Who is it who decides these things?  Who is it who always makes sure I’m next to the cupcakes/fudge/chocolate stall?

Today was the Stockton Heath Winter Market - a wet start, cold with a gentle breeze, but eventually sunny and bright (if not quite warm).  It was a fabulous day, with lots of customers and a very successful, bustling market.  Credit and congratulations must go to the organisers and the team of volunteers for a fabulously well-organised event.  You can find out more about their events here: www.stocktonheathfestival.co.uk

Oh, but who decided to put me next to the cupcake stall today???  I must say, the handmade cupcakes were just delicious.  They were gorgeous to look at, too, with yummy, thick, sugary and glittery frosting.  They were made by the team at Jasper’s Cafe in Stockton Heath, WA4 2RZ, where I’m guessing you can sample them with a cup of their fresh coffee any day of the week. 

You can even order a boxful of 12 for £12.  Oh my word, definitely a bargain.  Phone them on 01925 210145. 

Yes, I’m still exhausted.  I plan an early night tonight and maybe even a lie-in tomorrow.  Anything after 5.30 am will be a lie-in for me, after the few days I’ve just had!

Oh, and I mustn’t forget: a big, big thank you to all my customers today… you were all lovely! 

cupcake on canvas

Back from the craft show at Lytham, and spending the next three days almost glued to my paintbrushes!

Lytham was a great weekend - Saturday was a pretty good day, but Sunday was very busy.  It was lovely to meet so many people.  Lots of personalising things for people, but bad lighting in the venue, making me realise I need a portable work lamp.

I arrived early on the Sunday morning, and rather than queue up outside the venue with the other stallholders waiting to access the venue, I went for a walk along the sea front. 

Fishing boats were setting out

For once, the weather was lovely -  sunny, cold, crisp and bright.  It was such a treat.  I don’t know how long it stayed like that because I didn’t have a view of the outside world all day. 

a very pleasant morning

Victorian villas overlooking the sea

By the time I got to my car after the show, it was dark, wet and miserable.  It made me glad I’d taken 10 minutes to take advantage of the lovely morning.  The M6 was also dark, wet and miserable.

M6 in the rain

In the interests of public safety I should really point out that I wasn’t driving, or in any way in charge of the vehicle, when I took the above photo (a few weeks ago)!!!  It was just as wet but considerably darker yesterday - but my camera of course stayed safely in my handbag while I was on the motorway.

Having such a busy weekend followed hot on its heels by all the Christmas Markets I’ll be doing means I need to paint furiously to get customer orders sent out and replacement stock completed.

Upcoming events where you can say hello, see our products, buy and (maybe, just maybe) place orders:

St Helens Town Centre (Church Square): 3rd, 4th and 5th December (Thurs, Fri, Sat)

Stockton Heath (Warrington) Village Centre: 6th December (Sunday)

Golden Square Shopping Mall, Warrington: 11th, 12th, 13th December (Fri, Sat, Sun)

Stockport Market: 19th December (Saturday)

They should all be fabulous events with lots of varied stalls for you to be inspired by.

I’m off to unload my car and start painting!!