Sunshine In Wales

Can you believe it, it wasn't raining in Wales! We went home to visit my parents this weekend, they farm on the Welsh borders near Hay On Wye. The weather was lovely - hot and sunny, and I managed to catch a few rays whilst sat in my mums garden.
Paul & I went to Pembridge Terracotta on the Saturday - or at least that was what we were hoping to do -only to find out that they closed down a few years ago!
Paul was not so upset, as we stopped for a drink at The New Inn in Pembridge, and sat outside and had a bottle of the local cider, Black Fox.
Spookily in The Sunday Times, Whichford Terracotta were advertising their seconds sale this weekend, which is right on my doorstep, so we went there yesterday and have made enquiries about doing a small pot for Ochre & Ocre. I have a few ideas of possible table decorations that would be perfect for weddings - ably assisted by my friend Kim from Lavender Ladies.
I also went to visit Charlie at The Cut Flower Garden - and suffered severe view envy, as her house has amazing views of Hay Bluff on one side and the Wye valley on the other. She showed me around her lovely gardens, and we talked about working together - I'm really excited that we can start this June. It will be a squeeze trying to get the photos done before the Good Food Show -but it will be a perfect opportunity to promote the new category.
We also popped over to see Peter, the woodturner yesterday and picked up the first few sets of napkin rings. They look really good, very different to the mass produced lines in the high street. I spent today photographing them, and loading them on the site. It will be interesting to see how they sell. Jo has been sending me pics of the beads she is varnishing, for the other napkin rings that are being made. These are going to be really special - and she has managed to find the perfect colour papers to match our Ochre shades.
It's really nice to be adding new things to the site - even though it's only been 6 months, you soon want to see newness. Just waiting for the Linen prices now.......

Exciting new things!

Don't you love it when you have a productive day? You have ticked off lots of things on your to do list, and you feel like you've actually accomplished something.
I'm very excited about our new link up with The Cut Flower company. They are going to do two bouquets for Ochre & Ocre, a kitchen one and a set of two posies for the dinner table. It completely ties in with our natural, organic ethos, and working with small companies. Sorting out how it works on the website will be interesting - but I know Phillippe will be able to solve it!
I've spoken to Charlie the owner on the phone, and she sounded lovely, so I'm looking forward to meeting her this weekend.
Talking of which can't wait to see the napkin rings that Jo has done for us, I'm hoping through linking with us,she should also get more sales on her jewellery.
Just spoke to Adriano, our man in Portugal. His english is so good, it makes me ashamed at my lack of foreign languages, (but only for a while - I can't fit much more in at the moment!).
Pushing ahead with the organic linen range, looking forward to getting it on line and seeing what the customer reaction will be.
I'm collecting the wooden napkin rings on Monday - they looked great in the pictures, I just hope they live up to expectations.
I really love adding all this newness to the site - but the proof will be in the sales!