Hopscotch Handmade Gifts

Hopscotch Spring Collection

2012-01-15T16:38:00.001-08:00

With the passing of Christmas and New Year, thoughts turn to the coming spring - and inspiration for our new spring collection comes from the rural landscape of East Anglia. Watch out for fabrics inspired by seeds, trees, birds and hares, amongst others....

Red spot floral drawstring bag - £29.50 reduced to £16.50

Linen shoe bag with vintage Liberty print panel - £16.50

Vintage Dash to the Shops Tote - blue/gold calico backed tote bag £22.50

Retro style Blooms Fabric Covered Notice Board - £30.00

Linen Hare Cushion - small - with vintage Liberty applique hare £12.50
(including luxury feather pad, sponge clean only, pure Irish linen)

Linen Hare Cushion - large- with vintage Liberty applique hare £29.50
(including luxury feather pad, zip fastening, pure Irish linen)

Christmas Sale

2012-01-15T16:14:00.000-08:00

The Hopscotch Christmas stock sold almost faster than we could stitch it. Many extra hours were worked, yards of hessian was cut - Becky our machinist became a walking Fuzzy Felt board as a result and still didn't learn not to wear wool to work. Extra festive fabric was ordered and delivered in under eighteen hours by the lovely ladies at www.fabricrehab.co.uk. Some horrible mulled wine was drunk (by me) and many mince pies were eaten (by everyone else). Nine Christmas shows were attended with the Hopscotch stall, from the next village to Ipswich and Felsted. And then, as the last bells were sewn onto the bunting....it was over.

We are offering a generous 25% off of all Christmas stock until Saturday 21st January, so let us know if you are after rustic festive sacks - large or medium, rustic stockings - large or medium, tree decs, or bunting with trees on, bunting with birds on, bunting with bells on, bunting with reindeer on...

We also supply at trade prices to other retailers - our Christmas sale stock can also be found locally at the Blue Owl, West Bergholt, Smart Art on Mersea, as part of The Colchester Collection at the High St Tourist Office and with local company Heavenly Gems. If you have any trade enquiries, please get in touch.

A Peek Inside the Hopscotch Workshop

2012-01-15T15:53:00.001-08:00

One crisp December day, I had to take some pics of the workshop for a possible article or two...some of you may wonder where we make our goodies...
Some days, they workshop is bursting with workers, ironing, measuring, stitching - other days it is full of squabbling and shouting and dancing children, others it is bliss, just me...

Sweltering Summer

2011-07-05T08:21:00.000-07:00

We have just put these brand new applique tops into the shop - they are in children's sizes from XS to Medium - which covers roughly 4-5 years up to about 7-8 years...

If you are interested in these designs, or would like a bespoke design made, just pop along to the Hopscotch shop or give us a call. Each T-shirt is £18.00.

Truly Vintage Wedding Fair

2011-05-31T07:14:00.000-07:00

We are very excited at the Hopscotch workshop, as we are off to the Truly Vintage Wedding Fair at Glenham Hall this Sunday, the 5th June 2011.We will be packing a stash of handmade crystal and pearl tiaras, fascinators, hair slides and bridal jewellery. We will also have samples on display of our bespoke handmade silk wedding bunting.

The fair runs from 10.00am - 4.00pm, with free entry.

Visitors can visit the beautiful Grand Hall, Marquee and Gardens, along with the chance to meet some fabulour suppliers for your vintage style wedding!

The hall is just off the A12 between Woodbridge and Saxmundham. For more info contact Glenham Hall on 01787 746704 - www.glenhamhall.co.uk - weddings@glenhamhall.co.uk.

To view a selection of the Hopscotch wedding collection, please take a peek at http://www.hopscotchhandmadegifts.co.uk/eshop/index.php/vintage-wedding-service-c-54?osCsid=r60tm6ircvfjditjh7njpc0bj5.

Royal Wedding Fever!

2011-04-21T08:32:00.000-07:00

We haven't been blogging for a while as the workshop has been overloaded with commissions and bespoke orders, so many, many late nights and early starts. We will aim to update each week with any new products, so watch this space!

Check out our new Handmade Union Jack Bunting...

It is available in both 1.5m and 3m lengths, for £19.50 and £39.50 respectively. We, as always, will make any design or length to order, just get in touch through the website.

Happy New Year

2010-12-29T13:56:00.000-08:00

A Merry Christmas and a very Happy New Year to all our customers.

The Hopscotch shop will be open on the 29th - 30th December and again from January the 4th.

Snow Angels

2010-12-02T11:44:00.001-08:00

The snow is falling thick and fast at the Hopscotch workshop, extra layers needed to keep stitching in the freezing temperatures.

Visit the Hopscotch stall at Chappel C of E (VC) Primary School on Tuesday 14th December, from 3.30pm - 5.30pm. Hot food, Father Christmas, games, crafts, raffle, mulled wine and quality stalls!

Let It Snow

2010-11-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

The Hopscotch stall has been at St Mary's School in Lexden, Colchester today, where the staff and pupils were as polite, helpful and as appreciative as ever.

The Hopscotch van is being packed in the snowy air for a visit to Great Tey Pre-School in the morning, visit their Christmas Fayre between 10.00am - 12.00.

Hopscotch visits the Hamilton School fayre on Saturday afternoon - check out the website events page for further details.

Being produced in the workshop this week are Hungry Caterpillar cushions and laundry bags, and Union Jack bunting (thinking Royal wedding, vintage feel)....and some rather cute Leo Lion cot quilts or lap throws for little ones in the car, using some vintage lion fabric...

Christmas Events

2010-11-22T05:02:00.000-08:00

This week, the Hopscotch stall will be at

St Mary's School, Lexden Road, Colchester on
Thursday 25th November, from 9.30am - 11.00am at the Christmas Fayre.

It will be at Great Tey Pre-School Christmas Fayre,
Friday 26th November, at Great Tey Village Hall from 10.00am - noon.

Visit the stall at Hamilton Primary School, Colchester at the Christmas Fayre from 2.00 - 5.00pm.

New products this week include advent calenders and Union Jack bunting....

Ho Ho Ho!

2010-11-10T09:36:00.001-08:00

Today sees the first Christmas goodies making it from the shop to the website!

Check out the Vintage Christmas section at

http://www.hopscotchhandmadegifts.co.uk/eshop/index.php/vintage-christmas-c-48

Antique wooden sledges, classic festive bunting, fun present sacks...

To follow are felt heart, gingerbread men and sparkly beaded tree decorations, bunting with added bells and sparkle, not to mention the new range of bunting made from some gorgeous retro festive fabrics. Then there's the patchwork present sacks, the advent wall hangers, the advent hanging Christmas stocking bunting, and the Christmas stockings themselves....

Ro Ceramics Now at the Hopscotch Shop

2010-11-08T05:48:00.000-08:00

Exciting news - handmade ceramics from local ceramic artist.

Rosella Schrembri's pots are absolutley beautiful and yet functional enough for practical everyday use. The natural taupes, browns and creams, and the softest blue greys perfectly compliment the retro autumnal fabrics and grey and soft blue natural linens featured in the shop this season.

Rosella writes...

"I was born in Malta, but am currently living in Essex, England.

I first started making pots as a hobby in 1994 under the guidance of well-known Maltese ceramic artist Anna Ciavola, but soon got addicted. I also studied under another leading ceramicist and lecturer, George Muscat. In 1997 I built my own studio at home and purchased my first, small, gas-fired kiln. From this I graduated to an industrial one with a cubic metre capacity and commenced reduction firings using imported glazes.

After selling the farm and land in Malta, I briefly stopped making pots. However, I set up a new studio in the UK, this time firing my pots utilising an electric kiln.

I have also explored pit firings, wood firings and raku.

While I see myself primarily as a potter, I have created a number of decorative, abstract wall pieces that included commissioned items. In the course of my career as a potter. I have used a variety of clays, but I find I keep returning to making highfired stoneware pots."

Visit the Hopscotch shop to view a selection of Rosella's work or visit http://www.roceramics.co.uk

The Colchester Circle

2010-11-02T14:15:00.000-07:00

Check out the feature on Hopscotch Handmade Gifts in the new local magazine,
"The Colchester Circle"...

The editor and co-founder, Ana Grabova writes...

The second issue of The Colchester Circle, the brand-new Colchester lifestyle magazine, is out now! Featuring a look at one of Colchester's most-famous exports, Jay Kay from Jamiroquai, as well as hilarious interviews with Jenny Eclair and Lee Nelson (aka Simon Brodick) as they prepare to hit Colchester, this issue is not to be missed.

We've also compiled a Colchester-based Xmas Shopping Guide and insight into vintage shopping in the town.

On top of this, our listings section has doubled to eight pages of fantastic Colchester events! The Colchester Circle is your must-have guide to the month ahead, keeping you up-to-date with all the gigs, theatre shows, talks, family days out (and more!) happening in YOUR town. We're also very excited to have Ben Howard of Keep Colchester Cool join this month as a regular columnist. He will be letting you know about all the best gigs in town this month. If you'd like to have the magazine delivered to your door every month, absolutely FREE, simply hop on over to www.thecolchestercircle.co.uk and fill in our online form. Don't miss out!

The magazine is free to subscribe to - follow the link below...

THE COLCHESTER CIRCLE
Circle House Publishing, Unit 14 Brantham Mill, Bergholt Rd CO11 1QT
(01206) 299844
www.thecolchestercircle.co.uk
http://twitter.com/ColchCircleMag

Christmas Event

2010-11-02T06:52:00.000-07:00

Another chance to visit the Hopscotch stall -

Christmas Shopping Event - 2.00pm - 5.00pm

Hamilton Primary School,
Constantine Road,
Colchester,
Essex,
CO3 3GB
(Off of the Maldon Road)

There will be all shape of festive goodies, from retro and classic fabric bunting, hanging fabric hearts and birds for the tree, pressie sacks, stockings, advent bunting, notice boards, table runners, embriodered napkins, and much, much more!

All items can be made to your bespoke order, but orders need to be paid and in by the beginning of December, otherwise Santa's little helpers will not get enough sleep!

Check out the events page at:

http://www.hopscotchhandmadegifts.co.uk/eshop/events.php.

Country Living

2010-10-30T03:57:00.000-07:00

Exciting news...

With Christmas fast approaching and original presents to be found, Hopscotch Handmade Gifts will be stocking beautiful handmade pots from local ceramics artist , Rosella Schembri - take a look at http://www.roceramics.co.uk. Stock will be in the shop from Tuesday 1st November.

Another featured designer maker is Suffolk based Jo Guinness, who was featured in the August edition of "Country Living" magazine. The Suffolk artist makes fairytale horses, and sleek hounds, amongst other goodies. The horses are £95.00 and the hounds are £40.00 each. Stock is available in the shop until Christmas.

WithLoveFromBritain

2010-10-30T03:26:00.000-07:00

Great news, Hopscotch Handmade Gifts can now be found on the great directory website - http://www.frombritainwithlove.com

FromBritainWithLove.com is an online magazine and directory dedicated to showcasing Britain’s most talented designers, craftspeople, producers and retailers. From gorgeous handmade gifts to delicious locally sourced food, original designer fashions and unique pieces for your home, every fabulous product we feature has been made right here in Britain. We hope you find something you love!

Take a look at the Hopscotch goodies on the site....

Saturday Opening

2010-10-26T07:03:00.000-07:00

Ooops - Sat opening is until 1pm - not until 3pm, closing slightly earlier on the 13th November for the Felsted event....

Saturday Opening

2010-10-26T06:48:00.001-07:00

The Hopscotch shop is now open all Saturday mornings from 9.00am to 1.00pm. Christmas stock is coming in gradually - vintage wooden sledges, embroidered linen napkins and locally spun gold silk table runners this week, Christmas and Advent bunting after the weekend...

Call in to browse at Hopscotch, Unit 8, The Fox & Pheasant Centre, Colchester Road, Wakes Colne, CO6 2PS. The shop also opens by appointment.

Mon - By appointment only
Tues - 9am - 3pm
Wed - 9am - 3pm
Thurs - 1pm - 3pm
Fri - 9am - 3pm
Sat - 9am - 3pm

Visit the Hopscotch stall this coming month at

Felsted School Christmas Fayre, Felsted, Essex 13th November 1-4pm

St Elizabeth Hospice Christmas Fayre, The Stoke by Nayland Golf Club, Suffolk 18th November 9am - 3.30pm

Christmas Shopping Fayre, The Essex Golf & Country Club, Earls Colne, Essex 12-4pm

Pieces of Eight

2010-10-26T06:38:00.000-07:00

An order for a local boutique was to inlcude five metres of pirate bunting...a whole new line of treasure chest bunting has hit the shop, along with a few parrots...

The pirate bunting is available in 1.5m/£10.00 or 3m/£20.00 lengths, and features a bold children's pirate print in blues and red, with gold printing, with large red polka dot, red/cream skull and crossbones print and blue gingham pennants. All bunting is double sided and seamed, with 50cm long ribbon ties for easy fixing.

Get in touch at info@hopscotchhandmadegifts.co.uk to order...

Autumn Leaves

2010-10-26T06:32:00.000-07:00

With the season of conkers and kicking up the leaves, come a whole selection of scummy new fabrics to the Hopscotch workshop. Tote bags, purses, linen backed cushions, table runners, quilts and aprons are all in progress using some seasonal autumn inspired retro fabrics.

Check out the new vintage tote bag on the site...made from natural calico and some vintage gold and blue fabric found in a lovely shop in Woodbridge, Suffolk. Only £22.50.

Watch this space for some more autumn goodies...

Cloud Chaser Bunting

2010-10-26T06:17:00.000-07:00

The Hopscotch workshop has been busy filling the last of the summer orders, and sourcing some gorgeous autumn themed fabric....

The end of the summer seems a while ago already, but a spell on a remote part of the stunning Suffolk coast inspired a new collection of luxury beaded bunting. The Cloud Chaser Bunting has super sized pennants in quality linens and heavier cottons, with hand sewn Indian beads at each point.

Bunting can be in florals and soft blues, or a bright Cath kidston floral with teal polka dot, or in a colour combination of your choice.

Email info@hopscotchhandmadegifts.co.uk for bespoke orders....

Summer Stitching

2010-08-30T02:33:00.000-07:00

The Hopscotch shop is open Tues - Sat from 9am - 3pm, except Thursday when it opens from 1pm - 3pm. The third Saturday of the month the stall can be seen at Long Melford Farmer's Market between 10am - 1pm. I open at other times by appointment - just call first.

New stock this month includes a fantastic range of original vintage enamel kitchenalia, from bread bins to milk jugs and a selection of the popular vintage wooden apple bushel crates.

New textiles inlcude some cute calico children's aprons, which can be made with any lining and pocket fabric, in all sizes from toddler upwards.

Summer Events

2010-08-30T02:23:00.000-07:00

The summer season of shows is nearly over, with the weather beginning to turn, but there are still a few events left. The Hopscotch stand will be at the following events:

Sunday 5th Sept - Suffolk Horse Spectacular, Craft Village, Easton Park Farm, Woodbridge, Suffolk IP13 0EU.
Sunday 12th Sept, 10am to 1pm - Wickhambrook Farmer's Market, Suffolk, CB8 8XR
Saturday 18th Sept, 10am to 1pm - Long Melford Farmers Market, CO10 9LQ

I may be at a local event to promote a new apple orchard and at a local ladies club, doing a demo - these will be confirmed once times are known.

Special Offer on Land Ahoy board

2010-07-25T10:44:00.000-07:00

I have one Land Ahoy pirate fabric covered notice board left in stock - these are perfect for displaying photos in a child's room or nursery, or the adult prints could be used in a kitchen or hallway in a busy household for keeping all those important memos and invitations safely in one place. Special Offer - £25.00 reduced to £18.oo!

Hopscotch Intro

2010-07-25T07:39:00.001-07:00

Hello,

Hopscotch Handmade Gifts is a small business located in the heart of the Colne Valley on the Essex/Suffolk border, producing gorgeous handmade goods.

New products this week include a basket full of handmade cards for all occasions, from new baby, birthdays and new home. I took the stall to the Wakes Colne & Chappel fete, which was well supported and blazing with summer sunshine. This week I will be making a new design of small tea cosies using 1950s style kitchen fabric and some 1950s style half aprons, Grandma style, but with a modern twist using a combination of contempoary and 1950s vintage inspired fabric. Watch this space for some pics!

Not all possible goodies are on the website as new products are made daily - many are one of a kind, so please email if you have any queries or a bespoke order in mind. Fabric can be sourced for individual orders or you can choose from a selection in the shop or via email pics.

Happy Hopscotch shopping!

Kate