Posted on

2nd February 2010

Isn’t it cold? I hate the cold. Every time I go in the conservatory my feet freeze whilst my face is cosy warm.
Still the results are worth it. I’ve been making lots of stock because our first fair is on Sunday.
Our season kicks off at Kempton Park, a new venue for the Fyrebirds. Unfortunately we are down to two as Trudi has left us to concentrate on her internet sales. No worries though – gives us more table room for even more beads!

Posted on

16th January 2010

The snow has gone. Instead of a magical winter wonderland outside my kitchen window, I have grey leaden skies.
Becky returns to Durham today and it may be another 3 months before I see her again.
My sister has gone to live in Australia.
I think the weather reflects my mood.

Posted on

7th November 2009

A whole weekend stretches out in front of me and I have so much I want to fill it with that something won’t get done!
The garden is beckoning, not least because all the leaves are piled up in untidy heaps. I will be happy with a tidy but overgrown view from my conservatory.
Beads of course. One week to Newmarket and as usual the closer a fair gets the more ideas I have and the less time I get to make them! This will be the last bead fair we are doing before the new year, and is usually a very good one. Newmarket has a lovely feel to it and the customers know their lampwork.

Posted on

2nd November 2009

Back to work (school) today after a week of half term.
I did enjoy myself at Harrogate Bead Fair at the beginning of the week. I had the other Fyrebirds, Shirley & Trudi for company, and saw some friends to catch up with (Martin, Teresa & Jo) plus had a successful time too. Couldn’t be better!
The end of the week saw me visiting my parents and sisters as well as getting the coolest sign ever put on the back window of my Little Dragon Mini. Now everyone will know who I am – better make sure I drive well!

mini

Posted on

26th October 2009

Back from Harrogate Bead Fair. What a weekend!

Early start on Saturday and a rapid set up for the stall when we got there. The fair was busy both days and we had a steady stream of customers.

There was a distinct difference between the 2 days – Saturday people were, on the whole, out for a look round and impulse buy. Sunday saw serious buyers, knowing exactly what they wanted.

All were complimentary about our beads and it is a great feeling hearing customers ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ over the beads.

harrogate24-10-09

We stayed in a smashing B & B with great food and wonderfully friendly and helpful staff. Good find, that one!

The drive home was arduous, chiefly because we were tired and there was rain and traffic queues.

Graeme had a lovely dinner waiting for us and that was really welcome!

Posted on

20th October 2009

Becky’s birthday – she’s in Durham, enjoying her day.
Still odd, not being with her on her birthday. I guess I’ll get used to it, there’ll be more times it happens this way than not.

Busy getting ready for the weekend – Harrogate Bead Fair. Two days of (hopefully) lots of interested customers. We have all worked hard and it would be great to get some really good sales.
I enjoy going to the fairs, seeing familiar faces at each one, and listening to customers as they look at our beads. Quite a buzz!

I have spent a reasonable amount of time in the conservatory. I have had some really good sessions and surprised myself at times. All I have to do now is decide which ones go on the table!

Posted on

28th August 2009

Bank holiday weekend – my long holiday is coming to a close. I don’t want it to.
I haven’t done a fraction of what I wanted to in the last 6 weeks, and I ‘m not looking forward to the future right now.
I do hope to get into my conservatory today, as I haven’t been in there for the best part of a week – and I miss it.
I did have a lovely day with Shirley on Wednesday, trying out Gaffer chalcedony and Reichenbach multicolour as well as making hollows and other stuff.

Posted on

13th August 2009

Unfortunately the sun is shining today!
As I work in a conservatory, the amount of light and heat is a consideration and I may have to wait until this afternoon so the sun is behind some tall trees in the grounds next to the house.

Posted on

Hello and welcome to my first blog post!

Hey everyone who might be reading my first ever post of my first ever blog! I’m Colette, and I’ve started this blog to keep track of my bead and jewellery making businesses, interspersed with extracts from my personal life!

I’ve been making jewellery since 2005, when I found a way in through making seed bead “beadling” creatures. I’ve been making my own beads since December 2006, when I finally got my own lampworking studio, set up in my conservatory.

For my beads check out www.dragonfireglass.co.uk, and my jewellery go tohttp://www.treasurecraft.co.uk/.

But enough about my beads – I’m more than just a glassaholic! I am married with two teenage children. One has just finished her first year at Durham University, the other his GCSEs. We have two cats and live in the Fens of Lincolnshire. No hills but masses of sky!