Most makers and creators are solitary individuals we are best on our own and in our own small world of creativity. There are some that love the limelight but most of prefer the quiet life sat in our creative spaces doing what we love best.
Events are funny things they can be wonderful places well organised with a great mix of other creatives happy to chat and share the life as a maker. Others can be stressful badly organised places where no one seems o know what's going on you look at your creations and wonder why you ever booked the event as you just don't fit in.
Then there is always the self doubt, am I good enough, will people like my stuff, I like my stuff but will anyone else ? its all part of a creatives life. It affects us all to some point or another.
This weekend I was part of a wonderful event called Springfest organised by a lady who started out as a maker and has stood behind her own stalls so understands how we all feel. Her events are spacious, she cares about the mix of products and quality and is always well organised. Even these events can lead to the anxiety creeping in will anyone buy ? Will they like it?
Then you get a moment like I had on the first day when two ladies stood muttering, "is it the same one"? " I am not sure do you think so"? So I had to ask can I help ? "yes do you sell in Tamworth at a shop called Bette's"? Well of course the answer was yes and she went on to tell me how she went in most weeks to see what I had restocked with and had bought several items in fact a collection.
Its at that moment you suddenly think, this is why I do what I do its worth the anxiety, stress and worry when you get that great feedback there is nothing quite like it, ask any maker.
I met some wonderful souls over the weekend not all bought some stood and passed the time of day, fussed so many dogs big and small and met some other wonderful creatives. Maybe events are not my favourite part I still love my own space, head down and creating something from nothing, but with out your customers you are not a maker, an artisan, a creative because there would be no one to appreciate the time and effort it takes, to appreciate that every piece you make has just a tiny bit of your essence in it, a tiny piece of you.

Here I am again been a while so for this blog I thought I would share just one of the reasons I stitch.
Life really does have its ups and downs, but over the years some tough moments have been thrown my way and I always turned to stitching.

Over the last ten years I have had my fair share of loosing loved ones and dear friends, family issues and health problems.

So my very first cross stitch was bought during one of those very times and "Earth Dancer". She still hangs over the sofa and is a large piece fully stitched and beaded, while stitching and counting stitches I found I could loose myself. I could not stress and worry if I was following that needle and thread backwards and forwards through the fabric.
Earth Dancer took over two years to complete as I found myself picking her up in times of need and carefully folding her away during happier times.
​After this piece came Earth Angel, Angel of Spring and a wonderful piece which name escapes me of a cat lounging along a book shelf, all large pieces.

Eventually as you do I ran out of wall space and turned to smaller projects with embroidery, creating brooches and book covers as well as other gifts. Then of course my gift business started, but I say to anyone who is going through a tough time pick up a needle and thread. you soon realise that the regular sound of needle going through fabric is rather mesmorising and just helps focus the anxiety and stress onto something else.

I am self taught and lots of my ideas evolve with just looking at the fabrics I have in front of me. You don't have to show anyone if you don't want to, maybe just make something for you.
How about making a fabric book and adding quotes and little stitched pockets for memories of loved ones and family. Make a brooch anything to focus the mind you might be amazed at what you can come up with, you may surprise yourself.

Remember Sewing can heal the soul just have to let it
​Starry wishes Pat x

Hi there I cant believe its been a year since I did my blog where does time go ?
think we all know I am not the best person for keeping up this malarkey :)

So we now have two Grandsons one who walks and talks and one who crawls at the speed of light and is so smiley that Nanny time has taken over life so to speak.

Sadly one of the shops I supplied has now closed but I still hold stock in Bettie's over at Tamworth and they celebrate their Birthday in a couple of weeks, being three years old.
I haven't done many events and no workshops this year but plan to be more organised next year.

I held my first Open Studio last weekend in a bit of a mad flurry when I had an event cancelled at the last minute. think it was a moment of madness on my part as many of my customers found it too short notice. However the visitors we did have bought some gifts and I got on top of the orders I had to complete so the day was not wasted.

Today has been paperwork day and sorting out my Etsy shop, loading last minute gifts and decorations, as the days fly by and Christmas will be upon us before we know it. Another year gone in the blink of an eye!
I have to say I have met some lovely crafters and makers during this year, and some have become friends, lets hope the new year brings opportunity and good fortune to us all.
So for now will sign off who knows it might be another year before I find my way back to this blog.
Have a wonderful Christmas and an even better New Year, if I don't appear before that happens.
​Starry wishes Pat x

Ok I know its been a while but with Nanny and Grandad duties and another Grandchild due in the next few weeks, things have been keeping us busy. I have been painting tables and chairs and making curtains and lampshades as well as stocking a new shop and organising some workshops.
​Since last time I have the honour of having space at Betties Brocante Vintage and Shabby Chic Furniture and my Mohair collectables have been flying out as have some of Mr W's lights made from recycled bits and bobs. 

Finally after having lots of hospital visits with my voice issues things have improved slightly for now as long as I don't over do things, although I still have to go back in a couple of months to see how things are. This has been swopped for trips to the chiropractor which has been interesting, as the voice issues caused neck problems which in turn have affected my back, yes I know it could only happen to me!! so now I am hoping this will ease the other issues. No pain no gain well that's what I keep telling myself.
​Our youngest daughter is going on to maternity leave at the end of the week so exciting times once again. Our first Grandson is 4 months old time really has flown and he is already rolling and trying to talk, they just grow up so fast now and he has a better social life than me with music groups, sensory groups, swimming to name a few.

,So I have two events booked on the run up to Christmas and can finally get my workshops going again so two have been pencilled in which will be Christmas related. Looking forward to getting back to meeting customers, it means a lot to get out and share the passion of making.
​Think that's about it for now although I am making like a mad woman at the moment with Christmas bits, a new baby gift range and some one of a kind pieces.
​So if its a while till I am back blogging I may be a Nanny for the second time.
​So from me, two rescue cats, and Mr W bye for now
​Starry wishes x

This week has been one of aches and pains, smiles and cuddles and not a lot of creativity..........
​It started with us secretly decorating the nursery for one of our daughters while her partner was away. What the neighbours must have thought I don't know strangers turning up in the dark and leaving again looking rather sheepish with splodges of paint on their clothes.
​You could almost hear the Pink Panther theme tune for those old enough to remember it. Mission was  accomplished just curtains and lampshade to finish. All went well and I am happy to say all concerned were happy and loved our efforts and we are on the promise of a meal on a date of our choice so a win, win situation with a few aches and pains thrown in.

|Then as the week drew to a close our next mission was......................looking after our first Grandchild who was born at the end of June and this weekend we were asked to baby sit for a whole day, thrilled at the prospect but a little nervous as its been 26 years since we were in charge of a baby !
​Mum had organised everything but oh boy how things have changed prams and car seats are works of art, there are electric sterilizers and easy prep machines, even bottles and teats are designed and produced with shape in mind.
​In our day it was a kettle and boiling water and a tank with some Milton in how things change !!
​After being shown the easy prep machine and the numerous spare outfits and bottles Mum and Dad left with Mum being understandably nervous leaving little one for the first time.
​I am happy to say we managed feeds, nappy changes, visits for afternoon tea and a wander around Gloucester Quays with pram and baby surprisingly well and it all just came flooding back. Little man we well behaved and was smiley all day and we had the time of our lives. He was dressed to impress and delivered to the Wedding Reception late evening ready to party. 
 By this time it was Nanny and Grandad that needed the nap and I now know why Grandchildren are such a blessing. You get the best cuddles, smiles and love back with out the sleepless nights and early feeds and you get to give them back till the next time !
​ This Nanny is now signing off for a rest and maybe just a bit of slow stitching to relax while Grandad is off down the shed to get back to his creating.
Have a good Sunday
​Starry wishes xx 

Ok I did say I was on top of this blog stuff then went missing again for that I apologise, life got in the way.
​This year has been a roller coaster of emotions and good and bad with me having problems with my voice, having to swop jobs and basically not being able to continue with events or with the workshops I had planned to do. So hospital visits and cameras have been the order of the day on and off for most of the year.
​But through out all this I have managed to keep stocking the shops and making which has kept me sane.
​More appointments are in the pipeline but fingers crossed it wont get to the stage where surgery is called for.

I have introduced a range of Mohair animals and am now working on a new baby range and planning some workshops which I will do from home, giving me more control over when I do them and how many. There will of course be lots of tea and cake offered so watch out on Social media and the website for more on that.
​On a high note we became Grandparents to a beautiful Grandson called William and we are totally smitten with him. We are also looking forward to the arrival of our second Grandchild in December so its going to be busy.

Here he is at about 2 weeks he is now a bouncing 9 weeks old and just as cute.
​So I leave you and hope that I really do get on top of this blog stuff !! well you can live in hope.
​Starry wishes
​Pat x

When I started this journey I really didn't know many other creatives, it was a whole new world, it was the world of alternative therapies that I knew.
​Craft events are great places to meet other creatives not only behind the stalls but also creative customers. So over the last few years I have met other makers by being stall buddies,(on a joining stalls) you can not get through the day with out having a chat and exchanging ideas and experiences. Its a great way to learn about new events and how other people run their small businesses.
​The crafty types are too many to mention on here and if you add the social media creatives I chat to, it amounts to a whole new family of creative friends. This is a great support network for those times you need a second opinion on anything or some moral support.

Along the way I have been very lucky to meet some wonderful customers who have taken a card from the stall and contacted me at a later date to say they have linens or lace, threads or buttons that I might be interested in. This means so much as I get to hear the history behind things and that's the part of using vintage and antique materials that I love.

So my advice to other makers is get out there talk to other makers and share experiences on events. Talk to your customers if they are interested in what you do or have the same interests who knows what will come of it.
​I would just like to say thank you to my crafty family and the customers who have become friends and have supplied me with some wonderful finds. You all know who you are x
​Starry wishes Pat x

 A friend I made through Facebook shared a post from 3 years ago it was an interview I did via the internet along with some other makers.
​A set of questions were asked and we answered them and then were followed up about a year later to see how things had changed for us.
​It got me thinking how my little business had changed over time and how what I make had changed and evolved as I moved on.
​Then Facebook threw up a memory with a picture of a stall I did three years ago one of my first truly craft events the picture is below and most of what I sold back then are not current now.

At the time I made lots of jewellery with gemstones and paper crafts. I made things which included lovely words which I still love doing even now.
​Although my ranges have changed and I now make Alice in Wonderland gifts, a vintage linen range which include the wedding range and mice and elephants.
​I had no clue back then which direction things would go and I now see just how far I have come, with many hours spent making and trying out new ideas and lots of hard work.
​That same year I joined The Flutterby Boutique a lovely little shop that sold all handmade gifts and art my first shop.
​Then along came The Vintage Hen House I was so proud and totally amazed that other people loved what I made and that customers bought and treasured what I had created. Sadly The Flutterby Boutique closed but I am still with The Vintage Hen House and a couple of other shops which I will mention at the end of the blog.

So not only I am proud of being part of the shop families I am also quite proud of the page I started on Facebook Its been going for over three years and it has been built slowly with new people joining me every month. Many pages complain about reach and how things have changed, my page has been affected too. However Facebook was started as a social site for people to keep in touch, it has evolved into a site where many businesses use it for sales and promotion. I think anything that can help get the small business out and seen is a good thing. We have to remember it is free again another great thing so maybe we should not complain about changes and evolvement after all each business needs to evolve and grow and Facebook is doing just that. 
I wonder where I will be in three more years time and my advice to those of you who make and create is get out there show people what you can do. Take part in exhibitions, interviews, seek out the small shops who are happy to support the maker and see what happens.
​You can find my gifts and keepsakes at
​The Vintage Hen House
​Mad as a Hatter
Mooch of Langley
​Pookashop

Been a bit of a serious blog today but before I go exciting news here is the new member of the starry family his name is Stanley and he is our latest rescue cat.
​So till next time starry wishes
​Pat xx

Sorry for the long gap my intention was to blog every couple of weeks however things here have been rather busy.
​I decided to have a change around bringing all my sewing things downstairs from the loft space for easier access. This in itself sounds easy but it meant getting some pre loved drawers, painting and waxing them. Then having a sort out of all my fabrics before rehousing them so as you can imagine its kept me busy for a couple of weeks.

Now back to the title as many of you know I love vintage fabrics, lace and threads but I also love Alice in Wonderland, the vintage one. I like the old original illustrations and enjoy using them on recycled boxes, seeking out the vintage fabrics and making a whole range of gifts and keepsakes.

 Above are just a few pieces some made from scratch and others re loved and brought back to life. Many of these pieces are destined for a wonderful magical place called Mad as a hatter. A tea shop with a difference you really do feel like you have just gone down the rabbit hole.
​I also have a small collection of Alice related items on display at home a few pieces of china a beautiful set of coasters and I am always on the look out for any thing else. Alice has become a very popular book now with many people making Alice related items, that can be found in shops and on the internet. So if like me you are a fan there is a lot of memorabilia out there, I hope you like mine pop over to my Facebook page to see more.
​www.facebook.com/starlightgiftsbypat
​So that's it for now hope to be back again very soon till then Starry wishes
​Pat xx

Todays blog is not really about crafting but keeping mind and soul happy and sane!
You know I have always said that creating and making things keeps me sane it has seen me through some hard times and I know this to be true for so many others.
​Creating can take your mind off somewhere else, making you forget what's going on in your life at that moment.
​There are other hobbies that can have the same effect for instance, some like to read for the very same reason, transporting you to new places with characters you would love to meet, or taking up some type of sport...........
​Me, well if I am not making I do like to read but these days that's not often, or like today I love to get out in the garden. Something that makes me appreciate the outdoors and enjoy the fresh air and sunshine.

Today the birds were singing their hearts out, the sun blazing down and for now the Alder tree we have in the middle still has no leaves to block out the sunshine. Which means everything gets just that little bit more light. I love to get the garden tidy, grass mown and the seating out ready in hope of a beautiful summer. Today I am happy its looking as good as I can get it for now. Even the bunting is out in hope the good weather will last even if just for a few days
​At night its transformed into something else, lit with fairy lights, so the fairies can come out to play. So as I write this the sun is shining, the garden chairs are painted and drying and the solar fairy lights are sucking every last bit of energy so they can shine through the night. Hope you enjoy your garden when you are not making and creating too.
​Starry wishes till next time.