Relocation, relocation, relocation...

Parting is such sweet sorrow... Moving is like breaking up with someone. Whilst there are things you might miss, nine times out of ten there are things that you accepted as imperfect at the time, but that deep down irritate you so much that you really enjoy the change when they're gone . And as for the next one... well they're always great when they have that novelty glow and time will tell how long they last.
It has been obvious to me for some time now that a change of location was necessary. In order for me to operate efficiently and accommodate my growing need for space, I have to move. Which has made me look at a number of things about myself, the way I work, and indeed the way I live in general. Many of these things I will not bore you with, but a big one is this - I hoard stuff. And this has to change. I probably will never ever read the books that have been unread on the shelf for over a year, nor do I need two pairs of hair straighteners... They have to go. And this almighty clear-out leads me to my next project... A relocation promotion at PrinceDesignUK When I started the shop last year, I was trialling items. It was all a great big adventure, and whilst it still is, I now have a much better idea of what people buy, what they like, and what photographs well. And on the other hand, there are a few things that are just hanging around. So coming soon is my relocation clearance. Don't get me wrong, there really aren't that many things to go in there, but there are a few things that for whatever reason just didn't quite make it to my sold items list... I've been bouncing ideas around a focus group (of my friends) and we thought that the best thing to do would be to have a buy 2 get one free sale. Check it out in my relocation promotion section.
It's tricky to organise keeping the shops running, being exhausted, making pots, fitting in my family, having any kind of life and moving at the same time, but I've planned it all pretty well, so there will be no disruption to either my etsy or my folksy shops during the move, apart from maybe a few less items being listed for a week or so. Anything purchased during the move will be shipped as normal. All of you who remember the last time you moved - keep your fingers crossed for me! And anyone who has a few hundred cardboard boxes spare... I'll swap you for anything you want from the relocation promotion section :)

My new shop..

Is tentatively live...
As yet I have only uploaded a couple of items to it., but the main difference between it and my etsy shop is that it is UK based, and so UK customers can pay in pounds. More items will be listed soon - I promise!
Check it out at http://www.princedesignuk.folksy.com/
UK customers who've seen something they like on my etsy shop but would prefer to pay in pounds can now ask me to list it on the folksy shop instead, as I realise it can be off-putting to pay in a foreign currency.

Another new venue that is now selling my pottery is http://www.hunkydoryhome.co.uk/
Initially we're going to start with a couple of my lovebird bowls and later... who knows!
The site has a fun selection of home accessories, ranging from lampshades and cushions to gifts and items for chilidren - check it out! I particularly love their soft owls - fab!

It's been a while...

since I talked about poppies. Making these poppy bowls has been a bit of an obsession for me. One of the nicest things about them is that although I am the maker, and I have made more than a few of them, it is impossible to make two the same...

Each one is a pinch pot, and this basically means that I get a small piece of clay, roll it into a ball, and then gently manipulate it out into a poppy shape. It grows of its own accord, and although I can control the clay to an extent, I can't ever make two the same. In addition, the glaze that has to be applied later is controlled by the exact thickness of the clay, so that too is infinitely variable. Now whilst that may make them more difficult to list on a shop (as each must be individually photographed) it does give me a magical pottery buzz when I open my kiln, because no matter how many I make, even I can't predict exactly how they're going to look when they come out. Now this is great for individuality and great for the people who buy them knowing that theirs is truly unique, but sadly less great when someone asks me for three stacking ones exactly like the ones in the picture on the right... If you're reading this - sorry, I haven't forgotten, but it's going to take time!

The lovely disco bird...

flew into my shop last week, and here she is...

I made a couple of my lovebirds as wall decorations a while back, and thought I'd try something a little different. I absolutely love how the glaze came out on this one; it's a mixture of two of my favourite glazes and they have combined to make little jewels in the wings. Ceramic wall pieces are great for cheering up a bathroom or kitchen as the ceramic doesn't mind steam and can be washed, but this one would look pretty in a child's room too... I'm kind of tempted to keep it!

Valentines day...

is nearly here! Apart from bracing myself for the usual sackful of cards that my poor postman will nearly break his back delivering, I've been busy sending out love-related items from my shop. Love is in the air!

Favourites this week have been these little lovebird pairs....


and these little sets of Valentine decorations...


How sweet!

Now those of you who know someone who always seems to take people under their wing, the motherly type, the one person who could never turn away a little soul who came their way might be able to relate to this week's new addition...
The mother hen mini plate. This mother's got a lot on her plate! Sadly it doesn't look like Daddy hen's around to help, but I think she'll cope just fine.