April 30th, 2012

First of all, thank you all for the lovely comments on yesterday's blog!  Really was very pleased with the magazine pic, and I'm building up a nice Press page on my website !

After a long day dealing with people who are unhappy with the new Royal Mail pricing structures (myself included!) I came home and sat down to make a lovely little wholesale order I got yesterday for my vintage postage stamp pin cushions...so a rather post-themed day for me!

Now I think about it I can't remember if I shared the pin cushions on here?  If I did I apologise, and if I didn't then here they are!  (And of course, available from my site! ;-) )

I must say I'm so pleased with these and they've proved popular, just hoping it continues!!  I hope you've all had a happy, productive Handmade Monday , speak to you all tomorrow!

April 29th, 2012

Had a nice little surprise today!

A few months ago I had a request for some pics of my bags from Handmade Living magazine.  I sent them off but completely forgot about it, so today I sat down to have a look online to see if I could find if they'd been used or not.  As it goes I didn't find anything, but oddly enough I did find one of my scarves that apparently was used in the January issue!  I had no idea!

I get such a buzz seeing my products in magazines, especially when you're not looking for the thing, it just appears when you turn the page.  I was actually really shocked at how professional the photograph looked!  That was one I did so quite proud of that one!

Just got a lovely little order in too but more on that when it's officially gone through (hate to jinx things!) ...hopefully I can share that one tomorrow for Handmade Monday !

www.lucyliz.co.uk

P.S. - 5 months to go to the wedding!

April 28th, 2012

Very pleased to say that today we finally found our wedding florist! It's been a struggle but we got there! Amazing lady who really gave us a lotc of guidance on flower, colour, style, everything we need really!

Long day up north, bitterly cold up there too, but can Gp to bed knowing it's a job well done!

April 27th, 2012

Absolutely exhausted, mentally drained, too hot - definitely been asleep on the couch.  Hair is dirty, make-up half down my face....yep, it's Friday!!

April 26th, 2012

So today I was having a little reminisce....

As you all know, I'm a huge Meat Loaf fan and that's actually how my Andy and I met.  Well today it's 16 years since my first concert, and I was thinking about all the things that stemmed from that one choice.

Imagine if I'd never gone...I'd never have become as big a fan as I am now, I'd never have signed up to the fanclub, so I wouldn't have met Andy.  So I wouldn't be getting married, wouldn't be living in the town I do, working in the job that I do...isn't it funny the journey that you end up taking based on tiny decisions which, at the time, seem really small?!  Perhaps that's a good thing though, perhaps if we knew how much things would impact on our lives when we were doing them then we'd overthink everything and end up taking completely different routes?!

Thinking like this really does just cement my life's moto for me though, the words of Mr Loaf himself that I've tried to live my life by...Don't Think, Just Do!

April 25th, 2012

Long day, neck feels like it's almost broken, shoulders are on fire, and I think there's more lactic acid in my upper body than there is blood..

But none of that matters because today, after a long wait, I finally received a picture of my wedding dress!!  When I ordered the dress it was so new that it hadn't even been to it's photoshoot yet so wasn't online, and it's still not online now but the designer kindly emailed me the image from the photoshoot.  So great to finally be able to look at it whenever I want!

Weirdly, it doesn't look as nice in the pic as it does on, I think some textiles are just like that aren't they, it's much nicer in the flesh.  I'm also having some alterations done to it so mine will really be a one off!

Can't wait to go for the fitting - roll on June!

April 24th, 2012

Sad day today, as I had to say Bye For Now to a couple of people I think the world of :(

Not long after I moved here I needed a job, any job, to get me through January/February when handmade-world is quiet after Christmas, and the lovely couple in the post office needed someone.  I applied, they offered me the job and that was that.

Over the past two years they really have become my "Cheshire parents", as I call them, their love and support has been immense, and it really shouldn't be possible to laugh that much at a part-time job!  Today after a long wait they've finally been able to move down south to be with their families, and I couldn't be happier for them, but they've certainly left a big empty hole here!

Love you both to bits, see you at the wedding! X

April 23rd, 2012

Thank you for all the lovely comments on yesterday's blog, it's nice to know you're all still out there - this blog-a-day thing ain't easy!

Was so pleased to get all those products online yesterday, there's nothing better than clicking "Upload" for the last time and watching them go, it's like finally announcing something to the world that you've been keeping secret, it's nice to finally share it!

It was also great to finally share with you all the wonder that is my new products pictures from Dobege Photography.  Joanna and Martin are actually our wedding photographers but when offered the chance to have some product shots done I snapped their hands off!  As I'm sure you can tell I was not disappointed, they've really given my products a new lease of life and I would truly recommend anyone to get some professional pictures taken.  I know these things don't always come cheap and we're all tightening our belts at the moment, but with an online business it's just so important to truly reflect the quality of our products, and I think Dobege have done a stunning job *bragging over!*

Hope you've all had a happy and productive Handmade Monday !

April 22nd, 2012

Ohhh my goodness, how long has it been since I linked up to Handmade Monday ?!  There is just no excuse....I have been busy though!

Lots been going on here, new products, new photography, new pricing structure, revamped Lucy Liz website...it's all go!  Of course none of it's finished yet, never is, but we're getting there.  Poor Andy gets to the end of the website "to do" list and I present him with another one...what a trooper!

There's lots of new products on there and I'm proud of all of them, especially this bag though!

I was excited even just to receive the fabric and thankfully it translated into a bag even better than I thought it would, such a vivid turquoise it really is a beautiful print "in the flesh"

Best get me to bed - ready to start it all again in the morning!

April 21st, 2012

I've just realised something...

I've just sat down to type this blog having slept through Avatar - I know, it's meant to be the most epic film ever etc but I've just slept through the entire thing.  And having slept through it, Andy turned it off and left Top Gun on TV, and I realised I've not seen that either!

Do I have odd taste or am I seriously missing out on some of the best films of all time?!   Perhaps I need to have a weekend off and go through some of the "classics"...and perhaps Channel 5 could help me by showing something other than Home Alone every week!  Seriously - it's not Christmas!!

April 20th, 2012

Far too exhausted to even consider writing a proper blog post, but to sum this week up...

New fabric prints, new products, new photography, new "business plan" , lots to post about on Handmade Monday.

So that ain't a bad week huh!

April 19th, 2012

Such a positive day today!  Started the day with a really positive conversation regarding my business, the products, the brand etc which lead to a productive day of making - 4 new products done today with two more to finish tomorrow, that can't be a bad day's work huh?!

And best of all, Mr K will be home from his conference hopefully in the next half hour - definitely don't like this cooking for one thing!

April 18th, 2012

Just watched such a great programme - 10 Things I Hate About 1995! 

I loved the 90's, absolutely everything about them!  Just play me two seconds of Don't Look Back In Anger and I'm immediately transported to 1996!  Was great to watch all the things which now seem funny but at the time were just so epic - who knew Robson & Jerome weren't cool?!

Makes me wonder where the time has gone though, doesn't seem like two minutes since I was covering my folders in stickers from Smash Hits magazine, not entirely sure how I got from then to now without noticing!

Ah well, I'm sure before I know it it'll be 20 years from now and we'll be looking back and laughing about how old school blogging was!!

April 17th, 2012

You know what the worst thing about doing a daily blog is?  You realise that on a day-to-day basis you have nothing to say!

For the first half of my week I work in the post office, 9-5, then come home and start work on Lucy Liz...day in, day out...then I come to write my blog and realise today is the same and yesterday and tomorrow will  be the same again!  Which is really quite sad!  I really need to make a point of doing something important and "special" every day, to make sure that every single day I've done something to make a decent contribution, even if it is only in my little world!

April 16th, 2012

You know I can't remember the last Monday that I wasn't exhausted, feels like years ago!

Worked none stop today, really productive day of lots of new and exciting plans, nicely topped off by a request for some product photos from Cheshire Life magazine, so hopefully they'll choose to use them and you'll be seeing lots of me plastered all over the place!

Taking myself to bed, ready to start all over again in the morning x

April 15th, 2012

The end of another weekend - where do they go?!

Very produtive weekend though, new products, new photos, new bits online...it's been a good one.  Lots of new things going on at the moment, most of which I hope to share with you all soon but for now cards are having to stay close to my chest!

Continued my knitting while the F1 was on this morning...my goodness am I out of practise!  My left wrist is killing me and my right knuckles feel like golf balls, need to get my knitting muscles built back up again!

Must link up to Wendy's blog tomorrow, I've not been a good blogger recently!

April 14th, 2012

Well I've put it off for long enough, but today I started the Winter 2012 knitting.  Probably should have started sooner but I just haven't had time, so in true Lucy Liz tradition I knit through the F1 qualifying and tomorrow I'll knit while the race is on.  Love my F1 but can't afford to sit doing nothing while it's on!

New style of scarf for this year too, I loved the scarves I did for 2011 and they were popular but I can also see what was wrong with them (in my opinion) so hopefully I've addressed those things and this year's range will be bigger and better!!

April 13th, 2012

Another Friday 13th...hope it's not been too unlucky for you all?!

My Friday 13th has been far from unlucky, as today I made a delivery of handbags to a Savile Row tailor - talk about pressure!  I don't think I've ever been so aware of my stitching in my life!  I did actually hold one of the bags back, it just wasn't good enough and if it's not good enough it doesn't leave this building!

Very much looking forward to a lazy weekend, got the most annoying tickly cough which has disturbed my sleep for a week now so hoping to do a great deal of nothing, starting now!

April 12th, 2012

Finally finished sewing! Nothing like last minute huh?!

Making a delivery of 7 bags tomorrow, 6 of my "normal" range and one that's been custom made, with a fabric that was a nightmare to use but I'm pleased with the results - will try and take a couple of snaps of it before it's delivered.

Must get to bed - big day tomorrow!

April 11th, 2012

OK, this cold is nothing but annoying now - I just can't shake it off!  Probably not helped by the fact that being back at the post office I spend all day talking through thick glass, so my voice is completely shot, I actually sound ridiculous.

It's slowing me right down as well, got 7 bags to deliver on Friday - are they ready?!  I'll happily stay voiceless if I can have my concentration back!

Going to go to sleep and see if I can find it...fingers crossed!

April 10th, 2012

Just bought the best fabric ever, ever! It's one of those fabrics which I love do much that actually I don't care if the products don't sell, I'd happily keep them!

Pics as soon as I've got it!

April 9th, 2012

Nice day of not a lot today!  Last day of a bank holiday weekend, we're back to work tomorrow so made the most of doing almost nothing today.  Did get lots of little jobs done though, you know those jobs that you always mean to do but they never get done, then when you do them you wonder why you didn't bother doing them sooner?!  That's what we did!

Moved the clock, put some pictures up which have been leaning against a wall for goodness knows how long, put some bits in the loft...little things but they've made a difference!

Got a week on my own this week so I'm sure it'll be a productive week at Lucy Liz HQ as I tend just to work through if I'm alone...not good for me but there's no reason to stop when no-one else is here!  So not to wish my life away, but just now I'll be going to bed and wishing it's Friday when he'll be getting home!

April 8th, 2012

Happy Easter everyone!

Tired after a long but lovely day up in Yorkshire with my future family, fabulous roast dinner, lots of easter egg hunting, and a chocolate medal to prove my team won!

Just got back to my Smarties easter egg...compulsory Smarties easter egg I might add!  No other egg will do - I'd actually rather not have one! - it's been a Smarties egg since I can remember and I don't plan on changing that now. 

They've been fab these past two years, they've done the retro branding so the box and the foil on the egg are exactly like they were when I was little - almost seems a shame to open it! 

Off to bed, got home to find Etsy orders so lots to do!

April 7th, 2012

Today I found my green fingers!  Sort of!

I'm from a family of wonderful gardeners, my Grandma used to regularly enter her garden in "In Bloom" competitions and win, and my Mum's garden is just a great...mine, not so much.  The actual gardening part I'm really good at, the problem is I don't actually know what I'm doing.

I haven't a clue which plant is which, not a clue what's alive or dead and therefore not a clue what I should dig up and what will come back..not a clue!  So today we've bought some plants, I got them all potted up (they're very small plants just now!) and I called my Mum and made a list of what to do with each one! 

So all being well I shall be posting a photo some time soon of my beautiful, flowering plants....otherwise I'll be showing you a photo of pots of brown sticks...fingers crossed!

April 6th, 2012

Popped into Hobbycraft today, and I'm stood looking through Sew Hip magazine and look what I should stumble across...

Lucy Liz at number 4 in their list of Favourite Things, love it!

In other news, sending the biggest birthday wishes to my beautiful Maid of Honour, Helen, hope you've had a wonderful day up in Bonny Scotland! X

April 5th, 2012

Ohhh Easter Weekend - you've been a long time coming!  Seems a really long time since Christmas, we're definitely ready for a couple of days off here at Lucy Liz.

In saying that, it doesn't seem like two minutes since last Easter and the Royal Wedding - where has a year gone?!  Either way we shall be heading back up North to see some family and friends and generally do nothing for a day or two - bring it on!!

April 4th, 2012

Crazy weather!  I was woken up in the night by the sound of the wind howling outside, we're not too far from the airport so there's no high buildings, so when it's windy we really do take a hammering!  Then I got up and ate my breakfast as I watched the snow coming down!  I don't think I've ever seen snow in April, certainly not on the week running up to Easter.

Oddly, and not ideal for a daily blog, I'm not telling you the rest of what I got up to today.  Hopefully it's something you'll all hear about at some point but I'm not one to jinx things before they've happened, just in case, so you'll have to wait!

April 3rd, 2012

...and now I've got flu!  Honestly I've never known me be unwell with one thing after the other like this!

I was full of cold last week so I think when I went onto the restricted diet for hospital yesterday I've not taken in the food and nutrients I needed to keep fighting it off, woke up this morning feel awful and it's just getting worse :(  I think I need a holiday/honeymoon!

In other news I've got some exciting photography developments going on, but I'll tell you more about that later, right now I'm going to try and sleep this off!

April 2nd, 2012

Not even going to pretend to to be enthusiastic about tonight's blog...just back from hospital and feel incredibley battered and in pain, kinda like i've been beated up from the inside out!  Big thanks to everyone at the hospital though, they really couldn't have been better.

I did get some products put on Etsy though while I was waiting to go!  If you take a peek at my shop you'll find the Newspaper and Skulls & Roses bags have appeared, so I at least got something done! http://www.etsy.com/shop/LucysDesigns?ref=si_shop

April 1st, 2012

April already!  Where is this year going?!

Such a lovely weekend, had my best friend and her little girl to stay.  What a little lady she is!  18 months and she's got the whole world figured out!  Such a funny little thing, the house is very quiet without her!

Heading to hospital for some tests tomorrow, feeling epically unwell right now but it'll all be worth it when (fingers crossed!) this time tomorrow we'll know why I've ended up in hospital the past few times...noooo pressure Mr Consultant, but I'm pinning a lot on you!!