Music for your heart and soul.

This post isn't about sewing.

I came accross this video on Youtube : a man is playing the contrabas on a square in a Spanish city. A  little girl throws a coin in his hat. Look what happens:
http://www.youtube.com/watch_popup?v=GBaHPND2QJg&feature=youtu.be
I found this so beautiful and moving.
I hope you like it.
Have a nice weekend
Kristien

A craft fair experience.

In my last post I told you about the Handmade in Belgium event.
This fair is held twice a year.
It was the first time I attended this craft fair. Here you can see my booth all set and ready.

 

 

 

 

My sales weren't brilliant; I was a bit disappointed.

I had a lot of positive comments: fantastic, beautiful, great work ... but it shouldn't cost money.
Now my motto is: "Quality comes at a price".

I use high quality materials, take a lot of time to create a product and set high standards.

So I am not going to ask a low price to have a sale.

But what shocked me most is how rude and unfriendly some visitors were. They took and inspected my items without even looking at me or saying hello. Within minutes, my booth was a mess.
Of course there were also very friendly people who were genuinely interested.
What is your experience with craft fairs?
Kristien

Handmade in Belgium event.

An exciting event is taking place for the 6th time on Sunday September 9th!
HANDMADE IN BELGIUM
Here is the flyer:

 

If you go to the handmade in Belgium website you can see who is taking part.

Of course I will be there too.

The location is also very interesting: CMine in Genk.

An old industrial coalmine is restorated and transformed into a large cultural centre.

Some pictures:

 

The building itself is worth visiting.

I hope to see you there.
Kristien

 



One & Only pop up store!

What is a pop up store?
Pop up stores have a tendency to pop up unannounced, stay for a short time, and then disappear or morph into something else, adding to retail a fresh feel, exclusivity and surprise.
Some examples:
Hermes opened up a temporary silk bar in Causeway Bay.

Kate Spade opened up an inviting igloo for three weeks in New York City's Bryant Park. It handed out free hot chocolate to keep shoppers warm.

Godiva opened a pop-up boutique for Valentine's Day this year on 5th Avenue in New York City.

I have the honour to take part in an upcoming pop up store

(23-26 th of August) , I am thrilled!

I have to tell you, it is not in New York, but in the beautiful old Belgian city Antwerp.

Here is the link to the Facebook Page.

Location: Zand 5 - 2000 Antwerp

This is the website of the lovely lady who organises everything: www.ellenaernouts.be

I know, most of you don't live in Belgium to come to the store, but all my items are of course still available online at Zest4colour

Warm regards

Kristien

New book! "A bag for all reasons"

I hesitated before buying this book,  after reading the negative reviews on Amazon, saying that this new Lisa Lam book is a copy of 'The bag making bible'.
I am glad I didn't listen to them.
I already own the first book and indeed some of the techniques and pictures are repeated.
But they perfectly blend in with new work.
It is essential reference information you need, if you don't have the other book.

The layout of the book is lovely, printed on high quality paper and I am very happy with the spiral bound: much easier to keep the book open.

There are full size patterns, ready to use.

It would have been useful to have an envelop at the back to keep the patterns tidy , but I am going to add one myself.

I haven't started a project yet, but I am planning to make some of them.

I will let you know how I get on.

Kristien