Countdown to Valentine's Day

Why wait? ...all you have to do is ask!

A beautiful pink cushion decorated with red embroidery

"WILL YOU MARRY ME?"

I have added a delicate hot pink ribbon

that you can tie your

engagement ring to if you want to

(sorry but the ring in photo is NOT included)...and you're ready.

Which lucky person is going to have this beautiful proposal as a surprise.

Who could say "no" to such a cuddly cushion?The cushion will be cherished for years to come, as an heirloom reminder of your special day. Perhaps it could be passed down the generations to come?

The cushion measures approximately 14" square and is small enough for someone to carry it around with them wherever they go, even on holiday or Honeymoon?

Congratulations to both of you!

The cushion costs £20 and is available to buy from my shop on Etsy. I will also ship by Signed for Recorded delivery to ensure that you get it on time. http://www.mrsmaddenmakes.etsy.com/

Happy Valentines Day...I hope all your dreams come true!

Happy Burns Night

Well what do you do with a Haggis?
After searching and decluttering the freezer, I found not just one but two haggis! One normal and one vegetarian. We had bought them from a fantastic deli in the Bridge Of Allen near Stirling many moons ago!!! Need I say more. And what better opportunity to cook them but for Burns Night.
So I invited my friends around, her husband being a true Scot and started to think up ways of cooking it...them!!! In the end I went onto the internet to search for recipes. And I want to share this one with you as I think it was great...yes we had it last night. It's a recipe that was devised by Mary Contini of Valvona & Crolla fame...so here goes....please do try it..it's fab:
Ingredients:
1 haggis

1 jar of sweet pickled beetroot - drained

450gm/1lb of puff pastry

salt & pepper

1 egg beaten

Method:....very easy!!!
Roll out the pastry & cutit into 4 squares.
On each square lay a helping of haggis & several slices of beetroot
Season well
Fold over & sealthe edges with the beaten egg
Glaze with egg and bake in a hot oven until the pastry s golden brown...I used 200C for 35 mins..but pls keep checking

Let me know what you do to celebrate Burns Evening and if you have any favourite recipes. it would be great to know.

We had a jolly good evening and tried something new and different. made us feel good even in the dark days of January!

Valentine Hearts

Only just under 4 weeks to go to Valentines Day and are you wondering what to buy your loved one again this year? Are you fed up with all the commercialisation of it? Would you like to give them something that will last for more than just the day and still be green?

Then why not buy them one of these willow hearts trimmed with re-cycled fabrics and decorated with a reversible fabric heart?

You can buy one of these for just £9.99 + £2.50 p&p directly from me or visit my website: http://www.mrsmaddenmakes.etsy.com/ Take a look, there may be something else that you fancy treating yourself to.

If you are local I can even arrange FREE delivery for you.

Commissions Undertaken

Happy New Year.

Well I did say that I would share with you the commissions that I had been doing up to Christmas. Sorry it's the 14th January and not earlier but yes you've guessed it, I have been hit by the dreaded flu bug and it's really knocked me for six. But I'm determined it's not going to get the better of me and have been dosing myself with lots of medicine and even better, my lovely husband has been taking great care of me too! So there are advantages!!!

Thanks to all for your orders last year and your creative ideas that lead to some fantastic products. Hope everyone liked their Christmas presents. Let me have feedback and any pictures when you have chance and if there is anything I can do for you again please just shout.

So here are a few of the fab things that I have been working on:

Who says APRONS are just for the girls???

1.The "French Waiters" wrap-around apron. This has proved very popular for both men and women. It comes with a large pocket to the front and fits any size. It's quite long too and can come in any colour or pattern combination.

2. Personalised Aprons have also proved extremely popular and fun.

This is one I have done for a very dear friend who has just started a bakery business. Take a look at her website to see a selection of her delicious cakes. Forget the new year diet and treat yourself!!! http://www.sarahsbakery.co.uk/ Take a look but hurry back and see what else I've been up to.....

The cup cake case forms the pocket and the cherry on top is padded and appliqued to give it that 3 dimensional look. Good enough to eat!! ha ha!

This one is for a man who really enjoys cooking and considers himself to be the next Naked Chef!

3. Childrens personalised aprons

It's brilliant to get the kids cooking!

These were for two great little boys who are going to be our chefs of the future! They love baking with Gran and I imagine there will be buns galore this year!

If you know of any other budding chefs and would like to get them an apron, just let me have their measurements from their neck to 3" below their knee and I will work out a cost for you depending on the number of letters in their names to: info@bevmadden.com

4. The NEW TABARD pini

The colourful cotton tabard is sooo easy to wear. It just pops over your head and hey you're ready to go....whizzing round the house....cooking or cleaning or whatever you need to do. It ties at the side and comes with 2 large pockets for carrying all you need with you. It brightens up even the dullest day and makes even the hardest and ugliest chores seem a doddle!

Talking of chores, these wonderful LAUNDRY BAGS will make your life easier and your rooms tidier. They can be personalised with anything that you want.

OOHHH SOOOO sweet.....DOLLS BUNK BED BEDDING...who'd have thought it?

The set comprises of 2 frilled reversible duvets and 2 frilled pillows together with spotty bottom sheets. Some dollies were in for treat this Christmas. Would have loved to have seen the little girls faces on Christmas morning.

Want to keep out those DRAUGHTS and SAVE MONEY on your fuel bills? Then why not invest in some of these DRAUGHT EXCLUDERS?

They can be made to any size and can co-ordinate with your existing colour scheme. Novelty doggy ones are also available.

PERSONALISED CUSHIONS

This delightful cushion was made using a piece of vintage English embroidery, appliqued with a heart, embroidered with a saying and backed with some really trendy stripey co-ordinated fabric. It's removable so fully washable too.

So as you can see December was quite a busy month. January appears to be quite busy too but before I start in earnest with all the exciting ideas I have been developing over the break, I really must tidy up, sort and organise my studio or otherwise you may find me buried under a mountain of fabric.... watch out for my next update which will help make your life run more smoothly!!

All for now

Bev