Loopy Garden Bracelet - Commission

Here is another one of my Loopy Garden Bracelets (the pattern for which has appeared in Bead Magazine). It was a commission for my next door neighbour and made me think differently about my usual choice of colour schemes. I tend to go for browns and teals, but black and white is definitely something I would consider exploring more!

Stuff!

This is from a kit by Spellbound beads. I like their kits and the beads they use seem to have improved over the years. This is a bit fancy for my taste and was very labour intensive. However, the patterns that the company come up with are always unique, which is fantastic for learning new styles and techniques.

This is from a kit by Oak Tree Crafts. The earrings were really quick to make, but I was gutted to lose one the first time I wore them. Different ear-wires next time :(

These are my own design, and are totally made from sterling silver and Swarovski crystal bicones. They look stunning in the ears. I sold a similar pair to my cousin's wife but kept these for me!

Life Changes

Well, it has been an age since I posted on here. I have been making things but not consistently, and anything I HAVE made has gone on my Facebook page rather than my blog. Life has been funny lately. I finshed my job as a WeightWatchers leader yesterday, after nearly 21 months. I will now have time to craft more, until I find another job. I finished WW because I can't control my weight unless I can concentrate completely on myself. Much as I have loved the members and clerks at the meetings, it was physically hard work and took up the majority of my time and emotion. My son is looking forward to spending more time with me (he is nearly 11, so that will change soon no doubt!) and I hope to have more energy and verve. I am determined to update this blog more regularly and be a more active member of the crafting community. I would love to design more beading patterns, and set up an online shop selling kits for them.

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.

Daisy Beaders - Christmas Items

I had another lovely day beading with Daisy Beaders on Saturday. We made the above items and they were great to make - not too hard, but enough to make you think. The bauble is not finished yet as I have to do the remaining tassles.

C & G Course

Sorry about the lack of posting in the recent weeks. I have been using a lot of my time in finishing all the things needed to wrap up the course. You know when you get that 'I'm totally sick of this' feeling about something you have not stopped thinking about...? Well, I have that now. I have even been making cards as an antidote. Despite all the lovely beads I bought at the bead show a couple of weeks ago, I don't want to do anything with them for a few weeks. Now may be the right time to get all my Christmas cards made...

Started at Weight Watchers!

I re-joined yesterday and it was pretty much as I expected. I managed to stick to the plan all day and even saved three points for today. I also earned three at the gym, but I am trying to ignore those to see if they help increase my loss. I made a lovely chicken korma for dinner last night, from a WW cook book. Tonight is minced beef cobbler.

I know it is too soon to make a difference, but I did feel slightly fitter walking to school today - it must be a positive mental thing!

I am still crafting. In fact, I took a cross-stitch on holiday and did loads of that. I can't take a photo though as it is going to be a gift for someone. I will post a pic when it has been given to the recipient. I am also doing some beading for my C and G course, and frantically writing up course work so I am not too far behind. The course finishes in November and I still have so much work to do.

Ooh, Super Macro Setting!

Super-whizzy! Some plants from my garden and a reeeaally close close-up of some beading I am currently working on.

A Bit More of My TTNP

I have stitched one side of the chain to the amulet purse, so now just have to make it about half as long again, so that it fits over the wearer's head. It is working up fairly quickly, which is always a good thing when you have to stitch about 25"!!!

Daisy Beaders Day - Patchwork Beaded Squares

This is something I made after my beading day on Saturday. The idea was to make lots of beaded squares in different textures and make them into a patchwork bracelet or necklace. Not something I would normally think of to make, but I do actually like the finished product. The colours are slightly different from my usual as well!

Spiral Staircase Bracelet