A three-day craft fair can be quite tiring, and this one (at Rivendell Garden Centre, Widnes) is no exception.  So when the clocks go back tomorrow, and we are blessed with that extra hour, I for one will be so-oo grateful for it!!

Last night I came home and painted a mirror and door hanger for a customer.  Now, every time I’ve painted horses, I’ve sold them before I can photograph them for the website and - yes, I’ve gone and done it again!!

I will try to make it a bit of a priority to make some more - and take a photo this time!!  It’s been a busy fair, with lots of orders, and great fun, despite the tiredness!  It’s also a bit on the cold side, but a few extra layers and a flask of soup have together worked wonders!

Tomorrow should prove to be another busy day - looking forward to it.

Today I’ve been putting the finishing touches to some items for the Rivendell Garden Centre Craft Fair.  It opens tomorrow (23rd October 09) for three days (Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

a bit of a production line going on

It’s definitely feeling a lot colder lately, and my thoughts are turning to things like yummy vegetable soup in a flask as well as gloves, scarves and hats.  I’ll be taking my flask of soup to Rivendell, which I hope will keep me warm - we are sited in a marquee.  Not the warmest place to spend an autumnal weekend.  I shall dig out my gloves and scarf too.  Will I need a hat? 

The weather has been a bit mixed of late, and the plants seem a bit confused.  This little apple tree (below) currently lives in a big pot in the garden.  It’s patiently waiting for its permanent spot - but there’s a lot of hacking down of overgrown conifers to do first.

my baby apple tree

Have you noticed what’s unusual about this little tree?  It’s now well into autumn, and most of its leaves have turned brown or already fallen.  But there’s a confused little branch which believes spring has already arrived.  The leaves are bright green and fresh, and there’s even blossom!  Look a bit more closely:

apple blossom in October

Are you looking for a new or different way to raise funds for your school, playgroup or other organisation?  If so, we may be able to help!!

We’ll happily come to your school or organisation, and hold a 1st Unique Gifts sale.  We bring a wide range of goods, with prices from 99p unwards - something for everyone.  As well as gifts that your guests can buy there and then, we’ll also take orders and deliver them 3 weeks later.  This gives people a bit longer to pay, which is sometimes a big help.  You’ll get 10% cash commission on all sales to put towards your funds.  You can also make money by selling refreshments and raffle tickets, etc (or anything else which takes your fancy!) which makes the day (or evening) more fun.

All we ask is that you invite people - we can email you an invitation which you can either print off or email to your group.  It’s as simple as that!

If you’re interested, and if you’re based in Cheshire, south Lancashire, Greater Manchester or the Liverpool areas, please email: wendy@1stuniquegifts.co.uk - we are based in Warrington, but are happy to travel any reasonable distance.

campervan canvas painting with personalised numberplate option

We will also be happy to attend your school fair if we are free on the day it’s being held.  Again, we’ll be more than happy to make you a donation.  Because many of our items are child-oriented, our stall can make a great addition to your school fair.  See our products here: www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk 

a magical fairy sprinkled stardust all over any child you like

The magical fairy canvas (above) comes in lots of different guises.  The magical fairy can also live on a door hanger, a clock, a peg rail, a door plaque, a mirror, etc.  She really is quite popular with the little girls, and comes in two very different pinks as well as a pale purple and natural cream.  Or pick your own colourways!!

If you can’t make it to one of our events http://www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/blog/events/ or school fairs, you can of course buy online at www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk

STOP PRESS: We are exhibiting at Rivendell Garden Centre this weekend - the 23rd, 24th and 25th October 2009 (that’s the Friday, Saturday and Sunday).  We’re in the marquee just by the garden centre entrance.  Rivendell is a fabulous garden centre - worthy of a visit on its own - but visiting the crafts marquee as well makes it a bit more of an outing!  WA8 3UL is the postcode you’ll need for your satnav, or follow the Widnes signs from junction 7 of the M62.