Sunday 13 January 2013

Re-grouping after Christmas

I've just noticed I haven't blogged since the 2nd December. December seems a long time ago now so this is my first Handmade Monday of 2013.

HandbagsbyHelen HQ did get a bit manic in early December. Not helped (or maybe it was!) by the fact that Mr HbyH had planned for us to escape Christmas this year. So on the 17th December we headed off to Thailand for two weeks. I know, i know ..... lucky girl! Although when Mr HbyH first suggested the plan I wasn't quite so sure. I'm not a beach holiday person and I've never been out of the country at Christmas. I'm quite happy at home sat in front of the log burner, full of too much Turkey and Christmas pudding.

But I eventually came round to the idea and to my surprise I discovered that I actually CAN do beach holidays and have re-learned how to read books all the way through - even ones without pictures! I think I should practice the lounging around thing a bit more though - just to make sure i'm doing it right.
  But it wasn't all sitting on the beach. There were the scorpions and leeches, rainforests and kingfisher. Oh, and not forgetting the runaway horse and how could I forget being escorted to the police station to pay our fine (a minor incident, I assure you!).



So now it's back to restocking the shop after the Christmas rush. I'm planning a few valentines purses and some shopping for some lovely spring fabrics. oh yes, and one thing I did discover during my trip was that HandbagsbyHelen really needs a handbag of her own!

Photo: Valentine purses cut out ready for sewing.




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28 comments:

  1. Anonymous13 January 2013 at 18:14

    Wow - what an amazing experience. Loving the look of your new fabric and am looking forward to seeing it transformed! (The pictures are lovely:))

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    1. Handbags by Helen16 January 2013 at 20:58

      have to credit Mr HbyH for the photos, but thank you!

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  2. Wendy13 January 2013 at 18:47

    Wow - what a fabulous Christmas present! Hopefully you are now refreshed and ready for everything 2013 brings x

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  3. Free Spirit Designs13 January 2013 at 18:53

    Sounds like an amazing holiday and how fun to do something really different over Christmas!

    Isn't it so often the way that crafters forget (or don't have time!) to make things for themselves. I can't wait to see your lovely new bespoke bag :) x

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  4. Highland Monkey's13 January 2013 at 19:16

    Sounds like you had a lovely adventure, time to relax (sort of) and take time out from day to day life.

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  5. Bev Newman13 January 2013 at 19:38

    Glad you enjoyed your time away.The holiday pics are beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the new bag! The sudden cold snap has made me remember I'm meant to be making myself gloves!

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  6. Anonymous13 January 2013 at 20:07

    You must tell us more about the runaway horse! Glad you had a great holiday - looks like your bag will be full of hearts!

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    1. Handbags by Helen16 January 2013 at 21:03

      Oh, I'll have to confess then. The reins on my pony broke whilst trekking and he decided to have a bit of a run. So I leapt of his back and grabbed his reins where they were still attached and brought him to a halt. Mr HbyH was impressed until he saw the photos and how tall I was compared to my poor little pony. I think I could have stayed on his back and just put my feet on the ground to leave him galloping in mid-air!

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  7. Cocoa & Heart14 January 2013 at 00:10

    I think, your OH knew exactly what you needed ! You probably, like most of us, was in Xmas mode since July ?!, so going away for actuall Xmas sounds like the perfect idea. Glad you had a good break !

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  8. Jan14 January 2013 at 08:43

    Oooo lucky you, I was in Thailand a few years ago and loved it. Glad you enjoyed it. A couple of weeks of hot weather sounds just the ticket.

    Jan x

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  9. Christmas Pie Crafts14 January 2013 at 09:05

    What a fabulous holiday, a wonderful experience. Well done Mr HbH. Hope you have a good week.

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  10. AlikiBags14 January 2013 at 09:48

    What an experience Helen ! Thanks for sharing this !
    There's always time to overeat and veg out in front of the fire.....xxx

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  11. AlikiBags14 January 2013 at 09:51

    Wow, what an experience - thanks for telling us about it all !
    There's always time to still overeat and veg out in front of your fire.....
    Kiki xxx

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    1. Handbags by Helen16 January 2013 at 21:04

      Definitely making up ground on the over-eating since we got back!

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  12. Unknown14 January 2013 at 10:16

    Wow - what a lovely looking holiday!! Glad you had a good time and can't wait to see the valentine's purses :-)

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  13. Unknown14 January 2013 at 10:52

    I'm not always so keen on going away at Christmas, but it looked like you had a lovely time. Looking forward to seeing your new bag:0)

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  14. CatkinJane14 January 2013 at 11:23

    It looks like a great break away. I'm glad I'm not the only bag maker who forgets to make them for herself!

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    1. Handbags by Helen16 January 2013 at 21:05

      I think it's because I always think the next one might be my favourite. The perfect bag is always just round the next corner....

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  15. Ali14 January 2013 at 17:19

    What a lovely time you must have had. And maybe a little adventure with that fine, hee hee. Back to real world of handbags now. Have a lovely week.
    Ali x

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  16. AliceAndFlorence14 January 2013 at 18:28

    Your photos look great, and it sounds like you really enjoyed yourselves. Where to this Christmas?! You deserve a handbag of your own too!
    Wendy x

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  17. Anonymous14 January 2013 at 20:59

    Your holiday sounds hugely exciting - a holiday without scorpions, runaway horses and a trip to the police station is not a holiday at all I reckon ;) I'm glad that in between all of that excitement you found time to rest and relax, and are geared up for the year ahead. Best wishe!

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  18. Anonymous14 January 2013 at 21:05

    Your holiday sounds hugely exciting - a holiday without scorpions, runaway horses and a trip to the police station is not a holiday at all I reckon ;) I'm glad that in between all of that excitement you found time to rest and relax, and are geared up for the year ahead. Best wishe!

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  19. Stephen @ Soy of the North16 January 2013 at 11:58

    Sounds like you had a lovely time, (except for the fine). Not sure how I would like being near scorpions and leeches though.

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  20. Natalie Jones16 January 2013 at 12:17

    I visited your blog after your comment on mine yesterday and wow! What an eye opener! Your holiday sounds amazing but I'm so pleased to have discovered your bags. They are beautiful. And I was so taken by the wrist key fob I've Pinned it on my Pinterest board. Thanks for opening my eyes xx

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  21. Laptop Lifestyle Living17 January 2013 at 14:00

    Love the pics of Thailand... bring back some great memories. Love the country and the people..... developed a cockroach phobia while I was there though!! Looking forward to seeing the valentines purses, the fabric looks lovely!

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  22. Nicola Ellen17 January 2013 at 21:28

    Thailand looks a lovely place to visit - it's on my bucket list :) beautiful fabric too there xx

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