Polkadots

Eeek..... hey everyone 👋. So this post was never going to be easy & with some gentle encouragement from my friends here I am, I don't even know what to say other than my brain has been completely fried since I entered into my honours year at Uni last September and I lost my Polkadots mojo 😢.
Nothing could have prepared me for just how intense this final year is, mix that with a copious dose of self doubt, a part time job, being a mum, sickness, mental & physical drain and all... the other stuff that just 'happens' in life. And it's only January......
I lost my Polkadots mojo somewhere inbetween all that, despite doing bits and bobs and still stocking in Country Wood in Nairn, I just retreated from my workshop and tried to get my shit together (excuse the pun). I've been telling myself to post on here for weeks/months but didn't really know what to say. We all have our own 'stuff' going on in life and I just didn't want to be a moan bag, party pooper because that's just not me.
So with that said, I am back and I do have some other news to share, which is exciting aswell as a headache. We have been approved for planning permission for an extension to our house, meaning the garage and workshop must go to make way for this. Luckily enough my husband has already planned a beautiful new workshop for me which will sit amongst my apple trees at the rear of the garden with oodles of natural light. So a win win for Polkadots. When will this start? I have no clue but I will not be opening my books again for large scale ordering until May when I have completed my studies and can invest the time that my business deserves. I've worked so hard these past few years with Polkadots building up my customer base and reputation and I don't want to give it half measures.
I know I have an immense amount of messages in my inbox, I will reply to these ASAP, if when you receive a reply and I can accommodate your order and you wish to proceed I would be happy to do so and regain my Polkadots mojo. Thanks for reading guys, I feel a weight lifted off my shoulders right now. Thanks Anne xx
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Hi everyone, my inbox is off the scale, I am so sorry for the delay with replying to everyone. It's my birthday tomorrow & I have a serious dose of buring my head in the sand because A) I am edging closer to the big 40 & B) I want to own a campervan but I also need to win the lottery 🙄
I have returned home from the most perfect weekend touring the Isle of Skye in this gorgeous VW Camper which belongs to my friend over at @northboundcampers .
For anyone looking to hire a van ...like this locally I cannot recommend @northboundcampers enough. Picked Morag Moo up on Friday afternoon, Lisa had the van so immaculate, every little detail is so thoroughly thought out and just raises your levels of excitement for the journey. The fridge was stocked with a fabulous breakfast pack, fresh free range eggs, pastries, bread, tea coffee & hot chocolate and more. Honestly all you need to pack is yourself.
As a family we love camping, getting out and about in the beautiful highlands, exploring the wonderful and breathtaking views that's right on our doorstep. Doing all of this in a van of this quality was a dream come true for me. Owning a van like this is on mine & Scott's bucket list. We met whilst travelling in Australia and are keen campers and we look forward to the days when we can 'hit the road' once more at our leisure in a van just like this beauty. Book your adventure now, I PROMISE you, you will not be dissapointed. 😍
#touringskye #familyadventure #makingmemories
@ The Fairy Pools, Glen Brittle, Isle of Skye
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Busy wee afternoon in the studio. How cute are these new name plaques? I'm loving the colour combinations. They're A4 size, perfect for nursery, playroom or bedroom decor. #woodengifts #madetoorder #nurserydecor #playroomdecor #boysroom #girlsroom #scandidecor @ Polkadots

🤗🤗🤗 Good morning guys.. bursting with energy this morning which will hopefully translate into a very productive day.
Here's a wee custom creation which was gifted last week. Received a detailed spec of what the customer wanted, it was a gift for a dear friend of hers and she was delighted with the finish.😍

LONG POST ALERT!!! Change to Hours & Production
👋👋 Hello everyone... so there's no escaping any longer, this photo can only mean 1 thing...
Most of you will have come across some random posts over the last three years where I have been on the verge of a meltdown, being a student, running a business, working part time, being a mummy, wife, auntie, friend and general dogs body has been no easy ride. BUT it has all been so worthwhile because: ... ** 👩‍🎓I achieved my Degree this summer, something I never thought I would do. AND ** 👩‍🏫 I started working in a profession which I genuinely love, again something I never thought I would find.
Self belief has been a huge contributor to the above, despite the meltdowns, the tears, the long nights writing essays, researching, cursing, worrying that I was putting my family though unnecessary stress. I had to do this for myself, I can't explain why but the sense of achievement it has given me is something I cannot even describe.
3 years ago I returned to education thinking I would like to do Primary School Teaching and as I approached the end I did a complete 360.. I still don't know where I'm going in terms of a career but I know I'm headed in the right direction. So I should stop now and be happy right? 🤔 erm, No, not me!! I have decided to go get my Honours..sure why not? And this means I have an extremely hard year ahead.
So what does this mean for Polkadots? I cant let go of my baby but I can't continue to work and juggle everything like I currently do. So as a temporary measure I have decided on the following:
* Working Hours will be on weekend only. * I will not be able to respond to message through the week. * I will not be able to accommodate last minute orders. * Order processing time will increase and will be advised at the time of order to ensure this is suitable for you. * I will continue to have a supply of stock at Country Wood in Nairn which will be available to purchase. I will continue to take orders through the shop but processing times will increase also.
I spend a vast amount of time on admin at Polkadots which ultimately impacts on my production time and moving into my Honours year can impact on my study time. Hence the decision to advise that I will not be available through the week to answer messages. I understand this is not common practice and may not suit everyone but right now I'm prepared to trial it to see of it works for both you and me.
If you've read this far thank you very much. I know I can go on an on and on....... any questions just shout. Thanks guys 😍😍 xx
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I can't get enough of this colour,💗 Love Letter by Frenchic. Perfect for girly girls and it looks fab on this beautiful and simple new baby gift which left the workshop a few weeks ago. 😍

Hello from Polkadots HQ👋👋 .... major late shift underway in my wee workshop. Lots of message which I'll dip in and out of as the night progresses. Gotta get some serious work done tonight.. Bruce Springsteen on full blast 😍 my guilty pleasure. I love him so much 🙊🙊.

How cute are these wee baby plaques? And those names 😍😍😍😍😍, just beautiful.

Concentration levels at an all time high. 😀

Eek 🙈🙈. Mortification levels rising 🙄 hate the sound of my own voice but I've had so many enquiries lately about the story boards and memory boxes. Here's a quick video on them both to give you a better idea of size, options etc. 🤗🤗🤗

This beauty made it's way through to Country Wood in Nairn this week, remember guys everything you see here on the page can be ordered with Rhona at the shop. I deliver almost weekly. Some exciting new stock making it's way through next week so pop in if your in the area. Interested in paint? Or fancy refreshing some old furniture and giving it a new look and feel, speak to Rhona about her painting workshops, she provides such a lovely informal cosy evening in the shop, full of laughs and time out with lovely food and tea/coffee included. A lovely treat for you and a friend or a fab gift for anyone interested in upcycling. 😍

I am so busy with these beauties at the minute, you guys seem to love them just as much as I do. Suitable for lots and lots of occasions and great for someone who you would otherwise struggle to buy for or those who say 'I don't want anything' . Give them beautiful memories which tell a story. 😍

What a busy weekend at Polkadots. With so many orders packaged ready for posting it got me thinking of just how far I've come with my small business.
I love 😍 chatting with local customers who stop by to collect their orders. Nowadays I post so many orders that I thought it would be nice to do a wee collage of my tiny wee studio where all of your orders are handcut, hand painted, handwritten, perfected and loved before heading off to their new homes. #polkadotsinverness #handmade #meetthemaker #tinystudio #woodengifts #bespoke

When pictures say a thousand words 💗💗 #family #familylove #woodengifts #polkadotsinverness #pictures

😍😍😍 Simple Name Plaques 😍😍😍

I love these, great wedding gift idea 💍💗

These stacking blocks are so versatile. I use them for many different occasions, here's an example of how they suit precious new arrivals. 😍

Late shift at HQ tonight, I have so many orders to complete. 🤯 but can I just say, how quickly did the summer holidays go? Today my son's returned to school, 💙P5 & 💙P3, I spend most of the year dreading how I'll cover the 7 weeks with work and a business and in the blink of an eye it's all over. Wishing all the new nursery, P1's and returning oldies the best of luck. These two had a great first day back much to mummies relief 😍

Thank you so much for my recent purchases, they are fab � Not only is everything you do unique & individual but you can see the care you put into each piece. And everything is so beautifully wrapped up too xx

Ordered bunting and it's just gorgeous. Good quality and great service/communication. Will definitely be ordering more items from here.

Ordered a family photo block and bunting and absouletly love them both, the quality of them and the detail is just perfection, no hassle and anne is so friendly and helpful will definitley be ordering more, can't recommend anne enough � thank you again xx

Just received my second order from Anne. The quality of her work is outstanding and you can tell Anne puts her heart and soul into every piece she makes. Such a lovely, friendly lady. The best part of her experience is getting the craic when you go to collect your goods. Will definitely be a returning customer.

Just picked up another lovely piece from Anne - her work is such high quality, such a lovely finish. It's so nice to be able to get this locally. Thank you!

I’ve bought a couple of items from Polkadots. Anne’s work is amazing, highly recommend! x

I ordered the baby girl stacking blocks for a new baby gift! I loved it and the new mum loved it also! Great idea for something different! Will defo order again thank you x

I messaged with a vague idea for a gift, and what was made was exactly what I had in mind. Will defo be recommending. Thank you x

I have ordered a few things from polkadots, she is amazing at what she does my items were beautiful and made to perfection, friendly and quick service too, highly recommend you. Thanks for my stuff xx

I have had two boxes made recently and they are amazing! The work put into them is of such a high quality with great attention to detail, and both packaged beautifully for collection. Anne is lovely to deal with and obviously loves what she does! Can't wait to order again. Thank you very much for making these for me and I am looking forward to the memories they unfold in a few years time xx

I have bought many products from Anne now. And have been blown away EVERYTIME by how amazing they are. Her attention to detail is second to none. Would not go anywhere else. Absolutely love everything she does.

I have been meaning to post a review for some time ..... I have ordered several things from Anne and I have never been disappointed. The Christmas decorations, photo blocks and reward stars were amazing. Anne recently finished a huge wall plaque for my bedroom and she made a fantastic job of it. You can tell from her work that she puts so much time and effort into it and with it all been done by hand makes it even more special. Perfect presents for any occasion or to add something personal to your home �

I couldn't be happier with my order. The quality and attention to detail is amazing. Service was incredible, so friendly and nothing is a hassle. I look forward to ordering again. So many lovely items to choose from. Can't thank you enough. Xx

I absolutely LOVE Anne's work!! I have bought quite a few things now and have always been absolutely over the moon with everything, as have the people receiving these beautiful, thoughtful, special creations!!

Had a gorgeous custom made sign made for a Christmas present, just gave Anne some names and let her creativity flow. She made a stunning piece which was greatly received. Anne is extremely professional and it's obvious she puts so much care and love into every piece she makes, highly recommend

Got a lovely plaque made for my daughter about her dog she loved it. Good service at a busy time of year.

Fantastic service and beautiful products, loved all the items I ordered and can't wait to give them out as gifts! Will definitely be ordering again x

Amazing memory box and such fine attention to detail and communication to get exactly what you want, highly recommend Anne and her talents for custom made gifts kx

Absolutely love Anne's work. I have had a lot of bits now from her and she is always so accomodating & goes our her way to make fit you in through busy times/make you what you want. Everything I have had has always been so perfectly finished & beautiful. Attention to detail is just brilliant. She is also a really lovely lady so couldn't recommend her enough :-) can't wait for my Christmas gifts this year !! ❤

Thank you so much for my recent purchases, they are fab � Not only is everything you do unique & individual but you can see the care you put into each piece. And everything is so beautifully wrapped up too xx

Ordered bunting and it's just gorgeous. Good quality and great service/communication. Will definitely be ordering more items from here.

Ordered a family photo block and bunting and absouletly love them both, the quality of them and the detail is just perfection, no hassle and anne is so friendly and helpful will definitley be ordering more, can't recommend anne enough � thank you again xx

Just received my second order from Anne. The quality of her work is outstanding and you can tell Anne puts her heart and soul into every piece she makes. Such a lovely, friendly lady. The best part of her experience is getting the craic when you go to collect your goods. Will definitely be a returning customer.

Just picked up another lovely piece from Anne - her work is such high quality, such a lovely finish. It's so nice to be able to get this locally. Thank you!

I’ve bought a couple of items from Polkadots. Anne’s work is amazing, highly recommend! x

I ordered the baby girl stacking blocks for a new baby gift! I loved it and the new mum loved it also! Great idea for something different! Will defo order again thank you x

I messaged with a vague idea for a gift, and what was made was exactly what I had in mind. Will defo be recommending. Thank you x

I have ordered a few things from polkadots, she is amazing at what she does my items were beautiful and made to perfection, friendly and quick service too, highly recommend you. Thanks for my stuff xx

I have had two boxes made recently and they are amazing! The work put into them is of such a high quality with great attention to detail, and both packaged beautifully for collection. Anne is lovely to deal with and obviously loves what she does! Can't wait to order again. Thank you very much for making these for me and I am looking forward to the memories they unfold in a few years time xx

I have bought many products from Anne now. And have been blown away EVERYTIME by how amazing they are. Her attention to detail is second to none. Would not go anywhere else. Absolutely love everything she does.

I have been meaning to post a review for some time ..... I have ordered several things from Anne and I have never been disappointed. The Christmas decorations, photo blocks and reward stars were amazing. Anne recently finished a huge wall plaque for my bedroom and she made a fantastic job of it. You can tell from her work that she puts so much time and effort into it and with it all been done by hand makes it even more special. Perfect presents for any occasion or to add something personal to your home �

I couldn't be happier with my order. The quality and attention to detail is amazing. Service was incredible, so friendly and nothing is a hassle. I look forward to ordering again. So many lovely items to choose from. Can't thank you enough. Xx

I absolutely LOVE Anne's work!! I have bought quite a few things now and have always been absolutely over the moon with everything, as have the people receiving these beautiful, thoughtful, special creations!!

Had a gorgeous custom made sign made for a Christmas present, just gave Anne some names and let her creativity flow. She made a stunning piece which was greatly received. Anne is extremely professional and it's obvious she puts so much care and love into every piece she makes, highly recommend

Got a lovely plaque made for my daughter about her dog she loved it. Good service at a busy time of year.

Fantastic service and beautiful products, loved all the items I ordered and can't wait to give them out as gifts! Will definitely be ordering again x

Amazing memory box and such fine attention to detail and communication to get exactly what you want, highly recommend Anne and her talents for custom made gifts kx

Absolutely love Anne's work. I have had a lot of bits now from her and she is always so accomodating & goes our her way to make fit you in through busy times/make you what you want. Everything I have had has always been so perfectly finished & beautiful. Attention to detail is just brilliant. She is also a really lovely lady so couldn't recommend her enough :-) can't wait for my Christmas gifts this year !! ❤