Life Updates

Well things have been rough lately. My grandmother passed away last week and although my family isn't very close, it was still pretty hard to deal with. I do have fond memories though and am focusing on those. I am discovering that I remember odd things like the scent of her jewellery box. Good memories though, and they make the situation easier.
Work has been insanely busy. I really am looking forward to the end of this current fundraising campaign we are doing. I am exhausted!
At least I am ready for Christmas though. Presents bought and wrapped. It is a real relief to be done with that early!
This past weekend I finally got down to some jewellery making which is an area I have been neglecting for weeks. It was fun and felt awesome to do! I am going to spend the day in my studio on the 27th

Absolutely Fab Shop!

If you are a fan of handmade (which I hope you are!) then I hope you will check out this shop. It contains some of the loveliest accesories I have ever seen. This is a lot coming from an accessory-holic and designer like me!
I just ordered some pretty things for my hair (a gift to myself) and the seller, Kate, was great in communicating and shipped quickly. It was such a nice treat to come home today from a not-so great day at work to a lovely package. The items themselves were gorgeous (and reasonably priced) and even the presentation was beautiful. Such a nice treat!
So, if you are looking for a nice little gift for someone or for yourself check out Katescottage2 on Etsy. You won't be disappointed!

Vintage Baby!

So, my little creative brain has been cooking up ideas to incorporate vintage buttons into my jewellery designs. I have recently realized my love of vintage buttons and think they are so pretty that they should be worn. Here is a picture of my first ever piece that has some of my gorgeous buttons in it:


It is made with micro-faceted black onyx and two fabulous buttons. The focal one is metal and has a little degree of twinkle! The button at the clasp is vintage black plastic and rhinestone. I just love it!

Just In Time For Christmas

This Saturday I will be doing the Just In Time For Christmas Craft Show in Brampton with my sister. I did this show once before and it wasn't crazy busy but it was fun. Right now I could use some fun! It runs from 10 to 4 and they supply the chairs and table which is nice.
I did also manage to score a great deal on what they call a "hand truck" which will allow me to bring all of my equipment in on this rolling cart all in one trip! Better still, it was $50 off. A great deal.
I am a little sad today. It is the funeral day for a friend's dad. I really liked this guy and am sad that he is gone so soon.
I am also a bit emotional about everything else for no apparant reason. I think I need to find a way to make peace in my life about things that are up in the air but just when I think I am ready something will take place that knocks me back on my butt. I guess that is just life!
I am having some awesome jewellery ideas though and will find some time maybe tonight to make something new.
I am having vivid ideas for colour combinations and styling that is new for me. I also got some new supplies in that I am dying to use!

Making Changes

I feel a bit more in control of things again. I guess that is how life goes. A series of peaks and valleys of being on my game and then doubting what I am doing.
Work is as busy as can be and it is taking a toll on my business for sure. I am getting my Christmas orders done but not much else. I have been neglecting my internet locations for selling but will get back on track in the next few weeks.
I made some changes with my brick and mortar locations though. I had stock at both Periwinkle locations and the Purple Thumb all in Toronto. I have decided to down-size to just one of the three shops and that will be the Bloor West location of Periwinkle. The Forest Hill shop is quite high in rent and there was a suggestion made that I should bump my prices to take that into consideration and because that particular demographic can handle it. I don't want to get into that though as I just feel it is the wrong thing to do. My prices are my prices. It is not right to charge $20 more for something in one spot and have the same item advertised elsewhere for less. That being said, I don't want to keep losing a wack of stock every month just to cover rent. My experience with the Purple Thumb on the other hand has just been pretty bad. I have been having an issue for the past few months in regards to getting sales reports and getting paid. I decided to end my contract immediately and was relieved to have my stock returned promptly.
On a positive front, I am upsizing my place at Periwinkle on Bloor. I am going from a shelf to a prime location table. The rent will be higher but the exposure much greater and more space too.
I am feeling good about these decisions and feel like I will be off to a great start in 2011.

Overwhelmed

I have so much going on with work right now that I feel completely overhwlemed. I think it is all in my lack of ability to say no. I get working on something and vow that it will not over take my life but then I get sucked in like a big old vacuum! It has happened again. I have several balls up in the air with my day job and hoping I can keep juggling until the end of December. The truth is though, I am nervous and stressed and even losing sleep.
I would love a mindless, easy job right now. really, I would.
On the bright side, I am nearly done my Christmas shopping (mainly because I did it in two big blitz's!). I have three more small things to get and it is DONE! I think i will award my husband with the fabulous (not) task of wrapping the gifts. He really got off the hook on the shopping and truthfully, he wraps better than I do.

Changes for the Better

People are so scared of change. I can kind of relate. When I am really happy or comfortable with how things are going and then someone comes in and announces change, it makes me uncomfortable. Usually, when the change actually happens though, it ends up being a good thing.
Right now I am making some changes and because they are my own choices, I look forward to them and I certainly hope for good things.
On a small scale, I have made changes to how I am taking pictures of my work (yet again). It's no secret that I am not great at photography. It is such an important elemnt to selling online and I just know that it is negatively impacting my sales. So, I am upping my game a bit and trying minor props. I found some really cool antique books and have started using those in the pics. I am liking it so far! I think I need to look into a lightbox too. If I was handy I would make one but I am not that sort of person so I need to try and buy one.
A bigger change is that I have found a horse to ride after being out of the saddle nearly two years (having a baby then breaking my knee). I miss riding but am scared that my knee won't hold up. If this horse is suitable it will be nice. I will pay to ride him one day a week which will be perfect for a bit of exercise, a bit of enotional bliss and feeding my love for horses at the same time.
It will be at a completely new barn where I won't know anyone but it looks like a nice place and the barn owner seems pretty cool. It is also a pretty snazzy barn which is a great bonus. I really hope it works out. It has been a while since I have done something just for me. This will be a definite change for the better.

Imagination Station

Man I have so many ideas for jewellery running through my head...it is crazy! I really want to take things to a whole new level but need the supplies and time to get there! I have it all worked out in my head though. I only hope I can make it happen!
I also have this rotten cold right now. I have been sort of battling this cough for over a month and now my nose will not stop running. Probably a few good days of medication, sleep and down time would do me the world of good but unfortunately that is not in the cards until well after Christmas. Work is just too busy and I am working on a list of jewellery orders for Christmas as well.
Anyway, just a quick post to prevent me from exploding over these wicked designs that are rattling around in my head!

What happened to the weekend??

It came and went so quickly! I woke up this morning and could not believe it was already time to go back to work!
Who thought of this crazy 40 plus hour 5 day work week anyway?
So saturday was fun! I went to the Royal Winter Fair which is something I love to do every year. It did not disappoint and I managed to do some Christmas Shopping as well.
I bought myself a lil something somthin too. A lovely woven and colourful basket from Nepal. I just adore it! And it was only $40!
Sunday came and went in a blur without much to report.
Today I had some fresh new ideas for jewellery though and while they won"t surface for a while I am sure they will be great!

Craftstock!

So I am proud to report that I did my first craft show completely solo and it went well! I bought everything needed for my booth and actually now I feel super-organized. I implemented a few new things like a sign up sheet for a newsletter and a few other small things that will help in my quest for promoting my work more. I also bought a little cart to help me in with all of my stuff as this was one fo the things I had anxiety over.
So I left my house bright and early Saturday morning with a tank full of gas and a hot coffee. Things were going fine until I ran into major traffic on the highway. They had it down to one lane for several miles and it was a total bottleneck! Luckily I had left early but it still made me feel really squeezed for time. When I got to the show (surprisingly without getting lost) there were helpers everywhere! They assisted by helping me bring my things in and finding my booth.
I liked the lay out of the show and really loved that tables and chairs were included!
So I got my booth set up just in time and was fortunate enough to have nice vendors on either side of me. As always, there were loads of jewellery booths there and a few bitchy vendors but all in all it was positive. Sales were pretty good and customers were lovely. I will do this show again next year.
What I really took out of this whole experience was a realization that I really can do this by myself and actully how much better it will be. There was less stress for sure and I would never have guessed that. It was positive and nice.
So, I talked a lot of smack about my booth and while I didn't get to spend the time on it that I had wanted to, I did snap a picture and I think it looks pretty cute. I got lots of compliments from customers, the show promoters and even a few other vendors which made me feel good.

Of course you will see that Mimi and Lola were on either side of the table, my new neck displays were along the back and I had two white plates. One had Piper Shaw necklaces, the other had finer charm type necklaces for adults. I had two of the tiered pastry displays. One had earrings and one had hair accessories. I also had two raised cake plates that both had bracelets. The look was finished with two sweet little jewelled mirrors and cute signage. I was pleased with it but am already thinking of ways to make it look better!

Lots going on!

There is a lot to talk about today. In an effort to not ramble on endlessly I will try to keep it short and sweet.
First of all, it has been one year and three days since I brought Piper home from the hospital! It has been an amazing year with her and she is so wonderful! She spent 7 months in the hospital, often fighting for her life and now she is home and she has a great outlook on things even at such a young age. This morning our daycare provider (who has been in the business for over 20 years) told me that Piper is the funniest and sharpest baby she has ever met! What a compliment :)
In other news, work is so crazy busy I could scream. I definitely feel overwhelmed. I have to keep reminding myself that I am one person and I do the best that I can. I keep asking for help but my requests seem to fall on deaf ears. Once again, I am one person....
I have my first solo jewellery show tomorrow. I am excited but at the same time I have low expectations. It was not much in the way of rent and I was able to get in sort of last minute which isn't really a great sign. In any event, I have put lots of work into making sure my booth will look good and I have a fair amount of stock so let's hope it goes well. I feel slightly frazzled as I have to finish packing tonight and I always have anxiety that I won't be ready.
Wish me luck though...

State of Unrest

I am feeling uneasy. There are little things that are wrong but nothing really big. I guess I'm just feel like changes are going to happen and while I am excited at the prospect I feel uneasy because I just wish I had a better plan of action. I have only recently become this way. My previous nature was pretty laid back and sort of "go with the flow" but lately I am feeling more of a need to gain control and map things out.
I think a lot of my anxiety is based around work right now. There is just so much on my plate and the thought of failing is kind of sickening. Maybe it is time to ask for help!
Business is good though. I have another show booked for December 4th which is great.
I am looking forward to doing the shows and I feel excited about how my booth will look.
I have had some Christmas orders come in which is nice.
I am day dreaming a lot about a vacation. We are going away for sure this winter and I am really looking forward to it. I think Piper will love it!

Sunday Bliss

Yesterday (Sunday) was blissful. I did something that I haven't done in years and that was chill out in bed for most of the day and watch the Slice channel.
I have been having this crazy back spasm for like a week now. It is like a secret ninja in the you never know when it is going to pop up on you. Back spasms are new for me and I have to tell you, they hurt! So yesterday I was having mild ones here and there and I decided to take it easy on myself and hang out in bed.
It was great! I loved having a day of nothingness. Apart from getting groceries in the morning I never the left the house. We even ordered in (chinese food) for dinner which was perfect.
It made coming into work today all the more harder though.
I really wish I could make this jewellery business go full time. If I am going to work my buns off and get loaded with stress it may as well be to benefit me. I am thinking that I would really like to set my sights on more wholesale stuff and see where that leads. My wheels are turning in my head on how to make a go of it. Hopefully all of this hard work will pay off...

Pottery

I am a lover of pottery. I like to buy odd bits and pieces rather than a matched set of something.
Recently I came across this great shop on etsy and I really like this style. I love the sea mist items in particular!
I just thought I would do a quick post and share a great artisan with you...

Bones

I have weak bones. I will need to get a bone density test to be sure but I pretty much know the answer going in.
The reason I know is because they break so easily. This past Tuesday for instance, I stumbled while walking on uneven ground and snapped the end of my ankle bone off.
It really isn't a serious injury (despite how it sounds) and the pain is quite minimal. I am going to be back at work on Monday even.
The part that is most alarming for me is how easily the bone broke. I think that I am low in calcium and am now making a big effort to increase my daily calcium. I will go on a supplement as well.
Since February 21st I have broken my knee in four places, a toe and now this. Hopefully we will figure out the problem and fix it so I can stop breaking bones...

Oh My Gravy

I survived Thanksgiving dinner with Piper's Grandmother's. Actually it was a great dinner! Bob jumped right in and help in all aspects. He cleaned, he cooked, he served and he even helped with dishes. I am trying not to act surprised but let's just say it was not expected. It was awesome though!
The meal turned out great and everyone seemed to enjoy it. I will definitely do it more in the future.
All in all, it has been a great weekend. The perfect mix of downtime, chores and jewellery. I got lots of new things made over the last few days and I have had a few sales as well which was nice. This weekend was supposed to be a big jewellery show for me before my business partnership crumbled. I did think about that through out the weekend and was a little disappointed in how it all turned out but I know that things will be fine in the end for all involved.
I am really excited about my next show though. I have great feelings about it and I know my booth is going to kick some booty.
Piper was running a bit of a temperature all weekend. Not enough to panic about but she certainly is under the weather. She is getting a bunch of new teeth though and I have been told that this can cause a fever. If she is not better tomorrow I am going to get her checked out just to be safe.
We got a hilarious video clip of her this morning dancing along to the Doodlebops as they were on TV. So cute.

Thanksgiving Weekend

If you're Canadian you are likely as thrilled as I am for the long weekend! I am looking out my window from work right now and the weather looks great. Here's hoping it sticks around for a few days.
This weekend will be great! It will be a nice mix of family, friends, food, fun and frolic. A much needed 3 day break from work as well :)
I am actually cooking a turkey for crying out loud! This will be the second time in my life that I have done this and the first time wasn't exactly a massive success. I was horrified to realize there were "inner bits" still in it that I had to remove (hello barbecue tongs) and just the whole raw bird thing was kinda disgusting. This time I am going with the butterball already stuffed and basted turkey. It was like twice the price but should be easy enough and way less on the gross scale.
The weekend will also include watching a horse show at a fair which I love! There will be visiting and lots of jewellery making too which is awesome because I have lots of ideas in my head.
I am sooo looking forward to it.
Have a great one everyone!
Here is a sweet little number I made last night:

Taaa Daaaa

As promised days ago, here is a sampling of the new hair accessories! I am having so much fun with these. I love the colours and they just look so cheerful!
The nice part is that they are easy to do and can be sold quite cheaply. I think it is nice to have that option available to my customers who might like a little pick-me-up without having to spend a fortune.

The Future is looking bright...

time to find those shades!
Things have been a bit rocky over the past little while. A combination of many stressors but today I am feeling hopeful for the future and proud of where I am right now.
First of all, my daughter is awesome. Apart from being as cute as a button, she is so funny and so smart. She really just has this amazing personality (already) and she is so self-assured. I will do everything in my power to make sure it stays that way. My life is so much better with her in it. There is just no other way strong enough to describe it.
Work is okay. It is hectic and I am sometimes wondering if ever I will get through everything on my continually growing list but all in all, I am liking it. I have been given more responsibility which can be a good or a bad thing. I am keeping it positive and enjoying the challenge.
Things are good at home. Jasmine (my crazy old lady boxer dog) was sprayed YET AGAIN by a skunk last week. If any of you have experienced this first hand, you know that it is a nightmare to get rid of the stink. We are almost there though thanks to our friends at SKUNK OUT and Glade. We are also in the process of getting a new roof on the house.
Business is good. Sales have picked up a bit so far in October and I have been a busy bee creating a fresh start. I am soooo excited about the display idea I have come up with for upcoming shows. It is going to be so unique and so quirky...just like me! It is definitely going to mean more work the morning of a show but I think it will pay off. I am pretty sure that the awesomeness of the booth will be enough to draw crowds and then the awesomeness of my designs will drum up sales. Look at me tooting my own horn!
I have invested some bucks and am just waiting on the final touches to arrive then it will be all set for Craftstock. Not too long ago I was feeling a bit worried and depressed about my little business but now I think that the sky is the limit.
In other positive news, I went back to the gym last night. My knee held up pretty well and I feel great that I went back. Going back tomorrow.
Finally, I haven't made a lot in the way of new jewellery over the past few days but last night I came up with these little cuties:

Craftstock

I just got verification of my next craft show. It will be Craftstock in Oakville on November 6th. I am looking forward to it.
When my friendship and business partnership hit the bricks recently, so did my upcoming shows for selling my jewellery. This left me with a lot of stock and not a lot of sales prospects. I was sad and I sulked for a few days but then I got up, dusted myself off and came up with a plan. It looks like I have been able to book to Christmas Shows and a plan for 7 more next year. I will also give extra attention to the shops that sell my jewellery and of course my internet sales.
When life hands you lemons, not only do you make lemonade but you serve it up with flair and take a second to enjoy it.
I was in Toronto again today with my sister. My whole day was traffic Hell but I had lots of fun all in all. I got lots of findings which is kind of boring but I also got some lovely strands of beads that I am excited to use. I made two pieces this evening but plan on spending a significant amount of time in the studio this weekend. I'll post some pics next week!

Hair Accessories and New Beads

Life's good! I have started to make some cute and fun hair accessories (but I haven't taken pictures yet). I think they will be a great addition to my collection. They are bright colourful and will have a tiny price tag so anyone can afford a little present for themselves if they are in the mood!
I am taking my sister bead shopping tomorrow. I have a lieu day from work and I need the little break. The nice thing is that I don't need anything but have some extra cash to spend so I'll be able to treat myself to something special. I love the feeling of coming home with something new and turning it into a wicked creation.

Friendship

I am sure there are times in everyone's lives where they have been let down, hurt or lost trust in a friend. I think it is safe to say that in most of these cases time will heal but if the same feelings and similar events keep happening when is it time to pull the plug?
Saying goodbye to a friend (even if you feel that they have failed you) is a hard thing to do. It almost feels like a death in the family.
I guess it is most important to keep in mind the reasons why the relationship deteriorated and to weigh out the odds of things ever getting better. Of course this is hard to do when you have had a lot of good times together.
I guess it is like a break up where you analyze where things went wrong and who played what role in it.
In the end though, I know it's for the best. I just wish it didn't have to get ugly first.

sick

Well I am sick with a cold and I am not very productive right now. I think it's a summer cold and I have a good feeling (or a big hope) that it won't last long.
Things are okay at this end though. I have lots of ideas in mind and I am trying out some new styles with my jewellery.
I am really going to focus on getting into more shops in the new year.
Here is a piece I made on the weekend. I think it is a great combination of different but still wearable.

What do you think?
It is cold and rainy out today. I am hanging out on the couch, doing some inventory work and drinking tea. Doesn't that sound like bliss?

Rollercoaster (but not of Love)

Things have been nuts! I feel like I have been a rollercoaster that just would not stop going around and if you know me - you know I don't much care for rollercoasters!
The long and short of it is that when I went into business I opened my own independant label and I did shows, bought supplies and talked business with my long time friend. I learned a lot from her but recently we have decided to sever the business relationship. I really think it is the right decision and I really think the time has come but still I have mixed feelings. I guess in my heart of hearts I just want us both to be okay and I am sad because it also feels like the end of a friendship. I do think in time though, that things will heal.
In the mean time I have to sit down and re-evaluate where I am going with my business and work on a new business plan. I am still really excited about jewellery and I am hopeful of where things will go.

Supplies

I love shopping for jewellery supplies! And no, I did not mean that sarcastically. I truly enjoy it. I get a lot of my supplies online and while it's fun to source them and it feels a bit like Christmas when they arrive in my mailbox nothing really beats going out to the various bead shops in Toronto (or whatever city I am headed to) and seeing all the beads, getting new ideas and coming home with lots of new things! The only sad part is the paying. I guess it is better than being arrested though... :)
Today I went to Toronto to re-stock in Forest Hill and decided to get some supplies while there. Of course the "I don't really need anything" turned into about $280 but I got some wicked things! So excited to make some new creations.

Binder Twine

Yesterday was the Binder Twine Festival in Klineburg. We had a booth to sell jewellery and it was great! We were so busy and we sold lots of stuff! It was a long and exhausting day but well worth it.
The weather was perfect, the crowd was great and the sales plentiful. A great day!
This was our second year doing this show and we surpassed last year's awesome day. We'll definitely do this one year after year.
The only issue is that I am now lacking stock! Time to get making new jewellery!

Frazzled...!

Good Morning! or is it? Well it has been a rough one so far. It started out with the unfortunate showering episode where I had too much on my mind and decided to drench my hair with body wash rather than conditioner (you should have seen the foam!). Then I went to leave to take Piper Shaw to daycare and what do I find but a bunch of construction equipment completely blocking my car in. I had to wait 10 minutes until someone would move it. Finally I am heading off to get gas as I am on empty and I get tackled by construction again. 15 minutes and about 1 mile later I get to the gas station where someone scoots out and races me for the last pump (jerk). Eventually I get my gas, I get the baby out of the car, go in to pay and buy her milk for daycare and low and behold...they are out of milk. I had to stop at two more places (each time getting the baby out of her car seat and carrying her in) before I could finally get milk (what is the deal with no milk in Brantford today??). Then of course, first day of school = loads of traffic and people just doing crazy things. Like the guy driving in front of me who randomly stops his van, puts on his four ways and gets out to talk to someone in their driveway. Ahhhh Hell Nawww. I laid on the horn and made him move his arse.
So basically what is normally a 30 minute trip to daycare and then on to work was an hour and 10 minutes today making me about 1 minute late for work. And I hate being late.
Let's hope the day will turn around.
Good news is that I have a big craft show this weekend and I am pumped. I made some nice charm bracelets on Sunday and I just feel like they will sell.
Happy Tuesday all.

Hello Monday

At least I am not at work! Wooo hooo for short weeks!
So this weekend has been pretty good. I got a tattoo on Saturday and it went pretty good. I got my daughter's name across the inside of my wrist. I had prepared myself for it to be excruciating but it really wasn't that bad. More importantly, I love it!! I catch myself looking at it often.
I got some jewellery made this weekend as well (and hopefully more of it today). I made an interesting variety of pieces and I got some custom orders done too.
One of the pieces I made was this awesome Peaceful dove Necklace:

Long Weekend

So the last long weekend is upon us. I am happy and sad about that at the same time! I have had a great summer which was jam-packed with work and business but also fun. I spent lots of time visiting friends and family and I enjoyed all the fun excursions with Piper. I have to admit though, that I am ready for a break with all of the heat. It has been overwhelming this week! I am kind of looking forward to a chance to wear some cool fall clothes. With that being said, I am dreading winter. There is not a single thing I like about that season.
So last week I fell down the flippin stairs! I wacked my head so hard that my nose bled and I realigned my hurt knee and broke a toe.
I am way too clumsy.
I think I need a bungalow.

Older but no more wiser...

Tomorrow is my birthday. I won't reveal my age but let's just say 40 is coming up quick!
I treated myself and got my hair done. I needed to dye the grey out and the blue chunk which had faded miserably. I got it cut shorter in the back and longer in the front which I thought would be a nice change. I like it but I don't think my husband does. I'm not too worried about it though.
So I have been struggling emotionally lately. The same old, same old with regards to my business and my job. I would love to work for myself fulltime but not sure my business can make enough money. Sales were slow in August :(
I have also been overweight for years now and am sick of trying weight watchers etc. I am thinking about lap band surgery but it is so expensive and I am not sure I even qualify. I am trying to get some answers. My husband is not on board with it. he doesn't want me to spend my money on it and I kinda think he just thinks I am lazy which is so not the case. In any event, I am looking into it and will make the right decision for me.

Gimme A Break

Give me a break! Break me off a piece of that KitKat bar. MMM I love me some kitkats.
So I took a short break from blogging. I got a bunch of work done, made some jewellery and I even spent some time at the beach.
Don't worry though, I am back at it and will be blogging away aimlessly on a regular basis again :)

I am too clumsy for my own good.

I fell down the stairs late Friday night! Who does that? I was tired and I have a bit of a hard time with stairs ever since I broke my knee in February but I don't really know how it happened. All I know is that it hurt. I wacked my head, cut open my arm, broke a toe and "re-aligned" my already messed up knee. Let's just say, when I am going to do something I never do it half way!
In other news, I did get some jewellery done this weekend as well. Here is one of the pieces. It is a charm necklace made with a Swarovski crystal, a flip flop charm and a simulated beach glass nugget in soft aqua.

Picnik

Today I found Picnik! For those of you not already aware, Picnik is a great photo editting site. It is so simple to use and I am sure it will help me on my quest for better pistures!
The nice part is that it costs NOTHING and only takes about 15 seconds to register!
How sweet is that?
www.picnik.com for those interested. I think it is a great site

Amusing Thoughts

I will pre-warn that today's post is a bit of a grumpy-cakes post. It is all true and it kinda makes me chuckle but it is also a wee bit nasty which I am not particularly proud of. Yet, I still choose to type this out and go for it.
So what I am finding quite amusing today is, shall we call them, grammatically challenged, people on facebook who try to post deep and thoughtful status updates but they just can't quite pull them off. I am sure you know the type. The attempted insightful message usually:
1) is filled with grammar and spelling errors
2) makes not a lick of sense
3) doesn't apply in the slightest to the person who posted it
So this leads me to question a few things about myself. The first is, am I the only nasty bugger out there who likes to laugh at these ridiculous updates? Am I going to Hell for being so rotten? And finally, why do I have so many under-educated, under-read and amusing in the wrong sort of way people on my facebook?
Please tell me I am not alone!

New Jewellery

I have not had a lot of time to make jewellery and this is a little upsetting to me for a few reasons. They are:
- I have three big shows coming up between now and the end of the year and I don't have enough stock!
- I sell less when I don't have regular new items to post
- I am not getting the creative outlet I so desperately need!
I keep waiting (and waiting) for my life to slow down or my schedule to ease up but it hasn't happened yet!
In any event, I did make a few new pieces on Sunday evening. Here is one of them for you to look at:

It is a nice, long necklace made with ceramic beads, silver plate discs and quartz nuggets. I truly an happy with how this one turned out!

Sun and Sand

Another fabulous summer weekend for us! We went to Sherkston Shores and we had a great time. Piper loves the lake which is awesome because so do I!
We had a great visit with family and now we are home relaxing and doing some laundry.
I am also happy to report that I have completed my current custom jewellery orders and will ship everything first thing. I am thrilled to get orders of any type but the only issue I have with so many custom ones is that I don't have a lot of time left to just make whatever pops into my head. I am not complaining about the sales though. So far, so good this month.
In other news, I finally got my hands on an iPhone 4 for Bob. I can't believe how crazy people are about these phones. Rogers will get 5 in and 50 people will line up and wait for hours to get them. It's nuts. In any event, Bob is thrilled to have it and I think I am in the running for a wife of the week award.

Floating Houses

I first laid eyes on a floating house when I was in Victoria BC a few years ago. I was instantly attracted to them and have never forgotten about them since. I guess in my mind I have it decided that living in a floating home means being creative all day, relaxing, enjoying the water and generally a stress free lifestyle. I am sure that in reality it is nothing like that. I am sure people who live in these gorgeous little funny homes have problems just like the rest of us but for me, I would still love to live in one!
In my mind's eye, I am living here today:

Holy Emotions Batman!

I am so very emotional today and I don't know why. I woke up this morning and I felt well-rested. Before I got the baby up though I was sitting downstairs on the couch and thinking about how nice it would be to have the day off and do NOTHING. I even felt a little like I couldn't function today if I wanted to. Low and behold though, I got my act together and got on with things.
Then, while driving to the daycare I just got feeling soooo tired. I stopped at a four way stop and waited, and waited and waited. Then I realized that the stop sign was never going to turn green!
Now I am at work and am surprisingly functioning (and even putting on a happy face while doing it) but I just took a browse through my pictures of Piper (because I am missing her today like crazy) when she was in hospital and strguggling to survive and I ended up in tears in my office.
I am not normally emotional but lately I really have been. Not sure if something's wrong with me or I am just tired or what.
I would just really like to get back to normal.

Dare I say it...

I am somewhat organized for the new shops this weekend! I just have to do a few more things for the display items but apart from that I am packed, tagged and even have the inventory done for both!
It feels good:)
I even managed to make two new pieces last night. The first one is a super long glittering necklace of graduiated irredescent glass and silver discs. It measures 43 inches! It can be worn long or doubled (even tripled?) up!

The second is a simply but lovely necklace of silver circles and a crystal drop in the palest of citrine. So cute!

New Shops

As usual, another busy weekend coming up. It makes me re-visit the age old question of should I keep my full time job and continue working my butt off through most of my spare time to run the business, should I quit my full time job, learn to live with less and work the business full time or should I pack the business in (or severly scale it back), enjoy my regular steady pay and some free time on top of it all.
I would love to have the ka-ho-neys (cajones?) to take what is behind door two but I worry way too much about money for that I think. So it is door one or three and so far door one is winning. Although I have to admit that I am sick of being tired.
Anyway, this weekend involves moving into two shops. One is Inkwell in Paris Ontario and the other is the Purple Thumb in Toronto.
I am half ready for these moves and plan on finishing the prep work this evening after work.
I can breath a sigh of relief after as all I will have to do in the next three weeks is submit my PST which is overdue, catch up on my books (which is well past due as well and make new items. I definitely need more stock but the good news is that I have loads of beads and loads of ideas.

Price Tagging

I soon realized, shortly after going into business for myself, that outside of making the jewellery and sourcing great beads...I am not great! I really struggled with the photography aspect of it but now, while not perfect, I feel like that is okay.
My next big struggle is with tagging items. I make them, take their pictures, post them and then I don't tag them until right before a show when it is panic time! Then, once they are tagged the tags either look second rate or fall off immediately.
So I have been doing some investigating and taking a nosy little peak while in boutiques and shops to see what they are doing for tags. I doscovered what I think is great last week. A clothing barb that is used to afix the tag and is applied with a tagging gun. Today I ordered the gun, extra needles and the barbs. I am now in the process of ordering custom tags that I will add my price and description to and....voila! I am confident that my tags will look ridiculously fabulous.
While tackling the price tag issues I also had an inkling to investigate earring card options. I am also ordering those for my shop now! They will be on quality card stock and will be white with black chandaliers printed on them and it will look like the earrings are hanging from the chandaliers! Cute, no? My website address will be printed across the bottom.
I feel like I am well on my way to tackling the price tag issues in my life!

Skunked!

Well, the long weekend was great. Saturday we caught up with some friends we had not seen in ages (but no iPhone luck). Sunday we had a family BBQ which went well (although I had a few extra glasses of wine). Yesterday was a day of relaxation and jewellery making. So far sounding good right? Well we had a bit of a stinky situation in the wee hours of the morning.
Opal (the dog pictured below, that we refer to as the other white meat) is a little curious. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body but she also has no idea about personal space and privacy bubbles for people, or apparently for skunks. So, she was sprayed and needed the famous skunk bath at 230am and now our house really, really stinks. I actually looked forward to coming to work today to escape the smell.
Mercy me.

By the way, the other white meat also enjoys coffee. She is stealing some in this picture.

Long Weekend

Ladies MOVE, Gentlemen MOVE! Somebody ring the alarm, a fire on the Roof!

Taking you back with a little old school there! Hope you don't mind. Ha Ha!

So the long weekend is here and promises to be a great one. The weather doesn't look too bad and I have the perfect mix of family time, friend time and jewellery time! I have 7 custom orders to do this weekend and I am hoping to create a few new pieces as well. I have an idea for a four strand pearl bracelet that would be mixed with an array of different beads for funk-appeal. Kind of a Shabby Chic theme that would look rockin with a pair of jeans.

This morning we are off to see if we can get Bob the new 32gig iPhone. Bless his little tech lovin' heart he tried to get one yesterday when they were first released in canada but sold out everywhere. He tried to act non-chalant about it but I know he was crushed. I am not sure that today will be any different but who knows.

The grump has left the building...

I have turned my mood around and am no longer grumpy.
Sorry to have been so venty (although I can't promise it will never happen again).
In other news, yesterday was crazy busy but fun. Spent the day in Toronto (I still love the city). Julie and I had an office show there that was okay. Made some sales and got some custom orders so that was fine. This month has been okay for sales but not as good as last month. August won't be fabulous but it is going to be a good chance for me to make lots of new stock.
I finished moving into Periwinkle in Forest Hill. That store is looking fabulous and is just opening this week. I love the location I got, a table right by the cash desk!
I am scheduled to move into Peter Baillie's "Inkwell" on Tuesday also which is going to be great.
Apart from that, I got new business cards yesterday! they are way too cute. I got them from Moo Cards and I decided to try some "mini" cards this time around. My old cards are nice as they still look good and provide a place to write a note if needed. The new cards are great because they don't take up a lot of room and feature pictures of my actual jewellery. I will run a little "test" at my next show and see which card people reach for!
Yesterday, before leaving the city Julie and I made an unnecessary stop at a bead store we love. I am happy to report that I didn't go crazy and spend all my takings for the day. I did get a few strands of lovelies though and some boring old stuff like gift bags etc. Julie got some really wicked rough stones that are huge (as was their price tag!) and I look forward to seeing what she will do with them. I think she is going through a "style change" which is always fun.

VENTOLOGY

Pre-warning: I am feeling tired and bitchy, this post is a reflection of that. Here is what's wrong:
- I am exhausted and have so much to do that I can't relax, get a good night's sleep and get on with things
- I have an office show tomorrow and need to do a bunch of inventory stuff for a shop, it all has to get done tonight after work and it will only happen if the baby decides to sleep
- I am feeling pissed off and let down by some people with regards to Piper. They claim that she means so much to them but make no effort with her. I guess I am more disappointed for her than anything
- I am feeling used and abused by people who shouldn't make me feel this way. They are so caught up in their own lives and things going on that they seem to think I just sit on my bum all day with no obligations or issues.
I would love to just tell everyone to pee off for a week. I think it may be time to start looking out for me and my child and my husband. So-called friends and family can fend for themselves.
Vent over.
Sorry to be so negative

Well the weekend came and went in a flurry. It was a good one though, I just wish there had been some down time.
Sunday was a blast at the Toronto Island. We had perfect weather and we loved the day! Piper stayed awake the whole time. She didn't want to miss a thing!
I have to admit that so far, this has been my best summer in ages! I think it is mostly due to the fact that Piper is out of the hospital and I have a new outlook on life. I am enjoying things that I didn't do much of before, like going to the beach etc.
I did manage to make a few new pieces of jewellery but haven't had teh time to get them photographed yet. I need to make lots more for upcoming events and of course, for the opening of Periwinkle Forest Hill. I'll be back out there Wednesday filling up my space and I have a great feeling that this location will be good for business!

Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting

Okay, so I don't really intend on fighting this Saturday evening but I am an Elton John fan!
Today was busy but good. I got to the new Periwinkle location on Eglinton and moved stuff in for the grand opening, only to realize that there is more space than i had realized so I have to head back on Wednesday with more stock. May as well get full use out of my area!
I feel like I should be living in Toronto as recently I have been there more than in my hometown. Actually I would love to live in Toronto. I love the hustle and bustle. There is so much to do there and so many opportunities. I love it! Bob however, does not.
Sales have been really good this week for Blushing Pixie Jewellery. I am feeling really good about the business right now.
This evening I was working on some new pieces as well. I am half way through one necklace in particular that is turning out great.
Tomorrow we are off to the Toronto Island for some family fun. I am really looking forward to it!

Delicious Wine

Once in a while I come across something that I think is just great and i definitely want to share it with all of you!
Recently I discovered a delicious wine. It is called Banrock Station's Pink Moscato. It is from Australia, it is pretty cheap and best of all, it is soooo good! I am going to have a glass or three tonight.
If you enjoy a glass of wine but prefer sweet over dry this is for you.
Basically, if you are like me and you have the urge to add fruit juice to dry wine in order for you to drink it you'll like this one. it is the lovely ending to a busy week and no fruit juice is required!
I hope you will check it out next time you are at the liquor store.

Wednesday Already?

This week is going by very quickly indeed!
I am doing great with jewellery sales this week and have some custom orders too. I really like doing custom work. I enjoy the whole process of finding out what the customer wants, and then seeing their reaction when it is made. Cool!
I did manage to organize my kitchen and diningroom last night which makes me very happy:) It is hard for my wee house to not look cluttered just by it's sheer size. There are days I hate this house because it is so small and other days when I love it because it's mine and it is 120 years old and it's cute. I just wish it was a little bit bigger.
I am already looking forward to the weekend. On Saturday I am moving my jewellery into a new shop in the Forest Hill area of Toronto. For those of you who don't live in the area or are not familiar, Forest Hill = cha-ching! It is a well to do area and I am hoping the residents love my jewellery!
Sunday my family and I are off to the Toronto Island for the day. It has been years since I have been there and I am looking forward to it. I even love the ferry ride over! I am sure Piper will love it as well. It will be her first time on a boat.

Organization

Well I feel as though I must confess.
My house is just a cluttered mess!
I don't even know just where to start.
I need to organize soon or my sanity and I shall part.
I need to just get rid of some junk or my spirits will likely be in a funk.

Alright, so that is enough of my poorly rhyming poetry but alas, I am sure you get my drift.
I need to do some darn organizing! The problem is I hate it and don't know where to start. I have clothes to organize, baby stuff, jewellery stuff (and soon due to upcoming obligations) and just other stuff. It seems I get it sorted one week then back to square one the next.
I suppose getting off the computer and getting at it would help! Hah Hah!
Before I do that though I will leave you with this pic of the necklace I just made:

F*R*I*D*A*Y

Well it seems that Friday has stumbled upon us again and I couldn't be happier!
I woke this morning with a sale on Etsy and a few new pieces to add to my sales collection.
The sun is shining and the weather is beautiful! I hope this is a reflection of what we will see all weekend.
I was supposed to have a jam-packed weekend but some of the plans have fallen apart and actually I am happy about that. I needed some down time and some time to get caught up on book-keeping etc.
I don't have much else to say except have a great Friday everyone and keep smiling!

Where to find Blushing Pixie Jewellery

Feel free to check out my shop (on facebook, my website, zibbet or on etsy)
Fabulous hand-crafted jewellery at a great price! Totally unique and one of a kind.

Wednesday = Half way there baby!

Work is a necessary evil. I like working because I need to have a purpose to every day but it just about kills me when I have other things I need or desperately want to be doing (like, let's say making jewellery). The issue is I am too scared to let go of a steady pay cheque to chase down a dream that may or may not work. Don't get me wrong, I enjoy my job for the most part. Some days (like yesterday) I feel like it is sucking the life out of me but other days I wake up and look forward to going in. I am at the point though where I am figuring out if I can do jewellery full time or not. Leaning towards no but we'll see.
So, do you remember that Tiger Agate necklace I was half way through the other day?? Well, it is done and I love it! Here it is:

In other news, a fellow jewellery designer in the Toronto area is going to be holding a show in October and has extended the entry date. If you are an artisan living in the GTA feel free to check out the application found here. Sounds like it is going to be a great event and the fees are pretty low as well which is also nice! If I wasn't already booked into the Vineland Show I would be applying for sure!
So, today is Wednesday and we are half way to the weekend baby. Enjoy!

Akula Hope Designs

This morning's post is about a fellow jewellery designer. Her name is Carrie and her business is called Akula Hope Designs. You can visit her blog here
She is a very talented designer with an obvious eye for colour and a flair for fashion as well!
Here is a sample of what she does:

I think you should swing by her blog and show her some love!

Beads make me happy :))

Here is one of my favourite things that I made last night:

It is a great three strand bracelet that is made with shimmering beads of quartz, aquamarine, glass, sea opals, crystals and milky jade. It looks even better in real life!
I have come to the realization that beads make me happy! I dream about them. I get caught up in looking at them. i love buying them. I love mixing them together. I just love beads.

Great Weekend

I am in the ending stages of a great weekend. Lots of fun in the sun with friends, my husband and my sweet little girl.
I wish all weekends could be as great as this one!
I did manage to make some jewellery as well. I will take pictures in the morning and post some tomorrow.
I am also half way through a beautiful necklace that I am excited to finish. It is made with tiger agate (which may be my new fav stone), smoky quartz, pyrite and silver. It is going to be awesome!!
Life is good but I am tired (too much fun maybe?) so this is a short post. I will be back tomorrow though!

Rainy Achey Day

Well, we are finally getting a break from the blistering heat and humidity. It comes in the shape of rain which is fine, we need it. I would be happy about it but for the fact that I have a blinding headache. And I am working.
I can't stop yawning either.
Okay. Rant over.
I did make these super spiffy earrings:

and I got some new beads that I am excited to work with!
I got beautiful tiny little genuine rubies. They are so pretty. Not sure what I am doing with them yet but it will have to be well thought out as they cost a small fortune.
Oh, and as one more tiny rant I would like to say that I am fed up with people copying stuff from pictures on facebook and then calling it coincidence (time after time). It is ridiculous. People need to find their own creativity.
That is truly it for the ranting today.
and with that I sign off...Have a good one all.

Summer!

I can't remember the last time I was this excited about summer! Life is not perfect right now but it is pretty good and I am just going to make the most out of this gorgeous weather!
Truthfully, I was looking at my calendar and thinking of ways that I could cram every weekend with jewellery shows so I could sell more but the last few days have made me realize what i really want to do this summer and it includes the African Lion Safari, Port Dover, the Toronto Island etc etc.
I am happy with the jewellery shows I am doing but I am not looking to add to that list. besides, November will be crazy busy so I will need lots of stock!
Here is one of the pieces I made last night:

Short Leave

Hi Everyone
Sorry for the short leave I just took. I had a great weekend and have taken a few days to get back into the swing of things.
I need to make some new things and get my creativity flowing. Does anyone else find that if you don't keep creating you feel a bit down and ideas seem to slow down too?
That's where I am at.
Tonight I shall make something....
On another note, it has been so hot out lately. It is going to stay that way all week I guess. I think I will try and get to a beach on Sunday.
Things are going good at work and not bad at home. Some stress of the friendly variety but I think I know how I will handle things if it gets worse. Good to have a plan I guess!
Stay tuned tomorrow for new jewellery pics.

Canada Day

Yesterday was Canada Day and on top of having the day off of work, it was wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable. We tried to get to our local Canada day celebrations but they were swarmed. We couldnèt get parking within 6 blocks and with my broken knee, I just could not walk that far :( We did visit with friends though and I also made some fabulous jewellery. It was fun to just chill out in my studio and get to create.
Here is one of my favourites from yesterday:

Great Product Alert

So in the past few days I have treated myself to little pampering gifts. I got a really pretty nail polish for my toenails in a shimmering light blue. I got a new loofah for the shower and I also got these two products that I love!!
<
This first one is a curl cream for my locks. It is made by a company called Moroccan Oil and it just makes your hair feel super soft and healthy! I noticed a change immediately. It was $37 at my salon and I think it is money well-spent.
The second product is this:


This is from Bath and Body works and it smells AMAZING! If I had to describe how it smells, I would say it smalls like vacation. I desparately need a vacation right now and sadly this is as close as I will get until winter. It was $17 and I guess it is $15 if you live in the US.
I also got Tahiti Sweetie hand cream that is also part of the True Blue Spa at Bath and Body Works. I give it the thumbs up as well.

As predicted...

the weekend was very busy. Busy but good.
I worked Saturday for a good part of the day but it went well.
Saturday afternoon I had the blue chunk in my hair touched up (for some reason the blue was fading but now it is back to it's vibrant self).
Sunday I cheered on a friend at a horseshow, visited my Mom with Piper and had dinner with friends. It was a fun day but I was tired the whole time.
I did manage two new necklaces but neither were the boho, peace loving one that is in my head. Maybe tonight? Definitely this week!
The two I made this weekend were both made with this gorgeous dogttooth amethyst that I really love.
I made an online bead order this morning that I can't wait to get! It includes some cool charms, beautiful faceted red agate and botswana agate. Not sure what I am doing with most of it but excited none the less.
Half way through Monday already (and just one coffee so far).
I am feeling very creative lately and am looking forward to making lots of jewellery in July.

Weekend

So the weekend is upon us already and I have to say that this week has gone by very quickly for me.
What would I love to be doing this weekend? That is easy! Making jewellery for the most part while enjoying a cocktail or four!
What will I be doing? Working Saturday and driving around visiting people Sunday.
Hopefully I will have some time to make something though. I have an idea in my head for a boho style necklace and I can't wait to make it happen!
Last night I made this pretty little thing...

Fairy Lake

Well this has been a busy week! The show was busy but good. The vendors on a whole were selling great stuff. I bought a Mexican wrap dress (that I later discovered had a hole in it but I love it so much that I will just stitch it) and a buckwheat hull pillow for my baby girl so she doesn't hurt her back or neck when she transitions to a pillow.
Other vendors were crazy however. Stark raving mad actually. The guy who was positioned across from us actually got escorted out of the festival and two other vendors actually had a physical fight. Kind of bizarre.
Anyway, I made some great things last night including this awesome purple necklace...

Leaf Necklace

Last night I intended to make several new pieces for this weekend's show. I got yacking on the phone however and ended up just finishing one. At least it is a good one!
It is made with a beautiful leaf pendant and glossy green glass beads. Nature inspired!
I hope you like it...

Inkwell

Exciting news! I will be moving my jewellery into a new gallery called Inkwell in Paris Ontario by mid-July.
It promises to be a really cool spot with everything from tattoos to fine art!
I am really excited about this upcoming venture and look forward to displaying (and selling) my work there.
this weekend will also be a busy one with the Fairy Lake sale. I have a great feeling about it and the weather man even says it will be good!
I am going to be exhausted next week though. I will worry about that when it happens I suppose!

Fairy Lake Festival

This weekend will be a busy one but if the gods (whatever gods that may exist) work with me, it will be a fun weekend. We are heading to Newmarket for the Fairy Lake Festival both Saturday and Sunday.
I have a really busy week ahead but am going to do my best to make a few new things for this festival and to make sure everything looks spiffy.
I just hope it isn't really windy or rainy. Is that too much to ask?

I am tired, oh so tired!

I think that burning the candle at both ends is taking it's toll on me. I am a bit tired and a bit grumpy. Lately I find myself less tolerant of people that claim to be friends but constantly act out of line and others who are a little less then forthright in their actions.
I think my lack of tolerance is due to the fact that I am tired. A good night's sleep and a little R and R would go a long way right now. I am really going to try and sleep in on Sunday and wake up a more refreshed and positive me.
On a bright note...I am selling lots of jewellery and today I am three weeks without eating meat! Those are two things to be proud of.
That just made me consider this...
Now that I have cut the "fat" out of my diet, maybe it is time to cut it out of my personal life too:)

Charms Galore

Lately I have been loving charm necklaces and bracelets. I made these two and sold these two this week:

Bread and Honey Festival

I have a busy weekend in store for me. I am going to be attending the Bread and Honey Festival in Streetsville with my best friend Julie.
We are hoping for great weather, nice people and of course...lots of sales!
It is going to be a lot of work and I will be a busy bee this evening getting stuff ready for it as well. I am looking forward to it though. I really enjoy artisan fairs and craft shows, although they are lots of work!

Well I could not be accused of being productive last night...

By the time I got off work, went to the gym, had a hot bath (after being rained on) and having a little din din, I didn't have much gas left in the tank for jewellery making!
I did manage this gorgeous little charm bracelet however :)


I am proud to report that I have been meat free for 1 whole week. I know this is not a long time but it is a wicked start if I do say so myself!

Brantford Arts Block

Exciting news on the business front! I am going to be selling my jewellery at Brantford ArtsBlock. It is a neat place in downtown Brantford and a great opportunity for me to get my name (and my jewellery) out in my own community.
I will be moving items in on Tuesday and I am feeling pretty good about it.
I have been working a fair amount on marketing lately and am happy tee my efforts yielding good results.
I love the business of designing jewellery but I have to admit that I am not great at the marketing end of it. I am working on improvement though!

Chunky Monkey

I have been making things with completely different styles lately. Some are light and delicate while others are chunky and bold!
This past weekend I made two necklaces with a similar, bohemian type style. They are both made with natural stones, glass and semi-precious stones and both are in brown, turquoise and orange tones.
I am really liking this look for the summer!

Going Veg

Okay, so this post isn't really about jewellery (although I will include a picture of a necklace I made last night) but more-so about becoming vegetarian. This is something I have been thinking of and actually, today was meat-free.
I just feel like a bit of a hypocrite eating meat when I know the disgusting conditions that these animals live in so they produce more, grow faster and cost less. It is horrible suffering and unfortunately one person going veg is not going to change it but how I feel about myself at the end of each day, when I haven't contributed to this, will make a difference.
My husband however is a meat eater and lover. I won't be inflicting my opinions on him although I would be thrilled if he joined me.
The bottom line is, I love animals and can't contribute to this any longer. Going veg will be hard and I may not be perfect but I am officially on board and making big efforts. This has all stemmed from wanting to be true to myself. I have been mentally making a list of things that I would need to do in order to be 100% proud of who I am and this is one thing on my list.
On a lighter note...here is a pretty necklace I made last night:

Whimsicle Charm Necklace

This just may be one of my favourite pieces EVER! It just fits my personality to "T". A great mixture of charms including angel wings, brass lockets, glittering stars, hearts, keys, birds etc... along with crystals and freshwater pearls.
I made this last night and have to admit that I will be a little sad to see it goes when it sells.

I also added a sweet little bird to the clasp...

Loooong Weekend

This is the Friday before a long weekend and needless to say, it is very hard to get stuff done! My mind is already in weekend mode!
I get to see my sister tonight which is cool because she lives 6 hours away so this doesn't happen very often. We will do something fun together tomorrow as well and then Sunday I have a much anticipated spa appointment! massage and pedicure....pure bliss.
The picture taking quest continues for the jewellery....


Have a great weekend everyone

Pictures

Picture taking has always been a challenge of mine. In theory it looks simple enough but truly, I am just awful at it! I have toyed with the idea of having it done professionally but honestly, it just makes more sense for me to practise and get better at it. I think I am experiencing some success.
Today's efforts yielded crisper results for sure.

Periwinkle on Bloor

Great news! You can now buy my jewellery at Periwinkle on Bloor which is located at 2137 Bloor Street West in Toronto.
I am so excited to have taken the plunge on this one! Periwinkle is a beautiful shop with lots of great items for sale. I am thrilled ot a part of it all!

Changes

I am going through life's changes right now. The big question up for discussion in my house is whether or not I should keep working doing jewellery on the side and put my daughter in daycare OR leave my regular Monday to Friday 9 to 5 job, try to kick my jewellery business up to full time and raise my baby girl.
I think we are taking option two but I am so scared! The thought of giving up a steady, decent pay cheque for who knows what in business is alarming BUT the thought of staying home with Piper and making jewellery makes my heart skip a beat!!

Amazonite

I made this beautiful necklace last night and I think that I can safely say that Amazonite is my favourite stone right now. So dreamy!
What else is new is that I have joined the world of Zibbet as of yesterday! My shop name is:
www.zibbet.com/BlushingPixie
I am getting in lots of new beads lately and my ideas are flowing! I find myself thinking of new ideas all the time!
What would I do without jewellery as a creative outlet?

Back at it!

I was away in Ottawa last week for work. It was a nice getaway, jam-packed with work stuff (I guess that WAS the point) but the hotel was lovely and the weather was nice. It would have been fabulous if I wasn't on crutches!
I have an office jewellery show coming up on Monday. It was kind of unexpected (just booked yesterday) but hey, I am always up for a little challenge!
Lats night I made a beautiful three strand necklace. It is all blue, green and yellow. I think it will be great for the summer!
I started physion recently as well for my broken knee. I just did it this morning actually. It is not comfortable but I am sure it must be helping.

Achey Breaky Back

I have done something to my back :(. I guess it is not enough that I have a broken knee but now my lower back is also killing. Nothing a little Aleve won't help though!

So, I have been making jewellery every day after work and am getting really excited about the upcoming show season. I just found out today that Julie and I have been accepted into the Barrie Christmas Show at Molson Park. This runs from November 5th through 7th.

Actually today is shaping up to be a fabulous day. I have confirmation that I will be selling my jewellery at www.periwinklesonbloor.com starting May 3rd and also in June I will be selling my jewellery in a new tattoo shop called InkWell in Paris On.

Things are looking good from where my sore body is sitting!

New Pictures

Well, over the weekend, my friend and I tried to take some new jewellery pictures. They did not come out as well as hoped but I did my best to crop and sort the ones that were usuable. Why is picture taking so hard??? You think it would be easy with something that doesn't move!

Well, it's Friday

As the title states, today is Friday. I am looking forward to the weekend but have to admit that I would like it to start RIGHT NOW. I have to do some work for my regular day job on Sunday but I am having Monday off (lieu time) so that will be nice. I am definitely planning on making some jewellery this weekend and the ideas are flowing already! I got a shipment yesterday of some semi precious beads in the mail. I have to admit that I love getting packages in the mail, especially beads! I got most of them put away last night and am excited to make something with them.
I don't have any shows coming up in the next few weeks so that gives me the opportunity to get a bunch of new stuff made.
I also need to take some pictures so I can update Facebook and Etsy. I hate taking pictures though. I can truly say I am not good at it and yet I know how important it is. I would like to open a Flickr account and do something with Twitter but I must get the pics done first. I wish a sweet photographer fairy would fly down in the night and photograph all my pieces!

Long Run Thoroughbred Retirement

I am an avid horse lover and I have always been a fan of thoroughbreds. For those of you that are horse lovers in Southern Ontario you may be familiar with an organization called LongRun. Here is their website: http://longrunretirement.com/
In any event, they are a great group and they have some awesome horses! I made a lovely necklace and earring set to donate to them last night. They are having a gala with a silent auction. I hope it will raise some fundage for this worthwhile organization.

Hello Hello Hello

Glad to see you have found me! I have created this blog as a way of getting the word out about my hand made jewellery, sharing information and learning information too. I am going to be posting pictures of my work, telling you about upcoming events and hopefully learning some new things along the way!
I am always interested in feedback and speaking to other designers. For those willing to share I would particularly love to hear what has worked for you in regards to marketing, what shows were successful and what other outlets you have found to sell your jewellery.
Right now this is a part time venture for me but one day I would love to see it become a full time thing for me. I truly love making jewellery and I never seem to run out of ideas...