News and Events

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Craft Fairs for 2016

All of TDE’s craft fairs via the Livingston Crafts Association are now over for the current year. I had a lovely time, both here in Livingston at St Margaret’s Academy and in Linlithgow at the Masonic Halls. Catching up with previous customers and meeting new faces is so much fun. It’s always deeply appreciated that people are willing to brave our infamous weather and come to check out all the handmade crafts on display. A huge thank you for your business and for the wonderful feedback.

Taking part in craft fairs is definitely an ongoing learning experience and 2016 saw me make several improvements to my craft tables. I’m delighted with my new banner and also enjoyed playing with different layouts, introducing more levels to best display my products. The positive comments I received from visitors made the effort very worthwhile. I’m looking forward to 2017’s fairs.

Christmas Posting and Deliveries

The last UK posting dates for 2016 are fast approaching. Second Class mail will be going out by Tuesday 20th and First Class mail will be dispatched by Wednesday 21st. I’m happy to post after these dates if requested but be aware that there’s no guarantee they’ll be received in time for Christmas. Last posting dates for non UK deliveries can be found on my Facebook page HERE – just click the link.

by Lou Leave a Comment

Crafting for Christmas – End of the Year Rapidly Approaches

I have no idea where 2014 has vanished to but we’re only a matter of weeks away from the Festive Season and the buying frenzy which is Christmas Shopping… arghhh! I will hold my hands up and admit that I prefer to buy as much as possible online or at craft fairs and I completely avoid the town centre and retail parks if possible. What’s your preference? Drop me a comment to let me know. It’s something that fascinates me as we have such varying reactions to the entire concept of Christmas and shopping for presents.

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by Lou Leave a Comment

The Handcrafters’ BIG Giveaway

Perfect timing for this news in the run up to Christmas I think and hopefully my readers will all agree! Introducing:-

The Handcrafters’ BIG Giveaway!

Launching today, this is a massive collective giveaway featuring 12 amazing prizes for 1 very lucky winner. Yep! You heard me correctly. 1 person will walk away with ALL of the prizes.

Sandy McSlushy – Needle felted collectible

Every prize that is included has been handmade with love and care (not to mention blood, sweat and tears) by a wide variety of talented UK handcrafters, including yours truly, Thistle Dubh Ewe! Each product is made from top quality materials and is completely unique. You could treat yourself to some goodies or hand them out as last minute Christmas gifts for friends and family… it’s entirely up to you. Here’s a preview of just one of the prizes:-

Niobium Necklace handcrafted by Jewellery My Design

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by Lou Leave a Comment

Wovember, Movember, Craft Stash and Craft Fairs!

Another busy month here in rather rainy Scotland. Winter is on its way with crisp mornings, lots of rain and the inevitable “nights fair drawin’ in” darkness. Definitely time to pull out those winter woolies.

Wovember 2013 Arrives

Despite that there’s lots of crafty fun and goodness to be had, not least with the start of Wovember and its celebration of all things truly wooly! If you haven’t come across this term before, pop on over to the Wovember blog where you can read all about it and find lots of interesting articles on growing, harvesting, processing, working with and wearing wool! I recommend grabbing a cuppa and some cookies before you start as it may take some time.

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by Lou Leave a Comment

Craft Kit Review – Sheep Cushion

When I was at the Creative Stitches and Hobbycrafts show at the SECC in March this year, I picked up this adorable cushion kit from Fiddlesticks Fabrics of Ballyclare. I may have mentioned a penchant for sheep-ish items and this was one of them. Featuring 3 applique sheep in some very stylish black and white swirl fabrics, I was curious to see just how easy it would be to make.

On opening the kit I found

a set of instructions
3 sets of applique fabric pieces to make the sheep
6 white buttons for the eyes
fabric for making up the cushion front and back

The cushion fabric itself was generously cut with more than enough to make the 3 pieces and their respective seam allowances as required. I do recommend using dressmaking scissors for this to get the best and easiest cut through the fabric. I didn’t have any and waited till I’d bought some before attempting the job. The cushion is a very simple envelope style so it’s geared towards being a suitable starting point for beginners. No complicated sewing involved, just straightforward hemming.