit to make something spectacular in their own time, or they can even put it towards a commission piece if required.

With a packed programme of courses coming up, they’ll be spoilt for choice – and remember, everyone who attends a Tigerlily Makes course also gets automatic membership of the exclusive Members Area.

The last posting date for Christmas delivery is noon on Thursday 19^th December, but don’t leave it to the last minute!

http://www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk/products-page/vouchers/
http://www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk/felt-making-courses/

Friday, 6 December 2013

Support Small Businesses This Saturday

This Saturday, 7^th December, sees the first ever Small Business Saturday in the UK.

A nationwide initiative, Small Business Saturday is all about encouraging everyone in the UK and beyond to celebrate local, independent businesses – and it’s no coincidence that it’s happening on one of the busiest shopping days of the year!.

According to research, on average buying from independents works out around £15 cheaper, so you get more bang for your buck!

So come on folks support your local designer handmade this Christmas. You will get a truly unique gift and a special experience which will see you returning time and time again.

Happy shopping!

Wednesday, 4 December 2013

A little Crafty Magpie...

is flying around collecting all sorts of lovely handmade products from talented UK designers.

Hello folks, just a quick post today to say that I have been invited to sell on this lovely platform called Crafty Magpie.

Her is the link to my page, please check it out and support our UK designers.

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Tuesday, 3 December 2013

Cards, Cards Everywhere!

It’s about this time of year that we all think about buying our Christmas cards: special one-off cards for immediate family and more general boxes of cards for the neighbours and work colleagues. We never think to clamber up into the loft and see what’s left from last Christmas, so every year our surplus Christmas card mountain grows and grows!

But where did it all begin?

The first Christmas card was sent in 1843 by Civil Servant Sir Henry Cole. Together with his friend, artist John Horsely, they designed the card and sold copies of it for 1 shilling each (about 5p in today’s money)
One of Sir Henry’s first Christmas cards, sent to his Grandmother was recently sold at auction for £22,500
In the 1910s and 1920s, home-made cards became popular. They were often unusual shapes and had things such as foil and ribbon on them. These were usually too delicate to send through the post and were given by hand
What’s more, charities estimate that £50m is raised for good causes through the sales of charity Christmas cards each year.

I’ll leave you with a top tip from Princess Tigerlily: rid yourself of the tedium of writing out all the envelopes for your Christmas cards every year by typing them as address labels, storing them on the computer and print them off when required – genius!

Have a marvellous day, and here’s one I made earlier!

Friday, 29 November 2013

Never Too Old To Learn!

Morning felties! Now, as you all know, I love to teach others the beautiful craft of felt making. I regularly run courses on various aspects of felt making and have also branched back into paper crafts and card making over the last few months, but very rarely do I make time for my own learning …… until recently.

I’ve always embraced social media. I have 1987 Likes on the Tigerlily Makes Facebook page, and am being followed by 1422 people on Twitter, but when I heard of a half day course on how to use Twitter for business, I thought “why not” and booked myself onto the course without hesitation.

Taking an entire morning out of Tigerlily Towers was weighing heavy on my mind, particularly at this time of year – the run-up to Christmas is always the busiest time and there was also the exhibition to plan for and stock for the pop-up Christmas markets to think about, whilst at the same time planning for 2014.

After a morning of tuition from the lovely Melissa Plimmer of MAP Designs, I have to say that even though I’ve been using Twitter for a fair while now, I learnt so much during that one morning about how I can make more effective use of Twitter to the benefit of my business.

The moral of the story? Don’t leave the learning to the young ones! Invest the time in yourself and if you see something that you like the look of – go for it. You only get one chance! My Christmas Puddings have never been tweeted so much!

Thursday, 28 November 2013

Popping Up …. Everywhere!

We’ve just enjoyed a fabulous weekend, after having a stall at a Pop Up event at Midldeton Hall which was organised by the Vintage Emporium.

It’s made us think just how fantastic Pop Up events are. With prime commercial retail space being out of reach to many small businesses, Pop Ups offer the opportunity to showcase your products, often on a short-term basis, in a prime location. Pop Ups also often make use of empty shops, with local authorities giving short-term licenses, particularly in the run up to Christmas.

Here’s our Pop Up space from Middleton Hall – it’s amazing how much you can display in a small area!

Keep an eye out for more Pop Ups from Tigerlily Makes – we’re certain that this is just the beginning!

Monday, 25 November 2013

Get Wrapped, Bagged & Tagged In A Beautiful Location!

We’re so excited, we might just burst!

It is with great pleasure that we can announce a brand new partnership with the Vintage Emporium Wrapped, Bagged & Tagged and a gorgeous new venue for the Needle Felted Birds & Blooms course and the stunning slipper course ……… we will be in our own private room above the Great Hall at Middleton Hall, near Tamworth.

Middleton Hall is a truly stunning venue, and during the lunchtime break you’ll even have time to explore the grounds and perhaps take in a bit of festive retail in the Courtyard shops.

There are still a few places remaining so treat yourself to a day of felting in this magnificent location.

http://www.facebook.com/events/144210019092925/

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Thursday, 21 November 2013

Give Your Tree Some Hand-Crafted TLC

Good morning everyone!

We’re in full-on Christmas countdown mode here at Tigerlily Towers this week, as we are busy preparing for our Christmas felting courses as well as planning our very own Winter Wonderland at the same time.

The one thing I love about having a creative skill is that I can make my own decorations and adornments for the Tigerlily Christmas tree and for around the house. This means that I can give the home a unique look, rather than having exactly the same as everyone else in the street because it’s what the local garden centre or retail park had on offer.

If you fancy the idea of giving your home a sense of uniqueness, why not buy one of my really easy Christmas Decoration kits, they come complete with all the wool, twine, 5p piece foam punching pad and needles. They are retiring this year and on special offer so why not grab yourself a real treat and make something truly special for your tree this year.

Monday, 18 November 2013

Get Creative Wtih Chatty Crafters

Our Chatty Crafters evenings are increasing in popularity – just a couple hours for one evening each month gives you the opportunity to bring along any outstanding projects you have on the go and work away at your own pace with like-minded crafters over a cup of tea and a biscuit or two!

There’s always a lovely buzz in the room as we bounce ideas off each other, swap tips and generally catch up with one another’s lives.

Our last Chatty Crafters evening before Christmas is on Tuesday 3^rd December, from 5.30 – 8 pm in the Craft Room at Hobbycraft in Tamworth - and it's completely FREE!

Why not bring along some Christmas ideas – maybe make a card for someone special, or make your own gift tags. Just let us know you’ll be coming by booking here http://www.facebook.com/events/562862987090120/ – we’d hate to not have enough biscuits!

Thursday, 14 November 2013

Pudding Time!

Good morning and a massive High Five to all you festive felt fans out there!

I’ve been doing a fair amount of pop-up shops and shows over the past few weeks and one thing that has been selling incredibly well from my Christmas range are the little felt Christmas Puddings. Whether the Great British Bake Off has made everyone go ga ga for puds, or whether people are just getting back to tradition I have no idea, but the felt puddings are a sure-fire hit this year.

But did you know …..

Christmas pudding originated as a 14th century porridge called 'frumenty' that was made of beef and mutton with raisins, currants, prunes, wines and spices. This would often be more like soup and was eaten as a fasting meal in preparation for the Christmas festivities

By 1595, frumenty was slowly changing into a plum pudding, having been thickened with eggs, breadcrumbs, dried fruit and given more flavour with the addition of beer and spirits

By Victorian times, Christmas Puddings had changed into something similar to the ones that are eaten today

Putting a silver coin in the pudding is an age-old custom that is said to bring luck to the person that finds it

So, why don't you make your own needle felted pudding for the tree with our Christmas Pudding kit priced at just £10.00 complete with everything you need to get started and keep up the British tradition!

Monday, 4 November 2013

Pining For A Pin Cushion?

I recently made some pin cushions, inspired by the chocolate box houses of the fishing village Aberaeron – and I can’t believe the response they’ve received!

I’ll be making more to meet the demand so if you’re looking for a stocking filler with a difference for the crafter in your family, keep an eye out for these cute, yet practical, pin cushions.

Wednesday, 30 October 2013

How to have a serene Halloween!

It’s the night of the year that you’re guaranteed to be constantly interrupted, first by cute small people wearing a bedsheet ghost costume, or with a painted pussy cat face. Then, as the evening progresses it’s the turn of the older children to knock, demanding “trick or treat” often in quite a threatening tone.

Well we will be escaping the Trick or Treaters for 2 hours from 6.30 pm to an evening crafting with my Needle Felt Heart course. Held at the Handmade Boutique in the heart of Birmingham, the course includes all materials and light refreshments, we will learn in a relaxed, informal environment how to make gorgeous needle felted hearts. This course is now full, but we do have one more needle felted course before Christmas and that's the Needle Felted Birds and Blooms Course held at the Beautiful Middleton Hall Staffordshire, this course is a full day course and you will go home with a fully finished free standing needle felted bird or several home décor items, such as flower hearts and blooms.

To book your place just contact Lisa info@tigerlilymakes.co.uk

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Monday, 30 September 2013

Never Too Young To Start …

“Mum, what are you doing?”

“Mum, can I help?”

“Mum, I’m bored!”

Sound familiar? We’ve all been there – desperate to get on with our latest craft project but also trying to be super-mum at the same time.

Why not encourage their creative side and treat your little trouper to one of my kits, aimed specifically at children aged 8 and above (with a little help from mum, of course!) Once created, the bunting can brighten up a bedroom, or perhaps be split down into smaller pieces and framed for wall prints – a lovely gift for grandma and grandpa for Christmas! Its also a great way to have some quality time with your children and the boys will want to help too as I find on many of my schools workshops, the boys are just as keen to get stuck in as the girls.

A great way to pass those wet and windy winter weekends too …… http://ow.ly/p0TMs

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog Lisa X All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2013 Lisa Marie Olson owner of Tigerlily Makes (unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person)and cannot be copied without prior permission from the copyright owner. Tigerlily Makes is a member of ACID (Anti Copying in Design and all designs are registered and protected. www.acid.uk.com www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

Friday, 27 September 2013

The End Of An Era_VW Camper Van Alert!

It was with utter disbelief and a tinge of sadness that we heard about VolksWagon ceasing production of their iconic camper van.

31^st December is D-Day for the last ever VW Camper at the only remaining factory in Brazil.

The first type 2 Camper Van was unveiled at the Geneva motor show in November 1949, and was on sale from March 1950 – it’s since sold over 10 million! In the 1960’s a converted Camper Van would have set you back between £850 and £1300 but nowadays their value has risen to anything from £2,000 for one needing total refurbishment to in excess of £37,000!

Often associated with music festivals, lovely hippies and the surf scene, the VW Camper has in itself become an instantly recognisable brand. Some enterprising geniuses use them to hire out as wedding vehicles, and celebrity chef Jamie Oliver made his way around Italy in one!

We have many happy memories of holidaying in camper vans, which never fail to make us smile.

We’re pleased to say that the Iconic Classic Camper will live on for years to come at Tigerlily Towers, and you too can share in a piece of design history with my Campalily range iPad cover/bag http://ow.ly/pfoQZ and greeting cards.

Have a fabulous day!

Monday, 23 September 2013

A NEW Course!

I’m always keen to receive feedback following courses, and at shows, and it’s as a result of customer feedback that I’m launching a new Needle Felting course in November!

Birds & Blooms is a one day felting course where you will learn how to make beautiful decorative felt flowers or a cute little bird. Once you’ve mastered the art, your new-found skills can be used to make corsages, brooches and decorative items for the home.

The first Birds & Blooms day will be held on 23^rd November at Middleton Hall Wedding Venue Nr Tamworth. We’ll get going at 10.30 and needle felt our way through the day, ending at around 4.30 pm.

The day costs £55.00 which includes all your needle felting materials, tea/coffee and cake/biscuits. All we ask is that you bring a packed lunch, or some money to buy lunch when we have a break.

No experience is necessary as full tuition will be given. Make something truly bespoke and handmade by you whilst you experience the magic that "Tigerlily Makes" to book your place just email info@tigerlilymakes.co.uk

If making them yourself doesn't interest you, but you like the idea of owning one then simply visit My Etsy shop.

Thursday, 19 September 2013

Nan, Gran, Grandma, Granny ….. just call me Nain!

Gooooood morning lovely felt fans!

Well, what can I say? After weeks of biting my tongue and almost bursting at the seams it’s now out in the open that I am going to become a grandparent in March 2014. We’re all so excited at the prospect of the new arrival – and we’re all busy swatting up on the latest pregnancy advice as things have moved on apace since my son was born.

And so began the “what do I want to be called” debate! Not feeling quite ready to be granny, nan or grandma, I’ve settled on Nain, which is Welsh for Grandmother.

On the creative side, the news of a new baby has been most inspiring, to say the least! Whilst having to keep mum for the initial three months or so, I’ve come up with a whole new range of cards and am currently working on some new felt kit designs which may – or may not – have a baby-theme running through them! As and when time permits itself, I may even be tempted to pick up those knitting needles again and create something warm and wonderful for our impending bundle!

The only thing I would ask is that for the rest of his/her life, our grandchild remembers …..

Tuesday, 17 September 2013

Everybody Loves A Button!

When we learn to sew, one of the first things we do is to attach a button to a garment – a simple task that takes minutes, with little experience required.

But have you ever given the humble button a second thought? Initially used to embellish clothing rather than fasten it, buttons come in all shapes and sizes, some made from simple moulded plastic, others more extravagant for the high-end fashionistas.

· The oldest button ever found was in the Indus Valley Civilization which is now Pakistan. The button is made of a curved shell and dates back 5,000 years!

· Buttons with buttonholes used to keep clothing closed first appeared in 13th century Germany

· During the World Wars, the British and U.S. military used button lockets which were buttons constructed like lockets to store compasses

We now have our very own range of buttons, which are proving very popular! We’ll share more designs with you as and when they’re ready, but for now, here’s Lily with her button collection.

Our Lily The Pink buttons are on special offer for this week only, visit our Facebook page for more details.

Sunday, 15 September 2013

You’re Never Too Old To Learn Something New

Since spending time at the Handmade Boutique, one recurring theme from the lovely people who take time to visit us and buy our products is “ooooh aren’t you all clever”!

It’s wonderful to have our hand-crafted products admired but I often wonder why more people don’t take up the challenge to be more creative themselves. We have a number of courses at The Handmade Boutique and attendees always have a good time, learning a new skill, getting creative and making friends at the same time.

Why not join me on one of my Needle Felting Courses, either in Birmingham or Tamworth. No experience required, and I guarantee you’ll have a great time ….. and leave with something created by you!

http://ow.ly/onz2w

Monday, 9 September 2013

The Perfect Start To Every Day

I don’t know about you, but my day always starts with a cup of tea. Regardless of the season, or my schedule, a cuppa is a must to get me on track for a busy day. But did you know …..

· The UK drinks 165 million cups of tea per day – that’s 62 billion cups per year!

· The UK tea market is worth circa £700 million annually

· The British East India Company started commercial tea production in the 1820s, planting a Chinese variety high in the hills of Darjeeling

· The English fashion for tea drinking began in the early 18^th Century, driven by the British East India Company, who imported tea to the UK

· During WW2, the tea ration was just 2oz (50g) per person, per week!

and finally …..

The world is a far better place when you have a tea cosy!

Have a great day, and keep that kettle boiling!

Wednesday, 4 September 2013

Love Your Phone, Love Your Phone Cover!

They used to be the size of a house brick, weigh half a ton and have a battery life of approximately 30 minutes. Nowadays our mobile phones are sleek machines, light as a feather and capable of more than the average PC.

We rely on our phones to send text messages, take photographs, make notes, play games, check the weather forecast …. and yes, even to make and receive phone calls!

Mobile phone accessories are big business too. Whether bling is your thing, or a more executive leather-look, we spend a small fortune on phone cases, charms and even customised chargers are now starting to appear on the market.

Why not be kind to your phone – and your pocket – and take a peek at our range of mobile phone cases. Handmade with a vintage twist, you’ll stand out from the crowd instead of being one of the flock.

Friday, 30 August 2013

Bye Bye Summer, Hello Autumn

It’s hard to believe that we’ve reached the end of August already. The kids are ready to go back to school, the trees are starting to don their autumnal coats and clothing ranges in shops are featuring more cardigans than swimsuits ….. yes, autumn is upon us already!

So far, 2013 has been a great year for Tigerlily Makes. With new ventures such as the Handmade Boutique in Birmingham, new branding and lots and lots of happy crafters joining the felty flock we can’t complain.

Autumn promises to be just as hectic, with a plethora of courses planned - http://ow.ly/onODZ , and of course the festive season to prepare for. As with all retail businesses, we also have our Christmas campaign to roll out, as well as new products constantly being added to the Tigerlily range and new designs being worked on.

Here’s to the new season, and thank you for your support.

Thursday, 29 August 2013

Work/Life Balance – A Walk In The Park!

Running your own enterprise can be a stressful experience at times. It’s easy to work very long days without a break and skip such delights as weekends and holidays in favour of “the business”.

Technology doesn’t help the plight of the entrepreneur either: Phones make it possible to stay connected 24/7 – even after the PC has been turned off, we can still pick up emails, check Twitter and Facebook etc long into the night when we should be putting ourselves and our families first.

With this in mind, it’s been a real delight to take the occasional lunch time walk. Planned into the day, a brief spell away from the workplace in the middle of the day gives us a chance to clear our minds and take in some fresh air. I’ve actually felt more productive after a spot of lunchtime walking than when I work non-stop all through the day.

Try it for yourself – you will feel much better afterwards!

Princess Lily enjoys some lunchtime fresh air!

Tuesday, 27 August 2013

Tigerlily YouTube Channel – have you subscribed?

Good morning!

Did you know that Tigerlily Makes has its own YouTube channel? There’s all sorts of short videos available, for you to watch at your own leisure, from general overviews of our designs through to easy-to-follow “How To” videos for some of our most popular products.

To subscribe to the Tigerlily Makes channel, just follow this link http://ow.ly/o5CRA

hers one of our videos to give you a taster!

For now, have a great day and keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep felting!