tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75037991468722117402024-03-14T06:15:32.159+00:00Little Dotty BirdLittle Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.comBlogger154125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-69190881666950326822015-12-05T14:05:00.003+00:002015-12-05T14:09:33.828+00:00and the words keep flowingI seem to have a new chanel for creativity these past few months. There have been some very difficult dark times and words keep flowing through me. Helping me to make sense of it. Helping to make it tangible. I am not a poet and I'm quite sure my grammar leaves a lot to be desired but I have had fun playing with the words. They bring me comfort.<br />
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What I find strange is that when the words com they are darker, more macarbe than any other my creative expressions. When I make things, I make nice things, pretty things..things to make me smile. Things to make you smile. But the words, they follow a different path. They want to unleash, to open up and start a dialogue. They are more daring, more risky.<br />
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It makes me feel vulnerable to share them but I quite like the feel of it. They are nothing but musings. Playful ramblings of a dotty bird. To tired to fly. Contemplating deeply the world around and building a safe nest for winter.<br />
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Here goes...<br />
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This morning..7am.. after a restless night (inspired by the howling wind)<br />
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She's angry, agitated<br />
Short sharp breaths<br />
No release<br />
I cannot see her but I feel her all around<br />
She's trying to speak<br />
but gagged<br />
or is it just that no one listened?<br />
Her gentle whispers now a torrent of abuse<br />
She's angry<br />
She cracks her bones<br />
Fidgets, restless<br />
Sways and shakes<br />
twists and spirals<br />
Changing everything<br />
Moving<br />
Making room for something new<br />
at first a groan then wailing, roaring<br />
pleading, yearning<br />
but then she ceases<br />
or did she just move on<br />
in her absence, a new silence<br />
a deafening silence<br />
and stillness<br />
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Thanks for reading :)<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-11107197764517967512015-10-01T21:26:00.001+01:002015-10-01T21:26:31.966+01:00Dreams I feel like I need to record this dream as it had quite a profound effect on me. It was on the night of the Supermoon, 27th September. It was really clear in my mind as I awoke and although it sounds rather mundane its meaning was quite powerful for me.<br />
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I dreamt that I was working in my parents shop, an off licence, and that a young man had come into the shop and was looking unkempt and rather shifty. He came to counter and asked for tobacco and I turned to get get this for him from the cabinet. I placed it on the counter and moved it towards himself. I had the feeling that he was going to run off with it so when he asked me for papers I was not surprised to see him grab the tobacco and run towards the door. I grabbed the papers and ran after hi to the door and reached my arm out saying here you go. He looked so shocked and completely thrown off balance. He have me a wide eyed glance and ran off into the night.<br />
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I told my friend about the dream and she said that this was the essence of Akido..going with the flow rather than against, to destabilise your opponent. In energy terms, its using their force against themselves, thus avoiding wasting precious time and energy blocking and exerting force.<br />
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It struck me as a wonderful way to think of energy exchanges. Whether it is in conversation or a brawl. <br />
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It suddenly allowed me to make sense of other energy related matters. it is supposed that matter cannot be created or destroyed, only transformed. therefore within the context of the human body it is more helpful to think of how to get energy moving in the places you want it, rather than trying to 'add it' . The potential is within us, we just need to let it flow. obviously we need food (fuel) and water to work but the energy is limitless within us. If you feel pain or discomfort or negative thoughts and emotions the they are taking...demanding..more than their fair share of energy. leaving less for other functions and systems (like feeling creative and inspired, content and compassion).<br />
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Your body is an amazing machine. So complex and wonderful that is is almost beyond comprehension.<br />
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The things that sap our energy, or 're-route' it are habitual thoughts, feelings, behaviours, ways of being that are no longer useful or relevant to your situation. Our bodies and minds have a tendency to go 'it worked before..so lets do it again' even if the results are far less than desirable the second..third...forth time! We are creatures of habit. Its a wildly chaotic universe and yet we strive for consistency. Ironically, stability can only be achieved through change. Within our bodies, to maintain safe blood sugar levels, blood pressure, balance etc our bodies are constantly changing and sending out signals to release or inhibit hormones and neurotransmitters. Ultimately stasis = death. Not something to strive towards..well not today anyway!<br />
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So...what to do about all this?? What does it mean in practice?<br />
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Thats what I'm trying to find out. We all have to find out for ourselves. My journey is very different to yours or anyone elses for that matter. We are all unique. Although, ultimately I do believe that we are all one and the same. We are learning lessons and reaching enlightenment when it has been done before..thousands of miles away and thousands of years ago. <br />
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I wonder if anyone read this far..well..even if it's just one pair of eyes that glance upon my ramblings..then thats good..tis all the same to me :)<br />
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Thank you!<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-51290180472650704352015-09-28T10:34:00.000+01:002015-09-28T10:35:03.210+01:00The Bird Returns...My my it's been a while since I've been here. I just feel that it's time to make a little appearance again. As much as I love facebook it's not really the right place for a story and a good ol' yarn.<br />
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Also, I'm sure that a lot of folk won't really be interested in what have say. I do tend to ramble! So I though I'd give you the option to get to know me better rather than ramble on your timeline!.<br />
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A bit about me..in a nutshell..I am just beginning my training in reflexology and I am very excited about this new direction in my life. I have always been interested in healing and different therapies and approaches to healing from nutrition to cognitive therapy. I studied Applied Pychology at University and worked for years in mental health and substance misuse services before I had children. I was fortunate enough to be able to take time off to raise a family but I didn't want to return to the care sector in the same way. I prefer a more holistic approach and I found the confines of the medical model and my job description too limiting. (I was also running too low on sleep, energy and patience to be of any real help :) !!) <br />
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In short...I am a big hippy who happens to love science, maths and psychology. I have been pondering on how to best help people heal (and myself) for as long as I can remember. I have a large appetite for self-help books and books on philosophy, religion, natural remedies, nutrition, movement therapy, art therapy, motivational techniques. etc etc .I am not terribly well read and my memory is not great but slowly things are coming together.<br />
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I have had a few moments lately when information gleaned from very different areas has cross fertilised and created something very new (to me) and interesting. Perhaps it has been said before..most likely it has..but it is my truth and I would very much like to share it with you. <br />
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So..on with the journey... <br />
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I'll be back soon! Thanks for reading!<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-52985343945132380972013-12-24T10:23:00.002+00:002013-12-24T10:23:37.061+00:00MERRY CHRISTMAS XXX<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a healthy and happy new year filled with love, light and laughter ♥♥♥<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-30611437651983664702013-08-31T16:14:00.000+01:002013-08-31T16:14:00.412+01:00This weeks carboot loot...I must admit to being somewhat of a carboot/charity shop/table top sale addict...I simply CANNOT drive past one without a little nosey about. I happened across a carboot sale today and found these treasures..<br />
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Gorgeous vintage kids books from the 70/80's and my gavourite magazines...for 50p woohoo!<br />
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I also bought this dinky little box...which my daughter has (yet again) claimed. It is now her 'Cabinet of Curiousities' and is home to an eclectic selection of objects..and a new collection of dead bees! Yes...she is most definately taking after her mother!<br />
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I bought this 1950's bird cage last week and it will shortly be transformed into something magical and unexpected! I can't wait to start work on it! </div>
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but..yet again..it has been claimed by my daughter..I wil have to steal it back when she gets bored of it!<br />
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Well...got to run..we are attempting to have a bonfire and bbq although the wind has picked up quite a bit so I'm hoping I wont burn down the Orchard! Ive got marshmallows at the ready..<br />
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Take care and I hope you've had a fun Summer too.... Love from Lisa...the DoTtY BiRd xxxxx<br />
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-44690270913761723212013-08-25T15:01:00.000+01:002013-08-25T15:06:28.860+01:00Miss Ermentrude MouseMay I introduce to you ...little Miss Ermentrude..complete with cheese...if you please!<br />
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She is quite a keen cook and always pays particular attention to the quality of her ingredients. She only steals cheese from the most 'well to do' houses in town. As you can see..she is already sniffing the air trying to find her next ingredient...tomatoes!<br />
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She takes great care to keep her kitchen neat and tidy and has to be super organised in her cooking. She lives in a little dresser with her 9 children. It's tad small for them but they find it very homely.<br />
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She likes to place fresh flowers in the kitchen. It's a little indugence that she very much enjoys.<br />
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Her children are quite shy but can always be lured out from their hiding places with an offering of cake. Christmas pudding is an all time favourite in the mouse household.<br />
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Miss Ermentrude has been most helpful in designing the apron for her friend Henrietta. Henreietta is new in town and did not have much in the way of clothes. Ermentrude believes one should always try to look ones best...even in the kitchen! She's an old fashioned sort!<br />
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Well, there you go....the story continues...<br />
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..at present, Henrietta has gone to live with friends in Tideford, Cornwall and Ermentrude is awaiting the arrival of more relatives (ooh there are so very many!!) in the near future. It is thought that Uncle Alan, a great Pirate and Master of the Seas is coming to stay soon. he is such a swash buckling man of a mouse! <br />
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To be continued....<br />
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(Miss Ermentrude and friends are made by me, Lisa..the dotty bird, in my little craft room in my little house, in little ol' Cornwall...if you would like to have a little mouse of your very own, please send me a message and 'll send you the details...thank you)<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-82880310665690986142013-07-30T17:05:00.002+01:002013-07-30T17:05:34.810+01:00Today's make...I got completely carried away making this little lady this afternoon...I spent hours sewing and modelling clay etc but she is all made up now and is such a help...gathering up all the little nests and eggs strewn about my craft room and getting them ready for me to sew! Such a clever little mouse!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7KLmd9KFUdlGPWJ67JYq_O9BLQhOvLDDGVuaPlVT_NQVPwuW5Ar8xAMdgOjEDI7wHyjYFzOg3iI1EVfMpmgT4jSmeNakZnZ5fvA3Gla1tMN0x_EKqLKAoRQQ6L9zYOm0L4DnT0Xliwft/s1600/mousenest.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY7KLmd9KFUdlGPWJ67JYq_O9BLQhOvLDDGVuaPlVT_NQVPwuW5Ar8xAMdgOjEDI7wHyjYFzOg3iI1EVfMpmgT4jSmeNakZnZ5fvA3Gla1tMN0x_EKqLKAoRQQ6L9zYOm0L4DnT0Xliwft/s320/mousenest.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ermentrude helping out</td></tr>
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and here is some random clay objects I've been making...including cheese, beaks and eggs!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4ZkxZfuyVvoYazj8_w-E6mAGn6N-qdNqYTrlG2p1mMum6I5T_Pq1KGnzuVaSabmIIkPS_o5ROqIdeycj9UB8nRlxG0ZePqJRYgjMmDDENtl72xYdL8SFnM1JxoyEBT7GY-g_XExB5b07/s1600/cheese.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjo4ZkxZfuyVvoYazj8_w-E6mAGn6N-qdNqYTrlG2p1mMum6I5T_Pq1KGnzuVaSabmIIkPS_o5ROqIdeycj9UB8nRlxG0ZePqJRYgjMmDDENtl72xYdL8SFnM1JxoyEBT7GY-g_XExB5b07/s320/cheese.jpg.jpg" width="278" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Air drying clay</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzb8_F8lKpY/UffiOeaXVWI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Ez2f4rQJigE/s1600/mouse.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Tzb8_F8lKpY/UffiOeaXVWI/AAAAAAAAD_M/Ez2f4rQJigE/s320/mouse.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ermentrude in the making</td></tr>
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I'll post a pic of the finished piece..mounted on her mouse trap with cheese as soon as it's all painted up! I was planning on making her to sell at my upcoming stall on Sunday...but I've grown quite attached to her already..so might have to try and make another one too!<br />
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Take Care...and keep crafting</div>
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Love Dotty </div>
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xxx </div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-24443890410900927872013-07-29T19:01:00.001+01:002013-07-29T19:57:25.713+01:00Quick update and giveaway tip off! Hello folks...just a super quickie today!!<br />
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A fellow crafter and creator of beautiful creatures, Ms <a href="http://www.tinchapeltextiles.blogspot.co.uk/">Deborah Darling</a> is having a giveaway over on her blog page and facebook page. Please do go and say hello and check out her gorgeous creations. <br />
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The giveaway is for this lovely little chap, lovingly handmade by Deborah.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SN1bLasUtRM/UfatT_PnW5I/AAAAAAAAD-8/8vxsYKimvew/s1600/bear.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-SN1bLasUtRM/UfatT_PnW5I/AAAAAAAAD-8/8vxsYKimvew/s320/bear.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
The winner will be chosen tomorrow...so don't dilly dally...go take a peek! Her blog site is <a href="http://www.tinchapeltextiles.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a> andher facebook is <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Deborah-Darling-Artist/486597214710056">here</a>.<br />
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I'll be back shortly to say a proper hello to ya'll ...gotta dash and put kiddies to bed..and make some more nests and eggs!<br />
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nighty night xx<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-82013873518855808992013-07-21T21:22:00.002+01:002013-07-21T21:23:19.102+01:00Mad Hatters Tea Party!Hello lovelies....hope you are all well!? We have had the most glorious few weeks of sunshine here in Cornwall...such a rare treat! It's been super baking hot but I've been hiding out in the shade and trying to do as little as possible! (not so easy with two little kids!!)<br />
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I had a stall with two fellow crafters at the <a href="http://www.cowslipworkshops.co.uk/">Cowslip Studio</a> Mad Hatters Tea Party Craft fair yesterday. I met so many fabulous artists and crafters and hopefully there will be some interesting collaborations to follow! This was the somewhat unusual hat I made!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEAcGFIL130/Uew98liha0I/AAAAAAAAD88/5CYpLEGd0Ao/s1600/hat.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OEAcGFIL130/Uew98liha0I/AAAAAAAAD88/5CYpLEGd0Ao/s320/hat.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UENKkS3ZXY/Uew99tCLYpI/AAAAAAAAD9E/sKL_H4Eszoo/s1600/hat1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0UENKkS3ZXY/Uew99tCLYpI/AAAAAAAAD9E/sKL_H4Eszoo/s320/hat1.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Needless to say it drew quite a bit of attention.<br />
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The latest venture is a stall sharing crafty cooperative with two friends of mine, artist Chloe from <a href="http://flounceandfiligree.blogspot.co.uk/">Woolly Soup</a> and Ceramicist <a href="http://www.suenewell.co.uk/">Sue Newell</a>. We are collectively called 'Fox & Finch' and we are hoping to run a few stalls together. Unfortunately the sales yesterday were really poor, I'm not entirely sure why, but we had a fab day anyway!<br />
Here are some snaps of our stall...<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopfB0o1n6bov_6vanM26UVuq2Hmk94yOWDAdghpEGQ4WqkI53MZWksUW0iyhoAVbzvNuLudUrfW8ZFuiME6XHeeqLs35vENe8p6MMGJeNlyTMgID18Bo794fRug5MdxEQP8F_NHWX2N9W/s1600/craftfair2.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhopfB0o1n6bov_6vanM26UVuq2Hmk94yOWDAdghpEGQ4WqkI53MZWksUW0iyhoAVbzvNuLudUrfW8ZFuiME6XHeeqLs35vENe8p6MMGJeNlyTMgID18Bo794fRug5MdxEQP8F_NHWX2N9W/s320/craftfair2.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">brooches by me..vases by Sue Newell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOLIZgz0HOE/Uew-E4CiZ0I/AAAAAAAAD9g/3i6ICwKp5wQ/s1600/craftfair3.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOLIZgz0HOE/Uew-E4CiZ0I/AAAAAAAAD9g/3i6ICwKp5wQ/s320/craftfair3.jpg.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our vintage case display</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LM7bcCdEfp8/Uew-FhGK0pI/AAAAAAAAD9o/rwagKkercbM/s1600/craftfair1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LM7bcCdEfp8/Uew-FhGK0pI/AAAAAAAAD9o/rwagKkercbM/s320/craftfair1.jpg.jpg" width="214" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pinch vases by Sue Newell</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HC1haZk196HkllIxEjqCUFYuuY4i3c7tgjBlZ9sD177od-SExA4wzzya7Ed4d7CNuh2dWFmmXtiwnhCQAEkAPtLnZGW6lLd0_wh88a5pfniGFWcsgD6-w3cZdsuwm9b_jH21dAgIkYP8/s1600/craftfair4.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5HC1haZk196HkllIxEjqCUFYuuY4i3c7tgjBlZ9sD177od-SExA4wzzya7Ed4d7CNuh2dWFmmXtiwnhCQAEkAPtLnZGW6lLd0_wh88a5pfniGFWcsgD6-w3cZdsuwm9b_jH21dAgIkYP8/s320/craftfair4.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bird Folk Dolls by Woolly Soup</td></tr>
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I was also lucky enough to meet up with the lovely <a href="http://sixtyonea.blogspot.co.uk/">Kirsty Elson</a>, Teresa of <a href="http://willaparkdesigns.blogspot.co.uk/">Willapark Designs</a>, <a href="http://www.emmastead.co.uk/">Emma Stead</a>, Sian of <a href="http://www.lancasterandcornish.co.uk/index.html">Lancaster & Cornish</a> to name but a few...so many wonderful stalls!<br />
I was coveting this beautiful little cottage by Kirsty Elson...her little creations are just dreamy..<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMXDsJPmwIY/Uew-My5FlJI/AAAAAAAAD-I/eL-qW2cyDWo/s1600/kirstyelson.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="158" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-DMXDsJPmwIY/Uew-My5FlJI/AAAAAAAAD-I/eL-qW2cyDWo/s320/kirstyelson.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t1up8BogZs9ecfmXNmofC5AM72G36Mtooko1KKC93Gpl175_vCYeVZSpgOolKTKNaqNPumUyQqdhBCWGvFxT5Yq9qV7h82Bf0RfJ3GI5y8IggdcEjbrkwnmnrPGw6xAenhcZ4Ih_s01M/s1600/kirstyelson1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9t1up8BogZs9ecfmXNmofC5AM72G36Mtooko1KKC93Gpl175_vCYeVZSpgOolKTKNaqNPumUyQqdhBCWGvFxT5Yq9qV7h82Bf0RfJ3GI5y8IggdcEjbrkwnmnrPGw6xAenhcZ4Ih_s01M/s320/kirstyelson1.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
and I just LOVE the work of mixed media artist Teresa Dunne<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A1k5ygTAfcXsDYWJBNd0fqNukKXLXzNVb1j5LFL5DsZLsClIb_HurgpBgdytYHOgEwior7xNHHFBdPc1ITkv56tW7UqWVGNJX0ECiw0Wn26AE3niChjkdTv8Ad8xmcX0jnKj1-Iefqwo/s1600/willapark1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0A1k5ygTAfcXsDYWJBNd0fqNukKXLXzNVb1j5LFL5DsZLsClIb_HurgpBgdytYHOgEwior7xNHHFBdPc1ITkv56tW7UqWVGNJX0ECiw0Wn26AE3niChjkdTv8Ad8xmcX0jnKj1-Iefqwo/s320/willapark1.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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and finally I must mention the lovely folk at <a href="http://www.theflowermillcornwall.co.uk/">The Flower Mill</a>, they kindly let me snap a few shots of my butterfly brooch in their gorgeous flowers! He looked so at home amongst them!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HT4NEcNgJw/UexCL1N6Q3I/AAAAAAAAD-k/OvSonMvKDHw/s1600/butterfly1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-1HT4NEcNgJw/UexCL1N6Q3I/AAAAAAAAD-k/OvSonMvKDHw/s320/butterfly1.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Phew...sorry for the photograph overload! There was just so much to see and I wanted to share it with you all! :)<br />
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Well, I'd better be off...got more nests to build! and butterfly wings to sew! (and tea to drink ...and rubbish tv to watch...ahem...and biscuit tins to raid)<br />
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Take care my lovelies xxxx</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Love Dotty</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-8535009653161147682013-07-03T19:02:00.001+01:002013-07-03T19:02:15.113+01:00Butterflies butterflies everywhere! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have been a little butterfly obsessed lately..they are appearing on my cards, brooches and arty things all round. As you can see.....<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY5wPojWMTY/UdRhaoxn5II/AAAAAAAAD7k/GncvF1773GY/s748/butterflies.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="179" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-oY5wPojWMTY/UdRhaoxn5II/AAAAAAAAD7k/GncvF1773GY/s320/butterflies.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">yikes!!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqZLtq8PM5x2oXsw7Fv0gJEEZZ2R7iMUXCi0eXnDqpl1mgjeTKnFJhHzX8yXtny50lel5zVGFykFZ7iSFrQCWgSFZdpgHmNWNJ5GyRc0S2kvOQngPbEwlg_AtrElM1UoEfp13jZkjYBBC/s800/butterflybrooch1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFqZLtq8PM5x2oXsw7Fv0gJEEZZ2R7iMUXCi0eXnDqpl1mgjeTKnFJhHzX8yXtny50lel5zVGFykFZ7iSFrQCWgSFZdpgHmNWNJ5GyRc0S2kvOQngPbEwlg_AtrElM1UoEfp13jZkjYBBC/s320/butterflybrooch1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My new hand stamped packaging ♥</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs11Rkb1Bnk/UdRhcyyyGyI/AAAAAAAAD8A/s6aBX7yMlF8/s644/boxframe.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs11Rkb1Bnk/UdRhcyyyGyI/AAAAAAAAD8A/s6aBX7yMlF8/s320/boxframe.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
I've been tinkering around today with making an arty patchwork picture and I think I'll frame it in a box frame. I need to get a mount made for it..but I think it's rather pretty!<br />
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Yikes...I've got to dash...I'm off to dance...hope you are all well...so sorry I've been a terribly neglectful blogger lately..it's all busy busy busy here at dotty headquarters!<br />
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Take care my lovelies and I'll be round to visit all your lovely blogs soon xxxxx<br />
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-63052632466312192992013-06-15T20:44:00.001+01:002013-06-15T20:44:25.817+01:00It's so very nice to have mice! Well hello there lovely bloggy folk...I'm feeling an awful lot better now...finally. Still suffering a bit from some allergy or other but sooooooo much better than last week! It's good to be back!<br />
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I must tell you about a most lovely little crafty swap I did with the fabulous blogger Miss <a href="http://lazydaisyjones.blogspot.co.uk/">Lazy Daisy Jones</a>. I sent her a book that she was desperately seeking and a butterfly brooch and she sent me not one...but 3 beautiful little crocheted mice...and some crochet flowers...and ribbon...and fabric...and 2 bouncy balls for good measure! ! They are so very very lovely..the little boy mouse in the stripey jumper just makes my heart flutter! I'm a very lucky and very happy birdy indeed.<br />
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What a fab parcel to get in the post..I'm sure you'll agree!<br />
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It was packaged up so nicely I didn't want to ruin it!<br />
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Thank you thank you THANK YOU Miss Daisy ♥<br />
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Do go and say hi over on her page...it is a bright and cheerful place with lots of crafty goodness and retro beauties!<br />
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I feel very lucky to have met so many talented and lovely bloggers since I began blogging 2 years ago. ooh I'm having one of those emotional gushing moments but I have to say that I really really appreciate all your visits and comments and I love to read all your blogs too. It's like a whole other world that I live in...a wonderful place where people understand why I obsessively craft every given moment and why the junk that I buy from charity shops and carboot sales is so very important to me.<br />
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It's so lovely to have met you all.,..in a virtual world cyber spacey way! I'm sure we'd all have a lot to yap about over a cuppa if we met in the real world! ...and if you do find yourselves in my neck of the woods here in Cornwall do drop me a line..I'd love to say hi! :)<br />
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Well folks, I'm going to collapse into a heap now..been standing around at a craft fair all day and I'm cream crackered....the Craft fair didn't go well by the way..but met some very gorgeous craftsters..so all worth while!<br />
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so long and have a fab Sunday! xxx <div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com24tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-13203349630372701262013-05-31T15:42:00.000+01:002013-05-31T15:42:34.692+01:00Hibernating..I haven't been around much lately as I've been feeling quite poorly for a while now. Unfortunately my crafting has temporarily ground to a halt....and I'm not a happy little bird when that happens :(<br />
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But... I have had a few lovely crafting projects over the past few months that I haven't shown you yet so I can show you those. But before all that..look at this beautiful little egg! It's a house sparrows and we found it half eaten on our garden bench...my mum nearly sat on it in fact! The nest belongs to a Goldfinch, I found it in the hedge a few months ago after the hedge cutter had brutally chopped it all down.<br />
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I've also been trying my hand at painting furniture, I started with this printers tray and I'm painting an old kitchen dresser..they are all unfinished...but I can't be ill forever right...!? So hopefully I will continue to glam them up in the near future. <br />
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I was busy making stock for Summer craft fairs, including these butterfly brooches, made with the most scrummy vintage fabric.<br />
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and my most lovely new venture was into quilt making. I went on a day workshop a few weeks ago and it was soooo lovely! A whole day of just sewing and chatting and making something just for me :) it is also unfinished but I will get round to finishing off soon. The course was at the Liskeard Craft Box shop.. I thoroughly recommend it!<br />
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and is the the suspected culprit of my latest illness...I used to think they were so beautiful..I'm not such a fan now. There is a down side to living on a farm sometimes :(<br />
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Sorry this has been a bit of a 'poor me' post..I admit I am feeling rather sorry for myself lately. I'm glad to say that the Doctors may have found out why I've been feeling so exhausted and run down. I can't quite remember what the doctor said but it was something to do with having inflammation of the lungs and a few other infections...I am quite a little grotty bird at the moment. So this half deaf, wheezing, knackered little bird may not be around for a while..but don't forget about me..I'll be back. I will come and visit you lovely blogs when I get a chance later. </div>
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Take Care my lovelies</div>
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Enjoy the Sun</div>
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xxxx</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-18444202961528065592013-05-18T22:28:00.003+01:002013-05-18T22:28:49.881+01:00I bought a househehe...a very small house! It is a very dinky little 2 bedroom cottage, about 30cm tall!!<br />
I think I regressed back to being a little girl when I spied it. It is rather shabby inside and needs some renovations...but nothing a bit of paint and paper cant fix! As soon as I saw it I could imagine little birds living in it! I must get making some super small little birdies to live there. I thought it would make a good prop for using on my stall when I'm at craft fairs but after getting it home realised that I don't actually have anything small enough to fit in it! So now i must make things to match my prop!<br />
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I do buy the most random things...I really can't be trusted in charity shops..I banned myself for a while last year but he lure of other peoples trash is too much...I cannot resist their shabby charm!<br />
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Ah well, I'm sure I will find some purpose for it!<br />
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Have you had any bargain buys lately...do you feel the draw of the charity shop...carboot sale too?<br />
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Take care my lovelies,</div>
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Dotty xxx</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-49314097670693243492013-05-14T14:59:00.000+01:002013-05-14T14:59:17.216+01:00Meet Miss Hoots mystery man<br />
May I introduce Miss Hoot suitor...a rather dapper young (ish) fellow!! Oh...I don't know what to call him!! Any ideas for a name...?<br />
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There seems to be a bit of an awkward silence between them! Maybe things will improve after some cocktails and a dance!?<br />
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I will be making another prospective suitor for Miss Hoot later in the week..I think the next Gentleowl may have monocle or a pocket watch! Watch this space ;)<br />
<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-38896031256845907872013-05-06T20:32:00.003+01:002013-05-06T20:38:54.453+01:00A busy busy Springtime!Hello there my lovely blogging buddies...how are you on this fine Spring day? I'm feeling mighty fine, albeit exhausted after looking after crazy kids single handed seeing as Mr Dotty chose the Bank Holiday weekend to be ill..waah! Poor Mr Dotty...I am so bad at giving sympathy!<br />
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I have been feeling very inspired lately, not sure if it's the Spring time vibe but ideas are emerging at quite a rate..but, alas, I have so very little time to make them real!<br />
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But first...i must show you the most lovely little transistor radio I found at a carboot on Saturday. It cost all of 50p and I thought it would make a fab prop on my stall at craft fairs. I was even more happy to find out that it actually works and I now have to it tuned to a fabulous French radio station. ♥ I love it! ♥<br />
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and now on to some of my makes since the last post...<br />
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I was asked to make a tea cosy by my sons teacher. It is the first one I've made and I'm rather pleased! I think it may the first of many. I must make myself one next!<br />
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next..I was asked to make an owl cushion by a friend... meet Miss Hoot!<br />
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and I'm making a window panel for another friend..<br />
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and a crocodile tail for a little birthday boy! (a last minute pressie!)<br />
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and a card for my father in law...<br />
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and finally a new little project I'm working on!!<br />
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and LOTS of washing fabric while the sun is out<br />
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phew...<br />
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I am starting to panic a little though because I've booked in for quite a few craft fairs over the Summer and I really need to get making some stock. I just can't stop myself from taking on random orders though!<br />
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Well I hope you have had a lovely sunny bank holiday weekend too! Do let me know what you are up to...are you feeling inspired too?<br />
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Take care </div>
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Love Dotty</div>
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xxx</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com16tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-22778453221155421442013-04-24T11:05:00.003+01:002013-04-24T11:15:07.133+01:00Barn Owls and bugs!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Hello lovelies, I just realised its been 2 weeks since I last posted ..waah how time does fly! I thought I'd take this opportunity to write a quick post as I'm lying around feeling rather sorry for myself :( I have a tonsillitis and its horrid horrid horrid! </div>
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Here are a few pics of projects I've been working on...</div>
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A Barn Owl for my Mama's 60th Birthday! The pattern is adapted from Abilgail Glassenbergs 'The Artful Bird'. A very lovely book indeed and a very lovely Owl too! <br />
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He took quite a few hours t make, but he is a handsome chap and he looks lovely in their house. They are going to mount a piece of driftwood in the corner of the room and stand him on there.<br />
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I've also made a few more leaping fox brooches. <br />
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and finished off making some nests, hearts and bird feet...a random collection! It's surprising how productive I can be when I'm away from home, this lot got finished when I was babysitting!<br />
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and finally...I recieved the most beautiful papercut from <a href="http://www.kirstymdesigns.co.uk/">Kirsty M</a> as part of our craft swap. I made her a blackbird, a brooch and I am still thinking up a third piece to send her. She is s incredibly talented, I cannot believe how delicate and detailed the papercut is. I honestly don't feel worthy! I have had it framed, sandwiched between to sheets of glass and it now lives over my Rayburn. I am a happy happy bunny! <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2t0uAz0OwU/UXerATOOwVI/AAAAAAAAD1E/PS3Oqn4lEDQ/s1600/birds1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-O2t0uAz0OwU/UXerATOOwVI/AAAAAAAAD1E/PS3Oqn4lEDQ/s320/birds1.jpg.jpg" width="214" /></a></div>
You can see the original papercut here... <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=354123528025161&set=pb.247723105331871.-2207520000.1366798382.&type=3&theater">'Our Love Nest'</a><br />
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Well, I hope you are well and happy :)</div>
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I'm back off to bed now..with more painkillers..waah! </div>
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Take Care, </div>
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Love Dotty xx</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com28tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-19378209658737361052013-04-10T18:45:00.003+01:002013-04-10T18:45:58.080+01:00Retro fabric foxy heaven!!To cut a long story short...the other day I came across a lovely lady with a rather large stash of vintage and retro fabrics who was selling them for a donation to a charity she helps out with. I chose these pretty lot to take home with me! I am so very very happy indeed. Some of the prints seem so familiar to me, I must have had clothes made from them when I was a little bird! <br />
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I have been dreaming and scheming up many ideas for how I will use them. I really like the idea of making some half person/half animal woodland/bird folk so that I can make tiny clothes for them out of the retro loveliness. Some of the prints are so small they would lend themselves perfectly to tiny clothes.<br />
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My other new crafting fad has been foxes. I've been making a few of these foxy brooches using freehand embroidery to draw and colour in the fox. They do take rather a while to make and I'm pretty googley eyed by the end but I do like them so I'll make a few more and hopefully get some in my etsy shop. What do you think?<br />
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Well, I must dash now...off to bellydance now on this cold ,windy and wet evening!<br />
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Sweet shimmies to you all</div>
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Love dotty </div>
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xxx</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-41986145647251964942013-03-26T20:26:00.001+00:002013-03-26T20:26:16.331+00:00B B B Birds and Bellydancing! Hello there, it's been so long ... :(<br />
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I've been absent from the blogging world and facebook for a while as we have been dealing with the illness after illness in this house. I was the last one to come down with the dreaded death cold...or ultimate man flu as I called it when Mr Dotty had it, only to realise now that it is very horrid indeed. I now feel a bit like a half dead cat that should be put out of its misery..I'm deaf in one ear, have sinitus and am generally pretty run down.<br />
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Anyways..so sorry for that grotty update..I have however been working away finishing off the odd project and tinkering with new ones. I just saw that it was the <a href="http://faithhopeandcharityshopping.blogspot.co.uk/">Faith Hope and Charity Shopping</a> Tah Dah Tuesday link up and it prompted me to get posting again. So here is my little offering...<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6REJR2D1pkXeuFVhdDXkqYQ4_6YQbDa8TfJRqT31hoJe0bqmMCI4drhyphenhyphennfoT9P6LvtdnlWUkk_-Zv2LPhla3Ntu1y3khUFhuoeBe-o-R0pqxcclLYnTONr2MAfqFilFMVsvS4QmURJOP/s1600/birdie.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP6REJR2D1pkXeuFVhdDXkqYQ4_6YQbDa8TfJRqT31hoJe0bqmMCI4drhyphenhyphennfoT9P6LvtdnlWUkk_-Zv2LPhla3Ntu1y3khUFhuoeBe-o-R0pqxcclLYnTONr2MAfqFilFMVsvS4QmURJOP/s320/birdie.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
It's a blackbird which I am swapping with crafty and talented paper cut artist <a href="http://www.kirstymdesigns.co.uk/">Kirsty M</a> for one of her fabulous papercuts. I'm also making a foxy brooch for her but its not quite finished yet! The bird is adapted from a pattern by Abigail Glassenberg's book <a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/Artful-Bird-Fanciful-Feathered-Friends/dp/1596682388">The Artful Bird</a>. I do not sell them as they are not my original patterns but I have made quite a few a presents. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZHkhJv4vkHeNyJX8cF9xaaOGdN7F1MUPaCiugFLUD-mndlBZ0zjFy9q9S3d-qJySTr9xCH7YkXTESjSbbtcZA0pPn72c1vop0SS-TJ5pKhiZTeyHmCPUueP8elp4U-xSNinEzT_9zoR-/s1600/birdy.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKZHkhJv4vkHeNyJX8cF9xaaOGdN7F1MUPaCiugFLUD-mndlBZ0zjFy9q9S3d-qJySTr9xCH7YkXTESjSbbtcZA0pPn72c1vop0SS-TJ5pKhiZTeyHmCPUueP8elp4U-xSNinEzT_9zoR-/s320/birdy.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
My other Tah Dah moment was a bellydancing performance with my little group at the Vital Spark Big Celebration, an local event celebrating creativity through dance, music and the spoken word. I do love the belldancing bling! My alter ego definately comes out to play when I'm shimmying!<br />
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I do seem to pull the same stupid face every time a camera appears...what a chump!<br />
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Well, there you go..I'm off to cosy up and watch a trashy dvd....and sniff a little, complain of how cold it is and fish for sympathy!<br />
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Take care my lovelies</div>
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Love Dotty </div>
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xxx</div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com17tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-1883376208440860752013-03-11T19:48:00.000+00:002013-03-11T19:48:37.019+00:00New Tricks! I was shown by a very kind and most talented friend how to make a lampshade! I've wanted to learn how to do it for a while now as Id love to make one with fabric that I've embellished and embroidered. I'm thinking owls and trees and birds birds birds of course!<br />
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A lampshade....I made a lampshade! It is really quite sad how excited I am to have made something so "proper"...a real grown up thingamajig!!<br />
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Here is my first little offering...I am so very pleased with it (despite its many flaws...which are well hidden!). the fabric is quite a cheap one from Ikea but looks brilliant in its new role. I'm eager to get practicing and practicing some more until I get the hang of it. I need to make a few more for my house and my mama has asked me to make some for her house too..my first customer hoorah!<br />
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I'm going to have a bash at making one with sunflowers like the one I embroidered on my Mum's curtain. <br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAuHpoZXSZg/UT4xXJhvWNI/AAAAAAAADzc/jBVfwxEg-Zc/s1600/sunflower1.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-PAuHpoZXSZg/UT4xXJhvWNI/AAAAAAAADzc/jBVfwxEg-Zc/s320/sunflower1.jpg.jpg" width="199" /></a></div>
and here is the "before" pic...poor dull lamp ..now so bright and fresh!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGIx1p9VNwo/UT4xTh-oBMI/AAAAAAAADzY/ayRHQTwfHVQ/s1600/lamp11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UGIx1p9VNwo/UT4xTh-oBMI/AAAAAAAADzY/ayRHQTwfHVQ/s200/lamp11.jpg" width="93" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BEFORE</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ramChk15mLc/UT4xSQY9G5I/AAAAAAAADzQ/hx5ceXeHANU/s1600/lamp.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ramChk15mLc/UT4xSQY9G5I/AAAAAAAADzQ/hx5ceXeHANU/s200/lamp.jpg.jpg" width="107" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">AFTER</td></tr>
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Do any of you crafty bloggy folk make lamps...can anyone recommend a good (and cheap) place to place the fixings online? They seem quite pricey to make unless you buy in bulk.<br />
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Thanks for reading..I'm sure no one else is really that bothered about a lampshade but.. ha ha!.. I felt the overwhelming need to share my new tricks! </div>
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Love Dotty</div>
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xxxx</div>
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and what on earth is going on with the weather...we are on a weather warning for snow again now??. </div>
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It's dropped from 15 degrees to -1 in a couple of days... bbbrrrrrrr I'm so glad I've been slack with the gardening..I've no seedlings to worry about! :) </div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-20768203741674060212013-03-02T12:34:00.000+00:002013-03-02T12:35:50.039+00:00SunflowersHappy weekend everyone..such a relief to have no where to go...and nothing much to do! I'm just planning on pottering around the house and garden midst feeding and tending to little ones!<br />
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I made this cheery window panel/curtain for my mama on Monday (Full moon meaning that I was super hyper and couldn't sleep!). She wanted a sunflower to brighten up the little window. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I'm keen to make a matching lampshade and some cushion covers too...hopefully this will actually happen or it will be added my infinite to do list! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg0bUq7tyX9vAc29IfdD-1UF_TVFM9GBjK_JlIaD5CAwXB108v6FTM28M3pusMP4yjB0LX78kw5V8CC0NviKgRG1at3fpURo7tezzpzHGvUlXJpKf9e_vLXRO_26d0RqtMHFZ91V0yPxn/s1600/sunflower.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIg0bUq7tyX9vAc29IfdD-1UF_TVFM9GBjK_JlIaD5CAwXB108v6FTM28M3pusMP4yjB0LX78kw5V8CC0NviKgRG1at3fpURo7tezzpzHGvUlXJpKf9e_vLXRO_26d0RqtMHFZ91V0yPxn/s320/sunflower.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Well..am off to make some spinach & cheese pancakes...and a nice strong coffee!<br />
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Love Dotty </div>
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xxx</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-70896602987867609422013-02-21T23:32:00.003+00:002013-02-21T23:32:58.844+00:00Happy ThoughtsHello there blogging buddies!<br />
I'm sorry for my temporary absence...my kids are are on half terms holidays at the moment and so I have had very little crafting/computer time! I find that my stamina for looking after both kids now is not so good as it used to be..I have been spoiled! By the time they are in bed I'm shattered...and just to add to the fun they seem to be taking it in turn to be ill..cold after cold after cold...waah!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcSTNB9zH_uIRImFJOj1LvuhbAeiWnAYSum1KgQvJLQsJclCGGveNIus04_BJHom_StkOaaEJaYFw5I9x4mZeFnHCl5ciOTzL-OTtKcq4QX1gPM3MmuZnc8Un45gR2vx5HJT5Y17uznox/s1600/happy.jpg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMcSTNB9zH_uIRImFJOj1LvuhbAeiWnAYSum1KgQvJLQsJclCGGveNIus04_BJHom_StkOaaEJaYFw5I9x4mZeFnHCl5ciOTzL-OTtKcq4QX1gPM3MmuZnc8Un45gR2vx5HJT5Y17uznox/s320/happy.jpg.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The little picture above was a practice piece I did a few months ago. I though I'd mess about and just doodle with the sewing machine. It came out quite nice and my dear friend Chloe from who writes the <a href="http://flounceandfiligree.blogspot.co.uk/">Woolly Soup Blog</a> took a shine to it so I'm framing it up in a hoop with a ribbon and it will be off to live with her.<br />
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Anyways, I hope you are all well and warm, its getting pretty nippy here again. My giant woolly socks are making a come back!<br />
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Happy Thoughts Indeed!</div>
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Love Dotty </div>
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xxx</div>
<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-58828980006272812782013-02-14T12:45:00.003+00:002013-02-14T13:25:35.584+00:00HUGE Craft Raffle for a very worthy cause<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">I was very saddened to hear news that talented and lovely fellow crafter / blogger Gretel from the <a href="http://allaroundus.blogspot.co.uk/">Middle of Nowhere </a> blog had tragically lost her long term partner after he t</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">ook his own life. This has left Gretel, not only devastated but in real danger of losing her home. If you follow her blog you would see that this is a home that they had waited a long time for and had not long lived there.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Some very kind friends of Gretel's have set up an amazing artist's raffle to raise money to help her in this time of great need.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">The </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large;">raffle prizes</span></span><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"> that have been donated are </span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large;">stunning</span></span><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"> and there are so many of them! Many many well know crafters/bloggers have donated including Viv from </span><a href="http://hensteethart.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-size: 15px;">Hens Teeth</a><span style="font-size: 15px;">, Kirsty Elson from </span><a href="http://www.sixtyonea.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-size: 15px;">Sixty One A</a><span style="font-size: 15px;">, Tif from </span><a href="http://dottieangel.blogspot.co.uk/" style="font-size: 15px;">Dottie Angel</a><span style="font-size: 15px;"> and the list goes on and on... You can see the full list of prizes and read about the fundraiser on the </span><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://fundsforgretel.blogspot.co.uk/">Funds for Gretel Blog Page</a>. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">You can enter the raffle via this link ...<a href="http://www.indiegogo.com/projects/funds-for-gretel">Indie Gogo</a>. For every pound you donate you get one virtual raffle ticket. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;">Also, please do visit Gretel's blog if you would like to learn more about what has happened and about Gretel and her amazing work too. Here blog can be found here... <a href="http://allaroundus.blogspot.co.uk/">Middle Of Nowhere</a></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Please</span> help by either donating or by helping spread the word of this fundraiser. I am happy for you to copy and paste this blog post and tweek it to use on your own blog or to link back to mine.</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Also, you can like and share the post about it on my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/littledottybirddesigns">facebook page</a>...it all helps x</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Mental illness can be such a cruel and devastating illness and my heart really goes out to Gretel and all of their friends and family. It is so very heart warming though to see how so many people have offered help and messages of comfort. I'm sure its been a small ray of light during a very very dark time. </span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Thank you for reading xxx</span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Courier New, Courier, monospace;"><span style="line-height: 21px;">Lisa </span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-1527150458377472622013-02-10T21:06:00.003+00:002013-02-10T21:06:37.639+00:00A crafty swap and a clean studio!!!I paired up with Katy from the lovely blog <a href="http://katysclutter.blogspot.co.uk/">Katys Clutter</a> via Ada from the fab <a href="http://vintagesheetaddict.blogspot.co.uk/">Vintage Sheet Addict</a> blog. I was sent this lovely bundle...<br />
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A very well chosen and perfect bundle of goodies for crafting and a beautiful book to read and daydream with! Katy has blogged about the parcel I sent her if you'd like to see! You can find a link <a href="http://katysclutter.blogspot.co.uk/">here</a> !<br />
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I'm also doing a little swapping with <a href="http://vintagesheetaddict.blogspot.co.uk/">Vintage Sheet Addict</a> for Lisa's (<a href="http://mrsbobobun.blogspot.co.uk/">Bo Bo Bun</a> blog) 4 happy things swap! and to top it off I'm swapping an Owl for a fab handmade Raggie doll from <a href="http://vickislittleworld.blogspot.co.uk/">Vintage Vicki's</a>. Goodness...I've worn myself out...are you still there I wonder! :) <br />
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Thanks again Katy and to Ada for organising it!<br />
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Take Care my lovelies </div>
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Love Dotty xxx </div>
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oh and a final note.... I cleaned...i actually cleaned and tidied my craft room! I just had to take a photo...a clear table is a fleeting phenomenon in this house! </div>
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<div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-51841946125160441102013-02-04T20:12:00.000+00:002013-02-04T20:12:14.111+00:00and the WINNER is.....I put all your names in a hat and my trusty assistant Little Miss M picked out a winner.....<br />
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wow................how long can I drag it out....how many full stops can I use...........????!!!<br />
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The winner is <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://handmade-m.blogspot.co.uk/">Marina</a> </span>from the<span style="font-size: large;"> <a href="http://handmade-m.blogspot.co.uk/">Handmade by Marina blog</a></span>. Well done indeed, a little dotty heart will be winging it's merry way to you over in Greece! It seems my hearts like to fly to far away lands, the last giveaway was won by MJ from the <a href="http://www.wanderwonderdiscover.com/">Wander Wonder Discover</a> blog over in America.<br />
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I'm planning another <span style="font-size: large;">giveaway</span> for one of my rather handsome googley eyed Owl door hangers once I get them in the etsy shop. I just need to work on making a little batch of them and getting a bit organised then I'll let ya'll know!<br />
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I've also been making some foxy little fella's too<br />
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and rockets...<br />
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and planning out my new addition to the door hangin crew...the badger!!<br />
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but alas..really, this week I have been mostly cleaning and clearing out my <strike>craft room</strike> big pile of mess room.<br />
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It had got pretty bad in there but it's looking a whole lot better already, I just need to get rid of a lot of "stuff" I seem to have accumulated vast amounts of crud, broken things, things I'm supposed to be ebaying etc etc..<br />
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I'll post a pic as soon as I find my camera!<br />
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Take care folks, </div>
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love Dotty xx</div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7503799146872211740.post-49211928378871942432013-02-02T13:38:00.003+00:002013-02-02T13:38:40.291+00:00Weekend Greetings...and Giveaway reminder! Please do come and join in my giveaway for a little dotty brooch...see this post... <a href="http://www.littledottybird.blogspot.co.uk/2013/01/a-giveawayfor-you.html">here</a> for details. All you have to do is follow my blog and leave me a little message to say you'd like to enter. The winner will be drawn on Monday 4th Feb!!<br />
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Good luck xx </div>
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<br /><div class="blogger-post-footer">Its always good to hear from you fellow bloggers and crafty folk out there! Please feel free to drop me a line or leave a comment. Long or short its lovely to hear from you x</div>Little Dotty Birdhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14833910146802802534noreply@blogger.com12