The "It's Darling!" Fair

Handmade Shopping Evening at Bradford on Avon

2011-11-28T02:07:00.001-08:00

Phew, we can't believe that the Bath Christmas Fair is over and it's already the night before our Christmas Handmade Shopping Evening with Jumble Jelly in Bradford on Avon.

If you don't know the shop, it's well worth a visit. It's full of gorgeous yarns and crafty bits and pieces and run by two lovely ladies, Debbie and Rox who are really looking forward to meeting lots of new traders and customers tomorrow night. Here's a pic of the stall they had at the last fair so you can get an idea of what they sell.

If you are in the area tomorrow make sure you stay for the switching on of the Christmas lights and late-night shopping. Pop in and see us between 12pm and 9pm for festive fun and mince-pies. We will have the following traders there:

Upstairs

Nanny K - Millinery & accessories

Ben Rothery Illustrator - cards and bags with original illustrations

Kelly Bevan - collages

Acorn to Home - handmade wooden chopping boards

Funky Wombat Designs - handmade bags and accessories

Mrs Stokes Vintage China - vintage teasets and cake-stands

Miss Jenny Barnett - felt animals and textiles

Downstairs

Texworks - upcycled vintage clothes

And three Jumble Jelly regular suppliers

Blue Kiln Beads - handmade beads

Lou Butt Designs

Alexa

The Address is

10 Silver Street
Bradford on Avon
BA15 1JY

01225 866 033

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Megan and Mona

2011-11-19T11:54:00.001-08:00

We love new traders..but we adore our regular traders too, like Kate Barlow from Wales who will be selling with us for her third time tomorrow. Please come down to the Guildhall to see her and her fabulous wares.

Hello Kate, for those who don't know, what do you make?

Tea cosies, pin cushions, brooches, cards, cushions and lots of other things.

What is your business/stallname?

My stall name is Megan andMona, named after my grandmothers.

Where do you live?

I’m from North Walesoriginally but have lived in Cardiff for over 10 years.

Have you ever sold at It’sdarling! before?

This will be my third time atIt’s Darling! It’s a fabulous showcase for quality handmade items and I find itreally hard not to spend all my profits at other peoples stalls!

Tell us about what you selland the source of your inspiration?

I use a mixture of new,vintage and up-cycled materials to create unique handmade items. I don’t makelots of the same thing, mainly because vintage materials come in limitedamounts and also because I’m always impatient to move onto the next idea.

I love looking through oldmagazines from the 1940s and 50s, they’re full of crafty projects that can beadapted with a more modern twist.

What is your mostaffordable/value for money item and what is your most favourite?

My prices range from around£5 for corsages up to £45 for cushions, there’s something to suit all budgets.This year I’ve made some lovely little heart brooches from scraps of woolfabric that would make great stocking fillers, some gorgeous crochet hookrolls complete with hooks, and lovely vintage inspired pin cushions.

What are your top three tipsfor Christmas shopping/present giving ?

Get yourself to It’sDarling! this weekend where you’re sure to find all your presents under oneroof.

Reward yourself with amince pie and a large glass of mulled cider.

Then while everyone else ispanic buying on the 24th you can feel smug in the knowledge that you’ve beatenthe Christmas rush,bought some fabulous gifts and supported handmade crafts!

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Betty Belle's Keepsakes

2011-11-18T14:39:00.001-08:00

Ahh here's another lovely lady who has visited our event before and loved it so much she decided to have her own stall. Meet Lisa Eaton aka Betty Belle's Keepsakes who will be there on Saturday 19th only.

Hi Lisa, why are you joining us this time?

I visited ‘It’s darling’ fair in June andimmediately fell in love with the stall holders and the event. I bought somegorgeous handmade gifts and would have kept buying if my budget had allowed!

Tell us about what you sell and why/where do you get yourinspiration?

I will selling a selection of gorgeous Driftwood, sea pottery, seaglass jewellery and ornaments, fabric lined tote bags, vintage inspiredjewellery, antique message in the bottle, children’s PVC aprons, vintage teacup pin cushions and candles and little wooden angels.

I get my inspiration from my late Gramma Betty Belle. Shewas an amazing self taught seamstress and crafter who made the most beautifulthings for her family and friends.

What is your most affordable item and whatis your favourite?

The most affordable value item wouldprobably be one of my wooden Angels. I do them for the love of it, rather thanhow much time it takes me, so luckily for the buyer they can be bought at costprice. Other than the angels, I have two favourite products that always seem tofly off my shelves – the driftwood/sea pottery hearts and the sterling silversea pottery/sea glass pearl jewellery. I think the reason for their popularityis that there is no better ‘wow’ than what nature produces!

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving?

If you can’t orhaven’t time to make a gift yourself then buy it from someone who has. I thinkpeople love receiving a gift that they know took time and care to make. I thinkif we choose mainstream shopping then we should try as much as we can to ensurethat what we buy is fairly traded.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Therolling hills to go sledging on when it snows!

Contact details : Lisa Eaton 01225 443023 email: lisaeaton@talktalk.net

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Funky Wombat Designs

2011-11-18T14:11:00.001-08:00

It's getting closer..in fact..it's tomorrow! There are still stallholders to read about though, starting with Maia Rees from Funky Wombat Designs who will be there all weekend.

She sells handmade bags, banners and accessories in a variety offabrics both vintage and new.

Tell us about what you sell and why/where do you get yourinspiration?

I sell bags, banners, leather jewellery and accessories. Thebags are made in a variety of vintage and new fabrics, in very limited runs, Iwill only make a handful in each fabric, and even then the linings will bevaried. I like the idea of making an almost unique item that someone will seeand want to buy; I therefore try and make them all affordable for the impulsebuyer. The banners stemmed fromthe sign I made for my stall. A friend saw it and commissioned one for herdaughter!!

What is your most value-for-money item and whatis your most favourite?

My most affordable items are the knitted brooches/hairaccessories/ bag charms that I make when I am unable to use my sewing machine.My knitting bag travels everywhere with me. All my bags are great value for money, and at the moment Ihave two favourites, the black velvet with cow print interior, and a gorgeousTattoo print one, they definitely have the wow factor!

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving?

Sometimes less is more, I never worry about how much orlittle I have spent on a person as long as I know that they will love what Ihave bought them.

Beautiful handmade soap is a fantastic gift for a hard-to-buy-for female relative, even if she never uses it the bathroom will smelllovely.

Chances are if you are buying from a craft fair, your itemswill have been made with a lot of love and thought, and will have been made inlimited quantities, a much nicer gift than something mass produced in China!!!

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

I love the strange eerie mists that we get down here, veryethereal and ghostly, we are lucky enough to live with a view of GlastonburyTor from our house, to see it rise out of the mists on a cold winter's morningis magical.

For more info about Maia go to www.funkywombatdesigns.co.uk

07969319013 maiarees@sky.com

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with The Joy Of Hooping

2011-11-17T03:07:00.001-08:00

It's darling! prides itself on finding unusual creative talent, excellently skilled craftspeople, vintage traders with taste and a passion for service and also...fun! Which is why we're so pleased to introduce you to Emilie Joy Rowell, Hula Hoop maker and teacher. If you're lucky she might give you a demo so come along and look for The Joy of Hooping stall!

Tell us about what yousell and what inspired you to start.

I make hula hoops forgrown-ups. My inspiration to hoop came from going to see the formidable GraceJones play. She hooped her way through ‘Slave to the Rythym’ and I decided thatlife was missing a hula-hoop. I’ve been hoop dancing and hoop making for over two years now. I love moving with the hoop creatively and in making hoops I get toplay with colour and texture in the designs.

What is your most value-for-money item and what is your most favourite?

My grippy practice hoopsstart at £14 for adult hoops, kids hoops are from £9, they’re also great forplaying with on your hands/arms. My favoutire hoops are the super-bling shinyones and the Bat Hoop (guess what colours that one is!)

What are your top threetips for Christmas shopping/present giving?

Enjoy giving. If shopping on the high street is stressing you out find another way! Think about the person you’re buying for and what they could need in their life.

If you’re buying for someone who has everything, sometimes something that they can do or experience is a better gift than more objects.

Half of the fun is the childlike joy of ripping open lovingly wrapped parcels on Xmas morning, we have a family tradition of expanding the fun… Everyone busy a silly gift for under a fiver. It can take the pressure off buying that perfect gift (sssssh, don’t tell anyone but sometimes they’re the best things to get).

What is most darlingabout the South West in Winter?

I love sneaking out oftown and playing in the countryside, especially enjoying wintry sunsets throughthe trees at Ashton Court or Westonbirt Arboretum.

For more information about hoops and classes contact:

www.thejoyofhoping.com

play@thejoyofhooping.com

07989411573

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Natty Deco

2011-11-16T00:53:00.001-08:00

Ho Ho Ho it wouldn't be Christmas without a reindeer or two...so come and see Maggie Powell and her laser-etched wooden decorations to bring the season home.

Hi Maggie, what do you call your business?

Natty Deco.

Tell us about what you sell and yourinspiration?

I make laser-etched wooden buttons and decos. I wanted to make something that used up scraps of materials that were otherwise been thrown away. I love Scandinavian, Swiss, and Japanese Design; plusscouting around old churches looking at tiles and wood carvings.

What is your favourite item?

Hair Garlands are my personal favourite and popular withvisitors too.

What are your top tips for Christmas?

Food or Wine everytime!

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

When it snows.

For more information contact nattydeco@hotmail.co.uk or come and see Maggie at the Guildhall on the 19th & 20th November.

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Passionflower Creations

2011-11-15T16:42:00.001-08:00

VashtiMayne from Weston in Bath embodies the artistic spirit of It's darling! and will be at the Guildhall on Saturday and Sunday with her wonderfully inventive jewellery, accessories and fascintators. Don't miss her!

Tell us about what you sell and describe yourinspiration.

I make and sell jewellery and accessories, includingfascinators. I love making my products and have always been a crafter. I lovethe unusual and quirky as well as the refined and elegant, so my products are aheady mix. I have a background in sculpture and installation art, whichprovides a lot of my inspiration, though I also love fringe fashion.

What is your most affordable item and whatis your favourite?

My cheapest items are my butterfly hairclips at £2.50 each.My favourites have to be the mini-top-hats I make, as they are all so quirkyand original.

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/present giving?

It's not how muchmoney you spend on a present that matters, but how well thought out it is.Bearing in mind someone's personality and hobbies/interests try to findsomething that shows some insight into them. Many local artisans like myself will create bespoke itemsspecifically tailored to the person, as the gift will have been createdespecially for them they tend to be treasured by the reciever.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Whenthe rolling hills are covered in snow.

For more information go to;

http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100001748605722 and

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Passionflower-Creations/202244459803168

www.passionflowercreations.co.uk

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Crown and Glory

2011-11-15T10:07:00.001-08:00

Just look at these wonderful headbands - all made by Sophie King from Crown and Glory. She is coming all the way from Cornwall so make sure you pop along and say hi - and buy some of her amazing designs on Sunday 20th.

Hello Sophie, tell us about what you sell and your inspiration.

Crown & Glory was born in 2010 from my absolute obsession with hair accessories. From whimsical floral garlands to rockabilly pin up sets and everything in between, Crown and Glory's mission is to add that unique, finishing touch to every outfit. Each piece is lovingly designed and handmade by me, in low product runs, and available on a variety of attachments - combs, headbands, hairclips - to ensure you have a bespoke experience.

What is your most value-for-money item and what is your favourite?

Our fair exclusive, Build Your Own Bobby Pin Set, is a great pocket money feature. My favourite item to date is The Tachinator - a glitter mustache fascinator, from which we're donating 25% of profits from the sale of this item direct to Movember throughout November.

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/present giving?

This year I'm trying to give exclusively handmade gifts - either by myself or other wonderful sellers - the girls are easy, but I'm struggling to find stuff for my brand-name loving partner!

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Wrapping up warm and going for a nice long walk in the country, stopping off at a lovely little fire-lit pub for a spot of lunch and working it off walking back again. Bliss!

For more details about Crown and Glory click here

Meet the stallholders....Christmas Shopping with Village Green Soaps

2011-11-14T01:47:00.001-08:00

While you'll be able to make bath bombs at the fair, on Saturday 19th you'll also be able to buy handmade soap with no nasties, from Gloucestershire natural cosmetics maker, Village Green Soaps. Here's the owner Karen who will also be selling soy wax candles, bath salts, bath bombs and gift bags.

Have you ever sold at It’s darling! before?

I haven’t, but I have visited andloved the experience. I came inJuly with my daughter who was thrilled when she found what she said was‘vintage’ copy of her favourite book ‘Wuthering Heights’ The book was inscribed and hadpreviously belonged to someone who lived a few streets away from where her Dad grewup and now believes she was destined to own that particular book – sweet.

Tell us about what you sell and why.

My soaps are made in the traditional old fashioned coldprocess method using the finest sustainable vegetable oils blended with pureessential oils. They have noartificial fragrances, additives, preservatives or chemicals in them and I amproud to say that. Your skin is preciousand you should know what goes onto it.

I make every bar myself and hand cut and wrap each one withcare and love. No two soaps will ever be exactly the same in size, shape orsmell and that is also part of the handmade experience that my customers tellme that they enjoy.

What is your most value-for-money item and whatis your favourite?

From the simple bath bomb to one of my bars of soap, all of my products are made with natural ingredients and I’m hoping that once you try them yourskin will tell you that it ‘feels great.’

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving?

1. Buysomething that you would love to receive yourself no matter how small. If youlike it the person you’re buying it for will too.

2. Lookin places you wouldn’t normally go into. I recently bought a dress in a place I’ve always thought wasn’t for meand do you know that it’s the most commented on item I own and I feel greatwearing it. So spread your wings and try new places.

3. Thisyear I’m saying buy handmade in the UK or from independents. Support local and you’ll be glad youdid.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

I’m originally from the North but am always pleased to seethe pretty Cotswold towns and villages in winter with their displays andlights. The enchanted woodlands ofWestonbirt are a must visit during the Christmas period.

For more information about Village Green Soaps click here.

Meet the stallholders....Christmas Shopping with Bunny Jump

2011-11-13T09:14:00.001-08:00

It's Sunday night and time for something a bit cheeky to cheer you up before you go back to work. Meet Bath-based Bridget from Bunny Jump, a self-proclaimed It's darling! Virgin who makes lovely lingerie and will be at The Guildhall next Saturday. Read all about her and don't forget to withdraw your spending money, pre-book your tea-leaf reading, sign-up for your bath-bomb workshop discount ticket and enter the £10 shopping voucher prize draw. Remember the first 50 to turn up with a RSVP ticket receive a goodie bag with a free back issue of Mollie Makes magazine. The countdown has begun!

Bridget from Bunny Jump gets festive

Tell us about what you sell and yourinspiration?

Imake panties. Lots of panties. I make them out of pretty muchanything and everything!I love hunting down unusualfabrics, or designing fabrics that are a little quirky. I also love findingcool vintage fabrics and unique charms to stitch onto them.It’s my aim to make people smilewith everything I make.

Bridget wants her work to make you smile

What is your most value-for-money item and what is your favourite?

Everything is priced at £15 each. I liketo think that I make something for everyone, so there’s a really wide range. If I had to pick a favourite, itwould probably be the retro pin-up girl panties or the Star Trek ones..... Orperhaps the vintage Star Wars fabric ones.... (I could go on?...)

The retro pin-up knickers are her favourite

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving?

I always try and buy peoplethings they wouldn’t normally buy for themselves. Something that will make themsmile. The more indulgent the better!! Of all the presents that I’vegiven friends and family over the years, the homemade ones have always been themost cherished (and cheapest!). I also have very fond memories of a disastrouschocolate making session with the kids one Christmas... I think that year wemay have bought chocolates instead!! Making gifts has become one of our familyChristmas traditions.

I love the hustle and bustle of ashopping trip to London in the run up to Christmas... but the ultimate shoppingexperience has to be being tucked up in the warm with the internet, a mug ofhot chocolate (with whipped cream... obviously), a real fire, a fabulousscented candle burning and some gorgeous Christmas music playing. Perfect.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Bath in the winter is stunning.The Royal Crescent in the snow. The city centre with the Christmas lights on.All the quirky boutique shops and the Christmas market. There’s alwayssomething on. My favourite new Christmastradition is to go and see ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’ at the Little Theatre cinema.I love it!!

To find out more e-mail:bridget@bunnyjump.co.uk or join the Facebook page.

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Kelly Bevan

2011-11-09T08:51:00.000-08:00

Original artwork always plays a big part in our fairs so we are proud to announce that Kelly Bevan will be selling with us at the Guildhall on Sunday 20th November AND Jumble Jelly on the 29th November. So you will have two chances to appreciate her greatness!

Artist Kelly Bevan

Hi Kelly, tell us about what you sell and what inspires you

I sell collages made from butterfly cut-outs which can bemade in any colour, collages made with postage stamps I have lots of ideas inmy head for those but just need to find the right stamps! Also signed prints of myoriginal drawings/doodles which are mainly black and white, but can’t resistcolouring them sometimes. I get lots of inspiration from shapes formed innature. I also sell greetings cards with prints of my original design/ drawingson, and some die cut items in felt mainly for people to use in their owncrafts.

Hand cut butterflies £60 framed

What is your most affordable/value for money item and whatis your most wow one?

I’d said the mostaffordable ones are the signed prints they are not limited edition and only £5each. I’d said my most impressive is the Union Flag made of used postage stampsthis is still a steal at £80 framed

Union Flag £80 framed

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving?

1. Only give gifts you’d be happy to be given yourself.

2. Plan ahead, do not leave shopping until the last minute.

3. Buy original and unusual items where possible.

Signed horse print £5 or £20 framed

To contact Kelly Bevan call 07794240415

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Refound Reloved

2011-11-07T15:13:00.000-08:00

When we set up "It's darling!" in July 2010, we did so because we love handmade AND vintage. So we are always very happy to welcome vintage traders along as they always have such amazing finds. This Christmas we have some brilliant traders, starting with the wonderful RefoundReloved.

Tell us about yourselves.

We're Katy & Bronia and we will be at the fair on Saturday and Sunday.We sell a mix of vintage finds, some of which have been given a makeover by us,some left alone as they are just lovely already. We also sell a few handmadebits using vintage fabrics and haberdashery.

Are you looking forward to It's darling?

Yes, we are veryexcited to be part of it. It isso good that Bath is starting to develop a more artisan and vintage side to it,that has been fighting to emerge for years and that offers something differentto the busy, same same, high street.

Tell us about what you sell and why/where do you get yourinspiration?

Both of us cannot remember a time when we weren’t being takento a car boot or jumble sale by our parents at the weekend - I guess we caughtthe bug. It is all that we knew. And we love it! So, over time, our taste has developed and our joy infinding lovely things in all kinds of places has never abated. We are inspiredby the history of an object, where it might have been and been up to! It isalso as much about passing it on to carry on it’s journey and nothing is moresatisfying than seeing someone light up when they find ‘their thing’. Inaddition to this we are both practical ladies, who have studied art and cansew. We have been making things for our own homes for years and have taken theplunge to make for others too. Also most of what we discover is made in Englandor the UK, and we love that sense of heritage, we should invest in Britishcraftsmanship old or new.

What is your most affordable/value for money item and whatis your most impressive/favourite/wow one?

We offer little curiosities, that change from event toevent. Reasonably priced, but will give you that vintage look. we sell mix andmatch vintage plates that enable you to pull together your own individualdinner set from just £2 each. Bronia makes fabulous magnets and badges fromvintage fabrics and her own original and stunning screen prints that willbrighten up your coat or your fridge! We also sell painted small pieces offurniture by Katy, with blossom and birds and will be bringing a couple ofchildren's vintage chairs that will have 50’s inspired illustrations on them.

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving.

1. Buy something beautiful. if you fall in love with it yourself,buy it for someone else, the fun is in the finding.

2. Seek out the special little fairs early! don’t leave it late!

3. Have a glass of mulled wine or Baileys while you wrap and putsome Bing Crosby on the iPod.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Walking through the best parts of Bath very early on a Sunday Morning on a crisp winter day when no-one else is up yet and you feellike you own the show! Oh! And the hills of course - sledging with your kids!nobody does the festive season better than your children.

Click here for their Facebook page

Meet the stallholders....Christmas Shopping with Eloise Scotland Textiles

2011-11-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

Handmade textiles play a big part of It's darling! and this Christmas we're very happy to introduce Eloise Scotland and her fantastic work. She's from Bath and will be there on Saturday and Sunday. Start saving those pennies...

Eloise at Christmas

Hi Eloise, tell us about what you sell and yourinspiration?

I’m a formerlawyer, now mother of three small girls and textile maker in thewee-small-hours and in any other spare time I can grab!

I have apassion for natural fabrics, linens, cottons and wools, which I use togetherwith a variety of hand and machine embroidery techniques to produce bold andbeautiful textile pieces for the home.

I alsowelcome commissions - I love working closely with people to create family trees and other one-off pieces to cherish, for gifts orto celebrate weddings, birthdays or other special occasions.

What is your most affordable/value for money item andwhat is your most wow one?

I think that my ‘Special Delivery’ lavender sachets aregreat value at £4 – they also make a great end of term present for teachers!And my favourite pieces for Christmas are definitely the Christmas tree angels– each one is unique and a very special way to top-off your tree.

What are your top three tips for Christmasshopping/present giving?

1. Havea go at making your own wrapping paper – my girls don’t know it yet but inpreparation for this Christmas they’ll be getting a large roll of brown paper,a box of felt tips, and their job will be to decorate and draw to their hearts' content!

2. Shoplocal – Bath has some fantastic independent shops and Christmas is a very goodopportunity to get out and throw some money at them! And the added advantage isthat you don’t have to wait at home for online shopping to be delivered (or,worse still, queue up at the post office to collect missed deliveries!)

3. Ifin doubt, I always think lottery tickets make a very good stocking filler!

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Seeing the mist rising from the canal on a frosty morningwalk.

To find out more about Eloise before the 19th & 20th email her on

escotland@gmail.com or visit her blog

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Purple Thread Designs

2011-11-05T00:56:00.000-07:00

Cross-stitch isn't just for grandmas any more. Oh no. Just ask Amy Tilston from Purple Thread Designs whose cross-stitch kits include a VW van! She'll be at It's darling! on Saturday 19th November at the Guildhall. Let's meet her.

Amy

What is your business/stall name and where are you based?

My company is Purple Thread Designs and I am based in Bristol

Have you ever sold at "It’s darling!" before?

I’m a ‘It’s Darling’ Newbie!I’ve heard wonderful things about the markets though so I’m really excited tobe a stallholder this time.

Tell us about what you sell and why/where do you get yourinspiration?

I design original cross-stitchpieces and then sell the kits for others to make. My inspiration has come frommy own home and loves to be honest- especially the ‘I need tea’ piece! As Ialso take commissions for personalised pieces the inspiration often comes from thecustomer

What is your most affordable/value for money item and whatis your most impressive/favourite/wow one?

I think the card kits (£4.50)are a great introduction to cross-stitch as they are small but still produce agreat piece to give away or frame. My favourite ‘wow’ item has to be my bigLOVE piece as I get such lovely comments on how colourful it is.

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving (anything from stress-busters to homemade presents)?

1. Try and make it fun byagreeing on a theme for presents.

2. If you are hand-makingsomething, take ideas from things your recipient already has/loves.

3. Always remember to take in acake/tea/cider stop whenever shopping to refresh!

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

Snow across the Downs

For more information about Amy and her work email amy@purplethreaddesigns.com

or go to www.purplethreaddesigns.com

Meet the stallholders...Christmas Shopping with Lazy Crafternoons

2011-11-04T05:27:00.000-07:00

As regular readers will know, we have been running quirky Q & A profiles on stallholders ever since we started in July 2010 - it was our clever Becky Darling's idea. We've noticed it's been copied by other handmade events blogs this year...but hey, imitation is the sincerest form of flattery! And it really brings the traders alive, so we can't blame 'em for trying. So, to start this season's round-ups we'll first introduce Chris Webb from Lazy Crafternoo ns, his Bristol-based craft workshop company that will be running bath bomb workshops on the 19th & 20th November at Bath's Guildhall.

Chris aka Lazy Crafternoons

Hi Chris, tell us about what you'll be doing at It's darling!

I’ll be selling my range ofChristmas decorations and household items, as well as promoting and deliveringmy creative workshops.

Have you ever sold at It’s darling! before?

This is my first ‘It’s Darling!’ Fair ever! I’ve never beenas a seller or a shopper, so I’m excited to see it firsthand.

Tell us about what you sell and why/where do you get yourinspiration?

I grew up in an very ‘Do It Yourself’ family where welearned to make our own things and be creative… over the past few years I’vetaken my ‘make and do’ attitude and have offered creative courses and workshopswhich try to make it easy for people to make their own products and introducepeople to the incredible joy and pride that comes from making things from scratch. Everything I make and sell, I alsoteach – from handmade bath and body products to home accessories and patchworkquilts!

What is your most affordable/value for money item and whatis your most impressive/favourite/wow one?

My laser cut Christmas decorations are only £3 but one of myproudest items are my Reindeer Jingle Bell Decorations which placed in theSewing Directory’s Christmas Competition this year!

What are your top three tips for Christmas shopping/presentgiving.

1. Ifyou are making homemade gifts – take it easy and don’t take on too much. Bereasonable in what you hope to achieve, as it should feel like fun and not aChristmas sweatshop!

2. Thegenerosity and value in homemade gifts comes from the time and effort that goesinto making them. Have confidence in what you do and remember that if youwanted something mass produced you could go out and buy it – don’t be aperfectionist and be proud of what you make!

3. Youcan’t make for everyone on your list – so shop for those who you can, and makefor those who’ll truly appreciate the effort you put in.

What is most darling about the South West in Winter?

I’m re-discovering in the south west after years of beingaway in London and The North… just about everything is darling to me. I’mreally looking forward to seeing what’s going on, and using all the fairs andshows as an opportunity to get to know the creative community.

To book a bath bomb workshop at the fair go to http://lazycrafternoons.eventbrite.com/.

For more information about Chris and Lazy Crafternoons, click here.

Three amazing events!

2011-11-03T03:32:00.000-07:00

OMG we are so excited about Christmas..the tinsel, the mince pies, the presents. And this year we're even more worked up about our THREE Christmas events. Now we know the world has gone vintage & handmade crazy, but we offer something much more special than your average flea market, vintage or craft event. For a start we only choose the highest quality stall-holders who show innovation or excellent taste and who are friendly and put customer service at the top of their shopping list. Secondly we choose unusual or beautiful venues like Bath's Guildhall and while the room we use - The Brunswick Room - is small, it's chic, central and warm and inside and a fitting location to show off all our wonderful stallholder's wares. Thirdly we have experience and offer the feeling of an established fair that you can feel confident trading or shopping at, because we are traders and shoppers ourselves who know that providing excellent stalls in easy-to-reach locations is key. And this year we have not one but THREE events coming up:

1. THE VINTAGE & DESIGNER-MAKERS' CHRISTMAS FAIR AT THE GUILDHALL

19th & 20th November

Tea Leaf Reader on the 19th

Bath Bomb Workshops all weekend (click for discount voucher)

Your Christmas Shopping Starts Here!

Please tell all your friends...you'll have your shopping done by November 21st!

2. IT'S DARLING! PRESENTS.....

CHRISTMAS HANDMADE FAIR

AT BRADFORD ON AVON

At Jumble Jelly Haberdashery, 10 Silver Street, Bradford on Avon

29th November 12-9pm

2011 has seen an explosion in vintage and handmadeevents, as the recession inspires everyone to make-do and mend. So it’sappropriate that It’s darling! is also hosting a special Christmas HandmadeShopping Evening at Bradford on Avon’s premiere haberdashery, Jumble Jelly on SilverStreet on the 29^th November. That’s the evening when Bradford onAvon switches on its Christmas Lights and there will be a Victorian Market inthe town too. It’s darling! will be setting up stalls in Jumble Jelly from12pm-9pm as the town celebrates this special time of year. As with all It’sdarling! events, entry is free. Come along and meet the fabulously friendly and knowledgeable Jumble Jelly owners, Debbie and Rox and treat yourself to a mince pie too. If youfancy a festive evening out, this is the place to be.

3. IT'S DARLING PRESENTS....

CHRISTMAS VINTAGE & HANDMADE POP-UP SHOP

IN BATH

Upstairs at The Canary Cafe, Queen Street, Bath

10th December - 16th December

9am-8pm

Prohibition Tea Party on the 16th December from 6pm

With so many markets and fairs in the area, shoppersare going to be spoiled for choice especially when the Bath Christmas Marketstarts in the last week of November. It’s a wonderful event but let's face it, sometimes can get a bit hectic. So why notdodge the crowds and have a nice sophisticated piece of tea and cake in Bath’shippest new eaterie, The Canary Café on Queen Street, where It’s darling! willbe holding a Pop-Up shop upstairs, between 10^th-16^th December. Ifyou miss either of our first two events this will be a chance to shop inpeace and style upstairs with delicious food downstairs and a Prohibition Tea Party on Friday 16th December. What’s not to like?

Countdown to the Christmas Fair! 19th & 20th November

2011-10-19T16:03:00.000-07:00

We've been quiet for a while...we've had a few things we've needed to get sorted and plans that need to be hatched but we are now ready to roll with the 2011 Christmas Fair! Bookings have just opened so if you are interested in a stall please email itsdarlingfair@gmail.com with some pictures of your wares and any website or blog info too. We are planning another two day stint like last year, in the Guildhall and a bit earlier - just before the Christmas Market rush so that people local to Bath will be encouraged to come in and spend and also so that visitors have more time to spend with us, rather than being jostled in the busy streets outside.

If you are a vintage or handmade lover, we hope that you'll pop the date in your diary and come along on one of the two days (or both) to have a look at the wonderful traders who are lining up to surprise and delight you with all manner of treasures. It's the perfect time to kickstart your Christmas shopping in a leisurely and affordable way - remember the event is free to get in and goes on all day for two days - in the warmth of the beautiful Guildhall. We're still in the Brunswick Room which we know is snug, but we are looking for alternative venues for next year. We'd be interested to hear what you think about venues in Bath - please do email us or leave a comment below. After all it's not a fair without you.

Meet the stallholders…coffee break with Eirlys from Scrapiana

2011-07-14T11:45:00.000-07:00

It's our first birthday on Saturday and we are proud that many of our amazing stallholders are back for a fourth time! We really appreciate the support that they give us, like Eirlys Penn aka Scrapiana whose handmade strawberries were recently cover stars...

Eirlys at her sewing machine

Nice to see you again Eirlys. For those who don’t know, what do you sell?

I sell vintage haberdashery, plus textiles and other curiosities which take my fancy, and items I’ve made, usually related to sewing. My latest creations are strawberry-shaped needle-cushions based on historic sewing-box essentials. Strawberry emeries (as they were known) were used to sharpen and condition needles – which would have been very expensive and deserving of care. Emery, the filling, was an extremely hard dark sand mined on the Greek Island of Naxos from ancient times and used to grind and polish metal. It’s very tricky to locate these days, but I’ll be bringing some needle-cushion grit with me to the fair – in case anyone is keen to make their own emeries.

Vital ingredient

What are you favourite items to sell?

That has to be everything emery-ish because my handmade strawberries were just featured in new craft magazine, Mollie Makes, and have been attracting a lot of attention and interest. They even featured (obliquely) in this little film: http://www.youtube.com/user/MollieMakes#p/u/2/UqV8WV8Ddos.

Eirlys' cover star craft!

I’m now teaching strawberry-making at workshops this summer, notably at the Makery in Walcot, Bath (24^th July) and at the massive Vintage at Southbank festival in London at the end of the month (29^th and 30^th). I’ll be offering some exciting new textile upcycling and mending events from September, so do keep an eye on my website for details: http://scrapiana.com/classes-workshops/

What's you best value-for-money item?

They are probably my little ‘I love you’ labels which are terribly affordable at just 25p each. Customers buy them to sew into clothes to give loved ones, for example, or to make into little cards. My packets of emery at just £1 each are also great value.

Only 25p each!

What’s your favourite part of Bath?

The American Museum at Claverton (on the south side of the city) is a favourite local haunt of mine. You cannot beat sitting on the terrace gazing across the lawn and away across the Avon Valley for a real sense of peace. And for inspiration, I love to browse the quilts in the textile room, and the Shaker room artefacts (there’s even a strawberry emery in a Shaker sewing box!).

Why should customers come to “It’s darling!” this weekend?

You really have to come to "It’s Darling!" on Saturday (resistance is futile) simply because it will make the perfect start to the most perfect day. Nip round the fair early, scooping up the cream of the bargains, then zip round the Fashion Museum’s new exhibition, Dressing the Stars (including period costumes worn by Miss Knightley, Miss Winslet and Mr Depp), mooch around a few of Bath’s delightful one-off shops, then zoom up to the American Museum to gaze in wonder at Marilyn Monroe’s costumes (including the wiggle dress from her breakthrough film, Niagara, which caused one critic to quip that she had “a great future behind her”!), take tea on that terrace, then wend your way back down the hill to experience the Roman Baths at twilight (open till 10pm through July/August). Truly, a day fit for a star!

What’s darling in your life?

Well, my sons have both been conspicuously absent from previous ID! Interview answers. Not so little any more, my littlest is just leaving primary school, my biggest just ending his days of wearing school uniform. They are both beginning new chapters in their lives and I’m terribly proud of them. So much so that I may be stitching ‘I love you’ labels into their socks this September, and not just to embarrass them, though that’s got to be a bonus. ;)

For more information go to: www.scrapiana.com or try

Twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/scrapiana

Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Scrapiana/220046704686167

Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/scrapiana/

Email: eirlys@scrapiana.com

Meet the stallholders….raise a glass with Dufflebobble

2011-07-12T09:57:00.000-07:00

Our wonderful, regular traders Dufflebobble have written their own blog post to tell you what they've been up to since you last saw them...

“We are (still) crafty little ladies doing all the beautiful bits and bobs we were creating last year, only this year we have gone all posh and now create a range especially for weddings called Accents and a Hen Party experience we call Cake & Create.

The accents range is a gift set of bunting, toast glass flower ties and ring cushions. The buntiing is two sets of 5 metres made with Broderie Anglais and your colour theme flags, this is presented along with two of our signature flowers that tie to the Bride and Grooms toast glasses. We also create Ring barer cushions, again in Broderie Anglais and your colour ribbon to tie your theme together. Each gift set is just £40, they can also be added too for an additional cost.

*takes a breath*, if thats not enough we also host Hen Parties called Cake & Create. Available as an alternative to the traditional drunken antics of a hen party; Cake & Create is for up to 10 people and lasts 2 hours. In that 2 hours, guests are encouraged to let their creative side take over and create beautiful fascinators, brooches, corsages, hairclips and much more, all based around our signature flowers. During this time traditional tea is served with gorgeous cupcakes and brownies. (You cant beat a beautiful tea set and homemade cakes). These events can be taylored to your needs and are also perfect for birthday celebrations too. Cake & create is available from just £10 per person.

Follow these links to see all our creative doings! Hope to raise a glass or share cake with you soon, Emma & Jane, Dufflebobble Crafts

Our Folksy shop - http://www.folksy.com/shops/Dufflebobble...

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/pages/Dufflebobble-Crafts/132061026821028?sk=wall

Meet the stallholders…coffee break with Amy Evans from Blanche and Lola

2011-07-06T10:17:00.000-07:00

It’s so flattering when traders travel to sell with us which is why we are very happy Amy Evans from Winchester in Hampshire is back again after her great success at the Christmas and Spring fairs.

Amy Evans on her stall

Hi Amy, tell us what do you make and what is your inspiration?

I handmake one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces of vintage jewellery and hair accessories created from original vintage treasures.

I love hunting for unloved vintage brooches and forgotten gemstones and being able to turn them into an entirely new creation. There is so much mass-produced costume jewellery on the high-street; I think it’s so much nicer to invest in a piece which you know has been handmade in the UK, with love, just for you.

My creations are inspired by the vintage pieces I find – I’m always drawn to the cute and the whimsical – particularly animal and pieces inspired by nature – there are a lot of birds, foxes, deers and rabbits in my collections!

Amy loves to include a lot of nature imagery in her work

What is your favourite item that you sell and why?

I do a lot of commission pieces and these are probably my favourite thing to make and sell. It’s so lovely being able to bring someone’s idea to life.

Amy loves making pieces for other people

What would you say your most value-for-money item is and how much is it?

Definitely my handmade button rings which I create using vintage buttons reworked onto adjustable silver or gold plated ring bands. There is also my collection of wonderland-inspired rings created using handmade miniature teacups, teapots and plates of miniature cakes and biscuits. Both ranges start at just £5!

Blanche and Lola rings start at £5

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before and if so when?

This will be my third time trading at “It’s Darling” and I’m still as excited as I was the first time!

Something special for your hair

What do you like best about Bath?

Relaxing in the open-air rooftop pool at the Thermae Spa with its spectacular views over the beautiful city of Bath is one of the loveliest ways to spend an afternoon.

Get yourself some gorgeous neck candy at It's darling!

Why do you think customers should make “It’s darling!” their must-visit vintage & handmade fair this Summer?

The “It’s Darling!” fair isn’t your average craft fair; it’s more like a wonderland boutique of all of your favourite handmade and vintage shops all in the same place! The fairs are really well organised and the stallholders are carefully hand-selected meaning that the fairs showcase only the best in handmade and vintage loveliness and there is always a lovely eclectic mix of beautiful goods to browse and buy.

What would you say is “darling” in your life.

My other half Jamie and our darling cats, Lily and Lola.

Amy's darlings

For more info about the wonderful Blanche and Lola please visit www.blancheandlola.com and www.facebook.com/blancheandlola

Meet the stallholders...coffee and cake with Megan and Mona

2011-06-30T07:15:00.000-07:00

Kate Barlow aka Megan and Mona lives in Cardiff and first traded with us in Christmas 2010. We're so happy she's back again this Summer.

HI Kate, tell everyone what do you make/sell and describe your inspiration.

A couple of years ago I taught myself to crochet using hooks I’d inherited from my grandmother. She also passed down a cupboard full of embroidery silks, buttons, lace and craft magazines going back 70 years, so that’s definitely where I get my hoarding habit from. I remember looking at it all when I was little and wishing it was mine. It’s a great source of inspiration especially the magazines from the 30s and 40s, full of interesting projects. I’ve always loved to sew and do embroidery and now I can crochet it’s opened up a whole new world! I sell lots of different things, cushions, tea cosies, corsages, pincushions, and bags …

Kate's glamorous grandparents

Tell us about where you live.

I’m based in Cardiff, where I came to study theatre design at college. That was over 10 years ago and I’ve been here ever since.

What is your favourite thing that you sell and why?

My favourite things at the moment are trios of little crotched flowers made up as brooches. They’re made from vintage rayon thread and decorated with antique buttons and beads. They can be worn individually or all together, pinned to hats and bags or used to brighten up your favourite cardi.

Brooches made from vintage rayon thread

What would you say is your most value-for-money item and how much is it?

I’d have to say all my items are value for money. I use a lot of vintage materials in my work, which usually come in limited amounts. This means the things I make are rarely exactly the same so you’re getting something unique that no one else will have, making it extra special. Prices range from £4 up to around £50 so there’s something to suit all pockets.

Crotcheted tea-cosy

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before and if so when?

My first "It’s Darling!" Fair was last Christmas and I had a fabulous time. Everyone was so friendly and there were lots of customers and lots of sales. Other stallholders even bought a few items, which was really flattering. Unfortunately I couldn’t go to the spring fair so I’ve been looking forward to this one for a long time.

Remember Kate from last Christmas? Meet her again on the 16th July

What do you love most about Bath?

Bath is a beautiful place, I love the honey coloured stone the buildings are made from and also the Fashion Museum, a wonderful source of inspiration.

Why do you think customers should make “It’s darling!” their must-visit vintage & handmade fair this Summer?

There’s a fantastic range of stalls on offer and your certain to take home what you were looking for, including a few things you weren’t! And you’re supporting handmade crafts at the same time.

Kate is proud of handmade

What would you say is “darling” in your life?

My little collection of vintage handbags always makes me smile. They belonged to my grandmother and evoke images of glamorous dances in beautiful dresses. There’s even a cloakroom ticket in one of them for the Royal Lido Ballroom. Definitely a bygone era.

Kate's grandmother's vintage handbags

For more information about Megan and Mona please visit www.meganandmona.com

Meet the stallholders….coffee break with Collage Gypsy Ltd.

2011-06-24T13:22:00.000-07:00

We love new ways to evoke a vintage feel, which is why Collage Gypsy's work is a joy...

Nice to meet you, please introduce yourself.

My name is Sadie Walker aka Collage-Gypsy Ltd©.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. A collage I made using my favourite photo of me and my sister.

Where are you based?

I’m very lucky to live at the foot of the Malvern Hills - my home overlooks Eastnor Castle and I’m surrounded by stunning countryside (below).

Tell us about what you do...

I create mixed media collage art, gifts and homewares such as collages, cushions, bags, jewellery and cards that are inspired by early 20^th century photographs and postcards. I’m particularly interested in the Edwardian era and the 1950’s. I use different stories, poems and photographs to explore my feelings about my lost childhood and I create art that rejoices in the life and time that we do have.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. ‘What Katy Did’ Collage celebrating childhood

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. One of my cushion designs.

What do you love most about what you sell/make?

My favourite are my collages. I feel very passionate about each one I make. I use original photographs and ephemera so each one is unique. I try to create a story that is beautiful with a hint of sadness hidden beneath the layers.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. ‘Little Girls’ Collage

What is your most value-for-money item?

My necklaces because they are double-sided with a different photo and caption on each side, so depending on what mood you’re in you can choose between two looks. They sell at £8.50 each and each one is unique.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. Double-sided necklaces I have made.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. One of my stalls.

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before and is when? If not how did you hear about “It’s darling!”?

This is my first time trading at "It's darling!". I heard about it through Bryn who runs Kay’s Eclectic Vintage in Cardiff. She met me for the first time at the Vintage Vision event in Abergavenny where I was doing a stall and thought that my items would be suitable for the events at Bath. A lucky quirk of fate!

What is your favourite part of Bath?

I visited Bath a few weeks ago to check out the fair venue at The Guildhall. I thought the building was fabulous and opposite Bath Abbey you couldn’t ask for a better location. I also had a great time in a local shop Vintage to Vogue looking through all their fabulous clothes!

Why do you think customers should make “It’s darling!” their must-visit vintage & handmade fair this Summer?

I think that in this day and age of mass-produced living, people are looking to buy unique, much-loved items for their home. Whether it’s recycled or handcrafted the customer wants something that’s got a little history and the It’s Darling! Fair will be the perfect place to find that hidden treasure!

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. I have furnished my home with handmade and thrift finds.

What would you say is “darling” in your life?

I’m very lucky to be able to live the handcrafted life that I Iove and live in a beautiful area with my husband and two teenage kids who have been so supportive while I’ve been setting up my business which is what I’ve always wanted to do. It doesn’t feel like work because I love making art.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. When I’m not crafting I’m riding my bike with my little dog Monty.

Collage-Gypsy Ltd©. A Chicken and her chicks in our garden.

For more info email Sadie Virginia Walker BA Hons (Collage-Gypsy Ltd©) at collagegypsy@hotmail.co.uk or go to her blog www.collage-gypsy.blogspot.com.

Collagegypsy is on Facebook and Twitter too.

Meet the Summer stallholders...coffee break with Scarlet Vintage

2011-06-23T05:50:00.000-07:00

We love to welcome all new stallholders which is why we're very happy to present Debbie Colwell to you, who owns Bath's most gorgeous vintage clothes boutique, Scarlet Vintage. She's joining us for the first time on 16th July.

Hello Debbie, tell us about your business..

Our store in Bath sells vintage clothes and accessories that date from 1970's right back to the 1900's. The inspiration for the shop came from visiting such as Decades in LA and Resurrection in NY. I wanted to create a vibrant vintage store, fresh and fun, not fusty!

Glamorous Debbie from Scarlet Vintage, Bath

Where are you based exactly?

Queen Street is next to The Raven pub - head to Kitchens and then turn left onto our little cobbled street!

What is your favourite thing that you sell and why?

Dresses, dresses, dresses. Easiest thing in the world to wear-throw one on and you're done! Whether its a 1920's beaded evening dress or a 1970's maxi, its the easiest way to wear vintage.

Inside the Scarlet Vintage store on Queen Street, Bath

What would you say your most value-for-money item is and how much is it?

Our vintage inspired sunglasses (Jackie O and Audrey H styles) are only £10 each-very popular even during this weather!

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before and is when? If not how did you hear about “It’s darling!”?

I have only been a very happy customer before. It’s actually Scarlet Vintage's first fair and we wanted to go with one that was well established and popular-"It's Darling!" has a fun, glamourous vibe that mirrors Scarlet Vintage's ethos, so it was a perfect fit!

What do you like best about Bath?

The very best thing about Bath is the number of independent shops that cover the city. We have one of the highest percentages “indies” in the whole of the UK, which is what makes the city so great to visit.

Why do you think customers should make “It’s darling!” their must-visit vintage & handmade fair this Summer?

Because it's a fun and girly place to be and is very centrally placed; you are in the perfect spot to visit the fair and then explore the rest of our beautiful city!

What would you say is “darling” in your life.

Well, if I didn't say my fiance I'd be in trouble! But, also my vintage clothing business is so very important to me-i love it. And I love meeting other people who are equally obsessed with fashion!

For more info please go to www.scarletvintage.co.uk (online shop and general info) or follow on Twitter @scarletvintage

Facebook: Scarlet Vintage (group and “like” pages)

Blog: http://scarletvintageuk.blogspot.com/

Meet the summer stallholders….coffee break with Mosaic Tree

2011-06-21T04:43:00.000-07:00

There's not long to go until our Summer Fair on July 16th which is why we thought you'd better start meeting the stallholders, so you can work out what you are going to save up for! First up is Mosaic Tree who make handcrafted accessories including mobile phone covers.

Hello, what is your name & business name?

Hi there. I’m Annie Connold and, together with Maggie Reilly, we are Mosaic Tree!

Dress up your mobile with Mosaic Tree's hand-knitted covers

What do you make/sell and why do you do it/what is your inspiration?

We make a selection of handcrafted accessories – the range currently includes mobile, Blackberry and iPod covers, baby hats and jewellery. We mainly use cotton rich wool with accents in sari silk yarn (some recycled) – this comes in incredible colours and these never ending combinations are the inspiration.

We love designing and creating and Mosaic Tree is the outlet for this. Mosaic Tree is growing and we are enjoying every moment of it.

Handknitted spiral necklace with tassel

Where are you based?

Somerset – we get to enjoy the best of both worlds, looking out on both the Levels and the Mendips.

Handknitted spiral broach with bead

What is the favourite thing that you sell and why?

My favourite items are the baby hats. I photograph teddy modelling them and he looks so cute that I can’t wait for a customer to buy it for the real thing!

Baby hat

What would you say your most value-for-money item is and how much is it?

Value for money items are definitely the mobile/blackberry/iPod covers, retailing at £6-£8. Each one is different, they’re fun and perform the important function of protecting your gadget – as well as making it look gorgeous too!

Purple mobile phone cover with spiral detail

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before? If not how did you hear about “It’s darling!”? Have you ever been as a customer?

I first heard about Its Darling through the Folksy forums (this is the site hosting the Mosaic Tree on line shop). I got it touch and its gone from there. This will be my first time at It’s Darling Fair; however I’ve kept in touch through the “It’s Darling!” Facebook page and following the blog.

Rainbow Stripe baby hat

What's your favourite memory of Bath?

Having birthday brunch at the Pump Rooms in Bath with the string quartet playing in the background.

What would you say is “darling” in your life.

Our life in Somerset.

For more information about Mosaic Tree go to:

www.folksy.com/shops/MosaicTree

www.facebook.com/MosaicTree

www.mosaictree.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/@MosaicTree

email – mosaic_tree@yahoo.co.uk

Pictures from the Spring Fair

2011-04-04T05:51:00.000-07:00

Please do have a look at the wonderful pictures taken by Emma Canham from Oscar and Rose on her blog - http://oscar-and-rose.blogspot.com/2011/04/simply-darling.html.

And also the Facebook page if you haven't already seen them.. http://www.facebook.com/pages/manage/?act=267838084

Plans are now underway for the Summer Fair...we will be holding it at a different venue from the Friends' House so watch this space and sign up for our newsletter for all the latest info...which of course we will publish here too. Finally we're very pleased to announce that Bath Cats and Dogs Home, who worked so hard at the Spring Fair, raised £150.

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Rebecca Denton from Ursula O

2011-03-24T12:43:00.000-07:00

We love to invite all kinds of creative people to trade at "It's darling!" and Rebecca Denton aka Ursula O is no exception. She'll be selling her erotic greetings cards in a very unusual way. Let's meet her.

Hi, tell us about you...

My name is Rebecca and I live in Bath. I studied textiles design and worked for five years swatching, designing prints and embroideries for fashion, but am currently working here in Bath for a company called COUCH. It's perfect as it is still based in fashion (although catering to a completely different market to the one I was used to) and is giving me amazing experience in running a small business. I’m hoping the knowledge I gain there will help me with my empire.

Add caption

How did you start your business?

Ursula O is a very recent creation, I sell erotic greeting cards. I cut and collage beautiful backgrounds from my treasured collection of magazine clippings and write my own suggestive, “thought provoking” poems on the front. I hope they provide a sexy but sophisticated way of inspiring your special someone.

Cheeky! What inspires you...

I think I am most inspired by the idea of having an alter-ego, I love fashion and dressing up and always like to have a project on the go which allows me to do this. Since my sea sister and DJ partner C-SHELL moved to Barcelona a few years ago, opportunities have been thin on the ground, so the invention of Ursula has been great fun.

Rebecca and C-Shell

Will you be doing anything special with your stall?

I hope to tout my wares retro street hawker style, from an usherette tray. I LOVE usherette trays. I am STILL waiting for the one my boyfriend promised to build me with a built in lamp and tassled shade.

Look out for Rebecca selling her cards, Usherette-style

Why did you want to be part of "It's darling!"?

I came as a visitor to the "It's Darling!" last summer and was intrigued when I heard about this year’s addition of The Secret Tea Party and Pop Up Parlour.

What I love most about Spring is..........blossom, my favourite tree is a magnolia, and longer days, how do we survive the winter months?

What I need to buy most in Spring is........a picnic blanket, for some (hopefully) sun soaked evening park relaxing, watching the hot air balloons take off.

My current “darlings” are…….street artist, Bortusk Leer and my salty sister, C-shell.

To find out more about Rebecca go to www.ursula-o.com or email her at

http://ursula-o.blogspot.com/

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Eirlys Penn aka Scrapiana

2011-03-23T12:15:00.000-07:00

Eirlys Penn is another one of our amazing traders who’ve been with us since the beginning. She lives in Bath, sells the most beautiful vintage haberdashery and also writes a very popular blog, Scrapiana.

Hi Eirlys, tell us all about yourself.

I sell vintage haberdashery, textiles and other individually selected items, some handmade from scrap fabric by yours truly.

Eirlys

When and why did you start doing this?

In truth, Scrapiana was the sand-lined safety exit for my unstoppable impulse to collect old sewing items. My proper day job is writing, and I’m just beginning to combine my knowledge of vintage sewing items, my ability to make, and my writing skills - a really exciting development. I blog about my collecting, making and selling at www.scrapiana.com

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

I’m a probably a frustrated curator deep down, and there are a few museums which particularly inspire me. The Shaker sewing items in the American Museum (which has just re-opened for the season) are exquisite, especially the signature oval sewing box lined with unexpectedly vibrant, almost psychedelic fabric, and the collection of different sized, beautifully shaped thread bobbins. We’re also hugely lucky in Bath to have the Fashion Museum; their Behind-the-Scenes exhibition is well worth a nose round. But all hail to the mighty V&A! Last February half-term I took my sons to London for the Natural History Museum, but the monstrous queues circling right round the block persuaded even them that it wasn’t worth it, so we scooted over the road to the uncrowded V&A instead. There was ample amusement for the boys in the revolving door alone, but they actually found the exhibits themselves interesting (big surprise) and I was obviously in seventh heaven. I keep my eye on the museum’s free lunchtime talks list and their impressive array of courses.

At the moment, I have a soft spot for the early twentieth century when labels on cotton reels, darning threads, packets of pins etc tended to sport an understatedly elegant old-gold lettering; some nice examples are reproduced in this year’s V&A diary.

Have you been part of “It’s darling!” before?

Yes, I’ve been to all of them! Do I qualify for a loyalty badge? The organizers are very charming and helpful, and the traders are a really nice, friendly assortment too. And it’s wonderfully busy, otherwise I wouldn’t be there. I’m really excited that this one coincides with the Bath in Fashion festival.

What do you remember most about previous fairs?

Possibly talking to older visitors about their memories of darning. I sell old darning mushrooms (wood and Bakelite) and they evoke strong memories - not all good - of an era before the factory sock when girls were expected to mend Daddy’s holed ones. I’m all in favour of bringing back darning skills but think Daddy should really be capable of mending his own.

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

Yes, I’ll have lots of Mother’s Day goodies: special labels to sew into your textile gifts [see picture], teeny reels of ribbon and vintage ric-rac, covered buttons, old cotton reels which will slip happily into Mum’s sewing box. I also have vintage brooches, hankies and scarves, plus some Easter and general spring-time delights too, such as vintage children’s and natural history books and cross-stitch patterns featuring bunnies and birds.

Mother's Day label

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is…the Magnolia bursting into flower, and the bustling activity of nesting birds; a pair of blue-tits is nesting in an air vent just outside my office window and I keep catching sight of them bringing more material to line it. Nature is beautifully irrepressible.

Please finish this sentence too: What I need to buy most in spring is... Bird food! Those bird parents could do with our help.

What’s “It’s darling!” in your life?

I might have to say Mittens the cat [pictured with an eiderdown I’ll be selling] as your charity’s the Cats & Dogs Home. But at this time of year, the Magnolia stellata is really the star for me – a darling little pale pink Magnolia which is currently flowering in my garden.

Mittens the cat and an eiderdown

I planted a tiny white Magnolia stellata in our London garden 16 years ago when my eldest was born. The lovely thing about these little trees is that they flower when still very small indeed, so are great value for money. When we moved (just after our second son was born, five years later) we uprooted the poor little tree and took it with us, so it became his birth tree too. Our new home was only round the corner, so we trundled the treasured specimen there in a wheelbarrow! – along with the well-rotted contents of the compost heap, which the new owners didn’t want. That was February, and the Magnolia still managed to flower that year. Sadly, it would have been utterly impractical to do another uprooting three years later when we moved to Bath, so we reluctantly left the little tree behind. I hope it’s putting on a good spring show still.

Magnolia stellata

For more details about Eirlys and her work go to www.scrapiana.com, email eirlys@scrapiana.com or telephone 07769 655073

Meet the stallholders....a quick cuppa with Rebecca Collett from Rose Cottage Boxes

2011-03-22T13:01:00.000-07:00

Becky from Bath runs Rose Cottage Boxes and has been trading with us since the first fair.

Rose Cottage Boxes

Hi Becky, tell everyone about what you do

I make sustainable wooden 'useful' boxes covered in stunningly beautiful patterned tissue papers, skillfully applied by hand using a 17^th century french decoupage tecnique. Each box is painted with complimentary colours inside and covered in a deep, glossy varnish. There are 6 different sizes to house things such as sewing kits, crafts, jewellery, make up, stationary, medical kits etc. They are also wonderful for keepsakes, memories, letters and photos for weddings, births and birthdays!

Useful as a sewing box

When and why did you start doing this?

I am a mother of two young boys. They inspired me in so many ways. Teaching them creativity spurred me to keep following my own dreams.

Rose Cottage Chair

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

My ideas and inspiration are quite intuitive, following a gut feeling as well as being realistic and practical with what I sell. I enjoy mixing it up and taking parts from all our past eras. I love anything unique and different.

Take your pick

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

I will have some lovely new spring/summer designs and some older stock will be in a worthwhile sale.

Covered drawers

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is…the sunshine of course because it makes everyone happier!!

What I need to buy most in Spring is...some Pledge and a duster to start the cleaning...

What’s darling! in your life?

My wonderful sons, Solomon and Atticus and my house rabbits, Luigi and Loopy Lou

Butterflies make anyone happy

For more info go to www.rosecottageboxes.com, email welcome@rosecottageboxes.com

Or call 07885564969

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Bath Cats and Dogs Home

2011-03-21T07:59:00.000-07:00

We like to use our fairs to give something back by supporting local charities. For this year's Spring Fair, we are donating a free table to Bath Cats and Dogs Home, enabling them to sell lots of lovely vintage items and giftsets and to collect contributions from customers. They are also bringing along a facepainter, who will be working downstairs in The Secret Tea Party tearoom in return for donations.

Help kitties like this one

Please introduce yourselves.

We are Bath Cats & Dogs Home – Claverton Down Bath & Frome Charity Street (Stoney Street, Frome). We sell ‘happiness & a bargain!” Anything & everything. The Frome Charity Shop supports the vital work of Bath Cats & Dogs Home and donated items are sold to raise funds for the Home. We sell whatever we receive! Our inspiration comes from the knowledge that every £1 raised goes directly to helping the lives of the 1000’s of animals that come through our doors every year. “It’s Darling!” has very kindly chosen to support Bath Cats & Dogs Home with their Spring Fair.

What will you be doing at the fair?

We'll be promoting the Home's upcoming events & giving general information about what we do. We will also have a selection of the finest items from our Frome Charity Shop and our Facepainter will be working in the tearoom for donations.

Please finish this sentence: What we love most about Spring is…watching our dogs, cats & small animals enjoying the warmer and sunnier days!

What we need to buy most in Spring is... plants & flowers to enrich our paddocks for the animals enjoyment!

What’s darling! in your life?

“It’s darling" when our very deserving and loving animals find their perfect forever home.

For more information about BCDH visit their website, their Facebook page or email events@bcdh.co.uk

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Amy Evans from Blanche and Lola

2011-03-20T03:20:00.000-07:00

Amy first exhibited with us at our Christmas 2010 fair, bringing her lovely handmade jewellery with a vintage twist all the way from Winchester in Hampshire.

Gorgeous Amy from Blanche and Lola

Hi Amy, tell us about your business.

It's called Blanche & Lola. I hand-make one-of-a-kind or limited edition pieces of vintage jewellery and hair accessories, created from genuine original vintage treasures. I have been making jewellery as a hobby for about 10 years now, but the idea for Blanche & Lola came about two years ago when I rediscovered a box of my grandma’s old jewellery and realised how beautiful and wearable it would look if it was restored and given a modern twist. I still work full-time for the civil service at the moment but I hope that one day soon Blanche & Lola can be my full-time job - I absolutely love what I do and it makes me so happy to see people wearing something that I created.

Vintage key necklace

We hope your dream comes true. What inspires you?

I am mainly inspired by all the gorgeous vintage treasures I find, such as decadent vintage brooches, gorgeous charms, pretty old keys and sparkling pre-loved beads and gemstones. I love seeing my finds given a new lease of life in a completely new and beautiful creation. I am also really inspired by nature and anything cute, whimsical and wonderful….there are a lot of birds and bambis in my collections!

A bambi necklace

Describe your last "It's darling!" fair.

I exhibited at the Christmas “It’s Darling” fair and was absolutely delighted when Becky & Cath announced their dates for 2011. It is a truly fabulous event, featuring some super-talented artisans and fabulous vintage sellers, all with a great ethos of originality and individuality. The event is really well organised and is guaranteed to be a great experience for shoppers and stallholders alike.

Look for the Blanche and Lola stall

Thank you Amy! What do you like most about the fair?

Probably being able to meet so many lovely other stallholders, many of whom I have kept in touch with since and I am looking forward to seeing again at the 2011 events. The atmosphere isn’t competitive, just really supportive and inspiring.

Birdcage necklace

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

I am going to be making lots of my limited edition miniature teacup rings. I only ever make 6 of each design and they’ve been my biggest seller so far! Priced at just £5 each they are a steal too! I’ve also been working on a new range of vintage pocket watch necklaces; they are one-of-a-kind and aren’t on my website yet so will be an exclusive!

Limited edition teacup rings only £5 each

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is...

The longer days and lighter evenings, sunshine, alfresco lunches, rose wine, daffodils and bluebells and of course, that lovely feeling that summer is just around the corner….

Pocket Watch necklace

And what I need to buy most in Spring is...pretty floral dresses and some fabulous vintage sunglasses.

Finally, what's darling in your life?
My other half Jamie and our darling cats, Lily and Lola!

Lily and Lola - too cute!

For more information about Amy and Blanche and Lola, please go to www.blancheandlola.com, email hello@blancheandlola.com and/or join her Facebook page.

Meet the stallholders....a quick cuppa with Vicky from Vicky Loves Vintage

2011-03-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Vicky Weir is one of our new traders this Spring and she lives in Kineton, Warwickshire. Her business is called Vicky Loves Vintage. Come and meet her.

Hi, tell us what you do.

I sell cushions, bags, purses and homewares created from vintage fabric alongside fabulous vintage treasures which I find on my travels. Eclectic range of ages, but I adore 1950’s glassware and Midwinter pottery.

A Vicky Loves Vintage special

When and why did you start doing this?

My first fair was Spring last year, I was inspired by the fact that my vintage obsession was spiralling out of control and the house could take no more! If I was going to continue snapping up vintage treasures everywhere I went I was going to need another outlet hence Vicky Loves Vintage was born. I’m not full-time at the moment (although if I did all those jobs that are pending I’m sure I would be!) When I’m not vintaging, I’m mum to my three children.

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from the fabric I find. Often I discover a piece of fabric and buy it without any idea what I’m going to do with it. Out of the blue an idea will come to me about how to use it and we’re away! In terms of my vintage treasures at the moment it is 50’s glassware that I am finding irresistible. The colours are amazing and they fit in to any interior.

Cushion made from vintage fabric

How did you hear about our fair?

I initially heard about “It’s darling!” via the internet. I’m always looking for new shows and events to be part of and this seemed like a great one to be part of. The next part of the story is slightly embarrassing (or could have been). I was reminded about the event at a vintage fair in the Cotswolds where I was showing. During a quiet moment I wandered over to another stall for a bit of a mooch and spied the “It’s Darling…” flyer. Picking it up I exclaimed at the top of my voice “Ooh I’ve heard of this is it any good?” to which the stallholder replied…”I hope so I’m the organizer!! It turned out that Becky was moonlighting and showing her own fabulous creations! It was fate and I quickly got in touch asking if there would be an opportunity to get involved this year. Thank goodness I wasn’t rude.

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

I spend a lot of time thinking about the way the stall will look. I normally work in colour themes grouping the stock together to create a cohesive look. The centerpiece for “It’s darling!” is going to be an amazing 50’s pitcher and tumbler set (complete and looking like new) to which I will add other items which complement it.

Vicky has some gorgeous creations

What I love most about Spring is...the sunshine, just a glimmer of sunlight lifts my spirits and makes me happy to be alive!

What I need to buy most in Spring is...Some fabulous accessories for my new kitchen/diner.

For more info about Vicky please go to www.vickylovesvintage.co.uk or email: Vicky@vickylovesvintage.co.uk

Meet the stallholders....a quick cuppa with Abby from Bubs Bears

2011-03-15T01:24:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the "It's darling!" Fair, tell us a bit about yourself and what you do.

Hello, I’m Abby and I live in the heart of the Somerset Levels near the ancient town of Langport.

Abby

My business is called Bubs Bears and I make handmade teddy bears and bunnies from a range of vintage, recycled, and new fabrics. It started off though back in 2005 when I wanted to make my youngest daughter a 1^st birthday present which she could treasure. She’d had a lot of beautiful clothes as a baby, and I came up with the idea of using them to create a patchwork bear. The idea for Bubs Bears was born, but it was only last year that I started selling them online. Since then I have made nearly 250 bears, including many keepsake bears made from customers precious baby clothes, christening outfits and even wedding dresses.

A Bubs Bear

As well as bears and bunnies, on my stall you will find handmade bags, lavender hearts, cards, buttons, tea-towels, hot water bottle covers…many of which have been made to use up scraps of leftover fabrics…I do hate to waste any!

Beautiful buttons

Busy lady! Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

When it comes to making the keepsake bears, the inspiration of course comes from the clothing itself, and I try to incorporate as many of the little decorations and details as I can. The other bears and bunnies I make are all made from the same pattern, but I love to source different fabrics to see how well they work (or not sometimes!) Knitted jumpers and woolen tweeds make gorgeous bears, as do floaty floral cottons and linens. I love to use vintage fabrics, many of which I get from the lovely Donna Flower. I’ve worked with some beautiful fabrics from the 40s and 50s, including the pretty feedsack fabrics, so I’d have to say they are probably my favourite.

What I love most about Spring is...

…the light. I am lucky enough to have a huge bay window in my sewing room and the light pouring in never fails to inspire me to create.

Abby is a sewing addict

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”?

I first came across “It’s Darling!” via Facebook, but was unable to make it to the fairs last year. I looked in envy at the photographs and knew I just had to be a part of it this time!!

Perfect Presents

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

All the bunnies, and some of the bears on my stall will be helping to raise money for charity (St.Margarets Somerset Hospice and The British Heart Foundation) with a percentage of their price going to charity. The fabrics they are made with were kindly donated by Donna Flower and Raystitch.

Buy a bunny for charity

What I need to buy most in Spring is...

…lavender plants so I can harvest it for my lavender hearts. I intend to have a border of it which will run along the whole front of my house. It will be lovely to sit with my sewing room window open and smell the lavender wafting in!

What’s darling in your life?

They are called Erin and Libby, my best ever creations…

Abby's darlings

For further info go to www.bubsbears.com www.folksy.com/shops/BubsBears or email

abby@bubsbears.com

Meet the stallholders....a quick cuppa with Faith Barber from Something Fabulous by Faith

2011-03-14T12:03:00.000-07:00

Faith Barber has traded with us since the very first fair last July so we are very fond of her, especially as she lives and works in North London so has to travel a fair distance to us. Her company is called Something Fabulous by Faith.

Faith and her darling husband

Hi Faith, please let everyone know what you do and what you've been up to

I design and make unique & limited edition luxury clothes and accessories made from gorgeous fabrics and in a rainbow of beautiful colours. Everything from simple zip purses and elegant handbags to elaborate corsages and gorgeous cover-ups. I am a freelance designer creating bespoke bridal & eveningwear and I found that lots of people liked my accessories but didn’t necessarily want to commission them, hence ‘Something Fabulous by Faith’, what you might call the ready-to-wear and made-to-order side of my business. I also design and make theatre costumes and I am the wardrobe mistress for Ballet Black (www.balletblack.co.uk). Dressing in a way that looks and feels right and enables the wearer to feel confident whatever the context works both on and off the stage, so I find everything that I do fits together perfectly.

Faith's beautiful purses

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

My inspiration varies although I am always drawn to beautiful things from any era. I am often drawn to the beauty of nature as well of design so in my creations you may notice elements from the pleating & draping on C18th gowns or maybe the suggestion of the petals of a flower.

Corsage

What's been your experience of "It's Darling!"?

I have been at both of the previous fairs and I enjoyed them so much, received lots of good feedback and met so many great people, that I can’t wait to be there again. I also love Bath so any excuse to visit is fine by me!

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

I have some new bits and pieces for the Spring including some sculptural silk hairclips in variety of colours as well as some soft poppy inspired corsages which can also be worn in the hair; and, as always, plenty of things to add a touch of colour to any outfit.

One of Faith's new sculptural hairclips

What I love most about Spring is...that feeling of resurgence, hope and vitality that comes with the lengthening days, buds pushing open and evidence of life where previously there seemed to be none. There’s nothing like a bit of spring sunshine and blossom to make me smile even on a hard day. It’s the magic of possibility.

What I need to buy most in Spring is....a length of light bright fabric to make a new cheerful dress.

For more about Faith go to www.faithbarber.com or follow her on Twitter: @faithbarber

Her online shop is coming very soon! somethingfabulousbyfaith.bigcartel.com

Meet the stallholders...a quick cuppa with Liz Fennings from Elsie Belle Jewellery

2011-03-10T10:55:00.000-08:00

Liz Fennings from Bristol is the owner of Elsie Belle Jewellery and is trading with us for the first time this Spring. Let's find out all about her...

Liz (on the right)

Like the name of your business, Liz.

Elsie Belle Jewellery is named after my paternal grandmother! I concentrate on vintage and vintage-inspired designs featuring charms, trinkets and treasures galore! Established in 2004, it all started as a hobby but after launching the web store I received a few wholesale enquiries and it just snowballed from there to quickly became my full time job. We now have a small team working in our Bristol studio and stockists all over the world.

One of Elsie Belle's gorgeous designs

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

My inspiration comes from everywhere including fashion and vintage trends, books, music and films. I especially love animals and nature and so flora and fauna are always reoccurring themes at Elsie Belle’s.

Flora and fauna are a recurring theme in her work

Why did you want to be part of “It’s darling!”?

I met one of the organisers, Rebecca (Purple Sparkle Crafts) at the Vintage Fair in Bristol and we got chatting – I had heard of the "It’s Darling!" Bath Fair before and I was delighted to be able to get involved.

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

We will be discounting all the jewellery - this will include a large number of pieces from the current collection and lots of extra special one off items!

Elsie Belle earrings

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is...

Daffodils, lambs, longer days and the promise of summer just around the corner!

Cream Rose Garden necklace

Please finish this sentence too: What I need to buy most in Spring is...

Vintage deck chairs and pretty plants for the garden! I love getting it all ready for the summer and I am planning a Royal Wedding Garden Party so I need to get it looking spic-and-span.

What’s darling in your life?

My little kitten Ethel! She is just the cutest!

Melts our hearts!

For more info go to www.elsiebelle.com or email care@elsiebelle.com

Meet the Spring Fair stallholders...a quick cuppa with Ruth Oliver from Once I Was

2011-03-09T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hello! Please tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Ruth Oliver and I live on the outskirts of Salisbury, Wiltshire and my business is called "Once I Was."
I create fashion accessories using reclaimed materials and recycled fabrics. Way-past-their-wear-by-date leather jackets; tablecloths and party frocks are all transformed into beautiful bags, pretty purses and much more!

Ruth

When and why did you start doing this?

I have been designing, making and doing since I was little and have my fingers in various crafty "pies", but Once I Was was established in 2009 after doing some work with Oxfam. I was inspired to set-up in order fufil my need to create and make! Once I Was fits around my other job as a designer-maker at Vivien Sheriff Millinery.

One of Ruth's new designs

Where do you get your ideas/inspiration from?

I like to play around with shapes and work on patterns when starting new designs looking through my collection of haberdashery and fabric finds. I also do a lot of daydreaming when on my bike!

Look for this logo on 26th March

Why did you want to be part of the "It's darling!" Spring Fair?

When I read about "It's Darling!" on a blog and looked into what type of fair it was, it seemed to be the perfect event to showcase my work. As I work with reclaimed and recycled clothing I feel this fits into both the Vintage and Handmade aspects of the show. I also want to reach a audience that is excited by unique and handcrafted items.

Could be yours...

Are you doing anything special with your stall?

There will be a Once I Was "Pick'n'Mix" where I will be offering a selection of items for a special price and I will be showing new bags and other goodies.

Another new design by Ruth

Please finish this sentence: What I love most about Spring is....

...riding on the Swanage Railway with Mr and Master Oliver. The ultimate vintage travel treat!

A snap from Swanage Railway

Please finish this sentence too: What I need to buy most in Spring is....

...wide leg trousers and new brogues, a wicker basket and my 30th (eek!) birthday tea party ingredients!

What's darling in your life?

Little Sammy O (below)

Darling!

For more info contact Ruth in the many ways below
w. www.once-i-was.com e: info@once-i-was.com t: 07851 02757

New artwork!

2011-03-08T07:32:00.000-08:00

Look out for the new flyers around Bath!

The "It's Darling!" Fair 2011

2011-02-03T11:57:00.000-08:00

A very (belated) Happy New Year to you all from us at "It's Darling!".

We're excited to be able to announce the dates of our 2011 events.

Firstly we have our..

Spring Fair

Saturday 26th March 2011 at The Friends Meeting House, York Street, Bath

This is a new venue for us, and we're looking forward to a bigger fair, and welcoming The Secret Tea Party to the Fair, who will be running the downstairs tearoom, complete with its vintage china, stylish soundtrack and vintage stylists, The Pop Up Parlour, who can give you any hair and make-up makeover you desire, from the 1920s to cocktail party - perfect for partying on Saturday Night.

Summer Fair

Saturday 16th July 2011

Christmas Fair

Saturday 19th November 2011 and Sunday 20th November 2011

Would you like to join us as a trader? Click the 'New Trader' link at the top of the page and complete the form - or send us an email to itsdarlingfair@gmail.com

If you have traded with us before you should have received the new information pack automatically, but please let us know if you haven't and would like one!

We look forward to seeing you there!

Becky and Cath