SUNNY DAYS

The last few days have been surprisingly hot and sunny. I am beginning to think it might be summer, which is a bit sad really since I am going on holiday soon and it might be over when I get back. Bad timing I think! Last weekend was the Alyth Show, our local agricultural show. I had considered taking a trade stand this year but since the last two years have been a bit of a wash out I decided against it. Am a bit of a wimp really and the thought of standing in a gazebo in the rain (wet feet) just didn't appeal. How wrong I was. It was a lovely day. At least I had the benefit though of visiting the show without having to work. My friend Jacqui of Bags of Charm was there in a very lovely gazebo selling her hand made bags. I sell them in Buy Design and I love them. Here are a couple of them. I do like the golfing ones but have to say the farmyard theme is my favourite.

Another Manic Monday

My Mondays aren't really that manic at all but once I get a song in my head it stays there at lot longer than necessary. It was quite a busy weekend though. On Saturday I drove down to Linwood, Renfrewshire, to take part in my sister Jackie's church fete. I'm not much of a motor-way driver and I spend most of the journey thinking I will miss a junction and end up going in the wrong direction. When we lived in Kent I tried to go from Dartford to Bexleyheath on the A2 once. It should have taken about ten minutes but somehow I got in the wrong lane at a roundabout, got on to the M25, and had no idea how to get off. Thankfully there was a full tank of petrol and the sun was shining. Still not sure exactly where we went that day but I remain cautious of motor-ways even now. No such drama on Saturday though. My youngest daughter Rhona came with me and we had a lovely day. We met some very nice people who liked my work and I have been asked to do a craft fair around Christmas time in the same area.
The afternoon was finished off with a family meal out before heading back home on the motor-way. I think I am getting the hang of it now. Roll on the next big adventure.
Mark Baker came in the shop this afternoon with some more of his lovely stained glass. We had a bit of a move around with cabinets and shelving last week and so I was able to find a nice place to display his work today. It's all looking really good just now.

Technical Hitch

I really need to work on my I.T. skills. Today I took photos of some new jewellery that I had been working on yesterday. I was really quite pleased with myself, but sadly when I plugged the camera into the computer I couldn't find them. Think I might need to consult one of my teenagers for advice, and to find out where the photos are hiding.
On a more positive note, I have been busy getting stock ready for my craft stall for next weekend. I am taking a table at my sister Jackie's church fete in Linwood. You never quite know how these things will go so I like to have a good range whenever I go off for the day. I have finished a really fun range of button necklaces and am tempted to keep a few for myself. Tomorrow I will be on to the knitted bracelets, which always seem to go down well, probably because people are so surprised by the idea of jewellery made in such an unusual way.
Hopefully I will be able to show some photos soon.

Mel's Legs

Last night I was at my friend Mel's. A few months ago Mel, who owns Pondfauld Holiday Cottages, decided that she wanted to start a club. It has to be said that Mel is a little bit mad, but she reckoned that many of her friends are quite extraordinary women and that we should all meet up and share our knowledge and skills. Sounds pretty grand though it's really just a chance to get together for a chat and a bit of a giggle. Last night Elaine demonstrated the art of water-colour painting. She really is very good. Muriel decided to have a go herself while Mel and I hit the supper table, moving swiftly on to the cakes. During the course of the chocolate brownies someone came up with the idea of crafting holidays in Mel's cottages, where Mel would provide the accommodation and myself and Elaine would provide the crafts. It's something to think about and just might happen later in the year. Oh and just to explain the title: Our club is called the League of Extraordinary Gentlewomen,aka, Mel's Legs.

2nd Blog

Thursday morning sees me back in the shop, with at least some of my To Do list completed. Seems a shame that on my days off it rained non stop and today the sun is shining and the sky is blue. I spent some time rearranging my window display. I only really have enough room for five or so items at a time so I change the display regularly, giving everyone a 'turn' in the window. Today we have a floral arrangement from Mary in Aberdeen, a vase with a beautiful glaze from Kerstin in Alyth, bags from Jacqui in Kirriemuir, some of Cathy's etched glass, and a funky pig called Snort who no doubt will be going to live in someone's patio very soon. I had a visit this morning from Sylvia who makes cards for Buy Design. She brought along some new cards so the display is looking good with something for just about any occasion.

First Blog!!!

Hi, this is Fiona from Buy Design joining the blogging world.
Just a note to say that we have just passed our first birthday. Whoever says starting a business in the middle of a credit crisis is silly obviously hasn't met me. To be honest we had already opened, but only just.
Buy Design is a lovely little shop in Alyth, Perthshire. We sell a wide range of hand-crafted gifts and accessories made by locals. I personally make all the jewellery and I have to admit, it's really rather nice....
Pop in and say Hi. We're open Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 9.30 till 5.oo. I usually nip off for lunch about one o'clock, but there's a lovely little cafe round the corner, if you feel the need to do so too.