• ‘Your Vision For The Future’ is the theme for day 7 (the last day!) of the #indieroller Instagram challenge 💙🖤💗💜 Which is a big one! And has given me lots to think about this weekend 🤯 As -to be honest- being an independent maker, I don’t always have a grand plan or business layout! But maybe this is something I can consider much more in the long run 🙂. I do know, that since making my ‘Slow Fashion Pledge’ in May, there are ways in which I’d like to grow the variety of things I make (children’s clothing being the first branch of this) and to step up my efforts to reduce the amount of waste I create. I also know that I’d like a bigger studio space eventually! 😂 And more time to concentrate on my work, of course. However when I think about the future, the greatest matter of importance to me is the state of our planet and the environment my daughter grows up in. I think if I can show her, that by having a creative business that also cares about environmental and social issues- I can make a difference in my own small way- that’s good enough for me 😁. If there’s ever anything however you’d like to let me know or something you’d like me to make more of/ change about what I do? I’m here and I’m listening! Xx Charlotte-Mary. (Image description: The current blufruit logo in blue, purple and pink, against a white background). @indie_roller #instagramchallenge #thoughts #blufruit #smallbusiness #indiebusiness #shopsmall #shoplocal #mycreativebiz #mycreativelife #slowfashion #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #ecofashion #greenfashion #ecofriendly #futureplans #thinkingaboutthefuture #thinkbigshopsmall #maker #creative #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
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    ‘Your Vision For The Future’ is the theme for day 7 (the last day!) of the #indieroller Instagram challenge 💙🖤💗💜 Which is a big one! And has given me lots to think about this weekend 🤯 As -to be honest- being an independent maker, I don’t always have a grand plan or business layout! But maybe this is something I can consider much more in the long run 🙂. I do know, that since making my ‘Slow Fashion Pledge’ in May, there are ways in which I’d like to grow the variety of things I make (children’s clothing being the first branch of this) and to step up my efforts to reduce the amount of waste I create. I also know that I’d like a bigger studio space eventually! 😂 And more time to concentrate on my work, of course. However when I think about the future, the greatest matter of importance to me is the state of our planet and the environment my daughter grows up in. I think if I can show her, that by having a creative business that also cares about environmental and social issues- I can make a difference in my own small way- that’s good enough for me 😁. If there’s ever anything however you’d like to let me know or something you’d like me to make more of/ change about what I do? I’m here and I’m listening! Xx Charlotte-Mary. (Image description: The current blufruit logo in blue, purple and pink, against a white background). @indie_roller #instagramchallenge #thoughts #blufruit #smallbusiness #indiebusiness #shopsmall #shoplocal #mycreativebiz #mycreativelife #slowfashion #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #ecofashion #greenfashion #ecofriendly #futureplans #thinkingaboutthefuture #thinkbigshopsmall #maker #creative #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
  • Day 6 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about ‘Your Customers’ 💘💘💘 a.k.a. The people that make your dreams happen! I’m proud to say that my customers are as unique and bold as the pieces I make! Whether you’re a floral fan, a leopard print lover or just want to wear a silver space age skirt! I’m here for you and looking forward to making it 😉✂️♻️💗 (Custom orders welcome!).Xx (Photo description: 4 different images of blufruit customers. One in a kitsch yellow babydoll dress, the next smiling in her handmade leopard print coat, the third looking fabulous in a silver space age skirt at a photoshoot and the final customer in her comfy upcycled floral jersey top. All 4 customers have their own distinctive styles). @indie_roller #grateful #thankful #thankyou #smallbusiness #customerappreciation #customerpics #maker #creative #indiemaker #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #upcycled #slowfashion #upcycledclothing #ecofashion #handmade #unique #ooak #beyourself #boldisbeautiful #proud #oneofakind #madewithlove #madeintheuk #madeinengland #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
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    Day 6 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about ‘Your Customers’ 💘💘💘 a.k.a. The people that make your dreams happen! I’m proud to say that my customers are as unique and bold as the pieces I make! Whether you’re a floral fan, a leopard print lover or just want to wear a silver space age skirt! I’m here for you and looking forward to making it 😉✂️♻️💗 (Custom orders welcome!).Xx (Photo description: 4 different images of blufruit customers. One in a kitsch yellow babydoll dress, the next smiling in her handmade leopard print coat, the third looking fabulous in a silver space age skirt at a photoshoot and the final customer in her comfy upcycled floral jersey top. All 4 customers have their own distinctive styles). @indie_roller #grateful #thankful #thankyou #smallbusiness #customerappreciation #customerpics #maker #creative #indiemaker #upcycledfashion #recycledfashion #upcycled #slowfashion #upcycledclothing #ecofashion #handmade #unique #ooak #beyourself #boldisbeautiful #proud #oneofakind #madewithlove #madeintheuk #madeinengland #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
  • ‘Your Challenge’ is the theme for day 5 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge ✂️💚💗💛✂️ and I think mine might be a pretty common one; TIME. Yep, balancing motherhood with two different businesses (I also do alterations and pattern making here in Brighton 🙂) can be a quite a challenge sometimes! Especially during a pandemic. I often divide my day up into sections of what I need to concentrate on (when looking after my daughter isn’t the number 1 priority) and have been using a monthly wall planner since the end of last year.. And yet there is always more that I’d like to do! More ideas, more possibilities, more resources yet to be utilised! I can be a bit of a perfectionist (especially with my sewing) but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing? The only aspect I constantly need to keep an eye on is my mental health- as the saying famously goes “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. As long as I remind myself that I am not a machine and need to make sure I’m ok first- the rest will (hopefully) follow! For now, I just have to keep working hard, keep growing, learning and balancing -with the important bit of time I do have! Speaking of which.. Bye! 👋😂Xx (Photo description: looking down onto the sewing desk, where a lamp lights up the sewing machine with a mint green children’s dress being sewn, a measuring tape, tailor’s scissors, blufruit labels, cards and thread jars, all on top of the yellow lace table cover). @indie_roller #time #timemanagement #smallbusiness #indiebiz #indiemaker #seamstress #maker #upcycledfashion #upcycling #upcycledclothing #recycledclothing #recycledfashion #create #creative #fashiondesigner #wfh #studiolife #creativelife #supportsmallbusiness #slowfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #madewithlove #bts #behindthescenes #etsyseller #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
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    ‘Your Challenge’ is the theme for day 5 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge ✂️💚💗💛✂️ and I think mine might be a pretty common one; TIME. Yep, balancing motherhood with two different businesses (I also do alterations and pattern making here in Brighton 🙂) can be a quite a challenge sometimes! Especially during a pandemic. I often divide my day up into sections of what I need to concentrate on (when looking after my daughter isn’t the number 1 priority) and have been using a monthly wall planner since the end of last year.. And yet there is always more that I’d like to do! More ideas, more possibilities, more resources yet to be utilised! I can be a bit of a perfectionist (especially with my sewing) but I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing? The only aspect I constantly need to keep an eye on is my mental health- as the saying famously goes “You can’t pour from an empty cup”. As long as I remind myself that I am not a machine and need to make sure I’m ok first- the rest will (hopefully) follow! For now, I just have to keep working hard, keep growing, learning and balancing -with the important bit of time I do have! Speaking of which.. Bye! 👋😂Xx (Photo description: looking down onto the sewing desk, where a lamp lights up the sewing machine with a mint green children’s dress being sewn, a measuring tape, tailor’s scissors, blufruit labels, cards and thread jars, all on top of the yellow lace table cover). @indie_roller #time #timemanagement #smallbusiness #indiebiz #indiemaker #seamstress #maker #upcycledfashion #upcycling #upcycledclothing #recycledclothing #recycledfashion #create #creative #fashiondesigner #wfh #studiolife #creativelife #supportsmallbusiness #slowfashion #madeinengland #madeintheuk #madewithlove #bts #behindthescenes #etsyseller #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram
  • Day 4 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about: ‘Support Network’ 💙💚💙 which instantly makes me think about all of the lovely people in my life that I know I can count on if I need support and friendship 💘.. My husband Adrian is, and has been my rock! For 15 years he’s been there beside me through mental health issues, career changes, motherhood and the personal growth of my creativity! My family (and adopted family!) are always there for me and I’m super lucky to have some fabulous friends I can count on- that just happen to have amazing creative businesses of their own! Check them out as tags in this image 😍 Xx C-M. (Image description: A large bright blue heart against a bright green background, with tags of 7 different independent businesses and makers). @indie_roller #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #indiemaker #friendship #supporteachother #madeinengland #madeintheuk #indiebiz #creative #creativity #madewithlove #heart #heartshape #bold #kitsch #kawaii #boldandbeautiful #colourful #colourpop #colorpop #blueandgreen #greenandblue #slowfashion #madeinbrighton #thinkbigshopsmall #shopsmall #supportlocal #girlssupportinggirls #thefutureisfemale
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    Day 4 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about: ‘Support Network’ 💙💚💙 which instantly makes me think about all of the lovely people in my life that I know I can count on if I need support and friendship 💘.. My husband Adrian is, and has been my rock! For 15 years he’s been there beside me through mental health issues, career changes, motherhood and the personal growth of my creativity! My family (and adopted family!) are always there for me and I’m super lucky to have some fabulous friends I can count on- that just happen to have amazing creative businesses of their own! Check them out as tags in this image 😍 Xx C-M. (Image description: A large bright blue heart against a bright green background, with tags of 7 different independent businesses and makers). @indie_roller #smallbusiness #smallbusinessowner #indiemaker #friendship #supporteachother #madeinengland #madeintheuk #indiebiz #creative #creativity #madewithlove #heart #heartshape #bold #kitsch #kawaii #boldandbeautiful #colourful #colourpop #colorpop #blueandgreen #greenandblue #slowfashion #madeinbrighton #thinkbigshopsmall #shopsmall #supportlocal #girlssupportinggirls #thefutureisfemale
  • ‘Your workspace’ is the theme for day 3 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge 💙✂️♻️💜 so I took a few pics of my little home studio as it currently is- semi tidy! (Excuse the dark photos, it’s actually brighter than it appears!).. I use three different sewing machines to make blufruit items; ‘Bonnie’ the industrial (green) machine, for heavy duty sewing, woven fabrics and what I call ‘motorway sewing’ -when there’s miles of it and you need it done fast! 😂 Then there’s ‘Bertha’ the domestic machine (white with stickers all over her), which I use for jersey garments, light/delicate fabrics, button holes and zig-zag or special patterned stitching. And finally ‘brother Bob’ the overlocker! (With four threads) who sits in the thread cone corner with jasper the cat @rubyruthdolls doll eyes peeping out! Plus jars of threads and buttons, green card pattern blocks hanging on the wall and mirror with ‘Ursula’ the head, who models all the headbands and face masks! (Hiding huge fabric boxes, messy shelves and a dress mannequin!) As I work from home, this little studio space also sits in the area where my daughter likes to play and watch tv! With a sofa, book shelves and a door to our little patio garden. Luckily I can open the door and windows when I’m sewing so there’s (usually) lots of light and air and I can have tea breaks in the garden or on the sofa! I also use this room for customer fittings and then close off the studio space with a wooden screen when I’m not working 😅. It works as a set up for now (especially with the pandemic) but long term, I will be looking for a bigger space specifically for blufruit! Xx (Photo description: 5 images of the 3 machines in a row of desks lined up with a bright lamp in the middle. Each machine is photographed individually with jars of threads next to them and a yellow lace tablecloth). @indie_roller #smallbusiness #workspace #wfh #wfhmum #sew #sewing #seamstress #sewingmachines #studiolife #creative #maker #bts #behindthescenes #reallife #everydaylife #handmade #madewithlove #meetthemaker #indiedesigner #indiemaker #indiebusiness #currentview #workit #wip #mytools #tools #industrialsewingmachine #creativity #mycreativebiz
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    ‘Your workspace’ is the theme for day 3 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge 💙✂️♻️💜 so I took a few pics of my little home studio as it currently is- semi tidy! (Excuse the dark photos, it’s actually brighter than it appears!).. I use three different sewing machines to make blufruit items; ‘Bonnie’ the industrial (green) machine, for heavy duty sewing, woven fabrics and what I call ‘motorway sewing’ -when there’s miles of it and you need it done fast! 😂 Then there’s ‘Bertha’ the domestic machine (white with stickers all over her), which I use for jersey garments, light/delicate fabrics, button holes and zig-zag or special patterned stitching. And finally ‘brother Bob’ the overlocker! (With four threads) who sits in the thread cone corner with jasper the cat @rubyruthdolls doll eyes peeping out! Plus jars of threads and buttons, green card pattern blocks hanging on the wall and mirror with ‘Ursula’ the head, who models all the headbands and face masks! (Hiding huge fabric boxes, messy shelves and a dress mannequin!) As I work from home, this little studio space also sits in the area where my daughter likes to play and watch tv! With a sofa, book shelves and a door to our little patio garden. Luckily I can open the door and windows when I’m sewing so there’s (usually) lots of light and air and I can have tea breaks in the garden or on the sofa! I also use this room for customer fittings and then close off the studio space with a wooden screen when I’m not working 😅. It works as a set up for now (especially with the pandemic) but long term, I will be looking for a bigger space specifically for blufruit! Xx (Photo description: 5 images of the 3 machines in a row of desks lined up with a bright lamp in the middle. Each machine is photographed individually with jars of threads next to them and a yellow lace tablecloth). @indie_roller #smallbusiness #workspace #wfh #wfhmum #sew #sewing #seamstress #sewingmachines #studiolife #creative #maker #bts #behindthescenes #reallife #everydaylife #handmade #madewithlove #meetthemaker #indiedesigner #indiemaker #indiebusiness #currentview #workit #wip #mytools #tools #industrialsewingmachine #creativity #mycreativebiz
  • Day 2 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about: ‘Your work’ ♻️💙💗💛❤️♻️ which made me have a look back through some of my more recent collections. Somebody once mentioned that my pieces are very similar to a kitsch 1960’s/70’s doll who would come with little quirky outfits- and I love that! Although every material I use is either second hand or remnant pieces, I draft the garment patterns from designs in my head and often prefer to use bold colour combinations or pattern clashes and oversized cute details. I am definitely influenced by retro 1960’s fashion, as well as Japanese harajuku styles (one of the reasons I used the word fruit was inspired by the Japanese ‘Fruits’ magazines and books), but also constantly look to art and design in other disciplines for ideas. My best sellers are the babydoll dress (bottom right, modelled by the gorgeous @itsfunso) but I also create a lot of upcycled tops and skirts, plus size pieces (as modelled by the lovely @jasmine_ai_higgs, top right) and of course shift dresses and dungaree dresses (main photo, on the stunning Michiel @naturally_untamed) as well as -more recently- dungarees and playsuits. Even my scraps are used up as much as possible, by turning them into accessories such as headbands, tote bags, collars and face masks. And the latest branch of my work now includes girl’s clothing, which I’m really enjoying making because it’s a new area for me to explore (with my daughter’s input of course! 😂).Xx (Photo description: 3 images of blufruit models wearing a blue dungaree dress with yellow oversized pocket, pink floral top and skirt, and a red and pink babydoll dress with matching red buttons on the front). @indie_roller #upcycledfashion #upcycled #upcycledclothing #recycled #recycledfashion #ecofashion #slowfashion #boldisbeautiful #colourful #colorful #colourpop #colorpop #kitsch #kawaii #kitschfashion #fashion #fashiondesign #madeintheuk #madeinengland #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #handmade #handmadefashion #madewithlove #ooak #oneofakind #discoverunder1k
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    Day 2 of the #indieroller Instagram challenge is all about: ‘Your work’ ♻️💙💗💛❤️♻️ which made me have a look back through some of my more recent collections. Somebody once mentioned that my pieces are very similar to a kitsch 1960’s/70’s doll who would come with little quirky outfits- and I love that! Although every material I use is either second hand or remnant pieces, I draft the garment patterns from designs in my head and often prefer to use bold colour combinations or pattern clashes and oversized cute details. I am definitely influenced by retro 1960’s fashion, as well as Japanese harajuku styles (one of the reasons I used the word fruit was inspired by the Japanese ‘Fruits’ magazines and books), but also constantly look to art and design in other disciplines for ideas. My best sellers are the babydoll dress (bottom right, modelled by the gorgeous @itsfunso) but I also create a lot of upcycled tops and skirts, plus size pieces (as modelled by the lovely @jasmine_ai_higgs, top right) and of course shift dresses and dungaree dresses (main photo, on the stunning Michiel @naturally_untamed) as well as -more recently- dungarees and playsuits. Even my scraps are used up as much as possible, by turning them into accessories such as headbands, tote bags, collars and face masks. And the latest branch of my work now includes girl’s clothing, which I’m really enjoying making because it’s a new area for me to explore (with my daughter’s input of course! 😂).Xx (Photo description: 3 images of blufruit models wearing a blue dungaree dress with yellow oversized pocket, pink floral top and skirt, and a red and pink babydoll dress with matching red buttons on the front). @indie_roller #upcycledfashion #upcycled #upcycledclothing #recycled #recycledfashion #ecofashion #slowfashion #boldisbeautiful #colourful #colorful #colourpop #colorpop #kitsch #kawaii #kitschfashion #fashion #fashiondesign #madeintheuk #madeinengland #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #handmade #handmadefashion #madewithlove #ooak #oneofakind #discoverunder1k
  • A different kind of post to start this week, as it’s the beginning of the #indieroller instagram challenge, which I thought I’d join for the week! I recently found these photos from a previous collection and thought I’d share them 🤭💜😅 (yes more of my face!) as today’s prompt is: ‘You’. Sometimes when I have pieces in my size (or garments of my own that I’m selling), I model them myself- but I don’t usually show my face.. However these photos reminded me of how I was feeling at the time. After I had my daughter in 2016, I took a step back from sewing and making and had a longgg think about what I wanted to do long term -as well as changing nappies, night feeds, learning how to be a new parent, and most of all battling with post natal depression. I tried to be gentle on myself and focus on looking after both of us as well as my relationships with my partner and my family. But in 2017 I started to make pieces for my daughter (and myself) and something clicked. The more creativity came out the more I felt like myself again. It was as though when I used my hands mindfully, the weight of my mental health issues and stress of being a new parent lifted. Once my daughter began nursery, I slowly started to design ideas again and make small collections- like the one these photos are from- and I felt better than ever. I suddenly saw that all I wanted to do was create art via upcycling. Each item I make is unique. Each piece is made by me. Each garment and accessory is made with love in a sweatshop-free environment -for a living wage- and every item is made from secondhand materials. And I love it. blufruit was born. 💙 (Photo description: 5 images of Charlotte-Mary modelling 2 purple and white floral upcycled dresses in front of a white wall. She is also wearing a floral headband and looking up into the sky, or over to her left hand side). @indie_roller #meetthemaker #blufruit #upcycledfashion #upcycledfashiondesign #upcycledfashiondesigner #fashion #recycled #recycledfashion #flowerpower #floral #babydolldress #handmade #ooak #oneofakind #madewithlove #slowfashion #ecofashion #greenfashion #ecofriendly #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #madeinengland #uk
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    A different kind of post to start this week, as it’s the beginning of the #indieroller instagram challenge, which I thought I’d join for the week! I recently found these photos from a previous collection and thought I’d share them 🤭💜😅 (yes more of my face!) as today’s prompt is: ‘You’. Sometimes when I have pieces in my size (or garments of my own that I’m selling), I model them myself- but I don’t usually show my face.. However these photos reminded me of how I was feeling at the time. After I had my daughter in 2016, I took a step back from sewing and making and had a longgg think about what I wanted to do long term -as well as changing nappies, night feeds, learning how to be a new parent, and most of all battling with post natal depression. I tried to be gentle on myself and focus on looking after both of us as well as my relationships with my partner and my family. But in 2017 I started to make pieces for my daughter (and myself) and something clicked. The more creativity came out the more I felt like myself again. It was as though when I used my hands mindfully, the weight of my mental health issues and stress of being a new parent lifted. Once my daughter began nursery, I slowly started to design ideas again and make small collections- like the one these photos are from- and I felt better than ever. I suddenly saw that all I wanted to do was create art via upcycling. Each item I make is unique. Each piece is made by me. Each garment and accessory is made with love in a sweatshop-free environment -for a living wage- and every item is made from secondhand materials. And I love it. blufruit was born. 💙 (Photo description: 5 images of Charlotte-Mary modelling 2 purple and white floral upcycled dresses in front of a white wall. She is also wearing a floral headband and looking up into the sky, or over to her left hand side). @indie_roller #meetthemaker #blufruit #upcycledfashion #upcycledfashiondesign #upcycledfashiondesigner #fashion #recycled #recycledfashion #flowerpower #floral #babydolldress #handmade #ooak #oneofakind #madewithlove #slowfashion #ecofashion #greenfashion #ecofriendly #etsy #btnetsy #etsyshop #etsysellersofinstagram #madeinengland #uk
  • And so, Pride week comes to an end..! 🌈💗🖤🤎🌈 I Hope my LGBTQI+ followers and friends got at least some time to celebrate, as well as those who are still learning (like myself) about all of these wonderful and important communities -and supporting them too. I also love the way that fashion and clothing can help us express our personalities too -whether it’s customising something to make it more individual or choosing to repurpose something in a different way- just remember, there are so many things we can use without having to buy (new) fast fashion! Lotsa love XxC-M. (Image description: A rainbow coloured heart with the words “Shine bright, be fabulous.” in front of it). #prideweek #pride #pride2020 #proud #creative #create #creativity #upcycling #upcycledclothing #upcycledfashion #bisexualandproud #bisexualparent #rainbow #rainbowcolours #rainbowcoloured #rainbowcolors #heart #rainbowheart #beyourself #love #selflove #lgbtq🌈
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    And so, Pride week comes to an end..! 🌈💗🖤🤎🌈 I Hope my LGBTQI+ followers and friends got at least some time to celebrate, as well as those who are still learning (like myself) about all of these wonderful and important communities -and supporting them too. I also love the way that fashion and clothing can help us express our personalities too -whether it’s customising something to make it more individual or choosing to repurpose something in a different way- just remember, there are so many things we can use without having to buy (new) fast fashion! Lotsa love XxC-M. (Image description: A rainbow coloured heart with the words “Shine bright, be fabulous.” in front of it). #prideweek #pride #pride2020 #proud #creative #create #creativity #upcycling #upcycledclothing #upcycledfashion #bisexualandproud #bisexualparent #rainbow #rainbowcolours #rainbowcoloured #rainbowcolors #heart #rainbowheart #beyourself #love #selflove #lgbtq🌈
  • When you make these strange kind of faces on your first proper Instagram video 😂😂😂 in my stories now! P.S. My voice is naturally very quiet, just to forewarn you. 🤭😊😊 (Photo description: 4 different photos of Charlotte-Mary pulling strange faces as she talks about what this month’s schedule will be like, from a new video posted in stories).Xx #newvideo #video #July #meetthemaker #upcycledfashiondesigner #maker #seamstress #friday #upcycledfashion #upcycledclothing #indiemaker #etsy #etsysellersofinstagram #etsyshop #madeintheuk #madeinengland #english #hello #hi #akward #introvert #funnyfaces
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    When you make these strange kind of faces on your first proper Instagram video 😂😂😂 in my stories now! P.S. My voice is naturally very quiet, just to forewarn you. 🤭😊😊 (Photo description: 4 different photos of Charlotte-Mary pulling strange faces as she talks about what this month’s schedule will be like, from a new video posted in stories).Xx #newvideo #video #July #meetthemaker #upcycledfashiondesigner #maker #seamstress #friday #upcycledfashion #upcycledclothing #indiemaker #etsy #etsysellersofinstagram #etsyshop #madeintheuk #madeinengland #english #hello #hi #akward #introvert #funnyfaces