One part of our business is having a mobile sales stand which we take to events and meet our customers. Each year we try to create a bigger and better show stand.
This year alongside the stand build we have the premises refurbishment. Ever keen to reuse and recycle, last year I acquired some pre owned (posh for second hand) display equipment some were ok but others were but a bit tatty.
Now, i have my workshop its time to sand all my display equipment repaint in a new standard colour. Trying to be as ecologically and environmentally friendly as possible in everything we do, we selected the paint along the same lines. However, to withstand the commercial world it also had to be durable and long lasting. We eventually decided on the Farrow & Ball because of the low or minimal VOC content in its paints. Based in Dorset, F&B dry waste from its manufacturing plant is either recycled or converted into energy. 97 per cent of its liquid waste is recycled. The entire range is rated A+ for interior air emissions from paint after 28 days of drying and curing.
The current choice is going to be Wevet background with a floral stencil on the edges
Just got the 6 stands each 6f tall and 2 ft square to do before I start on the tables, wales and stands …….
A job I have been putting off for months was complete this week – painting the workshop. It is an old stone building and the walls were already lime/whitewashed, so why go against history and use something modern.
So a quick internet search and it was off to our local builders merchant to get some Lime. 20 minutes later the mix is going on the wall. Must admit I was pleasantly surprised how good the finish was after the first coat. Especially after what it had to cover
And of course there are many benefits of using limewash. A natural product with zero waste, Lime’s high pH level means microorganisms can’t survive, which adds a hypoallergenic quality. Proponents also argue that limewash has a chemical makeup that removes odours (and harmful CO2), improving interior air quality.
** Please note the stylish safety googles ! . These are an essential for any lime work in order to prevent splashes into the eyes. Lime has a high pH and is therefore caustic. Avoid damage to the eyes by wearing safety glasses whenever handling and working with lime.
We have have had a long relationship with TimberKits selling their products for many years at our events. We have pleased to announce that this bond has moved a step closer with the moves to begin manufacturing kits at our new Llandeilo workshop.
Over the coming months new CNC and laser cutting equipment will be installed alongside our machinery to begin a new manufacturing journey.
2021 was a rollercoaster year and we ended on a fantastic high after breaking all our trading records. The extra icing on the cake was the acquisition of our new premises in Llandeilo.
We have taken over the retail and warehouse space that used to hold the iconic Gerwyn’s fruit and veg premises on the bridge famed for its bright yellow colour scheme.
The building will at last allow us to progress plans that have been on the drawing board for far too long. Now we have over 2,500 square feet of workshop and creation space as well 1,500 square feet of retail and craft demonstration space. Of course more space allows us to have a wider range of beautiful products .
Keep coming back for new on our exciting opening offers
Preseli Bluestone (Preseli Stone or Preseli Spotted Dolerite) is a unique and rare igneous rock. This crystal is made up of many minerals (Dolerite, Feldspar (Plagioclase), Diopside, Biotite, Quartz). The colour ranges in different green hues (Dolerite) with inclusions of tiny white spots (Quartz) and black specs (usually a mix of Hematite, Biotite, and Ilmenite). The only known source of this stone is within the Preseli Hills and mountain ranges in west Wales.
The most famous use for Bluestone is the centre circle at Stonehenge in Wiltshire. Made up of 43 blocks of Preseli Bluestone weighing up to 4 tons. Stonehenge is estimated to be over 5,000 years old (dating back to 3100 BCE) and is thought to have once contained over 80 Preseli Bluestone “standing stones”.
If you ever get the privilege to get to the centre of Stonehenge and touch the Bluestone like we have, the effect is quite startling. Quite often even on a cold day they can radiate a warmth and even people not attuned to crystals can often feel a vibration or background hum emanating from the stone.
Meaning & Energy
Preseli Bluestone offers up a strong, yet subtle transformative energy to push though obstacles.
The Dolerite allows you to turn your attention inwards towards your own personal wellbeing, this is where these ancient crystals’ power really begins to break through and shine. As your emotional body begins to heal and your mental health begins to rise you will be capable of pushing your physical well-being. Preseli Bluestone has some of the purest healing and transformative energies possible.
Chakras Crown, Third Eye, Throat, Heart, Solar Plexus, Sacral Root
Properties
Longevity, Past Life Recall, Passion, Opportunities, Nurturing, Nourishing and Rejuvenation, New Beginnings, Mental Enhancement, Meditation, Mastering Fear, Past Lives, Living in the Present Moment, Life Path, Joy, Intuition, Inspiration, Inner Vision, Inner Peace, Growth, Grounding, Selflessness, Wisdom, Truth, Trust, Transformation, Stress Relief, Spiritual Awakening, Soothing, Sense of Purpose, Gentle Self-Expression, Self-Discovery, Self- Healing, Self-Discipline, Resolution, PTSD, Relaxation, Power, Physical Healing, Personal Will, Peace of Mind, Anxiety Relief, Ancient Knowledge, Alignment of Chakra, Adventures, Action, Abundance, Balance, Consciousness, Generosity, Expansion, Expanded Awareness, Enlightenment, Enhancing, Empathy, Emotional Understanding, Elimination Toxins, Dispelling Negative Energy, Creating Your Own Reality, Compassion, Clarity, Clairvoyance, Claiming Wholeness, Channelling, Chakra Cleansing, Calming and Patience, Breaking Addictions, Balancing Polarities
Planets Earth
Zodiacs Capricorn, Taurus
Elements Earth
Colours Grey, White, Black, Green
Hardness 8 to 9
Chemical Formula n{(Ca, Na)(Mg, Fe, Al, Ti)(Si, Al)2O6} p{NaAlSi3O8} q{CaAl2Si2O8}
Before burning, always trim the wick to ¼ inch. You can use a wick trimmer, nail clippers, or scissors. Long or crooked wicks can cause uneven burning, dripping or flaring.
Keep the wax pool clear of wick trimmings, matches and debris at all times.
Always use a candleholder specifically designed for candle use. It should be heat resistant, sturdy, and large enough to contain any drips or melted wax.
Burn candles in a well-ventilated room:
Avoid drafts, vents or air currents. This will help prevent rapid or uneven burning, soot and excessive dripping.
Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on burn time and proper use. In general, it is recommended that candles do not burn for longer than four hours and cool for at least two hours before relighting.
When lighting a candle, use long matches or a long-reach lighter. Keep your hair and loose clothing away from the flame.
Always put candles on a heat resistant surface. Be especially careful with night lights and tea lights, which get hot enough to melt plastic. TVs are not fire-resistant objects.
Put them in a proper holder. Candles need to be held firmly upright by the holder so they won’t fall over. The holder needs to be stable too, so it won’t fall over.
Position them away from curtains. Don’t put candles near curtains or other fabrics – or furniture. And keep them out of draughts.
Don’t put them under shelves. It’s easy to forget that there’s a lot of heat above a burning candle. If you put it under a shelf or other surface then it can burn the surface. Make sure there’s at least three feet (one metre) between a candle and any surface above it.
Take care with votive or scented candles. These kinds of candles turn to liquid to release their fragrance, so put them in a glass or metal holder
While Burning:
Never leave a candle unattended.
Never burn a candle on or near anything that can catch fire. Keep burning candles away from furniture, drapes, bedding, carpets, books, paper, flammable decorations, etc.
Keep candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place lighted candles where they can be knocked over by children, pets or anyone else.
Never touch or move a candle while it is burning or while the wax is liquefied.
Do not burn a candle all the way down. For a margin of safety, discontinue burning a candle when 1/2 inch remains in the container or 2 inches if using a pillar candle.
Place burning candles at least four inches apart from one another. This is to make sure they do not melt one another or create their own drafts that will cause the candles to burn improperly.
Extinguish a candle if the flame becomes too high or flickers repeatedly. Let the candle cool, trim the wick, and check for unwanted drafts before re-lighting.
Never use a candle as a night light or while you may fall asleep.
Be very careful if using candles during a power outage. Torches and other battery-powered lights are safer sources of light during a power failure. Never use a candle during a power outage to look for things in a closet, or when fuelling equipment, such as a lantern or petrol heater or generator.
When Extinguishing a Candle:
Use a candle snuffer or a spoon to extinguish a candle. It is the safest way to prevent hot wax from splattering. Use a snuffer to put them out. It’s safer than blowing them, which can send sparks and hot wax flying
Never use water to extinguish a candle. Water can cause the hot wax to splatter and might break a glass container.
Make sure the candle is completely out and the wick ember is no longer glowing before leaving the room.
Do not touch or move the candle until it has completely cooled.
Never use a knife or sharp object to remove wax drippings from a glass holder. It might scratch, weaken, or cause the glass to break upon subsequent use.
Chevron Amethyst (Dog Tooth Amethyst) is naturally occurring Amethyst and White Quartz in a banded or “V” pattern. Chevron Amethyst shares the same energies and vibrations as regular Amethyst (Amethyst history and properties ) However, it is far stronger and more powerful when working with our higher chakras.
Chevron Amethyst specifically focuses on the third eye and crown chakras, activating and linking the two together. This important channel is useful when attuning and aligning yourself with higher energies and frequencies.
This stone connects you to your higher self creating a permanent connection. Our “higher self” is the truest and most pure form of who we are. Our higher self pushes us to be the person that we genuinely want to be.
It is important to work with other higher frequency stones (Sodalite, Lapis Lazuli, Phenacite, Scolecite, Tanzanite) when working with Chevron Amethyst. This will strengthen your connection with higher realms,
Chakras Third Eye, Crown, Etheric
Properties
Spiritual Awakening, Inspiration, Interdimensional Communication, Intuition, Lucid Dreaming, Manifestation, Meditation, New Beginnings, Psychic Abilities, Insight, Transformation, Wisdom, Channelling and Grounding Higher Vibrations, Alignment with the Higher Self, Angelic Communication, Ascension, Astral Travel, Attunement, Attunement With Higher Realms, Breaking Addictions, Bridging the Spiritual and Physical Worlds, Channelling, Clarity, Communication With Higher Realms, Compassion, Dreams, Enhancing, Expanded Awareness, Higher Self, Inner Vision,
Aragonite is one of the most useful minerals on our planet. It has been used over many centuries to treat severe illnesses and is a favourite tool of herbalists and healers.
Spanish legend tells the tale that Aragonite are the tears of a girl who was separated from the love of her life. The breakup was so painful that her tears falling on the ground turned into the Aragonite stone spikes. Ever people believe that the mineral is the keeper of the family hearth.
The wizards of the Middle Ages thought that hexagonal aragonite resembled the Seal of Solomon, a magic symbol. The legend is that Solomons seal (a ring) gave him power to command genies and speak with animals.
Ancient stonecutters also believed the stone had magical properties. Because when heated, it turned into a fine dust, a natural chemical reaction and evolved into calcite. Hence it was called the ’ever young stone.’
Aragonite has antimicrobial and wound-healing properties and rich in calcium
Lithotherapists believe the stone possesses powerful energetics.
Feng shui beliefs state that, aragonite products is essential everyone and that aragonite figurines should be placed within the house to attract happiness and wealth into the family. They should be at the same time located in a prominent position, near the window.
Aragonite is considered a rare stone. The most valued samples in jewellery are the ones that have a cluster (inflorescences) called” the Iron Flower”. The most common Aragonites on the market are the “sputnik” variety from Morocco. They always display a golden brown to hue but can also appear colourless. Other colours of Aragonite include white, green, red, violet, yellow and most recently blue from Chinese stalactites which can help people restore their self-confidence.
Aragonite is essential to the production of natural pearls as the mineral is a key component to the Shells. In the spas in the Czech Republic, the water is so concentrated with minerals that items left in the water become “fossilised” those objects acquire the pearly lustre.
Aragonite, also known as Golf ball or Sputnik Aragonite, is one of the three calcium carbonate minerals that naturally occurs within mother nature, the other two being Calcite and Vaterite.
For a newcomer to crystals and stones, Aragonite is one of the most powerful stones they can get hold of. The potent energies help activate and align the entire chakra column to promote inner balance, mental clarity, and transformation. Aragonite’s vibrations can push you to make changes in your daily life to promote confidence, self-healing and self-improvement.
Balance is a common theme used in ancient texts and martial arts. To achieve internal balance, one must truly be in touch with themselves while being able to be at peace with your surroundings. Through peace comes love, from love comes strength, and from strength comes balance.
Chakra Crown Third Eye Throat Heart Solar Plexus Sacral Root
Properties Trauma, Strength, Balance, Courage, Confidence, Grounding, Stress Relief, Higher Self, Focus, Alignment of Chakra, Expanded Awareness, Attunement with Higher Realms, Self- Healing, Mental Enhancement, Channelling and Grounding Higher Vibrations, Connection with Nature, Motivation, Anxiety Relief, Emotional Understanding, Interdimensional Communication
When anything prehistoric is mentioned, a very select group of creatures comes to mind. One of these is the iconic Mammoth.
Mammoth fossil deposits have been found in every continent except Australia and South America and in early Holocene deposits of North America.
The woolly, Northern, or Siberian mammoth (Mammuthus primigenius) is by far the best-known of all mammoths. The permanently frozen ground of Siberia has provided many preserved carcasses for study. Mammoths discovered preserved in the Siberian permafrost were believed to be burrowing animals that avoided sunlight and died when exposed to the sun. It was thought this explained why they showed so little decay. Remains of arctic plants have been found in the digestive tracts of frozen mammoth carcasses. French adventures heading for the North Pole in 1872 found so many well-preserved mammoth specimens that for a time they lived on mammoth, ‘broiled, roasted and baked’.
Fossil mammoth ivory was previously so abundant that it was exported from Siberia to China and Europe from medieval times to today. It is estimated that over 50% of the ivory sold into China is form mammoths. Scientists can determine a mammoth’s age from the rings of its tusk in a similar way to determining a tree’s age from its rings. The mammoth’s prominent tusks were directed downward and were very long, so long that in older males they sometimes curved over each other
One of the oldest-known musical instruments is a flute made from mammoth ivory.
From the Middle Ages up to the 18th Century, many Europeans believed that the bones of mammoths and mastodons belonged to giants drowned by Noah’s flood.
Scientific evidence suggests that small populations of woolly mammoths may have survived in North America up to 7,600 years ago. In 2015, a fossil tooth indicated that a tiny population of mammoths survived on Wrangel Island, an Arctic Island located off the coast of northern Russia, as late as 4,300 years ago.
Male woolly mammoths were thought to reach shoulder heights of up to 3.5m and to weigh up to six tonnes, the size of an African elephant.
The imperial mammoth weighed over 10 tonnes and the Songhua River Mammoth of northern China weighed up to 15 tonnes. The extinct dwarf mammoth species, Mammuthus creticus, was only around 1m tall, about the size of a modern African or Asian baby elephant – and weighed 300kg.
Ancient humans in Europe, realistically depicted herds of these animals on the cave walls where they sheltered. A notable set is the Rouffignac cave . It contains over 250 engravings, cave paintings and drawings, dating back to the Upper Paleolithic. Rouffignac Cave, also known as The Cave of the Hundred Mammoths.
Many mammoths had a woolly, yellowish brown undercoat about 2.5 cm (1 inch) thick beneath a coarser outer covering of dark brown hair up to 50 cm (20 inches) long. Some of the hairs on woolly mammoths could reach up to 3 feet (1 m) long, Under the extremely thick skin was a layer of insulating fat at times 8 cm (3 inches) thick.
The skull in Mammuthus was high and domelike. The ears, small for an elephant, were advantageous for an animal living in a cold climate because the smaller amount of exposed surface area reduced heat loss. A mound of fat was present as a hump on the back. Whilst the dome cannot be found in fossil remains its existence comes from cave paintings.
Mammoth teeth were made up of alternating plates of enamel and a teeth often became worn down by constant chewing motions.
