Wednesday, 15 April 2009

Declutter and get Organised

I subscribe to this wonderful newsletter at http://www.spaceorganising.com/ and thought I would share with you some of the tips that Angie freely gives out. And I also thought it would be really useful and inspirational for all those crafters out there like me!

"One great reason to declutter and get organised is so that you can make yourself some space to be creative! Not just being 'arty', but letting what ever it is that inspires and motivates you express who you really are and what you love to do. Whether that be writing, painting or drawing, sewing, crafting or woodworking This month's tips focus on helping you to find and equip your creative space One step at a time, you will be making space for life!"


Go on treat yourself and view Angie's tips now for that mid-week dose of inspiration! http://www.spaceorganising.com/


Copyright 2008 Angie Griffin Space Organising. Professional Organiser Angie Griffin publishes the FREE Space Organising Newsletter. If you are ready to clear your clutter and get your life organised then sign up for your FREE tips now at www.spaceorganising.com


Angie has also featured your's truly with my handcrafted Notice Boards to make all those horrible filing jobs a lot easier. See my "HOW TO" article below:


mrs madden makes.....Bev Madden has been very busy in her studio in Ossett in Yorkshire. She loves to put the heart back into a piece of fabric by giving it a new lease of life. Recycling with love!

Bev says: "Paperwork often gets left lying around and within no time at all it becomes an overwhelming job. Minds can be filled with the pile of unanswered letters on desks and can weigh heavily and eat away at energy levels. I have created an easy to use notice board that's tailored to everyone's needs.

Whether it's a colour you love, a fabric to match the decor or a really popular one that has individual pockets embroidered with relevant titles such as Bills; Bank; School; Party Invites; To Action. It has to be something that you will love to use and will make filing a joy to do"
For lots of vintage-style goodies and some really pretty gifts visit her online shop on etsy.com also on www.notmassproduced.com
Mobile: 0779 959 0371

Friday, 10 April 2009

April Newsletter





April brings all things EXCITING!
Spring into action with
mrs madden makes

Well I have lots, to tell you this month:
My new venture with
http://www.notmassproduced.com/
Wardrobe tips and advice
My NEW line to help with the washing (no pun intended!)
Links to some fantastic artisans

Visit MY NEW SHOP ON:

http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=kecal9cab.0.0.h96yh9cab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.notmassproduced.com%2F&id=preview
Independent Designers for Independent ShoppersLooking for a special Gift? Looking for something original, unique and handmade? Something made by talented artisans, not a soulless factory? Something that looks like you have gone to a lot of trouble finding? You have arrived at your destination!

"Surely the definition of alternative, you won't find any of these gifts in your local House of Fraser." Times on-line, Feb. 2009
"...having a browse can mean discovering some really original and unusual items by UK and European designers." Easy Living May 2009
I'm so excited! Please take a look at my NEW STOCK in the HOUSE section on this fantastic web site:
http://www.notmassproduced.com/
I have also been featured on the HOME PAGE which is an honour indeed!
Everything can now be purchased in sterling, which will make it easier for you to shop. When you click on the link below it will take you to one of my embroidered aprons, and when you scroll down to the bottom of the page there is a tab you can click on that says: Other products from this Artisan.If you have time why not curl up with a nice cup of tea and see what I have to offer. Perhaps treat the chef or cook in your life to a new apron or pinny for Easter?To view please click on this link:
http://www.notmassproduced.com/product/6369643d3637267069643d353934/embroidered-apron.htm

Wardrobe tips and advice
The clocks have gone forward, the lighter nights are here and the weather has got ever so slightly warmer and I'm sure like me your thoughts are turning to what to wear. Out with the layers of winter clothes and in with lighter weights and fresh colours of spring, and what better time to think about sorting our wardrobes than over the Easter holidays?

Here are some fantastic Wardrobe clearing tips from Angie Griffin at Space Organising to get you started.Get readyThrow back the curtains or put on the brightest lights. There is no hiding place for the items that lurk deep within your closet. It may seem cruel to scrutinise your clothes so closely but if they don't stand up to the test, then they have to go Set up a long mirror next to where you put on your clothes. Always check yourself full length, front and back, no matter how painful! Try everything on and take a good look at your face. Are you smiling? If not, toss the item in the 'throw' pile Have a sewing kit on standby. Pins, needle, thread and a few shirt buttons. No time like the presentGet setGet ALL your clothes, underwear, shoes, coats and accessories together from around the house, the car, the laundry basket and the dry cleaning pile. Try everything on and be ruthless! Clothes and shoes that are worn out in any way (unless you are a Heavy Metal fan and under 20 years old) don't make you look casual and bohemian, they make you look freaky and unhinged!Go!There are lots of ways you can make yourself feel better about getting rid of every day items that make you look dreary or those dreadful bargains stuffed at the back of the wardrobe Dress agencies will take clothes in good condition, in season or still have the labels on. Not for the faint hearted! They will be very picky about what their customers will buy Ebay is great if you are prepared to jump through the hoops of photographing, measuring, describing, checking the bids, packaging and sending the goods Car boot sales are a quick and relatively painless way to shift large quantities of clothes. Always hang them on a rail, lay shoes out on a groundsheet or tableCharity shops are a godsend when you want a good clear out. They will take almost anything. Even damaged items are sent for rags and the charity can benefitWomen's refuges are tremendously appreciative of clothes, shoes and accessories. Often women and children have to leave abusive environments with nothing but what they are wearing
To donate to your local branch: http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=kecal9cab.0.0.h96yh9cab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.womensaid.org.uk%2F&id=preview
Get involved and help with fundraising:
http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?t=kecal9cab.0.0.h96yh9cab.0&p=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.refuge.org.uk%2F&id=preview
Professional Organiser Angie Griffin publishes the FREE Space Organising Newsletter. If you are ready to clear your clutter and get your life organised then sign up for your FREE tips now at
http://www.spaceorganising.com/
Copyright 2009 Angie Griffin Space Organising

GET KITTED OUT
Now that you have decluttered and sorted your wardrobe.. only kidding...it is holiday time after all! But I imagine you are now thinking about it? Need to launder any of your Spring clothes so that they will be fresh as a daisy and ready for you to wear as soon as the sun comes out? Doing the washing will never seem such a chore again if you are kitted out in something bright and fun that will inspire you.How about treating yourself to a NEW little aid to make hanging out the washing a lot easier for you?

Well I have designed this new "Peg Pinny".

It has two large re-inforced pockets for your pegs and it's just a matter of tying it around your waist and hey ho you have your hands free to peg the washing on the line. No more fumbling around and looking for pegs.
To buy on line please go to:

Email me if you would like me to make one specially for you to match your colour scheme: info@bevmadden.com

CUP CAKES Galore!!

Take a look at these wonderful cakes from my friend Sarah. I'm sure like me you will find them hard to resist!!!

Contact her at:
sarah@sarahsbakery.co.uk

The Easter Gift Wrapping Parade!
Karen Kaye Party Organising & Gift Wrapping
For those of you giving Easter gifts Karen has handmade some lovely Easter gift bags and excellent Easter Bunny boxes which are ideal for small gifts or for those all important Easter Egg Hunts which are so popular these days.

Easter bunnies are available in pink or yellow, each have an origami folded box "hidden" between the back and front bunny shapes and are finished off with a ribbon round their necks which handily tie the front and back of the box together!

Check out Karen's blog to see all of her lovely goodies:
http://karen-kaye.blogspot.com/

Contact Details
Mobile: 07793061263

And finally I hope you all have a brilliant Easter with lots of sunshine and chocolate!!!!


Please note if you are local to Wakefield I am more than happy to deliver any purchase for you or you are welcome to collect if you are in the vicinity.

I accept Cheques and Paypal. Please make cheques payable to: Bev Madden
When you place your order, I will send you an invoice with a PayPal function.

Ring Bearer Pillow

With the wedding season upon us let me share with you my latest creation.......
Something old, something new!
What better treasure than this beautiful vintage embroidered ring bearer pillow for your special day?
A lovely bouquet of flowers enhanced with the words:"With this ring I thee wed"An ivory satin heart and ribbon will hold your ring or rings in place until the right moment.The linen cover is removable and measures 14"/36cms square. It comes complete with a cushion pad.
If you would like to purchase this please go to my shop on not mass produced. com
Or if you want one personalised please email me your details to:

Monday, 6 April 2009

A TUSCAN LANDSCAPE

What a lovely weekend I had! I spent Saturday learning a new craft - using my water colour skills and combining them with my embroidery skills - and by the end of the afternoon coming out with this picture.
It needs stretching before I can frame it, but I just thought I would share my experience with you. I am now raring to go and try these techniques out on some fabulous paintings of Cape Town from my recent holiday...watch this space.
I am also going to try and combine them to make "Keepsake" pictures for births, weddings and christenings. Oh if there was only 48 hours in each day!!!
The day was run by Felicity Owens at Abakhan in North Wales: for a list of their courses go to:
www.abakhan.co.uk
She was fantastic and very inspirational. Only 11 people in the group which meant that you got individual attention and you got to meet a lot of lovely like-minded people

Wednesday, 1 April 2009