Nellie's treasures

The year in Review....

2010-12-16T13:04:00.002+11:00

Well the year is drawing to a close, and what a year it has been! Working full time has stolen my creative time :(. Unfortunately it is the way of life isnt it.

I am about to be on leave for 6 weeks, and while putting my intentions "out there" never gains results I thought I would try one more time to make myself accountable LOL.

Over the next 6 weeks my plan is to destash and list excess stuff on my craftumi store and to consolodate all the stock I have made and have a clearance sale. Watch this space.

Cassie's Accessories

2010-11-15T10:20:00.002+11:00

Formal time is upon us! These are the itmes I have made to go with Cassie's Awesome Orange Formal Dress! A pair of sparkly Errings and a Zipper Rose Hair clip

Wedding Gaff!

2010-09-27T15:35:00.004+10:00

Here we have an amazing bouquet for Suzy's wedding. Yes, it is beige coloured fabic tape - also known as Gaff Tape!!

Gaff tape is the Force - Light on one side, dark on the other side and it holds the universe together!

DQs and challenges

2010-09-27T15:17:00.004+10:00

Whimsical Bead Designer Quest

Amya Beads Designer Quest

Australian Beaders Bushranger Challenge ~ this piece came second.

Amya Beads Designer Quest

Australian Beaders Bushranger Challenge ~ this piece came second.

An overdue update

2010-09-27T15:06:00.005+10:00

Goodness me, how time flies! I have been working full time for the last year and have found that being creative has impinged on my ability to Blog as well!!!

Make something every day started off quite well... but petered out by Febuary (as all good new year resolutions do).

I have been making many amazing things. I think the best thing to do is give you a photo montage to update the things I have managed to acheive in the creative world.

Some chunky chain maille

Zipper Roses

Gaff tape Roses

Bouquets

1st Makes for this year.

2010-01-01T14:25:00.004+11:00

Today's Makes were:

Fused sheets of plastic bags (bring on the year of upcycling!)
Gaff Tape rose
A "paper" flower made from fused sheets.

Very Cool if I do say so myself.

New Year - new creations

2010-01-01T11:50:00.003+11:00

So, New Year's resolutions - MEH! I never keep them, I never remember them.... always best laid plans.

This year I have a new idea and I guess it would have to be called a resolution but I am just going to call it my 2010 plan of attack :)

I have decided that I am going to try and "make" something everyday, and try something new every week.

The rules are simple. It can be a whole or a part, it can be finishing or starting, it can be shared or on my own.

Some of my plans for this week are:
Make fabric out of plastic bags
Make a cake
Make something from my plastic fabric
Make something from my new cook book
Make a new friend.

So lets see how we go. I have made a start on the fabric... and it is much fun!

DQ 18 ~ Kay's Artycles

2009-11-22T09:00:00.003+11:00

Mine was a collaboration... hope that isnt against the rules too much

I was staring at the beads on friday and they were not talking to me at all. My 7yo Asleigh asked
"Mum, what are you doing?"
"This is the DQ darling and I have no idea what I am going to make" I replied.
"I have something in my mind but I dont know if it would work" she said.
"Well, why dont you draw what you have in your mind for me and we will see what we can do"

So she sketched the drawing in the photo, she added
"I don't know how to draw it chunky"

so I used her sketch as inspiration and we threaded some beads together. Then once I finished it off I showed her.

"MUMMY!" she gasped "that is EXACTLY what I had in my mind!"

So here is Pearl Partners... a work by nellie and ashie.

It has been a while

2009-10-11T10:11:00.003+11:00

Well, full time work has seen jewellery making take a back foot unfortunately :( .

But, I ordered in some purse hook findings from the US (very exy too I might add) and have made these fabulous purse hook key-rings.

You hang the hook over the edge of your bag witht the beady feature cascading down the outside of the bag and your keys on the inside.... voila, keys are always at hand!

The final photo shows a very dodgy pic of how the keyring sits.

Lampworking with friends

2009-05-04T13:26:00.004+10:00

I have just had the pleasure of spending the weekend with my lovely friend Felicity of Vine Creations in Werribee where we participated in a beginners lampwork class with Pauline Delaney.

Thi picture above is a little bit " Arty" I know. I had to leave my babies behind to be annealed and I took a quick photo of a selection of the beads I made. There were lots more than this so stay tuned in the weeks to come for the rest of them :)

It was FANTASTIC!!!! I learnt so much from the 2 days that there will be no stopping me now!!

Some pics of Pauline demonstrating.

2009 Hawkesbury Show

2009-05-04T12:44:00.004+10:00

At the very last minute I decided to enter a piece into the Hawkesbury show this year - perhaps I didn't feel quite busy enough!

Anyway, imagine my delight this morning to find that I had received "Highly Recommended"!!!

Here is the piece I entered.

It is a Beaded cabochon strung using chain maille sections, threaded charms and woven threading.

Items for Winmallee Artfest 2009 - May 1,2 &3

2009-04-20T11:22:00.002+10:00

I have started the making frenzy that will become my display at Artfest this year. I have been wrapping cabs and stones. The labradorite is from a lady at the markets yesterday and is an amazing stone.

This is a pic of the back of my pendants to show you how they are held in.And some more button bracelets to add to the growing range.

I am hoping to sell EVERYHING!!!! Wish me luck LOL.

Woven wire bracelet

2009-04-03T18:30:00.002+11:00

I have been meaning to attempt this project for ages. Since I have plenty of more important things to procrastinate over, I became inspired by Joyce's beautiful bracelet on the beading forum.

Out came the book I got from Chanel and the 22 guage wire I was also given by Chanel (who, by the way, has a profile in the current issue of Beads etc...) and this is the result. I am really pleased and think it will be a keeper.

Care Bracelets

2009-03-12T16:53:00.003+11:00

I have nearly 200 care bracelets for the Victorian fire victims ready to send off. Sophie, Maria and I wrapped them in clear bags while Pauline helped me make tags and tag the bags.

A special thankyou to the ladies of Craftworks and especially Angelica who managed to make 100 gorgeous bracelets while whe was laid up in hospital with a nasty broken leg!!!

Another special thankyou to the Dimmock and Lee-Griswald families of Hazelbrook public school for their generous donations as well as the other families from school who donated. Thankyou all for your help.

Thankyou Clarinda, Yvonne, Bernice, Sophie, Robyn, Kerry.. all the ladies in my beading class, Jo and her group of ladies for their efforts too.

I am happy to keep collecting these through to the end of April but this little lot will go off tomorrow to Bead on Kelly Street.

Again to those I have forgotten to name but certainly ALL of you that gave so kindly of your heart. THANKYOU.

And the winner is......

2009-02-13T11:01:00.002+11:00

One World One Heart.

The winner of my button bracelet draw is comment number 6!

Congratulations to Letha. I have sent Letha a message and once you have replied with your contact details, I will be sending you your beautiful new bracelet!!!!

Thankyou so much to everyone for entering my draw and for such wonderful comments... and thankyou to those the commented on my other work and also became followers of my blog. You are all so lovely.

Unfortunately due to the bushfires we had here, I got very busy on some other projects (as explained in a previous post) so i didnt get the chance to go through and enter all the other fabulous prize draws that were part of this project. It is my mission though, to still go through all of your blogs and see your wonderful art :)

Care Bracelets for Bushfire survivors

2009-02-11T13:11:00.002+11:00

I am totally behind this initiative of the lovely ladies at Beads on Kelly Street.

If you are able to make and donate a 3 round memory wire bracelet, you can send it to either BOK or you can send them to me and I will pass them on. I am going to get this idea going at Craftworks so I will have a parcel or 2 (or50) to send on anyway.

I know all you avid beaders out there have memory wire and you have spare beads, lets get making for these women that have lost everything. We know as women that pretty things for ourselves will always come after you have taken care of your loved ones. These ladies and girls will be rebuilding their lives and families needs before replacing jewellery for themselves. Let help give them a little smile.

" We want as many Beaders to start making Care Bracelets for the hundreds of women who have lost everything - we all have heaps of beads and memory wire - just make 3 turn bracelets - everyone can make these - there are easy and each one turns out differently. Mail them into BOKS we will wrap them, we will add a little card from who made it. When we have heaps we will forward them on to the affected areas. (We have spoken to our customers in the area and I am sure they will help with handing them out and if there is any ladies who live in the area who are on this forum please contact us). Lets make some pretties for these poor women. "

One World ~ One Heart Give Away!

2009-02-02T15:29:00.004+11:00

One World ~ One Heart

I have joined the wonderful give away event run by Lisa Swifka, A Whimsical Bohemian, the creator and host of One World-ONE Heart. Please click on the logo above to find out everything you need to know about this fabulous initiative! AND to see all the other bloggers that are participating in the project.

Nellie's Giveaway

I have decided my giveaway will be this fabulous button bracelet.

Let me know you would like to be in the draw by leaving your comment on this post with a valid way to contact you.

This bracelet is an original creation of mine with gold plated rings and olive green coloured buttons.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The idea is to bring together many bloggers all over the world and to share in the spirit of giving but most importantly giving us all a chance to "meet" other people that we may not have otherwise met.

The bloggers involved have a giveaway on their blog and to enter all anyone needs to do is place a comment on this post expressing their desire to go into the draw for this wonderful item. You must also leave contact details such as your email, or a link back to you to enable us to get in contact with you should you be the lucky winner!

Bloggers have until midnight February 3 (PST time~USA) to enter their give-aways and visitors have until 10pm February 11 (PST time~USA) to enter the give-aways in the comments section of the participating blog entries. Anyone is eligible to enter.

The winners will be announced on Feb 12 and will be contacted by the blog owners.

At last, an "interesting" bead

2009-01-31T20:04:00.002+11:00

Yaaaay, I LOVE this bead!

A watch for ME!

2009-01-31T16:04:00.002+11:00

I have not had a new watch in a long time. bought a couple of cheapies and have also been known to wear my daughters barbie watch.

It is my birthday in a couple of weeks and DH asked what I wanted. I was about to say a really nice watch.... then DOH.... lightbulb moment! I could make me one of those!!!

Ordinarily I hate making watches.. clasps are an issue, getting the weight balance right, the sizing... such a pain in the patootie really. But this one has worked out quite nicely.I dont know who's lovely lampies they are. I got them in a heap of beads I got from desi about 18 months ago but I dont think she made them.... maybe she did? If anyone recognises them I would love to know anyhoos, they are beautiful and I have been saving them for something to make for myself all this time.

Sorry the photo is a bit bright. I was trying to bring out the colours in the lampies. They are purple, navy, lavender and iris gold ish. The swaros are amythest and light saphire and the pearls are bronze. I have used boho gold findings mixed with copper which seemed to work really well.

A Bridal piece

2009-01-25T15:12:00.002+11:00

This is a bridal version of my charming necklace design. I think I will make a few bridal variations.... so if you know someone getting married :)

This charming necklace design is going to dominate my creative life over the next couple of months. Stay tuned to find out why!......

Beadiful beading classes with Nepean Community College

2009-01-21T18:54:00.003+11:00

Below are details of classes I will be teaching this term. If you know anyone that might be interested please send them the link to my blog or to the Nepean Community College site.

This course is a basic beading course and covers most basic techniques you will need to create your own gorgeous jewellery and gifts.

Topics Covered include:
Different types of bead and make a bracelet focusing on threading
Earring design focusing on loops and bits and pieces
Focusing on stringing techniques make a necklace
Manipulate wire to make a wire wrapped bangle
Focusing on wrapped loops to make charms
Learn about crimping and finishing techniques and make a 3 strand illusion bracelet
Learn about wire gauges and make a mosaic pendant
Make your own project

Beaded Jewellery
Katoomba Centre
Tuesday
10/2/2009
Morning
8 weeks
22BEAM109

Beaded Jewellery
Springwood High School
Monday
9/2/2009
Evening
8 weeks
11BEAE109

Beaded Jewellery Introduction Workshop
Penrith Showground Pavilion Weekend
Saturday
21/2/2009
Weekend
1 day
96BEAW109

Wired Pendants

2009-01-20T12:48:00.004+11:00

Some Border Wrapped Cabachons. I can wrap anything now!!!..... where are those shank buttons???? LOL.

More and more button pieces

2009-01-20T12:43:00.004+11:00

Some more button jewellery. This first one was for Soph's birthday. The rest are button bracelets for this years market stock.

Another cuff - A secret santa gift.

2009-01-20T12:32:00.003+11:00

Well it must have frozen over again cause I made another cuff :)

This one went to Enjii in WA.

About time I posted some Beads!

2009-01-20T11:55:00.004+11:00

I have put the pictures in with my setup at the bottom and each lot of beads in order that they were made. This gorgeous red one is my latest. It is a "striking" orange colour over a white core. I am sure I have clouded the translucence with my loading, but hey... it looks good!

I know there are some that I have cooked the colours in, but overall I am very proud of my shapes. Now I need to get them larger and decorated... eventually I am sure LOL.

Items in my Etsy Store

2009-01-07T18:59:00.001+11:00

Exciting News

2008-11-27T07:10:00.002+11:00

Ok, where do I start. I have been offered the chance to have a luxury gift, something I have always wanted but would not ordinarily buy because of all those other practical things in life.

Well, I have made my decision and I have now ordered my own LAMPWORKING kit.

For those of you who don't know, lampworking is a form art using a flame to shape glass. I will be making my own Artisan lampworked beads!!! Ohhhh I am an Artisan!!!!!

I will post pictures and information on my progress for you to share my excitement with me (if you aren't as excited as I am..... you can pretend :) )

Workshops

2008-11-27T06:55:00.004+11:00

I have now completed a series of workshops at the neighbourhood centre. Sure it was a paid gig, but it was the most rewarding experience I have had teaching jewellery making so far.

We had a huge group sometimes up to 20 ladies. They were a juggle as they all tended to arrive at different times but we managed. We created a few basic projects and some of them were quick at completing everything and some of them were very hard to encourage. In the end though I hope they all walked out proud of themselves and with some lovely new pieces of jewellery that the made THEMSELVES! I was very proud of them all, I know that much.

It was 3 x 2hr sessions over 3 weeks. Week 1 we made memory wire bracelets and drop earrings. Week 2 we made a strung necklace and tigertail earrings. Week 3 we made a foil bead choker and a book thong ~ and many many simple christmas decorations.

These ladies all inspired me to persue the teaching aspect of my craft and I just hope in a little way that I inspired them all into becoming little beadie monsters muahahahahahaha!!!!

So everyone, I am a tutor for hire :)

A knitted necklace

2008-11-05T13:57:00.002+11:00

This necklace was made on a french knitter (a knitting nancy). It looks amazing in the reds. It has gone to a new home today. Enjoy Judy :)

Completed cuff

2008-10-21T15:06:00.002+11:00

Well this was a learning experience. Many things I would do slightly differently but I am really pleased with the end result. Here is my bead embroidered cuff bracelet.

Oh and on another note, Rupert's name has now become Boris.

A new addition

2008-10-20T15:50:00.005+11:00

I know he isn't jewellery, but he IS very pretty.

Please meet Rupert The Golden Bird. He is quite young and has only just started to twitter, we are waiting for him to start singing for us.
and here we have the cat-proofing solution for a canary cage..... see the little birdie? hmmmm can you see the little Kitty? He is providing Benny and Joon with hours of endless entertainment and frustration.

Display photos

2008-10-18T20:52:00.005+11:00

I completely forgot to take a photo once I had set up my display at the Art Fair. I had to take some quick ones during the Gala opening with people glaring at me :D

So here we have my simple display. Gosh, it really doesnt look like many items, there are 70 pieces here though. There was lots of jewellery ~ all a different style to mine though ~ but the ladies displaying other jewellery had mad masses of stock. There were dozens of busts and they all had 3 necklaces displayed on them. They looked fabulous, but was very confusing to the eye as a punter.

Well, fingers are crossed. I go and pick up my unsold stock tomorrow afternoon after my market stall....... lets hope there is nothing to collect :)

AN UPDATE: - well, I sold a grand total of 4 items. I think there is merit in being with your product to sell it successfully. Next time I will spend some time at the stand I think.

A Greek Summer

2008-10-12T20:36:00.002+11:00

Well the Bead and Gem show was on in Sydney over the weekend. Now I have to make up a storm to recoup my spending LOL.

This is something I got a little sidetracked into doing. Kaz (kazco on the forum) and I were having a chat and she made me make this bracelet. Well, she planted the seed, my own procrastinating manner took care of the rest! I was supposed to be putting beads away!

These big beads were some metalised plastic ones I got at the B&G. Copper Coated Acrylic Beads (CCB) as otherwise known apparently.

Kaz and I were wondering how long the coating might last. I think they would last ages cause they feel pretty solid. She suggested making a piece of jewellery specifically to see how they would wear. She suggested a bracelet. I said I would whack on a tonne of charms.

So viola! Here we have, the charming let's see how it wears bracelet. Vicki (dragonflycreations) said it reminded her of Greek Islands and a summer holiday.

Getting ready for an Art and Craft Fair

2008-10-05T21:35:00.005+11:00

I have been so busy making many many things for an upcoming Art and Craft Show. This is my first one so I have everything crossed that it goes well. Please excuse the slab of pictures. I have been trying to remember to record everything I make as I go. So sit back and enjoy some visual delights for your viewing pleasure.

More Dragonflies

2008-09-19T08:02:00.006+10:00

My wonderful friend from school asked me to make a set for a friend of hers. So Dragonflies were the go.

These are made with Serpentine and plated findings - and dragonflies a plenty :)

And some earrings

2008-09-03T13:38:00.001+10:00

These are to go with the previously mentioned necklace piece.

Vintage Orient - re-worked boho cameo necklace

2008-09-02T14:35:00.002+10:00

A friend of mine (that would be Lyn) asked me to make her a necklace like one she had seen in a catologue. Another friend of mine (That would be Robyn) had made the exact same necklace and didnt actually like it in the end and suggested I could give it to the first friend. I told the first friend I had the necklace but wanted to add some stuff to it. This was WELL over a year ago. Anyway, I am seeing the first friend this afternoon so true to form I have done some last minute making. And a close up of the focal area.

Beaded Cameo

2008-08-26T19:01:00.002+10:00

New beaded Cabachon. This one is a Cameo style.

New DQ

2008-08-04T16:03:00.003+10:00

It is time for the new DQ entries to be shown. Voting will occur next week.

The title should actually show DQ # 14 not 12.

Dragonfly Pearls

2008-08-04T16:01:00.002+10:00

Again this piece started as a bracelet. It just wasnt working very well. So with some fiddling, this is what has become.....

New Term, New Project

2008-07-22T15:13:00.003+10:00

So much to do so little time!

I have Community College starting next week (hopefully) so I have been putting together projects and kits for that. It will be a basic course with 7 projects.

I have to decide and create samples for the Craftworks Retreat by Thursday.

I have to organise kits and projects for a workshop at the end of August.

And I have just completed this term's Craftworks project. Robyn so kindly helped put the kits together on this one too. Just in time for Registration on Thursday.

So..... Here we have this terms project. We are creating a beaded cabochon on a spiral rope necklace. The stone is Kiwi Jasper.

It has happened...Hell has frozen over

2008-06-25T17:53:00.004+10:00

Either that or my brain took a little sanity break BUT.............. I beaded a cabachon!!

I know I know, don't fall over. Can't say I am addicted like those other wierd seedie women but I did enjoy it and it challenged my perfectionism I can tell you.

Don't hold your breath though... not sure you will see another one too soon. But I can tell you I am likely to do another cab before I get those leaves on my lavender.

Lavender.... with no leaves

2008-06-20T07:43:00.002+10:00

This is the lavender we made in class...... not my favourite project, but it turned out well anyway. I havent attached leaves yet. I thought if I waited to do that you would never get to see it :). I doubt you will be seeing a pot full of these babies from me any time soon.

Winter Solstice Bracelet Exchange

2008-06-14T09:49:00.005+10:00

The latest exchange on the Forum was a bracelet exchange. The theme was Winter Solstice.

This is the bracelet I created. The ispiration was from these pictures I found of stonehenge in winter solstice.

This is the gorgeous icy bracelet I received from Sarah. Isnt it beautiful! Thanks to Sharyel for organising this exchange.

Chan3l's Wrapped Focal Bangle

2008-06-04T18:03:00.002+10:00

Chanel from the Beading Forum is going to have a tutorial in the next Beads Etc magazine for this gorgeous bangle.

I helped her out today by following her tute as she wrote. This is the result. Quite like this one.... cept it is too big for me :(

Thanks for sharing Chanel, It was lots of fun, easy to follow and best of all..... I got to use my drill coily tool :)

Rose bud

2008-05-30T19:12:00.002+10:00

Here is my completed piece entirely created and assembled by moi. I am very proud of my rose bud :)

Now we have embarked on lavender..... If I dont tip over the edge threading the beads on, I may even have it finished next craft day.

NEWSFLASH

As of term 3, I will be teaching a beginners beading class for the Nepean Community College at Springwood Highschool!!!!! Stay tuned for class time confirmation but so far I will be teaching on Monday nights.

Designer Quest 13

2008-05-24T13:39:00.003+10:00

Eureka! Beads sponsored DQ 13. The packs were outstanding and the challenge for this quest was to use all the components!!!!

The choices were black/silver or red/gold

Here is my entry (which didnt win by the way :) )

I called it the Conquest. I sat down and started, 3 hours later I emerged having used everything besides 1/2 an inch of tiger tail and 6 broken seed beads. What a mammoth effort.

The next DQ is being announced in the next couple of weeks.... looking forward to that.

More Maille and a new camera (YAY)

2008-05-24T09:19:00.003+10:00

Finally, we can dispense with the scans, the video camera captures and relying on other peoples photos. There is a new camera in da house! It has an awesome super macro feature too.... just perfect for jewellery. The lady at the shop did look at us strangely when we started testing photos of her computer keyboard keys. Anyway.... enough of that.... I certainly need to learn how to use it to the functions to get optimal visual pleasure but I will just have to play :)

On to the chain maille.

The bracelets in a clockwise direction are:

A parrallel helm weave using plated rings in silver and gold colour. This is beautiful and a bit blingy. It looks quite stunning with the 2 colours.

Floral lampwork beads (chinese mass produced, but pretty all the same) with flower chain links.

Lampwork beads (not sure who made these but they are from an Aussie Artisan) with Czech glass and flower links.... this one hasnt worked so well. The "links" with the beads are too long and sits a bit rigidly. This one needs re-designing.

SUCCESS!

2008-05-05T14:16:00.003+10:00

I have been trying to design a pendant made from buttons.

I have finally worked out how to give them a useful bail arrangement!

See the trouble is that a button "hangs" in the middle.... I needed it to hang from the top - neatly and gracefully LOL.

Here we have - Button Pendants!

Beading project extrodinaire!!

2008-04-03T16:58:00.006+11:00

Congratulations to Julia, Kath, Clarinda, Yvonne and Robyn!!!

We have all contributed (only 3 lots of rose petals from myself) to make this gorgeous bouquet for Julia's wedding.

I made Julia's chainmaille bracelet that (hopefully) matches her dress. I can't wait to see the wedding photos!

Chain Maille Bracelets

2008-03-11T20:50:00.005+11:00

Sorry for taking so long to put up a new post! I have DQ 13 pictures to come at the end of march, and the ladies at craft have okayed me to take some pictures of their pieces to put on here as well..... so there will be more new soon.

BUT, for the latest obsession now..... Chain Maille.

I apo0logise for the appaling pictures, I have had to resort to scanning because, for some reason, the camera didnt like being dropped :(.... so now I need a new camera :(

I dont know if there is a name for this weave, but it is the rosette weave I am teaching the ladies and I have created 2 lengths of "chain" and joined them with 2 rings into each rosette. The clasp is a paua shell 2 strand clasp from Felicity at Vine Creative .

This one is a Euro 4 in 1 weave... just what they make chainmaille armour from. Certainly doubt I will attempt that whole suit after this effort though. A 3 strand gemstone clasp again from Felicity.

All of the rings are 20g 6mm OD silver plate from FMG.
Except the 4mm rings I have used to attach the clasps.

A new year, a new term, a new project for craft classes

2008-02-06T14:25:00.000+11:00

Imagine my suprise when I saw I was taking the "advanced" beading class this term at craft works LOL.

Well after agonising over creating a project suitably complex and time consuming I have come up with the following "Charming Piece of Wearable Art". The chain by the way is some chain maille that the students are going to have to create as part of their piece.To aid the students in visualising a piece in different shaped and coloured beads, I have also made some sample variation pieces for them to see. The previous truquoise piece was made in the same way so that will be a sample for them to view as well. Samples are shown below.

Wish me luck, class registration is tomorrow!

It has evolved some more

2008-01-22T10:34:00.000+11:00

The bracelet/necklace in my previous post has evolved some more... I wonder if I have gone too far?.... Better stop now..... but maybe another charm or 2 right down the bottom there.........

Started as a bracelet... finished as a necklace

2008-01-21T20:47:00.000+11:00

Some dyed howlite, swaros, fresh water pearls and plated findings all charmed up into a bracelet......................... no wait, now it is a necklace!!! I like the necklace better. Now I just need a lobster clasp :)

Tutti Fruitti in Chains

2008-01-17T20:25:00.000+11:00

Something a bit different from me. It is charmy and chainy and girly.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SOPH!!!!

2008-01-02T13:41:00.000+11:00

I made this for Sophie's significant 30 plus 10 birthday which is today. Happy Birthday Sophie.

Colourful choker

2007-12-31T15:25:00.000+11:00

I was shopping with Caroline yesterday and we came accross these great memory wire chokers (for great prices I might add). I thought I would try to make them but my memory wire is too weak for the job really. I have stung it with cord. This bust is small so it isnt sitting well. It is quite round on the neck.

Coral Bracelet cuff for Mum

2007-12-31T15:21:00.000+11:00

I made this with the Wire Knitting Nancy I have. It is so nice and is very light to wear. The wat ch will be changed I think.

Teeny tiny byzantine dragonflies

2007-12-20T20:20:00.000+11:00

I have made these for Cathy in the canteen. She goes away next year and will be missed :)

She like the byzantine links in my bracelet so I decided to make some links and discovered that nothing other than my 4mm jump rings would work...... some silly thing about aspect ratios, internal diametres and wire gauges!! But they were so cute. Fe had sent me some gorgeous little wings so I made these earrings.

And they are sooooooo cute!

Designer Quest 12

2007-12-17T13:09:00.001+11:00

Here is my entry for the latest designer quest. I forgot to save pictures of the 2 pack choices but one was red and green and the other was a pink and purple. Obviously I picked the Christmas one. Be sure to check out Creative beading cause it will be in one of the next few issues..... since I WON!!!! - Again... hehehehehehehehe.

The Famous Market Stall

2007-11-19T11:16:00.000+11:00

Thought I would show you a few pictures of my market stall set up.

This is the whole stall.

Necklaces

Bracelets and earrings

Giftwares, beads and kits etc.

Buttons, buttons, buttons, buttons.......

2007-11-16T13:04:00.000+11:00

There seems to be a pattern occuring!

Chain Maille anyone???

2007-11-14T20:32:00.000+11:00

Ok, the story behind this is that someone asked me if I could make armour!..... well being my father's daughter I thought..... I could give it a red hot try.

I did a little bit of research and discovered that standard maille mesh is often European 4 in 1 weave. So I found a tutorial on you tube and went for it. This is the result (with enormous rings mind you).

Anyway, I have since found out that I have managed to do a spectacular job at weaving it sideways. Now I know what I am doing I will attempt it again with smaller rings. So whilst it might take me days to complete an entire hood, I had fun with the "idea".... not sure yet where I will take it. You might just have to stay tuned.

Bootiful Butterflies

2007-11-14T20:28:00.000+11:00

I made these with the ladies at craft. I have since made 2 more that I must photograph. They are quite stunning.

Buttons galore

2007-11-11T14:36:00.000+11:00

Stay tuned for many of these. Send all your old buttons my way!!!!!!!

The first pic shows how the choker sits and the second is a better look at the buttons.

Wired bangles

2007-11-11T14:31:00.000+11:00

Another new style for me. Wired Bracelets using 20g artistic wire.

A new style

2007-11-08T12:31:00.000+11:00

I have been wondering how to use the mega gem chips that Mel gave me, and I wanted to use the big glass nuggets I bought at the bead and gem show without using too many of them in a necklace (I am so stingey!)

But here is what I came up with. I love them. They started life as bracelets and ended up as these.

I made one with colourless glass and rutilated quartz chips but sold it to Amanda of Intimo befrore I had a chance to photograph it.
I have made her these earrings to match.

Finally.... a showing

2007-11-06T07:38:00.000+11:00

It mut be 3, maybe even 4 years down the track, I have finally had a jewellery party!
See, I take a while, but I do things eventually. It was quite successful and kicked off the start of a very busy November. I have 3 market stalls and another party between now and the end of November. Wish me luck in the lead up to Christmas.

More Holiday beading

2007-11-05T10:05:00.000+11:00

Well, as you may have expected, I took A LOT of beading supplies away with me during the holidays. While we were in Brisbane at John and Dale's place Maddie showed me a gorgeous lizard she had made in Bead Club at school. She let me take a copy of the instructions and the to little guys below were born once I got down to New Brighton! Thankyou Maddie, they were great fun to make. Uncle Johns Mum was making one too by the end of the week...... (you gave me an excuse to buy more beads too)

Yes they are made from seed beads, allbeit large seedies, but seedies all the same. Hope you are all proud of me. Most of you know how much I LOVE seedies LOL.
These are a few bracelets I whipped up during that week as well.
Sorry for the very dodgy photo, my light box was full of stuff the day I took my photos.

Angles and Icicles

2007-11-03T11:34:00.001+11:00

New Christmas decorations - I am going to have to make a few of these to fill up mum's old tree!!!

Holiday Hairsticks

2007-11-03T11:30:00.000+11:00

I made these great hairstick dangles while we were on holidays.

Chain Maille

2007-11-03T11:28:00.000+11:00

I got this in kit form from the lovely Rachael at Silver Maille.

It is sterling silver rings and Amethyst Swarovski woven in a Byzantine link pattern.

I am now officially addicted to Maille.

Summer exchange

2007-11-03T11:22:00.000+11:00

The instuctions for this exchange was Summer themed non jewellery items.

I made this book mark which was received by Mel LOL.

I received these BOOTIFUL polyclay beads from Dani...... what to make, what to make??

Mum's birthday lariats

2007-09-25T17:27:00.000+10:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MUM!

I made these for my mummy's birthday. There were from bead soup mixes I got from Fe at Vine Creations. Nice decent beads in there too. They look and feel great. They are nice and looooong.

Designer quest 11

2007-09-25T17:22:00.000+10:00

These are the 2 packs to chose from.

And this is my creation. I didn't enjoy this one as much as previous ones.... having seen some of the creations from the carnelian pack, I wish I got that one!! The pack I chose had amythest, smokey quartz, clear quartz, pearls and aventurine

Bianca's Lampwork Beads

2007-09-13T20:21:00.000+10:00

My friend Bianca (I can call her my friend I think.... she is cyber fwend though!)

Anyhoo, she made me these beautiful lampwork beads. They have a silver fleck through them which I think the glass ladies call "Cosmic".

The beads are divine and I wanted to pick up the colours in them. I know my style is "simple", but I hate "plain" so this was hard for me to show off their beauty.

Mum's coral

2007-09-08T14:37:00.000+10:00

Many Thanks to the Blue Quoll for taking some pics for me.

Mrs Q and I put these together last weekend. The larger one is soooo heavy and the coral chunks are huge. The faceted nuggets in the smaller necklace are about 20mm in length and the black beads are 10mm if that helps put it in perspective.

Bookmarks

2007-08-27T17:24:00.000+10:00

The ladies at craftworks were making these gorgeous bookmarks.... well I couldnt help myself and went off to get some tassles this afternoon. I love these!

Jacqui's Wedding!

2007-08-25T12:10:00.000+10:00

Here is the happy couple with their speech. You can see her BEAUTIFUL dress and the jewellery. The pearl necklace she is wearing was her Nonna's. I made her bracelet, earrings and haircombs.

Here are more piccies of the wedding with the jewells in action!

Next photo is John, Jacqui and Me
Can't believe my lippy was still on, this was near the end of the night
Next is me doing a reading as part of the ceremony and Jaqui and Gary in the background I tried to explain that John that a "FULL SHOT" needs to include shoes!!! So here are my shoes I wore :) The wedding was so much fun.

Here is the pic of her jewells and these were mine

Year of the Jewellery - INTERACTIVE

2007-08-08T21:13:00.001+10:00

Every week the forum has a different theme for their Year of the Jewellery competition.

I have made this entry for the theme INTERACTIVE. The idea is that you put whatever words you like on the neckring. I had lots of fun with different combos.

So this is just a bit of fun (of course I was procrastinating again..... should have been getting ready for classes tomorrow and hanging out the washing!!)

Beading Challenge - "chocolate, coffee and cream... on the forest floor"

2007-08-07T16:15:00.000+10:00

Ok, here goes nothing. After being very stuck for ideas this morning I have created this one for chocolate, coffee and cream............on the forest floor, the new beading challenge.

It is a bracelet and is designed to relflect the colours of lichen, moss and leaf litter with the swirls of creamy coffee and chocolate mixed in. Like the forest floor you will find a bit of everything scattered in amongst the leaves. There are vintage beads, czech glass, MOP, autumn jasper, glass pearls, acrylic, spectral, moss agate and much more.

VERY happy with this one!

That blue and copper wire pendant

2007-08-07T16:10:00.000+10:00

Has now become this wonderful piece.

I just love the forum!!!! This was in the lot of wired pendants I made. I put a picture of them up in the forum and I was pondering in that post what else to do with the coiling gizmo.....Well Patricia (Pats Creations - mightycat) told me how to do these little coiled beaded beads. THANKYOU SO MUCH!!!!! and this is what I did with the pendant, with my 2 extra beaded beads on some wire added to some rubber cord and then the spiral ends made with the coiler and a clasp!!!!! They coiled beads are now referred to as Mightycat Coils LOL

Some wiring about

2007-08-05T10:44:00.000+10:00

I have whipped up some wire pendants to show the class this week. They are just designed to show you that playing with wire makes your possibilities endless. You are only limited by your imagination and the amount of wire you have.

Commission For Cheryll

2007-08-04T14:26:00.000+10:00

A lovely friend of Mum's visits me at the Lawson Markets and last week asked me to make something for her with some beads she had chosen.

This is the final creation. I hope you like it Cheryll.

Charity Auction

2007-08-04T14:15:00.000+10:00

I am going to design a piece for a Charity auction that will be run by the lovely Rebecca of The Stranded Bead in Albury.

I have created these darling little napkin holders after being inspired by a project in a South African Beading magazine. There are 8 all together and I am going to put them with some pink napkins. They are representative of the pink Breast Cancer support Ribbon.

I will still make another piece for the auction and once I know some more details I will let you all know here as well.

CLASSES!!!

2007-07-24T20:47:00.001+10:00

I will Start teaching this term at Craftworx. A 6 week term with lots of excited students. These are the samples of each project we are going to do this term.

Week 1
Beaded necklace project
Focussing on stringing techniques and finishing off with clasps

Lets talk about
Beads Beads and more beads…. Learn about different types of beads

Week 2
Wrap Bracelet and matching earrings project
Focussing on wire loops and a simple yet impressive bracelet design

Lets talk about
Findings….. Learn what all those little bits and pieces are for.
Stringing…. different stringing materials and appropriate uses

Week 3
Wire wrapped bangle and a simple pendant project
Focussing on wire and manipulation – bit of freeform fun!

Lets talk about
Wire….. What is gauge? What should I use? Learn all about wire

Week 4
Wrapped loop bookmark or key ring project
Focussing on wrapped loops and more wrapped loops – making charms

Lets talk about
Different beading techniques and mediums.

Week 5
3 strand illusion bracelet project
Focussing on crimping and finishing of multi-strand items

Week 6
Ask me how.
Bring in a project you would like some help to start or any repairs you might like to learn how to do. Use this session to brainstorm, finish projects and ask me any questions.

Just a few extras

2007-07-24T20:43:00.001+10:00

Some more things I have made up recently. I bit more fiddling with wire.

These will be chokers on black cord, like the pearl ones I do.
Some dalmation fun!

New earring hangers.

Bracelets Galore

2007-07-24T20:34:00.001+10:00

I have a thing for bacelets LOL!!! This top one still needs a clasp, I am looking for something special. The beads are amazing they are 14mm Czech fire polished beads and are clear with a swirl of red, every 3rd or 4th bead has an AB coating and the huge daisy beads look great... this one is a keeper I think
Some pink crackle nuggets with antique pink Czech rondelles..... just gorgeous!

Having a pink day I think.

I love the look of these champagne coloured Czech beads.

Ring Ring, Bling Bling

2007-07-24T20:10:00.000+10:00

I made this ring from a Toho Kit. It is beautiful but the seedies are teeny.... wont be making many of these and it might be the end of my seed beading too (sorry margie and chez) they just are not my thing!!!! I have one more in black to make and that will be my lot.

A wired pendant

2007-06-26T09:24:00.000+10:00

With design inspiration and help from Margie (Marlier) and some tips from Vicki (Dragonflycreations), I came up with this wired pendant. It is quite large and I love the colours. Not too bad for a first effort. It is so hard for me to be random and being symetrically random sometime backfires!!

The Ugly Bead Swap

2007-06-20T13:19:00.000+10:00

This time on the forum I have taken part in the Ugly Bead Swap.
You send your uglies to another member and receive their uglies.
You have to make up what you can using minimal additions (stringing supplies etc excluded of course)

I sent some super uglies to my partner and these are the ones I received from her. I think she made it a little easy with the colour tonings (oh boy do I feel bad for what I sent)... but here are the uglies:

and here are my creations.

Some new things to share with you.

2007-06-19T15:53:00.000+10:00

Vintage inspired 3 strand with pearls, Czech glass and some beautiful tulip beads. Below are the matching earrings.

These are made with the most amazingly sparkly swaro octogons. I already had the posts so these were quick and easy to make.

This is a spectacle necklace. The wood looks perfect with the vitrial finished matt green Czech beads.

I made these for Deb's Birthday. They are the strongest heamatite beads I have ever come across. This looks awesome in real life, the blue is so vibrant.

I made these up this afternoon with some earring components that Mel gave me. Hmmm another 4 daggers down..... only heaps more to go LOL.

Pink Pearls

2007-06-19T15:51:00.000+10:00

Created on a rainy day I have finally found something to do with those blister/rebirth pearly things.

I forgot to say MY DQ PIECE WON!

2007-06-19T15:46:00.000+10:00

My pink rose quartz "Crystal Vine" entry into the Designer Quest WON!!!!!

I got $80 to spend with KQ Designs and bought some gorgeous czech glass beads.

YAY! So exciting.

Chunky chunky chunky chains

2007-05-19T11:58:00.000+10:00

I ordered the wrong type of chain and received this chunky chunky chain. I
have actually fallen in love with it (which is good cause I now have 50 feet
of it)

Here are a couple of things I played around with.

A forum of inspiration!!

2007-05-19T11:50:00.000+10:00

I made this little creation one afternoon while I was on the beadchat.

The beads came from Chrystal, Amandajewels, Magica DiSpell (and someone else who
I just cant think of right now) as part of some bead swaps.

The fabulous photo was courtesy of help from DragonFlyCreations who pointed me
to a thread on photo light boxes!!! (vicki you are my favourite person today
LOL)

Here is the new photo, my lightbox set up and the original photo!!

Thankyou everyone for your input into my afternoon fun!!!!!

Designer Quest Number 10

2007-04-19T14:41:00.000+10:00

These are the 2 packs we had to chose from.

I ordered the Autumn pack and Mel ordered the Spring pack.

This is my finished design. As usual, I received the pack in the mail today and I couldnt help myself!!!

Autumn inspiration

2007-04-05T18:46:00.000+10:00

These were made for the Autumn Swap on the Forum. The items in the first photo and the wire bracelet went to DragonFlyCreations.

And this is the gorgeous piece I received in the swap!!

Designer Quest

2007-03-27T09:10:00.000+10:00

Ok, I did it, I took the plunge and entered the Designer Quest run by www.beadingforum.com.au

Everyone orders the same pack (choice of 2 colours) and has 6 weeks to design and create something original and amazing!!

I purchased this pack

My designer Quest entry is my first ever attempt at this way of working. I must say that after the initial overwhelming sense of terror I LOVED it!!

I actually finished it all on the day I received the pack. I drew a design (or 2 or 3 or 4) and started. Then it changed and just evolved. I really wanted to do some macrame but didn't know where to start. Then I remembered that when I was a teenager, we used to make friendship bands. Mine were never any good because they curved! Well.... that would work in a necklace design surely!!

The challenge of attaching sections without adding anything is what evoved the design. I ended up with a small pile of seed beads, a couple of quartz chips and a bugle bead or 2. I also had a little bit of cord left over.

A long Break

2007-01-29T18:50:00.000+11:00

www.beadiful.com.au has been launched and successfully running for a little while now. Some new items need to go up to the site for sale, January has been frantic.

I have acquired all of the gorgeous Jodies bead stock!!! For the last few weeks I have been sorting, counting, bagging and tagging beads and findings!! it has been fun though and the next task will be to list some on the website.

My plan is to sell these beads at the Markets. The jewellery doesnt move so well there but I love going every month. It is my mission to walk away one month with a great profit LOL. Well I cant complain about December's though, it was very successful.

Stay tuned, I PROMISE I will keep this blog up to date.