Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

Bead Soup Blog Hop Party today!

2012-03-03T13:14:00.001-08:00

Today is the 5th Bead Soup party organised by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things blog. You've got to hand it to her, these parties span the whole world and require an organisational genius to run them!

Because of the unwieldy nature of the last bead soup party, this one was limited to 200 participants and I was really sad not to be one of the lucky 200 to be randomly selected. But it's ok, bead soup parties are infectious and I've enjoyed hopping around as much as I enjoyed taking part in the previous two parties. I've seen some stunning soup mixes and found some new blogs to follow...you can never see or learn enough!

So, I thought I would share some of my favourite soups du jour with you....

Rebecca Anderson at Songbeads

La Bella Joya

Just Vonna Blog

It's a Bead Life blog

The Cabby Crafter blog

Snazzy Doodle Designs

Stories They Tell blog

I hope you're enjoying the hop as much as I am!

Forgotten Treasure

2012-02-19T11:15:00.001-08:00

I've been given a bag full of old costume jewellery to make, mend, break and re-make! Quite an exciting prospect and a real challenge to make some new pieces from it. I've spent some of the afternoon in my jewellery workshop just sifting and sorting, even the broken parts can be dismantled and used for new projects. This year is definitely taking the theme of making the best of what you've got, it's time to start de-stashing and using what I've got before I start buying any more....ok, heard that before but how long can I stick to it this time!?

Here's some pics of the jewellery ripe for recycling....

You have to make whatever I draw....

2012-01-03T11:46:00.001-08:00

This was the challenge given by my little girl this evening....how could I refuse!?

Here's the challenge...

Here's the finished result...

I guess I am very lucky that the design was something I could do and also very proud that I appear to have a jewellery designer in the making who enjoys handmade jewellery as much as I do. I'm thinking that this is going to become a regular feature....!

Happy New Year!

2012-01-01T08:23:00.001-08:00

I'm very excited about this year, from a creative point of view it's going to be even better than 2011. This is now the second year for Green Shoot Jewellery Designs blog, I chose the name of Green Shoot because it is derived from the meaning of my daughter's name and to me, she represents all that is fun, happy and growing in my life.

I've got loads of new things to share and do in 2012 but for the meantime, let's just celebrate a new year and the beginning of even more new things...

Mud Maid!

2011-11-01T13:25:00.001-07:00

Regular readers of this blog will know that apart from an obsession with jewellery, my second love is St Ives in Cornwall. My daughter and I went to stay there for half term and as always, we had a fabulous time - our dream is to live there one day....you gotta dream!

Ok, so this was the view outside our window....

We visited the Lost Gardens of Heligan. Heligan is the name of an estate which belonged to the Tremayne family and is described as one of the most mysterious estates in Britain. After years of neglect and a hurricane, the gardens were covered in bramble and ivy, like a modern day story of sleeping beauty. A small room was discovered in the corner of a ruin and a team of people set about restoring the gardens to their former beauty.

There are some sculptures by local artists, a giants head made of mud and plants in the ground but the most spectacular for us was the Mud Maid...

She was created by local artists, Sue Hill and her brother, Pete.

In the spring and summer she is even more beautiful with flowers in her hair!

If you want to read more about Heligan then click here.

We also visited the craft market at Hayle which houses some very special handmade shops and products...I didn't take any photos but you can read and see more here.

We always shop to within an inch of our lives because there are so many unique and handmade items to see.
I bought a cute crackle glaze penguin made by Chloe Harford and Chris Hawkins aka Glazed Amazed for my little girl at Imagianation Art Gallery.

I also bought a gorgeous handmade silver bangle from James King Gallery, I think I have bought something from James King every time I have ever been to St Ives - that's a lot of silver!

Finally, I bought some books - purely for medicinal purposes of course!

All in all, a fabulous and very productive week!

BSue Boutique Sari Ribbon Blog Hop Party

2011-10-13T22:41:00.001-07:00

I jumped at the chance to take part in BSue's boutique sari ribbon blog hop party. I rarely work with sari ribbon and this was a good opportunity to make another design I've been wanting to try out for a while.

I had some sari ribbon left over from the bead soup party and I wrapped it around an old silver bangle. I secured the ribbon by hand wrapping gun metal copper wire and swarovski crystals around the bangle. I really like the effect and it is lovely to wear!

The list of sari ribbon partygoers is as follows:

Vicki Wills
Susan Kennedy
Michelle Mach
Michelle Lee Hardy
Ruth Crawford
Hilary Frye
Diana P
Brenda Sue Lansdowne
Elizabeth Owens-Dwy
Connie Rios-Relyea
Jennifer Justman
Deb Davis
Beanzie
Cathie Carroll
Rosemary Cowit
Georgene Lockwood
Cathy Buckley
Harry Wood
Songs Stille
Mary Deis
Heather Goldsmith
Susan Rouleau
Terry Matusyk
Pam Chesbro
Mary Shannon Hicks
Janice Everett
Davinia
Kristina Johansson Maneki
Kris Binsfeld
Alice Craddick
Mandy
Charlene
Catherine Jeltes
Jackie
Sharon Palac
Deb Beechy
Jean Yates
Patrice Pfeiffer
Dorcas Midkiff
Lynn Perry Bennett
Linzi Alford
Me!
Cynthia Wainscott
Marie Noel Voyer-Cramp

Have fun hopping round the other participants!

Andrew Thornton's September Challenge

2011-10-12T13:09:00.001-07:00

The September Challenge from Andrew Thornton really appealed to me, it had all my favourite colours! Here are some of the beautiful beads which were included.

I wanted to make something a bit different and finally went for a construction type necklace which I have been wanting to try for some time.

There are some other lovely pieces which I will be using to make some new designs soon, I just ran out of time for the posting deadline!

The other designers taking part in this challenge are listed below, have a hop around to see the gorgeous results for September.

Lorelei Eurto
Sally Russick
Tara Linda
Paula Kramer
Melinda Orr
Beth Emery
Tracey Stillman
Heather Goldsmith
Lori Bowring Michaud
Rebecca Anderson
Me!
Patty Gasparino

Champion Challenger!

2011-10-10T12:11:00.001-07:00

I've been sooo busy hopping round the bead soup party! I have also been busy making some pieces for two reveals this week.

The first reveal will be on Wednesday 12th, I took part in Andrew Thornton's September challenge. Unfortunately some of the participants are a little late in showing their designs due to the vagaries of the postal system but the beautiful selection of beads were well worth waiting for!

You can read more about Andrew's challenge and see the first set of reveals here

My second reveal this week will be on Friday 14th. This is the Sari Ribbon Blog Hop Party which is being hosted by BSue Boutiques. You can read more about this here.

I hope you are looking forward to the reveals, make sure to come back and join me!

The 5th Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-09-23T13:37:00.001-07:00

For those of us still hopping round the 4th Bead Soup Blog Party, please take note that the 5th party is already being organised by the amazing Lori Anderson!

To read more about the next bead soup party then click here to be directed to Lori's blog post which explains how to sign up and all the rules.

Back to hopping now!

Today is Bead Soup Blog Party Day!

2011-09-17T01:03:00.000-07:00

It's finally here!! I'm thrilled to take part in the biggest bead soup blog party ever. Over 300 bloggers have swapped beads, focals and clasps across the world to be involved in this amazing blog party organised by the incredibly talented Lori Anderson of Pretty Things blog.

My partner is Ann Rishell of My Critical Eye blog. Be sure to visit Ann's blog to see the bead parcel i sent to her. These are the gorgeous beads and components that she sent to me.

Ann sent me so many beautiful items I couldn't use them all! I am especially loving the turqouise beads and the coral sari ribbon and focal - turquoise and coral are my favourites right now. I added some coral czech glass beads from my own bead collection to complement the soup, Here are the two necklaces that I made:

Here is the list of all the fabulous people who took part, I can't wait to hop round them all although it's going to take a few days!

Click on each name to go to their blogs.

These are the partner pairs.

The Hostess, Lori Anderson and her partner, Manuela Wutschke

1. Aimee Wheaton and Barbara York

2. Alice Craddick and Sandra Richardson

3. Alison Sachs and Amy Severino

4. Allison Scott and Cynthia Abner

5. Amanda Cargill Austin and Charlene Sevier

6. Amanda Davie and Patsy Evins

7. Amber Dawn and Kim Ballor

8. Ambra Gostoli and Christine Hansen

9. Amy Freeland and Christine Altmiller

10. Ana Krepel-Novak and Eleanor Snare

11. Andrea Morici and Hope Smitherman

12. Andrea Trank and Jayne Capps

13. Andrea Turini and Charlene Jacka

14. Angela May and Emanda Johnson

15. Anitra Gordy and Elizabeth Owens Dwy

16. Ann Rishell and Debbie Price

17. Ann Sherwood and Lynne Bowland

18. Anna Lear and Barbe Saint John

19. Anna Sabina and Erin Siegel

19. Nan Emmett and Erin Siegel

20. Astrid Boyce and Birgitta Lejonklou

21. B.R. Kuhlman and Deanna Chase

22. Barbara Bechtel and Bryna Lumb

23. Barbara Blaszczyk and DaviniaDesign

24. Barbara Judy and Holly Westfall

25. Barbara Lewis and Cathie Carroll

26. Barrie Edwards and Lyn Foley

27. Becky Fairclough and Jana Tarhala

28. Bella Borgouise and Gillian Lehman

29. Beth and Evie McCord and Erin Prais-Hintz

30. Beth Bricker and Heather Pyle

31. Beth Emery and Cassie Donlen

32. Bobbie Rafferty and Cindy Cima Edwards

33. Candice McGinnis and Sally Anderson

34. Carol Bradley and Cece Cormier

35. Cathy Khoury and Molly Alexander

36. Carol Tannahill and Hilary Frye

37. Carrie Tahquechi and Cris Peacock

38. Cat Pruitt and Cindy Gimbrone

39. Charlene Gary and Doris Stumpf

40. Charlotte Pevny and Kate Gardenghi

41. Cherrie Fick and Cathie Carroll

41. Claire Maunsell and Cherrie Fick

42. Cheryl Roe and Jenny Vidberg

43. Chris White and Norma Turvey

44. Christa Murphy and Kathy Alderfer

45. Christie Murrow and Dana James

46. Christina Miles and Collette Collins

47. Christine Brandel and Elizabeth Woodford

48. Christine Damm and Cynthia Deis

49. Christine Hendrickson and Debbie Goering

50. Christine Stonefield and Dee Wingrove-Smith

51. Cilla Watkins and Johanna Rhodes

52. Cindy Wimmer and Riki Schumacher

53. CJ Baushka and Cory Celaya

54. Courtney Breul and Joanna Matuszczyk

55. Cristi Clothier and Kathleen Robinson Young

56. Cryss Thain and Serena Trent

57. Cynthia Tucker and Kitty Durmaj

58. Dana Johnson Jones and Eva Sherman

59. Davinia Algeri and Janet McDonald

60. Deci Worland and Lara Lutrick

61. Diana Ptaszynski and Kristy Abner

62. Diane Cook and Kerry Bogert

63. Diane Hawkey and Jen Judd Velasquez

64. Dorcas Midkiff and Jill Harris

65. Doris Radlicki and Heather Goldsmith

66. Dot Lewallen and Gaea Cannaday

67. Elisabeth Auld and Jennifer Justman

68. Erin Fickert-Rowland and Geanina Grigore

69. Erin Grant and Julie Jones

70. Eszter Czibulyas and Helena Fritz

71. Fiona Christie and Michelle Heim

72. Gail Zwang and Genea Crivello-Knable

73. Geneva Collins and Jana Haag

74. Gretchen Nation and Heidi Post

75. Heather DeSimone and Karin Slaton

76. Heather Marley and Terry Carter

77. Ingrid McCue and Jennifer Pride

78. Jackie Ryan and Nicole Keller

79. Janna Harttgen and Joanne Tinley

80. Jean Yates and Lori Anderson

81. Jelveh Jaferian and Jenny Davies-Reazor

82. Jenni Connolly and Jennifer Heynen

83. Jennifer Cameron and Kristi Bowman

84. Jennifer Geldard and Lisa Liddy

85. Jennifer VanBenschoten and Kim Hora

86. Jess Italia Lincoln and Lori Greenberg

87. Jill MacKay and Lori Bergmann

88. JJ Jacobs and Karen Tremblay

89. Joyce Becker and Kathy Welsh

90. Judy Glende and Karen Sinkowski

91. Judy Riley and Kelly Morgan

92. JuLee Wolfe and Julie Bean

93. Julianna Cannon and Julianna Kis

94. Julie Nordine and Lesley Watt

95. K. Hutchinson and Shea Zukowski

96. Karen Firnberg and Karyn Bonfiglio

97. Karen Williams and Kimberly Roberts

98. Karen Zanco and Polly Barker

99. Kari Carrigan and Laura Twiford

100. Karin von Hoeren and Laura Blanck

101. Kate Richbourg and Lorelei Eurto

102. Kathleen Lange Klik and Maria Clark

103. Kathy Engstrom and Keri Lee Sereika

104. Kay Thomerson and Loretta Carstensen

105. Kelley Fogle and Laurel Bielec

106. Kelly Ramstack and Sally Anderson

107. Kim Stevens and Tiffany Long

108. Kristi Harrison and Mandy Williamson

109. Kristi Kyle and Lana Kinney

110. Kristina Johansson and Sue Hodgkinson

111. Kym Hunter and Laura Sanger

112. Laura Zeiner and Susan Kennedy

113. Laurel Steven and Mary McGraw

114. Laurie Hanna and Lisa Boucher

115. Lesley Weir and Liz DeLuca

116. Linda Djokic and Tracey Weiser

117. Linda Inhelder and Pam Brisse

118. Linda Landig and Lori Dorrington

119. Linda Murphy and Lisa Hamilton

119. Line Labrecque and Marianne Baxter

120. Lisa Lodge and Monica Johnson

121. Lois Moon and Melissa Muir

122. Lola Surwillo and Therese Frank

123. Lori Bowring Michaud and Marci Brooks

124. Lupe Meter and Norma Agron

125. Maggie Towne and Marge Beebe

126. Malin de Koning and Susie Hibdon

127. Mallory Hoffman and Shirley Moore

128. Marcie Abney and Patty Miller

129. Marcy Lamberson and Melissa Clarke

130. Margot Potter and Suzann Sladcik Wilson

131. Maria Grimes and Wendy Blum

132. Maria Horvath and Melinda Orr

133. Maria Rosa Sharrow and Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp

134. Marian Hertzog and Melissa Mesara

135. Marianna Boylan and Sandi Lee James

136. Marina Dobrynina and Michaela Pabeschitz

137. Marsha Neal and Miri Agassi

138. Mary Ellen Parker and Melissa Meman

139. Mary Elliott and Tamara Soper

140. Mary Hicks and Laurel Steven

141. Melissa Pynn and Michelle Buettner

142. Michelle Hardy and Niki Meiners

143. Michelle Mach and Moira McEvoy

144. Missy Rappaport and Mags Sarri

145. Molly Alexander and Poranna

146. Mylene Hillam and Nicole Rennell

147. Nadezhda Parfyonova and Stacey Curry

148. Nan Emmett and Nancy Peterson

149. Nancy Boylan and Natalie McKenna

150. Natalie Monkivitch and Niky Sayers

151. Natasha Lutes and Pam Ferrari

152. Noemi Baena and Penny Ilagan

153. Pamela Petry and Rebecca Sirevaag

154. Pat Haight and Mary Shannon Hicks

155. Patty Gasparino and Vonna Maslanka

156. Penny Neville and Sandi Volpe

157. Pepita Bos and Wendy Chamberlain

158. Raida Disbrow and Rebecca Watkins

159. Rebecca Anderson and Sabrina Staub

160. Regina Santerre and Rose Binoya

161. Rhea Freitag and Tari Kahrs

162. Rochelle Brisson and Teri Baskett

163. Sally Russick and Tracy Bell

164. Sandra McGriff and Shay Williams

165. Sandra Wolberg and Sara Hardin

166. Sarah Elder and Salla Small

167. Saskia Kaffenberger and Sharon Gardner

168. Sharon Palac and Shannon Chomanczuk

169. Shay Stone and Suzette Bentley

170. Shiraz Biggie and Tammy Powley

171. Staci Smith and Tracy Stillman

172. Stacie Stamper and Tracy Martin

173. Stefanie Teufel and Vicky Taylor

174. Stephanie Dixon and Stephanie LaRosa

175. Stephanie Haussler and Valerie Norton

176. Suzanne Tate and Terri Wlaschin

177. Sweet Freedom Designs and Tammy Jones

178. Tania Spivey and Tari Sasser

179. Tara Plote and Terry Matuszyk

180. Terri Gauthier and Deana Hager

181. Theresa Fosdick and Tracey Nanstad

For a total of 362 pairs!

Amazing!

If the links in my list don't work for any reason then please go to Lori's list and hop through that way.

I have really enjoyed the whole experience and hope you do too. A huge thank you to Lori for organising such an amazing event...you rock!

September Art Bead Scene Challenge

2011-09-06T00:37:00.001-07:00

This one is a bit different to previous challenges - the art inspiration is a quilt instead of a painting and it is seriously beautiful!

"Housetop"--twelve-block "Half-Logcabin" variation, ca. 1965
Cotton, Wool Corduroy, 77"x 65"
Lillie Mae Pettway, 1927-1990
Gee Bend's Quilter

This quilt is one of 60 quilts in the exhibition, created by 42 women spanning four generations, provide a fascinating look at the work of 20th-century artists who lived and worked in solitude.

The quilt is named after Gee's Bend which is located in southwest Alabama on a sliver of land five miles long and eight miles wide, a virtual island surrounded by a bend in the Alabama River. Without a ferry service for decades, the residents were confined by the river unless they made the hour-long drive to the county seat of Camden, directly across the river from Gee's Bend.

Gee's Bend was named after Joseph Gee, the first white man to stake a claim there in the early 1800s. Isolated geographically, the women in the community created quilts from whatever materials were available, in patterns of their own imaginative design.

The exhibition was organized by the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston. The quilts in the exhibition are drawn from the collection of Tinwood Alliance, a nonprofit foundation for the support of African-American vernacular art.

About the Artist
Lillie Mae Petway was one of seventeen children. Her mother Aolor Mosely was one of the founding members and behind the scenes organizers of the Freedom Quilting Bee.
Lillie Mae and her sister Mary Lee Bendolph shared their mothers enthusiasm for rectangular patterns with bold colors.

The palette drawn from this quilt is very colourful and bright!

The Blog Tour deadline is September 28th and the Blog Tour will be on the 30th.

For the full rules of the challenge please the post at Art Bead Scene blog.

What are you waiting for....have a go!

September Design Challenge by Andrew Thornton

2011-09-01T12:49:00.001-07:00

Omg, I got one!

There are some absolutely beautiful beads included but it was the vintage Miriam Haskell beads that finally decided me.

I am going to camp out by my letterbox until they arrive....!

For more info on Andrew's September challenge, see here

Bead soup is cooking...

2011-08-28T02:47:00.001-07:00

My bead soup ingredients have arrived and Iook how fabulous they are!

Gorgeous ribbon, turquoise beads, speckled glass beads, moss agate, gold coloured pearls, mottled chips, blue glass beads, jasper donuts, a pink resin bar bead, a silver toggle and an amazing ceramic pendant with hummingbird design!

What a gorgeous collection, I will be able to make loads with this!

Heartfelt thanks to my bead soup partner, Ann Rishell of My Critical Eye blog.

Can't wait until reveal day!

Bead Soup has been dispatched!

2011-08-16T12:01:00.001-07:00

Can I just state the blindingly obvious? I am EXCITED about Lori's bead soup blog party!

My bead soup partner is Ann Rishell of My Critical Eye.

I posted my bead soup today, no pictures I'm afraid - couldn't get to grips with blurry photos so you'll just have to wait! (Evil genius laugh....)

Hope you are enjoying the week so far....!

Total Treasures Blog Hop

2011-08-14T01:44:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Total Treasures Blog Hop which has been organised by Amy of Copper Diem blog. When Amy suggested this blog hop I was really intrigued so I signed up.

Amy has designed an Etsy treasury for each participant and the instructions were as follows:

Use the inspiration from that treasury to create ANY piece of jewelry. Earrings, necklace, bracelet, rings, all of the above, whatever you like. On August 14, post the screen shot and link to the treasury you were given, along with whatever you were inspired to make, and a list of the hoppers provided by Amy.

Here's the link to my treasury Hot Sunday

I was inspired by the colour red and also the bow that featured in the treasury. I have been wanting to introduce material into my designs for a while and came up with this bracelet which includes satin cord and black onyx strung through on black wire.

In my stash I also had some gorgeous red glass beads which are half coated with a kind of aurora borealis glaze. The beads came from a necklace I found in a charity shop and now they live again!
I tried for ages to think of something else to add to this bracelet but in the end, it looked best as below - the beads are so shimmery!

Earrings made with the same beads and vintage brass wire.

Hair grips wrapped with vintage brass wire.

I'm really pleased with the way these turned out.

And here's the list of hoppers...enjoy!

Copper Diem
Fuego, metal y color
Silver Nik Nats
Beads and Bread
Copper Penny Designs
Green Shoot You are here!
Wild Sally Road
Mamas Got To Doodle
For the Love of Beads
Beads for Busy Gals EBS Jewellery
Cianci Blue
Beads for Brains
Nicki's Reef
Sweet Girl Design
Nicole Rennell">

Thanks to Amy for organising this blog hop, I really enjoyed being a part of it and can't wait to hop around everyone else!

On holiday!

2011-08-08T11:56:00.001-07:00

I'm a bit quiet because I'm on holiday, in my favourite place....aka St Ives in Cornwall. This is the view from my apartment window...awesome and inspiring!

We went to the National Seal Sanctuary today and also visited The Lizard which is the southern most point of the UK mainland. Once you get past the touristy bit, the actual Lizard is a nature reserve and very inspiring....gorgeous and peaceful.

Of course I bought a "lite" version of my bead stash!

Enjoy your summer holidays, wherever you are....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

How could you!?

2011-07-31T12:47:00.001-07:00

Ok ok, so it's not handmade but I couldn't resist!

How naughty...a bit like eating a takeaway when you should have eaten your own homegrown vegetable and fruit! Back to the diet tomorrow...

Earth Tones Bead Swap at Bead Soup Blog Party

2011-07-19T11:36:00.001-07:00

I was so pleased to participate in the Earth Tones Bead Swap organised by Lori Anderson of Bead Soup Party fame. Please click this link if you would like to join in and receive news on future bead swap and party events.

I signed up for the latest Earth Tones swap and was paired with Sandi of Do Be Do Bead Do blog (what a fantastic name!).

Sandi sent me some gorgeous beads which perfectly fitted the theme but the best thing of all was that she made the polymer beads herself! To be perfectly honest, I am a bit overawed by the fact that she made them herself - I've never tried polymer clay and these are fab-u-lous!

Here are some pictures of the beads I received...

Thank you to the very talented Sandi, I'm so glad to have met you through this wonderful blogging land!

Bead Soup Blog Party!

2011-07-18T14:14:00.001-07:00

OMG, I am sooo excited! This will be my second bead soup blog party and I can't wait!

I would encourage you all to participate in the party, it is a fab experience to be part of and it really pushes your creative limits. Read more about the bead soup blog party in the words of the wonderful hostess and organiser extraordinaire, Lori Anderson in her blog post here

After you've signed up, Lori will pair you with another blogger and you will send each other a package of beads in line with the rules of the blog party.

When you get your package of beads, show your beads on your blog, then you make something with it, take a picture, and post it on your blog on the Party day. Then everyone hops around to as many Party Blogs as possible to see what people made on Party Day!

It is such a great idea! Sign up now, what are you waiting for!

Mend and make do

2011-07-10T13:01:00.001-07:00

I've been busy repairing jewellery this week rather than designing my own. It's been quite a change and also slightly challenging when you just get a bag of beads and you have to guess what it looked like before it broke!

I repaired a shell bracelet which I forgot to take a photo of before I gave it back. I also restrung these necklaces.

I guess you could call it a PIF of sorts.

Art Bead Scene Blog: Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge

2011-06-27T14:03:00.000-07:00

Art Bead Scene Blog: Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge

Muffin tin challenge reveal!

2011-06-27T13:50:00.001-07:00

This was the most stretching challenge yet but I am so proud that I've managed to complete it on time. See the post below for my original muffin tin, I've changed some of the items along the way as inspiration struck and here are the finished pieces...

And some closer ups...

This necklace includes a limpet shell I found on the beach at St Ives and I've sprayed it with silver paint, very effective! The charms are sterling silver with labradorite coin beads and a swarovski mix.

The earrings are amazonite with antique brass wire and smokey quartz crystal beads.

This bracelet is made with lampwork beads from CeeGee designs and the focal is a piece of sea glass that my daughter and I found on the beach.

Some earrings to match the bracelet and some large hand wrapped kidney wires with lampwork beads from Anastasia Beads.

A bracelet made with pewter skull beads, Rose quartz rounds and a Rose quartz skull bead from Buffys Beads at Carnaby Street, London.

An amethyst bracelet stung on silver wire with a bling magnetic clasp.

And my daughter's favourite, crystal wrapped hair grips inspired by the lovely Rebecca Anderson of Songbeads.

Finally, a bracelet made with antiqued brass wire, pressed glass leaves and flowers with a beehive focal from Kylie Parry.

Thank you to Heather of Humble Beads, this challenge really focussed my mind!

Muffin prep...

2011-06-22T13:57:00.001-07:00

Ok, I'm feeling brave, I'm going to give this a go! I've spent the evening prepping my muffin tin and I'm pleased with the variety I have managed to put together. So without further ado, here it is...

I'm looking forward to cooking my muffins...!

Muffin Tin Challenge....dare I?!

2011-06-21T15:30:00.001-07:00

I've just read the most labour intensive challenge yet on Art Bead Scene!
A whole muffin tin of jewellery...that's 12 pieces just in case you don't do muffins! In a week?!

Do you feel lucky punk? I might just do this....!

Read more about the challenge here

Swimming hairpins

2011-06-15T14:26:00.001-07:00

A quick post to show some fish hairpins I just made for my little girl. I was inspired by an article in the latest issue of Beads & Beyond magazine by Rebecca of Songbeads blog. I love Rebecca's designs, they are fun, quirky and she always sources the most gorgeous components for her pieces.

These cute glass fish beads are hand wrapped with antique brass wire on standard hair pins.

My little one loves them, thanks to Rebecca for the inspiration!

June ABS reveal!

2011-06-10T00:43:00.001-07:00

Following on from yesterday's sneak preview, here is my entry for the Art Bead Scene June Challenge (see more detail on this in the posts below).

I have used a flower girl pendant which has been beautifully crafted by Gaea of Gaea Handmade. I have used an antique brass chain along with various crystal, sand blasted glass beads and little glass flowers to finish off. The inside chain is made of carnelian beads and a briolette, hand wrapped with gun metal coloured copper wire.

I apologise for the quality of the pictures, I think I need to buy a proper camera!

Have a great day!

June ABS Challenge - Sneak Preview

2011-06-09T15:10:00.001-07:00

Just a quick post to say I've finished my necklace for this month's challenge! In the absence of some proper light, here is a sneak preview until I can take some better pics....

I heart Heartsy

2011-06-06T02:59:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Copper Diem I have discovered Heartsy. The best way to describe it is a kind of Groupon for handmade items! Great deals and I'm looking forward to seeing the daily featured offers!

Heartsy describes itself as follows...

Heartsy features exclusive daily deals on handmade items across the internet. Our mission is to introduce you to new & talented artisans every day via amazing deals.

For Sellers

Heartsy strives to be a champion for independent sellers by providing a platform in which our community of buyers helps us choose which artisans to feature.

Fun Facts

Heartsy was launched (appropriately) on Valentine’s Day in 2011.
The most vouchers ever sold by a single deal on Heartsy is 500.
Heartsy has driven 412 sellers more than 29k voucher sales and $380k+ to date.

If you click on the Heartsy button I have added on the right and join up through this link then we both earn $5 credit!

Have fun!

June Art Bead Scene Challenge

2011-06-03T12:29:00.001-07:00

Please see the post for this month's ABS challenge below, I've copied the original content but if you need to read more then follow this link

Ophelia by Odilon Redon

c. 1900-05; Pastel on paper mounted on board, 19 7/8 x 26 1/2 in; The Woodner Collection

About the Art

"The depiction of Ophelia seems not at all tragic, but rather an idyllic scene of a naked bather in a limpid pool of flowers. The design and colour scheme is masterly and original, being merely suggestive of the tragedy of death after rejection and madness." - Tony Thomas

About the Artist
Odilon Redon was born in Bordeaux, Aquitaine, to a prosperous family. The young Bertrand-Jean Redon acquired the nickname "Odilon" from his mother, Odile. Redon started drawing as a child, and at the age of ten he was awarded a drawing prize at school. Aged fifteen, he began the formal study of drawing, but on the insistence of his father he changed to architecture. His failure to pass the entrance exams at Paris’ École des Beaux-Arts ended any plans for a career as an architect, although he briefly studied painting there under Jean-Léon Gérôme in 1864. (His younger brother Gaston Redon would become a noted architect.)
Back home in his native Bordeaux, he took up sculpture, and Rodolphe Bresdin instructed him in etching and lithography. His artistic career was interrupted in 1870 when he joined the army to serve in the Franco-Prussian War.
At the end of the war, he moved to Paris, working almost exclusively in charcoal and lithography. He called his visionary works, conceived in shades of black, his noirs. It would not be until 1878 that his work gained any recognition with Guardian Spirit of the Waters, and he published his first album of lithographs, titled Dans le Rêve, in 1879. Still, Redon remained relatively unknown until the appearance in 1884 of a cult novel by Joris-Karl Huysmanstitled, À rebours (Against Nature). The story featured a decadent aristocrat who collected Redon's drawings.
In the 1890s, pastel and oils became his favored media, and he produced no more noirs after 1900. In 1899, he exhibited with the Nabis at Durand-Ruel's. In 1903 he was awarded the Legion of Honor. His popularity increased when a catalogue of etchings and lithographs was published by André Mellerio in 1913 and that same year, he was given the largest single representation at the New York Armory Show.

Color Palette

Blog Tour
The Blog Tour deadline is June 29th.
Links must be added to the monthly challenge post comments.
The Blog Tour will be on the 30th.

Monthly Challenge Winners
Winners will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on June 1st.

Our Sponsors
Our sponsors this month are: Starry Road Studio, and Humblebeads please visit us tomorrow to see the prizes!

Featured Designer of the Week:
From all the entries during the month, an editor is going to pick their favorite design to be featured every Monday here on the ABS. We want to give our participants more time in the spotlight! Our Featured Designer will be this Monday, so get those entries in soon.

How to enter the Monthly Challenge:
1. Create something using an art bead that fits within our monthly theme. We post the art to be used as your inspiration to create. This challenge is open to jewelry-makers, fiber artists, collage artist, etc. The art bead can be created by you or someone else. The challenge is to inspire those who use art beads and to see all the different ways art beads can be incorporated into your handiwork.
***Beads strung on a chain, by themselves and beads simply wire or cord will not be accepted.***

2. Upload your photo to our flickr group. Detailed instructions can be found here and click here for a tutorial for sending your picture to the group.

Please add the tag or title JUNE ABS to your photos. Include a short description, who created the art beads and a link to your blog, if you have one.

Deadline is June 30th. Photos are approved by our moderators, if a photo hasn't followed the guidelines it will not be approved. You may upload 2 photos a day.

What is an Art Bead?
An art bead is a bead, charm, button or finding made by an independent artist. Art beads are the vision and handiwork of an individual artist. You can read more about art beads here.

***A bead that is handmade is not necessarily an art bead. Hill Tribe Silver, Kazuri ceramic beads or lampwork beads made in factories are examples of handmade beads that are not considered art beads.
Beaded beads, stamped metal pendants or wire-wrapped components are not considered art beads for our challenge.***

p.s. If you have a blog, post your entry and a link to the ABS challenge to spread the beady goodness.

Be inspired......

Busy busy bee!

2011-05-31T13:29:00.001-07:00

I have been so busy making and am really pleased with the results! Settle back and enjoy!

Carnelian briolettes and beads strung with antique brass plated wire.

Amethyst beads strung onto long ear wires hand wrapped with swarovski iris crystals

A beautiful handmade glass focal bead by Ray Skene strung with purple crystals, white glass beads and a sweet white glass flower.

A pink and black crystal cuff - gorgeous pink agate facetted focal by Anastasia's Beads.

And last but not least, my favourites...Labradorite buttons with swarovski crystals and a bracelet with silver brushed coin beads.

I haven't made anything for a while and then all of a sudden...a burst of creativity!

Give me the mo...!

2011-05-22T14:17:00.001-07:00

I haven't made any new jewellery for aaages so I'd like to share some of my recent acquisitions. Firstly, I was lucky enough to receive a PIF from Elisabeth at Beads for Busy Gals blog.
An exciting little parcel arrived...

....which upon opening revealed a fabulous selection which I was really pleased to receive, thank you so much!

I also visited Buffys Beads on our recent visit to London. I absolutely love Buffy's, I bought some amazing beads...

Botswana Agate facetted nuggets

Carnelian drops

Labradorite coins

And last but not least...some fab Rose quartz skull beads

All I need now is the time to sit down and make....watch this space!

"So you're back, from outer space..."

2011-05-05T13:27:00.001-07:00

Those immortal words known to every dancing queen! I haven't been to outer space really, more like Cornwall, a fantastic holiday in my very favourite part of the world....St Ives!

We were really lucky with the weather, both looking more like we have been on a mediterranean jaunt rather than the fabulous Cornish coast.

Here's the view from our kitchen window!

And this is the view from my bedroom!

I'm not quite sure how I managed to leave and come home! We're off to London for the weekend so I'm hoping to visit Buffy's Beads again although it's my little one's birthday so I think I'll be spending quite some in Hamleys! We are also booked to see Phantom of the Opera, she is so excited!

Back to normal and more beady things after the weekend!

Bracelet Blog Hop - 7000 Bracelets for Hope

2011-04-16T00:41:00.001-07:00

Today's the day of the bracelet blog hop which has been organised by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things blog which you can see here.

The rules of the hop -- make a bracelet in an adult size in blue. The bracelets will be sent to The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group for children's rare disease awareness. The Global Genes Project then sends the bracelets to one of seven thousand families having children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

Here is my jeans for genes inspired bracelet

You can find the other participants of this fabulous project in the list below but if my links don't work then please go to the link to Lori's blog which I put in at the start of this post.

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things
2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle
3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym
4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365
5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer
6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry
8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire
9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads
10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions
12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio
13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading
14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl
15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design
16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae
17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium
18. Sue Hodgkinson, Hello Gorgeous
19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!
20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions
22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon
23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T
24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails
25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium
26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals
27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio
28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings
29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady
30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux
32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread
34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde
35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre
36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me
37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.
38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie
39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations
40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box
42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs
43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn
44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle
45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio
46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss
47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads
48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral
49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel
50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry
53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things
54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry
55. Breana Fry, Vault 31
56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found
57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts
58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie
59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope
60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs
62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs
63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs
64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings
65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs
66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay
67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos
68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations
69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads
70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs
72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads
73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life
74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner
75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass
76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee
77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life
78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design
79. Sally Russick, WireWorked
80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads
82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana
83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love
84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy
85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads
86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures
87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats
88. Deb Beechy, Beetique
89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place
90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio
93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields
94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden
95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art
96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations
97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter
98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry
99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio
100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets
102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy
103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies
104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof
105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals
106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry
107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry
108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks
109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading
110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra
112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

I'm sooo looking forward to making my way through the list, please make time to see everyone.

April Art Bead Scene Challenge

2011-04-06T14:02:00.001-07:00

The April challenge has been released and it's very different to the challenge in March. I'm having a ponder over this one, I think the palette is more restrictive this month and way out of my comfort zone again but that's a good thing!

The palette is based on Finches and Bamboo, Northern Song dynasty (960–1127)
Emperor Huizong (1082–1135, r. 1101–1125) Chinese
Handscroll; ink and color on silk; 11 x 18 in. (27.9 x 45.7 cm)
The Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York
John M. Crawford, Jr. Collection, Purchase, Douglas Dillon Gift, 1981

You can read more about the painting and how to enter the challenge on the Art Bead Scene here.

My very own beads!

2011-04-05T11:51:00.001-07:00

Following my first lampwork lesson on Saturday with Ray Skene of Celtic Glass, here are the beads I made!

Basic shapes and adding frit...

Colours and shapes....

More colours and more shapes and textures plus one of Ray's signature hollow beads...

A millefiori bead together with some beads encased in clear glass...

Thank you Ray, I'm so pleased with them all, I forgot we made so many!

Lampwork Lessons

2011-04-02T11:17:00.001-07:00

I've had the most fantastic day! This morning I went to see Ray Skene of Celtic Glass at the Model House in Llantrisant for my very first lamp work lesson. I was a bit nervous but there was no need because Ray was really down to earth and patient. We went through the safety procedure, talked through equipment and then, after Ray demonstrated how to make a basic bead, it was my turn! We spent all morning making different types of beads, different shapes and how to add different colours. We also made beads, coloured them with frit and encased them with clear glass. I really enjoyed the whole experience and now I'm hooked!

Here are some beads which Ray gave me as a present. I know how to make these now!

I also couldn't resist buying these beads which Ray had just made...

The beads we made in the class have to be put in the kiln and Ray will post these on to me, I can't wait to see them!

I really enjoyed the whole experience and I also appreciate how much work goes into making lampwork beads now. To see more of Ray's work, see here

Have a great weekend!

Beads for Busy Gals Book Club

2011-03-29T14:18:00.001-07:00

Currently I'm reading Blood, Bones and Butter to keep up with this month's book club challenge organised by Elizabeth Auld of Beads for Busy Gals blog.

You can see more about this months book club challenge here

I read along with last month's challenge too and really enjoyed the story. It wasn't something I would normally choose and that's the great thing, a bit like making jewellery with beads that someone else has chosen for you. It's the whole "out of your comfort zone" thing and to be honest, I can't put it down!

I've always wanted to be part of a book club, can't wait for next month!

Upcycling

2011-03-28T12:06:00.001-07:00

I am really into the whole concept of upcycling - it's like breathing new life into an old piece of jewellery so it can be loved again. Ok, a bit romantic but you get the idea!

I found this old ballerina brooch amongst a bowl of jewellery in a charity shop and brought it home with the intention of giving it a new lease of life. I chose it because it was very similar to a brooch that I remember my mum wearing when I was little. It held great sentimental value because it was given to her by a friend when she was at university. One day she looked down at her coat and realised that it had fallen off, a sad day!

Back to the present day, I took my find home with me and cleaned it and voila! The detail is fabulous, her face is beautiful.

I have made a chain with clear Czech glass crystals on one side and some larger crystals on the other side. The clasp is magnetic and the rhinestones in it match the ballerina's skirt.

The pin of the brooch feeds through a strong split ring so it can be detached and worn on it's own if preferred. Just in time for Mothers Day!

By the way, for all those who wondered, the hairband in the post below passed the acid test with flying colours!

Treasures found and a tiara!

2011-03-22T16:26:00.001-07:00

I arrived home to more parcels today - have I said before how much I love getting post which doesn't relate to bills!?!

I received my "treasure" from Erin Prais-Hintz of tesori trovati jewelry. Erin makes gorgeous pieces and her truth pendants are fabulous. You can see more of Erin's work here

This is what I received

I love it, thank you Erin xx

Tonight I've been making a hairband for my daughter. A bit of background, we recently went shopping and whilst looking at the jewellery in Monsoon - inspiration for me and ideas for dressing up as a princess for her, she spotted some of their new bridal range and I promised to make some similar pieces for her so we could leave the shop! I guess i should explain that she is 7 years old! After scouring EBay for a suitably bling brooch, this is my version of their pearl strung tiara.

The acid test will be the comments from her friends in school tomorrow...obviously!

I wish I could make someone feel like a princess every day....

New Year Resolution - Update

2011-03-21T14:43:00.001-07:00

I've been making jewellery for a long time, since I was in school in fact. Back then, it was friendship bracelets in colourful cottons and patterns. The whole scope of jewellery making has changed so much thanks to the Internet, now you can order any kind of bead you like from anywhere in the world...amazing!

I've concentrated so much on trying to build a career over the last few years and to be honest, I'm just about there. But ever more lately I feel myself almost yearning for time to make jewellery. My dream to live in a tiny cottage by the sea with my daughter, making a living from designing and selling my jewellery takes up a large part of my thinking time. So, at New Year, at my favourite place by the sea, I lit a magic lantern on the beach and let it float up high into the sky while making my resolution to spend more time in my dreams.

What have I done so far?

1. Launched this blog
2. Entered two challenges and one competition
3. Made more jewellery in 11 weeks than I did in the whole of last year
4. Arranged to take an introductory class in making glass beads
5. Ordered my first art beads!
6. Chatted to lots of new friends all over the world who all love jewellery and design as much as I do

Hooray for dreams!

www.forjapanwithlove.com

2011-03-18T11:16:00.001-07:00

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

March Art Bead Scene Challenge unveiled

2011-03-16T15:20:00.001-07:00

The sari ribbon I was waiting for to finish my necklace arrived in the post today. The ribbon is beautiful with orange, purple and gold threads which really complement the crystals I've hand wrapped into the design.

The inspiration for this necklace is in the post here.

I've used paprika orange links and beads together with a lotus pod leaf metal and resin pendant from Shannon LeVart of missficklemedia. Her etsy shop is here.

I've also used a lamp work bead hand made by Ray Skene of Celtic Glass, click here to see his website.

So here goes...

I'll be able to upload these once I can work out Flickr!

New beads - the stragglers!

2011-03-15T13:16:00.001-07:00

I'm so pleased to receive parcels when I get home from a long day at the office, it really cheers me up! Today, I came home to these gorgeous mermaid tail pendants from Gaea.

I know exactly what I'm going to make with these!

My second parcel contained a Pay It Forward from Lori Anderson of Pretty Things, you can read more about this here. The card and kind thoughts I received from Lori have definitely had the desired effect...

Thank you Lori!

The third thing to make me smile when I got home is my beautiful Star Magnolia tree which is starting to flower and brighten up my garden.

Gorgeous!

For those of you waiting with bated breath to see my attempt at March Art Bead Scene challenge, I'm almost there, just waiting for one last ingredient to arrive! So for now, I'm off to drool over my gorgeous mermaid tail pendants and plan my own version of Pay It Forward.

Happy Tuesday everyone x

New beads!

2011-03-12T03:23:00.001-08:00

This week has not been good, my family and I have been struck down with sickness after a celebration meal at a nearby hotel. It's taken a good three days to recover and still not feeling 100%. Then, this morning, two parcels arrived to put a smile on my face for the first time this week!

I ordered the following from Shannon Le Vart at missficklemedia you can see her site here

Even more lovely in real life, I ordered these with the March Art Bead Scene challenge in mind.

I also received a treasure bag with mixed handmade pendants and beads from Gaea, you can see her shop here. These are absolutely stunning and my pictures do not do justice to the colours.

Thank you, lovely ladies, I can't wait to get started!

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Amethyst sunshine

2011-03-07T14:58:00.001-08:00

I'm trying to make sure that I make something new every day. Here are some earrings I made tonight, they are hand wrapped with lilac swarovski crystals and connected to sterling silver ear wires.

Simply gorgeous!

Little Gem

2011-03-06T15:36:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick bracelet I've put together using kiwi jasper as the focal bead together with aquamarine buttons, ceramic shapes, a rose opal flower bead, some swarovski crystals and silver charms, brushed sterling silver spacers and a cute floral toggle clasp.

A lot of different components for such a small item, enjoy!

Art Bead Scene March Challenge

2011-03-02T12:53:00.000-08:00

I'm really tempted to have a go at this month's Art Bead Scene challenge - the colours are way outside of my comfort zone but I love the tropical palette and I like this painting by Gauguin.

Challenge Color Palette

Blog Challenge

On March 31st we will host a blog tour of everyone who blogs about their challenge entry! To participate, blog about your challenge piece and leave a link in the comments below. Your link must be posted here by March 30th to be included in the blog tour. There will be a bonus prize for those who enter in the blog tour and a prizes for our readers!

The Prizes:

Winners will be randomly chosen from all the qualifying entries on April 1st.

You can read more about the painting, the rules for the challenge and the prizes on Art Bead Scene Blog.

Angela Smith Bespoke Handmade Jewellery

2011-03-01T11:08:00.001-08:00

I got home today to find these fabulous earrings in my letterbox!

Angela was having a giveaway on her blog and I was lucky enough to win! I'm so pleased with these earrings, they are sparkly and beautiful and I can't wait to wear them.

Angela has been making bespoke handcrafted jewellery for 16 years, she specialises in wedding jewellery and also runs jewellery classes. You can see her blog here

Thank you Angela for such a beautiful gift and brightening up my day!

Portobello Road and Bead Soup!

2011-02-28T14:11:00.001-08:00

Loads of things have happened since my last post! We did indeed visit Portobello Road on Saturday and it was fabulous. For those who may not know, Portobello Road is the world's largest antique market and it is open every Saturday. Every kind of antique can be found at the market but most interestingly for me, there is every style of jewellery you could ever wish to see - all era's from antique to vintage costume and all designers from Chanel to Schiaparelli. It's fantastic to see it all in real life instead of pictures in books and on the Internet.

I bought some figural brooches by BJL. Very little is known about this maker other than the pieces are believed to be from the 1920's to 30's, made in London and feature enamel and marcasite. Identification is through the stamp, BJL, found on the back of the item.

I have seen brooches come up on EBay and other specialist sites but very rarely. The most common are the Merman and the Archer who would appear to be from a mythical or horoscope themed collection. I was so pleased to find the following brooches in excellent condition.

A great start to my collection!

I spent the rest of the weekend hopping from blog to fabulous blog checking out the beautiful items made from bead soup! Out of the 210 bloggers who took part, I still have about 100 blogs to go but so far the quality and variety of jewellery has been astounding! I was so disappointed to miss this bead soup party but I am ready for the next one in August! Lori Anderson of Pretty Things is the brains and the organisation behind this amazing event, she truly is a superwoman! To read more about the bead soup party, see her blog post here.

In the meantime, i'm going to carry on hopping....

The big smoke

2011-02-25T10:47:00.001-08:00

I'm spending a few days in London for the rest of half term. We arrived yesterday and first stops were Hamleys for my little girl (I had to pinky swear that this would be the first place we went to!) and then Carnaby Street. We came across a fabulous bead shop in Kingley Court called Buffy's Beads which had the most amazing selection of gemstone strands at unusually reasonable prices. I could have bought everything but just contented myself with some beads which I wouldn't usually see. I bought kiwi jasper and aquamarine buttons.

I also bought some fabulous amethyst...

...and saving the best to last, these amazing assorted porcelain beads.

Check out Buffys Beads here.

We also had a look around the vintage clothes and jewellery shops and we visited Liberty which was a real experience. I loved the Jewellery room, it was great to see the jewellery in real life instead of drooling over it on the website like I normally do! There is a definite 70's vibe with plenty of agate and upcycling vintage costume pieces with new beads and chain, in fact, lots of chain!

Today we went to the Natural History museum which was really amazing and tomorrow we are planning to go to Portobello Road which is the best place to see and buy vintage jewellery in my opinion, I can't wait!

Spring is sprung!

2011-02-24T02:25:00.001-08:00

I've discovered so many fabulous blogs recently and have been so busy reading and posting comments that I have neglected my own blog a little! I have especially been following 365 Jars which is a project being run by Kirsty Hall in Bristol. For a whole year, Kirsty will hide an art jar somewhere in Bristol and finders can post their details on her website, it's an exciting project and I'm glued to it now!

My recent make has been a necklace in the theme of this post's title which is also the name of the current competition being run by Linda Jones of Wireworkers Guild.

I'm still finding my feet with photos and found this one difficult to get into one shot as it is a long necklace. There is no clasp as such but a silver flower charm which has a chain running through it which can slide back and fore to act like an extender chain when you put it over your head.

Wish me luck for the competition!

Fire Agate

2011-02-17T00:37:00.001-08:00

I've finally finished the necklace which I have made with the Fire Agate beads I bought on the weekend. I am really pleased with the finished result, the colours really stand out, especially with some interspersing of crystal beads of similar colours. I love the saucer beads too.

Sorry about the photo quality, I need to work on that but at least I've got pictures in daylight this time, usually they are taken at night by the time I get home.

Enjoy!

Bead Shopping!

2011-02-12T12:46:00.001-08:00

After a really manic week, what better way to relax than bead shopping!? My daughter and I had a girls day out shopping and having lunch, it was lovely. We always go to Crystals and Ice bead shop when we can. I love the unusual gemstone beads they stock, there is always something different.

Today I bought two strings of fire agate barrel beads and some silver beads which remind me of flying saucers, there's a bit of a saucer theme going on here if you notice!

The fire agate beads are gorgeous, they look very much like sea glass which I love. I think I will mix them with some silver beads to really bring out the colours.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Valentine Roses

2011-02-08T16:32:00.001-08:00

Carrying on the theme of Valentines, here are some bracelets I have made tonight.

The first bracelet is definitely one for the romantics amongst us. I've used a large acrylic facetted bead as the focal and some fabulous Rose quartz saucer beads together with swarovski crystals in varying shades of pink including Rose alabaster. The saucer beads are from Anastasia Beads.
I have used a magnetic clasp which is cunningly disguised as a silver bead covered in rhinestones, I think these clasps are very effective, especially if you don't have a helping hand when you're struggling with a conventional clasp.

After having a burst of creativity tonight, I also made this bracelet which has a silver ring, hand wrapped with red swarovski crystals and a silver heart charm attached. This one has a small lobster clasp which attaches to the large silver heart.

I really enjoyed making these because the colours are outside of my normal palette which usually consists of silver, black and more black! I hope you like them too.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Valentine Earrings

2011-02-06T10:51:00.001-08:00

I wasn't going to get drawn into the whole Valentine thing but after seeing all the wonderful handmade heart items in the blogs I follow, it would be rude not to!

Here are some lovely silver heart connectors to which I have added some beautiful bright shining red crystal beads to make these very long earrings. Bring on the romance....!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Ocean Agate

2011-02-02T12:34:00.001-08:00

I've been busy making a necklace with the agate slice shown in my last post. Fashion trends are channelling the 70's at present and where better to start than a statement focal piece of agate. I love the colours of this piece which I have hand wrapped to a silver circle which is itself wrapped with pale blue swarovski crystals. This necklace is made to be worn long and is ideal for layering with shorter chains.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

New beads!

2011-02-01T12:18:00.001-08:00

I visited Anastasia Beads in Barry on the weekend and bought some gorgeous new beads. I really like the silver stardust beads and I have especially been looking for some Agate slices ever since I saw the agate necklaces by Yves St Laurent on the runway last year. I can't wait to get started!

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More wire wrapping...

2011-01-28T14:02:00.001-08:00

I love wire wrapping, it's really relaxing to wrap wire and beads onto a frame and see your design take shape. My first real wire wrapping project included two tiaras - for a beautiful bride and her chief bridesmaid. I also made matching wire wrapped Catherine wheel hairpins for the flower girls. I was so proud that my jewellery was worn on such a special day, it was the best compliment ever!

For these earrings, I have wrapped black glass crystals from Crystals and Ice onto Beadalon Quick Links. I have used a large jump ring to add the facetted crystal to the bottom of the frame and finished off with sterling silver ear wires.

I always find that the best advert for your jewellery is to wear it yourself, I wore these today and took orders for two pairs.

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Opaline Moon bracelet

2011-01-25T12:46:00.000-08:00

The focal in this bracelet is a large facetted opaline bead which is strung onto thick silver wire with moonstone chips hand wrapped with 0.4mm silver wire either side. The bracelet is finished off with wire wrapped opaline and white crystal beads together with a magnetic clasp.

Enjoy!

Little Luna earrings

2011-01-20T13:59:00.000-08:00

Hello! I'm trying a picture to see how it looks. These have become somewhat of a signature pair of earrings, I made a pair for myself and was asked to make some for a shop after the owner saw me wearing them. It was the first time I have had an order as such and I was so pleased!

These earrings are made with swarovski crystals which have been hand wrapped on to a curved frame of thicker wire which I also shaped by hand. I have made these in numerous different colour ways and I love them all.

Here I am!

2011-01-18T15:27:00.000-08:00

> I sooo promised myself I would start a blog and here it is at last. I have been making jewellery for family and friends for quite a long time and am slightly obsessed with all things sparkly. Working in an office all day can be hell for a creative soul but i've made a first step and I'm looking forward to sharing my designs with you.
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> I've been inspired to start my own blog by some of the really amazing blogs already out there which are so informative and interesting to read. I have especially been following Rebecca Anderson on Songbeads - stunning designs!
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> As soon as I can work out how to post pictures there will be no stopping me....watch this space!
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