Sending Sunshine

Brrr, I don't know about you but it's a tad chilly in Berkshire at the moment and a bit grey. No rain, just a bit grey. Definitely not the cheeriest of days to say the least. Days like this remind me that winter can seem long. I love Autumn and think winter is ok ( as long as it's a crisp cold day and not grey and muggy:)). But for those who don't, spring can seem along way away.

My solution - early narcissi sent from Scilly. Check these out aren't they gorgeous.

Because of their temperate climate Scilly can produce narcissi much earlier than on the mainland. When I was home in Cornwall over Oct half term I bought some Sols back up for me which had been shipped over from Scilly. Now that to me is amazing, daffodils in October. My favourite producer is Scent from the islands, they are a family business run from Churchtown Farm, St Martins. Their scent is intoxicating and can fill a room within minutes. Check out their website for some stunning photos of Scilly and fields upon fields of daffs - definitely a sunny sight :)

I'm off to order my mum some now as she has been unwell, I'm sure she will love them (If you read this mum, they will be with you Tuesday!). BTW they make a fab Christmas pressie as well, especially for the distant relation you don't know what to buy for......or is that just me with that problem? :)

Sending Sunshine

Brrr, I don't know about you but it's a tad chilly in Berkshire at the moment and a bit grey. No rain, just a bit grey. Definitely not the cheeriest of days to say the least. Days like this remind me that winter can seem long. I love Autumn and think winter is ok ( as long as it's a crisp cold day and not grey and muggy:)). But for those who don't, spring can seem along way away.

My solution - early narcissi sent from Scilly. Check these out aren't they gorgeous.

Because of their temperate climate Scilly can produce narcissi much earlier than on the mainland. When I was home in Cornwall over Oct half term I bought some Sols back up for me which had been shipped over from Scilly. Now that to me is amazing, daffodils in October. My favourite producer is Scent from the islands, they are a family business run from Churchtown Farm, St Martins. Their scent is intoxicating and can fill a room within minutes. Check out their website for some stunning photos of Scilly and fields upon fields of daffs - definitely a sunny sight :)

I'm off to order my mum some now as she has been unwell, I'm sure she will love them (If you read this mum, they will be with you Tuesday!). BTW they make a fab Christmas pressie as well, especially for the distant relation you don't know what to buy for......or is that just me with that problem? :)

And the winner is......

Fab time last evening - thank you to all who came along.

The winners of the fee prize draw are:

Falling Leaves jewellery set - Janine

£15 gift voucher - Kady

£10 gift voucher - Lesley

Congratulations to you all.

Off to my silver course now so more from me later.....

And the winner is......

Fab time last evening - thank you to all who came along.

The winners of the fee prize draw are:

Falling Leaves jewellery set - Janine

£15 gift voucher - Kady

£10 gift voucher - Lesley

Congratulations to you all.

Off to my silver course now so more from me later.....

Freebie Time

In case you missed it in the waffle below. I am currently running a free prize draw to celebrate Beady Pool being on the internet for a year (ish) I can't quite remember the date :)

There are 3 yes 3 prizes. First prize is "Falling Leaves" a charm style bracelet and pendant featuring lampwork beads by Rachel Dawes, Karen Hill Tribe Silver and lots of Czech glass.

Second and third prizes are £15 and £10 gift vouchers to spend on jewellery at Beady Pool.

"What do I have to do?" I hear you ask.....well check out my website, choose an item you like the best and then either leave a post here of email me with your choice. It is as simple as that.

The winners will be chosen tomorrow yes tomorrow (Weds) eve at 9.30pm out of a suitable "hat". Not much time I'm afraid, so get choosing. Winners will be posted on here Thursday morning.

Thanks to everyone who has entered so far - it is really interesting to see what you all like. I hoping your input will help me with what I make in the future :)

Everyone who buys something off the website before Wednesday 12pm also gets into the prize draw, so you can have two entries or more if you would like.

Good Luck.

Freebie Time

In case you missed it in the waffle below. I am currently running a free prize draw to celebrate Beady Pool being on the internet for a year (ish) I can't quite remember the date :)

There are 3 yes 3 prizes. First prize is "Falling Leaves" a charm style bracelet and pendant featuring lampwork beads by Rachel Dawes, Karen Hill Tribe Silver and lots of Czech glass.

Second and third prizes are £15 and £10 gift vouchers to spend on jewellery at Beady Pool.

"What do I have to do?" I hear you ask.....well check out my website, choose an item you like the best and then either leave a post here of email me with your choice. It is as simple as that.

The winners will be chosen tomorrow yes tomorrow (Weds) eve at 9.30pm out of a suitable "hat". Not much time I'm afraid, so get choosing. Winners will be posted on here Thursday morning.

Thanks to everyone who has entered so far - it is really interesting to see what you all like. I hoping your input will help me with what I make in the future :)

Everyone who buys something off the website before Wednesday 12pm also gets into the prize draw, so you can have two entries or more if you would like.

Good Luck.

It's my party.....

And no I am not going to cry!
It's been about a year since I started Beady Pool on the internet. This Wednesday I am holding a jewellery party at my studio and I thought to celebrate Beady Pools birthday I would have a little prize draw. I love a prize draw, especially when it's free to enter....

I entered a draw a while back with Daisy Chain jewellery and much to my surprise I won. I am so so pleased as I never seem to win anything. Anyhows, here is a pic of the earrings I won, they are even more gorgeous in the flesh. The garnets and pearls go together beautifully.

Jo of Daisychain Jewellery makes the most gorgeous butterfly and daisy pendants. You can find her blog here if you fancy a read.

Well, that's enough about me winning, let me explain how you can win something from me.

I am going to have 3, yes 3 prizes up for grabs. First prize is this set of jewellery (yes set) - Falling leaves featuring lampwork by Rachel Dawes. Second and third prizes are gift vouchers (£15 and £10 respectively) for you to spend on a Beady Pool purchase of your choice.So, what do you need to do to enter.......well, you can enter just my checking out my website deciding which piece of my jewellery you like the best and then leave a comment here or email me. You can have a second go at entering by buying something from my website by 12 o'clock lunchtime this Wedesday (I say lunchtime as the party is in the evening and I want to make sure I don't sell anything in the evening that someone buys before then!). Each item you purchase will be another entry. All items bought at my party will also give you an entry. All entries will be put into a suitable pot and I will get one of my party guests to pick three names before they leave. I will then do my best to post the winner on here on Thursday at some point.

Good Luck!

It's my party.....

And no I am not going to cry!
It's been about a year since I started Beady Pool on the internet. This Wednesday I am holding a jewellery party at my studio and I thought to celebrate Beady Pools birthday I would have a little prize draw. I love a prize draw, especially when it's free to enter....

I entered a draw a while back with Daisy Chain jewellery and much to my surprise I won. I am so so pleased as I never seem to win anything. Anyhows, here is a pic of the earrings I won, they are even more gorgeous in the flesh. The garnets and pearls go together beautifully.

Jo of Daisychain Jewellery makes the most gorgeous butterfly and daisy pendants. You can find her blog here if you fancy a read.

Well, that's enough about me winning, let me explain how you can win something from me.

I am going to have 3, yes 3 prizes up for grabs. First prize is this set of jewellery (yes set) - Falling leaves featuring lampwork by Rachel Dawes. Second and third prizes are gift vouchers (£15 and £10 respectively) for you to spend on a Beady Pool purchase of your choice.So, what do you need to do to enter.......well, you can enter just my checking out my website deciding which piece of my jewellery you like the best and then leave a comment here or email me. You can have a second go at entering by buying something from my website by 12 o'clock lunchtime this Wedesday (I say lunchtime as the party is in the evening and I want to make sure I don't sell anything in the evening that someone buys before then!). Each item you purchase will be another entry. All items bought at my party will also give you an entry. All entries will be put into a suitable pot and I will get one of my party guests to pick three names before they leave. I will then do my best to post the winner on here on Thursday at some point.

Good Luck!

It's Party Time

It is now officially less than 5 weeks until Christmas - when did that happen. I am sure last time I looked there were still about 12 to go!

If you are still hunting for that ideal present (like me, I has very good intentions to be organised this year!), I am holding a party evening this coming week where you can see all my individual handmade jewellery in the flesh so it speak! So, if you are local to me and I haven't sent you an invite, email me and I will let you know the details. To whet you appetites this is Tradewinds. A gorgeous set made with Coral, Czech glass and Hill Tribe Silver.

It's Party Time

It is now officially less than 5 weeks until Christmas - when did that happen. I am sure last time I looked there were still about 12 to go!

If you are still hunting for that ideal present (like me, I has very good intentions to be organised this year!), I am holding a party evening this coming week where you can see all my individual handmade jewellery in the flesh so it speak! So, if you are local to me and I haven't sent you an invite, email me and I will let you know the details. To whet you appetites this is Tradewinds. A gorgeous set made with Coral, Czech glass and Hill Tribe Silver.

Gylly Beach, Gylly Beach Grandma

Half term saw me and my little man making the four and a bit hours train journey back home to see granny and papa in Cornwall. I've not lived down there now for near on ten plus years but in some respects it is and will always be home. It's funny really but lots of people feel an affinity with Cornwall and I do miss it, especially the sea. Whether I will ever get to move back is another story, what with the high house prices and the lower wages than in the Thames Valley. I am however lucky that my family are there and we can visit whenever we want - assuming my folks aren't off in their camper van! We didn't fantastic weather but it was okay and boy did we make the most of it - my mum is always on the go. My parents are fairly centrally located for both coasts, however this visit we spent most of our time visiting Gylly beach.

Gylly beach or Gyllynvase is one of Falmouth beaches just at the bottom of castle drive. Its a shingle and sand beach depending on what the tides have been doing and it has a fab beach cafe. I have a thing about their blackcurrant and white chocolate flapjacks and their burgers are rather good to! every time we said we were going to the beach my little man kept saying "gylly beach, gylly beach grandma". I am beginning to wonder if he thinks it is the only beach in the world! We whiled away literally hours throwing stones into the sea and into the rock pools - endless fun. The sea looked freezing, but there are a few locals who swim daily all weathers....brrrr, we were all dressed in about four layers and had to have (yes we had to) hot chocolates afterwards. It was the week of the North wind where England had snow - I haven't known Cornwall that cold for years.

Just outside of the cafe in the flower beads I spotted this gorgeous plant...isn't it stunning?

Due to Cornwall's Mediterranean climate lots of half hardy plants grow in its temperate climate. If you are ever that was and are even remotely interested in plants there are loads of gardens to visit - not just the famous Eden Project.

Just check out those blue flowers against the red of the leaves - nature can be so stunning and in October aswell! I did find out the plants name - it is related to a Puya (growing next to these plants) and it is a bromeliad of some kind, but for the life of me and many google picture searches I now can't find it...if I do I will let you all know. More jewellery coming soon...watch this space.

Gylly Beach, Gylly Beach Grandma

Half term saw me and my little man making the four and a bit hours train journey back home to see granny and papa in Cornwall. I've not lived down there now for near on ten plus years but in some respects it is and will always be home. It's funny really but lots of people feel an affinity with Cornwall and I do miss it, especially the sea. Whether I will ever get to move back is another story, what with the high house prices and the lower wages than in the Thames Valley. I am however lucky that my family are there and we can visit whenever we want - assuming my folks aren't off in their camper van! We didn't fantastic weather but it was okay and boy did we make the most of it - my mum is always on the go. My parents are fairly centrally located for both coasts, however this visit we spent most of our time visiting Gylly beach.

Gylly beach or Gyllynvase is one of Falmouth beaches just at the bottom of castle drive. Its a shingle and sand beach depending on what the tides have been doing and it has a fab beach cafe. I have a thing about their blackcurrant and white chocolate flapjacks and their burgers are rather good to! every time we said we were going to the beach my little man kept saying "gylly beach, gylly beach grandma". I am beginning to wonder if he thinks it is the only beach in the world! We whiled away literally hours throwing stones into the sea and into the rock pools - endless fun. The sea looked freezing, but there are a few locals who swim daily all weathers....brrrr, we were all dressed in about four layers and had to have (yes we had to) hot chocolates afterwards. It was the week of the North wind where England had snow - I haven't known Cornwall that cold for years.

Just outside of the cafe in the flower beads I spotted this gorgeous plant...isn't it stunning?

Due to Cornwall's Mediterranean climate lots of half hardy plants grow in its temperate climate. If you are ever that was and are even remotely interested in plants there are loads of gardens to visit - not just the famous Eden Project.

Just check out those blue flowers against the red of the leaves - nature can be so stunning and in October aswell! I did find out the plants name - it is related to a Puya (growing next to these plants) and it is a bromeliad of some kind, but for the life of me and many google picture searches I now can't find it...if I do I will let you all know. More jewellery coming soon...watch this space.

Orange Zing

A little while ago a lovely lady called Barbara contatced me about commissioning a set of jewellery. Her family wanted to buy her something special to celebrate her graduation. I was so touched when she approached me. Especially as she found Beady Pool via a link from Lauras website. Today I finally posted the jewellery set off to her and her are the pics for you all to see.

It has taken a far bit of time to finish the set as I even commissioned the lampwork beads especially for her. These have been made by Alison Davies and are funky 70's inspired florals in baby blue, yellow ochre and zingy orange.

Barbara wanted a necklace/pendant combination. Something that was a bit busier than just a chain but still with a focal point. To achieve this, I interspersed the chain with wired lampwork beads and swarovski crystals.

The earrings really speak for themselves. Capped lampwork beads, spacers and Swarovski crystals.

The bracelet was the most intersting of the peices to make, I had orginally made it with silver spacer beads, but Barbara wasn't overly keen so I ordered some more orange spacers from Alison and one Zingy bracelet is the end result. Depsite liking making bracelets, I do find them sometimes difficult as I tend to need them to be symmetrical or following some kind of pattern and that doesn't always work with the length you need the bracelet to be :) If I can find the picture I will post my original design and you can compare the before and after! I hope you like, I would love to know what you think especially as I was out of my comfort zone a bit with the colours - I'm a bit of a blue girl you see :)

Orange Zing

A little while ago a lovely lady called Barbara contatced me about commissioning a set of jewellery. Her family wanted to buy her something special to celebrate her graduation. I was so touched when she approached me. Especially as she found Beady Pool via a link from Lauras website. Today I finally posted the jewellery set off to her and her are the pics for you all to see.

It has taken a far bit of time to finish the set as I even commissioned the lampwork beads especially for her. These have been made by Alison Davies and are funky 70's inspired florals in baby blue, yellow ochre and zingy orange.

Barbara wanted a necklace/pendant combination. Something that was a bit busier than just a chain but still with a focal point. To achieve this, I interspersed the chain with wired lampwork beads and swarovski crystals.

The earrings really speak for themselves. Capped lampwork beads, spacers and Swarovski crystals.

The bracelet was the most intersting of the peices to make, I had orginally made it with silver spacer beads, but Barbara wasn't overly keen so I ordered some more orange spacers from Alison and one Zingy bracelet is the end result. Depsite liking making bracelets, I do find them sometimes difficult as I tend to need them to be symmetrical or following some kind of pattern and that doesn't always work with the length you need the bracelet to be :) If I can find the picture I will post my original design and you can compare the before and after! I hope you like, I would love to know what you think especially as I was out of my comfort zone a bit with the colours - I'm a bit of a blue girl you see :)

I've been tagged

I've been Tagged by Caroline at Crafted Gems and the rules are as follows:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Okay now 7 things about me - not sure if I can come up with seven LOL, however those that know me will know that once I start talking........

1) I love chocolate, I'm not particularly fussy, it doesn't have to be "good" chocolate. Mainly chocolate on its own without added extras but I do have a penchant for praline seashells and I used to love Spiras. If I am having a bad day then yes I do reach for the chocolate

2) I'm a sorter outerer, if someone has a problem I have to come up with a solution - it's instinctive.

3) I am a bead horder - I have far more than I know what to do with and I still keep buying more!

4) I am Cornish born and bread, but don't like clotted cream, will only eat my mums' saffron buns and didn't really enjoy pasties until I met my hubby - who is from Essex. He and my son LOVE them though.

5) I have a degree in Physics and I used to teach it (all boys school up to A-level - fun :)).

6) I'm fairly messy, but my wardrobe is very organised with my clothes all neatly folded on piles of t-shits, jumpers, long sleeve jumpers etc. You can get far more in if they are folded on shelves!

7) I love cooking and baking. I used to belong to WI country markets and sell cakes through them. Unlike the stereotype, I was under the age of 30 at the time!

I hope those facts are interesting enough? Can I add another? I can't get my blog to edit correctly...all those extra spaces and gaps are meant to be there - honest!

Here are the people I am tagging.

Laura Sparling - I think I bought one of my first lampwork beads of Laura and then was hooked

Angie Finn- I love her strawberry beads - I've just made a charm bracelet with a set - pic soon...promise.

Rachel Dawes - lovely organic beads and florals.

Barbara at Wildberry designs, she makes some lovely pearl bracelets, check out Alannah.

Craft Clare - I have yet to purchase any from Clare, but her beads are gorgeous and her recycled range is such a fab idea, brilliant keepsakes

Tina at So, whats new today, Tina makes lampwork beads and I love her serenity earrings.

Alison Perry, she has just prompted me into looking at doing more wirework - watch this space.

I've tried to find folks who haven't been tagged yet.....hard, I am a bit new to all this so don't read many blogs yet...there were lots of other people who I would of tagged but you have all been tagged already ;) Jo at Gem Heaven, Izzy at Flame and Glass, Brandi...and I could go on and on. If you don't already, why not try some of the blogs listed on the right, they make interesting reading.

I've been tagged

I've been Tagged by Caroline at Crafted Gems and the rules are as follows:

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.

4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

Okay now 7 things about me - not sure if I can come up with seven LOL, however those that know me will know that once I start talking........

1) I love chocolate, I'm not particularly fussy, it doesn't have to be "good" chocolate. Mainly chocolate on its own without added extras but I do have a penchant for praline seashells and I used to love Spiras. If I am having a bad day then yes I do reach for the chocolate

2) I'm a sorter outerer, if someone has a problem I have to come up with a solution - it's instinctive.

3) I am a bead horder - I have far more than I know what to do with and I still keep buying more!

4) I am Cornish born and bread, but don't like clotted cream, will only eat my mums' saffron buns and didn't really enjoy pasties until I met my hubby - who is from Essex. He and my son LOVE them though.

5) I have a degree in Physics and I used to teach it (all boys school up to A-level - fun :)).

6) I'm fairly messy, but my wardrobe is very organised with my clothes all neatly folded on piles of t-shits, jumpers, long sleeve jumpers etc. You can get far more in if they are folded on shelves!

7) I love cooking and baking. I used to belong to WI country markets and sell cakes through them. Unlike the stereotype, I was under the age of 30 at the time!

I hope those facts are interesting enough? Can I add another? I can't get my blog to edit correctly...all those extra spaces and gaps are meant to be there - honest!

Here are the people I am tagging.

Laura Sparling - I think I bought one of my first lampwork beads of Laura and then was hooked

Angie Finn- I love her strawberry beads - I've just made a charm bracelet with a set - pic soon...promise.

Rachel Dawes - lovely organic beads and florals.

Barbara at Wildberry designs, she makes some lovely pearl bracelets, check out Alannah.

Craft Clare - I have yet to purchase any from Clare, but her beads are gorgeous and her recycled range is such a fab idea, brilliant keepsakes

Tina at So, whats new today, Tina makes lampwork beads and I love her serenity earrings.

Alison Perry, she has just prompted me into looking at doing more wirework - watch this space.

I've tried to find folks who haven't been tagged yet.....hard, I am a bit new to all this so don't read many blogs yet...there were lots of other people who I would of tagged but you have all been tagged already ;) Jo at Gem Heaven, Izzy at Flame and Glass, Brandi...and I could go on and on. If you don't already, why not try some of the blogs listed on the right, they make interesting reading.

Out of alignment

I seem to be out of alignment - physically and mentally. The past couple of weeks have been all a bit weird for me, if something could go wrong it just seemed to. I am not a strong believer in horoscopes etc, but even I am beginning to think my planets may be out of alignment! Anyone know if life is looking a bits pants for Aquarians? More likely though it is just me!

Coming up is a bit of a whinge, so if you are all positive, warm, smiley and fluffy then I would come back in a few days when I am back on plot and back to being me ;)

It kind of all started going wrong when I renewed my mobile contract. I did get a good deal so no gripe there, but getting the new phone was a nightmare. Without too much explanation, I waited in for a delivery that looking back they were never going to make and then they tried to deliver when I was on holiday - and yes I did tell them I wouldn't be there.

Then I ordered a new roll around vacuum off a very big internet seller. I paid extra for next day delivery - Saturday morning... go on guess...it came Wednesday. They did refund my delivery, but as I ordered a wiring beads book as recommended by Ali they only refunded half as that did arrive! I should of just gone with the super saver delivery, I reckon it would of arrived at the same time and would of been cheaper! Plus I wouldn't of been stressing so much about being in.

To top all this off I have had fun and games with my little mans pre-school. That however is a story for another day - depending on how things pan out LOL.

To top things off, I have spoken to a few people in the past month or so who just seem to want to pick a fight. The girls keep asking if it is just "V being a bit sensitive" as normal. It could well be, but it is damn hard work. Then again it just good be me and I have lost my ability to communicate!

Physically, I had to visit my cranial osteopath again this week and am going again next. My son has such momentum when he runs and usually it is at me, that I am beginning to suffer (over two and a half stone of small child at full pelt....let,s work out the force F = mv-mu - sorry previous life ;). Cranial osteopathy is fantastic but a bit weird. Or at least I think so. Unfortunately for me, I can feel it working which means I spend most of the session grimacing whilst feeling weird sensations. Apparently most people don't feel too much or if they do it is a positive energy sensation - I wish! Anyway it seems to be working as I am feeling a lot less achy.

On a far more positive and beady track..... I have finally finished (if the clients are happy) my commissions that I have been working on. One is a revamp of some wartime Indian beads, the other is a from scratch commission featuring beads from Alison Davies in orange, blue and ochre.

Pics to follow as soon as the clients have seen them!

Also, if you have a chance, I have just uploaded lots of new items onto my website, ready for some Christmas shopping. Back soon in hopefully a much more positive frame of mind :)

Out of alignment

I seem to be out of alignment - physically and mentally. The past couple of weeks have been all a bit weird for me, if something could go wrong it just seemed to. I am not a strong believer in horoscopes etc, but even I am beginning to think my planets may be out of alignment! Anyone know if life is looking a bits pants for Aquarians? More likely though it is just me!

Coming up is a bit of a whinge, so if you are all positive, warm, smiley and fluffy then I would come back in a few days when I am back on plot and back to being me ;)

It kind of all started going wrong when I renewed my mobile contract. I did get a good deal so no gripe there, but getting the new phone was a nightmare. Without too much explanation, I waited in for a delivery that looking back they were never going to make and then they tried to deliver when I was on holiday - and yes I did tell them I wouldn't be there.

Then I ordered a new roll around vacuum off a very big internet seller. I paid extra for next day delivery - Saturday morning... go on guess...it came Wednesday. They did refund my delivery, but as I ordered a wiring beads book as recommended by Ali they only refunded half as that did arrive! I should of just gone with the super saver delivery, I reckon it would of arrived at the same time and would of been cheaper! Plus I wouldn't of been stressing so much about being in.

To top all this off I have had fun and games with my little mans pre-school. That however is a story for another day - depending on how things pan out LOL.

To top things off, I have spoken to a few people in the past month or so who just seem to want to pick a fight. The girls keep asking if it is just "V being a bit sensitive" as normal. It could well be, but it is damn hard work. Then again it just good be me and I have lost my ability to communicate!

Physically, I had to visit my cranial osteopath again this week and am going again next. My son has such momentum when he runs and usually it is at me, that I am beginning to suffer (over two and a half stone of small child at full pelt....let,s work out the force F = mv-mu - sorry previous life ;). Cranial osteopathy is fantastic but a bit weird. Or at least I think so. Unfortunately for me, I can feel it working which means I spend most of the session grimacing whilst feeling weird sensations. Apparently most people don't feel too much or if they do it is a positive energy sensation - I wish! Anyway it seems to be working as I am feeling a lot less achy.

On a far more positive and beady track..... I have finally finished (if the clients are happy) my commissions that I have been working on. One is a revamp of some wartime Indian beads, the other is a from scratch commission featuring beads from Alison Davies in orange, blue and ochre.

Pics to follow as soon as the clients have seen them!

Also, if you have a chance, I have just uploaded lots of new items onto my website, ready for some Christmas shopping. Back soon in hopefully a much more positive frame of mind :)

And the winner is......

Sorry I am a bit late with this for those who are waiting with baited breath.

The winner is Jude with "Holst".

The "funky" pendant is on its way to you in the post.

I have to say a fair few of you came up with spacey themed names, which was where my ideas were headed. At least my namings are therefore not too far fetched and I am on someone elses wavelength, which is always nice to know.

I will do at least one other naming giveaway before Christmas, so watch this space.

And the winner is......

Sorry I am a bit late with this for those who are waiting with baited breath.

The winner is Jude with "Holst".

The "funky" pendant is on its way to you in the post.

I have to say a fair few of you came up with spacey themed names, which was where my ideas were headed. At least my namings are therefore not too far fetched and I am on someone elses wavelength, which is always nice to know.

I will do at least one other naming giveaway before Christmas, so watch this space.

Housekeeping giveway

Each time I make a new peice of jewellery, I swear to myself that I will do all the necessary "housekeeping" with it straight away so I don't panic later. What I mean is that I will get my lovely BH to photograph it, I will price it, spreadsheet it, label it ready for a sale, upload it onto the website etc etc. However, despite good resolutions this very rarely happens.

So this evening, sees me once again printing and sticking in my studio getting ready for a jewellery sale. Great you say, fantastic news. Well, it is. What isn't is the fact that because I haven't done my "housekeeping" along the way it could be a very long night.

I have however managed to come up with names and prices all my items, except this one. I uploaded this onto Flickr a while ago and I still haven't come up with a name.

So, the question is - What do you think it should be called? The lampwork is by the very talented Isabelle Anderson and features both round and saucer beads in a clear blue. The saucers are decorated in silver around the rim and the round beads have an organic inspired core. I've completed the set with Hilltribe Silver and Czech glass.

To reward you for your fab ideas, I will ask my BH half to choose the name he thinks suits the set the best. The winner will then receive "Funky". A pendant made with lampwork by Angie Finn complete with a sterling silver snake chain.

Funky

You have until Tues evening at 8pm, after which I will attempt to get straight online an post the winners name. You can either leave you idea as a comment here on my blog or email me. I can't wait to see your ideas.

Housekeeping giveway

Each time I make a new peice of jewellery, I swear to myself that I will do all the necessary "housekeeping" with it straight away so I don't panic later. What I mean is that I will get my lovely BH to photograph it, I will price it, spreadsheet it, label it ready for a sale, upload it onto the website etc etc. However, despite good resolutions this very rarely happens.

So this evening, sees me once again printing and sticking in my studio getting ready for a jewellery sale. Great you say, fantastic news. Well, it is. What isn't is the fact that because I haven't done my "housekeeping" along the way it could be a very long night.

I have however managed to come up with names and prices all my items, except this one. I uploaded this onto Flickr a while ago and I still haven't come up with a name.

So, the question is - What do you think it should be called? The lampwork is by the very talented Isabelle Anderson and features both round and saucer beads in a clear blue. The saucers are decorated in silver around the rim and the round beads have an organic inspired core. I've completed the set with Hilltribe Silver and Czech glass.

To reward you for your fab ideas, I will ask my BH half to choose the name he thinks suits the set the best. The winner will then receive "Funky". A pendant made with lampwork by Angie Finn complete with a sterling silver snake chain.

Funky

You have until Tues evening at 8pm, after which I will attempt to get straight online an post the winners name. You can either leave you idea as a comment here on my blog or email me. I can't wait to see your ideas.

Beady Pool

For those of you who like me are a little on the inquisitive side, you may of been wondering why I call my jewellery Beady Pool. Well, this picture will help explain. These beads are 17th century terracotta and glass. They were found at Beady Pool, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly by yours truely (and my mum) a fair few years ago now - I think I was about 7! They are from a Dutch cargo ship that was shipwrecked on her way from Amsterdam to Lisbon.

When I started making jewellery again (I have been dabbling for years) about a year ago, I couldn't make my mind up on a name. Most plays on words had been used. I trawled the Cornish dictionary but either names had been taken or they didn't sound right. Then my lovely mum remembered our Beady Pool beads and out came the matchbox. Beady Pool then just seemed to fit, it linked the beads and my Cornish Heritage just nicely. If you take a peek on my website, there is a bit more info.

Beady Pool

For those of you who like me are a little on the inquisitive side, you may of been wondering why I call my jewellery Beady Pool. Well, this picture will help explain. These beads are 17th century terracotta and glass. They were found at Beady Pool, St Agnes, Isles of Scilly by yours truely (and my mum) a fair few years ago now - I think I was about 7! They are from a Dutch cargo ship that was shipwrecked on her way from Amsterdam to Lisbon.

When I started making jewellery again (I have been dabbling for years) about a year ago, I couldn't make my mind up on a name. Most plays on words had been used. I trawled the Cornish dictionary but either names had been taken or they didn't sound right. Then my lovely mum remembered our Beady Pool beads and out came the matchbox. Beady Pool then just seemed to fit, it linked the beads and my Cornish Heritage just nicely. If you take a peek on my website, there is a bit more info.

Mermaids Tears

We went away for a short mid-week break last week to the New Forest, staying at Sandy Balls. (Sorry I do still snigger like a 14yr old at the name - I am sooo childish!) We had a fantastic time, my inlaws stayed with us in the log cabin and my folks took their camper van. My son couldn't believe his good fortune, both sets of grandparents on tap. We couldn't believe ours either - what fab weather. As per normal for my family we tried to do too much in a few days; the boys did Beaulieu, we all went to Exbury and rode the steam train, my son got to wave the flag for the train to go - how excited was he! We visited the otter and owl sanctury; fantastic day out especially if you have little ones - someone had giggles over the otter antics, plus a picnic at Lepe over looking the solent, stunning views.....the list goes on - a fab holiday but I do almost feel like I need another one to recouperate!

Once I had fought my way through the mound of laundry, I found some time for a bit of jewellery making - very theraputic.

Mermaid's Tears

Simple, but very wearable. Freshwater pearls and turquoise, a very soothing combination.

I've received a couple of new sets of lampwork beads in the post recently, so hopefully soon some inspiration will strike. Or more to the point, I find some time.

My BH is off to Ireland tomorrow with work till the end of the week, so I will get my evenings to myself - well most of them.... I couldn't help it, I've just invited the girls over for a curry and a glass or two - well, you have to have a good natter and put the world right, don't you?

Mermaids Tears

We went away for a short mid-week break last week to the New Forest, staying at Sandy Balls. (Sorry I do still snigger like a 14yr old at the name - I am sooo childish!) We had a fantastic time, my inlaws stayed with us in the log cabin and my folks took their camper van. My son couldn't believe his good fortune, both sets of grandparents on tap. We couldn't believe ours either - what fab weather. As per normal for my family we tried to do too much in a few days; the boys did Beaulieu, we all went to Exbury and rode the steam train, my son got to wave the flag for the train to go - how excited was he! We visited the otter and owl sanctury; fantastic day out especially if you have little ones - someone had giggles over the otter antics, plus a picnic at Lepe over looking the solent, stunning views.....the list goes on - a fab holiday but I do almost feel like I need another one to recouperate!

Once I had fought my way through the mound of laundry, I found some time for a bit of jewellery making - very theraputic.

Mermaid's Tears

Simple, but very wearable. Freshwater pearls and turquoise, a very soothing combination.

I've received a couple of new sets of lampwork beads in the post recently, so hopefully soon some inspiration will strike. Or more to the point, I find some time.

My BH is off to Ireland tomorrow with work till the end of the week, so I will get my evenings to myself - well most of them.... I couldn't help it, I've just invited the girls over for a curry and a glass or two - well, you have to have a good natter and put the world right, don't you?

Spending my pennies

You find all sorts of information out being nosy around other peoples blogs and websites. I can't remember now which lampwork artists website I was looking at, but I noticed they were selling their beads on a new website called Folksy. So being nosy I clicked and an hour or so later, I was still checking out the site. Folksy is a newish website that is going to be similar to Etsy but for UK based crafters and designers. Anyway whilst having a good browse, I found some fantastic handmade purses and bags made by Natalie Farrell.

I would love to be able to sew well, but I have an inability to manage straight lines, so I have a lot of respect for anyone who can. Well, I fell in love with this makeup purse and in the end I just had to buy it. For those who know me, it's quite a bizarre purchase as makeup and I only really cross paths about 5 times a year! I do however love the idea of having makeup nicely tucked away tidily in a gorgeous to look at bag.

Even though I found the bags on Folksy, check out Natalie's own website as it gives a much wider range of her gorgeous purse and bags. It was a toss up between this duck egg blue one or the baby blue, but I am trying to wean myself away from blue so the duck egg won! It is even more gorgeous in the flesh so to speak and fantastically made. I am in awe.

Spending my pennies

You find all sorts of information out being nosy around other peoples blogs and websites. I can't remember now which lampwork artists website I was looking at, but I noticed they were selling their beads on a new website called Folksy. So being nosy I clicked and an hour or so later, I was still checking out the site. Folksy is a newish website that is going to be similar to Etsy but for UK based crafters and designers. Anyway whilst having a good browse, I found some fantastic handmade purses and bags made by Natalie Farrell.

I would love to be able to sew well, but I have an inability to manage straight lines, so I have a lot of respect for anyone who can. Well, I fell in love with this makeup purse and in the end I just had to buy it. For those who know me, it's quite a bizarre purchase as makeup and I only really cross paths about 5 times a year! I do however love the idea of having makeup nicely tucked away tidily in a gorgeous to look at bag.

Even though I found the bags on Folksy, check out Natalie's own website as it gives a much wider range of her gorgeous purse and bags. It was a toss up between this duck egg blue one or the baby blue, but I am trying to wean myself away from blue so the duck egg won! It is even more gorgeous in the flesh so to speak and fantastically made. I am in awe.

New Term

Okay, so who nicked the summer holidays? Own up please......

To be honest, I was dreading the 6 weeks or so with my two year old and none of your normal prearranged activities like music and toddler group. However, they have flown by and I have to admit we have been busier than we are normally term time. That may of been my fault though, as I got a bit panicky - aarrggh small child and me, six weeks can't manage - so I did arrange to see lots of people and to do a fair few things. Even the bad weather hasn't scuppered our plans too much. Me being me planned two ideas for days out - one for wet and one for dry weather!

Tommorrow is a big day in the our household as my son whose is two and a half at the end of this month starts preschool. He will go for two mornings a week. I cannot believe how quickly the years have passed, but I think he is more than ready and mummy can't wait to have an hour to make some jewellery.

Not much jewellery from me (as always it seems). Little man went to Nan and Grandads for a few days holiday, but rather than me doing jewellery hubby and I painted what was his nursery (now making room) and then found a leak in the ensuite - fun.

I did get to make this though - Bali Blues, using lampwork which I have had for ages from Tinage Tar. Lampwork beads, Bali Silver and Czech glass. I love the creamy coloured beads, they lok like they have a seam of quartz running through them.

I have also been organising lampwork for a commission piece - watch this space.

Keep your fingers crossed that tomorrow goes well, I think I may be a bit lost for a while and not know what to do with myself - sure I will find something though!

New Term

Okay, so who nicked the summer holidays? Own up please......

To be honest, I was dreading the 6 weeks or so with my two year old and none of your normal prearranged activities like music and toddler group. However, they have flown by and I have to admit we have been busier than we are normally term time. That may of been my fault though, as I got a bit panicky - aarrggh small child and me, six weeks can't manage - so I did arrange to see lots of people and to do a fair few things. Even the bad weather hasn't scuppered our plans too much. Me being me planned two ideas for days out - one for wet and one for dry weather!

Tommorrow is a big day in the our household as my son whose is two and a half at the end of this month starts preschool. He will go for two mornings a week. I cannot believe how quickly the years have passed, but I think he is more than ready and mummy can't wait to have an hour to make some jewellery.

Not much jewellery from me (as always it seems). Little man went to Nan and Grandads for a few days holiday, but rather than me doing jewellery hubby and I painted what was his nursery (now making room) and then found a leak in the ensuite - fun.

I did get to make this though - Bali Blues, using lampwork which I have had for ages from Tinage Tar. Lampwork beads, Bali Silver and Czech glass. I love the creamy coloured beads, they lok like they have a seam of quartz running through them.

I have also been organising lampwork for a commission piece - watch this space.

Keep your fingers crossed that tomorrow goes well, I think I may be a bit lost for a while and not know what to do with myself - sure I will find something though!