A big thank you must, once again, go to Warrington Market . . .

vanilla cupcake with a cherry on top

This isn’t the easiest of times to sell gifts – mid-recession, mid-month and early in the year.  But with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, people were looking for special gifts which are a bit different and I hoped I would be able to provide that for at least a few people today at the Craft and Vintage Fair in Warrington Market.

The market once again provided the ideal venue: a big space indoors at the back of the market hall, with free parking, helpful staff, clean loos – and lots of people to sell to!  I was very impressed that they’d invested in TV advertising too, which brought people in from quite a distance away.  It was a delight to meet such lovely, appreciative customers – thanks must go to each and every one of them too!

And the cupcake in the photo above?  Courtesy of www.gobbledup.co.uk it was one of the nicest cakes I’ve ever eaten!  And just who was responsible for sneaking a bite before the photo was taken?

Whoops, that’ll be me.  Sorry, I just couldn’t resist it.

Where did all that sunshine go?  Yesterday, the whole day seemed so sunny and springlike and I optimistically thought we might be treated to a few gorgeous days.  Obviously not to be - the sky is back to its miserable dull grey and the temperature’s definitely dipped a little.

However, it’s felt a bit like spring in the studio today!

In between the Valentine’s messages on hearts, hanging plaques and chalkboards

message on a chalkboard

there’s been a springlike feel with these clocks and plaques

spring like feeling

pretty pink butterflies, cute cupcakes, magical fairies and brightly coloured campervans have all helped brighten my mood if not the sky outside!

painted cupcake

For more of what’s going on in other people’s creative spaces, visit http://www.kootoyoo.com/2011/02/my-creative-space-3.html

fairy clock nearly finished

It’s always nice when someone decides to feature your work on their blog !

Pop over here

http://gemziesjewellery.blogspot.com/2011/02/love-may-not-make-world-spin-around-but.html

for some lovely Valentine’s Day gift ideas (including one of my designs) and a message about buying handmade!

live laugh love frame

This gorgeous little frame

live laugh love personalised photo frame

can be personalised with any names and any message.  Pop a standard 6″ x 4″ (15cm x 10cm) photo in and it’ll make a fab Valentine’s gift.  You can have the wording shown, or choose your own!

Have it in a shabby chic, distressed finish or have it plain – and choose diferent colours if you prefer, too! We paint these individually to order so we really can accommodate most changes.  The glazing is acrylic (safe, as well as lightweight – perfect for sending abroad) and there’s a standard cardboard backing so that it’ll stand up on a shelf or mantlepiece.

This is one photo frame that has Valentine’s Day written all over it (OK, not literally, unless that’s what you want!) and you can order yours here:  www.1stuniquegifts.co.uk/valentinesgifts