I will be featuring some of my new work over this week but here are a few of my newest pieces of dichroic jewellery for you to have a look at - you can always view the whole range online at Marakye Designs
Thursday, November 29, 2007
I'm Back
Well after a week or 2 of feeling like my little green freind down here I am back!
I did not forget about my blog I was just sticking with the "must do" tasks until we got back on our feet!Monday, November 19, 2007
Monday Mum ~ Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual
Introducing this week's Monday Mum
Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual
What Kylie Short had to say… Tilda Virtual Services specialises in providing General Administrative Support, Online Marketing, e-Newsletter design, Web site design and Technical Support to small business owners working from home. We know what it takes to balance home and family while building a successful and profitable business.
When most women are 34 weeks pregnant, they’re planning for their hospital trip, picking out baby furniture and anticipating their showers. Not Kylie Short – pregnant with her third child, Kylie decided it was time to start a business! Named after her daughter, the business began as an answer to Kylie’s desire to have flexibility in her life as she actively participated in raising her children and nurturing her family. As a virtual business owner, Kylie understands the special challenges associated with establishing an online presence, document management and Web site design. Who better to partner with than an experienced, successful work-at-home mum?!!
Why Did you decide to start your own business?
I was 34 weeks pregnant so who knows what I was thinking. I began my business by applying for a part time bookkeeper/secretarial position in the local newspaper. The client took one look at my rather large belly and instead of offering me the position; he offered it to me as a subcontract position so I could do it from home. I became curious about other mums working from home. Surely I wasn’t the only one?? And I wasn’t. I managed to stumble onto the Virtual Assistant industry and instantly found what I had been looking for. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and here was the perfect opportunity for me.
Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
I will admit that there have been some days where I’ve just wanted to throw in the towel and admit defeat but I haven’t and no I can’t imagine working for an employer again. I’m too bossy, too controlling and I like the 2 second commute to my office. I’m a positive role model for my children and I like keeping the profits all to myself!
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
My biggest challenge would have to be the isolation. It’s really hard to be at home all day with a toddler and a baby. But combine that with working online where the main source of communications is done via email… well I’m sure you get the drift. I can go a whole day without talking to an adult and that can be very isolating. To combat this I go to a mothers group and hang out with my friends and I have my online friends (including other VAs) who know what its like working from home with little ones and can give me the pep talk I need from time to time.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I don’t have a signature product or service. I do however niche myself as a technical VA. I have over 10 years administrative experience and I have the technical experience to help businesses market themselves online. My tag line is ‘making virtual personal’ and I’d like to think that, that’s what I do for my clients.
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
Hmm, this question is really hard so I’m going to pick the things I LOVE to do.
Designing electronic newsletters – I love taking a concept and turning it into a design. I can also import your existing database in the campaign software and collate the newsletters for you.
Blogging – I love to blog. I write my own posts in a notebook while waiting in the car for my eldest son to finish school. I’m just a bit lax in transferring them to my blog because I seem to be doing everyone else’s stuff first.
Website design – I’ve been getting into Joomla lately and the software can definitely do some amazing things for your website. I also write HTML so it’s a great mixture of both my research, problem solving and HTML skills that are used in designing a website.
Kylie Short from Tilda Virtual
What Kylie Short had to say… Tilda Virtual Services specialises in providing General Administrative Support, Online Marketing, e-Newsletter design, Web site design and Technical Support to small business owners working from home. We know what it takes to balance home and family while building a successful and profitable business.When most women are 34 weeks pregnant, they’re planning for their hospital trip, picking out baby furniture and anticipating their showers. Not Kylie Short – pregnant with her third child, Kylie decided it was time to start a business! Named after her daughter, the business began as an answer to Kylie’s desire to have flexibility in her life as she actively participated in raising her children and nurturing her family. As a virtual business owner, Kylie understands the special challenges associated with establishing an online presence, document management and Web site design. Who better to partner with than an experienced, successful work-at-home mum?!!
Why Did you decide to start your own business?
I was 34 weeks pregnant so who knows what I was thinking. I began my business by applying for a part time bookkeeper/secretarial position in the local newspaper. The client took one look at my rather large belly and instead of offering me the position; he offered it to me as a subcontract position so I could do it from home. I became curious about other mums working from home. Surely I wasn’t the only one?? And I wasn’t. I managed to stumble onto the Virtual Assistant industry and instantly found what I had been looking for. I’ve always wanted to own my own business and here was the perfect opportunity for me.
Would you ever work for an employer again after having your own business?
I will admit that there have been some days where I’ve just wanted to throw in the towel and admit defeat but I haven’t and no I can’t imagine working for an employer again. I’m too bossy, too controlling and I like the 2 second commute to my office. I’m a positive role model for my children and I like keeping the profits all to myself!
What is your biggest Challenge and your greatest Reward from working for Yourself?
My biggest challenge would have to be the isolation. It’s really hard to be at home all day with a toddler and a baby. But combine that with working online where the main source of communications is done via email… well I’m sure you get the drift. I can go a whole day without talking to an adult and that can be very isolating. To combat this I go to a mothers group and hang out with my friends and I have my online friends (including other VAs) who know what its like working from home with little ones and can give me the pep talk I need from time to time.
Do you have a Signature Product/Service or a Signature Line of Products/Services?
I don’t have a signature product or service. I do however niche myself as a technical VA. I have over 10 years administrative experience and I have the technical experience to help businesses market themselves online. My tag line is ‘making virtual personal’ and I’d like to think that, that’s what I do for my clients.
And lastly my favourite question... Share with us 3 of your favourite products or services from your web site at the moment.
Hmm, this question is really hard so I’m going to pick the things I LOVE to do.
Designing electronic newsletters – I love taking a concept and turning it into a design. I can also import your existing database in the campaign software and collate the newsletters for you.
Blogging – I love to blog. I write my own posts in a notebook while waiting in the car for my eldest son to finish school. I’m just a bit lax in transferring them to my blog because I seem to be doing everyone else’s stuff first.Website design – I’ve been getting into Joomla lately and the software can definitely do some amazing things for your website. I also write HTML so it’s a great mixture of both my research, problem solving and HTML skills that are used in designing a website.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Completion of a hand made masterpiece
A few weeks ago I introduced you to my masterpiece in the making and like many others I am sure you thought.. Hmmmm OK we will see as my "ring" lay as a flat piece of sterling silver with a few rough shapes cut into it.
Well...... After about 5 hours of hand sawing, filing, sanding, working with the blowtorch and thinking that this little piece of silver was going to have to be worn regarlessof how ameteur it looked I am VERy proud to show you my finished piece. This photo is a bit too close for my liking and you can see lots of imperfections but as a first creation I am pretty impressed and will be wearing it with pride!
I can't say however that you will be fining my own silver rings for sale just yet because with the hours that went into creating this it would have to be a 3 figure price tag and trust me although I am proud of my creation is is FAR from a 3 figure piece of jewellery..
Oh and don't you just love how the flash reflected the little star off the edge of it just to show you how much it sparkles!
Next assignment is a bangle... Watch this space!
This Week's Funky Find! Artist Melanie Cansler
I have a new found passion in hand blown glass and while browsing the net today looking at some "Women in Glass" I found some amazing pieces by artist Melanie Cansler in New York.
Melanie began her work as a glass artist back in 1995 and became a full time studio artist. She speaks with the passion that only an artist possesses. Her love of her work and her skill is evident in the stunning pieces that she creates.
Below are just a few of her pieces that I immediately fell in love with.
To view more of Melanie's range please visit her web site at
Nautilus Pendant - This is the first in a series of nautilus pendants and with my passion for ocean inspired jewellery I adore this piece.The range continues with a series of similar pendants in various colours including, red, blue and orange.
Misc. Schtuff - some of Melanie's older work which is just as beautiful as her new creations.
Dancing Figurines
Misc. Schtuff - some of Melanie's older work which is just as beautiful as her new creations. Dancing FigurinesHow can you not love this little guy just hanging around and holding your heart. This is adorable.
Inside Out Beads -
just look at the detail in this bead - it is truly inspirational!
Thankyou Melanie for inspiring me on my journey to the torch!
Inside Out Beads -just look at the detail in this bead - it is truly inspirational!
Thankyou Melanie for inspiring me on my journey to the torch!
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Born Early Ribbons
National Premature Birth Awareness Week is 24th - 30th November 2007.
Our aim is to increase awareness amongst ALL pregnant women of the signs and symptoms leading to premature birth.
increase awareness about premature birth and its consequences,
fund research into the causes and prevention of premature birth and
provide support to those who experience premature birth
Will your baby be born early?
Help to solve the puzzle of premature birth by purchasing on of our awareness ribbons.
They are a vibrant orange colour with silver “Born Early” writing on them.
Ribbons available from HERE for just $2.00 (postage is free)
Our aim is to increase awareness amongst ALL pregnant women of the signs and symptoms leading to premature birth.
increase awareness about premature birth and its consequences,
fund research into the causes and prevention of premature birth and
provide support to those who experience premature birth
Will your baby be born early?
Help to solve the puzzle of premature birth by purchasing on of our awareness ribbons.
They are a vibrant orange colour with silver “Born Early” writing on them.
Ribbons available from HERE for just $2.00 (postage is free)
Monday, November 12, 2007
Shiva Eye Pendant
This is one of my favourite pendants and I wore it all weekend while we took a 3 day break to a beautiful beach house down south - the weather was beautiful and the kids had a ball at the beach.
I love this pendant because it just reminds me of the ocean with it's gorgeous swirl shell - it is a Shiva Eye - or the shell from the mouth of a sea snail found only in the north of Australia and Southern Asia (so I am told - I am by no means an expert!). Some say that the swirl represents the centre of the universe which swirls around it - either way each and every one is unique in its own way and stunningly beautiful.
Sterling Silver Shiva Eye Pendant - (1.0 x 1.0 cm)
This piece is part of our Shiva Eye Range.
All pieces in this range are 925 Sterling Silver & are nickel free.
$15.27
Available in our store at http://www.marakye.com.au/
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
