I've booked next week off work so I am taking some time to chill. It has been insanely busy at the day job. Designing books for kids takes a lot of hard work you know! We've been prepping for the annual book fair where all our new ideas get showcased to buyers. We spend a good couple of months intensely working on covers to sell these new ideas. Our office is one of 3 - the smallest of the bunch with just a handful of designers, me included - 7 of us. We did about a third of all covers produced (just under 400 this year, I think) which is a big achievement as there are around 20 designers in the medium-sized office, and around 2 or 3 times as many as that in the 'big' office! I've also been in charge of orchestrating the whole thing - keeping tabs on illustrators, commissioning, fees, invoices, designs, feedback from our bosses... all the while getting not one, but TWO books off to print at the same time! No wonder I am pooped. I just couldn't face next week at work and Friday just gone was our official book fair deadline, so I made a break for it!
I am off to see my folks in Lancaster later on today for a while. It is my dad's birthday Monday so we're looking forward to a zoo trip (family tradition!). Maybe I'll make him a courgette cake?! (see allotment blog!) I'm hoping the weather is alright as I've heard whilst we've had a reasonably nice spate of sunshine, they've had rain and gale force winds. Think I'll pack some warm gear and my waterproof! I'll be back later in the week to tend to the allotment - see if the butternut squash have grown much since I last saw them budding up, and dig up my 'rooster' spuds, along with other jobs. I also want to make some glassy goodies too. 'Back to the Future' is being shown at the cinema (HUZZAH!) so I'll be seeing that and out for a friend's birthday meal.
In between all those things, I plan on chilling. I find this very hard to do, getting 'lazy guilt', but I'll give it a good go!
Saturday, 25 September 2010
FOR SALE 'Autumn Sunrise' handmade fused glass latticeware bowl
Autumn is officially here and along with it comes an autumnally-inspired handmade latticeware bowl, fresh from the kiln - 'Autumn Sunrise' (click to go to the shop). Soft shades of purple, warm amber, chocolate and cream come together to form this pretty bowl.
Our latticeware bowls look stunning anywhere and change throughout the day, in different lighting conditions, casting wonderful coloured shadows. Ideal on a table or sideboard filled with fruit, or left empty as a statement piece.
I'm taking a few days holiday from the day job so some relaxing is in order. I will be away from the studio for a few days but plan to get some new glassy goodies underway when I return :)
Tuesday, 14 September 2010
FOR SALE 'Lavender Kiss' latticeware handmade fused glass coaster duo
Sunday, 12 September 2010
What have you been up to?
'Ello :) Another little blog gap. Been making & prepping things behind the scenes. Yesterday I was sending photos and info over to makers-online who asked me to join their handmade website. It was lovely to be asked and it will be good to have my glassy goodies somewhere new. So far they have some of my JAXX rings, PATCHWORK coaster duos, LATTICEWARE bowls and HARLEQUIN coasters. I will be sending them some more wall art - planning on making more of that today - as well as more rings, square bowls and handmade cards. They're just re-launching the website and I support what they're doing. With the line "we want to include the best makers around" how could I refuse? ;)
So, what else? I made a pair of bespoke coasters for a lady who bought a pair of my Teal & Chocolate Block coasters a while ago. It is always lovely to get repeat business and heartwarming to be thought of again. She wanted the 'Ice Age' design but in browns, cream & white. Here's what I came up with:
I have also had an enquiry from a re-seller in Hungary. I'm currently organising my work into a new catalogue with retail & wholesale prices. The graphic designer in me is faffing and wants it perfect. The businesswoman in me just wants it done and ready to send and the artist just wants to make new glass! I really need to get it finished, at least the relevant pages for now. I am liking how it looks so far...
I also got an email today saying that my JAXX rings on etsy.com have been featured in a treasury. That was nice - the first one since rejoining the website. I used to be featured quite frequently which was flattering and always an honour to be picked.
Right then, back to it! Hope you're having a nice weekend :)
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