Cuff links ....... I love cuff links but they are definitely not as popular as they used to be.  I have sold a couple of pairs recently which has prompted me to put them on my to do list before Christmas.  Now is the time if any when they are going to sell so I am going to research and come up with some designs.

Sunday 30 October 2011

This was posted as an article on Twitter by the Guardian.  It's about the Occupy movement generally and its the concluding paragraph of the article.  These are our governmental leaders!  If you want to read the full article by Andrew Rawnsley click here.

The protesters shun formal leaders and hierarchies – and I also don't see why they should be criticised for this at a time when conventional leaders and hierarchies have been so conspicuously useless. Here are some recent scenes in establishment politics. Silvio Berlusconi displays his incomparable charms by describing Angela Merkel as "culona ichiavabile" ("an unfuckable lard arse"). Rick Perry, contender to become Republican candidate for the great office of president of the United States, questions where Barack Obama was born five months after the White House released his long-form birth certificate, and excuses himself by saying: "It's fun to poke at him." A punch-up breaks out on the floor of the Italian parliament between one right-wing member of the government and an even more right-wing member. Nicolas Sarkozy tells David Cameron to "shut up" because he is "sick" of him. David Cameron elevates the tone at prime minister's questions by shouting: "Complete mug!" at Ed Miliband.
Protesters or leaders? I know who looks the more grown-up.

Enough said.

Teen Awards

Girls went to Wembley to the Teen Awards and amongst others saw Ed Sheerin, One Direction and Rizzlekicks.  They had a great time, cam back on a massive high which lasted for days and were exhausted.  Good times, good memories though.

This is a great bangle made by Katherine Grimes.  It is made from fine silver and is textured and wrapped around several times with a kind of knot fastening it.  It is very popular, I have had it on my website since I started out and it is still a bestseller.

Old piece resurrected

Just as it says in the title.
I had an order to make one of these pendants and matching bangle which I hadn't made for a while but I really enjoyed making it again so will churn some more out for the Christmas market.

Tuesday 25th October 2011

The days are running away faster and faster.  I have some orders off my website so hopefully things are picking up.  I have been repairing a silver and glass wine jug for a church and I have been over to the new shop in Skipton to help sort it out.  It's not open yet but hopefully it will be next week.  I will work there 2 days a week repairing and selling with the owner.  Hopefully I will get some great raining from him and within the year we hope to do some of our designs, a collaboration!  His work is very traditional and mine is very contemporary so it should be exciting.

I love jewellery made from wood, this is great so have a look

http://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2011/10/mini-profile-at-poppytalk-handmade_2324.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+blogspot%2FISuVv+%28poppytalk%29

Tuesday 18th October 2011

Happy 50th Birthday to my sister today.

You can have a look at the latest jewellery trends for Autumn and Winter 2011 here.  As usual there is a real mixture of very different designs. Animal / luxe /geometric /baroque styles are dominant.  Kelly Rowlands seems to be very influential in what she wears, she has a great style and comes across as a very nice lady on XFactor.

I have a weird week of working, visiting a uni with my daughter and doing a Careers Day at a private girls school, should be interesting!

Saturday 15th October 2011

Should be a day off today but I am covering this afternoon in the shop for someone else.  Needless to say its a beautiful sunny day!

I had to show this ring again as I have done a small modification to it recently and it looks even better.
It is a great style and there is a matching pendant on the website.  The pearl comes in pink or peacock blue.

Interesting article about the Creative Industries from the CBI.  The creative industries are expected to grow more than 4% from 2009 - 2013 which is double what the rest of the economy is expected to do!

I am at home today doing some repair work on a salt and pepper cellar from the 1920's.  I quite enjoy this type of work as long as it is not too difficult!  At least it is one of the rewards of having to work for someone else and getting a regular wage for it.

I have sent quite a few pieces of jewellery out over the last few weeks, all on sale or return so my coffers are getting depleted as I won't get a return until nearer Christmas when the buying kicks in.  I have a lot more to do so I hope my cash flow improves.

Simple pair of earrings made in sterling silver with lava beads which are a great charcoal colour with a smooth but rough looking texture.
On my website for £24.  I am working on a long pendant to match them.

Sunday 9 October 2011

My girls are at the Teen Awards today!  It has been loud and full of energy in this house since they got tickets 2 weeks ago.  The youngest daughter got 4 tickets and gave 2 to her sister so they each took a friend.  Thanks to the wonderful Sunday train system here in the North West they had to travel down on Saturday night so that they go there in time for 12noon Sunday.  Big adventure all round.  I will go on line at 2pm on to Radio 1 to see what is happening.

I have finished off another pendant.  It is a slice of greeny blue agate set in sterling silver.  The design of the setting is unique and has already been admired by people.  It is on my website for £55.

As it is a miserbale wet day today I am going to get on with some spring cleaning, I always do mine in Autumn! 

Thursday 7th October

Really sad news today that Steve Jobs has died, a visionary of whom there seems to be no-one else close to his level of genius.  He said,

 "If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it"

which is something I seem to be doing daily so hopefully one day I will find it!

Here is a picture of my Ribbon pendant.  Made in sterling silver with a little freshwater pearl it is a great looking pendant.  It is very small and dainty for me but I am really liking it.  I think it will apppeal as a gift especially for Christmas.  You can buy it off my website now The Jewellery Room

Off to work today in the shop, not looking forward to it, miserable windy, wet day.

Wednesday 5th October

Apologies, it's nearly 2 months since I last blogged.  No excuses, just busy really but I still should have blogged.

So I shall carry on as normal.

I have designed and made some new pieces which I will post tomorrow.  I have had some good sales over the last few months but as usual it has gone quiet, I need sales to be more consistent.  I need time to think about a strategy.  I need time to put together a strategy.  I need time.

I have just made a bangle for an order in Miami!  I don't get many orders from America because of the exchange rate so it was a nice surprise.  I have overcharged on the postage I realise now after sending it off today so I will credit him the difference later when I inform him it is in the post.

What is with this new Blogger format?  Not liking it at all ..............

I have seen some great films over the last few months, the best being The Tree of Life with Brad Pitt and Beginners with Ewan McGregor, both powerful beautiful films.

I am off to Birmingham City University on Friday for a visit with my daughter, the UCAS closing date is drawing near so decisions will have to be made soon. 

Both my girls are off to the Teen Awards at the weekend with friends, the excitement level in our houser is very high.  Pixie Lot, Ed Shearin, Rizzlekicks, One Direction but to name a few will be performing!