Charity Auction!

This Saturday, 26th January, there is an online auction on Facebook in aid of Galgos Del Sol, an organization  set up to help abandoned dogs in Spain. Here is the link to their Facebook page.

Many people have donated items to be auctioned, myself among them. I have donated this necklace:

I hope it raises a few euros! If you want to see more of my jewellery, have a look at my Bluetina website.

Here are some examples of the sort of thing I make:

Oxidized Copper & MOP necklace

Blue Goldstone & Oxidized Copper Bracelet

Sterling Double Spiral Earrings

I'm clean!!!

After the flooding in this area of Spain, we have had no running water for ten days. Irony of ironies! We have been grafting hard to clean up the house and the patios, becoming exceedingly dirty in the process. I have been putting up with strip washes but getting a mite frustrated with the situation because I just didn't feel properly clean.

Until today! My wonderful husband, Bryn, has built us a solar heated power shower in the back garden!

The black painted fuel can, sitting on top of the boiler house, holds 20 litres of water. Left in the sun all day, it warms up nicely. The garden shower we already had but, because gravity wasn't enough to produce a good spray, Bryn fitted an old washing machine pump in between to turn it into a power shower. 

My husband, who never throws anything away, is a complete genius! 

It's just as well that nobody lives behind us, though. The back wall came down in the floods! I felt a little exposed but I didn't care. That shower was pure luxury! 

P.S. Tomorrow, I am going to buy a bath mat and a towel rail!

Bryn on a Quad.....

I've got my screen saver set to displaying photos in the My Pictures folder. This means I get to look at lots of interesting things. Photos of my jewellery, pics of the grandchildren, lovely shots of paperwork that's been scanned! Also passing before my gaze are many photos that friends send to us of Bryn's days out on the quad. When I saw this one, it was a bit dark and had half a finger intruding on the left hand side. I spotted it's potential, though!

A bit of Photoshopping and you get this!

I think our friend Paulette took it. Very nicely composed, Paulette!

Saga with a twist - update

Necklace delivered today and approved! I related some of the "saga" and made Ingeborg laugh!

On a serendipitous note, I thought I had made the necklace slightly too long but it turns out that Ingeborg was going to ask me to do just that and forgot to phone me!

In other news, I sold this necklace and bracelet to a neighbour of ours, out here on holiday.

I made the bracelet specially to go with the necklace for her. I also made this bracelet:

to go with this necklace:

but the lady liked the silver and purple ones best. I'm not sure whether to list these in my Etsy shop or the new Bluetina website. Both places urgently need more inventory but the new website has not been fully indexed by Google yet, so I'm not getting a lot of hits there. I'll think about it!

Living in Spain.....

can sometimes be a complete pain in the arse!

During the latter part of 2011, we went through loads of hassle with our electricity supply. Eventually, it was all sorted out and we are now on mains electricity.

Yesterday afternoon (Friday the 13th, no less!) our water supply was cut off!

I cannot have a shower. I can't wash any clothes. We have water in bottles from our local "fuente" so I can boil a kettle to have a wash or wash up the dishes. Bryn has taken the lids of the toilet cisterns so we can fill them up every time we flush. Oh, what fun!

We are popping into town to see our solicitor on Monday and, hopefully, she can help us sort out this mess. In the meantime, I am sitting here, stinking to high heaven and getting depressed.

Happy New Year!!

A Spanish Fiesta...

This last weekend just gone, it was the occasion of Urcal's Annual Fiesta. As with all Spanish village fiestas, it starts on Friday night and no one gets any sleep until Monday!

The Spanish know how to party. There is lots of loud music and dancing and they wander around the village most of the night, chatting and letting off extremely loud fireworks. In previous years, we have attended but not this year. It doesn't matter what time they show on the posters for the various events, absolutely nothing of any significance happens until about one o'clock in the morning and it certainly doesn't wind down until at least 5 a.m. I can't stay up that late any more! I used to, in my teens and twenties but now, in my sixties, I just cannot acclimatize myself to the Spanish diurnal rhythm. They have their little siesta in the afternoon, especially in the summer months, but, if I try to sleep during the day, I awaken very groggily, wondering what day it is and whether it's morning or evening.

Having said that, sleeping at night is not an option on Fiesta Weekend! We only doze, fitfully, listening to the musical offerings of the night in the distance and tensing ourselves for the next big bang. It's like Chinese water torture!

During the daytime, as the villagers seem to get away with very little sleep, there are children's parties, market stalls, lots of paella and other entertainments. There is also the very solemn occasion of the procession of the Virgin. She is brought out of the local church on her platform and paraded up and down the village High Street. It takes several strong men to hold her up - I don't think she's been dropped yet but it wouldn't surprise me.

I took this photograph a few years ago. I actually won a photography competition with it!

Needless to say, on Monday morning the village is exceedingly quiet. I think most working people have the day off. I'm looking forward to a proper night's sleep tonight!

I'm all behind, like a cow's tale.....

My Mum used to say that and it's very apt. I'm so, so busy that I'm having dreadful trouble keeping up with this blogging lark. So much for posting every day! That went the way of all my resolutions.

I think I told you that I have some copper pieces displayed at C.A.T. Services in La Alfoquia. I remembered to take pictures last time I popped in.

Then I received an email from Karen to say they had sold three items! Hooray! The copper coils bracelet and the double coil pendant went, along with a pair of my pointy heart earrings. I popped down there this morning to replace them with these:

I seem to be on an earring binge lately. I must make some bracelets and necklaces. When I get the time......

More later!

Bluetina is a wimp....

I am being a big wuss today. I am afraid of most insects - yes, I am a fully paid up, died in the wool, wimp!

Bryn has gone out for a ride on his quad and I have to nip into town for some shopping. There are grasshoppers on the back door. "So what?" I hear you say. Please refer to first paragraph - it is a big deal! I've tried opening the door a crack and banging it shut to scare them off. No dice. Most placid, laid back, zen grasshoppers it's been my misfortune to meet. I can't lock the back door and use the front because that's not the way our crazy Fort Knox system works. I have to go out the back door. Eventually.

I'm leaving it until the last possible moment just in case Bryn comes back first and can do his knight in shining armour bit.

What a wimp....

Tuesday, 16th August....

It's catching up time again!

Life has been quite hectic lately. Bryn's son Gareth came to visit for a few days.  Bryn took him out quadding several times and he loved it. I would have had some good photos to show you but Bryn forgot to change the settings on the camera when he took it out. The last thing I photographed was close ups of jewellery so the macro was still on. The pics he took were very atmospheric, shall we say, but you couldn't tell what they were! I had to dump them. Shame.

I spent the whole day yesterday getting ready for the night market down at Vera Playa. I arrived at 7:30 p.m., set up and waited. And waited, and waited, and waited....

My friend Jen bought two pairs of earrings but the Madrilenos ignored my wares for the most part. One woman did go through most of my earring collection, physically trying each one in her ear, then walked away with nothing. Not very hygienic - I had to clean them all! I didn't get home until 2 a.m. I was overheated, exhausted and a bit depressed. Never mind! Onwards and upwards! It was very nice of Jen to let me try it out for free. I know these events can vary a lot from night to night but I'm afraid I can't afford the diesel to find out!

Still have a few things to make for C.A.T. Services. Here are some I've done so far:

I also have another shipping order from Ingebourg - at least five necklaces to make from her own beads - so I'd better get cracking!

See you later!

Monday, 8th August...

Afternoon all!

We went out on the quad again yesterday. That makes twice in one week! God, I ache.

We took a run down to Villaricos on the coast with our friends Alan and Christine. We had lunch and a couple of beers and then trundled off home again. It was blazingly hot and I was covered in sweat and dust by the time we got back to Urcal.  Bryn desperately needed a cold drink so we popped into the bar before going home. I looked a proper sight but you really can't go anywhere on the quad and arrive with your coiffure intact!

Artfire is still having major problems.  My stats haven't moved since Friday so I don't know what the hell is going on. I dare say it will all be sorted in due course so I'm not going to worry about it.

Very busy today, making jewellery for C.A.T. Services' shop. I am also popping down to Vera tonight to check out this evening market that Jen told me about. I must remember to take my stock with me - Jen wants to buy some more earrings!

See you later!

Thursday, 4th August...

I did something today that I haven't done in a long, long while. I went out with Bryn on the quad!

Gathering of the quads in Urcal

This was quadding on a huge scale. There were seventeen vehicles (buggies and quads) and well over twenty people. We were all heading for the same destination but, despite our best efforts to stay together, a few were lost in the dust of the ramblas. We did all manage to end up at the restaurant eventually but some followed more circuitous routes than others.  We stopped for a couple of breaks along the way, one of which involved a bar.  The bar staff must have been amazed when us lot turned up! Never mind, it definitely upped the takings!

Having a break (no bar though)

When we finally reached the restaurant at the end of the universe (well, that's what it seemed like to my poor behind!), we were fed gallons of paella, salad and chips. It was the proprietor's birthday so we all sang to him. He cried. I don't know whether they were tears of joy or, perhaps, our rendition of "Happy Birthday to You" wasn't up to our usual standard. He bought us a drink anyway.

By this time I'd been out in the sun for seven hours, I was tired and dirtier than I've been for years so I persuaded Bryn it was time to go home. We fought, briefly, over the shower and I won. I feel better now!

The rest of the evening goes somewhat like this - blog post, pour large brandy, watch Torchwood and go to bed. I think I shall sleep well tonight.

See you later!

Wednesday, 3rd August...

Hello, it's me again!

Daft comment really, who else would it be?!

Another busy morning not accomplishing very much, as usual. I have, however, been corresponding with my friend Jen.  She lives in Vera, about half an hour away from me and she makes soap, among other things. There is an evening market being held on the beach, every night until the end of August and Jen says it is full of Spaniards, down from Madrid on their holidays. She has a stall there and has invited me to share it for the odd evening. I'm going to try it out next week. Bryn says he must come with me though - he doesn't like to think of me alone down there with jewellery and, possibly, money as well!

Jen has a blog also. Go and visit if you like. She is writing about her recent trip to Canada and it's very interesting.

Now, I might find a couple of hours to actually make something before I do dinner!

See you later!

Monday, 1st August...

Don't get too close to your computer - I stink to high heaven. The water is off AGAIN! I'm still wearing my sloppy house dress that I use to cover my nakedness first thing in the morning, my hair is a greasy mop, I feel sweaty and dirty - I need a shower, NOW!

Of course, Murphy's Law applies in this, as in all similar situations, and we have had two lots of visitors already this morning. I felt at a distinct disadvantage with the first lot. The lady in question had never been to my house before. Indeed, I had only met her once.  It's just as well she is a down to earth sort and took it all in her stride. "Come on then, show me your jewellery!" she said.  That distracted me from my unkempt state somewhat but I didn't like to get too close!

The next lot we know pretty well and I didn't feel quite so phased but it's still difficult trying to make a pot of coffee when you need to rinse the pot and the filter but nothing is coming out of the tap.

Bryn has just informed me that Paco, our builder, is on site right now so he's going to find out what is going on. He has gone armed with his best Spanish. I wish him luck!

Sunday, 31st July....

Hello again!

I am gratified to see that some people are reading this blog. I've had a few comments!

We popped up to our friends' house for drinks and nibbles last night. They had invited their next door neighbours who were over on holiday. I came over all domesticated and made some sausage rolls with my own fair hands. We sat outside (one of the things I love about living in Spain - you can sit outside at night and be perfectly warm in a summer dress) and nibbled and drank and nibbled and drank until 1 a.m. Went home slightly rat arsed! I had no business feeling as reasonably healthy as I did this morning. Should have had a hangover but I got away with it.

Bryn just got back from doing an airport run to Alicante.  He's gone to bed with a pounding headache.

Sold another buckle off the buckleman web site today. Seven down, eighty nine to go. If anybody is interested, Bryn is selling his collection of German Military belt buckles. He started collecting them when he was fifteen but now they are pension fund!

I've done the ironing and now I'm going to have a go at writing some good descriptions for these earrings I made a few weeks ago, just before I went off for my regular jaunt to the UK.

 Simple sterling silver spirals.

 Copper and haematite earrings.

 Copper wonky heart earrings with Swarovski crystals.

 Sterling silver large oval hoops with Mother of Pearl.

Sterling silver wonky hearts with red glass heart beads.








Some will be listed in bluetina and some in bluetinatoo. Not sure which ones yet.

See you later!

An interesting few weeks....

My poor little blog has been sadly neglected.  I've been so busy these past few weeks that I haven't had time to blog about anything!

Unfortunately, I have not been busy making jewellery.  Real life has been happening to me - it seems to happen with alarming regularity and lightning speed lately. Another symptom of growing older, I think. Speaking of which, April saw the coming and going of my 60th birthday.  I am officially an old wrinkly, senior citizen, aged crone or whatever!  As the Spanish say "Soy una pensionista!" I may be of pensionable age but I have not been recompensed - I will not be eligible for my UK state pension until I'm 61 and a bit. They are gradually moving the pension age for women up to 65 and I was caught at the beginning of the sliding scale. My  poor husband (toy boy) is only 55. The way they keep moving the goalposts, he'll probably be 95 and out if it by the time he qualifies!

I spent three weeks in the UK visiting my Mum, having my birthday, seeing grandchildren, friends and relatives and it seemed that not a day went by when there wasn't something to do, someone to see, or somewhere to go. I took wire and pliers with me but never got to touch them. Since coming home to Spain, I have visited friends in Alicante, done lots of shopping, washing, cooking, ironing and cleaning but no creating! I'm trying to get back into the "zone" but it's hard. I managed one pair of earrings today so I've made a start.

I'm also trying to catch up with Artfire's Social Media Boot Camp course.  That's another thing I was intending to follow while in the UK.  Didn't happen, of course! I'm slowly working my way through all the Forum threads and making copious notes. We're doing Facebook at the moment. I already have a Facebook Page so I've got a head start there. Next, I believe, it's Twitter. God help me.....

Gorgeous photos - How do they do it?

I've been working on my photography this last week or so.  No, you can't see the results yet because I haven't managed to reach the desired standard.  I have investigated the inner workings of my elderly digital camera, experimented with backgrounds and props but, it seems, my main downfall is not enough light!  You wouldn't think that would be a huge problem here in sunny Spain but, unfortunately, sunshine is notoriously unreliable and hard to control.

I ditched my home made light box a while ago because it was too small to set up a good shot in.   I thought I would be able to take decent pictures with my two halogen spotlights but they weren't man enough for the job.  While my husband busies himself in the workshop, mounting on a stand the huge 500W lamp he brought home for me yesterday (overkill maybe? I just said I wanted more light!), I shall content myself with a stroll through the Artfire studios of various members of Jewelry Creators Unite in Numbers Guild.  Perhaps I'll pick up a few tips!

Linda Landig's pics are always well lit. The subject matter is pretty cool too!

Tali'sCreations photos are always artistically staged. Love that bit of driftwood!

Mixed Metals really gets in close!  Love those earrings too!

Gaelic Forge - the photos are well lit, staged nicely and the colours come out beautifully! These earrings are gorgeous!

This delicate necklace from aMagpiesDream is shown off really well on one of a jewellery seller's best props, a bust!

Whereas, the latest listing in my Bluetina studio only shows how far I have to go!  I am sure I can take a better photograph of this bracelet.  Let's see, shall we? My dear husband has just delivered my 500W lamp, ready for use!

Leading a double life...

I'm sitting here, at my Mum's dining table, with the TV going in one corner, the tumble dryer going in the kitchen behind me, trying to concentrate enough to write this blog post.

It's not easy – my brain doesn't quite know where it is yet, even though I've been here in the UK for five days. I'm typing on an unfamiliar laptop with a deadline because Mum's hairdresser will be arriving soon and they'll need the table.

Later, much, MUCH later.....

I started this blog post nearly three weeks ago. I am now at home, in Spain, typing away contentedly on my own computer. The only noises are the tapping of my fingers on the keyboard, the buzzing of early bees outside the window and the odd “clang” from Bryn's workshop.

It is a beautiful day – lots of sunshine and a temperature of 25 degrees C. Not bad for February! Back in the UK it was bloody freezing until the day I flew home!

I go backwards and forwards between Spain and the UK quite a lot. Three weeks there, six or seven weeks here, three weeks there, four or five weeks here, three weeks there and so on and so on.....

It does play havoc with one's life. Mum bought me a laptop so I could stay in the loop. Each time I visit I have every good intention of writing blog posts, rewriting the jewellery descriptions in my Bluetina studio, keeping up with my Facebook page, etc. but this almost never happens. I even take some tools, wire and beads with me so I can make something. This time, I took the boxes out of my suitcase, put them in the cupboard under the stairs and they were still there, untouched, when I packed again last Thursday.

I did see quite a bit of the grandchildren - I even went to stay with them for one weekend! That was great - I got to read the bedtime story and have lots of cuddles! The rest of the three weeks was spent organising things for my Mum and finding all the things on Bryn's UK shopping list. I swear it gets longer every time! I didn't see half the people I wanted to catch up with and, as you may have noticed, I certainly didn't manage any blogging!

Now I'm home, I have about six weeks to calm down, find out where my head is, stop trying to turn taps on the wrong way and get back into the “making zone”. I know just what will happen. I will have built up a good head of steam and have loads of ideas bubbling up when it will be time to put it all away, pack my bags and do the whole thing over again. Sigh.....

As I didn't manage to make anything, I have no new photos to post here and a blog post does not seem quite complete without a picture or two. You can look at my grandchildren instead!

Thomas and Alex playing the Wii (no batteries for Alex!)