Hello

This post is titled "Hello" as I have been away so long it seems appropriate. I have spent a while dipping in and out of things such as Instagram and Pinterest and have been happy doing so. However, I recently felt the urge to write again, so I am back and feeling good about creating a balance between various social networking and the things it can do. 

There's a lot to catch up on, and so I'm going to start a mini series to update you on a few things.

 This one, the first is just ME. I'm more or less the same, although feeling older and strangely more calm and content. At Christmas time I had what was, for me, quite a big haircut. I didn't plan it, just sat in the chair and told her to keep chopping. So she did, and I'm quite pleased, it feels healthier and thicker. I'm sure in a couple of months when the sun is shining I will crave my longer, wavy locks but for the moment, this is neat and I like it.

Work is still a massive part of my life and I have to remind myself to take a step back and do other things. I do love my job though and I'm lucky that it allows me to be creative in so many different ways. 

Over the last year I have come to love sending snail mail across the world, it's allowed me to get to know like minded people and not only allows me to write, but to be creative, sending artistic love and wishes in short, captured moments of time. 

Call back for the next update. 

Thanks for reading.

Rachel xxx

Handmade Heart Swap

I have posted about my love of heart shaped/themed items before and so was eager to be involved in Mary Poppins Handmade Heart swap.



I received my lovely parcel from Helene a few weeks ago, but have only just got the chance to post about it.

I was very excited about the swap as it is the first I have been involved in since joining Bloggerland!

I was definitely not disappointed. Here are a few of the things I got.

This was the main item of the package and most definitely my favourite! Helene corcheted this gorgeous floral hanger with beads and heart at the bottom. Her crochet is so neat and tidy and she picked gorgeous colours. It's now hanging in my bedroom.

She also crocheted me this lovely stuffed red heart.

Here are a few other things she sent. Some polka dot fabric, pom pom trim (which I love), some ribbon with hearts on, and some blue and cream ribbon. She also sent a cute little crocheted heart keyring.

Thanks Helene! If you like your package just half as much as I like mine I'll be happy!

Love Rachel x

Thank-You and New Look!

This is a thank-you post for Artwork by Angie.

Way back towards the beginning of the year I contacted her after seeing her fabulous work and asked if she would create some artwork for my blog, including a logo and a background design. She put me on her waiting list and finally at the end of June my turn came. Yesterday, I was expecting to see my proofs so kept checking my e-mails eagerly. I was soooo thrilled with the designs Angie sent, I haven't met her in person but she managed to capture exactly what I wanted only by communicating via e-mail and sending various attachments.

Although I dont have a proper business, I do make items for people and as gifts and I decided it would be nice to have some branding to go with them.

Here is my new logo which has also been used as my blog header, she created the gorgeous new floral blog background and designs for business cards. What do you think? I am going to head over to moo.com for some mini moo cards and some stickers!

Thanks again Angie!!

Back Soon

Just a quick message to say I haven't disappeared. Just very very busy with work at the moment. I'll be back soon and am saving things up to blog about.

I'm also very much looking forward to having a new look to my blog,as I've got Artwork by Angie on the case :). 

Here is a nice picture to keep you going. I LOVE pom pom trim. These cushions are so simple but gorgeous.

Advice

I'm new to the blogging 'thing'. I decided to start writing a blog as I found myself being directed to so many inspirational blogs and wanted to be apart of it. Thing is,I don't think I'm doing very well at it!

I am very grateful to those of you who have decided to follow me, but I was wondering if you could direct me to any ways of getting more followers or interest on my blog?

I have myself followed blogs, I have also commented on a large array of blogs. I know my header and background aren't great and I have got someone to work on that for me but it won't be for a couple of months or so.

Anyway, any positive criticism would be warmly welcomed.

Thank-you

Rachel x