What's new?

Hello,

Long time no speak. I've been neglecting my blog very much of late and for that I am sorry.

I do however have some news!

I've fallen in love with Czech glass and have been adventuring far and deep with jewellery made using various cuts and colours. All compliment gorgeous beads made by Artisan crafters such as

                 Beady Eyed Bunny and her beautiful bunny and other polymer clay bead creations.

Bo Hulley beads  and her beautiful ceramic beads, charms and pendants.

Their beads are absolutely incredible and worth a look if you haven't already had the pleasure of discovering them!

So away from crafting my other news. I turned 23 on the 27th May and my wonderful otherhalf of many perfect years proposed to me. So yes I am going to be married. We've set the date! Friday 1st August 2014. Whoooooooo!

Here's my ring, designed by Jay himself. Featuring amethyst and Tsavorite alongside a pear cut diamond.

Other than being the most lucky girl in the world, my fur and shelled family are very well, the weather has been behaving and I love having something to organise! Can't believe we're going to get married.

Look after yourself guys! Hehe.

Speak again soon!

Make Mine Chocolate - The Easter bunny pledge

Many people are unaware of how bad the rabbit rescue situation actually is in the UK. To date there are currently 67,000+ rabbits in rescues alone across the UK, this number was 37,000 only a few years ago. The number has increased dramatically and Easter is one of the main times of year that we see even more of an impact on Rescue numbers.

Many pet shops who sell live stock (something I am against) advertise baby bunnies as the perfect easter gift, special offers include a tiny prison of a hutch, incorrect care information. These bunnies are destined a life forgotten, neglected in a coffin at the bottom of the garden. Typically bought as a children's pet, rabbits are far from that.

Please what ever you do this year support the plight of these thousands of bunnies in rescues, who have ended up there through no fault of their own. Make mine chocolate is a campaign specifically for this time of year. A dog is for life not just for Christmas , the same applies for a bunny. A bunny is for life, not just for Easter. A bunny is a life commitment, which can cost into the thousands in a very short life time.

Rabbits need space, love, attention, vaccinations, neutering, a friend, hay, the correct diet and veterinary care when  they are ill.

Rabbits are very vulnerable, delicate little creatures. Don't under estimate them.

This information is taken direct from Make Mine Chocolate

Beware of the Easter Bunny!

Around this time of year it’s impossible to open a magazine or turn 

on the TV without seeing a cute fluffy rabbit.  They’re everywhere 

- on billboards, in magazines, and on packaging up and down the 

aisles of supermarkets. 

It’s no wonder that sales of pet rabbits explode at Easter, and pet 

shops up and down the country have already ‘stocked up’ with 

baby bunnies to maximise opportunity;  it’s at this time of year that 

‘pester power’ comes into its own, with children begging their 

parents for a lovely fluffy Easter bunny.

But new rabbit owners often realise they have made a mistake in 

the weeks and months after Easter when the reality of how much 

time and money is required to care for their new rabbit hits home.

Rabbit welfare group Make Mine Chocolate! is once again 

campaigning hard to put a stop to the Easter rabbit impulse buy. “By asking people to consider a 

chocolate or toy rabbit instead of a real rabbit at Easter, potential new owners have time to think 

about the commitment they need to make before it is too late” reports campaign manager Lisa Whitty.

The current rabbit welfare statistics are worsening year on year, with now an estimated 67,000 rabbits 

passing through rescue each year (RWAF data). A Make Mine Chocolate! rescue survey revealed that 

60% of rabbits entering rescue do so within a year of purchase and it is no surprise to those involved 

in rescue the main reason being given is the ‘child has lost interest in the pet’.

Make Mine Chocolate! has produced a short list of things to consider before getting a rabbit:

• Accommodation needs to be big and predator proof, with space to exercise and also to 

stay warm and dry.

• Rabbits need annual vaccinations against Myxomatosis and Viral Haemorrhagic Disease 

(VHD)

• A rabbit can cost over £1000 a year to look after correctly – and that’s if they stay well!

• Rabbits should live in neutered pairs for companionship and other species are not suitable 

companions

• Rabbits can live for 10 years or more

• Rabbits must eat a diet of mostly hay – a pile at least the same size as the rabbit every day

• Contrary to belief, rabbits don’t like being handled and are not suitable pets for young 

children

In addition, good rabbit rescues are a great place to learn about caring for rabbits correctly, and can 

often offer advice on care and holiday boarding.

So beware of the Easter Bunny and think carefully before taking on a rabbit as a pet, and if you are 

going to buy one, then think about going to your local rescue shelter first.

http://www.makeminechocolate.org.uk/

Other useful websites for bunny research

http://forums.rabbitrehome.org.uk/forum.php

http://www.rabbitwelfare.co.uk/

http://www.saveafluff.co.uk/

Rabbits deserve better, help that to happen.

The very big jewellery give away!

Well, I hit the big 2-0-0 sales in my Folksy shop. To celebrate I'm having an epic give-away.

Instead of the usual , this time there is a chance for 3 people to win! That's right, there's a First, Second and Third prize.

The winner of the First prize will get custom made necklace And bracelet, designed exactly as they choose (or should there be something in store they already want, I am more than happy to let the winner choose this).

The winner of the Second Prize will get a custom made bracelet, designed exactly as they choose.

and Finally the winner of the Third Prize will get a custom made bag-charm or set of earrings, designed exactly as they choose!

So how do you enter? It's simple.

Answer me this (either in the comments or on my facebook page under the associated post) -

What is your favourite animal and why?

It is that simple.

How will I choose the winner? Using this wonderful website http://www.random.org/

The First prize winner will be the first number drawn, the second - the second number drawn and the third - the third number drawn. 

Closing date for entries will be Friday 15th February at 1.00pm (GMT London)

Good luck

Folksy Friday - The Pigeon

I am one of the few people who actually like pigeons, I find them amusing, cute and interesting.

A couple of months back, I rescued a racing pigeon which had got lost and winded up in our back garden, having a spare hutch I managed to catch the little thing, provide bird seed, water and bedding. Contacted the number on the ring on it's leg and managed to get hold of the owner. A pigeon courier (- yes that's a real job) came to pick up the little bird the very next day and left me his business card.

This pigeon was dehydrated, exhausted and close to death, thankfully we brought it round and managed to get it back to the owner where it made a full recovery. It was so sweet and had the most beautiful eyes.

So today my Folksy Friday is about the Pigeon. There are very few items on Folksy for this little bird, but here are my favourites.

Violet May

Menagerie

Jan Brewerton

I hope you all have a super weekend.

It's 2013

Happy belated New Year! I hope everybun had a wonderful Christmas and Santa brought you everything you wished for.

I've been pretty quiet of late. Decided to start the new year though with a re-vamp. So I've got a new and improved blog, facebook cover and shop banner in all my online outlets. I've also started on a new collection of jewellery for 2013. Do not worry though, all still animal themed, but this time using beautiful Czech glass beads alongside animal goodness.

Here's a sneak peak - Floral Delights

More in my Folksy store! And this little one has already sold!

On the 27th Dec we decided to take our Christmas tree down, early yes?! But with good reason, as we decorated and I am so happy with the results. I must share, it went from dull and dingy (see previous blog post) to bright, clean and airy.

There's more news too! We rescued a wee kitten from the railway station, she'd been there all day, was skin and bone and people had tried to catch her, but failed. School children were discussing kicking the poor little kitty, I got off my train and managed to catch puss. She resided in my bathroom with food, water and a bed and little tray until we got her to the vets the following day. No microchip, not spayed, approximately 6 months and no room in any rescue shelters. I couldn't kick her out, but Jay; my other half isn't a cat fan so I spoke to my parents.

So now I'd like to introduce you to Poppy (who lives with my parents and their 2 other cats), the newest family member (and she was neutered and chipped just yesterday :))

I think I have more to tell you, but I'll save that for another day. I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Hello, Hello, Hello! Give Away time....

Ok, I admit it. I've been absent of late, I'm so very sorry.

 I'm back now though, so don't worry. I've been exceptionally busy with Christmas decoration orders, my wedding favour order and a few other bits and bobs. Also recently back from New York! My very first time in America and it was good!

That's me squinting in the sun up Top of The Rock. That big green bit you can see, that's Central Park. Big isn't it?! hehe.

Anywhoo just yesterday I reached the huge 1000 likers over on facebook! In celebration of this feat I am holding a give away! I would love it if you could partake in the fun! 

Here's the details. (Taken direct from my Facebook Post)

Yesterday Jaysmonkey reached 1000 likers! Woohoo! So I'm having a give away. The give away is for your very own custom shrinky dink animal related jewellery set, designed however you want. The set will consist of 2 items of either necklace,

 bracelet or earrings. You decide!

So how do you enter? Well this is where you come in! I need you to get busy designing what you'd like me to make just for you, make sure you design 2 things. They can be as personal as you like and done however you like, just ensure there is an animal theme. You can do them on the computer or hand drawn and take a photo! Just submit entries to Jaysmonkey@hotmail.co.uk or upload on my facebook timeline.

All entries will be uploaded to a give away album and I will choose my favourite to make!

This is a chance to get something that's totally unique and designed by you :)

Closing date for entries will be Friday 17th October at 9pm.

Other than the give away, New York and crafting, the bunnies and Tinks are all doing great!

I hope you all have a lovely weekend.

Hello there, How do ?

Hello my lovely jubbly followers and readers, apologies for my slacking of late!

I've been busy making commissions, including the 37 embroided mini stockings for wedding favours, custom pet Christmas decorations <3 and of course my beloved jewellery.

Also joined a gym :-P, get me! haha, I need to train for the fundraising I'm doing for Camp Nibble and this is the best way. I feel so refreshed when leaving the gym after a hardcore work out, this can only be a good thing!

So what other news?! Well the other half Jason is going to Pennsylvania with work in September and on the 26th I'll be flying out to New York to meet him! I never anticipated going to NYC any time soon, but hey it's happening this year! I am very excited!

We've also got a new car, he's a lovely 1.4 Mazda 2 diesel called Yoshi ^.^

So what else is new? hmm nothing much all my fur babies are fine, as is the shell baby! Jemimah did have a poorly spell and it turned out little miss needed a dental :-( but all is well now! Here is my little girl posing :)

She's actually incredibly naughty since being poorly! She loves to tease the other bunnies and has now mastered the stairs with ease :-D

Anywhoo, I hope you all have a lovely weekend, it's Friday! Yay!

My crafty space

Well it needs decorating, it's under stairs storage, the people who lived her before used it as shoe storage...I use it as craft storage! hehe!

So the shelves were already up. I'll probably have to explain everything, but it will be organised and decorated by the end of this year for definite! Eeee!

So here's a few pictures :)

Right then! So that's one shelf! with ribbon jars, completed bracelets, organza bags, tin pen pots, button jars, Washi tape, button tins, embellishments in the black container, packaging in the stripey tin and yarn!

Sewing machine, easel, Big shot, papers, stamps, inks, pencils, paint brushes, acrylic paints, folders, jiffy bags! Boxes contain card bits, drawers have allsorts of the above :)

All my finished necklaces :) a kitsch pink cuckoo clock and a miffy bag full of yarn, wool and crochet bits!

Hooks with schissors, pliers, tapes, camera and embossing tool! The little brown case contains business cards, tissue paper, stickers and branding tags!

Vintage suitcase full of beads, buttons, findings and jewellery making goodies and a big box of fabric fat quarters!

My making spot on the table in the corner - excuse the mess we'd only just moved in when I took this picture!

Hmms, these pictures don't do it justice...I'll update with news one when I sort it out! :) Promise!

Raising Money For Camp Nibble

In October (21st) 2012 I’ll be taking part in the Minor of the Major Series www.majorseries.com , it’s a 5-6km run through swamps, mud, rocky terrain and other military obstacles, I’m hoping to raise money forwww.campnibble.co.uk this is where I got two of my current bunnies – Gracie – an ex lab rabbit and Roger who was dumped in the streets.  Camp Nibble is run by Hannah and her husband, where they not only cater for and rehome rabbits, but all other small animals too. Last time I visited they had over 50 rabbits looking for homes, all found their way there under awful circumstances – one was saved from being doused in petrol and set alight. :-(

If you sponsor me and help raise funds for Camp Nibble, that would be fantastic. I have a sponsorship page set up here www.justgiving.com/jaysmonkey all money donated via the page goes direct to camp nibble. 


Here's Roger Roo - please sponsor my mummy!

and Gracie Goose! We wants to helps other bunnies and small animals in needs! 

Thank you!

Time to stop slacking!

I apologise for this post being a week overdue! I've been a busy Stef, with Jay's 25th and my Izzy my nieces first birthday - that I just haven't had the time to post about the Cleckheaton Folk Festival. Admittedly it could have been better organised with the actual craft fair. The fair wasn't sign posted anywhere in town and most people came into the venue for 'refreshments' and later discovered the craft fair. Needless to say I didn't do as well as last year, but still I made a profit :-)

Spoke to the organisers who admitted they hadn't had the time to put up flyers this year for the craft fair :(

Anywho here be the stall!

And the winner is...

Apologies for my rather large delay. I've been poorly and in bed recovering :-(

Enough woe is me though! Thank you so much to everyone who took part in the competition!

So we had 5 entrants!
1) Nana Louise Nielson
2) Debbie
3) Lisa Hallett
4) Edwina Kinch
5)Simone

I generated the winner using www.random.org 

Congratulations Edwina! Thank you so much for entering my giveaway! I will contact you and get your prize on its way to you!

Thanks again lovelies!

It's that time again! Give Away!

I've reached 200 likers on my facebook page! In a huge thank you to all my fans on here, there, twitter, everywhere I'm throwing a little give away!

The prize is this cute bunny bracelet - A cute, eccentric, vibrant and kitsch bracelet, made using silver plated memory wire and a variety of glass and acrylic beads in glorious purples, stardust rainbows and finished with a cute pearlised lilac bunny. 

Lead and Nickel free and will fit any wrist size without a fastening.

Said bracelet is usually sold for £5.50 + postage but for all my lovely fans, you have a chance to win it and it's free! This will be the final bracelet in this colour and style featuring this bead in my collection as it is the very last metallic purple bunny bead I have.

So how can you win? Abiding my facebook rules, the give away is over here, you don't have to have a blog to enter! You can login to comment from numerous accounts including twitter (I believe!)

All you need to do is : comment on this post and tell me what you want to see more of in my shop !

and if you don't already then please  like my Facebook! However this isn't a necessity - if you don't have facebook don't worry! You will still be entered into the give away regardless!

Give away is open until next Monday! 09/07/2012

I'd be ever so grateful if you could share this give away with your friends , direct them to my facebook, my blog etc!

Happy Crafting and have a great day!

Oh and Good luck!

Thank you!

Germany!

Well the other half has been on his travels for work since Saturday and is returning home today! Yay! He's been in Germany,  and so I've been super lonely, but my awesome parents have been looking after me, so alas all is well in the land of Stef.

The craft fair is slowly coming up, as is Jay's 25th! hehe. Lots to plan and do, but at current I'm on top of it, though I do need some more Manilla tags! *gets ordering*

Have been crafting too and spending plenty of time with my parents chickens, oh and on Saturday at 2am the river decided to burst it's banks, not on my side, but scary business to say the least!

This little Chicken is called Chilli, there are six in total, 3 Pekin Bantams named Chilli, Pepper and Saffron, 2 Pekin Batam x Sussex named Cinnamon and Nutmeg and finally 1 Sussex x Silkie named Mustard!

The glorious view from my bedroom window, that 'sea' used to be fields! 

and a taster of my new creations, to shortly be in my stores and on my site and Facebook page!

 I have you all have a lovely day. 

I've been Nominated!

Maisy Lee Designs has been a superstar and nominated my very own little blog for a Versatile Blog award.  I am so thrilled and chuffed to be even considered, so thank you so very much! 


My blog is a spot not just for my crafty where-abouts, findings and such, but to share my experiences in life and with my family (fur children and shelled!)

The Rules

1. Add the award to your blog.

2. Thank the blogger(s) who gave it to you.

3. Mention 7 random things about yourself.
4. List the rules.
5. Award to 15 bloggers.
6. Inform each of those 15 by leaving a comment on their blog.

1. My favourite colour is green, I love all shades. Saying that I love all colours but green just brings a sense of nature for me and I love it!
2. I don't like bananas, tofu, sharon fruit or aubergines! Bleurgh!
3. I love to tidy and be organised, I am abit of a fidget and can't sit still until things are done.
4. I like to make lists, they really do help and I tick things off as I go! 
5. I live Riverside and recently had an injured racing pigeon in my garden, I nursed him/her back to health and a pigeon courier came to pick him/her up and take him/her back to their owner. :-)
6. My favourite food is Broccoli, I just cannot get enough of the stuff. Feel free to think I'm odd!
7. I've never been stung by a wasp or a bee, although my mum's bump when she was pregnant with me was stung! so perhaps I have an immunity! :P

So who to nominate! 

Maxine Veronica Cards and Crafts

BaggieAggie

Don't Think. Create

Dandelion Daydreams

Clootielugs

Crow Cottage

Cinnamon Jewellery

Clare Sherwen Printmaker/Painter

Egyptian Inspirations

Feltmeup Designs

Handmade by Edwina

Inkyprints in the Attic

Jools Yatsities

Miss Beau Jangles 

Miss Winnie Makes

It's chucking it down here!

I hope you all have a fantastic day! Here's a new make to keep you going!

Facebook Giveaway!

Bob over to my Facebook page www.facebook.com/Jaysmonkey  and like my Giveaway post and leave a comment about your favourite item in any of my shops and it could be yours (providing item is under £10 excluding postage!) Share the giveaway for an extra entry!

FACEBOOK GIVEAWAY! Win Any item from any of my shops of up to the price of £10.00 (excluding postage) - simply Like this post and comment saying which item you'd love for a chance to win! CLOSING Date - Monday 18th June at 9pm!

Organisation

I think of myself as a generally organised person, I like things tidy and neat and I like to have things ready.

Of late though, I've discovered I should be more organised with my crafting. I'm currently getting everything ready for the Cleckheaton Folk Festival Craft fair, price tags, tablecloth, displays, mailing list tables and such and it's so hard to do this around my full-time job!  I am however still persisting with it and so far so good!

Also got 2 new custom orders to make which is fabulous! and I love it when someone appreciate and wants my work so much they're willing to part with their money for it, it makes me so warm an fuzzy and proud of myself.

Here's one of my newest additions to my shops, I do rather like this bracelet myself.

Other than being a busy bee and being tired almost all the time (don't know what is up with me - also bruising like bad fruit at the moment) I have very little to report.

Oh that's another thing we have a new Television - from a 22inch screen to 42inch, O/H is delighted with this! Great for Cricket apparently! :P

Anywhoo have a nice rest of your week!