Talking of book projects.....

While I was in Chicago for Renegage I came across this lovely book. We went to a really nice bookshop in Oak Park, I cant remember the name of it but it was a ladies name? Anyway it was the first night we were there, we had been out for food and it was the nasty drag when you get to the US from the UK where you are really tired but shouldnt go to bed as you need to try to get your body clock adjusted. We wandered into the shop at around 9.30 which really should have been around 4.30am at home.

Anyway, I was really impressed as they had newts in a tank in the shop and I hadnt seen newts for a long time. Infact I may be wrong but I think newts are pretty hard to come by in the UK now?

So anyway I saw this book and thought I really should get it. Its by Aranzi Aronzo

Since buying the book I have seen quite a few more of their books, but this one is full of little projects to make felt mascots. They are very cute although I'm not too sure about the one called kidnapper who really is a kidnapper!

I was watching a film last night so I decided to have a go at a little felt mascot. I havent done anything like this since I was little and used to make fur animals from kits. So I made the little rabbits you see above last night. I think the white one looks a bit miserable! Anyway I highly recommend it and its super easy to follow and there are lots of little cuties to make. I think the little rabbits will be part of a little project for a friend......

Anna, Custom Made

Custom Made Mailing List..........

Hi there,

If you want to join the Custom Made mailing list to find out about new products, Custom Made news and competitons to wins stuff just email mail@custommadeuk.com and type "sign me up" in the subject box.

thanks....

Anna, CM

Making Stuff for Kids.....

I think I have mostly recoved from my trip to Chicago except for a little bit of jetlag.

Boo.

Anyway what seems like ages ago now a very nice lady called Victoria asked me to contribute a craft project to a book she was editing. I met Victoria at a craft fair at the Here Gallery in Bristol organised by Camilla another very nice lady. The book is called Making Stuff For Kids and it features lots of projects to make with or for your kids. I guess there is a clue in the title? Anyway time flies and the book is out very soon. I reckon any parent worth their salt should get one of these. I wouldnt be who I am today if I hadnt spent many a day making stuff with my Mum. So you should all go out and get one right?

The book is available for pre-order on Amazon and you can read all about it HERE so get ordering and you can see the rather cute thing I have created for you to create!

Anna, Custom Made

Renegade Craft Fair!!!!!

Wow!

We had such a good time at Renegade Craft Fair! It was just the best. Custom Made really went down a storm, we sold lots of stuff, had wholesale orders and enquires and just met loads of lovely people! My brilliant helper (Anthony) was a great help, selling, tidying, getting food and drinks and change and generally chatting with customers! It was such an amazing sight, all the little tents with all the people. It was rammed both days.

Oh and if you are in Chicago and shop at Renegade Handmade, I dropped new stock off there too on Monday. If you have never been there, you should go cos its the nicest shop EVER!!!!

I also bought some very lovely things (between serving customers etc etc!!) My fave thing was a super duper scarf from Smitten Kitten It says "I heart winter on one side and "bah humbug" on the other! It also has two very cute kittens on it! I bought lots of lovely things from Craftpaca Her stuff is so fantastic, and some lovely mirrors from My Favourite Mirror I bought them as gifts but I dont want to give them away!!! I bought the one below for my friend as she has a ginger cat called Dave.
So check out the links, thats it for now. I have orders coming out of my ears to back to work I go!

Anna, Custom Made

Renegade Craft Fair Chicago 2007!

Renegade Craft Fair at Division and Damen St, this was the start of the fair. I tried to get a pic of the sea of tents and the sea of people but failed. It was a very cool sight!

Custom Made neatness! Got to have a neat table. I always get teased about my neatness but it seems I am not the only one with this view. I was talking to my neighbour Jenny of Sublime Stitching and she is has the same neat gene so its not only me!!


This was early on Sunday, Custom Made and our nice neighbours Sublime Stitching. The ladies behind us were very nice too as were our other neighbours Diverso. Its good to have nice neighbours! Two booths down was Catia Chien who was also staying in our B&B in the room next to us which was a big coincidence! Her paintings are amazing!

Another busy street scene and the sea of booths. This again was pretty early on Sunday....

Busy Custom Made.....

Me in the Custom Made booth...not sure what my hand is doing!

Custom Made will be away for a week!

Hi there,

As you may already know if you read this blog, Custom Made is taking a little trip! We will be away from Tuesday 11th Sept- Tuesday 18th Sept. Any orders placed in this time will ship on the 18th September- thanks!
If you are in the US come and visit us at Renegade Craft Fair in Chicago on the 15th and 16th of September Booth 8!!

Anna, Custom Made xx

Stall sign!

Only a few days now until we are off to Chicago. Here is this afternoons little project! My sign for my booth. Its only half of it of course!

Anna, CM xx