Extra Special Touch

Osmaston Park Wedding Fayre, nr Ashbourne, Derbyshire

2011-10-31T01:43:00.000-07:00

Osmaton Park near Ashbourne.... well, what a stunning venue! In the middle of rolling countryside, this private estate is the perfect place to hold your wedding. On Sunday was their wedding fayre, organised by the brilliant Ben and Hannah from Derbyshire Wedding Fayres. The very busy event was held in their luxurious markee and a great day was had by all!

We had our range of vintage inspired wedding accessories on show, from personalised embroidered wedding napkins (ideal for the wedding breakfast or as a wedding gift), bridal bags made from vintage hand embroidered textiles...

Handmade millinery, ideal for the Bride, Mums of the Bride and Groom, Bridesmaids and guests...

Little cute birdcage veils...

Simple satin bow, cream leather teardrop, and textured silk fascinators...

I love my old glass dressing table set to dispaly our business cards!

Such a gorgeous venue... I had a have a quick photo of myself after the fayre!

and we saw fighting pheasants on the way out!

Too see all our wedding accessories and milliney, check out our Extra Special Touch website

Girls of Elegance use one of our fascinators in thier vintage bridesmaid photo shoot!

2011-06-17T14:14:00.000-07:00

Girls of Elegance is a fabulous online boutique for everything wedding!

Sarah, from GOE contacted me a few months ago when they were organising the photo shoot of their new vintage bridesmaid dresses and wanted to use one of our handmade fascinators.

Sarah fell in love with this little number above, which can be worn as in the close up here, or in the GOE bridesmaids photo. This fascinator was a one-off.... but if you like it too... I can make you something similar. It has individually embroidered petals on silk with lacey edges to make the flower, and a teardrop base covered with silk and decorated with pearls.

The Girls of Elegance vintage style bridesmaid dresses are available in a range of colours and you can buy the full underskirt as well to get the big full skirt effect. The dresses are designed and made by "Call me Betty" Vintage, who creates the most wonderful pieces.

For full information of Girls of Elegance products, check out their Website, or follow them on Facebook?

And "Call me Betty" Vintage sell from her website and Facebook page too.

To see my full range of fascinators, check out my website and Folksy Shop

Photographs are by Andy Cahill at Photoworks.

Hemswell Court Wedding Fayre

2011-05-28T02:13:00.000-07:00

Hemswell Court in in North Lincolnshire and used to be an old Officer's Mess and was built in the 1930's. The venue isn't normally open to the public, and it only available to hire for weddings and conferences, so you have the whole run of the gorgeous antique filled rooms and colourful gardens.

Extra Special Touch was flattered to be invited to this exclusive wedding fayre on the 15th May, and our table had a fabulous location in front of the fireplace that you can see if this photo. (Many thanks to http://aurorastudio.co.uk/blog/?p=80 where I have used this photo from ).

This is a new wedding hair accessory / fascinator I have been working on, and extra large embroidered Rose, with a vintage 1930's Pearl and diamante button in the centre.... this style can be made in your own colour choice, and I'm going to make myself a pink one for a wedding I'm going to in the summer.

Also, the first time my new bridal clasp bags have been shown, and everyone loved them! Made from vintage hand embroidered textiles, lined with silk fabric and an antique style bag clasp... not only a gorgeous vintage bag... but doubles up as your "something old"!!

And another new product! Personalised embroidered chair sash... can be embroidered with any wording in any colour to match your wedding theme. Check out our website for more information.

The beautiful perfume bottles were loaned for our dressing table display from Bernadette from Lincolnshire Lanterns, than you so much...they added to our display perfectly.

For more information on any of our vintage inspired wedding accessories and fascinators, have a look at our website and Folksy Shop

Wedding Fayre at the gorgeous Woodborough Hall

2011-04-22T14:23:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful day out at Woodborough Hall wedding fayre in April. The weather was sunny and hot and luckily, we were by the open doors in the garden room and could catch a few rays while we were working!

Lots of lovely brides to be, Mum's, bridesmaid and friends tried on our hats... and I took a few snaps to show you... don't they look fab!

The gray suited this lovely lady beautifully.

We were really pleased with our display, which had it's first showing at Woodborough Hall. The hat stands are large candle sticks!

I painted the mirror this week with crackle paint... and it has a lovely aged, vintage feel.

White embroidered monogram on white cotton napkins looks so vintage! Many thanks to Cakes Etcetera for the display cupcakes :)

The view from our little corner of the garden room....

Woodborough Hall is close to my heart, as I got married there in 2008.... the weather was gorgeous that day to!

For more information on our products, check out our website, and click HERE for more information on Woodborough Hall.

And the winner is....

2011-04-22T07:45:00.000-07:00

Thank you all all of you who entered the little competition to win an embroidered wedding photo album.....

the correct answer was that the Love of Stitch exhibition at Killerton House will be running until 2nd May.

Well done to Brenda Mossop who name was randomly selected from all the entries. You photo album will be with you very soon!

Brenda also loves to sew and makes the most wonderful baby and children's clothes, check out her Facebook page by clicking on the image below.

Competition Time!!!

2011-04-03T13:09:00.000-07:00

In celebration of reaching 900 likers on our Facebook page, we are running a little competition....and the first prize is an Embroidered Wedding Album (this isn't made by us, but still lovely)... the album will be gorgeous to save all your wedding snaps your friends and family take on the big day....

Q. I am currently exhibiting at an exhibition at Killerton Hall, near Exeter, what date does this finish? and what is the exhibition called?

The answer can be found on my website

Please email the answer to heidi@extraspecialtouch.co.uk

The closing date will be Sunday 10th April about 6pm.

Good luck everyone!!!

For the Love of Stitch Exhibition @ Killerton House

2011-04-03T12:55:00.000-07:00

I have just arrived home after a lovely weekend at Killerton House, near Exeter.

For the Love of Stitch exhibition opened yesterday until the end of April, and has a selection of work from the KIngcombe Group of embroiderer's.

There is a selection of my fascinators and wedding garters and gifts.

A gorgeous room to display in...

One of the main rooms of the house.... and someone was playing the piano earlier today :)

The whole room... lots of other beautiful work to see...(and buy)

My complete display..

Gorgeous house! Check out their website for opening times and events HERE and their Facebook page HERE

Roaring Lion Studios: New Featured Artist-Heidi Lawton and her "Extra Sp...

2011-03-17T13:41:00.000-07:00

Roaring Lion Studios: New Featured Artist-Heidi Lawton and her "Extra Sp...: "..."

Photo Shoot with Bliss Hair and our fascinators!

2011-03-11T09:46:00.000-08:00

This week has been very exciting, we have had our first professional photo shoot with gorgeous models for our embroidered fascinators!

My friend Nick, owns Bliss Hair in Nottingham, and this week we got together with the beautiful Hannah and Philipa (normally stylists!) and Sarah (Head Stylist in the salon) to style the hair and make-up.

Philipa and Hannah were so natural in front of the camera, and I'm sure you'll agree the photo's look fabulous!

I am so pleased with the results and would like to thank everyone involved so much! And hope they enjoyed the bottles of Rose I left them :))

The photo's have been edited and added to my listings in my Folksy Shop and updated my website.

The Stargazer Lilly fascinator, was only just finished the night before, the petals are completed created by free machine embroidery....

We had some fun at the end with some fantastically fun wigs.... but the girls still look gorgeous!!!

To see the full range of fascinators, check out my Folksy Shop, and check out BlissHair website and Facebook page as well!

A productive weekend!

2011-03-06T14:10:00.000-08:00

After last weekend in Dorset with the Kingcombe Group, I felt inspired to finished my stargazer lily free machine embroidered fascinator.... and I'm really pleased with the finished result!

The feather and wired crystal stamens were fiddly, but I think it was worth it.

I've also finished this weekend, my dusty pink flowered fascinator with birdcage veil

and suffolk puffs with pearls and crystals on the back.

I have been busy making vintage lace garters as well..... as you can see they are all different... and can be personalised with a secret message embroidered to the inside... check out my Folksy Shop for more details.

I think this is my favourite this time...Cotton lace made on old Nottingham Lace looms in Nottingham with "something blue" ribbon bow and diamante heart...

and my new "handmade by www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk" label.

A wonderful time in Dorset.....

2011-02-28T03:35:00.000-08:00

I arrived home late Sunday night after a wonderful two days at the Kingcombe Centre in Dorset, with the Kingcombe Embroidery Group. This is a group of ladies, ran by Sandra Coleridge, that have been meeting over the last ten years. The members are textile artists, that exhibit regularly over the UK and teach workshops and write articles about their textile art. I feel very honored to be invited to join the group, and I'm looking forward to by first exhibition at Killerton Hall, near Exeter in April.

Showing my work to the group was pretty scary! But, I had lovely comments and great tips of advice.... new supplier information and a few ideas of new stockists.

The setting for the meeting is the Kingcombe Centre, which is in the middle of the Dorset Conservation area, and simply stunning.... look at the lane outside our Beech Cottage!

I have been working hard during the weekend, and the three pieces below are nearly finished....

Dusty pink silk fascinator with crystals and net....

Stargazer Lily fascinator with feathers and wired crystals... and ivory silk embroidered rose fascinator with lots of feathers.....

These will be on display at Killerton Hall in April (unless they are sold first!)

A huge Thank You to Sandra for inviting me to the group... and looking forward to seeing you again in a few weeks xx

The winner of our competition is announced!!!

2011-02-28T03:02:00.000-08:00

Our winner was pulled out of a hat (or ice bucket) yesterday and after she had been notified via email, I can announce that Kayleigh Barton won! Well done Kat!
Your two personalised napkins will be dispatched to you asap!!!

If you would like to see our full range of personalised napkins.... which, after lots of requests.... we will be adding black napkins to soon, check out our website http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/

Kingcombe Group Weekend...

2011-02-26T09:59:00.000-08:00

This weekend I am down in Dorset at The Kingcombe Centre, and I feel very lucky to be invited the Kingcombe Group who will be exhibiting at Killerton Hall over Easter. I arrived late last night, so I unloaded the car, and then had a glass of wine and a chat with everyone.

This morning I showed my fascinators, and it's lovely to hear comments and advice for all the other embroiders.

Sandra Coleridge is working opposite me, (and also runs the group) and creates wonderful felted and embroidered landscapes... check out her website to see more of her work and workshops she teaches all over the UK.

The group meet at Beech Cottage... which is in the middle of no where.... especially last night when I was trying to find it in the foggy and it was pitch dark!!

View from the back of Beech Cottage... simply beautiful!

And the quiet road outside!

Stargazer Lily petals I have been working on today.... drying on the radiator ready for making up in the morning.....

now time for a few glasses of wine :))

Competition Time!

2011-02-22T10:55:00.000-08:00

To celebrate we have reached 800 likers on the Extra Special Touch Facebook page... we are launching a new competition!

We specialise in embroidered personalised cotton napkins.... and you know have the chance to win two personalised napkins! These could be used at your wedding, or as wedding gift, or they are ideal as a gift for your second wedding anniversary where cotton is the traditional gift!

All you have to do is answer this easy question by leaving a comment on our Facebook wall or on this blog (this is just to say your are entering the competition)

.... and emailing the answer to heidi@extraspecialtouch.co.uk

The winner will be chosen randomly at 5pm on the 27th February 2011!

Q. How many standard lettering or font styles do we offer on our personalised napkins?

The answer can easily be found on our website

http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/

Here are some ideas of how you can use your personalised embroidered napkins!

Good luck!

They are gorgeous to use at your wedding breakfast... and many guests will take them home as a souvenir of your special day...

You could simply have your initials (either just your own , or the letters of both your first names) ....

Or a fancy monogram, with your first letter from your first names either side, and the letter of your surname in the middle...

Or you can have a personal message embroidered.... eg. for a special anniversary.... how how about for your second wedding anniversary, where cotton is the traditional gift!!

Has been busy making more embroidered fascinators....

2011-02-10T14:12:00.000-08:00

Q. Do you know what these are??? I didn't till a few weeks ago!

A. Flower making tools! They help you to shape silk fabric into 3d petal shape.... and they are wonderful!

I have treated myself to some new flower making tools, which help to shape fabric into a 3D petal shape.
So instead of using wire to shape my petals, I can shape into a far softer petal shape.... and I think the embroidered rose petals are simply beautiful!

I think this sweet little fascinator, in 100% brown silk looks so vintage.... I love it!

And my new "Handmade by Heidi" labels.... add the perfect finishing touch!

You can find it in my Folksy Shop.... or I can make it in your own colour to match your outfit... (I have a supplier of over 160 colour shades of silk... so I'm sure we can find just what you need!).

How are my embroidered fascinators made?

2010-12-28T06:28:00.000-08:00

I have always loved embroidery, fabrics and textures and have dabbled in both things crafty! For my fascinators, I am using a range of techniques and putting them together to make beautiful head pieces, which can be made in your own fabric to colour match your outfit.
Below, I am showing you the process of making the fascinator.....going backwards!

Nearly finished... the flowers are hand stitched firmly in place... ready for embellishment to cover the wired flower stems.

Back of the fascinator... wire stems are hand stitched in place....

Detail of the embroidered petal with matching crystals....

Fascinator base is covered with silk piped fabric.....

Silk fabric is edged in matching silk piping cord...

Silk piped fabric and millinery net fascinator base....

Individually embroidered petals.... this design of petals are created by decorative embroidery stitches, and then the edge is wired with self coloured jewelery wire....

Flower petals are embroidered, in this case, with black silk organza on water soluble fabric...

To see ready to buy fascinators... please see my Folksy Shop.
For details of making a fascinator to match your own outfit... please email me on heidi@extraspecialtouch.co.uk

Wedding Fayre @ Albert Hall November 2010

2010-12-12T12:31:00.000-08:00

A great day exhibiting with Lisa from Ambience Venue Styling we had a wonderful table display of making chair sash, embroidered personalised napkins, heart favours and stationery!

Check out our website for more infomation on napkins and stationery and click here to download instructions to make your own wedding heart favours.

Vintage style bespoke embroidered fascinators!

2010-12-12T10:42:00.000-08:00

I have always loved vintage style clothing ( I studied Costume at Art College when I was younger) and free machine embroidery (I have done a City and Guilds), and for my wedding a couple of years ago, I designed and made my own tiara / fascinator (its a bit of both!) and fascinators for my Mum and Bridesmaids.

Over the last few weeks I have been working on some fascinators to sell through our website http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/ so I thought I'd tell you about the embroidery process on my blog.

The flowers that decorate the fascinators are made with a mixture of computer designed embroidery (designed by me) and free machine embroidery on water soluble fabric, this gives the beautiful lacy effect around the edge.

Each petal is then wired and hand beaded and then grouped together to make the flower.

The based on the fascinators are made to traditional methods using Millinery Net and covered with fabric to match or compliment the flowers. The base is also hand beaded, before the flower and feathers are attached.

Each fascinator takes an incredible amount of time to hand embellish and this makes them completely unique and no two will be the same.
As I make the fascinators and flowers from scratch, I can make them in your own fabric. (please give me as much time as possible to source trims etc, at the very minimum four weeks).

If you are having your wedding dress made, I can make your flowers and cover your fascinator in your own fabric. Or Mum's of the Bride and Groom, the flowers can be made out of your outfits' fabric... so it will match completely!

The flowers can also be used as buttonholes for the men in your wedding party.

Prices start from £120 for fascinators and from £30 for buttonholes.

For more information, and to see fascinators available for purchase, check out my Folksy Shop

sorry, I couldn't get this photo to import the correct way round??

Large single flower in white velvet with beads and crystal trimmings.

We have a winner!

2010-11-11T14:27:00.000-08:00

Susan Gallacher

has won our Facebook giveaway and the French Lace garter will be on it's way to you very soon!!!!

To see our full range of vintage lace garters, please see our website,

http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/

Free Vintage Lace Garter Giveaway!

2010-11-03T10:10:00.000-07:00

To celebrate the introduction of our Vintage Lace Wedding Garters.... we are having a free garter giveaway!

Become a Liker of our Facebook page and when we have got 500 likers I will choose a name from random!

Have you just got engaged, or is your wedding day nearly here? Or is a friend getting married? Or are you a hen helping with the special day plans??

I'm sure the recipient will be so proud to show off her garter on the big day!

Just following the link to our Facebook page and I will send the winning liker the garter ASAP!

www.facebook.com/extraspecialtouch

Lots more vintage lace garters added to my Folksy Shop!

2010-11-02T10:32:00.000-07:00

I have been working on lots of vintage lace garters and posted them for sale in my Folksy Shop

I have collected bits of lace for years and this is a great way to use them up and make something really beautiful. I have made the garters in various sizes to fit all shapes of legs, but we can make garters to your own design and size, just email me to discuss,

heidi@extraspecialtouch.co.uk

This extra deep garter has a lovely blue bow, and a "hand made with love" gold charm....

This lace is gorgeous and gives a lovely extra frilly effect.....

A blue bow on your wedding garter is a traditional way to wear "something" blue for your wedding! The garter above has been made with 100% French cotton lace .

A diamante buckle gives a glamorous feel to this delicate cotton lace garter....

White roses and pearls....

Or how about a personalised wedding garter? We can embroider in any colour to match your wedding theme and also any wording.... a few lines from a poem or the bride and grooms name and wedding date?

"Lucy Loves Leo 22nd Dec 2010" has been embroidered on this example....

All my garters can be found in my Folksy Shop and most are priced at £10 each.

Woodborough Hall Wedding Fayre - October 2010

2010-10-12T14:49:00.000-07:00

On Sunday we had a lovely time at Woodborough Hall wedding fayre.

http://www.woodboroughhall.co.uk/

We have now added instrustuctions to our website for details on how to make heart lavender bags... a wonderful personal gift to give your guests as a favour

http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/

The weather was just beautiful and all the bride and grooms to be had a wonderful time sipping drinks in the garden!

Wedding Fayres 2010

2010-09-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

We have exhibited at some lovely Wedding Fayres over the last few months, so I thought I would post some photographs....

These were taken at Wollaton Hall last Sunday. We had a wonderful day meeting lots of new brides and other wedding suppliers.

Our new shabby chic display cabinet looked beautiful with our personalised hankies, vintage laces garters and lavender bags.

Our next Fayre is at Woodborough Hall on the10th October.

My new studio is nearly finished!

2010-08-08T13:20:00.000-07:00

I have had our garage converted into my studio... and this last week all the building work has been finished and I can start moving all my sewing stuff back in! I'm so excited!

I have been collecting images and ideas for the decor in my new room, and one was the white glass display cabinet in the above photo...

So I bought an old display cabinet from Ebay for £20 and I've used crackle paint it and it looks fantastic! This will be my storage area for all my threads, fabrics and trimmings...

I've got a long way to go to get the room finished inside... but this is a life long dream to have a room like this... and I am in my element designing and planning it all!

Personalised napkins are a great wedding gift...

2010-08-08T06:53:00.000-07:00

When I was planning my own wedding in 2008, I embroidered monogrammed napkins for all our guests for our wedding breakfast...

And a few months after the wedding, I thought of setting up my own business to create personalised napkins to make other couples weddings unique.

We use our napkins regularly now at home, and they finish off table decorations for special occasions.

The flowers have be cut from our garden, and I love the casual display in a vintage mug.

Today we have family coming for Sunday dinner, and I thought this would be an ideal opportunity to show you how monogrammed napkins can be used after your wedding day.

My new studio...

2010-07-16T14:48:00.000-07:00

This last few weeks I have been having my garage converted into my Studio / workshop and I am sooooo excited!!!

The garage looks out onto our courtyard and we have lots of hanging baskets and pots full of colourful flowers (all thanks to hubby!)

I am so excited about designing the sideside, I have been collected loads of images from Google and created my own moodboard.... I really want it to be vintage looking, but tidy and fresh. I have found lots of items which I could use on Ebay.... so lets see what I can "win" over the coming weeks.

But, for now.... we are living in a mess! All my office and sewing stuff has been in the garage since we moved to this house in the spring of this year... and so it is now stored all over the house! But I'm sure it will all be worth it!

You can see more photo 's and follow my new studion progress on my Facebook page

http://www.facebook.com/extraspecialtouch

Ellie & Matthew's Napkins

2010-07-07T13:11:00.000-07:00

We have been working on some wedding napkins for Ellie and Matthew, and they look so beautiful I had to upload some photographs!

Wedding Fayre @ Cotgrave Golf Club

2010-06-06T12:47:00.000-07:00

Wedding Fayres are a great way of meeting excited brides planning their special day... we are happy to discuss bespoke embroidered gifts to make their day extra special and personal.

http://www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk/

This is the first time we have displayed our vintage lace garters, and Lucy Moore won our free prize draw, and will have a lace garter on it's way to her soon!

The view from our table over the golf course was breath taking, and this would be the view your guests saw during your wedding reception at Cotgrave.

Cotgrave Place Golf Club hosted their first Wedding Fayre today and it was a huge success!

Vintage Lace Garters

2010-06-04T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have been collecting vintage lace from various shops and market, where ever I see something beautiful!

I eventually had chance to play this week in the evenings and finalised my design and I'm sure you'll agree, the vintage lace makes the garters look fabulous!

Due to the nature of using vintage lace, each garter is a one off... and I think this makes it extra special to wear on your wedding day! Prices start at £18 - £25 for the wider lace garters.

I will add them to the website soon, but if there is anything you like, please contact me to purchase. I have added more photographs to my Flickr account.

Blogs I would like to give an award to.....

2010-01-28T13:39:00.000-08:00

It may take a few posts to pass on the Sunshine Award to 24 blogs!

But to start with...

http://corsetlacedmannequins.blogspot.com/

http://notjusthandbags.blogspot.com/

http://crystalvelvetweddings.blogspot.com/

I've won another award!!

2010-01-28T13:20:00.000-08:00

I've won another award!

Thank you so much to http://allthosethingsandtheotherstoo.blogspot.com/ for giving me the award!

We are hoping to move house next week and then I will have chance to sit down and pass the award on to other blogs!

Thank you again.... xxxxx

Moving house soon... and having huge de-clutter before we pack!

2010-01-24T09:06:00.000-08:00

In my de-cluttering frenzy... I have given away my Final Collection piece from when I was at Art College in Bournemouth studying Costume for Stage & Screen... this literal took months to make and cost all the money I had at the time! But its sat in a box in the attic for fifteen years.... so time to give it up! I contacted the local Theatre Group who loved it and now have it in their store... and hopefully it can be put to good use!!

I've won an award!!!

2010-01-19T13:48:00.000-08:00

I have won a "Sunshine award" from http://www.notjusthandbags.co.uk/... thank you so much to Elissa who says,
"I was given an award by Marie at Minky Magic and had to pass it on to others and I chose the blogs that make me smile either because of the lovely work they produce or the words, and yours was both!
Elissa x"

I now have the task of chosing my favourite blogs and passing on the award!
Thank you so much Elissa!
http://www.notjusthandbags.blogspot.com/

New personalised wedding sampler....

2010-01-13T14:21:00.001-08:00

This is a beautiful personalised wedding sampler the happy couple will save for years! It is embroidered on ivory silk with ivory thread, and personalised with the couples name,date and location of the wedding. It is housed in a deep white framed, and because of it's neutral colour scheme, it will fit in with any style of interior design theme.
It was very difficult to photograph, and with the dark daylight at the moment, this might be the best I can do for a while.

It will be on the website from tomorrow and is a great unusual gift for the wedding couple.

www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk

Out in the cold...

2010-01-12T09:14:00.001-08:00

While I was eating my sandwiches today.. I parked up near a lovely lake near Ilkeston in Derbyshire.. the poor swans! It looked so cold! They walked over to my car, hoping I'd give them some food, but I only had cold chicken which I thought they wouldn't like... but one brave swan kept tapping on the window!

Updated our wedding stationery website

2010-01-07T11:44:00.001-08:00

I have spent a bit of time designing a banner for www.personalisedweddingstationeryandnapkins.co.uk tonight... any comments out there?

Out in the snow...

2010-01-07T11:39:00.000-08:00

We have had loads of snow at home and I am so scared of slipping over... I haven't left the house for a week!
But, today, I ventured out for a walk and loved it! Everywhere was so pretty... just such a shame its so slippy at the same time!

New website launch!

2010-01-03T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have been working on a new website to promote our personalised stationery and monogrammed napkins... and today it has gone live! There is still some work to do on it.... but its a good start! Any comments would be appreciated!

www.personalisedweddingstationeryandnapkins.co.uk

100 followers! Thanks everyone!

2010-01-03T11:18:00.000-08:00

100 followers.... thats fabulous everyone! Hope you are enjoying reading my blog and following the start of my business!

Merry Christmas followers!

2009-12-25T02:32:00.000-08:00

I have had a busy few weeks on the lead up to Christmas and not kept up todate with my blog!
But, it's better to be busy than not with Extra Special Touch... and lots of people should be opening gifts this morning and finding a special personalised gift!
Merry Christmas everyone and lets look forward to a fabulous 2010!

Personalised Christmas Stockings

2009-12-16T09:06:00.001-08:00

This week we have had a flurry of last minute Christmas orders... and not much time to let you know what we have been up to!
Our personalised Christmas stockings have been going well and also had plenty of orders in for our personalised Teddykompaniet cuddleblankets.

We are still taking orders for Christmas and last items will be disptached on Tuesday 22nd December.

Click here to see Teddykompaniet in our shop

Click here to see personalised stockings in our shop.

This week has been busy too!

2009-12-11T13:32:00.000-08:00

Jan does most of the hands on embroidery... and this week she has been sooo busy! Lots of orders to complete from Christmas Fairs at the weekend... but the website has bought in plenty of orders as well.
So all of our advertsing and website is beginning to pay off and customers are starting to know about our wonderful gifts... here's to a great year in 2010 as well!

Jan has been selling at lots of Christmas markets!

2009-12-10T14:03:00.001-08:00

Last week was a busy one!

Friday night was Lowdham Village Christmas Lights Switch on... Saturday off to Tom Brown at Gunthorpe village in Nottingham.... a lovely resturant and a very busy Christmas Market!
Sunday was a Christmas Gift Fair at Kelham Hall near Newark... just look at the building... an amazing place!
Jan has been very busy this week completing all the orders taken at the weekend!

We will be adding fair dates for 2010 soon... please click here for details.

Tom Browns Resturant Christmas Market @ Gunthorpe, Nottingham

2009-12-02T14:03:00.000-08:00

We are at the Christmas Market at Tom Browns, Gunthorpe, Nottingham on Saturday. This is a lovely riverside resturant and I'm sure we should have a busy day!
We need to wrap up warm as we are in a markee outside on the lawn!

Click here to see our other events.

Why not have some food at Tom Browns, before or after you have looked around the Christmas Market? www.tombrowns.co.uk

Patchings Christmas Market

2009-11-29T14:16:00.000-08:00

Today I went to visit Patchings Farm Christmas Fair... and what a wonderful day!
All the craft stalls were beautiful and had some really unusual items... I got lots of Christmas shopping done!
I really want to exhibit there next year! I'm going to call them tomorrow and see what the situation is!

www.patchingsartcentre.co.uk

Advert in Sew Hip December issue!

2009-11-26T09:24:00.001-08:00

My copy of Sew Hip fell onto my door mat this morning, and I was so excited!
We have put in an advert to this months issue!

I've created some new blogs...

2009-11-25T14:27:00.000-08:00

I have had a bit of free time lately... so I have created some new blogs....

Make your wedding unique

Personalised embroidered gifts

Personalised wedding gifts

Personalised wedding stationery

Knitting & Stitching Show @ Harrogate

2009-11-22T14:05:00.001-08:00

This last few days I have been working at The Harrogate Knitting & Stitching Show.....
I have just arrived home and I'm shattered! But thought I would share some beautiful photos of fabrics and wool... they should inspire you do start sewing or knitting!

I worked opposite this stand all weekend.. and I just had to go and look at the patchwork fabrics when ever I had a spare few minutes! I now want to make a wonderful frayed quilt for my new house. Check out Fittlesticks fabrics....click here

Gorgeous wools by Serenity Knitting

Range of wonderful satins and cottons with Fabrics Gallore

Embroidered Christmas cards have been added to our website

2009-11-09T13:05:00.001-08:00

As you can see, I have been really busy over the weekend and made lots of embroidered Christmas cards!
The gingerbread man & heart are designed by me, and then embroidered onto 100% cotton fabric. I have appliqued a piece of handmade 0r textured paper, with a blanket stitch to each card and then attached the cut our embroidery design.
We have several Christmas gift / craft fairs coming up over the next few weeks, so I thought I should make a few cards ready! I have also added them to our website tonight.
We are selling them at £2 each or six cards for £10.00.

Click here to go to our website and order Embroidered Christmas Cards

Embroidered Christmas Decorations

2009-11-05T14:29:00.000-08:00

Just thought I would show you some embroidered Christmas decorations and cards that I have been working on tonight!

Click here to go to Christmas Decorations on our website

The hanging hearts are £6 each, they are finished with East of India ribbon and a wooden button. The gingerbread man is lovely, but takes quite a long time to make so I haven't made too many yet!

I love the Christmas napkins, they have the same heart shape as the hanging heart decoration and Christmas cards.. so everything matches!

I have been working away with work all week, and had lots of time to do hand sewing while I have been in the hotel in the evenings... also, i used the hotel as a backdrop for some of the photos!
Items will be added to our website over the weekend.

I've just got to show you this embroidery!!

2009-10-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

We have just finished converting Bea's flower drawing into an embroidered framed picture... and it's so lovely... I wanted to show you all!

Bea is only four and has drawn a wonderful picture of summery flowers and butterflies.... We have converted it into embroidery and it looks gorgeous! I'm sure Bea will keep it for years and years... and maybe even saves it to show her children one day!?

I've won "One Lovely Blog Award"!!

2009-10-18T11:22:00.000-07:00

Thank you to Petra Herbst for awarding me the "One lovely Blog Award!" Please click on the Award image on the right to link to her blog.
I will find 15 blogs to pass it on to later... I will go and have a look now!

Personalised monogrammed wedding napkins and place setting

2009-10-15T14:01:00.001-07:00

Personalised monogrammed wedding napkins and place setting
Originally uploaded by Extra Special Touch Gifts

Personalised embroidered wedding napkins and matching monogrammed stationery.

Why do people like to receive personalised gifts?

2009-10-15T11:58:00.000-07:00

I just thought I would write a few words about how I started my business and why, in turn, people like to receive personalised gifts.
A couple of years ago I got engaged, and started planning our special day. I really wanted it to be unique (doesn't every couple)... but how unique can it get??
I searched everywhere for the right, unique, unusual, special invitations... but couldn't find anything... just right.
So I made my own, and used mine and my husbands initials monogrammed on the wedding stationery... so they were completely unique to us.
I have always worked in the fashion / pattern cutting / designing world... and in the last ten years I have worked with embroidery machines and embroidery design software.... so I thought of embroidering monogrammed linen napkins to match my unique wedding stationery.
It worked brilliantly!!
I received lots of lovely compliments at our wedding and lots of guests took the embroidered napkins home as a souvenir of our special day.
Around this time, lots of friends were having babies.... so with embroidery in mind again... I made them all personalised baby gifts, with baby name and date of birth information... and they loved it!
In about a year, we must have had nearly ten sets of friends having babies.... so I was embroidering baby gifts every few weeks. And then one friend liked her baby gift so much, she asked me to do some for her friend.... and so my business began!
People love personalised gifts!
Especially for babies and weddings. Everyone likes to give an unusual gifts and as time goes on, we are running out of unusual gifts... but if it is personalised... you can give the same gift to lots of people and it will always be unique!!!
Personalised baby gifts will be kept as a keepsake or memory of the birth and often handed down to the child when it has grown up! (I still have a bag my mum made me with my name on when I was four... a long time ago!!)
Also, people often are giving unusual names to their children, or unusual spellings of a traditional name.... when gifts are personalised I made to order... we can embroider any name! I know this from personal experience, as a young kid, I always wanted pens, mugs, bags etc with my name on, just like everyone else at school! But having such an unusual name... I never could find my name printed, painted, embroidered on anything!!
As for weddings... again... personalised gifts are fabulous! Often couples have been living together for a while before they get hitched... so they don't need the customary kettle & toaster... but for the couple who has everything.. how about a personalised set of bath towels with their initials on... or lovely quality cotton pillow cases with their initials on?
We have recently done a commission piece for a wedding.... we took the flower design that the bride had stencilled onto her handmade invitations.... turned this into embroidery and created a beautiful 100% ivory slub silk cushion, with her flower design, name of the bride & groom and date of the wedding. Such a gorgeous gift! And because they know you have taken the time and effort to make the gift extra special.... they will love it even more!!
We are currently working on Anniversary gifts, 21st, 40th Birthday etc... and they will soon be available from our website....if you have any other requests... let us know and we will look at designing something special!

New baby & Christening gifts

2009-10-12T12:09:00.000-07:00

We have been working on some new personalised new baby & christening gifts. They are housed in a extra deep white framed with an inner white mount.

The embroidery is done on 100% linen fabric and can be stitched in a choice of colours.

A unique keepsake they will keep forever!

Baby & Toddler Show 04/10/09

2009-10-06T10:59:00.000-07:00

We exhibited at The Baby & Toddler Show at East Midlands Conference Centre on Sunday 4th October 2009. We were sooo busy all day!! We took our embroidery machine, and everyone stopped and had a look what was going on.
Congratulations to Alice T who won the free prize draw of £25 in vouchers to spend with us.

This is Jan, my mum, who does most of our embroidery work.

And me... looking very excited about the day ahead!!

Southwell Ploughing Match and Show 26th September

2009-09-27T08:25:00.000-07:00

We had a fantastic day in Linby on Saturday!

Busy, busy, busy all day!

A new sample cushion made from Hayley's drawing!

2009-09-24T12:16:00.000-07:00

A couple of weeks ago and did a request for drawings from children... so i could make some more samples of my cushions.

My first sample has been made, and thank you so much to Hayley and of course her mum, Rachel who emailed it to me! The finished cushion is below, and I'm sure you'll agree, it looks lovely! I'm sure Hayley will make a wonderful designer when she is older!

Check out Rachels website http://www.glamglassgifts.com/ to see unqiue hand made funky jewellery!

Craft Fair today @ Ruddington

2009-09-20T12:18:00.000-07:00

We had a craft fair today in the local village of Ruddington. This is a new venue for us, and the hall was lovely. The sun was shining all day.... and I think because of this... we had a quiet day! But, we made lots of friends with the other stall holders!

We got mentioned on MoneySavingExpert.com!!

2009-09-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?p=25084667&highlight=extraspecialtouch#post25084667

http://cuteable.com/embroidered-goodies/6368

We were mentioned in the forum of MoneySavingExpert.com and we have recieved loads of hits to our wesbite!!! Good times!!!

Also, this week we have been included on Cuteable's daily blog!!! All my hard work is paying off!!

Thank you Mums & Dads!!

2009-09-16T13:44:00.000-07:00

I have receievd lots of childrens drawings and over the next couple of weeks, I shell make some sample cushion for a large show I have in October... Baby & Toddler Show at the East Midlands Conference Centre in Nottingham.

Have a look at the drawings ... and come back in a few weeks and see the finished cushions!

Thank you to everyone who has emailed me drawings!!

Calling all mums and dads....wanted.. children's drawings to make sample cushions... read on!

2009-09-12T03:53:00.001-07:00

One of the unique gifts we make are children's cushions... designed by children for themselves!

We can convert the drawings into embroidered cushions & framed pictures, and personalise with the childs name, age and date the drawing was done. Each cushion will be unique to the child that painted it!

I have a large show in October and would like to make more samples to show off this technique... however, I don't have any children to draw for me!

If any ones children love to draw and would like to help, please contact me.... of course you will get a HUGE thank you... and any drawings I use, I will send you a completed cushion near to Christmas.

Please look at my website for more information and examples of what I need....

Thanks for your help in advance!

Quilt Show @ Harrogate 4th - 6th September 2009

2009-09-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

I visited the Harrogate Quilt Show this weekend and bought lots of beautiful fabrics... and saw lots of lovely quilts to give me lots of insperation for my own work. I have uploaded some photos.. so you can see what you missed and maybe visit next year!

New baby gift

2009-09-01T09:28:00.000-07:00

Just thought I would show you what we have created today..... a lovely new baby present.... framed embroidered picture on 100% linen in a solid wooden frame and includes details of baby name, date or birth, time and weight.

It will be on the website later!

James & Lucy's wedding - Belfry Hotel Nottingham - 29th August 2009

2009-08-31T07:25:00.000-07:00

Some more photos from Lucy & James' wedding on Saturday 29th August 2009.

James & Lucy's wedding - Belfry Hotel Nottingham

2009-08-30T10:01:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we celebrated the wedding of James & Lucy at the Belfry Hotel in Nottingham. I am adding some photos to show you the monogrammed embroidered napkins.... and wedding stationery.

First completed wedding stationery order!

2009-08-25T13:05:00.000-07:00

This week I have completed my first wedding stationery order... and we are going to the wedding on Saturday so I can take lots of lovely photos! Lets hope the weather is warm, Lucy and James are getting married at St Helen's Church, Burton Joyce and the reception is at The Belfry Hotel in Nottingham.

Our friends Robert & Rebecca were married this Friday just gone and we had a fantastic time celebrating into the early hours.... I made them a gorgeous personalised wedding heart pillow with their names and date of the wedding.... hopefully a gift they will keep forever!!

Chrsitmas Stockings

2009-08-18T10:06:00.001-07:00

This last few days we have been working on Christmas Stockings.... we have got lots of fairs leading up to Chrsitmas so we need some extra special Christmas gifts!

Weve also done some more Bridesmaid gifts, the lovely 100% silk heart below can be personalised with any text..... a gift they will keep forever!

Busy weekend.....

2009-08-10T13:49:00.000-07:00

I have had a lovely weekend... Saturday had a visit to the hair salon... which always makes a girl feel good!

Then a big night out with the girls for my friend Hen party. She gets married at the end of August and I'm really excited! I have done all the personalised Stationery and matching napkins... so a good wedding gift and hopefully some lovely photos for my webiste!

The weather was so hot on Sunday we had a freinds and family day out to Wollaton Park.... pinic blankets... balls games.... kids..... and a little bit of wine! A great day had by all! Also, thank you to a few of my models, Ella, Ellie & Adam... (although I'm not sure Adam enjoyed it as mush as the girls!)

This evening I have placed by first order with Noonoodesigns... beautiful, unique baby gifts and blankets we can personalised.... I'm really excited!!

My wonderful Janome Embroidery Machine!

2009-08-06T12:18:00.000-07:00

Thought I would show you a clip of my wonderful Janome MB4 Embroidery Machine!

Denim Bag

2009-08-03T13:51:00.001-07:00

I have been busy today making samples for a denim recyling project I am working on... I have made some lovely denim accessories, such a wrist cuffs and a fabulous denim bag from an old pair of jeans and a bag clasp from a cheap, damaged bag bought from Accessorize years ago!

I can't add pics at the moment, as they are going into a booklet I am writing for work.... I will let you know when it is available and it might give you some ideas to use up your old jeans!

MISI website

2009-08-01T08:35:00.000-07:00

I have just signed up to the Misi website....

It looks lovely and has quality hand crafted items on there.

For now, I have just the listed the childrens "drawing into cushion", that is a completely unique idea... and so far I haven't seen anyone else doing it!

Lets hope I get some interest!

Weekend to myself!

2009-08-01T03:29:00.000-07:00

Phil (the husband!) has gone away on a stag do for the weekend to Newcastle with 25 friends! Does Newcastle know what is going ti hit them!

But, it does mean I've got the house to myself .... I can do as much sewing and internet as I can wish for! So far, I have been in my office / studio since 8.30am !

Fabulous!

Think I ma going to visit wedding shops this afternoon and leave my flyers for stationery and napkins.

2009-07-30T13:53:00.000-07:00

Monogrammed wedding napkins and matching monogrammed stationery.

Silk Wedding Pillow....

2009-07-29T14:57:00.001-07:00

This week we have been working on a new wedding ring bearers pillow and its looks lovely!

They are made from 100% raw silk... have the initails of the happy couple on the front and details of the wedding day on the back.

They will be available on the online shop soon!

Some more pics

2009-07-28T13:45:00.000-07:00

Rufford Park Photos

2009-07-28T13:43:00.001-07:00

Some photos from our weekend in Rufford Park..... we had a busy time and met lots of lovely people!

Results of Rufford

2009-07-27T01:56:00.000-07:00

Well, I am shattered!

We had a really busy weekend, talking to lots of people!
We have given out lots of leaflets about us and our website.... but unfortunetely, not many sales!
Spoke to a lot of the other stall holders.... and they had a quiet weekend as well.

Lets hope we get some sales in off the website this week.

Our next fair isn't booked until September.... so think we will have a look for another fair in August.

Rufford Park Craft & Gift Fair this weekend!

2009-07-24T14:25:00.000-07:00

We have been to set up this evening..... and spoke to the chap in charge.... not many other stall holders there tonight... but an early start in the morning. So off to bed for some well needed sleep!

Rufford Summer Craft & Gift Fair this weekend!

2009-07-23T14:32:00.000-07:00

This weekend we have got our first two day craft fair.... and we are nervous!!

I have been away from home this week with work and not been able to make anymore stock... I just hope we have enough and of the right kind of stuff!

Fingers crossed!

2009-07-21T11:53:00.000-07:00

Another photo from Woodborough Fair.

Rufford Park Craft & Gift Fair this weekend!

2009-07-21T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last weekend we exhibited at Woodborough Village Street Market.... and we had a really good day!
We met lots of lovely people and fabulous comments about our gifts.
This weekend we will be at Rufford Country Park Craft & Gift Fair Saturday and Sunday.... this is our biggest fair so far and I'm quite nervous! Not only because the rent is more than we are used to, and we will have to sell quite a bit of stuff to cover costs.... but if we sell too well.... we might not have enough stock!!!
I am away from home a couple of nights this week (I am a rep for my full time job), so i can't make anymore stock than we already have.... so I'm just going to have to relax and go with it!!!!
Lets hope my post next week will say we had a great show and made lots of money and new friends!

Socks storage bag!

2009-07-20T13:47:00.000-07:00

A gift for the man who has everything!

We all know when men take their socks off... they end up all over the floor! Especially when your on holiday and they have no "wash basket".... well this is the answer!!

(well maybe not the complete answer... but it might help?????)

2009-07-20T13:39:00.000-07:00

How sweet are these little bath robes???? This is my friends little boy and his freind... doing a spot of modelling in the Nottingham sunshine!!!

What we do....

2009-07-20T10:22:00.000-07:00

We create personalised embroidered gifts for special occasions... birthdays / weddings / new babies / or just want to give someone a special present!

Check out our website

www.extraspecialtouch.co.uk

2009-07-20T09:44:00.000-07:00

Any help appreciated!

2009-07-20T01:36:00.000-07:00

Can anyone tell me how this blog is meant to work??