Usually, my world of work at my world at home co-exist nestled in their own snug side by side compartments. But once in a while, they come together. Like last Tuesday, when we lured Ros Badger to come along and talk to a shopful of crafters about Homemade.
I know lots of you have this book already and enjoy it for the same reason I do - the simple message that homemade is special. So it was fitting that we should have a very special evening, with Ros (who is utterly charming) bringing along many of the items that feature in the lovely photographs of the book. And having the time to chat to everyone, swap making stories and help us do a couple of projects from the book (that's my button heart).
For me, it was also a chance to realize that there are so many creative people, and even fellow craft bloggers right under my nose. And it's doubly handy when they do a write up of the event, because there has been a little missing camera cable problem at the shop, and hence, no write up on the shop blog!
And I am so so so sorry that I didn't tell you about it here beforehand and let those of you within reach of Oxfordshire have the chance to come along. But the event sold out so fast, there was no time. I promise to do better next time.
So, the spirit of all things homemade seems to have seeped out of my home life compartment and pervaded the bookshop. First, our trophy for our mostly bookbrains literary quiz next month. It had to be an altered book really, didn't it?I knew all that catalogue folding practice last year would lead to me making something eventually. Though I am rather nervous about taking it in to the shop, as in our publicity materials it has been billed as 'a magnificent trophy' and I'm not sure the Trade Descriptions Act would agree. Homemade charm and magnificence are not quite the same thing.
And then, I get to run my own event for the bookshop - a pre-Christmas evening of craft, where hopefully we capture the same spirit of camaraderie as Ros' event managed to. And make a whole stack of recycled and upcycled decorations for the Christmas window.
I imagine there will be some of this
and a blizzard of paper snowflakes. And any other wonderful ideas I can dream up between now and then.
But before I get round to planning that event, I need to make sure everyone at work is a dab hand at making these:
because we have a little craft activity planned for the children who stop by for books at Hallowe'en.
That's an awful lot of shop stuff, no wonder there is no time left for my own making just now. Sigh.
I made so many of those wreaths last year!
I made a few of these too and they were pretty (and easy):
http://www.wikihow.com/Make-a-3D-Paper-Snowflake
Good for hanging in a window...
Posted by: mooncalf | 19 October 2009 at 15:17
It's always so good to hear someone is as nice in real life as you imagine them to be :) And so impressed you'll be doing your very own event. WIll be a sell-out for sure! K x
Posted by: kristina | 19 October 2009 at 15:30
All the bookshop events sound lovely.
Posted by: Gina | 19 October 2009 at 16:27
I wish we had such a lovely bookshop around here!
Posted by: Alexis | 19 October 2009 at 16:30
I am always so jealous of your bookshop. I wish our local one had such amazing events. One of these days I will get over there!
Posted by: Gemma | 19 October 2009 at 16:52
Oh it's great to find out a little more about your workplace. Although little snippets pop up here we can now see the whole picture. Thanks for posting the link. What a privilege to have had Ros to come along and congratulations on the accolades for your shop too. One day I'll commute with Mr P and pop in for a cuppa.
Posted by: Emma | 19 October 2009 at 16:59
I've been eyeing that book for a while now, and just received some birthday money. hmmmmm.
Posted by: Jennifer | 19 October 2009 at 17:05
Your bookshop sounds wonderful, we've nothing like that near here. And even if you are creating for work at least it's a good excuse for a bit of making time.
Posted by: French Knots | 19 October 2009 at 18:09
How fab!
Lucy xxx
Posted by: Lucy Locket-Pocket | 19 October 2009 at 21:16
I want a local bookshop like yours.
I just found out that a close friend of mine used to sew. Maybe there really are fellow crafters around here and they're just hiding.
Posted by: UK lass in US | 19 October 2009 at 21:26
How wonderful! My friend and I were discussing craft evenings just earlier today. And that button heart is just what another friend wants to make as favours for her wedding. Cat x
Posted by: Cat | 19 October 2009 at 22:53
Very nice ghosts!
Posted by: readersguide | 19 October 2009 at 23:09
I love those ghosties. I love their innocent shock.
Posted by: The Coffee Lady | 19 October 2009 at 23:26
Your littel heart is very sweet indeed.
How are you going to make those ghosts, they are fab.
Lisa x
Posted by: Lisa | 20 October 2009 at 07:13
Oh Ali - I adore your trophy for the quiz. I wish I could be in a team instead of asking the questions so that I could have a chance of winning it. IT'S FABULOUS! THANK YOU.
Posted by: Annabel | 20 October 2009 at 22:07
Oh I wish I could have been there. Perhaps you would consider a live video conference of your Christmas craft event for those of us across the ocean?!!! ;)
Posted by: lina | 21 October 2009 at 00:53
The bookshop events sound lovely - I wished I lived closer so that I could join in.
I used to work in a book department within a children's department store in London and loved doing the craft activities. I loved the store all year round but it really came to life at Christmas. x
Posted by: PinkCat | 22 October 2009 at 11:38
I love that wreath, Ali. Thank you for last year's tutorial which I've just found and the link to Maya's snowflakes. Good luck with all your bookstore activities.
Posted by: Tracy | 22 October 2009 at 11:47
oh wow, good luck with that. I°m sure it'll be a huge success!
And that book... I keep picking it up... and again and again...
Posted by: monica | 22 October 2009 at 14:32
Oh, we have made a bunch of those little ghosts and we don't even celebrate Halloween over here! Your craft evening sounds wonderful!
Posted by: Lisa | 22 October 2009 at 18:36
Your bookstore sounds so wonderful! I'd love to visit some day. I'm sure your craft day will be widely attended and much enjoyed. Wish I could be there!
frances
Posted by: frances | 23 October 2009 at 13:45
love the idea of up/re-cycled decorations! those sheet music stars look great!
Posted by: peitseoga.blogspot.com | 24 October 2009 at 13:15
The shop you work in sounds lovely.
Posted by: lazylol | 24 October 2009 at 14:16
Do you know, I was just watching Cbeebies with Eleanor and The Green Balloon Club was on... They were in the woods making pencils and paper. Suddenly a little face popped up I was sure I recognised. At first I thought it might have been an ex-pupil but then I realised it was your son Mark! You must have been very proud of his moment of fame!
Posted by: Kathleen | 25 October 2009 at 14:00
I love it when work and life mingle so happily. Most envious of the meet with Ros Badger - her book's been on my wishlist for a while now.
xxx
Posted by: Lesley | 25 October 2009 at 14:39