Taxing

Hello, I haven't been updating my blog much lately due to the dreaded tax return! I have been busy trying to organise my accounts and let's just say it took some time. I'm not the most organised when it comes to keeping receipts together and printing invoices and I'd never even done a spreadsheet before. I think I am finally sorted though. I have honed my Excel skills and have promised myself (and Dave!) that I will be organised from now on so the next tax form doesn't take days.

The Great Swim is fast approaching too. Thank you very much to everyone who has sponsored me for Marie Curie Cancer Care. I have my start time and my ankle timer (I don't know that I would have signed up if I knew it was carefully timed!) is in the post. No backing out now. I have been for lots of swims lately. A few in the local pools and a couple in the Lake District. We went for a dip in Ullwater this morning and it was extra deep due to all the heavy rain (the jetties were under water) and absolutely freezing! The coldest yet -I could hardly put my face in. Hopefully it can only be warmer than that...

Still time to sponsor me! There's a link top right :)

Other than swimming and boring spreadsheets, I have been making more new sock monkeys and lots of cards. I have just posted two Grey Retro Monkeys to New York! I need to make more little bags this week too as my supplies are getting low. See the shop for new additions...

Oh yeah, the Chainbridge Honey Farm Fair the other weekend was good too. Note the Ibex in the banner on their website made by Dave and his dad! I sold a few monkeys, cards and bags which was great especially as it was pouring down most of the afternoon.

Here's a photo of my modest little stall in the craft tent..



Right back to my monkey ear sewing and dinner!

Ta ra

Back In Town

Well I am back up north after my week working at Company and the We Make London craft fair. A very busy week sleeping at friends' houses -thank you again Lovelies! I finally made it to the cinema to see SATC with Caz and loved it. It was great to catch up with the Company girls again too and squeeze in some well-deserved lunches and shopping.

We Make London was a great fair with fab stalls but a bit quiet on the customer front as it was very 'off the beaten track'. Dave put posters on every lampost in Holborn and Covent Garden but it was just that bit out of the way I think. Nevermind, the people that did find it came and bought Storeyshop goodies including a special request to buy the sock monkey hanging from the balcony! Lots of business cards were taken too so it was still well worth doing.

On the shopping front (I knew I wouldn't be able to resist!) I bought some gorgeous little hair clips from creamrose at the fair, which I have been wearing everyday since! Have a look at her shop for lovely accessories. I got home to a card order from madebycara who had a gorgeous stall opposite us with cute bunting and little 'crayon rolls' -check out her shop too!

Here are a few snaps of the Storeyshop wares on display at We Make..







Now I am busy photographing the latest Storeyshop creations to put online. Keep an eye out for new monkeys and little bags very soon! I also have a few card orders to make and get posted off this afternoon. Various freelance design enquiries are on the cards too which is good. The magazine that I thought had changed their mind about redesigning their lifestyle publication are back in touch and wanting me to start work soon which would be a great project. I'm not holding my breath though. We'll see! A man called wanting me to design a few brand identities for him too. It is looking like a busy few months ahead.

Ta ra