Wednesday 21 November 2012

A New Saw!

The other day I bought a new saw for making bookshelf necklaces!  I thought I'd go and get something nice and professional, maybe spend quite a bit on something that looks beastly and serious - but what actually happened is I found exactly what it was looking for in the simplest of designs that only cost £2!

It turns out it works like a dream and cuts way nicer than my previous saw - it has a really thin sharp blade and is much more 'ergonomic'!  My hand was actually going numb from sawing with the other one, so this one should increase my productivity AND not give me carpal tunnel!  WOOHOO!

Note the Tim Horton's mug in the corner of the photo... Canadian at work!

Sunday 11 November 2012

Marketing - Facebook ads

I've tried my hand at making a Facebook ad for Coryographies to see if that pulls in some fans that would love to get their hands on a bookshelf necklace.  So far this week my sales have been pretty normal, maybe a bit higher, but that could just be that Christmas is getting closer.  My shop views compared to listing views have definitly gone up though.   A new marketing thing to try out though, as I head into my second Christmas season with my beloved bookshelf necklaces!

Meanwhile I'll just sit here at the kitchen table sawing...


Tuesday 6 November 2012

Eggnog Recipe

Every year around this time I start craving eggnog.  The trouble is, it’s hard to find in shops in England.  So I’ve become a bit of a pro at making my own!  And now that I’m a big kid, I even add a bit of brandy for a kick…

I’ll share my recipe for this deliciously Christmas-y drink with you all to try - and if you haven't had it before, it is absolutely delicious and doesn't taste like eggs!!  Give it a try and see for yourself:




Ingredients-
4 eggs (separated)
1/2 cup of sugar
2 cups of milk
2 or 3 cloves (don’t overdo these or it gets a bit gross)
Heaped teaspoon of cinnamon
1 cup of single cream
1 teaspoon of grated nutmeg
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
*(Optional) A splash of brandy, whisky, rum or all three for extra jolliness!

Instructions-
In a great big bowl, whisk just the egg yolks until they are a bit lighter yellow (keep the egg whites to the side!).  Add the sugar bit by bit and keep whisking until they get fluffy.

In a saucepan, mix the milk with the cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon on heat on a low heat (don’t boil it, just get it a bit steamy)

Add a little bit by little bit of this milk mixture to the eggs to warm them up.  Then transfer it all back to the pan.-Stir the mixture well turn the heat up a little, where it should thicken a bit.  Don’t let it boil! 

Take it off the heat and pick out the cloves.  Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and fold it into the mixture with the cream and vanilla extract too.

Chill, then serve with a splash of brandy!

There are lots of eggnog recipes out there and they vary in the steps – there are ones that are a lot less complicated than this, but I think this one tastes the best and is worth the extra fuss.  Pour it into a nice sterilized pretty bottle tied with a Christmas ribbon and bring it as a gift when invited to a friend’s house!

Friday 2 November 2012

November 3rd and 4th Christmas fairs in Woodstock!

It's time to start thinking about getting those Christmas presents! 

I'll be at the Woodstock Town Hall this Saturday (10-5) and Sunday (10-4) with lots of bookshelf necklaces and teapot earrings and Christmas-y extras! 

Come and visit if you want to browse around and say hi :)