Creative Business......

Recently I attended a Starting and Running a Creative Business with a few other fellow crafters.  I went along with a view to finding out more about selling items on line, as any crafter knows sometimes you can get swamped with all your 'makes' and it is nice to sell a few if only to add pennies to the coffers to buy more crafting materials.

But I was swept away with all the information and knowledge that was offered and when I sat at home later with a cup of coffee and assimilated the information, it dawned on me that this was not just some random course to attend then come home and forget, this was serious stuff.

As part of a case study we were given to work through, a question 'You are aiming for an income of £15,000 a year (you can alter this) how many products do you need to sell? and is this feasible'.  We as a focus group struggled with this one but as I said earlier when I came home and thought about this question it occurred to me that when I finish the job I am doing now and move over to seriously start to think about something else this was a question for me.  I would like to make in the region of £5,000 a year for holidays.  This could be the answer.  So ladies (and gents if some come across this in passing) I am now about to take my bag making hopefully to the next level.

There are three more classes before the end of the course and I am anticipating lots of useful information so in the mean time I am testing the water so to speak with my 'Market Bag'

Below are three bags that are for sale at a reasonable cost of £6.99 free postage as a part of my market research and if you have any comments please do contact me either via my blog, Facebook page or direct on holland8bw@btinternet.com all comments will be answered.

Reversible market bag

100% cotton

Reversible

Unique no two alike

18” length x 14” depth

Large capacity for all your groceries or purchases

Also ideal as a beach or gym bag

 

 

Hand made by Beverley

Plain red on reverse side

 

Stripe reverse side as shown 

 



 

Both sides strawberry print

 

 

Thank you for looking and I hope to hear from you soon.

 

 

 

 

 

Beverley xx

 

What if.....

I have had a very funny week .... not exactly a bad week more a funny week with lots of itsy bitsy twists and turns.

It started on a high note when my wood arrived for my raised bed.

I had been so excited at the thought of getting out in the garden and building the raised bed (My daughter said its the biggest cat litter box she has ever seen..

 

 

I realised that this was a two man job so enlisted my daughter who God Bless her came to the rescue.

 

 

And I suppose I can see what she means about the cat litter tray but since this photo I have filled it with more compost and started with the plants so at a later date I will up date you on the 'Litter Tray' as I am sure it will become know.

 

So the week started on a high and continued on that high with my new door being fitted..... Yea....

 

Spring is on the way so all was well with the world.... wrong....  How can within the blink of an eye a week go from great to rubbish?  Abundance believers and followers of the Secret would blame state of mind, but me I blame rubbish drivers and more importantly parkers. 

 

Off to visit my friend after work and tootling down the road thinking of the cake and coffee that awaited me 'BANG....' what the devil was that?  My wing mirror flying through the air (Yes the whole thing) my heart thumping, no where to pull in as its a dual carriageway and wondering what on earth had just happened.  I wont bore you with the whole shebang... (no pun intended) but suffice to say my car, a flat bed truck illegally parked and a piece of scaffolding where in play here.

 

Now you would think that getting a wing mirror re-fitted would be easy.... wrong again.  First you have to get the mirror - is it electric or manual.... they only come in Black .... so now you need the paint and guess what its not stocked it has to be ordered..... so what could in effect take one or two days now takes a week.  Keep breathing.... Deep breaths......

 

We are now at the end of the week and having cancelled a couple of my jobs so I could or thought I could take my car to have it fixed and only being told on the day in question that this was not happening because of the paint saga I now have time on my hands, and that is a bad thing with me as it gives me time to think.... and as you know too much thinking is not good......

 

So what if..... I had decided not to visit my friend, would karma still have found me or would I have avoided that little lesson as all accidents and upsets are lessons in the making or so we are being told.  'Nothing in your life has been a mistake or a waste of time as long as you've learned and grown from the experience'

 

So what have I learned - Never put a huge square raised bed in your garden and not expect comments..... Keep away from flat bed trucks baring scaffolding and Never.... expect your car to be fixed in real time.... Car mechanics run by a different clock than the rest of the population.

 

Enjoy your weekend whatever you are doing.

 

 

 

Beverley xx 

 

P.S.... check out this link very enlightening http://www.angelagayehorn.com/tedx-cape-town/

 

 

 

 



 

 

Random Act of Kindness

Did you know that it is random acts of kindness week? and how many of you would actually care?

 

wonder who left that fish - don't know don't care it was smashing.....

Helping others by carrying out random acts of kindness can help you feel happier and live longer according to psychotherapists.  Kindness isn't just about the big stuff, it's also about the small actions we do and behaviours that we show on a daily basis.  A smile, an acknowledgement, a compliment, a helping hand and appreciation or a small gesture to show that we are thinking about someone. 

Did you also know that focusing on others can reduce stress and anxiety helping to reduce negative emotions and keeps things in perspective.

The practice of doing small things for strangers has been around for centuries but the movement swept across America after the Random Acts of Kindness Foundation was created in Denver, Colorado in 1993 and soon crossed the pond to arrive in the UK.

It's all about letting people know they matter and it does not need to cost the earth it could be picking up litter in the community or just helping someone with their bags when they are struggling. How many of us are so busy with our own little world that we never think that we could make a difference by just noticing what is going on around us.  I have had doors swing back on me while someone rushes past with not a look back to see if it has hit me in the face.... and I hate to say it I am not without sin... but I do try now to help others with little acts of kindness.  It may just be passing on a magazine when I have read to someone I think might enjoy it or if I see someone struggling with a door I will offer to help and it has not cost me a dime just a few minutes of my time.

I know of someone who bought 10 scratch cards and posted them to their neighbours she did not see a removal van outside said neighbours so they obviously did not win the jackpot but the thought was there.

So go on this weekend open the door of the supermarket for the person behind you before going supermarket shopping - it might bring down the stress levels shopping causes or step back and let the harassed mum with the children go first she may be having a bad day and your little RAOK might just lighten her load.

On a final note as I sit here writing I looked out of my lounge window and oh dear they are so dirty if I was my cleaner I would sack me.... I think its window cleaning time.

Until next time


Beverley xx

From carer to business woman......

It never ceases to amaze me how I came to be in a position of 'Self employed lady of a certain age'.  This is how Helping Hand came into being.

For nearly 10 years I was sole carer of my mother who as time went on developed dementia and anyone out there who has been unfortunate enough to be living, knowing or caring for someone with this unforgiving disease has my deepest sympathy.

I loved my mum very much and would have done anything to make living with this disease easier but some times this was impossible and the only thing I could do was be there for her.  I was so lucky that I had a wonderful caring agency covering my back and the wonderful earth angel by the name of Daniel will be forever in my heart.  She took care of my mum when I could not and between us I think we made a huge difference to mum's daily quality of life.

In July 2012 mum had a fall and from that moment began to go down hill rapidly.  After 6 weeks in hospital it became apparent that she could not go home so with the help of my daughter I began to source nursing homes.  My daughter found a wonderful home and so the transition from home to hospital to nursing home began.  It was so traumatic for both my mum and me as we had been a duo for such a long time and giving up the reins for me was not an easy task.

So that was it.... I was no longer a carer and being in the new retirement bracket meant that I had to find paid employment.  That will be easy I thought.... wrong.....

I had geared everything towards retiring at 60 but then came the new retirement rules that I would be nearly 64 when my official retirement came into being.

I did not think with all my experience and the fact that I had kept up with technology (just) and had so many life skills learned over the years that someone would want to employ me but after hundreds (that is no exaggeration) of job applications it became apparent that I was not going to get back into the work place so something had to be done and quick.

On Christmas Eve 2012 my mum passed away I am convinced that she just wanted to spend Christmas with my dad who had passed away years before and also she was just plain tired.  My time for the next few months was spent sorting out mums affairs so I did not have time to look at what to do next.  When things settled down I had this thought that I had spent so much time caring and organising my mum and before that my family that maybe this was the way forward and so 'Helping Hand' was formed.

 



I am now on my second year and have some amazing clients who have become friends.  One that comes to mind is Leslie who is nearly 90 years old, was in the air force and was brought up in Egypt as his father before him was also in the air force.  He has some amazing stories and I feel blessed that he chooses to tell me these stories.  Only last week he said that he counts me as a friend......

I help young mums who are trying to balance not only a career but bring up a family and as I have been there done that know just how hard it can be, so if I can shoulder some of the burden then I feel very blessed.  One thing that has come to my attention and that is things in the family dynamic have not changed over the years, women still bare the brunt of family and home life.... so what happened to 'Women can have it all'..... I suppose they can if they are lucky to be able to afford help but not all families can afford full time help so I am glad that my couple of hours make a difference.

I was lucky last year to have a little piece about my plight published in my local paper

If this article gave only one person the push they needed to get out and do something for themselves then that would be a job well done.

I hope this little journey of how I came to be were I am has helped you know and understand me more and I promise from here on in things can only get better.

Until next time


Beverley xx

Bargain Hunt it isn't.....

As promised earlier here are my ramblings about my maiden voyage into the world of the auction house and how I managed to not bid on everything I saw.

First up came three little stools and tables and who could resist them....... I saw in my minds eye how they would look when they had been re-vamped into something special.

I cannot show you the third little stool as I have sold it on yea.... gone to a good home.

I also bid on 13 (my lucky number) Piggin Pigs.... and again these have gone to new owners god bless ebay.  But let me enlighten you on the protocol of bidding at an auction.  After registering with the auction house you are given a number their is a chance to view said items over the weekend before the auction.  This I did not know but you live and learn. secondly it is advisable to arrive early as these things get pretty packed with what seems to me mostly men in thick jackets and hiking boots.  I realised later why this is.... the room is flipping freezing and no amount of mugs of tea (yes you can buy mugs of tea) can warm your tootsies.   But I am from the north so used to cold weather.... I had my list all ready as it seems this is what is expected, and with my pen ready to check of items off we go....

First up was lots of pictures not what I want so I wait patiently until the three stools that I had my eye on are up for grabs.  'Who will offer me £20' said the auctioneer - no hands go up 'OK make it £10' - no hands go up, and by this time I am no longer freezing but sweating until finally the amount comes down to a ridiculous amount and up shoots my hand and the hammer goes down.  I feel on a role and when a lovely mirror in the style of art deco comes under the hammer for £4 up goes my hand.  Wow this is amazing I think this is my calling. 

I set myself a target of £20 and stick with it as I buy a box of 'Piggin Pigs' for £12 bidding against a man (well it would be wouldn't it?) but I win ....I win.....

I am so excited but so cold I decide to call it a morning and head off home paying for my purchases on the way but unable to pick them up until the end of the auction, so arrange to come back the next morning.

I can really see how this can become addictive and how hard it is not to stick you hand up willy nilly but I was a good girl, kept within my budget and now the Mirror is on the wall in my hall the 'Piggin pigs' have gone to good homes and the final two stools have had the Beverley touch and now awaiting good homes also.

 

This lovely little stool circa early 20th century is on Ebay if you fancy having a little look

 

 

 





And this little beauty is also awaiting a new home although a friend who is sunning herself in Spain at the moment has first dibs.


I just love getting a bargain don't you? so if you want to experience the thrill of the chase get yourself down to your local auction house you never know you just might find something not only unique but maybe the next million pound find.  Good luck


Beverley xx

PS found a great blog you might want to look at Vintage Junky go check it out.....

The New Womens Institute.... more than Jam and Jerusalem

I mentioned at the end of my last post that I have recently joined my local W.I and how did that come about I hear you ask?  No longer being a full time carer for my mum I found that I had more time on my hands and fewer friends as being a carer is a little bit isolating... very rewarding but isolating non the less.  After dipping my toe in the crafting world I felt more adventurous and also reading an article in Woman and Home on the modern Woman's Institute  I thought why not give it a go.

So after searching on line for my nearest group and finding out the date and time I set off on another adventure.  I arrived early as it is always best, in my opinion, to be there when people start to arrive rather than walking into a packed room.... scary.....

A lady approached me - nay... fell on me (new blood) asking me my name and where I had come from (not Mars that's for sure) she then said the President who's name was Ann Langford would love to meet me.  Ann Langford? can this be the Ann Langford I was junior secretary too over 100 years ago... OK, 45 years ago.... surely not. I loved that woman she was so chic and seemed to be so stylish and 'Adult' to my tender young years.  And would you believe it - Yes it was.... I nearly threw my arms round this woman, gabbling away 10 to the dozen I think I scared her to death, probably gave her nightmares as well, my typing and the use of tippex was something to behold and she must have thought me a mad woman.

What a great start to a great evening not only my old mentor but neighbours from when I first lived in the area many years before belonged to this group, and so much catching up to do that 3 months on we are still catching up.  The funny thing was when I was chatting with Ann at the end of the meeting and saying just how much I had loved working with her and I had thought her so mature and sophisticated it turned out she had been 23 years old.... oh how mature that felt to a 17 year old child.....

So if anyone out there is in need of a fun, friendly and interesting evening check out your local W.I because its more than jam and Jerusalem.


Until next time, take care of each other and remember 'Spring is in the air'



Beverley xx

The Craftettes & Wreath Making.....

Today I thought I would talk about my foray into the crafting world.  It was through an article in my local newspaper that a crafting class had been set up locally by the lovely Michelle and Jaye called the The Craftettes so I thought I would pop along as most crafting classes are run during the day and I had just gone back to work after many years of caring.... more about that at a later date so an evening class was just what I needed.

I was quite nervous but I girded my loins and off I went.  I am so glad I did, not only is it run by a most lovely young lady with incredible crafting skills it is fun and most of all their is cake...

I have learned many things that I would not have known how to do but most of all I have made many new friends like the lovely and talented Jane Flanagan Couture more about Jane at a later date but suffice to say she has led a most incredible life that I am sure she will let me share with you at some point and is never far away from her beloved dog, who joins her every day in her studio.  unfortunately his name escapes me and when Jane reads this she will be most upset.  Sorry Jane...

Our last crafting class was rag wreath making - not knowing how to start on this project I was so impressed with my finished article and how easily it is to make.  All that was needed was the ring and lots of fabric cut into short lengths plus at least half an hour and Walla....

I will be participating in my first craft fair in the summer along with many of the talented crafters from the Craftettes so I am busy making lots of Market bags and such like but who knows their may be other things on my stall as I continue to learn and make wonderful homemade items.

 

 

If you like pussy cats then this market bag is for you..... 18" wide and 14" deep it has a large capacity for all your grocery and market purchases and it is also saving the planet.  No more plastic bags paying 5p a time with this bag you will not only carry your purchases home in style you will have a re-usable shopping bag that fits neatly into your handbag. what's not to like.

That's it for the moment.... My next post will be about my joining the 'Women's Institute...' and no I am not posing for a calendar... but I have to say it was an experience.  That will keep you guessing and coming back for more I hope.


Until next time


Beverley

Day One ......

It has been many years since I last wrote a blog so please be patient with me while I once again find my feet.  For those of you who patiently followed 'Miss Creativity' for many years I hope you will once again join me on my journey.

 

 

 

Join me as I dabble in Craft Fairs, auctions (yes I am not afraid to bid on the next undiscovered gem), learn to 'Throw a pot', The escapades of the fortnightly craft class with my pals at  the Craftettes and as I head into the unknown of retirement, although many have said 'retire you... Bah Humbug'.

 

Many of you will know that my passion apart from gardening and reading is sewing and I am also known for my hand made bags 'Hand made by Elizzabeth's Attic' so after many years I have dusted off my trusty sewing machine and begun to create my signature market bag (watch this space)

 

Someone once said..... It is more fun to talk with someone who doesn't use long, difficult words, but rather short, easy words like: 'what about lunch?'

                                        

                                                                                                            Winnie-the-Pooh

 

Those of you who know me know I do not use difficult words  so What about lunch?

 

 

Until next time look after yourself and those you love.

 

 

Beverley x