time to button up!

There are some very lovely people in the world.  And two of them crossed my path recently, generously giving me their vintage button collections which they felt I could utilise.

These buttons have a magical quality to them.  Not only are they beautifully made from a range of materials - glass, metal, ceramics - (less of the modern day plastic), each one also comes with its own history of a garment which it has previously graced. 

My role will be to upcycle these buttons so that they can add a touch of vintage character to another item handcrafted by Mosaic Tree.

Mosaic Tree at Its Darling Vintage & Artisan Fair

The Its Darling Vintage & Artisan Fair happened on 16th July 2011 in Bath.  If you weren't able to pop along and meet us here at Mosaic Tree, then this is the next best thing - some photos of this magnificent event.

M-Tree Ted Makes Guest Appearance at Its Darling Fair (Bath) on 16th July 2011

Fans are already starting to camp out at the Guildhall in Bath in preparation for meeting M-Tree Ted when he makes a rare public appearance at the Mosaic Tree stall in Bath on 16th July 2011.  The event?  Its Darling Vintage & Artisan Fair - the only thing which should be in everyone's calendar this month!

The Mosaic Tree blog team managed to track M-Tree Ted down for an interview.  They caught up with him relaxing at his home in Somerset.  Here's what he had to say......

Hi MTree Ted.  How did you get involved with Mosaic Tree?

I first got involved about a year ago.  Up til then, I'd spent most of my time chillaxing with the other toys at home but I had reached the point in my life where I was looking for something more.  One day, Annie (one of the Mosaic Tree crafters) was looking for a model for the baby hats.  I volunteered and havn't looked back..

Describe a typical day when you're modelling for Mosaic Tree.

I'll arrive on set early and always start the day with a cuppa.  Usually I'll be booked for a 9am make over.   I'll then spend half an hour or so with Annie and the photographer going through the baby hats to model, suggesting poses, checking out the best shoots etc.  After a quick break, we'll then get down to it.  We'll usually be finished by lunch time.  I then have a chat with the fans that have congregated - most of them I've met on line through facebook (www.facebook.com/MosaicTree) but its always nice to meet people face to face.

What's the best bit about modelling?

Its got to be the great places that I get to visit on location.  There are some fantastic historic sites across Somerset.  I guess that I enjoy getting up and having a sense of achievement at the end of each day.  Also, a percentage of the proceeds from some of Mosaic Tree's hat sales are given to the Albert Kennedy Trust, a charity that helps homeless/vulnerable young people. 

Any advice for other aspiring Teddy models?

Go for it - only you can make your dreams come true.

Thanks for the interview M-Tree Ted.

Check out www.folksy.com/shops/MosaicTree for online shop.  Commissions welcome. 

Keep in touch - www.facebook.com/MosaicTree.

Its July, its happening this month! Its Darling!

Yes, we're finally in the month of Its Darling!  Its Darling is the event in July.  Get yourself along to Bath Guildhall on Saturday 16th July to enjoy this fab all day event.  This event is all about vintage and artisan - and, of course, Mosaic Tree will be there with a visual array of delights in store. 

Pop by to say 'hello' and stock up on gifts (for you or your loved ones) - mobile, blackberry, iPod covers, baby hats, wooden beaded jewellery, spiral brooches.....everyone is unique.

Mosaic Tree blog interview by Its Darling Vintage & Artisan Fair

Just blogging here about a Mosaic Tree blog interview on....well....another blog!  It all makes perfect sense - Its Darling Vintage & Artisan Fair is promoting the stall holders at their next event in Bath - Sat 16th July 9.30am onwards at The Guild Hall. 

And here it is in all its fine glory....

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Meet the summer stallholders….coffee break with Mosaic Tree

There's not long to go until our Summer Fair on July 16th which is why we thought you'd better start meeting the stallholders, so you can work out what you are going to save up for! First up is Mosaic Tree who make handcrafted accessories including mobile phone covers.

Hello, what is your name & business name?

Hi there. I’m Annie Connold and, together with Maggie Reilly, we are Mosaic Tree!

Dress up your mobile with Mosaic Tree's hand-knitted covers

What do you make/sell and why do you do it/what is your inspiration?

We make a selection of handcrafted accessories – the range currently includes mobile, Blackberry and iPod covers, baby hats and jewellery. We mainly use cotton rich wool with accents in sari silk yarn (some recycled) – this comes in incredible colours and these never ending combinations are the inspiration.

We love designing and creating and Mosaic Tree is the outlet for this. Mosaic Tree is growing and we are enjoying every moment of it.

Handknitted spiral necklace with tassel

Where are you based?

Somerset – we get to enjoy the best of both worlds, looking out on both the Levels and the Mendips.

Handknitted spiral broach with bead

What is the favourite thing that you sell and why?

My favourite items are the baby hats. I photograph teddy modelling them and he looks so cute that I can’t wait for a customer to buy it for the real thing!

Baby hat

What would you say your most value-for-money item is and how much is it?

Value for money items are definitely the mobile/blackberry/iPod covers, retailing at £6-£8. Each one is different, they’re fun and perform the important function of protecting your gadget – as well as making it look gorgeous too!

Purple mobile phone cover with spiral detail

Have you traded at “It’s darling!” before? If not how did you hear about “It’s darling!”? Have you ever been as a customer?

I first heard about Its Darling through the Folksy forums (this is the site hosting the Mosaic Tree on line shop). I got it touch and its gone from there. This will be my first time at It’s Darling Fair; however I’ve kept in touch through the “It’s Darling!” Facebook page and following the blog.

Rainbow Stripe baby hat

What's your favourite memory of Bath?

Having birthday brunch at the Pump Rooms in Bath with the string quartet playing in the background.

What would you say is “darling” in your life.

Our life in Somerset.

For more information about Mosaic Tree go to:

www.folksy.com/shops/MosaicTree

www.facebook.com/MosaicTree

www.mosaictree.blogspot.com

www.twitter.com/@MosaicTree

email – mosaic_tree@yahoo.co.uk

 

To see the original, visit http://itsdarlingfair.blogspot.com/2011/06/meet-summer-stallholderscoffee-break.html

Saturday 16th July - Its Darling Vintage and Handmade Fair at The Guild Hall Bath

Come along and meet Mosaic Tree!

Come and visit Mosaic Tree's stall - 16th July 2011 - read all about it!

Come and see all our gorgeous wares when the Mosaic Tree stall will be open for business at the Its Darling Craft Fair on 16th July.

Take your chance on a second glance

More discerning than a car boot sale, cheaper than an antique showroom and guaranteed to be naff bric-a-brac free, the first Bath Vintage and Antiques Fair (the ‘Bath V&A’, don’cha know) is set to dominate Green Park Station on Sunday 26 June. Around three weeks later (Saturday 16 July, to be precise), the glorious medley of all things vintage and artisan that is the It’s Darling! shebang – described by the organisers as “an exciting hybrid of vintage fair and handmade expo showcasing the best in vintage dealers and independent designer-makers in the South West” – floats stylishly into the Brunswick Room at the Guildhall. The high street? Who needs it!

www.vintageandantiques.co.uk, www.itsdarlingfair.co.uk

 

Here's the link - please spread the good news!

http://www.thepigguide.com/going_out/take-your-chance-on-a-second-glance/

Courtesy of thepigguide.com.

"Its Darling" Vintage and Artisan Fair, Bath - 16th July 2011

Come and find Mosaic Tree at the Its Darling Artisan and Vintage Fair in Bath on 16th July 2011.  This high quality event is for vintage or hand made goods only; stall holders are hand picked so your are guaranteed to be in for a treat! 

We'll be there all day (9.30am - 5.30pm) and this is your opportunity to pop by and say' hello' and to see Mosaic Tree's items in all their glory!  Please share this info (and the link) with all your friends who you think may be interested in this event.

For more information on Its Darling Fairs, check out http://itsdarlingfair.blogspot.com/. 
And to whet your appetite even more, check out these photos from the Its Darling Spring Fair - http://oscar-and-rose.blogspot.com/2011/04/simply-darling.html.