Creating in half term.

Hello everyone!
Sorry for the absence. Half term is not a friendly time for mums like me. Working with 3 children underfoot can be a bit of a nightmare, especially as a collective groan goes up every time I switch the computer on. It has not stopped me creating however. Beaded flower earrings have recently been made and I am off hunting new supplies over the weekend.
I love shopping for new supplies as I never know what I may find. No matter how often I go, there is always something new that just begs to be bought and used. Of late I have been using my clay an awful lot which has been great as there is so much that can be done with it....naturally I also must get more of that as well.
So, despite half term and numerous childrens activities (they have such busy social lives, much more so than their mother) I have still managed to create items. I must say, the week has been full on with all the things my children have had going on. I was rather moved when my oldest picked me for his project subject, given that his project was for an inspirational person. I thought his choice would have been his favourite band, One Direction. I would not go as far as to say I was inspirational as I merely do what thousands, if not millions of mothers up and down the country do but it was still sweet of him. Now...back to seeing what journey my items will take me on next.

Until next time,
Yvonne Jones

www.etsy.com/shop/YvonnesJewells
www.facebook.com/yvonnesjewells

Research

Hello people!
Hope you have all had a great time. With Mother's Day fast approaching I have been researching the best materials to make a special present for my mother. Anyone else ever wonder what to get? After all, for me, my mother does so much for me I can't really imagine what I'd do if she wasn't around. How do you show a lifetime of appreciation to someone so special? Obviously, as a daughter I try to show her throughout the rest of the year but on mother's day what is the best way to show you care, or in my case, which piece of jewellery has she not got and which item would she like the most.
With that in mind I have spent the past few days researching. It seems jewellery is a very popular present to give to our mothers but making it personal adds that extra touch. A favourite colour or style, a particular length. Little things that may not seem like much but can make all the difference.
Well, I am off to get some sleep before another day of research and making begins...or at least, I hope to sleep, children depending. Don't you just hate winter bugs going around?
Until next time,
Yvonne x

www.facebook.com/YvonnesJewells
www.etsy.com/uk/shop/YvonnesJewells

Hello!

Hello people!
Hope you have all had a great week. I have been thinking up new ideas as to what to make. My latest creation is, as yet not photographed, due to the children returning home from school and my time being taken up with cooking and running around after them. However, the beautiful little silver edged fimo star earrings and the star pendant look absolutely lovely.
The downfall of working from home is that my little ones do tend to get in the way. Take now for instance, I am on here, sitting at the table and attempting to design leaflets while my children are building a den around me. Not the easiest environment in which to work yet somehow I am managing it although this looks to be a relatively short post due to the disruption.
I have had some of my earlier work photographed and can finally display my Flower Tiara on here so I will leave you with a picture of that and the promise to return soon with more displays, ideas and probably more wondering how I manage to start setting up while juggling the children and general day to day chores. As difficult as it is though, setting up my own business is a dream come true. Despite the hard work involved I get to do something I am passionate about and work hours set by myself, even if that means working late into the night. To anyone else thinking they want to but can't, you can if you really want. Follow your dreams and go for it.
Until next time,
Yvonne Jones

www.facebook.com/YvonnesJewells
www.etsy.com/your/shops/yvonnesjewells

Setting up a business with kids.

Hello!
Hope you all had a great day. I must say, being called boring by my kids didn't really make me feel too great about myself today. My three little ones think I spend too much time on my computer and making jewellery. This coming from the children who can barely tear themselves away from their gadgets after homework each day.
I guess they have a point though. I spent the whole day clearing up and running around after them then as soon as they'd eaten and bathed I was on here looking through my Etsy shop and my Facebook page. How do you explain to children that you work so hard for them? I guess I will have to wait until they are older and doing similar things themselves before they fully understand. I knew setting up a business and juggling motherhood was never going to be easy but it is a challenge I fully intend to rise to.
My children provide a lot of inspiration as well which has taught me to always have pen and paper to hand, wherever we may be. Last time I had a great idea we were all at a nearby childrens play centre. Jotting my idea down on a napkin was the only way I could ensure I would remember my idea. Ball pit earrings were then designed and made back home but the point is inspiration can come at anywhere, anytime and from anything, like it did for me when I was watching my children playing in the ball pool.

Myself and the ones I work for

Well, this has turned out to be more of a personal post but then again, I did say it was a way of learning more about me and my life. While making jewellery is my business, I am first and foremost a mother. I do however promise to blog soon with details of my work. 

Until next time, 

Yvonne Jones xx

Pink heart earrings with silver leaf edging.

etsy.com/uk/shop/yvonnesjewells

facebook.com/yvonnesjewells

First time blogging

Welcome to my first blog post. My name  is Yvonne Jones and I run an online jewellery business which can be found on Facebook and Etsy. I live in Kent with my 3 children and only stumbled onto jewellery making by chance.
A few years ago I was going through a really bad patch and we all know how bad the job situation is. If you want a job you need certain qualifications and if you don't have them, regardless of how much experience you have, employers don't want to know. That was the situation I found myself in as I hadn't worked or years after having my children. Suddenly, my world was turned upside down. I wanted to get a job but no relevant qualifications and no money to fund a course to get them.
Feeling low, I went shopping with my sister and she took me into a bead shop. Back then that was rather funny as I considered anything arty or crafty to be totally beyond me, however, I made a few purchases and when I got home I sat down and played around with them. The result surprised me as I had made a beautiful necklace, earrings and bracelet set.
Well that was that, I became hooked and have been making jewellery ever since, using new techniques and creating a variety of different styled pieces. When people I know started buying my work I realised that perhaps this was something I could put to good use. I may not have relevant qualifications to attract an employer but I can create lovely jewellery and sell it to others who appreciate it. That's how I started jewellery making and how my idea of turning my hobby into a business came about. If you would like to see my work you can find it using the following links: www.facebook.com/YvonnesJewells and www.etsy.com/shop/YvonnesJewells.
Until next week,
Yvonne Jones                                  

Honey Quartz and swarovski elements set.