Busy weekend

It has been almost a month since I updated my blog, so sorry to those who do pop in to see what I have been up to.
I hope you all had a nice Easter, even though the weather had changed. I spent a few days in Brixham, we were very lucky and didn't have any rain, so able to go on loads of walks. This is over looking the bay, next to Fishcombe Bay.

It reminds me that we have some lovely coastline in our Country.

Then last weekend I went to Flame Off with a friend, for a couple of days. The best way I can explain it, is a lampworkers convention. So much to see, glass to buy and try, tools and gadgets, frit and stringers, demonstrations and meeting old and new friends. I loved it, even if my bank balance didn't :)

I bought a fantastic pendant by Anouk Jasper, who I have also had the pleasure of doing one of her courses.

Loads of glass and a couple of presses and rollers, all I am sure I really needed !

Fantasic demo by Manda from Mango Beads. Pati Walton from U.S.A, Claudia Trimbur-Pagel from France with amazing stringer work and very different look to her beads.Emma Mackintosh with seahorses.

There was a large area to try out the torches and buy kilns and set ups.

Then it is back home and get down to doing some work.

New items in my Etsy shop.

This set of Ocean Focals, which I really loved making. A new Goddess and a Large BHB cored Pendent.



I will try not to leave it so long to blog, next time. bye for now.

Robins

Just a quick update to let you all know that the Robins have hatched out at the weekend.
So far I can see two out of four. Mum is now busy feeding them.

Spring is here....

The sun is out and the birds are busy making there nests. One little Robin decided that he would make her nest in my stockroom shed, on the top of all the mugs.

She is sitting on four eggs and I am hoping that they all hatch out. The local paper got to hear and have been out to do a small story on her.
Although, when they came , she flew off and then returned after they went, I think she must be camera shy.

When I go in and out of the shed, she just peeps over the top of her nest, protecting her eggs.
I hope they hatch out and I will take more photos of the development.



GODDESS AND MERMAID FOCAL BEADS

I have been making some focal beads, sea themed.

Yemays Goddess of the Ocean

Mermaid Focal

Both of these are in my Etsy shop for sale.



Mothers Day

Tomorrow will be Mothers Day and I am sure that lots of you will be treating your mum, or being treated yourselves. So have a lovely day.
The clocks will soon be changing and we will be springing into holidays and summer cloths and if like me a wedding or two to go to.
So if it is a bracelet, earrings or necklace for that special something, then have a look at my Etsy shop or contact me and I will see what I can make for you.
I have been making some shell beads this week to make up into a bracelet or I may pop them on Etsy.

This is the back View of the shells

This is the front view

I am a  member of the FHFteam of lampworkers and we produce handmade jewellery and lampwork beads, so please visit their page as well, there is some stunning items and we all handmake our lampwork and are proud of that.

Buy Hand Made and help and appriciate Self Representing Artists.





Practice Practice Practice

As it says above, I have been practicing with silver glass. It can be so temperamental. I haven't made anything in  silver glass for a while, so thought it best to try out a few beads, before I get into the big stuff.

It is all in the heat control and how far to cool, before you reduce. I am hoping I get a lot better at it.
The other Item I made was a new goddess Focal. This also helps with heat control and Patience.
I was very pleased with her.

Now on Etsy for Sale

I really need to get going with my ceramics, within the next couple of weeks. or before I know it, the fairs will be here.
Will blog again in a couple of weeks.

How does your garden grow....

What is this weather doing, one moment  warm and all the plants think it is spring, next hard frosts and snow. So the plants are frost bitten or die. My poor Arum Lilly's have really had it this year.
I have been in the studio playing with a few ideas and trying to build up some stock as I have been booking my shows for this year. Already have a couple of commissioned orders to do, so a good start to 2012.
Cored a few Silver cored beads, this one is on Etsy for sale.

I  also had a lovely Cabochon in my box, made by the very talented American Glass Artist, Donna Millard. I have looked at it for weeks, not knowing what to incorporate it into.
Then I decided to make it into a Sterling Silver ring for myself. I must say that I was pleased with it. The ring is a whooping 27mm across, so is a real statement piece.

Will have more items next week , so do pop back and have a look.

Dorset Weekend

Only a short post today as I have just had a fabulous weekend at Burton Bradstock.
 Loads of walking along the beaches at West Bay and Lyme Regis. I couldn't resist taking this photo of the sun coming through the cloads.

So today I have been listing new Ring / Pendant toppers in my Etsy shop. Do have a look, you may see something you like.

I see my son is already looking !!!!