Mount Dora Extravaganza

I have spent the last couple of days in the craft room working on a commissioned order, so I thought I would take a short break and reflect on my recent holiday.  These photos are of the Rennigers Antique Extravaganza at Mount Dora.  It is truly a site to behold with each stall holding as much treasure as the next and going on for what seemed like miles.  It was difficult to stay focused, I wanted everything I saw.  In the end I bought vintage patterns ( 2 of which are wedding dresses), vintage buttons, a 1935 embroidery book, vintage shoe trees which I intend to use for my daughters wedding next year,  ribbons and material and my wonderful husband treated me to a handmade quilt sign which has taken pride of place in my craft room.  I will give you a sneak peek into the craft room in a later post.  I also bought from my friend Jone on the Street of shops a vintage rolling pin and gingerman cookie cutter for my kitchen which at the moment is a work in progress.  Back to work......

Rattan Christmas Baubles

I still have a few rattan baubles left priced at £3 each plus postage if anyone is interested.  Just email me at mamasmercantile1@gmail.com or leave a comment for further information.  I am afraid once they are gone they are gone I am unable to take any more orders before Christmas.  I have been engaged as one of Santas helpers to make teddy bear picnic playmats and teddy bears bedding for 2 very lucky little boys.  My priority is then to get on with my families wishlist......I am not holding my breath that I will be able to complete everything in time given the short time left before the big day.  May be some little elves have been in the craft room helping overnight, I had better get in there and check it out.

Safely Home

I am back safely home from the most amazing holiday ever, my wonderful husband certainly knows how to spoil a girl.  It just wasn't long enough away, to cram everything we wanted to do in  we had to hit the ground running and consequently we are now both exhausted and cold.  After such a lovely fortnight of wonderful sunny and hot weather we are back to the cold and rain.  All I can say is thank goodness for the stove, it really does kick out some heat.

We did the same thing we do every time we go to America and that is too much shopping.......yes we had to buy yet another suitcase.  I could set up a shop with all the extra cases and holdalls we have had to buy over the years.  My Christmas shopping is now complete, all I have to do now is get back into the craft room and make my families wishes come true.  The choice of craft materials available in the stores in America is truly a sight for sore eyes.....I could go on forever how amazing it all is.  Needless to say I have brought back as much as I could carry.

Mount Dora was a delight as usual.  We managed to catch up with our wonderful friend Jone who owns Vintage Cottage on the street of shops.  The list of shopping I did there is never ending vintage buttons was on the top of the list for my new range of cushions.  I was not disappointed I managed to find quite the haul, along with vintage patterns, craft magazines, lace, spools and bobbins.  I find a trip to Mount Dora quite inspirational.

I am suffering with Jet Lag at the moment, hence writing a blog in the middle of the night.....tomorrow is another day!

Waiting for the postman

I feel as if I have been waiting for the postman to arrive on a permanent basis.  First of all I was waiting for the stamps to arrive that I ordered off etsy.....to say that I was thrilled with them is the understatement of the century.  I wanted to be able to stamp my paper bags, I need now to spend some time and experiment with the pressure and colour of ink etc.  Secondly I have been waiting for a consignment of fabric that has taken longer than expected to arrive, but it certainly didn't disappoint.  The final order in my book  ( apart from the family Christmas wishlist ) can now be started.  It is with regret that I am unable to take any more orders for Christmas, however I will post out anything that has already been made for the Christmas Fairs.  I am so busy with my anniversary holiday, grand childrens birthdays and Christmas preperations that I do not want to disappoint. 

Any spare time that I have now I want to work on my new range........I am keeping it under wraps for now!

What a Wonderful Life...

My wonderful husband has booked us a holiday to Florida for our 32nd wedding anniversary, how lucky am I?  I have been frantically assessing my craft room for gaps ( the Mount Dora antique extravaganza is calling me).  Vintage lace and buttons are always a must and a necessity this time as they will feature in my daughters wedding next year.  I am trying to fit a hat box arrangement into hand luggage for our wonderful friends who own a shop on the Street at Rennigers.  ESTAs need to be completed for entry into the USA, attraction tickets ordered and dinner shows booked.  The next few days are going to be a little frantic I suspect but what a wonderful life.......

Adding new lines.......

Whilst the fairs I have done so far have not been very well attended I have been greatly honoured by the wide range of compliments I have received.  I have added the crochet baby headbands as requested and also a wider choice of fleece/cotton blankets for prams/pushchairs.  I have been hard at work in the craft room for the last two days trying  to get some of my Christmas presents finished with some degree of success!!!!!!!   I have also been working hard on some new patterns for home furnishings, throws and cushions ready for my new year range......all I can say is WATCH THIS SPACE........

I will be at Richmond park Skegness on Sunday.......hope to see you there.

Another busy week

What a week.....I feel as if I haven't stopped for breath.  Its been a bit of a whirlwind not unlike the weather with its faster than light descent into Autumn.  One minute I am wearing a T shirt the next I am snuggling up in front of the stove.

I have packed extra goodies into this week as I have my grandson next week to spoil.....all orders have been completed and ready for postage.  Keep an eye out for the postman early next week, any dance bags or Christmas sacks ordered will be posted out today.

I have added some more table arrangements to the stock for the Christmas fairs.  I have also included a wider baby range, bibs, bandanas. patchwork balls (vintage style) and cotton and fleece snuggle blankets.  I have such an extensive Christmas wish list from my family this year so I really do have to get on with that....I don't want to disappoint!