A boxfull of smiley boxes!

As I post ceramics, my first concern is safe delivery. All my work are in different shapes and sizes, I would need various shapes of boxes. If I buy a few of this and a few of another, it wouldn't be cost effective. As the boxes would be discarded after they were open, I decided to use clean recycled boxes as much as possible, when I opened my Etsy shop. Mike and his colleagues in the University collect all sorts of boxes for me, as they all are keen on recycling. But as my shop has become successful, I need more boxes. I'm always on hunt.

We are always on hunt for cookies! 

 
Yesterday morning, Mike and I went to town for Christmas shopping. We both had been under the weather last week. Nonetheless, Christmas is coming, and very soon!

First we went to Hotel chocolat to get some chocolates for family, friends and ourselves. There I found a shop keeper is stocking shelves. I saw the boxes she was holding. They looked perfect for my ceramics. So I politely asked if I could have empty boxes. She said, 'Of course!'. A male shopkeeper was also stocking in back office, and she told him about my request. She told me the boxes would be ready to be collected after I finish my shopping.

A boxfull of boxes! 

Mike saw me coming back, and he said 'We are supposed to be choosing chocolates.' I knew, but I can't let such good boxes to go to waste. I don't want to charge my lovely customers for packing if I don't have to.

Our chocolates! 

We continued shopping and Mike paid and I went back to the door of back room. There he brought me a boxful of small boxes! Wow! I thanked him and wished him lovely Christmas. He said 'Always. Have a good one!' He didn't know how happy I felt. I was carrying a box full of folded boxes on the High street. They were not heavy, but just cumbersome to carry around. We wanted to get a box of Ricciarelli from M&S. I told Mike that he should go to get it while I would wait with my boxes on a bench. He wondered if it would be too cold for me to wait. I told him 'I'm glowing with happiness. Don't worry!' Then I started removing sticky tapes from the folded boxes. While I was doing I felt a smile on each box! They are my happy customers!

When Mike came back with the sweet, we walked back to parking. These boxes were Christmas presents for me, although it might sound strange to you.

Thank you all staff of Hotel Chocolat! I wish you all lovely Christmas!

I also thank Ellen @EllenKopstad on Twitter for sending us reflective tags for dogs and humans. Topaz looks very cute with a frog, as her coat is green. Pink butterfly for Pearl. Reindeer for Mike and I got an angel. :)  They work so well for our afternoon walks in dusk.

Frog is my guardian angel! 

23 minutes ago

Shipping week!

Hello! Is your preparation for Christmas going well? I have been down for last 3 days with headache. As soon as most shipping were done, I got bugs. Typical! It wasn't too bad, but I had to lie down. So I took this as opportunity to read; His Dark Materials by Pullman. My first book of this year! I have just finished Northern lights It is gripping and I enjoyed travelling another world with Lyra and Iorek, my favourite character in it. The headache has finally subsided. I will be back to action tomorrow. 

The little Lamb with a toy rabbit in the pocket went to a wonderful lady in London. She told me there was already space under the Christmas tree for the lamb! How lovely! She would be truly loved.

This week the last crackle glaze whippet and the last chameleon went to their new loving homes. Next summer I will make a few smaller goofy chameleons again!

Chameleon - sold

Largest whippet - sold

Cuteness 100% lamb - sold

I usually pack my work in double box or double box effect with infill. I shake the boxes to check if inside moves. If it does, more packing would needed. If not, I will take them to reliable Royal Mail! And from there, they will travel all over the world. Amazing!

Pockets are full of happiness!

I have received a couple of messages about the arrivals of an anteater and tapirs. I can tell that they will be truly loved! I am so happy!

This morning, I have posted Carrot and Strawberry to a lovely ceramic artist. They will be Christmas gifts for young ladies. How lovely!

Carrot and Strawberry - sold

I have also made their friends, a piglet and lambs! They will be in my shop later this month. These little colourful girls (yes, they are girls.) make me smile anytime I see them. : ) I'm ambitious to make more friends! : )

Lamb with her toy duck, Piggie with her toy black cat, and lamb with her toy rabbit. 

As a lady requested on FB a group photo, here is one! If you would like a particular one, please send me a message. I will hold her for you before hitting the shop window. : )

Cheese! 

 

Tapirs and Anteaters have left the building

What a relief! The firing went well. Thank you so much for those who have crossed fingers for me and lovely people whose presents are in the kiln! I was mumbling 'Please Santa, help me to give them lovely Christmas!' Thank you, Santa!

Tapir mum and babies

'Mummy, I'm hungry!' 

'What are going to do today, Mummy?' ' Something fun!' 

'Listen, we are going to swim in the river today!'

Anteaters are gathering. They are going to do a meeting! 

This crevice looks a good place to explore... There might be ants in it! :D 

We are going to new lovely homes. But don't forget that we are honourable Great anteaters! 

The pale anteater is my mascot. I made him from a different clay. I will need my mascot tapir, too.

I have posted six packets today, and will do two more tomorrow.  When I took the packets to post office, the lady there turned back and picked up a white thing and gave it to me. It was a Christmas card from the staff! How lovely! As I go there so often, they have got to know me well. 

Life is filled with nice surprises! 

A little polar bear on the rock

Tapirs and Anteaters wondered if firing is too hot for them!

Last night, I loaded the kiln. It took a long time for me to paint white marking on Tapir babies. I tell you it was difficult to make them look natural!

Tapir babies had their first firing and anteaters had their second.

'I heard that we will be cooked!'
'Really?'
'Will it be hot, I wonder.'

This morning, I started the kiln. My kiln is in the cold garage, The last few firings took longer than usual. The kiln had struggles to reach 1200C and beyond.

'Tapir waiting list 2015 the first half' is closed now.  If you are interested in the tapirs for 2015 summer onward, please let me know I will add you on a list.

Tomorrow I will be able to open the kiln and see the result. Fingers crossed! : )