The temperature has finally dropped (I’m not at all pleased) however, my spring/summer plants are still thriving and producing lots of healthy flowers (I guess talking to them does work). I had no idea I have a green thumb:). Although it is getting darker earlier, I still love living in the country. It’s like seeing another side to your environment that is even more beautiful. Where I live is totally hidden for the main town area (which is very touristy /old fashioned yet, artsy) and it feels like being in a world of your own.  The fells look amazing when it’s misty. 

It rained today in the afternoon and when it seized a massive rainbow appeared. The interesting thing was it appeared to be two bows almost intertwined. I had to get hubby to take a look as I thought I was seeing things. He confirmed what I saw and too was amazed. After standing in one place staring at the rainbow for what seemed like a minute (which actually was 10 minutes), I felt inspired to crochet like mad, update my candle website and start building my accessories site. I got through a lot today. I took that vision as good luck and a sign of more great things to come.

Now I’m sitting in my modern living room (the only room in my cottage that’s decorated this way) drinking amazing Italian coffee and feeling like the updated version of the woman living in the gingerbread cottage surrounded by yarn, fabric and candle wax.

M.x

Hello all,

Been in hibernation for a few months (following the old grisly bear). DH and I finally packed our things said our farewell to London and moved to the glorious countryside (South Lakeland). What a beautiful place it is… Everyday I wake up feeling luck about living in such beautiful surroundings. It’s a total change from the city life but, a good one. We’ve also experienced a burst of inspiration since the move. There are so many creative and talented people who are more than willing to help us settle in.

 I decided to take a few months off (from blogging) to network and create lovelier nit bits for my online store. There were so many craft fairs and county shows on over the summer that could do my business good and I will be taking part next year.

At the moment, I’m in talks about opening up a retail shop sell my candles and other wonderful crafts. I’m pretty excited and scared at the same time (after seeing all the £££££) required but, I’m will to take the risk.

That’s all the news for now.

M.x

Hello All,

Long time no speak. Been extremely busy organising my major move to the English countryside. I never expected it to be so much work just finding a house/flat and settling in. I must say the rent is significantly cheaper and what’s great, is you can negotiate on how much you want to pay (never experienced that before). Still on the hunt for the ideal home. Currently it’s a tenants market and I intend on taking advantage of that.

DH (dear husband) and I celebrated our fifth wedding anniversary in mid-January and spent five wonderful days in Venice, Italy. What an amazing place. It’s full of culture, art, good food, breathtaking views and a haunting atmosphere. An ideal place for creative people to get inspiration. While there, I was on ideas overload my diary is filled with sketches and swatches. This was my first trip to Italy and I must say despite the language barrier, many Venetians speak English.  For independent types like DH and I, we found that having a proper map /guide and a good translator was all we needed. We had no problems and the Venetians thought our efforts to speak Italian was nice. On day two DH and I were up early and ready to explore all the knocks and hidden canals in each district.  For a short trip we were able to see a lot. We plan on going again in the summer (for longer) and this time take things slowly.

February was also an eventful month although it’s the month I celebrate my b-day, that’s when DH and I decided to take that major step to moving to the country. We did a lot of travelling back and forth just to get a feel of the environment and to also see if we could settle there for the rest of our lives. The answer is maybe. We certainly want to live there at the moment but, as I’m American we also would like to settle in the USA a few months out of the year too. We’ll have to take things slow and plan wisely.

The crafting never stops and I love every moment. Been making lots of flowers, clutch purses, tote bags, candles, soaps and bath salts. Also dabbling in natural hair care products (testing at the mo). It’s that time again when the craft fairs and trade shows begin and I’m working hard to get into the major shows while there are spaces available.

That’s all for now!

M.x

    Hi All,

Just another long overdue update… I have attended the Christmas craft fair at the Lauderdale House in Highgate London and it was a success.  My stall was on the upper level and was beautifully arranged.  Many people were amazed by our candles as the wax absorbed nicely into their skin and actually made it feel baby soft.  What was really impressive was the candles could be burned as a regular scented candle or if you are having a romantic night in, give that special someone a body massage by just dipping your finger in the melted wax and massage away.  One customer said she suffers from excessive dry skin and liked the natural ingredients in our candles which have healing properties.  She uses it on her dry spots and it works a charm. That certainly put a smile on my face!

Not only were the candles selling well but our natural soaps were selling off the wall.  A vegan customer approached my stall wanting to know the exact ingredients in our soaps and that it had no trace or animal fat or animal related process. I assured her (being an ex-strict vegan myself) that I understand her concept and that none or our products has any animal fat or the process of making our products has anything to do with animals. She was impressed and purchased a dozen soaps and 6 candles.

My mission is to have customers benefit from using our products with Grade A natural ingredients and the best combination that would promote healthy skin at a more than affordable price. Stop buying unhealthy products that contains ingredients which causes cancer.  If you notice there are many programs about how our food is prepared and that buying the healthier more expensive option is best. But why does that process cost more? Why are chickens treated badly anyway? And that makes it cheap? Healthy well treated food/animals should be reasonably priced and ethical.  I have seen my competitors selling their products at ridiculous prices and not all their ingredients are safe but, people flock in droves to buy a brand name rather than what will help them in the long run (the natural money making trend). 

 I’m currently producing a natural eczema skin cream (my little sister & cousin suffers from this) that has worked wonders in conjunction with a healthy diet that is all natural and leaves skin amazingly soft.   

Think wisely know what you are putting into your body and read your ingredients/labels! If there is something you don’t know or understand look it up online.

M.x

While living in New York I had an assortment of fabric shops to choose from along 36th-38th street between 7th and 8th avenue.  I also frequented shops along Jamaica Avenure, Queens (I found some real cheap jems there).

Now that I have relocated and am living in North London I have found it hard to find fabric shops with impressive cloths & inexpensive.  I visited several shops in Centarl London but the prices were ridiculous.  There is a shop in Wood Green that I visit every now and then just to buy plain cotton (I’m always hoping they would get some decent stock).

I had no choice but to resort to asking my parents to mail swatches from NY and I choose the fabrics then order and have them shipped.  A friend & fellow crafter informed me that the way they do things here is to buy fabrics from markets.  I hate crowds and was not into the idea. Out of sheer desperation, I decided to visit the Walthamstow markert today.  To avoid the crowd I left my flat at 9:00am and got there by 11:00pm. It was busy but not stadium packed. I scoped out the entire market from end to end and found several stalls & shops that sold amazing fabrics from £.75-£6.00 per metre. I felt like I was in my element and bought so much fabric I was struggling with bags on the bus (next time will bring a pulley). My new plan of action is to visit the other london markets and decide which 3 are right for me.

My ” The London Market Guide” lists the follow markets as a good places to buy fabrics.

Berwick Street & Rupert Street
Brixton Market
Broadway
Chalton Street
Chapel Market
Chrisp Street
Church Street
East Street
Kilburn Square
Leather Lane
Lewisham High Street
Lower Marsh
Nag’s Head
Petticoat Lane
Portobello
Queen’s Market
Ridley Road
Roman Road
Shepherd’s Bush
Walthamstow
Whitechapel
Woolwich Market

Hopes this helps someone.

M.x

Dear Friends,

It’s been a while since I last communicated with y’all.  I’ve been working all summer participating in numerous craft fairs and markets.  The experience has been rewarding as I have met other wonderful crafters and amazing customers (looking forward to the festive season). Right now I’m like one of santa’s elves creating nifty bath essentials and handbag accessories for the upcoming season.

I’ve purchased several great fabrics in varoius textures, colours and prints (looks out for our clutch bags & totes). I have also expanded our bath range and included tantalizing scents that will certainly wake your senses.

I have added a few pics of what we have been doing with ourselves hope you like it.

Speak soon.

Michelle Antoinette.x

Here’s one of my favorite songs to listen to while working long hours on the killer sewing machine or slaving in the kitchen making candles….

M.x

I was given that opportunity to photograph this lovely walk way in London.  The woman who maintains the path (a local resident) has a passion for gardening and not only has an eye catching front and back garden of her own, but she also helps her neighbors out. I truly admire her work.. or as she puts it “hobby”.  I can’t help but compliment her on her ability…. Amazing.  I thought I had a green thumb, but this lady make me look bad.  She was kind enough to let me through the gated off pathway and once I was inside it was as if I walked into the perfect English garden.  All my worries and stress disappeared and I could just sit in this path for hours while sipping on lemonade.  Their were all sorts of birds flying by and some even perched on a few plants. WHAT A SIGHT.

Hi All,

I had a productive meeting with my great business adviser Antoino on Monday. He is totally supportive as usual, but when I’m falling short he does put me in my place. I totally respect him for his firm approach (not too many people would get away with that).  After my pleasant hour meeting, I headed straight to the fabric shops.  Yes, I spent a total of 5 hours (which is pretty good for me ) going through everything and trying my best to get a decent discount.  To be honest I pretty much followed my to do list and purchased several cotton fabrics for my bag lining and a few lovely African prints. 

On Tuesday I spent the day creating handbag patterns and started cutting the fabric.  Yesterday I got through cutting the interfacing.  I planned on sewing today but my hands are killing me.  I was really going for it when cutting the fabrics and interfacing.  So, the sewing will take place on Friday. In total I should have 50-80 handbags. 

Over the weekend is candle making time.  I have a few wedding orders to complete (totally on track) and several boutique orders of all our products (candles, soaps, bath salts, body scrubs and massage oils). Luckily, I like making these items in advance (always good to have back up stock of popular products). They do have a very, very long shelf life and seem to get better with age. The scents are absolutely amazing. 

For a bit of couples time I’ll see if my partner wants to get involved in the candle making process. That’s if I can pull him away from editing his film of course.

M.xx