Monday 25 April 2011

Making the mundane interesting


I've been trying out a few new designs this week, and if you subscribe to my facebook page you may have already seen pictures of some new work from me. Along with some more razors I've also been expanding on non-jewellery glassware too. I've produced some calligraphy dip pens!

Unlike other glass versions these are made with borosilicate glass, and have a classic holder inside so can take any italic nibs! At the moment the metal holders are visible on all but one of them, but I also hope to make some where it is a little more hidden too.

I am trying to make a little more time for making new 'stuff' along with all the usual favourite I already make as I would really like to expand the range of glassiness that I have on offer. I like making pendants, but I like making functional objects even more, especially if I can take normal boring items and raise them up to be more 'interesting' such as the razors I already make.

I am quite surprised and intrigued by the comments I hear when on the stall to the razors. Often men comment 'they're a bit posh for shaving!' but I think everyone should be able to start the day with special and individual things to remind them that they are too! My favourite is when I often seen young girls, usually 7-12 years old, who point very excitedly at the razors to their Dads, suggesting they should get one - and the fathers ALWAYS have full beards! I think they are trying to tell them something!

I hope to get some more razors made soon, and so start listing them again on line, up until now I've only been able to make just enough for the stall, but I've managed to get a small stash of the heads so will hopefully have enough to be able to list them too. I am also hot from the torch (quite literally!) where I've been working on another new non-jewellery item, and is looking good. This came entirely from a chat with a customer at the stall, and has already started to morph into an unique design whilst playing with shapes! More on that to come!

Monday 18 April 2011

Monday is the new Sunday



Where have the weeks gone? It seems like a million years since I've had time to update the blog or add new items for sale. Greenwich market has been keeping me very busy, even when it's a quiet weekend I still seem to have run out of something and need to make more!

Monday has now turned into the new Sunday for me, I drag a huge case on a trolley and rucksack to and from the market every weekend, and it's quite a load. So far I've managed to break two trolleys and one wheel! Monday morning I'm left somewhat battered, bruised (from lifting the trolley up and down onto trains and buses as I don't drive), and more than a little tired. However I've never been fitter!

This Sunday I decided to take a much needed break; it was marathon day and I expected the market to be quieter as the route goes around the market, blocking entrance from nearby Cuty Sark DLR station. It's actually taken me a couple of days to feel ok, just ready for a very long four day weekend! I plan to be at Greenwich for Good Friday to Bank Holiday Monday, hopefully I might see some of you there!

I'm trying to make lots of new razors and bottle stoppers ready, and feeling a bit rested today I've even found a little time to polish a few new ideas that I've had on the back burner. I'll try to get some photos taken! In the meantime here are some of the new razors I've been making, plus a new 'publicity' photo of me melting glass.+