The life and times of a soap merchant

Greetings all, I hope I find you well.

This week has indeed been a busy one, as previously predicted. Yesterday I started my new job in Lush (the soap shop) and so far am enjoying it, however, my head is full of mince about what everything is and whats in them and such but that's to be expected. Yesterday was general shop chat, safety, filling in forms etc, today was about the products. I was taken around about half of the stuff and told everything about them then had to go back and say what I could remember, which was more than I expected. Of course though, because I am now trying to remember I don't have a clue about any of it. So tonight I am sitting here with the Lush Times and trying my best to recall what I was told so I can know something by my next shift. I'm sure I'll work something out.

I also made a decision about the business cards and settled on Moo cards, I'm sure Jen will be pleased. They have now been ordered, I decided on about 8 images and got 2 packs because I still have some postcards left over to go with them. On that note, does anyone want a postcard? Let me know, I'll post one off to you no trouble, just in case you'd like one and weren't able to swing by the degree show to pick one up yourself. Don't ever claim I'm not good to you guys :)

On top of this waffling, this week I have also sorted out my hallmark, sent of my silver scrap, visited friends I haven't seen in a long time, visited 2 other cities, signed the lease on my new flat, met up with my mum, met up with my grandad and generally been very social and busy at all times. However, because I'm not used to being this useful my poor left foot has given up and is very sore so for the next couple of days all I can do is sit and let it mend itself. Today I didn't so much walk as hobble everywhere I had to go. I did have other jobs I meant to do but forgot about so they will now be pushed back till next week I think, still though, everything is safely on track. It's a nice feeling. One I must admit I'm not really used to.

Hope you all have a nice weekend. x

Going, Going... Gone

Well the degree show closed yesterday, I hope you had a chance to pop by and have a look. There were plenty of funky things to be seen. So it's the end of a busy week, next week will be busy aswell though. Tomorrow we have a talk from one of the tutors about setting up a business, Tuesday, I know I have something on, but right now I don't remember what... must think! Wednesday I'm off to Edinburgh to visit my good friend William. Thursday and Friday are my first 2 days in my new job. I still don't miss Asda...funny that ;p

In between all this I need to get business cards printed so I'm set for London. I went through so many postcards at the Degree show I'm scared I'll run out during the week of New Designers which we will be showing at in the first week of July. Now I need to decide between Moo cards and traditional business cards from one of the many print places on the Perth Road. I'll also be trying to sort out my workshop situation and making start making new pieces for London. Mostly because I need something to do and I'm a bit fed up of staring at the same pieces all the time, so I'll keep you updated on that.

Hopefully, my website will be on the go sometime this week, Iain has been fixing the sub-domains and such (yeah, that means nothing to me either). Anyway, I think that's a good thing. He wouldn't tell me if it wasn't.

So lots to keep you updated on and a busy week once more. Shall see you all soon x

Hallmarking

Now that the degree show is fully under way there are still plenty of other jobs to be keeping me busy. Today I tidied up my desk and bench and collected all my stuff into bags for moving to their new home, which in turn will be my new home too. However, I have a LOT more stuff than I realised so tomorrows job is to go through all my stuff again and be brutal about what I should keep and what can go. Sadly, my new flat will be smaller than the one I'm in at the moment so I will have to be harsh with my junk and cut back on my hoarding habits, however, it is a much nicer flat, so it's all good.

Another job in my to do list is to apply for a hallmark before I graduate. Taking full advantage of the student discount while I can. Unfortunately though, I don't understand the form. We were given application packs a few months ago by Roger and I filled mine out but realised it was an application for the London Assay Office, but I think it would be nicer to have my stuff hallmarked in Scotland.

I realise this won't make much sense to you non-jewellers out there but basically there are four Assay Offices in Britain where you can register a makers mark and they in turn hallmark your work. One in London, Edinburgh, Birmingham and Sheffield. Obviously, with there only being one office in Scotland it would be nice to have my work marked there plus I can take my work there myself rather than sending everything by post like I would with London. However, while the application form for London was so simple, the Edinburgh one, not so much. I don't even know if I've managed to find the right form on their website. I think I may give the office a call tomorrow and make sure I'm filling out the right thing. Nice to know though, that if I get this all sorted out it will be the lovely little building above that is stamped into my work along with my makers mark and the date stamps and such.

Another busy day tomorrow and possibly some exciting news... but more on that when everything is confirmed. Until then, you can all keep guessing.

Till later x

{Update} I gave the Assay Office a call today and did indeed have the right forms which have now been filled in and ready to post tomorrow. The lady I spoke to was also very nice and full of advice about what shapes to pick for your mark and the like. Again, another productive day. Hoorah.

On my travels

Just to let you all know I set up an online shop last night. Only has a few pieces in it so far but I will keep updating it and adding to it as I make new pieces. There is a link on the right hand side of this blog so feel free to have a wee look if you feel like keeping me fed, watered and clothed for a little while longer *giggle*

Also, I've found a new flat to move into so I shall be on my travels soon. I may have to let this slip for a little while so I can get other things in order but I will be sure to keep you updated and be back in full working order as soon as possible. Not moving for a few weeks yet though so fear not, just a little advanced warning for you :)

Have a good week x

Swing by.

Sunny Afternoons.

Beautiful weather once more. Hoorah! Makes me want to go do anything that is non productive, like reading in the park.

The last 4 years have been a long haul but I guess that's not going to change any time soon. A few days to relax will be very welcome though. In other words that's us all done now and gearing up for opening the degree show on Friday. As of yet I still have nothing I have to wear, tomorrows job I think. Then it's the big push onto New Designers, I plan to try and make a few new pieces before then and try and set up an online store in the next few days. I'll keep you all posted of course and hopefully see some of you on Friday or during the week. Pop over and say hi if you see me lurking around DoJ.

Enjoy the early start to summer while it's here. x

Tomorrow

IS RESULTS DAY

in other news, today our external assessor (Jack Cunningham) was in and 6 of us were chosen at random to speak to him about our work. I was one of them. I'm not really sure about the purpose of us talking to him, it was just a general chat, about your work, things you liked things you would have changed, what else you would have liked to have done, plans for next year, plans for the future. Just general banter really. He was very nice though, a lovely man. He could have very easily have scared us all but he was so positive about everyones work and he seemed to really like the little bowls I've shown above. Wish me luck for tomorrow!

Hope you're having a nice week so far. x

Last days

We are with Degree Show 2008 guys!

Today was our last ever day of working, strangely enough, it didn't feel any different from any other day and there wasn't much frantic panicking to be seen. So assessments start tomorrow morning and by this time next week I will have my results...and therefore a degree... and will have to be a grown up... maybe...but unlikely! So wish me luck and jump for joy as Ms Jen Ker is demonstrating above.

Laters x