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Anyone who had a mooch and a browse at the Create Place's first ever Pop-Up shop would have found it hard to walk away without an armful of gorgeous goodies.. from printed cushions, to gorgeous cards, last Rolos, jewellery and hand-made knickers - not to mention the Letter Lounge providing opportunities to send a note to your loved one, this was a fabulous day of craft, collectivism and creative genius.

The pop-up had been arrange 'boutique style' in order to mix up the items from various sellers, it felt like a gorgeous shop with an ecclectic mix of high quality items and the atmosphere was warm and welcoming...

Pat & Frank Butcher cards sold out and here at Violet Iris Thrifty Towers we are wondering if these have been used as Valentine's cards....? Wonderful stuff... Violet Iris worked through the night, fuelled only by cheese and red wine in order to replenish the Pat & Frank stocks so as not to let down her lovely customers on Sunday...

The shop was so successful that they made a last minute decision to open on Sunday too! ♥ I also hear rumours that they are still selling some of the items from the pop-up on the spare shelf space around the workshop tables...

If you haven't been down to The Create Place yet it's on Old Ford Road near York Hall and the Gallery Cafe.. they have a free craft morning on a Wednesday too... check out their blog for more details and events www.backtobasicsartsandcrafts.blogspot.com and why not have brunch at the Gallery Cafe and a stroll through Victoria Park when you pop down...? ♥
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Ten fabulous girls who had signed up met at The Create Place in Bethnal Green on Wednesday evening to enjoy two hours of crafting Valentine's cards with an alternative message. All participants received a hot mug of tea and a starter pack with their card blanks and pieces to make their badges....

Many participants arrived with bits and pieces from home to craft, and everyone had a good rummage through Violet Iris's cabinet of kitsch, thrift and haberdashery... stationery village, ink stamper town and inspirationville had been set up along with shaped scissors, funky hole punchers, foam pieces and other card making must-haves placed conveniently along the table. Participants bonded over 'can you pass the glue?' and 'can you hold this whilst I stick it?' as well as over giggles, gossip and sharing of ideas.

The creations were truly beautiful and we all oohed and aahed over our neighbours' results... all in all a very successful evening and a lot of fun.

Many of the same people have also signed up for afternoon tea and bunting on April 9th in preparation for the royal wedding, we at Violet Iris Thrifty Towers think: if you can't beat 'em join 'em and plan to have a right royal laugh whilst sipping elderflower bubbly, nibbling on cucumber sarnies and creating gorgeous bunting in beautifully British colours, to a soundtrack of East End knees up tunes and a street party atmosphere... pass the jellied eels please guv'na! ♥
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