How could you!?

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

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!

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

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

Art Bead Scene Blog: Muffin Tin Jewelry Challenge

Muffin tin challenge reveal!

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...

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...!