Sweet Surprise!

Yesterday I received such a sweet surprise from bloggy friend Ani @Flöckchenliebe! Ani must have known that I needed cheering up as this constant rain we're having was getting me down...and she  obviously paid close attention to my style and colour preference. Just look at this pretty box :)
I'm a huge fan of boxes, so I'm pleased to be adding this floral one to my collection! And of course the card is lovely :)

Gestern erhielt ich eine so süße Überraschung von der lieben Ani @ Flöckchenliebe! Ani muss gewusst haben, dass ich eine Aufmunterung nötig hatte bei diesem ständigen Regen in den letzten Tagen...und offensichtlich kennt sie meinen Stil und Präferenz für Florales sehr gut. Schaut Euch mal diese wunderhübsche Box an :)  Ich bin ein großer Fan von solchen Schachteln, und sammle die leidenschaftlich! Natürlich finde ich die Karte entzückend :)

The gift box contained the most exquisite paper kanzashi flower hanger and foil wrapped cherry blossom chocolates! Does is get any sweeter? I LOVE it!

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Drinnen befand sich eine bezaubernde Kanzashi Blüte zum Aufhängen - ist sie nicht traumhaft? Die Farbe!! - und lecker in grüner Folie eingepackte Schokoladen in Kirschblütenform. So süß! Zum Verlieben schön!

The flower is so decorative and cheerful, and since I've hung it in my studio space I can admire it every day! BIG thanks to Ani for the beautiful and thoughtful gift! Thank you xoxo :)

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Die dekorative Blüte passt ausgesprochen gut in mein Arbeitszimmer und so kann ich mich jeden Tag daran erfreuen! Ein ganz herzliches DANKESCHÖN liebe Ani für dieses wunderhübsche Geschenk! xoxo :)

Bloggertreffen 2014 Köln // Blogger Meet & Greet Cologne

This past weekend I attended the international trade fair for craft supplies in Cologne and there were even more exhibitors (and visitors) than last year; a good sign. I had a couple of appointments with suppliers and my prime concern was adding different lines and fabric qualities to my current stock. Also, after analyzing my sales statistics I've decided to implement a different strategy this year, but with hundreds of collections to choose from this was quite a task, and by midday I was already exhausted. Among my loyal customers I'm mostly known for florals and rest assured I've ordered some sweet floral prints along with coordinating polkadots. However, some of my customers have been asking for some unisex prints in bold colours...and after much searching (not to mention budgeting) I am pleased to have found some fun fabrics that are sure to put a smile on your face :)
Also, for the first time since opening my shop in 2011, I will be adding knit fabrics. These are stretchy and super soft - perfect for T-shirts and Yogawear! And for those with a thing for 70s retro fabrics I have a surprise in store for you :)

Here I am hard at work

Duni at work

Am vergangenen Wochenende war ich auf der internationalen Fachmesse für Handarbeit in Köln und es gab noch mehr Aussteller (sowie Besucher) als im letzten Jahr; ein gutes Zeichen. Ich hatte ein paar Termine mit Lieferanten und mein Hauptanliegen war es mein derzeitiges Sortiment mit originellen Kollektionen und diversen Stoffqualitäten zu ergänzen. Dies umzusetzen war eine anstrengende Aufgabe, denn ich hatte wirklich die Qua der Wahl bei der Masse an Kollektionen die ich mir angeschaut habe. Bei meinen treuen Kunden bin ich vor allem für florale Stoffe bekannt und selbstverständlich habe einige süße Blümchenmuster und dazu passende Polkadots bestellt. Aber einige meiner Kunden haben auch nach geschlechtsneutrale Stoffe in kräftigen Farben gefragt...nach langer Suche und langen Verhandlungen freue ich mich auf ganz besondere Stoffe, die garantiert nähbegeisterte Menschen zum Schmunzeln bringen :)Und zum ersten Mal seit meiner Shoperöffnung 2011, bekomme ich demnächst Baumwolljerseys- bzw Sweatstoffe. Diese sind herrlich elastisch und super weich - perfekt für T-Shirts und Yogawear! Und für Fans von 70er Jahre Retro Mustern habe ich noch eine Überraschung parat :)

The lady with the black hair and fringe is hugely popular German designer Andrea of Jolijou. Here she is at the Swafing booth demonstrating how to make fabric flower brooches. Visitors were encouraged to join in. Funnily enough, the day previously, unbeknownst to me I designed and made my very own fabric brooch!

Die Dame mit den dunklen Haaren mit Pony ist die talentierte deutsche Designerin Andrea von Jolijou. Hier demonstriert sie am Swafing Stand wie man eine Ansteckblume aus Stoff fertigt. Besucher wurden aufgefordert selbst kreativ zu werden. Witzigerweise hatte ich mir am Tag zuvor meine eigene, etwas andere Stoffblume gefertigt und ich wurde mehrmals darauf angesprochen, denn der Stoff stammt nämlich auch von Swafing :)

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Later on I attended my very first Blogger meeting! You may remember that I was one of the twenty finalists of a nationwide DIY Contest. I was pretty excited meeting the others in person, but boy was it crowded. The representatives of the sponsor companies were there as well as jury members, guest bloggers and the press! Although I would have liked to have had a good long chat with each blogger, the mass of people as well as the deafing background noise made it impossible. Anyways, a big round of applause to the three winners (see below)! You certainly deserve it!

(First prize// Erster Platz) Julia www.kreativlaborberlin.de

Nina www.ninadel.de 

(Third prize// Dritter Platz) Kasia www.madebykasia.com

 Liza www.facebook.com/pages/Lizas-Laden/399545886779013

 Alexandra www.lalexi.blogspot.de/

 Monika www.naehoma-moni.blogspot.de/

 Kati www.pinsandneedles.de

  Frau Herzensüß www.herzensuess.blogspot.com

 Susanne www.pearlsharbor.blogspot.com

 Stefanie www.seaofteal.blogspot.de

 Julia www.funkelfaden.de/

 Miriam www.mirid.de

Gabi www.die-kreativen-adern.blogspot.de 

 Susa www.susalabim.de/blog

 Julia www.mamigurumi.de

 Tina www.naehzauberei.de/blog

 Ramona www.maronas.de

 Sabine www.Krumme-Nadel.de

(Second prize // Zweiter Platz) Julia www.lillesolundpelle.blogspot.de

Später bin ich dann als eine von zwanzig Finalisten zum Bloggertreffen mit anschließender Siegerehrung des deutschlandweiten DIY Contest gegangen. Ich war ganz schön aufgeregt! Abgesehen von den Finalisten waren dort auch die Sponsoren, die Jury, weitere Kreativblogger sowie die Presse anwesend. Es wimmelte nur so vor Menschen, und obwohl ich gerne mit jeder Bloggerin länger geplaudert hätte, war einfach zu viel los und die Geräuschkulisse lautstark, so dass ein entspanntes Unterhalten nicht möglich war. Trotzdem hat es unglaublich Spaß gemacht, es wurde viel gelacht, Ideen ausgetauscht und natürlich unsere jeweiligen ausgestellten Projekte bewundert!

An dieser Stelle möchte ich nochmal den drei Gewinnerinnen (siehe oben) ganz herzlich gratulieren!!

Gabi & Bella

chatting with a few bloggers

  

From left to right // von links nach rechts:

Sandra @Lila-Lotta , Kati @pinsandneedles, Ramona @maronas, me, Bella @herzensuess, Gabi @diekreativenadern, Susanne @pearlsharbor and Monika @naehomi .

The Finalists (3 bloggers are missing/hidden). To protect the privacy of the two guests in front I put smiley faces on them :)

Die Finalisten (Drei fehlen bzw haben sich versteckt ;-)). Die zwei Smiley Gesichter dienen dem Schutz der Privatsphäre der zwei Damen im Vordergrund :)

All in all I had a great time and a few laughs with some wonderfully crafty people, saw some amazing projects and came home with my head full of ideas and a bag full of goodies which each contestant received at the end of the event :) I haven't got round to unpacking any of it yet, but in closing I'd like to thank all of the sponsors once more for initiating this wonderful event!

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Das Bloggertreffen war so toll! Es war wirklich schön die anderen Blogger kennen zu lernen und die jeweiligen Projekte in natura zu bewundern. Ich hatte eine Menge Spaß und bin zwar erschöpft aber rundum zufrieden nach Hause gekommen. Zum Abschied haben jede von uns eine liebevoll zusammengestellte Überraschungstüte bekommen, die ich leider aus Zeitmangel noch nicht ausgepackt habe. An dieser Stelle nochmal ein ganz dickes Dankeschön an die Sponsoren, die dieses großartige Event ins Leben gerufen haben!

xoxo

Wordless Wednesday

Sammy is obviously thrilled with his new mousie from his furiends Angel & Isabella - many, many purrs xo

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Eine ♥Weihnachtsüberraschung♥ für Sammy von Angel & Isabella aus USA!

Sweet surprise in the mail ::: Überraschungspost!

Yesterday the postman had a package for me. A surprise gift from Verena, a dear friend I met in the blogosphere! She is one of the sweetest, kindest and most caring people I know. I was blown away by her thoughtful and very special gift. I just love the polka dot packaging and the cute little plant in the mini watering can! The package contained luxurious bath and body products that smell divine! Verena, thank you for putting a huge smile on my face!

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Gestern hatte der Postbote ein besonderes Paket für mich. Eine Überraschung von der lieben Verena, die ich letztes Jahr hier im Bloggerland kennengelernt habe! Sie ist eine soooo liebe, aufmerksame und einfühlsame Person. Ich danke Dir vom Herzen, liebe Verena, für Dein so aufmerksames Geschenk. Sind die Blümchen in der kleinen Polkadot-Giesskanne nicht süß? Und das luxuriöse Verwöhnpaket mit wohlduftende Badeessenzen und Cremes kann ich so gut gebrauchen. Bin absolut begeistert! Damit hast Du mir eine Riesenfreude gemacht!

adorable packaging / zuckersüße Verpackung

Do check out Verena's blog - she's a trained beautician and make-up artist - filled with loads of helpful information on health and beauty plus useful make-up tips!

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Verena ist Kosmetikerin und Visagistin. Schaut doch mal bei ihr vorbei - ihr wunderschöner Blog hat zahlreiche, sehr nützliche Gesundheits- und Beautytipps!

xoxo

Thank you blog friends!

Hi friends! I hope you all had a great weekend. I know most of you (living in the US) are busy preparing for Thanksgiving. I did not do much other than packing the last of the handmade gifts and browsing through my blog archive. I started this blog in 2008 mainly to showcase my handmade items as well as promoting handmade in general. Along the way it became much more than that. I found myself blogging about all sorts of topics from traveling to recipes, and my cat Sammy. I shared anecdotes, pictures of seasonal flowers in the garden and even wrote about my hospital visits, which were frequent in 2009/10. Right from the beginning I connected with people in the blogosphere and enjoyed (and still do!) the interaction. And even though not all of what I blog about is happy I'm amazed and truly appreciate that some of you, whom I consider to be my friends, have stuck around all these years, through good and bad times :)
So, this is my way of giving thanks to my dear readers who have become my friends. Thank you! I truly appreciate our friendship.

I know there are many, many more lovely bloggers out there whom I interact with on a regular basis. Know that I appreciate every single one of you and love reading your comments!

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At the weekend this was my attempt at making hot cross buns. They are nothing like those that Ann made (I'm sure she must be cringing at the sight of these!). They tasted okay, but somehow turned out a bit tough, plus the marzipan on top broke! Oh well.

I'm looking forward to my 5th year of blogging! * Sehr bald starte ich das 5. Blogjahr. Darauf freue mich!

I love surprise gifts...

...don't you?

I couldn't believe my eyes when I received a package all the way from Malaysia from lovely, kind-hearted, generous and funny Anny! I opened up the package and found these goodies inside:

GORGEOUS Batik Fabric. I love the beautiful floral design! Just think...Anny went to the shops and specially selected this fabric/pattern with me in mind. Isn't that just the sweetest thing to do? This is definitely going to be made into something very special. I love it, Anny! Thank you so much!
Ever thoughtful she also included this cute pair of chopsticks for me and hubby :)

And not to be forgotten -- an adorable little 'catnip fish' for Sammy.  
Here he is 'inspecting' his new toy and...

it's love at first sight  :)

Sammy really loves his little fish and sends many purrs, headbutts and nosetaps your way, Anny! These are beautiful gifts and I appreciate them all! Anny, your wonderful surprise made my day! Thank you!
Do check out Anny's blog where you'll meet:                                 

Piper & Dommy, two of the cuddliest and cutest dogs I've come across in the blog-world. I very much enjoy reading about their everyday adventures and so will you!

Thank you so very much, Anny! Blog-friends are the best :)

Coming back to life...

...slowly.

I am finding it incredibly difficult to get back into the swing of things after my surgery. I really miss you guys! I'm currently handling the backlog of emails and translation-related stuff. Meanwhile my big bag project sits half-finished on my sewing table. Uggh. I hate unfinished stuff! There's also a pile of fabric that needs pre-washing. Now, if only I were motivated enough to switch on the washing machine!
...speaking of fabric, while in the recovery room after surgery, the male nurse later told me I was mumbling something incoherent about fabrics. haha. I guess they really are at the forefront of my mind!

One thing that cheered me up immensely when I was released from hospital was the arrival of my much awaited new ring, handmade by Nancy, art teacher and artist extraordinaire. She also happens to be one of my dearest blog friends :)
The ring is made from white cardstock, curled into a unique design and sealed in resin. The setting is silver plated. It really is one-of-a-kind and I love showing it off!

Hope to be back to regular blogging soon. Miss you!

Early Birthday present for me. Woohoo!

I feel much better today! Thanks for your support and kind words, guys - what would I do without my blog friends? Speaking of blog friends. Dear sweet and thoughtful Mel sent me two beautiful gifts all the way from the Philippines for my birthday coming up this month:

Aren't these earrings pretty? Mel must be psychic to know that I love round shapes :)
And, of course, I love heart-shaped things too! And pink! Guess what this ingenious little device is? It's a bag hook! You can open the 'rim' of the heart and hook it on to the edge of a table to hang your bag instead of having to keep it on your lap or on the floor like most of us do. How cool is that? If you want to find out more about these heart-shaped bag hooks visit Mel's shop here.

Thank you so much, Mel. Your thoughtful gifts put a big smile on my face! Yay for blog friends!!

Hope you all have a great day! I know I will :)