27 November 2011

Sunday

So what have you been up to this week? I've spent most of it working the night shifts (boo) and being woken up during the day by deliveries and builders working nearby. As I work a weird shift pattern at my normal job when ordering things for delivery that I know won't fit through the letterbox I try to arrange for them to arrive when I have a day off or I'm working nights. 9 times out of 10 they arrive when i'm on nights so the postman gets greeted by me in the middle of the day in my PJs with crazy bed hair, I dread to think what they must think of me!
One good thing about this week though was that I told a lady at work about my new business venture and showed her some pictures of things I'd made. I handed her my camera then sat back bracing myself for criticism or at best a "Hmmm that's nice," instead I got "Will you make some for me for my neighbours children for Christmas?" I was so chuffed I was smiling for the rest of my shift! She asked me to make two plaques, one for a little girl and one for a little boy. She left the design up to me but asked that the girls plaque be girly (so pinks and purples) and if possible could I do a Fireman Sam for the little boy. All the things I've made have been from images that have popped into my head or from various doodles so to have a specific character to try to do was a bit of a challenge. After a search of the internet to make sure I got the colours and detail right I came up with this:

She couldn't remember the name of the little girl so I've not been able to finish that plaque just yet.

Also this week as I mentioned in my last post, I got my new logo:

I'd been trying to do it myself on the computer but with a complete lack of computer skills it was never going to happen so I sent a drawing of it to Verve Designs who not only made it a proper logo, they improved it by giving me that lovely swooshy style writing. Not to mention they did it in less than a week! As soon as I received it I got onto Vistaprint to have some business cards made up and they are (hopefully) on their way to me now. I have added it to my website too, which has taken a bit of a back seat this week, I've decided it will now go live in January to give me plenty of time to get it just how I want it.
I like this design as I can use it with or without the writing, I'm going to have some little round stickers made up too so that I can add them to the packaging.


I love money boxes and think they make lovely gifts, especially for babies so today I did a bit of a practice with a rocking horse design,

I'm not that keen on the colours for this one but I do like the shape, I think the next ones I do will be in just one colour like all pink or all blue. I do like the little heart gems though, I've used them on some baby plaques before and they're something I will make sure I've always got in my craft box!
Pop over to Handmade Monday to see how busy Wendy has been with her camper-van clocks and to see what the other crafters have been up to.
Until next time
Jem
x

18 comments:

  1. Fireman Sam is fab - well done - and I agree about the rocking horse. Lovely shape and would work well in pink and blue x

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  2. Great new logo... I think you should be delighted with it!

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  3. The rocking horse design is such a classic, it should do well, I think lemon as well as pink and blue would look good. Your logo looks good and I like the idea of just the heart on stickers as part of the packaging.

    Jan x

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  4. Great Fireman Sam rendition on your plaque - I am sure Alfie is going to love it.

    The new logo is great and I love the colours used. I get so impatient waiting for stuff from Vista Print so can only imagine how excited you are waiting for your stuff with your new logo on!

    Ali x

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  5. Fireman Sam looks great. I also love the rocking horse and I like the 2 colours. Your logo is fab and I like the swishing writing.

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  6. Love that logo and that Fireman Sam looks really good too.

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  7. Love the new logo and congratulations on your sales

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  8. You new logo is great - love the colours too. Hope your new business cards arrive soon.

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  9. Nice logo (reminds me of a jammy dodger!) - and nice work colleague too!

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  10. I feel for you! I know what it's like working night shifts. Up until March this year I did four years of them. I also know what you mean by that slightly embarrassed moment of opening the door to the postman in your PJ's.

    Don't you just love the feeling of someone you know or work with turning round and asking for you to make something up for them. Makes me feel all warm lol. Well done you! Be proud. Things will go from strength to strength.

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  11. Love the new logo & the Fireman Sam plaque! They look great :)

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  12. I love your plaque and I especially love your logo!

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  13. great news about the commissions and love that logo. Got logo and ready to gogo.

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  14. Sounds like you're going great guns, but why do we always doubt ourselves? No surprises that your work colleague placed an order straightaway, and to have it custom made, I keep saying thats just something that doesn't happen on the High Street

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  15. Wow, that's so cool to get a commission! And I love your fireman he's awesome. See, you just have to mention, I think a lot of people are very impressed by those who can actually make nice stuff (I know I am!)
    Love your logo, I really like the shape of your heart. Aren't things going well? Bravo!

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  16. Hi Jem. I do like your logo with the swirly heart, quite eye catching. May I commend you on your Fireman Sam, having been there times with G/kids he is an extremely good replica. Hope we can see his sisters plaque when finished. Lovely work.

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  17. The money box is lovely, you could always do a white or dappled pony for someone to buy for an 'either' baby. Love to logo.
    Jo x

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  18. How fab that you got a comission through work :) well word of mouth is a good way to build a business x
    Love your plaque and the little money box is cute :)

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