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Sunday 19 January 2014

IS IT SPRING?

Hello everyone

What a beautiful day!  Everywhere is still very wet and soggy, but the sun has been shining all day and it is so nice.  Makes you feel much more motivated and happy when the sky is blue and not a sign of rain anywhere.  the Pie cats love weather like this and it also means we can get some gardening done too - pruning, clearing rain/wind damage and some general tidying up.

It has been a madly hectic week.  We have experienced a cooker delivery saga: it wasn't delivered on the day it was supposed to be, when it did arrive it didn't work, removed and no replacement available on that day, replacement arrived on Wednesday and woo hoo it works!  Lots of work this week on my new venture, Independent Markets, arranging bookings with the Godalming Borough Hall, sorting out forms and emailing details out to everyone who has either taken part in the past, wanted to but couldn't get in because dates were full and new enquiries.  The week finished on a good note, a friend who had bought one of my hand-decorated jute bags took it wither her to her exercise class.  It was seen by a shop owner and they would like to stock some.  How exciting is that - and of course more panic: have I got enough bags, felt, material, glue, what more do I need to order, make, etc.  Thank goodness the first event I am organising is not until April - although I am still hoping to be able to arrange something out for Valentine's day.

I have started a blog for the Independent Markets and you can read my first post here; for some odd reason I cannot get the comment section working/set-up, but perseverance is the name of the game.

Last week was not all mad and hectic, in between was a peaceful day's pottery.  This term's project is to make a plaque with our house name or number on it.  We already have one that is built into the brickwork, so another one isn't really needed.  However, I wanted to join in and decided to make with my five cats on:


I cut out five cat shapes, as you can see the shapes got slimmer as the number of cats increased.  I trimmed round all of them so that they would lie flat on the backing.  They have been lightly covered to dry slowly and  once 'leather-hard' I will biscuit fire them, then add a different glaze to each cat (need a steady hand so that I don't end up with smudgy bits on the one next door) and then fire them at 1250 degrees.  I am still enjoying my pottery sessions even though I know my creations will not be appearing in a hundred or so years on the Antiques Roadshow.  But you never know, tastes do change.

I think it is break time now - well time to nip over to Handmade Monday and catch up with everyone.  A weekly must and I really recommend you stop by and read the blogs of those crafters taking part.

Have a good week everyone 'see' you next Sunday.

Jill

16 comments:

  1. I so agree that a little sunshine makes for a happier day! Fab news about the shop stockist! Well done! And good luck in the new venture too - exciting times!

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  2. I love your cat plaque, it will look wonderful when it's finished. You must be thrilled with the success of your bags - everyone in surrey will be carrying one before long! Good luck with your new venture x

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  3. Aww you cats sign is going to be soooo gorgeous when its done! How lovely to greet people to your home with something so creative and personal.

    V exciting too about the enquiry form the shop! Some well deserved recognition for your lovely bags.

    The sunshine is glorious isn't it - our dog has been basking in it too! :)

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  4. I also love your plaque. The shapes of the cats of course but also the contrast between the smooth clay of the cats and the textured disc behind. Fingers crossed with the glazing! Looking forward to seeing the finished piece. How big is it btw?

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  5. What a fantastic and exciting venture to have your bags in a shop. Can't wait to see your finished cat plaque. Let's hope the sunshine continues, have a good week.

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  6. great a shop wanting to stock your things- best type of advertising someone using your items! hope it continues.

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  7. Ooo good news about the bags, I really love your plaque and the design of the cats.

    Lovely day here too, got loads done in the garden today.

    xxx

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  8. Ooo good news about the bags, I really love your plaque and the design of the cats.

    Lovely day here too, got loads done in the garden today.

    xxx

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  9. I love the cat house plaque. people are always looking for something different. Good luck with the independent markets.
    Lesley & Ray
    Bath Bomb Creations & Grumpy Joe's Pet Emporium

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  10. Love the plaque Jill! Well done with all your hard work and new ventures this year. Don't know where you find the time to use your new cooker. Lucky you have your live-in head chef Richard!

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  11. Good news with the shop stock, you work really hard and you deserve it.
    Love your plaque, it's great making something that is so personal to you and your home :)

    Jan x

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  12. I love your cat plaque.
    #handmademonday

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  13. Now, Jill. You know that there are still 6 weeks of winter to come. Love your cat ceramic. And fab news about the bags. Only the best ladies about town have them x.

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  14. I do like your cat plaque. Such a clever design. It would look good on your jute bags too. Five is a lot of cats. I have four in my house at present (my two and two guests), and am constantly tripping over them, or having to break up their disagreements. I love them though.

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  15. Your cat plaque is going to be lovely. I like the way they all squash in. Congratulations on the shop!

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Thank you for your comment - it is always lovely to have feedback and I hope you enjoyed my post.