Tops were doon and Jalopies were oot!

Sunday did see a cavalcade of old Bentleys snake their way up the drive to settle sedately at the front entrance to 'the Hoose' . John thought there were over sixty vehicles. A fine turn out and a good day to have the top down. I'd love to tell more about these fine machines but I know nothing at all about them. All I can offer is that many of them looked like the jalopy in 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang'.

Big Sharon's Egg

I shared Wednesday's shop time with Lesley, who had just flown in from Florida with a tan and her usual flourish. I'd had a quiet morning customerwise but I did get a lot of stuff stuck down. Morag popped in with her tennis elbow, poor thing. So no Wimbledon for her this year. John explained his plans for the 'House' which were interesting and I hope successful. On Sunday there is a 'Bentley' Convention with more than 100 vehicles expected. John should be charging for the car park now. Janet will be run off her feet with packed lunches I expect. I may take a turn up myself to see these classic cars and click my shutter. This week, walkers have been crossing Scotland coast to coast and one of them arrived in the shop. I think she was a little off course. She had taken the advice of a local farmer and headed down for a coffee at Janet's, or it may have been vegtable soup. Who cares? Anyways, she was a weatherbeaten walker woman who was surprised and delighted to have found us. She is to post our presence on the TGO website so other 'step we gaily' folks know where we are. I like this kind of visitor, even tho' they don't buy anything. She asked if we sold badges to stick on her rucksack. 'This is a CRAFT SHOP!' I squawked mimicking TCM. btw. Big Sharon's egg was delicious. I had it hard boiled.

Mingle and Vet

City Hall Brechin is an interesting and retro venue. My first visit.
I pondered if it had changed much over the years. Had the Tremeloes or Applejacks played here in the 60's? Had Wee Jimmy Fletcher wowed the citizens with his Scottish Variety shows in the 50's? Had the Alexander Brothers, Will Starr, Calum Kennedy or the great Robert Wilson entered these portals and tread the boards to 'heugh ' and 'tartan holler'? I was in nostalgic, and slightly melancholy mood. Saturday was not a good day and didn't improve but I did like the City Halls.

The occasion was an ACA soiree for members to meet prospective new members, mingle, network, vet and enrol. The usual Irregulars were out in force or as Steve the chairperson put it 'Old Faces'. An unfortunate phrase for most of us and one which Linda H tutted about once I had pointed it out to her. I wish I hadn't. Sometime I'll make a list of the Top Ten things I wish I hadn't said. This one would not make the cut tho'. Oh no.

Janet of course had laid on a tasty spread which was enjoyed. Samples were later seen disappearing out the door in 'doggie-bags' to be consumed later with cordials of choice. Speaking of which, the soiree had a cordial vibe and the prospective new members were a keen and friendly batch. 'The more the merrier!', I say.
So far, I haven't mentioned that the Association has now opened up its membership doors to those firth of Angus. We are now a 'National' Association which I'm sure will improve our standing in the crafting world and enhance the brand.

What I learned today.

Peter was in the Horse Guards making him a 'Picadilly Cowboy'.
Sue brushes up really well.
Joan is not called Janet.
Two cats are pregnant.
John needs help buying tops.
Name stickers can be stuck to skin.

Sue and I Have a Lovely Day

Sue and I had a lovely day in the shop yesterday. Outside we had all seasons in one day as they say, and inside it was the same, although we did have warmth in our hearts. In theory we had a very busy day. Fifty prospective customers came through the portal most of them from Burntisland WRI. The ladies were on a bus outing to the House of Dun. They'd had lunch before they arrived but weren't sure where. It was a day for raincoats and these ladies did not disappoint in the 'be prepared' category. Unfortunately our wares did not take a trick with them and we had a very quiet cash register while they browsed. I wondered if the lack of sales said something about Burtisland WRI or our wares? Mmm? However, they were a grand busload and we wished them well. One of them asked if we had any ceramic thimbles which we didn't. We didn't have any fridge magnets either. I had once suggested to The Chicken Mistress that we should stock yo-yos but I was slapped. 'This is a CRAFT shop!' she squawked.

Here's Mike!

An introduction to Michael Kay. He's been a member of ACA for some time and this season has rekindled his association with the 'Crafts of Angus Showcase and Shop' at House of Dun.

Mike trained in Silversmithing and Jewellery Design at Edinburgh College of Art in the late 60’s.

He produces jewellery and larger pieces as well, mostly in silver, but also in gold; from engagement and wedding rings to spoons, boxes and trophies.

Mike says,'Silver and gold are wonderful materials with which to work. They are extremely malleable and ductile metals, capable of being formed into any shape you can think of as well as being textured, patterned and highly polished. I use many different and interesting techniques to exploit the intrinsic qualities of the metals.'

I enjoy using the design elements of shape, line, colour, tone, texture, pattern and form to create the original and unique pieces you see here. I rarely repeat an idea so, if you purchase from me, you are almost guaranteed to be the only person wearing this design!