Beady Pool

I am a cat and I will sleep where I want....

2011-07-18T05:00:00.000-07:00

Even if it is in your tomato planter....

destash

2011-07-18T04:05:00.000-07:00

Once again I am clearing through my beads. These lovelies are all available now over on Folksy

Postage is £1.00 regardless of ho many items you buy. Go on you know you want to add to your bead stash and help me clear some of mine ;)

Lyonesse

2011-07-07T04:37:00.000-07:00

When I set out for Lyonesse,
A hundred miles away,
The rime was on the spray,
And starlight lit my lonesomeness,
As I set out for Lyonesse,
A hundred miles away.
~Thomas Hardy

Okay so I have had these beads by Rachel Dawes in my stash for ages, but from the day they arrived they were going to be Lyonesse and they were going ot be teamed with amethyst and freshwater pearls.

It sounds strange but somedays the beads just talk to you, they already know what they want to be. So finally I have made them into a bracelet and a pair of earrings. I hope you like them? I certainly do.

They are available now over in my Folksy shop.

Commission

2011-07-01T13:06:00.000-07:00

The other day one of the mums from school popped over to buy some jewellery for a good friend of hers who had a special birthday. Over a cuppa and a good natter this is what we designed between us. It's not what she had in mind when she walked through the door, but often that is how good designs materialise.

Beautiful lentil beads by Izzy Anderson, with large Hilltribe silver lentil beads faceted onyx and irridescent czech glass thin rondelles. All finshed with a startburst focal toggle clasp.
The bracelet has arrived safely with it's new owner and she says she is very pleased with her special birthday pressie. I hope you like it too.

If you go down in the woods....

2011-06-25T14:07:00.000-07:00

next Wednesday 29th July then you will find me hiding out as my alter ego Sugar and Spice at the annual Teddy Bears picnic at Jocks Lane, Bracknell. Fab fun for pre-school kids.

I'm hoping the weather stays like today..I don't fancy getting wet or blown away. I will be selling my cute clips and wooden bead making kits. If you are coming along do come and say hello. Will post some pics of my wares in my next post to wet your appetites.

Wordless Wednesday - Half term back home, tea in a bucket

2011-06-22T04:32:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - meet my veggies

2011-06-15T13:38:00.001-07:00

Wordless Wednesday - half term back home

2011-06-07T00:40:00.000-07:00

Busy, busy, busy

2011-05-11T06:23:00.000-07:00

Making oodles of gorgeously cute girly hairclip. Maybe it is the fact I now have two boys, who knows but I am loving making these.

This is what 159 lots of them look like all carded up and labelled ready for sale. Phew that's a lot of hairclips.

Where are they going? Reading Children's festival this weekend.
A good friend of mine is running the Reading Mencap stall at the Meadow Madness, Christchurch meadows from 11-4pm. My hairclips, new range of rings and wooden jewellery making kits will be on her stand for sale. You can also pop by for some fantastic story telling by local author Cathy MacLennan - my son adores her chicky chicky chook chook book.

You can find Reading Mencap on twitter and facebook.
If you do go to the children's festival have a fantastic time.

destash time

2011-04-04T03:23:00.000-07:00

Ideas and designs change and yet the amount of beads just increases. Those of you who make jewellery know what I am mean and probably like me you have oooodles of beads you are not using at the moment. When the now 4months old (where has the time go?) pickle was on the way I lost my "studio" as it had to become the guest room and currently my beads are strewn all over the dining room table. This means I am in the dog house and need to do some serious clearing out and tidying up. So, I have joined the April Show-ers over on Folksy and am trying to list an item a day. This is mainly going to be destash items, all in new unused condition. All bought with the idea of using them at some point but a few months even years later they are still there bagged up waiting for me to work some magic.

So, here are a few items I've already listed. Some hilltribe silver flower charms - aren't they gorgeous. Why not head over to my Folksy destash shop and grab yourself some lovely beadies at good prices. I need to clear some space ;)

Sea Foam

2011-04-02T07:54:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous beads by EvaBean now made into a stunning jewellery set. The lampwork are a beautiful sea green with an organic insert. I continued the sea theme using hiltribe silver beads with a bubble pattern and faceted aventurine rondelles to compliment the lampwork.

I am really pleased with the pendant which features a wave of handwired aventurine rondelles dangling from the lampwork focal. The pendant comes with either a 16inch or 18inch silver curb chain. All are available over in my folksy shop. I hope you like them.

Auction for Japan

2011-03-29T02:25:00.000-07:00

The collective is back, this time with a fantastic auction raising money for Japan.

From fantastic lampwork beads to cute silver earrings, there are lots of gorgeous items for you to choose from.

Why not pop over to the AUCTION page and place a bid?

A massive thanks to Mel for organising the auction once again, lets hope it raises lots of money for a deserving cause.

It's been a while

2011-03-01T03:42:00.000-08:00

but here I am back again and hopefully I won't be away so long next time.
Where have I been? well last November I was looking like this....and that was two weeks before I had my second child another boy.

Thankfully they did a c-section as giving birth to my first wasn't great, he got stuck in my pelvis coming out amoungst other things. He was 8lb 3 and this one....well a good 10lb 6 or if you do the conversion correctly nearer to 10lb 7. Poor love, they even had to use forceps to get him out despite the c-section.

Anyway, my little man is now 13 weeks old, today to be precise and we are finding our feet. It is interesting to say the least getting them both ready and out the door for 8.30 for the school run. Even though I am a routine type person, he doesn't have a routine and I am feeding him what he wants when he wants and this is causing a few issues as I have to top him up everynow and again so we can do this with my eldest but we are getting there. Compared with his brother who at this age was downing 8oz bottle of hungry baby formula every 4 hrs on the dot he isn't so bothered about his milk and is causing me a bit of brain ache...but we are working it out slowly.

Enough about the baby, more importantly Beady Pool news.

My website is closed at the moment as I am having difficulties finding the time to update it but my jewellery is still for sale over on Folksy. I am also trying to slowly tidy through my bead stash so I am selling some of my beads which don't suit my current designs in my other Folksy Shop. There are some great bargains to be had especially on the silver as I bought a fair bit of it before the prices increased - silver prices have skyrocketed in the past year.

Oh and I am doing the Henley Art Trail again this year - May 28th - 31st May 2011. Put the date in your diary and watch this space for more news.

Misty Moonlight

2010-09-22T07:32:00.000-07:00

Finally we are slowly getting back into a routine in the Beady Pool household.
The now not so little man is at big school each morning, and is shattered but lovng it. This means I am getting a little more time to make and load some jewellery. Inbetween all the antenatal appointments which I seem to be having that is. Last week I had two lots of blood taken and a rather vicious anti-D injection - ouch!

On the jewellery front new from me is Misty Moonlight. Lampwork earrings in lushious lilac tones featuring artisan beads by Isabelle Anderson. Newly listed on Folksy.

Diary date
Beady Pool will be at the Music With Mummy Bracknell Coffee afternoon
Monday 27th Sept 1-3pm
Why not pop by for a cuppa, a piece of cake and some retail therapy?

Crystal clear Karenza

2010-09-19T12:06:00.000-07:00

As mentioned in my last blog post Karenza also comes in a different colour way.
This time in sparkly crystal clear rock quartz.

Bracelet and earrings are available now on the Beady Pool website with free UK P&P
Why not pop over and take a look?

Karenza

2010-09-15T04:26:00.000-07:00

In my last blog post I promised you a peek at my new range and here it is.
Karenza - featuring semi precious gemstones and Handmade Karen hilltribe silver heart beads.

This colourway features the gorgeous blues and greens of blue flourite interspersed with tiny silver beads.

So far, there are bracelets, earrings and pendants available and I have plans to introduce some handmade silver bangles next month. These are for sale on my website with free first class postage included.

Karenza is currently available in the flourite and in clear quartz crystal and will soon be available in a lovely autumnal smokey quartz too (I gave the smokey quartz set to a good friend of mone for her 40th birthday before I took photos - sorry).
Unlike my lampwork items, which are all one off pieces, this will be a limited edition range.

Lush Lilacs

2010-09-10T05:19:00.000-07:00

Beady Pool has been a little sporadic on the blog posting over the summer. It's surprising how little spare time you can find when you have a four year old under your feet all day. That and the fact we have done alot of visiting over the summer hols. Both sets of family (Cornwall and Essex) and some good friends "up North". With all the visiting and my sister in laws wedding we have been a tad busy to say the least.

However, hopefully things are changing, well for a few weeks anyway. My little man started big school part time earlier this week so I get my couple of hours a day back - yay.

This joy may be short lived as number 2 is now only 12 weeks away from arriving - or 10 weeks if the consultant gets her way and induces me early like I was with my first. In the meantime though, I am going to try to make the most of the next few weeks.

To start with I have been working with some gorgeous lilac and purple beads by the talented Isabelle Anderson.

Heather - available now on Folksy

Misty Moonlight - on Folksy later today/tomorrow.

I hope you like my new pieces.
Keep an eye on my blog over the next few days and I will be unveiling a new themed range - Karenza.

Making silver Jewellery

2010-08-24T04:41:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to have a go at making your own silver jewellery?

Well, if you are in the Wokingham area or close by then now is your chance.

The very talented Janet Richardson, who has many years experience of making jewellery and teaching is running some new classes.

This is what I made during my first set of lessons with Jan. Not bad for a first timer!

Jan has taught at Norden Farm in Maidenhead, Brakenhale school in Bracknell and been artist in residence at South Hill Park, Bracknell to name just a few places.

There has been such a demand for her classes she is now teaching at the Arts Bar on Wellington road, Wokingham near the train station.

The classes will run in 5 week blocks.

Mondays 20th Sept - 18th Oct

1pm-3pm or 6pm-8pm

Mondays 1st Nov - 29th Nov

1pm-3pm or 6pm - 8pm

Cost £57 per 5 weeks

Suitable for beginners and those with some experience

For more information check out Jan's Website

If you do book let me know how you get on, I would love to know.

Wedding jewellery cont.....

2010-08-12T05:04:00.000-07:00

Nearly 45 years ago my mother and father in law got married. At their wedding were their respective mums Ruby and Ivy.
As readers of my blog will know on the last Saturday of July my sister in law got married. Unfortunately neither Ruby or Ivy are still with us so were not there to see her married. However these ladies were very special to her and she wanted them somehow included in her wedding even if it was in small way.

One day whilst having a tiara discussion, my SIL mentioned this to me and muggins here who cannot keep her mouth shut, ever, said "Well you could make Ivy leaves from silver clay".
Now please don't get me wrong PMC is a fab product and there are some very talented people out there who get fab results from it. I, however, am not overly comfortable using it.
I had a lesson a while back with the very talented Janet Richardson and made a few pieces but I am never quite happy with my efforts, this was my first and only PMC experience. I find it hard to make my PMC efforts look handmade rather than homemade in my mind if you get what I mean. Maybe it is because I am used to working with silver and filing silver is a little different than filing unfired clay. Unfired clay just seems potentially really brittle. or maybe it is because I have a slight perfectionist streak. Anyway the short of it is, that it is not my medium of choice.

Despite of all that about 5 weeks ago I found myself making oodles of silver clay ivy leaves. One for the bride as a keepsake (she wore a pearl necklace I wore at my wedding which my mum in law gave me - old, borrowed and blue (it has a blue clasp) all in one). Three for the bridesmaids and one each for my SIL's mum and mum in law to be as keepsakes.
Then I remembered that a year or so ago I bought some rough cut rubies and had never used them, they were just sitting in my bead stash. Well, it must of been fate. I thought these would look fantastic dangling charm like from the jump ring (which btw I soldered as I have a big dislike for open jump ring) of and I added a freshwater pearl to tie in with the rest of the wedding jewellery, the brides dress and to add a nice contrast to the rubies.

So, here is the final product. Fine silver ivy leaf pendants with handwired charms of two roughcut rubies and a pearl. I am rather pleased with the end result even if I say so myself.

Oh and because I had clay left and I thought it would make a nice set I also made my sister in law some ivy leaf earrings.

So, Ivy and Ruby may not of been physically at the wedding, but they were part of it for my sister in law and were remembered on the day.

Delphinium

2010-08-10T05:53:00.000-07:00

I bought this stunning set of beads from Isabelle Anderson ages ago and made them into this set ages ago too.

However, as of yet I have never listed them on Folksy.

But, by the end of today they will all be uploaded and available to buy. Perfect for a summer wedding....if the sun comes out again that is ;)

And the reason I named these beads Delphinium...check out those gorgeous colours.Picture taken from http://gstuff.co.nz/shop/garden/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=210&zenid=31954b8c5ecf9c62baf1a878e2519e70

the wedding continued...

2010-08-04T07:35:00.000-07:00

So, to go with the tiara's my sister in law wanted some hair pins for in her hair.

As her hair is blond we decided on half in creamy white and half in the burgundy of the bridesmaid dresses to make them stand out.

Oh and then there were earrings - bridesmaids ones featuring Swarovski crystals and one for the bride using the same swarovski peals as the tiaras and hairclips.

There is one more lot of rather special jewellery to show you which I made for the wedding but that will wait for another day.
In the meantime I have been loading some gorgeous lampwork goodies in my Folksy shop. Why not check out my new lsitings ?

Tiara time

2010-08-02T08:12:00.000-07:00

So, brother in law to be finally asked my sister in law to marry him.
Being the lovely person I am I offered to make her some wedding jewellery. Well, I do running a jewellery business how hard can it be to make wedding jewellery?

Now, anyone who knows me will know I am very good either offering to do something or saying yes before really thinking it through. The old talk before the brain clicks in syndrome.
This is how I found myself saying I would make my sister in law her tiara's as well as her jewellery. That is four tiara's in total.....and where do you start designing a tiara? Well, we trawled the internet for some ideas, worked out what the bride did and didn't like and then made something......totally different which thankfully, she loved :)

a tiara for the bride herself

And three for the bridesmaids....

Here is a picture of them both together.

I am so so pleased with how they turned out and amazed at my first and only effort. Wedding jewellery makers do not worry I am not adding tiara's to my repetoire. I loved making these but never again, I think I prefer a quicker result from my makes. Each one took me an hour, 25 Swarovski crystal twisted pearls, about 70 Swarovski bicones and oodles of wire.
Having said that I am very very pleased with the result as was the bride and the bridesmaids - what more can you ask for?

Wedding Jewellery

2010-08-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Well, THE wedding was on Saturday. That is THE wedding that I made tiara's, necklaces, earrings and headpins for.
Whilst I edit some photos of the jewellery. Here is a sneak peak to keep you going.

One of the bridesmaids tiaras all boxed and ready to go.
More pics on their way .......

Destash

2010-07-07T02:37:00.000-07:00

Like any jewellery maker I have a plethora of beads in my stash....far more than I will probably ever use.
With baby number two on the way, I can see me having a few month of jewellery down time until we all get back into a new routine. So, in preperation for this I am having a bit of a clear out.
To start with I have some gorgeous hilltribe silver and at BARGAIN prices.
I have had these lovlies around for a year or so and therefore bought them before the price of silver sky rocketed.

Now I can't list the UK online sellers where these are more expensive but you will find some of these beads elsewhere at about double the price of not more. As I said Bargain prices.

I will be lsiting more destash bits in the next couple of days but these are already available in my other Folksy Shop . So why not op on over and bag a silver bargain?

Our Hols

2010-06-21T23:46:00.000-07:00

So, we went camping......

In the grounds of a gorgeous Chateau

Near to Mont St Michel

and we went to the beach

Catching up.

2010-06-21T05:14:00.000-07:00

Well, the last you heard from Beady Pool was back at the beginning of April.

I can only apologise, I have no idea where the time has gone to be honest. It's not that we've been idle doing nothing, time has just well, flown by.

Since I last blogged we've:

seen the Gruffalo at the theatre

said bonne voyage to some close friends who have moved to Australia

had loads of kids birthday parties

planted summer flowers and veg in the pre-school garden

helped make cheesy caterpillers in pre-school

been to sports day

been camping in France

and been feeling generally a bit icky.....yep that's right I've been feeling a bit icky however there is a reason, baby Parker no 2 is due the beginning of December. I'm now at 16 weeks and thankfully most of the sick feeling have passed.

Since I last blogged, Beady Pool has:

Had a fab time listing with the April Fools and had a good amount of sales from joining in

Taken part in the Henley Arts trail (More on that soon - promise)

Made a set of hair pins for my sister in laws wedding

Made 2 out of 4 tiara's for the same wedding

Started to make silver clay pendants for the same wedding

Oh and started a side line of girly hairclips and jewellery making kits.

Phew when you write it down like that I have been kind of busy really.

I can't show you pictures of the wedding items just yet as I would hate for the husband to be to be reading my blog as it would spoil the surprise. However I will leave you with a picture of the jewellery making kits I have been making with the help of Pussy Galore's design skills.

April Foolishness

2010-04-07T10:22:00.000-07:00

Near the end of March, Red Bird Jewellery posted a thread on the Folksy forum asking if anyone fancied joining her for some April foolishness. Her suggestion? To list an item everyday for the whole of April. Yep that is list 30 items, one per day for each and every day of April Well, as if I don't have enough to so I decided to join in. Stupidly when I signed up I forgot I would be back home in Cornwall for the easter weekend and with limited internet access. So, I have been playing catch up. Here are the gorgeous lovelies I have listed so far.

Seaspray Earrings - Lampwork by Laura Sparling

Seaspray Bracelet - Lampwork by Laura Sparling Cosmos Earrings - Lampwork by Laura Sparling

Smokescreen Bracelet - Smokey quartz latern beads and hilltribe silver

Portholes - lampwork by Caroline Cash

Nautical - lampwork by Caroline Cash

Fern - Green Amethyst and Hilltribe silver

Most are available now in my Beady Pool Folksy Shop, a couple have already gone to new homes.

Wish me luck luck for the next 23 days!

Balloon Folksy Friday

2010-03-26T01:08:00.000-07:00

It was my son's 4th birthday this week. I have no idea where the last 4 years have gone, it seems like only two years agao that he was born.
We went to the tampoline centre for his party but like most 4yr olds he knew what he wanted as his theme (i.e. his plates, party bags etc.) - ballooons.
I was quite pleased with this as it was easy for me to do and far cheaper than a branded theme. However, what about the cake? well i cheated a little with a pre-bought hedgehog. But, I did make 2 doz crispie cakes and 2 doz fairy cakes which with an easter egg cutter borrowed from pre-school turned out like this.

To celebrate his balloon themed party, this Folksy Friday is also balloon themed - enjoy.

fly fly away peach ring – Nelli D

balloon necklace - Niche Handmade

Birthday card – Clare’s Creations

And finally how cool is this - check out heir shop for more stunning balloon creations.

balloon super hero - Balloon Baboon

Red Polka Heaven

2010-03-24T07:22:00.000-07:00

A while ago, I bought this stunning set of beads from Trudi at Glittering Prize , aren't they lovely?

It is more unusual to get red lampwork beads than other colours. The glass is coloured with metal oxides. Red comes from gold oxide so is expensive and rarer than say copper oxide whoch makes the blues and greens. When I saw this set of beads I fell in love with them.

With the set, I made a bracelet and a pair of earrings and I still have some black spacer beads left for another project.

What do you think of this stunning handmade karen hilltribe heart toggle? Stunning isn't it? I just had to use it with these red beads. I have echoed the red and black of the lampwork with faceted chunky Czech red rondelles and onyx rondelles. A few round hammered hilltribe silver beads and in my mind you have one stunning bracelet.

For the earrings I used the main polka dot lampwork beads and the black spacers along with my favourite at the moment the karen hilltribe daisy spacer. I love that flash of silver between the beads, it is so subtle and yet eye catching.

I hope to get the beauties listed in the Beady Pool Folksy shop later this evening, in the meantime I am going to think of a name for them! Hope you like them x

May

2010-03-21T15:19:00.001-07:00

O SPRING has set off her green fuses

Down by the Tamar today,

And careless, like tide-marks, the hedges

Are bursting with almond and may.

Taken from ‘The Seasons in Cornwall’ by Charles Causley

from Collected Poems 1951-1997 published byMacmillan, 1992, ISBN 0333699211.

As a child I was given a book of poems by Charles Causley and this poem was in it. This first verse really sums up spring to me. One moment it's winter and the next the hawthorn (may) is sprouting lush green shoots and creamy white flowers. I didn't remember the poem properly hence why initially these pieces were called blackthorn...I remembered it as blackthorn and may. It was nearly 20years ago now when I first read it, well that's my excuse.So, why call these peices may?

Take a good look at the gorgeous lampwork beads by Rachel Dawes. We have the fantastic vibrant green of the new may leaf shoots, against the dark blacks and browns of the bark with the early flush of flowers emerging into the spring sunshine. As soon as I saw the beads that poem came to mind.

For those who wish to know, blackthorn (my original name for these pieces) is the sloe. Please correct me if I am wrong but the blackthorn flowers first and then gets leaves and the may (hawthorn) produces leaves and then flowers. A lot of the time we see blackthorn flowers and assume it is the may.

May is the common folk name for the hawthorn tree and the name has been used since the middle ages. Spring is coming earlier though each year as now we see may blossom in april instead of may.

The may bracelet and earrings are now available in the Beady Pool folksy shop.

Folksy Friday - Lampwork jewellery

2010-03-18T02:29:00.000-07:00

I have a love for lampwork beads.

That is handmade, one of a kind artisan lampwork beads. Each one lovingly made from a rod of glass gently heated in a hot flame and coaxed into a bead, each one different, each one individual.

Beady Pool jewellery is mainly designed around these artisan beads with a good sprinkling of silver, stunning gemstones and quality glass beads. To celebrate Beady Pool's love of lampwork this weeks Folksy friday focuses on these handmade beads.

Check out these beauties. Don't forget each one is unique as the beads used are unique - you won't see anyone else wearing these items

Bracelet - corinna2designs

Necklace - The Boutique Jewellery Company

Silica necklace - beaushambles
Snowdrop necklace - CeeGee jewellery
green heart necklace - Fairly Girly
Lime tree necklace - Whitecockade46
Blumen Bracelet - Beady Pool
earrings - Saffron Jewellery
Cocktail ring - Kookie Designs

Nasturtium

2010-03-17T11:50:00.000-07:00

The other day I shared a picture of some gorgeous polka dot beads that I had bought from Caroline Cash.
With the orangey/red beads in the set I have made Nasturtium, neckalce and matching earrings.

I have matched the beads with some spacers (small lampwork beads in a plain colour) I had in my stash from Alison Davies, karen hilltribe entwined spacers and orange Swarovski crystals. In the centre is a lovely chunky hilltribe flower bead. I have then attached these to fine Sterling Silver chain. The whole necklace is finished with a Silver s-clasp and a handwired lampwork spacer charm.

Close up of the flower bead and the spotty beads.

Oh and the earrings - can you spot the hilltribe daisy spacers in between the polka dot bead and the spacer? I love the effect this gives to earrings which is probably why I reproduce this design in various guises.

Orange is not a colour I would normally use, but I am really pleased with the end result. Nice and sunshiny. Roll on the summer.

I am hoping to get these listed in my Folksy shop later this week - keep an eye open for them.

Old Town

2010-03-15T13:23:00.000-07:00

Remember those gorgeous grey toned lampwork beads from Lushlampwork ? Well here is what I made - oh and a pendant which I inadvertently forgot to photograph.
I will post that photo soon.

Old Town Bracelet

I found my love by the gasworks croft
Dreamed a dream by the old canal
Kissed my girl by the factory wall
Dirty old town, dirty old town.

Lyrics by Ewan MacColl

Old Town earrings

Both are available now in the Beady Pool Folksy shop.

I would love to know what you think of them, please leave any comments below.

Baaa Baaa it's Folksy Friday

2010-03-12T02:56:00.000-08:00

It's lambing weekend at a farm near us and we are hoping to take my son. So in keeping here are some woolly finds.

A few weeks ago Woolly Lakes did a Sheep inspired Folksy Friday a few weeks ago so I am keeping mine a little different. Why not pop over to their blog and take a look?

Cute t-shirt from Silver Birch Crafts, I wouldn't loose my son in amoungst the lambs if he was wearing this.

A cute memory of the day? Wee sheep from Quernus Crafts?

Oh how about a cute sampler from Sew Lovely

Finally maybe my son could send Grandma a cute card telling her all about the lambs.

Sheep card by Fluffy Thoughts

Back next Friday with some more Folksy Friday Finds X

And the winner is....

2010-03-10T23:11:00.000-08:00

Jolicious

Well done Jolicious, if you can email me your address or where you would like them to be sent I will get them off in the post to you.

A huge thank you to my son for picking a name out of the hat...and for keeping on picking

So, can Vonnie, Laura G and Nichola Pitt also send me you addresses :)

Am feeling over generous and he did pick you out.

It won't be lampwork earrings but I will pop a little something into the post fo you all as well

Mothering Sunday Giveaway

2010-03-09T14:50:00.000-08:00

So, are you organised? Have you bought your mum or that someone special something for mothering Sunday?
Or more to the point are you a mummy and just want to be spoilt?

Would you like to win these gorgeous earrings?
To either give to someone special or keep for yourself?

The earrings feature handmade lampwork spacers by Rebecca Weddell, Karen hilltribe silver diasy spacers and amazonite faceted rondelles. Handwired by Beady Pool using sterling silver wire and hung from sterling sivler earwires.
Gorgeous :)

So, what do you have to do I hear you ask?
Just write a comment below saying who you would give these to and why.

Yep it's that simple.

What I hear you ask - no blog following, no facebook fanning, no shop favouriting?
No, I want to keep it simple this time. But, if you want to please do
facebook - http://artist.to/beadypool
www.beadypool.folksy.com

So comment away below....if you won these earrings who would you give them to and why?

Small print - Open to UK residents only this time as I have left it a little late
Draw closes 8am Thurs morning so I have time to post them out

Names will go into a hat and my son will pick one after 8am
Good luck x

Today I am making with....

2010-03-09T03:22:00.000-08:00

Town stonebaked beads from Julie at Lush lampwork. The beads have been etched to give them a lovely tactile softness.
I can see these looking fab with some black diamond faceted Czech glass beads that I have. I also have a stunning Karen Hilltribe silver toggle whose design will really bring out the silver band on the beads.

And these nautical inspired set from Caroline Cash . I am really in spotty beads at the moment, so these came along just at the right time. In real life the "red" beads are far more orange. I was disappointed at first, however I have some stunning orange spacers left from a previous project by Alison Davies (Who by the way has just reopened her shop, so take a look.) So, I am going out of my blue comfort zone and am making in orange - yep that's right orange! This spell of sunny weather really has inspired me.

I will post pictures of the finished items when I've made them. Check back to see what I make soon.

Beady Photographs courtesy of the lampwork artists.

Creme de Mure

2010-03-04T12:23:00.000-08:00

And the gorgeous purple frit beads by Rachel Dawes became......

Creme de Mure earrings

Creme de Mure Necklace

Both are available now in the Beady Pool Folksy shop.

A Berkshire Folksy Friday

2010-03-04T10:08:00.000-08:00

Folksy has so many fantastic sellers and at times it can be hard to decide what theme to choose. So, this week I have decided to look on my doorstep. Not literally, but in my locality.
So, here is a showcase of some Berkshire Folksians - enjoy the diversity.

From top left :
Pop up birthday card - Pop up Zoo
Leaf earrings by Edwina Simone
Ceramic cupcake pincushion – Lauren ceramics
Anemone Blanda pin pot – Granny Ruth’s Gift Emporium
Wonderland Hatter brooch – Silent Theatre
HooterNinnie - Oddsox

Sumi – Pussy Galore

Blackberry - Beady Pool

Handpainted tulip vase – Clare’s Creations

Button bracelet – Wintersnow

I would love to know which are your favourites - please let me know below. If there are any other Berkshire Folksians out there please leave your links in the comments.

Damask

2010-03-03T06:21:00.000-08:00

Remember those stunning signature artisan beads by Rebecca Weddell I showed you in the previous post? Those floral cerise beauties? Well here is what I have created using them.

Damask

I picked out the floral theme of the lampwork with a beautifully handmade Karen hilltribe Silver rose. Then I used ooodles of pink swarovski crystals and chunkier faceted rondelles in cerise pink to compliment the lampwork. These are interspersed with hilltribe silver tubes.

All finished with a hilltribe s-clasp and a handwired faceted crystal rondelle charm.
I am so pleased with how this has turned out and it's been nice making a necklace instead of a pendant for once.
Damask can be found in the Beady Pool folksy shop as can the complimenting Anemone earrings.

Today I have been making...

2010-03-03T04:38:00.000-08:00

With these gorgeous lampwork beads.
A set of fritties from Rachel Dawes, I am loving the deep purples in these beads. I have been teaming them with faceted crystal beads and Karen Hilltribe daisy spacers. I've made two necklaces and a pair of earrings.

And a set of Rebecca Weddell's trademark floral beads - scrummy.

With these beads I have made a necklace with a Karen Hilltribe silver rose pendant and a pair of earrings which can already be found in the Beady Pool shop on Folksy. Photographs of the resulting jewellery coming soon.....

Sunshine Sunshine Sunshine

2010-03-01T06:14:00.000-08:00

Wow today is just stunning - spring is definately on it's way.

Over the past month or so, I have been lucky enough to receive a Sunshine Blog award from numerous other bloggers who like reading my blog - thank you, I'm really touched x

Being my usual self it has taken me ages to get around to bloggin about this and passing it on.

So, here it is - isn't that Gerbera cheerful?

Blog awards usually come with rules to help share out the blogging love and introduce us all to new blogs. Here are the rules for this one...
The Sunshine Award is awarded to bloggers whose positivity and creativity inspires others in the blog world.
The rules for accepting this award are:
Put the logo on your blog or within your post.
Pass the award onto 12 bloggers.
Link the nominees within your post.
Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.
Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.
If you would like to take the award and pass it on to bloggers who inspire you then please do.

However, I already follow all the people who sent me the award and as this has been doing the rounds for a while most people have received it. So, I am changing the rules for me :)
I am going to showcase here some items from each of the bloggers shops who nominated me. Why not have a look around their shops?

Trinket Box
Top Floor Treasures
Coburg Crafts

Kookie Designs

and Pussy Galore

Thank you all for sharing the award with me x

Starry Starry Night

2010-03-01T03:32:00.000-08:00

How gorgeous are these lampwork beads?
Deep cores of the most stunning royal purple decorated with a milky way of silver stars and then encased in clear for extra sparkle and depth. They are made by the very talented Izzy Anderson over at Flame and Glass.

I have handwired them using silver wire with silver beads, faceted purple crystals and my favourite Karen Hilltribe silver daisy spacers. The earrings hang from sivler earwires.

The pendant features two lampwork spacers and three more crystals all handwired to silver wire dangling below the main focal bead. An eyecatching pendant with loads of movement. As per normal with Beady Pool pendants it comes on either a 16 or 18 inch silver snake chain.
Both are available to buy from the Beady Pool shop on Folksy.

Belated Folksy Friday

2010-02-28T06:47:00.000-08:00

These gorgeous red polka hearts have just been sold from my Beady Pool shop on Folksy. So, to celebrate here are some more red polka dot finds from the talented Folksy Folk.

A lovely puffball bracelet from Laura Lou, perfect to compliment the current nautical trend.

Or how about a polka dot hair clip from Once upon my dream?

I know a few girls who would just love this cupcake bunting from Nickynackynoo

And finally how cute are these? Utterly adorable baby booties from Betty P

Right I'm off back to the baking...it's wet and grey today so we are making sausage rolls, fairy cakes and saffron buns - nom nom

Edit - Saffron buns are more brown than golden as I was busy writing this! Let's hope they taste ok.

Folksy Friday - washing day

2010-02-18T23:59:00.000-08:00

Apologies for my absence - loads going on the home front, but most importantly little man and I have been down to see mad granny and papa back home in Cornwall. We had a fab time...but now we are back it's laundry time. Despite doing some down at my mum's I am sure I am on my 5th load already. So, here are my Folksy Friday finds all laundry themed to make the chore so much easier. Now all I need is a sunny day so my whites can blow on the line - one can hope.

Gorgeous pegs to hang out your laundry from Ticketty Boo

And they need a fab pag bag to go in - this funky daisy is so much nicer than my old tatty one. You can find this and other designs in Wonky Giraffe's shop

For the days that it is too wet to hang the laundry out why not brighten up your home with a washing line mirror from Oink Design or a colourful peg print from Lapwing printworks .

With such gorgeous items there is no need for the wash day blues.

I'm off now to start load six and then urgh the ironing :(

Red Hot Polka Hearts

2010-02-01T12:58:00.000-08:00

Just right for Valentines day.

Featuring artisan beads by Julie Fountain at Lush lampwork

Avaiable in the Beady Pool Folksy shop.

Either make some subtle hints, or why not just treat yourself?

Sold.....

2010-01-24T14:00:00.000-08:00

Just a few pics of some new items that sold before Christmas but, they are so lovely I just had to share.....

Nebula featuring beads by Annelyse Taylor

Smokey quartz and hilltribe silver heart earrings

and a gorgeous charm bracelet....Hope you like x

Appreciating what is on your doorstep

2010-01-22T06:13:00.000-08:00

Last weekend when the snow had near enough thawed and we decided some fresh air was in order as it was such a bright spring day. So, we popped over to Lily Hill Park. We don't seem to go that often, even though it is almost on our doorstep. Maybe it is because we don't have a dog to walk, it is a big dog walking place. I think it is more the fact that we tend to forget what is right under our noses within a few minutes drive. Sometimes we are all too keen to go somewhere different or further away. There are often lovely places right near by which are well worth a visit. Come and have a look around with us........

The original house which is now privately owned.

How gorgeous are the twisted branches of this old rhododendron. In a few months the park will be full of lilac blooms from these gorgeous plants.

Some sculpture made from an old tree trunk. There are lots of pieces in the park and all the benches have been made from felled trees. Each of the benches has been woodworked with the name of the wood and a picture of the trees leave and seed pod.

The new walkways that they are putting in....definately saves from getting muddy boots!

Finally, a view looking up through the park. We took monkey's bike so didn't go up round these walks...maybe next time. To think it is all just on our doorstep.

Folksy Friday

2010-01-21T12:34:00.000-08:00

Sometimes your jacket or cardi just needs a little, I don't know adding to. To me a brooch is the prefect way to do this. Here are a few of my favourites from Folksy.

Bookity makes some fab brooches with literary quotes. Check our her book handbags too as they are really unique.

Granny Ruth’s shop offers this stunning red rose and I will admit I have one adorning my new cardi.

I first saw these brooches from Applique Originals at Reveal before Christmas. In my mind the workmanship is amazing.

Finally this summery design caught my eye from Buttercup Boutique isn't it pretty?

Why not head over to Folksy and find some brooches of your own?

New on Folksy

2010-01-18T13:12:00.000-08:00

Twilight
faceted smokey quartz and creamy frshwater pearls

Harebell
Purple glass beads delicately dangling from sterling silver chain

Both available from my Folksy shop.

Folksy Friday

2010-01-15T00:35:00.000-08:00

A fair few Folksy users have been having a Folksy Friday where they choose some of their favourite items on Folksy.
Here are some of mine.
We spent Christmas day, which seems like ages ago now, in my parents new holiday flat. It is in Marazion within smelling distance of the sea and a fantastic view of St Micheals Mount. They have spent the past 6 months or so getting it decorated and sorted out. Which made me think, what would I put in a holiday flat if it was mine? Or what would I have at home to help me remember my last holiday. Here are a few of my favourites.

A beautiful cushion from Ticketty Boo

A custom made beach hut by Elli Moody. I bought one of these for my dad for Christmas for in the flat and it is fab.

Some groovy fish from Half an Acre

And some fab photos from I Like to either send home or frame to go on the wall.

I don't know about you, but I am now counting the days till summer.....where's the beach?

Cooking fest

2010-01-14T06:08:00.000-08:00

Last weekends cheesy tomato spirals

and melting moments

Recipes were from I can cook courtesy of cbeebies....needless to say there are none left!

More Neighbours....

2010-01-09T12:36:00.000-08:00

Am loving the bikini :)

New Neighbours

2010-01-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Here are a few of our new local neighbours..........

Snow Fun

2010-01-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

Yes, we have snow too and are making the most of it.

Reveal - opening evening

2009-12-03T01:23:00.000-08:00

I am not sure if I am nervous or excited.
Today is the opening of the first weekend of Reveal - A Christmas Showcase of handmade craft and Beady Pool is going to be there.
I am currently putting the finishing touches to my stall and finding where I need to park later to set up.
Reveal opens this evening with a preview from 5pm-8pm, please join us for drinks and nibbles if you can. It would be lovely to meet you. If you can't make it we will be open from 10am - 5pm Fri 4th, Sat 5th and Sunday 6th.
Reveal will also be raunning next weekend as well from 10th - 13th December.
There will be fantastic selection of ceramics, jewellery, glass, photography and more all making ideal Christmas gifts for loved ones or you could just treat yourself.
For more details of the artists who are taking part and a sneak preview of the lovely handmade goodies that will be for sale check out the Reveal Website - hope to see you there.

And the winner is.........

2009-11-01T03:33:00.000-08:00

Drum roll please.........

Nifty Knits

Apologies for the picture......a huge thank you to all who entered and to my lovely son for picking the winner.

Nifty I will be in touch to ask what you would like as your prize and in which colour.

And the winner of the facebook/blog follower giveaway is.........

Leanne Woods.

I added all the followers from each site up - 189 in total and utilised the good old random number generator. For the life of me I cannot work out how to copy and paste the random number integer -sorry - but it was Leanne's number that came up.

Again I will be in touch to get your address so I can send you your prize.

I just want to add a huge thank you to you all for your continued support of Beady Pool and for being here to be entered.

Charity Auction

2009-10-31T06:37:00.000-07:00

Another talented jewellery designer friend of mine, Melanie Poxon of Kookie Designs has arranged a big collective auction for charity.

There are 11 auction lots on offer for you to bid on from a fantastic range of UK designers and makers featuring ready made jewellery to lampwork beads to make your own pieces. All lots are stunningly gorgeous - I have my eyes set on some of Izzy's earrings yum.

I have donated a gorgeous lampwork bracelet featuring beads by Laura Sparling which Mel has put in a lot (Number 1) with a pair of her scrummy earrings).

If you fancy placing a bid then please head over here to the auction and have a look at all the generously donated items on offer. All money raised from the auction will be split between two charities - Headway and Royal Free Kidney Patients Association.

All money raised from the auction will be split between two charities - Headway and Royal Free Kidney Patients Association.

The auction opened on Saturday October 24th at 10:00am GMT and there have been some really generous bids already. It closes on Monday November 2nd at 8:30pm GMT, so you still have time to bag yourself a gorgeous piece of unique jewellery or some scummy beads to add to your stash!

Less than 24hrs to go.....

2009-10-30T14:30:00.000-07:00

Till we pick a winner for the fantastic Beady Pool giveaway. You can win either this gorgeous necklace in a colour of your choice.

Or the earrings from the same range with a matching bracelet or a pendant along the same theme.

So, I hear you say "what do I have to do to enter?"

Well, look at my website or folksy shop, decide which is your favourite item and leave a comment here or on on the Beady Pool fanpage on facebook.

You can get another entry by getting a friend to sign up as a fan of either this blog or the facebook page. Don't forget to let me know that they are your friend!

Finally, I realised I was ignoring my die hard followers both on here and facebook. Well, if you are a fan of either you can have an entry into another, yes that's another draw. This will be to win a matching bracelet and earrings set. All you have to do is what you are already doing just being here supporting Beady Pool.

Blimey I must still be recovering from my hols to be this generous.

Don't forget there are less than 24hrs to enter - what are you waiting for? Good luck.

Back from Boston

2009-10-27T01:20:00.000-07:00

Obviously that is not our plane taking off from Logan airport but you get the idea. Anyway, we had a fab time in Boston and visited loads of places.

I will post some more photos soon, once the huge pile of laundry has been conquered and I have recovered from the time difference and the imminent arrival of both sets of family.
Meanwhile I would like to wish my hubby a happy wedding anniversary for today - 8yrs have flown by.
Don't forget there are still a few days to enter my fab giveaway - thank you for all the entries so far. I am loving your jewellery choices.

Winning and Giving away

2009-10-12T12:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I entered a competition on Scarlett Butterflies blog and won. Below is a pic of the scrummy magnets I won and I have to say they are the strongest magnets on my fridge and are currently keeping all my little mans pics very firmly attached.

Go and check out Maria's shop as well, it is full of gorgeous girly gifts.

Well that's the winning, what about the giving I hear you shout??

I have decided it is time for another Beady Pool giveaway......but I can't decide what to give away. Should it be a bracelet, necklace, pendant or a pair of earrings??? I really can't decide.

So, as I can't decide - you can, this is what is up for grabs.

Either a bracelet and a pair of earrings, a pendant or a necklace along the theme of this and this. I don't have a pendant or bracelet to show you but they will be along the same theme of "He loves me". When you win, I will give you a choice of colours to choose from and I will then make your item and send it out. What more could you ask for?

So, what do you have to do??

Take a look around my website and my folksy shop and let me know which item you like the best and leave a comment below or on facebook or email it to me.

For a second chance to enter get a friend to either follow this blog or become a fan on facebook - let me know that they are your friend and you get another entry. Each new follower or fan is another entry.

Closing date is Saturday 31st October at 8pm.....so, what are you waiting for, get entering.

How cool are these.......

2009-10-09T03:21:00.000-07:00

Now, I don't have a little girl so don't have a hair grip, hair band issue. You know the one where they go missing, where you can't find the matching pair etc. etc.

Well, I have just found a fab solution to this on Folksy. Aren't these just gorgeous?

There is a lovely long ribbon to attach all the clips to and behind the cupcake is room for the bands. To top this all off they are custom made with an initial of your choice. For little girls you can't ask more than that! Plus at £6 in my mind they are a good price, add a few grips/bobbles and what a fab pressie.

With a few birthdays and Christmas fast approaching, I have just put my order in for a few, well 5 actually :) Guess what everyone is getting from me this year.

If you would like one then take a look at Heart Felt Handmade's shop

She also makes some gorgeous tooth fairy pillows as well.

Rosie Runs....

2009-10-03T13:22:00.000-07:00

Rosie of Brave or Foolish plans to run the grueling 26 miles of the 2010 London Marathon in aid of The Miscarriage Association.

I am in awe of anyone who can run, let alone run the marathon. I doubt I could even run to the end of my road! What makes Rosie's attempt even more amazing in my eyes is that she is not a marathon runner. She is starting her preperation after four months of pregnancy-induced strict bedrest and eight months of being a stay at home mother. You can read more about her story here.

In order to run the London Marathon she needs to raise £1300. Rosie and I went to school together (all those years ago :)). When I heard of her fundraising attempt I decided to try and help.

So, I have donated this gorgeous one of a kind lampwork bracelet, which she is auctioning with all proceeds (minus any ebay fees) going to the cause.

The bracelet features artisan beads by Rachel Dawes of Earth and Fire Beads in gorgeous sorbet colours of lemon, orange and strawberry. The lampwork beads feature floral, dotty and fine stringer detailing. I have handwired the beads together using sterling silver wire and finished it with a silver s-clasp.

You can find the auction here.

So, if you fancy helping out a fantastic cause why not place a bid. You only have a few hours left so make sure you head over their now.

You can also help out by visiting Rosie's sponsershop page at Justgiving.com

Or you can buy something from either of my shops Beady Pool or Beady Pool on Folksy as I am donating 10% of all sales until the end of the auction.

Or why not visit Seethewoods shop as Leanne has also kindly offered to donate 10% of her sales as well.

With so may ways to help out - which one will you choose??

Autumnal offerings

2009-09-28T06:20:00.000-07:00

I love autumn, it has to be my favourite time of year. The temperature cools a little and especially here in Berkshire we get frosty, crisp bright mornings.

Autumn has definately been working it's magic on me as I have some seasonal offering for you all available in my folksy shop.

Above is Fall with sterling silver leaves, carnelian, red aventurine and malachite gemstones.

Below is Burnt Sugar - earrings and pendant featuring brown jasper gemstones.

Both are available in my Folksy shop where I offer free first class P&P within the UK. I am also donating 10% of all sales in both my Folksy and Website shops to the miscarriage association until this coming Sunday 4th Oct. You can find out why here.

Proof is in the biccies

2009-09-28T06:13:00.000-07:00

So here's the pic - mad grannies biccies. Nom nom

Yum Yum - well, this is what they looked like.

Notice I say looked not look....yep that's right hubby scoffed them :) Well, I may of had one or two to help out.

Thankfully I made another batch for the friend who is visiting this afternoon. You have been warned they are moreish!

Mad grannies biscuits

2009-09-26T04:01:00.000-07:00

Well, I think I am allowed to call her that. Mad granny is my mum. When we fist had our sone she decided she would be called granny, not nanny, nan or grandma - granny and then with one of her wicked smiles mum said "mad granny".

So, I am afraid to say it has stuck.

Mad granny makes the most fantastic biccies, I think the recipe was originally out of one of the sunday suppliments but mum has adulterated it to include less sugar amoungst other things. It was very very sweet - even now it's sweet enough.

I am making these as I write so if I get the chance before they are eaten I will post some pics.

2oz brown or dark brown soft sugar

5oz jumbo oats (they need to be the jumbo ones)

2 fl oz sunflower oil

Mix the above and leave for an hour.

Then you need:

1 beaten egg

1oz sunflower seeds

1oz pumpkin seeds

2oz dried chopped apricots

After the first lot of ingredients has been left for an hour mix in the rest of the ingredients. You will have a loose oat bix which sticks together when cooked. Spoon onto baking paper and flatten slightly - you can make them as big or small as you want, I tend to make them about a rounded dessert spoon in size.

Bake at 180C, gas 4 for 12-15 mins - or until starting to brown.

Allow to cool a bit and then transfer to a cooling rack.

I think this makes about 10-12, but I always double the recipe. They are also fab broken up on yoghurt or with icecream.

Yum yum - enjoy.

How tall can you grow?????

2009-09-22T13:03:00.000-07:00

Well, I have had some measurements in for the Sunflower competition and a lot of.......um well ours didn't grow... and .....ours got eaten....and.....ours went swimming etc. etc.

But this is I think the tallest one.

A stunning 320cm!

It is very amazing that this one is as tall as it is as about 2 weeks into the competition the growers mum was explaining how the grower had tipped the compost and seeds onto the garden. A couple of weeks after that we were in the garden looking at her carrots and lettuce and I mentioned that there was a sunflower growing. This beauty is that sunflower.

Before I hand over the prize, which I will blog a picture of at some point, did anyone elses grow any bigger? I did ask for heights in by bh weekend but I don't want to award this one the prize if there is a bigger sunflower lurking somewhere let me know if yours grew bigger else this whopper one gets the prize!

He Loves me......

2009-09-21T06:06:00.001-07:00

New from Beady Pool on Folksy. He loves me in teal green.

He loves me is a czech glass and silver necklace with an assymetrically placed Karen Hilltribe silver flower. I have handwired the beads to the silver chain and then the chain to the s-clasp, as I have a thing about jump rings that can possibly open! It's a bit bug bear of mine so only use them when I have to.

There is a pair of complimenting earrings if you are someone who likes their matching sets.

Available as of today on Folksy, with free first class postage within the UK.

I am in the process of listing some other colour combinations, but if you like the style but would like something a little different just let me know. I can design something just for you.

Boston here we come

2009-09-15T13:11:00.000-07:00

It's booked - finally :) Boston here we come.

We have settled on an Embassy Inn. They have one bedroom suites so we can have the lounge to ourselves in the evening whilst little man sleeps in the main bed. We can transfer him to the sofa bed when we are ready to go to sleep at least that is the plan. They also have a small kitchenette in the room with a microwave and fridge. Plus the hotel has a pool and gives us a buffet breakfast each morning. The hotel is 5 mins walk across a kids play park to the T, which apparently is $2 into town. We are also close to the car hire so can just book what we want when we want, which is good as parking costs at the hotels are sky high.

A downside could well be that the hotel is at Boston airport, but all the reviews say that you can't hear the plane noise in the hotel. I am hoping on the plus side that a bit of plane spotting will keep the boys amused :)

So flights and hotel is booked, now I just need to look into what we are going to do whislt we are there. It's times like this that the internet is a fab resource.

One thing I have learnt though....when booking through expedia check your prices as a package and seperately. We booked the hotel and flight seperately, saved nearly £200 and have got premium economy seats rather than economy. Hubby really does need the extra leg room.

Boston on a budget.....ish

2009-09-10T12:38:00.000-07:00

So, last week we planned to go to Brittany for the week.

We have not really been away with little man before except to friends and family, let alone abroad and we are both worriers when it comes to being away with him.

We have spoken to friends who have taken kids:

"give them their tea, put them to bed, put them in the buggy asleep and then go out yourselves" ummm despite being only 3 1/2 he hasn't fitted in a buggy for about a year (too heavy and too tall) and unless he was really pooped he would sooo wake up

"just keep them up late and eventually their body clock alters, take them to the hotel entertainment, they will love it" hmmm may work but someone needs his sleep, he still has an afternoon nap of an hour and sleeps about 11-12 hrs a night. He gets very crabby and grumpy when tired and I am not a mum who does crabby lol. Plus I am not really a hotel entertainment kind of person - unless it is good.

"just put them to sleep and read on the balcony" wouldn't work for us. Little man is very good at going to bed, but if he can see us sleep he will not. Plus sitting on the balcony reading is not my idea of a holiday.

So, where does that leave us??? "camping" I thought.

I have lovely, possibly warped, memories of camping as a child.

Photo courtesy of Eurocamp

You get your accomodation, you get a pool/s, you get entertainment/kids clubs if you want. you can come and go as you please. You can cook or eat out. Plus you can sit out (or in) whilst small child goes to sleep. Ok, so it's camping. You have to do your own washing up. But for me it works.

Problem....the week we want to book was the last week most of the parks were open. Hmmm would all the facilities be available?? plus Britanny has had an issue of toxic seaweed on the beaches and they were what we were going for. So, Brittany went by the by and we ahd the week at home (See previous blog post).

So, where does that leave us???

Me sulking "but I want a holiday"
"if we don't go abroad this year with little man, we never will"
"I really fancy new England in the Fall"
hubby who has been very quite up till now "ok"
Me "errr what"
Him "that sounds like a great idea"
Me - stunnned silence

Photo courtesy of freefoto.com

So, I am frantically looking at trying to book us a holiday in Boston. But it is sooooo expensive. A friend has suggested that we look at residence inns or similar as they can have a seperate sleeping/living area so we could have a little bit of comfort whilst someone goes to bed earlier than us. Problem is that most are out of town. So, do we go in town, pay more and use public transport or go out of town, pay less but get a hire car??? Hmmm tough one especially as I don't know the area.

Twitter came up trumps today though, as I tweeted my dilema and the Charles Hotel offered me a very good twitter rate. It looks very nice and convenient, and we can book two ajoiining rooms, but still prob far too pricey for us - haven't dared ask my bh yet.

One thing for sure though, wherever we stay, we are going to have to fly premium economy as hubby will need the leg room (he is 6ft 8). It will cost more, but I think we are going to have to do it for his comfort. So, that's any budget blown before we have even taken off! Defiantely means the room will have to cost less......

Any advice on places to visit, stay, eat in Boston all greatfully recieved....I need this holiday to work else I don't think we will have one until littley has flown the nest! Off to look at hotels again now - wish me luck.

Holidays at home

2009-09-07T12:46:00.000-07:00

The past week we have been on holiday - we were planning away. Eurocamping in Britanny. We even got little mans passport sorted out for him. But, due to the campsites shutting at the beginning of Sept, toxic fuming seaweed on the beaches and a small child wondering where home is as we had been visiting so many people this summer we decided not to go. Instead we spent the week doing daytrips. Legoland was visited a fair few time - it's on our doorstep and we have annual passes. We also visited Wellington Country park, which was fantastic - i would thoroughly recommend the snakes and ladders play area, fab slides.

To end the week we visited the Ashridge Estate on our way to visit relatives.

This is the Bridgewater tower, which apparently has fantastic views from the top, but seeming as I don't like heights I didn't even dare go up it - I would of got good old Elvis leg, with a whole lot of shaking going on.

Autumn is defiantely on it's way.....

This was the best "feet firmly on the ground" view.

And finally the boys at the top of the tower....little man had no fear and was even trying to climb the railings. Rather them than me.

More sneaky peaks.......

2009-08-25T06:28:00.000-07:00

Porthcurnick, bracelet and earrings. Featuring beads by Caroline Cash and named after this beach on the Roseland peninsula.

With Czech glass beads, Swarovski crystals and hilltribe silver.

I just love blues and greens and these gorgeous beads remind me of the sea as the clouds pass over head making it change colour. Turquoise in the bright sun with the clouds creating darker and deeper colours as the skitter overhead in the fresh sea breeze.

Sneak Peak

2009-08-25T05:51:00.000-07:00

Well, the summer hols are flying past and our feet seem to of hardly touched the ground what with visiting Cornwall then Essex and then Stoke. We have had a few days though at home and importantly I have found time to make some jewellery and to buy some more beads! Here are just a few sneak peaks for you.

Delphinium - necklace, bracelet and earrings featuring stunning lampwork beads by Isabelle Anderson with freshwater pearls, rose quartz and hilltribe silver.

These lovelies and more will be up on the website in the next few days.

How much fun....

2009-08-11T23:51:00.001-07:00

can you have with some fishing line, bacon rind, a bucket and a pontoon? Loads when you go crabbing.

We caught 13 of the lovelies and my son had the best time ever. Catching crabs is ever so exciting when you are 3 and a bit. This is grandma showing little man how to hold a crab - you would never get me doing that!

And here is one of them making a bit back to freedom off the pontoon - as far as I know he is a shore crab. Our fisherman catch them for bait, but the french apparently eat them. I am far happier with them back in the water and no where near my toes!

The best way to start a holiday....

2009-08-06T07:57:00.000-07:00

Is with a scrummy breakfast - courtesy of Gylly Beach Cafe.

Food with a view......this was hubbies order, I just had a sausage sarnie but it was just as impressive :)

More pics from our hols soon.

5000

2009-07-15T12:45:00.001-07:00

Yep 5000, well actually more than 5000 now.

That is the number of visitors I have had to my website since I started it.

To celebrate all you lovely visitors I am offering 20% off all my jewellery until Tues 22nd July at midnight.

That's 20% off everything

If you want to buy anything, please just email me and I will alter the price accordingly.

My website can be found here and my Folksy shop here .

Go hit the shops!

Venturing into silver

2009-07-14T13:00:00.001-07:00

Over the past few months, I have been venturing into the world of making silver jewellery. I have only done a few hours of lessons here and there, but have really enjoyed myself and can't wait to start making more on my own. My tutor has been the very talent Janet Richardson.

I have posted previously some of my silver makes but here is one of my latest.

This pendant is actually a commision, a lovely lady saw the one I had made myself and was wearing and asked me to make one for her - what a confidence boost. Hopefully I will be making more silver items soon - I just need to pluck up a bit of confidence. Oh and buy some solder and pickle and ..........

So, if Widget is 32 inches tall

2009-07-14T12:52:00.000-07:00

Spotty and Twiglet have worked out that that makes their sunflower.......
HUGE!

Widget's Measured have you???

2009-07-09T01:28:00.000-07:00

Well, here are our sunflowers, growing well and flowering.......

However, here are the other two plants - planted at the same time but when I transplanted them they ended up with the raspberry canes rather than near the conservatory.....what a difference.

I am beginning to think that it be slow but steady that wins this race, who knows.

If you are in the competition, I sent an email last week about measuring but in case you didn't get it......please measure to the highest point of the flower - petals and all from the soil once your sunflower is in full flower. I will close the competition when we have all the measurements in.

A few measurements from some other growers - abizar is 1m 63 and sonny is 2m 17.....and some have just given up the ghost.

Widget has been measuring as well.........I think this is the case of the attack of the 50ft bunny or in this case as the bunny maker says "No one knows that you are really a 32" bunny, Widget, which makes that sunflower - oooo, about 72". Not that he is cheating again or anything!

Widget really, it is the taking part that counts and it is all for charity. You are really rather competative. If you want to see what else Widget gets up to check out his blog...yes the bunny has his own blog!

Talking of charity - a huge thank you to all who have taken part as we have raised nearly £80 for Macmillan Cancer. Thank you all.

Wiggle it....just a little bit

2009-07-01T13:14:00.001-07:00

I seemed to off managed to disappear off the blogging radar for....wait for it....a month. Where on earth did June go to???

To make up for my vanishing act take a look at these lovelies - I've named them Wiggle It. Beautiful lampwork wiggle beads by Laura Sparling featuring a deep teal encased in ice blue. Simple stunning.

I continued the wiggly theme with some wiggly silver tube beads. I simply love how the necklace and earrings have turned out. I am tempted to keep them for myself, but I have already kept one set for me this month and a I mustn't be too greedy.

I hope to get them up on the website later this evening, so if they take your fancy take a look here.

Hopefully it won't be as long before my next blog post, fingers crossed.

Naughty Widget

2009-05-31T14:01:00.000-07:00

Do we disqualify Widget or give him extra points for effort and ingenuity?

I think we need to get the bunny maker to explain the rules - it's the tallest sunflower Widget, not the soonest to flower!

BTW you can become a friend of Widget the sockbunny on facebook and keep up with his antics - go on you know you want to!

2009-05-31T13:56:00.001-07:00

Fancy letting a little colour into your life??

Check out this blog - with a collective of colouful items themed by Rainbow colours. Enough to brighten anyones day.

Awards

2009-05-22T05:14:00.000-07:00

In the past few weeks, I have been awarded a couple of blog awards. The first is by Sabine at Little Castle Designs. The second is an honest Scrap award from Alison at Amidesigns.

So, here goes with Sabine's tagging

8s about me (all of them, in no particular order):

8 Things I'm looking forward to:
1) Exhibiting at the Henley Arts Trail this weekend.
2) Seeing Eric Clapton in Concert next week. It was on my do before I die list :)

3) Catching up with the girls, hubbies and kids next weekend.
4) Moving South West in the next few years.
5) Visiting friends and family over the summer hols - must get that organised.

6) Taking up lampwork bead making - one day anyway.
7) Eating my own homegrown veg and fruit later this year.

8) Teaching a lovely lady how to make her own jewellery next week.

8 Things I did yesterday:
1) Made lunch for my parents and my inlaws
2) Bought a new kitchen clock and a paddling pool.

3) Hunted for some foldable chairs in the shed, but couldn't find them

4) Twittered
5) Read my very long blog list (two days away and lots of reading to do)

6) Bumped into my old lab tech and had a lovely catch up.
7) Uploaded pics onto flickr and facebook

8) Was tempted by lampwork beads by managed not to buy any - for now.

8 Things I wish I could do:
1) Make lampwork beads.
2) Sing - properly not just my warble.
3) Make jewellery full time.
4) Read people's minds.
5) Be more patient.

6) Be more organised and waste less time.
7) Sew properly using a sewing machine
8) Know the proper names for plants not just my names, and more about where they should be planted etc.

8 Shows I watch:
....hmmm I could fall down here too as I tend not to watch too much - lets see
1) The Mentalist
2) Heroes

3) Britan's got talent (well it is the weekend)

4) Kirstie's homemade home
5) QI
6) Read my blog list
7) Update my website
8) Make jewellery

Sorry about the last three, but there isn't enough else on TV that interests me.

And if you are not too bored of an all about me - here are my replies to Alisons tagging - I will try to get the logo uploaded later today.....don't hold your breath though.

The Honest Scrap Award!

There are a few requirements and they are as follows:-

I must thank the person who gave me the award and list their blog and link it

I must list 10 honest things about myself

I must put a copy of The Honest Scrap Logo on my blog.

I must select at least 7 other worthy bloggers & list their links

I must notify the bloggers of the award and hopefully they will follow the above three requirements also.

So, here's my 10 honest things:

1.I remember really insignificant things - like what someone had to eat at a meal out 3 yrs ago.

2.I enjoy making my own bread, jam, cakes etc. I also enjoy gardening and would love to have a market garden.

3. I don't always find being a stay at home mum easy, but I think it is the best start to life my child can have.

4.I miss Cornwall, but don't think I will ever get back there - at least I can go on hols.

5.My to do list is HUGE and never seems to get any smaller

6.I never seem to enough time to do everything I want to do.

7.I am really sensative to Cranial Osteopathy, I find it uncomfortable and slightly painful, most people don't feel anything or just a warmth.

8.I have more than enough beads already, but can't resist buying more.

9. I don't like it when people are two faced. When it is ok for them to do/say something but it isn't for you to. I find it mentally exhausting.

10. I have a physics degree and am qualified to teach to A-level. I much prefer making beads

Depspite the rules stating I need to post these on, it look as if lots of peeps have already had them and if they haven't they will do soon :) I also don't really have the time to hunt for those who have/haven't been tagged - my to do list is currently huge. Check out my blog reading list on the right for people who I may of chosen. However, if you want to fill in your answers and join the fun please do - let us all know and we can pop by to read your answers.

Sunflower update

2009-05-22T02:29:00.001-07:00

Well, they are growing so that's a start :)

No pics of our efforts I am afraid. We had Diggy Bear to stay and he helped measure but I cannot find the photo anywhere!

So, here are a few measurements to keep you all going:

Grubby Gang - 1.5cm

Growing Pains - 7cm and 4cm

Abizara - 16cm

One More time - 17cm

Boris and Billy - 4.5cm and 6cm

Us - 24.5 cm

Dollie - picture below - 7cm and 11cm

Widget's are 7.5cm - you can check out his antics here. He also has a facebook fanpage if you want to be up to date with the latest bunny news from The Warren.

However, these all on the rather short side compared with sonny sunflower who is 50cm, yes 50cm - I think he has had a growth spurt!

Back soon with some more growth updates.

Bead making again

2009-05-20T14:03:00.000-07:00

So, you are offered a days babysitting - what do you do? Well, I persuaded Laura to let me have another play with her torch. Here are my efforts for the day.

It took me a while to get back in to the swing of things, I made a few basic beads - I love these colours and then I made some fritties. Note to self for next time - keep an eye on the sizes!

Then I made some floral beads, I am really pleased with these. Since last time, my dot placement is so much more precise. I love the plunged look as well.

Then I tried a bit of encasing - I found this really rather hard, but don't think my first efforts are too bad.

Then it got to about half an hour before I had to go and I had had enough of encasing (I was finding it hard and it was annoying me!). I was umming and ahhing about what to do so, Laura said "do a Jelveh". So, here are my beads, using up a little of everything that was left and a little bit of dichoric. Unfortunately one cracked. but it was great to practice more encasing, fritting, layering , squashing.

Well, what do you think for a second attempt? - that's about 12-14 hrs near a torch under Laura's expert tuition.

I am just a little bit hooked on lampworking now, I find it fascinating. Will I ever take it up? Who knows - maybe one day. Watch this space.

Lucky Streak

2009-05-14T08:35:00.000-07:00

I must just be one lucky person at the moment as I have won yet another competition. This time the competition was being run by Kristin over at KSJewelleryDesigns. She creates the most stunning silver jewellery using Silver wire, Silver Clay and gemstones.

So, what did I win?.......this beautiful pendant. It is even more gorgeous in the flesh so to speak.

If you fancy one for yourself, why not head over to her blog where you can find links to all of her shops. If spirals are not to your taste, what about these gorgeous aubretia earrings?
Or these beautiful leaf inspired earrings?

She has lots of items to tempt you, which is your favourite?

New items on my website

2009-05-06T00:17:00.000-07:00

I've been busy over the last few days adding some new items to my website. Well the pics and prices are up, I now need a few spare minutes for the wordy bits, hopefully in the next few days :)

Waves against the shore - lampwork by Rachel Dawes

Caramel Twist - Lampwork by Rachel Dawes

Black Poppies - Lampwork by Chameleon Designs

Bali Blues - lampwork by Tinage Tar

Just a little pre-warning for you, my website will be shut from Weds 17th May until the beginning of June. I have two jewellery parties and then all my stock will be at the Henly Arts Trail. So, if anything takes your fancy, buy it before it sells.

New home needed.....

2009-05-01T05:27:00.001-07:00

Joy over at Purfect Purses is hosting a giveaway... this gorgeous hand knitted bunny.

If you think you can give her a good home, then head on over to Joy's blog and enter - good luck x

Pink Spangles

2009-04-27T05:43:00.000-07:00

I just had to buy these gorgeous pink encased frit beads by Laura Sparling a while back. Just look at the vibrancy of the pink and that deep encasing just makes them sparkle and twinkle.

Unsurprisingly they didn't stay on the website for long. The lady who bought them wanted a pendant to go with them. Now normally when I use lampwork then that is all I have, but in this case I had made the earrings and had beads left. So, after a bit of discussion here is the matching pendant.

It was a joy to make, it just worked straight off. Sometimes a piece does and sometimes it doesn't. With this it was as if it was just meant to be.

So, is she pleased? Well, I think so as I have had to make the remaining beads into a set for her daughter.
Oh, and the Pink Spangles well, I borrowed the name. It is the name of a Heather Cultivar found and named by my grandfather Neil Garland Treseder.

I borrowed the picture from Burncoose Nurseries which is the UK's largest mail order plant specialist. They stock a lot of granfather's plants and are well worth a visit.

Introducing....

2009-04-22T05:45:00.000-07:00

Mikey the meerkat. Here he is checking out the neighbourhood to see if he fancies staying around. I hope he likes what he sees, as little man loves him and keeps giving him lots of cuddlles.

Hmmm wonder if the house foundations will be ok, don't meerkats live underground? If you fancy your own meerkat check out Niftyknits folksy shop.

I'm a winner

2009-04-21T13:57:00.000-07:00

If I run around the house shouting that, I will sound just like my 3yr old. He seems to be a winner all the time - great though when you want him to go upstairs for his bath. "I'm going to be a winner", "No I'm going to be a winner" and hey presto one small child up stairs.

Well, I am not going to run around the house, but I will natter about it here. I entered a competition on NiftyKnits blog the other week and I am now the proud owner of a Meerkat. Fondly known as Mikey, in the same way as the doggy from FabricNation it is now in possession of my child.

So, photos of Mikey will be posted tomorrow when said child is at school and I have access to Mr Meekat. In the meantime let me tell you all about Mikey's maker.

Mikey's maker is Heather at NiftyKnits. She sells via Folksy and Etsy and seems to have an ability to knit anything and everything (and she can crochet). Whether it be Morris dancers or dragons.

Or gorgeous flowers made into pin cushions or everlasting bouquets. Whilst I pin down Mikey tomorrow why not check out her shops or her blog to see what else she can create. you may be amazed.

And they're off

2009-04-20T00:29:00.000-07:00

Well, our sunflower seeds have sprouted - have yours?

Widget's have as well. You can become a facebook friend of Widget here if you want to keep on track of his antics.

Wonder how big they will be in a week or so?

Winning

2009-04-18T08:14:00.000-07:00

A little while ago Fabric Nation had a competion on her blog. Now normally I am not really into entering competions as usually I don't win. However, Fabric Nations gorgeous doggies took my fancy and I kind of thought why not. Then, much to my surprise I ended up winning. How pleased am I? Look at these gorgeous goodies that came through my door last week.

Gorgeously packaged, with lots of funky stamps on the envelope (I loved the birdy). I recieved a fab flower broach - this was really nicely displayed on tree. A fantastic Retro scotty dog broach and a hand printed card.

This package coming through my door really made my day and cheered me up no end. Only problem is I have lost the dog to my 3yr old son. "Love the doggy mummy can I have it on my jacket". So off my cardi it came and onto his jacket. He them smothered it in kisses - I think it's a hit. I am just hoping he forgets about it soon so I can have it back.

Easter Sun at Trelissick.

2009-04-17T02:53:00.000-07:00

I am very lucky as the fantastic National Trust property of Trelissick is only 5 mins or so down the road from my parents. We are also lucky that we had a fab wedding pressie of life membership to the NT, so each time we visit we don't have to pay. It was a lovely gift that we keep enjoying year after year.

So after an Easter egg hunt and dying the eggs with gorse, off we headed down the fields to the beach.

It may be shingly but it's great for stone throwing.

It's a bit of a hike back up the beach, but the view is worth it.

Here is Trelissick house. The house is privately owned so not open to visitors but the stunning gardens and alot of the parkland is. There is also a lovely walk along the river bank with stunning views down the Fal, or King Harry Ferry and up to the Tregothnan estate.

Days like this make me want to move back home, oh well maybe one day.

Easter Traditions

2009-04-14T12:08:00.000-07:00

We had an Easter Egg hunt on Easter Sunday as most people with kids probably did, but we also did something a little different. This is something of a tradition in our family, I am not too sure where it come from but both sides of the family used to do it so maybe it's a Cornish thing - who knows.

Anyway you get some eggs (preferably white or light coloured), ours were a little dark so the result wasn't great this year. You then draw silly faces on them.

You then boil them in a pan of water with loads of gorse flowers (mind your fingers when picking these - ouch!). These come into their own about Easter time, but do bloom all the year round. The gorse flowers when boiled dye the water and therefore the eggs a lovely yellow colour.
Hmmm no pic of yellow dyed eggs and soldiers I hear you say - well despite being dyed yellow the pic didn't show it up very well - sorry. Mind you they did make yummy egg sarnies :)

Pics soon of our glorious few days in the sun sun sun.

All the best people.......

2009-04-06T12:33:00.001-07:00

And bunnies are joining in with the great sunflower competition. So far it looks like we have 37 entries - thats £74 for Macmillan Cancer (if you haven't paid yet - pay me! - if you don't pay you won't be in with a chance of winning the prize). Here you can see Widget planting his seeds.

Let's hope the seeds sprouts - ours like many others have had a swimming lesson. Anyone make armbands for sunflower seeds?

All the best people.......

2009-04-06T12:33:00.000-07:00

Let's hope the seeds sprouts - ours like many others have had a swimming lesson. Anyone make armbands for sunflower seeds?

An the winner is....

2009-04-04T13:50:00.001-07:00

Moira.

I can't work out how to show the random number generator thingy I used but I did use one. It came up with the number 10 and Moira was the 10th person to sign up to Beady Pool's facebook page.

The Flow pendant will be on it's way to you early next week. Thanks to all who have signed up and become fans of Beady Pool already. If you haven't, what are you waiting for? If we get near 100 I may just do another little giveaway.

An the winner is....

2009-04-04T13:50:00.000-07:00

Moira.

I can't work out how to show the random number generator thingy I used but I did use one. It came up with the number 10 and Moira was the 10th person to sign up to Beady Pool's facebook page.

The Great Sunflower Race

2009-04-02T01:10:00.001-07:00

So, my mum won a packet of sunflower seeds at her local gardening club. Kindly, she passed them to me and said "you could organise a sunflower growing competition". I thought about it and decided no, I had too much on already. Then I thought again and decided YES, the kids will love it.

So, here it is the Great Sunflower Race.

I have asked all my friends with kids and each child is donating £2 to enter. This money is then going to Macmillan Cancer Support.

Today, I am bagging up compost, pots and seeds for those who are local to me, hopefully we will get planting this weekend.

Once they are sprouted the winning measurements will be posted on here every couple of weeks so watch this space and hopefully we will have some pics once they are flowering.

Oh and the tallest one will get a prize from me.

If you have kids and fancy joining in, then leave me a message on here or via my website. I am happy to post you some seeds.