Purses and Pouches.

Interfacing. Calico. Seam rippers. A wee while ago I hadn’t heard of any of these and wouldn’t have a clue what they were for. Now I’ve learnt the terms, mastered the seam rippers for sure and have an ever growing and already massive range of brightly patterned fabrics. Oh and I've also made a load of bags, purses and pouches.

Today was my first fair of 2010, and as well as my usual range of bracelets, rings and necklaces I took along a selection of zippered purses and mini purses. Have a look and please let me know what you think. Thankyou.

The Wonders of Google.

Personally I love Google Street View, and to be honest I don't have a huge problem with Cradley Heath in the West Midlands either. Not so sure other people feel that way though.

Take a look at these brilliant street view snips. The first one you need to look up once fully loaded. The second, you might feel the need to zoom out. Enjoy.

http://bit.ly/9L2sTG

http://bit.ly/abQBiE

Brand New Site on the Way.

For anyone that regularly checks the SparkleSmith website you will no doubt be aware that the layout has changed a good few times over the years. So no surprise, once again I've been busy with my html and a new design is on the way.

Here's a wee sneaky peak at what the homepage will look like. The colour scheme will change to match the focal point. Any comments gratefully received, thank you. Oh and we'll be up and running again very soon.

More Pretty Things.

A wee collection of items that make me smile, from some of the many talented people I follow on Twitter.

Top row, left to right. The Dog House, Taraduff, Dots & Spots

Bottom row, left to right. Ark Designs, SketchStitch, Hat Therapy

Please Ask for Furthur Details.

To kill time and avoid frizzy hair during one of Edinburgh’s recent downpours I popped into the Cath Kidston shop on George Street. Very special and overpriced it was too, with pretty floral patterns, expensive aprons and tea towels aplenty.

However, the item that caught my eye is above. A sign telling customers to “ask for furthur details”. Amazing that a company that made £34m in profit last year hasn’t spent £2 of that on a dictionary. Have a look at some of the great images here for more classic mistakes.

Fifty Marathons in 56 Days!!

Every year, along with millions of others I make a resolution to get in shape and take up jogging. This year that resolution hasn’t totally gone by the wayside, but I also haven’t quite managed the weekly run round Arthurs Seat I promised myself.

Someone who puts me to shame and has probably run further this year than I have in my entire life is Mark Cooper. Mark who lives in Edinburgh is currently in training for a massive marathon of marathons. Starting in May, Mark will be running a huge 50 marathons over just 56 days. His first marathon begins in Holland, and 8 weeks and an exhaustive 1300 miles later the last marathon ends in Barcelona.

Mark is running in memory of his mother Sheila who passed away in 1997. He is aiming to raise £25,000 for Edinburgh Headway. You can find more about Mark and his challenge here, follow his blog here, tweet at him here, and most important of all donate here. Photo courtesy of Fourtheye Photography.

Lovely People with Lovely Things.

A small selection of gorgeous and tasty items from just a few of the lovely chatty people I’ve met at fairs over the years. From top left clockwise,

AliBali Jewellery - Bertie Girl - Scaramanga - Black Dog Textiles - Lauras Chocolates - Ruby Loves Red