After our trip to the V & A quilt show a couple of months ago, Jude and I visited the shop as is our custom and I was rather enamoured with some little pin cushions... the type that you can make around a bottle top. These were beautifully embroidered and were made into rings. The attraction ceased however when I saw the price tag... £30! Much as I appreciate that these were skillfully hand crafted... and that the V & A obviously has quite a high mark up... £30 seemed a tad expensive. And so I came home and made one instead.
Then when I was making bits and pieces to sell for Open Studios it occured to me that instead of making them around a bottle top, I could make them around little jam jar lids (of which I have a huge collection but that is another story) and they could become pin cushions with their own little pin container.
And so that is what I did... and I'm quite pleased that I did, because it is about the only thing I have sold this weekend. The recession is obviously hitting hard.
Numbers of visitors have been down slightly on previous years ( lovely to see some fellow bloggers though) and although holding Open Studios is about networking and making contacts as much it is about selling, it was just a little disappointing. I usually cover my costs but don't think that will happen unless I have a sell out weekend on 17th/18th July. Ah well... I guess that's birthday and Christmas presents sorted out for the next year!
Then when I was making bits and pieces to sell for Open Studios it occured to me that instead of making them around a bottle top, I could make them around little jam jar lids (of which I have a huge collection but that is another story) and they could become pin cushions with their own little pin container.
And so that is what I did... and I'm quite pleased that I did, because it is about the only thing I have sold this weekend. The recession is obviously hitting hard.
Numbers of visitors have been down slightly on previous years ( lovely to see some fellow bloggers though) and although holding Open Studios is about networking and making contacts as much it is about selling, it was just a little disappointing. I usually cover my costs but don't think that will happen unless I have a sell out weekend on 17th/18th July. Ah well... I guess that's birthday and Christmas presents sorted out for the next year!
These are so sweet and you have been busy mass producing ...love Jan xx
ReplyDeleteThey look great! What a clever idea. Sorry to hear Open Studios wasn't as busy as you would have liked - hopefully the next one will be much better!
ReplyDeletelucy x
I love my little pin cushion pot Gina - a very cute idea.
ReplyDeleteTimes are tough as you said - but all will be put to good use I'm sure.
Lovely to see you yesterday - hope you have a good number of sales in to weeks time.
Celia
x
Ooo they are lovely Gina.
ReplyDeletetwiggy x
What a brilliant idea - these are so pretty and practical too - no wonder they are selling well. I sometimes think it's not just the recession we are all up against - there are so many Art Trails and Open Studio events these days that customers are spread thin on the ground.
ReplyDeleteThey are wonderful! I'm intrigued about the glut of jar lids... you mean I'm not the only one who seems unable to throw away a jam jar?
ReplyDeleteThey're really lovely - what a super idea. I'm with Dragonfly - do tell us how you've come to lay your hands on so many lovely little jars !
ReplyDeleteThese are cute Gina ....
ReplyDeleteOooh they are lovely - I hope you don't sell out before I visit!
ReplyDeleteReally lovely little items. Love the idea that they can contain pins/buttons etc..............
ReplyDeleteJust a thimbleful....
ReplyDeleteLovely to see you today, Gina, and I confirm that the pincushions are gorgeous, your work is beautiful and so artistic AND your studio is tidy!
And the woman cooks as well! It's just not fair on us ordinary mortals.......
how cute!!! It has been quiet over in Peterborough too. maybe the austerity measures are worrying people too much so they are staying at home and keeping their pennies to themselves! Fingers crossed for a better turn out next weekend!
ReplyDeleteIt certainly was an inspired idea. I'm sorry that you didn't meet your expectations.
ReplyDeleteYoo hoo down there. So sorry about the fewer visitors. Not such good news. I have no idea what to expect really.
ReplyDeleteYour jam jar lids are really wonderful. I am eyeing the little pale blue forget-me-not one for a friend of mine.
So sorry I didn't manage our joint project for this weekend just gone. My plan is to get a couple done for your second weekend. Will email you x
Having seen the V and A pincushions, I much prefer yours, They really are lovely
ReplyDeletethese are really sweet and better than £30 for not very much at the V & A.
ReplyDeleteI have a couple of mini jam jars I have been collecting though I dont know what for. Last christmas we filled one with glitter and made a special tag saying it was faery glitter, the Boy was very happy with the faery gitter decoration anyway.
I wonder if it is the recession Gina or the fact there are so many things to go to now as previously said? I really hope things are better for you at the next one x
ReplyDeleteWhat lovely pin cushions and such a great idea to have a container for the pins so much nicer than those nasty plastic ones.
ReplyDeleteThose little pincushions are just adorable Gina! I love that they have a container underneath them!
ReplyDeleteit is so disheartening when you don't even make costs back. on a positive note though, the pincushions are gorgeous and you never have to teach maths again!!!
ReplyDelete