Bronze n' Beads

Well, I am afraid I cant show you a beautiful finished Bronze Cuff - I CAN however show you this one! I think I know what happened - it fell off the cuff bracelet I shaped it on (cheaper than a oval bracelet mandrel) and cracked in a few places.... I thought I had repaired them - but it looks like I didnt. So - I'll make it again, taking care not to let it fall off. If there are still cracks then I think I'll give up on the idea of a bronze cuff......I am seriously tempted to make a silver one though........


On the plus side I have had a few hours on my torch this week - and I made some beads!! I'm surprised at how bright and colourful they are (unlike my mood) but maybe I am drawn to making them as they cheer me up. January is a gloomy month and I need some sunshine! If you have ever liked the look of my beads and wondered where to buy them online then watch this space ...... :D

Beads n' Blogs

Here is a pretty bracelet made by Alison of Ali Bali Jewellery featuring some of my beads. Seeing your beads made into jewellery is always lovely - and seeing it featured on a Blog is even better. In fact the only thing that beats it really is seeing it on TWO blogs - this bracelet caught the eye of the the authors of fantastic blog Autonomous Artisans. This blog has so much eye candy that I'm now a follower. If you have time its worth checking out both of these Blogs as they are well looked after, and make for a really good read!

Bronze Clay Cuff

With a BronzClay workshop coming up I have been working with the bronze again. I thought it would be nice to encourage larger pieces to be made - which is for me the real joy of the bronzclay - you can open a packet think big! This Cuff is not yet fired - or even fully finished, but I thought I'd share it anyway. I hope to fire it on Tuesday - but it means a day off my torch so we shall see. If it works and looks good finished then I can see me making more of these :)

Competition Beads

The winners of the Beads & Beyond lampworking competition have been chosen (but not announced) so entrants are now able to share their beads. These were mine - they took me a long time and even though they are not perfect I was thrilled with them. They havent been featured in the magazine though and I wasnt shortlisted so I can only assume nobody liked them as much as me :D With that in mind I'd love to hear what you think!

Happy Days!!

I'm very very happy today as for the first time in weeks I can get back on my torch. The holidays have been wonderful and I have enjoyed spending time with my family immensely but my fingers are desperate to create!! For the past two nights I have struggled to get to sleep as I have had so many ideas buzzing about my head - Class Ideas, Designs for my Masters, New Projects .....I honestly dont know what to work on first! But for today anyway - its torch time! So hopefully I'll have some lovely new beads to share with you tomorrow! Is anyone else as happy as me to get back to their routine ?

Introducing Linda Lawrence

I was browsing my flicker pics and was so blown away with these beautiful hearts from my contact Linda Lawrence that I just had to share her work with you! I have been drooling over her work on her web site www.lindasbellabeads.com am working my way through her blog which is full of great ideas - for example she has a list of bead making challenges for each month : January being to make beads only from white and clear and February being Hearts of course!! Her bright and cheerful work has brightened my day!

Have you discovered any inspiring artists recently?

Welcome 2009!!!

Well Happy New Year everyone!! I hope you had a good one!! I had a quiet one watching the fireworks from Edinburgh Castle from my window!! I wish you all a happy, healthy and prosperous 2009!