It has been a Sad week

As this week's title says it it has been a very sad week. My heinz variety cross who was at least 16 years old called Jessie died of old age at home. He was a stray when we found him, many moons ago.

He had been slowly deteriorating since Christmas and we knew the inevatable was coming but when he did decide it was time to go it was still heart breaking. On the up side though (if there is one), we managed to keep him at home till the end where he slept comfortably in his little dog bed. If I had to have taken him to the vets I would have been devastated. So as you can imagine the house feels a little strange still at the moment and I can still feel his presence in the house. Although 'Will' the Springer Spaniel is trying desperately to fill his void by being even more naughty than ever!!!

Trying to help with changing the duvet covers.

Although work wise I haven't been in the mood to get much done I have spent this week sorting through my stock deciding which products to keep and which to dismantle. That is the beauty of working with beaded jewellery. If you don't like it you can take it apart and start again. As I trained to design silver jewellery I am hoping this year, now that business has picked up, I will be able to start adding some silver pendants and accessories to my range. As mentioned before at least with beaded jewellery if you make a mistake you can take it apart and start again but with silver design if you make a  mistake it's for the bin and then it becomes costly.

There is one plus side to this week. I have had some good news. I received notification that I have been accepted at the Living North Live and Living North Christmas fairs this year. These events attract thousands upon thousands of visitors so I am hoping I will do well in March and in November. Looks like I'd better get cracking with the new designs!!!!

Snow,Snow,Snow and more Snow......

But thankfully it has all thawed out. Or at least for a short while, so say the Weather forecasters. I was starting to get cabin fever from being inside and not seeing much daylight these last couple of weeks.
No wonder people suffer from S.A.D syndrome with weather like this, bring on the Spring is what I say. I can't wait to get the flip flops back out of the wardrobe and wear some nice bright colours and shedding a few layers.

Speaking of colours I have been researching the Key trends for Spring/Summer 2010 and Blue seems to play a key role this year. No matter what the shade whether it be Navy Blue for the ever popular Nautical theme to a bright Royal Blue for a vibrant stand out tropical theme, once again Jewellery is playing a major part in accessorizing our outfits this Spring and Summer.

In the meantime, whilst I have been stuck indoors I've been creating fabulous stretch Hematite bracelets for 'Gifted and Blessed', in Norton, Stockton - on - Tees (http://www.giftedandblessed.co.uk/) . The reason for this is that they hold 'Psychic Circle' classes where people can learn about Healing, Aura's, Angel Readings and anything else on the spooky side and Hematite is said to be a good all round healing gemstone to be worn. Hematite is also said to be good for warding off Negative energy and is used for enhancing one's logic, mathematical abilities, rational thinking and depth of technical knowledge as well as being able to reduce insomnia.

All of the bracelets made are of different designs and there are many of which to choose from, some even having Charms as illustrated in the photo above. They can purchased at 'Gifted and Blessed' in Norton or from my website - http://www.hannimaydesigns.co.uk/ for £5.00 each.

New Year Resolutions

Despite the fact that January is supposed to be a quiet month for one and all after the Fun and Frolics over the Festive period I have never stopped. My first sale of the year, and it was a large order at that, was made via my website on January 1st so fingers crossed this bodes well for Hanni May Designs for 2010.

I have started the new year as I mean to go on and that is to be 'Organised'. As the Craft Fairs season doesn't normally start back up until February I have spent the last week or so working on my website, updating photographs of some of the exisiting stock which is now on Sale as well as adding some of the new designs which I didn't get chance to do before Christmas.

 Every now and then I will have a favourite piece, which at the moment is the Blue Agate  necklace http://hannimaydesigns.co.uk/shop/article_N366/Blue-Agate.html?shop_param=cid%3D3%26aid%3DN366%26  as well as the Rose Purple necklace retailing at £22.00 http://hannimaydesigns.co.uk/shop/article_N365/Rose-Purple-Agate.html?shop_param=cid%3D3%26aid%3DN365%26  both pictured below.
           
These pieces are most definitely statement vibrant stand out items of jewellery which would love fabulous with a suntan and a strappy dress on holiday. If only I could keep them for myself. If my mum had anything to do with it she'd have a different piece for every day of the week. But I keep her in check!!!

I've also added more new earrings to the website including the very popular Hematite heart drops. These were certainly one of my best sellers in 2009. See http://hannimaydesigns.co.uk/shop/article_53/Hematite-Heart.html?shop_param=cid%3D2%26aid%3D53%26 .

A select few of my products can also now be found on http://www.misi.co.uk/ as well as http://www.folksy.co.uk/. Both of which are sites that promote Artists and Designers and can enable shoppers to find something hand made and unique that cannot be found on High Street websites. Its worth having a look as there are some stunning items at reasonable prices too!!! Not just jewellery either.

In the meantime my events calendar is starting to fill up with, hopefully, lots more events to be confirmed. I managed to grab the last place for a jewellery stand at the Newcastle Mind, Body Spirit Fair taking place 23rd/24th at the Newcastle Racecourse at Gosforth park. This is a brand new venue for the organisor so fingers crossed there will be a fantastic turn out. But keep checking back as I will update my blog as soon as more are confirmed and add the to the Events section of my website at http://hannimaydesigns.co.uk/shop/page/6?shop_param .