Tragedy

Unfortunate circumstances.

I won't be updating this blog for a while - could just be a week, maybe longer.

My brother-in-law is on life support with multiple life threatening injuries. This is obviously a sad time for the family and I currently have no desire to ramble about the delights of beads - shocking, I know, but true.

More soon.

Two things

Firstly, I've been figuring out Etsy. I don't want to just "set up shop" and then hope for the best. I want to mooch about, make friends, get networked, and be inspired.

A motto I have been using for this year:

It is what it is (and it ain't what it ain't)

So when I came across this item - you can imagine my delight.  I want that sign! Siiigh. Christmas is soon :)
It's a tough realisation to come to, especially when times are hard... but how else do you crack on? The earth keeps spinning, plants keep growing, children keep laughing and playing, people keep breathing. Life goes on, and one thing I fear is 'being left behind'. So take a deep breath, suck it all in, it is what it is, let's deal with it and get on with the show!

The other thing I wanted to share with you all, is that I won a DVD giveaway this morning! I was so delighted and it made 'waking up' so much more easier! Since my husband-to-be has begun his second year of uni, some mornings have been somewhat... early. Not a huge problem, but it isn't easy rising before the sun. So I was most definitely happy to click on my blogger dashboard, only to find I'd won. I want this DVD. I really hope it can be shipped over to me..!

I might have to get on a plane and fly across the big ol' lake to collect it :)

Organza Ribbon

Who'd have thought it...

Making cute little bows out of ribbon is harder than anticipated. And then, once said bow is 'created', it falls apart. Oh yeah. Gotta sew it so it actually stays together.

Effort in = effort out.

It's really simple logic, people. And when you work hard, you get fantastic results.

So keep working hard, keep creating, keep inspiring and stay inspired!

:)

Stalls

Panic sets in...

About a month ago my 4 year old cousin came home from school with a letter about a community craft day coming up in November, complete with an application form to fill in - to apply for the stall. I hastily (Jenni, don't be hasty?!) filled in the application form and waited patiently for a reply.

After a few weeks, I kind of wrote it off. I assumed they hadn't given me a stall and I was excited as an old friend got me a stall at a different school in the beginning of December.

So when I checked my email to see I've got a note to say I've got a place...

Ah. I think I need to 'employ' my sister-in-law or someone else like-minded to help me get making!

Fun times ahead :)

Following a design

Most of the jewellery I make, I've also designed.

Anything I've made but haven't designed, will have come from a magazine.

So. I was thinking about it. I like to come up with new ideas, and I like to take one idea and twist into loads of other little ideas to create something "bigger" and "better". It's fun to create, to play, to inspire and be inspired.

My decision to try and follow someone else's design came from inside, where I thought - for a moment - I want to make but I don't really want to create. Does that make sense? Sometimes it just flows freely, but I feel like when I have to sit and really think about the logistics of it, it stops being creative and I start feeling frustrated.

But can I follow another design? Step-by-step instructions? If I concentrate, yes. But on the whole... no, not really. I find it hard and often change it up, add my own flavour, make it a little different.

I am easily inspired though. I think that's a good thing!

An example of my work whilst following instruction.

It's most definitely not shabby!
The reason I chose to do this design is simple - I fell in love with it when I saw it! The beads used in the design were a little different... I'm not one for seeing a design and instantly shopping around for the exact 'ingredients', no, I'm more than happy to look through what I've got already and see what I can substitute.

Such a simple (it didn't take me very long, all of 15 minutes), unique design, something I'd considered for earrings (making a loop with wire), but hadn't considered on a necklace.

New set and bracelet

I've just uploaded a couple of pics of things I've made in the week...

20" Necklace, 8" Bracelet and 1.5" drop earrings

Cute bracelet using 8/0 seed beads and stone beads

I wanted to make a lot more... but haven't managed so far this week. It's been a busy one!! Hopefully with a quiet Saturday afternoon and no plans for tomorrow, I should be able to get back into the groove.

Autumn Charm Bracelet

I didn't have the time I was hoping for today, to make new things and generally get caught up with life.

However, it did turn out to be a good day regardless and I know I'll have the time to make and create soon, so all is well with my soul!

Here's my latest project:

The picture is beautiful, but it doesn't do this bracelet justice. I fully intend to make more... I might see if I can create a pair of cluster earrings or a necklace to match. 

Very exciting :)

Thank you Ma!

My Mum is amazing!

Being the person that I am, I still wasn't happy with my photography skills - some beads are just so pretty, pictures don't do them justice! I think I have OCD...

Anyway.

I took a lot of the jewellery I've made in recent weeks to my Mums house, I took my camera with me in the hope that she'd show me some techniques to use with my own camera (so I know my tools cannot be blamed!). She spent a good amount a time (about the length of a film, which I was finding hard not to get engrossed in - so easily distracted!) taking photos, and although she'll say it's nothing amazing - she gave me a lot insight and help.

I can't wait to dig my camera out and photograph some of the new things I plan to make this afternoon, but before I blog about that, I assure you my next post will be about my seasonal autumn charm bracelet. I love it - it's beautiful. It's my favourite piece of work so far.

Photography

So... I did some photography today.

I've been trying to figure out a style that works for me, shows off my jewellery to it's best, and also a way that's creative.

I think I achieved my goal.

I've also been working on a seasonal charm bracelet. More on that in another post, though.

Shopping

I used to buy all my beads and crafty bits from a craft superstore in the UK called Hobbycraft.

It's a very inspirational shop - I could get lost inside, spend hours walking up and down the aisles in awe, I could spend 10 times the amount I intended to ... I could consider getting a new credit card just for instant gratification, instant supplies...

But, no. I'm in control, and I'm sensible. Who needs that much stuff, anyway? One project at a time... finish what you began, and all that.

So when I decided to look on ebay for beads, findings, whatever else I felt I 'needed', I thought I'd be getting the best deal. I was wrong.

I've discovered Beads Unlimited. They cover almost all of my jewellery making-needs. I prefer to use wire and tiger tail by Beadalon, which I think is an american company - and I find it hard to come by. Beads Unlimited stock beadalon products, but are out of stock of the type I'm after. Other than that... fantastic products at fantastic prices!

Who needs a crafting superstore, when you can use cute, local businesses?!

I say local... Beads Unlimited is located in Brighton. Maybe one day I'll drive down there and spend the day along the south coast, in bead heaven! :)

Displays

When I uploaded a few of my pictures onto facebook - of my jewellery - I didn't expect such a rush of positive response. I didn't expect all the opportunities that have appeared to appear. And I didn't expect that with all these, I'd have to touch up on my photography skills...

I want some consistency in the way that I market myself. I want it to look professional, but I want it to be my style. I'd also like to find a style that shows off my work in the best way. So...

I searched eBay for displays - just to see what would pop up...

Here is what I bought:

Acrylic earring displays - of various sizes.

And a much-wanted-for item, a bust display.

I can't wait for them to arrive so I can whip out the camera and see what I can come up with. 

This is testing my imagination and creativity. So much fun!

Miyuki Tila Beads

I've just received some 'tila' beads in the post... I've only recently discovered them and so very excited to come up with some of my own designs for jewellery with these lovely beads. 

Opportunity

This week I'm learning the ins and outs of eBay. I've never used it before now! Thankfully, my husband-to-be is very savvy, and also very patient!

I won't deny it - when I'm frustrated, I can be stroppy... :)

There have been so many wonderful opportunities cropping up.

• A colleague of Dads, who is now becoming a friend of mine, hooked me up with tickets to this years 'The Big Bead Show'
• My sister-in-law has asked me to do a Jewellery Party. Never done this before, or even considered it!
• My 4 year old cousin came home from school with a leaflet explaining about a Community Craft Day, and an application form to run a stall - I can't wait to hear back to see if I get a stall or not!
• An old friend from church asked me if I'd like a stall at a Christmas Fayre...

It's all go around here!

Here's my latest project:



I love it, and plan to make more of these sets very soon!
When time allows...
:)

Facebook

I've just made a facebook page for my jewellery.

Dreaming big, I know. But all the while it's achievable - why not?!

More info to come later - feeling a little overwhelmed at the mo!

Testing email posts

Number 1.

First post.

Testing the layout/look of blog.

Here goes!