Getting Ready for Shop Handmade

My living room had once again turned into a wood shed this week. My jewelry to finally hitting shop handmade and I've been waiting for this moment for months so I'm a bit nervous. I had my jewelry with me for so long that giving them away is like taking my kids to school for the first time.

I've been putting a lot of thought in my presentation. Shop handmade is filled to the brim with so many wonderful interesting things from different artists that I felt the need to stand out quietly. I went to the shop a couple of times and with Rachel's permission, I took a lot of photos to survey on how other people display their jewelry in the tiny space they've been given.

Just like my last jewelry party, Greg is responsible to make my jewelry display. I drew some sketches of what I want then Greg and I discuss about the practicality side of things. The final result was something pretty similar to my sketch. Originally he was trying to make the frame in magnet so that I can re-arrange my jewelry however I want- but that idea didn't last for long.

I did a lot of paperwork on my side. I design my own name card using Illustrator, print and cut them with my trimmer.

I focused a lot on earrings- since I make most of them than anything else. I have 3 different size earring holder and to be honest, I don't really know what to do about the necklaces and bracelet until now. :p

My little blurb with Rachel in the shop about packaging a product encouraged me to go ahead with my idea of making origami envelopes using interesting papers. I really love digital paper products on Etsy so I browse around for a suitable pattern. I print them on my printer on normal A4 paper, and I went ahead and spent a couple of hours in front of the tv folding envelopes. I have to thank (out of all people) my pastor, Chris for teaching me the art of folding these pretty envelopes.

On Friday morning I went to drop off my preciousness to shop handmade. Julie and Rachel was there and thankfully they were very impressed with everything. My lease starts on the 1st of Oct till the end of December- I can't wait to see my things in action inside the shop soon! 

My Life is Sooo Boring...

... no, not really. I'm just saying that cause I think that I've got nothing to write on my blog... until now. I just found out that a friend of mine got into the local papers for visiting Floriade- a spring festival that all of Canberrans are most likely to visit and have experienced. It's not like The Canberra Times are running out of topics to write about! I have friends who are performing amazing live music in Floriade, another friend who is making costume out of flowers for an event, and I'm volunteering around the garden this year- why can't the papers write about us instead?

Then again this is a bit of a slap in the face for me. If the papers can talk about nothing then surely I have better stuff to talk about to you guys- I just don't see it.

Life had changed so much for me since I last post my blog. Today I came back from work at the florist at 6pm, made salad for dinner, fell asleep on my favorite large cushion, got woken up by Greg pulling my arms 15 minutes later going, 'Honey, we gotta go!!!" And off I went to play piano for the choir for the next 2 hours. I was so tired I felt like the conductor was dragging all of us with his high speed energy conducting skills.I came home to face my old nemesis- my dirty kitchen... and  it won.

I received my first paycheck from working in the florist last week. It was my first actual pay check in one and a half years, I kid you not. I was so ecstatic to see that I've got more than 3 digit number in my bank account. I also felt slightly delirious. I just realized that I've been living off free-lancing in the past 18 months and man it was tough! I'm just glad that I persevered, cause it looks like I've reached the end of the tunnel and it's all really going to happen from here... yay!

Psalm 107 : 8-9

My Roller Coaster Ride in Life

So this is how it goes... 

2 weeks ago, precisely on Wednesday night 3rd of August, I was a complete wreck. I was crying in the living room in front of my laptop with a sea of leftover wire and beads on the carpet and Greg was once again speechless at my uncontrollable tragic behaviour. Everything that I tried to do, went wrong. I couldn’t stand being a poor artist anymore but I couldn’t get a job that suits me.  My parents are fighting and I’m carrying their emotional burden, I spent 3 hours trying to learn how to make wire ring with minor progress. On the weekend I got told off at church for music practice then I got an email again giving me a ‘gentle nudge’ on my photography for church- but it came at a wrong time so that the ‘gentle nudge’ feels more like a punch in the face- and that's when I explode. 

I was exactly like the movie “Julie & Julia” in the scene where Julie had a melt down crying in the kitchen over her aspects and stuffed chicken when suddenly her phone rang- just as I thought I couldn't be more of a wreck, I got an sms. I read it while still sobbing, it says, 

“Hi Fionna, awhile ago you applied to work in our florist in Dickson. We currently have an opening. Please let me know if you are able to come for an interview- Valeria”

Greg just looked at me and go, “Now you’re even more confused aren’t you?” – I looked at him and sobbed even more than before like a deranged child. 

I had so many bad, half-hearted interviews in florists and one very bad trial that made me think that florists are beautiful business on the surface that are run by a bunch of heartless ogres. Although if I pass, of course I will be happy, but if I don’t- would I be able to handle another disappointment? But I just got given an opportunity in front of me- it’s like a half open door already, how can I resist not trying to open the whole door? 

I had a surprisingly pleasant interview with them that Friday, and on Tuesday the week after, I had my first trial. I was completely terrified before I went in I paced around outside the shop like a nervous lover before I close my eyes and jump in. I was working with the owner, Valeria and Margaret and found that they are both so incredibly nice. They ask me back again the next day, and the day after that. I really love the way they work. They are very straight in their opinion. If they don’t like something they will say it, but if they like something- that means they REALLY like it. I managed to do one modern arrangement that they REALLY like and I came home feeling very good about myself for once.

Yesterday I had my fourth day of trial. I was working with Valeria the whole time. I have suppressed myself from getting my hopes up that when she asks for my tax file number, I didn’t really understand what she was getting at. When I finished my shift she asked me back again after I get back from holiday. I was like, “What? Am I still in the middle of the trial? Or... do I get the job?”. She nodded with a smile.Oh my goodness, I feel like I was flying!!! I hugged her with a big squeal and excitement I nearly cried. The iceberg of burden in my back for the past few months slowly melt away and I was SO relieved. Val hugged me back and said, “You deserve it, you really do- and please don't cry...” (haha...) 

And tomorrow I’m off to Brisbane for a 10 day holiday before I come back home for my first day of work- and just like that, life is good again.

God is so incredible on how he plans his timing so perfectly. I really think that if He wants me to get a job earlier He would’ve made it happen, but in this 10 month period of being 'jobless' I’m able to do a lot of things that I wouldn’t have done otherwise. Granted that I was absolutely miserable in the process, but I can see now how it all worked out for the best. 

“Many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” Proverbs 19:21

- Oh, and for those of you who are curious, this florist job only a casual position, so that I can still spend the rest of the time playing music and run my jewelry store. =) 

Money and Music

"Ok, Greg... from now till the end of August, we have to be super, duper incredibly stingy. Ok? ... do you think we can get through with only spending $25 on groceries per week?"

I've seen people's post comments on facebook about buying really expensive stuff and contemplates about eating 2 minute noodles for the rest of their lives. Yup, that's us! And we're not even joking. JB Hi-fi was having a big sale tonight. And I don't know how I let Greg walk out the store with a $1300 TV. We also bought a new microwave last weekend- all this after learning that our landlord is increasing our rent. I can go through winter without a microwave, and I was happy with our free box TV, but nooo... let's risk our next rent and bills for all these new stuff... siiiigh... -_-;

Though, I have to say- I haven't seen my husband this happy since our wedding day- so that makes everything all the more worth it. He's been working hard and he deserves another new toy. So yeah... I now have a huge flat screen TV in my lounge room... something to get used to.

Tonight at JB CD's were 20% off so I couldn't resist either... (naturally). I subconsciously bought 3 CD's of 3 different artist that sings and play the piano. Sara Bareilles, Diana Krall and Jamie Cullum. I also wanted Stevie Wonder but didn't get it.

I've just discovered Jamie Cullum a few days back, and when I listened to his CD, I got slightly obsessed. The next day while making jewelry I've watched all of his youtube clips. Music videos, live shows, interviews... eeeverything. That night, for the first time in... I don't know how many years now... I sat on the piano, sang one of Jamies song and I didn't want to get off for like 3.5 hours. I feel that he just unlocked my passion for music. One of the main thing that I learnt from the music school was that I had a crap pitch. It is written several times in every single report. But after listening to Jamie's music, I don't really care anymore. Yesterday I finally found an ending to my song, "Tulip Tree"- I first wrote it 4 years ago.

All this music talk and no sound. I should face my other mountain and try to record it...

My First Jewelry Party

“Today, is the BEST day of my liiiiiiife........!!!!!!!!”

Greg smirked at me, “What? No way... Ok, maybe one of”

And yes, I'm talking about my first jewelry party that I'm happy with! Greg and I had been working hard on the new jewelry frames for a week and our living room had turned into a wood shed. There's wood dust every where and the wood turner in Greg is coming out, "I love this smell!"  We didn't sleep till 2am the night before the party, moving our giant ugly bookcase to make space for our new jewelry holder... and watching Cadel winning Le Tour De France. (Go Cadel...!!!) 

The next morning, Saturday 23rd July, we woke up to the horrendous sound of Greg’s radio alarm at 7:50am.We went to the farmers market in the morning, just to get fresh flowers. Greg dropped me home and there I was, arranging flowers on a tea cup and wine glasses to get ready for the day.

I was nervous. I’ve organised a lot of parties in my life- and most of them are for a reason that I can handle- a BBQ, someone’s birthday, a church event, fund raisings, my wedding! But this one is kind of like, “Please open up your wallet” sort of party- money makes me nervous. I'm also about to show all my friends what I’ve been doing in the past 5 months. I was feeling as nervous as going through a semesters exam. 

I have decided to put a damper on it- My plan is to invite everyone for a nice brunch for a great time and conversations for us to get to know each other before looking at the jewelry. I had the honor to crack 16 eggs  to make French Toast for 15 people and baking muffins and melting moments the day 

before. 

Greg and I live in a tiny flat, and I was concern our living room won’t fit everyone at once for brunch. Not just that but we only have 2 chairs in the house, no dining table and we were expecting 15 people to come. I was also worried that I won’t get to cook French Toast for 15 people in time. But yeah... it boggles me why I worry so damn much! (shakes head...) When the girls arrive, they all helped and I didn't have to fry a single toast! The 13 degree weather is sunny and perfect, some people brought extra camping chairs and folded tables and my courtyard JUST fits everyone in! Praise God!!! 

Everyone was SO impressed with our new wooden jewelry display. Greg worked very hard on it and I'm sorry that he had to be at work today to miss out on all the credit. 

And so, all the strawberries and kiwi fruit had been cut, the cookies had been arranged, the kettle is boiled for tea and the French toast is almost ready- at that moment I feel like I was living in a dream. The smell of French toast cinnamon and butter billowing from the kitchen, the sun, the dreamy lights, the flowers, the wonderful people and passing food through open windows straight from the lounge room to the courtyard. I think I was in Heaven. 

I was in a very fortunate position for this party. Irene is a sales expertise, and Estelle is keen in marketing- 2 things that I really should be interested in, but not. Earlier this week, we coindecently met up and I received a  -pep- talk to sharpen my skills in those 2 things. Based on that, everyone sat around the living room, and I did my little blurb about the jewelry- Irene also did the same. But then again, the jewelry is meant to sell itself right?

Chloe tip-toed away from the crowd towards my bookmarks and everyone else stood up and walked around. I definitely under-estimated myself about how this is all going to go because if Irene didn’t walk around with a notepad and wrote everyone’s orders, I would have been, so, so lost. They were so into it! There were questions being asked, sales coming in by the minute and it was kind of exhilarating. My work was being appreciated- I didn’t hear a single word of negativity. Oh man... I just want to shnuggle to this moment. I feel like something and all my effort is being paid off.

Everyone had to go almost simultaneously at 1:30pm for something else at 2pm. The rest of the party was so laid back, only a few of us having more tea and a chat getting to know each other. My friend Emilia didn’t turn up till 3pm, and we just had a relaxing evening.

Greg came home from work at 3pm and when everyone left, he collapsed on the couch... rightly so. He didn't sleep more than 7 hours every night for a week!

When he woke up, I decided to shout him dinner to say thank you for all his help. But really, I think I end up enjoying this reward more than he does. We went for Indian and I ordered an extra spicy king prawn vindaloo- forgive my bazaar Asian taste, but it... was... glorious!!! And that's when I shout in the car on the way home, "Today is the BEST DAY OF MY LIIIIIIFE.........!!!"- alright, maybe one of :p 

The Guru in Me.

Somehow Greg had managed to carve out a pot of flower out of a CARROT with a cutter! In honor of his amazing random talents, the photos will be scattered all over this post. 

Last week we had a friend who needs help in baby sitting while they were tutoring some kids. Since my schedule is so incredibly flexible, I volunteered- though, it was a paid job. When I arrived, the baby was still sleeping so my friend ended up training me on teaching kids reading (he was very specific in how he want things done)- just in case they need an extra teacher. The opportunity did come up and I end up using my new-found skill in that hour. 

It feels great to be useful. But I have to say that I've been avoiding teaching jobs all my life until now. It's not because I don't like it, it's more of a confidence thing. I really don't want to teach someone the wrong things or be known forever as 'that bad teacher I had in high school'. I have been thinking of teaching music just for the money, but I don't need the money enough to be bothered finding students. Sure enough- the idea got on to me before I do. Somewhere, out of the blue- a distant friend asked me if I could teach her husband jazz piano. I was nervous- but she believed in me, so I took the job!

So on Tuesday this week I had my first ever jazz piano student. It was unreal! The thought of preparing a one on one class is very stimulating to my brain. And since my student is an older person, it was interesting to know what motivate him to learn jazz- maybe deep inside I'm hoping that this would influence me to like jazz again. I was ready to leave music entirely when I finished my music degree 3 years ago. With music jobs coming up here and there, maybe I will never be able to get away from it. It makes me think, maybe sometimes jobs chooses you than you're choosing it.

And now into my jewelry business. If there's any full-time handmade artists out there reading this, can I ask you something? Do you ever like, suddenly feel the urge to pull your hair out in the middle of your knitting, sewing, painting, cutting or soaping? Because that is how I'm feeling today. I felt guilty that everyday this week I can't wake up earlier than 11am, every night before I go to sleep at 3am I get disappointed that I haven't done as much as I wanted to- which finally leads to today. In the middle of coiling an extremely long and fine gauge of wire I suddenly felt like I was loosing my mind. 

My brain was shouting at me, "Why are you doing this? This is crazy! You're coiling crazy bits of wire everyday for nothing! You should get a real job and get paid like everyone else!" Maybe I'm just thinking irrationally because I've been unwell and haven't had a chance to go to the gym to let it all out. But at the same time, my brain is right. I'm worried that not having a real job means Greg and I will never be able to afford a house big enough for kids, buy new furniture or travel overseas. 

But anyway... tonight I caught up with my friend David on skype- I haven't been in contact with him since my wedding 8 months ago.
He said, "Whatcha been up to? Doing jewelry and all?" 

I said, "Yes pretty much. That and play music, and plant a lot of... plants." - I felt so pathetic saying all these things and was ready for him to mock me (not that David would ever do that) his response was, "Sounds like a beautiful life to me. Real job sucks" I suddenly felt relieved, and understood. He's so right! It is a beautiful life, and as far as I can tell, real job DOES suck. I'm surrounded everyday by beautiful things, surroundings and people- it is the pinnacle of life. "Thanks David, that really warms my heart"

And you know what else warms my heart? An amazing husband who comes home from work then tries to cheer his wife in every way he could... and can carve out objects out of a carrot! =) 

And to my brain, I have an answer for you too: Matthew 6: 25-34

My Ill Feel Week

This past week, I had been unwell... all week!  I missed out on a lot of events, but at the same time am grateful of the ones I’m able to attend.   Last weekend was the Merimbula jazz festival. Merimbula is a pretty little town on the West Coast of Australia and every year in winter, the place is transformed into New Orleans.There’s always somebody playing music in every corner you turn to. The reason I went was because of the choir I’m singing in. We were in Merimbula for 2 days and our choir sang 3 times. I had a sore throat at this time but I was having too much fun to care.

My favorite gig from the weekend was for the Sunday morning service at a uniting church. Everyone was so jolly, including the ministers... Hehe! ^0^ 

I’m not really sure if it was the singing, the tiredness or dehydration, but the next couple of days, I was sooo deeeeeead. My head was as heavy as a rock and my throat is so itchy and sore it hurts to talk and eat. I’m constantly falling asleep because of the pain- and painkillers. I couldn’t clean, shop or cook. Meanwhile, my super strong husband is achieving everything. He was going to work and then go out every night for social events. He even work overtime for 14 hours on Friday. But he keeps me in his mind. On Thursday he came home to his miserable wife with some flowers (blue hyacinth) and take away corn soup! That made me smile. =)

Normally we have 1 - 3 games night a week, but I didn't come to any of it this week. When Greg came home from one of them, I received a very amusing card from Amanda and Mabel. It goes like this:

Dearest Darling Fi,

Tonight, you we did not see

Imagine our lack of glee

Because there was no Fi

We Hear you are quite ill

But yet we miss you still

We hope you get over this chill

And those bad bugs reduced to Nil

Please stay reclined with lots of rest

Or some vicks vapour rub on your chest

We hope Greg will try his outmost best

To help your symptoms regress

Love and lots of It,

Amanda and Mabel 2011 xox

I couldn't laughing and coughing for awhile reading that. It was the nicest and the cutest thing anyone had ever written for me- and it's not even my birthday! I shall treasure this forever. 

One thing that I actually got done this week is gardening. I moved around some of my plants and made space for winter salads, broccoli, and some bulbs. We’ve also been growing our own mushrooms lately- and they taste sooooo amazing! So sweet and wholesome in comparison to bought mushrooms.

Even though I wasn't very productive this week. I felt very satisfied about my work. I sent a pair of earrings to an Etsy customer in the US for the first time, and she sent me the best feedback! She gave me her permission to quote her on my blog,

“Fionna, You need to feel good about what you're doing!!
I have made jewelry & still have tons of supplies for when the mood hits but I could NEVER have the patience to do what you do. I wore them all day today & plan on wearing them often.The only place I went today was to have a pedicure & got 3 compliments on your work! Pat yourself on the back & have a great weekend. LOVE them!!
Cant wait to treat myself again :o)

(Cheri from www.Headsupgirls.etsy.com)

I only have $200 in my account right now but I feel like a million dollar reading this. I love my job.

Finally, on Sunday- even though I’m still coughing, that day was scheduled for demo recording with John and Sienna. We were in my living room for 3 hours playing music, listening back to them and laughing at the sound we make while John were editing them out loud. Maybe I'll put them up on this blog if I'm not too embarrassed by it. Have a great week everyone! xox