Chimney Pots, Rooftops & Photographs.

I need to read more blogs. I need to make time to read more blogs. I need to make time to trawl the web and find new blogs to read. Currently one of my favourite blogs and one that I do always find time to read is Among the Chimney Pots from Sarah in Aberdeen. No matter what Sarah is writing about I always really enjoy and look forward to her blog. Topics in the last few weeks have ranged from a step by step guide to making a mini book (with pictures), new year fireballs in Stonehaven, neglected projects (neglected projects update) and book recommendations to name just a few. Sarah really gives an insight into her life, exactly the sort of fly on the wall and well written blog style I like to read.

As well as a being a wonderful from-the-heart blogger, Sarah is also a fabulous photographer who sells her work as From the Rooftops on etsy. Sarah's new year is starting on a wonderful high with her first exhibition in conjunction with Lola a fellow photographer opening tomorrow night in Aberdeen. The exhibition is open to the public from Monday 10th January to Saturday 26th February at Kilau Coffee on Little Belmont Street in Aberdeen. Good luck Sarah and Lola, hoping this is the first of many exhibitions to follow in 2011.

July Jesters

I'm currently taking part in July Jesters on Folksy. This is a concerted effort by shop holders taking part to list a new item every day for a month. I'm not sure if I'll make it through to the end but I've made it to day 9 so far.

The Folksy shop for SparkleSmith can be found at http://www.folksy.com/shops/sparklesmithscotland

The picture above contains just a few of the many amazing handmade items available on Folksy. I especially love the bun with icing and the crazy purple fluffy teapot cover.

Top row, left to right. Pipistrelle, Mrs Toad Designs, Fresh n Funky Cards, Designs by Maxi

Bottom row, left to right. Great Green Ltd, Pavlova's Art Loft, The Crafty Bride, CheeryMishMash

Folksy Friday. Dots, Spots & Louise the Chicken.

Recently I've developed a bit of a thing for polka dots and spots. I have a fabulous polka dot bag, my spotty shoes are once more on show and I rarely am seen without my dotty summer scarf. With this in mind my Folksy Friday for today is pink themed and based around some of my favourite spotty dotty makes.

Top row, left to right – 1000Degrees Art Studio, Right Hand, Sarah Waterhouse Textiles

Bottom row, left to right – Tagus Gifts, Hollie Lollie, Titchables

I particularly love the spotty mugs and Louise the chicken. Click on the picture to see bigger images.

Folksy Friday. Bumbley Bumbles.

I finally joined Folksy last night. There are only 2 SparkleSmith items there just now but more to be added soon, once I work out a faster way of doing it. And I have now discovered Folksy Friday which promotes other fabulous makers and designers. Thanks to the 2 giant bumble bees which flew into my living room this morning, my first theme is the humble bumble. Enjoy.

Top row, left to right. Pookie Su, Spoilt Pig, Julia Smith Ceramics (I have a bee bowl)

Bottom row, left to right. With Hugs and Kisses, Chain of Daisies, Vintage Candy

Click the pic to enlarge.

Norman. Happier times in St Andrews.

This is one of my favourite pictures of Norman. Quite happy and full of chug as he drives along Granny Clarks Wynd and across the 1st and 18th fairways of the Old Course. We were lucky to get such a great shot with no golfers on the course and hardly any tourists in the background. Unfortunately due to the vandalism of mindless idiots we had to put Norman into early retirement. He’s been in my family longer than I have and hopefully he'll be making a comeback someday soon.

Below are some brilliant mini inspired items from etsy. I love them, especially the gorgeous lower 3 items all by Vitamini. Top row, left to right - Bag with Mini print by NKanner, Mini cufflinks by Blinkphoto, fabulous Mini drawing (which could be Norman) by Annechovie. Bottom row - Mini cards and lavender sachets by Mini lover Vitamini. Click on the pictures to enlarge.

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

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