Happy New Year

I hope all of you had a great Christmas and that Santa gave you what you deserved.

I will shortly be signing off for the evening, so thought I would wish everyone a Happy New Year:

May the champagne flow freely this evening (and tomorrow if you wish) and may you all have a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009.

We will be having a quiet family day tomorrow, eating and drinking and playing silly games with our gorgeous daughter. It's great having kids, it's a time when we adults can be silly and it doesn't really matter who's watching!! Mind you, I've been acting like a kid for years.

Happy New Year - may it be a good one for you!
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

New Stockist - Ewe and Me

I'm pleased to announce that a selection of my stock is now available at Ewe and Me in Aberlour. Ewe and Me is a beautiful gift shop and they sell a varied selection of goodies from pretty crockery to baby gifts, infact they cater for all sorts of occasions. I dropped off some of my stock on Tuesday afternoon and two items had sold within an hour of me leaving the shop. That's good news for me.

I also took a trip to Caledonian Craft Connections in Nairn yesterday to drop off another selection of my jewellery. The Labyrinth pendants have sold extremely well - they had sold out. Unfortunately I didn't have any fused glass fish panels to give them, these have also sold out and have been really popular.

I'm slowing down now coming up for Christmas - thankfully. All my Christmas Fairs have finished and have to say, although I enjoy attending them and selling my jewellery, it can be very tiring. I've been exhausted and then came down with the dreaded sickness bug. I have been so busy making stock and visiting my retail outlets that I haven't had time to do much of my Christmas shopping.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Happy 60th Mum

It's my mum's 60th birthday tomorrow, but she's having a surprise party tonight at my sister's house. Unfortunately, living so far away, we couldn't be there, but I'm sure it will be great fun. I put her picture in the paper (the one above) - when she was a wee girl.

As a special present to my mum, I made this pendant from fine silver and imprinted my daughter's fingerprints into one of the hearts. I connected the two hearts together, the smaller one in front and attached to a necklace. Now my mum will always remember her grandaughter wherever she goes - she's wearing her fingerprints on her jewellery.

This is a new line of jewellery I will be doing - keepsake fingerprint jewellery. They make great special presents for mums, dads, grand parents.

I'm back at Delgatie Castle tomorrow for their last Christmas Fair. I hope it will be nice and busy.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

It's snowing again - White Christmas

We couldn't resist playing in the snow today - my daughter had a great time, even though it was freezing.

Even duckie thought it was cold!!

Had a good night tonight - I attended Clarks Pharmacy in Keith for their late night Christmas shopping, it was their 10% discount night. They now stock Lazy Daisy Glass and sold some of my pieces this evening. I'm thrilled that they are now stocking my jewellery.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Christmas Fair - Delgatie Castle

I attended the first weekend at Delgatie Castle and it was certainly like Christmas. I decided to stay on site just in case it was bad weather - Turriff can be pretty bad to get to if it snows. As accommodation was cheap, I asked if the OH and daughter could also stay. We had a great weekend, staying on an estate. Woke up to this scenery on Saturday - it was absolutely freezing (-7 degrees).

There was thick frost under foot and it simply didn't budge all weekend. I thought the attendance at the castle was low, but I know the people next to me did very well, so people were spending. I couldn't make the second weekend due to another booking on 6th December at Bishopmill Hall in Elgin. The stallholders next to me at Delgatie Castle offered to look after my stall if I could leave it there. What a great offer. So I decided to leave half of my stock at the castle and return on Sunday 7th and attend the Elgin venue on Saturday. What great people stallholders are - very helpful and friendly.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Woke up to this - It's snowing

Woke up Saturday morning to a crisp white scene. It was fantastic as I love snow, but only for playing in. Unfortunately I had to drive to Elgin Library to their Christmas craft fair. I was dreading it. I panic and get very tense when driving in snow. I set off to Keith to join the main A96. We live in a rural hamlet which is five miles from anywhere, so the road to Keith can be a bit tricky. And sure enough, it was. I couldn't go any faster than 30 miles an hour, even dropping to 20 in places. I made it to the fair in one piece and had a good day. However, the journey was another tricky one. Had to have a few rums to calm the nerves (medicinal purposes). Sunday was still snowy and we had more snow over night. I took some photos to show you the scenery from our house - it is quite spectacular. Attended another fair today, but wasn't as successful. I don't think anyone wanted to venture out in the cold snowy weather. The roads were not half as bad today, so a huge relief.

New Retail Outlet - Caledonian Craft Connections

My stock is now available at the Caledonian Craft Connections in Nairn, The Highlands. I met with Pat and Marie on Wednesday and discussed my items and they were happy with my creations so are now available in their shop. They have already sold a couple of items - fantastic news. I have also received some positive feedback from them. It's a great shop with a good variety of craft work, including feltwork, wood, jewellery, paintings, stained glass and they now stock wool also. They have a separate area with all their wools and can say they have a good selection. If you are ever in Nairn, do stop by the shop to have a peek.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Butterfly Giveaway - Winner

I'm pleased to announce that the winner of my giveaway is Cathy of The Recycled Bag Lady - http://owlfamilyblog.blogspot.com/. Well done Cathy, I hope you enjoy your pretty butterfly.

I would like to thank all those who participated and left wonderful messages.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

1000th Blog Visit - Giveaway

I have today had 1000th blog visits and thought it would be great to celebrate, so decided to give this little beauty away. All you have to do is leave a comment in this post and say why you like this butterfly and why you think you deserve it. I will draw a name from the hat on Thursday 20th November. So get your thinking caps on and leave a comment. Good luck.

Lazy Daisy xx

Tweed Purse and Matching Corsage

I've just listed these items on Folksy. They make great presents, in fact they are two presents in one - a tweed purse/clutch bag and a matching corsage attached to a gift card. You could even split the gift to make two presents - at a very reasonable price and are handmade. Handmade items are making a real comeback at the moment - it's the new black don't you know!

http://www.folksy.com/shops/lazydaisyglass

I popped into Elgin library today to check how my stock was doing in the glass cabinet, only to be left speechless as most of my stock had gone - in just over 3 weeks. The library staff were saying how well it is selling and people buying 2-3 items each time for Christmas presents. I'm now busy making more stock to put in the cabinet.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Handmade Felted Bags and Accessories

I attended a soup and sweet and craft fair today at Newmill, Keith. Met up with some fellow friends and craftmakers and had a good natter. It's quite a small crafting community in this area so you get to know everyone fairly quickly. I particularly like the scottie dog handbag, pink daisy bag and the iPod covers - all knitted/felted. I recently bought a glasses case (blogged earlier about that product) and these make great stocking fillers.

They are made by Rhoda MacKenzie and Astrid Bowie - they are quite new to the craft circuit, but their work is very good and also very popular. Now what girl doesn't like handbags??
Lazy Daisy xx

My Stock on Folksy and Etsy

I have two new shops - one on Etsy.com and one on Folksy.com, links below:

http://www.folksy.com/shops/lazydaisyglass

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=6370100

Both sites are to promote craft makers and designers and you are only able to list handmade items. They do not allow mass produced stuff, which is great for us crafters. On Folksy you can also search by material, ie., buy material for your craft project. Folksy is UK based, whilst Etsy is American. Both sites are great if you appreciate handmade and unique items.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Happy Halloween

Boooooooooooooo.... did I scare you?

I've been very busy today - making pumpkin soup (2 large batches for a party tonight), carved two pumpkins and made fused glass halloween tokens/handbag charm.

I'm off to a Body Shop Party at Boharm Hall tonight in Mulben - I have a couple of tables booked to sell my dichroic glass jewellery and fused glass items.

I will be putting the pumpkins on our gateposts shortly to scare off any passers by - Oooooooooo.

Kathry, Lazy Daisy

Jewellery Party - Dichroic Glass

This is a reminder for those following me, who live locally, that I will be at the Plough pub in Keith on Saturday night showing off my wares. I will be holding a jewellery party in the lounge, so it's an ideal time to get some Christmas shopping done... oh, and have a few drinks of course. I will have a large selection of my dichroic glass and fused glass art. See you there

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy x

Latest Stockist of Lazy Daisy Glass Jewellery

I have recently been given the opportunity of showcasing my jewellery at Elgin Library. If you like my dichroic glass and fused glass creations, why not pop along to Elgin Library and have a peek. My items are for sale and if you are interested, the library staff can assist you. They have a few glass cabinets for local crafts people to display their work and I particularly like Ron Parker, wood sculpture. He produces beautiful pieces and sometimes exhibits in the Gallery at Elgin Library.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy x

Halloween Giveaway - Winners

I'm pleased to announce the winners of my Halloween giveaway, they are:

1) Rubyred (littlebead.blogspot.com)

2) Handmade with love

You will soon receive the pendants and hope you enjoy them.

Congrats

Kathryn x

Glass Fusing Workshop - update

These are some of the masterpieces the ladies in my session completed. They are window hangers with glass loops. They had a chance to use many techniques - heating stringers to shape, incorporating copper inclusions, frit, confetti and creating their glass loops with thinfire paper and glass. Some of their other pieces are now cooking, but will show them shortly.

I've Been Tagged

How exciting... I have been tagged by Littlebead whose blog is www.littlebead.blogspot.com and is now added to my blogroll. The rules are as follows:

1) Link to your tagger and list all these rules in your blog.
2) Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3) Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.
4) Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

It took a whole day to try and think of these facts, I hope you like them:

1) I met and shook hands with Tom Cruise in London when I worked there (he's not that short!). We had a chat and got his autograph
2) Had my first McDonalds hot fruit pie in 1975 when I lived in Hong Kong.
3) Swam with turtles in Barbados 2 years ago (in their natural environment, not in captivity)
4) Whilst attending my cousins wedding at Falmouth Hotel, Cornwall (many years ago), Pete Townsend (The Who) joined in with photo shoots
5) I was once a beauty queen (yes, really) and was crowned by Laurie Quayle, TV presenter of TSW (that's how long ago it was)
6) Bumped into Jerry Springer on Park Lane, London on the way home from work one evening. He was walking along on his own and we had a brief chat.....Jerry, Jerry
7) I would like to retire to somewhere hot and sunny - I love the caribbean

I am going to tag the following bloggers:
1) www.glamglassgifts.blogspot.com
2) www.cloudhoppingdesigns.blogspot.com
3) www.blueberry-park.blogspot.com
4) www.cutedesigns.blogspot.com
5) www.halfanacreblog.blogspot.com
6) www.mojezmagania.blogspot.com
7) www.owlfamilyblog.blogspot.com

I hope you found this fun and interesting
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Does anyone Twitter?

I recently joined Twitter and find myself twittering all the time. You can follow me on Twitter: www.twitter.com/lazydaisyglass and keep up to date with me and what I'm doing - literally. Twitter is fun and a great social networking place. You will not believe this, but Stephen Fry - the Stephen Fry, actor - is following me on Twitter. How amazing is that? He even wished me good night this evening. I know, now I'm bragging, but I just can not believe it. Twitter is like a micro blog - you only have 140 characters to write your bits and pieces and post them - short and very sweet. I also joined Twittermoms tonight: http://www.twittermoms.com/profile/KathrynAbrahams All in the name of marketing. I have also added some Tweets to this blog - in the right hand column.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Glass Fusing Workshop - Puddleduck Patch

Ran a glass fusing workshop at Puddleduck Patch in Cullen today. I had a really good mix of ladies and they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. They made a small window hanger (varying designs) and two dichroic pendants. They made pendants similar to those of the Totem and Labyrinth range on my website. These pendants have proved very popular this year because they are so unique. The workshop started at 10am and was supposed to finish at 1pm, but everyone was enjoying themselves so much, we carried on to 3pm. This was, of course, followed by coffee and cake ... anything for a slice of cake, I just couldn't resist. I'm due to run another workshop next month at Puddleduck Patch so if you are interested in booking (places are limited), contact Morna at Puddleduck. We will be making glass pendants with dichroic accents. If you would like to keep up to date with my whereabouts running up to Christmas, you will find details on my website, click here: http://www.lazydaisyglass.co.uk/page001.html



Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

Felted Picture - Dexter & Magnum

My neighbour came running in earlier today showing off her picture. It's made of felt and is 3D. Unfortunately, it's impossible to get a true image of the picture, but can assure you that it is spectacular.

I know the artist, Joanna Pass - http://joannapass.co.uk/commissions.html

She works from photos of pets and creates these fantastic 3D images in felt and have to say that they are so like the pets she is copying. The picture my neighbour had done was of her two dogs; Irish Wolfhound and Deerhound. If you are looking for something different, as everyone has a portrait done in paint, this would be a great gift idea - it's certainly unique.

Holiday in Cornwall

Had a few days in Cornwall to spend with family and celebrate my (40th) birthday. The weather was fantastic and we couldn't wait to spend a few hours on the beach. We drove to Porthtowan Beach on Saturday morning with the kids to have a kick about. We couldn't believe how warm it was, walking around in a short sleeved top and couldn't resist the ice cream! Met up with some more family and we sat outside the cafe for coffee and a chat. My daughter thoroughly enjoyed the beach......and eating sand! I rolled up her trousers, took off her shoes and socks and she paddled in the water. She just loved it. There were lots of surfers in the sea also enjoying the good weather, although the waves were rough. Porthtowan is known for good surf.

In the evening we attended our friends' (Charlie and Katie) wedding party at the Coppice Inn, Lanner. They were married last month in Wiltshire, but for those who didn't attend the wedding, they laid on a hog roast at the Coppice. It was a fantastic night. Met up with some old friends and family.

On Sunday my family met at the Pandora Inn on the Helford River. What a setting, it is very beautiful. We all had carvery and my mum had organised a birthday cake for my birthday. Again,the weather was fantastic and all sat outside for a few drinks. My gran also came along, she didn't know we were in Cornwall as I wanted to surprise her.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Felt Specs Case

My friend makes these lovely felted specs cases and just had to buy one. It's a beautiful rich claret colour with two pretty flowers felted onto the front.

I think they make great Christmas stocking fillers. She also makes wonderful bags, but keeping my very short arms in my very long pockets at the moment - especially when Christmas is on its way. Saying that, I have started Christmas shopping and have added some pressies to my Christmas drawer. I generally start alot earlier, but I have been too busy with work.

I'm off to Cornwall this week to visit all the family - and it's my 40th (Sshhh don't tell anyone). We'll be staying with my sister and her two boys. I thought my daughter would love their company and they'll make a fuss of her.

Halloween Giveaway - Freebie

I'm giving two lucky people the chance of winning these dichroic glass pendants (one per person, design chosen at random). They are made from pumpkin orange glass with dichroic accents fused into them.

I have entered them into the Crafteroo Halloween Challenge, but thought it would be great if you could win them.

All you have to do is simply leave a 'nice' comment on this blog post between now and 24th October and two names will be drawn from a hat. Just in time for them to be sent to you and worn on Halloween Night ..... OOOOoooooooo.

Good luck

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy

New Stock Added to my Website

Sterling Silver Rings

I have finally had a day to sort out my stock and add it to my website. You will find sterling silver rings, earrings, more totem wire wrapped pendants, cufflinks and a pendant and earring set.

The rings you see on the left have all been listed, plus more.

No sooner did I put a particular pendant on the website, it sold within minutes (Harmony - Jade, as seen on the left). Similar styles are still available. Check out the new items - now is a great time to buy for Christmas - FREE POSTAGE on all jewellery items. The pendants also come with a sterling silver chain. You can get to my website by clicking on the link on the right hand side of my blog (at the top). Kathryn

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside.....

Lossiemouth Beach - It may not be summer, but a stroll and play on the beach is great any time of the year.

My sister-in-law, her husband and the two children visited this week and decided it would be a good idea to go to the beach - to blow the cobwebs away. My sister-in-law needed the fresh air, due to the fact we have two cats, and she's allergic! You can't go to the seaside and not have fish and chips, so we bought them and ate them down by the estuary in Lossiemouth. The weather wasn't great, a few drops of rain, little wind - the kids loved it. It was the first time my little one has been on a beach, she didn't appreciate the sand first of all. However, it didn't take long before she was collecting shells, running towards the sea and sitting in the sand.

We had a fantastic time with the family.

Art and Craft Exhibition, Boharm Hall

I am currently exhibiting at the above event and we had the Preview Night last night (Friday). There was a great turnout with the exhibitors' friends and family attending to support them. We had wine and nibbles and people thoroughly enjoyed themselves. We also had a visit from Angus Robertson, MP, who stayed for approximately 45 minutes. As I organised the event, I accompanied him around the exhibition explaining who the artists were and their work. Today, we had a good footfall and quite a few sales. We are running a cafe with homebakes as well - this goes down extremely well with folk, they like homebakes. We are not charging for the refreshments and homebakes, but instead, asking people to donate to the hall funds. We have had some really good comments from visitors - they are enjoying the mix of exhibitors. If you live locally to Mulben, why not come along and visit the exhibition. The exhibition runs until Sunday 21 September (closed on Monday and Wednesday).

Beside the Sea - Fused Glass

I recently made these for an exhibition that I am currently taking part in. I collected some local driftwood and decided to keep a sea theme and make some fused glass fishies. I like the larger 'lazy bones' fishie and then added the smaller fishies. They look like they are just swimming by. I spent all afternoon on the beach collecting driftwood - I wanted architectural pieces. It was great weather and my daughter had a ball collecting pebbles. She has a thing about pebbles, once she's found a couple of pebbles, she carries them around all day (and night, keeping her company in the cot).

Dundee Festival - What an Artist

Whilst I was exhibiting at the Dundee Show, I was totally mesmerised by the artist, Daniel Campbell. He was displaying some of his beautiful artworks at the show as well as demonstrating his talent. There was one particular piece that just cried out to me 'buy me'. I kept looking at it all weekend. Then towards the end of the show, a different painting had caught my eye - the one you see in the photo. The artist appears to have quite a following and people were asking him to paint commissions at the show. I must say, his work is captivating. The oil paintings were wonderful. (Note: I have asked and been granted permission by the artist to show you my painting, but this does not allow you to print it).

Dundee Festival - Mixing with the Rich and Famous

I recently attended the Dundee Food and Flower Festival and have to say that it was a good show. Lots of entertainment for the family. Ainsley Harriott was the guest celebrity - he was doing a book signing and also in the food marquee demonstrating. He appeared to be very popular - he's got such a huge smile!

I have another post to add about the Dundee Show - check back soon

The Great British Craft Tour

I had a visit from Roseanna Wyatt & Tjobbe Andrews from The Great British Craft Tour tonight. They are travelling the country, stopping off at crafters/artists/makers places of work/homes/gallerys/shops and presenting them on their website.

They spent some time here and took lots of photos and notes about me and my craft. Tjobbe commented on how the dichroic glass that I use is stunning. I gave them the low down on how it was invented (by NASA) and how I use it. I gave them two of my Labyrinth (Electric Blue) necklaces for their prize draw/auction.

It was great meeting them and quite envious of their tour around Britain visiting crafters and artists. I've always wanted a VW Camper myself. When they left me at 9pm they were just off to their campsite for the night and catch up with their admin for the website. They are off to Cullen Crafts tomorrow. I hope they have a great journey.

To keep up to date with the Great British Craft Tour visit their website: http://www.thegreatbritishcrafttour.co.uk/

Kathryn

New Items - Labyrinth (Electric Blue)

I have added some new items to my website - these are listed as Labyrinth - Electric Blue. They are fused dichroic glass which have then been wire wrapped in an electric blue wire. They look oustanding in bright blue. See for yourself - http://lazydaisyglass.co.uk/page_1214249400663.html

Let me know what you think - it will be interesting to hear your feedback.

I will hopefully be adding some more shortly. I a little short of time at the moment as I am busy building up stock for my 3 day event in Dundee - yikes! Panic springs to mind. Once this event is over I should be able to relax a little!

Harley Davidson Rally at Aviemore

Thought I would share the events of today with you. We visisted the Harley Rally in Aviemore and had a fantastic day. When we arrived we were hungry so had breakfast in Roo's Leap and then walked to the Highland Resort where all the excitement was taking place. Whilst looking around the trade stands, we came across a motorcycle club that were organising charity rides in the afternoon. Well, I just had to have a ride on a Harley! We were frantically trying to find out how to get tickets and where from. Eventually the club set up a table in the car park and we patiently waited. We were near the front so had a good choice of what Harley to ride. The club member asked me what type of Harley I wanted to ride - well, I didn't want the big style ones (like the Goldwing), so I replied 'one like a hog'. She said I know which one, so took me by the hand and led me to a fantastic Harley - I think it was a soft tail. It was very noisy and fast. My mum (who's nearly 60) also had a ride on a Harley - she rode pillion on a tourer. We will definitely be visiting again next year.