Blue Daisy Jewellery

and some of this...

2009-07-03T10:43:00.002+01:00

What have I been up to?

2009-07-03T10:40:00.002+01:00

Delivering the goods

2009-05-16T19:37:00.002+01:00

Today, we went to Lunan Life and to ZigZags at Dunkeld to deliver jewellery which I have made throughout the week. Both places seemd happy with the selection I offered them - some freshwater pearls, some lampwork pendants, and some chain maille bracelets.
However, now I am back to square one and have no jewellery made and in stock (well, not much) so I still need to make some more to have on stand-by (never mind the Montrose Music Festival which is next weekend!!!). Eek! I really do need to make stuff - perhaps I should stop drinking wine and get on with it tonight. Nah, that's too extreme!

I'm in demand!

2009-05-11T08:43:00.002+01:00

Well, not me but my jewellery, which is great but means that I really have to actually make some this week. I am seriously low on stock and I've had 3 outlets asking for more because they have sold so much recently;-)
Still didn't win the lottery so OH had to go back to work today after his holiday;-(

slowing down, speeding up

2009-05-05T10:04:00.002+01:00

OH had the Bank Holiday off yesterday so my usual routine was interrupted, and I had to work at the Crafts of Angus shop in the afternoon, so all in all I didn't really get an awful lot of productive time. Though I did restock with some new pendants I had finished. Beautiful beads from Annelyse Taylor, I just set them off with some Swarovski crystal and chunky Karen Hill Tribe Silver beads and clasps. I like doing them this way, it does not detract from the simplicity of the focal bead.
I also worked on some chain maille yesterday so I supose I wasn't too bad.
The alternator belt on the car has gone so it went into the garage this morning. Which means I am currently carless.
OH is working today but is on holiday for the rest of the week. We have to build a fence to keep our chickens from escaping! On Thursday we swap our ISP and phone line over to Talk Talk, on Friday it is OH's birthday - he plans to go fishing with a friend and I have promised to drive them! Saturday we have a crafters social evening. So I think quite a busy week.

Websites

2009-04-29T09:08:00.000+01:00

Going to spend all day today making websites. yeah!

Feeling out of sorts!

2009-04-27T10:02:00.001+01:00

We're back to Monday again! Usually I have a plan for the week but my head is feeling fuzzy and I can't concentrate. I know I've got loads to do but I can't think what at the moment.

Ever growing lists...

2009-04-23T08:27:00.002+01:00

I still never finished my Monday list and after last night I have added even more stuff to todays list! I don't think I am ever going to get to the end of any of my lists - I am doomed to perpetual failure.

Just got to make the best of my day at the house because tomorrow I am out and about again.

Tuesday is surprise day

2009-04-21T09:34:00.001+01:00

Hopefully.

Today I am sending chain maille supplies to Australia!
And my list of things I need to achieve before the week is out is getting longer and time is getting shorter.

Monday is the start of the week...

2009-04-20T09:02:00.002+01:00

It may seem obvious but when you work for yourself (and OH works Mon - Fri) then Monday morning becomes the time to plan what needs to be done in the week to come. Of course, usually I write myself a wee list on Sunday night. That's in front of me now and nowhere on that list does it say anything about updating my blog! Nor does it say anything about normal chores like feeding dogs, cats, chickens, cleaning coops, litter trays, and garden. All in all I think each day I spend approx 2 - 3 hours cleaning, feeding and exercising our pets! But that's another story.
I have a lot of Ebay parcels to go today. It seems I have stumbled on a winning product so I need to keep momentum up and stock levels high and current.
There are a number of other jobs on my list but dealing with emails is never there and I usually have at least 2 or 3 (business ones - never mind friends!) that need a reply.
However, I did have a lovely weekend, even got slightly sunburnt yesterday, we did get a few house chores done and it's another glorious day today.
So all there is left to do is just get on with it.

Chain Maille galore!

2009-04-18T09:18:00.002+01:00

Well, it seems like evryone is doing chain maille - I keep getting asked ow much is it to send rings all over the world. Today and Australian has contacted me about them! I really should get more stock in but I am trying not to layout too much cash so I am trying to order lots of little packets but economically/financially I should do it on a massive scale and try to save some pennies (for me and the customers). However, I do not want to be left with a load of stock when people decide they've had enough of chain maille (though I would probably use it myself).
Anyway, I better try to keep up with demand.

Other things seem to be picking up in popularity aswell. I think perhaps there is some Feng Shui (sp?) going on. A tidy room makes good business sense, or something.

WTF!

2009-04-16T11:05:00.002+01:00

Sometimes stunned silence is the only decent and proper response to emotional outbursts. And sometimes apologies are just too little, too late.
After last nights devastation I am left with loads to do to pick up the pieces (don't think we'll ever get the full jigsaw puzzle back) and absolutely no motivation whatsoever to do it.

Hopefully, some good will come of it all - some changes need to be made.

2009-04-15T10:23:00.002+01:00

Job Done!

2009-04-09T18:55:00.002+01:00

I love it when a plan comes together;-)
My spare room / work room is now finished.
I have space for all my beads, space to make jewellery, space to do chain maille, windows to gaze out of for inspiration, and even, a bed, a sofabed, some wardrobe space, a shelf and a drawer for any visitors who wish to stay the night! Wow!
I'm so pleased.
Now I just need to get some inspriartion!
OH is off for the Easter weekend so tonight feels like Friday night, and we have lots planned for his time off. We just have to organise our time to fit everything in;-)

Beady, beady, beady...

2009-04-08T09:01:00.002+01:00

Well, BT has been here for 2 days and has cracked that whip hard! She has left me for a day and I now have to sort through things that she can't. Deciding where to put various beads, findings, unfinished projects, etc etc etc.
The room is looking great though (well, it will) and I now have a lot more space. I knew I needed to reorganise it but doing it on my own really just wasn't appealling. And she has done a great job of motivating and helping me.
As for chickens - when I checked this morning there were 2 very tin shelled and broken eggs in the house - looked like they had been laid from the perches. And one Light Sussex egg in the nest box. We think the other Light Sussex laid her first egg late yesterday afternoon. But the 2 broken ones also looked like Light Sussex, so I'm not sure what's going on there?

K is for knackered!

2009-04-06T09:17:00.003+01:00

I got up at 4.45 this morning and I haven't stopp ed since - I'm knackered!
Just now I am waiting for Bertie to visit - we have made a deal. A trade of our time.
She is going to help me organise my workroom/spare room/stock room.
In return I am going to build her a website. We both win in this situation but just now I am not looking forward to getting started.
I will make a cup of tea and watch the chickens while I wait for her to arrive.

Getting that Friday feeling...

2009-04-03T08:55:00.003+01:00

I have to go to the PO today as I have International parcels to send.
It seems that my Chain Maille jump rings are this seasons must have items. I am looking into getting more sizes so have ordered one larger size in a few different colours just to see how they go.
In between having to seriously think about getting proper a job (and that has sent my blood pressure high!) I am having lots of brain waves about expanding this business! The latest being that when the bedsit next door becomes available I will rename it the 'Beadsit' and that can be my new business headquarters! It certainly would be nice to get our house back but I'm not sure that the business could afford the rent:-(
It's good to dream though, apparently.

dreary Thursday

2009-04-02T08:59:00.002+01:00

I'm sitting here with breakfast of a banana sandwich and cup of Earl Grey.
I have made an appointment with the nurse for this afternoon and I need to go shopping this morning. Funny how the thought of a trip to Tesco can just drain me of all motivation and enthusiasm. But it still needs to be done. Perhaps in between I will get time to sit and make some jewellery.
I am beginning to feel the need to open an Etsy shop but I seriously need to increase stock levels in order to do that...Watch this space

first day

2009-04-01T20:29:00.003+01:00

Well, that wasn't so bad.
The first day of the fourth season at the Crafts of Angus shop has been and gone and went quite well.
Not too many visitors through the door but at least they were spending - that always makes us happy.
I have stocked it well so now I really, really need to make more stuff (I always seem to be saying this!).

End of March

2009-03-31T10:12:00.003+01:00

As it's the end of March I always start to think of dreaded year-end accounts and stuff. Yuck.
But today (and a super sunny day it is too) I have to go up to the Crafts of Angus Shop at the House of Dun to restock for tomorrows first day of the new season.
I am not organised at all, and I was supposed to be there at 10am, so I better get a move on!

Where I went wrong...

2009-03-30T08:56:00.002+01:00

Ah, I see, Mo being short for Maura and Montrose - that's where the confusion lies.
So it should be okay if I go along to support them against league-leaders Cowdenbeath on Tuesday night? Hmmm, I'm not sure if the door-staff will let me in!

Jinxed!

2009-03-29T12:08:00.002+01:00

Well, what a fun-filled day it was yesterday.
The market was fine, weather not too bad, plenty of people and a good atmosphere.
Then mad rush home, lunch, shower and out again to the football.
Forfar 0 - Montrose 3
Forfar until yesterday were the 'best' team in Britain apparently because they had lost so few points over recent games. Well, yesterday, truly they were pants. The Montrose fans were put in fine singing voice by the friendly ref who sent one of our boys off early on for being lippy. Then we proceeded to make things easy for Montrose (who wear white shorts and no pants!) who scored 3 goals. The highlights of the game for me were the ref falling over his own feet and the big fat hairy Montrose fan shouting abuse and obscenities to anyone who would listen.
Then on the the Indian - which was okay. It wasn't great and I wouldn't rush back, but it was okay.
Then onto a crowded Plough Inn to try and watch Holland v Scotland. After the first 2 goals we left. Don't know what the final score was but I've come to realsie that whenever I show an interest in a team, they lose. So I have to say 'sorry boys, it was all my fault and I take full responsibilty'.

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-03-28T07:09:00.003Z

All ready for the off now.
The weather could be worse but it is very windy and that is never good for my jewellery stall.
And I have a rotten cold so I will be sniffling all day - that never helps to sell anything!

Woohoo!

2009-03-27T18:22:00.002Z

And today I find out one of my pieces in Dunkeld has sold!
Brilliant news!
Got to get my head out of the clouds now and get organised for Monifieth Farmers Market tomorrow. The weather forecast doesn't look kind - I'm not looking forward to it.

And it's my birthday tomorrow. Football, Indian meal, then more football - should be cold but fun!

lovely crafter chums!

2009-03-26T21:33:00.001Z

Thanks to the generosity of one of my lovely crafter chums, I now have my jewellery in a new outlet in Dunkeld!
YAY!
Thanks Bertie xx

Sometimes...

2009-03-26T09:29:00.001Z

It is easier for all concerned if one just keeps ones mouth shut!
Why do I never learn?

planning and plotting

2009-03-25T07:50:00.002Z

I need to have a good days making today to win over two potential new stockists of my jewellery.
Also I am trying to organise a crowd of us to go and see Forfar play Montrose at Station Park on Saturday (which also happens to be my brithday) then on for an Indian meal and find somewhere to watch the Scotland v Holland match. I'm looking forward to a whole days entertainment.

germs...

2009-03-24T09:08:00.002Z

Well, thanks to whoever was spreading their fluey germs around at Letham at the weekend - I now feel terrible.
I have a sore throat and a runny nose, and am feeling VERY sorry for myself.
Lots of things are happening here too.
I have a renewed sense of purpose and motivation to get on with all the things I have been putting off for ages - but now I just don't feel up to it.
I think I might have an egg for breakfast.

Yarks!!!

2009-03-23T08:13:00.001Z

Got to get back on track with this...

Tagging!!

2008-10-22T08:44:00.002+01:00

Well I have been tagged - twice - but unfortunately I do not have time right now to reciprocate - impending arrival of Mum and still tidying to do!

I much appreciate the sentiment girls - thank you so much - hopefully I will get my 'tag list' ready to publish in the next day or two.

back to jewellery

2008-10-21T10:36:00.002+01:00

I seem to be back on track with jewellery now (apart from a couple of outstanding orders).

But the next big project will be to update my website - the photos take a long time to load apparently. (Even though I checked the page loading speed at various websites). Anyhoo, I need to revamp the photos, and perhaps the page design in order for the loading speed to decrease.

Mum arrives tomorrow and I am currently busy tidying the house (priorities!). Hopefully, I will put her to some good use while she is here.

Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear

2008-10-14T09:12:00.003+01:00

I have always wanted to have a go at researching my Family Tree - I've had a couple of interesting dabbles over the last couple of months, but nothing that took too much time!
However, on Saturday my OH was at the footie (what a waste of a day that was, but will he ever learn?) and when I got back from the Farmers Market there was a couple of Registry extracts waiting for me in the post.
Needless to say any thoughts of working for that afternoon quickly disappeared, and I was soon ensconced on ScotlandsPeople beavering away back to the 1850's. It is so addictive! I didn't stop until about 10pm that night and then was at it again all day yesterday - when I should have been working.
Of course, that meant I started making jewellery at about 7pm (after tea and dog-walking) and finished at about 10pm - just in time to watch House!
Amazing how guilt keeps you going.
Today - I must, must, must do some proper work. Lol.

Committee meet tonight

2008-09-30T12:43:00.004+01:00

Seems like all I'm doing just now is organising meetings!
The Angus Crafts Association has it's first committee meeting since the AGM tonight. There are 4 new members to welcome and induct! It should be a good meeting but I think it might go on forever...
However, new enthusiastic members are what we need, God knows the old ones are getting scared away in droves.
Well I still have AGM minutes to write and more jewellery to make (don't I always).

Will make myself a nice cup of tea first though!

Monday morning comes round again

2008-09-29T08:59:00.002+01:00

There's always loads to do on Mondays!

The weathers not bad so I should get some washig out but it's really beginning to feel like the long march into winter has begun.

I managed to get the Angus Ambassador entry for our Crafts of Angus shop into Angus Council on time. Phew! I was really beginning to stress out about it!

Over the weekend, though I haven't been very productive in real terms, I have been thinking a lot about different projects and have a couple of ideas for collaborations with another crafter in my group. Just hope I can pull my finger out in time for Christmas.

Also I have to get on with some silver mailleing so that I can get some stuff hallmarked and on sale on the website - I think they will really add another dimension to what's already available.

October is a month of talks and workshops - new to me. This gives me something else to stress about. Novemebr is an xceedingly busy month - at the minute the only weekend day I have off is 22nd November and I'm sure that will change by the time it comes round. Of course, I am already looking ahead with dread to those lean months of January, February and March!

Got to go work now.

Silver jewellery

2008-09-27T09:30:00.003+01:00

Yippee, I now have my own hallmark!
Just got to make a load more chain maille pieces and then send them off to be assayed together to bring the cost down a wee bit.

Well it's all moving apace!

nearly forgot

2008-09-26T09:23:00.001+01:00

I've got rather an important competition entry to compose and upload! lol!
Wish me luck!

Well, well, well...

2008-09-26T09:04:00.004+01:00

Ok so I haven't been around for ages. I've been ignoring my blogging duties to attend to more pressing matters (like ironing! lol)
What can I say - I've been busy.
So todays list boils down to;
Ebay parcels;
application for one craft fair;
order some bits - mainly silver wire and chain;
finish necklaces and make more earrings;
If poss, photo finished necklaces;
oh and update website with sold pieces.

That should keep me going for a while.

getting ready for my hols

2008-07-22T11:51:00.002+01:00

I now find myself with no urgent business to attend to. The House of Colour lady has cancelled me again, so I'm considering my position there. And the Brechin farmers market has also been cancelled. My mum comes over on Monday and we go away on Tuesday - down to Brighton for my brother-in-laws wedding. I'm looking forward to having time some off but I have a few things I need to deal with before I go. So I really should get on and deal with them, shouldn't I?

Chain Maille

2008-07-15T12:10:00.002+01:00

I'm having a week of jewellery making.
The image consultant from the House of Colour who I was supposed to meet with yesterday called to postpone until next Monday so now I have plenty of time to stock up and try some new weaves.

What joy!

Also I had some fun with my Koil Kutter this morning to facilitate my Mailleing sessions for the entire week. YAY!

and that makes 4

2008-07-08T15:29:00.002+01:00

Yeah! The meeting went well and I now have four outlets! Of course, I have since spent the afternoon making jewellery becase I am now seriously low on stock and I have two venues to fill at the weekend! What fun! I love being self-employed;-)

little bit nervous

2008-07-08T08:39:00.001+01:00

I've got a business meeting this morning with a potential new outlet for my jewellery. The lady seems very nice and keen so I'm sure it will go well, but it doesn't stop me having little flutters in my tummy! Got to go and look out some jewellery to show/sell her.

thinking backwards

2008-07-06T15:49:00.002+01:00

well, I managed to post the photos - you have to think about how you want your final post to look and then do it backwards. Don't know why I have all that space in between photos though?

lots of photies (hopefully)

2008-07-06T15:33:00.013+01:00

A beautiful red poppies bead by Mindy MacGregor of Moogin beads. I just adore this bead and I am seriously tempted to keep it but I am a jewellery maker not a collector! Well, whoever buys it will love it just as much I guess.

A Moogin bead - reminds me of branches and cherry blossom

A couple of Emma Ralph sets given given similar treatment, finished with sterling chain and Thai silver clasps.

A pair of Emma Ralph beads simply made into earrings

A couple of single Emma Ralph beadies, simply embellished and finished with sterling rombo chain and Thai silver clasps

A copper and silver byzantine weave bracelet

A copper shaggy loops bracelet

I hate posting photos

2008-07-06T15:31:00.001+01:00

I just can't get to grips with how blogger places my photos - it never puts them where I think they're going to go and then I can never write any captions anywhere near them.
Grrr.....
Will have another go, I s'pose

Sunday morning

2008-07-06T11:39:00.002+01:00

After a rather heavy night last night I am contemplating how to spend today. Yesterday and Friday I made some necklaces I am really happy with using Sterling silver chain and some lovely lampwork beads from Emma Ralph and Mindy McGregor. I might make some more but I really should take some photos and up load them, for all the world to see.

Upwards and onwards

2008-07-01T18:11:00.001+01:00

Things are looking really good business-wise. I'm struggling to keep up with demand on jewellery and finally, the Ebay bead shop is beginning to come back to life!
Yeah!

busy weekend

2008-06-23T09:14:00.002+01:00

Well, we've just had a really busy weekend.
Today, I have to shower, get Ebay parcels done, go to the doctor, order some furniture online, make 2 bracelets and a necklace for orders and then make a matching watch and necklace. And if I've got anytime after that (yeah, right!) I really should put the last two tiles (sink splashback) up in the bathroom.
Oh well, times a'wasting, off for my shower.

getting photos done

2008-06-21T19:50:00.002+01:00

Slowly but surely, keep an eye on my website cos it's going to be soon that the first items are available for buying direct from my very own online shop!
How exciting!
But I have to actually get on and do it rather than blog about it.
My buddy Mark came over on Wednesday and took some shots of a few necklaces and earrings for me. I'm hoping to get them published on site over the next few days, and then follow up with some more as I get them.
That's the plan anyway, Dog knows how it will actually pan out. LOL.

YIKES!

2008-06-17T08:44:00.002+01:00

Wow, I really didn't realise it had been soooooo long!
I think the bolo tie shenanigans just drained me! Anyway, it has gone off now to it's new home, thank Dog.
I've been really busy with jewellery making recently. I now have 3 farmers markets to do every month and 3 shops to keep stocked so I'm really chuffed with that. If I could just find time to take some (decent) photos for my website I would be sooperdooper happy!
Today I've got one ordered necklace to make, some ebay parcels to post and the bathroom to continue painting, 2nd coat of gloss and then the first coat of some 'features', and I wouldn't mind getting out into the garden (if you could call it that). On top of all that if the sun comes out I really should be taking some photos.
Then I could actually post some photos here. Wow, that would be a novelty!

Bolo Tie Revisited

2008-05-02T08:28:00.003+01:00

So I took the tie in for the customer to see.
Oh, that's nice. not at all how I imagined it, she says. WTF! You asked for a long thin diamond - that's what I've done!
But engraving won't stand out on that, she says.
Well, you said you wanted it engraved, but it's up to you, says I.
That's not what I meant, she says. WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Am I supposed to be a mind reader now?
She keeps Umming and Ahhing and I'm saying nothing cos I'm bloody fuming. She wants something on top of the diamond, with his initials that will stick out. More umming and Ahhing and I'm just getting ready to say, well, it looks like you've defeated me, you'll have to find someone else to do it.
When BRIAN saunters over to try to act as ACAS and come up with a resolution. How about a big red stone in the middle and engrave either side of it? (Ruby is the birthstone in question) So the customer thinks that's a great idea and I'm shooting BRIAN evils over the counter!
So now I've got to go away and waste even more time on it because I don't think it matters what I do she won't be happy and she certainly doesn't want to pay a fair price for the finished article anyway. Of course, BRIAN thinks he's done me a favour.
Her bloody husband even had the cheek to say 'Well, you've got plenty of time on your hands' WTF!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I just about leapt the counter to throttle him! Instead I just shot back, 'who does?'

tumbling

2008-04-30T14:45:00.001+01:00

Have managed to get hundreds of copper and sterling silver jump rings and a fair few pair of earwires made and into the tumbler. There they will stay for the next couple of hours, then I can make up more kits for the Farmers Market this weekend:-)

can't sleep, won't sleep

2008-04-30T04:50:00.002+01:00

Well, after tossing and turning in bed for an hour I have decided to get up. I've made myself a cup of Earl Grey and feel like if I'm going to be up at this time I really should be doing something constructive but I'm rather at a loss as to what.
The birds are beginning to start their dawn chorus and my cats are beginning to show signs of restlessness so it ain't really conducive. Taking photos would be good only I prefer to do that with some natural sunlight, and since it's still dark outside I guess that's off the list!

Bolo Tie

2008-04-29T21:06:00.003+01:00

I was asked a while ago if I could create 'one of those things that country and western singers wear round their necks'! Well after some research I found they were called Bolo Ties. I had to order the findings from America and work with aluminium sheet, which I'm not overly familiar with but tonight I have finished it. I am meeting the customer on Thursday so I hope she likes it as I really don't have time to make any changes to it. She wants it engraved which I told her I can't do, and have suggested she takes it to the local pet shop - hope she's happy with that also!

Trying to decide where to start

2008-04-28T10:43:00.002+01:00

I have so many things on my 'to do' list it's difficult to know where to start.
Ebay parcels are done, I have a box of mail from the past week that needs sorting through so I think I will make a start on that. Then I'll probably have to decide between tiling in the kitchen and listing more stuff on Ebay (specially since I have a box full of 3mm organza ribbon which needs photoing and listing also, all lovely new colours).
Just got to get on with it, I suppose!

Dundee Craft Fair in the Marryat Hall

2008-04-27T10:03:00.002+01:00

I'm getting ready to go to the Marryat Hall Craft Fair in Dundee today. I'm not displaying my work, I am on the raffle stall instead. I think it will be a good chance to catch up with all my lovely crafting buddies. And I might even partake of a little retail therapy myself!

Has it really been that long?

2008-04-26T13:25:00.002+01:00

I have to stop starting posts in this way. LOL. I really can't believe it has been so long since I posted!
The House of Dun shop has been very busy, I've been selling lots of chain maille which is good because I like making it and I feel that it's more 'artsy' than some of my glass pendants on suede thong which seemed to sell really well last year. Also I am now signed up for 3 Farmers Markets every month, Montrose 1st Saturday, Forfar 2nd Saturday and Brechin last Saturday. All of this is keeping me really busy. I've created some earring kits for the Markets (not allowed to sell kits at craft fairs or the House of Dun, even if they are my own). just byzantine weave in coloured aluminium for now. But I have a LOAD of copper and Sterling wire in for making my own jump rings, once they are made and tumbled I can make more kits, earrings and bracelets.

What happened there then?

2008-03-17T13:38:00.003Z

The last few weeks have been a complete blur. Today was the day I was supposed to be getting back to normal, but it just feels like I have an ever increasing 'to do' list. I am slowly working through it though.
I had a couple of bureaucratic phone calls today which just made me mad. One to pay a bill (which isn't due to be paid til 29th March) which the company had written to me twice about and they had phoned my husband to remind him I had to pay it also. When I phoned them, they asked loads of security questions to make sure it was me!!!!!!!!!! That got me going for starters.
Then I phoned SSE Power Distribution. We have asked them to increase the power supply to our house so we can have a decent electric shower. So they sent us a bill for the cost of the works, it is full of jargon and they have never been to the house to actually see what is needed. They won't even talk to us until this bill is paid and there are a lot of clauses about how they can charge us extra if they see fit. So I thought I'd better phone to get a couple of things clarified before sending off the cheque, after all they have given the full name and direct number of a contact for just these questions. Good job I did. Turns out the work they have quoted for is not the work I had asked for! Both electricians I have asked for advice think the cables between the outside and my meter are too small and old looking. I would have thought that if the supply to the house is increased then the cabling must be made to comply with building regs also. Well, apparently not. Barbara Colquhoun (my contact at SSE) who has never set foot inside my house, says my cables are fine - there is nothing wrong with them, they have managed just fine up until now. And if that doesn't answer my questions and I'm still confused then I should go and speak to my electrician! How's that for customer service? Should I send the bill from my electrician to Barbara at SSE who just can't be arsed to her own job properly? No, I suspect not.
I can feel a letter of complaint coming on.
Too often companies rely on our complacency to rip us off and give bad service, well I think I feel the need to stop being a party to that little game.
The other company who have excelled at this recently are Direct Line who gave us a renewal quote for our home contents and buildings insurance for £900!!!!!!!!!!!!
When we phoned to tell them Tesco had quoted us £178 they said 'actually we underwrite Tesco so we can match that quote'. Thanks but no thanks!

Grrrr, it makes me so mad!

Phew!

2008-02-25T15:32:00.002Z

Well thank God that's over with (at least until August!)
It was a busy and long day with takings down on last year but at least things were far more civilised!
Today I have been playing catch up with a few jobs which should have been done before (aren't I always?)
And I have learned that a have a couple of secret blog readers! Go on, don't be shy, introduce yourselves! LOL!!!!!

Bead Fair Mayhem

2008-02-22T09:40:00.002Z

Another day staying at home counting beads, and findings.
Hope I sell some at the bloody fair!
Have to nip out to get change for a float from the bank, but apart from that it's count, count, count. Thank Gawd I don't do anymore of these fairs - I don't think I could cope. Can't wait til it's all over.
OH is off next week so we plan on doing loads of decorating etc, but I'm also going to try and persuade that a trip to Ikea would be a good thing. Which of course it would.

counting beads

2008-02-20T09:01:00.002Z

Seems like every time I post here I moan about how busy I am!
Today, before going out for lunch with a girlfriend I have to count more beads for the Bead Fair, which is now looming with horrific nearness. Then I have to try and find somewhere that has a reasonable selection of bathroom wallpaper so I can buy some. Nowhere seems to have what I need/want.
With all the hassles that we are having in the bathroom and kitchen the plumber was just a honey last night - he just sounded so reassuring, saying things like, 'don't worry, we'll get round it, nothings impossible.' Bless him, I am so grateful to him, he really is worth his weight in gold. Just hope is bill isn't quite that high at the end!

Busy, busy, busy

2008-02-15T10:08:00.002Z

I can't remember having a busier week in recent years!
I have hardly had time to sit down, literally!
But the kitchen is coming on and we now have a new bath and basin in the bathroom. Another busy weekend should see all the major stuff renewed and functioning and then it's just decorating to finish. Just, she says!
Also I have to start counting and bagging for the baed fair and I'm also waiting on 2 massive orders coming in so will have to deal with them when they get here.
And I may have signed myselk up for regular monthly fairs if that comes off - so I'll actually have to start making some jewellery!
Ugh, it's too scary to think of. I thought I would get less busy once the bathroom and kitchen were completed but it looks like it's just going to continue at this pace until I die! Which might now be sooner than I had planned, lol.
Oh well, got to get on, shouldn't really be sitting here - got stuff to do.

oh me oh my

2008-02-13T00:28:00.000Z

What the hell am I doing sitting at the PC this late?
Waiting for the bread that just came out of the breadmaker to cool down that's what!
Oh and playing online Bingo! FGS!
My house is in complete mayhem - got no water in the litchen and the bath is nearly destroyed but you gotta unbuild stuff in order to renew it so hopefully by the 6th March I'll have a lovely new kitchen and a stunning new bathroom. That's the plan anyway!

Home all day today

2008-02-08T09:31:00.001Z

Well I have a nice day ahead of me where I only need to take the dogs for a walk so I can be really productive round the house.
I have loads of findings to count and bag.
I could also do the weekends chores to save doing them this weekend.
I could strip the bathroom of all its tiles and wallpaper ready for the new bath suite going in next week.
I could prepare for doing the tiled splashback in the kitchen (though this involves a trip to Focus and I can't be ars*d).
I would like to get another 50 items listed on Ebay - but this may involve taking photos and the light isn't too good here today.
I could also create some space in the kitchen ready for the next lot of units going in over the weekend.
I could measure the kitchen and go and order the Vinyl we've decided we like.
Plenty to keep me going, just got to decide where to start!

k is for nackered

2008-02-07T15:44:00.000Z

Well I got a load of findings through today - got to count and bag them ready for the bead fair which is 2 weeks on Sunday. Yikes!
And I'm currently removing everything movable from the second half of the kitchen, which is to be worked on this weekend.
I'm pooped!

better late than never!

2008-02-05T20:18:00.000Z

Was helping out a friend this morning and got behind on my beady/jewellery work. I haven't done anything related to self-employment today but I did spend hours boggling at mortgage info, since I have to remortgage.
C and L came and picked up there cats who we have been looking after aswell - they just left and our poor dogs still haven't been out for their walk yet!

Groundhog Day...

2008-02-04T10:30:00.000Z

Came and went without repeating itself.
This weekend we finished the half of the kitchen that we started months ago. Yippee! Just got the other half to go now.
Ebay have announced some changes that I think will be of benefit to me - thank God - I was beginning to wonder if there was any point in continuing. In ten days time I have the Bead Show in Perth, and I really need to get my stock organised for it.
And I am turning into a big fat monster so I better start dieting as I have a friends wedding on May 10th and I want to be a size 12 for it.
Better go now and do some proper work.

February already!

2008-02-01T14:04:00.000Z

Well, I've done all my weekly chores this morning so I won't have to do anything too strenuous over the weekend.
I've got to list some stuff on EBay and wrap up some Ebay parcels, then I should probably just start counting beads for the Bead Fair, it's only 3 weeks on Sunday.
I eventually got the poly clay out last night. What I wanted to try didn't work the way I thought it would, when does it ever? But I got some nice beads anyway and learnt a lesson; I just can't get translucent Fimo to be translucent! I did however get some nice crackled foil effects.

at a bit of a loss...

2008-01-31T13:35:00.000Z

Well, I just don't know where to start today! I got my Ebay parcels done, did a few chores in the house, it's snowing on and off so that is putting me off walking the dogs, and now I just don't know where to go on my list of 'things to do'.
I still have minutes to deal with but what I want to do is play with some ploymer clay. I have an idea for a bangle and want to see if it will work but that seems so frivolous when there are proper 'need to do' jobs. Ho Hum.
Think I'll have a cup of tea and think about it!

Aah, joyous bliss!

2008-01-30T11:42:00.000Z

Well I got my tax return done last night with no hitches or glitches, thank goodness!

And just got interrupted to sign for a delivery of pearls which I ordered on Friday! Fantastic delivery times! And they all look great. And the sun is shining. Today is officially a good day.
I have the minutes of 2 meetings to write up and then I am going to take my dogs for a big walk on the hill. They deserve it. I have been ignoring them for a few days now and taking them for walks at the loch (not so interesting for a dog) in the dark. Between trying to get tax returns finished and the exhaust falling off the car on Sunday, they have had a pretty boring couple of days.
Anyway, will sign off to get on with the rest of my beautiful day!

I must not lose my P60...

2008-01-29T15:22:00.000Z

Having spent the entire morning and half the afternoon looking for last years P60 I was nearly in tears when inspiration hit and I looked in an old school bag. BINGO!!!!!!
So now I have all the info I need to submit my tax return. Last night the submission took about 1 minute. I hope it's just as efficient today.
The tomorrow I guess I get my life back but I can't even remember half the stuff Ive been putting off until 'after the tax return'. There's going to be a huge list to write later today and then just going to have to start ticking off the jobs tomorrow.

Slow and steady

2008-01-28T19:49:00.000Z

Certainly I am beginning to feel like a tortoise!
But I have submitted my OHs tax return tonight. I am so pleased. Got to be more organised for next year though.
I'm sure I say that every year, just like Christmas!
Tomorrow is my personal D-Day for submitting my own tax return. I did it on the 29th last year aswell.

The best-laid schemes o' mice an' men gang aft agley

2008-01-25T10:05:00.000Z

Here is a random photo of harmony in our house, enjoy!

Happy Burns Day to You All!

Well yesterday was a complete wash-out as far as accounting was concerned!
I got some done but I've still got lots leftover to do today and although it's only been a day I can really feel that deadline fast approaching and the nightmare scenario of HMRC website lockdown when I'm trying to submit looming large! Curses, what a fool I am!
However, on a brighter note I did get my kitchen worktops cut yesterday. One of our friends phoned in the morning to say he might be round later, so I asked him to bring his circular saw and, bless him, he did oblige. So they need to have the ends glued onto them and screwed into place, and there's one small stretch of kickboard to fit, and OH's uncle coming tomorrow to wire in the chimney hood. Then that side of the kitchen will be complete! Wowee, that took a while!
The we need to start on the other side. Which really shouldn't take as long. I hope.

Suppose I better sign off now and get back to the figures.

Self-assessment 2!

2008-01-24T09:33:00.000Z

Oh yeah and look what I remembered to download yesterday... cool...

Dagnammit! When will I learn? Doing year old accounts so that I can fill out my tax return doesn't help anyone except the taxman!

I think though that another steady day at it should see me filing my returns tomorrow, or maybe in the middle of the night to avoid overload on the website! I have to wait in for a delivery of my new chimney hood for my new cooker today anyway. Even if it comes early (like the bath suite did yesterday!) the only other thing I have to do today is take the dogs for a walk. So it's sums, sums, sums all the way from here for me! Ah joy!

The cooker and hood are getting wired in on Saturday morning, then the only thing that needs doing (on that side of the kitchen) is the worktop! Don't know who we're going to ask to do that though. Sneakily we are planning to go to the pub on Friday afternoon to 'bump into' a neighbour of ours, who is a plumber, to see if he wants the job of fitting the new bath suite. It all seems to be coming together now, after such a long time.

Once the tax is done, I've got to organise a new mortgage, and swap gas and electric provider - or at least check I'm still with the competitive ones. That'll be a trip to Martyn Lewis' website.

Self-assessment

2008-01-23T09:45:00.000Z

I was at a tax course on Monday morning - self-assessment for the self-employed. I should have realised that because I have been filling out tax returns for 3 or 4 years now the course was probably going to be a bit basic. Well, the course was actually not too bad but the other people on it! Oh my God!!!!!! How scary were they? The course leader would say "the deadline for tax payments is the 31st January" and the next question from the floor would be "so when do we have to pay our tax by?" It was unbelievable!
Then I met a friend for lunch, which was nice.
On Tuesday I went and helped a friend with some work.
Today I'm waiting in for a delivery of my new bathroom suite so I'm going to get productive since I'm stuck in the house all day (potentially). First and foremost the dreaded tax reurns actually need filling out so I better get on with the accounts!

Bit the bullet

2008-01-18T09:53:00.000Z

Well, I did order stuff after all. But since I have the Bead Fair coming up I managed to justify it that way.
Today, I need to get some new stuff listed on Ebay. I'm sure I even have the photos taken it's just a matter of getting the descriptions filled out etc, etc, etc. I even have some stock that I don't have photos of, maybe I could get really caught up if I put my mind to it.
Of course, there are always the kitchen wall units needing to be hung if/when I get bored! I had wanted to do that this weekend but the Husky racing is at Aviemore this weekend and I think we are going there on SUnday so that leaves us today and tomorrow to get units up. I'm sure K will come up with some excuse why we don't have time to do it, so I figure if I do it today while he's at work (and I've got a million and one other things I SHOULD be doing) then at least it's done.
Roll on my tax course next Monday morning - should be fun!

2008-01-17T11:52:00.000Z

What a wet and miserable day it is today - rain, rain, rain.

I am still struggling to make Ebay financially viable. There are two thoughts that play on my mind and I switch between them constantly, should I throw more money at it in the hope that it will work, or do I cut my losses and run?
Currently, I am doing the former, which is scary. But the Big Scottish Bead Fair is coming up in February so that should help. both money-wise and profile-wise. Got to go order some more beads though! Well, what I should really be doing is sorting through the beads that I already have. Some of them have never been on Ebay, never been used in any jewellery, and never been bagged or tagged. Shame on me!

Entrepreneurial New Year!

2008-01-10T10:26:00.000Z

Here's a photo of yesterdays walk with the dogs;

Well I can't believe Christmas has come and gone (again!).

Having been turfed out of my old part-time job for no good reason I am now officially full-time self-employed! Scary though that is financially, it means I now have no good reason to be miserable and I'm enjoying every moment of self-earned freedom. However, I do actually have to make some money, so I guess I actually have to do some work. I suppose selling beads will be my bread-and-butter income and selling jewellery will be the cream and sugar. Having said that, so far jewellery is going a lot better than beads but I think in the long term it will be the other way around.

I have a stack of bills and post to sort out this morning and then I have to start on last years tax returns (both mine and my hubbys).

Then I need to take the dogs out and get on with listing more beads on Ebay.

Right now though, I've got to remove a cat from my knee so I can go and get more coal before the fire goes out. It's pretty cold and miserable here today.

Tuesday night in the library...

2007-11-13T19:33:00.000Z

Well, I'm sitting at work now. All the students are fairly quiet. Must be close to assignment deadlines for them or something. lol.
I made myself a lovely bracelet last night. My first decent attempt at wirewrapping and I'm really pleased with the result. It's not anything really complex but I worked it all out for myself and that makes it more pleasing.
I'm in a bit of a quandary just now. I have a habit of deciding I want to try something new (jewellery-wise) which is fine of course, but then I NEED to buy more stuff in order to try it! My stock room is becoming seriously overrun. I think it's a good thing to learn new techniques but I can never do it 'on the cheap' I've got to have all the gadgets to go with it. SO now I have another shopping list of things and bits and bobs that I want (NEED!) but I would rather get them all from the same place. And then I give myself a headache running from one website to the next trying to make sure that I'm getting the best deal and the most items ticked off my list!
I'm probably not the nly one like this, I hope.
Yesterday, I had planned to take some photos as the sunshine was lovely and I want to put some photos on here and get my website updated with products for sale. But I got home, had some lunch, dealt with some ebay parcels, and then my father-in-law phoned needing help with his phone. So I ended up going up there. By the time I got back it was nearly dark! BUT I'm off all day tomorrow and Thursday, so in between cleaning the house. I really, really must get some photos taken.
That's my target for this week. I'm going to Rome next week so I really need to start getting organised for that. Can't wait! So excited!
Off for some paracetamol. LOL.

Oooops! I've let myself slip...

2007-11-09T15:10:00.000Z

Well after the initial honeymoon period looks like I let my blog become neglected! I can't believe it has been so long since my last entry.
Anyway, my old friend cried off on me, so reports on that meeting will have to wait until next time he is in Dundee, or I am in Glasgow.
I've been so busy over the last couple of weeks it's not real! How do folk cope with kids and full-time jobs? My pets keep forcing me to the vets, and craft fairs and restocking seem to be taking up an awful lot of time in between putting my new kitchen together and working part-time!!!
Ahh, the joys!
Anyway, I'm going to update my links list with lots of funky blogs and jewellery websites so please check them out;-)

Excited but a little bit nervous...

2007-10-30T15:13:00.001Z

I am meeting an old friend for the first time in about 15 years tonight. It's going to be weird I think. But I am certainly looking forward to it.

On a jewellery note, I made a couple of nice (well, I like them) necklaces last night. They are a similar style but different colours and slightly different beads. It seemed like it had been ages since I was creative at all and though it was difficult to start, I enjoyed it once I got going. The only problem being that now my living room is covered in boxes of beads!
I am always interested in the different ways people come up with finished pieces. Some people seem to see the end objective in their minds eye, and some make it up as they go along. I think I fall somewhere inbetween. I usually start with a bead or pendant that I have a desire to use. Then I'll think about the various ways of utilising it in a design. Next I'll try out a few things to see what beads and/or colours will work best. Then I make it up in a temporary way, check that i still like it and that the length is right, etc, etc. Then I spend ages choosing a clasp, and eventually I finish it. Then starts the pricing deliberations... But that's for another day.

If you're interested I'll be at the Blairgowrie 3 day craft event in the Town Hall on the 1st, 2nd and 3rd November. And also at Forbes of Kingennie Craft Fair on 3rd and 4th November, which will culminate with a Fireworks display. (Grrr - I'm not a fan because of the stress it causes all my animals, but if you like that kind of thing then pop along).
Cheery-bye

Why can't we have an extra hour every weekend?

2007-10-29T09:38:00.000Z

I really noticed the extra hour this weekend. Not that it made any real difference since I still didn't get everything done that I wanted to get done! However, we made some progress with the kitchen and I got some polymer beads baked which I have been making and storing over the last few weeks. Now I've got a big stash that need finishing - then I can play with them - YUM!
Also, I had quite a successful jewellery party on Saturday night so now I have to make more pretty things before Wednesday which is when I have to set up my next craft fair! YIKES!
Still, I made a start last night by making some simple glass pendants.
The other thing of note from this weekend was the fireworks going off and terrifying our dogs. Grrrr. I think they will really suffer next weekend when the firewirks really start banging!
Bye for now xx

Where does all the time go?

2007-10-26T14:14:00.000+01:00

Well I'm just not very good at keeping up with the blogging malarkey, am I?
I do try, honest. I have been trying to make my website in the last few days, so you may notice some changes to it whenever you visit. Also, I have been busy with the Angus Crafts Association. I'm the Secretary and we seem to be coming up with lots of good ideas for new ways to promote our crafts. This is great obviously but of course it means that there is a lot of extra work involved for the committee.
I haven't made any new jewellery for ages now, but I do keep playing with my polymer clay and making lots of new beads. I've booked my space at next years Scottish Bead Fair in February and I would really like to be selling my own handmade beads but perhaps that is a little ambitious.
I have a Jewellery fundraiser this weekend, in aid of Westmuir Toddlers Groups - hopefully the mums will buy lots of jewellery for Christmas presents!
The other job for this weekend is to finish fitting the wall units and the cabinet doors in the kitchen. My new cooker is currently plonked in the middle of the kitchen floor - I wan't to get it 'plumbed' in so I can use it, but not til the cabinets and worktops are all fitted and finished.
Going to sign off now, I have to go and create a Newsletter for the Angus Crafts Asociation.

Cheery-bye

Yet another entry

2007-10-15T11:42:00.000+01:00

Well, we spent the weekend trying to build our new kitchen! We're getting there, but slowly. Mum's coming over on Wednesday and the house is a complete higgledy-piggledy mess! Got to spend this afternoon and evening trying to move everything that I dumped onto our spare bed and make room for it elsewhere.
Apparently, "a place for everything, and everything in it's place" is my new motto.

First Post

2007-10-12T15:46:00.000+01:00

Well, this is my first time here.
Thought I'd better catch up with the technology revolution and start getting an internet presence. So here it is.
Hope you like it all.