Jude's Jewels

Steampunk

2012-02-15T20:58:00.000Z

Evening all,

I've had a busy day making and dispatching orders, and getting started on some new Steampunk jewellery.
I got a lot of vintage watches delivered this morning, so I've been trying out a few new designs. Earrings, a pendant and a couple of rings.

Tie tacks and a few other things will follow. Once I've stripped the watches down to just the movement, I added a few Swarovski crystals then added the fixings to finish the pieces. I'm very pleased with the results so far.

I know you're asking... what is Steampunk? Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that came into prominence in the 1980’s and early 1990’s. The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used, usually the 19th century, and often Victorian era England, but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date. So it’s like taking modern technology and representing it with gears and moving parts instead of electronics.

I listed a few new twisted sweet necklaces today as well. 2 liquorish and another multi-coloured flump one.

Just about to list a curly wurly pendant and matching earrings and a few other sweetie and biscuit items.

I got a load of old typewriter keys yesterday so most letters are back in stock for the rings.
I'm just about to use my Sushezi machine for the first time to make my very own real Sushi, to eat, not for making into jewellery. Hope it turns out all right.
Have a good evening.
Take care.
Jude.

Valentine's Day Good Wishes

2012-02-14T18:52:00.002Z

Hello everyone,
I hope you are all having a wonderful Valentine's Day. It's been a while since I last had time to Blog, but I'm back now and ready to get chatty again.

I've just had a little holiday to re-charge my batteries after the Christmas order rush. I've got lots of new ideas and am raring to get started on some new jewellery, so keep watching for all the new listings on the Jude's Jewels website.

We started back at the farmers market circuit on Saturday with Stirling Farmers Market. Then we did Sloan's Market, Glasgow on Sunday. Paisley and Fencebay markets are at the end of the month, and we start back at Stirling University Atrium Traders on the 23rd Feb. We will also be back at Falkirk Farmers market on the 2nd March.

On the website Lego jewellery is now almost as popular as Scrabble jewellery, with the Lego heart pendants selling very fast this week. The Steampunk watch movement cufflinks are also becoming top sellers.

I'm just about to list a lot of new Sweet and Biscuit items, as soon as I get everything finished off. Also got a lot of new rings to add. I've already listed quite a few Easter goodies, but there are more to come.

Also in the pipeline is a new section of Laser Cut Acrylic items with a fun, Scottish slant.

I've just launched a new Competition as I now have over 2800 Facebook fans so, for your chance to win one of four prizes, pop over to the Competition Page now. And, if you have not already done so, please like my Facebook page via the link at the bottom left hand side of most website pages.

So have a very happy Valentine's Day, and I'll be back very soon with some new jewellery.

Take care.
Jude.
www.judesjewels.co.uk

Christmas Wishes

2011-12-21T14:19:00.001Z

Hello everyone,
I have to apologise for the lack of Blogging, but I've been so busy making and dispatching website orders and going to markets that I've not had time to Blog at all.

It's been a very hectic couple of months and the past 30 days have just been a blur. 1200 items were ordered on the website alone. To make sure all the orders went out on time, I've been working almost 20 hours a day and got really tired at the weekend. So much so that at 3am on Sunday morning I decided I could not manage to go to one of the markets scheduled for that day. I hate to disappoint customers but I was just way to tired to drive never mind setting up a stall and running it all day.

Today, things are slowing down so I think the main Christmas rush is now over. I've still got orders coming in, but I'm able to make and dispatch most onthe same day.

Over the past few months I've been adding lots of items to the website and stall stock. Most popular has been the Acrylic pendants, but the Steampunk cufflinks are proving very popular too. The Christmas jewellery page has been very busy as well and I've tried to add lots of new items.

2 weeks ago I launched a range of new sweetie smothered gel covers for the iPhone 4. Very soon I'll have the same covers available for the iPod 4 as well. In the New year I will be expanding the range and offering a custom design service.

The Scrabble and Lego jewellery is still selling very well, and I now have almost 400 sets of Scrabble in the house !!

I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year when it comes. I also want to say thank you for all your support and custom over past year.
Have a wonderful time.
Jude xx
http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Struggling to Keep Up

2011-10-26T13:01:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

Just a quick Blog today as I really am struggling to keep up with website orders, making stock for markets, ordering new stock and generally just keeping the business going. So much to do and not enough hours in the day to get it all done. But such is life and I'm not complaining.

Looks like people have started to shop early for Christmas as I am already getting some quite large orders coming in on the website.

Been doing the usual round of markets. Sloan's in Glasgow is proving very good for us. We just seem to be catching the right customers there, and they are loving our jewellery.

Farmers markets have been a bit quiet this month, but hopefully they will get busier in the next week or so.

We have been getting a lot of bookings for Christmas events so it looks like I'd better make up a good selection of new jewellery to keep ahead of demand. We will be at the Novotel in Edinburgh for 3 days at the beginning of December, for a Christmas Market. Also taking part in a Farmers Market in the Howgate in Falkirk in the week before Christmas.

Halloween jewellery has been selling well, as have Cufflinks, Scrabble rings, Lego Rings, Jammy Dodger Rings and Chocolate Star Rings. Although Domino Rings have been on the stalls for a while, I've just listed them on the website too.

Lego Minifigure pendants are selling very well and I'm getting lots of commission orders too. Just about to list Hermione and R2D2.

This week you can find us at Stirling University tomorrow, Sloans market on Saturday and Sunday, and Fencebay Farmers market on Sunday too. Unfortunately due to Jens work schedule we will not be at Paisley farmers market on Saturday. We will be back there onthe 12th November.

I'd better go and get cracking on todays orders, lots to get into the post.

Love and best wishes.

Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1599423-Lego-MiniFigure-Pendant-Captain-Jack-Sparrow-Pirates-Caribbean
http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1622752-Chocolate-Star-Ring-Mini
http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/prod_1590749-Pukka-Penguin-Cufflinks.html

Very Busy Weekend

2011-10-10T17:42:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone.

Just catching my breath after a very busy 4 days where we did 6 events.

Stirling University Atrium Traders market is going very well this term. Nick had lots of returning customers on Thursday. Falkirk Farmers Market was busy in the afternoon on Friday, afer a slow start. Stirling Farmers Market was good on Saturday, with lots of sales, while Paisley Farmers Market was a bit slow. Nick and Jen went to Clydebank on Saturday night to take part in a fundraiser in aid of Diabetes. And on Sunday Nick and I has a super day at Sloan's Market in Glasgow.

I've been making up a lot of new acrylic pendants, necklaces and earrings again this week including Pac Man Ghosts and the original yellow Pac Man. Bats, Barbie and Lady Gaga to follow tonight.

Also made up some Screme Egg earrings just for Halloween.

Scrabble Rings and Lego Rings still selling well at markers and online. Jammy Dodger and Chocolate Star rings also selling well.

I made a Barbie Head bracelet on Thursday night and it sold on Friday. Making another 2 tomorrow. Also made a couple of Barbie leg pendants for Halloween and will be using up the arms tomorrow too.

More Halloween items coming this week including kids Pony bead bracelets. And I'll be doing something new with the Scrabble tiles.

The website has been very busy over the weekend, so I've spent all day getting orders made up. Looks like tomorrow will be the same. I think people are shopping early for Christmas this year.

I've got to go and order more stock.

Back again with more items next week.

Take care.
Jude x
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

google372c3057fc91b464.html

I'm Gearing up for another busy Weekend

2011-09-21T11:39:00.004+01:00

Morning everyone,

Just making the most of a little bit of free time this morning to get my Blog done.

Got a bit of a fright on Friday evening when Jen came back from her camping trip to Glencoe. She had fallen on scree coming down from a waterfall and had to be taken to hospital. She had tohave a nasty gash in her scalp glued together, her face was scratched and she had an enormous bruise all the way round her rear end. She was very lucky, as it could have been much worse. We were just grateful to get her back in one piece.

Since the Edinburgh festival markets finished we have been very busy with Farmers markets and I've been working on the website. We have also returned to Sloan's Market in Glasgow. You will find us there most Sundays and every other Saturday too. This market is set in an alley beside the famous Sloans bar. It's very atmospheric and there are lots of quirky things on sale. Loads of jewellery.

I'm getting geared up for another busy weekend. We start back at Stirling University Atrium Traders tomorrow. On Saturday Nick will be at Paisley farmers market and I will be at Stirling farmers market. On Sunday Nick will be at Fencebay farmers market and Jen and I will be back at Sloan's market in Glasgow.

I've spent the last few days ordering up loads of new materials to make new jewellery for the stalls and the website. Watch out for lots of new Halloween items and Christmas things too. less than 14 weeks now till the big day, lol.

Still selling very well are the Scrabble and Lego rings. This week we have had a lot of orders for Coin Cufflinks too. Lego earrings have started to sell well and the Scrabble stretch name bracelets are always popular. Glass Ball watches selling fast as well.

Last night I listed some Halloween rings, and there are lots of Halloween earrings coming very soon. I also listed some special Lego minifigure pendants and they are selling fast. Captain Jack Sparrow is proving to be very popular.

Because we are going a lot of markets in Glasgow, I've just listed some fun Glaswegian themed badge rings. Glasgow Smiles Better, Glasgow Kiss and CSI Glasgow.

The parcel post has just arrived so now I've got a lot of new materials to make up. better go and make a start.

Take care everyone.

Love from Jude x
http://www.judesjewels.co.uk

It's Already September !!!

2011-09-07T11:45:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone,

I've finally managed to make enought time to sit down and do my Blog.

It's been a hectic month at Jude's Jewels. We have now completed 20 markets in Edinburgh over the festival period. Really enjoyed all the buzz in the capital, all the Fringe things, and we did OK at the stall too. Gave out a lot of business cards and the orders are now coming in on the website. Met lots of lovely people too.

We are now back into our regular round of farmers markets and Nick has the Jude's Jewels stall in Milngavie today. Depending on the weather, we may be in Helensburgh on Friday. Saturday sees Nick in Paisley and I'll also be at our local market in Stirling. On Sunday we are venturing back to Sloan's Market in Glasgow to give it another go. We used to attend a few years ago but stopped when it became filled with stalls selling cheap imported jewellery, not handmade at all. It seems to have changed back again to a more artisan market, so we will have another try.

Thursday 22nd September is the first Atrium Traders Market of the Autumn semester at Stirling University. We will be there every Thursday till Christmas.

We have been asked to attend a Christmas market in Edinburgh by a gallery owner who saw our stall in Edinburgh last week. Just finding out more details, but it may be worth doing. We may also be taking part in another Christmas market in an Edinburgh hotel too. Bookings for other Christmas events are coming in, but we are so busy and heavily booked already that we may have to turn some people down.

I've been very busy making new jewellery and have had a great response to the vintage stamp pendants. More to follow as soon as the pendant bases arrive from the US. I'll also be making rings and smaller pendants in the same range.

The vintage steampunk glass ball skeleton watch pendants sold out almost immediately, so I have ordered more materials and will be making them again very soon. I've also ordered a load of guitar picks from Australia and will be making a new range of earrings, pendants and maybe necklaces as soon as they arrive.

The Lego Minifigure pendants and rings are proving to be very popular and I'm listing more all the time. I'm also able to do special requests for these, so if there is a figure you want as a ring or pendant, let me know.

The Halloween Jewellery page is back on the website, and I will be listing more items as soon more materials arrive and I make up the jewellery, so keep checking back to see what's new.

On the website, Scrabble and Lego rings, bracelets and pendants are still selling very well. Lots of cufflinks are being dispatched too. Lovely to see so many overseas orders coming in, so keep them all coming.

The August Newsletter Discount Code is now finished, but another discount code for September will be coming out soon.

I've got to go now because, as always, I've got a pile of orders to get made and dispatched today.

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Love from Jude x

Just Catching my Breath Between Busy Weekends

2011-08-24T11:56:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone,

Thought I'd post a wee Blog while I'm catching my breath between busy weekends in Edinburgh and at other markets.

Last weekend was our best yet in the capitol during the festival. We had really good sales and gave out a huge amout of cards for the website, and now we are getting sales from these too.

Selling well in Edinburgh are Lego and Scrabble rings, all kinds of other rings, teapot and teacup items and my new line of Lego Minifigure pendants.

The vintage brass pendants are popular too and I have just added a fabulous Victorian glass ball watch to the stock. Monopoly pendants sold out on the stall last week so I will be making more for the weekend.

I've just added Lego minifigure rings to the website and am adding new pendants almost everyday. 3 new figures have just arrived in the post and will be listed this afternoon.

I added a few new rings yesterday, a red rose with leaves, a mint rose and a fab faceted domed cabochon with a photo of Audrey Hepburn.

I will be making a new line of funky cufflinks using Lego Star Wars helmets just as soon as they arrive.

Before I go and process todays orders, I think I will go for a short run, as the rain has stopped. Then I'll be working all afternoon making up the orders so I can get them into the post this afternoon.

The website has been getting steadily busier every day, which is wonderful and what I have been working for. Thank you all for your purchases. Your custom means a lot to me and is much appreciated.

Have you all have a good week.

Best wishes.

Jude x

Second Weekend at Edinburgh Markets

2011-08-16T15:31:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,

I'm so pleased that we got to the end of our second weekend at Edinburgh Markets. 4 days in the capitol, 12 hours each day, really takes a bit of stamina. We also did 2 farmers markets last week as well. A lot of work as I had to work hard to keep our stock levels up, keep making and dispatching the website orders, and get out to the markets as well.

We had 2 good days in Edinburgh on Friday and Saturday, but Thursday was a wash out and Sunday was quiet. Jen did Helensburgh Farmers Market on Friday and it rained there all day, so customers were a bit thin on the ground. Jen and I did Stirling Farmers Market on Saturday and had a good day. It only rained a wee bit then the sun came out. This week we have 4 days in Edinburgh and Cupar Farmers Market on Saturday.

I've just had a delivery of 2x2 pink Lego bricks, and I've managed to get hold of some more purple 2x2 and 2x1 bricks. These are like gold dust so I'm very lucky to have found them. I also managed to get a couple of Hagrid Mini figures and found some Lego coupler plates that I'm going to be making into heart pendants, so watch out for these being listed. I'm just about to take photos and list some new Mini Figure pendants as well, including a Pirate.

Also delivered this morning were my new lures and flies for more fishing earrings and pendants. I hope to have some listed by this afternoon, if I can find my heavy duty cutters as I need to de-barb the hooks.

I also got my new sterling silver plated antique stampings delivered from the States today. Lots of new earrings and pendants to follow very soon, so look out for Unicorns, Sea Horses, Dragonflies, Elephants and Cats, as well as Bats and Butterflies.

As usual Scrabble and Lego rings are selling very well everywhere, but it's nice to see so many other items being ordered on the website, especially Lego and Scrabble bracelets. At Edinburgh markets it was teacup rings, teapot pendants and food rings that were the biggest sellers.

We really did have a busy weekend as we had 2 parties as well, a 21st on Saturday night and a 60th on Sunday. Got to dress up and I wore my new feather hairband and matching pendant and earrings.

I've just been out for a wee jog/walk, the first time out in about 8 weeks, so I took it slowly and managed just over a mile. My goal now is to jog more and walk less, then start to go a bit further. Hopefully I'll get back to circuit training on Monday too.

So I'd better get back to work, Nick has just come in and wants to work on the fishing lure things.

Have a good week.
Jude x

Nicks at Edinburgh Market Today

2011-08-11T09:12:00.001+01:00

Morning all from a very wet Stirling.

Most of southern and central Scotland has had constant rain for a couple of days now. We were watching about 4 weather stations last night and this morning to check the weather forecast for Edinburgh today. Very heave rain till about 6pm.

Phoned Edinburgh Market organiser at 6.30am to see what was happening and she said the market was going ahead today. As we have already paid a large deposit, Nick decided that he would drive through and do the Jude's Jewels stall himself while I stayed home and processed the website orders. He's away with a set of waterproofs as he has to park the car 30 minutes walk away from the market to get free parking, otherwise it's £20 for the NCP !!

Anyway, I made a new feather fascinator/hairband and listed it on the website last night. The one in the photo is for me to wear this weekend. It's available in a choice of feather colours and I've just been asked to add pink as well :)

I've also listed 6 pairs of Dr Who earrings, but I only have 1 pair of each type.

I found a few Tennants cans yesterday so listed 2 pairs of earrings. Found some Grouse cans too, so I updated the can cufflinks list as well.

I'm just waiting on the parcel post arriving, as I've got a lot of materials ordered. Most should arrive today. At least 6 sets of Scrabble should come today, so that means plenty of letters in stock for all the Scrabble jewellery. I got a huge delivery of Lego yesterday, so all colours of bricks are in stock too.

If I get a chance I'm going to work on some more fishing lure pendants, but I need to find my heavy duty snips so I can take the barbs and hooks off.

Remember to sign up for the Jude's Jewels mailing list to receive your special offer discount codes and newsletters.

Hope the rain is not too bad there ever you are.

Take care.

Jude x

Very Wet Weekend

2011-08-09T12:46:00.001+01:00

Hi everyone.

We have just about dried out after 3 very wet days at Edinburgh Festival Markets, but at least the sun shone on Friday.

It was so wet on Sunday that all the other stallholders called off, so we decided not to bother setting up as one stall does not look like a market. We came all the way home again and I went back to bed. Probably did me the world of good as I've been working constantly for weeks.

Last week, Nick had a brilliant day at Milngavie farmers market and also at Falkirk farmers market, and the website has been very busy again, so that more than made up for the wet days in Edinburgh.

I've just introduced a new line (excuse the pun) on the website, fishing lure pendants. These are made from real Bass lures with Swarovski crystals covering the hooks. They are very bright and colourful, and I will be adding more today. I've also just sourced some fab brightly coloured Walleye flies and these will be made into earrings as soon as they arrive. I'm toying with the idea of using some Trout flies for earrings as well, but I'll wait and see how the first lot sell.

I've just added more Dr Who earrings to the online shop. The photos are coming this afternoon.

As always the Scrabble and Lego jewellery is selling well, as are the cufflinks. The new Purple Lego rings have sold out so I am searching for more bricks, and the Gold Lego pendants are proving to be very popular. The Red Geisha Girl pendants sold out almost immediately and so did the other Lego Minifig Girls. I'm just about to list a Lego Pirate Minifig pendant as well.

I sent out the August Newsletter on Sunday night and got a very good response. If you received the newsletter and are thinking of placing an order, remember to use the special discount code. If you would like to sign up to the next newsletter use this link.

Also remember that postage on UK orders over £20, and Overseas orders over £30 is Free.

I do hope you like all the new items I'm adding to the website. If there is anything you would like me to make and list, please let me know and I will see what I can do.

Have a great week.
Take care.
Jude x

Another Busy Monday

2011-08-01T23:32:00.000+01:00

Evening everyone,

I'm just catching up with a bit of work on the website, adding links and checking the SEO. It's an ongoing job, making sure that everything is correctly listed and described.

There were a lot of orders to make up and get posted today. It's the same every Monday, as there are always a lot of website orders placed over the weekend. Just trying to work out a more efficient way of labelling and now considering buying a package so we can do out own postage without having to go to the Post Office every day.

I've had a couple of new ideas for earrings but will keep them to myself until I order the materials and get a couple of pairs made up. These are going to be very different :)

Also just reminding myself to order up plenty of bags and boxes. We will hopefully need them at the Edinburgh festival markets which start on Thursday. Jen has been working hard making up lots and lots of bracelets so we have plenty in stock.

I listed some new cufflinks today. Three pairs of Tartan Lion Rampants, a pair of Union Jacks, and a pair of Miniature Compasses. All very fun and funky.

I'd better go and get the things I need ordered.

Take care and have a good week.

Jude x
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

At Fencebay Farmers Market Today

2011-07-31T17:37:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

We have just got back from the farmers market at Fencebay near Fairlie on the Clyde coast.

Scrabble rings, all letters available

Althought it was very quiet and it rained constantly, we had a good day and sold a couple of large necklace sets as well and fimo earrings, kids bracelets and rings, and scrabble rings. I've got a few orders to make up for next month, so I need to remember to get the materials ordered.

It was lovely to see some customers who had not been to the market for a while, and also to catch up with our regular customers and friends.

There was a good selection of stalls and produce today. Nick had a Game Pie for his breakfast from Winston Churchill Venison and for elevenses we had some lovely cake from Happy Hills, and sampled their new macaroons as well. Fab. Got some Hairy Coo steak pies from Cedar Cottage for tea, along with fresh veg from Jim Chalmers. Patricia had the Caurnie Soap stall beside us so Nick chose the soap for us for using this week.

Came home to more orders on the website, so it's shaping up to be a very good day.

Got to make up a few new necklace sets this week as we have sold quite a few recently, which is very good news.

Also need to make sure we have plenty labels, boxes and bags as well as materials in stock for the Edinburgh Festival markets.

But for now, I'm off for a wee snooze now, before I make the tea.

Hope you have all had a good weekend.

Love from Jude x
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Hi again everyone.

2011-07-30T16:17:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

I'm sorry it's been quite a while since I last posted my Blog, but I've just been too busy to write anything because I've been working on the website, making and dispatching orders, making up new stock and going to farmers markets. I've been spending a lot of time on website SEO, just trying to keep my place on the Google rankings. Takes hours of work just to stand still.

The online shop has been very busy as a result of all the time I've been spending working on the website, which makes it all worthwhile. Orders are coming in steadily, 24 hours a day, and we are now sending out a lot of jewellery all over the world. Scrabble Rings and Lego Rings and other jewellery are still top sellers, but it's nice to see lots of other stock being sent out now as well. Cufflinks are proving very popular this summer. I've had a few large orders for Scrabble cufflinks for weddings.

I have spend a lot of time developing new lines, and am really enjoying making up all the slogans for the 'keep calm' dogtags, pendants, rings and cufflinks.

The sweetie jar pendants are very popular and I'm finding new things to put into them all the time. I've had some badges made to my own designs and am using them for rings and cufflinks.

We are just about to start a run of 20 markets in Edinburgh during the Festival. We will be there every Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday from the 4th August, for 5 weeks. Some of the badges I've had designed have been made specially for these markets and have an Edinburgh theme.

The farmers markets have been a bit quiet over the past few months. The economic downturn is still hitting consumers very hard. We have been at Paisley Farmers market this morning and it was very quiet. Local holidays did not help either. We are at Fencebay farmers market near largs tomorrow, so hopefully the sun will still be shining and we might get some tourists and holidaymakres dropping in.

I'll try to post my Blog more regularly in the future.

Take care.

Jude.
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Another Wet Saturday

2011-06-18T16:01:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

Back at the Blog again after a bit of a lapse. Just been too busy with the website and the stalls. So decided to sit down after the markets today and write a few words to let you know what I have been up to and what is coming up.

We have been out and about trying a few new market venues. Some have been good, some have not. The weather has been really bad for weeks now, never good for outside events.

At the end of May, we had a stand at the Ideal Homes Show at the SECC in Glasgow. Very hard work for 4 days but worth it in the end. We used the event as a profile raiser and handed out loads of cards and flyers. We had a great time looking round all the other stands and loved watching the guest celebrity chefs.

I have been building up stock and new lines for the stalls, and adding a lot of new items to the website including a few new Gothic/Victorian style items and some Howilte Mala Skull Charm bracelets. Sales on the website are steadily increasing every month,
which is brilliant.

A few days ago I sent out my first Newsletter via MailChimp. I decided to have a try at this to see what the response would be, and have been amazed. For the June issue I included a special discount code and this had been very popular. The next newsletter will go out next week and will have another special offer, so click on the 'newsletter' link to join now.

New to the stalls and the website this week are the 'Keep Calm and Carry On' Scrabble tile rings and cufflinks. Also the 'Meaning' and 'Sugar Skull' Scrabble tile rings too. And some new Cowgirl Scrabble tile cufflinks, and other funky ones. These are proving to be very popular, along with the Scrabble Initial and Lego Stripe Cufflinks.

So all in all, things are going quite well, despite the bad weather. The website is performing well and customers seem to be liking all the new items. More will be coming next week, as soon as new materials arrive and I get things made up.

Have a great weekend.

Take care.

Jude x
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Busy buying new materials today

2011-05-16T22:59:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

I've been very busy today trying to get lots of new materials pulled together for a big event at the end of the month. Had ordered a lot of special charms but it looks like they may not be ready on time so I am covering myself by buying other materials. We will need lots and lots of stock to keep us going for 4 days. Just ordered a pile of boxes as well. All my stall and online sale jewellery goes into boxes. It just makes the purchase that bit more special and keeps the item safe. I hate to see people giving customers jewellery in organza bags.

Had a busy weekend with good sales at Stirling Uni and Stirling Farmers Market but poor sales at Helensburgh and Paisley Farmers Markets. In general, sales are very up and down just now. We are just trying to keep soldiering on and hope that the problems with the economy are fixed sooner rather than later. Website sales are holding steady now after the fall caused by Google changing things. In fact there has been a distinct upturn this last few days. I've been working hard on the website, at my descriptions and metatags, and try to keep changing things slightly every day to give the robots something to see. Takes up a lot of my time.

Had a few custom orders over the weekend and again tonight, which is something I love, and also got a rush job for 2 tiaras for Wednesday, so hope the materials arrive tomorrow.

Made up some new charm necklaces yesterday just to see how they would turn out and how long they would take to make. Each necklace is taking over an hour to make so will have to be costed accordingly. Sold one as soon as I put the photo on Facebook last night. Ordered some beads today to make a few new necklaces for the stalls. Going to be using Fimo, glass and crystal, for a summer look.

Jen has been making up all the remaining Can beads ready to make into bracelets and earrings. She has made a few hundred. After these are gone we will not be stocking them any more. Too many people now selling them, so we will move on to something else.

Been out at circuit training tonight. Keeps me fit and helps get rid of any pent up frustrations.

Just finishing printing off tonights orders, so had better go and look out all the materials I will need, so I can get straight on to making up the items in the morning.

Take care.

Jude x

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Time Flies By

2011-05-11T08:44:00.000+01:00

Morning all,

Sorry for the big gaps between Blogs just now. Been very busy and the days are just flying by. Where does the time go?

I had a custom order for some Thistle items for a wedding and really enjoyed making this Thistle headband and button hole.

Lots of new items have been added to the website, so do pop over and have a look. Some great items in stock now. Been making up lots of Skull bracelets and they are proving to be very popular. Can bracelets still selling well as are the new rose bracelets.

Added some really funky new hair pins with cake pieces and they are being much admired on the stalls.

Scrabble and Lego still the best sellers online, but great to see so many other items being ordered too. Cufflinks seems very popular just now and I'm busy extending the selection.

Just ordered a huge amount of Steampunk/Victorian/Gothic stampings for a new range I'm developing. I'm waiting on bottle tops and lenses to arrive so I can make a start on some funky new pendants. Also ordered a big selection of vintage crystals last night for a new line in earrings, and there are a load of fun items for pendants and earrings on the way too. So lots of new things to come very soon.

We have been taking part in lots of events and now have markets on every Friday as well as saturdays and Sundays. Tomorrow is the last Atrium Traders Market at Stirling University for this semester, so that gives me a free day to get orders processed. We have a very big event coming up, but not saying too much as I don't want my website stalker to know about it, lol. I'll announce it just before it talkes place :)

Anyway, I'd better get started on todays orders before the website gets busy again. I like to get as many orders as possible processed on the day they come in, but I'm playing catch up today as I had my hair done yesterday morning and then went to a PT session in the afternoon, so lost quite a few hours.

So take care everyone and have a good day.

Love from Jude.

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Busy week ahead

2011-04-20T09:23:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone,

I'm just trying to gather myself together to make all the stock we need to cover the 7 events we are doing this week. I need to have plenty of rings, earrings, bracelets, Scrabble, Lego and Mah Jongg, and lots more all ready to go tomorrow.

Ordered a load of new materials so hoping they all arrive today, or tomottow at the latest. Jen is making a lot of new bracelets for children and adults and I'm making the rings as well as anything also I think will sell well.

We had a very successful 1st Farmers market at Broxburn on Saturday. It had been well advertised and was very well supported. Jen went back to Greenock to try that market again and did quite well. Customers were pleased to see us back and she gave out a lot of cards.

Just signed up for another 3 monthly farmers markets so looks like we are going to be very busy over the summer.

Got my first set of Mah Jongg tiles yesterday and got some rings and pendants made up right away and listed on the website. I think these are going to be good sellers as they are so pretty and so on trend for summer.

Made my first lot of resin bangles yesterday as well. After a bit of pushing and manipulating, they came out of the moulds perfect and I'm quite pleased with the results. They take a lot of time to make and use a lot of resin so I'll see how these go before I make some more.

I'm just off for a wee run now, then I'm heading for town as I've run out of small padded envelopes again.. Think someone is eating them :) Also got to get some Easter cards for the family and do the banking. When I get back I've got to make up todays orders and get them ready for the post. I've got PT at 4pm today as well, so I'd better get a move on if I want to do everything :)

Hope you all have a lovely day, think the sun is going to come out here in Stirling again.

Take care.

Jude xx
www.jusdesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Atrium Traders Market at Stirling Uni again today :)

2011-04-14T17:54:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

Just back from Stirling University Atrium Traders market. Out of 8 stalls, 5.5 were selling jewellery of some description. Unfortunately for the other sellers, we now have a very strong customer base at the Uni and people come straight to our stall and ignore the others. They like the funky items we sell. Great for us but a bit demoralising for the others. Anyway Nick did a great job as usual and got a lot of sales.

I set up the stall then came home to make and dispatch todays website orders. A lot of Scrabble went out today along with quite a bit of Lego and some Cans and Candy.

A lot of new materials came in again today, so I will hopefully get some new stock made tomorrow. Got some fab big smiley faces for pendants and some great big cabochons for brooches. Loads of Scrabble tiles came in today too, so all letters are in stock for immediate dispatch.

Just having a cup of tea at the computer, then going for a sit down as we have circcuit training tonight. Its great, but always hard going, and I've got to go out and run round the pitches 3 times as well.

We will be back at Greenock Farmers Market on Saturday, first time in over a year, so we will see how the customers react to our new stock lines. Also taking part in the Farmers Market at Broxburn Easter Fete, which should be fun.

We have a lot of events booked in for the next few months so check out the Calendar of Events to see where we are. We may be coming your way sometime soon :)

I'd better go and put my feet up for a wee while.

Take care.

Love form Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Late Blog Tonight

2011-04-12T23:49:00.000+01:00

Evening all,

This is a bit of a late Blog today, but I've had a lot on and been trying to re-vamp some of the item descriptions on the website.

Also been trying to get to grips with robots and what they do when they crawl your site !! I'm still none the wiser really, lol :)

I had a big making day yesterday and got a lot of new earrings and a couple of pendants listed on the website. Some fab yellow roses and purple faced pansies, some horses, and some funky other things.

Website has been very busy today. It's always nice to switch on the email in the morning and see orders already in. Been a steady stream all day. And quite a few International ones, which is wonderful. Scrabble still very popular but a lot of rings, Chocolate and Easter items going out this week too.

Got some unusual new resin pieces made on Sunday and Monday, just have to add the final fixings now they are set nice and hard. Think most will be rings with the bigger ones for pendants. Ordered some assorted bracelet moulds, so they should be here soon. Quite excited to try them out with some new embeds.

I had better go and get ready for bed now, I'm trying to have an early night tonight as I've got a lot of things to make tomorrow and a PT session at 4pm. Then we are all going to Auchtertool in Fife to a get together for Jimmy, the Fife Farmers Market organiser, who retired last month. Should be fun, and I'm sure the food will be fab :)

So take care everyone.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Had a Long Lie This Morning

2011-04-10T13:10:00.000+01:00

Afternoon everyone,

I almost put 'morning' there, then realised the time was almost 1 o'clock. I have had a very long lie in this morning. Just so tired after a busy week of markets and website sales, and a very long and busy day at Stirling FM yesterday. coupled with not much sleep. Nick was up early to watch the Grand Prix.

So now I'm up and doing my Blog, then either going out for a walk in the sunshine or having a wee round of golf. It will probably be golf as Nick will want to practice for the medal day at Comrie tomorrow.

A lot of orders came in on the website yesterday so I'll have to spend some time looking out all the materials I need to make up all the items. Most should be made and posted tomorrow.

Scrabble and Lego jewellery still going strong, but lots of chocolate theme items also selling well just now in the run up to Easter. Almost sold out of Chocolate oranges and Creme eggs. Flowers and Fruit going well too.

Anyway, I'd better go and get dressed then see what we are going to do. Maybe even try to get some more resin rings made up if I get time.

Have a lovely Sunday afternoon.

Take care.

Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Super Saturday

2011-04-09T19:46:00.000+01:00

Hello there,

What a great day we have had. The sun has been shining and the shoppers have been out buying :)

Nick had a below average day at Paisley Farmers Market for no good reason, but Jen and I had a really super day at Stirling Farmers Market. Started an hour earlier than usual at 9am and caught a lot of early trade. Sun had really brought the shoppers out of the Shopping Centre into the fresh air.

Sold a lot of pendants and Easter earrings today, plus cufflinks, lots of rings and Scrabble pieces.

Bought some fab Rib-Eye steak for tea, some purle sprouting broccoli, Cairno Cider and Strawbubbly, Venison Pie, Fudge and Cake. It was lovely to catch up with lots of friends. Thanks your your support.

http://www.barkershighlandbeef.co.uk/

http://www.bellfield-organics.co.uk/

http://cairnomohr.homestead.com/index.html

http://www.winstonchurchillvenison.com/

http://www.ochilfudgepantry.co.uk/

http://www.achrayfarm.co.uk/index.htm

Came home and found that customers had been busy on the website. A lot of orders came in today :) So it looks like I'm going to be very busy on Monday again.

Very tired now as I got less than 3 hours sleep last night. Going to finish this Blog then catch 40 winks on the couch before I cook the tea and have a cheeky little glass of Cairno :)

Have a great weekend.

Take care.

Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Friday and the Sun is Shining :)

2011-04-08T10:30:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone,

Well the sun is shining here in Stirling and I've already got my washing on :)

Should be a very busy day as I'm waiting on lost of new materials arriving, loads of miniature goodies. The drill is all set up with my smallest drill bit, so I'm ready to get started on bananas and ice cream cones. Really looking forward to showing you the finished articles.

Lot of miniature plates on their way too, so watch out for the new line of food cufflinks which should be on the website with photos today. I've got more ideas for that line, so keep watching Facebook for new photos.

Nick had a good day at Stirling University yesterday. We are building up a really good customer base there, and getting lots of orders. Jen was up helping for a while too.

We have 2 markets this weekeend, Paisley Farmers Market and our local Stirling Farmers market. I'll have a lot of new jewellery on both stalls including the new food lines and lots of Easter gift ideas. Nick will be at Paisley and Jen and I will be in Stirling, with Nick coming along later on.

As the sun is shining, I may try to get some more resin cabochons made today too. Will go outside to do the pouring to avoid the fumes :)

Still selling lots of Scrabble and Lego jewellery, especially rings, but cufflinks going well this week too. Sweetie Jar pendants are very popular and so are the 'Message in a Bottle' pendants. Creme Eggs and Chocolate Orange earrings almost sold out again.

I'd better get cracking as I want to get a lot done and I've got to pop into town as well. Need to buy my Mum some new clothes.

So take care and have a lovely weekend.

Love from Jude xx
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

I've ordered a ton of new materials today

2011-04-05T17:51:00.000+01:00

Evening all,

Goodness but I've been busy today. I've ordered even more new materials to start making a new line in cufflinks, plus extend the range for some other items.

Todays orders are all made and posted, which is always a relief :)

Had great feedback for the fruity items I listed yesterday. Sales coming in already. More of this line will be added this week. Just need to set up a very small drill bit to get some pieces made. Looks like the Bunch of Swingers Banana Earrings are going to be very popular. And the Pina Colada Pineapple Bracelet as well :)

Also added a lot of new food rings, but photos are not up yet. Will have to do them tomorrow. I've even just listed an amazing Royal Wedding Cake Ring :)

Event bookings coming in all the time just now, but having to turn some down as my calendar is already very full. Spring and Summer are going to be very full on for Jude's Jewels.

Nick and Jen will be at Milngavie Farmers market tomorrow. I have PT at 8am then am going to spend the day making new jewellery. Hopefully some of the new materials will arrive and I can get a lot done :)

Going to make a cup of tea and put my feet up now. Only stopped for about 20 minutes all day.

Take care.

Love from Jude xx.

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Monday Order Making at Jude's Jewels

2011-04-04T22:46:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

Just back from Circuit Training with Nick. Had a great time, really enjoying the is circuit :)

Made Prawn Biryani with wild Bismati rice for tea, very nice.

Had a full on day making up all the orders from the weekend and today. But running out of boxes again so had to do another big order.

Spent a lot of time this morning ordering new materials as I've got a lot of ideas for new jewellery buzzing round in my head. Also got to make sure we have lots of stock made up ready for some of the big events we are doing over the summer.

Got my new Pineapple and Banana items made and listed, really pleased with them. Just got another couple of fruit items to make up. Think they will be very popular for the summer. Pineapple bracelet about to be listed on the website.

Thinking of making some resin bangles, so will have to look for moulds. Also will try the Epoxy resin rather than the polyester this time to reduce the fumes. Got some great new embeds already ordered so better get those moulds soon.

I've got to go now and do some more work on the website.

Have a good week.

Love from Jude xxx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Phew, What a Busy Day at Jude's Jewels !!

2011-03-31T17:28:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

I'm just having a cup of tea and a wee break after a very busy day.

Went up to Stirling University this morning about 8.30am and set up the stall. Left Nick there at 10.30am and came home to get on with website orders. As it was half term we decided to close stall early at Uni so I was back up there for 2.30pm to put the stock away. Went home via the post office with the first load of orders. Made some bacon sandwiches when we got in then started on the second batch of orders. More Lego and Scrabble orders had come in while I was away, and one was a Scrabble necklace for Mothers Day so I had to get it made up and out today. Now catching my breath before starting on a couple of orders for Falkirk FM tomorrow.

While I was out this morning Royal Mail had been with a parcel, but put it through the door. There was also a note from DPD to say they had left a parcel in a safe place under the trampoline, so I went to get it......and found nothing. No idea who the parcel was for, where it was from, etc. and there was no info on the card :((

Then Parcelforce came with a package full of great embelishments from the US. Then the Postman came with another load of packages. So tons of new goodies but unfortunately I've been too busy today to do anything with them.

Got a weather warning from the Falkirk FM manager this mroning as there is bad weather forecast for tomorrow, but just received another email to say worst should be over by 8.30am, but it's going to be blustery so we are going to tie down the stalls !!

Nick had a fairly quiet day at the Uni, but did get sales so worth the effort to set up the stall :)

Now I'd better get back to work again.

Have a good evening.

Jude xx.
www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Making Lego Jewellery Today at Jude's Jewels

2011-03-30T18:45:00.000+01:00

Hi there,

Just back from posting todays batch of orders. Website sales still very good with Scrabble and Lego still top sellers, but Mothers Day items going well too this week. Got a good order in first thing this morning for the West Indies so am very excited about that. First time I've sent anything there !!

Been very busy making new Lego jewellery today. All now listed on the website.

At the request of a customer, I made a Lego Brick 2 row stretch bracelet with black glass pearls.

Then I made a new lego Mini-figure pendant with a baseball cap on back to front :)

Then I decided to make some new Lego rings, so I made one with 4 1x1 bricks, one with 4 pegs and one with a 2x2 transparent round brick.

Then I made a couple of Lego Flower Charm Bracelets, one in yellow and one in transparent pink. Think they will be nice for Easter.

I'm just going to have a cup of tea then make a start on Nick invoices. Have been so busy with Jude's Jewels stuff that I'm way behind on the electrical business work :(

So I'd better get off here and make a start.

Hope you have a good evening.

Love from Jude x.

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Hello Again

2011-03-29T10:52:00.000+01:00

Morning everyone,

I'm sorry that my regular Jude's Blog has not been appearing.

I've just been so busy with Markets and Website orders that I've not had enough time to write it :(

But I'm back today and wanted to say that I've listed quite a few new items on the website including some fab new rings and earrings, a Lego Pearl Bracelet and a Sweetie Jar Pearl Bracelet, and some lovely Mothers Day and Easter items. Another new Lego Bracelet will be listed later today :)

I'm also half way through trying to do my listings on Shopmania. Taking a bit of time as there seems to be problems with uploading photos. Don't know if it will be worth the effort or not, but I'm giving it a go. Was trying to link it to my Jude's Jewels Facebook Page, but it seems that I can't at the moment.

We have been very busy over the weekend with 4 events. Paisley FM on Saturday was average, West End FM was a bit slow, We had a bumper day at Fencebay FM, and Jen had a really poor day at Go Greener Day. Nick was also kept very busy at Stirling Uni last Thursday :)

The Go Greener Day was most disappointing as Jen had worked hard to get a lot of new stock together, loads of kids items, only to find the hall awash with Jewellery stalls.

Website sales are still very good, with Scrabble and Lego still way out in front, but loads of other items across the site selling well too.

Was very suprised to see half my shop for sale on an eBay page the other day, someone has copied almost all my funky things. Also just noticed that one of the big London sites has a lot of my things as well. if it was not so annoying it would be a compliment. Still getting a lot of copying going on on Facebook as well. Almost everyday someone announces a 'new item' taken directly from my website!!

But enought of the moaning, I'd better go and get todays orders made and ready for posting later. Got a lot to do. Back very soon.

Take care.

Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

New beads Day at Jude's Jewels

2011-03-16T16:40:00.000Z

Afternoon all,

It's been a few days since my last Blog..............

Just been very busy with markets and website orders and making new stock.

Got a load of fab new beads in this morning and already got a lot made into bracelets for the stalls this weekend. Just about to start on the rest of the larger beads. Going to be making new ribbon necklaces which just tie at the back, nice and simple :)

Had to put in another big order for boxes again today, where do they all go ? (out with the orders)

Also managed to get my paws on another few sets of Vintage Scrabble to keep up with demand. I only use old black print Scrabble, not the newer green printed letters and not the coloured tiles. This is because people only really want the vintage ones :) Got well over 100 sets sitting in the dining room now, all with J's, K's, C's, M's and H's gone, hehehe.

Nick is off to the PO again with todays orders. Had to keep a few back till tomorrow as I've run out of the right size of ring blanks again. Put a big order in 2 weeks ago, but they had failed to turn up yet.

Also ordered a load of new hair clips, snaps and slides, and padded applique pieces for the summer markets. Want to make sure I have my stock in place in plenty of time this year.
Anyway, I'd better go and make a start on these ribbon necklaces before I have to go and make something to eat.

Hope you have a good day.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Jude's Jewels Stall is at Stirling University Today

2011-03-10T12:18:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Sorry for not being about much this week. Just been very busy getting website orders made and dispatched.

Been up to Stirling University this morning and set up the stall at the Atrium Traders Market. Nick is there all day and I will be back up after lunch, once I've got todays orders made and posted. New on the stall today are fab jewelled cupcake and sundae pendants. Hope they sell well :) Also got a good selection of Tattoo pendants as well.

Scrabble and Lego still most popular on the website but great to see all sorts of other items selling well too. Chocolate egg earrings, pendants and bracelets going very fast just now.

I'm waiting on the parcel post as usual. Need an order of Sterling silver to be delivered so I can get on with a load of new earrings. Also waiting on crystals, resin moulds, flatbacks, more scrabble sets and a variety of other things too. Just made a couple of rabbit pendants for the stall tomorrow.

Was at PT yesterday, so got aches all over today. It never seems to ger any easier.....or maybe it's just me getting older :)

Anyway, I'd better crack on and get these orders made. Don't want to leave Nick on his own too long.

Have a great day.

Take care.

Love form Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Running out of Boxes at Jude's Jewels !!

2011-03-07T10:09:00.000Z

Morning everyone,

Hope you all had a good weekend whatever you were doing.

We did 4 markets over 3 days, and had Sunday off which was great. Went for a walk up the hill behind the house. A bit cold and grey but we enjoyed it. Got my feet wet a couple of times jumping over (into) bogs :)

So back to usual work this morning. Website has been very busy over the weekend so I have a lot of orders to get processed and dispatched today. Boxes should have been delivered on Friday but I was at a market and DHL decided not to leave them where they are supposed to!!

Phoned them and they can't re-deliver until tomorrow. I am now hunting through boxes for boxes as we have hardly any left at all after the weekend.

Going to be making a few new items this week, so will post photos as soon as I get things made.

Got a load of Scrabble sets on the way again as all the Scrabble jewellery is still selling very well. Also waiting on a new batch of Lego too with more shapes and colours, and all the bits to make up some new mini-figures. And have just ordered materials to make some realistic miniature cupcake pendants, so that will be fun :)

I've now got everything I need for the resin pendants, except the moulds which were held up in Australia.

But they are on the way now, so hopefully by the end of the week, if the weather is good, I will have some new items to show you.

Anyway, I'd better get back to the making table and make a start.

Have a wonderful day.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Playing With Resin Today at Jude's Jewels

2011-03-02T15:52:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I decided to give the resin cabochons a try last night. Don't have the right moulds or the embeds yet, but had a try with some things I had on the making table and used a silicone ice-cube try as the mould :)

I used some miniature Berties and Smarties, some pieces of tapemeasure, some spare steampunk bits and bobs, and a few brass fairy charms and some flatbacks. They came out not too bad and I have already drilled them ready to make pendants.

Just can't wait for the other materials to arrive :)

Been a busy couple of days on the website. I think people are starting to buy Easter gifts. Scrabble jewellery still very popular, and Lego too, but lots of Cans and Candy items being dispatched and also Chocolate Eggs jewellery.

Been to PT this morning which I really enjoyed. Doing fat-burning to try to get my metabolism kick-started. Hard job !!
It's a bit grey and overcast here in Stirling this afternoon. I've hung the washing out and am just about to make my lunch and watch neighbours. How sad am I ?

So I'd better go 'cause it's nearly 1.45 :)

Hope you all have a great day.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Sunny Monday

2011-02-28T11:44:00.000Z

Morning everyone,

Well the sun is shining and the skies are blue here in Stirling :) Already got a load of washing on and 2 more to go!!

Just had a parcel delivery and it was a load of miniatures, so I'm already making up some items to list on the website.
Sushi rings, Strawberry cheesecake rings, Oreo cookie rings, Chocolate cupcake rings, Watermelon Cookie jars, Cherry cookie jars and Oreo cookie jars jars, and very cute Cup of Coffee rings too. Looks like it's going to be a busy day at Jude's Jewels :)

Got a load of orders to process and dispatch today as well, been a very busy weekend on the website, which is fab.

On the Farmers Market front, Jen had a really great day at Mansfield Park in Glasgow. Best ever for sales and orders. She out-sold Nick and I, who had a quiet day at Paisley. Our sales were far lower than normals but this was due to 2 marches taking place and huge Police presence, keeping customers away :( However, we were back on form at Fencebay yesterday and had good sales and a got huge amount of orders for next month. Jennifer had a poor day at Sterling Mills, Tillicoultry. It was very cold and that kept a lot of the families away. So overall it was swings and roundabouts.

Over the weekend, I ran a competition on the website to celebrate reaching over 1500 Jude's Jewels Facebook Fans. New rules at Facebook meant that I had to do a 'giveaway' via the website and not directly on my Facebook page. I had lots of entries and am just about to list all the names and do a random draw. Thanks to all those who took part. I will be running another 'Competition' when I reach 1600 fans :)

Well I had better get cracking, lots to do today. Just hope the weather stays good for a few days so I can get out and enjoy it.

Have a great week.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Excited About New Projects at Jude's Jewels

2011-02-25T19:58:00.000Z

Morning everyone,

The sun is coming out here in stirling so it looks like we may have a nice afternoon.

Aches all over this morning after circuit training last night and PT the day before. But I lost 2.5 lbs last week so am on my way to loosing all the weight I put on over Christmas and during my holiday :)

I am so excited to have finally ordered all the materials I need for the resin cabochons I am doing to be making. Just have to wait patiently for them to arrive now. Never used resin before so this is all going to be new and I'm sure there will be some experimentation going on. I've got round moulds ordered to make rings from but also heart and stars as well, which I think I'll use for pins and maybe pendants. Just have to see how things turn out :)

Hopefully the organza butterflies and silver headbands will arrive today and I'll get a few made up for the website and the stalls. Just remembered I'll need to go and order tiara boxes to pack them in!!

steampunk octopus bracelet

Think I will do some Steampunk pieces today as I feel in the mood. Also making bracelets and doing the website orders.

Need to make up a load of stall stock too, as we have 4 Farmers Markets this weekend.

steampunk necklace

steampunk octopus earrings

On the website, Scrabble and Lego still selling very well, but lots of Easter items going well too.

So I'd better fly and get started. Lots to do :)

Take care.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Loads of New materials Ordered at Jude's Jewels

2011-02-24T13:07:00.000Z

Afternoon all,

Very sore all over this morning as I was back at PT last night and was put through my paces. Seems my back/spine is not very supple so I need to work on flexibility. Really enjoyed the kick boxing bit and mamaged to jump up on the bench without falling on my face, which amazed me. Mind over matter :) Need to go for a massage this week and do some pilates classes as well.

I was up at Stirling University earlier on setting up the Jude's Jewels stall at the Atrium Traders Market. Nick then took over and I came home to work on todays orders and also to get on with ordering materials for the new ideas I've had :)

I thought I'd make some butterfly headbands so I've ordered about 6 colours of organza butterflies and silver tiara bands.

Also decided to try resin moulding my own cabochons for rings and brooches. I've just ordered the resin kit, some round, star and heart moulds and the items I'm going to ember in them. Not saying what just yet as I want it to be a surprise. But I'm very excited about it all :)

Looks like the black Lego Rings with the Swarovski Crystals may become big sellers now that
Jessie J has been spotted wearing one, along with a Scrabble ring, at Camden Barfly :)

Good news for me !!

So now I'm going to have some lunch, finish packing the orders, get them posted and then get back up to the University to give Nick a break, and also to pack up. I'm very fussy about what goes where !!

So Have a great Thursday.

Take care.

Love from Jude xx

http://wwwjudesjewels.co.uk/

New Ideas Day at Jude's Jewels

2011-02-22T11:12:00.000Z

Morning all,

Kind of grey and overcast here in Stirling, but not raining which is a bonus.

Have decided to try making some cabochons for rings using resin and embedding various unusual items. Have to order resin and hardner, etc, and also get some moulds. Will get on to that today :) Think this could be fun.

chocolate easter egg earrings

Some big orders for Easter, Chocolate and Scrabble items came yesterday, so will be making them up this afternoon. Also had a lot of enquiries for custom pieces, which is great.

cadburys chocolate bar bracelet

Going to go for another walk/jog over the top of Bridge of Allan this morning. Really trying hard to get back into shape.

That's me had my porridge and blueberries, and a wee cup of tea, so I'm all ready to go and face the day.

scrabble tile chain necklace

creme egg pendant

Hope you all have a wonderful Tuesday.

Take care.

Love from Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Monday is Making Day at Jude's Jewels

2011-02-21T11:58:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Just getting myself sorted out to start making up all the orders from over the weekend. The website has been very busy :) I've also updated the Scrabble Jewellery prices, so have a look.

Unfortunately we had 2 quite poor Farmers Markets on Saturday. Both Queens Park and Cupar were quiet for us. Bad weather did not help at all :(

Had a day off yesterday and went for a great walk/jog over Bridge of Allan and home via Stirling Uni. Really enjoyed it and managed to run for over a mile, which is good for me.

Took one of my neices to see 'Paul' last night. First time we have been to the cinema in years !! Really enjoyed it.

Just in the process of making this feathered bird hairband for a customer in Paisley. Quite pleased with it so will list it on the website in a wee while, once I've got it finished off.

Better get to it as I do make a lot to make.

Back soon.have a great week.

Love from Jude.

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Making Lego Jewellery Today

2011-02-18T10:23:00.000Z

Morning all,

Just been looking out all the materials I'm going to be using in my jewellery making today :)

Going to be making new Lego head earrings, mini figure pendants, dog pendants and light sabre earrings.

Also got a load of new buttons delivered so I'm going tobe making kids rings for the weekend.

Jen needs a display of Scrabble rings for her stall so I'll do a whole set for her too.

Got a customer request for a hairband with a bird on it, so have ordered all the materials, just waiting on them arriving.

Also got a customer request last night for a Pixie Lott style Scrabble hair clip. Listed it on website last night so can make it in any letter now :)

And just a reminder that at the moment I have all Scrabble letters in stock including J's and K's, so if you want something with one of these letters, now's your chance :)

Anyway, I'd better get cracking on my jewellery making.
Have a great day.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Looking for New Materials

2011-02-16T16:49:00.000Z

Hi there,

Nick has just gone to the PO with todays orders. I've spent a lot of time searching for mew materials to use in rings and pendants today. Looking at Miniature items just now. they are very quirky and so much fun. Not just food items, but other things too.

We have quite a few large outdoor events booked over the summer and I know I will need to have a good amount of stock ready to go. Smaller items sell well at these events so I'm looking for inspiration all over the place.

Got to go and order address labels now as computer went funny on me last time I was half was through. Also need to go and order blue Lego as well.

Lots of Scrabble sets arrived today so I now have J's and K's in stock along with loads of all the other letters. Just thinking of what to do with them all :)

So I'd better pop over the the label site and get my order in.

Have a good evening.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Cufflinks and K's Today

2011-02-15T12:25:00.000Z

Afternoon everyone,

Had a bit of a long lie in this morning after the PT and Circuit Training yesterday. Feeling good today, had my porridge and blueberries and enjoying the healthy detox diet we are all on.

Just getting everything organised to make and dispatch lots more orders this afternoon.

A good selection of Cufflinks, Scrabble, Lego and Swarovski Thistles going out today :)

Just taken these photos of a new necklace I made last night. I'll be listing it in the shop later.

Ordered a load of fun flatbacks for rings last night so hope they will arrive in a week or so. Also had to order another 300 boxes !! Got to go and place an order for more address labels too, while I am remembering about it :)

So I'd better get going and make a start on the making before lunch time.

Have a great day.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Working on Todays orders at Jude's Jewels

2011-02-14T11:56:00.000Z

Morning all,

Just back from PT and now getting organised making up todays orders.

Lots of Creme Eggs, Lego and Scrabble going out, along with some Dr Who earrings.

Just changed the layout of the Cans and Candy page over the weekend to make it easier to look at. I've added sub-groups for earrings, bracelets, pendants, cufflinks, rings and phone charms. More items being added all the time.

Going to be adding a new page for Easter/Mothers day later today, so watch out for some new items being listed.

We had 2 good Farmers markets on Saturday. Paisley sales were better than expected for the beginning of the month, and we had a very good day at Stirling. Bit of a shock to the system setting up the stall for the first time since before Christmas.

Took me 2 hours to get it straightened out, but got there in the end.

So better go and get cracking on these orders. Some are needed urgently.

Have a good week.

Love from Jude.

www.judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

Starting Back at Farmers markets Tomorrow

2011-02-11T21:00:00.000Z

Evening all,

Been very busy today making and dispatching orders, working on the website and making up new stock for the Farmers markets tomorrow.

Nick will be in County Square at Paisley Farmers market from 9am to 1pm. Jen and I will be in Port Street, at the Stirling Farmers Market, from 10am to 4pm. As usual, these markets are well worth a visit as you will find loads of fab fresh Scottish Produce.

We will have Valentines Day and Easter items for sale as well as lots more Cans and Candy, Scrabble and Lego jewellery.

I'd better get back to the making table as I've still got a lot to make and am coming up with new ideas all the time :)

Have a great weekend.

Love from Jude xx

http://judesjewels.co.uk/ourshop/

http://www.ayrshirefarmersmarket.co.uk/

http://www.stirlingfarmersmarket.com/

http://www.scottishfarmersmarkets.co.uk/calendar/

Gearing up to Start Farmers Markets Again

2011-02-10T10:35:00.000Z

Morning all,

Just about to go and go a couple of orders then pop into town for some 'me' time :)

Going to be getting started on new stock for the stalls for the Farmers markets this weekend.

Jen and I will be at Stirling FM and Nick will be at Paisley FM.

Going to be making up Valentines day items so hopefully they will sell well.

Also going to be making up a selection of Cans and Candy bracelets, earrings and cufflinks. New this time will be the Bacardi, Magners, MeEwans, Hershey's, Absinthe, Poison and Jaegermeister items, so we'll see how they go.

Made up some cake plate rings yesterday and going to get some pictures posted on the website today hopefully, if I can get the new camera to do what I want :)

Also going to be starting on some easter earrings as well, so lots going on.

So have a great day and I'll hopefully be back tomorrow with more new items and photos. Take care. Love from Jude xx

Almost Back to Normal

2011-02-09T17:17:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Sorry for the lack of Blogs lately but the PC in the hotel in Galveston did not like my Jude's Blog input form and would not let me publish, and since I got back from my hols I have either been working or sleeping.

The 2 day delay in Texas due to Ice and Snow was very strange for down there!

Been catching up on outstanding orders since I got back. Jen had done a fab job keeping things going while I was away bu there were a few items she was not sure about making :)

So I have worked away and am now up to date with everything. Been listing some new Cand and Candy items. Jaeger Bomb earrings seem very popular and just listed Bacardi and Coke earrings. Now have Jaegermeister, Bacardi, McEwansd, Magners and other can beads so will be listing more tonight. Remember that I have Tennants earrings, bracelets, cufflinks and phone charms in stock now if you are going to T-in-the-Park :)

Nick is off posting todays batch of orders.

Just made up some new miniature cake rings with cupcakes, buns, biscuits and donuts so will be listing some as soon as I get photos take.

Still selling lots of Scrabble and Lego jewellery so don't panic if you have not ordered yours yet :)

The Creme Eggs earrings and pendants are selling very well and stock is limited just now, so if you want these get your orders in fast.

Better go and see what I can make for the tea. We are all on diets now!!

Take care.

Love from Jude.

Extra Stock just added

2011-02-05T18:24:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

We have finally made it home from our trip to the USA. Had a great time and got lots of great new ideas for jewellery.

Now ready to start back to work. Already updating the website. Just added extra stock of Marmite cufflinks and pendants, Creme Eegg earrings and pendants, new Chess Piece Knight earrings, and a few Sweetie rings.

Lots more to come tomorrow as soon as I get things made and photographed.

Although Jen has done a great job with the dispatching over the past 3 weeks, I still have over 30 orders to make and process tomorrow, and they will all be posted on Monday except for a few Scrabble K items. One of my suppliers of tiles let me down and another sent a couple of sets which I could not use as the letters were badly faded :(

Just updated my Calendar of Events, so check out where the Jude's Jewels stalls will be this month.

Have to go now as I have a lot of materials to search out for the new stock lines I want to make.

Have a great weekend.

Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Still stuck in Houston

2011-02-04T00:45:00.000Z

Hi everyone,
Just as quick Blog as someone else wants on the computer.
We are still stuck in the USA, in Houston as there is a severe snow storm hitting most of the States.
We are hoping to get a flight to NY tomorrow morning, then on the Edinburgh for Saturday, but it looks like it may snow in Houston tonight, so that flight may be delayed or cancelled. Stuck at an airport hotel now with not much to do except watch the TV :(
Jen is still at home running Jude's jewels for me. Doing a great job with the orders and getting things sent out.
Any outstanding orders will be dealt with over the weekend and will be posted on Monday, hopefully.
My apologies to anyone who has had to wait a bit longer than usual for a delivery.
Have to go now, but will be back on soon.
Stay safe.
Love from Jude xx

www.judesjewels.co.uk

Stuck in the USA

2011-02-01T17:41:00.000Z

Hi everyone.
Sorry to have been off for a few days.
We are now in Galveston and have caught the tail end of the storm that is sweeping the USA. Our flights have been cancelled but Jen has managed to get us booked to fly out on Friday. Just hope the snow stops by then.
I've had a lot of great ideas for new jewellery and can't wait to get started.
On the website, Scrabble and Lego jewellery of all kinds still selling very well. Lots or orders for Creme Eggs, Dice, Chess and Monopoly too.
Jen is being kept very busy :)
Have to go now. but I'll try to get back on soon.
Take care.
Love from Jude xx

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

New stock will be listed next week

2011-01-30T01:13:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I'm still on holiday and Jen is doing a fab job keeping the orders flowing out.

Still a bit of a wait for Scrabble K's but everything else is fine.

I have had some great ideas for new lines while I have been on my holidays here in the USA. Going to be making up some necklaces with chains, western charns and turquoise drops I think.

Now getting very relaxed and ready to start back to work on a high.

Hope you are all getting through the winter months and are looking forward to Spring :)

Stay safe.

Love from Jude xx

Creme Eggs back in Stock

2011-01-25T04:08:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

I'm still on holiday and Jen is still in charge.

I have added re-listed my Creme Egg earrings again in time for Easter orders and also added a matching pendant.

Coming very soon will be more Easter items and some Valentines Day pieces and a few Mothers Day items. I hope you like them all.

I have ordered a load of extra Scrabble sets so have all letters in stock for orders. Also got quite a few sets of Travel Scrabble coming in too.

Just about to place a new Lego order, so watch out for some new design ideas coming soon.

I'm looking out for some Day of the Dead beads here in San Antonio, so watch out for some funky new lines very soon.

Have to go now as I've had a busy day sight-seeing at the Alamo and down in the Riverwalk.

Take care and stay safe.

Love from Jude xx.

Jen's In Charge

2011-01-23T04:51:00.000Z

Just a quick Jude's Blog tonight as I am still on my holidays :)

After a wonderful week in Scottsdale, Arizona, we are now in El Paso, Texas, but moving on to San Antonio tomorrow.
Jen is in charge of Jude's Jewels at the moment and is doing a great job processing and dispatching the orders.
Lots of sales going through just now which is fantastic. Scrabble, Lego, Chess and Sweeties still best sellers. Cufflinks, earrings, rings and bracelets all going well.
Better go, as I have to pack for the road trip tomorrow.
Back on the Blog again soon.
Take care.
Jude x.

Website Getting Busy Already.

2011-01-18T03:37:00.000Z

Hi everyone,

Hope you are all doing fine.

I am on holiday just now so and controlling the website from far away.

Daughter Jen is in charge of processing the orders at home this week and she is doing a good job.

The website is starting to get busy again already, so I am very pleased.

Scrabble, Lego, Chess, Sweeties, Cans and Coin Cufflinks all selling well.

Look out for some new items in the coming weeks. I have Valentines Day, Easter and Mothers Day pieces all about to be listed.

Got to go to bed now as I have had a busy day coaching Nick on the golf course.

Stay safe.

Love from Jude XX

Waiting for the Postman

2011-01-11T11:46:00.000Z

Morning all,
Just waiting on my (not usual) postman to arrive with the mail and parcels.
Also waiting on my new digital camera to arrive :)
Had family over for supper last night which was lovely. Brother and his family and Sister and her family. Wanted to catch up with everyone before my sister and her family go off to start a new life overseas. Will miss them so much it's hard to bear................
................ anyway still waiting on various parcels to turn up since before Christmas. No idea where things have gone or where they are, and neither does the Post Office :(

Got a lot of orders to make up today. Scrabble and Lego still very popular but Steampuk selling well and Coin Cufflinks too. Sweetie Jar pendants have been very popular and so have the Cans & Candy items, so stock getting limited on some of these lines.

Trying to get everything tidied up in the house as well. Still got some Christmas decorations to go back into the loft.

So better go and get on with it all.

Have a super Tuesday.

Love from Jude x

http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/

Snowy Sunday

2011-01-09T11:44:00.000Z

Hi everyone, hope you had a good Saturday.

Snow still on the ground here but blue skies above, so nice to look at.

We had friends in for supper last night so have been a bit slow to get going this morning :)

Just about to start on the weekend orders, and also place orders for more materials and try to find some more Scrabble sets :)

Got plenty of all Scrabble letters including J's, but still very short on K's.

Lego cufflinks and rings selling well over the weekend as well as some of the Valentines day items.

Got my family coming for supper tomorrow night so am going to make some Scrabble and Cans & Candy jewellery for my nieces today.

Still got a lot of invoices to type up for Nick as well, so think I am going to be busy :)

Better get to it.

Have a great Sunday.

Jude x

All white here

2011-01-08T11:11:00.000Z

Morning all,
Snowed again last night so all white again here in Stirling.
We had to call out Scottish Power emergency guy last night as our main switch was burning. They had to cut our power for the night but they came back this morning to fix the problem so we are fine now.
2 Scrabble sets arrived this morning so have more K's to put into orders. Lot's of J's in stock just now.
Going to have a day off making things today as we have friends coming for supper and I need to go shopping, cook and clean :)
Have a great weekend.
Love from Jude x

Just Processing Orders

2011-01-07T17:20:00.000Z

Hi there,

Well it's freezing here in Stirling again, and these is more snow forecast for tonight :(
Just as well we are not doing any Farmers Markets tomorrow :)

Actually had a little'me time' today, did some shopping and got a few bargains.

Spent the afternoon making and wrapping orders and Nick is off posting them now.

Still waiting on various Scrabble sets and some materials to arrive but wait for Scrabble K's is now getting shorter again :)

Going to have a nice weekend with friends coming for supper tomorrow evening, then family coming on Monday night.

Got to go and order some new materials while the ideas are fresh in my head.

Have a great weekend and stay safe and warm.

Love form Jude xx

Accounts Posted

2011-01-06T19:30:00.000Z

Well I heaved huge sigh of relief this afternoon !!
The JJ accounts were posted to the accountant. It's been a marathon task this time which was entirely my own fault. I just got very, very busy last year and did not bother to keep the books up to date. I've made a mental note to myself to organise my time better this year and keep the books up to date and to get them to the accountant in May!! We shall see what happens..................
Anyway, got a big delivery of Scrabble tiles today, so I was able to almost catch up with orders for K's, and also get almost everything else made and posted too :)
Now just got to put Christmas decorations away in cupboards and up in loft to get house back to normal. Then I have Nicks invoices to WP tomorrow and I'm home and dry. I can go away on my hols without a black cloud hanging over me :)
Jen is being left in charge of website orders when I am away, so dispatches will be almost as normal, hopefully!
So better get this Christmas stuff put away, then I can watch some TV :)
Stay safe.
Love from Jude x

Welcome to Jude's Jewels

2010-02-23T14:39:00.000Z

Hi there,

My name is Judith Gray (Jude). I started Jude's Jewels Handmade Designer Jewellery about 10 years ago. What started as a hobby when I was ill has developed into my full time job.

Rather than take part in craft fairs (which can be really stuffy and samey), I decided to take a new route to selling my jewellery through local farmers markets.

Although I had to prove that I could sell my handmade jewellery alongside the food producers and be accepted into the market community, I worked hard and now take part in up to 20 markets a month across Scotland, from Fencebay in the West to St Andrews in the East.

Jude's Jewels became a crafter member of SAFM last year, which meant a great deal to me.

I have been working hard to develop my website in recent month and post a regularly up-dated list of all the farmers markets I attend on the site. This link brings my customers to the markets in their area.

I have found that my customers like coming to the farmers markets and that my stall adds an extra dimention the the normal list of producers. Diversification is good for keeping farmers markets fresh and customers interested.

To give my regular customers a good choice I constantly strive to develop new lines and fun items. Many of my customers are younger members of the shopping community and it is great to see them at farmers markets.

On the Jude's Jewels stalls you will usually see me (Jude), my partner Nick and our daughter Jen, sometimes aided by neice Vicki and nephew James. We always try to remember customers faces and names. Farmers markets should be at the centre of the local community when it comes to shopping for fresh procuce or locally made speciallity items.

Please check out the website for all our details : http://www.judesjewels.co.uk/