Scarlet Butterfly

Please Follow My NEW BLOGS

2011-03-05T12:16:00.011Z

I have been ignoring this blog as The Scarlet Butterfly Company finished last summer, but I couldn't bring myself to delete it as I loved it when I had my business and still think its really pretty, but it has been 6 months now and I really think I should let go of it :( so in a few weeks I will be deleting it.
... but before I go, I wondered if any of you lovely followers would like to follow any of my new/other blogs ...
First up is my crafty blog ... MARIA DIVINE
... a new one for The Beach Collection, now called BYGONE BEACH DAYS
... a photo project I am doing with Teri from Rainbow Cottage ... next my personal blog ... DOTTY MARIA
... my little doggies blog DILLY DOLLY DOG ... my photo-a-day project ... THE WANDERING DRYAD
... and finally a bit of a giggle ... DOTTY MOO ... I hope I see you there at some/all/one of my blogs!
Maria xxx

Goodbye & Thank You

2010-07-30T16:17:00.003+01:00

Well after nearly 10 years I am finishing my business.
I have really enjoyed doing it but feel its time for a change. I need to be able to enjoy making things again without the pressure of running a business and the stress that comes with that.
I am not sure exactly what I am going to do instead yet, but am looking forward to see where my path will go! I wanted to thank you for all your custom and support and comments & friendship, they have all meant a lot to me.

Jewellery CASE & DISPLAY TRAYS For Sale!

2010-06-16T20:21:00.019+01:00

I'm selling my jewellery case .... it was made to order for me from a company in Germany called KLING.
It hasn't been used much and is in great condition. It cost me £2165.

I used to to take my jewellery around to shops and at jewellery parties, where it was brilliant for as I just laid them out and they were really easy for people to buy from!
The case is silver grey in colour and measures 50cm wide x 27cm deep x 41cm tall.The front of the case folds down so that the trays can be easily accessible.The trays stack together so the jewellery is quite secure.They are cream leatherette and cream velvet/suede.The pads are removable so you can fit different pads in if you want.There are 4x long trays that measure 23.5cm x 47cmfor necklaces & braceletsThere are 19 square trays that measure 23.5cm x 23.5cm
2x ring trays2x wedge earrings trays
These pads are perfect for stud earrings and small dangly earrings.2x tray for pendants
2x trays for small bits ~ pendants or brooches2x larger compartment trays ~ perfect for bangles or brooches
2x trays ~ earrings & necklaces1x necklace tray
2x necklace trays2x necklace trays
It comes with a dust bag that has never been usedI also had to order a large quantity of pads, so there are lots of unused one that can be used if you need more of one type.It is currently listed on eBay (http://tinyurl.com/3ysp9e4) for £949.99 with £15 p&p (or you can pick it up ... I live in Seaford East Sussex)
If you are interested and have any questions, please do ask!

BIG SALE @ ButterflyBuys Supply Shop

2010-05-25T11:56:00.006+01:00

Our huge clearance sale has spread and reached our ButterflyBuys Supply Shop on Folksy. There are lots of beads & craft making supplies ALL REDUCED to clear! More goodies added all the time!

Maria x

Magnetic Jewellery

2010-05-14T21:51:00.007+01:00

I often have aches and pains in my fingers (a bit of hereditary arthritis) and sometimes wear a magnetic bracelet that does help ... yes one I made!
I thought it was about time I made some to sell too ... so here it is ... I have been playing with magnetic pearls and pretty sterling silver flowers ...BraceletEarringsand Necklace that is a long string and just attaches at the front ....... or can be worn wrapped around your wrist as a bracelet.

I hope you like them and will be listing them soon of Folksy.

Change is in the air ....

2010-04-25T17:20:00.006+01:00

10 years ago this May I did my 1st ever craft fair (well it was actually a street market) with my sister-in-law Bex. It was a great success taking over £80 and it spurred me on to start my business properly in September that year. I think this photo was actually taken the following year at the same event .... The 1st time I did it I only had a few baskets of cards!I can't believe that 10 years have passed already!

I haven't blogged much or tweeted much recently ... that is because I feel that change is on its way and I am not sure what is going to happen. I feel like I need to do something different .... that hopefully involves traveling which I love, but haven't done much of in recent years due to being tied to the business. So for this reason I am having a HUGE CLEARANCE SALE ... lots of big reductions as well as selling ex-display items like these 2 (available in my eBay shop) I feel very sad to sell these beautiful items (as well as others) but hopefully something exciting is around the corner! I am sure that I will continue to be creative and make goodies (to be honest, I don't think I could stop even if I wanted too) but not sure in what form it will take!

Please check out my shops for lots of reduced goodies over the next few months!

Maria x

~ SPRING SALE ~

2010-04-10T13:56:00.003+01:00

We have a SPRING SALE on in our eBay shop ...More items added soon and some items in our other shops will be reduced too so keep your eyes out for a pretty bargain!

Folksy Friday

2010-04-09T21:27:00.010+01:00

The sunshine has been so lovely today that when I was walking to the Post Office all the flowers in the gardens that I passed were smelling so lovely. It has inspired me to do a FOLKSY-FRIDAY collection on spring flowers.
(click on their names below the pictures for the links) Lynwoodcrafts
Handmade
Blue Forest JewelleryChiyo
Little Seed
Batik BoutiqueNoodleBubble
Twinkyspangle
Millimoo
hsmdesign
Songbeads
Nuada Accessories

I hope you like the lovely items that I have picked and their beautiful colours. Please visit their lovely shops!

Maria x

What have I been up to?

2010-03-23T22:43:00.005Z

It feels like ages since I have been on here .. I would like to say that I have been spending the last few weeks cuddling my sweet dog Dilly ... I have ... but not the whole time!
I have also been listing lots of goodies in my shops ... like these lovely bits to help you be creative in my Folksy ButterflyBuys Supply Shop
Also NEW in our eBay shop is some lovely fun cutlery that will definitely brighten up any table!
And to add to my blue flower range I have made a birthday greetings card ... available in most of our shops!
This beautiful painting was painted my my Gran, Joyce Wood and is of the local beach where I live ... The Seven Sisters .... it is available on a magnet ... and is very pretty and English!
I hope you are all having a lovely month.
Maria x

Little GIVEAWAY on Popular Crafts

2010-03-12T10:32:00.008Z

We have a little giveaway ... it is running for 2 weeks from 12th -26th March
You can win a roll of sticky back paper lace, 20 sheets of assorted gingham paper, some wobbly eyes, paper roses & Made For You tags.I hope you enter and check out their other giveaways as well as have a good look around their lovely site!

Good Luck!
Maria x

SPRING NEWSLETTER

2010-03-04T00:46:00.004Z

I have been meaning to do a newsletter for a while and tonight I managed to do it! yey!You can subscribe to it via our online shop so you get it first or if you want to have a peek at it you can view it here! www.scarlet-butterfly.com/newsletter-spring-2010

Tag, Your It!

2010-02-27T00:16:00.003Z

I just got tagged by Sah from Glitterysah ... go check out her lovely blog, she would love to say 'hi'

The rules of this tag are:
1. open your first photo folder
2. scroll to the tenth photo
3. post the photo and the story behind it
4. tag five or more people

.... so this is my picture ....Mum and Dads Wedding ... May 1971 ... I have been going through old photos and scanning them in ... My dad grew a beard soon after! Mum made her wedding dress and yes she has her eyes closed (somethings never change!) But I think they look lovely and they are the best parents anyone could have x

So here is who I am tagging ... can't wait to see all your photos!

1. Olivia & Sarah from S&O Productions
2. Karen from All About The Boys
3. Kate from Glamourpuss Jewellery
4. Deanne from ElokoJewellery
5. Teri from Rainbow Days

Maria x

FREE Postage and Packing!

2010-02-24T18:18:00.008Z

To beat the winter blues we are offering ...FREE POSTAGE & PACKING on all orders £10 or over!

All you have to do is quote: SBC10 & where you heard of this offer in a message with your payment and your postage and packing will be refunded!

This offer is available from all our retail shops:
Online shop ~ www.scarlet-butterfly.co.uk
eBay ~ The Scarlet Butterfly Company
Folksy ~ The Scarlet Butterfly Company
Folksy ~ ButterflyBuys Supply Shop
Folksy ~ At The Beach Collection
Etsy ~ The Scarlet Butterfly Company
Etsy ~ At The Beach Collection
DaWanda ~ The Scarlet Butterfly Company
Art Fire ~ The Scarlet Butterfly Company

The offer applies to items that are bought in a single transaction & paid for together from a single shop.

For more info about this offer please visit www.scarlet-buttterfly.com/sbc10

Please spread the word on twitter:
FREE P&P on orders £10 & over from @scarletflutter ~ http://tinyurl.com/yb2z8jz Please RT x

Maria x

BEACH COLLECTION Blog Giveaway

2010-02-13T12:55:00.003Z

Just wanted to let you know about a giveaway we have on our other blog ... AT THE BEACH COLLECTION ... win a set of 8 beautiful vintage pictures painted in the 1920's by my Great Grandfather.

All you have to do is follow the blog and comment on which is your favorite beach scene ...Its very easy! ... http://thebeachcollection.blogspot.com/2010/02/blog-giveaway.html

Maria x

ButterflyBuys Treasury

2010-02-12T12:56:00.009Z

I love looking at beautiful things and there are so many talented people out there making amazing goodies that make you drool! As as butterfly I have spent hours fluttering around the internet finding these treasures. Last November I opened a new twitter account @butterflybuys so I could share my finds. I thought it was about time I shared some of these on my blog too ... for a theme BUTTERFLIES was first that came to mind! These lovely items are all handmade and for sale on www.folksy.com (@butterflybuy tweets find goods all over the internet, but for this treasury I have just picked items from Folksy) Necklace made by Beadacious
Bunting made by Crafted
Ring made by Sian Bostwick Jewellery
Pencil Case made by Top Floor Treasures Notecards made by GooseberryMoon
Glass Butterflies made by Gorgeous Glass Brooch made by Gracie's Garden Bazaar
Art made by KatyLou

The names below the pictures are links to the items.

I hope you like what I have picked and please have a nose around their shops for more lovely goodies.

Please don't forget to follow @butterflybuys on twitter for more lovely links and if you want to follow our latest flutterings follow @scarletflutter

Maria x

And The Winner is ....

2010-02-04T22:57:00.003Z

CONGRATULATION! the winner is .... EMMA HOWARD ... Congratulations Emma x

I am so amazed at the lovely response that this little giveaway has had and the lovely comments that everyone has made ... thank you xSo after leaving me & Bex out of the list and adding everyone who had twittered (and I knew they were following on facebook) and all you lovelies that mentioned that you were spreading the word as extra entries I used a random generator to fine a winner. No. 64 Emma Howard.

Thanks again everyone ... I am so touched the lovely comments and so amazed how fast too ... I was really thinking what happens if Valentines Day comes & goes and we are no where near 100 ... the prize will be useless ... I never in a million years thought that it would all happen in one evening. Thank you so much. I hope that you will stay fans so you can keep up with all that we little butterflies get up to.

Maria x

Valentines FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY COMPETITION

2010-02-04T15:53:00.006Z

THE SCARLET BUTTERFLY COMPANY have 50 lovely fans on FaceBook that leave lovely messages on pictures of our goodies. To thank them we are having a giveaway competition.
The prize is .... a set of LOVE magnets, a pretty heart compact mirror and a sterling silver and glass heart pendant.all you have to do to be in with a chance to win is follow us on FACEBOOK and pass the message on ... As soon as we reach 100 fans one will be picked at random (using a random generator) and notified through facebook.

For an extra entry please tweet on twitter:
become a fan of @scarletflutter on facebook & be in with a chance to win some Valentines goodies! ~ http://tinyurl.com/ya2ghgb

Good luck! xxx

Bits 'n' Bobs

2010-01-30T16:32:00.012Z

Firstly I hope every one has been having a great 2010 so far ... can you believe its the end of January already! Looking back at my New Year's resolutions, I can't say that I have managed them all ...

1. have more routine in my day, and more set working hours so that I can have time off without feeling guilty .... and go to bed earlier!
~ Well, I have had some days when I have been very productive and a couple of nights I have been to bed before midnight, so .... not too good 3/10 I think :(

2. do some accounts everyday so that they don't become a big mountain of a job that I put off doing!
~ ahh, now this one I can feel proud about ... most days I have done some ... 8/10 :D

3. spend more time making pretty things and being creative not just do the 'boring necessary' jobs that you have to do when self-employed.
~ I've had a few days where I have enjoyed making (see pics below!) so ... 6/10

4. keep my desk tidy!
~ I don't think we should even look at this one! ... 0/10!!!

So all in all ... not that great ... must try better next month ... I think I will write them out and pin them up so I see them every day!

Well here are some of the pretty things that I have made this month ...... there is an album on our facebook page where you can have a sneaky-peek at lots more!... and here are a few Valentine Cards that are available in Folksy, Etsy, eBay and our online shop

And lastly ... we have a NEW blog ...AT THE BEACH COLLECTION is a range of beautiful paintings that my Great Grandfather did in the 1920's and each scene has captured the essence and beauty of the South Coast of England, giving an authentic flavour of life in the early 20th Century.

Maria x

SUNSHINE AWARD

2010-01-20T14:53:00.005Z

Last week Sophie from Trinket Box gave me a 'SUNSHINE AWARD' ... a lovely award to have in this cold January. The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity & creativity inspires others in the blog world.

The rules for accepting the Sunshine award

~ Put the logo on your blog or within your post

~ Pass the award onto 12 bloggers ~

~ Link the nominees within your post ~

~ Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

~ Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

I have come across a lot of creative people who blog and they have all inspired me, so its not easy to pick just 12 ~ they are in alphabetical order ~ all lovely blogs and worth a follow :)

AliBaliJewellery
By Vicki
GlamourPuss Jewellery
GlitterySah
Keiara's Keep
Miss Indie
Moobaacluck
My Calico Heart
Rainbow Cottage
S&O Productions
SheDraws
Sascalia

I hope you will have a nose at them :)
Thanks again Sophie for the award.

Added Feb 2010:
I have also been given this award from S&O Productions ~ thank you ~ thank you ~ thank you (I am scarletflutter)

A Bit Of Fun For VALENTINES DAY!

2010-01-11T23:55:00.003Z

Well I can't say that I have been very good with my resolutions so far this year ... today hasn't been too bad and I am hopeful for the rest of the week ... I can't believe it is the 11th already!

I thought I would just show you my bit of fun for Valentines Day ~ * ♥♥♥ *~ ... it is a magnet that can be personalised ... pin it on the fridge of the one you love (or just fancy!) with a picture of yourself! It say 'Call Me' and your phone number can be added ...
I hope you like it! ~ * ♥♥♥ *~

~ Happy New Year! ~

2010-01-01T18:48:00.003Z

It's 2010 ... a new year and a great time for a fresh start ... I don't usually make resolutions as I know they will be broken before the week is out, but I am going to make some this year ... well some for work anyway!

1. have more routine in my day, and more set working hours so that I can have time off without feeling guilty .... and go to bed earlier!

2. do some accounts everyday so that they don't become a big mountain of a job that I put off doing!

3. spend more time making pretty things and being creative not just do the 'boring necessary' jobs that you have to do when self-employed.

4. keep my desk tidy!

You will have to help me and make sure I am sticking to them!
I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and New Year and that the year ahead will be full of happy times and dreams that come true x

~ SALE ~ SALE ~ SALE ~

2009-12-26T22:27:00.005Z

It's that time of year ... SALE time :) We all like a bargain ... a treat for ourselves or something to tuck away for later ... well THE SCARLET BUTTERFLY COMPANY has a SALE on too!
Visit our eBay shop or OnLine shop for some lovely goodies and a great price!
Hope you all had a lovely Christmas and have a great New Year!

~ * SNOW * ~

2009-12-18T17:06:00.006Z

Some people love it ~ some people hate it! I know it can be dangerous when driving on, but I am one who loves it ... especially when it is fresh with no footprints in it. It started last night and by the morning our world was white. It was crazy-pup's first experience of snow and she LOVED it ... just wanted to be out in it all the time ... Dilly-dog is a fan too, so it was lovely to watch them play.
I braved it myself this afternoon to go to the Post Office ... it was so lovely on the way home, the sky was a beautiful peachy colour and it made the snow look magical.This was taken from my phone, so it doesn't show its full loveliness.

If the snow is making you feel Christmassy you can see our winter goodies in our online shop ... we are posting all over Christmas, so its not too late!
Hope you all have a lovely Christmas and keep warm!

December!

2009-12-07T23:46:00.007Z

I know I say this all the time, but where is it going? .... only a few weeks to Christmas already! I seem to have spent all my time of the last month packing up goodies and posting them (this is good ~ not complaining, but I am beginning to wonder if I am coming or going!) Sadly this means that I haven't had much time to make & design new jewellery and gifts, but I have lots of ideas and can't wait to start them in the New Year :)This is Dilly-dog looking after some of the post while we get the rest of it done ... she loves walking to the Post Office as she is good friends with the lady who works there!

I hope everyone is having a lovely run-up to Christmas and feeling Christmassy ... We have been playing Christmas music at The Butterfly Factory for a couple of months now so are feeling very festive! (A couple of months you say! ... Yep, my little elf helper ~ my sister-in-law LOVES Christmas and so we started in October!)
Don't forget if you have any presents still to get our eBay shop is full as well as our online shop & Folksy shop!

Merry Christmas everyone and although it is lovely to give gifts to people, remember that the important thing is to spend time with and tell the people that we love that we love them xx

NEW supply store on Folksy

2009-11-21T09:59:00.004Z

After being inspired by some twitter-friends to open a supply store on Folksy, I was REALLY excited when I sold something after only a few hours!!
Here is it BUTTERFLY BUYS SUPPLY STORE ...After being in business for 9 years I have got lots of bits & bobs, beads & buttons, paper & pieces of goodness knows what that I haven't used ... (to be honest I have been getting crafting bits all my life, so there are a lot of boxes for me to sort through!) These are never used 'new' items and are going to be listed in BUTTERFLY BUYS SUPPLY STORE!
I am also going get some new items from a supplier that I have ... I hope enjoy having a look around ... there are only a few bits at the moment, but watch this space!! www.folksy.com/shops/butterflybuys

Cute-Kokeshi

2009-11-17T00:23:00.004Z

Another few weeks have flown by ... Thank God the postal strikes are over ... Christmas can now happen! I have been busy spending money (always a pleasurable job!) buying gorgeous goodies to fill our eBay shop and ::NEW online shop!:: Deliveries have been arriving and it feels like Christmas here already!

I have fallen in love with these gorgeous nail files and tweezers. We ran out of them within a week, but have now had a second delivery!
There are 6 colours available in both nail files and tweezers (yellow & black are the 2 colours not shown) and they are only £1.25!!! I think I will be adding them to presents that I am giving this Christmas as a little extra :) If you like them you will have to be quick though! They are available from out eBay shop ~ http://stores.shop.ebay.co.uk/The-Scarlet-Butterfly-Company & our online shop ~ www.scarlet-butterfly.co.uk

Spending time with my Mum x

2009-10-29T11:18:00.004Z

This last week or so seems to have disappeared into a haze ... my lovely mum came to stay last week and this week my sis-in-law's mum is staying .... it has been lovely as we don't see them very much & there is nothing like shopping or watching a girlie film with your mum ... or having a hug from here when you need one! It has meant that I have only been doing the bare minimum with work though! ;S
Mum had great fun going through all the things I have made since she was last here .. and even bought some of my new compact mirrors for little extra Christmas presents! (thanks mum!) I won't see her now until Christmas :(

Kara-bean's BIRTHDAY Competition!

2009-10-21T19:18:00.007+01:00

Since the success of her last competition in September Kara-bean (click here to see it), my niece has been on at me as she wants to do another, and as it is her 7th birthday next week here it is ... please note her lovely joined up writing that she just learnt to do!This is Kara-bean on her birthday with lots of balloons!
What she would like you to do is tell her a joke, little story or secret and on 28th October, her birthday, she will pick her favourite! As it is near Halloween the winner will get one of our cute 'little pumpkin' badges!
Please remember that it is just a bit of fun for a little girls birthday so only clean messages and thank you all who enter! We will let you know on 28th/29th who has won so please call back and see if it was you ~ Thank you xx

Lovely Blog Award ... for me!!

2009-10-20T09:43:00.004+01:00

I just got a lovely blog award from S and O Productions ... I still can't believe it :) I am sitting here with the biggest grin on my face :D
Here it is -------->
Now that's a pretty award isn't it ... Have you seen their blog? S and O Productions have the loveliest blog, full of stories, pretty pictures and of course the lovely things they make. They are sisters, Sarah and Olivia and if you don't follow them, you should ... they will defiantly bring a bit of prettiness into your life ... www.sandoproduction.blogspot.com

Thank you Olivia and Sarah, I hope I can live up to your award xx

get DISCOUNT on ALL orders from our new online shop!

2009-10-15T11:47:00.003+01:00

fancy getting discount on ALL your orders from our new online shop? All you have to do is follow this blog and after you register, send us a message with the discount code and it will be applied to your account! ~ see here for more details about discount codes ~ http://tinyurl.com/yjo846a

yey! NEW ONLINE SHOP now open!

2009-10-15T09:30:00.005+01:00

I haven't been very sociable lately ... I have been working on our new online shop ... and here it is :)
I haven't managed to get as much listed on it before I opened it as I wanted, but there are about 180 goodies for you to have a quick mooch through & I will be adding more daily! Let me know what you think ... I hope you like it! ~ www.scarlet-butterfly.co.uk

I also have a free gift on all sales before Christmas ~ a sweet pink angel decoration! ~ get yours before they run out!

Stock Room

2009-10-08T16:50:00.004+01:00

In getting goodies ready to list in my new on line shop, I have had a good look through my stock room (well corner really!) and found some things that I thought were listed on eBay and in the hundreds of listings that I have on eBay, managed to get missed ... so they are perfect for my new shop. I am hoping that I can reduce my eBay shop (and the fees I pay!) in favor of my 'sparkly new shop' (thanks Kate for that quote!)

CONGRATULATIONS NiftyKnits ~ winner!

2009-10-01T14:19:00.003+01:00

Can you believe that it is October already???
Thank you for all your follows on my blog. I have written down all my followers (apart from 'marymay' cos that is me!) and used a random generator to find me a winner ...and the winning number is no.4 ~ NiftyKnits .... Congratulations! I will be in touch :)

Where do you like to shop on line?

2009-09-19T20:24:00.004+01:00

I have been busy the last couple of days setting up my on line shop ... yes, my own! Over the past 5 years I have had a lovely eBay shop and in the last year I have also started selling on various other craft/handmade shops. When I first had a website 9 years ago I had a 'kinda' shop ... all my items were listed but it was more like a catalogue with no check-out ~ but coming soon ...I was wondering as a buyer where do you like to shop ... and I am talking about beautiful handmade goodies ... I have posted a poll <--- so please vote :)

LITTLE PUMPKIN Badge ~ great for Halloween!

2009-09-16T00:50:00.004+01:00

Little Pumpkin is a cute little fella who doesn't want to be left on the shelf on 31st October ... he is a happy chap who will go with you where every you go & his lovely shiny blue wellies means he is prepared for any adventure you want to take him on!He is available on eBay, Folky, Etsy & DaWanda

Kara-bean's Competition!

2009-09-12T12:11:00.008+01:00

A few days ago on twitter @glitterysah posted this cute picture & asked us to guess who it was. My little niece guessed 'Adam' or 'Allie' but of course it was Nessie (Glitterysah is from Scotland!)
Well my niece, Kara-bean, thought this was such a good idea that the next morning she drew this sweet fox and wants you all to guess her name. She said I should give the winner this set of pretty shabby chic magnets.Here are a couple of clues:
1. It is a girl
2. It is the same name as something in nature.

Good luck!

New Daisy Letter Magnets

2009-09-11T14:17:00.006+01:00

I have been making these sweet shabby chic letter magnets for a year now and they have been really popular (which is good!) ~ made to order for 50p per magnet just pick the letters you need to make the name/word you want.
Yesterday I made a set of letter magnet to match my butterfly & daisy set for a customer ~ she wanted the word Daisy ... here they are ...
I am so pleased with them I think I will make a whole alphabet and have them as a made to order set too! I really should have made them in the Spring, ready for the Summer ... but I guess its never too late for something pretty! ~ I hope you like them :)

Some Lovely Yummy Goodies

2009-09-09T13:25:00.006+01:00

Having been on twitter for about 6 months now, I have chatted to some really lovely people and many who I follow are very creative and make the most beautiful things & I thought I would just do a little treasury showing their lovely goodies ...
@gpjewellery ~ Glamourpuss Jewellery
@Hotdogandme ~ Hot Dog And Me
@owlonthesill ~ Owl On The Sill
@glitterysah ~ Glitterysah
@OliviaOlivia13 ~ Olivia Olivia
@zross09 ~ Reclaimed Treasures
@angelenefay ~ Angelene
@NiftyKnits ~ Nifty Knits
@rainbowflute ~ Rainbow Cottage Crafts
@pennydog ~ Penny Dog
@thesockgarden ~ Odd Sox
@trinket_box ~ Trinket Box

I hope you like all the pretty colours & if you click on their names below the picture it will take you directly to them .... and if you aren't already on twitter pop in for a chat @scarletflutter

Tips for a Craftster Working From Home

2009-09-04T21:07:00.004+01:00

Well I made it - 9 years today :) I have had a lot of ups and downs, but I am still here doing what I love ~ making pretty girlie things :)
It hasn't always been easy but I have learnt a few things. I am no way an expert, and these are only small tips, but still important. They are in no particular order, just as I think of them

* Don't sleep in the same room as you work ... this is very important. You need to be able to really switch off and if you can't sleep it is too tempting to just get up and potter.

* Do your accounts regularly (something I still find hard to get into the habit of as I find it boring!) but it doesn't take long for them to get on top of you and then it is a big job that you have to catch up with.

* Try and keep your work area tidy (again something that I find hard!) as it does dry up your creativity ... I always get a lot more made/done if my desk is tidy.

* Make sure you take time off (either shut the door on your work or go out) ... this may sound like an obvious thing to say, but when you are your own boss there is always a job to do and you are the only one to do it.

* Make friends with someone else that is self-employed. This also may sound like an odd thing to say, but it can actually be a very lonely and no matter how many friends you have it is good to have some one to talk to who knows what you are going through.

* There will be lots of ups and down times ~ the year is very seasonal. When you are having a good season, tuck something by for the quiet times.

I hope these are helpful, as I say, I am no way an expert ... I have had some lovely & great support from my family and friends (thank you guys xxx) and some really lovely customer (thank you guys too ... I would not still be here with out you xxx) I also haven't mastered all the things that I have written in the list above as when you are self-employed you have to be very self motivated and that can sometimes be hard. If you are wanting to be a craftster working from home, it can be the most rewarding and wonderful thing ... especially when something you made sells! So my advise is GO FOR IT!!

SEPTEMBER CELEBRATION

2009-09-01T19:11:00.004+01:00

On the 4th September I will have been self-employed for 9 years and to celebrate I am having a £10 prize draw. all you have to do is follow this blog!

The prize draw will take place on Thursday 1st October. I will assign a number to all followers and then use a random number generator to pick the winner!

Don't worry ... if you are already following ... you are also included ;)

For more info please visit www.scarlet-butterfly.com/sept-celebration

GOOD LUCK!

Favourite Colour Results

2009-08-31T11:04:00.004+01:00

Well my poll has ended and I had 20 votes ... thanks for all the votes :)
Here are the results:

Shades of Red - Blood & Mauve: 4
Shades of Blue: 1
Sea colours - Teal & Turquoise: 8
Sunshine colours - Yellow & Gold: 1
Purple: 1
Hot Pink: 1
Baby Pink: 1
Browns, Oranges & Earthy Shades: 0
Grassy Green: 1
Black: 1
Others: 1

I am quite surprised that purples & pinks didn't get more ... I thought they were more popular!
Thanks again to all who voted :)

Cute compact Mirrors

2009-08-28T17:37:00.005+01:00

I am so excited about my new mirrors ... they are 4.4cm in diameter so are quite tiny, but perfect for keeping in your handbag or even purse so you can check you eye & lip make up when you go out!I have only made a few designs so far but have loads of ideas of designs for them and they will soon be available in all our shops ... is it sad how excited I am about them???!

New business card design

2009-08-27T14:24:00.007+01:00

Some one asked for a business card today and it made me realise how long it has been since I have used my business cards ... they still had my old address & phone numbers on! I haven't really used business cards as I have a leaflet and when I post out an order I have a pretty slip that I enclose with the order. So I decided that it was time for them to have a face lift and have just made some new ones ....

This is my old one ... double sided ... with loads of info!and this is my new one ... single sided but full of prettiness! It also means that if any details change I haven't got loads of redundant cards floating around and I can always write any other info on the back if someone wants it :)

She is ready to take your calls!

2009-08-26T13:15:00.005+01:00

I just had to share these sweet photos of my niece working at my desk ... and yes they are my sunglasses ... 'cos serious work can not be achieved without sunglasses on!

Sneaky-Peek!

2009-08-24T19:18:00.008+01:00

Here is a sneaky-peek at a few new Christmas goodies that I have made ...

Some Christmas greetings cards taken from some paintings that I did many years ago!They have detachable badges with matching designs ...
... and this sweet set of NOEL magnetsThey will soon be available in all Scarlet Butterfly shops :)

Pretty Beads Give Me A Thrill!

2009-08-13T16:22:00.006+01:00

I really, love seeing how colours go well together ... to see a pile of pretty glass beads gives me a thrill! My favorite colours are mauve and teal/green ... but I also like pinks ... oh, I love so many colours ... what are yours?

I have posted a poll (⇦ to the left) to see what is your favorite colour! Also do you wear clothes/jewellery in your favorite colour?
The poll finishes on 30th August ... please let me know if there are other colours that you like.

My Young Apprentice

2009-08-02T14:32:00.009+01:00

Yesterday Kara (my 6 year old niece) was bored so I suggested that if she made some jewellery bits with her Aqua Beads, then I would make them into jewellery for her ... she had great fun making a square pendant and 2 round flower shapes for earrings. The Aqua Beads had to be left over night to dry, but this morning we had great fun finishing them off into some funky jewellery for her to wear!
Yes, we have gold & silver mixed together, but who am I to question her design?

Just before lunch I was told by her that I wasn't allowed to use my desk as she was doing something secret! She then presented me with this ...On the back she has written ... To help out ~ turn over and on the front ...
marymay.com ideas (she has got my personal website & my work one mixed up ... my personal is www.marymay.co.uk & my work one is www.scarlet-butterfly.com)
The bracelet has lots of black heart beads hanging off it and measures 6 /12 (6 1/2 what? I don't know!) and the very pretty red & pink flower necklace measures 12 1/2. Maybe it is time I had an apprentice ... we could bring out a KARA-BEAN range ... what do you think?

Supporting THE BUTTERFLY TREE

2009-08-01T00:28:00.005+01:00

I remember when I first started my business I wanted to sponsor a child and thought that as soon as I was established enough I would. This September I will have been self-employed for 9 years and although the road has often been bumpy, I am so pleased that I am still doing what I love that to celebrate this anniversary I am going to start offering some items where a percentage or set amount is going to charity.
The charity I have chosen is called The Butterfly Tree. Yes, I was first drawn to it because of its name, but I think the work they are doing in amazing! They have over twenty projects currently running in the Kasungula District of Southern Province, Zambia including an orphan sponsorship program.

Please visit their website to find out more about them www.thebutterflytree.org.uk

The first item I have made is a pair of pretty butterfly magnets taken from a painting that I did a few years ago.

They are £1 for the set and 50p from every sale will go to The Butterfly Tree charity.
Please visit The Scarlet Butterfly Company's shops to buy them or just send a message.

Look what I found!

2009-07-25T16:12:00.005+01:00

After digging out my sewing machine last week, I have also had a delve in my wool basket (huge box really!) and came across some half made brooches that I used to sell when I did jewellery parties & craft fairs ... I forgot how sweet they are and think I will start selling them again! ... crazy-pup ran into the garden with some of the wool and a crochet hook ... managed to get the wool back, but couldn't find the hook anywhere! (and I spent about half an hour looking too!) About an hour later crazy-pup comes trotting in with it ... I have no idea where she had hidden it! At least I got my hook back :)

I have dug out my sewing machine!

2009-07-21T13:16:00.003+01:00

The problem with moving house is things get packed away and sometimes don't get unpacked for a little longer than you planned! My sewing machine is one of those things ... I have just been doing hand sewing for the last few months, but last weekend I actually dug out my machine and made another mess while I had some fun!
Padded hanging hearts available on eBay (http://tinyurl.com/d6csro)

It's been a while ...

2009-07-16T17:16:00.004+01:00

Goodness, I have just realised that it has been nearly a month since my last post ... and what have I been doing? Well I would like to say that I have been taking it easy while Dilly-Dog has been running the place (see last post) but sadly, no rest for me & I have been visiting local towns with my AT THE BEACH Collection range of greetings cards & postcards. The response has been good and it has been lovely having an excuse to go shopping! I have opened up an Amazon shop to sell them in too ... take a peek! (http://tinyurl.com/mbjn6o)

I have also been making some more jewellery including these pretty roses & blue flowers necklaces. Available on eBay, Etsy & Folksy

Doggy @ work

2009-06-22T23:21:00.002+01:00

Dilly-dog has decided that sitting at my feet while I work isn't enough, she has ideas of her own and wants to check what people are saying on twitter!

ROSES Are My Favorite Flowers

2009-06-18T18:24:00.002+01:00

I think this is one of my favorite necklaces that I have made ... ROSES have always been my favorite flowers and this beautiful necklace is made with a real rose that is set in polyresin. The beads are swarovski crystal & sterling silver. It is listed on Etsy (http://tinyurl.com/nd6q24)

~SUmMeR SPeciAL ofFEr~

2009-06-16T22:46:00.003+01:00

These sweet button magnets measure 2.5cm in diameter and are made in steel. Perfect to brighten up your fridge or memo board! When you spend £20 or more in a single transaction (one payment) you will receive one set of magnets. This offer is available until 31st August. For more info please visit www.scarlet-butterfly.com/summer-offer
Available with sales from all our shops ... eBay, Etsy & Folksy

Days of the Week MAGNETS

2009-06-15T22:15:00.002+01:00

I have just made up this set of DAYS OF THE WEEK magnets and I LOVE THEM :)
They are so shabby chic and are perfect for a fridge or memo board ... would make a lovely New Home gift.
They are listed in eBay (http://tinyurl.com/lez2vs) & Folksy (http://tinyurl.com/mj67ws) ... will be listing them on Etsy soon.

Made to Order Button Magnets ~ Shabby Chic

2009-06-13T22:38:00.006+01:00

These lovely button magnets can be bought it different letter lengths so you can choose your own name or word. They make a lovely personalised gift and are great for your fridge or memo board! Different colour combinations and fonts can ordered if you would like different letters than the standard alphabet shown.

Available in our eBay shop (http://tinyurl.com/nmd3nu) as 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7 letter long sets.

Perfect Pinks

2009-06-11T19:40:00.003+01:00

I love these pretty pink badges that look great anywhere and can add a bit of colour to any outfit, bag or hat. I had one lovely customer who told me she bought them to pin onto her Granddaughters lampshade. They are 2.5cm in diameter and have steel backs. We have many different colours and patterns for sale in our eBay shop (http://tinyurl.com/nee4jo)

Funky Earrings for the Hot Weather

2009-06-02T19:10:00.004+01:00

I have just made these gorgeous earrings that I think are ideal for the summer. The hooks are very unusual, they are chains that you thread through your ear like a normal hook, but with these chains you can alter the length of the earrings and how far they hang down your neck. The colours are beautiful blue & pink and would look stunning with a Summer dress! They are available in our Etsy (http://tinyurl.com/o45ugt) shop.

Calling Cards

2009-05-25T17:00:00.002+01:00

I have just got back from a lovely weekend away, staying with my auntie and it has made me think that we don't tell people enough that we love them or are thinking about them .... These great calling/visiting cards are an ideal way to leave a note for someone .... available on eBay, Etsy or Folksy ... only £1 for a pack of 20 and other designs are available in our eBay shop!

Sweet Flower Bangle

2009-05-20T15:36:00.004+01:00

I have just listed this sweet sterling silver flower bangle on Folksy (http://tinyurl.com/ppzqy9) .... it has always been a popular design, but having moved house a lot recently, I haven't had my silver table out and in a place where I can actually work at it, so it is nice to have it out again!

~ AT THE BEACH Greetings Cards ~

2009-05-19T15:15:00.000+01:00

Feeling like summer is on the way? or need a Father's day card ... check out our AT THE BEACH Collection of greetings cards ... available on eBay or if you want to buy them wholesale visit www.thebeachcollection.co.uk
These beautiful cards have been painted by my Great-Grandfather in the 1920's and have a real vintage feel and make you want to have an ice-cream!

Welcome

2009-05-18T00:10:00.000+01:00

Welcome to THE SCARLET BUTTERFLY COMPANY blog ... we sell gorgeous goodies for girls of all ages including East of India, Flower Fairies, Juicy Lucy, beautiful handmade silver jewellery and shabby chic stationary. Available on eBay, Etsy and Folksy. ~x~