A Day With Clay
Today is to be a clay day for me here at the barn, I have so many ceramic beads to make, sand and bisque fire including round, disc and a few new designs. There are also wind chimes to finish and bisque fire as well as a number of pendants, I've been working on a few ways to use glass and clay together so I hope a couple of these will produce some good results, fingers crossed.
We put together the first three trinket pots last night so I'll be listing them this evening in the etsy shop. It was Yvonne who came up with the idea of using some of my beads to decorate ceramic pots, I was just ordered to make them and I think they are interesting little pots, ideal for many uses as I'm sure you will agree when you see them.
To be honest I can't think of anything better to do than to marry together my beads and the ceramics I love making, maybe another of those small quiet lanes for me to follow where I can experience many new things and come up with yet more ideas while leaving most to their busy main roads of life. I guess there is the simple idea of mixing ceramic and glass beads together in jewellery pieces but no, that's far too simple for me, the idea of spending weeks if not months trying out other ways and ideas is one that I'm looking forward to and maybe incorporating the glass along with glazes may be the answer, we'll see.
I have to continue working on my first candle lamps later today which is exciting, after forming the bases and the globes I now get to cut out the light holes before they are finished off and fired, I love the idea of having a few in our house this winter and I'm sure they would be perfect for the Christmas period, if they turn out as well as I hope I'll be listing a couple next weekend. This weekend will be taken up listing ceramic beads and wind chimes, which points to yet another busy few days.
Ok cuppa time over and back out to the barn for me, I need to clean glass beads before I start on the clay, they will be listed this evening.
Thursday, 30 August 2012
Sunday, 26 August 2012
Thunder, Rain And A Body That Don't Work
A Busy Sunday Ahead
It's bank holiday Sunday and boy have I a lot to do, no bead making or throwing pots today, just a long day cleaning, photographing and listing both beads and ceramics, as you can tell by the lack of beads I've listed this week, to tell you the truth, the last four or five days I've been as stiff as a board and sitting for hours cleaning beads was the last thing I needed.
I'm sorry if this sounds lazy, I'm not I promise, it just seems that some weeks I get the odd period of a few days when my joints hurt more, I'm getting used to it and apart from moving around like someone of 80 I should be grateful that's all I have to suffer when so many people have far worst things to cope with every day of their lives.
So, today is catching up day here at the barn and I'll be locked to my seat cleaning all day even if it means I can't walk tomorrow haha ! The ceramic kiln is cooling down from last nights glaze firing and I hope this evening to pack it with more items that need bisque firing, I have a feeling I'll be listing ceramics all this week, lets just hope a few get sold.
This time of year is always so quiet on the sales side of things, just another negative of being a full time bead maker, most people think we live the ideal life and in many ways we do, but it's not all easy going, in fact I think most of you who follow my blog must know by now just how hard it can be, when things are tough I just hope for that one little piece of luck that we all need in life and maybe ours will come. I must admit sometimes I wonder what I did wrong in a past life to get in such a mess, but then I guess that's just silly and the only reason we are not doing so great is because I need to work harder, put in more hours making those items that sell, I need to look through my past sales and take notice of the best sellers, I am the first to admit I make a lot of sets that in the back of my mind I know won't do that well, I guess it's past experience that teaches us makers just what will be popular and what won't, still you hope but now I'm thinking hope is just not enough anymore and it's time I started making real beads again, beads I love making and beads I know others enjoy.
When things are hard my head tells me to make anything, it's more quantity rather than quality and to me that's not how I want to be, yes I agree people like a range of simple beads such as spacers etc but they also like the more unique beads, the beads that made my love for glass grow, the beads that excite you in the mornings when you open the kiln, those beads that you feel proud of when you clean and string them and I know I need to get back to making those, if things stay a struggle at least I'll be making the beads I love once again and not just turning out beads for money.
So from tomorrow morning every set of beads I make will once again be a pleasure and not a chore, my love for pebble beads will I'm sure mean they will be making an appearance once again in my etsy shop and many encased beads too. Any more simple beads will be listed in the ebay shop over the next few weeks and yes I will still make spacer sets, tho I'm not yet sure which shop I'll been listing then in, maybe both etsy and ebay.
Now it's off to the cleaning table for me and a trip to the veg garden to harvest some beans and kale for this evenings dinner, the fens are well and truly damp this morning after those wonderful thunder storms last night and tho a grey sky this morning they say it will stay dry. I hope you all enjoy the rest of this bank holiday weekend.
It's bank holiday Sunday and boy have I a lot to do, no bead making or throwing pots today, just a long day cleaning, photographing and listing both beads and ceramics, as you can tell by the lack of beads I've listed this week, to tell you the truth, the last four or five days I've been as stiff as a board and sitting for hours cleaning beads was the last thing I needed.
I'm sorry if this sounds lazy, I'm not I promise, it just seems that some weeks I get the odd period of a few days when my joints hurt more, I'm getting used to it and apart from moving around like someone of 80 I should be grateful that's all I have to suffer when so many people have far worst things to cope with every day of their lives.
So, today is catching up day here at the barn and I'll be locked to my seat cleaning all day even if it means I can't walk tomorrow haha ! The ceramic kiln is cooling down from last nights glaze firing and I hope this evening to pack it with more items that need bisque firing, I have a feeling I'll be listing ceramics all this week, lets just hope a few get sold.
This time of year is always so quiet on the sales side of things, just another negative of being a full time bead maker, most people think we live the ideal life and in many ways we do, but it's not all easy going, in fact I think most of you who follow my blog must know by now just how hard it can be, when things are tough I just hope for that one little piece of luck that we all need in life and maybe ours will come. I must admit sometimes I wonder what I did wrong in a past life to get in such a mess, but then I guess that's just silly and the only reason we are not doing so great is because I need to work harder, put in more hours making those items that sell, I need to look through my past sales and take notice of the best sellers, I am the first to admit I make a lot of sets that in the back of my mind I know won't do that well, I guess it's past experience that teaches us makers just what will be popular and what won't, still you hope but now I'm thinking hope is just not enough anymore and it's time I started making real beads again, beads I love making and beads I know others enjoy.
When things are hard my head tells me to make anything, it's more quantity rather than quality and to me that's not how I want to be, yes I agree people like a range of simple beads such as spacers etc but they also like the more unique beads, the beads that made my love for glass grow, the beads that excite you in the mornings when you open the kiln, those beads that you feel proud of when you clean and string them and I know I need to get back to making those, if things stay a struggle at least I'll be making the beads I love once again and not just turning out beads for money.
So from tomorrow morning every set of beads I make will once again be a pleasure and not a chore, my love for pebble beads will I'm sure mean they will be making an appearance once again in my etsy shop and many encased beads too. Any more simple beads will be listed in the ebay shop over the next few weeks and yes I will still make spacer sets, tho I'm not yet sure which shop I'll been listing then in, maybe both etsy and ebay.
Now it's off to the cleaning table for me and a trip to the veg garden to harvest some beans and kale for this evenings dinner, the fens are well and truly damp this morning after those wonderful thunder storms last night and tho a grey sky this morning they say it will stay dry. I hope you all enjoy the rest of this bank holiday weekend.
Tuesday, 21 August 2012
Just An Idea
Recording My Poems
Before anyone thinks this old bead maker is a real show off by recording his own poems I have to say I was asked if there was any way I could record them and place them on here for you to listen to. Well I have started and as a couple of you already know I have been trying to pluck up the courage to place the link here on the blog, to be honest with you the thought of you all hearing me reading the poems I write is one that frightens the life out of me, but I keep getting told to go for it so here you are.
This link should I hope allow you to hear the first two poems I've recorded and if people don't think they are crap then I'll place a few more on there over the coming weeks.
www.soundcloud.com/beadmaker/evening-garden
I hope by following the link you should be able to hear both poems that I have so far recorded. Ok I'm off to hide while you go see if I've made a big fool of myself.
Before anyone thinks this old bead maker is a real show off by recording his own poems I have to say I was asked if there was any way I could record them and place them on here for you to listen to. Well I have started and as a couple of you already know I have been trying to pluck up the courage to place the link here on the blog, to be honest with you the thought of you all hearing me reading the poems I write is one that frightens the life out of me, but I keep getting told to go for it so here you are.
This link should I hope allow you to hear the first two poems I've recorded and if people don't think they are crap then I'll place a few more on there over the coming weeks.
www.soundcloud.com/beadmaker/evening-garden
I hope by following the link you should be able to hear both poems that I have so far recorded. Ok I'm off to hide while you go see if I've made a big fool of myself.
Sunday, 19 August 2012
Warm Weekend
Back To Work
It's been a very busy last few days here at the barn, my torch has been burning and I even found a few hours to weed in the veg garden, by the way after years of never trying Kale, I can honestly say I now love the stuff, I'm glad I grew a few rows and they say like spinach, it's full of iron so very good for you.
Today I get to sit in the garden making ceramic beads, I'm looking to make both round and disc beads so I can do one large bisque firing at the end of the week, I hope to make a good number of sets then I'll have enough to list for the next few weeks. I have some lidded pots to trim this morning, larger sizes, the odd one I'll make into garlic pots and the others storage pots, ideal for use in the kitchen.
I was hoping to find the time to make a couple of salt pigs today but we'll see, my note book has page after page of items I want to make so slowly I'm trying to work my way through them, many of which I would have had no idea of how to make just a month or two ago.
It was nice having Nicola my step daughter here for the a couple of days, I guess we don't get to see many people these days, we just seem to work every day then sleep before working again, a trip to the supermarket seems to be our only entertainment at the moment and to be honest that doesn't happen much these days. It never really bothers me, I've always been happy leading a quiet life after years of playing hard when younger, but I do feel Yvonne misses having friends around, maybe if sales pick up we can start to visit family again and get the barn refurbishment finished to welcome customers again then I'm sure it won't be such a quiet life we lead, tho it is nice watching the world fly by sometimes while feeling away from things here out in the fens.
Well it looks like yet another warm day ahead of us today and I'm sure most of you will be planning a day out, maybe a trip to the coast or the park, a day out in the countryside sounds nice to me with lunch in some quiet village pub and a long walk, maybe one day but until then the weekends stay just as the week and we work as normal.
Ok cuppa time over and clay to feel between my fingers, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful day whatever way you decide to spend this sunny Sunday and if you get to the coast then take a good walk along the beach for this bead maker.
It's been a very busy last few days here at the barn, my torch has been burning and I even found a few hours to weed in the veg garden, by the way after years of never trying Kale, I can honestly say I now love the stuff, I'm glad I grew a few rows and they say like spinach, it's full of iron so very good for you.
Today I get to sit in the garden making ceramic beads, I'm looking to make both round and disc beads so I can do one large bisque firing at the end of the week, I hope to make a good number of sets then I'll have enough to list for the next few weeks. I have some lidded pots to trim this morning, larger sizes, the odd one I'll make into garlic pots and the others storage pots, ideal for use in the kitchen.
I was hoping to find the time to make a couple of salt pigs today but we'll see, my note book has page after page of items I want to make so slowly I'm trying to work my way through them, many of which I would have had no idea of how to make just a month or two ago.
It was nice having Nicola my step daughter here for the a couple of days, I guess we don't get to see many people these days, we just seem to work every day then sleep before working again, a trip to the supermarket seems to be our only entertainment at the moment and to be honest that doesn't happen much these days. It never really bothers me, I've always been happy leading a quiet life after years of playing hard when younger, but I do feel Yvonne misses having friends around, maybe if sales pick up we can start to visit family again and get the barn refurbishment finished to welcome customers again then I'm sure it won't be such a quiet life we lead, tho it is nice watching the world fly by sometimes while feeling away from things here out in the fens.
Well it looks like yet another warm day ahead of us today and I'm sure most of you will be planning a day out, maybe a trip to the coast or the park, a day out in the countryside sounds nice to me with lunch in some quiet village pub and a long walk, maybe one day but until then the weekends stay just as the week and we work as normal.
Ok cuppa time over and clay to feel between my fingers, I hope you all enjoy a wonderful day whatever way you decide to spend this sunny Sunday and if you get to the coast then take a good walk along the beach for this bead maker.
Monday, 13 August 2012
An Evening Of Rest
A Quiet Evening For This Bead Maker
Lampwork torch cooling and the ceramic kiln warming up, that makes for a easy relaxing evening for this stubborn old bead maker. It seems every day is a long one lately with bead making running into producing ceramics, I think the timing is right for a restful hour or two, the long hours always seem to catch up with you every couple of weeks, I used to fight against it but now that me and sleep don't always see eye to eye it's a pleasure to know a good nights sleep may be on the cards.
Now I must thank those who have sent me messages asking about Marley, it really is nice of you and I'm happy to say he is doing ok at the moment, ok he looks a sad old thing but this last two days he has been eating better, in fact he as been treated to better food than I have haha ! So a big thank you to all of you and I'm sure you'll be letting you know if we lose him.
Well the games are now over and I'm not sure about you but I feel they had a great effect on the country, where ever you went people where talking about them and always with a smile on their faces, yes there are those who moan about the money spent and what a waste of time it was, but hold on, I like most could write a list a mile long of ways this country waste millions, so to be honest with you whatever those people think, well that's down to them, but I know one thing, for years I looked upon life as a glass half empty and it don't make you happy, believe me I've been there.
I'm sitting here writing this as the rain lashes down here in the fens, a great sunny day followed by an evening of heavy rain, no sitting by the pond watching the bats for me tonight, tho as most of you know I do enjoy watching the rain and I for one won't mind if we get one of those wonderful summer storms.
Ok, I better get off as there is one very sad looking black lab sitting waiting for a cuddle here and I love cuddles !
Lampwork torch cooling and the ceramic kiln warming up, that makes for a easy relaxing evening for this stubborn old bead maker. It seems every day is a long one lately with bead making running into producing ceramics, I think the timing is right for a restful hour or two, the long hours always seem to catch up with you every couple of weeks, I used to fight against it but now that me and sleep don't always see eye to eye it's a pleasure to know a good nights sleep may be on the cards.
Now I must thank those who have sent me messages asking about Marley, it really is nice of you and I'm happy to say he is doing ok at the moment, ok he looks a sad old thing but this last two days he has been eating better, in fact he as been treated to better food than I have haha ! So a big thank you to all of you and I'm sure you'll be letting you know if we lose him.
Well the games are now over and I'm not sure about you but I feel they had a great effect on the country, where ever you went people where talking about them and always with a smile on their faces, yes there are those who moan about the money spent and what a waste of time it was, but hold on, I like most could write a list a mile long of ways this country waste millions, so to be honest with you whatever those people think, well that's down to them, but I know one thing, for years I looked upon life as a glass half empty and it don't make you happy, believe me I've been there.
I'm sitting here writing this as the rain lashes down here in the fens, a great sunny day followed by an evening of heavy rain, no sitting by the pond watching the bats for me tonight, tho as most of you know I do enjoy watching the rain and I for one won't mind if we get one of those wonderful summer storms.
Ok, I better get off as there is one very sad looking black lab sitting waiting for a cuddle here and I love cuddles !
Friday, 10 August 2012
Life Can Be A Bitch Sometimes
Bad News For My Marley
It really wasn't a nice feeling being told your dog, an old friend who as spent the last 12 years by your side has two large tumours that really can't be treated, yes they could try and operate but it wouldn't be likely to make him better, in fact it was a very slim chance and one we didn't feel was worth it. We both felt it was going to be a waste of time and we just wanted to make his last days with us as comfortable as possible, I for one didn't want to see my old mate go through all that pain only to see him lose the fight after, so he is now with us being fussed over, cuddled lots and doing just whatever he wants to.
As I said before this tough old bead maker isn't too proud to admit he'll miss his little mate and I know most would say there are more important things in life and I guess there are but at this moment in time all the other problems in our life are placed on the back burner, I want to make the most of having Marley beside me as I work on my torch.
Today is another busy one here with beads to make this morning and more to list this evening, I have to sort out the etsy shop, it's time to clear out some of the older sets which will be placed in the ebay shop and replace them with new ones, every day this coming week I hope to make new sets, the spacer sets will continue to be listed as they still seem very popular with customers and many people have mentioned that it's good to be able to obtain larger sets of spacers without breaking the bank.
This afternoon I need to get the ceramic kiln packed ready for a bisque firing this evening which means tomorrow I get to glaze the first selection of vessels this week which will include I hope Garlic pots, bowls and other items, also I'll be listing more disc beads which are some of my favourites.
In the coming week I'll be making a lot more ceramic beads and pendants, it's a job I enjoy doing when sitting out in the garden so I hope the weather stays fine, it may mean wind chimes will also be listed too which are also enjoyable to produce.
Ok, I better get off to my torch, I have a couple more new sets I want to make for etsy, I hope some of you get the chance to enjoy this stunning weather we are having and find time to sit in the garden to relax a little.
It really wasn't a nice feeling being told your dog, an old friend who as spent the last 12 years by your side has two large tumours that really can't be treated, yes they could try and operate but it wouldn't be likely to make him better, in fact it was a very slim chance and one we didn't feel was worth it. We both felt it was going to be a waste of time and we just wanted to make his last days with us as comfortable as possible, I for one didn't want to see my old mate go through all that pain only to see him lose the fight after, so he is now with us being fussed over, cuddled lots and doing just whatever he wants to.
As I said before this tough old bead maker isn't too proud to admit he'll miss his little mate and I know most would say there are more important things in life and I guess there are but at this moment in time all the other problems in our life are placed on the back burner, I want to make the most of having Marley beside me as I work on my torch.
Today is another busy one here with beads to make this morning and more to list this evening, I have to sort out the etsy shop, it's time to clear out some of the older sets which will be placed in the ebay shop and replace them with new ones, every day this coming week I hope to make new sets, the spacer sets will continue to be listed as they still seem very popular with customers and many people have mentioned that it's good to be able to obtain larger sets of spacers without breaking the bank.
This afternoon I need to get the ceramic kiln packed ready for a bisque firing this evening which means tomorrow I get to glaze the first selection of vessels this week which will include I hope Garlic pots, bowls and other items, also I'll be listing more disc beads which are some of my favourites.
In the coming week I'll be making a lot more ceramic beads and pendants, it's a job I enjoy doing when sitting out in the garden so I hope the weather stays fine, it may mean wind chimes will also be listed too which are also enjoyable to produce.
Ok, I better get off to my torch, I have a couple more new sets I want to make for etsy, I hope some of you get the chance to enjoy this stunning weather we are having and find time to sit in the garden to relax a little.
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Gold, Gold And More Gold
A Great Day For British Sport
What a fantastic day for British sport once again, four more gold medals and all in all a great display from team GB. It was great to see more of the GB team picking up yet more medals and showing the heart of real sportsmen and women, such a small country but so many dedicated sporting hero's, and child could do well to follow in their footsteps.
It was another busy day here at the barn with the morning spent replacing the gas tank, making beads and looking after my buddy Marley. He hasn't been himself for the last week and the past few days he has really not been well at all, tomorrow he gets a trip to see the vet, one I'm sure he wont enjoy but one I hope will make him feel better. He is now getting on towards 12 years old, a far age for a dog and every one of those 12 years he as been at my side, quite and gentle, everyone friend he is and believe me I would do anything to get him better.
I guess most who know me think of me as being this big rough guy who always has a joke to tell, a stubborn old sod who sticks to his guns and stands up for his beliefs, someone who wouldn't worry about a dog, after all some would say " it's just a dog", but boy would they be wrong, to me my dogs have always given love, never do they ask for it back, they always seem to be there when your down and in my case, they help you relax, take your mind off the problems that we face in every day life, if I lived a thousand years I would still never be able to repay the love they have given me, this is why this big old sod cares about his pal.
I had fun this afternoon trimming a few garlic pots ready to dry before bisque firing, I'm really enjoying making something different after what seems like hundreds of bowls, but we need to start somewhere and small bowls are one way of getting the basics. When we start making beads most who have a brain would first spend time learning to make a simple bead, spacers say or tyre beads, then when we have mastered that we can move on towards better more unique things, it's just the same with throwing pots, the more time you spend on the basics the more solid the foundations you lay down.
These garlic pots have lids so that's been enjoyable teaching myself how to throw them, I'm guessing it will all become a little easier as time passes and one day, just like bead making, I'll be wondering what all the fuss was about.
I also made a few candle holders to see how they turn out, I hope to list a couple this coming weekend, maybe not the right time of year to think candles but it's another item to try. Also I have a couple of yarn bowls to list, a great way to use some of the larger bowls I've made so I hope there may be a few knitters out there who may like one, I know an aunt who will be pleased to receive one this coming Christmas.
Well, cuppa time here then an early night as it will be a long day tomorrow, to be honest with you I'll be happy when we are back from the vet and we know more about whats going on with Marley, fingers crossed it's not too bad tho I have this funny feeling the news won't be great.
What a fantastic day for British sport once again, four more gold medals and all in all a great display from team GB. It was great to see more of the GB team picking up yet more medals and showing the heart of real sportsmen and women, such a small country but so many dedicated sporting hero's, and child could do well to follow in their footsteps.
It was another busy day here at the barn with the morning spent replacing the gas tank, making beads and looking after my buddy Marley. He hasn't been himself for the last week and the past few days he has really not been well at all, tomorrow he gets a trip to see the vet, one I'm sure he wont enjoy but one I hope will make him feel better. He is now getting on towards 12 years old, a far age for a dog and every one of those 12 years he as been at my side, quite and gentle, everyone friend he is and believe me I would do anything to get him better.
I guess most who know me think of me as being this big rough guy who always has a joke to tell, a stubborn old sod who sticks to his guns and stands up for his beliefs, someone who wouldn't worry about a dog, after all some would say " it's just a dog", but boy would they be wrong, to me my dogs have always given love, never do they ask for it back, they always seem to be there when your down and in my case, they help you relax, take your mind off the problems that we face in every day life, if I lived a thousand years I would still never be able to repay the love they have given me, this is why this big old sod cares about his pal.
I had fun this afternoon trimming a few garlic pots ready to dry before bisque firing, I'm really enjoying making something different after what seems like hundreds of bowls, but we need to start somewhere and small bowls are one way of getting the basics. When we start making beads most who have a brain would first spend time learning to make a simple bead, spacers say or tyre beads, then when we have mastered that we can move on towards better more unique things, it's just the same with throwing pots, the more time you spend on the basics the more solid the foundations you lay down.
These garlic pots have lids so that's been enjoyable teaching myself how to throw them, I'm guessing it will all become a little easier as time passes and one day, just like bead making, I'll be wondering what all the fuss was about.
I also made a few candle holders to see how they turn out, I hope to list a couple this coming weekend, maybe not the right time of year to think candles but it's another item to try. Also I have a couple of yarn bowls to list, a great way to use some of the larger bowls I've made so I hope there may be a few knitters out there who may like one, I know an aunt who will be pleased to receive one this coming Christmas.
Well, cuppa time here then an early night as it will be a long day tomorrow, to be honest with you I'll be happy when we are back from the vet and we know more about whats going on with Marley, fingers crossed it's not too bad tho I have this funny feeling the news won't be great.
Sunday, 5 August 2012
Sunny Sunday
Lazy Day For This Bead Maker
It's Sunday, the sun is lighting up the fens and I have an easy day ahead, well that's the plan. It's a clay day for me and I hope a few hours in the garden, I must admit I'm as stiff as a board this morning so I hope by lunch time I'll be ok to get some weeding done in the veg garden. After the last few days being wet here in the flat lands it will be nice to enjoy a couple of hours pottering around in the raised beds, I have crops to harvest and ground to clear and dig over so lots to do, yesterday we had the first bait of runner beans and I must say the taste was fantastic, no shop bought beans could ever match that flavour of own grown veg.
On the bead side of things, everything is going along nicely with lots of spacer sets going on etsy this last few days, I have sale sets to list in the ebay shop this evening and more focals to list, all I need to do tomorrow is make a few pebble sets to list on etsy, I miss making the pebbles and want to get back into producing them, ok they may not be the most popular beads but they give me freedom to make whatever I feel like design wise and when you make a living and spend so many hours making beads it's important that you keep changing things, let your mind run wild sometimes with colours and designs and to be honest with you, sales are so slow at the moment it really doesn't matter if you take the risk of making something different, in the past I have decided not to list some beads as I just knew they wouldn't be to most peoples taste, but sod it, this time it really doesn't matter, if they don't sell then it's not a problem and if they do then it means I get a few sales, in my mind that means I can't lose.
With the ceramics, well it's been a busy week, lots of wedging, kneading and throwing on my wheel, bowls, candle holders, cups, pestle and mortars, etc etc, the evenings have been busy and I hope to do a bisque firing in the next couple of days. my aim is to list a good selection of items, I need to build up a completely new customer base just as I did when I started selling my beads all those years ago, I have to remember the customers will be so different from those with beads, with beads most buyers buy to use them for making jewellery, that's it full stop, it doesn't matter what design or colours they are bought by jewellery makers. With ceramics it's so different, some customers may like bowls, others might want vases or more artistic pieces, there are people who want kitchen ware and those who want to buy ceramic pendants or beads, it is just so much larger in range and of course mean you will attract a very different kind of customer, so I have to try and cover some of these options and I will in time find a couple that I enjoy producing and that are popular with buyers, until that day comes I'll enjoy the learning, every second of it.
Ok I have clay waiting and two hands that enjoy feeling this natural material, with beads we don't get to handle the bead in any way through the making process, we form them with the help of steel and flame, with clay I get to feel it in my hands, my hands form the shape, nothing helps, it's all down to my fingers forming each piece and that's so very much different for me, two very different crafts but two that I find are sitting well together and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days.
Enjoy your Sunday and this great weather.
It's Sunday, the sun is lighting up the fens and I have an easy day ahead, well that's the plan. It's a clay day for me and I hope a few hours in the garden, I must admit I'm as stiff as a board this morning so I hope by lunch time I'll be ok to get some weeding done in the veg garden. After the last few days being wet here in the flat lands it will be nice to enjoy a couple of hours pottering around in the raised beds, I have crops to harvest and ground to clear and dig over so lots to do, yesterday we had the first bait of runner beans and I must say the taste was fantastic, no shop bought beans could ever match that flavour of own grown veg.
On the bead side of things, everything is going along nicely with lots of spacer sets going on etsy this last few days, I have sale sets to list in the ebay shop this evening and more focals to list, all I need to do tomorrow is make a few pebble sets to list on etsy, I miss making the pebbles and want to get back into producing them, ok they may not be the most popular beads but they give me freedom to make whatever I feel like design wise and when you make a living and spend so many hours making beads it's important that you keep changing things, let your mind run wild sometimes with colours and designs and to be honest with you, sales are so slow at the moment it really doesn't matter if you take the risk of making something different, in the past I have decided not to list some beads as I just knew they wouldn't be to most peoples taste, but sod it, this time it really doesn't matter, if they don't sell then it's not a problem and if they do then it means I get a few sales, in my mind that means I can't lose.
With the ceramics, well it's been a busy week, lots of wedging, kneading and throwing on my wheel, bowls, candle holders, cups, pestle and mortars, etc etc, the evenings have been busy and I hope to do a bisque firing in the next couple of days. my aim is to list a good selection of items, I need to build up a completely new customer base just as I did when I started selling my beads all those years ago, I have to remember the customers will be so different from those with beads, with beads most buyers buy to use them for making jewellery, that's it full stop, it doesn't matter what design or colours they are bought by jewellery makers. With ceramics it's so different, some customers may like bowls, others might want vases or more artistic pieces, there are people who want kitchen ware and those who want to buy ceramic pendants or beads, it is just so much larger in range and of course mean you will attract a very different kind of customer, so I have to try and cover some of these options and I will in time find a couple that I enjoy producing and that are popular with buyers, until that day comes I'll enjoy the learning, every second of it.
Ok I have clay waiting and two hands that enjoy feeling this natural material, with beads we don't get to handle the bead in any way through the making process, we form them with the help of steel and flame, with clay I get to feel it in my hands, my hands form the shape, nothing helps, it's all down to my fingers forming each piece and that's so very much different for me, two very different crafts but two that I find are sitting well together and I couldn't think of a better way to spend my days.
Enjoy your Sunday and this great weather.
Friday, 3 August 2012
Golden Day
Proud To Be British
After the day the British team had yesterday at the Olympics I must say it makes you so proud to be British, when most things in the country are having a bad time it's great to have something positive going on and for me it stands for all I believe in. I think most of you know me well enough by now to know how my mind works, hard work and the fact of never giving up is a huge part of my life and seeing those people collecting medals yesterday proves my point, all had their own story to tell of many years hard work yet getting there in the end, making that dream happen, a great example to set us all.
I often get asked why I carry on struggling to make a living making beads and is it really worth it, well my answer is always the same, I love my job, no other reason but that. After all those years working outside humping huge amounts of stone around in all weathers from red hot summers to ice covered winter days, I found a job I love and to be honest I think it will take more than a simple life and going without to get me to give it up. I think so many of us are the same, we do without to get something we long for, some may go without to be able to go on that wonderful holiday they long for, others do the same in able to own that dream car or house they have always wanted, for me it just the same but in my case I want to be able to carry on making a living from something I love and enjoy doing, with those who have been competing in the Olympics it is just the same, that's why they have my full respect and I wish them all every success over the remaining week.
Today it's both beads and clay for me, I have beads to make, beads to clean and photo ready to list this evening and bowls to throw on my wheel later this afternoon, I wish I had a pound for every hour I spend on that wheel, but hey, in my eyes there is no better way to learn than putting in the hours, it's the same in everything we do, the more you do it the better you get.
I hope this coming weekend we can get a few hours to work on the barn, there are still a lot of jobs to do before we can get the paint, cupboards full of items that need sorting, beads, findings, god only knows what we will find, it's amazing how much you collect over seven years, I'm guessing there may be a bonfire needed and I know just the woman who will be first in the que to light it !
Ok, cuppa over and my flame awaits, I hope to put a couple of poems on here in the next few days so I hope you enjoy them. Enjoy your day and lets hope we see more gold going to the GB Team.
After the day the British team had yesterday at the Olympics I must say it makes you so proud to be British, when most things in the country are having a bad time it's great to have something positive going on and for me it stands for all I believe in. I think most of you know me well enough by now to know how my mind works, hard work and the fact of never giving up is a huge part of my life and seeing those people collecting medals yesterday proves my point, all had their own story to tell of many years hard work yet getting there in the end, making that dream happen, a great example to set us all.
I often get asked why I carry on struggling to make a living making beads and is it really worth it, well my answer is always the same, I love my job, no other reason but that. After all those years working outside humping huge amounts of stone around in all weathers from red hot summers to ice covered winter days, I found a job I love and to be honest I think it will take more than a simple life and going without to get me to give it up. I think so many of us are the same, we do without to get something we long for, some may go without to be able to go on that wonderful holiday they long for, others do the same in able to own that dream car or house they have always wanted, for me it just the same but in my case I want to be able to carry on making a living from something I love and enjoy doing, with those who have been competing in the Olympics it is just the same, that's why they have my full respect and I wish them all every success over the remaining week.
Today it's both beads and clay for me, I have beads to make, beads to clean and photo ready to list this evening and bowls to throw on my wheel later this afternoon, I wish I had a pound for every hour I spend on that wheel, but hey, in my eyes there is no better way to learn than putting in the hours, it's the same in everything we do, the more you do it the better you get.
I hope this coming weekend we can get a few hours to work on the barn, there are still a lot of jobs to do before we can get the paint, cupboards full of items that need sorting, beads, findings, god only knows what we will find, it's amazing how much you collect over seven years, I'm guessing there may be a bonfire needed and I know just the woman who will be first in the que to light it !
Ok, cuppa over and my flame awaits, I hope to put a couple of poems on here in the next few days so I hope you enjoy them. Enjoy your day and lets hope we see more gold going to the GB Team.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Late Cuppa
Early Start And Lots To Do
It was yet again an early start here this morning, I have beads to make up until lunch time then ceramics to sort out, ceramic beads and wind chimes need making and of course my daily period on the wheel, this last week I've been making serving bowls and bottle vases and last night I listed a couple of bowl sets on etsy.
It's been a tough couple of weeks for me health wise and I did think it would never improve but I have to say yesterday I felt so much better, those who have suffered Coeliac for years I take my hat off to you, how you get used to the change of feelings I'll never know but I guess I will learn. To start with I did what I know best and just worked longer and harder but found it didn't make any difference, yes it helps take your mind off things but that's not the problem, it's the fact you need to get your body moving and you need to get used to the tummy ache, so now I just try and relax, I try to eat nothing that will make things uncomfortable, searching labels when buying food is something I'm getting used to, tho I must say there are things I think are ok and say gluten free that still play me up, so it will be time before I get to know all that is safe but I'm sure I'll get there in the end.
I guess I better get back to my torch, I need to get some beads made for a commission order, it's always nice to get to make something different. I'm not sure if I'll be watching the rain dancing on the pond today, yesterday was one wet day here in the fens but maybe it will stay dry today and they say we may get some sunshine again later this week, fingers crossed.
It was yet again an early start here this morning, I have beads to make up until lunch time then ceramics to sort out, ceramic beads and wind chimes need making and of course my daily period on the wheel, this last week I've been making serving bowls and bottle vases and last night I listed a couple of bowl sets on etsy.
It's been a tough couple of weeks for me health wise and I did think it would never improve but I have to say yesterday I felt so much better, those who have suffered Coeliac for years I take my hat off to you, how you get used to the change of feelings I'll never know but I guess I will learn. To start with I did what I know best and just worked longer and harder but found it didn't make any difference, yes it helps take your mind off things but that's not the problem, it's the fact you need to get your body moving and you need to get used to the tummy ache, so now I just try and relax, I try to eat nothing that will make things uncomfortable, searching labels when buying food is something I'm getting used to, tho I must say there are things I think are ok and say gluten free that still play me up, so it will be time before I get to know all that is safe but I'm sure I'll get there in the end.
I guess I better get back to my torch, I need to get some beads made for a commission order, it's always nice to get to make something different. I'm not sure if I'll be watching the rain dancing on the pond today, yesterday was one wet day here in the fens but maybe it will stay dry today and they say we may get some sunshine again later this week, fingers crossed.
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