Sunflower update

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

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

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

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.....

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