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.
Wednesday, 30 November 2011
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 !
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