World of Whizzz

On a roll!

2009-07-24T15:56:00.004+01:00

Here is what I have made today - a bit of simple chainmaille. It started out with a ring in teal & amethyst ......

And then grew into a bracelet !

I have had the cat fasten for ages but can't decide whether it goes with the bracelet or not?? That's the trouble with using coloured rings!

Re-Launch !

2009-07-23T13:44:00.006+01:00

Where has all the time gone? This blog has been very sadly neglected over the past few months. Sorry blog!

I have been busy completing a year long course on dyslexia - which was very interesting but very time consuming. I also sadly lost my lovely dad in April and so haven't really been in the mood for anything creative. But it's now the school holidays, I have some time & so now is a good a time as any to get going again.

I've been really enjoying taking photos recently too so I might put a few on here to start with:

A couple taken at the Yorkshire Sculpture Park - one man-made & one natural sculpture (a yew tree).

I've also played a bit with Art Clay Silver & made a few small pieces, including this leaf pendant.

I also got round (at long last) making myself a sterling silver bracelet with laboradorite, iolite & moonstone - the photo doesn't do the stones justice as they really flash with gorgeous blue colours.

Despite my lack of beading, I have still managed to sell a few things via my Folksy Shop

http://www.folksy.com/shops/IzzyWizzyBeads but need to add some more to it.

So watch this space (hopefully!!)

Finger Knitting

2009-01-25T19:35:00.003Z

Thanks to a wonderful tutorial on Folksy (by Lucy Jackson), I am now hooked on finger knitting! It's so easy and literally impossible to put down once you start (because it's wrapped round your fingers!!)

Here is my first scarf - made with one 50g ball of chunky Rowan wool. Because it's only thin, it can wrap several times around & feels lovely & snuggly!

Oh my Goodness, where has the time gone?!

2009-01-24T13:53:00.005Z

I haven't posted anything for months! (oh, the shame!) But to be honest, I've not done much crafting at all, due to the workload on my distance learning course. So here is a bit of a catch up! I made some more photo tile cufflinks for a colleague and also a photo tile keyring for a friend (sorry no pics). I've sold a couple more items off Folksy (in spite of my totally rubbish photos on there!!) & I must get myself together & add some more bits & bobs.

I ventured into the scary world of sewing by making this sock monkey from a little pair of my sons socks.

I amazed myself by managing to sew in a straight line, so when he outgrew his favourite pyjamas I decided to try & make something out of them. He was quite determined with what he wanted me to make & my brief was "like a cushion, not girlie, with a wobbly mouth and legs".

Here's what evolved..... Mr PJ and his sidekick Mini PJ!!

Today I even managed a bit of very basic beading. I used a mix of greens & browns to make two "multi wearable" necklace/bracelets (I really must think up a better name!).

They are basically just beads threaded onto knotted leather thong that can be worn as a necklace, choker or wrapped several times round the wrist as a bracelet. The photo is rubbish but you get the idea! Very simple, but I just like the colours together.

Just a little something

2008-09-06T13:54:00.003+01:00

I haven't done too much crafting lately but I have made this ring for Chloe. It uses the same sieve blank as the Vintage Ring I made for myself, but the request was for purples & pinks.

Hope she likes it !

A bit of an Arty Challenge

2008-08-19T10:54:00.004+01:00

During various crafty discussions, the idea of turning other images into tiles popped up and Misty/Hells mentioned she'd like one of her daughters first 'proper' drawings on a tile. The original photo is on her blog here :- http://hells-littlegeckos.blogspot.com/

So, with a bit of fiddling, I photo-shopped the image and enhanced the lines a little to get this image:

Then it was a question of cropping this and doing more Photo Shop trickery to try and turn it into an image that would look good on a tile.

I turned it into a simple black & white line drawing, shrunk it right down and then added blended chalks in pinky/purple to give it a bit of a coloured background.

Here's how it ended up (although it still needs another coat of glaze and a hanging bail).

The photo is not brilliant as it's so hard to see pale colours as the glaze is so reflective - it does look better in real life, I promise!

Another Group & more Ideas!

2008-08-18T10:53:00.004+01:00

Well I still can't believe I sold one of my tiles on Folksy!! I only put it up that morning too! Here's hoping the buyer still likes it when it arrives. I've added two more tiles today.

Here's the next batch of tiles :- (the hardest thing is getting a decent photo as they are so shiny!)

The top ones are made from a fabby peachy/pinky paper that has little bits of glitter on it, some black,red & gold flowery paper and....drum roll....you can see - I have tried out a new idea, using mulberry paper.

The one in the top group is finished, the bottom group just need one more coat of glaze but I am rather pleased with the effect.

A few more 'double glazed' (!) Tiles

2008-08-15T19:53:00.003+01:00

I've made a few more Scrabble type tiles today. This time I did two coats of glaze to get the tiles more 'domed'.
The middle top one was an experiment - putting one coat of glaze, then a mulberry flower & then adding another coat of glaze. The result (although it doesn't really show in the photo) is the flower seems to float a little above the surface of the tile. I've got some sequin type flowers which I might try next!

I've got a Folksy Shop!

2008-08-06T20:15:00.002+01:00

A bit of a spur of the moment decision, but I have decided to give it a go on Folksy
http://www.folksy.com/shops/IzzyWizzyBeads
I still have more stuff to add (& I need to work out how to photo necklaces so that the picture ends up square) but as it's free to sell on there at the moment, what is there to lose!?

Fingers Crossed!

Officially Chuffed!

2008-08-05T18:46:00.003+01:00

I had another go with some proper sized scrabble tiles today and here is the result :-

The last two flower ones are photos that I have taken and shrunk to tiny size! I haven't got the bails yet for mounting them but I am quite please with how they have turned out.

My second bit of crafting today was this ring :

It's made using a 18mm sieve blank, glass leaves, acryllic flowers & pearls, seed beads and a Swaro crystal. I've wanted to make this kind of ring for ages and finally bought a lovely sieve blank from www.Nostalgiabeads.com as I came across them at the Haydock bead fair on Sunday.

I am officially CHUFFED :-)

First Attempt at Wooden Tile Pendants

2008-08-01T10:13:00.003+01:00

Well here are the results of my first try at making 'Scrabble Tile' inspired pendants. I've just used some scrap patterend paper left over from my card making.

The fairy castle one was inspired by the 'Once Upon A Time' swap which I hadn't signed up for but thought I'd try & do anyway - I have used glitter over the paper for extra 'fairy magic'!

They proved quite tricky to photo because of the glossy nature of the glaze. But I was pleasantly suprised that they look OK! I need to get some bails to secure onto the back, but they are such good fun to make & I recommend ScrabbleGals tutorial!

Worlds Worst Blogger

2008-07-31T15:51:00.005+01:00

Well it must be me! I thought it was about time I added something to here. First my prize which was won in a draw of people who voted for the talented Lynn Davy in the Ugly Necklace Competition : http://www.landofodds.com/store/ugly6contest.htm.
There certainly were some truely horrendous designs but unfortunately Lynns was not bad enough to win!

Anyway - she was giving away either something Fabulous or something Fugly. I drew a Fugly - seen in all it's glory here:-

PLEASE NOTE : I DID NOT MAKE THIS !!

There are actually some very nice lampwork beads on there together with some Swarovski crystals - but as for the vomitting duck (blue bead at the end) - well, what can I say!!

I have done a tiny bit of crafting today, inspired by ScrabbleGal on Etsy - I am trying out some wooden tile jewellery. My first three attempts are currently drying.....watch this space as they say!

Bollywood Magic Mystery Bag Challenge

2008-07-06T14:39:00.003+01:00

I decided to give another 'Mystery Bag Challenge' a go on the Bead Buddies Forum. This was was called 'Bollywood Magic' and the rules are everyone gets sent the same little bag of beads & stuff & you have to make something using a bit of everything that was in the bag. You are however allowed to add findings.

This is what I got (we didn't have to use the candy necklace that was sent !). A load of tiny seed beads in black, grey, pale yellow, light pink, dark pink, red and turquoise; a patterened large square bead, some round black beads, 6 bells and a rather odd orange 'skittle' bead!

And here is what I came up with - although I think the skittle bead just doesn't go with it all! A tassel necklace and a very jangly memory wire bracelet.

Cupcakes, Candy and Ice Cream!

2008-06-12T16:38:00.001+01:00

This was the latest challenge set on the Mumsnet Arts & Crafts Forum:

Cupcakes, Candy and Ice Cream- A Craft Challenge
Who can resist the lure of freshly baked and iced cupcakes, sticky sweet candy, and ice cream melting on a hot summer day? This challenge is to craft something with a cupcake, candy or ice cream theme an essential part of summertime and of childhood. Knit an ice cream cone, paint a cupcake, make a card with candy shapes, create jewellery in candy coloured tones, or create softies in candy coloured fabrics. If you need more inspiration feel free to sit down with a bar of chocolate, or a bowl of ice cream, or a handful of your children’s gummy sweets, essential crafting materials most assuredly. So have fun and try not to get too much of a sugar high.

And here is what I came up with (although it seemed to have taken me forever to get round to making it!!). The beads just remind me of wrapped sweets.

At long last, more photos

2008-06-07T17:35:00.008+01:00

Well it's taken me a while but here are the photos of my most recent makes.
First a gold, silver and clear multi-strand necklace. I thought this colour combination looked quite summery.

Then, just as I got organised with the camera, I had a little 'help' from a furry friend. I think she wanted her tea!

When I had fed the furry fiend, I managed to take a pic of this bracelet which is made from big fat grey glass pearls. It's chunky!

Next a series of gemstone bracelets :

Rainbow Fluorite - said to help with innovation, inspiration & co-ordination

Leopardskin Jasper - lovely and speckled - jasper is grounding and repairing

Another Rainbow Fluorite bracelet, but this time with much larger rounder beads, another chunky one! The colours of these beads are much darker and more purple than the previous bracelet.

Then back to small beads - Green Aventurine - said to be stabilising, balancing and promotes tranquility

and finally, Yellow Jade - promotes stability and belonging

I think that will do for now !!

It's been a while!

2008-06-05T19:50:00.005+01:00

I just have too much stuff on at the moment, so I have neglected my blog - so here is an attempt to update.

First a picture of a 'chunky turquoise' bracelet for MNs Ranting (sorry about the rubbish photo)

Then a photo of my stall at last weekend Family Fun Day and 'craft' marquee - note the quotes as most of the other jewellery stalls were 'bought in' overseas stuff (grr)

I tried to look vaguely professional - in case you were wondering there are 2 prices of earrings in the bowls + some mobile phone charms in the middle bowl, gemstone bracelets are on the two bracelet stands with various other bits & bobs scattered about. I did OK, covered the stall cost and then some more, so I was happy. There wasn't that much interest in the gemstone stuff which was disappointing, not many even looked at the price tags, so I don't think pricing was an issue. The stuff that did sell was mostly £4 - £5 stuff, although I did sell a £10 necklace. A bit of a confidence knocker really as I really want to concentrate on gemstone stuff, with possible sterling silver & sparkly Swarovski crystals too.....but I'm not sure if it would ever sell?

The funniest bit of the day was two girls who were both trying on a necklace, they ummed & arghed for about 10 mins, passing it back & forth between them. Then they did the same with a bracelet for another 10 minutes, considering various outfits it would or wouldn't go with. In the end they said they would go for a walk round to think about it and come back - they never did! I wouldn't mind if they were spending all that time pondering over a £50 item, but it was £7 they couldn't decide whether to spend or not.....and I thought I was bad!

I've got a few more photos to add of things I made just before the craft fair but I need to unpack the box to take pics. Hopefully I will add those soon.

I've been Tagged!

2008-06-01T10:20:00.002+01:00

...By http://vintagekittykat.blogspot.com/2008/05/my-swap-from-gm-tag-and-my-first.html

Here are my answers:-

1) What was I doing 10 years ago:
I'd been married for a year, working in a chemical factory as a H&S person and loving my job. I wasn't doing any crafting then, my son wasn't born so at weekends me & hubby used to go walking and being generally carefree!

2) What are 5 things on my to-do list for today:
In no particular order :
Sort out some jewellery to take into school tomorrow to see if there is any interest from any of the staff (Will pick out some summery things I think)
Do a mountain of ironing (it is like Everest!!)
Nag hubby until he cuts the grass ;-)
Start a chain maille bracelet in scrummy shades of aqua
Unpack the box from yesterdays craft fair

3) Snacks I enjoy:
M&S Greek marinated Olives, Sun Bite crisps, nuts and Doritos & dips

4) Things I would do if I were a billionaire:
Buy a house in Cornwall (but it must overlook the sea and have a craft annexe), buy a house in Spain (but not in a Brit enclave!), open a jewellery shop, ensure all my family are happy

5) Places I have lived:
I've not strayed far and still live in the area in which I was born, although I have lived in different areas. I bought a house before I was married and then moved to a larger one about 6 years ago.

6) bloggers I want to know more about
I think every one I 'know' in the Blogging world (ie Mumsnet crafters) has been tagged already. I will have a think & get back to you!!

I will also add something about the craft fair / family fun day I did yesterday and hopefully add some pictures of my recent 'creations'!!

A big clear up & some bracelets!

2008-05-10T16:14:00.003+01:00

I tidied up all my beads & bits & bobs today and had a good old sort out. Very therapeutic!

I then decided to make a couple of gemstone bracelets :-

This one is made with Peach Moonstone, it looks lovely in real life with subtle flashes of colour in the stones.

I then did a similar one using Tigers Eye nuggets & also made some matching earrings on Sterling silver wires.

I also had fun sorting out seed beads and assorted smaller beads & mixing them into various 'Bead Soup' mixtures where I only had smaller amounts. I am going to use these to make some more multi strand necklaces & maybe a few more tassel necklaces. Watch this space!!

A few bits & bobs

2008-05-05T16:23:00.002+01:00

I went to a Charity Ball on Saturday & suddenly realised I didn't have a necklace! So here's what I hastily made from what I had in my Swarovski crystal collection (& I temporarily borrowed the pendant from NBGs Vintage swap pressie!) - it was VERY sparkly!

I have also just made another tassel necklace in my favourite sea foamy colours. This will go in the craft fair pile.

Commission for a Mumsnetter

2008-04-19T14:09:00.002+01:00

Here is a bracelet I made for Mumsnetter Ninedragons:-

She had a definite idea to use labradorite, iolite and rainbow moonstone - the photo does not do them justice, the blue flashes in the stones are amazing. I hung the stones almost like a charm bracelet onto a sterling silver bracelet and added some Swarovski crystals for added sparkle. Each stone hangs from a sterling silver wrapped loop (I had aching hands when I'd finished!) and sterling silver jump ring.

I'm really pleased how it's turned out and to be honest, I'll be a bit sad to post it off (I might just have to make myself a variation !!)

Another Crochet Lariat

2008-04-03T18:11:00.002+01:00

This time in white with turquoise beads!

Crochet Lariat & a Challenge !

2008-04-02T14:13:00.002+01:00

Here is the finished lariat, as per the one in Bead magazine.

I've used lime green seed beads, black thread and some assorted green beads on the bottom.

It seems to hang quite nicely when it's on too.

I really like doing the crochet chains - it's very restful! I'm now pondering my next project/

Here's what I got sent from the Bead Buddies Forum - a mystery bag challenge.

The idea being you buy a mystery pack (everyone gets the same items in the packs) and you make something with it.

You are allowed to add findings, (clasps, earwires pins, threads, wire and crimps) but apart from that, nothing can be added, and you have to try and use at least a little of everything in the pack

It's the first one I have done & I found it a bit daunting. Those seed beads really are luminous hi viz yellow/green !!

The photos haven't been posted yet on the forum but here is my attempt (that necklace really is hideous!). I brick stitched the beads to a piece of beading wire, linked the hoops together to form a chain & filled the wire star with the beads to give it more 'colour'!

I then used the flowers & some of the seed beads to make some 'matching' earrings!

Hmmmmm

OOo I've been Tagged !

2008-04-02T10:40:00.002+01:00

I'm a bit of a newbie to all this Blog stuff, but I have been tagged by http://meecrafty.blogspot.com/ for a Meme. Now I did have to look up exactly what this means but I think I have to write a little about Me, so here goes :-

4 Jobs I have had :
Waitress - my first ever employment was as a waitress in our local pub. It was basically supposed to last over the summer holidays but what actually happened was that I got a 'proper' job, so my waitress experience only lasted about a week!
Laboratory Technician - to be honest I only went for the interview for the experience BUT got offered the job. It put me in a bit of a dilemma as I had done 1 year of A levels & was just about to start the 2nd year. The job allowed me to carry on studying so I accepted it. I worked in various departments & various roles within the same chemical company for 'quite a while'!
Health & Safety Manager - still with the same chemical company, I moved into a H&S role and did yet more qualifications. I loved the job and stayed with it up until 2 years ago. The company was restructuring & my role was going to change from a 'people' role to a paper shuffling desk job. So I took redundancy. (personally I think also having a child & wanting flexible working had something to do with it)
Teaching Assistant - so now I come to what I do now, a TA in a Secondary school. Not being one to just sit back, I've done TA qualifications & am just about to start a Dsylexia qualification. I love the job, although some of the kids are 'challenging' (but then so are some of the staff!!)

4 Favourite Films :
4 Weddings & a Funeral
When Harry Met Sally
Life of Brian
Monty Python & The Holy Grail
(chick flicks & silly humour, that's me!)

4 Places I've Been :
Paris - lovely place, snotty people (sorry!)
Barcelona - Wow - loved it all. Hubby deserved a medal for negotiating the traffic!
Ibiza - before it really took off with all the 'clubbing scene'. Away from the mad crowds it's a beautiful place
Granada - can you tell I like Spain? Amazingly friendly people & wonderful scenery

4 Places I've Lived :
I'm afraid I've only lived in the same town all my life (however I have lived in different areas of the town) unlike hubby who has moved about all over the country.

4 Favourite TV shows :
Lost
Heroes
Life on Mars
Any sort of 'house' building / moving abroad programme

4 Favourite Radio programmes :
I am a terrible radio 'flicker' so I rarely ever listen to just one station let alone one programme. Basically general talking & waffle on the radio bores me so I have to turn over to find decent music!

4 Favourite Foods :
Spanish Tapas - especially garlic & chilli prawns
Seafood in general - anything fishy!
Hubbys Sunday Roast dinners (he's such a good cook!)
Minty Chocolate

4 Places I'd Rather Be :
By the sea in Cornwall
Somewhere remote & beautiful in Scotland
Anywhere away from the crowds in Spain
Anywhere with my family (hubby & son)

So that's me - Is everyone still awake ??!!
Right I think I have to tag other people now so it will have to be Dingle
http://www.dillydallydingle.blogspot.com/, Lucykate http://lucykatecrafts.blogspot.com/, VV http://www.maximumrabbitdesigns.blogspot.com/ and I will have to think up another!

Another Multi Strand Necklace

2008-03-31T18:14:00.000+01:00

I like making these !

This time one in metallic colours - bronze, copper, teal, grey, black - in fact all sorts of colours

This weeks bits & bobs

2008-03-27T18:59:00.007Z

I've been making a few basic things this week - some simple Mother of Pearl shell bracelets and matching earrings. A couple using rectangle beads in dark blue and coral pink.

Then a set using green patterned shell oval beads.

I noticed some pale turquoise beads hiding at the bottom of my beady box and decided to make a set of earrings using sterling silver.

In another change of direction, I got round to using some chunky haematite cubes to make this choker style necklace.

Then the sun came out and I found myself making a very sugary sweet fun set using these dinky little square beads. The beads reminded me of Tutti Frutti sweets from 'long ago' !!

Another new technique

2008-03-24T13:45:00.003Z

After seeing a lariat in BEAD magazine made of crochet - I decided to give it a go, although I didn't have the right type of thread so used embroidery thread instead! Here's how it came out.....

I ended up with one longer piece and a short piece, so I am not quite sure what to do with them next! However I have ordered some cotton thread now so when that arrives, I can give it a proper go.

Here's something else I made this weekend - a black line jasper necklace, bracelet & earrings for a friend to give as a gift. I've not used this shape of bead before and I quite like it as it's so chunky.

When you just go.....WOW !

2008-03-16T13:30:00.004Z

I had one of those moments today where once you've made something, you step back, look at it and go "Wow - I made that !"

I used the Flower Chain pattern in the 'Beads & Beyond' magazine to make this necklace, which also has lime pearls in it. I am rather chuffed with it, even though I know it's not perfect and it's only silver plated BUT it just looks so nice! My plan now is to do a sterling silver version so watch this space. I am so hooked on chain maille now - but boy does it make your hands ache!

Here's what I made this morning - another shaggy loop dangle, this time in lime green (yes, MORE lime!). I've put it on a plain lime green seed bead necklace but I'm not sure it looks quite right ?

I also used some amethyst pillows that I had left from a friends bracelet, to make another one.

Feeling a Little Green!

2008-03-15T16:28:00.006Z

I was feeling a little green this morning - mostly due to too much alcohol the night before (!), but also as I bought some rather nice lime freshwater pearls last weekend from Chester.

I strung them with a few lime crystals and some Tibetan silver beads to show off a beautiful focal bead by Anna from the wonderfully named Beads on Toast (http://www.beadsontoast.com/)

Today I also bought a copy of Beads and Beyond and noticed a rather interesting tip on curling beading wire. So I made another multistrand necklace, but this time using curled wire and I think it looks rather nice!

My first bit of Chain Maille

2008-03-10T15:56:00.003Z

I have been wanting to have a go at this for ages - so here is my first attempt at chain maille.

I made a 'Shaggy Loop' bracelet with a silver plated toggle clasp and as I had beads left over, made a matching 'dangle' to hang on a necklace. I have put it temporarily onto a white gold chain, as I need to get a suitable silver one.

The colours of the seed beads haven't really come out in the photo - they are rather nice garnet lined topaz.

I am definately hooked & now fancy getting maybe some copper rings & trying another pattern! Oops, there goes more money!

Back from Chester Bead Fair

2008-03-09T22:05:00.003Z

Back with just a small bag of beady lovlies! I raided as many sale baskets as I could find and got a few nice bargains. I splurged a little on some hefty haematite cubes and a lovely strand of acid lime freshwater pearls but mostly just bought small bits & bobs. The nicest thing was meeting a few people from the UK Beaders Forum.
Anyway I came home & started making a Shaggy Loop bracelet with 5mm jump rings & some lovely Miyuki magatamas (that's odd shaped seed beads!). It's about half way done & I hope to get it finished tomorrow.

Todays Creations

2008-03-08T19:42:00.006Z

Well here is what I have been up to today:

First off a bracelet made with some scrummy cube beads which I've had for ages.

I also made some earrings to match

Then, as I sold one of my tassel necklaces in turquoise this week, I decided to make a similar one.

I also had a big tidy up and sort out, as hopefully I am going to the Chester Bead Fair tomorrow (beady heaven!) - a whole room full of beads and sparkly bits!

I also splurged this week and bought some lovely orphan beads from Anna Richards at Beads on Toast ( http://www.beadsontoast.com/ ). She uses such lovely colours and I have been admiring her beautiful beads for ages, so hopefully I will be able to do them justice.

Self Indulgence

2008-03-02T15:05:00.003Z

From the Mumsnet Crafters Blog :

"Everyone needs a little me time, a little self indulgence. Crafting is no exception because though you love to craft it isn’t always something for you. Its something to sell, a gift to make for a friend, another thing for the kids. When was the last time you actually sat down and made something just for you? Made something for the sheer joy of your chosen craft ? The challenge is to put on your favourite CD, sit in the middle of your crafting space, and see what the music inspire you to do. Go on be selfish and make something for you and you alone."

So today I hid myself away in the conservatory, put on my MP3 player with it's eclectic range of music and rifled through my beady stash. I have a couple of lovely focal lampwork beads made by Tania Grey so I decided today to stop just looking at them and to actually make something!

This focal is a whopper, a really heavy encased bead with swirly purples, green leaves and tiny pale purple & white flowers. I put it with opaque lilac, lime green and clear seed beads and it's just for ME!

(sorry if the colours appear wonky - I am having trouble with my PC monitor)

A 'Fugly' Focal !

2008-03-01T15:07:00.006Z

From a funraising idea on UK Beaders, I bought several 'fugly' beads (I actually didn't think they were ugly at all) and here is the first thing I have made with one of them. The bead is clear, red & black so I decided I'd better use black and red beads and it's come out a bit Goth / Emo!!

I also rustled up this bracelet for my mum today for Mums Day - it's made with aventurine - UPDATED - Oops no it's not aventurine, it's AMAZONITE - doh!

Another Craft Fair under my Belt

2008-02-24T19:39:00.002Z

Well, I survived! It was, as expected, very small, not many stalls, not very busy & I don't think anyone sold that much (apart from the cake stall, that was empty in about 1 hour!). I did cover the stall cost and more, so I am happy and I got some nice comments (and repeat custom from last year too which was very nice).
The blue bracelet I made yesterday sold, but mostly it was bits & bobs - mobile phone charms and some of the key rings, bookmarks etc.

However I always think the nice things about doing craft fairs are the other stall holders, you get to hear where's good to sell and where is not so good. I must be braver I think & try some of the larger craft fairs......watch this space to see if I venture out of my comfort zone!

PS: Bella the cat has made a full recovery following her tumble off the roof yesterday & is back to her meowy self!

Crafting All Day

2008-02-23T17:22:00.003Z

I have spent all day sorting out stuff for the craft fair tomorrow. Once again it seems not to be very well advertised as I have scoured the local paper to no avail. Mostly I have been sorting out bags, labels, prices etc but I did make a couple of things.

Another bracelet with the chunky lozenge beads (which I wish I'd bought loads of!)

And this bracelet using pale green beads with gold foil inside - I also made some matching earrings.

We did have a drama today when our cat fell off the conservatory roof (she was trying to walk along the apex, slipped & slid down the roof with an awful lot of scrabbling!). Unfortunately there wasn't a soft or a flat landing & we think she probably landed on some bikes / bits of wood in next doors garden. Anyway she was very sorry for herself when she made her way slowly back in. We decided to take her to the vets as a precaution & thankfully they only said she was badly bruised. She's slept all afternoon but has just managed a walk round the house and decided to sit here - right in the middle of my craft fair preparations!

I Almost Forgot..

2008-02-17T10:53:00.002Z

I also made some sets of stitchmarkers !

I've done them in sets of 4, some with 2 sets of 2 matching beads and some with 4 different beads. The ones with the pink ribbon are the 10mm rings whilst the gold ribbon has the opening type.

I think they look quite sweet!

All Beaded Out!

2008-02-15T17:33:00.010Z

Another busy beady day today. My first creation was using some lovely red agate pebbles - I made a necklace and found a lampwork bead that matched.

I'm always slightly scared of 'proper' artisan lampwork as I feel my beading can never do them justice. So I have used this one to try and overcome my fear! The focal bead was made by BeadySam who makes some lovely beads. http://www.beadysamglass.com/

I had some red agate left, so I made a matching bracelet and some earrings !

Still on an earring theme, I then rustled up some Sea Blue/Green ones to match the multi-strand necklace from the other day:

I also started to make a few bits and bobs for the Mumsnet Easter Crafters Swap, but can't post any pictures or it will spoil the suprise for my swapper!

I then made a few basic phone charms using some silvery charms and added beads to some bookmarks (specifically for the craft fair at the end of Feb)

Finally and while I was on a roll, I used some yummy amethyst coloured foil squares to make this simple bracelet - which I rather fancy keeping just for me!

I've Recycled!

2008-02-14T12:25:00.006Z

Here is my effort at recycling and re-using for the latest Mumsnet Crafters Challenge. I took two bracelets 'donated' by Gingermonkey for recyling a while back ........

I took them apart and managed to make a few bits & bobs. I had to add a few seed beads and a couple of other beads & earwires - but here's what I came up with.

The orange beads are acrylic and quite kitsch but I rather like them & have used them in some funky earrings and a key fob. The green beads were really quite sweet and I made two pairs of earrings. In the green bracelet was something that looked a bit like turquoise chips (not sure if it's real or imitation) but I used them to make another pair of earrings.

The toggles I will definately use in the future, probably on bracelets as they are lovely and chunky.

I've been busy !!

2008-02-13T16:35:00.008Z

Well I have been a bit busy and managed to make a few pieces. I still like my multi-strand necklaces so have made another purple one (as I have sold the original to a friend - although I was tempted to keep it just for me!) and this one in turquoise and green 'Sea' shades.

Still on a blue theme, I bought 10 of these lovely chunky turquoise beads and made a bracelet. I've kept this one really simple but the beads are so chunky, that it's a bit heavy.

I bought some amethyst coloured chunky beads too so decided rather than using them all in one bracelet, I added some seed beads and just used one of the beads to make this one. I'm rather pleased with the effect (a sort of hybrid between my multi strand and the chunky bracelet!). I'm just pondering whether a necklace in a similar style would work?

Finally I have rustled up some simple keyrings / bag charms using big chunky foil hearts.

I've also just seen the Mumsnet Crafters Blog Challenge to Recycle - Reuse - Re-craft, and have 2 bracelets given to me for just that purpose from MNs Gingermonkey - so I will get re- crafting tomorrow.

First Day of Half Term

2008-02-11T17:02:00.000Z

Well I managed to finish the scarf I was knitting and I am quite pleased with it. It's lovely and soft and any dodgy stitches are hidden by all the bobbly bits! The wool only cost me £3 for 3 balls, so it's a bargain too.

I sat down this morning to start playing with beads to make my MN Blue Challenge, but wasn't happy with anything I started. I think I had too much on my 'To Do' List, so I ended up doing the ironing instead. Hopefully tomorrow I will in more of a beading mood.

My Antidote to Winter

2008-02-03T12:29:00.000Z

Being rather chuffed with my multi strand necklace of yesterday, I did another - this time using a big medley of allsorts of colours of seed beads and bugle beads. It's guaranteed to match any outfit and I have named it Carnival !

And I thought I'd post another antidote to winter - a photo I took in Cornwall last October (yes, that's October!)

And while I am looking back over some of my photos, I thought I'd share a few more: 2 Cornish sunsets

and a Scottish Loch

Busy Busy Busy

2008-02-02T16:42:00.000Z

It's been far too cold to venture out today, so a good excuse to stay in and do some crafting (& watch the rugby too!). I started off with this banded agate necklace although I'm not sure it really 'goes' together ?? The photo isn't fantastic (I blame the overcast day) - the smaller beads are actually more browny than grey and beautifully banded with whirly patterns & do match the beautiful long Agate stone. I am a bit undecided whether it's a Hit or a Miss and I may yet decide to de-construct it and make something else with the gemstones.

Then as it was so cold, I rustled up these Icicle Earrings using various sizes of crystal. I also decided to make myself some 'frosty' earrings using silver foil hearts & crystals, however as I haven't got pierced ears, I need to get myself some nice clips - so they are a 'Work In Progress'!

My last creation took ages as it is a multi strand necklace (the first 'proper' one I have made. I find it really hard to make 'random' patterns as I always seem to find myself sub-conciously putting the beads in some sort of order. I wish I did the same in my house! Anyway, I am very pleased with the necklace - it has a toggle fasten which I seem to be putting on everything lately !

I have got a local Craft Fair coming up at the end of the month. It's only a small church hall one but I see it as a bit of experience and a chance to see what people like. I did the same one last year and only just covered the cost of the stall, but at least I'm a bit wiser about the 'potential customer base' (Doesn't that sound posh!?) - ie. people dropping in after going to church ! Maybe I should do a line in rosary beads ????

Anyway, other things I have made this week include a sterling silver and amethyst bracelet and earrings for a friend which has turned out so nice, I now want one for me ! (the photo again doesn't do it justice!)

I've gone loopy !

2008-01-20T18:06:00.000Z

Today I have carried on with the Loopy Loops & made a loopy bracelet in dark purple & silver lined clear seed beads. It took me quite a while (& a few curses!) but I am pleased with the finished effect. As with all seed bead stuff I do, I am always paranoid that the thread will snap, sending beads exploding all over the place !

On a completely different crafty topic, I bought myself some shaggy wool to try and make a scarf...hmmm - watch this space (although it may take a while !)

Inspiration - At Last !!

2008-01-19T14:46:00.000Z

Today I finally got my act together & started to make a few different things. First, some very basic stitch markers that will be tried and tested before I make any more. I would like to make some using gemstones and maybe some lovely Swarovski crystals but I will see how these work out first!

Then I had bought some keyring chains and thought I would use some big chunky foil hearts on them.

Again, only basic stuff really but at least it got me to get my beads out, sit down and actually come up with something, without taking it apart again at the end!

Finally, I got a copy of BEAD magazine yesterday and have been inspired to try out some new techniques. There is a pattern for a 'Loop-di-Loop' seed bead bracelet which is very yummy but I thought I would start simple and have a bit of a trial attempt on something smaller, before I try the bracelet - so I went for some earrings. I have used a mixure of copper, orangey and pale brown seed beads which I think look quite nice together. The pattern is suprisingly simple, once you get going - just starting with a single string of beads and then making a little loop of beads come from each one. I will be brave and try a bracelet next I think !

Today is the first time I have got my beady stuff out since Christmas

2008-01-04T16:24:00.000Z

...and I have been quite productive ! Hubby bought my some rainbow fluorite beads for Christmas and I decided to stick to a really simple design with tiny silver seed beads between each pebble, basically because the individual pebble beads are so beautiful, they don't really need much else.

The necklace is quite short and looks lovely on and then I made two variations of matching bracelet. One with a Thai silver Rose toggle clasp and another that is a simple memory wire bangle. I'm more of a 'bangle girl' so I think I prefer the bangle, although I may actually add a fasten as the stones make it quite heavy & I am not sure if it will catch & possibly come off ?? So I have decided to 'test drive' it and see how it behaves !

The second thing I made today is another gemstone bracelet, although I have to admit I can't actually remember what the stones are (oops) - possibly jasper or perhaps an agate ? Anyway whatever it is, I think the colours are very pretty ! This time I used small copper coloured seed beads in between each bead.

I also have some handmade lampwork beads which are so beautiful. So today I also toyed with them, although I am still pondering how to best use them. Each one is so unique that I can't decide what sort of bead will go with them to best compliment the colours & style....it may be time to purchase some sterling silver and maybe some crystal !

Today I was in Beady Heaven !

2007-11-18T18:23:00.000Z

I visited Chester Bead Fair today - truely bead heaven! I bought far too much stuff (my excuse being that I need a 'few bits & bobs' to make some new things for the school fayre!). I had to drag myself away from each stall but I was quite good and didn't buy any really expensive stuff. I bought some bookmarks to bead, some more shell beads, some metal beads, some cute tiny little heart shaped beads and had a good rummage through as many Sale baskets as I could.

My main spend though was an absolutely gorgeous gemstone lariat necklace (yes, I know I can make them myself - but this was so scrummy I just couldn't leave it lying there - and it was half price !!). It was made by Gem Fusion from freshwater pearls and agate nuggets & will be an early Christmas pressie for me !!

http://www.gemfusionjewellery.co.uk/Taste1.htm

As well as beads, there were quite a few jewellery stalls and I'm glad to say I have got some enthusiasm back to start making a few more things. Whatch this space !

Finally - something proper !!

2007-11-16T17:48:00.000Z

After weeks of looking and stroking these beads, I finally got round to making something with them. Three bracelets - one for me, one for a friend's birthday and one for the school fayre.

They are Ocean Jasper - a gemstone that is believed to be very soothing. It is known as the supreme nurturer, it sustains and supports during times of stress and brings peace of mind. Being a type of jasper, ocean jasper is a very protective stone and is supposed to ward off evil.

Personally, I just think that they are so pretty - like pebbles on the beach, each bead is so different and the swirling colours are amazing, the photo just does not do them justice. I always find gemstones are very tactile and these in particular just need to be stroked !

I don't really count it as crafting...

2007-11-15T17:03:00.000Z

But I have made a load of memory wire beaded bangles for the school fayre. I feel it's a bit of a cop out but I know that if I don't make some simple, cheaper things I won't sell as much.

I've put a little charm or bead on the end of each one, just to make them more interesting.

(sorry for the uninspiring photo - it's so hard taking photos without the sun!)

The difficulty now is pricing, I really am useless at that!

And I thought I would include another cute pic of Bella the cat (the real one!), reclining in a box by the fire (why do cats like sitting in boxes so much??)

I've been getting a bit Christmassy!

2007-11-11T15:24:00.000Z

I actually managed to make something today (I think because the sun was shining a bit!). I did 2 of these beaded Christmas Baubles which took about one hour each to complete. I am hoping to do a few different designs for the school Christmas Fayre.

They look fairly complicated but actually are easy but rather time consuming.

I'm really not very good at this blogging thing!

2007-11-09T18:39:00.000Z

Last weekend was a bit traumatic as I had my handbag stolen - hence I have no credit card for any beady purchases (a good way of not spending!). Anyway, I am still waiting for some sterling silver bits to arrive so that I can make a personalised charm bracelet - I do hate the post sometimes.

However I will have to get myself in gear soon as I have just said yes to the school Christmas Fayre on December 1st. I sold quite a bit of stuff at last years fayre so hopefully I can do the same again, although you really never know at these things. I have been told though that there is another jewellery stall (so we will be exchanging killer glances across the school hall if one of use makes a sale !). I'm going to concentrate on making smaller things which I can sell for less. I don't charge a huge amount for my stuff anyway but I know something for £10 is quite dear at school events (when everything else on sale is 50p!!). I have an idea to make some beaded bookmarks & maybe a few mobile phone charms to top up my 'stock'. I find the worst thing about doing a fayre is all the bits & bobs you have to plan in - like having loads of change, plastic bags, things with your details on etc.

And Finally - Some Craft Stuff!

2007-11-03T11:13:00.000Z

Well it's about time that I actually added something vaguely connected to crafting and my love of beads and all things shiny. I saw some lovely things whilst on holiday (and some very over priced things too!). One idea that I saw in several shops were charm bangles. I am a very bangle-y person and decided I had to have one, but the prices they were charging (£60-£90!)put me off.

I recently made a personalised charm bracelet for a friends 40th and found a wonderful website for all things silvery. Going back to the website, I noticed that they stocked bangles and so here is my version - which is ideal for my skinny wrists as its not as heavy as the ones I saw in the shops (and nowhere near as expensive!)

The shell is to remind me of the lovely Cornish beaches, an amethyst as it's my favourite colour & gemstone and a heart for my lovely family. I still need some silver split rings to properly hang the charms, but I am very pleased with the effect - and it's lovely and jangly! I have a Troll bracelet that has moveable charms and glass beads and these also will fit onto the bangle, so I can have all sorts of changes of design whenever I fancy!

Well, it's not exactly 'crafting' - more like just sourcing the components - but I am rather chuffed with it! I have also made a Mother of Pearl shell necklace in lovely Autumn colours as a swap which has got me back into 'properly' making things. Once I have worked out how to do links, I will post a link to Gingermonkeys lovely blog!

Bella's Foray in the World of Celebs (well, one)

2007-11-01T19:36:00.000Z

Last week, when Bella 2 and I were mooching round Cornwall, we found ourselves in Port Isaac. Hubby and son were doing that great 'man thing' of throwing stones into the sea (maybe that's what causing the seas to rise??) and I took the opportunity to have a meander round the little streets. We've visited the area many times, so when I spotted a new 'nick-knacky' shop I made an immediate bee-line for it's enticing windows.

On further inspection, it was packed full of scrummy things and I spotted a lovely scarf that I just had to have (I am a sucker for a nice scarf !). It was only when I was paying that I noticed an abundance of items designed by Laurence Llewelyn-Bowen & then I realised that it was his wife's shop!

Slightly giggling to myself about the celeb-connection I turned to leave the shop & found myself stood in the doorway as a large Land Rover pulled up - driven by, yes LLB himself - well, Bella2 nearly jumped out of my bag in suprise! Actually I am sure that if Mr LLB (who's hair is very large in real life) had seen Bella2, he would have loved to have some of her family for sale in the shop.

Incidentally, Port Isaac is also the place were they film Doc Martin with Marin Clunes. We didn't see him, although practically everyone on holiday that you walked past around the place seemed to be doing an "I-Spy" checklist of locations....."Ooooo look Flora, that's the place where Doc Martin stopped to tie his shoe lace in episode 15"

More Cornish Musings from the Fluffy Mind of Bella 2

2007-10-29T14:52:00.000Z

OK - so I have lots of admirers asking for more of me !! Well I am a pretty special cat after all. I found it quite amusing to sneak a peek at what was going on around me as I mooched round the Cornish coast, so I thought I'd share my musings with you.

I have noticed that there are several 'classic' types that frequent this particular corner of the world. I don't intend to offend anyone but thought I'd share them with you :-

1) Over Enthusiastic Toddler Dad - oh how annoying is this type !? He walks around with a gaggle of toddlers like an 'almost off duty' Cbeebies presenter. We met one in the aquarium and were followed round with over enthusiastic cries of "Oh look ! There's a stripey fish !! Can you see its red and white stripes?" and 2 seconds later "Look ! There's a little turtle ! Can you see it's little head ?" I think he actually talked with exclamation marks after every comment. How he kept it up all day, I'll never know.

2) Boden Family - These were everywhere with their patterned wellies on, cardis with flowers, assorted items of corduroy clothing and scarves. Boden Mum often seemed oblivious to Boden Child rolling about in the sand and Boden Child was often called Izzy or Natasha. They were NEVER seen eating pasties.

3) National Trust Old Dears - Of course these frequented NT properties in their tweed skirts and sensible wooly jumpers over a white blouse with a frilly collar. Real NT Old Dears are the volunteers who stand in the musty rooms and insist on telling you about the history of the curtains in great detail, whilst failing to notice that your child has escaped and that you have to go and retrive them before they start playing Chopsticks on the 18th century harpsichord. NTODs can also be seen out of their natural habitat, eating cream teas at any time of the day and buying shortbread in gift shops.

4) WetSuit Weekenders - This group consists of all ages but all have a common feature - they have cast iron feet and are therefore able to walk everywhere barefoot without wincing.

That's enough for today I think. I really must make Whizzz type something vaguely related to craft stuff soon.

Cornish Adventures of a Travelling Cat

2007-10-28T18:12:00.000Z

For those of you that saw the lovely cat (inspired by my cat Bella) that Lucykate made in exchange for one of my jewellery creations, I thought I would update you with what she has been doing over the last week.

We have all been on holiday to Cornwall - an area we all love, while the 'real' Bella relaxed in luxury at a very nice 'cat hotel' (we couldn't call it a cattery just in case she turned her nose up at it!). Here are a few photos so you can see what Bella 2 got up to.

Here she is assessing the days surf conditions. We had great weather and only had rain on the day we left.

At Pendennis Castle in Falmouth, she got a little too close to one of the cannons.....

...And got into more mischief at an aquarium..

But all in all, she had a great time and especially liked the Cornish Pasties !

Well that's it for now, my very first Blog !! Hopefully I will add a few 'crafty' type posts as I have been inspired (as always) by the wonderful Cornish scenery and all the little galleries full of scrummy things.