Some of my favourite things from the Dorset Team Christmas Fair 2016

With less than 1 month to go to the Dorset Team Christmas Fair  I wanted to share with you all the makers that I am really looking forward to seeing at the event.

I am hoping to buy as many gifts as possible from local makers this year as it means I can get some really unique gifts that the recipient will really treasure and at the same time support local businesses, something that is so important.

If you are local, please do come along to the event, there are 70 different stalls so a great selection of different crafts and products and many sellers are bringing along fair exclusives. Many sellers are also taking part in a Buy and Collect promotion where you can purchase online in advance of the event and collect free of charge on the day. Find out more here: http://dorsetteam.blogspot.co.uk/2016/10/buy-and-collect-at-dorset-team.html

I love these cards by Katie Rewse from Sea Blue Designs. I wish my hand writing was that beautiful...!

New for 2016 is Love from Hetty & Dave run by Zoe. How cute are these bee necklaces?!

I normally visit Lynn's stall to see her incredible beaded jewellery but this year I am really excited to also see her new collection of hand stamped vintage cutlery some of which have been made into plant labels and others which have been made into beautiful wind chimes. Find Lynn's shop here

Beautiful pendant necklaces by Little Vagaries  each has been hand painted!

Christmas wouldn't be Christmas without a sparkly glitter bow! I bought one of these last year in gold and love wearing it especially around Christmas time Add some glitter to your Christmas...!

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Dorset- Etsy Made Local curated by Etsy Made Local on Etsy

Thanks for reading and hope to see you there!! 

#TDDOrigami - A new origami project every day

Hello everyone!

Sorry I have been so quiet on the blog recently but I hope that during March that will change and there will be some more regular blog posts.

This year, one of my New Year's resolutions was to try new crafts just for fun. I have tried painting (both in acrylic and watercolours), resin casting and just recently origami.

Origami is something which always looks really relaxing and fun to do. I have made the odd thing with help from Youtube videos but it is not a craft which I have really tried. So, this week I bought an origami set and am setting myself the challenge of making 1 piece of origami per day just for fun.

I made my first today (a little raincoat) and couldn't resist sharing on social media as I was rather proud of my little creation!! It got me thinking and I decided it would be fun to post each of my new creations to my social media as a way to document what I have made, share with you guys what I am making and also motivate me to keep making them!

If you would like to follow along and see the different origami projects that I will be making please search the hashtag #TDDOrigami 

I will mainly be posting up on Instagram  and Twitter 

I am a total beginner so starting from easy makes and hopefully getting harder. If any of you make origami I would also love to see, please do share your makes to #TDDOrigami 

Etsy Craft Party Video 2015 for #EtsyTeamsTV channel

Hello everyone,

At the start of the month it was Dorset Team's annual Etsy Craft Party. Each year Etsy sets a theme for the Craft Party and people across the world get together to craft and create. This year's theme was Kaleidoscope: Paper Taking Shape. The official craft for Craft Party was collaging.We found a room in a little cafe and invited the Dorset Team and other locals to come and join us for some crafting. Everyone brought with them magazines and crafting supplies to make collages with which we all shared. We had great fun making different collages and paper weavings.

The Craft Party was also a very exciting event as we were going to be filming the first ever Dorset Etsy Team video for the new Etsy Teams TV channel on Youtube which has just launched (and you should definitely check out!).The deadline was super tight to be in time for the launch of the channel but Jamie, who is a professional camera operator and editor did an amazing job in filming the event and producing the video.

Please take a look at the video here and see the different interpretations of the theme from diva cats to 3D flowers and from paper weaving to stamping.



What do you think of the video?! Please let us know by using #EtsyTeamsTV

The Dorothy Days Xx

#DorsetTeamTools - photographs of crafters tools from the Dorset Etsy Team

Hey everyone,

A while back some of you might remember I posted about the Dorset Etsy Team's latest project, #DorsetTeamTools (If you missed my original post on Dorset Team Tools you can find it by clicking here).

The Dorset Etsy Team are a group of crafters, artists, vintage and supply sellers from Dorset in England who all sell on Etsy.com. The idea behind the Dorset Team Tools project is that members from the team post photographs of the tools they use to create their handcrafted products using the hashtag #DorsetTeamTools . The hashtag is running across different social media platforms including Instagram, Twitter and Facebook. I have had great fun looking at the photographs which members have been posting. Last time I posted some photographs by some of the jewellery makers in the team (please see the link above) so today I thought I would share with you some more of my favourite photos posted to the hashtag.

I think this photograph is probably my favourite photograph which has been posted to the hashtag so far. Colleen makes beautiful hand forged ironwork. Her work ranges from small pieces such as key rings to huge garden sculptures. Please take a look at her work here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/ArtisanIronwork

Wendy makes crocheted items for her shop and she posted this photograph of her very cute Cath Kidston pencil case which she keeps her crochet hooks in (I also spy a Etsy pencil from one of our Dorset Team fairs!) To see Wendy's work please click here https://www.etsy.com/shop/DollyDaydreamCrochet

I am a massive fan of Heidi's work and especially like her Frida Kahlo collection so was excited to see this #DorsetTeamTools photo of Heidi working on one of her paintings. Do you love this painting too? Please have a little look around Heidi's shop here: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/HeidiMillustration

This annotated photo by Cara made me smile. I often wonder not only what tools people use to craft but where they work when making something and do people listen to music, watch TV etc when they craft. Please take a look at some of Cara's finished work here https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/CararaDesigns

Hope you have enjoyed this post, for more photographs please see the #DorsetTeamTools hashtag. Any retweets, reposting or spreading the word about this project would be really appreciated.

Thanks for reading!

The Dorothy Days Xx

Dorset Etsy Team - #DorsetTeamTools has launched

Hello everyone,

Hope you have all had a great week. I have been busy busy busy this week! Some exciting things are happening in my shop soon. I really really want to tell you all but you guys are going to have to wait a little longer to find out! However, I can tell you all about an exciting project that The Dorset Etsy Team, which I am Captain of, have launched. The project is called 'Dorset Team Tools' and it launched this week which was hugely exciting. The team is made up completely of Etsy Sellers from Dorset, England. The idea is that team members use the same hashtag #DorsetTeamTools and post their photographs of the tools they use to craft their handmade items. We only launched a few days ago but already the response has been wonderful. It is lovely to see the tools which made the beautiful items which I see in the Dorset Team members' shops. The hashtag is running across social media on all different platforms including Instagram, Twitter, Facebook etc. Please take a look, there are some wonderful photos and it is being updated with new ones all the time. 

The tools that members are posting are for all different kinds of crafts. There is such a variety of different handmade products in the team so the tools used are really diverse too. There are tools for ironwork, paintbrushes and paints, pliers and metal cutters with gloves etc. 

Today I thought I would share with you all some of the photographs the jewellers in the team have been sharing. There are many more photographs (and I hope to do a follow up post soon) but here is just a very small selection.

(I have linked the shops as well so that you can see the items the tools are used to make. Please click through and have a look, there are some wonderful handmade products)

A selection of jewellery making tools from different Dorset Team members which have been shared using the hashtag #DorsetTeamTools

Lynn from Nemeton makes the most beautiful, intricate beaded jewellery. She posted a selection of her jewellery tools and pliers. 

Sarah from Deliciousbits makes her own cards and jewellery. She posted this photograph of some of her tools and beautiful beads. I love that you can see the finished necklace in this shot too. 

Louise from Platina Jewellery treated us to not just a photograph of her tools but also of her studio and workspace which I always find really interesting. Amazing to see such a wide range of tools which Louise uses to make her jewellery. 

Emma from Mardle Made posted this photograph of her cross-pein hammer which she uses to create bark effect patterns on her silver rings and bangles. I love that Emma has included her hand in this photograph as our hands are the best tool we have as makers.

This is one of my favourite photographs posted so far. The photograph was posted by Grainne from Times to Treasure and the tool is her doming block which is used to dome (cup) little pieces of silver. Aren't the tools beautiful? Someone commented on this photo when it was posted that it looks like a choir and now every time I look at this photograph that is what I see! 

Hope that you have all enjoyed this post. I will post another selection of photos from the Dorset Team Tools project soon but in the meantime, please take a look at the hashtag on social media #DorsetTeamTools to view the other photographs that are being posted. Each seller is an independent maker so, if you can, please share, retweet, comment on etc their photographs. I know that all the makers would really appreciate your support and comments. 

Thanks so much for reading,

Best wishes

The Dorothy Days X

What I have been up to the last few weeks....

Hey everyone,

Wow, it has been a busy few weeks and nice to take some time out to reflect and tell you all what I have been up to. Highlights were the Women of the World festival on the Southbank which was AMAZING and my trip to Cornwall both of which I will tell you about in a separate blog post (as I am likely to get some excited and carried away with photos!) but in between that this is what I have been up to...

Rufus has gone on holiday/ dog training camp as he is still being a little terror! The house is so quiet without him but I have been getting little updates and it sounds like he is having a great time and hopefully will come back having made a lot of progress with his retraining. His hair is so long at the moment he looks like a little fluff ball.

I have been having some photography lessons in hope that I will be able to improve my shop photography, I have learnt lots and got to play around with this beast!  Great fun and really useful too. 

Can't wait to get going photographing new items for my shop.

A day trip to beautiful Kent. I have only been once to Kent so it was lovely to have some time to explore and have a look around. We took a day out to Scotney Castle. It is a stunning National Trust property surrounded by beautiful countryside. 

Here is the house itself, what a beautiful building. We had a little tour around the grounds, castle and house. 

and of course tea had to feature....! Check out my Moomin mug!

The Dorothy Days Xx

Plans for March - How is it March already?!

Hello everyone,

How did it get to March?! I still can't get my head around it being 2015 let alone it being March! Feels like this year has already gone by super fast.

This month is shaping up to be an amazing month. I have a really packed schedule of exciting things including...

• The Women of the World festival at London's Southbank Centre. I went last year and it was AMAZING so I can't wait to go again this year. There are workshops, talks, debates, a marketplace and just so much going on. I will try and take more photographs this year and hopefully will also write a blog post so watch out for that one!

• I will be continuing to host a series of 'Live Chats' with the Dorset Etsy Team. We are working together as a group to improve our Etsy shops and so get together every Tuesday night online and discuss a topic for that week. It has been fantastic and I have learnt to so much.

• A big family holiday to Cornwall, I can't wait. It is right by the sea and there is a slide in the house as well as stairs....thats right....a slide! Well we all know what I am going to be doing for the entire week....!!

• I have been invited back to the U.K Etsy summit which this year will be held in Bristol. I can't wait to see all the other team captains who I have met before and also lots of new faces!

I will try and blog as much as possible this month and take lots of photographs for you all! 

Thanks so much for all your support and to everyone reading the blog

The Dorothy Days Xx

Dorset Team craft fair

Hey everyone,

How did it get to April!? Been so busy over the last few weeks working on the Dorset Team which I run. Since I got back from Berlin for the summit I have made lots of changes to the team and it is exciting how fast things within the team are changing and the progress that has been made in just a few weeks. Also wonderful to see members getting more involved with the team and helping out with the running of it.  There are lots of exciting projects and team events in the pipeline.

Our next team event is the Dorset Team craft fair in May. I am not selling there myself but instead will be there to talk to people about Dorset Team and to spread the word. I can't wait! We have 40 amazing stalls booked, some from Dorset Team members and a few from other local artists and crafters. Going to be such a range of amazing items for sale.

If you are nearby please pop in and say hello and have a browse! Entry is free.

The Dorothy Days Xx

New month new me? - The Dorothy Days return to blogging!

Hello everyone,

Well it has been a very long time since I last blogged on here (sorry!!!) and I miss it! The shop has been very busy and my Twitter account very active and I have been involved recently in some really interesting projects so I have been finding little time for my blogging and my blog has taken a bit of a back seat. Blogging is something I really enjoy so I have decided to try to start it up again and find time in my day to do some blogging. I miss the lovely comments I used to get from readers and also doing the research of fun things to put on the blog. 

Going to set myself a blogging challenge of 2 posts a week and see how I go from there. Hopefully once it becomes part of my routine I will be able to find time in my week to do it and it will also be something I enjoy doing.

Anyone else setting themselves any blogging goals? Would love to hear from you and what they are, please leave a comment below.

Here is to a fresh blogging start and an active blog!

The Dorothy Days Xx

Christmas preparations!

Hey everyone,

How are you all? thank you to everyone who has been commenting on my blog, really nice to read your replies. Can't believe that it is November, Christmas is going to be here in a flash! I have done two Christmas craft fairs and now will be focusing on getting my shop prepared for the holiday season. So much to do and to make but trying to get as many things made and listed before Christmas is here. 

This week I have been making lots of hair grips for my shop as I thought these would make lovely stocking fillers or as a secret santa gift. 

I have made them in all different designs.....some wooden ones, some button ones, some fabric ones. Here are a few of the designs I have listed so far.....

My wooden heart hair clips, how cute are these?! Click here to view

 Set of two vintage style floral fabric hair grips/ bobby pins by The Dorothy Days Click here to take a look

These fab retro style hair clips are some of my favourite Click here to view

I have updated my shop with the last shipping dates for Christmas.....

Wednesday 4 December Asia, Far East (including Japan), New Zealand
Thursday 5 December Australia
Friday 6 December Africa, Caribbean, Central & South America, Middle East
Monday 9 December Cyprus, Eastern Europe
Tuesday 10 December Canada, France, Greece, Poland
Friday 13 December USA
Saturday 14 December Western Europe (excluding France, Greece, Poland)

and I am also taking custom order requests and gift requests too :)

All set for taking Christmas orders and hopefully will get even more Christmas gifts up soon. Watch this space!!! 

The Dorothy Days 

Please click here if you would like to see what else my shop has to offer

I am back :) !

Dorset etsy team craft fair - Christchurch

Hello everyone,

Sorry I have been quiet on my blog. I have been super busy preparing for the craft fair. My table is covered in stock and price tags and labels at the moment!!! Really excited for the craft fair, it should be a really great day. If you are in the area please come along and take a look, there are going to be lots of local artists and crafters there. I have made this treasury to show a preview of some of the shops which shall be attending :).

'Dorset Team Craft Fair 7th July in Christchurch Dorset at the Hoburne Park' by TheDorothyDays

Some of the shops which shall be selling at Dorset Team craft fair 7th July in Christchurch, Dorset BH23 4HU 10am- 3pm please come along

Orange and Pink Sock Piggy P... CreationsbyAci... $5	Crochet Heart Accessories - ... Zirisi $2.5	Deco Decoden Chunky Cute Hea... ChibiChiDesign... $3.5	Pearl necklace, three strand... Deliciousbits $29.49
Upcycled Flower Fabric Brooc... PippinRunWild $10	Completed Counted Beadwork ... elizabethirwin... $3.18	Crochet little ladybird InspirationsBy... $2.5	Adorable Daisys FleursToujours $1
Cute leaf shaped earrings si... HeyCreate $4.99	Bunting Cushion justsewdays $15	Felt Letters - Fabric Decor... BellaBuds $4	MADE TO ORDER - Marie Antoin... nemeton $187.5
Fox Needle Felted Miniature ... Apulina $15	Eco Friendly Tote Shoulder B... GreenCallow $125	Papercut / Wall Decal - Alic... ChibiChiDesign... $11	Watermelon slice earrings fr... TheDorothyDays $4

The Dorothy Days Xx

Dorset Team Craft Fair- Hoburne Park - Christchurch

Hello everyone,

Want to hear some exciting news?! I have booked another craft fair this summer!!! I am so so excited, really can't wait. Will be fantastic to go to as I have been busy making lots of new necklaces and earrings and have also been expanding my vintage stock. The craft fair is going to be a really great one. It has been set up by a lady called Sarah who makes beautiful handmade jewellery and is going to be showcasing local artists, crafters and vintage sellers most of whom also sell on Etsy and are part of the Dorset Etsy Team (which I run). Will be a wonderful way not only just to meet other artists and crafters in the local area but also to sell our products together.

The craft fair is on Sunday 7th July and is from 10am- 3pm. Please if you are reading this and you are local please pop that date in your diary and come along and see what we have to offer. I have seen some of the shops which are going to be coming and there is a fantastic selection of items for sale. The fair is at the Hoburne Park in Christchurch. As you can see from the poster items which shall be sold there include cards, handmade jewellery, paintings, photograph prints and vintage items. This will be a really fun day out and a great way to support local artists, designers, crafters and independent sellers

Would be wonderful if some of you could make the fair and could pop in and say hello to me :). I am having two tables one with my vintage stock and one with my handmade items. I shall be taking some tea cups and jewellery like you see on my etsy shop but also cake stands, vintage illustrations and book plates, handmade gift tags, a wider range of jewellery and I have some really cute home decor things.

Hope to see some of you there

The Dorothy Days Xx