 The last five minutes... Evening all! Well I don’t know about you lot but, for a change, I’m pooped. This week, however, it is for a good reason. You see, I’ve just got back from a day at Twickenham watching the Barbarians play Fiji with my pa. It’s the first time I’ve been to a rugby match – and the first time I’ve managed to coerce by dad down to London on his own – and I thoroughly enjoyed it. And, by the end of the match, I felt qualified to shout at the referee as much as everyone else. I mean, another video referee? Come on, man!  Ooooh, priddy Brum! Since last week’s blog, things have been, as always, busy – but in a good way. As well as enjoying the delights of London, from a spa and afternoon tea at the Montcalm Hotel (who knew finger sandwiches could be so good!), checking out Artist’s Who... private view in Bermondsey (on until 3rd December – so hop to it!) and today’s addition to my list of pastimes, I’ve been sampling the delights of our second largest city, Birmingham. I popped up there last weekend to check out the Christmas market (very nice), enjoy a curry in the Balti Triangle (Al Faisal’s to be exact – NOM!) and dance the night away (two nights running – oops!) and had a great time. But, you know what? Sorry Brum, but you’ve got a long way to go before you come anywhere close to my lovely London. However if you decide to donate that DKNY handbag I saw in Selfridges to Shelly Berry Original, I may be persuaded otherwise...  In other news, I’ve been painting again. In fact I’ve been painting the same painting again. I decided that my latest offering needed touching up a bit - according to some people it doesn’t look any different, but I’m happier with it. But my palette is still out, just in case I decide to play with it a bit more. Oh, and keep an eye on my Tweets this week too for some special offers at the Shelly Berry Original Etsy shop, especially if you’re struggling for ideas writing that Christmas shopping list.
Right, time for some ukulele practice – yep, added that to the list of hobbies this month too. Laters!
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 Prague Christmas market - pretty but, like, SO last year... Today is a good day. Not only do I have the day off work, but I’m spending this afternoon in a spa before heading to Brimingham for a weekend of fun and frolics. And the best bit? I have Monday off work too. Woo hoo! Okay, so Birmingham might not be the obvious choice for a girly weekend away, but with Europe’s largest Christmas fair (so I’ve been told), a thriving nightlife (“Snobs” has been recommended to me – please tell me if you know anywhere better!) and more than a few curry houses to fuel our fun, it is actually looking to be a darn good weekend.  Click on my His 'n' Hers cushion to view my CRAFTfest shop! Of course, I’m hoping to do a fair bit of Christmas shopping too. As far as I’m concerned, Christmas shopping is all about finding that perfect something for your nearest and dearest – and if it is something unique, all the better. The next few weeks I’ll be trawling London’s markets in my quest for the perfect gifts for my friends and families – Camden, Greenwich and Spitalfields, look out – but I’ll also be browsing the web too. No, not Amazon, but virtual craft markets like Etsy, notonthehightstreet.com – and of course CRAFTfest.
Yes, I know, I’ve been banging on about if all week on Twitter (and here for a while too) but not only has it given me the opportunity to show case my own work, but it’s also given me loads of ideas for my own shopping too. Obviously I can’t go into detail (you have to wait for Santa to visit!) but I’ve got a few people sorted – and some ideas for a couple more too. And, even though CRAFTfest finishes tomorrow, I should be able to pick up any bits I’ve seen after the event as all items are sold via Etsy and other online shops. Groovy! Anyhow peeps, I better go – I have a weekend away to pack for and some serious shopping to do... Evening all! Well, it’s Saturday night and I’m enjoying a beer whilst I listen to my The Commitments soundtrack (I saw the show last night and LOVED it – but not quite as much as the film) and getting ready for a big night... snuggling under my blanket with a hot chocolate. It would appear that the fun and frolics of my birthday weekend have caught up with me and, coupled with a few late nights this week too (guys, you know who you are!), I’m pretty pooped. However, that doesn’t mean that I’ve let things slide at Shelly Berry Original. Oh, no. 
Today, ladies and gentlemen, is the first day of CRAFTfest, a virtual Christmas market where I am selling some of my art and crafts. This means that I have not only had to get my stall together but have also been promoting my rather rotund behind off! Keep an eye on Twitter to learn more and to see my pick of my fellow crafter’s work – and come back here to check out my special CRAFTfest blog next Saturday, which the lovely guys at Creative Connections will be promoting. Hurrah!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go get in my pyjamas and replenish my Kettle Chips bowl. It’s gonna be a long night - and week...  Before... Today folks, I am immensely proud of myself. Not only have I made it to yet another birthday, but I have also managed to get my sorry ass to college after celebrating a friend's 40th last night - oh, and treating myself to a Jack Daniels at midnight. And I am so glad I made the effort. Ladies and gentleman, let me introduce you to picmonkey, the online photo editing programme which is quick and easy to use - and completely FREE! Let me illustrate. To the left you will see a lovely photo I took on Bonfire night (yep, still a big kid at heart) and below, my picmonkeyed version, which I created in about 2 minutes. HOW COOL IS THAT???!!!  and after! So, what with firework displays, birthday parties and lots of other extra curricular activities, it's been a busy week. It started off with the Red magazine networking event Meet the Editors on Monday evening. Whilst it was interesting to hear how they all got to the top of their game, I have to admit I found the whole thing a little disappointing. At the end of the day, I know the theory - but when it comes to actually getting a break in the world of writing (and arting and crafting for that matter) it ain't that easy. But I also think it is time for me to stop faffing and start doing - and start doing in a more focused manner.
Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to get my life in order. Oh, and to treat myself to a big fat slice of birthday cake...  The calm before the storm #1... Good morning everyone! Well I hope you all survived the storm. I admit I was feeling very nervous about it last Sunday when setting up my stall at Merton Abbey Mills Craft Market with my esteemed fellow arty type Laura (click here to check out her stuff!). Luckily, we both survived with nothing more serious than a bit of windburn - and despite the
of a giggle and enjoyed some live music, I for one don't have the time - or the thermals - to become a seasoned stall holder. So I have decided to sign up to CRAFTfest - the virtual craft extravaganza created by Creative Connections. My page is now online here so come and take a look. Craftfest goes live on 16th November so hopefully I'll see a bit more traffic to my Etsy Store - woo hoo!  ... and the calm before the storm #2! In the meantime I have been catching up with my chums at Artists Who - and been inspired by their work and their passion for the creative life. I shall be going along to their private view on November 29th to check out their exhibition - and to give myself a kick up the bottom too! If you fancy seeing what they are up to, check them out here - or head over to the Vibe Gallery and Bar, 100 Clements Road SE16 between 28th November - 3rd November.
Have good week folks! |
THE JUICEHere you will find my latest news, including what I have been up to and what I have been writing (and making). Hopefully you'll like what I have to say - and perhaps I will motivate you to get creative too... Archives
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