Just Another Day, To Hell It Is !
Up at dawn with the sound of the dawn chorus ringing out across the fens and giving me no option but to get up and to it at 4.30am, so it was off to check the ceramic kiln first and I'm pleased to say everything looks intact including the first couple of bird feeders, It very much looks like I'll get to do a final glaze firing this evening and I hope listing on etsy Saturday.
I just want to mention something a customer mentioned last night in an email, she said I was brave to mention here in my blog about stress and that so many people hide it or don't talk about it, well I can understand those who wish you keep it to themselves, there are people who maybe feel it's a sign of weakness of others will look upon them as having mental health problems, well I don't feel that way.
To me stress is just something we all go through at different times in our lives, some cope better than others and some hide it for years, but believe me, we do all suffer it. To me it has just been something that I've lived with over the last 7 or 8 years now, you all know things have been hard here and I guess being self employed you always have that worry of where the next shilling is coming from, it would be different reasons for each of us, maybe family problems or health and money, which I'm guessing makes up a large proportion of those who suffer, but to say I'm brave to mention it is so wrong, I just said I would tell all here in my blog and I do, maybe it helps me, maybe I just feel I need to tell the truth but whatever it is I'll always carry on telling it as it is or the blog wouldn't be worth writing and if it helps others understand, then great and if you do suffer stress then don't be afraid to talk about it, it's nothing to be ashamed of.
Ok, brighter note now, I take my bike in to be repaired this morning and I can't wait to get it back, I have a funny feeling this old bead maker will be out and about over the coming weekend, it may take me a while to get used to it again but I'm sure I'll soon be back putting the miles in and enjoying all the changes that summer brings in the countryside.
Now it's still early and I need to get some breakfast before I get to my torch, the world is now awake and the first early workers are passing on their way to another working day, all I'm sure looking forward to the long weekend ahead.
Thursday, 31 May 2012
One Very Happy Bead Maker
Results Of Blood Test
I think by just reading the heading to this blog you will guess I have had the results of the Coeliac blood test and it is great news, the results were all ok, no Coeliac and one very happy bead maker is sitting here writing.
The doctor as advised me to carry on with the gluten free diet for the next couple of weeks then to introduce the odd piece of wheat into my diet a small bit at a time, but most importantly I must stick to the healthy foods I'm eating and exercise is also a must. He thinks that stress may have been the cause but as this last few weeks as seen a great improvement we will see how things go, if it flares up again then we will try to find out what foods are causing the problem, if it was indeed stress and I carry on feeling ok then I need to keep to a healthy diet and lots of exercise, which means I need to get the bike sorted out, I have to take it into the bike shop tomorrow and they are going to sort it out.
To be honest with you I have so missed my bike rides and seeing how those little country lanes are changing from spring to summer, I can't wait to get back out there and I better get the camera charged as I have a feeling there might be a lot of photographs to take.
So, all in all the next month or so will be an adventure to say the least, salads, fish and lots of veg being the order of the day, bike rides every day and lots of work in the garden, which always seems to get me enjoying my bead making, I'm guessing it's the fact I get out in the fresh air, away from the torch a few hours every day, it always gets me looking forward to the next morning, sometimes even a bead maker who loves his work as much as me needs time off, the long hours can get to you in the end.
I think by just reading the heading to this blog you will guess I have had the results of the Coeliac blood test and it is great news, the results were all ok, no Coeliac and one very happy bead maker is sitting here writing.
The doctor as advised me to carry on with the gluten free diet for the next couple of weeks then to introduce the odd piece of wheat into my diet a small bit at a time, but most importantly I must stick to the healthy foods I'm eating and exercise is also a must. He thinks that stress may have been the cause but as this last few weeks as seen a great improvement we will see how things go, if it flares up again then we will try to find out what foods are causing the problem, if it was indeed stress and I carry on feeling ok then I need to keep to a healthy diet and lots of exercise, which means I need to get the bike sorted out, I have to take it into the bike shop tomorrow and they are going to sort it out.
To be honest with you I have so missed my bike rides and seeing how those little country lanes are changing from spring to summer, I can't wait to get back out there and I better get the camera charged as I have a feeling there might be a lot of photographs to take.
So, all in all the next month or so will be an adventure to say the least, salads, fish and lots of veg being the order of the day, bike rides every day and lots of work in the garden, which always seems to get me enjoying my bead making, I'm guessing it's the fact I get out in the fresh air, away from the torch a few hours every day, it always gets me looking forward to the next morning, sometimes even a bead maker who loves his work as much as me needs time off, the long hours can get to you in the end.
Today I Find Out, Touch Wood
Coeliac Or Not ?
Well later today I have to call the doctor for the results of the Coeliac blood test, not really sure which way I want it to go to be honest, if I have got it then I know what I face and how to control it but if it turns out its not Coeliac then yes I can enjoy normal foods but then we still need to get to the bottom of it. I have to say this last two or three weeks since being on the gluten free diet I can't begin to explain how much better I feel so everything points to Coeliac, or is it just because I've been eating less food and the food I have been eating is so so much more healthy, it really would be nice to find out which.
Another day at my torch today with a couple of hours finishing off some ceramic pieces this afternoon, I hope to do a bisque firing this evening so tomorrow I'll be playing with glazes yet again, the exciting part of ceramics.
Some time today or tomorrow I need to have a good bonfire, I'm in the middle of clearing an area of ground next to the kitchen garden on which I hope to build a herb garden and maybe place a small poly tunnel which would help us grow more veg and make our growing season so much longer. When we moved here there were two huge tunnels already in the garden, but being old and just too big we took them down after two years, this time it would be a small tunnel and as I say it would be for extending the growing season for us, saving us more money fingers crossed.
The plant stall at the gate is going ok bringing in a few extra quid that we wouldn't have had, I know it's only a little but it all helps and now the garden is starting to produce the first salads all our hard work is starting to pay off, our food bills are very low at the moment, yes partly because of my diet but also because of the savings on salads and in a week of two the new potatoes and the first young carrots will be ready.
I'm still sowing rows of carrots and more salads as they will be ideal for the autumn months along with the cabbage and other greens, so far the plan for growing most of our own food is going to plan, yes I'm learning all the time still and I hope it will set me on the right path for next year, it has been a great learning curve growing everything from seed, from those tiny seedlings that were protected with such care in those cold months early in the year, to those fresh crunchy salads that are already filling out salad bowl. I would recommend it to anyone who has a little spare space in their garden, a little exercise and learning and the end results are fresh veg to pick right on your doorstep, I'm sure you would get the bug and it would be the start of a new healthy life for you too.
Ok, cuppa time over and I need to get the plants out at the gate before I head off to my torch, I hope your all enjoying this great weather and looking forward to the holiday weekend ahead.
Well later today I have to call the doctor for the results of the Coeliac blood test, not really sure which way I want it to go to be honest, if I have got it then I know what I face and how to control it but if it turns out its not Coeliac then yes I can enjoy normal foods but then we still need to get to the bottom of it. I have to say this last two or three weeks since being on the gluten free diet I can't begin to explain how much better I feel so everything points to Coeliac, or is it just because I've been eating less food and the food I have been eating is so so much more healthy, it really would be nice to find out which.
Another day at my torch today with a couple of hours finishing off some ceramic pieces this afternoon, I hope to do a bisque firing this evening so tomorrow I'll be playing with glazes yet again, the exciting part of ceramics.
Some time today or tomorrow I need to have a good bonfire, I'm in the middle of clearing an area of ground next to the kitchen garden on which I hope to build a herb garden and maybe place a small poly tunnel which would help us grow more veg and make our growing season so much longer. When we moved here there were two huge tunnels already in the garden, but being old and just too big we took them down after two years, this time it would be a small tunnel and as I say it would be for extending the growing season for us, saving us more money fingers crossed.
The plant stall at the gate is going ok bringing in a few extra quid that we wouldn't have had, I know it's only a little but it all helps and now the garden is starting to produce the first salads all our hard work is starting to pay off, our food bills are very low at the moment, yes partly because of my diet but also because of the savings on salads and in a week of two the new potatoes and the first young carrots will be ready.
I'm still sowing rows of carrots and more salads as they will be ideal for the autumn months along with the cabbage and other greens, so far the plan for growing most of our own food is going to plan, yes I'm learning all the time still and I hope it will set me on the right path for next year, it has been a great learning curve growing everything from seed, from those tiny seedlings that were protected with such care in those cold months early in the year, to those fresh crunchy salads that are already filling out salad bowl. I would recommend it to anyone who has a little spare space in their garden, a little exercise and learning and the end results are fresh veg to pick right on your doorstep, I'm sure you would get the bug and it would be the start of a new healthy life for you too.
Ok, cuppa time over and I need to get the plants out at the gate before I head off to my torch, I hope your all enjoying this great weather and looking forward to the holiday weekend ahead.
Monday, 28 May 2012
Bird Feeders
I Enjoyed Every Minute
Yesterday was a ceramic day, I set up my bench in the garden under the shade of a patio umbrella and boy did I enjoy it, being out there was a real pleasure, birds singing, dragonflies and butterflies popping over to see what I was up to, I couldn't have found a better place to work.
I made my first two ceramic bird feeders and was really pleased with the results, I still have to sand down the pieces and bisque fire before I can glaze them, but touch wood at the moment things are looking ok. The idea came to me after seeing the prices of some bird feeders at our local garden centre, all I wanted was something different to hang in the cherry tree but everything that took my eye was so expensive, yes there were the cheaper plastic feeders, some of which I use in the garden, but I just thought something a little more unique would be better, so I decided to make one to myself, nothing too fancy but my own, one that you wouldn't find in any country shop or garden centre, I'll post a picture on here when they are finished and maybe if they turn out ok I will list one or two in my etsy shop, we'll see.
I had my blood test for Coeliac yesterday afternoon so now I wait a few days before calling my doctor for the results, fingers crossed we finally get to the core of it and then I know what I'm facing, it's been a very long struggle, feeling ill and just not right over the past years and the through of just for once knowing how to feel normal again really gives me hope, I guess at times it got me down, waking every morning to those same feeling of unwell, but I can only hope that's in the past now.
Today I'm at my torch making focals and some etsy beads, but I'm hoping I'll get an hour or two in the garden later, no sunshine here this morning but they seem to think it will stay dry, so fingers crossed I'll be able to do those odd jobs in the kitchen garden.
Ok cuppa time over once more and I'm off to the barn where my flames waits, I hope you all enjoy your day and it stays dry where you are.
Yesterday was a ceramic day, I set up my bench in the garden under the shade of a patio umbrella and boy did I enjoy it, being out there was a real pleasure, birds singing, dragonflies and butterflies popping over to see what I was up to, I couldn't have found a better place to work.
I made my first two ceramic bird feeders and was really pleased with the results, I still have to sand down the pieces and bisque fire before I can glaze them, but touch wood at the moment things are looking ok. The idea came to me after seeing the prices of some bird feeders at our local garden centre, all I wanted was something different to hang in the cherry tree but everything that took my eye was so expensive, yes there were the cheaper plastic feeders, some of which I use in the garden, but I just thought something a little more unique would be better, so I decided to make one to myself, nothing too fancy but my own, one that you wouldn't find in any country shop or garden centre, I'll post a picture on here when they are finished and maybe if they turn out ok I will list one or two in my etsy shop, we'll see.
I had my blood test for Coeliac yesterday afternoon so now I wait a few days before calling my doctor for the results, fingers crossed we finally get to the core of it and then I know what I'm facing, it's been a very long struggle, feeling ill and just not right over the past years and the through of just for once knowing how to feel normal again really gives me hope, I guess at times it got me down, waking every morning to those same feeling of unwell, but I can only hope that's in the past now.
Today I'm at my torch making focals and some etsy beads, but I'm hoping I'll get an hour or two in the garden later, no sunshine here this morning but they seem to think it will stay dry, so fingers crossed I'll be able to do those odd jobs in the kitchen garden.
Ok cuppa time over once more and I'm off to the barn where my flames waits, I hope you all enjoy your day and it stays dry where you are.
Sunday, 27 May 2012
Evening Garden
Evening Garden
Tree Paeony yellow like butter doing gentle sways in faint breezes and Flag Iris with those quivering tips on slender rich leaves, upright and strong, sucking every second from the days sun.
Collar Dove crouch in pairs with feathers like grey pearls and painted black neck line. Snail shell litters cobbled path where Thrush's anvil rests and birch leaves shimmer like green silver.
Ponds that bubble gently hold dark reflections, pictures of a day passed and an orange sun glistens through oak branches, a light show only mother nature can conjure.
Tree Paeony yellow like butter doing gentle sways in faint breezes and Flag Iris with those quivering tips on slender rich leaves, upright and strong, sucking every second from the days sun.
Collar Dove crouch in pairs with feathers like grey pearls and painted black neck line. Snail shell litters cobbled path where Thrush's anvil rests and birch leaves shimmer like green silver.
Ponds that bubble gently hold dark reflections, pictures of a day passed and an orange sun glistens through oak branches, a light show only mother nature can conjure.
A Real Summer Weekend
How Can You Not Enjoy A Weekend Like This
It's weekends like this that make all the waiting worth while, it seems like forever since we had this kind of weather, all those cold winter months now well in the past and I hope the rains and winds of April now gone, we can start enjoying the summer. It has been a very warm week here in the fens with the fen breezes helping to mask the heat, some would say a good thing, others would say beware as you can get caught out getting burnt by the sun without realising it, because we sit in the middle of the flat lands we get longer hours of sun, our sunset is a lot later that that of Hertfordshire where my family live, they are always amazed when talking on the phone in the evenings knowing the sun is still out and warm here while at the same time setting there, no hills to set behind here just those wide open skies.
A busy day ahead for me, I have beads to clean, photo and list, also ceramic beads to make, which I hope can be done sitting out in the garden. I have some jobs to do in the garden also which I always look forward to so all in all one happy bead maker here.
Tomorrow I look forward to finally getting the Coeliac blood test done at the local doctors, I hope by the end of the week to know if that's the answer to the problem and if I face a future without real fresh crusty bread and other food treats that we all enjoy, it will mean I get to bake my own bread and other gluten free meals, it's a good job I enjoy cooking.
I better let you all get on and enjoy this great sunny Sunday and I'll be back on here later with a poem or two and to let you know how my perfect day went.
It's weekends like this that make all the waiting worth while, it seems like forever since we had this kind of weather, all those cold winter months now well in the past and I hope the rains and winds of April now gone, we can start enjoying the summer. It has been a very warm week here in the fens with the fen breezes helping to mask the heat, some would say a good thing, others would say beware as you can get caught out getting burnt by the sun without realising it, because we sit in the middle of the flat lands we get longer hours of sun, our sunset is a lot later that that of Hertfordshire where my family live, they are always amazed when talking on the phone in the evenings knowing the sun is still out and warm here while at the same time setting there, no hills to set behind here just those wide open skies.
A busy day ahead for me, I have beads to clean, photo and list, also ceramic beads to make, which I hope can be done sitting out in the garden. I have some jobs to do in the garden also which I always look forward to so all in all one happy bead maker here.
Tomorrow I look forward to finally getting the Coeliac blood test done at the local doctors, I hope by the end of the week to know if that's the answer to the problem and if I face a future without real fresh crusty bread and other food treats that we all enjoy, it will mean I get to bake my own bread and other gluten free meals, it's a good job I enjoy cooking.
I better let you all get on and enjoy this great sunny Sunday and I'll be back on here later with a poem or two and to let you know how my perfect day went.
Wednesday, 23 May 2012
Autumn Village
Autumn Village
Carpets of golden leaf, soft under foot and gentle bonfire smoke that wonders through tree lined lanes where village folk keep their hearts.
That seasonal smell of coal fire dances over rooftops on which winters weather will beat in coming months while last apples hang where others have dropped and common nettles start to bend in hedgerows full of seeded bramble fruits, red in leaf.
Stubble fields do lay untouched like forests of tiny yellow stakes where odd pigeon still glean for corn and pheasant cocks walk so proud.
Strings of swallow sit in line with long journey to start while magical clouds of starling perform their roosting show over heath and water meadow, a million wings yet not a sound.
Church yard silent in dark evening cold as shop doors lock and warm fires call, another day closer to winters coat of ice and snow, another summer fades.
Carpets of golden leaf, soft under foot and gentle bonfire smoke that wonders through tree lined lanes where village folk keep their hearts.
That seasonal smell of coal fire dances over rooftops on which winters weather will beat in coming months while last apples hang where others have dropped and common nettles start to bend in hedgerows full of seeded bramble fruits, red in leaf.
Stubble fields do lay untouched like forests of tiny yellow stakes where odd pigeon still glean for corn and pheasant cocks walk so proud.
Strings of swallow sit in line with long journey to start while magical clouds of starling perform their roosting show over heath and water meadow, a million wings yet not a sound.
Church yard silent in dark evening cold as shop doors lock and warm fires call, another day closer to winters coat of ice and snow, another summer fades.
Well I Did It !!
First "Mother Earth" Pendant Listed
Yes that's right, at last I have listed one of my first ceramic "Mother Earth" pendants, yes I know lots of people won't like it, but the thing I'm learning about ceramics is that I can experiment with ideas and putting it straight, I can make whatever I like, the fact I list them in my ceramic etsy shop doesn't mean they will sell but more importantly I get feedback from people and I can't think of a better way to find out how popular your work is.
I've also listed some disc beads and the lentil beads I've been trying this last week, which I have to say I'm really pleased with. Now I know they work out ok I'll be able to do them in a mixture of colours.
On the lampwork side of things, I was asked by a friend and customer if I was going to list spacers in the etsy shop and I decided that I would, they will be bigger set of maybe 16 or 20 beads and will be one off items, listed as and when I make them, there will be a good selection of colours so I hope some will come in handy for customers looking for these nice small beads to use alongside their findings.
Again this week I'm adding more sets to the sale section in my ebay shop, I must say a thank you those who thanked me last week for listing them at such a good price but you know by now that I would rather they help people in there jewellery than be placed into a box here in the barn, plus the sales help me of course, it should be me thanking those who buy them.
Ok, off to my torch now and a day making beads, I hope to be on here later as I have a poem to add, enjoy your day and I hope more sunshine.
Yes that's right, at last I have listed one of my first ceramic "Mother Earth" pendants, yes I know lots of people won't like it, but the thing I'm learning about ceramics is that I can experiment with ideas and putting it straight, I can make whatever I like, the fact I list them in my ceramic etsy shop doesn't mean they will sell but more importantly I get feedback from people and I can't think of a better way to find out how popular your work is.
I've also listed some disc beads and the lentil beads I've been trying this last week, which I have to say I'm really pleased with. Now I know they work out ok I'll be able to do them in a mixture of colours.
On the lampwork side of things, I was asked by a friend and customer if I was going to list spacers in the etsy shop and I decided that I would, they will be bigger set of maybe 16 or 20 beads and will be one off items, listed as and when I make them, there will be a good selection of colours so I hope some will come in handy for customers looking for these nice small beads to use alongside their findings.
Again this week I'm adding more sets to the sale section in my ebay shop, I must say a thank you those who thanked me last week for listing them at such a good price but you know by now that I would rather they help people in there jewellery than be placed into a box here in the barn, plus the sales help me of course, it should be me thanking those who buy them.
Ok, off to my torch now and a day making beads, I hope to be on here later as I have a poem to add, enjoy your day and I hope more sunshine.
Sunday, 20 May 2012
How Lucky Can You Get !
Right On My Doorstep.
The last two days I've been fitting in a few hours in the garden when I can, keeping up with the weeding, getting more seeds sown and planting out leeks, kale and more french and runner beans, but what I found while I was out there was to out do even the pleasure I get from being out there away from it all, on my own.
As some of you already know we are lucky enough to have open farmland behind us, acres of fenland with that rich dark soil that can grow almost anything running out for miles, broken only by the odd drain and river. Well while I was taking a rest from the weeding I stood looking out across the rows of potatoes that fill the fields next to my garden when I spotted something playing along the headland, it was the most wonderful hare, it looked like a big male and he was having a great time working his way along the dike that edges one side of the field. I shot off into the house to fetch my field glasses and spent the next half hour watching him, it really was a fantastic sight and to have him so close was a real treat.
Yesterday afternoon he was back and so too was I, I'm hoping he has a family somewhere close and we may get to see more activity over the next month, the only problem being the crops growing too high to see him, but fingers crossed he may use the odd piece of set a side and we'll get lucky.
Now it's a day on my torch as the weather looks very much like a wet day is on it's way here, so much for the sunny weekend and me getting time to sit by the pond throwing pots, oh well maybe we'll get some sunshine before autumn, yes a joke tho to be honest with you I have a feeling this summer is going to be a disappointment weather wise, but we'll see, lets hope I'm wrong and in a few weeks we are all moaning about the hot nights and fan sales are hitting the roof.
Enjoy your Sunday and don't be shocked if you see me back here again this evening.
The last two days I've been fitting in a few hours in the garden when I can, keeping up with the weeding, getting more seeds sown and planting out leeks, kale and more french and runner beans, but what I found while I was out there was to out do even the pleasure I get from being out there away from it all, on my own.
As some of you already know we are lucky enough to have open farmland behind us, acres of fenland with that rich dark soil that can grow almost anything running out for miles, broken only by the odd drain and river. Well while I was taking a rest from the weeding I stood looking out across the rows of potatoes that fill the fields next to my garden when I spotted something playing along the headland, it was the most wonderful hare, it looked like a big male and he was having a great time working his way along the dike that edges one side of the field. I shot off into the house to fetch my field glasses and spent the next half hour watching him, it really was a fantastic sight and to have him so close was a real treat.
Yesterday afternoon he was back and so too was I, I'm hoping he has a family somewhere close and we may get to see more activity over the next month, the only problem being the crops growing too high to see him, but fingers crossed he may use the odd piece of set a side and we'll get lucky.
Now it's a day on my torch as the weather looks very much like a wet day is on it's way here, so much for the sunny weekend and me getting time to sit by the pond throwing pots, oh well maybe we'll get some sunshine before autumn, yes a joke tho to be honest with you I have a feeling this summer is going to be a disappointment weather wise, but we'll see, lets hope I'm wrong and in a few weeks we are all moaning about the hot nights and fan sales are hitting the roof.
Enjoy your Sunday and don't be shocked if you see me back here again this evening.
Friday, 18 May 2012
Just A warning
Lots More Poems And Tales
I just thought I better warn you all to expect more poems and tales from my life growing up in Ashwell, I know this may not be to some peoples taste and it doesn't mean I won't be showing and telling of my bead making as that's what the blog is all about, I just want to put down more bits and pieces about village life and I can't think of a better way than here on my blog.
I have over the last year or two been asked about trying to do a book and yes I would love to and one friend as offered to help me as she as already had books published, which is very kind of her. It will mean I'll be writing a lot more and the feedback I will get on here from you all will help point me in the right direction, I'll see if my writing is worth trying to publish and if it's not, then at least it will at last be out there for people to read even if it's just in a small blog like this.
So with this in mind if any of you have any comments to make about what I write, then please feel free to put them on here or you can always email me at upwellsell@aol.com
Ok, cuppa over and my flame is waiting, I'm hoping the weather improves this weekend so I get to sit at my wheel in the garden and throw bowls and pots again, pity I cant erect some kind of open workshop in the garden so I get to work on the ceramics out there in the summer months, it would be the perfect end to those hot days in the barn doing my lampwork.
I just thought I better warn you all to expect more poems and tales from my life growing up in Ashwell, I know this may not be to some peoples taste and it doesn't mean I won't be showing and telling of my bead making as that's what the blog is all about, I just want to put down more bits and pieces about village life and I can't think of a better way than here on my blog.
I have over the last year or two been asked about trying to do a book and yes I would love to and one friend as offered to help me as she as already had books published, which is very kind of her. It will mean I'll be writing a lot more and the feedback I will get on here from you all will help point me in the right direction, I'll see if my writing is worth trying to publish and if it's not, then at least it will at last be out there for people to read even if it's just in a small blog like this.
So with this in mind if any of you have any comments to make about what I write, then please feel free to put them on here or you can always email me at upwellsell@aol.com
Ok, cuppa over and my flame is waiting, I'm hoping the weather improves this weekend so I get to sit at my wheel in the garden and throw bowls and pots again, pity I cant erect some kind of open workshop in the garden so I get to work on the ceramics out there in the summer months, it would be the perfect end to those hot days in the barn doing my lampwork.
Thursday, 17 May 2012
Bird Song Fills The Garden
What a great evening
I'm sitting by the pond watching the most amazing sun set across the fens and all I can hear is bird song, the swifts are swooping around the cottages giving out those long screams as they hunt for insects, they are nesting across the road from us in the roof of one of the small terrace cottages, we have our house martins here again this year above our bedroom window, I'm looking forward to hearing them chatter late in the evenings when I go to bed, yet another of my favourite summer sounds.
There is a song thrush singing his heart out on the cherry tree and it seems like every finch in the area is competing in the conifer sing off, I can see three green finches and the sounds of at least two more further up the garden, we are so lucky here, yes the main village road passes but after 7pm it's back to the quiet village life and just the sounds of the countryside around us.
I've been beating myself up all day after loosing my phone, I still can't believe I did that but at least walking those lanes looking for it made for good exercise.
As the dusk settles I'm hoping I'll be spotting some bats, they seem to love hunting over the ponds in the late evenings, they miss us by just feet, it's as if they don't notice us or they no we won't harm them as they feed, which ever it is I always feel very lucky they use our garden.
Ok, enough of me going on, it's time for a cuppa, enjoy your evening.
I'm sitting by the pond watching the most amazing sun set across the fens and all I can hear is bird song, the swifts are swooping around the cottages giving out those long screams as they hunt for insects, they are nesting across the road from us in the roof of one of the small terrace cottages, we have our house martins here again this year above our bedroom window, I'm looking forward to hearing them chatter late in the evenings when I go to bed, yet another of my favourite summer sounds.
There is a song thrush singing his heart out on the cherry tree and it seems like every finch in the area is competing in the conifer sing off, I can see three green finches and the sounds of at least two more further up the garden, we are so lucky here, yes the main village road passes but after 7pm it's back to the quiet village life and just the sounds of the countryside around us.
I've been beating myself up all day after loosing my phone, I still can't believe I did that but at least walking those lanes looking for it made for good exercise.
As the dusk settles I'm hoping I'll be spotting some bats, they seem to love hunting over the ponds in the late evenings, they miss us by just feet, it's as if they don't notice us or they no we won't harm them as they feed, which ever it is I always feel very lucky they use our garden.
Ok, enough of me going on, it's time for a cuppa, enjoy your evening.
Why Am I So Stupid Sometimes ?
My Own Fault
Yesterday I planned a few hours out with my camera in the morning, just to walk a couple of local woods and the river, but I did one of the most stupid things I've ever done instead. After stopping to take some photographs of swans flying over on their way out from Welney I noticed one of the tyres was a little flat on the car. I have a foot pump in the car so decided to play it safe and pump up the tyre.
As I stood putting air into the tyre my phone went so I answered it, after the call I laid the phone on the roof of the car while I took off the pump and replaced the valve cap. Everything was ok for the next few hours as I travelled around the fens, then it hit me, I had left my phone on the roof of the car and I knew straight away I was never going to see it again.
I couldn't believe how silly I was to place it there and not to just place it back in my pocket and still this morning I'm asking myself why I did it. After spending two hours searching the area on foot and following the lanes where I had driven I had no luck, so it was home to call O2 and get the phone blocked.
New sim card is on the way and I've dug out an old phone to use so if any of you have texted about beads and you have had no answer from me this is the reason why. I guess these things are sent to test us and to be honest I don't think I passed haha, to say I was a little upset is an understatement, but hey it's just a phone and they can be replaced.
I'm hoping today will be a far better day with lots of beads to make and if the sunshine stays until this afternoon I might throw a few bowls on my wheel in the garden, fingers crossed.
Yesterday I planned a few hours out with my camera in the morning, just to walk a couple of local woods and the river, but I did one of the most stupid things I've ever done instead. After stopping to take some photographs of swans flying over on their way out from Welney I noticed one of the tyres was a little flat on the car. I have a foot pump in the car so decided to play it safe and pump up the tyre.
As I stood putting air into the tyre my phone went so I answered it, after the call I laid the phone on the roof of the car while I took off the pump and replaced the valve cap. Everything was ok for the next few hours as I travelled around the fens, then it hit me, I had left my phone on the roof of the car and I knew straight away I was never going to see it again.
I couldn't believe how silly I was to place it there and not to just place it back in my pocket and still this morning I'm asking myself why I did it. After spending two hours searching the area on foot and following the lanes where I had driven I had no luck, so it was home to call O2 and get the phone blocked.
New sim card is on the way and I've dug out an old phone to use so if any of you have texted about beads and you have had no answer from me this is the reason why. I guess these things are sent to test us and to be honest I don't think I passed haha, to say I was a little upset is an understatement, but hey it's just a phone and they can be replaced.
I'm hoping today will be a far better day with lots of beads to make and if the sunshine stays until this afternoon I might throw a few bowls on my wheel in the garden, fingers crossed.
Tuesday, 15 May 2012
Weather Change In The Fens
No Two Days Ever The Same
It seems like every morning we wake to a different situation where the weather is concerned, two days ago we were all happy to find the sunshine filling the garden at 6am, yesterday we woke to the sound of heavy rain falling in sheets over the flatlands of the fens and this morning, well to be honest I'm not sure what it wants to do, there seems to have been a little rain over night but as I write the sun is giving some very faint hazy edges to the higher clouds so fingers crossed we could be in for a far brighter day.
Below is a piece I wrote yesterday while I sat watching the rain dancing on the pond, it wasn't long after I wrote this that the hail stones started falling leaving the garden under a carpet of mini ice cubes, all in mid May too, oh how lucky we are to have such great varied weather here in the UK.
Dancing bubbles do form those impish rings of surface ripple while long grasses reach for sweet moisture on every bank. Finch song echo's through rain as falling water crashed upon rock before diving into water mint. In tiny wild stream blackbird baths among smooth pebbles, every feather washed in natures rich honey and the last cherry blossom falls with rusted petal while Lilac flower open only to find the late rains of May.
Yesterday was a day of many jobs here at the barn, most of which were accomplished, beads were made at my torch, bowls were turned on my wheel and ceramic beads were sanded ready for firing at the weekend. It was a really enjoyable day considering the weather and if every day was as productive I'd be one very happy bead maker.
The idea of having my days split into two with the lampwork taking up two thirds of the day and the late afternoons and early evenings spent doing my ceramics is one I'm hoping I can carry out this summer. It means I get more time to work on the throwing side of ceramics and as the saying goes, the more time you spend on a craft the better you get, if I'm going to get where I want to be in pottery then I have to find a way of putting in the hours, so thats my target for this summer.
Well another day calls and I have beads to make, clean, photograph and list, I think it will be yet another long one but hey, I enjoy every minutes and not many people can say that about their jobs.
Sunday, 13 May 2012
Busy Weekend So Far
Another Mad Day Ahead
To say yesterday was a little busy is an understatement with garden jobs and ceramic wind chimes and pendants being made and that was just before lunch. In the afternoon I had beads to clean, the greenhouse to sort out and a couple of hours sitting at my wheel in the garden throwing bowls, it was in all a fun day but a very busy one.
With the sun here at last the garden looks so different, the rich greens that we find only in late spring early summer are now with us and all in all the place as a more wild look to it, every hedge and shrub is double the size and in full leaf plus the fact we had all those rains has given every plant a real boost, changing the countryside in what seems like just days, those bare trees now wear their best jewellery or greens and blossom pinks, they seem to now sit in a carpet of fresh nettles and grasses to keep roots moist and all day long they host birds full of song, it's taken a while to get here but at last I really think the summer is about to arrive.
Today it's back to my torch for me and then an afternoon in the garden throwing pots, that's if the weather stays warm of course, somehow the picture of me sitting by the pond in the rain with wet clay flying everywhere just doesn't do it for me. I have more veg to set out in the raised beds plus carrot seeds to sow, yet more time will be spent with my hoe in hand but it's worth every minute when we start to harvest those fresh veg in a few weeks time.
The salad crop is now starting to produce and the first radish are tasting well in mixed salads with some of the young salad leaves I've been cutting, the only thing that spoils it is the fact I can't enjoy fresh crusty bread with my salad lunches, the gluten free bread you buy is I guess better than nothing but to be honest I already so miss real fresh bread and I guess I always will, when the tomatoes are ready and I can cut fresh cucumbers from the greenhouse it will be hard to resist those great salad sandwiches from the past, I'm guessing it will just have to be mixed salads from now on, maybe I need to throw a salad bowl this afternoon, one for me to use as a lunch bowl, yer that sounds a good idea.
Well I'm off to my torch, I hope you all enjoy the sunshine and a relaxing sunday.
To say yesterday was a little busy is an understatement with garden jobs and ceramic wind chimes and pendants being made and that was just before lunch. In the afternoon I had beads to clean, the greenhouse to sort out and a couple of hours sitting at my wheel in the garden throwing bowls, it was in all a fun day but a very busy one.
With the sun here at last the garden looks so different, the rich greens that we find only in late spring early summer are now with us and all in all the place as a more wild look to it, every hedge and shrub is double the size and in full leaf plus the fact we had all those rains has given every plant a real boost, changing the countryside in what seems like just days, those bare trees now wear their best jewellery or greens and blossom pinks, they seem to now sit in a carpet of fresh nettles and grasses to keep roots moist and all day long they host birds full of song, it's taken a while to get here but at last I really think the summer is about to arrive.
Today it's back to my torch for me and then an afternoon in the garden throwing pots, that's if the weather stays warm of course, somehow the picture of me sitting by the pond in the rain with wet clay flying everywhere just doesn't do it for me. I have more veg to set out in the raised beds plus carrot seeds to sow, yet more time will be spent with my hoe in hand but it's worth every minute when we start to harvest those fresh veg in a few weeks time.
The salad crop is now starting to produce and the first radish are tasting well in mixed salads with some of the young salad leaves I've been cutting, the only thing that spoils it is the fact I can't enjoy fresh crusty bread with my salad lunches, the gluten free bread you buy is I guess better than nothing but to be honest I already so miss real fresh bread and I guess I always will, when the tomatoes are ready and I can cut fresh cucumbers from the greenhouse it will be hard to resist those great salad sandwiches from the past, I'm guessing it will just have to be mixed salads from now on, maybe I need to throw a salad bowl this afternoon, one for me to use as a lunch bowl, yer that sounds a good idea.
Well I'm off to my torch, I hope you all enjoy the sunshine and a relaxing sunday.
Friday, 11 May 2012
The First Signs Of A Summer
At Last We Get The Sunshine
Here I sit watching four goldfinches feeding in the Lilac tree and what seems like every bird in the area singing and feeding while this wonderful day slowly draws to an end, the first hints of summer for a few weeks and lets just hope the first of many. It's amazing how just one day of sunshine can bring out such a difference in ones feelings, after a few days feeling rather disappointed in the fact the garden was too wet to work on and there were no cuppa breaks spent sitting by the pond, it was a real pleasure to enjoy the fresh air again.
For the last two days the sound of the local cuckoo has been echoing across the fens and a very welcome sound it is too, always a great sign that summer is here and one that I have loved since being a small boy, with all the woodland around Ashwell the cuckoo was a common bird and the competition to hear the first was keenly played in our family, just another part of village life I guess.
Can I just take time to thank those who have wished me luck with the gluten free diet, yes most of you are right it is taking some getting used to but I have to say this last week as been amazing, with all but one in the last six days being a bad one, my fault I guess as I ate some soup for lunch only to find on the label it contained gluten, well another lesson learnt the hard way. I must admit it feels bloody fantastic to feel normal again and tho this means my diet is now completely different it also means it's healthier too.
A busy weekend ahead with ceramics tomorrow and lampwork beads Sunday and garden jobs to fit in both days. The plant stall will be at the gate again so lets hope the weather stays dry and people are out and about. It's funny but I was reminded how my grandad used to sell plants and veg at his gate when I was a child, I remember the old glass dimple pint pot that he would leave on the table for people to place the money in, can you really see anyone doing that these days, the glass would be gone withing a few hours.
Well I'm going to sit and enjoy the rest of the evening and I'm guessing there will be a nice sunset later so I'll be looking forward to that while I enjoy a cuppa and my kindle.
Here I sit watching four goldfinches feeding in the Lilac tree and what seems like every bird in the area singing and feeding while this wonderful day slowly draws to an end, the first hints of summer for a few weeks and lets just hope the first of many. It's amazing how just one day of sunshine can bring out such a difference in ones feelings, after a few days feeling rather disappointed in the fact the garden was too wet to work on and there were no cuppa breaks spent sitting by the pond, it was a real pleasure to enjoy the fresh air again.
For the last two days the sound of the local cuckoo has been echoing across the fens and a very welcome sound it is too, always a great sign that summer is here and one that I have loved since being a small boy, with all the woodland around Ashwell the cuckoo was a common bird and the competition to hear the first was keenly played in our family, just another part of village life I guess.
Can I just take time to thank those who have wished me luck with the gluten free diet, yes most of you are right it is taking some getting used to but I have to say this last week as been amazing, with all but one in the last six days being a bad one, my fault I guess as I ate some soup for lunch only to find on the label it contained gluten, well another lesson learnt the hard way. I must admit it feels bloody fantastic to feel normal again and tho this means my diet is now completely different it also means it's healthier too.
A busy weekend ahead with ceramics tomorrow and lampwork beads Sunday and garden jobs to fit in both days. The plant stall will be at the gate again so lets hope the weather stays dry and people are out and about. It's funny but I was reminded how my grandad used to sell plants and veg at his gate when I was a child, I remember the old glass dimple pint pot that he would leave on the table for people to place the money in, can you really see anyone doing that these days, the glass would be gone withing a few hours.
Well I'm going to sit and enjoy the rest of the evening and I'm guessing there will be a nice sunset later so I'll be looking forward to that while I enjoy a cuppa and my kindle.
Thursday, 10 May 2012
Ashwell Springs
A tiny basin of shingle nestled between great exposed tree root, ice cold water as fresh as a new born bubbles through the pure Ashwell chalk to trickle gently past stepping stone and mighty willow.
Sounds of children dragging cane handled nets through shallows in hope of stickleback and bird song from high in Ash. Millers-thumb hide under stone while mallard sift the gravel silt.
Watercress beds engraved with moorhen path sway in current light while kingfisher watches from worn perch overhanging. The pure water heads off to mill and quiet blackberry banks through lost allotments where food was grown to feed labourers families.
Past duck lake on toward the mill pond, open wide water, home of eel and pike where long grasses edge the travelling stream. Church bells sound echos over the silent pool where dawn mist rises like ghosts.
Willow hang from ancient banks casting shadows over the water surface and the faint sound of the cuckoo does travel from distant oak.
Sounds of children dragging cane handled nets through shallows in hope of stickleback and bird song from high in Ash. Millers-thumb hide under stone while mallard sift the gravel silt.
Watercress beds engraved with moorhen path sway in current light while kingfisher watches from worn perch overhanging. The pure water heads off to mill and quiet blackberry banks through lost allotments where food was grown to feed labourers families.
Past duck lake on toward the mill pond, open wide water, home of eel and pike where long grasses edge the travelling stream. Church bells sound echos over the silent pool where dawn mist rises like ghosts.
Willow hang from ancient banks casting shadows over the water surface and the faint sound of the cuckoo does travel from distant oak.
Wednesday, 9 May 2012
No Flame Today, Just Clay
A Day Working With Ceramics
Today it will be quiet in the barn with a day working on my ceramic bird feeders and wind chimes planned, even Yvonne is helping me as there are a few jobs that can be done while I'm producing the parts for the chimes, plus if anyone deserves a day off from their torch then she does, I sometimes think people read my blog and learn how hard I work and how long my days are, but they should also realise Yvonne does just as many hours and she needs time off too.
So today it will be nice to work on these new ideas together giving us both an idea of what can be done with ceramics, maybe a way of earning some extra income for us, maybe a way to help us get through this hard period we are going through, if we are to carry on making our living bead making then we need some help, sometimes when we hit these tough times I worry if this will be that moment when it all ends and we can't carry on living this life we enjoy, I sit and think how lucky I am doing the only job I've ever really loved, a job that doesn't have one single part that I don't enjoy, from the early mornings when I empty my kiln to the late evenings when I list my work, yes I moan about listing and the admin side of things but to be honest the thought of not working in that rustic old barn full of cobwebs and dusty old jars full of glass rods really isn't a very nice one and it's those thoughts that drive me on.
So you see that's why I never moan about the hours I put in or the early starts, that's why I look forward to every new day at my torch and that's why I never mind going without if it means I still get to sit at my flame each day making those beads that I so love making.
Ok I better go get my shorts and the sun tan lotion on ready to work in the garden as it's so hot here haha, I wish, no it's a quick trip to the local town then a day with my hands in clay for me. I hope it stays dry so I get those photographs taken of the kitchen garden, it would be nice to show you all how it's going.
Today it will be quiet in the barn with a day working on my ceramic bird feeders and wind chimes planned, even Yvonne is helping me as there are a few jobs that can be done while I'm producing the parts for the chimes, plus if anyone deserves a day off from their torch then she does, I sometimes think people read my blog and learn how hard I work and how long my days are, but they should also realise Yvonne does just as many hours and she needs time off too.
So today it will be nice to work on these new ideas together giving us both an idea of what can be done with ceramics, maybe a way of earning some extra income for us, maybe a way to help us get through this hard period we are going through, if we are to carry on making our living bead making then we need some help, sometimes when we hit these tough times I worry if this will be that moment when it all ends and we can't carry on living this life we enjoy, I sit and think how lucky I am doing the only job I've ever really loved, a job that doesn't have one single part that I don't enjoy, from the early mornings when I empty my kiln to the late evenings when I list my work, yes I moan about listing and the admin side of things but to be honest the thought of not working in that rustic old barn full of cobwebs and dusty old jars full of glass rods really isn't a very nice one and it's those thoughts that drive me on.
So you see that's why I never moan about the hours I put in or the early starts, that's why I look forward to every new day at my torch and that's why I never mind going without if it means I still get to sit at my flame each day making those beads that I so love making.
Ok I better go get my shorts and the sun tan lotion on ready to work in the garden as it's so hot here haha, I wish, no it's a quick trip to the local town then a day with my hands in clay for me. I hope it stays dry so I get those photographs taken of the kitchen garden, it would be nice to show you all how it's going.
Monday, 7 May 2012
Rains Return In A Big Way
We Wake To Heavy Rain Yet Again.
It is May, I'm sure it is, but where the hell is the sunshine, it's now got to the stage where we can say that we have totally missed spring here in the fens, apart from those two weeks of warm spring weather we had in March, we have seen only the odd bright morning and by the sounds of it, it may be a week or two yet before we notice the start of summer.
Tho I'm one who loves the rain, even I can say I've had enough and like most I now long for those long warm days we should be getting by now, wouldn't it be great to be able to sit outside eating a nice crisp salad for lunch without wearing a rain coat and wellies, lets hope they turn up soon.
It was an early start for me today after waking at half five to the sound of the rain beating against our bedroom window and I guess this means yet another long day, but hey, that I hope points to lots of beads made and if I'm lucky I get time to fit in a couple of hours with clay this afternoon. Yesterday I made a batch of hearts which I hope to photograph and list in my etsy shop this evening and more focals and sets are to be made today.
On the ceramic side of things, well I'm having fun, I'm in the middle of making my first ceramic bird feeder for the garden and if it turns out ok I'll be listing a couple on etsy and I've made some parts for the first of the wind chimes, they just need cleaning up and left to dry ready to place into the kiln on the next bisque firing. I just thought it was worth giving them a try with summer, we hope, on it's way.
I have made a few different sets of ceramic beads that I hope may go down well with customers tho things are so slow on that front at the moment which does sometimes make you wonder if it's worth the effort, I just feel it's worth a try and lets be honest it's just time and a bit of clay so why not.
I've been meaning to take a few photographs of the kitchen garden so you can see how the veg are growing, all this rain is helping a lot and I'm sure once the warmer weather gets here everything will improve even more. The first salads such as radish and lambs lettuce are ready to crop and more different lettuce types are close behind so it looks like the first bowl of mixed salad won't be many days away, I just wish I could couple it with some nice fresh bread and not that gluten free excuse of a loaf that the supermarkets sell, oh well, we can't have everything.
Ok I better get on, I need to cut some clay pieces for the bird feeder before I get out to my torch and I've yet to have my morning cuppa so that's a must also.
It is May, I'm sure it is, but where the hell is the sunshine, it's now got to the stage where we can say that we have totally missed spring here in the fens, apart from those two weeks of warm spring weather we had in March, we have seen only the odd bright morning and by the sounds of it, it may be a week or two yet before we notice the start of summer.
Tho I'm one who loves the rain, even I can say I've had enough and like most I now long for those long warm days we should be getting by now, wouldn't it be great to be able to sit outside eating a nice crisp salad for lunch without wearing a rain coat and wellies, lets hope they turn up soon.
It was an early start for me today after waking at half five to the sound of the rain beating against our bedroom window and I guess this means yet another long day, but hey, that I hope points to lots of beads made and if I'm lucky I get time to fit in a couple of hours with clay this afternoon. Yesterday I made a batch of hearts which I hope to photograph and list in my etsy shop this evening and more focals and sets are to be made today.
On the ceramic side of things, well I'm having fun, I'm in the middle of making my first ceramic bird feeder for the garden and if it turns out ok I'll be listing a couple on etsy and I've made some parts for the first of the wind chimes, they just need cleaning up and left to dry ready to place into the kiln on the next bisque firing. I just thought it was worth giving them a try with summer, we hope, on it's way.
I have made a few different sets of ceramic beads that I hope may go down well with customers tho things are so slow on that front at the moment which does sometimes make you wonder if it's worth the effort, I just feel it's worth a try and lets be honest it's just time and a bit of clay so why not.
I've been meaning to take a few photographs of the kitchen garden so you can see how the veg are growing, all this rain is helping a lot and I'm sure once the warmer weather gets here everything will improve even more. The first salads such as radish and lambs lettuce are ready to crop and more different lettuce types are close behind so it looks like the first bowl of mixed salad won't be many days away, I just wish I could couple it with some nice fresh bread and not that gluten free excuse of a loaf that the supermarkets sell, oh well, we can't have everything.
Ok I better get on, I need to cut some clay pieces for the bird feeder before I get out to my torch and I've yet to have my morning cuppa so that's a must also.
Bead Making Holiday
Sunny Morning, Torch Calling And One Happy Bead Maker
Well it's happened at last, the sun as arrived on a bank holiday, will it last, maybe until lunch time then I have this funny feeling we'll be back to grey skies yet again, but hey, lets enjoy while we can.
For us it's a work day and my torch is calling, two days off, wow I can't remember when that happened last and to say I'm pleased to get back to it is an understatement, but I do have a confession, for the first time in well over a year I didn't wake up until nearly 8 O'clock, boy I must have needed that nights sleep and when I think back to all those hundreds of nights when I have managed just a few hours sleep I'm starting to think I really am getting back to normal, feeling well at last and beginning to live my life how I should be living it.
I'm sorry I had to update the blog twice yesterday but I think you all know me by now and when things are on my mind then I feel to need to rant about them, I know I'm just one small voice that just a few hear but if what I say helps anyone see whats going on and explains just how some people are not always as honest or straight as we think, then sod it, I'll carry on that way.
Ok I'm off to my torch now with lots to make and a couple of ideas to try, I need to get the plants out at the gate ready to maybe catch a few of those out for a ride on this holiday Monday and most of all, I'm off to enjoy another day of feeling well, enjoy your day and don't worry if you see yet another update this evening as I'm sure I'm addicted to blogging haha !
Well it's happened at last, the sun as arrived on a bank holiday, will it last, maybe until lunch time then I have this funny feeling we'll be back to grey skies yet again, but hey, lets enjoy while we can.
For us it's a work day and my torch is calling, two days off, wow I can't remember when that happened last and to say I'm pleased to get back to it is an understatement, but I do have a confession, for the first time in well over a year I didn't wake up until nearly 8 O'clock, boy I must have needed that nights sleep and when I think back to all those hundreds of nights when I have managed just a few hours sleep I'm starting to think I really am getting back to normal, feeling well at last and beginning to live my life how I should be living it.
I'm sorry I had to update the blog twice yesterday but I think you all know me by now and when things are on my mind then I feel to need to rant about them, I know I'm just one small voice that just a few hear but if what I say helps anyone see whats going on and explains just how some people are not always as honest or straight as we think, then sod it, I'll carry on that way.
Ok I'm off to my torch now with lots to make and a couple of ideas to try, I need to get the plants out at the gate ready to maybe catch a few of those out for a ride on this holiday Monday and most of all, I'm off to enjoy another day of feeling well, enjoy your day and don't worry if you see yet another update this evening as I'm sure I'm addicted to blogging haha !
Sunday, 6 May 2012
Yes Two In One Day !!
Just Another Rant.
After reading a very nice email from a customer who now follows my blog, I have to admit one point she raised really has had me thinking. She mentioned how nice it was to read a blog from a bead maker who wasn't just using it as a advert for their work, but instead she really could begin to understand how I lived, how I felt about my bead making and the ups and downs of making a living producing beads and she thanked me for being so honest in what I wrote.
Well, all I can say is I've never been into using blogs, bead groups and facebook for just advertising my work, maybe I should and that's why I don't sell enough haha, but I'm just not made like that, yes we all know bead makers who will update their blog once in a while just to mention the bead fair they just happen to be selling at next week or they state that the last fair was so good they sold all their stock, which is as believable as me winning slimmer of the year, every bead maker in the country finding it slow at the moment apart from this super star of the bead world who can't make enough beads to keep up with all the customers bashing the door down to buy them, yer right, more chance of seeing a duck fart !
We know those who will pop into the bead group every evening just to post a picture of the latest lampwork creation they are about to list in their ebay shop, not hanging around to say hi to anybody in the group as they have what I call begging emails to send, they would call them nice friendly email to customers who they call close friends in which they just happen to mention the beads they made that morning that they just know would be ideal for you to use, no, not my thing, sorry !
I said from the first blog I did here that I would be honest, however bad it may make me look and as the title says, this blog is about my life as a bead maker, not about selling my beads, that's what ebay and etsy are for and I'm sure if anyone is looking for those type of blogs then there are lots out there, you wouldn't need to spend many minutes searching.
I'm guessing some of you will find me old fashioned or silly for not acting in this way and using every trick in the book to sell beads, well, you know what, maybe I am and just maybe that's how I want to be, better honest and poor than rich and full of crap and to be honest with you, one thing I never want to happen is a customer to look at one of my beads thinking, why the hell did I buy this, I really didn't need this.
Ok, rant finished and back to the clay, I'm making wind chimes so we'll see how they finish up, fingers crossed they'll be ok and keep my neighbours awake like those huge bamboo chimes they own do me on a windy night !
After reading a very nice email from a customer who now follows my blog, I have to admit one point she raised really has had me thinking. She mentioned how nice it was to read a blog from a bead maker who wasn't just using it as a advert for their work, but instead she really could begin to understand how I lived, how I felt about my bead making and the ups and downs of making a living producing beads and she thanked me for being so honest in what I wrote.
Well, all I can say is I've never been into using blogs, bead groups and facebook for just advertising my work, maybe I should and that's why I don't sell enough haha, but I'm just not made like that, yes we all know bead makers who will update their blog once in a while just to mention the bead fair they just happen to be selling at next week or they state that the last fair was so good they sold all their stock, which is as believable as me winning slimmer of the year, every bead maker in the country finding it slow at the moment apart from this super star of the bead world who can't make enough beads to keep up with all the customers bashing the door down to buy them, yer right, more chance of seeing a duck fart !
We know those who will pop into the bead group every evening just to post a picture of the latest lampwork creation they are about to list in their ebay shop, not hanging around to say hi to anybody in the group as they have what I call begging emails to send, they would call them nice friendly email to customers who they call close friends in which they just happen to mention the beads they made that morning that they just know would be ideal for you to use, no, not my thing, sorry !
I said from the first blog I did here that I would be honest, however bad it may make me look and as the title says, this blog is about my life as a bead maker, not about selling my beads, that's what ebay and etsy are for and I'm sure if anyone is looking for those type of blogs then there are lots out there, you wouldn't need to spend many minutes searching.
I'm guessing some of you will find me old fashioned or silly for not acting in this way and using every trick in the book to sell beads, well, you know what, maybe I am and just maybe that's how I want to be, better honest and poor than rich and full of crap and to be honest with you, one thing I never want to happen is a customer to look at one of my beads thinking, why the hell did I buy this, I really didn't need this.
Ok, rant finished and back to the clay, I'm making wind chimes so we'll see how they finish up, fingers crossed they'll be ok and keep my neighbours awake like those huge bamboo chimes they own do me on a windy night !
All Fine So Far
Will This Weather Last ?
It's the second day of this holiday weekend and touch wood it looks like we get another dry day to enjoy, after spending the whole of yesterday in the garden and greenhouse today it's playing with clay for this bead maker, for the first time in other a month I'll be throwing pots on my wheel, I just hope I can remember how to.
I was hoping to set up my wheel in the garden but I'm not sure it's going to be warm enough so we'll have to wait and see if that's possible. I need to finish off some pendants too and have some different ceramic beads to try, so just maybe I'll fit it all in today if not, well it wouldn't hurt to carry on tomorrow.
I just want to say thank you to all those who have commented on my Ashwell poem, to be honest with you I just enjoy writing them and have a book full of poems all on the subject of Ashwell and my childhood in that area, I guess it's just my way to getting down my memories on paper, I also write about my family and how we lived but I'm guessing that wouldn't really interest any of you so I keep them out of the blog, the poems, well I just like to put the odd one on here now and then.
Over the last ten or so years I've lost a few members of our family, people who had so many tales to tell about my family and our village, now all lost, never to be heard again, nothing was written down for those in the future to read, so this is why I try to get down my recollections, you never know one day someone may find them interesting and may learn a little about the past living in Ashwell, I always wonder how many people have died over the years, taking with them so many tales of village life, it's a real shame that we loose so much information in this way.
We had some sales at the gate yesterday so a few of those excess plants have gone, fingers crossed a few more will go today, every little helps and it's nice that people get a bargain too.
Ok, I better get off we need to go visit my dad this morning then back home and clay to play with, I hope it stays dry and you all enjoy the rest of the weekend, I'm sure you all have places to go and gardens to enjoy.
It's the second day of this holiday weekend and touch wood it looks like we get another dry day to enjoy, after spending the whole of yesterday in the garden and greenhouse today it's playing with clay for this bead maker, for the first time in other a month I'll be throwing pots on my wheel, I just hope I can remember how to.
I was hoping to set up my wheel in the garden but I'm not sure it's going to be warm enough so we'll have to wait and see if that's possible. I need to finish off some pendants too and have some different ceramic beads to try, so just maybe I'll fit it all in today if not, well it wouldn't hurt to carry on tomorrow.
I just want to say thank you to all those who have commented on my Ashwell poem, to be honest with you I just enjoy writing them and have a book full of poems all on the subject of Ashwell and my childhood in that area, I guess it's just my way to getting down my memories on paper, I also write about my family and how we lived but I'm guessing that wouldn't really interest any of you so I keep them out of the blog, the poems, well I just like to put the odd one on here now and then.
Over the last ten or so years I've lost a few members of our family, people who had so many tales to tell about my family and our village, now all lost, never to be heard again, nothing was written down for those in the future to read, so this is why I try to get down my recollections, you never know one day someone may find them interesting and may learn a little about the past living in Ashwell, I always wonder how many people have died over the years, taking with them so many tales of village life, it's a real shame that we loose so much information in this way.
We had some sales at the gate yesterday so a few of those excess plants have gone, fingers crossed a few more will go today, every little helps and it's nice that people get a bargain too.
Ok, I better get off we need to go visit my dad this morning then back home and clay to play with, I hope it stays dry and you all enjoy the rest of the weekend, I'm sure you all have places to go and gardens to enjoy.
Saturday, 5 May 2012
My Village
Ashwell
In hollow, sat sheltered under great Ash, protective of her ancient springs that bubble through chalk into small gravelled stream, she holds court over her neighbouring hamlets and villages like a mythical queen she rules, friendly yet a sight of strength and prosperity.
Her ancient walls and mossed thatch do show signs of a regal past, a past of greatness and importance, from lanes walked a thousand years and great spur stones that sit on corner verge, a past of untold tales, of people both rich and poor, to be a child of her I'm so proud.
To me she stays my home, my playground, my safe haven where my childhood grew and my head did learn, where respect for her people was taught and love for her form grew strong, a perfect place for my final sleep she I hope will one day be.
In hollow, sat sheltered under great Ash, protective of her ancient springs that bubble through chalk into small gravelled stream, she holds court over her neighbouring hamlets and villages like a mythical queen she rules, friendly yet a sight of strength and prosperity.
Her ancient walls and mossed thatch do show signs of a regal past, a past of greatness and importance, from lanes walked a thousand years and great spur stones that sit on corner verge, a past of untold tales, of people both rich and poor, to be a child of her I'm so proud.
To me she stays my home, my playground, my safe haven where my childhood grew and my head did learn, where respect for her people was taught and love for her form grew strong, a perfect place for my final sleep she I hope will one day be.
Thursday, 3 May 2012
Gravity Fun
My Old Favourites
I mentioned how I enjoy using the odd rod ends to make gravity beads and how I just close my eyes and pick out three colours, well the set shown here were made just like that. Sometimes the results really do make me smile and this was one such moment, I just love the colours and the way the silver effects have run into them.
I still believe that however good you think you are at matching colours there is no better way of producing amazing effects than pure luck, just let the flame run wild, maybe using the hotter part of the flame then switching to a cooler part, maybe reduce a touch, add silver or copper, just go mad and give anything a try, you will never know what effects are to be found in the morning when you empty the kiln and to be honest, how boring is it to know what a bead will look like before you even make it !
This set have been listed in the etsy shop this evening if any of you are interested and now I'm off to list more focals in my ebay shop, enjoy your evening.
I mentioned how I enjoy using the odd rod ends to make gravity beads and how I just close my eyes and pick out three colours, well the set shown here were made just like that. Sometimes the results really do make me smile and this was one such moment, I just love the colours and the way the silver effects have run into them.
This set have been listed in the etsy shop this evening if any of you are interested and now I'm off to list more focals in my ebay shop, enjoy your evening.
The Rains Return
Back Are Those Dark Skies And The Sound Of Rain
Again we wake to the sound of heavy rain this morning and those dark skies are rushing over us towards the coast, the one good thing about mornings like these are the amazing sounds of bird song that hit your ears as soon as you leave the house, it's like every bird in the area is full of cheer, the sight of doves sheltering on what seems like every branch of the conifers and bird feeders dripping with rain is one that only appears on mornings such as these, mornings when the countryside seems so rich, the green of young leaf and this springs shrub growth making every hedgerow bright like those of a doctored photograph, every detail standing out above those around it.
As I write the heavy sheets of rain beat down and the garden begins to look like some water soden marsh, with every blackbird waiting their turn to worm hunt, nature is no fool, she finds a reason for all weathers and I guess there is a very important reason for mornings such as these.
My planned day in the clay room is now going to happen tomorrow as I need to get some order beads made and a few more focals, I have yet more beads to clean and at last I'm going to list those beads on ebay this evening, so tomorrow is going to be a slower more relaxing day, one with clay between my fingers and pots formed on my wheel, a day I'm really looking forward to.
Well, another morning when I'm feeling good, the gluten free diet seems to be working and at last I feel confident that we may have found the problem, fingers crossed. I must say a few things on the subject of gluten free diets, last evening we called into our local supermarket to pick up a few bits and after checking out the gluten free products I was amazed at the prices, it was unbelieveable how these shops can take advantage of those who need a special diet like this, yes we all know and expect special diet foods such as sugar free or gluten free to cost a little more but in come cases three times the amount, well to me that is wrong, really wrong.
Over the last week I've been searching online for gluten free products and have found a lot, butchers who make gluten free sausages and bakers who make bread, most of which are the same price as their other normal products, so why on earth do the big supermarkets need to make so much profit on these goods ? I know we all need to use these large market places and unless your very well off you can't afford not to, but there are times when I wish we were lucky enough to go back to the days when our villages and towns were full of small shops run by people who took pride in the service they gave, shop keepers who were happy to make a living and were there in the shop meeting and serving the customers every day, not these huge store that grace our towns now, stores run by the fat cats who sit in their offices, who take two hour lunch meetings most days and who live on foods and drink that the rest of us only dream of, those who get massive wages to work out ways of making more and more profit from their so called valued customers, what a joke that is !
Oh well that's my rant over for the day and cuppa finished so back to work for me, I hope you all enjoy this wonderful summer weather and get all done that you have planned.
Again we wake to the sound of heavy rain this morning and those dark skies are rushing over us towards the coast, the one good thing about mornings like these are the amazing sounds of bird song that hit your ears as soon as you leave the house, it's like every bird in the area is full of cheer, the sight of doves sheltering on what seems like every branch of the conifers and bird feeders dripping with rain is one that only appears on mornings such as these, mornings when the countryside seems so rich, the green of young leaf and this springs shrub growth making every hedgerow bright like those of a doctored photograph, every detail standing out above those around it.
As I write the heavy sheets of rain beat down and the garden begins to look like some water soden marsh, with every blackbird waiting their turn to worm hunt, nature is no fool, she finds a reason for all weathers and I guess there is a very important reason for mornings such as these.
My planned day in the clay room is now going to happen tomorrow as I need to get some order beads made and a few more focals, I have yet more beads to clean and at last I'm going to list those beads on ebay this evening, so tomorrow is going to be a slower more relaxing day, one with clay between my fingers and pots formed on my wheel, a day I'm really looking forward to.
Well, another morning when I'm feeling good, the gluten free diet seems to be working and at last I feel confident that we may have found the problem, fingers crossed. I must say a few things on the subject of gluten free diets, last evening we called into our local supermarket to pick up a few bits and after checking out the gluten free products I was amazed at the prices, it was unbelieveable how these shops can take advantage of those who need a special diet like this, yes we all know and expect special diet foods such as sugar free or gluten free to cost a little more but in come cases three times the amount, well to me that is wrong, really wrong.
Over the last week I've been searching online for gluten free products and have found a lot, butchers who make gluten free sausages and bakers who make bread, most of which are the same price as their other normal products, so why on earth do the big supermarkets need to make so much profit on these goods ? I know we all need to use these large market places and unless your very well off you can't afford not to, but there are times when I wish we were lucky enough to go back to the days when our villages and towns were full of small shops run by people who took pride in the service they gave, shop keepers who were happy to make a living and were there in the shop meeting and serving the customers every day, not these huge store that grace our towns now, stores run by the fat cats who sit in their offices, who take two hour lunch meetings most days and who live on foods and drink that the rest of us only dream of, those who get massive wages to work out ways of making more and more profit from their so called valued customers, what a joke that is !
Oh well that's my rant over for the day and cuppa finished so back to work for me, I hope you all enjoy this wonderful summer weather and get all done that you have planned.
Wednesday, 2 May 2012
Focals Calling
A Day With Focals
A dry morning, wow two in three days, we will be wearing shorts and sunglasses by friday ! The skies may be grey but at least it's dry and the wind as eased so all is happy here, I'm sure I'll get an hour or two in the garden later with more young plants to set out and a few more beds to hoe.
On the bead side of things it's a focal day here for me, so one happy beadmaker who will be enjoying playing with lots of colours and lots of rock effects, I can't think of a better way to spend the day. I have beads to clean and photograph and still I have to list beads on ebay, so it looks like another busy day.
Tomorrow I'm spending the day in the clay room throwing pots and I hope making my first oil lamps, we'll see how things go but fingers crossed they turn out ok. Also I get to make the pieces for the first ceramic bird feeder, some may say a silly idea but I want to make one for our garden and if the resulting feeder is ok then I'll list a couple in the etsy shop, you never know there may be a few fellow bird lovers out there who would like one.
After a good friend explained how to string wind chimes I think I'll make the parts for those too, it's all worth trying as things are so slow with bead sales and to be honest I just love working with clay so I'm happy to play around with these ideas for as long as it takes. I guess the good thing about ceramics is there really is no end to what you can make, as I've said before with beads you can only make beads, ok hundreds of designs and colour mixes but in the end they are all beads, most of which are obtained by jewellery makers and the odd bead collector, with the vast selection of objects you can make from ceramics the customer range is also so vast, I could write a list a foot long showing hundreds of items you can produce from clay so maybe, just maybe there are a few in that list that I can make, we'll see.
Ok, I better get back to my torch, it makes a change not to be dashing through the rain when returning to the barn, maybe by the weekend we'll have the sunshine back after all it is now May so touch wood the April showers are over !
A dry morning, wow two in three days, we will be wearing shorts and sunglasses by friday ! The skies may be grey but at least it's dry and the wind as eased so all is happy here, I'm sure I'll get an hour or two in the garden later with more young plants to set out and a few more beds to hoe.
On the bead side of things it's a focal day here for me, so one happy beadmaker who will be enjoying playing with lots of colours and lots of rock effects, I can't think of a better way to spend the day. I have beads to clean and photograph and still I have to list beads on ebay, so it looks like another busy day.
Tomorrow I'm spending the day in the clay room throwing pots and I hope making my first oil lamps, we'll see how things go but fingers crossed they turn out ok. Also I get to make the pieces for the first ceramic bird feeder, some may say a silly idea but I want to make one for our garden and if the resulting feeder is ok then I'll list a couple in the etsy shop, you never know there may be a few fellow bird lovers out there who would like one.
After a good friend explained how to string wind chimes I think I'll make the parts for those too, it's all worth trying as things are so slow with bead sales and to be honest I just love working with clay so I'm happy to play around with these ideas for as long as it takes. I guess the good thing about ceramics is there really is no end to what you can make, as I've said before with beads you can only make beads, ok hundreds of designs and colour mixes but in the end they are all beads, most of which are obtained by jewellery makers and the odd bead collector, with the vast selection of objects you can make from ceramics the customer range is also so vast, I could write a list a foot long showing hundreds of items you can produce from clay so maybe, just maybe there are a few in that list that I can make, we'll see.
Ok, I better get back to my torch, it makes a change not to be dashing through the rain when returning to the barn, maybe by the weekend we'll have the sunshine back after all it is now May so touch wood the April showers are over !
Tuesday, 1 May 2012
Back To Work
My Torch Calls
After spending yesterday in the garden with my trusty hoe and fitting the netting over some of the raised beds, it's back to my torch today and by the looks of it, my torch is going to be the best place. The skies are yet again dark with rain here and it seems like we are in for another wet day here in the fens.
Once again our hopes of the weather changing for the better are dashed and the sunshine of yesterday was only a treat, not the start of summer as some thought or should I say wished for.
I'm happy to say I managed to get so much done in the kitchen garden yesterday and boy is it starting to look good, so many crops already looking strong and after a few hours with my hoe most of the beds are looking neat and tidy again, when people mention the fact that the rich soil we get here will grow anything, they also fail to mention this means weeds too, what they should really say is that we can grow many many weeds and if your lucky and put in some hard work you'll be able to grow a lot of good veg too !
So, today it's back to my torch and bead making for me, tho I'm sure I'll manage an hour in the greenhouse later this afternoon and if the rain clears up I may get more kale plants set in one of the netted beds.
On the bead side of things, well to be honest it's very very slow and I'm beginning to wonder how long we can carry on like this, sales are few and far between and even tho we have cut our outgoings to the bone here I'm really not sure how many more months we can get through, but you know me and I'll fight all the way, I'm a stubborn old git at the best of times and if there is a way of getting through this period then I'll try my best to find it. I have a feeling the next month or two is going to be hard but if we look on the brighter side of things, we have a nice quiet place to work, we enjoy our job and we can carry on working without too much expense and with hard work and just a little luck we might make it, fingers crossed.
Today I'm taking the time to try out a few bead ideas that I've been thinking about, my feelings are if things are so slow then I'm not risking anything by trying some rather strange ideas, plus you know how I enjoy playing around with ideas, I would find nothing more enjoyable than being locked away in the barn for a few days experimenting, so why not give it a go, god only knows what I'll come up with but just maybe there will be the odd success, touch wood !
Now, for my health, well I'm not shouting it from the roof tops yet but again today I'm feeling so much better, the second day running that I'm feeling like the old Rob, no gluten as passed my lips and the way I feel right now it never will again, as I stated before I'm just amazed at the results I'm getting from not eating it and how in just a matter of a few days my world is coming back to normal, I so wish I had found this out months ago, in fact years ago but we have now and I hope it means a brighter and more comfortable future.
It was getting me down I admit that and those who know me knew it was, I guess when you wake each morning hoping you will feel normal only to find you face another day unwell it's going to get to you, there is only so long you can carry on pretending and now at last I don't have to, yesterday after seeing some jewellery made by a friend and customer I even found myself smiling haha now that hasn't happened much in the last few months. So now lets get bead sales sorted and this bead maker will be the happiest person in the world !
After spending yesterday in the garden with my trusty hoe and fitting the netting over some of the raised beds, it's back to my torch today and by the looks of it, my torch is going to be the best place. The skies are yet again dark with rain here and it seems like we are in for another wet day here in the fens.
Once again our hopes of the weather changing for the better are dashed and the sunshine of yesterday was only a treat, not the start of summer as some thought or should I say wished for.
I'm happy to say I managed to get so much done in the kitchen garden yesterday and boy is it starting to look good, so many crops already looking strong and after a few hours with my hoe most of the beds are looking neat and tidy again, when people mention the fact that the rich soil we get here will grow anything, they also fail to mention this means weeds too, what they should really say is that we can grow many many weeds and if your lucky and put in some hard work you'll be able to grow a lot of good veg too !
So, today it's back to my torch and bead making for me, tho I'm sure I'll manage an hour in the greenhouse later this afternoon and if the rain clears up I may get more kale plants set in one of the netted beds.
On the bead side of things, well to be honest it's very very slow and I'm beginning to wonder how long we can carry on like this, sales are few and far between and even tho we have cut our outgoings to the bone here I'm really not sure how many more months we can get through, but you know me and I'll fight all the way, I'm a stubborn old git at the best of times and if there is a way of getting through this period then I'll try my best to find it. I have a feeling the next month or two is going to be hard but if we look on the brighter side of things, we have a nice quiet place to work, we enjoy our job and we can carry on working without too much expense and with hard work and just a little luck we might make it, fingers crossed.
Today I'm taking the time to try out a few bead ideas that I've been thinking about, my feelings are if things are so slow then I'm not risking anything by trying some rather strange ideas, plus you know how I enjoy playing around with ideas, I would find nothing more enjoyable than being locked away in the barn for a few days experimenting, so why not give it a go, god only knows what I'll come up with but just maybe there will be the odd success, touch wood !
Now, for my health, well I'm not shouting it from the roof tops yet but again today I'm feeling so much better, the second day running that I'm feeling like the old Rob, no gluten as passed my lips and the way I feel right now it never will again, as I stated before I'm just amazed at the results I'm getting from not eating it and how in just a matter of a few days my world is coming back to normal, I so wish I had found this out months ago, in fact years ago but we have now and I hope it means a brighter and more comfortable future.
It was getting me down I admit that and those who know me knew it was, I guess when you wake each morning hoping you will feel normal only to find you face another day unwell it's going to get to you, there is only so long you can carry on pretending and now at last I don't have to, yesterday after seeing some jewellery made by a friend and customer I even found myself smiling haha now that hasn't happened much in the last few months. So now lets get bead sales sorted and this bead maker will be the happiest person in the world !
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