Daisy makes

catch up and the prompt was 🌸 favourite 🌸

See the thing is...I can't have one favourite! So I've cheated a bit 😉

I love they absolutely give me a great deal of pleasure to use. They are very much nature inspired and that is partly why I'm so drawn to them I think.

Of all the creative things I do, embroidery is by far my most favourite. I think it's the hands on, personal touch. Crochet is a wonderful mindful practice (unless it's a particularly difficult pattern and then 😩🤪😱🤬) but I love the texture and experimenting with different colours and patterns. And machine sewing is great although I've never really explored it from a freely creative perspective. I may be adding free machine embroidery to my list of creative to do's!

I'm taking part in a lovely virtual market this weekend with some other lovely makers. Some absolutely gorgeous products available x

Do come and join us all, it's hosted by the lovely Helen from ❤️

🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️🤦🏻‍♀️ I've just posted a reel! I have no idea what I'm doing 😂😂😂

Anyway...here is a pic of my lovely Easter bunting. The light is a bit better on this pic.

Thank you so much everyone for your lovely well wishes yesterday. I came out of hospital feeling exceptionally drained and in need of rest.

I'm ok, all obvious serious illnesses ruled out thank goodness! Although doesn't fully explain why I'm still unwell. I'm better than I was last week though! I'm a huge believer that my body is trying to tell me something so I will be doing my best to listen and treat myself well.

Urgh what a time I'm having at the moment. Brought my crochet to hospital but this little gem in my hand is preventing me from being creative so I will read about creative living instead!

Hopefully I will have some answers as to why I've been so unwell.

Here's to a morning of being poked and prodded 😩

prompt for today is ✨job/s✨

I've struggled with this one today, I've just been reading some other people's posts and everyone has a different take on it.

One of the jobs that I find frustrating and time consuming is taking photos of my products. I decide a time to do it and the lights not right and I'm rushing round making sure I've got everything I need. It's just one of those jobs!

Hopefully the attached pic isn't too bad

I also think, as much as I love the insta vibe, there's a huge amount of pressure to get pictures just so. Styled and presented in just the right way. And I get it, when you're buying an item you want to see it clearly. Maybe I need to learn the tricks of the trade 😉

If anyone knows a good product photo course pop me a link below ☺️ preferably one that's simple (as in for idiots!) And doesn't involve a ton of fancy equipment or hours of editing!

Anyway... hopefully the attached pic isn't tooooo bad 🤦🏻‍♀️ all items listed on Etsy or drop me a DM 💞

✨hands on✨

There is nothing more hands on than some

I love and I'm not just saying this because it's what I do but because I believe that when someone has been inspired, has designed, created, held and made something, a little bit of them comes along with it.

It's all about the connection. The connection of that person with the item they are making. Then the connection with the person who it is sent to, who saw it and loved it enough to buy for themselves or someone else.

Holding something, having a process to make something, for me brings about a sense of wellbeing. The connection, process and focus of energy is incredibly important and I feel it when I receive handmade as well.

When you connect with a small business owner, particularly one who has made something just stop and think about the energy exchange that's taking place. How much love has gone into what they've made and how happy they are when you love it too. And maybe sometimes there's a little blood, sweat and tears but we won't talk about that! 🤣

Would you look at this pic 😍🌈💐🐰

I mean I know it's my pic and it's not the done thing to rave about your own things...but 😍😍😍

Are you a chocolate lover? I am 🙋🏻‍♀️ so I can't approve a complete replacement of chocolate 🤣 but how about a non-chocolately addition to the Easter gift basket?

Or even a basket for the gifts and errmm chocolate 🤷🏻‍♀️🐰🐣💐

🐰 Reusable wipes £9.00
🐰 Washcloth £4.50
🐰 Rope basket £15.00

✨colours✨

I've always loved colour and like to think I have an eye for what works and what doesn't.

My current inspiration is spring and all the colours that nature inspires. I never meant to create a rainbow 🌈 but look 😍 a beautiful spring inspired rainbow accident! These crocheted washcloths will be listed for sale very very soon!

I actually can't wait to be inspired by summer, autumn and winter colours either...watch this space as the seasons change 💐🌻🍁❄️

What's your favourite spring inspiration?

catch up again! ✨Process✨

I've had a really really really scary week so it feels right to share this embroidery I did for my lovely friend for her campaign.

I had to take a trip to A&E on Wednesday and now have a suspected blood clot! I've been feeling really unwell, hoping that with some more rest this weekend I will feel much better next week.

In my day job I'm all about process and yet in my little side hustle I've been far from it! Having made a decision to follow the seasons with colours and designs I actually feel like I have a plan! And because I do a bit of Daisy Makes here and there I've become really process driven of late. It usually goes like this...

🌼 Inspiration
🌼 Design
🌼 Source supplies
🌼 Cut
🌼 Pin
🌼 Sew
🌼 List for sale
🌼 Post on social media
🌼 Package
🌼 Post

For me the inspiration, sourcing supplies, making and packaging elements are truly my favourite parts! Inspiration means I can trawl social media and Pinterest without any guilt 🤣 sourcing beautiful fabric, trims and other bits of loveliness is amazing 💖 the making is where the connection and wellbeing settles in and then the detail in sending out little (or big!) packages which I know will make people feel happy 😃 is just the icing on the cake 🎂

I'm going to brutally honest! Eeeek! So someone messaged me today and said my reusable wipes were lovely but overpriced. That she could buy cheaper elsewhere.

So we had a chat, I explained what mine are made of and that really what she was comparing them too, were not the same. That these were a little bit of a luxury reusable wipes with the bamboo towelling and gorgeous ! That they were made by hand and at 4 for £9 and 4.5 inches square, are reasonably priced. But I said it's ok, if they're not in your price range it's great that there are others that are...she went on to buy 2 packs 😂 one for herself and another for her sister to try!

I love mine...they have been in and out of the washing machine and still look bright and white despite removing mascara and blusher!

How about a pack as an alternative (😉 addition!!) to chocolate for Easter? I've some NEW gorgeous spring colours to share this weekend! Numbers of packs will be limited so watch this space...

✨focus and priorities ✨

Every time of day my focus and priorities change. I don't think it matters how much you're juggling there's always a different hat to wear in a small business...accounts, admin, creator, planner, maker, packaging...and then we have life outside all that!

The bigger picture for me is to focus my creativity seasonally. I had a huge long list to do for spring which I am currently reviewing 😂 as we are nearly a month in! I need to be a month ahead of myself really. This is all ok...it's just readjusting the sails a bit!

What do you think of the liberty egg bunting? Will be listed for sale in the next few days in my Etsy shop. Made and ready to ship. It's limited...unique...and once it's gone it's gone! A lovely little alternative (addition!!) to chocolate 🍫

"from the archive" and "in use" combined! (I'm playing catch up again! 🤦🏻‍♀️)

Back in the day when I made personalised cushions this gorgeous little customer loved it so much she went straight in for a snuggle! Thank goodness I was given permission to share!

And another throw back to a notice board in a customers daughters bedroom. Beautiful pinks and greys 💗

To all those whose hearts are a little heavy this Mother's Day, whatever the reason, you are not alone. I'm sending love and gentleness your way.

To everyone else squeeze your Mum's and/or your children tight even if it is virtually.

I'm on my own today, I haven't even woken up to cuddles 😢 it's a long story and is revolved around someone else's completely selfish and thoughtless behaviour. I didn't even get an apology.

So it's a day of creating for me!

Love to you all 💖

Today my daughter is 7!!! So it's all about cake 🎂🎂🎂 and balloons 🎈🎈🎈 and mermaids 🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️🧜🏼‍♀️ even the bike matches the theme 💜💙💗 🚲🚲🚲

So excited for her to come home from school for afternoon tea! It's just been delivered and oh my god 😋😋😋

I wish I was 7 again!

I love packaging up orders 💛🧡

It's day 10 of hosted by and today is all about the small detail

For me these are the things that set handmade apart from mass produced. Not always perfect and obvious at close up that someone has made it and infused it with their loving energy! And this is a good thing 🥰

I love planning the border on a crochet blanket, or choosing the bit of material to add to a basket.

The other thing I love about buying from a small business is the little something extra in your parcel to say thank you for your order...I love doing this! The pretty tape used to wrap it, the care taken in packaging. It makes it an absolute delight to receive and open. And that's before you get to what's inside!

Enjoy the detail and the little things...it's what makes things unique!

hosted by Day 9 - learning curve

There have been so many! 🤣 Every day is a school day right? For me one of the biggest learning curves has been balance. I create because it's a huge part of my wellbeing and because I love it. But sometimes when it's for a business it can feel less creative. I also work full-time and am a single Mum.

I have always been a "this is what I'm doing now" kind of person. Which is difficult to do with a child.

What I have learnt is that half an hour here or an hour there is further along than doing nothing. And sometimes taking my time or completely stepping away is actually more beneficial than pushing myself. And if something doesn't get done...so what 🤷🏻‍♀️ no one is the boss of me but me!

I also need to be outside and I need to relax. Balance is everything!

The other thing I'm learning is to just be me. And to do what I love. And to be brave...a lovely friend is spreading such a wonderful message at the moment

Anyway...how much do you love my new basket colours 😍 💕💚

Day 6 - work in progress

Just squeezing in a bit of sewing tonight. I couldn't wait to make a new rope basket with this Moss green cotton rope. I'm going to top with pink...my new favourite colour combo!

I'm playing catch up! I've had ample opportunity all weekend but still here I am...

Day 5 - newest make

Well I have some new new makes but I can't share because they are gifts or surprises and haven't been received yet....soooo here is my latest batch of handmade with and and

These were for a very special order from .organic If you haven't already, go check her out because she has a wonderful range of handmade natural and organic goodness! So excited to see where this goes 💕

A basket full of spring inspiration!

Today is a packaging day!

So pleased to be working alongside the wonderful .organic

💗💚💜💛 spring is coming!!! I said that like buddy the elf 🤣 in my head of course!

Spring rope baskets anyone???

Now I just need all the time in the world to make and create ☺️

This time next week I will have a 7 year old!!! She's ordered a 🧜🏼‍♀️ mermaid birthday.

Mermaid cake...thank goodness for cakey creative friends who accept product swaps 🤣 .co.uk

We have afternoon tea ordered from 7 going on 17 🙄 we have surprise guests in person and on Skype in the shape of grandparents. All presents bought and ready to go!

Anyone know where I can get helium balloons? I won't be forgiven if there's no balloon! 🎈 Lockdown birthday issues!

hosted by Day 4 "On Your Desk"

Well my desk is my dining table, home working HQ for the day job sometimes, creative space for Liv, and Daisy Makes HQ...it gets a lot of action 🤣🤦🏻‍♀️

It's right by the window looking out on to the garden which I love!

Right now it's home to some spring inspiration for Daisy Makes 💖🌼💖 literally can't wait to share with you!

Day 3 - beliefs and values

I could write all day long about this! I will try not too 😉

I'm all about love 💗 and having a business that is aligned to me is self love. Being creative for me came from a need to heal and reconnect with myself after losing Daisy. Making provides me with a something to focus on and by doing so I find calm, peace and connection. There's energy in everything and sharing that with others, bringing joy and connection is a huge part of my why.

Integrity...if I don't love it or I wouldn't want to receive it then I'm not going to make it or put it out there. I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I'm working hard to let this go (I will read this a few times to make sure it's spot on!!).

Self care and wellbeing is hugely important and I believe incredibly healing. I am trained in one or two holistic practices. I believe that natural remedies and a holistic approach combined with modern medicine where appropriate is the key to wellness and health.

Compassion and giving back is incredibly powerful, I believe that acts of kindness have huge ripple effects and the energy of love that is sent and received can be life changing, community changing and heck world changing and it doesn't have to be big!

Nature is incredibly important I do my best to recycle, use sustainable products and packaging, and do as much as I can to help our beautiful planet!

The tag line for my business is 💖 create - connect - heal 💖

Day 2 of hosted by is all about style

I don't think I have a style. I like to crochet, sew embroider and paint. I love nature and wellbeing. And I have a love for beautiful fabric which basically means alllll fabric! So I have a house full of all kinds of fabric and therefore quite often what I make comes from what I have. Or what someone asks me to make. Or maybe it's from a good trawl through Pinterest 🤦🏻‍♀️

I guess my style could classed as bitsa! Bitsa this and bitsa that! 😂

However...I have been doing some soul searching and I have decided to bring a bit of style and organisation to what I do.

My product designs and colours will change in line with the seasons. They will be inspired by nature. I'm so excited!

Products will remain largely the same, unless I launch a new line. There will be baskets, reusable wipes, cotton washcloths, bunting, floral wreaths, zipper pouches, floral embroidery and blankets.

And I hope I can also create one off pieces of art that encompass lots of the things I love to do that are inspired by nature and the seasons!

Huge love to you all 💖

Sliding in there to complete day 1 of

Day 1 is all about brand introduction...I have always loved drawing and being creative since I could hold a pencil. I loved art at school and really enjoyed making my own clothes with the help of my grandma.

It wasn't until tragically, my first daughter Daisy was stillborn in 2009 that I really found the need to make and create. I learnt to crochet and bought my first sewing machine. The purpose of making and creating truly healed my soul. It helped me through PTSD, anxiety, PND and what really were the toughest years of my life. I started making gifts for friends and family and then people wanted to buy. And so Daisy Makes was launched 🌼 a little nod to my precious angel.

I started off making personalised bunting and cushions. Things have certainly changed but I love what I do and I really feel I'm seeing a vision of how I want Daisy Makes to look.

I love the process of handmade items, the creative flair of hand embroidery, the meditative process of crochet. The energy and love that you get from a and from something that is for me makes those items truly amazing!

And I've just launched the I'm not sure where that's going just yet, hopefully a charity. But it's certainly exciting and means I can give something back 💖

And finally...I'm also Mum to Olivia who is very nearly 7! We live in on the , although I'm originally from . And I work full time in a really demanding but rewarding job in the public sector. A job I love, mainly because I work with some amazing human beings 🥰

💚💚💚 packing 💚💚💚

Thank you so much to everyone for their orders last night. I had such fun connecting with everyone on my live.

The meditation is about 20 mins in if you want to catch that 🙏

Everything is being packaged to go off to its new homes...I may have sprinkled a little love in these parcels too 💖

Hiiiiii I promise this is it from me now until 7.30pm 🤦🏻‍♀️

Time to get ready... seriously I'm getting ready to stay at home! You can all relax in your Jim Jams 😉

I can't decide whether to be live on insta or Facebook 🤦🏻‍♀️...so I will go live on Facebook first and then skip over to insta for the final installment. Sooooo...

7.30-8pm on Facebook...at least one giveaway and lots of fab goodies!

8-8.30pm on Instagram...at least one giveaway and a lovely relaxing meditation about 8.20pm 🙏

You will need to comment and direct message me if you want to purchase anything. Payment will be via PayPal. Postage and packaging will be confirmed after the sale has ended.

Many items are one offs so won't be available again. And there are some amazing bargains to be had!