LOCKDOWN LIFE:CORONA DIARY~GEM 8
Providing a little distraction and adding a bit of sparkle to your inbox!
There's lots to tell you, and to celebrate!
As the gyms prepare to re-open, will we all be rushing back? I'm not in any hurry to get back on that treadmill; not at the gym or in life! I've kept myself very busy over the past 4 months whilst enjoying new routines and taking time to reflect, appreciating what's important, taking stock, and slowing down. So as we begin to navigate our way out of lockdown, I'm questioning the appeal of that old treadmill. So, I'll avoid the muffin, and begin this new chapter with a vegan, gluten free, sugar free energy bar!
I am Crowdfunding : Become a shareholder!
I have previously hinted about an exciting new venture I’m planning to launch called Loupe and I promised more will be revealed over the coming months. Well that moment has arrived! I am delighted to invite you to join me on this incredible journey and become a shareholder through crowdfunding, to help me get this exciting new venture off the ground!
I am delighted to be fundraising with Crowdcube! One of their biggest success stories is Brewdog raising a whopping £26,205,655! My raise is a little more modest at £80,000 - £150,000. Can you help me achieve it?!
How can investing benefit you?
I will be equity fundraising. This means I will be offering equity in exchange for your investment, and you will become a shareholder in Loupe, for as little as £10.00.
Pre-registering your interest is open!
Lots more about what Loupe is will be revealed next week, so keep your eyes peeled. But if you're already sold then pre-register below to be kept in the, erm... Loupe!
Investments of this nature carry risks to your capital as well as potential rewards. Approved as financial promotion by Crowdcube Capital which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (no. 650205)
First tentative steps back to the studio!
A very tired and slightly over excited me made some cautious yet positive steps to returning to the studio a few weeks ago. The transition from living room to studio is part-time, but it's a start! See video (lets not mention the hair).
I'm currently available by appointment Tuesdays and Wednesdays between 7am and 2pm, and Sundays before 9am (Free parking on Sundays. Congestion charge is now 7 days a week)
Both parties should wear face masks and social distance. Windows will be open. There is also surface cleaner, surface wipes, latex gloves, paper towels, soap and hand gel! Jewellery will be wiped before and after handling.
Alternatively we can talk over video call which I have successfully practiced during lockdown.
Rosie's ring is finally completed!
If you've followed the different stages of creating Rosie's ring over the past few months, which was started just before lockdown, then I'm delighted to say it is finally finished and Rosie collected it from the studio last week!
She was thrilled to be reunited with her sparkly ring, and was looking forward to showing it to her mother-in-law who gifted the original ring to her.
Hear the journey in the video and see how its creation unfolded in the photo story on my blog here.
It was quite emotional to see it go in the end. I'd become quite attached to it as it symbolised my time in Lockdown; no matter how difficult things might seem or challenging, we find a way around the barriers to find a solution, and we get there in the end!
If you've followed the different stages of creating Rosie's ring over the past few months, which was started just before lockdown, then I'm delighted to say it is finally finished and Rosie collected it from the studio last week!
She was thrilled to be reunited with her sparkly ring, and was looking forward to showing it to her mother-in-law who gifted the original ring to her.
Hear the journey in the video and see how its creation unfolded in the photo story in a previous blog here.
It was quite emotional to see it go in the end. I'd become quite attached to it as it symbolised my time in Lockdown; no matter how difficult things might seem or challenging, we find a way around the barriers to find a solution, and we get there in the end!
Earrings for Maralina
You may remember this gorgeous engagement ring set with a stunning blueish green sapphire for Marilina from Matt? If you missed the story you can catch up with it on a previous blog here. Matt has now commissioned a pair of earrings to match the ring because they are expecting their first child soon. Keep a look out for progress photos in the coming weeks, but in the mean time hears a sneaky peek at the approved design. Such a lovely Lockdown story!
A lockdown engagement and marriage!
About 2 months into lockdown I was thrilled to receive a platinum and diamond engagement ring commission (made to order collection item) from Matt (a different Matt). There wasn't much time, but a fellow jeweller, setter and polisher all pulled the stops out and incredibly we managed it! Amazing what can be achieved when friends come together!
The wedding is next month and I've just completed the wedding ring which was designed especially to fit the engagement ring and incorporates Matt's grandmothers 22ct gold wedding ring on the inside. It worked perfectly and the simplicity enhanced the sentiment behind the ring beautifully. Congratulations Matt and Sarah!
New One:One online mentoring gift
Susie asked if I'd run some Zoom business mentoring session for a friend of hers who is just setting up a jewellery business. She thought it would make a lovely birthday gift, and so did I!
If you think so to and know someone who's about to embark on a jewellery career then please get in touch for more details. Sessions start at £60.00 per hour. Happy Birthday Cally!
Zoom Chat with Lorna
Before lockdown I met Lorna to discuss potentially making three rings set with gems she'd collected over the years: a citrine, amethyst, topaz, aquamarine and diamond. She also had three rings which have connection to family in Russia.
Last week I'm glad to say we picked up where we left off via Zoom. We have decided to focus on the amethyst ring first, and also make the citrine into a pendant which is more practical for a stone of that size. At 2cm x 2.5cm it's quite a monster - although a very pretty monster! The other three stones may be combined into a ring as the cool colours work very well together. Stay tuned to see what unfolds.
Hugs with mum
I just thought I'd share this with you. These rnoments are so precious now. After three weeks staying at my parents after mum was in hospital for a week I thought it was safe to finally give her a cuddle before heading back home. Gosh it felt good! As a single person household I'd not had physical contact with anyone for three months. Take care of the the people you love and don't ever take them, or life, for granted x
Be kind and stay well everyone!
Amanda
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