Lyonesse

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.

May

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.

Creme de Mure

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.

Today I have been making...

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.....

Folksy

Well, I have loaded a few more of my items onto Folksy, these items are not available on my website. Why not take a look, I would love to know what you think of them. Spring is on it's way and I've gone a bit flowery.

Agapanthus - a gorgeous floral inspired pendant using a lampwork bead by Rachel Dawes.

Tansy - beautiful purple lampwork beads by Rebecca Weddell decorated in teal flowers - just scrummy.

For those of you thinking - "What on earth is she on about with Folksy?" Folksy is a new online selling site where loads of craft people all sell their wares in one place. So if you are looking for a unique gift for someone or looking to treat yourself then head on over there are some fantastic things that you can't buy in your local shops.

To whet your appetites, I have put together a few things I really like on the theme of "Sea" - well we did go back home to Cornwall for half term and it's still in my veins.
How beautiful is this? There are lots of matching items as well. Sea bubbles cuff - Lucy Campbell

These booties are so cute - I love the starfish on them. Beach Babies - Willo

Fun and funky felt - Sailboat broach - Pippin

I think these are a fantastic idea and great as birthday pressies, check out the whole range there are some lovely ideas. Fish Theatre - Art in the bag

I love this broach, quirky and fun. He's my lovely sailor boy - A resin revival
And to remind you of the seaside when the holiday is long over, a fab felt picture. I wish I was on that sunlounger now - especially as it is raining outside :) Reminiscent - Felt Fusion

Or if you are more of a sailing person - Yachts at Tichfield - The Rolling Mill

Enjoy finding it on Folksy.

Folksy

Well, I have loaded a few more of my items onto Folksy, these items are not available on my website. Why not take a look, I would love to know what you think of them. Spring is on it's way and I've gone a bit flowery.

Agapanthus - a gorgeous floral inspired pendant using a lampwork bead by Rachel Dawes.

Tansy - beautiful purple lampwork beads by Rebecca Weddell decorated in teal flowers - just scrummy.

For those of you thinking - "What on earth is she on about with Folksy?" Folksy is a new online selling site where loads of craft people all sell their wares in one place. So if you are looking for a unique gift for someone or looking to treat yourself then head on over there are some fantastic things that you can't buy in your local shops.

To whet your appetites, I have put together a few things I really like on the theme of "Sea" - well we did go back home to Cornwall for half term and it's still in my veins.
How beautiful is this? There are lots of matching items as well. Sea bubbles cuff - Lucy Campbell

These booties are so cute - I love the starfish on them. Beach Babies - Willo

Fun and funky felt - Sailboat broach - Pippin

I think these are a fantastic idea and great as birthday pressies, check out the whole range there are some lovely ideas. Fish Theatre - Art in the bag

I love this broach, quirky and fun. He's my lovely sailor boy - A resin revival
And to remind you of the seaside when the holiday is long over, a fab felt picture. I wish I was on that sunlounger now - especially as it is raining outside :) Reminiscent - Felt Fusion

Or if you are more of a sailing person - Yachts at Tichfield - The Rolling Mill

Enjoy finding it on Folksy.

Freebie Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck.

Freebie Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck.

It's my party.....

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck!

It's my party.....

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

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

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

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

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

Good Luck!

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.

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny

Wow, what a stunning few days we have had! I have to say that does mean that I haven't been making much jewellery. However, I have managed to make a couple of pieces and will get my lovely other half to photograph them later this week. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Watch this space as they say..... below is a bracelet made with lovely monochrome beads by Rachel Dawes to keep you going. A very simple design but I think it really does the beads justice.

Chic

Sorry though if you like the look of it, as it has already gone to a new home.

On a totally different note, my green fingers have been working, or at least i like to think so. All this lovely weather has had us out in the garden so I have been diddling in my veg patch. I am so chuffed I have mange tout plants coming though as well as baby sweetcorn and climbing french beans. As for my potatoes......thay are growing like triffids.

I treated myself to a couple of potato barrels this year as I don't really have the room for them to go in the ground. They are growing so well that I banked them up Friday and had to do it again today. Lets just hope as much growing is going on below the surface as well.

Sunny, Sunny, Sunny

Wow, what a stunning few days we have had! I have to say that does mean that I haven't been making much jewellery. However, I have managed to make a couple of pieces and will get my lovely other half to photograph them later this week. Hopefully sooner rather than later. Watch this space as they say..... below is a bracelet made with lovely monochrome beads by Rachel Dawes to keep you going. A very simple design but I think it really does the beads justice.

Chic

Sorry though if you like the look of it, as it has already gone to a new home.

On a totally different note, my green fingers have been working, or at least i like to think so. All this lovely weather has had us out in the garden so I have been diddling in my veg patch. I am so chuffed I have mange tout plants coming though as well as baby sweetcorn and climbing french beans. As for my potatoes......thay are growing like triffids.

I treated myself to a couple of potato barrels this year as I don't really have the room for them to go in the ground. They are growing so well that I banked them up Friday and had to do it again today. Lets just hope as much growing is going on below the surface as well.

Spring has sprung

What fantastic weather we have had over the past few days, ignoring today that is. The lovely sun and warmth inspired me to create with some of Rachel Dawes lovely floral beads. Check out her new website here.

Spring

The beads were so individual, I couldn't take the focus away from them by using silver beads, so ended up hand wiring them using Sterling Silver wire. I think they make a really delicate girly bracelet. on a similar theme.......

Sorbet

Let me know what you think.

Spring has sprung

What fantastic weather we have had over the past few days, ignoring today that is. The lovely sun and warmth inspired me to create with some of Rachel Dawes lovely floral beads. Check out her new website here.

Spring

The beads were so individual, I couldn't take the focus away from them by using silver beads, so ended up hand wiring them using Sterling Silver wire. I think they make a really delicate girly bracelet. on a similar theme.......

Sorbet

Let me know what you think.

Starting Out

Well, I have finally taken the plunge and have decided to start a blog.

I thought it may allow me to update my Beady Pool website viewers more easily than via my website. I will give it a few months and see how it goes.

I have been a bit slack recently on the jewellery making as we have been busy with my little ones birthday and subsequent celebrations.

I have however been working on some commission pieces. A customer bought some lampwork beads of their own and asked me make some jewellery for them - watch this space for some pictures soon.

I have also just bought some really lovely beads from Rachel Dawes - watch this space for my designs using her beads.

Starting Out

Well, I have finally taken the plunge and have decided to start a blog.

I thought it may allow me to update my Beady Pool website viewers more easily than via my website. I will give it a few months and see how it goes.

I have been a bit slack recently on the jewellery making as we have been busy with my little ones birthday and subsequent celebrations.

I have however been working on some commission pieces. A customer bought some lampwork beads of their own and asked me make some jewellery for them - watch this space for some pictures soon.

I have also just bought some really lovely beads from Rachel Dawes - watch this space for my designs using her beads.