The Open House is now... open!

The Open House has begun now and pictures are selling, phew! (The lavender bags aren't mine.)

http://www.48dr.co.uk

The nail biting bit

I've done as many fabric collages as I reasonably can before the Christmas Open House starts this weekend. They're mounted, wrapped, some are framed, price labels made and they are now sitting waiting to go.

This is the nail-biting bit. Are the prices pitched just right? (Too expensive puts people off but too cheap devalues the product...) Will customers like them? Are there enough - or too many? Too late to do anything about it now. Wish me luck and many sales!

The Dragonfly House is 48 Ditchling Rise, Brighton, and is open this weekend (last in November) and next (first in December) 11am–6pm.

www.48dr.co.uk

One in, one out

One in, one out is a really great idea - every time you consider buying something ask yourself what you would be willing to get rid of (sell/donate/recycle) in its place.

It is a way to ensure that you don't accumulate any more piles of stuff (occupational hazard for collectors) and that you only buy what you REALLY want. However, it is very difficult rule to stick to. Finds come along randomly, unseasonally and often in batches.

Right now I'm trying to sell, not buy - so of course the gods of charity shopping are planting wonderful things everywhere I go right now. I also know that if I resist too staunchly I will regret leaving these things behind! (I just know that I will kick myself for not snapping up those green shoes at the Art Junky today...) "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak" and all that.

With that in mind, some great recent finds:

• 1970s Hush Puppies beige suede boots with a zip and tab fastening at the back, Mind shop, St James's Street, Kemp Town
• Orange tweed empire line dress, Brian and Nikki's shop, Lewes
• Purple and gold ruffle-fronted shoes, Phoenix Gallery Arty Junky, Brighton
• Black silk Jaeger dress, Oxfam, Western Road, Brighton
• 1950s feather headdress, Snooper's Paradise, Brighton

Looks like I have a LOT of one-in-one-out sorting to do!

Aaaaghhh! Buttons!

I feel as if I have sewn on enough buttons to last me the rest of my life. Whose idea was this anyway...?