Christmas is a Coming....

Before I new it October had come and gone, so doing the usual rush to build up stock for the November Fairs.
I will be at The Rural Living show in Taunton 26th & 27th at Kings Hall School and at Westlands in Yeovil on 20th Nov. If you are around please pop by and say hello.
I have A few more new Items to show you this month, first a lovely pale pink lampwork and crystal bracelet, coordinated with rose quartz and sterling silver, this is on my Etsy shop at £39.50

Adjustable Sterling Silver ring, with my handmade cabochon.



I have also been making a few Christmas presents for family and friends. I don't see the point in buying mass produced, when you can give a unique piece that you have created.

The ring is the adjustable ring, that one I shall sell and the cabula brooch is a present for a friend.
I will try and blog again in a few weeks time, but I don't know if you noticed the weather last week. There was a foggy morning and the dew seem to hang like glass droplets, I couldn't resist taking this picture.

Falling Leaves

The leaves and apples are now falling off the trees, Autumn is now here after that lovely hot October week.
How many of you are now thinking of Christmas......yes Christmas.
I start my Christmas fairs now  and this year many of my regular customers, would have noticed that I have cut back on the number of shows that I attend.
Reason for that is to have some quality "me" time. I am still doing the larger shows and some small ones that support local charities.
I have bee playing with silver over the last couple of weeks, so here are a few pictures. These items will go on my Etsy shop, unless I sell before hand.

Handmade or Assembled

I know that this a very touchy subject, but for many lampwork Artisan, it is difficult to find fairs or places to sell, that understand Handmade to those items that are assembled.
Speaking for myself, I have had a few organisers, who will not take anymore jewellers, but then many, do not handmake there items, but assemble. I know that this is also an art, but if you actually make the glass cabachons or beads and then the silver work, there is a lot more effort and work in the item and the cost should reflect this.
I also understand that there needs to be prices for every ones pockets, in this time of people worrying regarding jobs and morgages.
For those of you that may read my blog, could you bear in mind, that we who make Hand made are proud of that and your help to promote, truly handmade, helps Community Crafts and skills stay alive and grow.

Holiday is over, Now back to work.

I have just had two super weeks in Greece (Zante) the sea was so warm and the accomodation was really good.

I didn't waste all my time on the sunbeds. I took my tools and some work with me and made a bracelet and a necklace, they will be in my Etsy shop soon.

Will blog again next week, with more items from Avalon Designs.

Aqua Ring

I made a really lovely cabachone in aqua colours, thought it would make a nice ring to match the rest of the set.

The silver really sets thi one off. I think this one will stay with me.......

Aqua Sea Necklace.

Thought I would make up a crystal and aqua marine Necklace, for my holidays. I love the colour of this glass and can see more things are going to come out of the studio in it.
Shame that it can only be purchased from America.
The necklace has a silver heart toggle clasp on it and falls in line with the breast bone, it is really comfortable to wear.

More New items from Avalon Beads

Had a busy week, making up some more Bracelets. This Autumn copper bracelet is now on Etsy for sale.

It is a good 8"inches in length.

The silver Earrings, need a final polish before I pop them on, and the Iceberg bracelet, well that one might stay with me as I really like the sparkle effect with the matt ripple beads. They are all made in my studio and the lovely lampwork beads are annealed in the kiln for strength and durability.

I hope you have all had a good bank holiday  and the sun shone for you all.