Birthday plans.

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

Hi.

It is going to be a busy week, as I am in school for the next 2 weeks. Forgotten what it is like planning and marking when I get home, instead of feet up, watching telly. Though it all seems to be coming back to me pretty fast.

Birthday plans are starting to come together. Booze stocks are building and invites are nearly all out (sorry if I forgot you).

x

Slaves.

http://www.dreamaid.com/store/SJJewellery

Hi.

I know it is really bad but I have starter to employ slaves to help me make my jewellery. At the moment I have 2, known as Linda (mum) and Col (sister). They are very cheap and last night Col even brought tea for us.

I'm in a bit of a panic, I have a show on Sunday at Louth and at the last show I sold quite a lot of things. this leave me worry I won't have enough stock. So Col very kindly offered to help. She like threading things, so she made lots of lovely memory bracelets. I made a few pieces to. The one above is one of hers. Pretty. Going to do a few more today. Hopefully the postman will arrive with lots of beads for me.

x

Car insurance.

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery


Hi.
My car insurance is due in a few days. Every year I have to mess around to find a new insurer because the old one keep putting the price up. I have had a go 3rd party because it is so much cheaper. It means I won't be able to drive other people cars, which I like doing.
Sorry, moan over.
I has been a beautiful few days here is sunny Boston. I managed to get a little bit burnt yesterday. Must remember to buy some sun cream. Was in the garden making some jewellery. I just forgot how long I was out there. Lastest make is in the picture above.
Business cards arrived today, very exciting. Though there is a mistake on them, but John didn't notice so hopefully nobody else will. They have arrive just in time as I have a show on Sunday. Louth classic car and country show.
X

I'VE HAD A SALE

Hurray
I've sold something at last. Thanks to Dreamaid.
Dreamaid is a where people can put they wares to sell, so I did. Tonight it was featured on BBC 2 programme with Theo from Dragons Den. As a result I've had 7 sales. So cool. By glancing at the chat forums it looks as if lots of people have done well.
Just putting a few more things on for tomorrow then to bed.
Can't stop grinning.

SJJewellery on dreamaid.com

SJJewellery on dreamaid.com

I have a new shop. this one is a bit different. Everything is free to list and when you sell something a percentage is taken off. It is also going to be on the BBC tomorrow so hopefully it will increase it's followers.

New make.

http://www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery
Again this is one folksy. Link at the top.
Just got in from work. Was hoping for a bit of a lie in today. Was meant to be at work just this afternoon, but at 7.50 got a call from the school asking if I could do the morning as well. Which was fine, except I was still bed. Had to run round like a loony to get ready.
My birthday is more or less sorted out. It is the big 30 this June. Going to have a BBQ/camp/party at my Dads. Just need to sent the invite out. x

Lazy Sunday.

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

These kits were Johns item, thought I would start by making earring first and see how it goes. I have printed up some instructions and they have enough beads in them to make 2 pairs, with extra so people can make their own designs.

Was going to do some more jewellery making today, but yesterday I went and brought the wrong wire. So going to the garden centre instead. John has this thing at the moment about fruit bushes so it growing them in little pots around the garden and he wants another one. Me I just like going to a ride out and a coffee (we don't have any in the house at the moment ran out). Might nip to Dad and Grandma's as it is near by.

Did ok at the car boot yesterday, though not as good as the first time round. Was pleased as I sold 3 items of jewellery. Though I did manage to brake my display unit. I have posted some more of my stuff on Folksy.

x

More memory bracelets

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery






Still making the memory bracelets. Not too sure about the top one, was trying to go for a rainbow. I like the purple, might keep that one for myself. I also like the sparkly green.

x

Memory bracelets

All bracelets are on sale at http://www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

I have been having a go at making Memory wire bracelets. I think I like the red best. Going to a car boot sale tomorrow, so it is an early start for me. Hopefully the weather will be good. Going to take some of my jewellery with me and see if it sells.

x

Vivien Holloway

I have been after a Vivien Holloway dress for ages. Been searching on Ebay but they are really expensive. Found this one today and got it. I only hope it fits. It isn't quite the colour or fabric I was after, but never mind, if it is rubbish I can always resell it.

Jewellery and tyres.

It is going to be a rather expensive week for me this week. I needed 3 new tyres and my MOT is due. But on the plus side I have my first proper fete this weekend on Saturday. It is nothing to do with craft shows, but a local high school fete. I'm hoping there will be no other jewellery stalls just me. I'm also trying out different thing. Because I can have a gazebo, it means I have more space. So have been experimenting with candles and lucky dips and make your own earrings. Hopefully will make a bit of money, not sure it will cover the cost of tyres and MOT though.
Also trying to think of some idea what to do for my birthday. It is my big 30 and want it to be special. I would like to go camping. Though not sure whether to do campsite with swimming pool or back to natural campsite. Oddly they both cost the same amount.
x

Brown and orange glass bracelet

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

Just been for a night out in Spalding. First time I have been to a club and felt old.

Easter is here and the school have broken up giving me 2 weeks off. I have a plan, going to make a list of all the things I need to do over the hols.

Take photos of jewellery and list them

Weed garden

Plant new flowers in garden

Wash up

Tidy up house

Get all the washing caught up

Make jewellery

Stop spending money on ebay

Make cushions for sofa

Get a list of dates to do shows

Wonder how many I will get done?

Photos

Once again I am trying to take some really nice pictures of my jewellery to go on the new Folksy site. Found a lovely spot in the window and John has showed me how to use his camera properly.

www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

New earring make.

I have started to set up a shop through the folksy website. It costs 20p to put items in your own little shop. I only have two, as I was hoping the sun would be shining today so I could take some photo of my jewellery without the flash. Never mind. Will see if this is a better way of selling things, craft show don't seem to be working.

If anyone is interested the link is www.folksy.com/shops/sjjewellery

x

I have found a new talent.

After the disaster that was the carrot cake, I decided to make a sponge, which turn out beautifully. Next came the decoration. Inspired by the cakes I saw at the wedding show and the fact that thought it didn't look that hard I decided to have a go. I found a super, thought really painfully slow, you tube video to show how to do the zebra print step by step. Icing the cake white was surprisingly easy. Roll it out, bung it on, smooth it down. Wasn't too concerned about bumps and blemishes because I could cover them. Getting the icing pink was a nightmare. It didn't seem to matter how much pink colouring I put into it, it was remain a pale pink, I wanted fushia. Gave up in the end, added a bit of red which seemed to brighten it up. If i do it again I will buy the icing already coloured.

With a pizza cutter in hand we, me and Katie, made the stripes. I have to admit Katie was more efficient at this than me, so I left her to it, and I stuck them to the cake.

Put some huge feathers it and there you go. Really please with it.

Sam.

Cake mistake.

Hi

Having been inspired by the sensational cakes from the wedding show, and me thinking I can do that, is having a shot at making a birthday cake for two friends (1 cake they can share). For something a bit different I decided to do a carrot cake, I thought it might be easier to ice. Got stuck in this afternoon. The cake is meant to take 45 minutes in the oven. Took it out and it was still wobbly, so bunged it back in again. 10min late another look, still a bit wobbly gave it a prod, it was still sticking to the knife, in it goes again. This happened until it had been in for 1 hour 15mins. Blow this I thought, maybe it will it is meant to be a bit wet and will carry on cook as it cools. So I take it out and sit down for a coffee. Went back 15mins late the whole thing had sunk it half it's size with a big crater in the middle. Sod this. Plan B I'm going to serve the carrot cake with so much cream cheese topping on that they won't notice. I had also made a sponge and put it in the oven. Fingers crossed it will turn out beautifully. If it doesn't I will buy a blinking cake.

The collapsed carrot cake.

Spring.

At last spring seems to have arrived. We have snowdrops in the garden, and the crocus are starting to open. The birds are singing and it is defiantly getting lighter in the evening. I have even been into the garden today to drag out some of the dead rubbish from last year. Though we only have 1 bin so I can't do to much and it is too wet to burn. Think I might have got a bit chopping crazy with the hydrangea, it might not make it. If it does I might have have a go at changing the colour of the flowers. Apparently if you put iron near the root the rust from it turns the flower from blue to pink.

Well that was a waste of time!

Went to Wainfleet Craft fair on Friday, boy was it a waste of time. I made a grand total of -50p. Was really looking forward to it. I had made a load of new stands, using a template I found of the internet, and a new layout. The stand looked so much better than it normally does. I also priced everything up individually this time. But no I sold 1 thing. The red heart necklace (there is a pic of it on my blog somewhere). It was one the most expensive necklace on the stall at £6. There was no one there. I think about in total 30 people looked round from 10 - 3.30. I could have given everything away free and I would have had a full table. This is the 3rd time I have tried Wainfleet I don't think I will be doing it again.

Sam

x

Craft Fair

Just off to do Wainfleet Craft Fair today. Means an early start and I'm on my Hols from work. Will take some pics of the stall and how I have displayed it, trying something new this time. Right got to go or I will be late.

x

A new make.

Hi.

I got these chunky beads from beads direct, there were in the sale, I wasn't sure what to do with them. Started with a bracelet. I'm hoping to make a necklace, but I need to learn how to use cord. Also trying to photograph them better. Took me ages, going to have to find a quicker way. Hopefully going to Wainfleet craft fair this Saturday, need to make a bit of money to make up for all the beads I'm buying.

x

Yay it's the weekend.

Only 1 week till half term, a week off lovely. Found out today that my mobile isn't working. I can sent calls and texts but can't receive them. I've lost work because of this and the local school I'm in for probably thinking I'm ignoring them. Whoops.

Going to the local pub tonight, only lived in the area two years, should have really checked it out by now. It looks a bit of a dive but tonight is Karaoke. So bring it on. I need a few little drinkys to get me going first, before I embarrass myself by singing dreadfully out of tune and thinking I'm the next Dusty Springfield.

x

Tasty

I've had the song Tasty tasty very very tasty. They're very tasty. bouncing round my head all day. For the life of me I can't remember where it comes from. I know it is from an advert, probably from the 80's. Someone please put me out of my misery and tell me where it is from.

Thanks

Sam

The List!!

Hi.

John has had this idea that we make a list each, containing 5 different things we want to do over the course of this year, and depending on money and time, see how many we can achieve. the only problem is that things I would like to do are quite expensive and are mainly places to go on holiday. I am also stuck because the limit is 5 and I would like to do loads more. It also might lead to arguments as to who get to do theirs first and if one does more than the other. John want to walk a hill, I want to have a beach holiday somewhere, ANYWHERE, abroad. Will go away and think about the what to put on down and let you know. Holiday on the North coast of Scotland, just me, John, an open fire and loads of books would be lovely.

x

Long nails

I have done it. I have managed to grow my nails. Need to go out and buy some lovely nail polish now. I only have the free stuff that come with No 7 from boots. It is ok but the colour is like a coral. Not the nice.

x

School

"I drew Jesus with brown trousers, because brown is a holy colour."

Weekend.

Hi.

Had a super weekend. We had a murder mystery party. Thought we would try and had a nice meal and a few games without getting blottoed. WRONG! By the end of the night John was dancing with a bottle of coke. Lovely to see everyone again. Hopefully going to try and get down to Bristol to see Ros bank holiday weekend.

Sam x

I am an addict.

I am an addict. I know I have to stop but I can't help it. It costs so much, I know this but have no control.

I must stop buying beads, but they are so lush and lovely. There are so many different types and sizes and I want them all. ALL.

Sam x

The Legs better.

Hi

Well I'm walking again, all but slowly and slightly painfully, on two legs. Hurrah. So back at work, not so good. Having a skin dig this weekend with friends. Going to have a murder mystery party on Saturday. I'm the grieving daughter, I'm after one of those hats with the black netting that comes down in front of my face. Going to raid the charity shops tomorrow evening. Also going to make some super lush cocktails. My Christmas present from mum was lots of fab booze and cocktail stuff. Lovely. Big disappointment a gorgeous handbag my sister got my for Christmas has a hole it. Gutted especially as it was from Next.

Sam x

Hi.

I've tried to take some better photos this time. There are defiantly better than the last ones, but still not great. The colour all seems to be lost. Any ideas?? I have turned the flash off my camera and this helped, also made a simple stand out of paper. What do you think?

Quite girly and old fashioned and elegant looking. Pale pink and neutral colours.

Long chain charm necklace, big and bold. Will look good against a black top.

Lazy Sunday.

Hi.

I'm still limping around. Going to make some more Jewellery today. Made loads for Christmas presents for people, I'm just hoping that they don't all fall apart otherwise they know who to blame. I have also re-read all of my odd blog post and I'm surprised to find what a moaner I am. I always thought I was a cheerful people, perhaps not. I started off in 2006 and it was quite funny, than as time went on I've justed it as a place to rant. How sad. Look what I'm doing now I'm ranting about how much of a moaner I am. Going to try and change that this year.

Did you know that the patron saint of England up until 1600 was Edward the Confessor (first built Westminster abbey) but the Tudors changed it to George, who wasn't even English. I'm learning about Kings and Queens for a topic I have to teach. It is really interesting. Going to do the Battle of Hasting on Wednesday and made a version of the Bayeux Tapestry. How cool is that?

Will put photos of the jewellery up again when it is made. Was buying more beads yesterday I really am going to have to stop myself.

Sam x

Jewellery.

Hi.

As said these are some of the pieces I have created. I haven't been doing it for very long. I know the photos are no the greatest, they don't do the colours justice. Katie (sister) is going to help my with the photos.

If anyone has any ideas of things to make, or helpful website, or good places where to get beads, I would love to know. They are also for sell, if anyone is interested.

This in one of my favourites. Gorgeous and really girly.

I am not to sure about this Jade and silver combo, maybe to plain?

I love the colours in this one, the green/teal is beautiful and works well with the smoky grey.

Sam. x

I have hurt my leg.

Hi.

Somehow I've managed to hurt my leg by walking WALKING!!! Ping.

Feels a little better today, but I was in lots of pain yesterday. I was at school and we were walking down to the local church to see some drumming went the me calf went odd and all of a sudden I was in lots of pain. Managed to walk the rest of the way to the church, thought if I rested it I would be ok to walk back WRONG!!. I was asked to do some drumming but found I couldn't stand up. Cried in front of all the children, and the head had to pick me up from the church and take me back to school. How pathetic? Didn't want to cause too much hassle so finished teaching by limping around the classroom and moving from chair to chair (not easy when the chairs are built for tiny people). I also had to ring my Dad to come and get me because I couldn't drive home. Spent today limping round. Though I have managed to make some more pretty jewellery.

Sam x

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Hi.
I have decided to start blogging again. I haven't done this for 6 months. I hope I remember how to do it.

Will update you on my absence 6 months. Still doing supply teaching and loving it. I have started a new hobby, have been doing it since June, which is why I have not been blogging. Jewellery making. Loving it. Normally when I start something like this, it is a craze that last 10 weeks, I buy all the stuff and then get bored. For example Wine making, pottery painting, making juggling balls, and sewing.

Will post some pictures up of the pretty things I have been making. I think it also helps that I have tried to sell a few things at craft shows. I make just enough to cover cost and to buy a few more beads.

What else..... oh my sister is getting married later this year. So big party.

I'm turning 30. OMG.

Bye for now.

Sam

numb fingers.

Weirdly I have two numb fingers on my right hand, the little finger and the one next to it. Going to give it till Wednesday to see if it sorts itself out then go to the doctors. Not going straight away because feel a bit daft going to the Doc's and telling him my little finger has pins and needles.

x

Father's Day

Hi

I have been at work all day to day. Now off round to my Dad's for Chinese and to play games. I don't think I will get to see him on Father's day as he is off away.

I'm pleased it is the weekend, feeling like a long week this week, not sure why because I didn't get many days in school, and at the moment I can do with as many as possible because it will soon be the hol's. Thinking about getting a summer job, we will see though.

x

New Blog

Working on a new blog at the moment. Me and John go to so many lovely places that I thought it would be nice to share some of my favourites. If you are interested have a look at beautifulbritain.blogspot.com.

x

Full up.

Have just eaten a huge meal followed by ice cream. Gosh I'm full. Thinking about it I probably should have skipped the pud. x

All gone

Why is it as soon as it hits the 6th January and the Christmas decoration are removed, that everyone instantly forgets Christmas. all the hype up to it, the shopping, seeing people you don't really like, writing Christmas cards to people you haven't seen in three years, the decorations and cooking. Then it is over and done with in a matter of a day (two if you are luckly like me). It seems so sad.

I haven't made a New years resolution. I'm no good at keeping things like that. There are many things that would make me a better person. Listening to people instead of talking over them, tidier, dress smarter and do more actie things. But then that would be me. Because I am a lazy, untidy, scruffy loud mouth (only when I'm with people I know otherwise I'm quite shy). 

Good news is I got my amazon money back so relieved because quite poor after Christmas and with not working over the holidays. I have got 2 days a week every week this term, whihc is great. 

Sam x

HAPPY NEW YEAR.

Hi.

I have turned into a fair weather blogger. I'm getting so lazy at doing this. This year I'm going to try hard to write down my thought more frequently. 

I had a fab Christmas, got loads of lovely goodies from Father Christmas. The new year was random as the rock and rock band we have booked to see turned very song into Jazz. I hate most Jazz music. So did what any normal person would do and drank until the music sounded good.

Had a shock last weekend, was looking at my credit car account on the net and found a £47 had been taken out not by me. Discovered  Amazon was the culprit. There was a free next day delivery so ~I signed up for it. Unfortunately didn't read the small print and because I didn't cancel it after a month they charged me. Very annoyed. Got it sorted though and my money back by cancelling it on the website and Email Amazon. Not a great way to start the year. 

x

Christmas is nearly here!!!

More snaps

The top and bottom photo is of when we went to Dovedale for a weekend in June. We walked up Thorpe Cloud, me and Col went the easy way and Peter, Dad and John walked it the steepest bit. The middle photo is of me and John going up on the train to the top of Snowdon, we went at Easter. We couldn't get to the top as they are building a new tourest thing there. We don't often have hotos with the two of us together, but someone kindly took this one. x

Some snaps.

Some of my favourite pics. Top is Malham cove I love this place. The first time I went it was really quiet as it was out of season. I took a book and didn't even read it. I use sat and chilled out listening to the water. John was with me and we saw a shrew. The second one is again in Yorkshire, took last year when we went camping with all the family. It is one of the only family pics taken with us all in because John set up the camera timer. The last picture just makes me smile.  x

Job Hell

Hi.

There is a job going at the school I worked in last year. So I have to apply. I hate filling application forms and writing personal statements and cover letters. I never know what to write and find it really difficult to big myself up. I'm having trouble sleeping because I worried that I won't get the job and panicing already about the interview. As soon as I went in to do supply after the holiday and everyone apart from the head told me about and asked f I was going to apply. Even the lovely caretaker asked me. So the pressure is on. And I will feel a right twit if I don't get it. I wont it so badly, the school is so nice and I get along so well with all the staff. I fact I'm going to the pub with them on Friday. That is the day of the interviews (thats if I get an interview). 

x

Back home.

Well we are back. Had a lovely holiday. First half of the holiday Dad and Alice was with us. We went to Cheddar Gorge and around the caves there. We also brought some lovely cider. The travel lodge we stopped in was super.

The cottage was near Bude it was lovely, clean, neat and white. It use to be a barn and has been converted. Had to get use the ducking under the doorways as they were a little low. For the first three days we woke up to misable foggy drizzle but by dinner time it have cleared up to sunshine, though it wasn't warm enought to take you coat off. We went to Goonhilly to the Science museam, it was a little disappointing and could have been a lot better. Later on we went to Lizard point, by this time the weather had improved and we spent time on the beach, me sat on a rock staring at the sea, John look in hole it the rock and Dad and Alice climbing over the place. We also went to Boscastle which was really pretty. We went for a walk along the coast, then to the witchcraft museam. 

Later on we went to Tintagel the place where king Arther was concenvied, not sure how they know that!!! Also spent a lot of time on the beach there, me sat on a rock watching the sea (I saw a seal) John, Alice and Dad looking in caves. There was one that went through the cliff and out the other side. John fell in and got wet. 

We spent a day at Meagissy (not sure how to spell it). A lovely harbour village. Then we stop at Pentoween sands I sat on a rock and watched the sea. John found holes and Dad and Alice climbed. 

Unfortunatly Dad and Alice left us and went home. Me and John continued the holiday. The weather also improved and at one stage I told me coat off.

We went to Newquey have a very pretty beach. We did loads of walking there as it is quite steep. John brought we the new James Bond book. I sat on the beach and watch the sea and surfers and read. John wondered about looking in rock pools. I wondered about with him. We just seem to spent that day wondering in lovely sunshire. I think it was the best day of the holiday because it was so relaxed. There is a weird house on an island there in  the middle of the beach. I also made a sand crab. 

We went to St Michaels mount which was nice. I like the boats trip over. The walk up to the top wasn't to bad. It looked as if I was abroad because it was a lovely sunny day and there were lots of palm trees and blue sea. 

We went to Bude and to a toy museam which was fab. It was for people my age and it have toy the I either had when I was little, or wanted or that my friends had. The tuffy road safety game, big yellow tea pot, He man, sweet shop, care bears, my little pony, get a long gang, and load of stuff that I had forgotten about. 

Then it was time ot come home. We stopped at Cheddar gorge again to restock on cider. 

Had a lovely time. 

x

Summer Over

All the kids have gone back too school (not my kids just in general. I don't have children). I'm unemployed waiting for the phone to ring asking for me to do supply. I feel I'm not needed, wanted. Though not tomorrow because I need to drive to Holly's and pick her as we are going to Bristol to see Roz for the weekend. I'm still watching too much crap TV. I have been baking lots to relive the boredom, today I made apple and Bramble pie and potato fritters.

Went to see an outdoor theatre performance of Sleeping beauty is was really good. 

Long time

I haven't written anything on this for ages. Not that I do much not I live with John. God it is boring, a daily routine of going to work, having tea aruging about who is going to wash up, watching crap TV and going to bed. How dull.
I want to do something really exciting before I'm old, but what???? I fancy to travel, but no money and having to go on my own is a problem.
Diet is off, just eat a huge bar of chocolate.
my job finishes in about a week, they are not keeping me on because they have employed a assistant head. So going back on supply. This means I'm able to go on holiday in Sept when it is cheap. I want to go to France, didn't think John is too kean.
Bye X

School

Bloody diet.

I'm on a diet. Been on it since Sunday. Stuggling because I'm bored and when I'm bored I eat. So instead of eating I've started cooking, but then I want to lick the mix, and eat the results. HELP. Got brownies in the oven at the moment. I really should do some work, but I can't be bothered. I want to look super for summer and Hollys wedding. I've been trying on strapless dresses, but they don;t suit me because I'm fat and have fat arms. Think I'm driving John batty because I record everything I eat (weighwatchers). Now I can smell brownies, I added extra chocolate in them. Plus all week I've been wanting a pint, a cool, sweet, lovely pint. Bugger I'm crap at this. Going to eat a rice cracker. Bye.

Pictures

Hi.

Hopefully I'm going to go to the picture tonight, to see 27 dresses. John doesn't really want to go so I might have to go on my own, a bit Norman no mates but never mind.

I been planting seeds. Lettuces and flowers, hope I have mixed them up.

Sam

Help

Hi.
I'm panicking that my car won't make it to Wales. Panicking so much that I'm forking out for breakdown cover.
Tried starting the car this morning and nothing happened. NOTHING!! It didn't even moan slightly or chug over.
Sam

Snow.

Woke up this morning and it was snowing. It has almost gone now but there was about 2inches. Which isn't much really considering what some places get.

Hoping that when we walk up snowdon this time there will be snow on the top. Last time I did it with Col, it was June. We prepared to walk up and expected it to be cold and snowy. So we piled on the layers and waterproofs. In was the hottest day in June and we both got sunburnt. We were so red that someone near the top let us use their sun cream because there felt sorry for us. I have never been in such pain that night.

We have been making a snowman today. John's is the bigger one and main is the smaller. Mine is much better. John's fell down three times. Just goes to show size doesn't matter.

Sam X

Happy Easter.

Happy Easter.

Four days off and I've booked a holiday in Wales.
due to the fact I'm working now we are going posh in our holiday. No camping, no B&B (some of them freak me out and the last one we went to we have to run away from becauase it was just plain weird). We have rented a cottage for a week.
Hopefully going to walk up Snowdon again. I've done it before but John hasn't.
Sam X