the stroppy cow

Wedding favours

2011-05-30T11:30:00.005+01:00

The demand for party & wedding favours is certainly on the increase. It's something I'd been thinking of for some time, well, kind of anyway. I was going down the 'Save the Date' route but it's very time consuming & to be honest I wasn't able to charge the prices that I should for the work involved.

Finished Save the Date fridge magnets for Nicola & Paul

So I set out on a quest to find someone else to do the hard work of designing and opted for the wedding favour market, less customising and, therefore, less cost to pass on!

The Wedding Favour page is now available on our the website and is proving to be a bit hit!

Shabby Chic Vintage Rose

Funky Hearts

Pink & Black

Visit us at www.thestroppycow.com for something a bit different and all hand made with attitude!

Sad

2010-09-23T00:12:00.004+01:00

Less than 24 hours ago a young man died.
He was found at 5am 22nd September, hanged.
He was just short of his 19th birthday.
I didn't know him. My daughter did.
I knew of him. I knew of the unhappiness in his life; the unhappiness that only an indignant 17 year old, with a loving family, can describe with loyal outrage at injustice and ill-treatment of a friend less fortunate.

I cannot stop crying. I cannot stop crying...what mother could? How lonely must that poor child have felt? How desperate those last few moment of his life?
His friends are lost, not knowing if they could've done more.
I hope he knew his friends loved him and I hope, Mark, you have found peace.

Saving for morals…here’s £2.50 to start (OR Nobody loves me, everybody hates me, I think I’ll go and eat worms…)

2010-07-30T17:31:00.003+01:00

I’m a nice person.
Yes, I can be stroppy when I know what I want & I’m not getting it blah, blah, blah…but to be accused of being a liar and having no morals, quite frankly, was a bit of a shock.

Mind you, I should’ve trusted my 6th sense. It’s usually right. I get a feeling when something’s going to be a problem on first contact. I can’t say what sort of feeling it is; it’s just an instinct and I always dismiss it (ever hopeful that I’m going to be mistaken). Well, never again…probably….maybe…

I’m still trying to work out why it’s my fault that I posted her item to the address still registered with PayPal when she'd moved from there some time ago. Who knew?

So, here we go, a sweeping statement & character assassination:

‘Never mind Lynn you probably got my email {in time} anyway* and saw it as an excuse. enjoy the £2.50 maybe you could put it towards some morals although you'll be saving for a long time.’

*regarding her new address & failure to let PayPal know

Oh well, I don’t have a guilty conscience & I can sleep at night but my outraged indignation is sitting like a lump of undigested Quorn Chilli high in my stomach.

...where are those worms?

Birthdays

2010-06-23T11:31:00.003+01:00

Today is my birthday!
A lady never reveals her age - she never sweats either, only allows herself a faint 'glow'; those that know me say I look good for my age (which may or may not be an insult, I'm still digesting that), but none the less it's another year on! I don't look a day older than I did yesterday, if fact, it's just like it was yesterday...only a day later! It's just a number. Age is all in the mind...Ok Ok, I'm in denial I admit it.
BUT, the road ahead looks less crappy than I would have thought. It's just the idea of being here...

Valentine Newsletter

2010-01-20T17:06:00.006Z

Love is in the air...

It only seems five minutes since Christmas yet Valentine's Day is galloping towards us at an indecent pace!

Maybe it's the snowy weather (enjoyed from the comfort of my sofa I might add) but here in the Stroppy Cow shed thoughts have been turning to romance. Perhaps Cabin Spring Fever has set in 'cos we've been busy gathering together a quirky and romantic selection of goodies that might just put a smile on the face of that special Someone.

Love it or loathe it? We might just have the answer...

This gorgeous glass heart necklace is a snip at £4.99

and there are matching earrings!

Want something not quite so subtle?

Chunky acrylic heart bracelet £4.99

Gorgeous red (or pink) crystal studded heart earrings available from our Ebay store (just type in heart earrings in the search box!)

And of course, I mustn't forget the badges

New gothically dark and glamorous badges from 70p

And for those of a more cynical nature...

there's always an Anti-Valentine!

click here to unsubscribe from our emails

Grinchy

2009-12-08T10:21:00.002Z

I'm getting there with this flu stuff although my sense of humour appears to have abandoned ship!
That could be down to the fact that I've had little time to wallow in my own self pity or even enjoy time reclining on my sofa suffering silently (but stoically you understand) because others decided they were going to get it too.
How mean & selfish of them! This was supposed to be about me, me, ME!

Oh well, they'll get theirs when there's nowt under the tree but a dry old satsuma and a box of PG Tips.

Anyway, still looking for some Christmas Cheer, don't see anything but Humbug at the moment.

Yours wallowing

Cindy Lou Who xxx

Tamiflu and hot Timto

2009-12-04T07:49:00.004Z

When my son was small & learning to talk, and later doing the talking for his baby sister (who didn't utter a comprehensible word for 2 years but has not shut up since) many new words entered our family vocabulary.

To be honest, it's a whole new language often leaving both strangers and less close family members confused & bewildered, but these things stick.

I'm resting at home at the moment into my 5th day of The Flu. I guess it's of the swine variety as they've issued me with Tamiflu and, by jove, it's marvelous stuff!

However, as I was moping about earlier in the week, not knowing where to put myself to ease the pain my body was in, wondering if my headache would ease with the aid of a knitting needle through my eyesocket & debating whether or not I should take the on-line flu test ("I couldn't possibly have Swine Flu that's what other people get...") I winge-text my sister looking for sympathy & reassurance (not much chance of that I'd say judging by the reply and I quote: "oink").

Finally though, she came through "hot bath and hot timto" she says...just those 5 simple words and the world seemed brighter. OK, OK, so I was still in pain and desperately looking for a knitting needle but I found the energy to get onto the National Pan Flu Service get myself & my 38deg fever diagnosed.

So 3 days of Tamiflu & hot timto and I'm recovering. No hot baths though, I'm too sweaty as it is ~is that too much sharing?

Holding up my bottle of timto in traditional Oscar style, I'd like to that all the people who made this possible

NHS for the Tamiflu
Himself for going to the chemist to fetch it & bringing me back a jar of pickled onions (still trying to figure that one out)
Suey for the hot timto recommendation
my kids for talking funny and even never shutting up

Hot 'timto'...the elixier of life, warmer of cold hands & great sledging companion

Chocolate Cake Part 2

2009-11-26T07:48:00.003Z

Another cake? Oh yeah....

Great success with the first for Red Nose Day so, for Children in Need and with a more Christmassy feel,

Chocolate Cake Part 2:

Raised £43.00 for Children In Need.

Thank you NSN Birmingham

Hallowe'en treats

2009-11-05T09:47:00.002Z

Tardis Tilly & her Doctor

How cool does Tilly look as the Tardis? Although she didn't grow up with Blue Peter like I did, her creative skills have obviously been inherited from me!

Customer Gary looking fab in his Rorschach costume with large Watchmen badge

"I've attached a choice of photos for you to see how the badge rounded off my Rorschach costume brilliantly. Thanks again"

What brilliant costumes, makes me wish I'd made an effort...maybe next year!

A moment of weakness?

2009-10-28T10:16:00.002Z

JML ads get right up my nose! They're right up there with that dreadful Glade ad (incidentally the badges are selling like hot cakes); who the heck is Paul and, quite frankly, the little snot is welcome to go as far as I'm concerned.
However, in a moment of weakness that I can only put down to my bitter disappointment at the lack of eggs coming from my 3-taking-the-piss-soon-to-be-spit-roast chickens and failure to recover from a retching fit (chicken poop is evil) that left me in tears for the 5 miles to Focus, not only did I buy a bright green tub of Doktor Power but also a Magic Carpet!
As I already own a Pedegg obviously I'm a low involvement processing marketing dream!

I've lost a minute!

2009-10-15T10:47:00.003+01:00

For reasons that have been lost in the deep, dark, murky sludge of my brain I keep my digital clocks 6 minutes fast. I have one by my side of the bed and there's the one in my car.

Now, while we were settling down in bed to watch Flash Forward on Monday night (how gorgeous is Joseph Fiennes??), I noticed the Channel 5 clock was now 7 minutes behind mine. Odd!

Then, yesterday, while I was driving up to Bolton there was a time check on the radio and my clock in the car was 7 minutes fast!

How weird is that?? Have I lost a minute somewhere in the last week? Can digital clocks simultaneously jump forward? Maybe I was abducted by aliens, or maybe time in my bedroom and car are parallel universes that have slipped through the Rift...maybe I watch too much Dr Who?

Still, it's very odd!

He's not getting up!

2009-09-29T07:09:00.005+01:00

I had put aside 3 days this week to work on my accounts. I lost one day last week when I offered to accompany Himself to a funeral in Bristol on Wednesday. So, left with 2 days I planned...
An extra hour in bed this morning to get stuck into the new Dan Brown, then a gentle gathering of receipts and invoices before moving downstairs to boot up my new Notebook.

Cute...innit?

Hopefully fortified by a Double Chocca Mocha and a slice of toast with cashew nut butter (tried it yet...OMG it's delicious) I could tackle my new Sage Accounting programme (that's why I needed 3 days!!!). A break around 10ish to nip across the road to the garden centre for a birthday pressie, then head down, full tilt for the rest of the day and Thursday.

HOWEVER! As I staggered to the bathroom in the dark this morning I thought 'How odd' (I did!) U-oh, the first stirrings of panic, is He not getting up? He's not dead, I'm sure He's not dead,I felt him shuffling about in bed...back to peer at the LED alarm, 05.48, is He not getting up????

'Alright love?' I asked ( is He not getting up?) 'Poorly!' He said (bugga, He's not getting up).

Now I feel guilty, cos he really is full of a nasty cold and he will stay in bed (he isn't a martyr when he's ill) but I'm a motherer - I can't help it . I need to supply warm tea, toast (no cashew nut butter though), paracetamol, comfort & sympathy, check his fevered brow and generally make him feel desperate to go back to work! I'll feel guilty if I get sucked into work & forget he's there so I'll not get stuck in as much as I should and then feel equally guilty for not focusing! Deep eh?

Anyhoo, I'm going to give it a go. He's pretty hot on Sage so at least I've a captive advisor if I'm really stuck and I do love having him at home...honest I do! HONEST!

September Newsletter

2009-09-22T11:47:00.007+01:00

I'm constantly mystified by the ratio of work achieved to time available. (Actually, I'm constantly mystified by life in general, but there's only so much space in this newsletter!) Summer is, traditionally, a quite time for us. Students are away from campus, foreign places & holidays beckon for some and the weather draws us -hopefully- outdoors. It's a time when we, here at The Stroppy Cow, should be taking stock, re-charging our batteries & getting all the admin up to date. There should be time for all those little things that get left for 'when its quieter'. But that's not how it happens...why? I've got the time? Sure, batteries are recharged (thank you, glorious Northumberland), but is my office tidy? Have I reorganised my storage? Are my old files deleted?

Nope! Hey ho, I guess it'll get done when I'm up to my eyes in it!
Hope you had a wonderful summer!

Coming soon:
Oh, I've had a lovely time buying new quirky gifts. They'll all be on the website by the end of the month but here's a sneak preview.

Owl phone charms

£2.99 each

60's Retro Shoppers
£9.99 each

Wonder Woman Shopping Bag

£12.99 each

New Badges
Halloween
It's that time of year again and, as well as the old favourites, we've added some new badges to our Halloween Collection.

Baby Monster set of 4 Halloween badges

£2.00

TV & Movie
Lots of demand for movie related badges with the fantastic choice we've had this summer at the cinema.

44mm Harry Potter Badge

£1.00

and get ready for the new Dr Who season...
Timelord badge

from 70p each

Hope to see you soon and, don't forget, we make custom badges too!

Fear of Flying Part 2

2009-08-27T06:31:00.003+01:00

I hate flying. I've said it before.
I fly, but the desire to see strange exotic places is beginning to take second place to the certainty that I will drop from the sky. As I type this I can feel the need to dash to the loo, the familiar gut wrenching liquid mass that was once my insides is threatening to leave my, well, insides.

If it was just me, I wouldn't bother. I'd leave the UK by other means if I had to (although I am claustrophobic and the Channel Tunnel is a bit of a challenge and I do get seasick ....) I can't NOT go on holiday abroad and spoil it for every one else - can I?

We're off to the Algarve in just over a week with some great friends who have promised to ignore me as I go into melt down as the airport. I have a feeling that this is not out of respect for my privacy but more a case of 'avoiding the leper'. And who can blame them?

But I have a secret weapon this year. I have bought a hypnotherapy CD 'Overcome the Fear of Flying'. It promises a pleasant voice to guide me into a deep state of mental & physical relaxation. Mmmm not sure it's helping so far but I'm certainly sleeping like a baby at night!

I'm not susceptible to hypnosis. I've tried it before and it just gave me wind. But I do believe in the power of positive affirmations and if I can get myself under control I will cope.
So, I'm off to lie down, plug Glenn in & think positive thoughts of warm weather, glorious beaches, great company, yummy food & decent coffee. Wish me luck!

Here come the girls - I hope!

2009-08-06T11:35:00.004+01:00

So, our main holidays are out of the way. The chicken run is (more or less) finished, just a last minute hey-there's-a-good-idea perch to put in and an OMG-how-are-they-supposed-to get-into-their-house ramp to fit (we forgot about that!!)

Those trousers look MUCH better from the front (honestly)

I've backed down on the Ex-Batts idea from my last posting. The 'could go wrongs' far outweigh the ethics as far as a newbie keeper like myself is concerned. However, the idea has not been shelved and I hope to add a couple once I'm confident with my ladies.

We intend collecting our girls on Sunday so watch this space.

Domesticity & Ex Batts

2009-07-01T06:10:00.009+01:00

What a lovely morning! OK, the sun's not shining, it's 18*C, clammy, sticky and warm BUT it's very peaceful in the garden. I was up at stupid o'clock (05.30) as usual, making Himself some butties for lunch & sticking a potato in the microwave for mine, when I came over all domesticated!

Now this is a phenomenon that doesn't happen very often so I grabbed it by the horns, put all thoughts of leaping on the PC, once He'd tootled off on his way to Brum, out of my head and began sorting the washing. I slightly startled the chap from down the road, on his bike, on his way to work, by nipping out with the re-cycling in nowt but my jammies and turquoise Crocs. I didn't have my glasses on so ~ it never happened!

I know! Get a life!

Mmmm lovely!

However....I did decide that I would take some fruit to work and picked some fresh raspberries and strawberries from the garden, at which point I was hit by how peaceful it was and only the presence of my chooks would have made it perfect! I could picture them scratching away in their little run gently chuckling away to themselves.

Chicken Shack Phase 1

We're getting our Ex-Batts in August but I have to treat/paint the hen house first and Himself has big plans for extending the run. I must confess to being slightly nervous having bought a book and reading about what dreadful things they can get in terms of lice (yuk, yuk, yuk I hate stuff like that makes my skin crawl!) but, hey, I've had kids! Nuff said!

Government Expenses...the answer:

2009-06-01T13:44:00.002+01:00

Just a quickie...resurrected an old favourite which might just give us a solution to present farce:

That darn cat...again!

2009-05-21T14:04:00.004+01:00

We have a cat, well 2 actually, one is sweet & gorgeous & snuggles and looks up at you adoringly from your lap but never hangs around for photos then, there's the other. She's not evil, she can be affectionate, she's a ~~bit~~ lot of a tart & is very un-ladylike in the manner in which she likes to be stroked. She prefers you to lift her up to her food (we keep it out of reach of the dog) but will jump if she thinks you're not watching ; she's the runt, but boy, is she in charge!

Merry (yes, the other is Pippin - Tilly could/can quote whole scenes of dialogue from Lord of The Rings!) has already had a mention in this blog and deserves another for her chuffin cheek. Apart for sneaking in once again while I'm taking stock photos, she thought it would be more comfortable if the bedding she had her eye on for snuggling on top of, was more accessible...

She won't notice if I just stick my head under here, then it'll be a quick shove and 'ooops did I do that...me bad'

Tadah....easy peasey. Look out duvet....incoming!

Testimonials

2009-05-19T13:24:00.011+01:00

I get lots of lovely emails from customers of The Stroppy Cow and I thought it would be nice to share...

We received a request for a customised charm bracelet with a butterfly and star theme from Jade in Glasgow. Here's what her mum had to say:
Hello just to let u know recieved bracelet today jade was over the moon with it she loved it many thanks for being able to create what she was looking for . ( It was just a wee gift from me to her for her highers this week ) and Jade: Hi, It's absolutely gorgeous. Thank-you so much.

Save the Date Magnets for Nicola and Paul in Liverpool for their wedding in 2011, fantastic idea...
Lynn, THANK YOU. My magnets look great! They arrived today and i have printed the cards and stuck them on with didi gluedots! They are perfect! I shall send you some photos as soon as i gt myself organised. Please feel free to put them on your site if you think it will drum up some orders! Nicola

Archery achievement badges for 2020 Archery. Hi Lynn - really pleased with the badges. So pleased in fact that we'd like to order some more!

And they did!

Just some of the Worcester round badges

2020 Archery logo badges

Pub saving in Guernsey:

Hi Lynn
Just a note to say that we have won round one towards saving our pub !! Our badges being worn proudly !! Corinne

Brillaint graphic supplied by Ian in the Midlands, made great 44mm magnets.

So happy with the customer service and the actual items, i will order more! Ian

Custom Badges

2009-05-10T17:10:00.006+01:00

What a week! My poor printer has really been hard at it this last few days trying to cope with the custom badge orders we've had this week.
Here are a few of the orders:

Save the Date magnets for Nicola (more details of this service to follow...)

Save the Date Magnets

500 x 58 mm badges for Shelter (UK Charity) being cut out

Several hours later,
badges ready for shipping

Himself has been a great help and is a wiz on the badge machine now. He took this pic

to illustrate the chaos in which I work...didn't like to tell him that this was tidy!!

Archery Club badges

With scores

There were a few others too, but I forgot to take photos!!

Check out flickr for more details.

Successful Advertising

2009-04-30T15:15:00.005+01:00

We have seen a marked increase in the number of custom badge sales here at The Stroppy Cow these last few months. This is probably down to a number of factors.

Not only do they represent great value in terms of advertising for your business but the cost is not prohibitive if you want to sell your badges on, either as a band or organisation. Everyone is feeling the pinch at the moment and getting your name out there in the market place can be expensive.
Here at The Stroppy Cow we've been able to stream-line our prices thanks to careful buying on our part and this is reflected in our new bulk pricing list.

High quality button badges are a fun, cost effective yet powerful way of getting your message across ~ promoting your business, band, organisation or event.

Just imagine 100's of people promoting YOU from as little as 12p*

By creating an interesting talking point between fans/customers and staff, promotional badges are proven to help increase awareness & sales. So what better way to promote your company, product, service or event than with a button badge?

1 of 100 25mm badges made for Vespa restorer.

*1" badges start from 12p each for 1000 and make brilliant give-aways at Meets, Rallies,Clubs...

1 of 100 25mm badges for campaign to save St Saviour’s Tavern on Guernsey

And what about selling them on?
Well, at 23p each for 100 there is plenty of scope to more than double the cost price to make a very attractive retail price.

But, don't forget, we don't just make badges.
We have magnets and mirrors too.
And we're currently working on Save The Date magnets for Weddings, so watch this space.

Spring???

2009-04-30T14:56:00.002+01:00

"One swallow does not make a summer, neither does one fine day; similarly one day or brief time of happiness does not make a person entirely happy."

Good old Aristotle, I reckon he was a glass half empty sort of chap!
But he may have had a point about the swallow though. I saw my first two on Sunday while enjoying driving though the Cheshire country side in glorious sunshine. They were swooping out of a farm barn chittering as they went (probably going on about the state of the place & wondering whether it was worth popping over to Ikea).
Sending a silent prayer to the goddess of camping (yes, it's staycation for us), I speculated out loud, to my other half, about the coming of summer...

I have now switched the heating back on and am grateful for not being able to disconnect my electric blanket on my bed!

Chocolate Cake!

2009-04-11T16:34:00.003+01:00

Last month, Himself asked if I would bake some cakes that he could sell at work for Red Nose Day. Not a problem I said..when would he need them. Monday he said. Ok I said.

Sunday came along and I expressed a need to pop out to get the necessaries to make the cakes. Oh, it's not til Friday he said. Are you sure I said. Yes he said. I'm sure your email said Monday I said. No, he said, Friday, for Red Nose Day. Ok I said.

Next day an email arrives in my Inbox. Hi Love, it WAS today I needed the cakes!

Mmmmm....

So, not to let the opportunity pass to raise some money I offered to make a big chocolate cake and some cupcakes that he could auction on the Friday.

Naked Chocolate Cake ~ Chocolate sponge with white praline butter cream filling. (The Margarita bottle

was not full when I started!)

Semi-Naked Chocolate Cake ~ covered in chocolate frosting

(drooling yet?)

Layers of dark, milk & white chocolates and fudge

with melted white chocolate drizzle.

Fully dressed chocolate cake ready to go off to be auctioned.

I made the chocolate sponge mix 4 times in all to make an additional 2 dozen cupcakes, each finished off with frosting, sprinkles and a chocolate.

The cake sold for £35 and the cupcakes for £1.00 each.

It's been a long time since I did any baking and I loved every minute. I was asked if I did it professionally....hey, nice compliment and a lovely idea but ALL that washing up?? No thanks!

Cat Sabotage

2009-02-19T11:40:00.003Z

In like Flynn this cat.
Not five minutes before I'd been ~~stroppily~~ happily taking photo's of all my yummy new goodies for The Stroppy Cow, leave the room to pop them onto the pc and woosh...she's in. AND in my light box too!
Now there's muddy footprints inside. Grrrrrr.
I swear she told me to sod off when I shouted at her. She certainly looked at me as if to say 'what ya gonna do about it loser'.
Sigh!

Ebay Blues

2009-02-17T16:24:00.005Z

Sometimes I get so pissed off at Ebay. They frustrate me so much, hiding behind cut and paste 'Customer Support' emails which make it so obvious they haven't even read you email, let alone understood your problem.

I don't usually visit the Community Forums but I wandered in there this afternoon in search of comfort and a group hug.

Wasn't feeling the love in there though...just more evidence of frustrated PowerSellers.

However, there was one chink of light that turned out to be a full blown sun beam!

Pop over to YouTube have a larff at this...cheered me right up.

Suitably inspired I came up with this badge.

How to Shop...

2009-02-05T15:13:00.008Z

I love shopping...actually, that's not strictly true.
I love buying! Sometimes I HATE shopping.
Take yesterday for example. Frustrated by the number of shops that think the bigger you are, the taller you must be, I just stood, tears rolling down my face, propped up by Himself, unsure whether to collapse pathetically in a heap or to charge, crazed and finger wielding into Evans. However,I'll save that rant for another day...

I visited the NEC on Tuesday to attend the Spring Fair which is the highlight of the trade buying year. I love it. Its like all the Christmas's I've always wanted, all at once! Hundreds of traders with, mostly, amazing stalls and the most gorgeous things you could ever want to buy. With last year's trip still quite fresh in my mind I was determined to stay focused this time and not wear myself out looking at every shiny, bright, colourful,funny and cute item on display. I also had a secret weapon this year...Himself had offered to come with me to see what I found so fascinating. Besides, I'd also made a list! (His Virgo-ness must be catching)

So, within a couple of hours I'd visited all of my existing suppliers, found the ones I wanted to checkout on my list and managed to discover a couple of lovely surprises. Leaving a couple of hours left for wandering to Ooo and Aah at the shiny,bright,colourful,funny and cute things....oh, and buying of course.

Well, what did I buy? Here's a teaser, a taste of what's to come to The Stroppy Cow very soon:

Envirosax...gorgeous, gorgeous, gorgeous

Apparently Cameron Diaz has had the Envirosax bug since 2007

and check out all the other celebs here

David Arquette with his Envirosax

Cute key rings and phone charms from Hot Munkey

I've also ordered some great handbags made from recycled packaging, but sadly no pics yet and a huge selection of quirky jewelley. I've tried to go Fair Trade and as Eco-Friendly as possible and have generally stuck with the smaller traders (actually the larger ones can be really snooty with 'small-time' retailers so stuff em!).

Watch this space for updates or subscribe to The Stroppy Cow newsletter using the link on the right for regular updates.

Nurse Badges and Magnets

2009-02-05T11:58:00.005Z

Following a bulk order for the sleep with a nurse magnets for a web based nursing supplies company Nifty Nurses, we've been busy designing some new nursing badges.
Some are on eBay but the complete set can be found on The Stroppy Cow web site.

Ireland Special Order

2009-01-29T14:12:00.005Z

These mirrors were done towards the end of last year...I'd forgotten about the pics I meant to post! DER!

Made for Waxperts in Ireland as a mail-shot promo

Customer's artwork printed and ready to cut out

Cutouts and components ready to assemble.

Nearly done!

Lots of bubble wrap!

All ready to post, complete with voile gift bags.

It was a great order, shame we were let down by Royal Mail who took 3 days to get it out of the UK on a 'guaranteed' 24 hour service!

Twilight Badges

2009-01-22T15:25:00.003Z

Just a quick post...new Twilight badges now on The Stroppy Cow and eBay.

Snow in Shropshire

2009-01-21T16:12:00.005Z

Tilly makes a snow angel

(appropriately dressed ~not~ as usual)

Snow on the rosemary bush

My poor veggie plots!

The snow wasn't right for making a snowman so here's what we would've liked him to look like!

Wishful thinking! LOL

Happy New Year!

2009-01-21T15:35:00.005Z

Better late than never I guess!

I've been super busy, firstly recovering from the amazingly manic Christmas rush and secondly tweaking my new look web site. Pop over and have a look..it's FAB!

I've so many things to post but I'll start with the new stuff and hopefully, catch up later!

There are some new Valentine's Day badges on the The Stroppy Cow and eBay, although, technically, most are Anti-Valentine's Badges!

I was rummaging through my jewellery finding, just to re-acquaint myself with the stock 'cos it's been sooo long since I had time to make anything, when I found some cute boy and girl fimo charms I was 'saving' for a project and quickly whipped them up into earrings!

How cute are they?

I'm going to have to have a clearance sale! I'm off the the NEC for the Spring Gift Fair at the beginning of February so I need space for all the new goodies I'm hoping to find.

I just don't seem to find the time now for making the bracelets and stuff and I miss it.

Christmas Blues

2008-12-19T13:46:00.004Z

Christmas is a particularly bitter-sweet time for me for one reason or another. I usually have a brief five minutes with the tissues then pull myself together but I was nearly, publically, brought down to a sobbing heap the other day in WH Smiths when I came across a series of Christmas cards with quotes on.

The particular one that threatened to send me blubbering from the shop was by American author and humourist Erma Bombeck and had on the front the following:

"There's nothing sadder in this world than to awake Christmas morning and not be a child."

And I thought 'OMG thats it!' (Well, not all of IT, but certainly part of IT) but I'm not sure how appropriate it is for a Christmas Card?

Mouthy Cow

2008-12-09T15:56:00.004Z

How fab is this?

As I seem to be collecting all things cow I thought I'd get these gorgeous compact tins of raspberry lip gloss to pass on to the faithful!

Tillymint has been my tester and had given it the all clear. Officially, the voice of youth has spoken... the tin is 'sooo cool'.

I tried to argue that, by association therefore, I was cool. But, apparently, it doesn't work like that! Actually, I have noticed that my coolness goes up in direct proportion to the number of shops we visit that require me to dig out my purse! Mmmmm, funny that!

Anyway, the lip gloss can be bought on the The Stroppy Cow web site or The Stroppy Cow on eBay

What a weekend!

2008-12-08T07:55:00.006Z

Good grief, what a weekend! I've just done my 3rd Saturday in a row at work which means all my web orders for The Stroppy Cow and eBay have had to be done on Sundays. 40 orders this weekend...took me 4 hours! (Note to self...get help!)

It didn't help that we'd had a late night on Saturday out watching a UB40 tribute band and having a good dance. The band ~Johnny 2 Bad and here ~was brilliant (much better than UB40 the last couple of years we've been to see them). Brilliant night but difficult to get up on Sunday.

Anyway, all that work and being tired meant the decorating of the Christmas tree had to be delayed (poor thing, it's stood there all naked til I find time to dress it), so the sitting room is full of boxes of decorations. Fortunately the delay has given me time to actually go through the boxes and I discover I have no lights...where did they go then???? Had time to list some more Christmas badges in the week and you can find them on eBay and The Stroppy Cow.

Snowflake Badge Pack

Rant

2008-12-04T08:10:00.004Z

I have a new day job, well an 'every-other-day job', in a public building. And I love it. OK, its not being at home doing my 'thing', but I enjoy it.
Don't get me wrong, I'm an easy going person and fairly tolerant (although I do get pissed off at constantly being asked if I want a store credit card or would I like to buy the latest soft toy 'only £12 as I've spent 50p' BHS~be warned, ask me again and I'll stuff your teddy).
I'm a sucker for politeness, even from the most uncouth of youths. It costs nothing and I'll usually cut someone a lot of slack, even if they don't necessarily mean it (at least they're making an effort). But was is it today about some of these young people ~ I'm talking about mainly youngsters between the age of 14 and 17 ~ who don't like to be told 'No'?
I had a brush with a young man yesterday who had had more than his allotted time using one of our public facilities but came back again after lunch. I explained that he'd already had over his daily allowance and he would have to come back next time we were open. He tried arguing his point but left fairly resigned.

Ten minutes later he was caught trying to burn the building down.

Of course, it won't be his fault. But don't even get me started down that road.

Top Gear

2008-12-02T15:44:00.004Z

Had a recent commission for a hand mirror that makes me smile each time I look at the art work so I thought I'd share it.

Maybe I'm having an embolism but old JC looks quite attractive there and he'd certainly cheer me up every time I got him out to check my lippy! Mmmm maybe I'm not well...

How to sweep your Missus of her feet...

2008-11-15T15:36:00.005Z

Its official...I am a geek!
And so easily seduced by a trip to Staples and a new bit of kit!
I've been hankering after a new printer for ages and while we were in the store looking for a new router Himself whipped this off the shelf and bought it for me...I love it, who needs flowers?

AND...its now up in the office with the rest of my pc! Woo hoo, no more draughty garage.

How to Decorate a Christmas Stocking

2008-11-11T18:08:00.005Z

How's this for a fabulous idea for personalising your Christmas Stockings this year! Found it in the Idealhome's Magazine Christmas issue.

Using my Christmas badges I'm going to have a go! There's a pattern in the mag but if you can't be bothered have a look here.

Cardiff

2008-11-01T06:41:00.006Z

Tilly and I are Dr Who and Torchwood nerds. Well, I say nerds...we don't know the name and order of each and every episode, the inside leg measurement of David Tennant's tailor's cousin's brother-in-law or have a friend of a friend who knows someone who walked past John Barrowman; BUT Tilly went to a comic book convention and spoke to a chap who had been a monster in a Dr Who episode! LOL

What I'm getting round to is, Himself and I had a couple of days in South Wales and visited the Dr Who Up Close Exhibit in Cardiff. Should've borrowed a couple of children then I could have justified jumping up and down in the queue with excitement!

Didn't need to go much further.....this was free to see!

Always thought that the original Cybermen were more scarey...used to be terrified of walking past those yellow moulded plastic workmen's huts as a child (I think they came out of them in one series but I'm not sure and can't find any photographic evidence on the web...cor, now that is nerdy!)

Ah, legend! Where's the sofa?

I have a line in Dr Who badges and magnets in my shop The Stroppy Cow and on eBay which are very popular.

Cowslip

2008-10-21T07:35:00.002+01:00

Feel a bit thrown-together myself today, only without the smile!

In training

2008-10-20T09:38:00.008+01:00

I'm hoping we'll be walking the Pembrokeshire coastal path for our jollies next year so I'm in training!

Starting off slowly by trying to walk 10,000 steps a day, I cheerfully declined the garage's offer of a lift home after dropping Pink-bot off for a safety check this morning and decided to walk the 1 mile and a bit back home.

Convinced it would easily be my quota for the day, I smiled serenely through the sheeting rain that hit me halfway back soaking my legs and wetting me though to my undies where by cagoule met my ass, grinned smugly at the lazy commuters queuing on the ring road and almost skipped through the font door a good 20 minutes later.

I've just checked my pedometer, 2776 steps...2776!

What!!!!!!

I'm sat here, wet socks, wet knickers and desperate for a biscuit that I can't even justify now!

Maybe I better ring the garage and tell 'em I'll walk back and pick Pinky up...

Just the job.....eh? One of these would stop my ass getting wet!

PS Just worked out that 10,000 steps is about 5 miles! 5 miles! Who's got time to walk 5 miles a day? Oh well, we'll see what a day a work measures up to tomorrow!

Found this site and feel a little better now!

...and I'm not paying for it!

2008-10-20T08:04:00.006+01:00

Did something last night that I've never done before...sent a plate of food back!

It was the crowning glory to what had been a weekend of ~~mediocre~~ crap eating out.

Baby its cold outside...

2008-10-01T16:43:00.004+01:00

It's not very elegant I know, but the IT side of my little empire is in the garage. In fact the pc has been in the garage for about 4 years now and, to be quite honest, I've had enough!

Its bad enough that I have to go upstairs to my office with a handful of printed invoices and artwork only to find I have to go back down because I've forgotten to check something. But I'd forgotten how flippin cold and draughty it is when the temperature drops.

Then, there's the rattling of the garage door as the wind whips round the drive and the harmonious sound of next door tuning their various cars and motorbikes as the fragrant choking fumes sneak stealthily under the Grand Canyon that is the gap below the door. Gosh, it sounds almost romantic!

So (and to be fair Himself said last year he would 'get someone in' to cable it up but I didn't want the fuss and the expense) with a fresh brew in my hand for Himself, strategically held out to him at an angle that would cause him more damage than me in the event of an over-reaction, I casually mentioned what a great help it would be to have the pc in the office!

Should've brought biscuits too!

Any hoo, nothing that couldn't be fixed with a smile and a kiss!

So, having sat here in the garage for nearly 12 hours (with breaks to get the washing outside, then in and 3 or 4 cups of tea of course) doing housekeeping on The Stroppy Cow and listing all the new stuff that came yesterday onto eBay, I am wrapped in 2 fleeces, socks and slippers and am dreaming of the time when I can sit in my cosy office looking out onto the garden...wonder if there's room for a kettle!

During surfing moments between auction listing I like to type in random colours names into Google images and see if anything pops up that may be a source of inspiration. Not much today in response to 'pink turquoise' except these adorable socks from Baby Me :

Cute eh?

New Goodies

2008-09-30T11:02:00.006+01:00

A big box of yummy goodies arrived this morning. New, gorgeous sellables from IanSnow.co.uk.
Like a big kid at Christmas, I couldn't wait to get in that box! Need to get them all photographed and onto eBay and the The Stroppy Cow but here's a sneak preview!

Lovely embroidered hand mirrors

Hand knitted ear flap hats ~ got my eye on that top one, it might not get as far as the shop!

Beaded rings

Hand made embroidered Mirror detail

Great selection of fleece lined hats

Woo hoo, can't waited to get them listed!

Meet Buttercup

2008-09-30T08:22:00.004+01:00

Himself bought me a lovely print...said it reminded him of me! I love it, it's on the wall in the bedroom now. It's by Valerie Davide

I seem to be accumulating cows (not real ones thank goodness, at least not yet!!). I have soft toys and numerous cards in the office, I even have a singing cow card from Tilly (I'm in the mood for dancing~ Nolans!) in pride of place where I can open it for a short burst of instant nostalgia.

Badge Stories

2008-09-07T05:30:00.014+01:00

Had a lovely bulk order from the National Register of Reflexology (Ireland) last week...here's the story of those badges!

Printing and punching out the logo

Badge Blanks and cut-outs

Into the machine (Love my badge machine!)

First batch ready

All done, ready for dispatch.

That's just short of 3 hours work (not including tea breaks)...wouldn't believe it would you? Phew!

My right bicep is becoming very quite well developed!

Talk Like a Pirate Day

2008-09-05T11:11:00.004+01:00

September 19th is International Talk Like a Pirate Day click here for details.

Don't forget your badges mateys, Arr....

Buy here

Beaded Charm Bracelet Tutorial

2008-09-03T15:01:00.021+01:00

I've just made a gorgeous charm bracelet, not my usual style, but one I think is worth is worth sharing 'cos it looks fabulously expensive!

So, welcome to my first tutorial!

This beaded charm bracelet is very easy to make, it takes a couple of hours depending on your skill with the pliers and how fat your fingers feel!!

You will need:
Tools
Pair of short nosed pliers
Pair of cutter pliers

Findings etc

Enough jewellery elastic to go round your wrist twice (or play it safe like I did and use 90cm)

Approx 60cm of large link chain (I used 1cm) Tip: avoid chain with links that aren’t closed as it tends to come off the bracelet when the elastic is stretched…oops!)

8 x 14mm round or oval beads plus 1 focus bead (I used a silver coloured bead)

3 x smaller complimentary beads (I used 1 x 10mm and 2 x 6mm)
Approx 11 charms and/or buttons

14 x 9mm jump rings
4 x calottes (Necklace Ends, also known as calottes or clamshells, are used to attach the necklace or bracelet thread~ we're going to use them to attach our ball chain to a jump ring. Calottes and bead tips are metal findings that cover the knot at the end of a string of beads. Calottes (also called clam shells) clamp sideways over the knot. Adding a drop of glue or clear nail polish secures the knot/chain. Close the bead tip with pliers.
4 x headpins (Headpins look like small thin nails. Put a bead on a head pin, bend a loop in the top, and you have a dangle! )
approx 13mm of ball chain

Calottes, headpins, jumprings and ball chain

optional (but VERY handy) florist wire or beading needle

Ok, lets get started.

Step 1

Thread the jewellery elastic through the chain, this is where a bent bit of florist's wire or a beading needle really helps.

Step 2

Your chain should now be 'scrunched' up along your threading material.

Now add your large beads.

Step 3

Open your jump rings by twisting them front to back, do not pull them apart as this pulls them out of shape, and pop them onto your charms and/or buttons

Step 4

You will need to thread the smaller remaining beads onto the head pins to make some dangle charms.

Step 5

Tie the loose ends of your threading material, adjusting for fit before cutting off the excess. Tip: try adding a drop of clear glue to the knot for extra security.

Step 6

Cut your ball chain into 3 different lengths.

Step 7

Attach a calotte to each piece of chain securing with a small blob of clear glue if preferred.

Step 8

You are now ready to attach the charms/buttons, beads and chain to your bracelet, pausing to admire your handiwork at regular intervals!

Step 9

Ta da.... finished!

How smug do you feel now?

Christmas Shopping!

2008-08-16T06:54:00.005+01:00

Don't you just hate it when the supermarkets are full of Christmas stuff and you've only just packed away your sarong? I suppose they need to clear space so they can get the Easter Eggs in on Boxing Day!

When I had my own (small) High Street empire I understood the marketing strategies, didn't like it, but I understood.

I'm just as bad now. Business was good last Christmas (thank you each and every one of you) but I didn't start marketing until the end of November and knew it could've been better. I've already bought stock and have designed badges specially for the season. Even my Halloween badges are on eBay now!

I'm not one of those people that do their Christmas shopping in January (anyway, I'd forget where I put it if I did). I love the sentimental idea of leaving all thoughts of Christmas 'til Christmas Eve...you know, picking the tree as the snow fall gently down around after a lovely, very productive, bimble around the town exchanging Season's Greetings with friends and neighbours. Are your surprised that one of my favourite films is 'A Wonderful Life'?

I try not to get caught up the the panic; to savour the anticipation, to enjoy selecting the perfect gift. Instead it seems to be one great big headache and I end up spending a fortune on stuff because I just want to get back home. Hardly the Christmas spirit!

Anyway, the point is, finally (Himself says I'm like Ronnie Corbett with his arm-chair monologues, taking several minutes, branching off at tangents seemingly losing my train of thought before coming to the point~personally I think its a skill, allowing me to impart copious amounts of useless information to my audience in a single sentence. Maybe it's 'cos I'm ~~short~~ petite and tend to get overlooked. Himself says it's amusing, if a little annoying. I prefer to think its endearing...)

Anyway, the point is that this year I'm buying Handmade where I can & I'm starting NOW. My money is going to small businesses and charity shops and by starting now I can find the perfect present and no panic buying.

Remember: buy handmade and seek out items as unique and special as you, your family and friends are.

Handmade items are the result of an individual's passion, time, energy and focus. There is an intimacy in buying these items that you don't get when you buy cookie cutter items from big box stores.

Don't feel guilty (easier said than done)

2008-08-04T16:50:00.007+01:00

Had a good day creating. Made and sold a couple of new bracelets.

Its really difficult when the weather's nice...I want to be outside yet I need to be inside 'working'.
Saw a great place near Bristol over the weekend; made me dead jealous. Would love to have a little workshop somewhere like this:
Clevedon Craft Centre, it would make my work life so much easier.

If you are easily distracted, like me, staying focused on your business can be harder than doing the actual work of your business! It is very easy to procrastinate, especially when you are a WAHM (Work At Home Mum). There are always so many other things to do. I feel guilty about the pots not being done, or the washing waiting to go in the machine. It doesn't matter that if I was out at work they'd be there til I came home anyway!

I usually get up at 5.30am with Himself and we have a cuppa together before he tootles off to 'real work'! So, my goal ( I have been told that this is what I need to stay motivated!) is to do the house work in the hour and a half before I need to get Tillymint up for college! Sod the neighbours, those bottles and tins WILL be put out for recycling -they don't care about making a noise at 11 or 12 pm so why should I care about disturbing them at 6am- and I will not boot up the pc until 8.30!

Oh God, I can feel myself wavering already. I love having a peak in that 10 minutes before Himself comes downstairs, just to see what's been sold over night.
MUST BE STRONG.

Anyway,apparently 'When you accomplish your goals, give yourself a little treat to remind yourself that you worked hard and achieved success!' and 'I should get out of the house at least once a day to avoid becoming isolated'. So, no more procrastinating (hang on a minute, I think the washing's finished...), I will make that necklace, but I need to just answer this MSN message first then,while I'm upstairs in the office I could make up the bed in the spare room....maybe I'll just treat myself now and save some time!!

Not growning up!

2008-07-25T15:31:00.009+01:00

Tillymint and I are going to go and live in Universal Studios, Orlando. We've decided! She says its the best place in the world and I'm inclined to agree with her! I didn't ~~go on~~ 'experience' nearly half the rides but was totally blown away by the whole place!

Day 1!

They certainly know how to build a Theme Park!

Tilly and Tilly's Friend cartooned!

We spent 9 ½ hours in there one day...goodness knows how far we walked or how many bottles of water we drank (gosh was it hot!)

Entrance to the Jurassic Park part of Islands of Adventure

Looks like I'm supper!

(I did feel such a plonker posing for this...I hate having my picture taken)

It's just like living in the TV!

Of course, this is just a ride...I saw the real Spidey in the shop later.

The colours and shapes were amazing...I was like a kid in a sweet shop

This Ice Cream parlour was great

Loved the Kennedy Space Centre

Yeah...they look ready for anything!

Blocked Qi?

2008-07-25T11:54:00.008+01:00

I've returned from our holiday with a singular lack of enthusiasm for anything.

Summer is always slack for me on eBay and the web site and I was going to take the opportunity of the 6 week break from school to build up my stock of 'stuff' in readiness for Christmas. I'd made notes of slogans for badges, been inspired with colours for charm bracelets...but can I sit down and create? NOPE!

So, I decided, maybe - just maybe- my workshop was the problem (see Organised Chaos). Maybe I had a blockage.....maybe all those positive energy vibes were taking one look through the window then heading for the hills!

Well, three hours later and half a wheelie bin of crap lighter, it looks fabulous.

Of course, I'm too knackered to do anything now.

Maybe tomorrow......

Jet-lag sucks

2008-07-23T09:58:00.007+01:00

So far the desire to see strange new worlds just about out-weighs the terror of flying...but its a close call. I think I'll need to put in some serious therapy to get my panic under control if we're to step foot on a 'plane again.

Then, of course, if we will insist on long-haul there's the 3-4 days (if you're lucky) of body-clock mayhem when we return. I managed a day at work then had to call in sick with the almighty mother of a migraine. We still can't sleep and we've been back a week! (Maybe that's just depression at the thought of real life catching up with us again).

Note for self improvement: dump the negativity!

Not that I'm counting down or anything....

2008-06-20T07:05:00.005+01:00

Off on holiday soon...on one hand it can't come soon enough but on the other I've so much to do before we go I feel I need time to slow for a couple of days (but not while I'm at work pleeeeese; that goes slow enough as it is!)

Got some new badge sets made up and will be doing a little rebranding on eBay when I get back. Time for a spring clean I think!"

No room for modesty

2008-05-30T17:00:00.004+01:00

Nothing like a bit of blatant self

promotion and certainly no room for modesty when trying to get visitors to your site!

Actually, despite it being like a Krypton Factor Challenge to get the graphic on (having to put it on back-to-front AND upside down) it looks great!

Last Day

2008-05-22T08:35:00.003+01:00

A sad (sentimentally) day...Tilly's last day at school sigh.
Only seems five minutes since..la la la etc. One of us is getting old!

Taken her picture, all tidy as she left this morning.
Goodness knows what state she will be in by this afternoon!

PS

2008-05-08T17:29:00.004+01:00

I've got some of this at home...only I call it a mop and bucket!!

Meant to put this in my Ambleside

post but forgot!

Snapped on the quay side at Lakeside on Windermere

Organised Chaos

2008-05-08T16:26:00.006+01:00

I'm not a tidy person. Ask anyone.

But I justify my mess as creative chaos. Sure, I love my work room when its all tidy and neat, everything in its place. Only problem is, I can't find anything! I like to see what things I've got and if it's in it's storage box I can't see it!

I like to think that when the Intergalactic Time Team and the holographic Tony Robinson visit the site of my house many years into the future they will be 'gobsmacked' by the amount of finds under the rotted floorboards. Beads, jump rings, pins, chain....definitely signs of post-Roman industry.

Here is my beloved drill press...the biggest power tool I have (lurve power tools!) Doesn't see much action these days though - roll on the school hols.

I do have a tool tidy for my pliers, wire cutters etc...its just not very tidy!

Snot Fest

2008-05-06T15:50:00.008+01:00

Can't believe I've not another cold; keep saying we should move to warmer climes...it's falling on deaf ears!

Managed to do some stroppy cow house keeping and eBay too. Found a little inspiration for some new earrings (not been feeling at all creative lately) but felt these were a start:

Emo earrings

Punk Earrings

Wonder Woman Earrings

More punk earrings

Garden

2008-05-04T09:28:00.005+01:00

Don't seem to have much time for the garden these days...too busy with eBay and the web site. Good job it basically looks after itself!

This is my favourite spot at this time of year; the acer and the bamboo just set each other off so well.

To think, I only took those yesterday. It was a glorious day and now, as I sit here with my cold toast and a coffee, its raining hard and I can hear thunder!

Ambleside

2008-04-25T16:17:00.016+01:00

Had a glorious weekend in The Lakes last week, even managed to stay up 'til 11.30pm one night!! Coo...dirty stop-outs or what?

It was lovely to get away; I love Ambleside but it's a lot busier than the last time I was there (that's ancient history almost).

Guest house was nice, once you got used to the 'Don't do' notices. We came in late on Friday a little the worse for a drink or two and we 'sushed' each other in our quietest voices (yeah...you know how that is, right?) but I worried all night that we might get told off and 'asked to leave the premises without recompense'.
Anyway...all was well, I just looked knowingly and accusingly at the other -younger- couple at breakfast!

Woke up on Saturday morning to this fantastic view (the hill, anyway):

Then, after a yummy Full English

we hit the hills:

We bimbled into Skelwith Bridge and found this fantastic cafe and decided it would be rude not to stop.

Awww....

Great chimney pots!

Thought it would be a hoot to snap interesting gate fastenings! This is the only one we found after that momentous decision!

An an amazing new bridge over Skelwith Force..wow!

Great iron work

Road Rage

2008-04-10T08:46:00.005+01:00

Apoplexy, thats what I had..and me with a sore finger too!

Slowed the car down on the way out of the estate to allow a neighbour to finish reversing out of her drive, does she thank me with a cheery wave and gracious smile?

Oh no, just stops the car in the middle of the road and fastens her freekin seat belt!

Poor Tillymint, scared her to death as my jumper stared to rip and my skin turned green.

Is it too early for a gin?

Ouch

2008-04-08T19:19:00.004+01:00

I'm going to have to speak to myself about Health and Safety at work...maybe I could put myself on a course. I'll have to get posters of course, and an Accident Book; goodness knows how many laws I'm contravening....

LOOK AT MY FINGER:
(curse digital photography...how old my hand looks...where's that handcream?)
I caught it under the mould as I was pressing a badge. I did say a few naughty words, but no one heard...'cept the whole street! I should sue myself for allowing me to become distracted while in charge of the press. Where were the warning notices that the machine moved downwards while being operated eh, eh? Goodness me, I've only been using it for 18 months...where's my training?

Stoopid Moo

Feedback

2008-04-04T16:01:00.012+01:00

I love getting feedback (unless its snotty of course), almost as much as I enjoy making the things I sell. Fortunately, the snotty stuff is very rare (and usually a result of buyers not reading descriptions properly or failing to notify me if they think something isn't right).

Every now and then I get comments that really make me smile:

"Lynn == angel. She wraps up the goods and sticks them down with a smiley face!!!"

"PURFECT LOVE THE BADGES FAST DELIVERY AND VERY HAPPY MEOW! MATT"

"I love my pin, it so full of positivity. God Bless England, & The Who! ;)Thanks"

"***Stroppy Cow?? Mary Poppins more like - my new best friend - an Ebay star***"

"the mutts nuts! thanks"

I get lovely emails from satisfied customers which is very rewarding...total job satisfaction.

Wanting to get up in a morning, instead of having to, is a joy!

Woo Hoo!

Phew!

2008-03-27T16:54:00.008Z

Finally found the time to get the packaging sorted for the badges going up to Edinburgh. Thought it was going to be a long job. In fact, printing and punching out took longer than actually making the badges.

Anyway, its done now and they'll be posted off tomorrow.

Fingers crossed they'll be screaming for more. This new Moo'd for Love set will be going on the web site later

Had loads of custom orders and enquiries over the Easter break...wish I'd make more of an effort earlier with promoting them but you live and learn.

Published!

2008-03-19T06:40:00.003Z

Was very flattered to receive an offer from a Gallery in Edinburgh (just the best city in the world) this weekend to sell my badges as part of an exhibition they are running.
So, I've been busy redesgning the packaging; there go my plans for my bag sewathon, but hey, if it gets my name out there...

Indulgence

2008-03-03T14:31:00.012Z

So excited this weekend when a parcel of goodies arrived from a funky company I found at a recent trade show (makes me feel important that, saying 'trade show', like a real business woman...indulge me a moment "trade show". Ok done now)
Anyway, normally I wouldn't buy to sell on as I love the process of creating, but these goodies were just so kitsch I couldn't resist. Check out the the stroppy cow web site for details of these and other fab goodies.

Geek Phreaks

2008-02-20T07:01:00.000Z

Busy working on some designs for all the gamers and geeks out there. Apparently, according to Tillymint, 'Geeks are hot right now' and who am I to argue with the voice of youth?

Leap of Faith

2008-02-18T14:05:00.001Z

Not content with letting me dangerously loose on t'internet Himself decided he should further raise the stakes and help raise some money for Sense by leaping carelessly from a plane at 12000' (strapped, I should add, to some burley adrenelin junkie old enough to know better).

Any hoo, he made it down ok and, what's more scary, managed to upload his video on to You Tube .

A rather good impersonation of a cone head too dontcha think?

Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T15:29:00.000Z

The Valentines badges have gone down a storm on ebay; some of them I will keep listed on both ebay and the web site as they can be worn at any time. Thought you might like a peak at some of the designs.

At last!

2008-02-14T14:19:00.000Z

What a mad week but, despite the bathroom fitter & various plumbing related 'extras', work and half term, I've finally managed to get the web site sorted. A few final tweeks and I'm going live!!

Over the past year The Stroppy Cow has outgrown its eBay roots and being unable to offer discounts to customers because of the constraints & charges has caused a certain amount of frustration (and, goodness only knows, as the Head Cow I'm stroppy enough as it is!).

A big kid at heart there is nothing more satisfying than making things. Brought up hoarding empty washing up bottles, tirelessly searching for sticky-back plastic and Copydex there was little chance of a normal childhood. Can I top the triumph of my Tracey Island? Blue Peter is in my blood.There's no hope.

After trying to live a normal life for many (but not too many) years I finally gave in, bought a badge machine and am now trying to live 'happily ever after' creating new designs for badges, fun alternative jewellery and original funky bags.

And what about that name...well, that's thanks to him indoors:
he calls me many things...moody mare, northern dwarf, stumpy one...none of them seemed to lend itself to a snappy business name. However, one name seemed to fit me and the business perfectly and so, with the yell of a loving husband echoing up the stairs, the ‘Stroppy Cow’ was born!
I think Stroppy Cow style is all about surrounding yourself with things that make you happy. Romantic, funky, classic and the down right weird: they are all there! Go on...take a peek...you know you wanna.