I have not been blogging much...

...here is what I HAVE been doing!



We have just got back from a week in Devon. The weather was not good, although it didn't stop us going out and doing things. We walked for miles...and miles...and miles. It was really tiring but also great fun. I didn't stick to my diet although I was a LOT better than I would have been when not on a diet. Having said that, I am not expecting a loss at my weigh-in on Thursday.

This is how I currently look - only 4 stone to go!

Blue and Clear Ear-Rings

Really easy to make but quite effective I think.

Child Swap Present

Just a quick note to tell you all that Juicy Fig's swap present arrived for Max this morning. Unfortunately, he whisked it away before I could get a photo, but you can see one on her blog. His first comment was, 'How cool is this!' so I think it was a big hit!

Chain & Charm Bracelet

I made this last night and this morning. I love it! This may or may not go in my shop, depending on how I'm feeling...

New Forum

Take a Look...

http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/

Some More Ear-rings From the Same Book

Purple Stranded Bracelet Commission

Ear-rings Made From a Book Pattern

These ear-rings were taken from a book by Stephanie Burnham (linked to earlier in this blog.) Instead of Nymo thread, I used tigertail and a crimp cover. They are really strong, unlike the version I made with Nymo and I am much happier with them this way. They are going in my Folksy shop.

Onyx and Haematite Ear-Rings

Not good photos, but you should get the idea! The smaller ones are very simple and the long ones are very glam!

EDIT 16/08/08: I have improved the photos!

Vesonite Chip Ear-Rings

A friend of mine was wearing some ear-rings similar to these the other day, but with tiny, blue chips. I decided to have a go with these green ones as I have been looking to use them for some time. I rather like them but they are going in my shop.

Two Cards

Tri-Fold Card With Matching Envelope

Here is a card I made using K&Co. paper.

Jewellery Swap on CB Forum

I signed up to be part of the Crafts Beautiful Aug/Sept ear-ring swap. At the point that I was ready to make my swap, there was some indecision as to what colour they were going to be, so I made one pair in each colour. I am not particularly happy with the blue ones but don't have many blue beads, so was a bit limited. Luckily, red was finally selected and I really like these ones!

Another cat card - I love these stamps!

Two drawstring bags

These were made from a pattern given to me by Amanda Walker, when I was taking her 'Soft Furnishings' course via Greyfriars. Amanda is a fantastic person and a fab designer. You will see her in Crafts Beautiful and Quick and Crafty every month. She also makes wonderful hats!

'Thank-You' card

Oh blimey! Brilliant news...

I have made my first sale on my Folksy shop. I am so excited! Thank you Incy Wincy for buying the berry bracelet. You are my first customer...

50th Wedding anniversary cards

Gold Ndebele bracelet

Ndebele bracelet using the right sized beads

It is really odd but the large beads were more pinky/neutral when I bought them. The whole bracelet seems to have taken on the amethyst tones of the seed beads to give it a generally purple look. I really love it - it is such a beautiful pattern and so easy to do. I have gold tone beads too and have started another bracelet this morning. When made with the correct 4mm cubes and size 5 triangles, the bracelet loses some of its final rigidity and flows more. I added an extra seed bead in each pocket to make it firmer.

Another commission piece

This bracelet was made specifically to go with the necklace that I produced at my last beading class. I understand that it is going to someone as of a Christmas present - now there's forward planning for you! I posted a picture of the necklace back in June, but I have included it as a picture of the set to show how they go together. It is made using a double rope stitch which is easy but very time-consuming.

Thinking ahead for selling at parties...

I have been thinking of some simple designs that would not take 12 hours to make, that could be sold at jewellery parties. I came up with this design for a set of ear-rings and a 'wrap bracelet'. The bracelet is designed specifically to wrap three times around the wrist, but can also be worn as a simple necklace if desired.

Kid Swap

No, this isn't an actual child swap, however much we sometimes wish we could!!! I posted about this swap a couple of weeks ago and have finally managed to get it sent in the post today...



And here it is! I hope your daughter likes it Juicy Fig!

A new style of necklace - not sure really...

I saw a similar necklace on a friend and thought I would have a go making something like it. I am quite pleased with how the beads look together but am not sure about the ribbon! All comments would be appreciated...