« After some thought | Main | Oh dear blog world »
CRAZY LITTLE THING CALLED ERM HAPPINESS
Thursday 18 May 2006
It's a brilliant feeling being happy. I can't believe I lived without it for so long.
One of the main reasons for this happiness is that my jewellery is a big hit (ish). It all started about last June when I decided I really needed some sort of hobby as a creative outlet. I've always been creative and get frustrated when I can't be.
So I bought some basics - 3 different pairs of pliers, some findings and some beads and just made stuff.
I now have tonnes of earrings, bracelets and necklaces and after much persuasion from Tilesey, I decided I'd set up my own online business. It isn't anywhere complete yet but it's getting there. I, of course, am the Managing Director. I'm also the Creative Director. Tilesey is my Company Secretary and E-Business Director.
I've created a logo, designed compliment slips and invoice statements and I'm working on all sorts of finance spreadsheets. It's all very exciting and I can't wait until it is up and running.
In the interim though, my current work colleagues ordered me to bring my jewellery into work for them to see it. I was really nervous as up until that point only Tilesey, my immediate family and housemates had seen my jewellery and of course they all said it was brilliant but that's their job. Everyone at work thought my stuff was fantastic and I'm absolutely thrilled to bits. In fact one of my colleagues liked my work so much that she gave me my very first commission.
I got a little nervous once I had made the bracelet and earrings she requested as I didn't know whether she would like it. I brought it into work to show her before I did the finishing touches and she loved it. As did another colleague who promptly ordered a duplicate for herself! Then another colleague commissioned me to make a necklace and earrings. I just can't believe it. I'm doing something I love and I can make a bit of cash from it and people actually like it!
The reason to spark off this whole post is that today I've just been asked to do two more bracelets which brings my total of commissions to 5 even before my website is up and running and my colleague has told me that once I feel ready, she would love me to host a jewellery party around her house for her and her friends!
I'm really just so chuffed. I am quite possibly the luckiest girl at the moment. Not only is my jewellery liked and I enjoy making it but I have people around me who support me and motivate me.
None of this would've been possible without these totally brilliant people:
Tilesey - You are my other half. You have consistantly supported and motivated me with everything since you met me. You believe in me and tell me how proud you are of me and how beautiful you think I am daily and I've never had that before. I've never had anyone love me as much as you do and I've never had anyone believe in me and see something amazing in me. I love you, more than anything.
Kerry and Monica - my two bestest special pals. You two are the awesomest friends a gal could have. You both have been so brilliantly supportive and wonderful to me. You both have volunteered yourselves to help me with this business venture and I think you are both just SPECIAL...
Buddy Monster the labrador- thank you for knocking all of my beads all over the floor that time. By doing that I realised how passionate I am about this and how lovely my friends and my boyfriend is as we all sat for hours trying to seperate those bastard seed beads!
Tilesey's mum - You inspired me to do something. I think you're great. Thank you for bringing Tilesey up to not be a lazy and to do his own washing, ironing and cooking. He is such a fab guy.
I think that's it. Sorry for the mammouth post but it's my blog so lump it.
COMMENTS
Chief Motivator is a rubbish title. You need something more sexy like "UK Inducement Solutions Manager" or something.
Posted by: Geyv at May 19, 2006 08:23 AMPiss off. I can't lug my jewellery making stuff to work and I haven't got any money to more stuff fart head!!!
Oh and Geyv! Geyv. Geyv. Geyv - not a single email from you this week!
*pouts*
Posted by: Celeste at May 19, 2006 09:53 AMpictures? of the jewelry? *pleads, as intrigued*
how lovely that you found an enterprising hobby!
Posted by: amelie at May 19, 2006 04:13 PMI think we all need to see this 'ere jewelry so that we can also smother you in compliments and tell you just how fabulous it is :)
Posted by: Fern at May 20, 2006 02:46 AMOh dear. I maybe shouldn't have bigged my stuff up so much. Now I'm nervous.
Oh and Fern smother me in comments? What no toffee sauce?! ;-)
Posted by: Celeste at May 20, 2006 07:27 AMOh sweetie, hugest hugs! I love to read your happy posts. Just makes me grin to see you so on top of the world.
We definately wanna see that jewelry!
but psst dont get stage fright...we already knew it would be wonderful, we just wanna SEE ;)
Posted by: silk at May 21, 2006 03:05 PMYeah come on missus. It's all well and good writing about it but we want to see what it's like! :D
Posted by: Rad at May 22, 2006 05:19 AMAWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW ! Congratulations petal. I'm very jealous of your new found financially viable creative outlet.
mwah
x
Wellllll I'm not making mega bucks just yet but it's something I enjoy and will hopefully make me money in the near future.
I'd love to do a silver smithing course but I can't afford it and work gets in the way.
Hey ho.
Thanks for your lovely comment. X
Posted by: Celeste at May 23, 2006 08:51 AMGo Cel!
I'm sure that your jewels are fab! Because you're a stylish chick with a good eye for this sort of stuff - I'm so chuffed it is working out for you! Quite theraputic too I'd imagine!
I immediately had a couple of ideas:
1) Craft fairs - I (believe it or not) used to paint watercolours and make cards for craft fairs, and after all the initial costs, I once made ~£70 in about 4 hours at a craft fair. Make yourself up some little cards, and get your name out there once you have a good stock at a craft fair or charity bazaar or something - Winchester would be an ideal place...
2) That famous selling website - e-something ;)... You could advertise stuff on there, and link to the fab website Tilesey is setting up - then you'll be able to access a larger market...
Thats all - I got a bit carried away with ideas! I really would love to see some pics though, I'm a sucker for a nice spangly bangly! You might get another commission!
Happy entrepreneuring! And don't forget me when you have a smart champagne reception opening of a swanky jewelery shop in a couple of years!
Posted by: Hannabella at May 25, 2006 03:45 AMHeyyyyyy Han!!!!
Thanks hunny.
My colleagues are harrassing me to start hosting jewellery parties (I'm scared) and Tilesey is building my own website to start selling stuff.
I will do some craft fairs I reckon.
Will get onto some pictures - just need batteries for my camera.
Can't wait to see you at the end of June!
Posted by: Celeste at May 25, 2006 05:15 AMMid-July actually sweetie, but see ya then!
Do the pictures - do the pictures!
Posted by: Hannabella at May 25, 2006 08:06 AM
So fucking blogging and get back to making jewellery bitch!
You forgot to add, "Chief motivator" to my job description.
Posted by: Tilesey at May 19, 2006 08:00 AM