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.