Chocolate Teapots

How the public help science do amazing things

2011-09-25T15:53:00.001+01:00

Last night while trawling the internet for something entertaining and interesting to do or read or watch or anything that wasn't mind numbingly boring or stupid really I :

Read this article and was particularly interested in number four.

So then I watched this TED lecture (about 15 minutes long)

Then read this other article.

Which all lead me to zooniverse that have projects for the public to help scientists do various things.

So I decided on this project and helped scientists map the universe for further investigation.

And that is the story of how I mapped the universe on a dull Saturday night.

Pear, apple, onion and raisin chutney.

2011-04-26T19:59:00.005+01:00

I made some chutney for the first time the other day and it is delicious. I thought I'd share the recipe. I got 5 little jars out of it and 1 fresh pasta sauce tub like the one you get in all the supermarkets next to the garlic bread and fresh pasta.

5 pears
1 cooking apple
2 onions
½ lb raisins
½ teaspoon of chilli powder or cayenne pepper
½ teaspoon ground ginger
1 garlic clove
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon nutmeg
Juice and grated rind of 1 lemon
½lb soft brown sugar
½pint white vinegar

Chop the pears and peel, core and chop the apple and onions.
Crush the garlic.
Put all of the ingredients into a large pan with the vinegar and stir well with a wooden spoon.
Bring to the boil, stirring occasionally.
Reduce to a simmer and continue simmering for around 2 hours, stirring occasionally, or until it looks like chutney.
Spoon into still warm sterilized jars.

To sterilize your jars put them in a clean pan with cold water and bring them to a fast boil then leave on boil for at least 10 minutes, while this is happening heat your oven to 120 degrees celsius. Use tongs or something similar to lift the jars from the water and place on a clean oven tray and place in the hot oven for another 10 minutes to dry completely. It is best to time your chutney being ready with the jars coming from the oven as you need to put the hot chutney into hot jars so that the glass doesn't crack when mixing different temperatures or cause bacteria to grow by using cold unclean jars.

If you have a dishwasher you can clean your jars in there and then spoon in the mix while they are still hot.

The chutney is delicious and can be eaten straight away but I've been told by people with more experience than I have that leaving it to mature improves the recipe even more. You can leave it for up to 12 weeks in a dark cool place.

Glasgow Botanic Gardens

2011-04-20T21:59:00.007+01:00

I think this will become a photo blog. I'm not great with words and they often hold me back.

Blergh.

2011-01-04T13:30:00.003Z

I am not particularly well at the moment so have had to call in sick to work today, a good start to the new year or what? There was quite a lot in my diary too but if I remember correctly none of it was urgent so can wait until I go back...hopefully.

Unfortunately it is still a public holiday in Scotland today so I can't get an appointment with the doctor until tomorrow. They have been closed for 4 days now because of the new year so wish me luck please, I may need it to actually get a chance to see them. I must also remember to call the dentist tomorrow to reschedule my next appointment as my days off have changed and if I cancel too late they will charge me for the appointment anyway.

Hope you're all having a better start to the year than I am :)

And so it starts again.

2011-01-01T19:11:00.002Z

Well another year is over and this is just a little message to say I hope you all had a lovely Christmas and a very happy new year. I'm developing a cold so was in bed for 10.30pm feeling pretty grim and totally asleep when midnight came round. I'll just have to make up for it during the year I guess.

Above is my Grandad on Boxing Day when me and mum went to visit him and take him his gifts. I think a very big thank you is in order for the carers in the home he lives in. They have been excellent with him since he moved there at the end of 2009. They take him out on day trips and for his lunch and dinner and have lots of activities on to keep all the residents occupied and happy. They went out and got everyone their own box of truffles then left them on their bedside tables during the night to wake up and find on Christmas morning and had dotted random sweets through out the home for people to find and help themselves to through the day. We really couldn't think of anywhere better for him to be.

Just one final thing, you'll know if you've swung by here before we've had some pretty terrible weather in December but it's more or less all cleared except for some solid ice that is still melting. Now it's just bitterly cold.

Wishing you all an excellent 2011

T Ann Cake

2010-12-18T20:31:00.006Z

A lovely lady has opened up a cafe in Dundee. Here is the link to her blog, I think you should all go have a look. I had a very tasty mocha, caramelised onion, sundried tomato and gruyere tart and an apple pie. Yum yum yum.

Standing on ice.

2010-12-11T17:43:00.003Z

I've been away this week visiting friends in Glasgow. I got there just as things ground to a halt because of the bad weather. Despite that a good time was had and successful Christmas shopping was completed. The picture above is of the Clyde which in parts was frozen solid. You can see a great chunk of the water by the shore frozen over here. Things were starting to thaw by the time I came back to Dundee but apparently there is more to come.

Coming to you from the state of New Siberia.

2010-12-04T19:39:00.010Z

While the weather has been terrible I have moved back to my mums house because it's warmer than my own. We ventured outside today and went to my grandads house on the outskirts of the city just to check everything was ok. It was thankfully and I got some lovely photographs of the house and garden, two of which can be seen above. Luckily he has recently had the guttering checked so there were no icicles or worry of burst pipes but some of the other houses near him couldn't claim the same. We also went to my flat to make sure everything there was ok. The building has police tape outside because some guttering has come down along with some roof slates so hopefully the landlord is dealing with that. Inside the flat was all fine though so that is good news. Not long after that I had to go home, one of my feet was so cold I couldn't tell if it was wet inside of my welly boot or not. By the time I got back to mums house the sole of my foot and two of my toes were completely numb and took a good long time and a hot water bottle before they were back to normal. I hope everyone is faring well no matter how the weather is where you are.

Living in a winter wonderland

2010-11-28T21:39:00.007Z

So it's been a long long time since I've posted on here but I am having a bout of self expression so thought I would reprise my blogging ways.

This mainly came about now that I'm reading a few other blogs and I wanted to join in the fun once more. Also the fact I've been in the house all day doing not much of anything and thought it would be a good way to fill some time.

I was stuck in by the way, not because I'm lazy but because it is not entirely dis-similar to the arctic outside (although being lazy was part of it too). It's been snowing for over 24 hours now and no particular sign of stopping any time soon. I live in the middle of town and because Dundee is right on the river Tay and not more than a stones throw from the North Sea the city center doesn't usually get much snow and when we do it doesn't lie for long. Not this time I tell you! We've got about 3 inches so far so goodness knows what it's like out in the sticks. There was lightning last night too. Lightning and snow...at the same time! This may not strike anyone else as strange or unusual but it's not a combination I'd ever thought of. I can tell you being woken up from sleep at 5am with lighting going off like canons is not a good way to start a Sunday morning. I expected the rain to be pelting down so imagine my surprise to look outside and see the snow still going strong and the place looking particularly Lapland like.

Aside from all this I'm now pondering the trip to work tomorrow. The local buses were taken off as were the taxis so if that hasn't changed by morning then it's a treck through the snow for me. I wonder if I have any tennis rackets I can tie to my feet to help my journey. Taking the buses off confuses me somewhat, the roads will only get worse with less traffic on them to keep them clear. But I have heard from friends that the motorways around the city have been closed so like I thought, out of the center has it bad.

Wish me luck for my trip tomorrow, mostly can you please wish that I get a call saying work is closed and not to come in. That would be ace!

Ouch

2009-05-16T12:42:00.002+01:00

It is not so much the sore throat that is the problem, it's the ear and jaw ache that come with it. One of those dull slow pains that just lingers, enough for you too feel all the time, except when you do anything at all then it turns into a blinding shooting pain. More pills all round I think.

Sleeping

2009-05-15T21:40:00.002+01:00

That's how I've spent most of this week. I had a tonsil removed on Monday morning, maybe I got to keep the other one for luck? Anyway, I was sent home with a pile of different pain killers and after a short debate with my mother regarding where I should go (her house, she won) I spent a couple of days sleeping on her sofa and being fed and watered while she took pity on me. I'm home now and having had a sore jaw for 2 days now it's getting better. Apparently the pain is worst on the 4th and 5th days so this was all expected. However, I've not had any medicine in 6 hours so I'm thinking I may go have some more so it's all kicked in for bed time. I don't know about you but I can't get to sleep with an ache.

Aside from that I've not really been up to much, I got some flowers for the flat to cheer me up, not that I've not been cheerful of course. Pictures tomorrow I think, once they have had a chance to open. Peonies and white snap dragons seeing as you asked. This post is really just me thinking I need to be as good with updating this as I once was, so any random babble that comes to mind will be posted to get me back in the swing of things.

Also, a favour to ask for anyone out there, I assume there is someone out there? Can you recommend a book I have to read or a film I have to see. I'll buy any book if you tell me why I must and I will add any film suggestion to my lovefilm account. Broaden my horizons people, thank you please.

Your Tax Form Explained

2009-04-23T12:23:00.003+01:00

I got my Tax Return the other week, this says it all really :

Enclosed is your 1998 United States Internal Revenue Service Tax Form 1040-ES OCR: “Estimated Tax for Self-Employed Individuals.” You may use this form to estimate your 1998 fiscal year tax IF:

1. You are the head of a household AND the sum of the ages of your spouse and dependents, minus the ages of qualifying pets (see Schedule 12G), is divisible by a whole number. (Use Supplementary Schedule 142C if pets are deceased but buried on your property.)

2. Your Gross Adjusted Income does not exceed your Adjusted Gross Income (except where applicable) AND you did not pay taxable interest on dividend income prior to 1903.

3. You are not claiming a foreign tax credit, except as a “foreign” tax credit. (Warning: Claiming a foreign tax credit for a foreign “tax” credit, except where a foreign “tax credit” is involved, may result in a fine of $125,000 and 25 years‘ imprisonment.)

4. You are one of the following: married and filing jointly; married and not filing jointly; not married and not filing jointly; jointed but not filing; other.

Instructions

Type all answers in ink with a number two lead pencil. Do not cross anything out. Do not use abbreviations or ditto marks. Do not misspell “miscellaneous.” Write your name, address, and social security number, and the name, address, and social security numbers of your spouse and dependents, in full on each page twice. Do not put a check mark in a box marked “cross” or a cross in a box marked “check mark” unless it is your express wish to do the whole thing again. Do not write “Search me” in any blank spaces. Do not make anything up.

Complete Sections 47 to 52 first, then proceed to even-numbered sections and complete in reverse order. Do NOT use this form if your total pensions and annuities disbursements were greater than your advanced earned income credits OR vice versa.

Under “Income,” list all wages, salaries, net foreign source taxable income, royalties, tips, gratuities, taxable interest, capital gains, air miles, and money found down the back of the sofa. If your earnings are derived wholly, or partially but not primarily, or wholly AND partially but not primarily, from countries other than the United States (if uncertain, see USIA Leaflet 212W, “Countries That Are Not the United States”) OR your rotated gross income from Schedule H was greater than your earned income credit on nontaxable net disbursements, you MUST include a Grantor/Transferor Waiver Voucher. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $1,500,000 and seizure of a child.

Under Section 890f, list total farm income (in none, give details). If you were born after January 1, 1897, and are NOT a widow(er), include excess casualty losses and provide carry-over figures for depreciation on line 27iii. You MUST list number of turkeys slaughtered for export. Subtract, but do not deduct, net gross dividends from pro rata interest payments, multiply by the total number of steps in your home, and enter on line 356d.

On Schedule F1001, line c, list the contents of your garage. Include all electrical and nonelectrical items on Schedule 295D, but DO NOT include electrical OR nonelectrical items not listed on Supplementary Form 243d.

Under “Personal Expenditures,” itemize all cash expenditures of more than $1, and include verification. If you have had dental work and you are not claiming a refund on the federal oil spill allowance, enter your shoe sizes since birth and enclose specimen shoes (right foot only). Multiply by 1.5 or 1,319, whichever is larger, and divide line 3f by 3d. Under Section 912g, enter federal income support grants for the production of alfalfa, barley (but not sorghum, unless for home consumption), and okra WHETHER OR NOT you received any. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $3,750,000 and death by lethal injection.

If your children are dependent but not living at home, or living at home but not dependent, or dependent and living at home but hardly ever there AND you are not claiming exemption for leases of maritime vessels in excess of 12,000 tons deadweight (15,000 tons if you were born in Guam), you MUST complete and include a Maritime Vessel Exemption Form. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $111,000,000 and a nuclear attack on a small, neutral country.

On pages 924-926, Schedule D, enter the names of people you know personally who are Communists or use drugs. (Use extra pages if necessary.)

If you have interest earnings from savings accounts, securities, bearer bonds, certificates of deposit, or other fiduciary instruments but DO NOT know your hat size, complete Supplementary Schedules 112d and 112f and enclose with all relevant tables. (Do not send chairs at this time.) Include, but do not collate, ongoing losses from mining investments, commodities transactions, and organ transplants, divide by the total number of motel visits you made in 1996, and enter in any remaining spaces. If you have unreimbursed employee expenses, tough.

To compute your estimated tax, add lines 27 through 964, deduct lines 45a and 699f from Schedule 2F (if greater or less than 2.2% of average alternative minimum estimated tax for last five years), multiply by the number of RPMs your car registers when stuck on ice, and add 2. If line 997 is smaller than line 998, start again. In the space marked “Tax Due,” write a very large figure.

Make your check payable to “Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America and to the Republic for Which It Stands,” and mark for the attention of Patty. On the back of your check write your social security number, Taxpayer Identification Number, IRS Tax Code Audit Number(s), IRS Regional Office Sub-Unit Zone Number (UNLESS you are filing a T/45 Sub-Unit Zone Exclusion Notice), sexual orientation, and smoking preference, and send to:

Internal Revenue Service of the United States of America
Tax Reception and Orientation Center
Building D/Annex G78
Suite 900
Subduction Zone 12
Box 132677-02
Drawer 2, About Halfway Back
Federal City
Maryland 100001

If you have any questions about filing, or require assistance with your return, phone 1-800-BUSY SIGNAL. Thank you and have a prosperous 1999. Failure to do so may result in a fine of $125,000 and a long walk to the cooler.

From "Notes from a big country" by Bill Bryson.

Keys

2009-02-09T19:14:00.001Z

Finally got them!

Take a breath.

2009-02-01T14:49:00.004Z

Where have the last few months gone exactly? How can it be the first of February all ready? It is frightening to think how long ago my last post was and how very little work I have done. The danger in having a part time job is that, over Christmas, the hours you work sky rocket. So while previously I was just having a little rest before cracking on, I really didn't have time to think about anything other than getting to work on time, and getting all the necessary things done each day like food shopping, gift buying and general upkeep of me and my flat. Now however things have relaxed a little, although I have to say I'm still on full time hours but I think I will just suck it up and crack on.

I have an exhibition opening in a couple of weeks so I have put some more thought into this personalised gift box idea I mentioned a while ago. It's looking like I'll be going with this after all:I still haven't managed to visit Chrissy to collect keys to the workshop, but it's fairly certain that when I am there it will be unsocial hours. I hope to pop by her office this week and get that all sorted out. The list of things that have been highly neglected over time is getting ever longer so it is most definitely time to rectify the matter.

What else has been happening? Well... Some of my work was down in London last week being photographed for Easy Living Magazine, how entirely random yet exciting! So I've been advised that it should appear in the May edition. I'm not really sure what their plans are for it but I guess I'll find out soon enough.

The sudden jolt back into posting on here was because of my online store. For a reason that I don't know, the visiting numbers went up 7 fold in the last couple of weeks, I have no idea why. What happened to cause this? Do you know? Not that I don't appreciate it of course. Shall be adding a few more bits and bobs on there later in the day I think.

Talk to you soon (deffinitly).

Grown up

2008-09-26T20:52:00.006+01:00

Hello all.

Fear not, I have not fallen from the face of the planet, I have just been very busy this past month. I have been doing very grown up things that are in fact very dull so I won't bore you with details. I did realise the other day that it was more than past time that I check in here again and make an effort. I apologise for being so lazy by way of posting for the last little while. I will do better from now on, I promise.

Anyway, I'm taking part in an exhibition that opens soon so I have to deliver my work to the gallery on Monday. I am highly unprepared so we will move on quickly from this fact. I also have work on a website that is going live pretty soon, so more on that once it's up and running. How very exciting!

As for next week I have more grown up boring things to do so that's an awful sad thought! BUT... I'm finally getting into my shared workshop so expect new things soon and a lot more effort on this page and a lot of change in my store. While I've had a fairly lazy summer I realise it's now time to crack on.

Here we go!

P.S The pictures above and below are from one of my days this summer wasting time on beaches around fife when I really should have been working hard.

Productive week

2008-08-16T21:11:00.005+01:00

Finally.

This week I have spoken to:

1) A gallery about possibly showing work,
2) Two speciality stores in Dundee about socking pieces.

This is resulting in me being productive once more after a month of bumming around. It really was getting boring but you know it's tough once you get in a rut.

So expect posting to return to normal some time in the next week as I come up with new things...finally. Which in turn should result in a makeover for my online store with new work. Hoorah.

On an entirely unrelated topic, for some reason my flat smells of roast chicken dinner. I'm sure you all agree it's one of the best smells known to man but I'm not aware of one ever being cooked here... maybe it's the neighbours?

{UPDATE}

I have been invited to take part in another Exhibition, this time in Crieff. Also, the flat no longer smells of chicken.

Deliveries result in tales of my general existance.

2008-08-08T07:54:00.004+01:00

I am waiting for a delivery today, one of those "it'll be there between 8am and 6pm" affairs. So I have been up since the crack of dawn just incase. No doubt it won't arrive until about 5.45 at best. This means you can expect regular updates and wittering today on my part as the boredom really begins to set in.

I have to admit though that I have been very productive already, for I did battle with a mighty foe.

When I went to bed last night there was a monstrously huge daddy long legs kicking about in the living room, I went to bed and hoped against hope it would find its way to and out of the window overnight. No luck! So for the first 10 minutes I tried ignoring it but all the while having one eye firmly on it incase it sprang into action and attacked. Just because it has never happened before doesn't mean it can't happen now. After I had wound myself up to being near convinced I could see the beasts blood dripping fangs I decided action must be taken. It was cunning and had chosen a spot up at the ceiling, which is very high up in these old flats so out came the broom...to no great effect. Note to self : soft bristle brooms do nothing but upset them. This resulted in much flapping about on my and my visitors part so the broom went away and out came the hoover.

Don't get me wrong, I don't freak out over any old bug. Mostly I am completely indifferent to them. These things on the other hand put the fear of god in me.

So out was the hoover and to be honest I wasn't hoping for the best because it really was struggling to reach and the suction is not amazing. So I did try, and as predicted it only upset the poor thing. I'm guessing by this point it no more appreciated me than I appreciated it. So it was wise and off out the window it finally went. A non exciting finish to this gripping tale but I must say and satisfactory end non the less.

Until later, once I have exhausted the Sunday supplements I expect, enjoy your day and wish me luck.

Update 1 : Is anyone else scared to do anything beyond sitting and breathing just incase you miss the door bell going while you are waiting on something arriving? Plus the longer you wait the less likely you are to move because said delivery is ever more imminent and you down right refuse to have to miss it.

In working order once more

2008-08-04T15:46:00.003+01:00

For some reason, unknown to me, the Internet in my new flat suddenly decided to work today. Probably just to make me look bad. One of my good friends came up to see if he could get it working and as soon as he turned the computer on all was working fine, I promise it has never once worked since I moved here and I have witnesses to prove it if I need to. Anyway, hopefully it will decide to stay this way, it really was like losing a limb.

I see in my absence my blog counter has passed the 1000 views mark, so HOORAH! in a rather belated manner.

I don't think I really have much to tell, I've just had a little break from jewellery since I got back from London and taken the time to settle into my new part time job which I'm enjoying a lot. Aside from that I've just been considering my options and what I want to do. However, I was also becoming pretty lethargic and was in danger of not doing anything any time soon but a well timed letter from a gallery has once more spurred me into action... but more on that later.

Hope you've all been well this last month and can anyone believe it's August already??

Speak to you all soon x

Home again

2008-07-08T17:02:00.005+01:00

I have returned from London, and thankfully in one piece. I do love it down there but it's not as much fun as it could be when you have few pennies to your name.

New Designers went well for all, everyone gaining interest and details being taken for people to get back in touch. Hello to all of the 3rd years who made the trip down to say hello and have a look around. My only great problem while I was there was restraining myself from buying work from anyone else. Standing on a stall for 4 days solid can get pretty boring at times and I did wander off occasionally to have a look around. I did manage to hold of a spending spree knowing full well that the bank manager would be unimpressed with any purchases I would have liked to have made. "But sir, what do you mean a ceramic rabbits face mounted on my bedroom wall isn't a necessity in life?" You see my problem?

Anyhoo, having only arrived back last night I haven't managed to coax my laptop into playing nice with the internet connection in my new flat yet. I have two choices in what I can do about this, either take it someplace to see if it's broken and pay for it to be fixed or sweet talk a friend or two and let them loose with it. Unfortunately one of the people who I was counting on fixing it is off on his travels at the moment, but as soon as he's back I'll be waiting at his door with cake to try and persuade him that he really does want to help me out.

So as you could have guessed I had to go on the hunt for public access to the internet again, finding that the Overgate Center has a Dundee College Learning Center on the top floor was the answer to my predicament. I may become a regular face here for the next week or so until I get everything working at home. So if any of you try to get in touch and I take a couple of days to reply it isn't that I'm ignoring you I just haven't got the message yet but I'll reply as soon as I can.

Hope you're all well and having a good start to your week, hear from you soon x

London

2008-07-01T12:32:00.003+01:00

Hey all, it's been an age since I last posted, or so it seems. I moved into my new flat and am having issues with the internet :(

At the moment I'm in an internet cafe in London updating my store so I thought I'd add a quick note here too. The jewellery bunch are down here to show at New Designers in Islington at the Business Design Center so if you're able swing by and say hello, and if you can't at least wish me luck.

I best trot off, the minutes I've paid for are quickly slipping away and there is much to do, hope you're all well and that the weather is as excellent for you as it is here. x

Strawberries and Cream.

2008-06-20T15:33:00.006+01:00

Graduation was yesterday as you can see from the get-up in the picture above. We managed to gather together about half of the class in one go, it was so busy at the garden party after the ceremony that I think some people missed the call. However, we are all off to London in a weeks time so plenty time for a full group photo shoot. Anyway, just a quick one today to let you know I'm still kicking around and to say congratulations to everyone graduating this week and hope you all have an excellent time like we did yesterday. x

Jump and shout

2008-06-13T16:19:00.005+01:00

Not been up to much today really, hung about and waited on some business cards to be delivered. Please be at home between the hours of 9am and 6pm to receive your delivery. Sound familiar? I'm sure everyone has had to put up with that at one time or another. Rather irritating but luckily they were delivered about 11am so I had the rest of the day to kill. By the way everyone www.studentartcards.com are excellent. Very good quality and so fast to be made and sent out. I ordered them online and 3 days later here they are. Also a very good price, I'll be using them again for sure.

So after they arrived and I had the rest of my day to fill I went for a little wander with Eleanor, you can see her up there jumping for joy at the delightful weather. Unfortunately the weather is turning a bit grey now but hopefully the rain won't come to much. Anyhoos, just a quick note today to say I hope you're all having fun in your respective weather conditions and I hope to hear from you soon.

Cheerio x

The Back of Beyond

2008-06-11T18:09:00.003+01:00

A day trip to Dunkeld is in order, have you ever been? I've not, neither has Andy. No doubt we'll get lost. I have to drop of a piece I sold at the degree show, sometime on Tuesday I think. Random tours of Scotland A-hoy.

I'm feeling quite guilty, I haven't been in the workshop for about 3 weeks now...maybe more, time seems to be flying these days. So tomorrow I am going and I am making. Not really sure what at the moment, I'm thinking maybe some rings. It's strange now to think I can make what I like when I like and not a brief or a deadline in sight, unless you're counting commissions of course. It's a hard change to get to grips with, so easy to just do nothing. Lots of self motivation is needed so I shall pop off and practise talking myself into working hard before tomorrow rolls on in.

Speak to you all soon.

Midas Touch

2008-06-05T18:59:00.003+01:00

This is my new toy, or it will be once it's delivered. As you may have noticed a lot of my work involves gold plating, and seeing as I have now graduated I felt I needed to find a way to still get this done. So it was either find a company to do it for me or get some equipment of my own. Guess which choice won. This little thingy isn't like any plater I've used before though, so I will need some time to work it out but hopefully it'll go well.

The plating machine in the university is like a bath, the whole piece gets submerged in the solution, and because I only wanted to plate specific areas this meant I had to play around a lot with lacquer to block out the areas I wanted to keep silver. This nifty little thing though, is a pen plater (ooooh, aaaah) which, theoretically, you turn on (its attached to a power supply as you may have noticed) dunk in some solution and draw the plating on where you want it. If that doesn't sound like fun I don't know what does! So hopefully that will work and all will be well.

I never did make a decision about the packaging logo that I mentioned yesterday so that job has been pushed back, I don't think there is a big rush at the moment so I think I will take my time to decide. I did however sort out everything to do with my hallmark so the final order form gets sent off tomorrow then I'm all set as far as that is concerned. I also did the most boring job on my list and cleared out my room of all the random junk I have so I can move over the next couple of weeks to my new flat. I couldn't believe how much stuff I have managed to accumulate over the past year. I've decided to give most of it to the charity shop around the corner from the flat I'm in now and then the rest to the recycling bank and the last dribs and drabs in the bin.

Making a list of jobs is definitely the way forward, I've never been a big fan of lists but with so many things to do just now it's helping me keep on track. So I shall be off for now to write yet another list.

Hope you're all setting up for a good weekend. x

Busy Bee

2008-06-04T18:40:00.005+01:00

Well another productive week under way, as soon as I think I have everything done I remember something else. Mostly it seems to involve me phone some company or other so I never have much to show at the end of the day, and by the next day there is yet another list of calls to be made. Today I tried to sort out ordering my hallmark punch, I've managed to order the mark I want, I just need the punch made. However, the lady I was speaking to wasn't too sure which size I should go for (punch sizes range from 0.5mm - 6mm) because my work is jewellery and silverware. She thinks I could maybe end up needing 2 separate ones made, the same mark but different sizes. To cut a long boring story short I'm expecting a phone call tomorrow from a man who knows what to do. More time for me to have my phone attached to my head. I should maybe get one of these...

I could definitely rock that look.

My job for tomorrow is sending off the image at the top of the page to a company you can order packaging from, they emboss logos or whatever you like onto said packaging. I haven't really decided if I like it or not, tonight job is to make a final decision as well as general cleaning of my flat. I also have to go through my copious amounts of junk and decide what I will take with me to my new flat, what can go to charity and what is total rubbish. Exciting times I'm sure you'll agree.

Finally, I have managed to sort out a bench share here in Dundee, for the time being I will keep using the university workshop but come September, when term starts, I will move out and to a new space. Now those are exciting times.

Hope you're all enjoying the fab weather, see you soon.

The life and times of a soap merchant

2008-05-30T19:22:00.003+01:00

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

2008-05-25T21:39:00.005+01:00

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

2008-05-21T19:56:00.003+01:00

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

2008-05-19T21:02:00.003+01:00

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.

2008-05-17T19:25:00.001+01:00

Sunny Afternoons.

2008-05-14T23:02:00.003+01:00

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

2008-05-12T18:54:00.002+01:00

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

2008-05-06T23:32:00.004+01:00

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

Decisions

2008-04-29T22:26:00.003+01:00

I'm in two minds at this exact moment, I had just typed up a post saying I wasn't going to put up any more images of work until the degree show, I don't want to spoil the surprise, but then I suppose there are maybe people reading this who won't be able to come and I'll be putting the work up anyway so why wait. So while I decide I thought I would compromise and put up this picture because it's a piece I've shown before, but this time it's modeled by Miss Jen Ker who I accosted during our lunch break last week while we were chatting. She kindly agreed to be photographed wearing all my brooches, I thought it was important for them to be shown in some sort of context so that you can see how big the piece really is. As you can see this one is fairly small and delicate. The one thing I had to promise was her face isn't in any of the photos so the images are pretty cropped, so while still difficult to tell the scale, its easier than if they were on a plain white background. So for now, this image will have to do while I decide about showing the rest now or waiting until after the 16th of May.

Also, I will be opening up my online store soon I think. Probably during the degree show or the week after. Just some advanced warning so you can all start saving up your pennies :p

And finally, it's the 2nd year assessments in the department tomorrow and the 3rd year by the end of the week, so good luck to them all, I'm sure none of them need it though.

I hope you've all had a good start to your week and that you're enjoying the same lovely weather we were treated to today here in Dundee. x

Mounting

2008-04-25T21:03:00.003+01:00

Mounting has definitely been the name of the game today. Right after taking photos of all my work, fiddling with them on the computer then getting them printed off. All of this to put them in my folio. So one more job crossed off of the list of things to do for assessments. Tomorrows job is to finish my sketchbooks and build little card models of bird houses seeing as I can't find any decent ones to just buy.

The piece above is [obviously] a brooch which looks very simple on the front but has a little secret on the back. Nothing entirely exciting mind you, just an etching of one of my drawings, but a nice little touch I think.

Have a good weekend. x

Thoughts

2008-04-24T23:49:00.002+01:00

Only two thoughts for the day, it's too late and I'm too tired for anything else at the moment.

1 : It's slightly depressing that a years work can fit happily into a 1 foot by 1 1/2 foot space.

2 : Who'd have thought it would be hard to buy a plain little bird house, some I've seen are fancier than my flat.

See you soon x

Countdown

2008-04-19T18:00:00.012+01:00

Only two weeks to go now guys, but I think I'm ready for it to be done and for summer to be here. Lovely weather the past few days, still a little chill in the wind but I'm sure it will only take a couple more weeks and that will be gone.

Above are two new pieces I've just finished. Hours of blood, sweat and tears went into these, more so than the rest. All because I decided it was a good idea to make the chain by hand. OK, so I'm pleased with the results but oh the misery that comes with it. These haven't even been cleaned up yet, so that the job for Monday, then that way, all my pieces for the degree show will be done. I would start another, I have the time, but I don't want to tempt fate. Plus it would make more sense to use this time to do display work, and the very, very, very neglected sketchbooks. Two weeks seems a long time but there is no point in cramming too much in and ending up with a lot of half done jobs rather than a few well done ones, I'm sure you'll agree. Anyway, the top piece is a bit of a monster, it's not exactly the most practical of things in the world, but that's not really what the art school is all about is it. It's a two meter long chain with a hut hanging on each end, you basically wrap it round your neck as you like then hook the little hut onto the chain if you want, or just have them both hanging. When its not on it looks like some sort of not quite right skipping rope. I've no ideas on how to display it at the moment, I'm not really wanting to use mannequins but it might come down to it with this one. The second piece is a bit more practical but was a nightmare to make, the links were so fine and small it was hit and miss but I think in the end I only messed up two of them, and therefore only had two to replace, so it went very well all things considered.

Postcards also arrived this week, Tenna was right, you're never pleased with what you get. It's not that the print isn't good, the quality is excellent. It's just by the time they arrive you've moved on and have something else you would have preferred to have used as your image. Always a next time though ;) Saying that, I'm never pleased with anything I make, no matter what it's never quite right or how I wanted, I guess that's just how things are though. If everything was perfect or as it's meant to be then I could put down my tools now and go home, no need to be making anything else. I could just happily bake cakes and knit till the cows come home. But we know that won't happen so it means my friends still have to hear my endless moan of "I don't like it". Oh well, I'm sure they don't mind much as long as I keep feeding them cake :)

Have a nice weekend x

Limbo

2008-04-13T18:39:00.002+01:00

Everything is up in the air at the moment, that strange way when lots is going on but nothing is quite done. There is still lots more to do and not enough time to do it in. Funnily enough, panic still doesn't seem to have set in so I can still function as a normal human being, or as close to one as I'll ever get. Sure enough though, that horrible queasy feeling sometimes creeps in at night and you know it's from the thought of everything that still has to be done. No doubt it won't be long until the queasy feeling is all day every day until everything is over.

As I mentioned before my good friend Iain is setting up a website for me. If he is to be believed, things will be up and running soon. He is however, a very busy man these days, organising moving to London and all the hustle and bustle that it involves so if the site takes a little longer I'm sure I can forgive him.

Hope you all had a good weekend.

golden birds

2008-04-04T20:51:00.004+01:00

Well well, today was highly productive. I got three pieces finished, another three started. Hoorah! Above are two of the finished pieces, both are gold plated and oxidised silver with etching details and hanging gold birds.

The top two images are [obviously] a small decorative bowl (about 5 or 6cm diameter) and the last picture is of a pin brooch *note to self : start coming up with titles for things*. I do like when things come along at a decent pace, less worry all round about the apparent lack of productivity. I have come to the conclusion that no matter what I do, I work in spurts. Despite working away for a few weeks and not much seeming to happen, suddenly I find myself with a few things all coming together at once. Ah well, whatever works, shouldn't complain as long as I have work at the end of the day :)

Also, Emily and I swapped our cake day duties, she's having some issues with her kitchen so I offered to go this week to give her some more time to sort stuff out. All went well and thanks to Iain for helping with the making. I do apologise for so many things going wrong, it's not normally that bad, I promise. Anyhoo, on the menu today we found the chocolate ganache cup cakes I wrote about a few posts ago and a banana, pecan and toffee loaf. It was all gone in 20 minutes flat. Cakes never last when there are 19 hungry and stressed jewellers on the prowl. As long as it was all enjoyed thats all that counts.

Hope you all have a nice weekend and speak to you soon. x

Getting there

2008-04-02T23:04:00.004+01:00

Hello all,

I hope I find you all well this evening. Above are some pictures of work in progress in the workshop. The top picture is a pin brooch that hangs on the wearers top and has a small gold bird hanging inside, I'm quite pleased with this piece I have to admit :) Nice little thing. The lower picture is a pendant in the same style and the big purple blob is a pin brooch that is getting ready for plating. The purple stuff is stop out that stops the plating from taking hold on those areas. You can get some nice decorative things going on if you have the patience to paint it all on. It's about the consistency of nail varnish so its not the easiest job in the world!

Today we were building plinths for the degree show, after being assured it would be a one hour job, 5 hours later we were done. We built 1 each in that time, such a waste of a day. I had so many plans! But needs must and all that jazz so chin up and get on.

More pictures soon of things coming out of and going on in our workshop. Hope you're all well.

x

Time flies when you're having fun

2008-03-29T22:40:00.005Z

A little reminder to all in the UK that the clocks go forward an hour on Sunday. One less hour in bed for us all...

or if you're like me, one less hour being up and about during the day. Nothing gets between me and my sleep I tell thee!

Hope you're all having a nice weekend

Double dip...

2008-03-25T21:58:00.004Z

So everyone knows that double dipping a chip (crisps in English) is a cardinal sin at a party BUT double dipping a cup cake... there is a genius thought!

This is how I spent my evening, making these lovely little chocolate cup cakes. A little time doing anything that isn't jewellery related is what keeps me sane these days. Made with a chocolate ganache topping rather than icing they are a little bite of heaven. To get the thickness just right the recipe suggests you dip the cakes into the topping rather than spooning it on then dipping it again once the first layer has semi set. This gives you a lovely perfectly smooth glossy topping and at just the right thickness. There is nothing worse than over icing a cake. Then a little sprinkling of hundreds and thousands finishes them off nicely.

I've promised a couple of the girls I will take these in for our daily 3.30 coffee break and it gives them a little trial run before my turn at cake day which is 2 weeks on Friday. I've never made these before but they came out perfectly and are very simple, I'm sure this will become a favourite recipe of mine. I really believe in trying any new recipe out before it makes it's first big outing in case it all goes horribly wrong... plus it's another excuse for cake... like I really need one!

Also, before I forget, we are always offering Roger (the head of department) a cake on Fridays and as far as I know he has never taken one. Today however, in he came to the studio and presented us with his baking. He got up early just to make flap jacks and some other sort of bake to bring in for us because we are always trying to include him. I missed out because I turned up a little late today (10.30am, shock-horror!) and headed straight for the computers to get my postcard just right before the files get sent of for printing, but from what I hear his offerings were excellent. Lets hope he brings in more soon :)

Happy baking everyone x

Easter Greetings

2008-03-22T15:02:00.005Z

After my last post commenting on how Spring was almost upon us, I feel I have to retract said comment. Only yesterday we had wind, rain and snow... not Spring like weather in any ones opinion I think you will agree.

This weather is probably for the best though, when it is nice outside I don't want to be locked up inside all day so I often wander off, and this is no way to get any work done. With only 5 weeks left I need to be in the workshop as much as possible!

Unfortunately, the department has run out of photo-etching film and all of my work has to be etched before I can do anything else. This in turn means there is a definite limit to what I can do to fill in the time until the delivery arrives. So rather than working this weekend I have decided to take the weekend off and then power on when the new week arrives. Jobs at hand will most likely be preparing metal and findings until I can etch then assemble pieces and trying to get on with more sketchbook work. The delivery is due around the end of the week at best so quite a few people who are relying on it are a tad worried about the loss of so much time, but as always I'm sure we will find a way though and everything will work out well in the end. There is no point in worrying over unfortunate events, it is best to just work with what you have :)

In the week coming we will also be sending off files to the company we use to print our post cards for the Degree Show and New Designers. The image above is the one I have chosen to use, simple yet effective. I think I will be pleased with the results.

On a more Easter like note : I found this website after reading an article written about this gentleman's company in one of the newspapers during the week. His creations sound highly yummy and I think a visit will be in order during New Designers. Luckily, his store is in the genral area of the center where the show is. Not so luckily, I might spend an awful lot of money there on gifts and treats for friends and family and as greatful as they will be, my purse is not likely to be so greatful.

I hope you all have a lovely Easter weekend and shall hear from you soon no doubt x

Spring

2008-03-17T22:32:00.004Z

It looks like Spring is not far off these days, but there is still a cold chill to the wind at times that suggests that Winter will be here a little while longer. Anyhoo, the little bit of Winter we have left gives us time to consider what will be needing done at the allotment and planning for the year ahead. Last year was not very successful, with it being so wet and often having cold snaps a lot of veg was lost and because it was our first full year there the ground is still in a fairly poor condition. These things take time, and if we only have one thing, time is it. I'm sure there will be many posts and photos in the summer time with the allotment as the centre piece.

Today was spent in the workshop, working on samples and sketchbooks, a few more designs were decided upon so will be placed into action over the coming days. On a positive note, everyone seems to have found their second wind. It seemed a lot of folk were becoming tired and were beginning to wear down but today felt optimistic and everyone was in good spirits, long may the good times and feelings last. It makes things much easier when you are in the right mood. Less melting of metal and loss of temper to be found in a high spirited workshop I think you would all agree :)

I hope you all had a good day and the week serves you well,

See you all soon x

Errol

2008-03-16T21:19:00.003Z

Today was a very nice and easy Sunday thanks to Iain, Scott and Graeme.

Off we trotted to the car boot sale at Errol and oh the things we found! Two of my buys can be seen above, all six of these lovely coloured glass bowls cost me the grand total of £1, four pink and two purple, and these lovely little salt and pepper shakers were only £2 so I was very pleased with myself to say the least. There was no end to the amount of things I wanted to get but I was very good at restraining myself. I also bought some fabric for working with in the workshop and I'm sure the results will be up here for you to see in no time at all. The boys got themselves some nice little bits and pieces as well but Graeme really has to be commended for his haggling skills, I don't think he paid the asking price for a single thing :D !

I think I will have to sweet talk them into return visits soon... for I am not able to transport myself there other than by foot or bus and I have no idea if a bus even goes there to begin with. *note to self - must find out*

Iain (another one) is kindly helping me make a website... I say helping, he's doing everything, I haven't a clue what I'm doing at all. The address is www.holliefyffe.co.uk and www.holliefyffe.com both lead to the same place, which is currently this blog until the site is up and running. More about that as things come along but just a quick mention to say thank you to Iain for being so nice and for putting up with my total lack of knowledge on the computer front :)

And last, and indeed least, a farewell to Asda. As some of you may know I have worked there for 3 and a half years but I have been offered a job in another shop, a lovely one this time. As of May I will be working in Lush in the Overgate Centre in Dundee so I bid farewell to Asda for the last time on Saturday night and will take the next few weeks to finish my course and then start my new job... bills need to be paid somehow, I'm sure you're all aware of this yourselves. So a happy evening it was and I can safely say that while some of the people will be missed, the job and shop definitely will not be.

Hope you all had an excellent weekend too and see you all soon x

Workshop

2008-03-12T22:01:00.003Z

It's all systems go just now, and for all the time I spend in the workshop not much seems to be happening... I'm sure it will all come together nicely soon. we're taking photographs for our post cards this week, not too sure how I want mine to look or even what piece I want in it yet. Best be off to get my thinking cap on.

Just a quick one to say hi tonight, hope you're all well :)

Randy Pausch Lecture : Really achieving your childhood dreams.

2008-03-07T21:42:00.000Z

Inspiring.

Guten Tag

2008-02-21T20:30:00.004Z

Well hello there,

I have returned from my travels with new found drive so I think things will be coming along swiftly in the workshop from now on. Hoorah! You can expect many pictures and posts soon of the work, the degree show is only weeks away now and postcard photos have to be taken soon.

Anyway, just a quick hello for now and to wish you all well.

Speak to you soon x

Up up, and AWAY!

2008-02-13T00:32:00.002Z

Well folk, after tomorrow its goodbye to the workshop for a week and off to Germany... Don't miss me too much.

Keep well xxx

So much to do...

2008-02-10T19:43:00.001Z

Hello all.

Hope you're all well, been awful busy recently so not said much on here for a while, and its probably going to be like that for a while to come too. However, here is a picture of some bits and pieces that are coming along well from the workshop. Off to Munich on Thursday so I'm sure to have plenty of tales for you all on my return :)

Anyhoo, just a quick note for today and to say I hope you're all having a good weekend.

Cheerio for now x

Bowls

2008-01-23T19:34:00.001Z

Today was quite productive. I made my first ever bowl, it went quite well. It's fairly small, only about 10cm across, but I like it. I also quickly engraved a bird pattern I've been working with on the inside. I think my degree work will definitely be going down the "object" route. I also made a much smaller bowl in very thin metal just to see what it would look like that size, I think I'll be making some tiny ones in very thick silver in the near future.

Meeting with Roger and Teena tomorrow at 10am to discuss all of this, who knows what they will think. I think I just want to be happy so onward I go. No more jewellery for the time being I tell thee.

I also called the spinner about my other plans and he seems to be quite busy but I've to send him drawings of what I want and when for and so on and he'll see what he can do. So that's on track for now.

Hope everyone is well,

Have a good night x

Pondering

2008-01-20T00:04:00.001Z

So... I have a big review on Thursday and I have to have final designs to show to my tutors and have to discuss with them my plans for my degree work, how I plan to make things, materials I'll use, how I plan to display. They want to know everything. Up until this week, that wouldn't have been any great problem... but now... well, now I'm not too sure.

Originally I had intended to make jewellery, my work seemed to be mostly coming out as ideas for pendants, but last week when we went back after the Christmas holiday I suddenly had the urge to make objects.

I still want to make my work in silver but I want to make the things I was designing, like the bird pendants I've posted pictures of before, much larger. I want them to either be vessels or just as decorative objects, or both. I had a quick word with Roger about it and he didn't seems sure, he seemed to be pushing me back down the jewellery route. I also spoke to Teena and she was happy with working big but she was pushing me into different styles of working that I'm not really liking the idea of.

So, my problem is, do I stick to the jewellery that I know they are happier about or go with the big work, propose it, have them unlikley to agree with idea and go for it anyway?

*sigh*

As I said to Iain,

"All I want to do is make big silver balls, what's so hard about that?"

Back to work

2008-01-18T19:06:00.000Z

Well it was back to class this week, for the final semester of my course...EVER.

It's all very scary and in 3 months we have to have our collection complete and ready for the degree show but I'm sure we'll pull it all together in no time.

Congratulations to Lindsay (who can be found here along with Fe) for winning 2nd place in the Italian competition I mentioned before, very well deserved. Also, well done to those who won bursarys towards their final work.

Clearly just a short note today, but more to follow soon. I've added a couple more links to other blogs out there, have a look if you have some time, lovely things to be found out there if you have a look around.

Have a good weekend!

x

Exhibitions

2007-12-11T23:59:00.000Z

Evening all,

Here are the results of the exhibition I took part in that was held in Edinburgh over the weekend, apparently a very successful evening all round. I' unfortunately wasn't able to go because of work :( oh well, maybe next time.

Also, the sale in the university is going well for everyone involved. I've sold a few pieces (hoorah), I just need to go make them now.

Farewell for now kiddies, I'm sleepy and it's far past bed time.

Speak to you all soon. x

Ear rings

2007-12-07T22:40:00.002Z

Evening folks,

From Monday there will be a Christmas Jewellery sale held in the reception area of Duncan of Jordanstone stocked with pieces made by my class. The top image is of a couple of ear rings that I made tonight to put in the sale, silver and garnet beads. The bottom two pictures are a Christmas gift for a friends mum (modeled on my ear [1st is a practice one, 2nd is a bigger real thing]), silver and a fresh water pearl. I hope she likes them! [Note : sorry for the poor quality photos but it's the best my phone can manage... poor little thing]

Also on Monday we have a visit from our external assessor who happens to be Jack Cunningham. We have to lay our work out for him to have a nose around and I realised this evening as I put things out how little I have done this semester. But fear not! The Christmas holidays are coming up and this is a perfect time to fill up my near empty sketchbooks.

Have a good evening x

Dissertation

2007-12-06T19:29:00.001Z

is handed in

REJOICE!

Edinburgh

2007-12-05T21:42:00.000Z

Festive cheer to you all!

These 3 prints will be on show in Edinburgh as of Saturday the 8th of December at Cafe des Arts 95 - 97 St. Leonards Street. How very exciting!

I'm very tired so there is not a lot to be said at the moment but here is my entry to a very important (so I'm told) competition that is being held in Italy. Enjoy!

Cheerio x

Christmas bits and bobs

2007-11-27T23:27:00.001Z

Hello all,

I hope I find you well today. Not long now until Christmas, I hope you're all as excited as I am! Above are a few pieces that I have made recently, all are for a Christmas sale (apart from the cuff links) that my class are holding from the 10th - 14th of December in the reception area of Duncan of Jordanstone.

The top piece as a single small irregularly shaped fresh water pearl on a thin silver ring. Followed by cuff links that I have made as a Christmas gift for my Grandad, again with fresh water pearls, but much larger this time. After these we have 3 red garnet faceted beads set in silver cups and a silver bead to top them off mounted in an unusual triangular formation. Then we come on to some silver spheres with saw pierced bird silhouettes, the larger of the two measures about 5cm across and is oxidised then brushed to give a smokey effect. Finally, bringing up the rear we have a medium sized (about 1cm across) fresh water pearl set into a silver cup that is held in the middle of a thin silver ring. This piece was originally going to go on sale in the Christmas show but I sold it last night, so I guess I shall have to order a few more pearls and make some more in time.

Anyhoo, it has been a long day and it will be another long one tomorrow so good night to you all and see you soon. x

Cake

2007-11-25T23:13:00.000Z

Greetings all,

Today has been a bake-a-thon. First I made a (very very) belated birthday cake for Brian. Eleanor, him and I will be having some with a drink of "tea" (read alcohol but keep it a secret) tomorrow night after work. I also made truffles (not pictured), individual cherry cakes and ginger and chocolate chip bread to take into the girls in uni. It was my turn at cake day but I didn't know this so this is also a bit belated. Cake days are Fridays, so not too bad.

If anyone wants to make any of these lovely things you can find the how to's here

Chocolate fudge cake
Cherry cakes
*this recipe is pants, I'll find a better one and post it soon*
Ginger and chocolate chip bread
(for the ginger bread I added half of the chocolate chips in and sprinkled half over the top of the mix before baking and didn't add any icing, also good to know it is still liquid when you put it in the tray so you really do need that baking paper) *this recipe is amazing, everyone loves it*

happy baking everyone x

go go go

2007-11-23T21:48:00.000Z

So with the dissertation finally complete I now feel settled enough to get on with studio work. I've found it difficult to concentrate on anything for too long while the whole dissertation thing has been hanging over my head. However, with there being a deadline on Monday for a bursary entry I muddled on anyway. The piece above is what I came up with. Although this one is copper that has been silver plated and clay that has been painted gold the actual one will be the real thing...obviously.

I will also be using this design in another competition my class has been asked to enter. Although none of us are too sure what we should actually be doing because the event is based in Italy and the instructions came in Italian. We're trying our best.

Happy weekend everyone :)

Yo ho ho and a bottle of rum

2007-11-22T17:15:00.001Z

Greetings to you all!

By this I of course mean hello Gregor, hello Iain.

A note to say I'm not taking part in this blog, so everyone (both of you) should go have a look.

I also would like to congratulate myself for finally finishing my dissertation, I just need to go back and fix bits and pieces then it's all done. Does everyone get to the stage that they have looked at and read something so many times it just sounds like complete rubbish? I hope so, I am a tad worried about it *eek*

Anyhoo, off to visit the hospital, or more correctly, someone in it.

Cheerio x

Time goes by.

2007-10-25T19:40:00.001+01:00

Greetings to you all.

This week is reading week, apparently we are already half way through this semester. I've been looking at what I've done in the last 6 weeks, and I can tell you that it seems to be pretty much nothing. Where does time go? Things will have to step up a gear for sure!

On a less depressing note, I'm going on a trip with the University, to Munich in February, the week before my birthday. Something to look forward to for sure.

The picture above is of the piece I made for the recycling project we did for Fe and showed in the DCA. It's made from two novelty pins and a 5p piece along with some new silver just as a setting. Simple but I quite like it.

Just a quick note today as you can see.

Hope everyone is well.

x

Snap happy

2007-10-15T19:43:00.001+01:00

Greetings all,

This is the camera I ordered today, I've been trying to save for quite a while and it wasn't going too well so my grandad very kindly gifted the funds for it. Many thinks to him! I'll also be buying a Macro lens once I work out exactly which one I should be getting. Once it's all arrived then there will finally be pictures of work. Hoorah.

Just a quick note to also say that everything is going well in the workshop and studio and there will soon be a more interesting update.

Hope everyone is well and having a good week.

x

Recycling

2007-09-30T13:34:00.001+01:00

In the DCA at the moment there is a display of work completed by my class, all of the pieces are made of recycled jewellery. The work will be there until the 16th of October so have a wander along if you have a free minute.

The project was to help Fe with her dissertation, and the results are quite impressive. She asked members of the public to hand in old jewellery that they no longer wore and we had one week to make what we could, to see if old "rubbish" could be made into nice wearble pieces without using [too much] new material.

So if you have any time, go down, have a look, and let me know what you think.

Hope the rest of your weekend is a good one

x

Clock watching.

2007-09-10T14:21:00.001+01:00

REJOICE!

It is now just past 2 o'clock on Monday afternoon and the workman has finally arrived. I could be wrong but I did not think mid-afternoon counted as "first thing". However, I will shortly have a handle and lock on my bathroom door so all is well.

I matriculated today, I think the lady in the office lied to me. She said I had to use a university networked computer, however, after looking online from home I was able to matriculate just fine[I think... I hope].

So just a quick note to say good luck to all the newly matriculated first years and I hope they enjoy their time here. Welcome to DoJ Josh!

[update : the new lock doesn't seem to actually lock {very stiff} but at least I have a handle, Rece {sp?} said he would be back later in the week to see if it had slackened and was working better. I assume that means I'll see him sometime in the new year]

Happy days to all.

x

Celebrate.

2007-09-08T15:03:00.001+01:00

A quick note to say that the workman came today, rejoice!

However, he didn't have the right type of handle with him to replace the old one so he has to come back on Monday [sigh]. He also said he had only been told I needed him to come fix something while he was riding a roller coaster for 10 hours yesterday [despite me reporting it on Monday] to raise money for charity.

BUT at least I now know when it's being fixed, and he was raising money for charity so it's all good.

Rejoice once more!

Hoorah!

Happy weekend everyone. x

Glow

2007-09-08T00:00:00.000+01:00

Good day everyone,

Well after saying yesterday that Dundee was happily settling into more pleasant Autumn weather it was like the sun was suddenly turned up by a thousand degrees today, I thought I was going to melt, was not a nice feeling I assure you. So from now on I will try to not make any assumptions on British weather as it [as we all know] is highly tempremental.

Still no sign of anyone coming to fix the bathroom door so it won't be until at least Monday now. Oh well.

I moved into my 4th year desk today so I'm all set for when the semester begins. I say move in, I actually just dumped all my junk on the desk so no one else can claim it (there is a distinct lack of desks in the 4th year studio, I very much doubt everyone will fit in). So the first job for the new year will be tidying up and making it a space I'm able to work in.

The picture above is from the Glow festival in Newcastle last December.

"David Bryant brings the festival colour of magenta pink
and original programming to a broad range of signature
buildings, spread around the main route: sometimes
highlighting small and hidden elements, at other
moments emphasising monumental panoramas. Light is
used to bring continuity to both the festival route and
the diversity of architectural styles which give
NewcastleGateshead its unique character, locations
including BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art, The Sage
Gateshead and the Swing Bridge."

The whole thing was very good, except for the never ending and torrential rain, we were soaked to the skin within 5 minutes. One of the more peculiar instalations was by the Glasgow based partnership of Stephanie Smith and Edward Stewart. At 19 Dean Street they installed lighting inside the empty building that faded between full brightness and total darkness (sadly though not in magenta) which faded in sync with the sound of breathing. While spectacular to see it was also quite eerie. If the festival was to be repeated I would be sure to go again, but hope againts hope that the weather was better.

Hope everyone has a jolly weekend.

x

Amazing O'clock

2007-09-06T17:36:00.001+01:00

Happy Thursday everybody,

I've been stuck in my flat for the 3rd day in a row now. The repair man has still not arrived. You see, the bathroom lock broke at a party I had last Thursday and we had to remove the whole handle to get poor Laura out. So I reported the damage on Monday when I was paying my rent and the person that was manning the desk said someone would be round on Tuesday but lo' and behold, no one has yet appeared. I called him at lunch time and he said someone would be here today. Sigh. To be fair to him though, I had little faith that the boy behind the desk in the landlords office would report the damage to the repair man so he wouldn't know to come, I really should have called on Tuesday afternoon to be sure he was on his way round. My fault really.

I really am in the mood to knit at the moment but all my needles and yarn are still at my mums, I think I shall have to go fetch them soon. I find knitting to be more enjoyable in Autumn and Winter anyway, I find it very comforting. I think we are getting ready to settle into Autumn here in Dundee, the mornings and evenings are more crisp and the light seems softer. So long to the (in theory) sticky uncomfortable days of Summer and welcome back to the home made soup and warm blankets.

I think I'll go call my landlord again to see if I'm any closer to having a lock on the bathroom door, I guess it's not so important right now because I'm here on my own for another week yet, until my flatmate gets back from her 4 months in France, but still it would be nice if everything was working.

Farewell for now

x

Long time no speak.

2007-09-05T16:32:00.000+01:00

Greetings to all!

I hope everyone is well. My my my, it has been a long time but things seem to be under conrtol again so I think it best to get this thing up and running again. 4th yeart starts on the 17th, and I've been assured by a friend that I will die of stress by Christmas, I really hope this is not the case.

The picture above is of my first designs towards 4th year, these aren't very well made and are just maquettes in aluminiun and paper but the real thing will be Silver and Lazertran, once I can source the Lazertran of course. They will hopefully be Brooches and Charms and I already have some interest from people in buying them. Fabulous!

I have been working on other designs, they are locketts in small house shapes that will be photo etched and enamelled but they are more difficult to make so I'm still working out the kinks, I will be sure to take some photos soon, once I have something worth taking a photo of that is.

Anyhoo, farewell for now and I hope everyone has a nice day.

Hollie x

Holiday Wishes

2007-04-10T22:47:00.000+01:00

Hmmmm, what to say? what...... to........... say?

Not very much if I'm perfectly honest. Currently I'm living on £3.29 till loan day, innit grand being a student? I've just been hopping along as usual, getting my work done, doing sketchbooks, thinking about my dissertation, should really start doing that and stop thinking about it....... moving on swiftly I think :D

I was in Barcelona for a week at the start of the year, I loved it there and I'd really like to go back some time later this year if finances allow.

I'm relly just rambling tonight, I will think of something interesting (ish) to say in the next few days.

Hope everyone is well and had a good bank holiday weekend. x

Let them eat cake.

2007-04-02T21:26:00.000+01:00

Good day all.

Well this week has already been far more productive than last week which is certainly a good thing. I have to admit I was beginning to worry about how everything was going to be done on time but things are once again under control. Fear not!

Above is a piece I made just before Christmas which I'm using as my starting point for 4th year. It's supposed to be tiny bottle caps but a lot of people think they look like little cake cases. I suppose it depends on where your priorities lie as to which you agree with ;p Sorry for the not so great picture quality, I will do better next time, I promise.

Hope everyone had a good weekend x

Rockin' out in the workshop.

2007-03-31T00:07:00.000+01:00

Evening all (assuming there is anyone out there of course)

I don't really have much to say today but thought I'd pop up a few lines anyway.

Well it is now the Easter Holiday at DoJ (Duncan of Jordanstone) and I don't know of anyone who is actually taking the time off, everyone has far to much to do. Saying that, 4 weeks till final hand in, I think everything is under control. I hope!

This semester has been a strange one, lots of interdisciplinary projects, theory work and written things to get done so I've personally not settled into the designing and making side as much as I'd have liked to or expected to. Today however I got down to it and decided to make a brooch, just for the sake of making something and in the hope that the design side of things would all flow back into place after some hands on in the workshop. I was the last one there tonight so was in charge of the gas supply being turned off, Roger [Morris] the head of department kindly reminded me before he left that if the place goes up in flames over the weekend it will be my fault. Nothing like some pressure for you! Making the brooch was a case of killing two birds with one stone, not only did it get me some time in the workshop but I decided to make something I can give to my mum because she is forever harping on about me making something for her. Something I find a lot of art students have a similar experience of with their own parents. I'll be sure to pop a picture up when it's all done, should be early next week :)

Also, because I was the last one in the workshop I had the radio up full blast and was dancing around quite a bit, I do hope there is no CCTV in there ;p

Have a good weekend everyone x

Bone Idle

2007-03-28T16:27:00.000+01:00

Today has not been a productive one at all.

Since my doctor gave me a week of work I'v done pretty much nothing. Isn't it always the same? You are so busy that your exahusted but you get on with things anyway but as soon as you have a rest you cant get going again. By the way, im not diseased, I'v just sprained a tendon in my wrist but working on the checkouts wasn't helping it at all so my GP very kindly signed me off of work for a week, wey hey! no Asda for 7 days.

So the plan for today was to get on with the the dissertation because thats the next big hand in, aside from the end of year assesments of course, but things didnt go quite to plan. I'v more or less just messed around on the internet and MSN all day. I came online first thing to check my e-mails and it all went downhill from there. Although the problem could be that I'm becoming nocturnal, I work better at night, less noise and distraction, or that's what I like to tell myself. Anyway, there are 4 weeks till the end of term so plenty of time to get everything done!

So while I was messing around not doing very much I thought I'd catch up on what the current issue of Knitty has to offer. For anyone who doesn't know about this website and enjoys knitting it's well worth a look. Issued quarterly it is full of free patterns sent in by readers and links to their blogs if they have one, the nice thing is that often the people who send things in are proffesional knitters and sometimes have books of their work published so the patterns are always high quality. There is also an archive of past patterns and every issue has articles relating in some way to knitting, be it on hand spinning, felt, or new techniques. Anyway, if anyone enjoys knitting and didnt know about this site I hope you enjoy it as much as I do and for anyone who is interested in learning to knit and doesnt know where to start have a look at this site, it helped me loads and the videos make so much more sense than reading a load of instructions where you dont understand the pictures never mind the instructions.

Have a good day whatever your doing. x

500 Pendants.

2007-03-27T23:02:00.000+01:00

Well hello, I thought it about time I got one of these things going. After all they seem to be the way of the future and Sandra, one of the tutors here in Dundee who is very keen on the idea of everyone having a blog of their own, has never lead us astray before.

So what is there to say?

Well...

Today I found out about a competition to have a pendant published in a book by Lark Books as part of their 500 series. Well worth some consideration I'd say, not only are the other books on jewellery in the series beautiful and always full of inspiration but if any pieces were published it would be some welcome advertising and recognition from peers. However, its near the end of term here in Dundee so course work has to be considered first but it's deffinatly something to think about.

A few other people in my class have blogs so I will try to find them and add links to them on here, aside from that there isn't much to be said at the moment.

Have a nice day.