Halfpenny Home's big day out!

Where to start! What an enjoyably exhausting day we all had. Having chosen lots of lovely creative goodies to take with us to Crows Hall, not to mention the fantastic picnic food, the big question was, could we fit it all in! We managed somehow....just!

Our home for the day was a marquee looking out over moated gardens and traditional barns housing other craft makers and demonstrators. Blessed with fine weather, if a little breezy at times, we busily set to work creating Halfpenny Home from home, ready to welcome our visitors. There was just time for some of Nicola's fantastic home made sausage and egg pie before Annie, Nicola and Pat changed into their wonderful attire - created especialy for the day. Nicola's appliqued cowboy skirt was soon joined by beautifully embellished skirts and blouses that Pat and Annie had created - resplendent in many of the gorgeous buttons and notions to be found at Halfpenny Home.

Our newly created home was soon buzzing with visitors and lots of laughter. Word soon spread that not only did we have a dazzling array of wares to tempt; jelly babies, chocolate buttons, dolly mixture and other yummy goodies were also up for grabs!

In true Halfpenny Home style, we were encouraging visitors to have a go at creating something unique and many took up the challenge! We had a beautiful display of assorted buttons from which to choose to make into a button bracelet, or necklace. They looked so scrummy we had to ensure they didn't get mistaken for sweets! The picture on Annie's blog is absolutely beautiful. do take a look, it will make you swoon! http://www.pixieannie.blogspot.com/

It was lovely to see the pleasure gained from making something. Several visitors made bracelets to give away as gifts, which is lovely and even more special to receive. Instructions on how to make a bracelet are to follow, so keep checking back.

We also had gorgeous millinery makes - a beautiful and bountiful selection of felt and straw hats with an abundant and colourful choice of petersham, feathers and flowers with which to adorn your hat of choice. This may be the first of many hat decorating sessions.....watch this space!

There was need for refreshment during the day and luckily for us, Aspalls, producers of our favourite tipple, aspalls cider, had a stall at the fayre http://www.aspall.co.uk/. Peronelles Blush is a particular favourite but, in truth, we love them all!!! Even better, they are a local company - and here at Halfpenny Home we love to support our local producers.

The fayre ended at 6pm as visitors trailed away. We chatted about the events of the day as we packed our wares back into the vintage trunks and handmade bags from whence they came, returning home tired but happy. It was lovely to see old friends who came to seek us out especially as well as meeting lots of new customers who we hope will come and visit us in Needham Market very soon and, we hope, become regular customers. Remember, the kettle is always on!