I’m not a great one for self promotion (it’s a terribly British affliction), but I can, nevertheless, unashamedly do it on behalf of others, especially if those others are family. Long standing readers of this blog may recall my arty niece’s Christmas card range. Well, said creative niece, Hattie, and her not much less creative Mama have recently joined forces to produce a range of crafts and illustrations worthy of any bijou home interiors boutique.
A few weeks ago I accompanied my sister on a fabric buying foray. We went to her local town where there is a wonderful arts and crafts shop, stuffed full of everything you could ever need if you are wont to a bit of crafting. Or knitting. Or quilting. Sis has been an avid quilter for many years now – I have some intricate cushion covers to prove it – and now she’s branching out into making all sorts of things – spectacle cases, iPad covers, cosmetic purses to name just a few. We spent a fascinating half hour or so choosing pretty printed cottons and wadding, buying lengths of cloth called fat quarters (a quilting technical term, apparently. You learn something every day, don’t you?). Armed with a weighty bagful, Sis set to and began producing her merchandise, sitting in her kitchen with her trusty sewing machine and copious cups of coffee.
Yesterday she and Hattie took their first leap into the Craft Fair market to test the water. I popped along to lend support and see what they have been up to.
Here is their stall at start of business. They were in a chilly hall at Denbies Wine Estate in Surrey.
These baby padders are adorable…shame I don’t know any babies that could benefit.
Hattie’s nursery illustrations
Hattie has sold her own exclusive designs online for a while now. She produces cards for all occasions, nursery illustrations and sells items such as mugs, spectacle cases and cushion covers printed with her own inimitable style. She is currently working on a fabric range as well as accepting commissions for book illustrations. You can view her merchandise here or check out her website here. She’s a busy bunny!
Their collaboration has spawned “House of Hyder” which has its own online shop over at Etsy where you can see samples of the whole range. Check out the logo and business cards – designed in house, of course.
charactersfromthekitchen 
I remember your niece’s beautiful cards quite well, Jenny. I’m happy to see she’s expanding her business…good for her! The baby padders are adorable! Do you plan to join the family business? 🙂
Oh, puleez! I’m useless at making stuff – it took me all of my first year at secondary school to finish a gingham apron. I’ll stick to creative writing and leave the crafting to the others. I can always do their PR. Hmm…wonder if they need an agent?
Thanks Jill – I can think of one baby – but I think Hendrix is probably just too old now for those padders 😐
LOL! You and me both…I didn’t get the creative gene when it comes to arts and crafts. I think you’d make a fine agent! By the way, are you on FB? Sherri’s son, the one you had the “hots” for…ha ha…posted a video on her page yesterday. He’s playing his guitar and he’s really good.
Well, I don’t think I was the only one, Ms Weatherholt😄 No, I’m not on FB but I do remember Sherri posting him playing before. I don’t know, all these talented off spring…😊
LOL! I know…there’s certainly a lot of talent being passed along. 🙂
What a talented pair. Could be a source for sending gifts to our family in England. Off to check out the website.
Thanks Rod! I can vouch for the iPad covers…
They really are a creative duo, lovely designs 🙂
They are, aren’t they? Thanks Andrea 😉
Wonderful, wonderful – I agree about those baby ‘padders’ – a term I have never heard before [probably as I am sans babies!] What a talented duo – I bet they spark great ideas off each other too. I’m sure they did very well at the craft fair!
Ah, thanks Pauline…I had a feeling you’d appreciate this post.
What a wonderful variety they have, Jenny. And trust me, in the world of special gift crafts, such quality and variety will make the two of them successful. And to have you along for encouragement and moral support is a gift. Well done! Oh, if only my grandchildren were little, I’d be buying those sweet little shoes! 🙂
I know, they’re so cute, aren’t they? I wonder if they’d work for adults?😀
Hattie is such a talented illustrator. I have just gone to buy one of her elephant mugs – it will make a great present for one of my daughters, who likes elephants.
Denise – you’re a complete star! Thank you so much for your continued support. I like the elephants too😉
This all looked so sweet, special and perfect gift cards, the items are too numerous to list but I like them ALL! Jenny, your niece should open up her art shop on a blog here at wordpress! Hugs and kisses for the adorable items for little ones, Hattie! Tell her I really admired her products and wares, Jenny! ❤
Oh, you know I forgot to catch and give credit to BOTH of them! Hugs and kisses to the family for raising such creative people! Jenny, I am in awe of the way everything goes so well together and love them all! 🙂
Thanks Robin. I’ll pass your praise on. Hattie does have a blog but it’s on another platform. (Tumblr 😁)
My niece makes baby slippers and Hendrix kicks them off. Libby has also been making cloth diaper covers and rompers for her son, Jackson and Trista, DIL, just bought a sewing machine.
His Mommy, my DIL, tends to put tight socks on or allows bare feet, wriggly toes while he rolls and scootches across the room. 🙂
I love the name, House of Hyder. You would be an excellent promoter! ❤
Jenny, hope your whole family has a special and fun gathering over Easter! 🙂
Wow! Very pretty! What talent! I’m only capable of sewing my fingers together. 🙂
You and me both. Thanks Lynette.
Inspiring venture
Cheers!
Wow. The baby booties are adorable, as are the cards. Lots of cute stuff there. I bet they did well.
Thanks Lisa. They didn’t do badly for their first fair. More are planned, I believe.
So pleasing to see so much talent on show. Well done to your niece.
Thanks Jacqueline, especially as you know the craft fair ropes!
What a talented mother and daughter team. Their stall looks fantastic. I wish I was closer so I could visit. I guess I’ll just have to check out their online store. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you Norah. I’m sure they’d appreciate a visit from you. 😉
Hi Jenny, I’ve missed you! I’m so out of the loop, but I’m trying to get back on track slowly. I’ve been working on my memoir while away as I’m going on a workshop next week in London, once a week for 11 weeks. Hopefully I’ll get a blog post up later in the week with an update. With taking a while out to help with Mum (who is making a great recovering, I’m so pleased to report…phew!), I didn’t want to rush back as I was feeling so overwhelmed and really need to focus on my memoir as I got so behind, naturally. Anyway, I wanted to pop in and see what you’re up to (I’ve turned off all my email blog notifications as I had thousands while ‘away’) but will make sure to visit you. Thanks for the links, I will check them out, how cute are all these items, and mother and daughter too? I wish I had a baby to shop for…not mine obviously…but how adorable! You have a very talented family Jenny, across the board! 🙂 xx
Hi Sherri – missed you too, although I knew that with your memoir and then your dear Mum not being well, your time has been well catered for! I’m so glad to hear that she is making a good recovery – must be your very able bedside manner😉 – these sorts of conditions vary so much and can take their time, so worrying for you all.
Thank you so much for dropping in when you are so busy, my friend – I really appreciate it!
Ahh…thanks Jenny. You know I had to visit you my friend, just sorry it’s been so long but I knew you understood. As for my bedside manner, well, there were times I found it very stressful in that hospital. I used to work there, and it brings back bad memories. But all in all, I can’t complain, Mum was treated very well, particularly in the acute stroke unit and we did have a few giggles with some of the antics on the ward. Perhaps I should write a blog post about it, without giving away too many personal details, lol 🙂
Oh yes you must! Could be very humorous and it would cheer your Mum up too!
Haha…yes, it certainly would!! Have a good day Jenny, see you soon! 🙂 xx