Vonnie's Blog

Shop Closing

2011-11-21T15:25:00.002Z

It is with heavy heart that I have to tell you the shop will be closing on Saturday 26th November 2011. I have tried so long and so hard to keep open but financially now it is no longer possible.
Therefore there is a massive sale on now with 40% off all stock except A4 Card. This will end at 4pm on Saturday. Thank you to all my regular customers for being there.
Workshops will still be continuing but only part time. You can check out my website for details.

Thank you and I will be back as soon as this worrying time is over.

Vonnie Daisy and Milly xx

Is it nearly Christmas again?

2011-10-28T20:43:00.002+01:00

Hi folks,
Just a quickie as my last blog seems to be such a long time ago. Shop is picking up slightly. Good news!! Lots of workshops going on...so please look at my workshops to find out more.
Mondays Wednesdays and Fridays now. Di doing the Friday class this one you will love you simply have to give it a go.
Daisy is fine plodding on....same as me..lols.. hope this finds you all well. Christmas is coming up way to fast. Grr! or should it be argghhhh! If you sign up for my news letter you could win £20.00 to spend in the shop.. This will be a monthly draw on the last day of the month and it's FREE.
I must get along now I have some glass cooking :

Nite all. Love Vonnie Daisy and Milly ( The Chi) xxxx

Hard times

2011-08-05T13:32:00.002+01:00

Hi everyone, ok well it doesn't get any better.
Times are hard for my little shop, customers needed badly.
Workshops need filling.
Monday evening workshop always busy but other workshops need to be filled.
I am trying hard not to close down...but at the moment it is very bad indeed.
We also need visits from the public.

I need your support.

So please visit Vonnie's Crafts if you can.
I have been there for 6 years now not ten minutes and it has always been hard because of the location there is no passing trade and so that is hard.
The Exeter City Council has banned me from putting a sign down on the main road which has been a devastating blow to my trade. So no one seems to know we are where we are.
Advertising costs an earth so it is a vicious circle.
Talk about support your small businessess!! I have had no luck with Councils or banks alike they don't seem to give a jot whereas the big boys can do what they like..
So please tell your friends about us and where we are and maybe I can continue for some time yet.
Thanks and hope this all finds you in fine fettle.
Vonnie xxx

Creating a pearl and Crystal bracelet.

2011-07-25T10:44:00.003+01:00

Hi folks well I don't know where the times goes but it is whizzing by.
On Saturday 6th August I will be running a Bracelet and ear ring workshop working with glass pearls and crystals if you would like to join details on the workshop page.
Not been much of a summer has it? I have been very busy at the torch and trying to make up a selection of items for a Show. I really love lampworking it is so gratifying to create something out of molten glass I am covered in burns but never mind the morning dash to the Kiln to see what the glass fairies have bought me is all worth it.
Have so many beads now waiting to be made up into Jewellery I better get a move on.
If you would like to learn how to make glass beads please do contact me.
I will tell you how you can do that I better get cracking typical Monday morning having to get a card ready for the class tonight and as of yet no idea....lols. It usually is this way but it usually all comes together.
See you soon all keep well keep safe.
Love Vonnie Daisy and Milly....xxxx

Jewellery Demonstration

2011-06-28T18:39:00.003+01:00

Hi there all,

On Saturday 2nd July 1pm until 4pm in the shop there will be a Demonstration by myself. Showing you how easy it is to make this really pretty bracelet and ear rings.

Just pop along to the shop and you can see how it is done.

I will also be selling packs of these beads so you can do a set for yourself as well :-)

Hope to see you then.

Bye now

Love Vonnie Daisy and Milly. xxx

Cool!

2011-05-06T10:11:00.006+01:00

Ok well all seems to be back to normal so I would like to show you some photos of some glass beads I have made into jewellery you can also view my work on Facebook.
Lamp working is great I so love it. Lots more practice needed but getting there slowly.
Classes available for card making and jewellery making please contact shop or add your details if you would like a news letter have a great day! bye for now x

Cp

2011-05-06T10:11:00.001+01:00

May 7th

2011-05-06T10:07:00.001+01:00

Hi Folks just a test as having problems with blogging catch you later xx

New On-Line Shop is launched

2011-05-05T13:37:00.000+01:00

My New Shop has gone live. Take a look

http://www.etsy.com/shop/daisydelicious

Christmas already?

2010-12-08T20:48:00.002Z

Hi everyone I don't know where the times goes but it's amost Christmas once again.

This cold weather is really bad and causing chaos it seems. I have had to cancel more than one class. Roll on the Spring. I have been snowed in twice this year now and then iced in and then frosted in ...believe me I am telling the truth. The penalties for living on top of a hill. :)

Lampworking is a great favourite of mine at the moment and have been doing it for about 4 months now. I am far from perfect but so enjoy playing with fire...lols.

(Making glass beads with rods of glass and a torch ) Scary but nice!!

I am hoping to get my Items for sale on soon but seem to be having problems with the site I have purchased so this will be my new year's resolution to get that up and working.

Please look at the workshops as they are still on going Monday evenings Wednesday afternoons and Thursday afternoons.

New year will be bringing in lots more workshops so keep watching the workshops page.

In the meantime I wish you all a good Christmas and a Happy new year with good health and happiness and a sprinkling of good luck.

From me Daisy and Milly. xxx

Lampworking day with Helen Gorrick

2010-08-14T10:38:00.005+01:00

Samples of Helen's work.

I really don't know where the time has gone...but needless to say, I cannot believe it is that long since I left a post on here.

I just wanted to tell you about the fabulous day I had with Helen Gorrick at her gorgeous home at the foot of the Blackdown hills.

I have for a long time wanted to find out more about Lampworking.....that is making beads out of glass using a Torch, Kiln, and lots of other goodies.

I found Helen on the Internet and before I knew it I was heading up the road to Wilmington which is not far from me about half an hour.

I was greeted by Helen and her brood of Children sitting in their farmhouse kitchen with the Aga throwing out a warm welcome.

I immediately liked the ambiance and was getting more excited by the minute in to starting off on the Lamp work day.

We then crossed her lovely gardens and into the Studio which is situated looking over her land.

We had a cup of coffee and for 20 or minutes or so I was drooling over her made hand made pieces...needless to say I immediately thought ...ummm yeah! I am gonna spend some money here today. *smiles*

We then set to making a bead...I simply loved it...Helen is Thoughtful and very patient and a simply lovely person I admire her tremendously.

The day whizzed by we had lunch sat out under the pergola and chatted and Helen showed me books that would help.

Back to work and another cup of tea and we started off again...I was entranced.

I made (with Helen's help ) six beads and she made me a Heart which I am hoping will all be delivered today. As they have to annealed and cleaned before sending out.

You will see here I am including some photos of Helen's work here ( above) just a small sample but I have to say her work is simply mouth watering and I ordered a beautiful bracelet and ear rings which I am so looking forward to receiving.

I truly will be going back again and again....Helen was such a great teacher and I now I am waiting eagerly for all my supplies to arrive and my work bench to be erected so that I can start off with my own lamp working to add to my already huge Craft Folio I make jewellery as you know so this will compliment my work in huge way. I have this funny feeling it could take over.

If you would like to Join Helen in a fabulous day learning the art of lampwork then you can contact her on :-

info@helengbeads.co.uk

her website is

http://www.helengbeads.co.uk/

If you love making Jewellery and you would like to try this method of glass bead making then go spend the day with Helen you will be delighted.

It's raining here today in Exeter but this afternoon I am doing a workshop for Czech Crystals and Wrapped looping for a necklace Bracelet and ear rings.

FAB!!!

New workshops coming up soon at Vonnie's Crafts please keep checking out the workshops page.

Bye for now.

Vonnie Daisy and Milly x

NEWS NEWS NEWS

2010-07-20T10:03:00.004+01:00

Hi there forgive me for not coming back here so often there is so much going on.

I am in the midst of creating videos for crafting..these will be going on Youtube and facebook.

Please have a peek when you have time.

Workshops still going on every Monday eve Wednesday eve Thursday afternoon.

And this Saturday a beautiful workshop with Crystal Rondelles and Tai Silver I will put a photo on for you to see.

Please ring the shop if you are interested in joining.

01392469526

We are open Tuesday Thursday Friday and Saturdays.

10 until 4.

£35.00 for 3 hours and you will take home a gorgeous Necklace very Bo Ho bracelet and ear rings.

This really is too good to miss.

More beads coming in to the shop and all things bright and beautiful.

Hope to see you in there.

Love from me and Daisy and Milly.

xxx

Daisy

2010-05-19T22:12:00.003+01:00

It has been quite a sad day for me today. Daisy has been retired as of now in her role as my Hearing Dog...she has Emphysema and also her hips are playing her up.

So now she can enjoy her retirement with me and her new little friend Milly...My new Chihuahua Puppy. Daisy has been and will always be the love of my life and without her I don't know what I would do. I love her with all of my heart. Hopefully she has a good few years left yet.

Milly is also helping her to enjoy those years.

Dogs are wonderful companions their love is unconditional, always pleased to see you, never cause you any pain, anger is not in their frame, it's such a joy to have her.

She has shared some great moments with me in her fame as my Hearing dog..TV appearances and photo shots... we have had some really good times together and now I will make sure she enjoys her retirement. You will still be hearing about her...and her antics with Milly who has certainly opened up her life and making her eat properly believe it or not.

She has also learned that she can chase balls. lol.

Whatever, she is still my Daisy and the love continues to grow.

Night all.

Vonnie Daisy and Milly xx

Shop

2010-01-31T09:45:00.002Z

Hi there,

Well Christmas has come and gone.....so has the snow thank goodness!
In the midst of a great Sale now to make way for new stock.
So don't miss out it ends on Wednesday February 5th.
Make the most of it.

Shop open each day now
Closes at 1pm on Mondays.
Then through to Friday
10 till 4.30.
Saturday
10 until 4.
Sunday closed.

Lots of good things coming
there will be promotions each month.
The workshops are beginning to get busier.
In the midst of doing a Tutorial for you to see
how to do certain crafts.

Amongst the workshops
there is Fimo
This is really good you
would be amazed at the most gorgeous beads
you can make from this fantastic medium.
Also Silver Clay classes coming
with Jacqui.

If you would like to book in to the classes
please ring the shop on
01392469526
I look forward to hearing from you.
Happy New Year.
Vonnie and Daisy
xxx

2010-01-22T23:33:00.001Z

MASSIVE CRAFT SALE

EVERYTHING HALF PRICE

EVERYTHING MUST GO.

MONDAY TO SATURDAY

10 UNTIL 4PM

DON'T MISS THIS!!

JUST 2 WEEKS TO GO.

Workshops

2009-10-19T20:03:00.002+01:00

Every Thursday is workshop day.
Usually from 1pm until 3pm they are great fun and you learn how to do some brilliant things.
So join us at Vonnie's Crafts for a few hours of relaxation and laughs.

Please ring the shop 01392469526 when you have chosen the workshop of your choice from the workshops page and book.

You won't regret it.

Always something new and fun to learn.

Bye now

Vonnie and Daisy x

2009-03-08T11:32:00.004Z

Hiya,

Yesterday was a great day enthusiastic Sugar Crafters went home with their bouquest of flowers ( or rather stuck in an Oasis ring).

If you would like to know more about the Sugar Craft courses please do ring shop and leave your name and Tel Number and someone will get back to you to discuss your requirements.

It was such good fun.

Lots more workshops on the go now.

We stock so many cool things.

Elusive Images for the most amazing unmounted stamps.

Fourth Dimension again great stamps,.

Cuttle bug and embossing folders.

Cricut coming in next week.

Dufex for the coolest decoupage on foil.

All the tools you need to make your cards and loads more besides.

Pop into the shop any time for a chat.

Saturday sees me there all day.....

I am teaching 4 workshops through the week so come and go.

Always there Saturday afternoons.

Check out the workshops to see what is happening.

Have a great Sunday and may the force be with you.

Haha! Sorry! I couldn't resist that I have ALWAYS wanted to say that.

Keep well..... Vonnie and Daisy x

Sugar Craft Day

2009-03-04T06:15:00.002Z

Hi all,

On Saturday 7th March there will be an all day Sugar Craft Day at Vonnie's Crafts.
Starts at 10.15 until 4pm.
If you would like to join this great day please ring the shop on 01392469526.
Bookings must be made.
We will be making Roses. Daffodils. Daisies. Sweet Peas Daphne Stephanotis and leaves. This is the starter course and progresses to the more advanced.
All you need bring is your packed lunch if you are local to Exeter then join this great day. 5 seats left.

Workshops continue on Thursday afternoons 1 until 3 check them out.

In the meantime, the shop is coming up to being 3 years old in May.

Through these difficult times it's good to get together and make new friends.

' Its so nice having friends it's even nicer being one'

My thought for the day.

Being seeing you.

Vonnie

Where has the summer gone?

2008-09-21T19:42:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,
I cannot believe the winter is almost upon us after what was a rather grotty summer, where is our Indian summer I would like to know.
Lots happening in the shop....more Jewellery classes coming with the lovely Paula.
If you would be interested in one of these I guarantee you would go home chuffed to bits with your 'I made it myself' piece.
Please ring the Shop or pop in and put your name down to join us in what is a great afternoon. Dates to be advised.
Thursday afternoons are very popular as well now ...workshops on the site telling you what is happening there.
Great new products in shop also....including Arty Farty....Red hot bed....come along and drool.... ha-ha!
My web site is being revamped by Mark http://www.toughfruit.com/
I hope to have loads happening very soon.
Instruction Videos and a blog spot for crafters...a Craft Pal section.....
Please keep checking it's all on the go.
The Shop will now be put on line as well.
In all it is a very busy time.
We have lots of laughs at the shop....and the workshops are such good fun.
I will be back soon with more news about Vonnie's Crafts in the meantime, hope all is well with you.
KEEP CRAFTING!!

Diamonds are a girl's best friend!!!

2008-07-11T23:03:00.002+01:00

Ok perhaps not diamonds, but on Saturday 26th July at Vonnie's Crafts in Exeter there will be a workshop in Jewellery making.
The time will be from 1 pm until 3.3pm and will cost just £12.50.
At the end of which you will take home your own piece of gorgeousness :)

It is a great fun and Paula who is the bee's knees, will be taking the class, and will show you how to make a fabulous piece of Jewellery.

There are 6 places left and so if you would like to join what is a very fun afternoon please ring the shop on 01392469526 to book your place or email on vonnie.t@btinternet.com

Thanks

Vonnie and Daisy x

Workshops

2008-06-05T20:49:00.002+01:00

Hi there,

Just a quickie this evening and a post to announce the new workshops that will be starting next week in the shop.
So many requests ...so folks ....there they are.

Vonnie’s Crafts and Workshops.
10 B Warwick Way. Whipton. Exeter.
EX4 8EP
Email vonnie.t@btinternet.com
www.vonnie.co.uk
Tel. 01392469526.
Mobile (text) 07703160848.

Please book in advance for the workshops.
Time 1pm until 3pm. Cost £8.00.

Thursday 12th June. Stamping and embossing. Learn the art of using rubber stamps and Embossing powders.
Thursday 19th June. Mandala Magic….Creating 3D with stamps, absolutely gorgeous.
Thursday 26th June. Shrink Plastic have fun with this medium you stamp and colour and then heat to shrink, then decorate your card it’s great fun.
Thursday 3rd July. Create a fabulous wedding cake/card with special templates.
Thursday 17th July. Create beautiful a 3 D card with Dufex Foiled card.
Thursday 24th July. Decoupage for beginners.
Thursday 31st July. A taste of the Orient. Kimonos and Koi.
Thursday 8th August. Keepsake Boards. Create a Bookatrix card and box for that special occasion.
Thursday14th August. Water colours and Stamping.
Thursday August 21st. Jewellery making. Create a bracelet and Ear rings.
Thursday August 28th. An introduction to Sugar Craft.
Thursday September 4th. Using the Majestic Board from the glitter girls.

The winter Workshop program will be printed in September.
Come along and join a Thursday afternoon workshop it’s great fun and you meet new friends. Tea and Biscuits provided.

April

2008-04-26T10:45:00.005+01:00

Hi everyone! wow! where has the time gone? in shop today, thought I would get up to speed with the Blog...lots been happening, been ill but on the mend now. Had some excitement in that Daisy and I appeared on Ready Steady Cook, it was so cool. As per norm she was the star that she is.

Ainsley Harriott thought she was a little babe, I made him a fab card....he loved it. A 3D Image of him in one of his pinks shirts, he showed it to all the Audience and they loved it too.

It was really exciting, and to see how the program works, and the razzmatazz of it all.

Ainsley interviewed me about Daisy and what she does in my life.

I told him about the episode with the Fire engine, which you can read on my web site, he was tickled pink (excuse the pun!).

He really is a great person so full of life and bubbly, and just a really nice guy.

So glad I met him.

The photo above includes two stars from 'The Bill' and the two celebrity chefs, and Jenny Moir from Hearing Dogs and of course me and Daisy.

I stayed at the Hearing dogs Centre for two days and saw the dogs being trained, just like Daisy was for me.

It really is a wonderful charity and all the recipients are so grateful for the chance of having a faithful friend, but one who is really clever and worth their weight in gold and helps them will the day to day sounds in their life.

I love daisy to bits and cannot imagine my life with out her.

She is at present sat in the window of the shop looking out at the world going by.

Everyone around here loves her and stops to say hello.

Such a special little dog.

BUT SUCH A DIVA ha-ha!

Ok ...well customers in now, so have to pop along and will be back soon.

Hope you all have a great weekend.....

From me and Dais xx

2008-02-10T11:26:00.000Z

Hi there everyone!
Hope this finds you all well and the new year is going ok for you.
Very busy with shop and stuff you know how it is.
I sometimes wonder where the time goes.
Daisy is fine and last week saw us on the TV with Carlton, they came to the house and filmed Daisy doing her work, and then back to the shop to film me there it was quite exciting and fabulous advertising for the shop. Very welcome indeed. I have since had all my hair chopped off it's short and spiky and I have been told I look years younger....can't be bad!!
As per usual Daisy was a little star and performed only as she can perform I think she is a little Diva... haha!
she seems to know when she is the centre of attention.. typical female.. :)
Lots of lovely items coming into the shop and the workshops are very good fun, two are now in operation in the week and always packed out.
My online shop is being revamped and soon will be really cool and most items from the shop will be on line and able to purchase.
It is however going to be a mammoth task but the fantastic Mark from http://www.toughfruit.com/ will be putting it all together. I do have to take thousands of photos though..I will be so glad when it is loaded.
I must get started on it, it is Sunday today and need to wash my car ... yes still have to do the mundane things ..there is no one else to wash it, so kinda guess that leaves it with me.
Haha!
Cards to make for customers and always doing work here at home for the shop, life is busy busy.
More workshops being planned so please do contact me if you wish to join one, I am also assisted with these by the fabulous Julie. She is a fantastic card maker, and rather addicted to the glitter, when we are at the workshop on Wednesdays she seems to get herself covered and me also, we always have a laugh about it though.
Sorry Julie but you know I love you haha!
Kay also does jewellery workshops she likes the one to one, so come on ladies if you want to learn how to make cool jewels then ring the shop on a Monday morning and speak to the cool Kay who will be happy to help. 01392469526.
Hope you like the cartoon it was done by a professional at a Craft Fair, I will love him forever as he made me look slim!! But constantly being told about the leslie Ash resemblence!! can you see it?
Must go and clean my car folks.
Hope you have a peaceful Sunday.
This is Vonnie signing out for today.
Keep cool and 'woof' from Daisy xx

Craft Retailer of the Year

2007-12-07T14:31:00.000Z

Hi there,

I cannot believe where the time has gone, is it really that long ago that I put a post on here?

Please forgive me!!

Life has been mad, with Christmas coming so many card orders to get out and the shop is ever changing with new stock coming in AND going out.

It is looking really cool here are the moment with the Christmas decorations up and Christmas cards everywhere.

Some exciting news....

Please would you vote for Vonnie's Crafts in the Craft Retailer of the Year 2008.

You can vote online at http://www.cardmakingandpapercraft.com/

Let's get Vonnie's Crafts on the map and for this I need your support.

It has been a good year and the workshops are taking off and new customers arriving daily it's picking up, and I love my Shop, I meet so many lovely people.

That just leaves me to wish you all A VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS from me and Daisy and the girls who help in the shop.

I hope the new year brings you good health and loads of happiness.

Happy New Year to you all.

Love

Vonnie and Daisy xxx

Sunday Sunday

2007-10-14T11:40:00.000+01:00

Hello everyone.

Sunday here my favourite day of the week, chilling out and doing what I want to do.

Very busy in the shop this week which is great.

Workshops picking up and meeting lovely people all the time.

They really only come to see Daisy haha.

Had a great workshop yesterday with Paula and Sasha and made a lovely bracelet simply scrumptious.

There is going to be another one on Saturday 3rd of November it's really brilliant, and for two hours you are lost in the world of colour and gorgeous beads 2 until 4 pm. Booking only.

It is so enjoyable the cost is just 12.00 and you get to take home a bracelet you will be truly proud of.

Daisy is fine and as gorgeous as ever, she is my little star...and makes me laugh.

Time to do my paperwork, a job I totally hate but it has to be done.

Have a great Sunday folks and hope you like my handiwork of yesterday.

Signing off for today..keep well and happy.

Vonnie and Daisy xx

Monday Monday

2007-10-08T14:19:00.000+01:00

Here it is again Monday seems to come around so quickly...day off today and doing work at home, did I say it was my day off? :)
Daisy keeps coming in and looking at me as if to say..how much longer Mum? she is waiting for her daily walk.
Saturday 13th October in the shop there is workshop to make a lovely silver charm bracelet with beads on, there are still 4 seats left so come on people, make something cute for your Jewellery box. £12.00 per workshop.
You will be so thrilled. Paula a friend is doing it and she is THE business.

Other than that not so much tor report still have a hangover from Saturday lols. If you have never watched Taiquan-do.....I think I have spelled that right, it is thrilling, sort of like kick boxing having never seen anything like it, I was enthralled.
On lad got knocked out and was taken to hospital but he is ok. It was the 4 Nations event.
England won!!

Lots going on with workshops check out that section on my website.
The winter is coming and it will be nice to start a new Craft I can be of assistance there :)
How about coming to one of my evening workshops?
I have made so many friends with this and I thoroughly recommend it.
Time to walk Daisy.
Have a good day.
Vonnie and Daisy XX

Saturday 6th October

2007-10-06T14:57:00.001+01:00

Trying to get some Christmas cards done today in the shop and demonstrating little things.

Love it!

I can't believe it is almost here again, time goes so quickly.

I think I might need some chocolate soon :)

Daisy is feeling lazy today and so in her basket in the window which I had altered so that she could sit and watch the world go by.... People now go by each time we are here and knock on window saying....'Morning daisy'

she looks at them haughtily...lols.

The only time she springs to action is when a cat goes by or someone she likes comes into the shop. Julie namely, as she makes her a drink...Julie makes Daisy one that is haha! Today has been rather quiet...so it has given me time to make cards.

Here come some customers so here endeth my blog for today.

Will be back again tomorrow.

Have a great weekend.

Vonnie and Daisy.

Friday 5th October

2007-10-05T18:56:00.000+01:00

What a beautiful day today! Busy in the shop with my Help Daisy she is my Hearing Dog I can hear but it is rubbish and I need Daisy for the all important sounds at home, such as the cooker timer (Sick of burning my Bacon!!) :)

Isn't she a cutie? and such a Diva!!

Love her to bits. I needed to do so much in the shop today but people love to come and chat and therefore find the day has whizzed by before I know it.

It's great being amongst the card and all the crafty stuff and when the parcels arrive it's just like Christmas.

Am I addicted or what?

Such good fun though and have made some really fabulous friends. In the industry as well, namely the fabulous 'Glitter girls' check out their website.

http://www.keepsakecardcraft2004.biz/

Debbie, Little Debbie, Denice, Jan, Jacky, Julie, Penny...they all come to the Wednesday evening workshop it's sooo cool! Not forgetting Kay and Di and Julie.

Thanks for the reading my first Blog, and hope to keep it entertaining,

Share your crafts with me and I will be back soon with tales of mine and of Daisy.

First blog

2007-10-05T10:01:00.000+01:00

Hi all. Welcome to Vonnie's very own blog.

Please visit interact and share your thoughts. All are welcome. Iwill be regulaly updating this blog and sharing my thoughts.