Peek Into My Week....

Monday saw me put some final touches to my new online shop to replace the one from Mr Site.  I couldn't decide on a header for the website, but with the help from my best friend Jo from Cocolove, who is a very talented stylist - we came up with a lace design. Received three orders today:-

A bridesmaid pendant,  a bespoke necklace and a freshwater disc pearl bracelet......not bad considering my website isn't up and running yet!  All of these orders are from repeat customers.

Freshwater Pearl and Crystal Bracelet

My FINDS article for UK Handmade on Lace was published today, lovely to see it in print.

Took most of the afternoon off to see a friend, ate lots of nuts and had a good old chin wag.  Alfie our Jack Russell was due to have his second jags, so we took him to the vets.  Desperate to walk him as he has so much energy to burn off!  Only another week to wait. 

Tuesday my website went live!  Now the hard work starts behind the scenes....
Made a small batch of jewellery pouches, as always running out.  Made up some of the orders.  Took some photographs of products to realise the lighting wasn't right.  A funny sort of day as amongst all this I was trying to keep Jonny amused and the dog out of mischief!
Made flapjack with dark chocolate buttons running through the middle, yummy!

Wednesday saw my interview with Pete from Bodrighy Wood published on the UK Handmade Blog. Spent the afternoon chasing payments and making up orders, including a stunning bespoke necklace made with onyx and pearls.

Thursday I spent the afternoon at Mill Garden Centre.  I work freelance for the Mill, photographing plants and flowers, updating their website and producing a monthly newsletter - amongst many things.  It's such a tranquil place to work and a hive of creativity - I love it.
  

Friday saw me delivering a selection of bobby pins, jewellery and bunting to a stockist in South Queensferry.  Couldn't help treating myself to a well deserved lunch with a friend at Orocco Pier, overlooking the Forth Road Rail Bridge.  Worked on some new stock and ideas, before heading out to the Howden Centre at Livingston to watch Mia perform her end of week play.  Came home a very proud mother.  Rounded the evening off by watching back episodes of Being Eyrka, in bed with Mia and Alfie, our Jack Russell Terrier.  Perfect.

My luncheon view...

Green Glass....

If you know me, you know I love a right good old rummage in a charity shop.  I've found some great things over the years, old lace that I have made into a shower curtain, vintage throws and 1960's stools I have renovated.   But my favourite finds are glassware, I love old glass decorated with gold, floral prints and self coloured glass. 

Yesterday I found this pretty green glass jug for just £2, that matches a pair of candlesticks I found a few years ago.  Perfect for filling with peach scnapps, champagne and fresh raspberries....  

Bobby Pins

Recently I have been experiencing SO many problems with my own online boutique.  Despite having lots of traffic, customers and having a good PR ranking - good old Mr Site kept letting me down.  The shop was frustrating slow to load - putting customers off, that's if they did manage to get the shop open, as recently it has been AWOL, last seen somewhere with my email!

So, last week I took the bull by the horns and gave Mr Site the heave ho.  There's only so much a girl can take. 

I will shortly be opening up my new Mimi Pearl Boutique with Big Cartel.  I am just waiting on a few techy things to be sorted before I launch.  In the meantime....here's a couple of my new bobby pins in vintage fabric to share with you (modelled by the lovely Robyn)....

Floral Bobby Pin in Blue Vintage

Floral Bobby Pin in Green Vintage

Soap.....

Just for fun, I thought I would have a go at making soap.

I love handmade soap and am completely into the idea of having my own specially made for the family.  My son, Jonny, has really sensitive skin and I thought this might be a way of getting something that wouldn't irritate his skin, but would smell divine and make him feel special.

Admittedly the first attempt didn't quite go to plan, I used a mixture of soya oil, vegetable fat and sunflower oil combined with essential lavender oil and French lavender.  This in itself was fine, smells divine and looks not too bad - but it took an absolute age to trace (I have later discovered that if using all vegetable based fats this is the norm).  After about a week - it was solid enough to remove from the mould and slice.  I have to say, it's very scrummy and useable! 

I have since bought a proper manual - looks a little addictive!!  I have been so busy the past few weeks that I haven't had chance to make more - but my supply is steadily running out, so watch this space......