Tax returns are always a bind but this year's has been extra painful. It is my fault - leaving all the data entry for an entire year (well, year and a half if you include up to date records). That is A LOT of receipts, %s of bills and sales that need to go into my spreadsheets. The photo shows my dining room table covered in paperwork as I worked through it all. I used the online return this time around and it took a little while to do but I felt more confident I'd filled it out correctly. Last year I got stuck on one box on the paper return, which caused a lot of stress - all I had to do was copy a number from another box but this was not clear on the so-called helpsheets. A phone call or three sorted it out. Phew!
So, that's it for another year. Thank God! I am now free to focus on making glass and being creative. HOORAY! It is about time I updated my website. It is looking rather empty, compared to usual.
It has been a bit of a funny week so far. I was back to work designing kids' books on Monday, post-Xmas. I was enjoying getting back into my routine. However, this was pretty short-lived when super-snow was forecast for Tuesday lunchtime. I got a call from my dad to warn me of the weather headed my way and I should've set off when he called about 11am. I did not leave work until 2pm as it was nice and sunny in Oxfordshire - none of us thought it could be that bad. By the time I reached the Oxfordshire/Gloucestershire border I was in a blizzard! I made it 30 of the 35 miles home, then had to turn around as the roads were super snowy and the traffic stationary. I didnt want to spend hours in the middle of nowhere in the snow - I heard on the radio it was v bad further down the hill. I drove all the way back to work and had to stay over at my friend's house. I dug my car out of about 6" snow yesterday and the roads were slushy, snowy and slippery. I got home about 12.30pm to a heavy blizzard and about 8" of snow!
I have been stuck at home since then. The snow is still thick on the ground and the freezing temperatures are making the roads like ice rinks. Scary driving conditions. Weather eh!
Another one of those shopping trips yesterday when I go for one thing but come back with something else! I went to look for some polka dot ribbon but wasn't satisfied with the quality of what I found - blobby dots! So, no ribbon bought, but I spotted this sewing book. There are lots of projects in here I'd like to try. Most sewing books I look at there are only one or two. I've snapped some of the pages of things I'd like to make...
curtain tie-backs
floor cushions
fabric boxes
outdoor cushions
My new curtains are a bit on the puffy side at the mo but I'm hoping they will calm down eventually. The painting on the top left is only up temporarily until I get my 'above-the-bed' art sorted. I even got myself a new plant which I think I will call 'Spike' for obvious reasons! ;) It needs a pot though.
So, that's it for another year. Thank God! I am now free to focus on making glass and being creative. HOORAY! It is about time I updated my website. It is looking rather empty, compared to usual.
I love ribbon. Ribbon makes such an effective yet simple finish to any gift. I re-discovered this gorgeous bi-colour ribbon and used it to finish off these jewellery boxes. I hope my commissionee is pleased with the finished result.
Each box contains a simple, elegant, lilac glass pendant with a rich deep pink copper heart within. To finish each one I've used a ribbon and cord necklace which matches perfectly. I'm really pleased with these :)
Here are a couple of festive photos from my flat. I had a lovely time as host with my family. We played games, over-ate and made merry. All great fun :) This is my first day alone and the place seems really quite empty. I hope all of you had a lovely time whatever you got up to.
Look what the postman brought me. My prize from Jane arrived, plus some extra goodies. It was great timing too. I'm off work today as I feel dire. Feverish, achy and bunged up. Hopefully I will feel better soon. My little parcel really cheered me up. I love the little felt brooch she included too. I've pinned it to my coat to show it off. I've been after a brooch for some time now and it looks so sweet :)
the colours of the leather are so vibrant
and i love the dandelion-esque lining - corduroy is my fave!
the cute felt brooch...
...looks fab on my coat
Here's a pile of glassy goodies made this weekend. There's a coaster quad in here, a 'love token' hanger, some pendants and lots of cufflinks.
the 'love token'-style hanger
the 'festive spirit' coaster
Yesterday was fabric, today was glass. Popped my last commission of the year into the kiln today - a 'love token' style hanger in the 'festive spirit' colourway.
Along with some cufflinks and other goodies, I made this set of 4 coasters in the 'Berryforest' design to go with a bowl I made for my mum. She requested these so it is safe to post a photo or two :) Each one is different but they make a great set. Final photos to follow :)
Look at this! The first two sets of 'Jaxx' rings are now listed for sale on my webshop. They're for sale individually but photographed in sets to make things a little easier. There are quite a few to list. I've taken the photos but just need to edit them to look pretty.
