A creative country life

A year ago I wrote on a piece of paper that I wanted to get my creativity out in ways that others could receive it, get serious about my writing and into some sort of form, and be supported financially as I did this.  This is the week where I realised how much of that had come to fruition - what with the writing course, pretty much non-stop freelance work - and now the opportunity to sell some of my cards at the Country Living fair on its first time in Scotland - thanks to Jane of Snapdragon.

There are my cards in their little Ikea boxes on the beautiful and inspiring Snapdragon stall - which really is a centre piece of the whole fair.  Earlier this year Jane asked me to a demo of Christmas wrapping at her stall during the show.  I wasn't quite sure what form this would be in, so decided to make it something I felt everyone may be able to accomplish in some way - using recycled, reclaimed, or charity shop materials in a new way that could look just as good (if not better) than spending lots of money on new (and often un-environmental) wrapping.  There are so many beautiful things lying around that could have second lives in a creative and one-off form.

The feedback from the demo that I've been doing has been fantastic, and I'm so pleased that others feel inspired to go and try alternatives to make their gifts more special and unique - and sustainable!

At the other end of things, I've been dashing back to make more recycled cards to put on the stall - although I have had time to go and look round too.

The fair is very high quality, with lots of individual craftspeople as well as more mainstream companies.  You can read more over  at Jane's blog, but I pretty much agree with her that the whole feel of the show is very positive and inspiring.

For those who may be interested to see more, my friends and mum included (who were told to keep away from the stall, lest they put me off!) I will show a present a day from the demo, starting on 1st december as the beginning of advent.  The paper above came from a roll of retro wallpaper picked up for 79p in Oxfam - but more later to come...

A big thank you to Jane and Sally for promoting my cards and involving me in their show - here they are working hard before it even opened, as they have done in the months leading up.  I feel very green to the whole experience of this size of fair - playing catch up on myself as I make cards in the evening to top up the next day!  I'm still not sure of myself as a 'business' but at the moment am content being a maker when there is supply and demand.  Thanks to Sally and other good friends who leave bundles of magazines on my doorstep etc, just as my supplies for the recycled cards are waning- it feels like a very organic and rewarding process, that I am really only making from what is available and not taking any more than that.

If you are coming along this weekend - I hope you have fun and enjoy yourself - there are lots of inspiring people, gifts and ideas.  One of my favourites so far has to be Nutscene - all those balls of coloured twine, and the most ingenious display yet - a garden broom with balls of twine all stacked up the handle.

...oh, and by the way - get those pens and paper out and write down those intentions (Thursday new moon/new beginnings - imagine you are planting seeds) - mine have been answered in ways I could not have imagined - but do be prepared for growth!

(as I write this I thought the heating was creaking away, but realise there are bluetits tapping at the window behind me!)

Comments

[carolyn]

So pleased that everything is going so well for you. This year I finally feel that I just might be in vogue, I've been wrapping pressies in wallpaper and magazinze pages since the children were tiny. None of our friends seem to have in the least bit noticed that eg. the magazine pages were chosen especially for them, they just thought us cheapskates! Oh well maybe they will "get it" this year.

[carolyn]

So pleased that everything is going so well for you. This year I finally feel that I just might be in vogue, I've been wrapping pressies in wallpaper and magazinze pages since the children were tiny. None of our friends seem to have in the least bit noticed that eg. the magazine pages were chosen especially for them, they just thought us cheapskates! Oh well maybe they will "get it" this year.

[ginny]

So pleased to hear of all that you have achieved this year Caireen and that the show has been great for you too. Thanks for the new moon info... i shall write a couple of things down and hope that i have as much drive and determination as you to make them happen.
Look forward to your gift wrapping tips.
with love xxx

[amisha]

such wonderful news all around for you... so happy that the craft fairs are going well (your stall looks beautiful) and that you are getting lots of writing work! congratulations on all of this lovely success!
xo

[Diana]

Hi Caireen, so pleased the fair went well, and your intentions are being realized. Lovely to see you crafting and card-making again too. I laughed at Carolyn's comment...because sadly some people never notice or appreciate creative wrapping, however much effort has gone in to it.
look forward to all your tips!
Diana xx

[Diana]

Ps Meant to say also that my paper and pencil are at the ready for thursday's new moon!

[liZZie]

I echo all the congratulations too. Just a thought - something about when a person has got the balance right and all that, we're truly living in harmony with the natural order, and your bluetits may be a sign of that? A lovely image. X

[Karen]

I'm constantly and pleasantly surprised by the opportunities that are coming my way just by visiting blog land. I think it's the in the momentness of it all. In the past I have drawn pictures of how I'd like say a room to look. I've forgotten about such things though. Thank you for the nudge. Roll on Thursday. It's really interesting to hear how you've got to where you are especially when you are so honest about how you've got there. Thank you for sharing Caireen.

[quiteahandful]

Ha, "dreams really do come true" and not just over the rainbow !
I felt your happy and excited buzz whilst reading this post Caireen, and am filled with delight. I love the CL magazine and was just reading the October issue ysterday..we are always a month late on this side of the world. Your beautiful creations are going to grow from strength to strength, well done !

[my baboo]

Glad you had such a rewarding time Caireen, who knows what next year will bring - keep writing the lists of your dreams.

See you soon
L
xx

[Frances]

The photos are lovely, both in this post and the prior one, and really give a great idea of the inviting displays. Seems as if your enthusiasm is spreading to all who see your posts!

I will try to remember to jot down some intentions this week ... is it to be done just before the New Moon?

Right now on my official day off from the shop, I am crocheting Christmas gifts, making pomanders, and am about to rush off to find envelopes for the Christmas cards I've been painting in watercolors. Busy time of year! (Oh yes, also got the laundry done.)

Cheers.