Pretty Beautiful

Online Updates!

2011-06-23T09:07:00.000-07:00

Baby Citrus Wreath £8.00

I have spent the last two days working on the website, and finally getting some of our new products online. It's something that I've been meaning to do for absolutely ages, but just haven't got round to doing.

This has all come about because this weekend we have Saturday off and only have a one day fair rather than a two or three as we have lately. We are to be found at the Melton Mowbray Country Fair on Sunday (26th June) for what is promising to be a fun and hopefully sunny day! There is a Big Bake competition, rural craft demonstrations, a novelty dog show, livestock displays and a 'Fun With Food' marquee where a suspect my other half Chris will spend most of his day ;)

Saturday is going to be a good solid stock day without any distractions or outings, or so I hope, as next weekend we are at the Waddington Air Show, which is incredibly busy. I have mentioned my love of planes (and pilots!!) before, so I won't go into that now!

As for this week's work, I have launched our new 'Wooden Love' range online. We've been selling out at the shows most weekends, and have taken lots of bepoke orders for hearts in colours co-ordinating with people's kitchens, hallways etc We offer them in the three standard colours of cream, red and green. Each is a distressed hand cut and finished heart threaded with various fruit combinations.

Single Wooden Heart Garland £11.50

Available as a Single Heart Garland, a Triple Heart Garland and a Wooden Heart String, there is something to suit everyone and every space. They are simple, rustic, but yet full of charm and country style. We are hoping to extend the range over the comong months, so please watch this space.....patiently!

I've also managed to get many more of our dried fruit wreaths onto the website in both the standard and baby sizes. Once again, their simple, aromatic and stylish character are always popular at the shows, and especially for Christmas. As anyone who has visited our stall will know, we have many more styles, but it is almost impossible to get everything online. I wouyld need weeks and weeks, rather than a couple of days. I am intending to get our fruit strings on there sometime soon, along with our large and small scented hearts, and a larger selection of the ever popular 'Cottage Hearts'.

Cottage Hearts £7.50 each

The list is long and scary, and fitting it all in between wedding orders, website orders, wholesale orders and of course the shows, is getting more and more difficult. What I really need are a couple of hard working staff who don't mind craziness and cats.....does anyone want to volunteer?

I'll leave it at that for today, but please feel free to post any thoughts and comments about the new products, your views are always appreciated.

Bye for now

Lyndsay xxx

Award Winning!!!

2011-06-06T07:33:00.000-07:00

No posts for ages, then two in one week! We spent our weekend at two different shows. Saturday was the Kenilworth Show, and Sunday was the Rutland Country Show.

Chris was just a little pleased with the award!

We had a busy time at both, but Saturday bought a lovely surprise when we were awarded the 'Best in Show' trophy. We had an absolute nightmare setting up the gazebo in the morning with the wind, so things weren't really looking their best, but that didn't seem to bother the judges. We didn't even know that we were being judged, but at the end of the day, the panel came along and presented us both with the trophy. We were surprised to say the least, but absolutely thrilled! We got to bring the shield home, and then it will go back to be engraved with our details before being returned to us.

As you can see by the photograph, by the time we got the award, the tent was looking very sparse indeed! Chris had spent the afternoon sitting in the back of the van threading garlands before passing them out to me to be sold, so once again the new van proved itself to be very worthwhile indeed. I don't think we ever intended to use it as a travelling workshop, but there you go!

This coming Sunday we will be at Cosford Air Show, giving us Saturday at home to make a bit more stock. The following weekend we can be found at the Three Counties Show in Malvern, which is a huge event spread over the Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Fingers crossed that the weather will be nice and a good weekend will be had by all. Come down and see us if you can and don't forget that a full list of where we will be can be found on our 'Upcoming Events' page on our website.

By for now

Lyndsay xxx

Our new family member!

2011-06-01T04:17:00.000-07:00

I know, I know, it's been a while since I last blogged, but things have been a little busy! This year we have completely changed our event plans, and have swapped from the smaller local fairs, to much bigger ones all over the country. We wanted to see if it made a difference money wise, but also to try something new. So far so good, but it was getting difficult tyring to pack 3 days worth of stock plus a suitcase into the car, so we made a decision! We've been talking about it for ages, but it was time to go for it, so we bought our first company car (or van in this case!).

After a lot of cleaning, we took it down to Norfolk for the Bank Holiday weekend for an event at Blickling Hall. It is a simply stunning place, and we were extremely lucky with the weather as it was absolutely baking hot! Without the worries of trying to fit everything in the car, we took as much stock as we could possibly make, and promptly came home with a pretty much empty van....apart from the obligatory purchases of course ;)

This weekend we are following the travelling theme, and are the Kenilworth Show on Saturday, and then down to the Rutland County Show on Sunday. It's looking like the weather might be nice once again, so hopefully it should be another good weekend.

We've been busy booking shows all over the UK, and you can see the extent of out planned travels on the Upcoming Events page on our website. From Cambridge to Anglesey, to Hull and Holkham in Norfolk, we really are getting to see the country and it's really enjoyable too!!!

Speak to you all soon
Linz and our new van :) xxx

It's Wedding Season!

2011-04-06T05:17:00.000-07:00

I normally write about new products and our adventures connected with Pretty Beautiful, our hand crafted card and gift company, but today I thought I would write a little bit about our other website, PB Drie d Fruit.

I always forget to blog about what we're up to with that side of the business, but things have been really busy the last few weeks as the wedding season has started in earnest! We are slowly adding to our new Wedding Supplies section of the website, with natural confetti petals, beautiful confetti cones and organza ribbons, and then favour boxes and bags. There are so many lovely products to choose from that I am struggling to decide which items to stock online, but slowly and surely we are getting a collection together.

The confetti cones and filling petals are our main wedding product at the moment, and with beautiful rich chocolate brown, luxurious champagne, opulent pearl and sumptuous silver to choose from, there is something to suit all colour schemes. The petals range from pretty and traditional ivory, right the way through to a deep blood red/burgundy and vivid pink amaranth petals.

The tiny a m aranth petals are new in this season, and so far are proving very popular! The colours are amazing, and they are so small and delicate, that they just float gently to the ground. I know this for a fact, as Chris knocked part of a bag all over the floor, and if nothing else, we now know how they look as they cascade gracefully through the air ;)

We have a lovely selection of organza ribbons to complement the confetti cones, ranging from ivory and beige, to gold, brown, pink and dark silver grey. You can buy these at only 30p per metre, and they really are the perfect finishing touch.

We are going to be getting in a range of small vintage style favour boxes in the next couple of weeks, so as soon as they are available online, I will chat about them on here. I've already got the samples, and they are really cute and gorgeous!

Today is the day for sorting through all our events for the year and getting everything in the diary and on the wall charts.....even the dreaded payment dates. It's a horrible job that I've been putting off since the middle of February, but it's time to face up to it. It's going to take my favourite album, a cup of tea and a cake to get me through it!.....well that's my excuse anyway ;)

Lyndsay xxx

New Tealights!

2011-04-05T11:14:00.000-07:00

We finally got the new Strawberry Tealights finished and ready to buy online! I uploaded them last week, and meant to blog about them, but things got a bit crazy, and I never got round to it.

Anyway, they went down a treat at our craft fair in Derby last week, and were a very popular Mother's Day gift along with the Teacup Candles, and my personal favourites, the Little T'woos.

As you can see from the picture, we had them in loads of different colour combinations, and it's my aim this week to get these options onto the website. All of the ones that you can see in the photograph found their way to a new home, but there will be more who need re-homing very shortly!

That's all for now, as my dinner is calling...yum yum

Lyndsay xxx

Little T'woos

2011-03-28T10:23:00.000-07:00

After adding our Little T'woos to the website, we've started getting the orders in! With any colour combinations of your choice available, I thought I would post this photograph that was sent to us by a happy customer. Her Little T'woo, now named Oscar, is happily hanging on the TV cabinet and enjoying being part of his new family. The brief was for lime greens, browns and a little bit of red to match her colour scheme, and this was how he turned out....... So cute, I think I might have to make another one for the stall! Don't forget to let us know if you would like to order one for yourself, now I've started making them, I just can't stop! Easter chicks will be added to the website in the next couple of days too, I just need to get the photies done. Speak to you soon Linz x

Little T'woos!

2011-03-19T08:31:00.000-07:00

I've just finished the first of our new family members......meet our Little T'woo!

I'm already halfway through her brothers and sisters, but I couldn't resist doing the introductions now....I love them (even if I do say so myself!)

We are taking bespoke orders for these now in whatever colours you would like. Just let us know what you want your Little T'woo to look like, and he or she will be on their way to you for hugs and a home.

Let me know what you think :)

Linz xxx

Summer smells......

2011-03-18T05:28:00.000-07:00

Just a quick blog this week to tell you all about our scented tealights. We made them for Christmas, but they sold so well, that we thought we should carry on. We've swapped the festive gold and burgundy bags for pale blue and ivory for that light summery feel......maybe a touch of wishful thinking, but I'm going with it anyway.

The pale blue bag hold 4 floral scented tealights, and the ivory holds 4 of the warm vanilla. They are hand poured and blended, and made from eco-soy wax, so that we are doing our bit. They burn for approximately 4 hours each, and will fill a room with their gorgeous scents!

It's my Mom that makes these, and if I don't put in all the technical bits and pieces, she will just moan on and on (love you Mommy!), but at the end of the day, they really are gorgeous, and are definitely one of my favourite new products. At only £2.50 per bag, you really can't go wrong!

At this very moment a new scent is being made......a beauiful light, sweet and creamy Strawberry Buttercream. It smells good enough to eat, and takes you away to those long, lazy summer days filled with bowls of strawberries and cream with a little glass of something chilled....here I go again!

Anyway, back to reality. They are a perfect little gift for Mother's Day, and you could combine them with one of our Teacup Candles and beautiful Mother's Day cards. What Mum could resist?

Look out for the new scent online and at the craft fairs and give us your feedback. Our next fair is at Park Farm Shopping Centre in Allestree, Derby, on the 1st and 2nd of April. From that point on, the fairs really start, and all hope of rest and relaxation is gone! A full list of our Upcoming Events can be found online, so if you want to start planning how to spend your Spring weekends, take a look and give us a thought.

Speak to you all soon, and don't forget to let us know what you think of the new products, we would really appreciate your feedback :)

Linz xxx

Mother's Day......don't forget!

2011-02-25T04:31:00.000-08:00

I've just logged in and found to my horror that it has been almost 12 months since I last updated my blog. In my defence it has been a fairly tough year, but now I'm back and am going to try and update this page every few weeks. I know you probably don't believe me, but I really am going to try!

Anyway, Mother's Day.........don't forget to get your card and pressie in plenty of time. This year, it's Sunday 3rd April, so there is plenty of time to get something really special for our lovely Mommies. It doesn't have to be expensive (especially as most of us are finding money a bit tight!), it really is the thought that counts. This year we have some gorgeous cottage hearts that are filled with either rose petals or extra aromatic lavender. These are much larger than our standard hearts, and look almost like a small cushion. They are beautiful when hung on the wall, or on a bed post......the possibilities are endless! Priced at £7.50, they won't break the bank and if you let us know in plenty of time, we can even make one specifically to a requested colour scheme for no extra cost.

Our Mother's Day cards are available online, with the 'Yummy Mummy' card being a popular choice this year. Again, all of our Mother's Day cards can be personalised, so just let us know and we'll take care of the rest!

I have spent much of the past year having various surgeries on my knee, and consequently have spent a lot of time sat on my bum. Although I haven't been working all that much, we have been thinking up new ideas. Some of these are slowly being realised, and will be making their first apearances at the fairs and online in the next few weeks. Just to give you an idea, we have beautiful little owls, fabric flower garlands that are perfect for little girl's bedrooms, and little pot pourri bags to hang in your cupboards full of zingy citrus fruits or beautiful rose buds. I will update the blog with pictures as and when they are completed, but keep your eyes peeled, as it won't be long!

Our teacup candles are available online once again, but with only one of each, you need to get in there quick! Perfect Mother's Day gifts, they are gorgeous when lit, and can be used afterwards for a lovely cup of tea. My personal favourite is the very pretty Rosebud Trio shown in the photograph. We will be adding our own scented tealights to the website in the next week or so, and together they make a lovely present. If you are interested in buying the tealights and they are not yet available online, just let us know and we can add them to your order. Available in a light floral scent, or sweet vanilla, they are made from high quality soy wax, and are presented in a beautiful little organza bag. Priced at only £2.50 for four, it would be a shame not to try them!

Our first fair of the year is at Southwell Minster next weekend (Saturday 5th March), and it would be lovely to see anyone who is in the area. Many of our new products will be there, and we are hoping for a lovely day in the most spectacular of settings. We are constantly updating our 'Upcoming Events' list at the moment, with new fairs added every week, many of them at new venues.

It's time for me to get back to sewing, but I will be writing again in a week or so, so I will speak to you all again soon.

Take care

Lyndsay x

Spring has Sprung!

2010-04-06T03:41:00.000-07:00

Yet again I look at the date of my last blog and see that it was over a month ago. I don't know how that happens, I was sure it had only been a couple of weeks or so!

Our craft fair season was kickstarted on Good Friday with a lovely little farmer's market in Melton Mowbray at the Grange Garden Centre. I wasn't expecting much with it being so early in the year and the bad weather, but I was was pleasantly surprised. It was a well organised event, and the rain held off until the afternoon giving us the opportunity to launch our new products and to have a good natter with some lovely people.

Our new heart garlands proved to be very popluar much to my relief....it's always a bit scary when you introduce something new! They look lovely hung on old beams, on shelves or over doors, and add a subtle touch of country chic. In complete comparison, we took along our new 'Little Tweets'. These little birdies are full of character and colour, and are fantastic hung in your car or on door handles as they are filled with lavender and are a great alternative to commercial air freshners. At only £3.95, they make perfect gifts for yourself or others!

Our next craft fair is at Ragley Hall in Warwickshire on the 2nd and 3rd May. It's a garden show set in beautiful surroundings both inside and outside on the terraces of the house. One of my favourite locations, we also go back to Ragley for the Christmas fair later in the year. If you fancy a nice day out, come and have a wander round, we would love to see you there.

Our new website www.pbdriedfruit.co.uk is up and running, and proving popular for our range of rose petals and buds. With the wedding season fast approaching, it's time to get organised. Our naturally dried petals and buds are perfect for confetti and table decorations as they not only look pretty, but smell beautiful too. We will be adding to the selection over the next few months, introducing new colours and sizes, so check back to see what's new.

Today is a sewing day. I need to replace the heart garlands that we sold the weekend, and build up a nice stock for next month. With fairs every weekend, I need plenty in reserve! I also have something new in mind, and I'm going to take advantage of a quiet day to experiment. I'll let you know how I get on!

Take care

Lyndsay xxx

New website

2010-02-18T08:41:00.001-08:00

We finally finished it, PB Dried Fruit is up and running and waiting for your orders.....please?

I'll add more info about the site at a later date, but for now we have a huge THANK YOU to say to Meg at White Ochre Design. We are absolutely thrilled with how the site looks and works, and poor Meg has had to put up with my constant changes and demands. This is the second website that Meg has designed and built for us, and we can't recommended her highly enough. She is a star!!!

We are selling a large range of loose fruits, flowers, herbs and spices, as well as a selection of useful tools and sund ries. We have various willow wreaths and hearts which are ideal as a basis for your craft projects, and we'll be adding a range of pre-packaged fruit bags that will help make that even easier to do!

Take a look and see what you think!

Lyndsay x

Events!!!

2010-02-14T07:58:00.001-08:00

I promised that I would get round to it, and finally we have this years fairs confirmed! They're all posted on our 'Upcoming Events' page, and as always, there's still more to book, but the basics are in along with a couple of new ones. Foxton Locks, and Cosford Air Show are two that we're really looking forward to, especially Cosford......I have a bit of a thing for planes and flight suits ;) I'm not sure exactly how much work I'll get done that day, but my Mom and Chris will be helping out, so I'm sure I can disappear off for a bit without anyone noticing!

The new website will be launching sometime this week. Its nearly complete now, with just the final photos and pricing to finish. It's taken three days of photographing (is that even a word??) to get it done, but it's looking good, and has definitely been worth all the hard work. As soon as it goes live, I'll be posting the links, so look out for them, and then click away to your hearts content....please!

Speak to you soon
Linz x

Mother's Day and more......

2010-02-12T09:23:00.000-08:00

Here it comes again, time to show the Mum's just how much we love and appreciate them (or risk a clip round the earhole!!)

We've been working hard to get our new Mother's Day cards and gifts ready for the shops and website, so take a look and let us know what you think.

The new scented hearts are proving popular. With their pocket detail, gorgeous buttons and pretty shabby chic style fabrics, they seem to suit all tastes. You can add your own small gift or keepsake in the pocket to make it a truly personal present for your Mum.

The new website is coming along, and with only a week until launch, its all the fiddly bits that are left to do. Each fruit is piled up in the office waiting to have it's photo taken, the new shipping bags have arrived, and the branding is nearly finished. There's still a mountain to climb, but with the help of my Mom, it's looking more like Snowdon than Everest! As soon as it's launched, I'll be updating the blog again. Any comments would be appreciated, and sales even more so :)

Our fairs for the year are nearly sorted now, and once the confirmations come through, I'll be updating the events page once again. As ever, it would be great if you could come down and see us, and then you can see our full range of goodies rather than the select few that reach the website.

Speak to you all soon

Lyndsay x

Such a long time!

2010-01-20T13:40:00.000-08:00

It's been such a long time since I've had the chance to update the blog, I'm sorry!. Everything was crazy on the run up to Christmas, with fairs every weekend, shops to keep supplied, and website orders to fulfill. Every year I say 'never again' and 'I'm going to be more organised next year' but it just never happens and the headless chicken thing kicks in round about October. Once Christmas does arrive, my brain switches off for a couple of weeks and then I really struggle to kick start it again...or am I just lazy? I'm not really sure!!!

Anyway we are just back from a week in Cornwall, and I've come back ready to start afresh. We've already gained a couple more trade customers, and new products are being designed as we speak. A whole new range of garlands and scented hearts, and then some unknowns have got to be created from somewhere.....any ideas, just let me know! As soon as they are ready I'll post some pictures for your feedback, but in the meantime, I'll fill you in on our new website.

PB Dried Fruit will be our sister site selling dried fruit to the public and trade. Available in small to large quantities, we plan to offer a huge range of naturally dried fruits that can be used for all kinds of craft activities from pot pourri to wreaths. Hopefully we will be launching in a few weeks time (if I get my act together!) but as soon as we are up and running, I'll be posting more info and links. If there is anything that you want before then, just let me know as we already have most of the stock available to buy.

Other than that, life is slowly returning to normal. The house is in chaos as we are completely redecorating the bedroom and bathroom, new plaster, carpet, skirting boards, electrics, the works. Chris is sitting watching the football and yelling at the TV downstairs, and I'm working to keep out of the way and dreaming of a new house in Cornwall. Definitely back to normal!

Our first fair of the year is at Wollaton Hall in Nottingham on Valentine's weekend. If you're in the area and fancy a nice romantic stroll around the house and deer park, you'll find us down in the Yard Gallery. Pop in and say hello, and get a sneak preview of some of those new products.

Anyway, I'll try and blog more regularly, so I promise to speak to you all again soon

Lyndsay x

Shugborough Hall Christmas Fair

2009-10-26T05:33:00.000-07:00

It's been a long time since I last had the chance to update my blog, we have been so busy. I've had to take a few weeks off after surgery on my knee, but I'm starting to get back into things now, and did my first fair for a while last weekend.

It was our first real Christmas fair this year, and so there has been a lot of planning and new festive products to make and design. The old favourites are back such as the tree decorations and the Christmas cards, but this year we are really going to town with the Christmas wreaths and garlands....although the garlands are still being designed!!!

A new product for this year are the beautiful Christmas pot pourri cones, all made by my Mom. They flew off the stall over the weekend, and rightly so, they are absolutely gorgeous and smell divine!!!!

I thought a picture of my Mom was about due as I'm always writing about her antics. This was taken this weekend , but I'll leave it to you to decide which one is her!!!!

We have next weekend off as it is Chris' 30th Birthday. No craft fairs, but mountains of making to be done as the following weekend we are split between Southwell Minster Chrismas Fair, and Rufford Country Park Christmas Market. Details of both can be found on our website so if you are anywhere close and fancy a real festive excursion, we would love to see you!

Speak to you all soon

Lyndsay x

A new recruit!

2009-08-27T04:42:00.000-07:00

Meet Winston, our newest recruit. I came across him at the Warwickshire and West Midlands Game and Country Fair at Ragley Hall last weekend. He was crying out for a home, and what could I do but lovingly oblige!

After a short stint on the stall, (and too many people trying to buy him!) he is now living in amongst our rhubarb patch in the back garden. He seems happy enough, but my other cats really aren't so sure about our new family member. The hissing, spitting and hackles don't seem to be the friendliest of welcomes, but Winston doesn't seem to mind too much. I'm thinking a bandana might be a nice touch to really welcome him into his new home?

I thought I should add a picture of Winston's creator. I don't even know his name, but what that man can do with a tree stump and a chainsaw......

Anyway, lots to get done this week ready for the Moorgreen Show in Nottingham so I should go and get on with it. It's our first outing with the new gazebo, so lets pray for sun and gentle breezes, otherwise I'll be doing my best Mary Poppins!

Bye for now

Lyndsay x

Long Eaton High Street

2009-08-17T04:09:00.000-07:00

This weekend we were in Long Eaton High Street, Nottingham. The craft marquee was pitched right in the centre of town in the pedestrianised area so that no-one could miss us! The weather was good although a little windy (not always good in a tent!) and I found an excellent house clearance store in the back streets for all kind of little goodies. What more can you ask for!

Unfortunately for us, the stall next to ours was selling ceramic animals such as reindeers, cats and cows. I think we ended up spending as much as we took, but if you can't have rewards for the late nights and early mornings sometimes, then whats the point! Mom has bought a rooster that she is going to call Russell once he's been fired to sit in her kitchen, and I did a spot of Christmas pressie shopping. Kath, the artist has a gallery and gift shop in Nottingham below TopKnot on Trent Bridge. She is definitely worth a visit as her work is gorgeous, and she's just lovely!

Apart from our spending spree, it was a good weekend for our teacup candles. Mom is very proud as these are her 'baby' and the more that sell, the more she can buy for her collection at home! We use old, unusal and collectable cups and saucers in a vast array of styles and colours, and then fill them with wax to create beautiful candles. They look nice, smell gorgeous, and make great gifts. We are going to be adding them to the website shortly, but at the moment we are selling them faster than I can photograph and put them online. That's a job for this week I hope, so keep a look out and let us know what you think.

There was a really good selection of products at the fair including ceramics, books, candles, jewellery, wooden toys, wood turning and photography amongst many others. My friend Toniann from Knot Just Jigs was outside in her gazebo, desperately trying to hold on as the wind tried to blow her away. Her traditional wooden toys are always popular with their bright colours, huge range and high quality. They make fantastic presents for little ones, with rag dolls for the girls and train sets for the boys, you can't go wrong!

I think it's time to stop chatting, and tackle the pile of work and orders that is currently sitting in my inbox. Time to go, but I'll update you all after next week's Game and Country Fair at Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. This huge event requires a lot of stock, and we have hardly anything!

Lyndsay x

A very wet weeekend!

2009-08-03T04:50:00.000-07:00

Today I am recovering after a very wet and muddy weekend at Nottingham's Riverside Festival. It's a huge event that attracts thousands of people, but unfortunately this time wellies were needed by all!

After torrential rain for most of last week, and then again on Friday, by the time we were leaving at 11pm, our poor car did not fair well in the mud bath. Saturday was even worse! The rain poured into the tent and we were collecting it in a bucket behind the stall. I was amazed that people came at all, but after a rather quiet 13 hour day, we were definitley ready to head for home. The fireworks finished, we packed up the stall and got into our little car once again. Unfortunately the deep mud made getting off the field very difficult indeed, and instead of going up the slope, we just kept sliding back down!

Luckily the weather was beautiful yeasterday, and apart from the mud it was a brilliant day. More like the Riverside Festival that we have grown to love over the years. The customers came out with the sun, and a busy day was had by all. Yet again our chilli hearts proved to be very popular along with dried fruit wreaths, and lots of orders for name and age cards. Certainly enough to keep me busy this week!!

Today I need to sort the house out as it looks as if we bought most of that muddy field back home with us, but work is calling as always, and those orders won't wait for long!

Speak to you again soon

Lyndsay x

Burton Constable Country Fair

2009-07-13T07:52:00.000-07:00

I thought I would tell you about our lovely day yesterday at Burton Constable Hall, just outside of Hull. It's only a small country fair, but its in a beautiful setting and is a popular visitor attraction.

It was a very early start, leaving home at 6.30am (especially after a late night making stock!) but the long journey gave me the chance to catch up on a bit of sleep. Once we were set up, in came the visitors, and the sun came out.

It was busy all day, but the most popular products by far yesterday were the baby chilli hearts. As soon as we put another one out for sale, it sold again! Wreaths as ever were popular, as were the scented hearts. With the school year coming to an end, the hearts were a favourite as thank you gifts for hard working teachers.

Just for once, this fair went without any 'adventures' (probably because my Mom wasn't there!) and was a really nice day. I even managed to start my Christmas present buying! You can always get really nice gifts at the fairs, something original and of good quality.

Anyway, I'm off to start my mountain of sewing ready for next weekend's fairs at West Bridgford in Nottingham, and the Ashbourne Highland Games in Derbyshire. If you want to see where we are for the rest of the year, have a quick look at our Upcoming Events page for a complete list.

Bye for now

Lyndsay x

Hand crafted retirement cards

2009-07-08T09:04:00.000-07:00

Thought I would post something about one of our new bespoke cards. The thought of making this filled me with dread, but actually I'm pretty pleased with the outcome!

Retirement cards are generally quite a difficult category to fill, but when I was contacted about making a caravan card, my heart really did sink! I have tried to keep it fresh and contemporary, yet still suitable for the occasion using a muted colour palette and simple text. Let's just hope that Geoff agrees!

For more of our bespoke cards, please just visit our website, and contact us for details.

Bye for now

Lyndsay x

All New to This!

2009-07-03T03:13:00.000-07:00

I run my own business called Pretty Beautiful, and everyone has been telling me for ages that I should start up a blog to run alongside it. Well, it looks as if I've finally managed it, and now I just need to learn exactly how to work it!

There are two main elements to the business, the first are really simple, fresh and contemporary hand crafted cards including birthday cards, wedding cards, and pretty much any other occasion that you ever need. We also offer a bespoke service allowing you to contact us with your requirements, and we'll create a one off design just for you.

The second element of the business is the gift side. We are constantly developing this at the moment, but as every item is completely hand made, it can sometimes be difficult to get the new products finalised and available for sale. I'm keep trying, and we are slowly getting there! Some of the products include hand blended pot pourri, dried fruit wreaths, and scented hearts.

My aim is to try and update the blog every week (lets see how we go!) and then talk about the different products, the fairs that we are exhibiting at and anything else that we get up to. My Mom helps out a lot with the business, and you can guarantee that there is always some silly thing that we've done or embarrassed ourselves with. I'll try and keep you up to date about all of that too!

Anyway for now at least I've made a start, and I'd really love it if anyone out there would have a look at what we do and leave some comments. It would be good to know what you all think!
Bye for now
Lyndsay x