Quiet Night In
It's just a few hours until 2012 and I'm sitting by the fire my mind full of new bead and ceramic challenges, another year older and wiser and looking forward to seeing what the next year brings. I don't wish for a lot just to be healthy, happy and for my love for glass to stay strong.
Today was a fitting day for the end of the year, I spent time making beads and making ceramics, the weather was mild and the rain and wind left us alone for one last day in the year, it was as if nature was telling us the coming year will treat us fine.
I want to thank each and every one of you for your support over the last 12 months and I hope I have helped in a small way to make your jewellery pieces just how you wanted them, I can't put into words how happy it makes me when I'm told by customers how nice my beads are, even after all these years I worry they won't be good enough, so I hope in 2012 I can carry on making people smile with my work and that they enjoy using my beads as much as I enjoy making them.
This past year as taught me a lot, about people, about nature and most of all about myself, I hope I live my life the right way and I hope by being myself here on the blog that I've at least shown how life is being a full time bead maker. From the first blog I stated I would not hide anything, the struggles, the great days and most of all my thoughts and I hope that is what I'm doing, showing all, telling all, being honest, I can't live any other way, that's who Rob Johnson is and that's how it will continue in the coming year however hard it gets or however enjoyable, you will know it all. There will I'm sure be changes in my life and not all will be perfect but all will make a journey on which I hope I will learn and one on which I hope you will travel along with me.
So as we see out this year and await the new one I wish you all a great new year and I hope you all enjoy the next.
Saturday, 31 December 2011
Thursday, 29 December 2011
Winds Beat The Fens
Not The Best Christmas Weather
What a day, the strong gales are back rushing across the fens and the day stayed dark with rain at times, not what you would call festive weather, no sunny afternoon walks in the snow, well not yet anyway. The huge flock of swans are still munching their way through the winter barley behind us and the garden birds are all so happy feeding at the stations, often fighting
to keep their balance in the winds.
It's been a busy day in the barn making beads with a lot more focals being made plus an hour was spent in the clay room cleaning and trimming a few pots.
We went out in the car for the first time since Christmas eve, only a short drive to the post office in the next village to buy stamps and post bead orders off, the roads were so quiet and there was hardly a soul walking in the village, maybe all back working or just recovering from the food and drink of the past few days.
I'm hoping the weekend will be wind free as I really need to get more conifer cuttings burnt out the way ready to start getting the kitchen garden planned out and dug over. I hope to sow some first onion seed under cover to give them a good start and some cut and come again salads will be sown in the greenhouse, well after it has had a good clean up, believe it or not there are still a few tomatoes hanging around, just shows hows mild the winter is so far.
Well time for a coffee and a sneak outside to stand in the wind, I love to feel the gales while watching those wild skies, the best way to feel nature.
What a day, the strong gales are back rushing across the fens and the day stayed dark with rain at times, not what you would call festive weather, no sunny afternoon walks in the snow, well not yet anyway. The huge flock of swans are still munching their way through the winter barley behind us and the garden birds are all so happy feeding at the stations, often fighting
to keep their balance in the winds.
It's been a busy day in the barn making beads with a lot more focals being made plus an hour was spent in the clay room cleaning and trimming a few pots.
We went out in the car for the first time since Christmas eve, only a short drive to the post office in the next village to buy stamps and post bead orders off, the roads were so quiet and there was hardly a soul walking in the village, maybe all back working or just recovering from the food and drink of the past few days.
I'm hoping the weekend will be wind free as I really need to get more conifer cuttings burnt out the way ready to start getting the kitchen garden planned out and dug over. I hope to sow some first onion seed under cover to give them a good start and some cut and come again salads will be sown in the greenhouse, well after it has had a good clean up, believe it or not there are still a few tomatoes hanging around, just shows hows mild the winter is so far.
Well time for a coffee and a sneak outside to stand in the wind, I love to feel the gales while watching those wild skies, the best way to feel nature.
Tuesday, 27 December 2011
First Day Back
Work As Normal
Today we were back to normal, the kiln was on and flames were flickering, it was work as normal here in the barn. I told Yvonne to stay off for a few more days but she wanted to make some new sets for her ebay shop and I was making focals all day, I must admit it was nice to get back to my torch.
A milder day here in the fens and no wind which makes a change, all we need now is some nice fresh snow and I'll be a happy old bead maker.
Yesterday I made a few Sake cups in the clay room which was fun and they look quite good, I made a single larger jar to pour the sake from today so they will make a nice little set. It's fun trying all the new ideas out and along with throwing pots and bowls my evenings will be busy this week. As I mentions before I want to list a good selection of ceramics in my etsy shop next week including a few more unusual pieces, I have more beads to list and I'm told I need to start listing the many pendants I've made. I guess I can't just hoard away those pendants I'm not sure about like I do my beads,plus any cash from their sales will help make that electric potters wheel dream come true, even if it will be later in the new year, tho the thought of having a good wheel might mean even more evenings spent in the clay room, god how will I get all other jobs done !
I guess dreams like that help us all get through rough times and it gives up all something nice to look forward to, In my case it will also save me kicking that bloody peddle for hours while I try throwing the pots haha ! When I think of how hard potters of the past must have worked it makes you realise just how lucky we are today to even have the option of an electric wheel.
So it's with dreams in my head I leave to enjoy cold meat and pickles, a real treat after that filling roast of yesterday, enjoy your evening.
Today we were back to normal, the kiln was on and flames were flickering, it was work as normal here in the barn. I told Yvonne to stay off for a few more days but she wanted to make some new sets for her ebay shop and I was making focals all day, I must admit it was nice to get back to my torch.
A milder day here in the fens and no wind which makes a change, all we need now is some nice fresh snow and I'll be a happy old bead maker.
Yesterday I made a few Sake cups in the clay room which was fun and they look quite good, I made a single larger jar to pour the sake from today so they will make a nice little set. It's fun trying all the new ideas out and along with throwing pots and bowls my evenings will be busy this week. As I mentions before I want to list a good selection of ceramics in my etsy shop next week including a few more unusual pieces, I have more beads to list and I'm told I need to start listing the many pendants I've made. I guess I can't just hoard away those pendants I'm not sure about like I do my beads,plus any cash from their sales will help make that electric potters wheel dream come true, even if it will be later in the new year, tho the thought of having a good wheel might mean even more evenings spent in the clay room, god how will I get all other jobs done !
I guess dreams like that help us all get through rough times and it gives up all something nice to look forward to, In my case it will also save me kicking that bloody peddle for hours while I try throwing the pots haha ! When I think of how hard potters of the past must have worked it makes you realise just how lucky we are today to even have the option of an electric wheel.
So it's with dreams in my head I leave to enjoy cold meat and pickles, a real treat after that filling roast of yesterday, enjoy your evening.
Monday, 26 December 2011
Boxing Day Play
Let Me Get Out There !
Yipeeeee ! a day playing with clay while the world spends a quiet day recovering from yesterdays celebrations, now that's what I call enjoying Boxing Day. I think if I had to spend a second day sitting around doing nothing it would send me mad so let me get out there on that wheel, I have loads to do. First there are pots and bowls to trim and turn followed by throwing more pots on the wheel and with all that done I get to make pendants and beads, how can I not be happy with the day ahead.
The strong winds have turned to a gentle breeze and the sun is filling the garden, it's more like a spring morning rather than Christmas, birds are feeding on every station and the swans are once again out there across the field, a bright white sea of birds feeding in the sun.
I'm guessing there will be Hunts held all over the country today, red faced fat snobs sitting on their hunters sipping drinks while dressed in their best hunting jackets waiting for the master of the hunt to start the dogs off on set trails, yet I'm sure hoping the odd fox may appear even if the law says they shouldn't follow it ! People taking their children to watch the nice horses and the colourful riders getting ready to gallop off over the fields but never explaining to the same children what happens when they find Mr Fox.
A village boy myself and from a village where every year the hunt would meet and still does, you would think I would be a follower, after all aren't us country folk meant to believe foxes kill hundreds of chickens and anything else that moves, well sorry, not this country bumpkin, a fox to me is a beautiful wild animal with as much right to be living in our countryside as you and I and the idea of these wonderful animals being ripped apart by a pack of dogs is one that doesn't sit well in my mind, but hey don't get me started on that, I'll be here all day.
I like to think of Boxing day more for the true meaning, the day when the land owners and wealthy would repay their workers and servants with an easy day and money boxes were opened and shared out between the poor of the parish, in the big houses a boxed gift would be given to each servant, it was a day when such people as the post man, milk man or refuse collector would call at the houses they serviced for a Christmas box, all in all a day when rich would thank the poor for the work of services they had given through the past year.
Well, cuppa finished and I'm off to the clay room to play like some little kid with his new Christmas toys, I hope you all enjoy a rest today and if your off to visit family then safe journey.
Yipeeeee ! a day playing with clay while the world spends a quiet day recovering from yesterdays celebrations, now that's what I call enjoying Boxing Day. I think if I had to spend a second day sitting around doing nothing it would send me mad so let me get out there on that wheel, I have loads to do. First there are pots and bowls to trim and turn followed by throwing more pots on the wheel and with all that done I get to make pendants and beads, how can I not be happy with the day ahead.
The strong winds have turned to a gentle breeze and the sun is filling the garden, it's more like a spring morning rather than Christmas, birds are feeding on every station and the swans are once again out there across the field, a bright white sea of birds feeding in the sun.
I'm guessing there will be Hunts held all over the country today, red faced fat snobs sitting on their hunters sipping drinks while dressed in their best hunting jackets waiting for the master of the hunt to start the dogs off on set trails, yet I'm sure hoping the odd fox may appear even if the law says they shouldn't follow it ! People taking their children to watch the nice horses and the colourful riders getting ready to gallop off over the fields but never explaining to the same children what happens when they find Mr Fox.
A village boy myself and from a village where every year the hunt would meet and still does, you would think I would be a follower, after all aren't us country folk meant to believe foxes kill hundreds of chickens and anything else that moves, well sorry, not this country bumpkin, a fox to me is a beautiful wild animal with as much right to be living in our countryside as you and I and the idea of these wonderful animals being ripped apart by a pack of dogs is one that doesn't sit well in my mind, but hey don't get me started on that, I'll be here all day.
I like to think of Boxing day more for the true meaning, the day when the land owners and wealthy would repay their workers and servants with an easy day and money boxes were opened and shared out between the poor of the parish, in the big houses a boxed gift would be given to each servant, it was a day when such people as the post man, milk man or refuse collector would call at the houses they serviced for a Christmas box, all in all a day when rich would thank the poor for the work of services they had given through the past year.
Well, cuppa finished and I'm off to the clay room to play like some little kid with his new Christmas toys, I hope you all enjoy a rest today and if your off to visit family then safe journey.
Sunday, 25 December 2011
Merry Christmas To All
It's Here !!
December the 25th, Christmas day and I hope your all having a wonderful time, thank you all for your messages and emails, it's really kind of you all. Thank you to those close friends who gave us pressies, they were great and we hope you enjoyed yours.
I'm sitting watching the wild winds that once again seem to be homing in on the fens while I have a warm drink trying not to think of food haha, I think I went a little over the top which our cooked breakfast, but hey it only happens once a year and thank god we are having our roast dinner tomorrow and not today.
The birds are enjoying their Christmas seeds and fat balls and across the fields behind us are what must be hundreds of swans feeding on what looks to be young winter barley, we can hear them from here tho they must be 400 yards away, a white moving carpet grazing now for the second day running, just another of the great winter sights we are lucky enough to see here in the fenland's.
Now I think you all know me by now and yes I did think of going into the clay room to trim pots and bowls, but I have this feeling Yvonne may kill me so it's better I stay here taking it easy and relaxing plus there is always tomorrow.
I'm like a big kid here with a new ceramic book to read plus a big voucher to use on ceramic supplies, which is such a wonderful gift, so this afternoon while Yvonne watches her Christmas programmes on the tv and the dogs lay asleep in front of the fire I'll be planning my next few days in the clay room, my head is buzzing with ideas and I can't wait to get out there.
Ok, I better get back to my planning and once again wish you all a great day.
December the 25th, Christmas day and I hope your all having a wonderful time, thank you all for your messages and emails, it's really kind of you all. Thank you to those close friends who gave us pressies, they were great and we hope you enjoyed yours.
I'm sitting watching the wild winds that once again seem to be homing in on the fens while I have a warm drink trying not to think of food haha, I think I went a little over the top which our cooked breakfast, but hey it only happens once a year and thank god we are having our roast dinner tomorrow and not today.
The birds are enjoying their Christmas seeds and fat balls and across the fields behind us are what must be hundreds of swans feeding on what looks to be young winter barley, we can hear them from here tho they must be 400 yards away, a white moving carpet grazing now for the second day running, just another of the great winter sights we are lucky enough to see here in the fenland's.
Now I think you all know me by now and yes I did think of going into the clay room to trim pots and bowls, but I have this feeling Yvonne may kill me so it's better I stay here taking it easy and relaxing plus there is always tomorrow.
I'm like a big kid here with a new ceramic book to read plus a big voucher to use on ceramic supplies, which is such a wonderful gift, so this afternoon while Yvonne watches her Christmas programmes on the tv and the dogs lay asleep in front of the fire I'll be planning my next few days in the clay room, my head is buzzing with ideas and I can't wait to get out there.
Ok, I better get back to my planning and once again wish you all a great day.
Saturday, 24 December 2011
Christmas Eve
At Last We Settle Down For Christmas
Well it's Christmas eve and the wood burner stove is warming the cottage, warm sausage rolls are fresh out of the oven and the house has that all round Christmas feel. Yvonne is enjoying a well deserved rest while she watches Christmas films and I'm filling my notebook with bead and ceramic ideas. I need to get things sorted for a fresh start in the new year, ebay and etsy shops need to be stocked and of course I have a huge job ahead of me getting the ceramics listed and not just beads, pendants and pots but many more items, it's an exciting time a fresh start and I hope a new look to Rob Johnson's work, one I hope will please my customers and friends.
I know we are all thinking of the year past, maybe we have lost people dear to us or we have had problems in our lives but now we can all look forward, it's time to sit and feel that excitement of facing the coming year, a year that I'm sure will bring us all good times and new ventures, some will work and others may fail but one thing is for sure, we will learn and if we really want 2012 to be a successful one then we can make it so.
As I sit and watch the daylight fade I notice the odd Christmas lights and the last of the shoppers returning home after fighting their way around the stores and all for that one special day, haha are we all mad, no of course not, we all enjoy this time of year and we all celebrate in different ways, some will hold huge family parties, others will spend a quiet Christmas at home and some very special people will be out helping those who are less fortunate, those with no homes or family around them, a lot of which find themselves it such situations through no real fault of their own and to those that are out there helping others I really take my hat off to you, your what the meaning of Christmas is all about.
Well I guess I better get back to my notebook, but before I go I want to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and enjoy tomorrow in which ever way you choose.
Merry Christmas !
Well it's Christmas eve and the wood burner stove is warming the cottage, warm sausage rolls are fresh out of the oven and the house has that all round Christmas feel. Yvonne is enjoying a well deserved rest while she watches Christmas films and I'm filling my notebook with bead and ceramic ideas. I need to get things sorted for a fresh start in the new year, ebay and etsy shops need to be stocked and of course I have a huge job ahead of me getting the ceramics listed and not just beads, pendants and pots but many more items, it's an exciting time a fresh start and I hope a new look to Rob Johnson's work, one I hope will please my customers and friends.
I know we are all thinking of the year past, maybe we have lost people dear to us or we have had problems in our lives but now we can all look forward, it's time to sit and feel that excitement of facing the coming year, a year that I'm sure will bring us all good times and new ventures, some will work and others may fail but one thing is for sure, we will learn and if we really want 2012 to be a successful one then we can make it so.
As I sit and watch the daylight fade I notice the odd Christmas lights and the last of the shoppers returning home after fighting their way around the stores and all for that one special day, haha are we all mad, no of course not, we all enjoy this time of year and we all celebrate in different ways, some will hold huge family parties, others will spend a quiet Christmas at home and some very special people will be out helping those who are less fortunate, those with no homes or family around them, a lot of which find themselves it such situations through no real fault of their own and to those that are out there helping others I really take my hat off to you, your what the meaning of Christmas is all about.
Well I guess I better get back to my notebook, but before I go I want to wish each and every one of you a very merry Christmas and enjoy tomorrow in which ever way you choose.
Merry Christmas !
Thursday, 22 December 2011
That Christmas Feeling
Christmas Is Close
For the first time I feel Christmas is here, the house is decorated and festive music is playing while we sort pressies out, that little kid was here for the first time in two years, wishing he was helping his mum with the preparations, those Christmas logs with holly and other seasonal foliage ready to display on the dining table and pressies being wrapped for family and friends, helping her and feeling the excitement build.
What I would give to have her here now, cooking her sausage rolls, mince pies and making those wonderful sweets we all enjoyed so much, just being in the same room made everyone happy, she was so alive and very much missed but by no means forgotten, my Christmas angel who I'm sure is watching down on us all.
Yesterday went really well, I took my aunt to a large country store which was full of Christmas goodies, food and drink that would look stunning on any Christmas table, it was so nice window shopping and she treated herself to some chocolate ginger, something else I remember from days gone by, it was rather like going back in time seeing those old festive favourites such as sugar mice and Turkish delight, I saw those wonderful crystal lemon and orange slices that the grown ups would eat Christmas evening while us kids were playing with our new toys. But of all the things I saw there was only one I wished was coming home with me, it was a box of those chocolate liqueurs, I remember how it was a real treat being given one and I would suck it until the chocolate melted and you could taste that sugar coated centre full of liqueur burst in your mouth, it's funny how those small things stick with you, odd flavours and smells.
Tomorrow we will visit our close friends in Norwich, I always look forward to that trip, it's not just great seeing them but it means Christmas is here and we will soon have a new year to look forward to, a year that I hope brings everyone so much luck and a year that will lead us down many paths in so many directions, new directions that we will explore and I hope enjoy.
For the first time I feel Christmas is here, the house is decorated and festive music is playing while we sort pressies out, that little kid was here for the first time in two years, wishing he was helping his mum with the preparations, those Christmas logs with holly and other seasonal foliage ready to display on the dining table and pressies being wrapped for family and friends, helping her and feeling the excitement build.
What I would give to have her here now, cooking her sausage rolls, mince pies and making those wonderful sweets we all enjoyed so much, just being in the same room made everyone happy, she was so alive and very much missed but by no means forgotten, my Christmas angel who I'm sure is watching down on us all.
Yesterday went really well, I took my aunt to a large country store which was full of Christmas goodies, food and drink that would look stunning on any Christmas table, it was so nice window shopping and she treated herself to some chocolate ginger, something else I remember from days gone by, it was rather like going back in time seeing those old festive favourites such as sugar mice and Turkish delight, I saw those wonderful crystal lemon and orange slices that the grown ups would eat Christmas evening while us kids were playing with our new toys. But of all the things I saw there was only one I wished was coming home with me, it was a box of those chocolate liqueurs, I remember how it was a real treat being given one and I would suck it until the chocolate melted and you could taste that sugar coated centre full of liqueur burst in your mouth, it's funny how those small things stick with you, odd flavours and smells.
Tomorrow we will visit our close friends in Norwich, I always look forward to that trip, it's not just great seeing them but it means Christmas is here and we will soon have a new year to look forward to, a year that I hope brings everyone so much luck and a year that will lead us down many paths in so many directions, new directions that we will explore and I hope enjoy.
Tuesday, 20 December 2011
No Snow Here
A Very Wet Fens
Over the last few days most around us had a covering of snow, some a good inch or two and others just a light carpet that lasted just a few hours, here, well all we had was hours and hours of rain, in fact I don't think it stopped once yesterday. I think most of you know how I love the winter snows and I was hoping we might get a few inches before Christmas but now I'm guessing we'll have to wait and see what the new year brings. My thinking is that if we get snow we just stay here and keep as warm as possible, we won't be out Christmas shopping again this year and as for food shopping, well we just can't do any, we agreed that extra food stuff was the last thing we could afford this year and we have enough food in the freezer to get us through the holidays and more so apart from some chocolate for Yvonne and my chestnuts we only need a few veg like most other weeks.
Some of you must think I'm one tight old sod but that's really not the case, it's just that we can't afford to waste any money right now but it doesn't stop us enjoying the holiday one bit, we have the Christmas decs up and we will enjoy a couple of days off relaxing too along with seeing family a friends like everyone else. We have gifts to give out also and I think that's important, you really can't get a better feeling than when somebody enjoys what you give them and I hope they all enjoy them this year.
Tomorrow I'm off to visit my auntie and take her some veg for the holiday, we are lucky here that we have so many growers in the area that the prices are far lower that most places, back home in Hertfordshire included. So I'll be off armed with a box winter veg and home made jams, plus I'll take her out for a ride to get any last minute bites she needs. I know what some of you are thinking, yes it will cost me money to travel all that way but to be honest, my auntie lives alone and is now 80 years old so for me there is nothing else I would rather do than give her a day out. If it was me I would hope someone would do the same, plus lets be honest, if it means we have a turkey and a tin of choc's or we take her out and make her smile for a day then sorry, I'd rather have baked beans on toast on Christmas day !
I'm hoping the wet weather holds off for the coming week so I can get more of the conifer trees burnt, I think it's only a matter of a few weeks and I can start planning out the new veg beds, now the garden has so much more light, making it ideal for growing, it's exciting to know it's going to happen, I'm getting a kitchen garden of a good size, one in which I can grow most of what we need and one in which I can spend many summer evenings.
On the bead side of things, the last few days have been spent making beads for Christmas pressies, as some of our close friends use our beads I can't think of a better gift to give, I know they will use them and not be stuck with some present they will never use. That reminds me I have to thank everyone for their Christmas cards and messages, it's really nice getting them and knowing there are some really wonderful people out there, thank you so much.
Before I go I need to mention the ceramic's, I promised a picture of the last batch of bowls and pots, well I'm sorry but you'll have to wait a few more days, I wasn't happy with them, well some were ok, but I have another batch to fire in the next couple of days so fingers crossed they will look a lot better and I will have the bottle to show them to you !
Over the last few days most around us had a covering of snow, some a good inch or two and others just a light carpet that lasted just a few hours, here, well all we had was hours and hours of rain, in fact I don't think it stopped once yesterday. I think most of you know how I love the winter snows and I was hoping we might get a few inches before Christmas but now I'm guessing we'll have to wait and see what the new year brings. My thinking is that if we get snow we just stay here and keep as warm as possible, we won't be out Christmas shopping again this year and as for food shopping, well we just can't do any, we agreed that extra food stuff was the last thing we could afford this year and we have enough food in the freezer to get us through the holidays and more so apart from some chocolate for Yvonne and my chestnuts we only need a few veg like most other weeks.
Some of you must think I'm one tight old sod but that's really not the case, it's just that we can't afford to waste any money right now but it doesn't stop us enjoying the holiday one bit, we have the Christmas decs up and we will enjoy a couple of days off relaxing too along with seeing family a friends like everyone else. We have gifts to give out also and I think that's important, you really can't get a better feeling than when somebody enjoys what you give them and I hope they all enjoy them this year.
Tomorrow I'm off to visit my auntie and take her some veg for the holiday, we are lucky here that we have so many growers in the area that the prices are far lower that most places, back home in Hertfordshire included. So I'll be off armed with a box winter veg and home made jams, plus I'll take her out for a ride to get any last minute bites she needs. I know what some of you are thinking, yes it will cost me money to travel all that way but to be honest, my auntie lives alone and is now 80 years old so for me there is nothing else I would rather do than give her a day out. If it was me I would hope someone would do the same, plus lets be honest, if it means we have a turkey and a tin of choc's or we take her out and make her smile for a day then sorry, I'd rather have baked beans on toast on Christmas day !
I'm hoping the wet weather holds off for the coming week so I can get more of the conifer trees burnt, I think it's only a matter of a few weeks and I can start planning out the new veg beds, now the garden has so much more light, making it ideal for growing, it's exciting to know it's going to happen, I'm getting a kitchen garden of a good size, one in which I can grow most of what we need and one in which I can spend many summer evenings.
On the bead side of things, the last few days have been spent making beads for Christmas pressies, as some of our close friends use our beads I can't think of a better gift to give, I know they will use them and not be stuck with some present they will never use. That reminds me I have to thank everyone for their Christmas cards and messages, it's really nice getting them and knowing there are some really wonderful people out there, thank you so much.
Before I go I need to mention the ceramic's, I promised a picture of the last batch of bowls and pots, well I'm sorry but you'll have to wait a few more days, I wasn't happy with them, well some were ok, but I have another batch to fire in the next couple of days so fingers crossed they will look a lot better and I will have the bottle to show them to you !
Thursday, 15 December 2011
Back To Work
Glad To Be Back For Sure.
Another early dark morning with still more rain falling, the barn all open and kiln warming while I enjoy my first cuppa of the day, no moon this morning the sky is far too dark.
It's back to work for me today after spending yesterday away from my torch, I guess in a way I enjoyed the rest but I have to say, by mid afternoon I was bored and was out in the clay room checking up on things there, I knew it would be hard keeping away but I do feel refreshed this morning and I'm looking forward to a good full day making beads.
It was nice walking around a couple of the small towns near us, the Christmas window displays with lights showing off their wares and the busy little streets full of hustle and bustle as people searched for those festive gifts, there was a real Christmas feel around unlike the large stores we all visit, those stores who just count you has a number for the till.
It's a real shame that some of our smaller towns seem to become less important to us all, we are all guilty of using the mega stores where we can buy most things under the same roof, leaving those small independent shops finding it hard to carry on, but I guess thats the way things move on in our world.
This weekend we will get the Christmas decs up and give the place a festive feel, my treat for myself yesterday was a small bag of chestnuts which I will take great pleasure in roasting on the woodburner next week. I know it's a luxury but we need a few small things to help make christmas special and to me they are one such thing. The second treat of yesterday was that I ordered some raw materials that I need to make my own ceramic glaze, ok it was just a few pounds but to us this is a lot at the moment and if I'm going to learn how to get my own glaze colours then I just have to obtain the ingredients to do so.
Ok, so I now have to get off to find out what the ceramic kiln holds in store, fingers crossed some pieces will be ok, I know there will be some crap results but maybe the odd success will be found, I'll put a picture on here of anything worth mentioning tomorrow.
Another early dark morning with still more rain falling, the barn all open and kiln warming while I enjoy my first cuppa of the day, no moon this morning the sky is far too dark.
It's back to work for me today after spending yesterday away from my torch, I guess in a way I enjoyed the rest but I have to say, by mid afternoon I was bored and was out in the clay room checking up on things there, I knew it would be hard keeping away but I do feel refreshed this morning and I'm looking forward to a good full day making beads.
It was nice walking around a couple of the small towns near us, the Christmas window displays with lights showing off their wares and the busy little streets full of hustle and bustle as people searched for those festive gifts, there was a real Christmas feel around unlike the large stores we all visit, those stores who just count you has a number for the till.
It's a real shame that some of our smaller towns seem to become less important to us all, we are all guilty of using the mega stores where we can buy most things under the same roof, leaving those small independent shops finding it hard to carry on, but I guess thats the way things move on in our world.
This weekend we will get the Christmas decs up and give the place a festive feel, my treat for myself yesterday was a small bag of chestnuts which I will take great pleasure in roasting on the woodburner next week. I know it's a luxury but we need a few small things to help make christmas special and to me they are one such thing. The second treat of yesterday was that I ordered some raw materials that I need to make my own ceramic glaze, ok it was just a few pounds but to us this is a lot at the moment and if I'm going to learn how to get my own glaze colours then I just have to obtain the ingredients to do so.
Ok, so I now have to get off to find out what the ceramic kiln holds in store, fingers crossed some pieces will be ok, I know there will be some crap results but maybe the odd success will be found, I'll put a picture on here of anything worth mentioning tomorrow.
Day Off
Already Feeling Guilty
Yes it's happening, we are having a whole day off work, I can't believe I feel guilty already and its not even 8am yet, I did manage to turn on the ceramic kiln tho for a glaze firing, so I hope tomorrow morning I will have some nice finished pots and bowls to look at, well fingers crossed !
I'm firing pots in batches while I try out different glazes, as I said before I seem to have no trouble making the items I just never seem that happy with the finished colours, I was told this would happen and and I guess it's all part of learning just like those early days making beads when you find some glass just doesn't like to play with others. Apart from that I must admit I love throwing the pots, yes the old kick wheel I have gets the legs working over time but its fun and maybe in 2012 I will get that dream of a tabletop electric wheel to use, tho the price tag of around £400 seems so far out of reach that the old kick wheel as no worry of being made redundant just yet haha, and as we all know it's good to have dreams.
We have those wild winds back here this morning and the rain is falling over the flat lands, so yet again I find myself looking out upon some stunning skies as I write my blog. The barn looks so cold and quiet across the garden this morning but tomorrow my little warm haven will be full of life again with kiln warming and flames burning well into the day, we just needed a day away from it all after the hours we have been putting in this last month or two, a day spent looking around the small local shops followed by an afternoon spent sorting through one of the spare bedrooms, there is so much clutter and I'm sure some could be listed and sold on ebay.
Well I better get brushed up ready for our shopping trip and face the weather, I'm sure I must be one of a very few who loves to drive in the rain, but hey, I guess I'm not that normal so nothing new there. I hope you all enjoy your day and keep in the warm.
Yes it's happening, we are having a whole day off work, I can't believe I feel guilty already and its not even 8am yet, I did manage to turn on the ceramic kiln tho for a glaze firing, so I hope tomorrow morning I will have some nice finished pots and bowls to look at, well fingers crossed !
I'm firing pots in batches while I try out different glazes, as I said before I seem to have no trouble making the items I just never seem that happy with the finished colours, I was told this would happen and and I guess it's all part of learning just like those early days making beads when you find some glass just doesn't like to play with others. Apart from that I must admit I love throwing the pots, yes the old kick wheel I have gets the legs working over time but its fun and maybe in 2012 I will get that dream of a tabletop electric wheel to use, tho the price tag of around £400 seems so far out of reach that the old kick wheel as no worry of being made redundant just yet haha, and as we all know it's good to have dreams.
We have those wild winds back here this morning and the rain is falling over the flat lands, so yet again I find myself looking out upon some stunning skies as I write my blog. The barn looks so cold and quiet across the garden this morning but tomorrow my little warm haven will be full of life again with kiln warming and flames burning well into the day, we just needed a day away from it all after the hours we have been putting in this last month or two, a day spent looking around the small local shops followed by an afternoon spent sorting through one of the spare bedrooms, there is so much clutter and I'm sure some could be listed and sold on ebay.
Well I better get brushed up ready for our shopping trip and face the weather, I'm sure I must be one of a very few who loves to drive in the rain, but hey, I guess I'm not that normal so nothing new there. I hope you all enjoy your day and keep in the warm.
Monday, 12 December 2011
I could Sit Here All Day
What A Fantastic Morning
Here I sit looking out into the darkness with the magical sound of the rain filling my ears and the winds blowing across the fens bending every tree while heading off to the east coast. The barn is open and kiln warming yet I could sit here all day with my wheatbag keeping me warm watching the wild weather outside, the sheets of rain making the most amazing sounds and giving me goose bumps.
A long while yet before light comes and in a way I wish the day could stay like this, just once keeping the dark here adding to the gales that blow over and around us, not letting us see those dark skies that hide above waiting to show off at dawn, the darkness that makes our earing run wild and imagination play the most amazing tricks, god I'm loving every second.
I can see whats almost a full moon which along with the sounds I'm hearing reminds me of those old horror films, all we need are the wolf calls and we have it all. The dark sky is fighting to cover that amazing moon yet the old man still returns after every black cloud passes.
The question is will we get a full day working, will the power last the gales, we seem to have more power cuts here than we ever did back in Hertfordshire, the miles of open flat land no match for the winds so lines get damaged often, torches and candles being a way of life around here in the winter months.
I'm heading off to my flame soon as I can't wait to sit next to my warm kiln with this raw weather around me, safe in my little haven hidden under the trees with just the sounds of the rain and winds in the background, what magical tricks will the glass produce today I wonder, just maybe the perfect day for that perfect bead, we'll wait and see !
Here I sit looking out into the darkness with the magical sound of the rain filling my ears and the winds blowing across the fens bending every tree while heading off to the east coast. The barn is open and kiln warming yet I could sit here all day with my wheatbag keeping me warm watching the wild weather outside, the sheets of rain making the most amazing sounds and giving me goose bumps.
A long while yet before light comes and in a way I wish the day could stay like this, just once keeping the dark here adding to the gales that blow over and around us, not letting us see those dark skies that hide above waiting to show off at dawn, the darkness that makes our earing run wild and imagination play the most amazing tricks, god I'm loving every second.
I can see whats almost a full moon which along with the sounds I'm hearing reminds me of those old horror films, all we need are the wolf calls and we have it all. The dark sky is fighting to cover that amazing moon yet the old man still returns after every black cloud passes.
The question is will we get a full day working, will the power last the gales, we seem to have more power cuts here than we ever did back in Hertfordshire, the miles of open flat land no match for the winds so lines get damaged often, torches and candles being a way of life around here in the winter months.
I'm heading off to my flame soon as I can't wait to sit next to my warm kiln with this raw weather around me, safe in my little haven hidden under the trees with just the sounds of the rain and winds in the background, what magical tricks will the glass produce today I wonder, just maybe the perfect day for that perfect bead, we'll wait and see !
Ready For The Weather
Gale Warnings
Well with the sound of gale warnings for this week ringing in our ears we start the week huddled next to the kiln safe and sound, the rest of the world races by without even knowing we are here and to be honest that's just how I like it.
The weekend was a warm one for us having lit the wood burner stove in the sitting room for once the house seemed normal, warm and inviting. It was the first time this winter we had lit it and boy did it make a difference, with not having any heating in the cottage apart from a few tiny electric rads that we find very expensive to run it was so nice to sit and relax without all the layers of clothes, tho we both fell asleep in the evenings haha. Just the site of the flames seem to make it feel warm, I guess we are lucky having the stove as most houses these days don't have any form of open fire.
I think the stove will be a weekend thing as we never seem to get into the cottage until around 7pm weekdays after working in the barn, so really to light it then would be a waste to time and fuel as by ten I'm ready for bed.
The week ahead is a busy one with lampwork taking up my time until early afternoon followed by ceramics until the early evening, I'm really looking forward to it, I get to work with two mediums that I love and enjoy using so who could ask for a better job.
The last of autumn is really down to it's bare bones now with only a few late flowers hanging on here in the garden, seed heads seem to hang around ready to face the cold winter ice and the berry larder puts a smile on the faces of many a blackbird. The ponds formed their first ice of the winter last week with I'm sure much more to come, I guess we are lucky so far as this time last year we had snow hanging around, not clear blue skies like we see here over the fens this morning.
I better get off to my flame, I have focals to make and wine bottles to hammer this morning, oh how different the life of a beadmaker !
Well with the sound of gale warnings for this week ringing in our ears we start the week huddled next to the kiln safe and sound, the rest of the world races by without even knowing we are here and to be honest that's just how I like it.
The weekend was a warm one for us having lit the wood burner stove in the sitting room for once the house seemed normal, warm and inviting. It was the first time this winter we had lit it and boy did it make a difference, with not having any heating in the cottage apart from a few tiny electric rads that we find very expensive to run it was so nice to sit and relax without all the layers of clothes, tho we both fell asleep in the evenings haha. Just the site of the flames seem to make it feel warm, I guess we are lucky having the stove as most houses these days don't have any form of open fire.
I think the stove will be a weekend thing as we never seem to get into the cottage until around 7pm weekdays after working in the barn, so really to light it then would be a waste to time and fuel as by ten I'm ready for bed.
The week ahead is a busy one with lampwork taking up my time until early afternoon followed by ceramics until the early evening, I'm really looking forward to it, I get to work with two mediums that I love and enjoy using so who could ask for a better job.
The last of autumn is really down to it's bare bones now with only a few late flowers hanging on here in the garden, seed heads seem to hang around ready to face the cold winter ice and the berry larder puts a smile on the faces of many a blackbird. The ponds formed their first ice of the winter last week with I'm sure much more to come, I guess we are lucky so far as this time last year we had snow hanging around, not clear blue skies like we see here over the fens this morning.
I better get off to my flame, I have focals to make and wine bottles to hammer this morning, oh how different the life of a beadmaker !
Saturday, 10 December 2011
A Magical Frost
A Winters welcome
Here in the fens the world is covered with the magical sparkle of morning frost with the sun bringing out every ice mirror giving the garden a coat of crystal, so raw is winter's welcome this morning, the mild damp weather of autumn gone for another year.
It was another early start for me with cold hands I opened the barn, cold and dark yet there ready to make my day another happy one, my little glass haven where dreams and ideas are thought through and success and failure run hand in hand, my safe place where I can forget the world and her problems, lost in my love affair with my flame.
No winds this morning so still the trees are, soaking up the sun as if it was their last, most bare now with there golden jewellery laying beneath forming carpets to every path in the garden and that huge still blue sky hangs above us with not a single threatening cloud.
It's a mixed day ahead for me, beads to clean and photograph with listing to be made this afternoon and also a few hours in the clay room call with pots to throw and ideas to try out. When I started to play with ceramics I really didnt imagine there were so many avenues and options to be found in one medium, ideas fill my head and I will never have enough time to try them all, but I'm sure I'll manage to give some a go, I know some results will be unpopular but maybe a few will please some and that will make the effort worth while.
Well maybe if I'm lucky I'll get to have another bonfire this afternoon as the wind is so still so won't effect any neighbours with smoke, fingers crossed as I really need to get more burnt out the way.
Just one more thing before I get on, if Claire Sage reads this blog could you plaese email me on upwellsell@aol.com since I changed my email I lost a lot of contacts and I would like to email you to thank you Claire for Christmas card, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Here in the fens the world is covered with the magical sparkle of morning frost with the sun bringing out every ice mirror giving the garden a coat of crystal, so raw is winter's welcome this morning, the mild damp weather of autumn gone for another year.
It was another early start for me with cold hands I opened the barn, cold and dark yet there ready to make my day another happy one, my little glass haven where dreams and ideas are thought through and success and failure run hand in hand, my safe place where I can forget the world and her problems, lost in my love affair with my flame.
No winds this morning so still the trees are, soaking up the sun as if it was their last, most bare now with there golden jewellery laying beneath forming carpets to every path in the garden and that huge still blue sky hangs above us with not a single threatening cloud.
It's a mixed day ahead for me, beads to clean and photograph with listing to be made this afternoon and also a few hours in the clay room call with pots to throw and ideas to try out. When I started to play with ceramics I really didnt imagine there were so many avenues and options to be found in one medium, ideas fill my head and I will never have enough time to try them all, but I'm sure I'll manage to give some a go, I know some results will be unpopular but maybe a few will please some and that will make the effort worth while.
Well maybe if I'm lucky I'll get to have another bonfire this afternoon as the wind is so still so won't effect any neighbours with smoke, fingers crossed as I really need to get more burnt out the way.
Just one more thing before I get on, if Claire Sage reads this blog could you plaese email me on upwellsell@aol.com since I changed my email I lost a lot of contacts and I would like to email you to thank you Claire for Christmas card, I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Wednesday, 7 December 2011
Late Cuppa
Yet Another Early Start
It was again an early start for me this morning, I woke to the sound of those big fen winds blowing across the rich dark fields and after laying there for half an hour I knew it was no use, I had to get up and about. So out I went to turn on the kiln and get things ready for another day of bliss working with my flame, the barn always feels so different on these dark mornings, cold and sleeping like an old giant waiting to come to life with the flick of a light switch, then it becomes such a magical place where glass and fire work together, a place that keeps us warm through all the winter and a place where worries disappear for the day.
It's another late coffee time for me today and now the sunshine fills the garden while the strong winds make the conifer trees dance, all to the sound of the lock keeper working the lock a few hundred yards across the fields, some winter boater must be passing through Upwell. Those little canal boats look so cosy with their little stove chimney's smoking away, the stoves inside keeping the boat nice and warm.
All types to make today bead wise but I also need to throw a few pots this afternoon, it's been five days since I was playing on my wheel and I have missed it, that little kid inside me who loves to be covered in wet clay needs to get out again to enjoy himself. I found some old shelf brackets in the tool barn so I managed to get more shelves up in the clay room, the more the better for standing pots and bowls on to dry, the place really seems to be taking shape now, it looks like a potters room at last.
Ok I better get back to it, things to make and dreams to dream !
It was again an early start for me this morning, I woke to the sound of those big fen winds blowing across the rich dark fields and after laying there for half an hour I knew it was no use, I had to get up and about. So out I went to turn on the kiln and get things ready for another day of bliss working with my flame, the barn always feels so different on these dark mornings, cold and sleeping like an old giant waiting to come to life with the flick of a light switch, then it becomes such a magical place where glass and fire work together, a place that keeps us warm through all the winter and a place where worries disappear for the day.
It's another late coffee time for me today and now the sunshine fills the garden while the strong winds make the conifer trees dance, all to the sound of the lock keeper working the lock a few hundred yards across the fields, some winter boater must be passing through Upwell. Those little canal boats look so cosy with their little stove chimney's smoking away, the stoves inside keeping the boat nice and warm.
All types to make today bead wise but I also need to throw a few pots this afternoon, it's been five days since I was playing on my wheel and I have missed it, that little kid inside me who loves to be covered in wet clay needs to get out again to enjoy himself. I found some old shelf brackets in the tool barn so I managed to get more shelves up in the clay room, the more the better for standing pots and bowls on to dry, the place really seems to be taking shape now, it looks like a potters room at last.
Ok I better get back to it, things to make and dreams to dream !
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Fresh Clean Frost
White Cover For The Fens
Now this is the kind of winter morning I like, cold fresh with a thick coating of frost yet that tiny hint of sunshine lost under those grey clouds. The sound of game birds on the fields behind us add to the feel, a group of five cock pheasants walking picking at the soil make a stunning picture with those wonderful colours moving between the frost coated grasses.
It's a later cuppa for me this morning as I got carried away cleaning beads ready to photograph and list this evening and I have to admit this bowl of hot porridge went down a treat, a nice warm start to the day. Yesterday was the first time this year I had to fill the stone hot water bottle that I use to keep my feet warm when working, it was the first really cold day in the barn, a sign of things to come I'm guessing.
This morning I opened the ceramic kiln to find the selection of pots I had bisque fired all safe and well so with any luck I'll get to glaze them later this week and just maybe list a couple on etsy to see what feedback they get, fingers crossed.
A good friend told us about those wheatbags you can buy to heat and wear so we are hoping we can afford a couple later in the month to wear while we work, at the moment our only source of heat in the barn is electric and to be totally honest we can't afford to use it, with the next couple of months heading our way when sales will be next to nothing as they are already, the last thing we need is to use lots of electric. I have a feeling this winter is to be a real challenge to us work wise, all I ask is that we get through it ok with the bills paid, I don't give a monkeys fart about anything else just that we get bills paid and we stay ok health wise. In a way I'm looking forward to it, it will be hard and to say I'm not worried would be a lie but we are up for it and if I have to pack up making beads then at least I can say I gave it my all, I always did that in sport and have done in work, so touch wood we get to the spring still sitting making beads and still loving every second doing so.
Now it's time to get back to the barn, the sun is out and the morning frost is melting into the garden so it may turn out to be a nice clear day, lets hope so, enjoy your day.
Now this is the kind of winter morning I like, cold fresh with a thick coating of frost yet that tiny hint of sunshine lost under those grey clouds. The sound of game birds on the fields behind us add to the feel, a group of five cock pheasants walking picking at the soil make a stunning picture with those wonderful colours moving between the frost coated grasses.
It's a later cuppa for me this morning as I got carried away cleaning beads ready to photograph and list this evening and I have to admit this bowl of hot porridge went down a treat, a nice warm start to the day. Yesterday was the first time this year I had to fill the stone hot water bottle that I use to keep my feet warm when working, it was the first really cold day in the barn, a sign of things to come I'm guessing.
This morning I opened the ceramic kiln to find the selection of pots I had bisque fired all safe and well so with any luck I'll get to glaze them later this week and just maybe list a couple on etsy to see what feedback they get, fingers crossed.
A good friend told us about those wheatbags you can buy to heat and wear so we are hoping we can afford a couple later in the month to wear while we work, at the moment our only source of heat in the barn is electric and to be totally honest we can't afford to use it, with the next couple of months heading our way when sales will be next to nothing as they are already, the last thing we need is to use lots of electric. I have a feeling this winter is to be a real challenge to us work wise, all I ask is that we get through it ok with the bills paid, I don't give a monkeys fart about anything else just that we get bills paid and we stay ok health wise. In a way I'm looking forward to it, it will be hard and to say I'm not worried would be a lie but we are up for it and if I have to pack up making beads then at least I can say I gave it my all, I always did that in sport and have done in work, so touch wood we get to the spring still sitting making beads and still loving every second doing so.
Now it's time to get back to the barn, the sun is out and the morning frost is melting into the garden so it may turn out to be a nice clear day, lets hope so, enjoy your day.
Sunday, 4 December 2011
Bottle Bead Day
Hammer At The Ready
I'm one happy little beadmaker this morning, up with the lark ready for a day making recycled beads from wine bottles. I first need to pick out the bottles I'll use then take the hammer to them giving me some nice size pieces to use, then it's play time and we will see what we can come up with.
I'm thinking ring beads, lentils with matching spacers and maybe tubes too, after that it will be just trial and error to see what I can produce, I'm really looking forward to it.
I just want to thank those who sent messages about the slider toys, I did mention they can become a bit addictive and you find yourself fiddling with them when worn, but hey, they are fun and I've been told they make great keyrings or phone charms, even used as zip pulls seems to work so give them a try.
It's just getting light here and again it's rather cold here in the fens and this may sound silly to some but when I sat down here with my cuppa looking out at the cold darkness I thought how those old tramps must find warmth in the winter, the guys you still see traveling across the country by foot or by bike, how the hell do they keep warm on these long dark nights, god we really don't know how lucky we are sometimes. Yes we all have problems and yes things are bad for some of us but we do have a roof over our heads and food on the table, we can change into clean clothes every day and we have hot water, none of which those guys have, and there was me trying to sort out christmas when really I need to start thinking of more important things and not myself.
I'm one happy little beadmaker this morning, up with the lark ready for a day making recycled beads from wine bottles. I first need to pick out the bottles I'll use then take the hammer to them giving me some nice size pieces to use, then it's play time and we will see what we can come up with.
I'm thinking ring beads, lentils with matching spacers and maybe tubes too, after that it will be just trial and error to see what I can produce, I'm really looking forward to it.
I just want to thank those who sent messages about the slider toys, I did mention they can become a bit addictive and you find yourself fiddling with them when worn, but hey, they are fun and I've been told they make great keyrings or phone charms, even used as zip pulls seems to work so give them a try.
It's just getting light here and again it's rather cold here in the fens and this may sound silly to some but when I sat down here with my cuppa looking out at the cold darkness I thought how those old tramps must find warmth in the winter, the guys you still see traveling across the country by foot or by bike, how the hell do they keep warm on these long dark nights, god we really don't know how lucky we are sometimes. Yes we all have problems and yes things are bad for some of us but we do have a roof over our heads and food on the table, we can change into clean clothes every day and we have hot water, none of which those guys have, and there was me trying to sort out christmas when really I need to start thinking of more important things and not myself.
Still Not Rich
Cold Car Boot
Well I'm still here and still making beads for the next few years, no treasures found at the car boot this morning tho I did manage to obtain some old cod bottles for next to nothing, they were meant to be for making beads but I think knowing me the thought of taking a hammer to them may just be too much and they will live alongside others in the barn.
It was a bitter wind but there were a lot of people there and after getting a coffee I enjoyed walking around hunting down that one lost treasure I long for. I always keep my eye out for any old coloured glass that I can smash and use to make beads, it's just a real shame there don't sell that well, maybe people just don't worry about recycling as much as I thought, to me the idea of using this old glass, a lot of which will end up in bottle banks and landfill sites all over the country is a great idea. I guess because you can't mix the glass like you can soft bought lampworking glass and you have to make sets which to most look plain the fact they are helping with a greener life don't matter, it's a real shame as I love making them so much and in fact tomorrow I'll be spending all day making them.
When you see beads found from sites of historical interest such as Roman or Saxon the thing you notice is they are just simple plain beads, yes they may have the odd dot or stripe on them but most are just plain. The people living then were used to plain living, they appreciated the simple things in life and any piece of bead jewellery was of great value to them a real prize that was passed down through families. Today we want the flash, the sparkle and glitter on everything, isn't that sad, I must say that of all the people I have known in my life those who love the more natural things in life, those who don't care for fast cars, big screen tv sets etc are some of the happiest people I know, they seem to be contented with their life and they don't worry about paying for those luxury items that so many of us want, yes want not need.
So I guess with this in mind making recycled bottle beads won't ever make me much money but boy I'll have some great times doing so and for those who do enjoy using them in their jewellery then I hope they make you happy also.
Ok I better get off I have dinner to cook and an evening relaxing to look forward too, I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend.
Well I'm still here and still making beads for the next few years, no treasures found at the car boot this morning tho I did manage to obtain some old cod bottles for next to nothing, they were meant to be for making beads but I think knowing me the thought of taking a hammer to them may just be too much and they will live alongside others in the barn.
It was a bitter wind but there were a lot of people there and after getting a coffee I enjoyed walking around hunting down that one lost treasure I long for. I always keep my eye out for any old coloured glass that I can smash and use to make beads, it's just a real shame there don't sell that well, maybe people just don't worry about recycling as much as I thought, to me the idea of using this old glass, a lot of which will end up in bottle banks and landfill sites all over the country is a great idea. I guess because you can't mix the glass like you can soft bought lampworking glass and you have to make sets which to most look plain the fact they are helping with a greener life don't matter, it's a real shame as I love making them so much and in fact tomorrow I'll be spending all day making them.
When you see beads found from sites of historical interest such as Roman or Saxon the thing you notice is they are just simple plain beads, yes they may have the odd dot or stripe on them but most are just plain. The people living then were used to plain living, they appreciated the simple things in life and any piece of bead jewellery was of great value to them a real prize that was passed down through families. Today we want the flash, the sparkle and glitter on everything, isn't that sad, I must say that of all the people I have known in my life those who love the more natural things in life, those who don't care for fast cars, big screen tv sets etc are some of the happiest people I know, they seem to be contented with their life and they don't worry about paying for those luxury items that so many of us want, yes want not need.
So I guess with this in mind making recycled bottle beads won't ever make me much money but boy I'll have some great times doing so and for those who do enjoy using them in their jewellery then I hope they make you happy also.
Ok I better get off I have dinner to cook and an evening relaxing to look forward too, I hope you have all enjoyed your weekend.
Treasure Hunting
Time Off For Good Behaviour
It;s a cold sunday morning and I'm off to treasure hunt at the local car boot sale, a few hours away from work and the barn hoping I can find something of interest, maybe that odd treasure worth hundreds of pounds of maybe just some pieces that may help with my ceramic work, things I can use for surface textures etc.
I find it amazing what people sell at these fairs and often see items that make me think back to my childhood even toys and games that I enjoyed as a child over 40 years ago. It's a big car boot and is busy with customers from the surrounding area, there is a good mixture of sellers with some retail sellers with their christmas stock of toys and decorations, but I like the tables which are full of what we would call " old tat", where there is a mixture of old and new to look through.
Every time I set off I tell Yvonne I'll be back with some treasure that we can sell and ease out worries haha but yet to do so, maybe this week is the week and I'll be on here later telling you of my find all excited as we will be rich, yer right !
The good thing is I get a couple of hours alone to think plus Yvonne gets a rest from me moaning about everything so it does both of us good.
I'll let you know this evening how I get on, wish me luck.
It;s a cold sunday morning and I'm off to treasure hunt at the local car boot sale, a few hours away from work and the barn hoping I can find something of interest, maybe that odd treasure worth hundreds of pounds of maybe just some pieces that may help with my ceramic work, things I can use for surface textures etc.
I find it amazing what people sell at these fairs and often see items that make me think back to my childhood even toys and games that I enjoyed as a child over 40 years ago. It's a big car boot and is busy with customers from the surrounding area, there is a good mixture of sellers with some retail sellers with their christmas stock of toys and decorations, but I like the tables which are full of what we would call " old tat", where there is a mixture of old and new to look through.
Every time I set off I tell Yvonne I'll be back with some treasure that we can sell and ease out worries haha but yet to do so, maybe this week is the week and I'll be on here later telling you of my find all excited as we will be rich, yer right !
The good thing is I get a couple of hours alone to think plus Yvonne gets a rest from me moaning about everything so it does both of us good.
I'll let you know this evening how I get on, wish me luck.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
My Old Friend Is Back
Two Nights Running.
Yipeeeeeeeee !! for two nights running I have had a real nights sleep, at last me and sleep are mates again and I have to say I feel so much better for it. It has made so much difference to my work, I've even been playing with some bright fun colours as some of you will have seen by the beads in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams and I must say I'm having great fun making them, who needs drugs or a drink to have a wild time when sleep seems to be able to do the job just as well.
I'm getting my Christmas plans sorted and only last night Yvonne asked if we were having a tree this year so that tells me I'm doing the right thing. Later this week we are off to visit Yvonnes mum and my aunt so I'll have some time to look around my home village for holly etc and I've located the Christmas Dec's all boxed up in the spare bedroom so they are all ready to go. We have a huge stock of candles as we used to make our own and so that's all sorted too.
It's funny how Christmas always makes you excited, just like a big kid, my thoughts always go back to the days when I was around 10 and my pressies were under my mum and dads bed in a white pillow case, lots of drawing pads and felt tip pens, coloured pencils and paints were often in the case which was fantastic for me as I loved drawing and was never far from my pencils. I remember the smells of Christmas too, the cooked breakfast my dad would cook and my mum having coffee made with tin milk and one smell I still today find reminds me of Christmas is cucumber, yes the smell reminds me of those large Christmas teas when all the family sat around a big table which held a salad show never to be out done, salads of all sorts and pickles from the larder. Cold meats and cheeses were there alongside the fresh bread and butter, and I mean real bread !
And when I sit and think of those wonderful dinners and teas one thing comes to mind every time, they didn't cost the world, most of the food was home grown and the odd luxury was maybe the odd tin of red salmon with the salad and a nice jar of coffee, Christmas wasn't about how much we could spend or how many pressies we got, it was about being Christmas, feeling happy and sitting back with family talking over the year past, uncles having a cigar and a drink while aunties told stories about the village people, I'm bloody sure people enjoyed it better than they do today and I'm going to see for myself this year weather I'm right or not.
Ok I'm off to my torch I have more crazy colours to play with and it looks like I need more slidder toys to list as all have sold from yesterday, the rain has gone and it looks like we could have a bright day here in the fens, the garden is full of birds as I made sure all the feeding stations were full yesterday with seeds and fat balls, it's the least I can do after all the enjoyment they give me through the year, however cold it gets here the birds will always find a meal in this garden in winter.
Yipeeeeeeeee !! for two nights running I have had a real nights sleep, at last me and sleep are mates again and I have to say I feel so much better for it. It has made so much difference to my work, I've even been playing with some bright fun colours as some of you will have seen by the beads in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams and I must say I'm having great fun making them, who needs drugs or a drink to have a wild time when sleep seems to be able to do the job just as well.
I'm getting my Christmas plans sorted and only last night Yvonne asked if we were having a tree this year so that tells me I'm doing the right thing. Later this week we are off to visit Yvonnes mum and my aunt so I'll have some time to look around my home village for holly etc and I've located the Christmas Dec's all boxed up in the spare bedroom so they are all ready to go. We have a huge stock of candles as we used to make our own and so that's all sorted too.
It's funny how Christmas always makes you excited, just like a big kid, my thoughts always go back to the days when I was around 10 and my pressies were under my mum and dads bed in a white pillow case, lots of drawing pads and felt tip pens, coloured pencils and paints were often in the case which was fantastic for me as I loved drawing and was never far from my pencils. I remember the smells of Christmas too, the cooked breakfast my dad would cook and my mum having coffee made with tin milk and one smell I still today find reminds me of Christmas is cucumber, yes the smell reminds me of those large Christmas teas when all the family sat around a big table which held a salad show never to be out done, salads of all sorts and pickles from the larder. Cold meats and cheeses were there alongside the fresh bread and butter, and I mean real bread !
And when I sit and think of those wonderful dinners and teas one thing comes to mind every time, they didn't cost the world, most of the food was home grown and the odd luxury was maybe the odd tin of red salmon with the salad and a nice jar of coffee, Christmas wasn't about how much we could spend or how many pressies we got, it was about being Christmas, feeling happy and sitting back with family talking over the year past, uncles having a cigar and a drink while aunties told stories about the village people, I'm bloody sure people enjoyed it better than they do today and I'm going to see for myself this year weather I'm right or not.
Ok I'm off to my torch I have more crazy colours to play with and it looks like I need more slidder toys to list as all have sold from yesterday, the rain has gone and it looks like we could have a bright day here in the fens, the garden is full of birds as I made sure all the feeding stations were full yesterday with seeds and fat balls, it's the least I can do after all the enjoyment they give me through the year, however cold it gets here the birds will always find a meal in this garden in winter.
Sunday, 27 November 2011
Thoughts Of Christmas
It's Not About Money
With t.v and radio talking up Christmas already it's hard not to start thinking about how I can give us a nice Chrismas this year. With things being so bad for us this time last year we tried very hard to forget Christmas, not easy when we both love it so much but it was our way of trying to forget the struggles we were going through and after we sat in our lounge Chritmas day with not a single piece of holly on show I told myself it would never happen again.
So this year I'm out to prove we can enjoy the feel of christmas even tho we haven't a penny to spend. As far as Yvonne knows we are just going to have two days rest without even a tree, but there is no way thats going to happen as she works just as hard as me and I want to do something to bring back her smile. I've been thinking of how our christmas days were spent when I was a child and there is no reason why I can't do the same this year. Why do we need to spend lots of money, yes we will buy a few pressies for our daughter Nicola and just a few very close friends but thats it, tho I'll make sure I get Yvonne something and as for decorations, well we have lots packed away so they will be going up and I'm sure I can find a tree haha just don't ask me where.
There are lots of small ways I can make it special, collecting holly and mistletoe just as I did when a kid, making a festive log with dried flowers like my mum taught me and a bag of chestnuts won't empty the piggy bank. All in all I'm going to be a busy little boy and I'll be getting it sorted in my clay room so Yvonne won't have a clue.
I'm feeling excited about it and really looking forward to seeing what I can do plus I'm having the most amazing memories of my childhood christmas's helping my mum on christmas eve.
On the bead side of things, tomorrow is both hollow beads and some slidder toys, they seem to be selling so as I had fun making some bright funky coloured ones I think it's worth listing a few, but like normal I want to improve them first.
With t.v and radio talking up Christmas already it's hard not to start thinking about how I can give us a nice Chrismas this year. With things being so bad for us this time last year we tried very hard to forget Christmas, not easy when we both love it so much but it was our way of trying to forget the struggles we were going through and after we sat in our lounge Chritmas day with not a single piece of holly on show I told myself it would never happen again.
So this year I'm out to prove we can enjoy the feel of christmas even tho we haven't a penny to spend. As far as Yvonne knows we are just going to have two days rest without even a tree, but there is no way thats going to happen as she works just as hard as me and I want to do something to bring back her smile. I've been thinking of how our christmas days were spent when I was a child and there is no reason why I can't do the same this year. Why do we need to spend lots of money, yes we will buy a few pressies for our daughter Nicola and just a few very close friends but thats it, tho I'll make sure I get Yvonne something and as for decorations, well we have lots packed away so they will be going up and I'm sure I can find a tree haha just don't ask me where.
There are lots of small ways I can make it special, collecting holly and mistletoe just as I did when a kid, making a festive log with dried flowers like my mum taught me and a bag of chestnuts won't empty the piggy bank. All in all I'm going to be a busy little boy and I'll be getting it sorted in my clay room so Yvonne won't have a clue.
I'm feeling excited about it and really looking forward to seeing what I can do plus I'm having the most amazing memories of my childhood christmas's helping my mum on christmas eve.
On the bead side of things, tomorrow is both hollow beads and some slidder toys, they seem to be selling so as I had fun making some bright funky coloured ones I think it's worth listing a few, but like normal I want to improve them first.
Friday, 25 November 2011
I Love The Rain
A Wet Fen Morning
I sit here with my cuppa watching the heavy rain shower falling here in the fens, dark wild skies race over towards the coast full of black rain clouds, my feelings are we will be in for a very wet November day. I must admit I love this kind of morning, sitting warm while the cold rain falls, there is nothing better than being in the dry with the rain just feet from you, it's a feeling only bettered by that of traveling in a car at night with the rain banging on the roof.
I remember as a kid being in my dads car on the way home from a day with family, I would sit huddled in that large leather covered back seat watching the rain and lights outside, we would stop and pick up fish and chips and the smell was great as they were placed next to the car heater helping them stay warm. Those big old cars were so very different to those we drive now, in minutes we are now warm yet in those days it took ages for the heater to warm up and I don't think I ever got warm sitting in the back, I still remember how cold the seat was when you touched your hand on it and there was always that faint smell of petrol when you first got in.
Yesterday afternoon I managed to have a good bonfire burning yet more of the cut down conifers, I think it will take most of the winter to get them all down and burnt but it will be well worth all the effort, the thought of my new kitchen garden drives me on and I can't wait to start building the raised beds. Apart from buying some timber it's a project thats is just costing time and effort and I can always find both.
There are a few things I may need so they might have to be placed on my christmas list, seeds etc and a few more small bits and pieces. This weekend I'm hoping to make a few ceramic herb plant markers ready for my herb pots, I'm starting to realise just how many things can be made from ceramics, even little cane caps to place on the end of my garden canes to protect my eyes when bending over the beds, little things I know but they will be my personal little additions.
Well it's time for work and the sky seems to be brighter, fingers crossed it may end up a dry day after all.
I sit here with my cuppa watching the heavy rain shower falling here in the fens, dark wild skies race over towards the coast full of black rain clouds, my feelings are we will be in for a very wet November day. I must admit I love this kind of morning, sitting warm while the cold rain falls, there is nothing better than being in the dry with the rain just feet from you, it's a feeling only bettered by that of traveling in a car at night with the rain banging on the roof.
I remember as a kid being in my dads car on the way home from a day with family, I would sit huddled in that large leather covered back seat watching the rain and lights outside, we would stop and pick up fish and chips and the smell was great as they were placed next to the car heater helping them stay warm. Those big old cars were so very different to those we drive now, in minutes we are now warm yet in those days it took ages for the heater to warm up and I don't think I ever got warm sitting in the back, I still remember how cold the seat was when you touched your hand on it and there was always that faint smell of petrol when you first got in.
Yesterday afternoon I managed to have a good bonfire burning yet more of the cut down conifers, I think it will take most of the winter to get them all down and burnt but it will be well worth all the effort, the thought of my new kitchen garden drives me on and I can't wait to start building the raised beds. Apart from buying some timber it's a project thats is just costing time and effort and I can always find both.
There are a few things I may need so they might have to be placed on my christmas list, seeds etc and a few more small bits and pieces. This weekend I'm hoping to make a few ceramic herb plant markers ready for my herb pots, I'm starting to realise just how many things can be made from ceramics, even little cane caps to place on the end of my garden canes to protect my eyes when bending over the beds, little things I know but they will be my personal little additions.
Well it's time for work and the sky seems to be brighter, fingers crossed it may end up a dry day after all.
Thursday, 24 November 2011
Another Happy Day Ahead
Things To Make
I don.t know why but even the damp grey weather can't stop me enjoying my work this last week, I'm guessing the fact I've been making beads that I like all week may have something to do with it or that I'm trying out new beads, whatever it is I seem to be very happy at my torch.
Later today I need to take yet more photographs of beads that need to be listed in etsy shop and on ebay, I have a few different beads to try so fingers crossed I won't be the only one who likes some of the mad ideas I come up with, we''ll see.
My feelings are that while things are tough for bead makers you might as well give things a try, there is nothing to lose, if you make something new and people don't get what your doing then just try something else, if they do approve and the beads sell then thats great, but over the years I learnt not to beat yourself up over it, I can remember selling some really strange beads, beads that people told me would never sell, beads that I myself thought twice about.
I also remember the first stone effect focals I made and how happy I was when the first few sold and people said they liked them, after some people tell you "they won't sell" or "they aint for me", you start to think are they right, but now I always think how different we all are and how different our tastes are, god all you need to do is sit and watch people walking by in a busy shopping centre to see how different we dress and this is the same with jewellery too. I even get people asking me why a lot of jewellery makers use the same type of beads in their work and why is there not more who try different things, well I can't answer that tho I know a lot of jewellery makers play safe by only making pieces that they know will sell, maybe thats the reason ?
However, I also know that some jewellery makers who sell lots of one off unique pieces do get a very good price for their work and their pieces never hang around being sold as soon as they go on sale, so that tells us something. With this in mind I'm spending the next couple of days letting my mind run wild at my torch, I'm going to make some very different beads and to be honest I know most people won't be interested in them in any way but hey, I'll get a couple of days enjoying myself and if just one or two people like them it will be worth it, I've never been one to run with the pack and in my mind thats a good thing. To me you only run with the pack for security and when your a full time beadmaker security is one thing you learn to live without, so this beadmaker is staying out there on his own and one day he'll come up with something very different, it might takes years but it will happen you wait and see.
Wow look at the time I'm late, my flame is calling and there are strange beads to make, enjoy your day and remember, try something different.
I don.t know why but even the damp grey weather can't stop me enjoying my work this last week, I'm guessing the fact I've been making beads that I like all week may have something to do with it or that I'm trying out new beads, whatever it is I seem to be very happy at my torch.
Later today I need to take yet more photographs of beads that need to be listed in etsy shop and on ebay, I have a few different beads to try so fingers crossed I won't be the only one who likes some of the mad ideas I come up with, we''ll see.
My feelings are that while things are tough for bead makers you might as well give things a try, there is nothing to lose, if you make something new and people don't get what your doing then just try something else, if they do approve and the beads sell then thats great, but over the years I learnt not to beat yourself up over it, I can remember selling some really strange beads, beads that people told me would never sell, beads that I myself thought twice about.
I also remember the first stone effect focals I made and how happy I was when the first few sold and people said they liked them, after some people tell you "they won't sell" or "they aint for me", you start to think are they right, but now I always think how different we all are and how different our tastes are, god all you need to do is sit and watch people walking by in a busy shopping centre to see how different we dress and this is the same with jewellery too. I even get people asking me why a lot of jewellery makers use the same type of beads in their work and why is there not more who try different things, well I can't answer that tho I know a lot of jewellery makers play safe by only making pieces that they know will sell, maybe thats the reason ?
However, I also know that some jewellery makers who sell lots of one off unique pieces do get a very good price for their work and their pieces never hang around being sold as soon as they go on sale, so that tells us something. With this in mind I'm spending the next couple of days letting my mind run wild at my torch, I'm going to make some very different beads and to be honest I know most people won't be interested in them in any way but hey, I'll get a couple of days enjoying myself and if just one or two people like them it will be worth it, I've never been one to run with the pack and in my mind thats a good thing. To me you only run with the pack for security and when your a full time beadmaker security is one thing you learn to live without, so this beadmaker is staying out there on his own and one day he'll come up with something very different, it might takes years but it will happen you wait and see.
Wow look at the time I'm late, my flame is calling and there are strange beads to make, enjoy your day and remember, try something different.
Tuesday, 22 November 2011
Back At My Torch
Back To Normal
I'm glad to say I got a good nights sleep last night not waking until 7am, late for me but I felt so much better for it. The old Rob was back enjoying his time at the torch making lots and putting in a full day, no more asking for hot drinks and no asking to be tucked in under the quilt haha back to making the coffee myself and cooking the dinner, the easy life didn't last very long.
Had a great day making focals and slidder toys ready for christmas, I'll list a few in my etsy shop and ebay to see if there is any interest, I know they can be very addictive, you just can't leave the little things alone, but hey, they would make a fun stocking filler for adults or kids.
To make things even better today I was able to sit at my torch watching the rain outside dancing on the surface of the pond, knowing that years ago I would have been out there working in it. So yet another reason why I love my job and willing to fight all I can to carry on with it.
I'm glad to say I got a good nights sleep last night not waking until 7am, late for me but I felt so much better for it. The old Rob was back enjoying his time at the torch making lots and putting in a full day, no more asking for hot drinks and no asking to be tucked in under the quilt haha back to making the coffee myself and cooking the dinner, the easy life didn't last very long.
Had a great day making focals and slidder toys ready for christmas, I'll list a few in my etsy shop and ebay to see if there is any interest, I know they can be very addictive, you just can't leave the little things alone, but hey, they would make a fun stocking filler for adults or kids.
To make things even better today I was able to sit at my torch watching the rain outside dancing on the surface of the pond, knowing that years ago I would have been out there working in it. So yet another reason why I love my job and willing to fight all I can to carry on with it.
Monday, 21 November 2011
Man Flu
Boy Do I Feel Rough
Well I had a great early start to the day as you all know, new ceramic beads all cleaned, photographed and listed then it was down to work on my torch but boy do I feel rough. Yes I know, my dear wife as already told me it's man flu, but I'm just guessing it's lack of sleep, I've been over doing it the last few weeks and it seems like it's catching up with me. So, it's the sofa for me with mugs of hot lemon and honey and maybe just maybe I may get some sleep also.
The trouble with sitting around the house is I get so bored, to say my note pad is getting a pounding is an understatement, if I can't make beads at least I can think beads. Lets just hope tomorrow will be a better day and a fresh start and maybe not such an early start haha !
Well I had a great early start to the day as you all know, new ceramic beads all cleaned, photographed and listed then it was down to work on my torch but boy do I feel rough. Yes I know, my dear wife as already told me it's man flu, but I'm just guessing it's lack of sleep, I've been over doing it the last few weeks and it seems like it's catching up with me. So, it's the sofa for me with mugs of hot lemon and honey and maybe just maybe I may get some sleep also.
The trouble with sitting around the house is I get so bored, to say my note pad is getting a pounding is an understatement, if I can't make beads at least I can think beads. Lets just hope tomorrow will be a better day and a fresh start and maybe not such an early start haha !
Sunday, 20 November 2011
Another Early Start
Up With The Lark
I can remember when on these dark November mornings I could lay in our warm bed until late wishing I could stay there all day, now I still wish I could sleep all day long but seem to be up as soon as I wake. I know I'm not getting any real sleep and I understand we all get that when there are things playing on our minds but it seems to be every morning now that I'm laying awake listening for those first early cars going by and thinking it's ok to get up now.
I'm sure it's a family thing as my grandad was always up and about before 6am as was my mum and I have uncles and aunts who manage on just a few hours every night, I'm really hoping I haven't got that to look forward to.
I've just been out to turn on my kiln and to check the ceramic kiln is all cooled and ready to empty, the fog as lifted from last night and morning is very dark, now I get time for a cuppa before I start the day.
I hope when I empty the ceramics that the new colours have turned out ok, some I'm sure will be fine, others, well we just have to wait and see. I put a few pots and bowls in so touch wood they will be ok, I'm starting to understand now that its not the making of the ceramics but the glazing thats takes the hard work. There has been a lot of times when I've made some really nice pieces only to find when I glaze them the colours look crap and they go straight in a cupboard out of sight or finish up being used to store tools or unglazed beads, I guess there is always a use for them.
On the lampwork side of things today is focal day yipeeeeeeee, I get to play and do whatever I want, the glass gets to show me something new again which means yet another exciting morning tomorrow opening the kiln to see the results and I get chance to try out a couple of colours that have stood collecting dust in my glass rack for months, so thats a bonus too.
Ok I'm off to get that cuppa while the rest of the world wakes then off to my torch and the warm seat next to my kiln.
I can remember when on these dark November mornings I could lay in our warm bed until late wishing I could stay there all day, now I still wish I could sleep all day long but seem to be up as soon as I wake. I know I'm not getting any real sleep and I understand we all get that when there are things playing on our minds but it seems to be every morning now that I'm laying awake listening for those first early cars going by and thinking it's ok to get up now.
I'm sure it's a family thing as my grandad was always up and about before 6am as was my mum and I have uncles and aunts who manage on just a few hours every night, I'm really hoping I haven't got that to look forward to.
I've just been out to turn on my kiln and to check the ceramic kiln is all cooled and ready to empty, the fog as lifted from last night and morning is very dark, now I get time for a cuppa before I start the day.
I hope when I empty the ceramics that the new colours have turned out ok, some I'm sure will be fine, others, well we just have to wait and see. I put a few pots and bowls in so touch wood they will be ok, I'm starting to understand now that its not the making of the ceramics but the glazing thats takes the hard work. There has been a lot of times when I've made some really nice pieces only to find when I glaze them the colours look crap and they go straight in a cupboard out of sight or finish up being used to store tools or unglazed beads, I guess there is always a use for them.
On the lampwork side of things today is focal day yipeeeeeeee, I get to play and do whatever I want, the glass gets to show me something new again which means yet another exciting morning tomorrow opening the kiln to see the results and I get chance to try out a couple of colours that have stood collecting dust in my glass rack for months, so thats a bonus too.
Ok I'm off to get that cuppa while the rest of the world wakes then off to my torch and the warm seat next to my kiln.
What A Fantastic Evening
Victorian Streets
I've just been out and about checking the workshop is all shut off safe and sound and that the ceramic kiln is working fine and the fog is dancing it's way down among the trees and buildings, standing looking along the road it feels magical with the thoughts of those victorian streets with shadows standing in every door way.
How I love the fog and morning mist, they turn the countryside into a very different place giving a very mythical feel with birds and wildlife seeming to stand still, they also behave in a very different way.
On an evening like this there is no question why we all love the autumn so much, well most of us, it really is a magical season !
The ceramic kiln is firing over night so I'm hoping when I empty the contents in the morning I might find a lot of nice new coloured ceramic beads to list in my etsy shop. This big kid I'm sure will be up early tomorrow heading off towards the kiln with his fingers crossed.
I've just been out and about checking the workshop is all shut off safe and sound and that the ceramic kiln is working fine and the fog is dancing it's way down among the trees and buildings, standing looking along the road it feels magical with the thoughts of those victorian streets with shadows standing in every door way.
How I love the fog and morning mist, they turn the countryside into a very different place giving a very mythical feel with birds and wildlife seeming to stand still, they also behave in a very different way.
On an evening like this there is no question why we all love the autumn so much, well most of us, it really is a magical season !
The ceramic kiln is firing over night so I'm hoping when I empty the contents in the morning I might find a lot of nice new coloured ceramic beads to list in my etsy shop. This big kid I'm sure will be up early tomorrow heading off towards the kiln with his fingers crossed.
Friday, 18 November 2011
Oxygen Change
Late Start For Me
It's that time again, the dreaded change of oxygen tanks which means loading them both into car then taking them to Wisbech and swaping them for two new full tanks. I'm lucky really as they only get changed once a month but still not a nice job as they are heavy to hump about, so always glad when it's over.
This means a late start for me this morning but I guess it's good to have an easy morning every now and then. Lots to make today so it may be a late finish which is nothing new and the dark evenings make you feel your working into the night most days.
Yesterday I managed to get a couple of hours in the garden, long enough to cut down five more large conifers letting even more light flood onto the site of the new kitchen garden, it makes the garden look so much bigger and so bright, yes I know the conifers did a great job protecting the garden from the wilf fen winds but I really need lots of light to grow more veg. I've left the conifer hedge six foot high so the plot will still get a lot of protection and a perfect height for me to look out over the farmland behind us, so the best of both worlds.
Ok, I better get those tanks changed, it's around a 15 minute drive so the kiln must now be turned on ready to start work when we return, oh for a magic wand !
It's that time again, the dreaded change of oxygen tanks which means loading them both into car then taking them to Wisbech and swaping them for two new full tanks. I'm lucky really as they only get changed once a month but still not a nice job as they are heavy to hump about, so always glad when it's over.
This means a late start for me this morning but I guess it's good to have an easy morning every now and then. Lots to make today so it may be a late finish which is nothing new and the dark evenings make you feel your working into the night most days.
Yesterday I managed to get a couple of hours in the garden, long enough to cut down five more large conifers letting even more light flood onto the site of the new kitchen garden, it makes the garden look so much bigger and so bright, yes I know the conifers did a great job protecting the garden from the wilf fen winds but I really need lots of light to grow more veg. I've left the conifer hedge six foot high so the plot will still get a lot of protection and a perfect height for me to look out over the farmland behind us, so the best of both worlds.
Ok, I better get those tanks changed, it's around a 15 minute drive so the kiln must now be turned on ready to start work when we return, oh for a magic wand !
Wednesday, 16 November 2011
Real November
That Heavy Autumn Smell
I just went out to open up the barn and empty kiln etc and what an amazing morning it is. Still dark but in the light of the street light you can see the early morning mist wrapping around every tree and house like a slow passionate dance, ho;ding on tight before light arrives to spoil things.
As I walked down the path to the barn through that golden carpet of cherry leaves the autumn smell was stunning, so strong I just stood by the pond taking in every second, that damp yet pleasant aroma that only November can bring.
Now I sit with my early morning cuppa while the kiln warms ready for another day at my faithful torch, my head full of ideas for the day. This last few days have been great with most beads I made turning out just how I wished, I've been making more hollow beads which is also a nice way to spend a couple of hours and I even made a few slider toys which I used to make and sell years ago, maybe I'll list a couple in the etsy shop later in the week, they make interesting little beads that people fiddle with for hours when worn.
Light is just starting to open up the wide skies here in the fens and the tips of conifer trees form an army of dancing shadows in the breeze, the early mist rolls over the farmland behind the barn where the carpet of the plough gives cover for the odd small game bird, a whole different world from the front of the cottage as work traffic noise starts to fill the air, headlights reflecting in window glass every few minutes.
How I love this time of day and the life I lead, it wasn't that many years ago when it was me setting off on an hours drive to work in the darkness, dreading the day ahead and longing for the weekend, oh how different I feel now with every morning bringing a fresh exciting day and that love affair with glass still warm and new, I'm so so lucky.
I just went out to open up the barn and empty kiln etc and what an amazing morning it is. Still dark but in the light of the street light you can see the early morning mist wrapping around every tree and house like a slow passionate dance, ho;ding on tight before light arrives to spoil things.
As I walked down the path to the barn through that golden carpet of cherry leaves the autumn smell was stunning, so strong I just stood by the pond taking in every second, that damp yet pleasant aroma that only November can bring.
Now I sit with my early morning cuppa while the kiln warms ready for another day at my faithful torch, my head full of ideas for the day. This last few days have been great with most beads I made turning out just how I wished, I've been making more hollow beads which is also a nice way to spend a couple of hours and I even made a few slider toys which I used to make and sell years ago, maybe I'll list a couple in the etsy shop later in the week, they make interesting little beads that people fiddle with for hours when worn.
Light is just starting to open up the wide skies here in the fens and the tips of conifer trees form an army of dancing shadows in the breeze, the early mist rolls over the farmland behind the barn where the carpet of the plough gives cover for the odd small game bird, a whole different world from the front of the cottage as work traffic noise starts to fill the air, headlights reflecting in window glass every few minutes.
How I love this time of day and the life I lead, it wasn't that many years ago when it was me setting off on an hours drive to work in the darkness, dreading the day ahead and longing for the weekend, oh how different I feel now with every morning bringing a fresh exciting day and that love affair with glass still warm and new, I'm so so lucky.
Tuesday, 15 November 2011
Another Year Older
God I Feel Old !
Well it's Nov the 15th and I'm another year older, 48 and I can honestly say I feel 68 some days haha, it's amazing to think I'm still here when I think of the life I lead before I met Yvonne. I worked hard and indeed I played hard, smoked, drank and ate all the wrong foods, but hey I guess we all were a little wild when younger and there comes a day when we settle down and a lot would say grow up.
I want to thank all of you who sent birthday wishes, it always means a great deal to me and makes me feel very lucky to have such great friends.
Of course as it was my birthday I got to pick what I had for dinner but I know what you will all think when I tell you what I had. I didn't want a take away like I would have picked a year or so back since it would play my IBS up so I went for a very old favourite of mine, tin red salmon. It goes back to my childhood, tin red salmon was only ever eaten on special occasions such as christmas tea or birthday salads and that as stayed with me over 40 years. So after a great day at my torch, a very enjoyable dinner it's now time to relaxe and enjoy the rest of my birthday, once again thank you all for your texts, phone calls and emails.
Well it's Nov the 15th and I'm another year older, 48 and I can honestly say I feel 68 some days haha, it's amazing to think I'm still here when I think of the life I lead before I met Yvonne. I worked hard and indeed I played hard, smoked, drank and ate all the wrong foods, but hey I guess we all were a little wild when younger and there comes a day when we settle down and a lot would say grow up.
I want to thank all of you who sent birthday wishes, it always means a great deal to me and makes me feel very lucky to have such great friends.
Of course as it was my birthday I got to pick what I had for dinner but I know what you will all think when I tell you what I had. I didn't want a take away like I would have picked a year or so back since it would play my IBS up so I went for a very old favourite of mine, tin red salmon. It goes back to my childhood, tin red salmon was only ever eaten on special occasions such as christmas tea or birthday salads and that as stayed with me over 40 years. So after a great day at my torch, a very enjoyable dinner it's now time to relaxe and enjoy the rest of my birthday, once again thank you all for your texts, phone calls and emails.
Friday, 11 November 2011
Rustic Day
My Kind Of Weekend
I was up and about nice and early yet again, not just through lack of sleep but also with excitement from knowing I have a weekend ahead that makes this beadmaker a very happy one. Today I get to make rustic beads all day yipeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!! Tubes, rings and much more all with some great natural colours ready to list in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams
I have a nice new stock of focals ready to list this evening on ebay so now I get to play and produce new work for etsy too, I can't think of a better way to spend the day. I guess like all jobs there are things you enjoy more than others and for me it's making rustic looking beads, if I could make a living making just those and focals then I would. I don't know what it is but these beads which are often very simple will always be in my top three of beads I produce. Maybe its just the colours with more earthy shades or maybe it's just the fact that they are simple that does it, I don't think I'll ever figure it out but boy I like making them.
I just wanted to mention the way my pictures look at the moment in both the etsy and ebay shops. I'm just having a little trouble getting my pictures back to a standard I like since changing the pc around and while I'm working on getting it sorted I used the light effects to try and show the colours as best as I can, but I'm really not happy with them and so I hope this evening to list with a better quality photograph. I'm sorry if they didn't look that great and I'll try my best to get them sorted. I think you all know me enough now to know I like my pictures to be simple and to show off the beads as best they can, I hate any colours looking too artificial, so this last week or so has really pissed me off to say the least but I'm hoping this evening the pictures will look a lot better, fingers crossed.
Ok cuppa time over and I'm off to my torch to enjoy the day, I hope you all enjoy yours too.
I was up and about nice and early yet again, not just through lack of sleep but also with excitement from knowing I have a weekend ahead that makes this beadmaker a very happy one. Today I get to make rustic beads all day yipeeeeeeeeeeee !!!!! Tubes, rings and much more all with some great natural colours ready to list in my etsy shop www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams
I have a nice new stock of focals ready to list this evening on ebay so now I get to play and produce new work for etsy too, I can't think of a better way to spend the day. I guess like all jobs there are things you enjoy more than others and for me it's making rustic looking beads, if I could make a living making just those and focals then I would. I don't know what it is but these beads which are often very simple will always be in my top three of beads I produce. Maybe its just the colours with more earthy shades or maybe it's just the fact that they are simple that does it, I don't think I'll ever figure it out but boy I like making them.
I just wanted to mention the way my pictures look at the moment in both the etsy and ebay shops. I'm just having a little trouble getting my pictures back to a standard I like since changing the pc around and while I'm working on getting it sorted I used the light effects to try and show the colours as best as I can, but I'm really not happy with them and so I hope this evening to list with a better quality photograph. I'm sorry if they didn't look that great and I'll try my best to get them sorted. I think you all know me enough now to know I like my pictures to be simple and to show off the beads as best they can, I hate any colours looking too artificial, so this last week or so has really pissed me off to say the least but I'm hoping this evening the pictures will look a lot better, fingers crossed.
Ok cuppa time over and I'm off to my torch to enjoy the day, I hope you all enjoy yours too.
Thursday, 10 November 2011
First Plate
Little Things Please Little Minds
I know this will sound really silly to most but yesterday evening I made my fire ceramic plate and boy was I pleased. Just like my lampwork I'm learning a bit at a time with the ceramics, small steps but sometimes those little steps mean a lot and yesterday was the first time I had thrown a plate on my wheel, I didn't try anything silly or too large just a small plain plate to start with and was so pleased with the results.
At some point I hope to place some pictures here on the blog of the finished items to see what the feedback is like. To be very honest with you since I started doing the ceramics it has helped take my mind off some of the problems we face here at the moment, the fact that I'm learning something new gives me more confidence and I guess in my head I'm thinking, hey if you can do this you can cope with the crap life has presented you with, so even if my pieces of pottery turn out crap I'm still getting something good out of it plus everyone I know will get ceramic Christmas presents for the next ten years haha !
It was a long day yesterday having started at half six in the morning and working through until half seven last night but I got a lot done and this evening I get to list a lot of new focals on ebay www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Beads-Of-Glass and some new beads in my etsy shop too www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams I need to get more listed this month building up the ebay shop more with sets as well as focals.
Those dark grey skies seem to be staying with us here in the fens and over the last week we seem to only get drizzle and not a sight of bright weather. I can understand why some people get down in the winter months needing light boxes etc, it really has changed big time here in the last month. We seem to be getting a lot of those days where it never seems to get light, you wait for the day to develops but it just never happens and before you know it that half four darkness is approaching.
We are having a treat this morning, we are off out to a local store to pick up a few shelving brackets for the clay room and to see what felt is available for the barn roof, sometimes an hour away from the barn does us the world of good, not only do we get a rest but we get to see how the rest of the world lives haha, well it feels like that sometimes, it feels like we live this little life away from the rest, with the world passing by not knowing we are here, a nice feeling sometimes and all part of living out in the countryside away from the busy streets of town and city.
I know this will sound really silly to most but yesterday evening I made my fire ceramic plate and boy was I pleased. Just like my lampwork I'm learning a bit at a time with the ceramics, small steps but sometimes those little steps mean a lot and yesterday was the first time I had thrown a plate on my wheel, I didn't try anything silly or too large just a small plain plate to start with and was so pleased with the results.
At some point I hope to place some pictures here on the blog of the finished items to see what the feedback is like. To be very honest with you since I started doing the ceramics it has helped take my mind off some of the problems we face here at the moment, the fact that I'm learning something new gives me more confidence and I guess in my head I'm thinking, hey if you can do this you can cope with the crap life has presented you with, so even if my pieces of pottery turn out crap I'm still getting something good out of it plus everyone I know will get ceramic Christmas presents for the next ten years haha !
It was a long day yesterday having started at half six in the morning and working through until half seven last night but I got a lot done and this evening I get to list a lot of new focals on ebay www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Beads-Of-Glass and some new beads in my etsy shop too www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams I need to get more listed this month building up the ebay shop more with sets as well as focals.
Those dark grey skies seem to be staying with us here in the fens and over the last week we seem to only get drizzle and not a sight of bright weather. I can understand why some people get down in the winter months needing light boxes etc, it really has changed big time here in the last month. We seem to be getting a lot of those days where it never seems to get light, you wait for the day to develops but it just never happens and before you know it that half four darkness is approaching.
We are having a treat this morning, we are off out to a local store to pick up a few shelving brackets for the clay room and to see what felt is available for the barn roof, sometimes an hour away from the barn does us the world of good, not only do we get a rest but we get to see how the rest of the world lives haha, well it feels like that sometimes, it feels like we live this little life away from the rest, with the world passing by not knowing we are here, a nice feeling sometimes and all part of living out in the countryside away from the busy streets of town and city.
Wednesday, 9 November 2011
Early Bird
Winter Morning
Yet another dark damp morning with just the sound of early traffic heading off to work and yet again I was up at silly hour after not much sleep at all. So with kiln on and coffee in hand I thought I'd get some thoughts wrote down.
A customer and good friend mentioned to me that a few bead makers she obtained beads from were having a hard time with lack of sales etc and some were thinking of packing up all together. Well, I'm sure there are more in the same boat as there are in other crafts, myself included and I'm sure over the coming year it won't get any easier, with the amount of bead makers now set up and selling their beads online it can only make sales thin out, great for the buyer who gets a bigger selection to pick from but not so good for the makers. I can only give it from my point of view and the only answer I know is to keep up the hard work, look to see what people like, by which I mean are there any beads that are in fashion more than others or like me just try out different designs.
As we talked I mentioned how a buyer called me asking me to make a set of ten beads all the same size as the lady she normally buys from couldn't do them and I knew why straight away. When I was starting out making beads I spent hours and hours making spacer beads or sets of ten beads, just plain beads with no fancy tricks, After months doing this making sets of ten or more beads the same size became the norm, I could get sizes pretty much ok every time and I guess this as stuck with me all these years after.
Some people who learn today seem to start making their first beads one day and a week later are trying out all the fancy designs that they see online in forums or read in books and to me this is the reason they don't like making sets of beads all the same size. Lets say you ask for ten beads all the same, I would make around 12 beads to make sure I cover any slight size changes and then pick out the best ten. But Some people have to make maybe 20 beads to get enough to make that set of ten, making it hard work and really not worth their time doing so. It's a real shame really but I guess it's just the way things are now and just goes to show that people want to run before they can walk.
I think this is part of the reason so many are finding it hard, the market is flooded with the same type of beads and it just can't carry on like that as more people start up every month, they see what others make in the bead groups and straight away make the same and in the end some buyers will get bored and start looking for something different.
My feeling is that if more bead makers started looking to make their own type of bead, a bead design that they could start getting known for, then it would not only be better for them but also better for the buyers. If you think about it there must be hundreds of fashion houses out there who all make a great living but they are all known for their different styles making them all individual, they don't just all go out and design the same dress, yes they use colours that others are using that season but they use those colours in there own way. Well to me beads are the same and why can't it work like that in our craft, yes I know there will always be those who can't be bothered to come up with their own beads and find it better to just copy designs they see else where but there are a lot of great bead makers out there who I'm sure would make it work and to be honest wouldn't it be great to see the work of say ten bead makers and see every one made something different so very unique to them.
I know we all need to cover most styles when making beads for a living as this helps cover more buyers but it is nice when you get people telling you they like your beads as they are different to most. With me I guess it's my rock effects and more natural looking beads with others it can be dot designs or flowers or maybe hollow beads, so maybe thats the answer.
Ok cuppa time over and my rant for the day done and to any bead makers out there finding things hard at the moment all I can say is don't give up and if you love making beads and you put the hard work in then you can't do anything more and fingers crossed it will get better for us all.
Yet another dark damp morning with just the sound of early traffic heading off to work and yet again I was up at silly hour after not much sleep at all. So with kiln on and coffee in hand I thought I'd get some thoughts wrote down.
A customer and good friend mentioned to me that a few bead makers she obtained beads from were having a hard time with lack of sales etc and some were thinking of packing up all together. Well, I'm sure there are more in the same boat as there are in other crafts, myself included and I'm sure over the coming year it won't get any easier, with the amount of bead makers now set up and selling their beads online it can only make sales thin out, great for the buyer who gets a bigger selection to pick from but not so good for the makers. I can only give it from my point of view and the only answer I know is to keep up the hard work, look to see what people like, by which I mean are there any beads that are in fashion more than others or like me just try out different designs.
As we talked I mentioned how a buyer called me asking me to make a set of ten beads all the same size as the lady she normally buys from couldn't do them and I knew why straight away. When I was starting out making beads I spent hours and hours making spacer beads or sets of ten beads, just plain beads with no fancy tricks, After months doing this making sets of ten or more beads the same size became the norm, I could get sizes pretty much ok every time and I guess this as stuck with me all these years after.
Some people who learn today seem to start making their first beads one day and a week later are trying out all the fancy designs that they see online in forums or read in books and to me this is the reason they don't like making sets of beads all the same size. Lets say you ask for ten beads all the same, I would make around 12 beads to make sure I cover any slight size changes and then pick out the best ten. But Some people have to make maybe 20 beads to get enough to make that set of ten, making it hard work and really not worth their time doing so. It's a real shame really but I guess it's just the way things are now and just goes to show that people want to run before they can walk.
I think this is part of the reason so many are finding it hard, the market is flooded with the same type of beads and it just can't carry on like that as more people start up every month, they see what others make in the bead groups and straight away make the same and in the end some buyers will get bored and start looking for something different.
My feeling is that if more bead makers started looking to make their own type of bead, a bead design that they could start getting known for, then it would not only be better for them but also better for the buyers. If you think about it there must be hundreds of fashion houses out there who all make a great living but they are all known for their different styles making them all individual, they don't just all go out and design the same dress, yes they use colours that others are using that season but they use those colours in there own way. Well to me beads are the same and why can't it work like that in our craft, yes I know there will always be those who can't be bothered to come up with their own beads and find it better to just copy designs they see else where but there are a lot of great bead makers out there who I'm sure would make it work and to be honest wouldn't it be great to see the work of say ten bead makers and see every one made something different so very unique to them.
I know we all need to cover most styles when making beads for a living as this helps cover more buyers but it is nice when you get people telling you they like your beads as they are different to most. With me I guess it's my rock effects and more natural looking beads with others it can be dot designs or flowers or maybe hollow beads, so maybe thats the answer.
Ok cuppa time over and my rant for the day done and to any bead makers out there finding things hard at the moment all I can say is don't give up and if you love making beads and you put the hard work in then you can't do anything more and fingers crossed it will get better for us all.
Tuesday, 8 November 2011
Autumns Golden Carpet
A Whole Different World
How different the countryside looks with autumn working hard to shepherd winter in, those bright sunny mornings replaced with mist over the flat lands and that wonderful golden carpet that autumn treats us to covers paths and lane floors everywhere, taking our thoughts back to the days of no traffic and horse drawn carts traveling under oak arches.
To imagine those journeys by foot to the local market taking the good part of a day, passing banks of wild herbs and dew covered meadow, no warm car and weather proof coats to make life so easy, such a different life unless you were highborn but still no comforts of today.
I hope you all had a great weekend with bonfire night being enjoyed by all. Here the rain held off for a few hours, long enough for one of the bright spark neighbours to let off a volley of huge mortar type rockets right next to my garden, needless to say we sat holding three terrified dogs for half hour trying to relax them, why do some have to go that little bit further ?
Yesterday was a great day for beads, I spent the day making pandora style beads and focals for ebay so this beadmaker was happy and the last couple of hours were passed in the ceramic room throwing bowls and finishing off some pendants. Later today I hope to throw a couple more small pieces as I want to get some ready to list at the end of the month, to be honest I think I'll crap myself when I do as it's all new to me and I'm not sure what feedback they will get, but hey, it was the same when I listed my first lampwork beads and ceramic beads so fingers crossed it will turn out ok and after all if I find just one person who likes my pottery then that's enough to make me happy.
Ok I need to get on as cuppa time over and there is a lot to do, hope you all enjoy your day and if you get time get out there and walk through those carpets of golden leaves.
How different the countryside looks with autumn working hard to shepherd winter in, those bright sunny mornings replaced with mist over the flat lands and that wonderful golden carpet that autumn treats us to covers paths and lane floors everywhere, taking our thoughts back to the days of no traffic and horse drawn carts traveling under oak arches.
To imagine those journeys by foot to the local market taking the good part of a day, passing banks of wild herbs and dew covered meadow, no warm car and weather proof coats to make life so easy, such a different life unless you were highborn but still no comforts of today.
I hope you all had a great weekend with bonfire night being enjoyed by all. Here the rain held off for a few hours, long enough for one of the bright spark neighbours to let off a volley of huge mortar type rockets right next to my garden, needless to say we sat holding three terrified dogs for half hour trying to relax them, why do some have to go that little bit further ?
Yesterday was a great day for beads, I spent the day making pandora style beads and focals for ebay so this beadmaker was happy and the last couple of hours were passed in the ceramic room throwing bowls and finishing off some pendants. Later today I hope to throw a couple more small pieces as I want to get some ready to list at the end of the month, to be honest I think I'll crap myself when I do as it's all new to me and I'm not sure what feedback they will get, but hey, it was the same when I listed my first lampwork beads and ceramic beads so fingers crossed it will turn out ok and after all if I find just one person who likes my pottery then that's enough to make me happy.
Ok I need to get on as cuppa time over and there is a lot to do, hope you all enjoy your day and if you get time get out there and walk through those carpets of golden leaves.
Saturday, 5 November 2011
A Wet Weekend
Dark Wet Fenland
Just as we all thought, bonfire night as arrived and so as the wet weather to welcome it, the last week produced lots of rain here in the fens and it looks like it will continue to spoil that special night of fireworks and flame.
With the bad weather I haven't been able to cut down more trees so my plan for a bonfire is out the window, there is a big firework display about four miles away which we could go and watch but we'll see how we feel later after a long days work, most evenings after cooking dinner we just seem to sink onto the sofa, god that makes us sound so sad !
When we talk of the hours we put in and how hard it can be I always say we are still very lucky and some people work just as hard but they are doing a job they hate, at least our efforts are made a little easier as we love the job we do, of course there are parts of my work I don't look forward to such as cleaning hundreds of beads, spending hours sorting photographs ready to list beads and the listing, but as for the making of the beads, well, I can't remember a single day when I didn't enjoy it. Some of you may think this is bull shit, but I promise I really can't, not once have I not had that excited feeling when I empty the kiln in the morning and now with the ceramics I get that feeling doubled tho it can mean more disappointments too but touch wood not too many.
I've still yet to felt the barn roof what with the hot water tank going and the car to tax I couldn't afford the felt, but I'm hoping this coming week I'll get that sorted. With the rains we have had it was a good reminder and a kick up the arse to get more work done to get those rolls of felt sorted, I must admit I had a couple of days this week when I really was tired and I think Yvonne noticed but I told her I just thought I had her cold coming, I always feel that if she sees I'm struggling then it willy worry her and after sleep I always feel back to normal and ready for the next day.
I find it hard to admit that this week I started thinking about Christmas beads and ended up making this pair of pandora style beads above, god what was I thinking, me and Christmas style beads, it must have been on one of those tired days has I can't remember doing them haha, but don't worry I promise there will be no snowmen or santa beads popping up, if I ever make those then I'll turn off my torch for the last time. Maybe someone will find them fun to wear so I listed them in my etsy shop last night.
Today is focal day plus I hope to get more ceramics made this afternoon, I want to try out more glaze colours so a few hours is called for there. By the way I really want to thank all of those who have bought my ceramic beads, I know some are just simple beads but there are lots of new beads on the way which I hope you will enjoy and every set helps me towards that electric wheel which will save my legs after all the hours on my kick wheel. I hope this week coming I can list a lot of the new colours and yes, at last some pendants. Still I'm not that happy with the pendants I've made, yes they are ok and everyone who as seen them thinks there are great but you know me, I won't list until they are ok in my eyes plus I've made so many different types it's not easy to know which to list but I'll get there and take that jump in the deep end before long.
Right it's off to work for me and focal beads to make, I hope you all enjoy your bonfire night parties and please be careful with the fireworks, I know what can happen when your fingers are close to that kind of heat, enjoy.
Just as we all thought, bonfire night as arrived and so as the wet weather to welcome it, the last week produced lots of rain here in the fens and it looks like it will continue to spoil that special night of fireworks and flame.
With the bad weather I haven't been able to cut down more trees so my plan for a bonfire is out the window, there is a big firework display about four miles away which we could go and watch but we'll see how we feel later after a long days work, most evenings after cooking dinner we just seem to sink onto the sofa, god that makes us sound so sad !
When we talk of the hours we put in and how hard it can be I always say we are still very lucky and some people work just as hard but they are doing a job they hate, at least our efforts are made a little easier as we love the job we do, of course there are parts of my work I don't look forward to such as cleaning hundreds of beads, spending hours sorting photographs ready to list beads and the listing, but as for the making of the beads, well, I can't remember a single day when I didn't enjoy it. Some of you may think this is bull shit, but I promise I really can't, not once have I not had that excited feeling when I empty the kiln in the morning and now with the ceramics I get that feeling doubled tho it can mean more disappointments too but touch wood not too many.
I've still yet to felt the barn roof what with the hot water tank going and the car to tax I couldn't afford the felt, but I'm hoping this coming week I'll get that sorted. With the rains we have had it was a good reminder and a kick up the arse to get more work done to get those rolls of felt sorted, I must admit I had a couple of days this week when I really was tired and I think Yvonne noticed but I told her I just thought I had her cold coming, I always feel that if she sees I'm struggling then it willy worry her and after sleep I always feel back to normal and ready for the next day.
Today is focal day plus I hope to get more ceramics made this afternoon, I want to try out more glaze colours so a few hours is called for there. By the way I really want to thank all of those who have bought my ceramic beads, I know some are just simple beads but there are lots of new beads on the way which I hope you will enjoy and every set helps me towards that electric wheel which will save my legs after all the hours on my kick wheel. I hope this week coming I can list a lot of the new colours and yes, at last some pendants. Still I'm not that happy with the pendants I've made, yes they are ok and everyone who as seen them thinks there are great but you know me, I won't list until they are ok in my eyes plus I've made so many different types it's not easy to know which to list but I'll get there and take that jump in the deep end before long.
Right it's off to work for me and focal beads to make, I hope you all enjoy your bonfire night parties and please be careful with the fireworks, I know what can happen when your fingers are close to that kind of heat, enjoy.
Wednesday, 2 November 2011
A Bright Start
Sunny Morning In The Fens
What a great morning, birds singing, the sun filling the garden, Yvonne feeling a lot better and both a ceramic and lampwork kiln to empty, what more could I ask for. I sit here with my cuppa looking out onto what can only be described as a early spring morning, after what seems like days of grey skies, the gods of the flat lands must have decided we need a last reminder of summer, maybe they know something we don't and can see what winter has in store for us.
That evil magpie sits here above the conifer branches yet again waiting and hoping to find a late nest to savage, most mornings he cries out that nasty rattle of a call, I just hope no late chicks or eggs are around to be lost to this monster of the bird family. I know people love the magpie with his bright display yet do they know it's not just items that glitter he steals, like most of the crow family he will take young chicks and eggs from any nest left unguarded and tho I love nature with a passion there are some parts of her great show I just find hard to watch but then she shows us all, her way of teaching and I guess the only way.
The lunch time bike rides are getting colder as the weeks past, more coats being worn and every day there seems to be a strong wind to fight, so I'm trying to spend the odd lunch time working in the garden, I know the exercise is a different kind but to me I will be getting jobs sorted at the same time and I really want to get that new kitchen garden up and running by spring. Now my step daughter Nicola is the proud owner of an allotment so I'm fast becoming the veg growing expert in the family with all sorts of questions from digging to what veg to grow, I must say it makes buying Christmas presents easy this year, seeds, tools and more seeds haha !
Well I better get back to it, I need to go empty the ceramic kiln before I get on my torch, the excitement I'm feeling in my belly is telling me that the glaze results may not be as good as I thought, but we'll see in a few minutes, my fingers are crossed and there is pleanty of time to get it right, tho I think more clay may be the only thing on my Christmas list this year.
What a great morning, birds singing, the sun filling the garden, Yvonne feeling a lot better and both a ceramic and lampwork kiln to empty, what more could I ask for. I sit here with my cuppa looking out onto what can only be described as a early spring morning, after what seems like days of grey skies, the gods of the flat lands must have decided we need a last reminder of summer, maybe they know something we don't and can see what winter has in store for us.
That evil magpie sits here above the conifer branches yet again waiting and hoping to find a late nest to savage, most mornings he cries out that nasty rattle of a call, I just hope no late chicks or eggs are around to be lost to this monster of the bird family. I know people love the magpie with his bright display yet do they know it's not just items that glitter he steals, like most of the crow family he will take young chicks and eggs from any nest left unguarded and tho I love nature with a passion there are some parts of her great show I just find hard to watch but then she shows us all, her way of teaching and I guess the only way.
The lunch time bike rides are getting colder as the weeks past, more coats being worn and every day there seems to be a strong wind to fight, so I'm trying to spend the odd lunch time working in the garden, I know the exercise is a different kind but to me I will be getting jobs sorted at the same time and I really want to get that new kitchen garden up and running by spring. Now my step daughter Nicola is the proud owner of an allotment so I'm fast becoming the veg growing expert in the family with all sorts of questions from digging to what veg to grow, I must say it makes buying Christmas presents easy this year, seeds, tools and more seeds haha !
Well I better get back to it, I need to go empty the ceramic kiln before I get on my torch, the excitement I'm feeling in my belly is telling me that the glaze results may not be as good as I thought, but we'll see in a few minutes, my fingers are crossed and there is pleanty of time to get it right, tho I think more clay may be the only thing on my Christmas list this year.
Tuesday, 1 November 2011
A Day Alone
A Cold Hits The Johnson Household
Today was spent working alone in the barn as Yvonne woke up full of cold and was wrapped up under a quilt on the sofa by her wonderful husband haha! I hope I did everything ok keeping her topped up with hot drinks and soup for lunch and to be honest a day watching old films and not putting up with this moaning old git will do her the world of good.
I spent the morning working on focal beads while the afternoon had to point to the clay room with a bisque firing to unload and beads to glaze, fingers are crossed that the kiln will produce some nice items in the morning. It's funny, the first time I took finished ceramic beads from the kiln I was so disappointed, none were how I imagined and it hit home to me just how hard it was going to be, ok, yes if you just want plain colours then that's ok but I was after something more natural, so now I never expect anything special then any good results are a bonus.
Just four more days and I get to have a bonfire but can I somehow get to sneek off and buy a few small fireworks without Yvonne stopping me, maybe today was a great chance while she was watching some romanic black and white film from the 40's, dam !
Today was spent working alone in the barn as Yvonne woke up full of cold and was wrapped up under a quilt on the sofa by her wonderful husband haha! I hope I did everything ok keeping her topped up with hot drinks and soup for lunch and to be honest a day watching old films and not putting up with this moaning old git will do her the world of good.
I spent the morning working on focal beads while the afternoon had to point to the clay room with a bisque firing to unload and beads to glaze, fingers are crossed that the kiln will produce some nice items in the morning. It's funny, the first time I took finished ceramic beads from the kiln I was so disappointed, none were how I imagined and it hit home to me just how hard it was going to be, ok, yes if you just want plain colours then that's ok but I was after something more natural, so now I never expect anything special then any good results are a bonus.
Just four more days and I get to have a bonfire but can I somehow get to sneek off and buy a few small fireworks without Yvonne stopping me, maybe today was a great chance while she was watching some romanic black and white film from the 40's, dam !
Sunday, 30 October 2011
Dark Sunday
Darkness Covers The Fens
With that day of spooks and ghosts fast approaching, the fens seem a very dark place today, never once as real daylight welcomed us with a mixture of dark skies and light rain making this Sunday one of staying indoors resting in the warm. But I think you know me well enough to know I had to be out and about for a few hours before I started work. That magical dark sky called and who was I not to obey, every dark cloud seemed to rush over heading towards the coast like wild horses rushing through those fog filled streets of Victorian London.
I headed to the local car boot to hunt for lost treasure but none was found and I returned to my awaiting torch and a welcome cuppa along with orders to pack for posting and yet more beads to clean. My plans for the ceramic room have been put back until tomorrow, yesterday I spent a good bit of time working on pendants and throwing some small disc pendants on my wheel so they need to leather dry and tomorrow will be a perfect time to play with them. I should really have bisque fired by now but I'm trying to get the kiln full which will save me a further bisque firing.
I hope the weather will pick up a bit this coming week so we can get more trees cut down and this big kid can then have a bonfire on the 5th, ok I'll be out there alone but I'm sure the memories of bonfire nights past will come flooding back and sod it I might even get a few small fireworks to play with haha, I can hear the neighbours now "You seen him next door out there letting off fireworks at his age", I love giving them something to talk about !
Well I better get the stir fry cooked and then an evening writing and drawing ceramic design in my note book, what more could there be to a Sunday evening, apart from the bath in the tin bath that is haha !
With that day of spooks and ghosts fast approaching, the fens seem a very dark place today, never once as real daylight welcomed us with a mixture of dark skies and light rain making this Sunday one of staying indoors resting in the warm. But I think you know me well enough to know I had to be out and about for a few hours before I started work. That magical dark sky called and who was I not to obey, every dark cloud seemed to rush over heading towards the coast like wild horses rushing through those fog filled streets of Victorian London.
I headed to the local car boot to hunt for lost treasure but none was found and I returned to my awaiting torch and a welcome cuppa along with orders to pack for posting and yet more beads to clean. My plans for the ceramic room have been put back until tomorrow, yesterday I spent a good bit of time working on pendants and throwing some small disc pendants on my wheel so they need to leather dry and tomorrow will be a perfect time to play with them. I should really have bisque fired by now but I'm trying to get the kiln full which will save me a further bisque firing.
I hope the weather will pick up a bit this coming week so we can get more trees cut down and this big kid can then have a bonfire on the 5th, ok I'll be out there alone but I'm sure the memories of bonfire nights past will come flooding back and sod it I might even get a few small fireworks to play with haha, I can hear the neighbours now "You seen him next door out there letting off fireworks at his age", I love giving them something to talk about !
Well I better get the stir fry cooked and then an evening writing and drawing ceramic design in my note book, what more could there be to a Sunday evening, apart from the bath in the tin bath that is haha !
Friday, 28 October 2011
Which Way To Turn ?
I Need More Hours
What a week it as been, at last we are getting back to normal with the hot water all running ok and yesterday the car getting through it's m.o.t with no real problems, this morning was the first morning in months I woke up without my first thoughts being how to sort problems out and for the first time in ages I got a good 6 hours sleep, things must be looking up ! But, there is one big worry, how the hell do I get everything done work wise, I have spent two days making seaglass beads for commissions, which I have now completed, I have a mountain of beads to clean, photograph and list on ebay and etsy, then to finish it all off I have a kiln full of ceramic beads and pendants to fire and glaze, which way do I turn ?
To be honest I'm loving every minute, I couldn't think of anything worse than having nothing to do and I'm really getting excited with the ceramics, so many ideas I want to try with a few already working better than I thought they would. This weekend I'm hoping to try out some pendants into which I hope to incorporate glass, so that's a first for me and I'll show the results on here, unless they look so bad they get binned.
I've been collecting seed heads and leaves for ceramic designs this week, as yet only from the garden but I've found a very wide selection which I hope will give me plenty of ideas to work with.
I'm starting to notice the fens are getting that early winter look about them, going are the green fields of vegetables and now the carpets of the plough cover these flat lands, a rich earthy look making each square mile look like three. The winds seem twice as strong as those of summer, bringing coldness and grey cloud, making this area that cold hard part of open ground we all know it to be, the home of weather beaten farmers and fen tigers, hard living people who shy away from nothing.
Well it's time for me to head back to the barn to face that pile of beads that await a clean then its focal making for me today followed by a few hours in the ceramic room and don't tell anyone but I'm working on hearts, yes me and hearts, god whats happening to me ?
What a week it as been, at last we are getting back to normal with the hot water all running ok and yesterday the car getting through it's m.o.t with no real problems, this morning was the first morning in months I woke up without my first thoughts being how to sort problems out and for the first time in ages I got a good 6 hours sleep, things must be looking up ! But, there is one big worry, how the hell do I get everything done work wise, I have spent two days making seaglass beads for commissions, which I have now completed, I have a mountain of beads to clean, photograph and list on ebay and etsy, then to finish it all off I have a kiln full of ceramic beads and pendants to fire and glaze, which way do I turn ?
To be honest I'm loving every minute, I couldn't think of anything worse than having nothing to do and I'm really getting excited with the ceramics, so many ideas I want to try with a few already working better than I thought they would. This weekend I'm hoping to try out some pendants into which I hope to incorporate glass, so that's a first for me and I'll show the results on here, unless they look so bad they get binned.
I've been collecting seed heads and leaves for ceramic designs this week, as yet only from the garden but I've found a very wide selection which I hope will give me plenty of ideas to work with.
I'm starting to notice the fens are getting that early winter look about them, going are the green fields of vegetables and now the carpets of the plough cover these flat lands, a rich earthy look making each square mile look like three. The winds seem twice as strong as those of summer, bringing coldness and grey cloud, making this area that cold hard part of open ground we all know it to be, the home of weather beaten farmers and fen tigers, hard living people who shy away from nothing.
Well it's time for me to head back to the barn to face that pile of beads that await a clean then its focal making for me today followed by a few hours in the ceramic room and don't tell anyone but I'm working on hearts, yes me and hearts, god whats happening to me ?
Tuesday, 25 October 2011
Playing With Clay
Ceramic Room Joy
After my oxygen tanks running out on Saturday morning and being unable to change them until yesterday it was a fun couple of days in the ceramic room playing with clay for me this weekend. To say this big kid was happy is an understatement, I was like a pig in s..t and enjoyed every second, producing ceramic beads, pendants and the odd bowl on my old kick wheel, it was a real pleasure. I hope by the end of the week to have the kiln full ready to do a bisque fire then the fun bit, I get to play with glazes which is my favourite part of ceramics.
I guess it's the fact that I can produce so many natural colours which of course is how I love to work, colours I can mix myself just like those produced by an artist, with my lampwork I can mix colours with others but at the end of the day you are guessing at to the final results. With the ceramic glazes I have a good idea what the end product will look like, don't get me wrong I still get that excitement when I open the kiln just as I do with my bead making but it is more with hope the pieces are whole and not damaged or weather the glaze as given the effect I was looking for.
Just like my beads I seem to be fast collecting large amounts of boxes which are full of ceramic beads and pendants that I feel are no good, yes I know someone would love them and yes I guess if I listed them for sale they would sell, but I want to be happy with what I list and all the moaning from Yvonne and others telling be to sell them won't change my mind. I think this is the reason why I haven't listed any pots or bowls on etsy yet, I want to learn as I go along and with that I find it a while before I'm happy with the items I'm producing. My aim is to get some pieces listed at the end of November, maybe just smaller pieces to start with, more to see if the feedback from people is ok, I'm not silly, I don't expect them to sell straight away but more to see if I'm heading in the right direction.
So, this week the evenings will be spent in the ceramic room playing with ideas and sitting at my wheel trying to become a better potter, tho I'm sure this will take years, it will be years to enjoy and that's so very important to me, we all have enough crap in our lives and we need to enjoy those few hours at the end of the day weather it be with a glass of wine watching tv or reading or like me playing with clay dreaming of those wonderful pots in years to come !
Ok cuppa time over, my torch is waiting and there are beads to make, enjoy your day.
After my oxygen tanks running out on Saturday morning and being unable to change them until yesterday it was a fun couple of days in the ceramic room playing with clay for me this weekend. To say this big kid was happy is an understatement, I was like a pig in s..t and enjoyed every second, producing ceramic beads, pendants and the odd bowl on my old kick wheel, it was a real pleasure. I hope by the end of the week to have the kiln full ready to do a bisque fire then the fun bit, I get to play with glazes which is my favourite part of ceramics.
I guess it's the fact that I can produce so many natural colours which of course is how I love to work, colours I can mix myself just like those produced by an artist, with my lampwork I can mix colours with others but at the end of the day you are guessing at to the final results. With the ceramic glazes I have a good idea what the end product will look like, don't get me wrong I still get that excitement when I open the kiln just as I do with my bead making but it is more with hope the pieces are whole and not damaged or weather the glaze as given the effect I was looking for.
Just like my beads I seem to be fast collecting large amounts of boxes which are full of ceramic beads and pendants that I feel are no good, yes I know someone would love them and yes I guess if I listed them for sale they would sell, but I want to be happy with what I list and all the moaning from Yvonne and others telling be to sell them won't change my mind. I think this is the reason why I haven't listed any pots or bowls on etsy yet, I want to learn as I go along and with that I find it a while before I'm happy with the items I'm producing. My aim is to get some pieces listed at the end of November, maybe just smaller pieces to start with, more to see if the feedback from people is ok, I'm not silly, I don't expect them to sell straight away but more to see if I'm heading in the right direction.
So, this week the evenings will be spent in the ceramic room playing with ideas and sitting at my wheel trying to become a better potter, tho I'm sure this will take years, it will be years to enjoy and that's so very important to me, we all have enough crap in our lives and we need to enjoy those few hours at the end of the day weather it be with a glass of wine watching tv or reading or like me playing with clay dreaming of those wonderful pots in years to come !
Ok cuppa time over, my torch is waiting and there are beads to make, enjoy your day.
Thursday, 20 October 2011
Cold Hands Warm Heart
Winter Warnings
The last few days have given us a sharp warning of the cold months ahead of us with the odd frost at dawn keeping the fens fresh and hands cold in the first hours spent on my torch. For the first time this week jumpers were worn and a welcome seat next to my kiln was very welcome.
In the past month we have gone from the first dark mornings making the barn a very different place when I open up, the cold dark walk across the garden so quiet with just the sound of early traffic after those summer mornings full of bird song and flower scent, to the frost and cold we are now experiencing, how quick our seasons change.
Yet still my heart is happy with the thought of my warm seat next to that wonderful glowing kiln while the weather out the window runs wild with cold dancing winds and snow, all to look forward to and sure to arrive very soon. Winter holds so many pleasures from halloween and bonfire night up to the excitement of Christmas and New Year, so very different from those summer pleasures that were special in their own way.
It's been a busy week with long days but there was good news when the plumber fitted the new hot water tank, giving us hot water again after three weeks without Yipeeee ! I was just thinking of how to obtain a tin bath as we were begining to think hot water was a thing of the past for us, but with some hard work and some really hard sacrifices we have sorted it. The bad news is still no laptop and seems it may be a while before a replacement so working here on the old pc, it takes ages and as a mind of it's own but it keeps us going and our business going which is the important thing, so I'm not moaning, just thankful we have it.
I'm hoping to get more trees cut down tomorrow evening and yet another bonfire I'm sure will follow so this big kid will be sitting by the fire in the dark, his thoughts drifting back to his childhood and who knows I may get to bake a potato or onion in foil, so the next blog I'm sure will be full of bonfire memories.
The last few days have given us a sharp warning of the cold months ahead of us with the odd frost at dawn keeping the fens fresh and hands cold in the first hours spent on my torch. For the first time this week jumpers were worn and a welcome seat next to my kiln was very welcome.
In the past month we have gone from the first dark mornings making the barn a very different place when I open up, the cold dark walk across the garden so quiet with just the sound of early traffic after those summer mornings full of bird song and flower scent, to the frost and cold we are now experiencing, how quick our seasons change.
Yet still my heart is happy with the thought of my warm seat next to that wonderful glowing kiln while the weather out the window runs wild with cold dancing winds and snow, all to look forward to and sure to arrive very soon. Winter holds so many pleasures from halloween and bonfire night up to the excitement of Christmas and New Year, so very different from those summer pleasures that were special in their own way.
It's been a busy week with long days but there was good news when the plumber fitted the new hot water tank, giving us hot water again after three weeks without Yipeeee ! I was just thinking of how to obtain a tin bath as we were begining to think hot water was a thing of the past for us, but with some hard work and some really hard sacrifices we have sorted it. The bad news is still no laptop and seems it may be a while before a replacement so working here on the old pc, it takes ages and as a mind of it's own but it keeps us going and our business going which is the important thing, so I'm not moaning, just thankful we have it.
I'm hoping to get more trees cut down tomorrow evening and yet another bonfire I'm sure will follow so this big kid will be sitting by the fire in the dark, his thoughts drifting back to his childhood and who knows I may get to bake a potato or onion in foil, so the next blog I'm sure will be full of bonfire memories.
Wednesday, 12 October 2011
Wet Dark Skies
A Grey Day But Happy
When I started work this morning at dawn I could see we were in for a wet day, one of those days that never seem to get light, grey dark skies with carpets of rain falling when they please and that autumn smell filling the air reminding us that summer as passed.
As the morning light started to filter through I filled all the bird feeders and started the kiln with the thoughts of a great day ahead playing with seaglass, focals and ring beads. There is something about this time of year that excites me, I never can pin point what it is but every year it's the same. Maybe the thought of winter, those few months that I love so much or the memories of my childhood when the dark evenings meant bonfires and fireworks or cutting sticks in my grandads wash house ready for those roaring log fires, but what ever it is I hope it stays with me until I'm no longer here.
I must admit I long for those long walks in fallen autumn leaves wrapped in warm coat and kicking those golden layers of tree jewellery like a small kid, hoping nobody will see. There are so many reasons for loving this time of year with kids collecting conkers and old gardeners standing watching their fires burn through garden waste while a redundant roll up sticks to their lip and dew drop hangs on nose tip. Their tired old eyes have seen a thousand seasons and their weather beaten faces tell a thousand tales, they know whats ahead as each bird leaves for winter sun to return in spring.
Last night I sat in the garden watching the bats feed over the pond, I think it must be hard for them now with the insect life starting to slow down, yet still they spend a few minutes flying like small dragon shadows over head.
As I'm writing with my hot cuppa the rain falls gently over the fens producing the most wonderful mist rolling across fields of stubble waiting for the plough, just another wonder of autumn and one so many of us just pass by.
So back to my torch and the seaglass that waits, seaglass that makes this bead maker a very happy one !
When I started work this morning at dawn I could see we were in for a wet day, one of those days that never seem to get light, grey dark skies with carpets of rain falling when they please and that autumn smell filling the air reminding us that summer as passed.
As the morning light started to filter through I filled all the bird feeders and started the kiln with the thoughts of a great day ahead playing with seaglass, focals and ring beads. There is something about this time of year that excites me, I never can pin point what it is but every year it's the same. Maybe the thought of winter, those few months that I love so much or the memories of my childhood when the dark evenings meant bonfires and fireworks or cutting sticks in my grandads wash house ready for those roaring log fires, but what ever it is I hope it stays with me until I'm no longer here.
I must admit I long for those long walks in fallen autumn leaves wrapped in warm coat and kicking those golden layers of tree jewellery like a small kid, hoping nobody will see. There are so many reasons for loving this time of year with kids collecting conkers and old gardeners standing watching their fires burn through garden waste while a redundant roll up sticks to their lip and dew drop hangs on nose tip. Their tired old eyes have seen a thousand seasons and their weather beaten faces tell a thousand tales, they know whats ahead as each bird leaves for winter sun to return in spring.
Last night I sat in the garden watching the bats feed over the pond, I think it must be hard for them now with the insect life starting to slow down, yet still they spend a few minutes flying like small dragon shadows over head.
As I'm writing with my hot cuppa the rain falls gently over the fens producing the most wonderful mist rolling across fields of stubble waiting for the plough, just another wonder of autumn and one so many of us just pass by.
So back to my torch and the seaglass that waits, seaglass that makes this bead maker a very happy one !
Tuesday, 11 October 2011
Christmas Thoughts
Yes That Time Is Coming
After talking about the rustic disc beads that seem to be fast becoming popular in my etsy shop I was delighted to have received some disc jewellery through the post from Joy McCall, Joy was the first to start using my disc beads and enjoys using them in her work.
After seeing the pieces I just had to share them with you and this morning I thought I would let you see just one of the ways she uses them. This set of red discs really has a great Christmas feel about them, and goes to prove my point that these little beads can be used all on their own yet still look wonderful.
I guessed these beads might work well alongside silver findings but didn't feel they would look this good, It's a real pleasure to see just how different jewellery makers use this type of bead and it's a real honour to have their permission to show their work here on my blog, thank you Joy.
Well I'm sorry it's just a quickie this morning but I have so much to get on with in the barn and I'll be doing a longer blog this evening or early tomorrow morning so I hope you all excuse me, I could have left it until then to show you the Joys work but like all big kids I couldn't wait. Now I'm sure my head will be full of Christmas thoughts and ideas all day so don't be surprised if tonight's blog gives it a tiny mention haha !
Right time to get back to my flame on this dark windy morning, I hope you all enjoy your day and the weather improves where you are.
After talking about the rustic disc beads that seem to be fast becoming popular in my etsy shop I was delighted to have received some disc jewellery through the post from Joy McCall, Joy was the first to start using my disc beads and enjoys using them in her work.
After seeing the pieces I just had to share them with you and this morning I thought I would let you see just one of the ways she uses them. This set of red discs really has a great Christmas feel about them, and goes to prove my point that these little beads can be used all on their own yet still look wonderful.
Well I'm sorry it's just a quickie this morning but I have so much to get on with in the barn and I'll be doing a longer blog this evening or early tomorrow morning so I hope you all excuse me, I could have left it until then to show you the Joys work but like all big kids I couldn't wait. Now I'm sure my head will be full of Christmas thoughts and ideas all day so don't be surprised if tonight's blog gives it a tiny mention haha !
Right time to get back to my flame on this dark windy morning, I hope you all enjoy your day and the weather improves where you are.
Saturday, 8 October 2011
Hot Water, Where ?
Living In The Past
To say the last week was a crap one here at the barn is an understatement. First the chainsaw dies on me just as I make a start cutting back the large conifer trees that line one side of the new kitchen garden site. Then my trusty old laptop finally takes a well earned retirement after several months of playing up, I guess I shouldn't moan after 4 years of service and that's from a laptop obtained in a sale for next to nothing. Then finally we wake to find water seeping through the downstairs loo ceiling from the hot water tank above, leaving us with no hot water until the new tank is fitted at the end of this month.
So with showers out the question it's like living in the past with kettles of hot water being taken to the bathroom for strip washes twice a day and even for washing the dishes.
The situation took my mind back to the 60's when I was a kid taking my Sunday bath in the kitchen in front of the range. It was a tin bath shaped like a coffin in to which my mum would empty large cast iron kettles of boiling water and the soap had a hard feel with that old clean smell, a bit like tar.
Living in a small rural village at that time meant a lot of cottages had no hot water or bathrooms and most still had a loo that was outside in the garden, we lived in such a cottage. The fact it was a beautiful large thatched house with lots of land and a small river running through the garden didn't make those cold winter evenings sitting in a tin bath or walking by torch light up the garden to the loo any easier, but it was normal life to us and we never knew any different.
It wasn't until I was 10 years old when my parents, after 11 years on a waiting list, were given one of the few council houses in the village that we had even a hot water tap let alone a bath and to think my grandad like so many others lived all his life having never once been able to turn on a tap and wash his hands in hot water. So for us to spend a few weeks without is not such a bad thing, tho the idea of a tin bath in front of the fire is not one I welcome !
On the bead side of things, I was trying to get some ceramic beads fired this weekend but it looks like I won't be able to, with lampwork taking up such a lot of time at the moment, there never seems enough hours in the day and I need to get both the etsy and ebay shops well stocked. So I hope ceramics will be ready at the end of the coming week giving me chance to spend a few evenings working on them.
Ok cuppa ready and 80minutes sitting back watching the rugby for me then out to the flame to spend another day playing with glass.
To say the last week was a crap one here at the barn is an understatement. First the chainsaw dies on me just as I make a start cutting back the large conifer trees that line one side of the new kitchen garden site. Then my trusty old laptop finally takes a well earned retirement after several months of playing up, I guess I shouldn't moan after 4 years of service and that's from a laptop obtained in a sale for next to nothing. Then finally we wake to find water seeping through the downstairs loo ceiling from the hot water tank above, leaving us with no hot water until the new tank is fitted at the end of this month.
So with showers out the question it's like living in the past with kettles of hot water being taken to the bathroom for strip washes twice a day and even for washing the dishes.
The situation took my mind back to the 60's when I was a kid taking my Sunday bath in the kitchen in front of the range. It was a tin bath shaped like a coffin in to which my mum would empty large cast iron kettles of boiling water and the soap had a hard feel with that old clean smell, a bit like tar.
Living in a small rural village at that time meant a lot of cottages had no hot water or bathrooms and most still had a loo that was outside in the garden, we lived in such a cottage. The fact it was a beautiful large thatched house with lots of land and a small river running through the garden didn't make those cold winter evenings sitting in a tin bath or walking by torch light up the garden to the loo any easier, but it was normal life to us and we never knew any different.
It wasn't until I was 10 years old when my parents, after 11 years on a waiting list, were given one of the few council houses in the village that we had even a hot water tap let alone a bath and to think my grandad like so many others lived all his life having never once been able to turn on a tap and wash his hands in hot water. So for us to spend a few weeks without is not such a bad thing, tho the idea of a tin bath in front of the fire is not one I welcome !
On the bead side of things, I was trying to get some ceramic beads fired this weekend but it looks like I won't be able to, with lampwork taking up such a lot of time at the moment, there never seems enough hours in the day and I need to get both the etsy and ebay shops well stocked. So I hope ceramics will be ready at the end of the coming week giving me chance to spend a few evenings working on them.
Ok cuppa ready and 80minutes sitting back watching the rugby for me then out to the flame to spend another day playing with glass.
Friday, 7 October 2011
New Email Address
Just A Quickie !
Before I do my next blog I wanted to just give out my new email address. For anyone who uses the old robsbeadsofglass address it is no longer in use, since we changed over to bt I now need to use my bt email which is as follows; upwellsell@btinternet.com
I hope anyone who needs to ask about beads or my blog will be able to do so by contacting me on that address and I look forward to hearing from you all.
I was also asked if I could put a link to my beads here on the blog so below are some different places where you can see my work or even obtain beads from me.
www.flickr.com/photos/robjohnsonnature
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Beads-Of-Glass
www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams
Ok I better get back to my flame, I will be doing my blog this evening so I hope you will find time to pop along and see what I've been up to then.
Before I do my next blog I wanted to just give out my new email address. For anyone who uses the old robsbeadsofglass address it is no longer in use, since we changed over to bt I now need to use my bt email which is as follows; upwellsell@btinternet.com
I hope anyone who needs to ask about beads or my blog will be able to do so by contacting me on that address and I look forward to hearing from you all.
I was also asked if I could put a link to my beads here on the blog so below are some different places where you can see my work or even obtain beads from me.
www.flickr.com/photos/robjohnsonnature
www.stores.ebay.co.uk/Beads-Of-Glass
www.etsy.com/shop/pebbledreams
Ok I better get back to my flame, I will be doing my blog this evening so I hope you will find time to pop along and see what I've been up to then.
Sunday, 2 October 2011
Bead Prices
All Should Be Welcome
Yesterday evening I received an email from a customer thanking me for making a stand against over priced lampwork beads in which she mentioned how some makers seem to moan a lot about those of us who keep our prices real. Well I think most of you all know my feeling on this subject and I know a lot of you agree with me but I just wanted to use this mornings blog to make my thoughts clear to all who are interested and if any other bead makers would like to tell my why I'm wrong then please feel free to contact me.
First of all I have to say these are just my thoughts on the subject and I'm sure some of you will think differently to me, but that's what makes life so interesting and why we are all so very unique.
When I first started making beads there were only around a couple of dozen people making lampwork beads in the UK, the craft had been going along fine with bead prices high and the makers earning good money, then as the craft started to grow here becoming nearly as popular as it was in the US more and more people started taking up bead making. I remember a group of girls from one of the bead groups visiting us here at the barn and within a six months all but two had started making their own beads, that's how fast the craft was growing. So I guess this was always going to bring prices down and the older bead makers were going to see their sales drop off unless they lowered their prices.
At this time I was selling my beads at bead fairs and online in my ebay shop and it wasn't long before I started hearing the gossip that my prices were far too low and it was spoiling it for other sellers etc etc ! Never once did these people have the balls to say it to me but they found it easy to chat behind my back thinking that I wouldn't know, yet did they realise most times I was told by those they were chatting to.
We soon found that some customers at the bead fairs would tell us that they hadn't obtained lampwork beads before as they were always so expensive and that they attended the fairs to buy seed beads or findings mostly, which I thought was a real shame. After hearing these people and seeing how they enjoyed being able to buy those beads they would just admire before I knew I wanted in some way to get more people interested in lampwork beads and if this meant keeping my prices low then as long as I could still make a profit I would try to do so.
I remember one year at the Essex bead fair a young girl around 8 or 9 years or age coming to our table with 3 pounds to buy some beads and when she walked away showing her mum the little set of pink beads in her hand I just knew I was doing right. The girls mum had told us her daughter had only ever bought odd orphan beads in the past and this was her first set she could afford, she followed this by thanking us which made me feel really humble, here was a guy who sat making beads in a barn full of boxes and cupboards full of these little glass wonders, some of which I just left to collect dust as I didn't think they were good enough to sell and this one little girl had a simple set of pink beads that meant so much to her, from that day on my outlook on beads changed and I told Yvonne that we had to let more people use my beads. I didn't care about how much we could charge I just wanted more people to get to use them and that's how I still feel to this day, it doesn't mean I only sell cheap beads, it just means I price beads with a wider range of prices, if a set of beads takes a while to make and there is a lot more work involved then they will cost more to buy, if the beads were simple to make and only took minutes to produce then they sell for far less.
To me that's an honest way to price my beads and even though I know I'll never get rich this way, I don't care and I'll never change it. I know there will be hundreds of buyers who don't like the type of beads I make and they will always prefer the work of other makers and won't mind paying big bucks for them but even if there are a few who feel they get good value from my beads then I'm happy.
So even if the odd bead maker moans about the likes of me selling too low, you know what, I don't care, if my prices mean just one more person can afford to start using lampwork beads in their jewellery then that's great news, don't you find it funny, those same bead makers who moan about low priced beads being bad for their trade are found shopping in supermarkets all over the country because it's cheaper than buying from their local village baker, butcher or corner shop, talk about double standards !!!
Yesterday evening I received an email from a customer thanking me for making a stand against over priced lampwork beads in which she mentioned how some makers seem to moan a lot about those of us who keep our prices real. Well I think most of you all know my feeling on this subject and I know a lot of you agree with me but I just wanted to use this mornings blog to make my thoughts clear to all who are interested and if any other bead makers would like to tell my why I'm wrong then please feel free to contact me.
First of all I have to say these are just my thoughts on the subject and I'm sure some of you will think differently to me, but that's what makes life so interesting and why we are all so very unique.
When I first started making beads there were only around a couple of dozen people making lampwork beads in the UK, the craft had been going along fine with bead prices high and the makers earning good money, then as the craft started to grow here becoming nearly as popular as it was in the US more and more people started taking up bead making. I remember a group of girls from one of the bead groups visiting us here at the barn and within a six months all but two had started making their own beads, that's how fast the craft was growing. So I guess this was always going to bring prices down and the older bead makers were going to see their sales drop off unless they lowered their prices.
At this time I was selling my beads at bead fairs and online in my ebay shop and it wasn't long before I started hearing the gossip that my prices were far too low and it was spoiling it for other sellers etc etc ! Never once did these people have the balls to say it to me but they found it easy to chat behind my back thinking that I wouldn't know, yet did they realise most times I was told by those they were chatting to.
We soon found that some customers at the bead fairs would tell us that they hadn't obtained lampwork beads before as they were always so expensive and that they attended the fairs to buy seed beads or findings mostly, which I thought was a real shame. After hearing these people and seeing how they enjoyed being able to buy those beads they would just admire before I knew I wanted in some way to get more people interested in lampwork beads and if this meant keeping my prices low then as long as I could still make a profit I would try to do so.
I remember one year at the Essex bead fair a young girl around 8 or 9 years or age coming to our table with 3 pounds to buy some beads and when she walked away showing her mum the little set of pink beads in her hand I just knew I was doing right. The girls mum had told us her daughter had only ever bought odd orphan beads in the past and this was her first set she could afford, she followed this by thanking us which made me feel really humble, here was a guy who sat making beads in a barn full of boxes and cupboards full of these little glass wonders, some of which I just left to collect dust as I didn't think they were good enough to sell and this one little girl had a simple set of pink beads that meant so much to her, from that day on my outlook on beads changed and I told Yvonne that we had to let more people use my beads. I didn't care about how much we could charge I just wanted more people to get to use them and that's how I still feel to this day, it doesn't mean I only sell cheap beads, it just means I price beads with a wider range of prices, if a set of beads takes a while to make and there is a lot more work involved then they will cost more to buy, if the beads were simple to make and only took minutes to produce then they sell for far less.
To me that's an honest way to price my beads and even though I know I'll never get rich this way, I don't care and I'll never change it. I know there will be hundreds of buyers who don't like the type of beads I make and they will always prefer the work of other makers and won't mind paying big bucks for them but even if there are a few who feel they get good value from my beads then I'm happy.
So even if the odd bead maker moans about the likes of me selling too low, you know what, I don't care, if my prices mean just one more person can afford to start using lampwork beads in their jewellery then that's great news, don't you find it funny, those same bead makers who moan about low priced beads being bad for their trade are found shopping in supermarkets all over the country because it's cheaper than buying from their local village baker, butcher or corner shop, talk about double standards !!!
Saturday, 1 October 2011
Planet Pumpkin
Another World
It's time to see one of the most haunting sights of autumn here in the fenlands of the east, thousands of ripe pumpkins lay among acres of wind dried soil. These Halloween icons stretch as far as the eye can see, a rich sea of giant orange pebbles covering the horizon, every year producing a most amazing welcome to winter. For weeks now the mass collection of this harvest as been going on, supplying retailers all over the country and of course supplying children everywhere with Halloween lanterns to carve and light on that magical evening.
For the first time this weekend I'm making pumpkin soup, a real first for me and in fact not just a first for the soup but it will be my first ever taste of pumpkin full stop ! It may seem strange coming from a village boy who loves most vegetables but I guess they never really appealed to me, so it's time I gave them a try. With the never ending supply available here it seems silly to miss out on a winter treat that can be frozen ready for those colder months.
With the apple harvest coming to an end in my garden it will make a nice change to cook and freeze something different, it's a wonder I haven't been dreaming of apples after all I've peeled and cooked in the last month. So we are now looking towards soups, you can't beat a bowl of hot soup for a winter lunch, rich rustic filling soup with home made bread and with the freezer still having plenty of spare room to fill there will be no stopping me. Yes I know tins of soup are quicker and easier and some will say cheap to buy, but why would I want tinned soup when I can enjoy my own, most of which will cost just the price of the power used to cook it and full of goodness too.
You all know the trouble I had last Christmas time with my health and since then my life as turned around so much, food wise gone are the days of fried dinners, no fish and chips and none of the rubbish snacks that were part of out shopping basket every week. I find now that I enjoy the taste of my food more and with the idea of warm winter meals on the way means I'm one happy guy.
On the bead front, this week as been busy and today I hope to catch up on a few jobs I have left. I need to make more seaglass beads for commissions too, so this will mean a fun day at some point. With this return of the warm weather it's been a hot job this last few days but then I shouldn't moan as I'll be happy working beside my kiln in the cooler months ahead.
It's time to see one of the most haunting sights of autumn here in the fenlands of the east, thousands of ripe pumpkins lay among acres of wind dried soil. These Halloween icons stretch as far as the eye can see, a rich sea of giant orange pebbles covering the horizon, every year producing a most amazing welcome to winter. For weeks now the mass collection of this harvest as been going on, supplying retailers all over the country and of course supplying children everywhere with Halloween lanterns to carve and light on that magical evening.
With the apple harvest coming to an end in my garden it will make a nice change to cook and freeze something different, it's a wonder I haven't been dreaming of apples after all I've peeled and cooked in the last month. So we are now looking towards soups, you can't beat a bowl of hot soup for a winter lunch, rich rustic filling soup with home made bread and with the freezer still having plenty of spare room to fill there will be no stopping me. Yes I know tins of soup are quicker and easier and some will say cheap to buy, but why would I want tinned soup when I can enjoy my own, most of which will cost just the price of the power used to cook it and full of goodness too.
You all know the trouble I had last Christmas time with my health and since then my life as turned around so much, food wise gone are the days of fried dinners, no fish and chips and none of the rubbish snacks that were part of out shopping basket every week. I find now that I enjoy the taste of my food more and with the idea of warm winter meals on the way means I'm one happy guy.
On the bead front, this week as been busy and today I hope to catch up on a few jobs I have left. I need to make more seaglass beads for commissions too, so this will mean a fun day at some point. With this return of the warm weather it's been a hot job this last few days but then I shouldn't moan as I'll be happy working beside my kiln in the cooler months ahead.
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