Sweet Mary

Making Christmas hearts to deliver to Redcurrent in Havelock North. The heavy cotton fabric used for the front is printed with colourful holly leaves and berries. Bright green ribbon, red spot fabric and a Merry Christmas label complete the look. Nearly forgot to mention - they are filled, as always, with New Zealand grown lavender. These hearts will only be available in Redcurrent, Havelock North and not on my Sweet Mary stalls. At the end of my working day, I wandered around the garden and took a few photos. My husband had picked broad beans from the garden and was podding them at the garden table. We had them later for dinner as part of a pasta dish with red peppers, bacon and mushrooms. I find these thrown together meals can often be the most delicious ones ( occasionally not!). Not a great photo to show the bronze to salmon pink colours of these Westerland roses. I love the rich green parsley and red geraniums underneath. This is the view I have from the kitchen window and it ...

All set up and ready to go at the beginning of my four day stint at the CHB Festival last week. Its always a fantastically social event at this first of the spring fairs to be held in Hawkes Bay. I had a really good spot this year in the Ruataniwha room but unfortunately this excellent spot did not equal excellent sales which means I probably won't attend this fair again as a stall holder. Of course, this means I can go as a visitor and have fun all day. In terms of exposure though its probably a good thing and I got to chat to lots of great people and swap ideas. My super talented husband took these wonderful photos of the views from the venue. We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful places in the world.

Early morning set-up, last Sunday at the first and very successful Hawke's Bay Design Market organised by Julia and Paula. Held at Ormlie Lodge on what turned into a hot, hot Hawke's Bay day Have to move down here because no matter how much I try the cursor will not let me click after the "y". Anyone know what the problem is? Anyway, the temperature hit a high of 30 degrees celcius and it certainly felt very hot in my sunny bay window spot. The crowds poured in from the 10am opening which mean't the sales were excellent. The atmosphere was great and everyone seemed to be having a good time despite the heat. Lots of friends stopped by to say hello and some to shop. And the two lovely ladies below, fellow stall holders, made sure I had breaks for food, drink and a quick browse. Thank you all x Photo: Charlotte and Caroline from Charlotte Rowlands Jewellery (gorgeous stuff) browsing my Sweet Mary stall.

Just to remind all you lucky Hawke's Bay dwellers that there is a great craft market being held tomorrow at Ormlie Lodge in Taradale. It is called the Hawke's Bay Design Market and runs from 10-3 on Sunday 29th. Ormlie Lodge is at 17 Omarunui Road, next to the Napier golf club. I will be running a Sweet Mary stall inside - come and say hello.

This Saturday I will be running a Sweet Mary stall at the Assisi Garden Summer Fair in the Wairarapa. Along with my normal lines I will be selling Christmas decos and gifts. Click here for details.

Christmas doves and hearts, handmade and filled with lavender on their way to the Redcurrent store in Wellington. Sweet Mary will be at the Haumoana Market Day tomorrow and the weather forecast is good - sunny and warm.

I was writing an email this morning and mentioned the gorgeous view outside my window so decided to put that view up on my blog for everyone to enjoy. There can hardly be a better sight to behold than the early days of spring and the promise of the warm days to come. This tree has the most wonderful shape, spreading out out from the ground from at least a dozen branches and is covered in soft white blooms that open from pale pink buds. I leaned out the window to get this photo and to let you see the under planting but just missed getting the fluffy baby in the shot who was very busy following a black bird. Just following, thats all. Recently I fiddled around with these squares of Cath Kidston fabric, vintage lace and red cotton thread. Putting all together with the idea of making a cushion cover - the idea being that it would be my twist on the popular Union Jack cushions on a lot of the English blogs. I love it! So, this one is for me and I will work on a few more for my Sweet Mar...

Linens to Love on the corner of Tennyson and Market Streets in Napier are stocking this exclusive line of Sweet Mary lavender hearts - made from a black and cream printed linen with striped ticking back. Black satin ribbon to hang in wardrobe, as a decoration or as a special gift.

My Sweet Mary stall all set up early Saturday morning on Market Street - all quiet and waiting for the bustle to start as its Art Deco weekend in Napier. Soon the streets will come alive with people, some dressed in the style of the 1930's and others just to look and take photos of all the magnificent sights. My husband walked around all morning taking photos so I have included the following favourite shots. Please click on the highlighted link as this site gives you concise and interesting information on the devastating 1931 Napier earthquake and how the town centre was rebuilt in the popular architectural styles of the day.

I am running a Sweet Mary stall in Napier tomorrow morning, outside Linens to Love on the corner of Tennyson and Market Streets. So, a busy day today just making sure I have plenty of stock - drop by if you are in Napier.

After reading the last few posts from The Vintage Magpie , I felt inspired to make some lavender hearts with a Valentine's Day theme. These ones are made with a red and white linen top and a wool felt bottom. They are finished with a vintage style button and my Sweet Mary tag. They are a limited edition and will be available only from Redcurrent in Wellington and Havelock North.

Now I know this isn't a great photo - hubbie (aka Honey) is not here to photoshop it for me. This gorgeous sign was custom -made for me by a clever couple and I am sorry that I don't know their names. Lots of their fabulous stuff is sold at Juliet's shop in Havelock North called: Now and Then. Probably my fav stop in the village - its in Donnelly Street.