All tuckered out

I seem to have spent the last 48 hours peering at my monitor - editing photos and updating my website. This is the part of now being a business that I hate and with my not very new computer and a frustratingly slow broadband connection it doesn't get any easier. Seriously, I nearly threw the monitor out of the window last night! Calmed down a bit now :) Here's a couple of my latest listings. The beads are by Lorna at Pixie Willow Designs and I just love the colour. So fresh and vibrant! Many more new pieces can be seen on my website at www.eleljewellery.co.uk and on Etsy www.etsy.com/shop/ElelJewellery Inspiration had been thin on the ground up until a few weeks ago but I now feel refreshed and invigorated. I think I might try out some angular industrial style silver pieces next - don't feel in a pretty mood any more. I signed up to a directory a few weeks ago - your website is listed according to how many hits in and out that you get during a particular week. They've obviously just re-started the listings for this week 'cos I'm currently at No.1! I know it doesn't mean anything but of course I've had to copy the page - it might never happen again :) You can see it here amethystjewellery.gotop100 (well it's probably changed by the time you read this!) So I'm quite perked up now which means that something disastrous is just about to happen. Oh yes, that's the way my mind works. Richard's cooking me a sausage (veggie) at the moment. Only he manages to get it that degree of burnt that I like.......mmmmm! I have beer chilling - that's quite inspiring. Toodle pip....

Well, Well, Well.......

.......I'm in a gallery!! Six of my pieces are now exhibited in the Anstey Galleries in Harrogate. "The gallery represents a variety of carefully selected contemporary artists and jewellers who create original works of art." Can you tell I'm a bit pleased? If you're in the area the gallery is at 33 Swan Road or the website is www.ansteygalleries.co.uk The pieces are also on sale on their sales site at www.personalityjewellery.com I have been feeling flat and unmotivated lately so I hope this will give me a bit of a boost, if only in the ego department :) This is one of the featured pieces - Octavia, featuring Emma's (Flying Bead) boro beads. And these earrings - a smaller version of Torn.

I had some interesting news last week......but that's all I'm saying at the moment, ha, ha :)

We also had some lovely days out walking. Boy, am I unfit. Even my toes ached! But it was very exhilarating and even the weather was good

Spent the weekend trying to make something, anything but I seem to have lost all ability. Nothing would work out. If I hadn't been on my own on Saturday I would have had a major tantrum but there didn't seem much point without an audience :) Then I had a dream about a pair of monster earrings. They were worn by an old peasant lady in probably Tudor times (just a guess as I'm not an expert on "olden times" costumes!) . She kept shaking her head and didn't seem very happy. They were just a simple shape formed from silver wire but I had a go yesterday afternoon and they came out exactly as I imagined - weird!

I've sent off for a new tool - an earwire shaper. I didn't even know such a thing existed!
I know, I know it's totally extravagant but earwires are my bugbear and they take me SO long.
It's coming from the US by the cheapest method possible so it may be some time.

Rejected Again!

I keep receiving lovely comments about my jewellery and being told to approach some galleries.
I did approach a shop a few weeks ago and got a big fat brush off. I did learn the classic phrase "unique handwriting" though and it still tickles me now :)

We were in Harrogate today so, wearing my jewellery, I went into one gallery to ask about their submissions policy. Apparently, they only take pieces via a particular publisher/agent - didn't even catch the name. A second gallery was closed despite saying on the website that it would be open.
Not exactly an encouraging start! Actually, I'm totally fed up and I think someone's trying to tell me something - DON'T BOTHER!
It's a good job I'm not too proud - broadcasting my failures like this :)

Had a lovely day yesterday though. Met up with my folks in York and the sun was even shining.
I'm not very good about keeping in touch - must make more of an effort.

Richard's got a few days off so we'll be out and about in the fresh air this week......hopefully.

Crisis in Confidence

Having a crisis in confidence and have decided to reduce some of my items on Etsy.

Photographed a new pendant and necklace. The necklace is a sort of tribal style but when laid flat it looks more like a huge, scary spider! I've called her Amina after a warrior queen. Hope to put her into battle in the next few days.

I suppose I should tell people about this blog if I want them to read it!

New to Blogging

What am I going to chat about? Not sure really - just make it up as I go along. Thought I'd start with a picture of my most recent piece. He's a bit weird but I love him. Aaahhh, I think I just had a Bagpuss moment. I've not done anything creative today. Had my hair cut which is one of my least favourite things but it has to be endured! Exchanged messages this afternoon with an American jewellery designer I recently made friends with on Etsy. She's very experienced and makes the sort of forged silver designs I love. Check her out at www.kaelindesign.com I received some Elel Jewellery postcards this morning from a well known printing company. They're very thin and look like they've been chewed apart rather than cut.........but they were free :) I have another pendant and a necklace waiting to be photographed but I just can't be bothered so it will have to wait until tomorrow. I've just remembered - someone bought something from me to give to someone TODAY! Wonder if she liked it?? Can't say too much - you never know who is listening :)