A Few Things That I Have Managed To Squeeze In!

This is a bracelet that I made for my Mum for Christmas. I was making it right up to Christmas Eve! I think that she liked it. It was a very simple pattern, taken from 'Bead and Button' magazine, but it was quite time-consuming. I enjoyed making it though and the need for it to be finished meant that it didn't become a UFO!






I have actually been making a few things in the last week. I wanted to give some friends a bracelet for their help with various things, so I made these...

They are just simple strung bracelets, but I included Swarovski 4mm bicones in them, to give a little bit of sparkle.

So Sorry

I have not posted anything for TOO long. I have been working hard at my Weight Watchers job and have hardly had any time for crafting. I have designed another bracelet, but writing it up is something else! I must do it or I will forget how I did it...

Card-making has fallen by the wayside as all my WW stock is in the way of my craft boxes. I have made sure that my beads are easily accessible though! The intention to bead is there but the time isn't - oh for another two hours in the day and drip-fed caffeine lol.

Anyway, I wanted to post and wish everyone (well, anyone still looking on here!) a very merry Christmas. Happy new year to everyone too.

Photos of Magazine

The Day Has Come!

Finally, I can share my exciting news with you. I am a published designer! Bead magazine have printed one of my designs (see p50 of 'Bead' magazine) and actually paid me for it! So, I am a proper designer now...guess what job title is going on my passport next time I apply for one!

I will post photographs asap but I wanted to tell you the great news!

Finished WIP - Piatine Bracelet

This kit was really enjoyable to do. I normally get bored half way through and leave it to do at a later date (i.e. never!) It took me less than a (already very busy) week and I love the finished article. I am going to shorten the closure stitching though, as the bracelet is loose and I fancy it being more of a cuff. (My fault, not the pattern).

I really recommend Bead Merchant for all their things; beads, kits etc.

Something On The Go

I am currently making a bracelet from Bead Merchant - Piattine. It is absolutely beautiful and fairly easy (intermediate beaders and upwards - beginners might struggle). I am a big fan of Jill Devon's work, although I do think the patterns could do with a rewrite (just my personal opinion of course!) I love going along to her shop, on the first Saturday of every month, and having a good drool over all the beads for sale. I never come away empty-handed!

Teaser...

This is the month that I have been waiting for, for a verrryy long time! I can't tell you why yet, but I will once it is all official! I am really excited...

Plus, tomorrow is the day of my first meeting as a Weight Watchers Leader! Nerves is not the word for it! Please think of me at 10am tomorrow.

Necklace and Earring Set

I love this set. Really easy but so satisfying.

Vintage French Buttons

Looky looky at the lovely buttons I discovered in a little second-hand shop the other day. Apparently they come from French button factories and were made in the 1950s. As you can imagine, I had a whale of a time rummaging through all the boxes and had to restrain myself from buying the whole lot! I eventually settled on the ones that I would have bought for myself anyway.

They are on my Folksy shop...

So Much Going On...

I am really sorry that I haven't been around at all. I have been training to be a Weight Watchers Leader - which I have now finished - and it has been a little bit stressful! I passed the assessment though and spent most of today drowning in 30 boxes of 'starter' kit!

Despite not actually doing much crafting, I have ordered lots of clasps and a new beading book. I will post pictures when they arrive. I have also packaged up some vintage (1950s) buttons from France, which will be going on my Folksy shop as and when I get 5 minutes to sit down!

I am really trying to keep in touch with everyone else's blogs, but it is not as easy as it sounds. I have just made a whirlwind visit to some of my favourites, but didn't have enough time to have a good mooch. I think that craft may be taking a bit of a back seat for a few weeks!