A Big Job Complete

Running a business for yourself often presents challenges.  I normally enjoy new projects and the sense of accomplishment upon mastering a new skill.

This week I fulfilled a task that has been crashing around in my brain for a while.  Not only did I update the Mum's Creations' paper catalogue (yes, we still have one) but I also learned how to add hyperlinks to the on-line version to make it fully integrated with the website.

In plain English:  you can open a copy of the printed catalogue on your computer and if you see something interesting, click on the photo and presto! you're at the matching web page.

I was actually quite surprised at how easily I was able to figure out how to do this; but not surprised that it took hours to input all the hyperlinks, but now it is done!

Look for yourself here.  There are even two versions; one for Canadian shoppers and one for American.  The main difference is in the pages displaying maps and images for each country.

Time for a new project!

A Fork With an Attitude

The new Mum's Creations Funny Pick Forks are a hit!  We just came up with these a few months ago and already some stores are in their fifth re-order.

It is always gratifying to have a product that resonates with customers.

It was my plan to make these out of recycled utensils but having now cleared out all the nearby thrift shifts I have had to revert to the original Plan A and use newly purchased cutlery.  It turns out that I have to be a bit picky about the forks as there is a great difference in the "bendability" of forks and I have now settled on a particular style/manufacturer that works and keeps my knuckles from getting too scratched up!

I plan to continue to use recycled cutlery when I can find it and those will be marked as such.

The Harvest

The potato harvest has begun. Here is a scrumptious bowl of Yukon Gold potatoes from my patch. We put them in foil with some olive oil, onions, salt and pepper and roasted them on the BBQ. They were delicious and lasted two or three meals. And more to come!

Just Somethng I'm Working On

I've started browsing second hand stores.  I feel like I'm admitting a terrible secret because it seems to have become addictive.  It is a bit like going on a treasure hunt each time I head out.

The object(s) of my browsing have become many and varied.  I'm working on recycled/repurposed Cake Pedestals like the one above.  This is a glass plate epoxied to a candlestick.  It was just dumb luck that I found two pieces that match.  I've also made one that is dark blue.  I am busy on a clear version that is decoupaged.  I have a beautiful pink glass platter that is waiting for me to find a matching pedestal item.

I'm also working on using old ceramic dishes in new ways, but more on this later.

If nothing else, I will be able to blog about the merits/horrors of thrift shop shopping!  

Let's just say I'm having fun with this project for now.  Nothing is ready for the website yet, but stay tuned.

Potato News

The potato patch is doing very well!  In fact when I went to hoe around the plants last night I inadvertently uncovered a few potatoes -- which I swiftly cleaned, cooked and enjoyed.  They tasted sublime; virtually skinless and silky.

I can't believe that despite our cool, wet spring I already have some spuds.  Those plants are amazing!

Funny Forks

I mentioned these forks to my friend MJ today and she thought they were hilarious!  So why not a blog post on them?

These are some new forks I designed for my Mum's Creations' catalogue.  I'm calling them Funny Forks for pickles.  The styles so far are (left to right) Fork You Fork, Hang Loose Fork and Peace Fork.

Even better -- they are eco-friendly.  I'm using recycled old forks for the base.  I hope you like them.  Here's the link to the webpage.

Poor Puppy!

I am always on the lookout for interesting images to use in my (expanding) collection of historic reproductions.  I recently came across a couple of postcards published in 1909 by renowned postcard printer Raphael Tuck and Sons of London.

The company was known for commissioning artists to produce images which they then printed and sold as postcards.  Unfortunately, like many other postcard printers and manufacturers of their time, the history, records, original paintings and postcards of Raphael Tuck & Sons were destroyed during the bombing blitz of London during World War II.

I purchased these two from different sellers, but this puppy looks like the same character.  Likely it was drawn by the same artist.  The first was sold as a "humourous postcard" with the caption "Some Sport".  The second does not have an inscription.

Either of these images can be reproduced on our products, including Party Plates, Glass Cutting Boards, Bamboo Tea Chests, Trivets, Journals, Clocks, Wire Baskets and Towel Racks.