Happy Holidays

I didn't have any really Christmasy photos to share so I thought this one from my computers "stock" photos would do nicely instead. Also, there are many people who may not celebrate Christmas for whatever reason and so I really just wanted a nice wintery feeling photo so I can say that I hope whatever you do celebrate, you have a safe and happy Holiday season.

Autumn in London

One thing you miss when you live in somewhere like Las Vegas is the change of seasons. Don't get me wrong, Las Vegas in the Winter is not all warm with everyone walking around in shorts...it is a desert and they get darn cold at night. We were in London the last weekend of October and decided to spend some time on the Sunday at Speaker's Corner in Hyde Park. The first photo was one I just had to take, those beautiful Autumn colors as the leaves change. Plenty of people were enjoying the day.


Ahhh here is one of the many characters who is out there in Hyde Park every Sunday at Speaker's Corner. People speaking their minds and the crowds either just listening and sometimes joining in to have a debate.




We decided to get the Tube to check out the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben. Sadly, by the time we got to the other side of the river to get a better shot of it all...the batteries in my camera died! At least I did manage to get a few good shots including this one.



No trip to London is complete without a stop at Beadworks. This is my favorite bead shop when we are there. It is at the edge of Covent Garden but it is great for us as my husband goes to the pub around the corner and I meet him there once I'm done. Funny thing was, when we first got there there were about 5-6 men standing outside...lol. I just bought some seed beads, daggers and Swarovski drops but it felt good to be among beads, how sad is that?



We also went to the Natural History Museum which was brilliant. I shall save that for another post as I got LOADS of photos of some amazing ammonites and other gemstones on display there.

First UK Craft Fair

Well, my Etsy shop has been up and running for a few weeks now as I got all the issues fixed and changed everything over. I also have managed to meet quite a few of my fellow North East Crafter's. On the 25th of September I went to a craft fair in the area and managed to meet Vicky from Tynemouth Collectables and Denise & Gavin Hardy of Seaham Waves who have some amazing sea glass jewelry. I had to buy a pair of their earrings as they are lovely. Hoping to get a necklace too. When I was there, Vicky and Helen (who organizes the craft fair) talked me into coming back on the 9th of October. It looks like it will be a good time and I figured, since I'm still not working, why not. So, I shall be thrown in at the deep end selling my jewelry at this event. Nervous of course but really looking forward to it. I've actually been making a load of earrings to sell as I think that is a good thing to always have loads of.

Wish me luck!

Time Passes

Wow I've been real lazy updating this blog haven't I? Sheesh I never realized how long it had been since I'd last posted. At least now I really have something to say....well, sort of. Can't remember if I mentioned way back in March that the mother-in-law had fallen, broke her hip, had a hip replacement and spent about 6 weeks in hospital. She got out near the end of May and the husband went back to England to be there when she got out and make sure everything was okay for her and to put his mind at ease about her condition. Obviously with her coming up (at the time) to the ripe old age of 84 we were both concerned about her well-being once she got home. The local services in England have been great, helping get handles put in at the front for her to hold on to as she has a few steps at her front door. She now has one of those Life Alert things where she has a button around her neck in case she were to fall she could press it. Also for the first 6 weeks or so after she was out of hospital there were carers coming in 4 times a day and that continued after that but she had to pay for those. Which brings be me up to the end of August when we packed everything up, gave a bunch of stuff away, shipped some stuff and threw quite a bit out and headed back over here to England. We left Las Vegas on the 1st of September and arrived here in Newcastle on the 3rd after a short layover in Minneapolis. The husband has the wheels in motion to become his mother's full-time carer and I've been job-hunting (again). Obviously I've had to put my Etsy shop in vacation mode until I can get my PayPal accounts switched around as I already had a UK one but need to change the email addresses, etc. I've already joined a new team, the North East Crafter's and I'm hoping to meet some of the members, a few of whom I have spoken to online a bit. I even have set up a nice little area in our bedroom for all my crafting supplies and books.

I have to say that although it is going to be tough this situation as I know I've mentioned my MIL's dementia which obviously is not going to get better but I think that we really needed to leave Las Vegas as we just seemed to be stuck there for many reasons. Maybe this is going to be one of those decisions that ends up being for the best all around. Hopefully now I can keep this blog up to date a bit more often than every few months, at least I'll sure try. I did manage to make quite a few friends in the Handmade In Vegas Team and I will continue to support them no matter what and wish them all well.

Here's to a new beginning.

Favorites For Friday

Lately, I've wanted things that are convenient (as well as being handmade). I love the idea of a solid perfume whether it is in a stick or a nice little pot. There are so many on Etsy to choose from and of course, you have to pick a scent. I prefer flowery scents but to be honest some of them I don't have a clue what they may smell like unless they give me an idea of the different scents included. This weeks favorites are a few I've been looking at and would like to share. The last one probably wouldn't be a good scent if you have a dog...lol.

Sun and Sand Handmade Solid Cologne - Batty's Bath

Patchouli Dusk Solid Perfume - Simple Traditions

Solid Perfume Stick Magnolia - Plum Valley Notions

Wild Flowers Solid Perfume - Daisy Cakes Soap

Bacon (YES Bacon) Solid Perfume - Pink Parchment Soaps

So what do you think of that last scent....is it something you would wear??

Trying Artfire...Again

Only this time I am trying out a Pro Account. I received an email from Artfire offering a 30 day free trial of the Pro Account and since I was already a basic member I decided to go ahead and give it a go. I have to say I have been a fan of Artfire's offerings such as the Rapid Cart (which I have added to my blog at the right) and the Artfire Kiosk for your Facebook Fan Page (which I also have added). Plus I love the fact that you don't have to sign up for an account to purchase from any of the sellers on there. I figure it's 30 days and then if nothing happens it is no loss and I can just go back to the basic account...or if it goes well then I can go ahead and continue with the Pro Account and pay the monthly fee. Lately I have been trying to do a few things to drum up sales but it just seems like a no hoper sometimes but I know that several people have commented on the lack of sales over the past few months. I did finally sign up for Google Checkout which is great to have as an option since I know there are some people who just are not happy with PayPal. Always have to give yourself as many options as possible for some things.

Favorites For Friday

It's been a while, that is what happens when you get a job...lol. Actually, it has been weird working after being unemployed for 2 years and of course, in my job I have a different schedule every week. Some days working early and others working later. Fortunately I don't have to do any graveyard shifts otherwise I really would be up a creek! I was wracking my brain trying to think of something good for this weeks favorites seeing as it had been a while and I went to my favorites over on Etsy and decided to spotlight some beautiful niobium pieces. If you don't know this already (which I'm sure you do) niobium is a great metal for those with metal allergies. Now, to the best part.

WYSIWYG Niobium Spin 'em In Earrings - Element 41

Parallel Helm Chainmaille Bracelet - Greenstar Jewellery

Coiled Niobium Toggle Clasp - C & T Designs

Rainbow Peacock Earrings - Late Night Muse

Cerulean Blue Fantasy Earrings - On The Bead

As you can see by my picks, I prefer niobium when it has been anodized. It changes to some amazing colors.