Craft & Hobby Association Supports Members at Craft, Hobby & Stitch International

Well what can I say lovely people... mmmm, well I did say that I was going to do more regular blog posts and start scheduling again! Yeah and then preparations for stitch international started and that clearly went out the door.

That said I can now bring you some exciting highlights into how the show went, the wonderful designers I met and the fabulous support I have received by being a member of the CHA UK (Craft & Hobby Association).

As an independent designer working out of my home studio, I am often working alone and that means that I don't have work colleagues to run things by or bounce ideas with. Being part of the CHA UK has meant that I am part of a growing community of talented designers, with a wealth of experience in their specialist field. We've all experienced ups and downs with in our specialist fields, so its great to share experiences, tips and knowledge, give and gain support and that's just from our fellow members.

Aside this,  board of directors is at your fingers to help problem solve, trouble shoot and support you in growing and developing your business. Connecting you to the right people and providing  opportunities to grow, develop, learn, educate, inspire and so much more. I cannot recommend this organisation enough. I quite simply couldn't have been at this huge event, without the support of this organisation.

The show itself, alongside all the wonderful designers and the organisation was a huge success for me. I secured many business leads and new partnerships, as well as obtaining vital resources to move my business forward. With all that said I would like to share some of the highlights from the show and members who attended.

My stand.

A visit from The Queen of Craft herself Dawn Bibby 

http://dawnbibbycrafting.blogspot.co.uk/

Craig De Souza A Board Member/Director

Diane Rooney Designer & Board Member 

Follow Diane on Facebook 

Jaine Drake Basement Studio

http://www.basementstudio.lu/

Cassie Brown Designs

 Though Craig De Souza had played a little trick on both Cassie Brown & Sharon Callis at this point as he switched their signs around! http://www.cassiebrown.com/

Sharon Callis with Cassie Browns sign!

http://www.sharoncalliscrafts.blogspot.co.uk/

Jason Wilkes Bert & Gerts 

http://www.bertandgerts.co.uk/

In addition to this we were joined by: 

• Dizzy Di - Dizzy Di Bead Shop 
• Clare Brown Designs 

And.... last but not least! Jo who is the originator and creator of Shabby Dandelion 

So all I can say is check out our talented members and to round up our post, our class of 2016 and board members group photo. 

Thanks so much to everyone for making this a wonderful event and experience. 

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog All copyright, design rights and all other intellectual property rights existing in our designs and products, and the images, text and design of this website are and will remain the property of Tigerlily Makes. Any infringement of these rights will be taken seriously, Unless otherwise stated and named whereby copyright resides with said named person.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

Tigerlily Makes gets a Double Page Feature in Crafts Beautiful

Oh my goodness I am absolutely thrilled to have been interviewed by Crafts Beautiful mag for a double page feature in this months edition.

This has obviously been in the pipeline for quite sometime... but Shhhhh don't tell anyone that... lets just keep that between us! I was absolutely thrilled to have been contacted by CB's editor Sarah Crossland and I believe that I was put forward by CB's Rebecca Ellwood who I have been working closely with  now for quite sometime, on a number of promotional projects. Bekki has always been very supportive of myself and all that is Tigerlily Makes. Bekki has always ensured that I get the best advice when it comes to making the most of advertising and promotional aspects for Tigerlily Makes.

I wasn't quite sure what to expect or how big the feature would be, I found the whole process extremely pleasant, very well organised and I have to say the feature is outstanding! Then the absolute cherry and icing on the cake, was to have my egg cosy kits featured on the front cover!

So don't forget to pick up this months copy of CB and for now keeeeeeeeeeeeep felting!

Thank you for taking the time to visit Tigerlily Makes The Felt-making Blog All content and design work, including text, photos, etc are © copyright 2014 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  

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/

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

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!

 

 

 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

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!



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

Get Crafty, Get Chatty!

Well, hello again you lovely bunch!

How many of you have got craft projects on the go, but never seem to find the time or wherewithal to knuckle down and get truly stuck in?  Yes, life gets in the way – kids, partner, holidays, school commitments, work, cooking, cleaning …… I’ve been there, done that and worn the t-shirt many, many times!

If any of this sounds familiar, then it’s time to dig out those part-finished works and join us for our Chatty Crafters Craft Night at Tamworth Hobbycraft on 3^rd September. 

Chatty Crafters events offer an informal relaxed atmosphere for you to bring along your projects and get crafting.  With other creatives in the room, it’s a great environment to bounce ideas off each other, share tips and advice and spend a couple of hours on whatever you want to achieve. 

 

 

Past events have seen a mix of paper crafters, embroiders, crocheters, various textile artists and of course, felting!  The more the merrier in terms of skills in the room. 

And the best thing about Chatty Crafters Craft Night is that it’s FREE!  We start at 5.30 pm and finish by 8pm.  For more information, and to book your place visit http://ow.ly/o5jkt.

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

If You’re Truly Crafty, You Will Always Have Supplies ….

Well hello again my lovely felt fans.  I thought I’d share with you on today’s blog something that has stood me in good stead for many, many years. 

I can’t quite pin down when crafting became such a massive part of my life.  It’s always been there – the desire to be creative, to make things, to feel a sense of achievement when I finish something.  Even now, having turned a passionate hobby into a business, I am always on the look-out to learn new things, new skills and to expand my love of all things craft.  

I’m often asked for tips and the most valuable piece of advice I can give to anyone with even the tiniest interest in being creative is …… never, ever throw anything away!  

Hang on to all of those textile off-cuts and end pieces, bag up the spare buttons, wrap the ribbons round pieces of card – but never throw anything out as you can never tell when you might be in need of a finishing touch, or a patch of fabric, that you discarded as “un-usable”.   

Trust me, you’ll thank me for that advice one day! 

And here's one such example of hanging onto all your scraps of fabrics! Linings for egg cosies... my egg cosies have become quite popular, but the unique thing about them, apart from the overall unique design is each lining is different. Take a looksee for yourself to see just one of many ways fabric scraps can be used!

But for now keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep crafting!

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  

Princess Lily Returns Home To The Palace & A Right Royal Birth!

Today Princess Lily brings you a very special post as she returns home to London to visit Buckingham Palace and to send her congratulations to the new royal parents and future king.

Sadly the royal flag was down and this meant that the “Queen” was not at home!!

There had obviously been a mix up over dates between Princess Lily’s management and the Queen’s management. This did not bode well for either our Queen, or our Princess!!

So what to do? Well, the only thing to do when you have “Right Royally” messed up is to stay toast to the new baby and have some fun - so when Ma’am is away Princess Lily will play!

You can see from the pictures that our lovely Lily quite literally lambed it about during her exploration of the Palace and Palace grounds. Though she is never more content than when she is outdoorsy and near the grass ..… she did however find one of the Queen’s Guards (obviously guarding the Palace) to create some mischief with. Although I fear The Royal Guard is not doing much guarding!

See if you can spot Lily at the front of the Palace.

Lily and one of the royal Gaurds

Arrivign in London

 Watching over the Gardens

Checking out the Right Royal Birth announcement

 

Well that's it for now and don’t forget to pay our big sister a visit at:

www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk

www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes

www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes

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. www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk   www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes   www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes  

Stop Press!!! Beautiful handmade gift from a talented designer…

Hello lovely peeps, makers and creators.

Today I just simply have to share with you the wonderful work of the amazingly talented Skye German. For those of you who don’t know I am an accredited arts & crafts tutor and used to travel the country demonstrating a whole host of crafts and running workshops for a well know craft company. When I opened the felt boutique… I found I had a lot of surplus stash, tools and equipment.

Not wanting this to go to waste I set about selling my personal items on Ebay and this believe it or not is how I met the amazing Skye German. Skye was the winning bidder for my craft stash and we immediately struck a rapport via our email communications. That chance meeting has led to a very special friendship that has been on-going for about 2 years now.

Skye is a wonderful person whom is a full time carer and designs and creates wonderful things to sell around that.  Skyes designs and creations are all very bespoke and unique and are very popular with her audience.

Pictured above is one of Skyes amazing designs which she customised especially for me with my name on it! I immediately fell in love with it when I received it, and it now takes pride of place on our sofa.

I feel so blessed and lucky to have met such wonderfully kind and generous friends in my industry sector.

Thank you so much Skye for your wonderful gift, I absolutely adore it.

 

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

Felt Pictures Course second stage changes…

Hello world!

As promised I bring to you the second in our changing stages features from our felt pictures course.

Pictured below is a selection of pictures in the wet stage of the felting process, if you take a look at the dry stage In a later post you will be able to compare the differences that felting brings to each stage.

To see the courses on offer just visit our courses page.

But for now keeeeeeep felting!!

 

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  

Dilly Dally Daisy Tea Cosy Featured on Front Cover of Craft Focus!

Hello lovely makers, creators and all round lovely people, today we are very excited to share with you that Tigerlily Makes very popular Dilly Dally Daisy Tea Cosy Kit has been featured on the front cover of Craft Focus Magazine! Craft Focus is a craft industry magazine for retailers in the craft industry to engage with sellers and keep up to day with all the latest craft industry news.

So you can image the excitement here at Tigerlily Towers, when we were alerted to the fact that Dilly Dally Daisy had made it to the front cover! Not only did Dilly Dally Daisy make it to the front cover but two of our other kits along with Dilly Dally Daisy have been featured within the magazine too!

Well if that wasn't exciting enough, I turn yet another page in this glorious magazine and find a trade show interview that I had forgotten I had given.

So its really thrilling to at last going into our 4th year, that we are finally getting industry recognition. So all our hard work, dedication and devotion is finally paying off with this season kits doing better than ever. We are so proud of what we have achieved, given that we are a very small team proving that hard work, dedication and 100% believe in what you do... does pay off.

I will leave you with a couple of shots of the cover and inside feature... but for now keeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeep felting!

 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  

Craft Group at the Tamworth Craft Room located in Hobbycraft Tamworth

Evening lovely peeps, hope you are having a fab weekend so far, I just wanted to stop by and say that we have a free general craft group on the first Tuesday of the month (except bank hols etc) in the craft room at Hobbycraft Tamworth.  It runs from 6-8pm but you do need to book, as places are limited.

So if you make cards, papercraft, stitch, embroider, needle felt or felt to name but a few you are more than welcome to join us, just click  Hobbycraft Tamworth above or here to confirm your place we will even throw in a cuppa and a biscuit.

You can keep up to date with events by clicking Tamworth Craft Room

But for now Happy Crafting

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. www.tigerlilymakes.co.uk   www.facebook.com/tigerlilymakes  www.twitter.com/tigerlilymakes