“Ok darling, you’ll have to slow down and breathe if you want me to understand what you’re saying” said Mr M as I charged in the home thrusting my iPhone full of photos under his nose whilst babbling a lot of excitable nonsense recently. “Breathe and go slowly with the names” he added as he poured some wine sensing he was in for the long haul. “I’m confused” he continued “who is Penny, I thought you were going to see Chris at The Cozy Club?” “Who is Penny?” I screeched loudly “Penny is she of my floaty skirts, the lady I bought Lucy Lavender off years ago and she is the most patient and kindest of teachers” I rushed on at an alarming rate. “Look, here look, I made this, can you believe it?!” I shrieked waving my fairy in the air, “I may just have had the best day ever,” I declared as I plonked myself in my comfy chair, smiling from ear to ear and ready to tell all. Join me today as I try very hard to succinctly recall one of the most magical of grown up play days making heirloom fairies at The Cozy Club…
I think this may have been one of my most difficult stories to write. How do you possibly do justice to a day spent making heirloom fairies in the company of likeminded ladies, kindred spirits and creative souls, in what is possibly the most magical of settings with the most skilful of teaching? Well try I shall.
The day began before sunrise for me as my alarm signified it was time to rise and shine. I actually felt like I was that little girl again, waking before the rest of the world, to set off on a summer holiday adventure following a broken night’s sleep filled with over excitement. As I waited patiently for my dear friend to arrive ready to experience her first visit to The Cozy Club, I wondered who was more excited. Pretty even I’d say.
If you have been fortunate to join a creative Cozy Club day yourself, you will know what I mean when I say… from the moment you set eyes on the outside of Chris’ home, you will smile out loud for the entire visit. See what I mean?
Inside her delightful home, the entirely thoughtful placement of curated family treasures mingles with a sense of homespun charm, creating a scene surely reminiscent of autumn at Green Gables itself. There very probably should be an extended period of time upon arrival, when one is allowed to simply gawp and ooh and ahh uninterrupted. After all, although entirely appropriate it’s not every day one comes across a family of mice living at the foot of the stairs is it?
As if spending a day with Chris in this magical setting is not enough, Penny was there too. I bought my first Rosablue doll some fifteen years ago, nearly vintage in its own right, at a Country Living Fair long before Instagram was even dreamt of. I would show you Lucy Lavender now however not much has happened to her unkempt skirt in fifteen years and you might think me quite slovenly. Together Chris and Penny welcomed us with open arms and very soon hot drinks were passed around with delicious rock buns proffered from well-loved vintage cake tins. I watched happily as ten pairs of eager eyes feasted on the homeliest of kitchens you will ever be a guest in.
Soon we gathered together around the creative table full of dreamy lace and vintage fabrics, each opening handmade gingham bags full of interesting materials. Lifeless body parts had me for one wondering just how we would turn these into a glorious heirloom fairy not unlike the many flying and settled around the room.
Of course, I needn’t have concerned myself how the fairies would form. Under the expert and patient tutelage of the accomplished doll maker herself, the enchantment began amongst happy chatter, story swapping and laughter which filled the room.
All too soon our creative morning had passed and hungry tummies teased by the scent of Chris’ home cooked lunch, were about to be satisfied. Our second party bag of the day; a thoughtful gift from our host brought about many thank you’s and smiles and together we settled in to enjoy plates piled high with delicious homemade fayre.
Tummies full we each headed to what is perhaps the most ingenious use of space I have seen in a home. The Cozy Club’s General Store. A ‘shop’ full of farmhouse finds and decorative treasures which offers the perfect opportunity to take home your very own slice of the day. An utter feast for your eyes . The type of emporium that has you wandering this way and that, lest you should miss a gem…
Once back to our creative stations, we eagerly continued with our heirloom fairies. Who knew choosing fabric for pretty skirts and bodices would be so tricky as each one of us interpreted Penny’s original design details for our own. Truffled trinkets provided sparkling tiaras, hand dyed yarns created glorious hair whilst soft white muslin ensured every self-respecting fairy wore her very own pair of bloomers.
Penny continued on with patient teaching helping us create sparkling and fluffy wings together with softly stitched faces completing ten unique heirloom fairies. Our teacher had seemingly drawn out in us all, previously unimagined skills.
With the fire lit and candles all aglow, we gathered together for steaming mugs of tea and buttery slices of homemade cake. Perhaps since I’d visited before, I knew our special time was drawing to a close and inwardly shooed away this thought choosing instead to relish every last drop of enchantment.
There was just time for a final photo shoot of lovely ladies and their treasured fairies before we each exchanged hugs and goodbyes at the end of our day.
Meet ‘Magnificent’ aptly named just like Belle, by Little Miss. “She shall be called Magnificent, because she is!” she declared. I squealed with glee.
Since the M’s were geographically apart upon my return, I may just have got to tell my story three whole times. Four when you count this moment I have shared with you; I do hope you have enjoyed this week’s post every bit as much as I have bringing it to you.
It’s a week off for me next week, do join me the following week though when I will have another story for you this time complete with an up-cycle of a beautiful piece of old junk… until then x
My grateful thanks go to both Chris and Penny for their support in bringing you this tale. For more information about Chris’ inspiring workshops, homespun decor and books visit @thecozyclubx and to know more about Penny’s beautiful heirloom fairies, dolls and gorgeous clothing visit @rosablue. If you do not have Instagram and would like to know more, do let me know and I can put you in touch x
Thank you Karen, it was such a treat to turn on my laptop and see you in my comments box. I have to admit Olivia’s comments sent me over the edge! I don’t think I even did the day justice you know, it was truly wonderful, something in my opinion we should all experience at least once in our lifetime x
I don’t know what moved me more, the magical day you spent amongst friends or Olivias comment. This was a truly delightful read, and what probably seemed like one of the best days ever!!
Love your little fairy, love reading your blog. Xx
Ha ha ha Alison… that made me laugh out loud, Mr M will be at a rugby breakfast this weekend with our neighbours making way too much noise I imagine… I shall pass on your best wishes! And as always thank you for being here, this magical story has brought a lot of pleasure to a lot of readers far away from The Cozy Club’s HQ, I was happy to be able to tell it, have a lovely week ahead x
✨Throughly enjoyed every word ✨it sounded like you had the most magical day, and thank you for ‘taking us with you’ with your beautifully written words. ✨
🌸Magnificent🌸 is a beauty ✨
PS…tell Mr M I hope he won’t be disappointed too much when 🏴🏉 beat 🏴 🏉🙊 xx
Oh that did make me chuckle…still smell Chris’s delicious lunch whilst reading your blog… pretty darn tasty though wasn’t it? What a wonderful day of memories we both have AND heirloom fairies too… here’s to many more Cozy Club days to come!x
Oh Helen you have literally just transported me straight back to that magical day at the Cozy Club. I wanted to stay there a little longer too. What a beautifully articulated account of our wonderful adventure to the Cozy Club.. Chris and Penny are absolutely gorgeous. You described that day so perfectly that I could still smell Chris’s delicious lunch whilst reading your blog. I also loved the new experience under Penny’s guidance in creating an heirloom fairy which now sits proudly upon my console table for all to see!
Magnificent looks even more gorgeous now with her sparkly wings and I adore the little necklace you’ve given her. Magnificent! My fairy has been simply named Kristinkle!!
Thank you Helen so, so much for writing a perfect blog that allowed me to re-live what can only be the best day that I have ever spent!
Dear Debbie, thank you for your lovely words! Enchanting is the word. Chris is such a welcoming soul and Penny the most patient of teachers, I don’t know how many times she had to repeat the same instruction to those of us too busy oohing and ahhing! Thank you for reading x
I really hope you make it there one day Jane, you will be made so welcome and the grown up fun is something else! I am grateful to have had the opportunity to convey a little of the day with you all through the blog, thank you for reading and for your very kind words x
Jean it was simply the most magical of days. I am so pleased I was able to write about it and you too felt you were there. So happy too you love Magnificent and isn’t she just?! Have a wonderful week ahead x
Dear Chris, it was my absolute pleasure to write about such a wonderful day with you and Penny… the closest I get to shout it from the roof tops! You are such a generous soul; when all said and done, we are in your home and we’re snapping away with cameras… I’m glad I was able to share through the blog with others who may or may not be as lucky as I to visit you. Until the very next time, lots of love x
This took me back to the days of making kindred spirit dolls. What an enchanting day you had! Who says fairies don’t exist? What a delightful post this is, Helen. You make my heart smile.
Debbie
xo
Oh Helen,
What a wonderful post. I too follow both Chris and Penny on Instagram and absolutely love their accounts (as I do yours).
I really want to go to the Cozy Club myself one day. I just know that I would love every minute of it. Thanks for sharing your experience and the photos are just gorgeous. Plus now you have your wonderful keepsake to remind you of your special day.
Love Jane xx (@janescountryroses)
WOW what a fabulous day, I was right there with you reading your lovely round up of your day. Magnificent is beautiful, well done you. How can you not create something wonderful from such lovely teachings and surroundings
Lovely Helen, words fail me..the part when you likened my home to Green Gables just about did me in!!!! Thank you with all my heart for such an exquisite piece of writing about Penny and me. It actually made me blush…sending love and more and already looking forward to the next visit from you! Have a cozy week off! Love Chris 😘
I am so happy you love Magnificent too Sara! And I am happy you got to read and see the magic through my story although this is perhaps a small substitute for the real thing… you must be on the next one!x
Thank you darling, it was truly a magical day and every tine I look at Magnificent I shall remember the special time x
What a beautiful message to come back from a very wet dog walk to… thank you darling. Ha Ha, I never knew you did that to Lucy Lavender… how wonderful although I guess I can truthfully hear myself saying “Olivia, don’t touch!” Penny and Chris are very special ladies and I am sure they will love to read that comment as much as I did, thank you. Now to the business of who Magnificent shall belong to in years to come, after all she is an heirloom fairy, do you think your brother will fight your for her?!x
oh I was transported right there to the cosy club with you….. living the excitement and fun and warmth ! You had such a perfect day in a magical place and I’m definitely coming next time! A really great blog and photos Helen and Magnificent is truly magnificent! xxxx
Wow what a fun and heartwarming day that looked like ! I’m glad you had a such a nice time and it’s so lovely that you now have your own handmade fairy !
OH MY GOOOOOOODNESS!!
First of all she is the BEST – look at her sparkly wings I’ve fallen in love with Magnificent!
I remember when Lucy Lavender came home all those years ago, you hung her on your bedroom door…hall-side…and I would admire her and secretly make her legs run when the coast was clear (her legs were all I could reach as she was cleverly placed well out of a ten year olds grasp!!)
I absolutely loved reading about this day it seemed just as magical as those you were creating!
Magnificent will have a special place in my heart along with Lucy Lavender. I wonder if Penny has any idea she has created happy childhood memories that will last a lifetime?!
Chris’ house looks the cosiest, warming of places – I feel like a welcome guest just from the pictures!
I couldn’t love ANY of this more!
Absolutely magical….
Damn it, I knew I’d missed something!!! Thank you for reading darling x
What a shame you missed England thrash Australia in the rugby to spend a day at The Cozy Club. All in all, what a great day!
Hello lovely one… I’m so happy you enjoyed the read and love Magnificent too! What a day… you absolutely have to go on one… I think you may squeal too! Thank you for reading and for always letting me know you love the read, it means the world to me, lots of love x
Oh Helen this blog just oozes creativity. It sounds every bit as magical as I had imagined and I’m so glad it was as special a day as you had planned. Magnificent is very aptly named as she really is quite so. I can just imagine your babbling excitement recalling your day and that part did make me chuckle to myself as this was exactly how I was after our mouse making and charity shop hunting day not so long ago. It does sound like a day was just not long enough!
This did make me giggle Tania, ‘oh my giddy aunt’ took me right back to my dear grandparents and what they would say! I am so glad you enjoyed my account of the day and since you were there too, you know it was a simply magical day. It was lovely to meet you too and I look forward to following your pretty squares over on Instagram. Thank you for reading and for taking the time to leave me a comment!x
Oh my giddy aunt! How beautifully you have captured this magical day! Reading every word has transported me straight back into the land of cosy! It truly was an unforgettable day that will stay with me forever. I love Magnificent too! She is a beauty. So wonderfully written Helen. Thank you for sharing. Tania xxx