Bumpkin Bears and Friends

Spreading the word...

2012-01-11T16:13:00.001+01:00

With Christmas already a distant blur it's full steam ahead in my little studio with lots of orders flying in, shame they are not delivered by owls, just imagine that!

I have been looking at my business and seeing ways to help it grow. It is easy to focus so much on making and dealing with orders that you can lose sight of marketing. This year I am going to be working hard on spreading the "Bumpkin" word and have already started to write press releases and sent a few out to start the year as I mean to go on ;) I'm thrilled to say that this has already resulted in some really kind online press, firstly with the newly found, Bespoke Magazine, for the creative and crafty! I was delighted to find it and am thrilled to say they have just featured one of my Embroidery Patterns on their Blog.

Also if you love parties then whizz over to the fabulous Les Enfants Blog for a post about all the exciting trends myself and others are predicting for this year.

Despite the very mild winter we are having here the days are very grey and gloomy but they are brightened creating items like this "Primrose Bunny" party set for a little girl's 1st Birthday, hopping all the way to Australia.

Looking at those cupcakes makes me think it's time for a cup of Tea!

See you back here again soon, thanks so much for visiting,

I love all your comments.

Catherine

Wishing you all a Happy Year chasing your dreams

2012-01-02T14:55:00.001+01:00

A little note with big wishes for you all for a truly Happy Year full of chasing and catching your dreams :)

I am busily working on my plans for this year with many new and exciting challenges and creations to share with you all, so I had better get back to them for now!

Here are some magical and wild photos my fiance took of New Years Eve in Antwerp here in Belgium. The effects are such fun that you can create with a slow shutter speed!

Wishing you all a Very Merry Bumpkin Christmas!

2011-12-24T19:25:00.000+01:00

Merry Christmas to each and everyone of you and may your New Year

be filled with magical moments and days of hope and friendship.

Bear Hugs from the Bumpkin Bears, Friends & me!

Catherine

A Heartfelt Bumpkin Christmas!

2011-12-21T13:07:00.003+01:00

Recently in a shop I saw some needle felted decorations that costed so much I decided I could try my hand at creating some myself for far less and getting the extra pleasure of making them! To share a little love at this time of year I thought you'd all enjoy this little christmas craft project, so have fun :)

For this Heartfelt Christmas Decoration you will need:
Polystyrene (styrofoam) Balls
Small amount of wool roving in red (or your colour choice)
Wool felting needles (be careful they are sharp)
Piece of foam to needle felt onto (stops you holding the base in case you poke the needle too hard!)
Scrap pieces of felt to cut into hearts
Red Embroidery Thread
Long Needle

♥ Wrap wool roving around the ball bit by bit and gradually using your felting needles poke the wool so it catches into the ball.

♥ Keep going until your ball is covered and the wool feels nice and secure to the ball.

♥ Cut out little hearts or your own shapes from felt and using fabric glue stick them around the centre of the ball. I did alternating sizes of hearts, so one large, one small..

♥ If you would like to embroider using a very long needle (often called doll needles) carefully sew on little motifs to the felt (this part was very tricky and be careful you do not split the ball by coming out too close to where the needle has gone in). If you did not want to do this you could always cut out smaller red hearts and stick into centre of white felt.

♥ To secure a hanging loop make a large knot (leaving some thread) on one end and using the long needle go up through centre of ball, leave a loop at top and then insert needle back to the base and tie off with the knotted end.

I hope you'll have fun creating these, I'd love to hear how you get on.

Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas, Catherine & the Bumpkin Friends

Twinkling moments in Bruges

2011-12-19T13:13:00.001+01:00

Getting in the festive spirit we visited Bruges at the weekend which always looks so pretty at Christmas with all the lights twinkling. They twinkled a little more this year with the reflections in the rain! Tricky to get photos from under the umbrella but I had to share them with you all to wish every one of you a very Merry Christmas wherever you are in the world. I'll let the photos do the talking...

Can you believe this is chocolate!

Wishing you Magical days

Catherine

A blue & white Christmas

2011-12-13T12:45:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we visited Delft, the Dutch city famed for their Blue & White china. There were some wonderfully wonky old buildings, many with their toes dipped in the water!

This wee little bird chirped up at me from a basket in this shop above and I couldn't resist, I do love birds and this one has got a sweet little windmill painted on his chest.

We are hoping to visit Bruges soon too so will be sure to take some christmasy photos to share, it is always so pretty there at this time of year.

Catherine

Just imagine....

2011-12-01T15:18:00.001+01:00

... living in a place like this! On my recent trip back to the UK we visited this beautiful property, Ightham Mote, a 14th Century Moted Manor House nestled amongst the hills of Sevenoaks, Kent. You can imagine the stories this building could tell, in 1953 it's future was secured by an American saviour, Charles Henry Robinson, who had been smitten by this dream house since seeing a picture of it as a young man. Much of the inside was closed off for the winter season but the living quarters downstairs were open and they gave a wonderful nostalgic feel as to how he lived, couldn't you just imagine reading a book by the fire with the christmas tree all decorated and old tunes on the radio?! It certainly whisked me away to times gone by. I'll let the pictures talk for themselves so I hope you'll enjoy this festive post now that December has joined us!

Thanks for visiting

Catherine

Feeling Crafty?

2011-11-28T13:34:00.001+01:00

I always love to create gifts at Christmas and as a child (well I still do!) loved to get presents where I could get creative. My Dress Me Up Bunny Kits have been hopping out of the Shop for Christmas presents, I think they would be really cute in a stocking and would keep little hands busy, which is always a good thing!

My PDF Mini Bunting would also make a fun stocking filler, delivered straight to your email, easy to print and give as a gift with some pretty twine, cut out and put together. Available in 4 different hand illustrated designs in the Party section. What fun to decorate a bedroom or office, they look so cute hanging over mirrors or frames and great for cake bunting!

Tea Party Time Bunting

All British Bunting

For those that love sewing how about trying my Embroidery Patterns, again delivered as a pdf to your email, so print out and either wrap sweetly as a gift set of patterns or make a cup of tea and relax stitching some yourself. Just imagine all the lovely items you could embroider, pillows, stockings, quilts, framed pictures, little outfits ....

If you ever have any photos of items you've embroidered with my Bumpkin patterns I always love to see them.

Time is dashing past as fast as Rudolph flying through the air, so don't forget -

Last Postal Dates for Christmas (but the sooner they are sent out the better!)

5 December: Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Far East..
9 December Eastern Europe, USA & Canada
12 December Western Europe

See you back soon, Catherine x

Love of Books Gift Guide

2011-11-24T12:49:00.001+01:00

Firstly Happy Thanksgiving to all you that are celebrating today, have a fabulous time.

I just adore books, especially vintage ones with beautiful illustrations in them, where you can just loose yourself into their worlds. For sometime I have been wanting to design bookplates from my illustrations and I'm excited to share a range of 3 designs ready to hop into your favourite books. If you are treating those you love to a book or two at Christmas these friends would love to join them.

For the Love of Books

Our Story

A Snowy Friendship

They make lovely sets with my illustrated Bookmarks -

Teddy Bear's Picnic

Happiness is a Cup of Tea and a Good Book

Hedgehogs Love Books too!

Our Bedtime Story

For the Love of Books

Pinback Buttons & Magnets

Do you have a favourite place in your home for reading, then how about sharing it with these friends?

They couldn't choose just one book at the woodland library!

For the Love of Books Print
Every Print that is purchased before Dec 5th receives a free Christmas Card & Gift Tag.

See you back soon in a few days time for some fun Gift Guides for those that love Crafts & Gardens!
Hugs
Catherine
x

Pretty in Pink Gift Guide

2011-11-22T13:05:00.002+01:00

This Gift Guide is for all those little girls that when asked what their favourite colour is, they answer pink! My niece does this and watching many of the little girls in my family they always light up when they wear a pretty dress with matching shoes and always feel very proud when they have a bracelet on or a pretty Badge/Pinback Button. I have designed some sweet "Best Outfits" Gift Sets that would be a real treat as presents for their little friends or popped in a stocking and at less than 3.50 euros they will not last long (I only have a limited stock of my Buttons & Magnets before Christmas).

"Best Outfits" Gift Sets - Rose Bunny or Primrose Bunny - A Pinback Button on chintz or polka dot display cards & set of 6 scalloped Stickers to put on Cards to friends or to decorate their Notebooks.

When I illustrated these Pinback Buttons I imagined them pinned to little outfits, so here is a selection of the sweetest designs I found on Etsy, all British Hand Made. How about making up a gift of an outfit with a pretty Bumpkin Button?

From top left across each row:

Boo Pinafore Dress by Belle and Boo

Flower Cardigan by jayceeoriginals

Cupcake Handbag by Fanciful Alice

Linen Deer Dress by Treefall Design

Make their room a haven of happiness & full of the pretty colours & animals that will inspire their imagination (this counts for anyone that is still young at heart!)

From top left across each row:

Many available as Prints, Cards & Party delights!

Friends for Tea - Special set of 3

I hope you've enjoyed todays Gift Guide, in a few days will be a new one - what will it be?

Thanks for visiting.

Hugs, Catherine

Imagination Gift Guide

2011-11-21T11:34:00.002+01:00

I remember as a child that I would look at the pictures on my walls and animals on my curtains and make up all sorts of adventures for them. Each night before I would go to sleep I would make up a new story. If you are on the look out for an original gift for a child this Christmas how about inspiring their imagination and bringing a magical world into their room through Art?

All my Prints come beautifully presented in a hard backed box envelope with cute stamped address section and a bakers twine bow, all ready to hop into a frame. From now until December 5th each Print that is ordered from my shop will receive a free Christmas Card & Gift Tag making it even sweeter for gift giving. If you would like any gift orders sent directly to friends or family with your own message, I offer this service for free, just let me know the details when you check out.

Here is a selection of my Prints with tones of blue, many that can be personalised, I felt would inspire the imagination of any child, especially boys. Tomorrow I'll be sharing an Imagination Gift Guide for little girls that like pink!

From top left across each row:
My Winter Wonderland
Off We Go!
New Dawn
Mother's Love
Come Fly with Me
Snow circus
Wish Upon a Star
The Butterfly Chase
Favourite Moments - Summer

Last Postal Dates for Christmas (but the sooner they are sent out the better!)

5 December: Australia, New Zealand, Africa, Far East..
9 December Eastern Europe, USA & Canada
12 December Western Europe

See you tomorrow, Hugs, Catherine x

New Buttons & Magnets

2011-11-17T15:46:00.003+01:00

I'm excited to finally share a whole new range of Pinback Buttons (also known as Badges) & Magnets. I have created really sweet illustrated display cards for them and the bags they will arrive in will have a sweet To and From label on the back, making them perfect for gift giving. They'd love to hop into a Stocking this Christmas or would be perfect for sending in the post.

I only have a limited stock of each design. You can see them all in my Etsy Shop. See you back soon, Catherine x

Getting in the Christmas Spirit with Country Living

2011-11-15T11:55:00.000+01:00

Last weekend we went back home to the UK starting with a day out in London to visit the Country Living Christmas Fair and a day of Remembrance being Nov 11th. I had always wanted to visit this Fair and I knew that some of you too would have loved to be there so I took a few photos to share with you. I didn't know where to look there were so many beautiful and creative items, from hand made pottery, embroidery, cards & decorations to name just a few.

We also visited a beautiful National Trust property in Kent on our last day, so more photos on their way!

Now I'm back I've got a list as long as a giraffe to get through, firstly today I'm going to be launching a new range of pin back Buttons (Badges) & Magnets so do come back soon to take a peek.

For now, just sit back and let me whisk you away into a magical world of Christmas delights!

Hugs,

Catherine x

Join in their adventures next year?

2011-11-09T16:15:00.001+01:00

I am not sure where the last year has gone but as we are heading to Christmas and New Years I thought it time to get the Bumpkin Friends organised and make them decide which months they wanted to be on for my 2012 Calendar! After many discussions they made up their minds and it is ready to share with you all! So if you would like to share in their adventures throughout next year then you can find them HERE. All new illustrations, so if you have collected or given a Bumpkin Calendar in previous years these will be all new for you.

New Badges (pin back buttons) & Magnets are on their way to my shop soon too, I've been busily illustrating backing cards for them and taking photos. Thanks for visiting, Catherine x

Time to get stitching again!

2011-11-02T14:00:00.001+01:00

Watch out, here comes Bunny sledging down the hill, he had never gone so fast! Would you like to stitch this fun loving friend? Then slide on over to my Etsy shop and you will find my new Embroidery Pattern, Tea Time in the Snow, it will be delivered straight into your email as a Pdf, so no waiting around in the cold!

Can you imagine these stitched along a Christmas stocking, on a sweet outfit for the festive season.....?

Lots more fun delights on the way, working on a calendar and new badges (buttons) & magnets to be shared soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Magical Sale!

2011-10-20T12:07:00.002+02:00

It's time to have some fun so there is a 15% off everything SALE over at my Etsy Shop. Running just until midnight (GMT) Friday 21st October! It's easy peasy all you have to do is enter the coupon code MAGIC4ME at check out and you will automatically have 15% taken off your total (not including shipping). There are lots of new goodies in store so I hope you'll enjoy exploring and can collect a bit of magic to hide for Christmas time, ready to spread to those you love. Amongst everything you will find Prints that can be personalised and these new garlands which will be so cute for Christmas decor and can be used year after year, being made of a gorgeous quality linen texture card.

WONDERLAND Garland

Alongside these you'll find Christmas cards, new scalloped Gift Tags and whole new Party Ranges (which I'll show on here soon)!

The Bears did not want to be left out of the magic so if you go along to their page on my website and take 30% off their adoption fee as shown then this is the saving you will make to bring a very special new friend into your life. Both Callum & Romeo would love to spend Christmas with a loving new family. If you would like to adopt one of them then just send me a note.

Must dash, there is an ever growing to do list, but I hope you'll all have fun with this Sale and

it helps you out a little during these tricky times. Catherine xx

Springtime Baby Shower

2011-10-11T11:49:00.003+02:00

Yes, I'm still here! I've been so busy here with orders and getting new items ready to share that my poor Blog has been rather neglected. You can always keep up to date more regularly on my Facebook and Twitter pages. I've also been back in England and had a lovely time seeing family and friends and with sunshine every day, which was a bonus after the rainy Summer we've had. As I sit here in my wool jumper with dark clouds out of the window I know winter is rapidly heading this way whilst my friends Down Under are enjoying Spring bulbs and blossom! So when I saw these photos of a Baby Shower styled by the super talented Kate of Kiss Me Kate Events in Australia I knew I had to brighten your day with them. A while back I was contacted by Kate to illustrate some images inspired by the Bunnykins for her cousin's Shower. Do you remember the Bunnykins? I have got a sweet Bunnykins plate that I ate out of when I visited my Granny, with the little Bunnies running around the edge, so when she asked I hopped at the chance ;-)

I drew this wee sleepy Bunny sat on ABC blocks with a comfort blanket. Not knowing if it will be a baby boy or girl we decided to go with primrose yellow and a mix of greens and pinks. To go with this Bunny I drew a running Bunny for Cupcake Toppers & Stickers.
Here are a few photos I took before sending them on their way.

Invitations

Food Signs

Cupcake Toppers

For the rest just sit back and enjoy this beautifully fresh Springtime Baby Shower, which you can see more of on Kiss Me Kate's Facebook Page .

Bon Bons in Apothecary Jars from Sharnell Dollar Designs

Favor Boxes from Candy Soirees

holding "Cute as a Button Soaps" from

The Baby Shower Shop

Just look at those ruffles!

The most delicious looking Lemon Cheesecakes I've ever seen!

I loved these Bunnies that I am thinking I may make some items available in my Etsy shop , what do you think, would you like them?

Moving from Spring to chillier days over here I'm busy getting some whimsical Christmas items all together, so if you are planning a party in the festive season watch this space!

Thanks for visiting and I'll see you back here soon, Hugs, Catherine x

Halloween Parade

2011-09-15T19:01:00.002+02:00

Twit - Twooo you're Invited Too!

Just flying by to share with you my new Halloween range, The Halloween Parade, full of Personalised Invitations, Cards, & Gift Tags. I've been having hastles with my email server not working very well so I've been unable to send out to my Mailing List about these. Hopefully it will get sorted out soon, in the meantime you can see all these new items in my Halloween section of my Etsy Shop

Thanks for visiting, Catherine x

Bunnies Love Embroidery Too!

2011-09-05T15:13:00.000+02:00

At last I can say that my latest Embroidery Pattern is finally ready to share with you all. This fabric Rabbit, happily stititching her "Home Sweet Home" sign is all ready to hop across the world. She is available as a PDF Pattern in my Etsy Shop.

I'm balancing so many different projects now that I'd better carry on, just had to share this the moment it was finished! See you back soon, Happy Stitching, Catherine x

Over the Garden Gate

2011-09-02T19:58:00.000+02:00

Do you love Gardening and picking fresh flowers as much as I do? If you do then this very well mannered Bunny is a new friend for us both!

As a child I remember peeking out of my curtains in the early morning and seeing the wild rabbits hopping across my Granny's garden, in England, in between the flower beds and veg patch!

As we always picked fresh flowers for the house I could just imagine this rabbit doing just the same! Her emerald green garden trug is full of richly coloured foxgloves, poppies, bluebells & a carrot for a snack! She has hopped into a whole range of delights, called Over the Garden Gate including:

* Art Print

* Garden Party Invitations
* "Thank you for coming to my Party" Gift Tags
* Oval Gift Tags
* Cupcake Toppers
* Mini Cake Bunting
* Food Labels
* Sets of Postcards
* Stickers

You can find her sharing flowers in my ETSY shop right now!

The whole range together enjoying a Garden Tea Party (indoors due to the rain,

Bunnies don't like getting wet ears!

Garden Party Invitations (can be personalised)

Hand illustrated Mini Cake Bunting (delivered as a PDF file)

Art Print

Sets of 6 Oval Gift Tags

Set of 3 Art Postcards

Adorable Cupcake Toppers

If you are quick you too may see her Over the Garden Gate!

See you soon, Have a lovely weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

Join me for a Tea Party?

2011-08-26T11:31:00.000+02:00

Hi everyone, sorry for not being around in blogland much lately, I've been so busy with custom orders & photographing new products, editing photos and listing in my Etsy shop, not to mention getting my Facebook page all set up. I'm nearrrrly ready to share my new paper range, with people that love gardens in mind, so not long to wait I promise!

For now I've got some other new little friends to share with you to join the rest of my Friends for Tea paper & party range. I felt they deserved a new photo shoot so I set up a Tea Party and had cupcakes as a reward after a long day! Enjoy these new cheerful Cupcake Toppers, Mini PDF Cake Bunting & sets of the prettiest oval Gift Tags (also available as Food Labels for parties). All available now in my Etsy Shop.

Freshly picked Blackberries from our local forest!

Right, back to work, thanks so much for hopping by, it's always really good to see you, Catherine x

New Beginnings!

2011-08-15T20:01:00.002+02:00

Well after a very long time in the making, with the help of my fabulous fiance, I am over the moon to share that my new website is up and running, or should I say hopping considering all the rabbits causing havoc over there! I would be delighted to welcome you there in the new home for Bumpkin, where you can find my Artist Bears and tempting glimpses at my work, such as Party goods, Embroidery, Art Prints..... as well as finding out a wee bit more about me and my whimsical world! Apart from my Bears you can still purchase all my items in my ETSY shop. I'd love to know what you think of my website and if you come across any problems along the way.

To add to the fun I have created a Fanpage on Facebook, so if you're on FB too I look forward to catching up over there. It will keep me busy what with Twitter as well where I have now reached over 750 followers, it's such fun to meet like minded people.

Talking of creating I'm not sure if I'm coming or going at the moment -

* Busy on a custom order for a Baby Shower in Australia, just loving this and can't wait to share photos eventually!

* Stitching a new Embroidery Pattern - can you guess which one from the photo, did you vote for it?

* Giving my studio a make over - new website, new studio is my Motto of the day!

* Designing a new Paper Range - if you love gardens, flowers & bunnies then this will be for you!

So lots to share coming up! Thanks for visiting, looking forward to chatting again soon, Catherine x

Childlike delight

2011-08-07T19:42:00.000+02:00

As a child do you remember playing Pooh Sticks over river bridges, watching to see who's stick came out the other side first? Well I certainly remember this and so it was with great childlike delight that we found the original Pooh Sticks bridge that Christopher Robin actually played at and most likely inspired this in Winnie The Pooh. It was quite a challenge to find, but eventually our persistence was rewarded, it is looking rather tired but I guess I'd be rather tired if I was that old!

From Sussex we drove on through the ever beautiful scenery of Dorset, spending the day at the National Trust Property, Stourhead with its iconic temples and bridges nestled in amongst the tapestry of trees.

My new website is almost ready to reveal to you all after a long time in the making. I've also started on a new embroidery pattern, so watch this space for lots of news! Take Care, Catherine x

Want do go flying?

2011-07-30T15:39:00.001+02:00

Quickly passing by to share with you my latest Embroidery Pattern - Flight of the Teacup, voted by you all as your favourite illustration. I thought this would be cute for christmas projects, I know it's that C word already, but if you're anything like me craft projects and hand made gifts always take longer to find time for than I think. In other colour ways it would be adorable for all year round, we all need to fly away to a magical world now and again! It is available in my Etsy Shop.

Coming up more of my trip to Winnie The Pooh Country, in the meantime enjoy your weekend, Hugs, Catherine x

What did you choose?

2011-07-28T11:52:00.000+02:00

Thanks so much for the wonderful response to my survey for choosing the next illustrations to be turned into Embroidery Patterns. It has really helped a lot and I have started working on the winning design - Flight of the Teacups.

Coming in a close 2nd was "Bunnies Love Embroidery too" and then many other designs came in at joint 3rd, so looks like many new Bumpkin friends are going to be stitched up for you all to have fun with :)

Maybe you could help me out again with a wee question - When it comes to Embroidery projects what are your favourite items to stitch onto - Pillows, Quilts, Clothing, Wall Art, other items? PLUS what kind of fabric do you most like to stitch onto?

More of my English holiday to share soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

Time to get stitching again!

2011-07-19T20:34:00.001+02:00

I'm so delighted with how much you have all enjoyed my Embroidery Patterns that I'm now working out which ones to create next and would love your help again. After all I want to make what you would like :) So here goes could you let me know in order which would be your top 3 (or more if you can't choose!) as an Embroidery Pattern PLUS do you prefer outline stitched embroidery or filled in designs (or both!)? As a thank you for your help in 5 days time I will put all your names into a hat and will pick a winner to receive their choice of one of my Bumpkin Embroidery Patterns. So let the fun begin!

1. Come fly with me

2. Time for an Adventure

3. Very British Bunnies

4. Bunnies love embroidery too

5. Favourite Moments set of 4

6. For the Love of Books

7. Hedgehog Love

8. Merry Band

9. Our Nest

10. Our Story

11. Flight of the Teacup

12. Keeping Cosy

13. Off we go (child's name could be embroidered in flag)

14. Dream Balloon (Initial or age could be embroidered in balloon)

15. Tea Time in the Snow

If you're still with me after all of those THANK YOU :) Good luck with the Giveaway. **** Thank you to everyone that joined in, the Giveaway is now closed and Janet of Felt on the Fly is the lucky winner of one of my Patterns. You are still all welcome to keep voting for your favourites. Big Hugs, Catherine x

Watch out for the Heffalumps!

2011-07-17T12:33:00.003+02:00

I know I'm a big kid but I have always loved the Winnie The Pooh stories and so there we were back in England and half an hour away from the famous 100 Acre Wood & Pooh Corner shop! So what is a girl to do, well my lovely fiance agreed and off we set on an adventure in the footsteps of A.A. Milne! Nestled in East Sussex and I mean so well nestled we couldn't find it, we drove around and around in circles until we felt quite dizzy and needed a cup of tea and honey! First we found the little shop, rather disappointing with not much stock, but a very cute building, just the right size for me to get into at 5foot4! It used to be a sweet shop where Christopher Robin, A.A. Milne's son, was taken every week by his Nanny on their donkey!

It was their adventures into the surrounding woods that captured the imagination of A.A. Milne and E.H Shepard. Can't you just imagine Pooh & friends walking through these landscapes as part of the 100 Acre Wood?

(copyright Winnie The Pooh)

Talking of Bears, there are 2 Bears that are having fun joining in the Christmas in July Sale. Romeo & Callum would love to go on their own expodition to find a new family, so if you'd like to bring one of them into your life they have got a very special adoption discount, but only for a little while. They'd love you to visit them over HERE.

On our next expodition together we'll be hunting for the original Pooh Sticks Bridge, would you like to come along, don't forget your sticks, oh and a little something, maybe some honey?! Catherine x

Roses galore!

2011-07-12T13:32:00.001+02:00

I'm back safely from the most wonderful trip back home to England, travelling across Sussex, Dorset and into Devon. We visited gorgeous gardens nestled in amongst rolling hills, Winnie The Pooh Country, wild ponies on Exmoor & breathtaking coast. Having taken more than 1000 photos I need to sort through them a bit, but will share a small selection so you too can share in my journey and escape into these worlds for a while.

So to start off we visited Borde Hill in Sussex, their rose garden full of many David Austin roses was enchanting. I'll let them talk for themselves!

Now I'm back busy days getting orders out and starting on some new custom projects. To have some fun I've just launched a Christmas In July Sale in my Etsy Shop, just enter the Coupon Code CIJ2011 at checkout for 15% discount off everything for a short time only! There is also a very special sale on my Bears, go and say hello here. Lots more photos to come soon. Thanks so much for visiting, It's always a treat to see you. Catherine x

Wishing you sun filled days!

2011-06-27T19:03:00.001+02:00

Hi everyone, well after rain storms that felt like they would never stop we have now got a day of scorching heat! I've been busy in the garden planting some lovely new Perennials and had an audience from my nosey neighbours!

Getting all packed up to head back home to England for a holiday in Devon, so will see you back here in a few weeks with LOTS of photos. If you order anything from my shop whilst I am away I will send everything out after 8th July. In the meantime I wish you all lots of happy sun filled days. Catherine x

Books at Teatime!

2011-06-24T18:36:00.001+02:00

It's been busy days lately with custom orders for Teddy Bear's Picnic Party sets and I just made these new Bookmarks that are cute on their own or a lovely idea as Party favors for little ones. So why don't you invite this little Teddy to hop off his Toadstool and into your favourite book? There are other Bumpkin Bookmarks available, check out my Etsy shop.

I've also just added a new Birthday Banner to my shop to match my other Friends for Tea items, oh how I love Tea Parties! Also available as a custom name or Baby Shower Banner.

A set of Party Items I recently personalised for a customer's little girl.

I'm off on holiday to England in the middle of next week, so still time for orders before I head off. Rest assured I'll be taking lots and lots of photos to share with you all, gardens, cottages & landscapes here I come :) I hope you all have a fun weekend, I'll be doing lots of gardening here, some beautiful flowering plants are patiently waiting to be planted! What are your plans? Catherine x

Callum

2011-06-15T15:58:00.000+02:00

My fingers are no longer working after days of bringing this Bear to life! But I hope you'll think all my hard work was worth it. I'd love you to meet Callum. He is a Baby Bear so a little shy but he loves to bring happiness into your days, especially picking flowers from the garden for you. His Celtic name means Dove, and as the symbol of Peace it fits him just perfectly. As peaceful as Callum is he does have a sparkle of mischief in his gorgeous green eyes, as green as the rolling hills of Ireland. His fur is a fabulous wavey, silky soft top of the line Schulte Mohair in a delightful blonde gold. He is now available for adoption from here.

Right, time to face all the housework that has been neglected whilst Callum demanded my attention ;) See you back soon, Bear Hugs, Catherine x

The winner is......

2011-06-13T11:09:00.000+02:00

Thank you to everyone that entered my Giveaway in the previous post. The lovely winner is MELODY in Australia. I've sent an email to Melody to let her know so she can choose one of my Embroidery Patterns.

All busy in my Bear making studio, hoping to have this new character ready to meet you in a few days! Such a gorgeous long wavey blonde mohair he has! Hugs, Catherine x

Celebrations & Giveaway!

2011-06-07T13:08:00.002+02:00

It's been busy days here, creating custom Party sets for Tea Parties & Teddy Bear's Picnics. I've just recently designed these adorable Birthday & Name Banners to match with my Teddy Bear's Picnic Invitations, Cupcake Toppers, Gift Tags...... Each letter has got a little character on it, such fun to create! All the Party items in my Etsy Shop can be personalised.

Talking of my Shop I am very excited to share that I have just reached over 500 Sales! So as a way of saying thank you to you all and celebrating this occasion here's a GIVEAWAY! You can choose one individual PDF Hand Embroidery Pattern from HERE. To enter the Giveaway hop over to my Shop, select your favourite Pattern (not the sets of patterns) and let me know in the comments section which you would like to win. That's it, nice and easy! Of course if you would like to share about it on your Blog or Twitter then that would be kind. This Giveaway ends on Sunday 12th June and the winner will be announced here. The winner will receive their chosen Pattern via email as a PDF download. Please leave an email if you don't have a blog for me to contact you through. The Giveaway is now CLOSED, thank you to all that entered.

Also as an extra Thank You, enter the Coupon Code ETSY500 at check out in my Etsy Shop and automatically receive 10% discount on all the goodies you purchase from now until Sunday 12th June.

If you purchase a pattern which you then win in the Giveaway I will either send you another pattern of your choice or refund your money :) Have Fun! See you back soon with a new Bear I'm bringing to life! Catherine x

Bluebell Picnics..

2011-05-26T14:15:00.001+02:00

As a child I loved to escape into the magical world of Bluebell woods, enjoying picnics on fallen logs surrounded by a sea of blue & heavenly scent. A little while back I visited these woods here in Belgium and it took me right back. Inspired by these memories I have created a new illustration titled "Friendship is sharing cake!"

You couldn't ask for a nicer spot for a Tea Party than nestled in amongst the Bluebells, Bear is trying hard to listen to Rabbit saying how beautiful the flowers are, but his attention is leaning towards the last piece of Cake! As much as he loves Cake, he knows Friendship Is Sharing Cake ♥

Available as an Archival Print & Set of Postcards

in my Etsy Shop

Back soon with more promised photos from the Garden Fair.

Hugs, Catherine

Dream Studio

2011-05-21T20:55:00.001+02:00

Recently we went to a wonderful Garden Fair held in this place. I took lots of photos which I'll share with you over the coming week, firstly I thought I'd start with some wonderfully cosy places I could imagine becoming my dream studio, nestled in amongst a cottage garden! One can always dream! How about you, would you like to create your own little world to escape to in these?

Enjoy the rest of your weekend, Catherine x

A little Romance!

2011-05-16T13:09:00.000+02:00

It was a rainy weekend over here so I hibernated and finished my latest Bumpkin Bear. Romeo is a Hopeless Romantic, happy to sit all day snuggled under a blanket reading Poetry with you! He especially loves Shakespeare's Sonnets so I made him his rather smart Shakespearian collar from vintage ivory coloured lace (removeable with a little clasp). He has a special tenderness about him and you can see how much love he has to give in his kind eyes. His fur is gorgeously cosy and soft, top of the line Schulte Alpaca in a special chocolate shade. You can see more photos of Romeo & all his adoption info on my website.

Bear Hugs

Catherine

Sweet Stories

2011-05-14T18:10:00.001+02:00

There seems to have been a few problems with Blogger & leaving comments over the last few days, hopefully it seems fine now. I'm excited to share a new Embroidery Pattern to go as a nice pair with my Sweet Dreams Pattern. Bumpkin Mouse found her perfect spot to read Sweet Stories to all her woodland friends! Sweet Stories is another adorable Bumpkin Hand Embroidery Pattern, adapted from my illustrations, with options for applique. You can choose to either embroider the Toadstool tops or simply add a fun fabric top. You will receive full instructions for both options ♥ All patterns available in my Etsy Shop

I've got lots of photos from a Garden Fair & new friends to share very soon(just finished a new Bear today!).

Hugs, Catherine

The Very British Bunnies have arrived!

2011-05-11T15:42:00.001+02:00

The style of the 1930's & 1940's inspired my new range, Very British Bunnies which I'm delighted to finally be able to share with you all. Do many of you enjoy watching the BBC show, The Land Girls? These Bunnies made their own Land Girls inspired outfits - Make Do & Mend! This range is available as a whimsical Archival Print or sets of Art Postcards, perfect for sending a little note to a special friend in the post, all available from my Etsy Shop.

I do hope these Bunnies will bring a smile or three to your day :)

Catherine

Oh Hello!

2011-05-05T13:17:00.002+02:00

Isn't it always such a treat nowadays to receive cards in the post? I know how much it makes my day knowing that someone has taken the time to think of me in this way. With this in mind I created this adorable new range of Postcards called Oh Hello! The really fun part is that in the set of 6 Postcards you can choose the colours of Bunnies Bow Tie and the sentiments you want. They are now available in my Etsy shop.

I'm working on some new Embroidery Patterns so watch this space! At the weekend I am going to a Garden Fair so will be sure to take lots of photos to share. Catherine x

Bunnies Love Embroidery too!

2011-05-03T14:37:00.001+02:00

I have had this Bunny in my mind for a while so I'm happy to finally share her with you all. She wanted to tell everyone that Bunnies love embroidery too as she has stitched this lovely Home Sweet Home sign! It is available as an Archival Print or set of 3 Art Postcards in my Etsy shop.

I am also having a good look at my shop and working on some new creations. As always I want to create just what you all want so I would love your help with these questions -

1. Do you prefer Flat Notecards (Postcards) or folded Notecards?
2. Do you prefer coloured envelopes to match with images or white (or do you not mind either way)?
3. Do you prefer cards & gift tags with a texture or smooth?

Thanks ever so much, Catherine x

Whisper

2011-05-01T11:21:00.001+02:00

I was commissioned to make this special wispy white Bear by a lovely lady in America. Very sadly she lost her older brother and this Bear is to be a comforting memory of him, I must say I felt very touched to be asked to create a Bear to mean so much to someone. She named him Whisper. After all this is just what Bears are good at, hugs, unconditional love and a listening ear. He was a real challenge to make with this long faux fur!

Next I plan to create a Bear that will be available on my website. I am also working on a range of new illustrations, so lots to share coming up. Thanks for popping by, Catherine x

Have a Royal Wedding Tea Party!

2011-04-26T22:03:00.001+02:00

Well, there are only a few days left before the big day for Kate & William in London! Living away from England, seeing all the images of Union Jack flags & bunting on the streets inspired me to create my own hand drawn mini bunting. I thought it would look so cute hanging above a cake at the little Tea Party I will be having with my 2 cats, knowing them they will sleep through it ;) I was so pleased with how it turned out that I thought I would share it with you, my friends, in my Etsy shop. I have made it as a PDF download so you will get it sent straight into your email and can start right away having fun creating it for your own party. It would look cute too, hanging over a mirror or frames... you can print as many as you like! If it seems to have flown out of my shop, don't worry I will keep re-listing it when sold.

Wishing you all a very happy celebration if you are joining in the fun on Friday. I've just finished a new Custom Bear so will be sharing photos of him soon. Thanks for visiting, Hugs Catherine x

Happy Easter

2011-04-21T16:48:00.002+02:00

Just in time for a lovely Easter project I'm excited to share my next Embroidery Pattern. Bunny & Her Cupcakes are already to hop into your home for Tea Time!

She completes the set of 3 Friends for Tea Embroidery Patterns, now available as a special deal set of 3 for the price of 2, all patterns available right here at Etsy.

Wishing you all a wonderfully Happy Easter. Catherine x

In progress...

2011-04-19T17:06:00.000+02:00

It's just like Summer here, I do hope you are having nice weather where you are too. It just didn't seem right to be working indoors so I took my latest project out to my garden bench, to enjoy the sun, watching the birds amongst the blossom in my Plum trees and smelling the heavenly scent of my Choisya that has bloomed very early this year. Here is a sneak preview of my next upcoming embroidery pattern that will make a lovely set with my other Bunny & Teapot & Teacups patterns in my Etsy Shop.

Thanks for visiting, looking forward to seeing you again soon, Catherine x

Hopping for a Party!

2011-04-14T15:41:00.001+02:00

Lots of new Party Sets have just hopped (I wish magically!) into my Etsy Shop. Invitations, Gift Tags, Cupcake Toppers & Thank You Cards (all with personalised options). They have a nice fresh, Spring feel to them so I do hope you'll enjoy them too.

Bunny Hop Party Invitation

New Dawn Party Invitation (boy's version coming very soon)- Also available as a Personalised Print

Bunny Hop Cupcake Toppers

New Dawn Cupcake Topper

Primrose Party Invitation

Bunny Hop Personalised Gift Tag

New Dawn Gift Tag

Primrose Personalised Gift Tag

Bunny Hop Thank You Personalised Card

Primrose Cupcake Toppers

Today I've started on another commission Bear, in wispy white faux fur and a new embroidery pattern is on the way, inspired by these cupcakes I made for the photos! Thanks so much for visiting, I always love to hear from you. Catherine x

Getting excited for The Royal Wedding?

2011-04-12T13:59:00.000+02:00

Well I know there are certain Bumpkin friends that are getting VERY excited for this magical occasion on April 29th. In fact they are so excited that they have been busily painting their car & cart, making flags & bunting and are now patiently waiting, well as patiently as they can anyway! What a party it will be, are you going to be having a party? As I was making cupcakes yesterday (more about the reason for this very shortly) I came across this http://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/union_jack_fondant_70560 delightful recipe for Union Jack fondant fancies, how perfect for a Royal Wedding celebration!
(copyright www.bbc.co.uk/food)

My New Royal Wedding Party Illustration is available as a Print & a Set of 3 Art Postcards from my Etsy www.bumpkin.etsy.com Shop.

Back soon with lots of new delights to share! Catherine x

Love!

2011-04-10T19:53:00.000+02:00

This Bear was made as a special Commission for a lovely lady in Switzerland. I was so thrilled with her new Mum's words "I cant find the words to describe how I feel when looking at the bear you made for me. She's gorgeous, and I'd like to call her "Love", because that's what I feel when looking at her. Love, full of love...." Isn't that just so kind :)

It's been a beautiful sunny weekend and all the Spring blossoms and flowers in my garden are inspiring some new illustrations, so lots on the way to share. See you soon, Hugs Catherine x

Escape

2011-04-06T17:02:00.000+02:00

Just this time last week we were swimming in the Red Sea in Egypt! Yes, we escaped for a very last minute week of rest and relaxation, booking an amazingly good deal just 2 days before leaving! The Red Sea was just sublime, crystal clear waters with the most amazing coral reef right near the shore. We could walk out up to our middles in the Sea and had beautiful tropical stripey, brightly coloured fish swimming around us, totally surreal! Although it is still winter there it was around 35c each day with a lovely breeze through the palm trees. So I hope I can share some of this escapism and warmth with each of you, my friends, of which I treasure each visit you make here.

(Look at those long nosed fish!)

Since back I have been busy working on a new Blog design with a wider page, could you let me know if you can see everything ok and if you have any problems? Just today I finished a new commission Bear so will share lots more photos soon, Hugs, Catherine x

Droplets of sun

2011-03-22T15:56:00.007+01:00

We are having lovely sunny Spring days and our daffodils are glowing beautifully! I took some shots after a rain shower, I just love the way the raindrops glisten like little drops of silver. I can hear little lambs in the barn behind our garden, so Spring really has arrived at long last! I must create a new Spring Banner here, another item for my To Do List!

I've got so much going on behind the scenes here I can't wait to show you everything. I'm working hard on new product photographs to update everything and have so many new delights to share including lots of new party items. But first I have custom Bears to finish and new embroidery patterns to start. On the 31st March I'll have a feature of my embroidery patterns in the gorgeousBustle & Sew online Magazine, you can subscribe to it for only $2.50 a month and there are a beautiful variety of patterns from other people included, just such fun. Right, back to work for me, thanks so much for visiting, Hugs, Catherine x

Easter on the way!

2011-03-15T16:37:00.005+01:00

Anyone getting in the mood for Easter Eggs yet?! Well if you are planning an Easter Egg Hunt why not have a bit of extra fun with my new Custom Hunt Invitations & Bunny Decorations Kit. The daffodils have kindly come out into flower just in time for me to take some photos of these new friends nestled in amongst them with their Easter Eggs, all ready to be found! Not sure what the neighbours think of me but who cares ;)

These Bunnies would be just as adorable as part of your indoor Easter decorations, popping out of a flower pot with Spring blooms in, nestled amongst a group of Easter Eggs.

These delightful Bunnies even love to be part of puppet shows, how about that for an Easter project, making a little theatre out of cardboard boxes, paint them up and let the Bunnies perform!

You can find these new friends, along with Easter Cards, in the Easter section of my Etsy Store.

Thanks for hopping by! Hugs, Catherine x

Sweet Dreams Embroidery

2011-03-10T13:07:00.005+01:00

Shhhhhh, careful you don't wake up this new little friend! She is so cosy, all snuggled under her patchwork quilt, having the sweetest of dreams! Thanks to all the votes I had here on my Blog, Sweet Dreams is now my 3rd Bumpkin Embroidery PDF Pattern, available in my Etsy store. I can just imagine her embroidered on a pillow or in a cute frame to bring sweet dreams in a bedroom. I hope you'll have lots of fun and relaxation creating your own versions of this.

I'll be back soon, at the minute lots of custom party orders to work on and commission bears. How is life with you at the moment? I do love your visits. Hugs, Catherine x

Birthday Treats

2011-03-03T20:16:00.008+01:00

It was my Birthday on Monday and I had a lovely day, going for a rather foggy walk where we came across this beautiful castle.

I was spoilt with a lovely custom rubber stamp created from one of my illustrations I had drawn especially. I can now use it to add some character filling in the address to the parcels I send out to my lovely customers around the world! I got a chocolate brown ink pad which looks like chocolate, rather perfect coming from Belgium :)

I also got some gorgeous Baker's Twine from this Etsy shop which I'm using to wrap my orders, here is one all ready to send out.

I have just finished this little Bear for a lady in America, she has commissioned it for her little baby granddaughter, so I made her with all the special safety eyes and joints, made of the prettiest peachy Alpaca, delicate floral paw pads and I knitted a little cardigan, just hiding a little felt heart with the girl's initials embroidered on it.

Next week I start on another commission Bear and hope to have a new embroidery pattern all ready to share. I'm also working on some fun spring like Easter Party Invitations, great for Easter Egg Hunts, so many items being created, so do hop back soon. Hugs, Catherine x

Pure Magic

2011-02-23T12:14:00.003+01:00

I can't believe it's been a week since my last post, the days just whizz by as I'm trying to work on so many different projects and send out orders! I'm on the way to finishing a Commission Bear in pretty pinky apricot alpaca with the cutest floral paw pads! When she is ready I then have another commission Bear to start on for a nice lady in Switzerland. In between I have started on another embroidery for a new pattern (Sweet Dreams Mouse), this will be a fun one with lots of different stitches for all the pillows that she is sleeping on!

All my hope of Spring arriving after one beautiful warm sunny day have been put back a bit with freezing temperatures returning. But I did get to do some gardening and came across the most perfectly formed delicate Snowdrop, all on its own at the edge of the flower bed where I was. Despite loving Snowdrops I have never planted any in my garden so this was an even more magical treat! I dashed in to get my camera so I could capture this moment to share with you all.

I thought you'd enjoy meeting the little Robin that calls my garden his home, making himself comfy on my new cottage bird table!

I'll be back soon with lots to share, thanks for popping by. Hugs, Catherine x

Time for Tea!

2011-02-16T11:12:00.004+01:00

Just quickly hopping by to let you all know that my 2nd Bumpkin Embroidery Pattern is finished and enjoying making friends in my Etsy Store. So if you fancy inviting Bunny & Her Teapot into your home for Afternoon Tea I am sure she would be very well behaved, as long as she gets a wee bit of cake to go with the Tea!!

I have been overwhelmed by the response to my Embroidery Patterns, recently being featured on the fabulous "Feeling Stitchy" Blog. You can now choose between Bunny & Her Teacups and Bunny & Her Teapot, or if you just can't separate them then they are available as a special set of 2 patterns. They seem to be hopping rather rapidly out of my Store to their new homes, not even getting a glimpse of their cottontails! So if you go along to visit them and they are not there, then I will be popping them back as soon as I see they are missing ;)

I really can't say a big enough Thank You to all my lovely followers here for your encouragement and support, the Bumpkin Friends and I recently reached 300 Sales at Etsy. See you back soon with lots to share, Catherine x

Hearts & Toadstools!

2011-02-13T12:20:00.006+01:00

What cuter combination could there be

Than Hearts, Toadstools, you and me!

I am always delighted to be featured in Etsy Treasuries and couldn't resist sharing this one with you all to wish you a lovely Valentine's Day, can you spot my Teddy Bear Gift Tags?!

Tiny Love - baby kn... tricoteria $18.00	Pretty in Pink tutticutesytut... $	Toadstool Hair Ties evielala $6.00
Hospital Delivery G... modmum $45.00	Valentine's But... sugarplusspice $10.95	Original Baby Infan... FiddlestyxStud... $45.00
Valentine Heart Bal... BHBKidstyle $18.00	Teddy Bear's Pi... Bumpkin $6.00	NEW Shabby burps- I... jppinkdaisy $5.50
Peaches and Cream C... NestPrettyThin... $32.00	My Daughter, My Val... GloriousGirlJe... $34.50	Little Heart Hand S... Wenderwoman $2.50
Toadstool Rattle HazelVillage $12.00	Sweet Pink Petti Tu... StrawberrieRos... $54.95	Little Gnome VintagePaperPa... $20.00

My new Embroidery for my next pattern is coming along, should be finished today I hope! Hugs & Hearts to everyone one of you, Catherine x

Sunshine!

2011-02-08T12:43:00.004+01:00

Just as I began to think the sunshine would never show its cheery face again today we have bright blue skies and the very first crocuses have opened up as the sun warms their petals! I had to share these with you, yes in this part of the world there is hope, Spring is on its way!

Right back to work, custom bear, embroidery pattern creation, new illustrations being sketched..... Lots to share soon, Catherine x

The winners are......

2011-02-04T11:36:00.006+01:00

I can't thank you all enough for voting for your favourite illustrations to be turned into the next Bumpkin Embroidery Pattern. It was a close race with Bunny & Her Teapot just beating the others at the finishing line! She only beat Sweet Dreams by 2 points!
So here is the top ranking!
FIRST - Bunny & Her Teapot

SECOND - Sweet Dreams

Joint THIRD - Bunny & Her Cupcakes & Our Story

I recently met Helen, of Bustle & Sew and was delighted to see her beautiful designs and hear of her online monthly magazine. She kindly invited me to write an article for her April edition, so this has spurred me on to get some lovely new patterns all ready to share with the readers and all of you lovely folk. You must take a peek at the gorgeous cushion that Helen made for her daughter's birthday using my Bunny & her Teacups pattern and check out her Blog.

If anyone else has images of my Art, Bears, Embroidery in their new homes then do send them along to me, I always love to see them.

So added onto my ever growing list is create these new embroidery patterns, funnily enough these were ones I too would have chosen first, so great to know we are on the same wavelength :) Back soon with lots to share, Hugs, Catherine x

Embroidery Choices

2011-01-28T12:57:00.012+01:00

I have been so delighted by the response for my very first Bumpkin Embroidery Pattern, Bunny & her Teacups, that I am going to be starting on the creation of some more patterns.

I'd LOVE your help, could you take a look at the following of my Bumpkin Illustrations and imagine them as simpler embroidered images. Please could you give me your top 3 in order, then I'll create patterns with your favourites!

1.Summer Hill - Gardening Bunny - Available as Paper Dress Up Bunny Kit & Postcard

2.Summer Hill - Primrose - Currently available as Paper Dress Up Bunny Kit & Postcard

3. Summer Hill - Dream Balloon (any birthday number could be embroidered into the balloon)-Available as Print, Paper Dress Up Bunny Kit, Invitations, Postcard & Gift Tags

4. Summer Hill - Off We Go (names could be embroidered in flag) - Available as Print, Paper Dress Up Bunny Kit, Invitations, Postcard & Gift Tags

5. Our Story - Available as a Print

6. Our Nest - Available as a Print

7. The Parade - Available as Print, Invitations & Thank You Cards

8. Sweet Dreams - Available as Print, Notecard, Magnet & Badge

9. For the Love of Books - Available as Print, Bookmark, Magnet & Badge

10. Chase Your Dreams - Available as Print & Bookmark

11. Hedgehog Love - Available as Print, Gift Tags & Notecard

12. Friends for Tea - Bunny & her Teapot - Available as Print, Magnets, Badges, Gift Tags & Party Invitations

13. Friends for Tea - Bunny & her Cupcakes - Available as Print, Magnets, Badges, Gift Tags & Party Invitations

14. Friends Forever - Available as a Print

15. Teatime in the Snow - Available as a Print

I really appreciate you taking the time to help me with this, thanks SO much. Big hugs, Catherine xx

Hiding under mountains!

2011-01-27T13:50:00.004+01:00

I'm just appearing from behind a mountain of packages of Invitations, Gift Tags, Cupcake Toppers.... that I'm getting all ready for a lovely new Stockist that I'll tell you about soon. I've been creating some new party gift tags for them which I'll also be adding into my Etsy shop soon.

It must be the time of year for Birthday Parties as I've had lots of custom enquiries for Party Sets over the last few weeks. I can customise any of the Party Invitations that you can see in the Party section of my Etsy Shop. Lots of 1st Birthdays being celebrated around the world and it's always special to be asked to play a part in them. I've got new party items I need to add to my shop too, but time just keeps running out each day!

I've just finished a new Commissioned Bear, named Sebastian that will be heading to a loving new home in the States.

Jacob that was featured in my previous post can unfortunately not go to the home he was planned for due to unforeseen circumstances. So now he has got his little arms open wide looking for a home full of love. He is a cheeky little Bear that loves to make you giggle with all his party tricks! Coming from the land of Chocolate and having such a gorgeously soft milk chocolate Alpaca coat he felt his full name, Master Jacob Chocolate, was fitting! Friendship is very important to this sweet Bear, he even enjoys a bit of a sing along, so you could have some wonderful parties with all your hug! Get your dancing shoes ready! You can see all his adoption photos and info here.

Next on my list is another Custom Bear in precious peachy alpaca and I've nearly finished knitting a little outfit for her when she is ready! Thanks so much for visiting, see you soon, Catherine x

Stories of friendship

2011-01-18T20:58:00.008+01:00

I'm so excited to share my first of 3 custom Bears I am currently busy bringing to life. This little darling is called Jacob with the cuddliest chocolate brown Alpaca, I could just hug him all day long! He will be going to his new Mum in England, bringing with him a lifetime of friendship.**UPDATE 25 Jan, due to unforeseen circumstances, Jacob is now available for adoption, more details soon. **
The friendship and comfort a Bear can bring is a very precious gift I feel very lucky to be able to share with others, even though it is always hard to part with the Bears!

To spread this friendship I bring you a new Print. This is "Our Story" said Bear to his Best Friend as he started to read a book of adventures written just for her. What better place to read than under a Toadstool? This Print can be personalised with an initial on the book cover to join in with their story.

Also with Valentines on the horizon I have created this Postcard, along with a range of other delights, perfect to show those you love how special they are to you. I remember feeling very special always getting a Valentine's Card from my Granny!

To show how special all my customers are to me there is a short term special offer of a 14% discount on all items in my Etsy shop. Just add the coupon code VAL11 at check out and it will take off 14% off your total. See you back soon with more Bears, one of which I'm knitting a little outfit for. Hugs, Catherine x

Happy New Year!

2011-01-04T11:50:00.005+01:00

Happy New Year to you all, I wish you all a wonderful, magical and creative Year! I've been very busy starting this Year with orders for custom Party sets of invitations, gift tags and cupcake toppers and now onto 3 Custom Bears in the most gorgeous Alpacas, chocolate brown, creamy beige and the prettiest apricot tone. So whilst I get back to bringing them to life I thought it would be fun to look back over some of the Bumpkin Bears of 2010.

(Click for larger view)
See you back soon, Bear Hugs, Catherine x

Last Christmas Sparkles of the year

2010-12-28T19:39:00.007+01:00

I hope you all had a lovely cosy Christmas. I thought during these quiet moments after Christmas that you would enjoy these photos I took on my recent trip to Bruges. It was very magical with snow all around, even a Christmas Story Parade including the cutest fjord ponies with their santa hats on! If you want to see larger images just click on them.

Thanks for popping by, see you again soon. Catherine x

A Sparkling Christmas

2010-12-21T19:43:00.004+01:00

It's been busy here with a lovely visit from my family over the weekend. Despite the crazy snow storms we made the most of it all and soaked up the Christmas atmosphere in Antwerp and Bruges. Luckily they eventually managed to get home to London on the Eurostar trains safe and sound. So I send you these photos of a Sparkling Antwerp with wishes for a Cosy and Magical Christmas wherever you are.

Christmas Bear Hugs Catherine xx

OH MY what a Giveaway!

2010-12-10T16:07:00.002+01:00

I'm delighted to say that I am taking part in a HUGE Giveaway over at Oh My Handmade. . Over 30 businesses from all over the globe have taken part in it. It is a wonderful Giveaway that really captures the spirit of giving at this time of year. Not only can you enter your own name, but you can also suggest your charities of choice to be entered too. There are 2 beautiful packed gift basket prizes filled with handmade goodness and valued at around $950!" I have donated a delightful Friends for Tea badge set, Summer Hill Bunny Birthday Cards and Gift Tag set.

Hop on over to the OH MY site to join in the fun, good luck to you all! Ho, Ho, Ho, I feel like Father Christmas now ;) See you soon, Catherine xx

My Feathered Friends

2010-12-07T14:04:00.004+01:00

Our snow has now been washed away and replaced by a white sparkly layer of ice, with possibly more snow on the way again! We have got off lightly compared to many, especially in Scotland. In Antwerp they are starting to get their decorations up and I saw the huge Fir Tree arrive and being prepared to fit into it's stand! I'll be sure to take lots of photos of Christmas in the city.

Back here at home I love to keep my garden birds fed and the other day in the Snow I sat outside all wrapped up with my camera waiting for my friendly Robin to hop by for some bread! I do love this little chap, always makes me feel all Christmasy!

I also put some hot water onto the bird bath and was thrilled by little Blue Tits immediately going in to splash about, it must have been like a delightful hot tub!!

Looks nice and cosy in there!
I'm busy busy behind the scenes working on some Custom Bears so had better get back to them. See you back soon, Catherine xx

Oh My, what a Wonderland!

2010-11-30T10:44:00.007+01:00

We woke up to the sight of our garden all dusted in snow, with many of my plants having little white hats balancing on them!

This winter wonderland came just in time for my latest article over at the lovely Oh My Handmade Blog I hope you enjoy reading a little of my inspiration from childhood and seeing all the Bumpkin friends having fun! Welcome to any new readers here from Oh My, it's always nice to meet new friends.
There is also a special offer over there for readers, carrying on my 20% SALE at my Bumpkin store all the way to December 5th! Don't forget last recommended postal dates for Christmas are Dec 13th for Europe, Dec 6th for Australia, Dec 10th for North America and rest of world, so time is whizzing by like a snowball down a hill!

I was just recently asked if I could personalise this "Our Winter Wonderland" Print with a little boy's name. I love to customize Prints as you can see in THIS section of my store. So I had great fun creating it, giving Bunny a balloon to carry the name and it is now available HERE for all to enjoy.

Right, back to packaging orders, it feels like I could do with Santa and his Reindeers to fly by to take some with them on their travels around the world! I'll be sharing lots more photos soon, I took a few in Antwerp city getting ready for Christmas.

Keep Warm, Hugs, Catherine x

Place Cards!

2010-11-26T14:23:00.008+01:00

My imagination never seems to give me a break, even in my busiest of times, not that I am complaining! Just recently I remembered how I made Place Cards for all my family at Christmas time to make the table setting extra special. So it made me think what fun it would be to create these with all my Bumpkin friends for all my friends around the world for you to enjoy at Christmas and special times like Tea Parties.

So somehow I have found the time to make 3 sets - Christmas Friends, Friends for Tea and a lovely vintage style - All Dressed Up. You can choose your favourite set or if you would like more of them or your own selection just send me a note.

They will come flat, all you need to do is fold them and add your guest's names. You can either just write them directly or you could cut carefully little slits to insert a card, making them re-usable.
They are now available in my Etsy Shop and the great news is that until Dec 5th they are also included along with everything else in my 20% Happy Holidays SALE, read THIS post with all the fun details.
Must dash, have a lovely weekend, Catherine x

Happy Holidays Sale!

2010-11-25T15:58:00.005+01:00

HAPPY Thanksgiving to all my friends that are celebrating today, I hope you are having a wonderful day with your families. As a way of saying how grateful I am to you all for your support and friendship I am holding a Happy Holidays SALE with 20% of ALL the delights in my Etsy Shop from today until Dec 5th. There is a lovely new feature on Etsy where you can enter a discount coupon code when you check out. When you get to choosing the payment option, there is a box underneath that says "shop coupon code--Apply" in there just enter BL2511 and it will automatically take off 20% from your price (not inc.shipping).

Also as an extra big Christmas Treat there is a Bumpkin Teddy Bear looking for a loving home and he is being offered with a very special 25% discount on his adoption just for my Mailing List and Blog friends, so hop on over to meet Beau at my website and take 25% off his price!

Pop the kettle on and enjoy some time with my Bumpkin friends with a nice cup of tea.

Lots of Hugs, Catherine, Beau the Bear & Friends xx

Flying By!

2010-11-23T12:54:00.003+01:00

Just flying by to say hello, I wish I had some Santa Helpers right now! It's all busy busy sending out orders and working on some Custom Bears & Party Invitations. If you are wanting to order from my Etsy shopfor Christmas time the last postal dates for the USA & Canada are December 10, W.Europe Dec 13 and rest of the world December 6! So whilst I'm busy here the birds out in my garden are keeping busy eating all the food I'm giving them! It's turning very chilly here with a light snow forecast already at the end of the week! Here are a few photos I took from my kitchen window.

See you back soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

Party Time!

2010-11-17T14:58:00.007+01:00

Just flying in quickly to let you know I just launched some brand new Cupcake Toppers into my Etsy shop. I had such fun making these and they now make up a lovely range of Party Products including Invites, Gift Tags & Birthday Cards. They would also be lovely for a baby or even bridal shower or just a fun Tea Party for friends, any excuse for a party!

Also my fabric ornaments have arrived at my UK stockist, Cottontails. They are a shop exclusive so if you want to get hold of any before they run out hop on by to Cottontails. It is a wonderful world to get lost in with a cup of tea!

It's all go here, with some new custom Bear orders coming in, so must dash. See you soon, Catherine x

Remembrance

2010-11-14T18:23:00.006+01:00

My thoughts on this Remembrance Sunday are with my dearest Grandfather, Paddy Coote and my Great Uncles, that sadly lost their lives whilst serving for the RAF in World War II. I hope now that they are all re-united with my Granny, Mum and Aunt and can again be a family all together. I love you all. My heart too goes out to all those that are bravely putting their lives on the line still this day and for all those families left behind broken hearted.

My Grandfather bottom right after winning The Sword of Honour, beating Douglas Bader into 2nd place. You can read more of my Grandfather here.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old;

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them.

Catherine x

Harry

2010-11-09T15:15:00.006+01:00

Just this morning I finished bringing to life my new Bumpkin Bear, please meet Harry. He is a Bumpkin Bear that stole my heart with his cuddly coat and eyes that look straight to your Soul. He is a Teddy Bear that will be always be by your side, with a paw to hold through difficult times and a sparkle in his eyes to brighten your days. He is available for adoption and you can see all his photos and info from my website.**UPDATE - Harry has now been lovingly adopted to a home in England**

I have also re-released my Dress Me Up Christmas Bunny Kit into my Etsy store, great for a stocking filler to keep little hands busy & this coming holiday season.

Time is flying with only around 6 weeks until Christmas, I love to purchase unique handmade items and support fellow sellers and it's so much more relaxing than fighting with crowds in the shops! Thanks SO much for visiting today, Bear Hugs, Catherine & Harry xx

Flying High!

2010-11-04T13:19:00.006+01:00

Yipeeeee just this morning I reached 200 sales in my Etsy Store! I have to say a huge thank you to all of you for your support and encouragement, flying along this journey with me.

"Come Fly with Me" Print

It is your kindness and enthusiasm for my creations that keeps me going and pushes me up into the clouds to keep searching my imagination for new delights to bring to you. I just love how much pleasure my work brings to their new families.

I'm currently working on some new custom pieces, Prints & Party sets, including creating my very first Cupcake Toppers. I am thinking that this could be so cute I'll be designing some for my shop. I'm also busy bringing my new Bear to life, he can see, smell the honey and hear so he'll be ready to give you all a cuddle next week!

To celebrate this exciting day I thought I would share these gorgeous cottages in Lulworth, Dorset. It is 'just' over the hill from Durdle Door, a tiring walk that rewards you with these spectacular views of the Cove and cottages nestled against the velvet green hills. Couldn't you just imagine yourselves snuggled up by a cosy little fire in these places, I know I could!

See you back soon, Hugs, Catherine xx

Happy Halloween

2010-10-31T12:30:00.002+01:00

Flying by to wish you all a spooktacular Halloween :) Catherine x

The brightest blue

2010-10-27T15:15:00.004+02:00

Come with me back to a warm sunny October day on the cliffs of Dorset with the fresh sea air and the brightest blue sky reflecting in the clear sea. What a glorious day it was on this part of the coast called The Jurassic Coast due to all the pre-historic fossils that are discovered. Having a pic-nic on the beach and paddling along the shore, getting splashed as the water waved in and out! This wonderful archway stretching into the water is Durdle Door, if you look closely you can make out it's dragon like shape arching into the water having a drink! For the rest I'll let the photos do the talking!

I'm busy working on a new Artist Bear in the cuddliest golden Alpaca, so do come back soon. Hugs, Catherine x