COAST Art Festival - A Success

COAST is over and I can now relax, well until I start work again first thing tomorrow morning. Then it's busy, busy, busy - working for Royal Cornwall Show.

I had a great time, meeting the other artists and also had very good sales. The interesting thing is that the Lazy Bones Fish and Drifting By Fish were the most popular (again). I was also really pleased to sell one of my bigger pieces:

'Riding High'

This is some of my work and stand. The stand was a little strange, as I arrived later in the day to set up, it seems that other people were allocated my stand, but could not work with the space, so it was left for me. The space consisted of two small concertina-like areas and first thoughts were OMG, what an earth can I do with that. And certainly couldn't fit all of my stuff as I only needed one wall, but two large tables. But after re-arranging things here and there and taking my display shelving it looked pretty good and the space worked well.

Reef Bowl (above)

I also have to say a big thanks to our friends, Ray and Sue (currently visiting us from London) who have been busy looking after our daughter. She absolutely adores Ray and has been attached to his arm all weekend. Even I don't get a look in:

And here is Sue - reading a story (above)

My next event is now Royal Cornwall Show, so have a busy few days ahead to get everything made. I will be exhibiting from Thursday 4th June - Saturday 6th June inclusive. If you will be there, please pop by and say hello.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

A Tidy Studio - At last

I've been so busy of late, that my studio has become very untidy and have to say, this causes more stress than anything else. I'm losing stuff, tripping, and cutting myself - no wonder I'm stressed. It's quite embarrassing showing such disarray:

Very Untidy!

My working surface - lack thereof!!

Hubby has saved the day once again - over the weekend he said "just popping out", about an hour later, he arrived home with a van full of cabinets. He bought some cabinets and a worktop for my studio and kindly set about putting it all together in the afternoon. I think he was fed up with me losing stuff and seeing a very untidy room, so decided to surprise me with storage. What a surprise and it has made the world of difference - in mind and being - the room feels completely changed:

Ahh, that's better - I feel much better now!

I have enough storage for my new branded boxes, packaging, new stock and completed jobs.

I love these little jars of glass frit (crushed glass), it brightens the room:

Now, as I'm feeling raring to go, I had better go and make some more glass goodies.

My daughter was quite unwell end of last week and had to rush her to the doctors, so a little behind of my work. But she's alot better now and back to her normal gorgeous self.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Busy, Busy, Busy - Retail Orders & Fused Glass Jewellery

I haven't posted as much as I normally do, due to the fact that I have many retail orders to complete. I am also preparing for the COAST Art Festival that takes place in Banff next weekend. My kiln has never been busier! In fact I have been so busy that I had to call upon the services of fellow glass artist Natalie Aird (http://www.natalieaird.co.uk/) - she let me use her kiln to catch up with orders. A huge thanks to Natalie for this - it made a huge difference to my stress levels. The picture above is the fish ready to be fired and below are the fired ones:

Whilst visiting Natalie, their resident squirrels decided to make an appearance and came to feed:

There were two red squirrels that appeared and were so cute. I know they are vermin, but can't help but think they are cute!

I've also been working on some new designs to add to my jewellery range:

Retro Range (above) - available in Cobalt, Sky Blue & Sunflower

Pebbles Range (above) - organic in shape, using decorative glass with pebble-like shapes

Daisy Range (above) - summer colours with black speckled decorative glass.

Available in pendants with matching bracelets

I have yet to add these to my website (which may take a few days). And finally, the photo below is a part order (one of many!), labelled, boxed and ready for delivery. My branded boxes FINALLY arrived as well. I have been waiting for over two weeks for my boxes, and now they are here, I am pleased with the colour and finish.

Oh, I have also been tagged, courtesy of Kookie Designs (www.kookiedesigns.blogspot.com) which I will add over the next few days.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Not Now Mummy - I'm Working

Where would I be without my laptop - I have to say it's my saviour. It was a birthday present from my hubby (one of the better ideas he's had!!).

I popped out of the front room to make a cup of coffee, walked back in and saw a little person on the sofa with my laptop. "What do you think you're doing, young lady" I said, to which she replied "working on puter", pressing the keys frantically. Well, I just cracked up, bless her, she's not even two yet. She hears it from me, when she wants a story read to her, I'm usually quite busy and usually say "not now baby, Mummy's working". So you can guess where she picked it up from.

Now, I put the 'puter' down, as she calls it, and I always read her stories.

Slimming World - weigh-in results: I put on 0.5 lb this week, but wasn't at all surprised after going out for a beautiful meal at the Craigellachie Hotel - it was our anniversary last Saturday, so we had a bit of the blow out (well, I did anyway) and thoroughly enjoyed it.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Next Event - The COAST Art Festival

Now that the Aviemore Trade Show is over - phew, I will of course be busy with orders for the next couple of weeks.

I applied to the COAST Art Festival earlier this year to ask if I could exhibit. The organiser appreciated my work and I have been accepted to appear in their art exhibition. The festival will be running from 22nd - 25th May (inclusive) with a variety of events; sand sculpting, textile art workshops, metal cating workshop, even childrens art workshops.

About COAST

COAST Festival has been designed to build on the existing interest and demand for creative activity in the Banffshire coast area, notably the existence and activities of Duff House which hosts collections of the National Galleries and the growing demand for arts-tourism in the area whereby visitors can participate in art courses as well as having the opportunity to view and celebrate art created by others.COAST has a strong professional structure designed to drive forward the implementation of the Festival. It is run by The Banffshire Visual Arts Festival Ltd, a company set up by a voluntary Board of Directors consisting of local Business people and Artists. COAST also has a public Festival Forum Group made up of local artists, business people and other members of the community who contribute to shaping the event and where appropriate, this group includes a representative from Aberdeenshire Council's Arts Development Team and the Manager of Duff House Country House Gallery.

Slimming World - Weigh-in Results: I have been busy over the last couple of weeks and haven't posted my results. Two weeks ago I stayed the same and last week I lost another 2 pounds. Total weight loss so far - 11.5 lbs (and had a huge chilli burger and chips on the way home from the trade show - to celebrate all my orders, oh and a bar of chocolate!). I don't know if I will lose this week as we went out for a very delicious meal last night with lots of wine and champagne - hick. Well, it was our anniversary.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Surviving the Aviemore Trade Show

Thistle panel in oak plinth

I'm pleased to say that I survived the Trade Show and have to say it was tiring. You wouldn't believe how difficult it is to stand on your feet (constantly) for 8 hours, without breaks. You are quite static, so it is tiring on the joints. Every now and then, I had to walk around the hall, so I wouldn't cease up. That said, I thoroughly enjoyed it and felt it was a huge success.

The first day, I ran on adrenalin and that it kept me going until 11.30pm. I would drive each day to Aviemore, come home at 7pm, start work in my room to load the kiln and finish about 11pm. So at the end of day one, I felt like a zombie in a trance come bed time, but slept like a log.

I met some lovely people from all over Scotland. I had an existing customer place an order and the other 11 orders were new retail outlets. Hopefully I will be able to build a relationship with these outlets and get repeat business.

I had good positive feedback regarding my stand - it wasn't cluttered, and it was nicely displayed. I was lucky in that I had an end stand, so didn't feel boxed in. I had a good spot.
The majority of orders were for my driftwood fish, lazy bones hangers, thistles and Under the Sea panels. It just goes to show that what you think would sell, turns out to be completely different, as I thought my dichroic glass jewellery would be more popular. These photos show my most popular items that sold:

Drifting By

Spey & Burns Glass Art

Fish Panel

Now's the time to stand back, take it all in and get stuck into my orders. I have some busy days ahead, but will enjoy making the orders.

I have to say I was so impressed with the new businesses that launched themselves at the Trade Show and met some lovely traders. The last day is when traders do their own shopping. I, of course, couldn't resist some buys - I bought a Julia Cunningham bag and heart hanging. Her textile creations are fab, made with a mixture of tweed and floral fabrics:

You can see why I love this bag!

I also bought a porcelain heart and matching necklace from Margaret MacDonald Ceramics. Margaret was my trading neighbour and she was great company and very helpful.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Exhibiting at Aviemore Trade Show

Preparations are in full swing this week for the Aviemore Trade Show. I will be exhibiting at the trade only show which gives buyers the opportunity to meet Scottish makers in the art, craft and gift sectors. I will be setting the stance on Saturday ready for business on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. The show has proved that it is ideally timed to place orders for the summer season. In the current economic climate we are all aware that it makes sense to leave ordering till the last minute, having the show at the end of April means that buyers know what they need to stock up on after the Easter holiday rush. This means that, at the Shows which take place at the start of the year, there is no need to guess too far ahead - that's the theory anyway.

I have designed a new glass piece for the show called Homecoming - Tartan Wave. It is to commemorate Homecoming 2009, welcoming clans from all over the world to Scotland as they trace their ancestral roots. There are events taking place all over Scotland for Homecoming from galleries showcasing traditional Scottish art to operatic performances.

I sent a press release to the local papers last week and was pleased that the Press and Journal contacted me and sent a photographer to my house for a photo shoot. I had a good write up about my piece for the trade show:

I initially made the Tartan Wave in blues (inspiration from the Scottish flag), but thought I would try another colour, so came up with this one too:

The Tartan Wave can be stood on end or used like a decorative dish.

If you are visiting the Trade Show, please come and say hello.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Paper Boat Project - Scottish Fundraiser

I couldn't help but be intrigued with this project, so had to blog about it. On the 30th January 2009, Joanne B Kaar and Lynn Taylor launched their paper boat project - a fundraiser for Mary-Ann's cottage,a living history museum in Caithness Scotland run by volunteers from The Caithness Heritage Trust (a registered Charity no: SCO 19998). As paper boats are sent to Joanne from around the globe, she will document them on this blog. The launch date and theme were inspired by the maiden voyage of the Westland Ship - 30th January 1879 (130 years ago) from Scotland to New Zealand. Mary-Ann's father, William Young was a member of the crew.

All boats will be exhibited in Sept 09 in Caithness Horizons. All money from sale of boats will go to the Caithness Heritage trust to help keep Mary-Ann's cottage open for future generations.

The Community Gallery in Dunedin had a very special visitor recently - Billy Connelly, holding one of the paper boats.

Why not take part and be a part of history with this project. If you need instructions for a paper boat: http://www.cranham-scouts.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2007/06/paper-boat-instructions.pdf.

Dig out your sticky back plastic and scrap papers, and get folding.

Have a look at the paper boat project blog: http://www.joannebkaarpaperboats.blogspot.com/ and check out the paper boats that they have received so far - they are amazing. They have received boats from all over the world. When you send your boat in, it will be photographed and put on the blog. And don't forget, all the boats will be sold to help raise funds.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Beach Combing - Driftwood

I took full advantage of the weather last Monday and headed straight for the beach. I took my daughter to Spey Bay on the Moray Firth Coast for a spot of beach combing. I needed some driftwood for some of my fishie creations and thought my daughter would also enjoy it. She loves to collect pebbles and she had a good time playing amongst them. It was a really sunny day, though a little blowy. Spey Bay is a pretty spot, but the beach isn't sandy, so there's no chance of relaxing and sunbathing. After collecting all our wood we headed to the Wildlife Centre. They have a good area for kids, where they can draw and colour sea creatures and watch wildlife films. They also have a coffee shop and simply couldn't resist one of their homemade cinnamon and raisin scones... absolutely delicious (and I still lost 2 pounds this week!!).

Oops, upsy daisy

Our driftwood collection

Driftwood Fishies

The photo above shows how I use the driftwood with my glass fishies. They look great on a windowsill and are nice and bright when the sun shines. I will be taking these to the Aviemore Trade Show as one of my catalogue items.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Slimming World - Weigh-in Results

A quick post - tonight was weigh-in night. I have lost a further 2 pounds, and have to say that was a shock. I didn't think I had lost any weight and to be perfecty honest, was dreading the fact that I had to write on my blog about it! So I was utterly amazed that I had lost. Not because I had a particularly bad week, I have indulged in chocolate - well, it was Easter, but I wasn't overly indulgent. I enjoyed the chocolate (and cinnamon scone and chips....).

Total weight loss so far 9.5 pounds. Yippee.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Latest Orders - Keyrings and Cufflinks

I've been very busy lately building up retail outlets, making stock and designing new glass items for Aviemore Trade Show. One of my latest stockists is Tomintoul Gallery. I was contacted by the Gallery as they wished to stock some of my dichroic glass jewellery. I visited last week and now my jewellery items are displayed in their gallery. They took my last pair of saltire cufflinks, which sold almost immediately when placed on display. An email arrived from the Gallery for an order for more cufflinks and the photo above is their batch.

I recently received an email from a shop in Edinburgh, who found my details from looking on the Aviemore Trade Show website. The batch of Highland Coo and heart keyrings (above) will be heading down to Edinburgh this week. You will find these little beauties at Macdonald Framing on Candlemaker Row.

I am now working on my catalogue for the Trade Show, so things are finally coming together.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

And the Winner is......

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of the domino pendant giveaway is Lottie of http://invitationtothevoyage.blogspot.com/. I used random.org for the winner and the computer chose 8 - comment number 8.

Lottie mentioned she liked the punk rock skull domino pendants, so no doubt she'll be choosing one of those designs.

Well done Lottie. Contact me with your postal address and I'll get it out to you shortly.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Slimming World - Weigh-in Results

Just a quick post.

Weigh-in
I'm back from my weekly weigh-in and have stayed the same. Well, after losing 4 pounds last week, I couldn't expect much could I? I have had a good 'eating' week, if anything, I probably haven't eaten enough. With Slimming World, they encourage you to eat loads (of the right kind of food of course). Some of the advice doesn't make sense in theory, but in practice, it really does work. Well, I'll look forward to next week now. I think next week will be a toughy though as I have a few easter eggs to eat in the meantime! But I do not intend to splurge out too much because I've been good and don't want to undo what good I have done.

Glass Goodies
Sorry I haven't posted much glass work lately, I've been extremely busy concentrating on the Aviemore Trade Show. The exhibition is at the end of this month, and I've been frantically working away on new designs, which will be showcased at the trade show. Hopefully over the next few weeks, once my catalogue is printed, I will be showing off some of my designs.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Tutorial - How to Make Domino Pendants

This tutorial will show you how to make domino pendants, using recycled wooden dominoes. This is a great recycling project as you can use old dominoes and scrap papers. You can of course use bakelite dominoes, but I find it easier to use the wooden type, and the finish is better.

Materials:
Wood dominoes
Decorative Paper (scrapbook, comics, magazines)
Dimensional Glaze (Glossy Accents, Diamond Glaze)
Pencil
Craft Knife
Sandpaper
Paintbrush
Bail
Glue (for fixing bail)

STEP ONE
Place domino over the paper you wish to use and draw around the domino and cut the shape out.


STEP TWO
Place your domino paper shape face down on your work surface and coat the domino with a thin covering of dimensional glaze on the underside of your domino (glaze the blank side so the spotted side will be showing when complete). Place the glossed side of the domino onto your paper and press down hard to get rid of any air bubbles. Leave to dry.
TIP - Some people sand the surface of the domino flat, but I tend not to do this. If you apply the dimensional glaze thick enough, the pattern will not show through. I do not mind seeing the pattern in the domino anyway - it's character, this is of course your own decision.


STEP THREE
Trim any excess paper from your domino with a sharp craft knife. Gently sand all edges of the paper using your sandpaper (or emery board - see TIP below). This will soften the edges and blend into the domino. Coat the top of the domino and sides with a thin coat of dimensional glaze. Leave to dry.
TIP - if you do not have sandpaper to hand, use an emery board. I find it easier to use an emery board because it is rigid and is better to hold.


STEP FOUR
Apply your dimensional medium over the paper, using a thick application. If you do not use a thick coat the pattern of the domino may show through. You will notice that the dimensional glaze is cloudy when first applied, but don't worry it will dry clear and have a very high sheen.

Domino part glazed (above)

Domino fully glazed (above)

STEP FIVE

Apply your bail to the back of the domino and leave to dry according to the manufacturers instructions. Your pendant is now ready to wear.

TIP - I use E6000 glue, it is an industrial glue and ideal for metal bails.

These are the finished product. The Japanese Chiyogami paper domino is still wet in the photo below, so is a little cloudy. The punk rock pendants are my favourite.


If you would like to be in with a chance to win one of these beauties, please read my last post regarding these domino pendants. All you need to do is leave a comment as to where you found me/my blog. All these pendants have been made using vintage dominoes.

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial and feel free to leave a comment.

I would also like to apologise for some blurry photos; my good 10MP camera broke and had to use an old camera instead. I've now got a new camera, but have to read all about it, it's 13MP, woh!
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx