Let it snow!

Yesterday was the typical Sunday where I spent the morning pottering around the house, tidying and painting and making as I buzz from room to room. One moment I was aware of the sun streaming through the window, the next minute I look out of the window to see... yes you've guessed it... SNOW!


Few things captivate me as much as snow, just watching it fall is so relaxing. As a child I really enjoyed playing out in the snow, having snowball fights and building snow-people. Unfortunately over the years as a grown up (who drives a hundred mile round trip to work everyday) nothing fills me with dread as much as snow. Instead of the childlike awe of beautiful falling snowflakes my mind drifts to icy roads, black ice, poor visibility and general nightmare driving conditions. This realisation of my change of thinking depressed me, so today I was determined to enjoy the snow after returning home from work.


After changing into my furlined boots (fake obviously, I wouldn't hurt a fly) I took my camera and went to enjoy the fresh air and pretty scenery. I definitely managed to capture my youth when wondering around in blizzard conditions. I hardly even felt the cold, it was so much fun. The size of the snowflakes was mindboggling- oh and check out the coolest snowman ever...


If it snows a lot overnight and school is closed tomorrow then you will know what I will be doing. The British weather is notoriously unpredictable so it may rain tomorrow and all traces of snow may disappear. So if you are a snow-lover enjoy it! Anyone who has to drive please be careful, the roads are icy and black ice is everyway. Apart from that have lots of fun, I certainly intend to!

Shree Ram Krishna Centre website

Please take a wander over to the Shree Ram Krishna Centre website which I am working on at the moment. It is nowhere near complete, however the pictures in the gallery section are lovely. The Shree Ram Krishna Centre is our local temple in Loughborough and holds several memories for many people as it has been there for a long time. It has been there since I was a baby so I have a soft spot for it.

Here's to an exciting 2009!

I am not really one to make New Year resolutions, I don't believe in waiting until a certain time of year to do anything that will improve myself or my life. I do like to make plans and I have a fondness of organising things. Recently I have become very aware that life is a journey, rather than just where you bide your time till you find your destination. That would just be pointless and you wouldn't learn much. It helps being organised when juggling different interests (Yoga being the new one in the mix!). Here are some things that I want to do to this year.

Focus purely on my business
I've always juggled things, apart from a spurt in 2005 where I worked purely on my art, I have always worked in education alongside my creative work. This has worked well in the past however now I need to give fuel to this creative energy that has been suppressed due to other commitments. The value that I am delivering is diminished as my mind is on other things and this leaves me dissatisfied. This year things are going to change and it is very exciting!



This image on the left is from a series I have been working on since just before the new year called 'Ray of Light'. I really cannot seem to stop working, and it seems like a range of greetings cards is going to be made based on this work. It has been a while since I have relished working on a project for well over a month and still retained enthusiasm for it. Let's hope this sustains into other projects I work on!




Fit in fitness
Regular exercise is important, while I am imprisoned in this body I should make the most of it. I have started a 30 day trial of doing Yoga everyday. I need to get my breathing right, and balance my body and mind. It is proven that exercise reduces the risk of disease, increases longevity, helps achieve and maintain weight loss, enhances mood and is something that I should do to better my health. I am pretty good in the summer and walk a lot, however in the doom and gloom of winter I rarely do any physical activity. This is not good and must change, I also find I have more energy the more exercise I do. If I spend all day at my desk than I am shattered, therefore this one is an important goal in 2009.


Have more fun
I have already become more peaceful by moving away from materialism. Having fun involves bringing balance to your body, mind and soul. I want to do lots of photography, paint and draw in my free time, I am really enjoying revisiting Krishna's pastimes whether by watching Mahabharata or reading the Srimad-Bhagavatam. I also plan to go to the theatre more and generally find activities that expand my horizons.


Random acts of kindness
Life has been kind to me and I feel like I need to give something back. I prefer not to disclose what I do as this works best when done in secret. It is fun doing something kind with no motive at all. I was probably inspired by Amelie...

Craft fair!

It is getting close to Christmas and if you are stuck for ideas for presents why not visit Rawlins Craft Fair in Quorn, Leicestershire? I will have a jewellery stall at Rawlins Christmas Craft fair on Sunday 16th November. This will be at Rawlins Community College, Loughborough Road, Quorn, Leicestershire,LE12 8DY.

The fair will run from 10.30am to 4.30pm and will feature over 70 stalls of hand,ade crafts and food, plus refreshments and children's craft corner. Entry is £1 and 50p for concessions.

Last year was a resounding success- especially for families as they had something to entertain young children too. Some of the crafts on sale were beautiful from unique ceramics to custom handbound books.

Fashion frenzy

I took part in an interesting style workshop yesterday with stylist Susanna Kelly. She went through the basics of how to flatter your shape, using accessories to your advantage and the importance of colour. She had a wonderful manner which put everyone at ease, and it was interesting to find out just how many women aren't sure of how to dress with confidence. It was a great opportunity to glean knowledge from one who dresses the stars as well as networking with style conscious women. It helped me get some ideas for jewellery designs so it was very worthwhile.

Website revamp

I have been wanting to redesign my website for a while now and after being inspired by Steve Pavlina (what a motivational writer!) I have got my act together and almost finished. Please feel free to wonder over there and let me know what you think. I will be adding jewellery which can actually be purchased on the site.

I am looking forward to catching up with family and friends over Diwali, so I'd better get a move on and complete as much work as I can to scrounge some leisure time for myself.

New work

I have been pretty busy recently and have been enjoying every minute. New jewellery designs are made using reclaimed silks, wool, gemstones and more. My current popular item are the wrapped bangles which are very bright and unusual. I have used rare salk fibres hoarded over the years (some are offcuts of saris that were adjusted to fit me). Beads and sequins are also reused from fabrics to offset the fibres I use.

My personal favourite is a turquoise bangle covered in silk fibres accented with a jade gemstone and teeny tiny reclaimed glass pendant bead.

Each piece of jewellery is one of a kind and I take commissions to your specifications. My next craft fair will be at Rawlins Community College in November where I will be selling many of these designs.