Crystal Links makes the cover of Bead Magazine issues 47!

Some excellent news to share...my crystal links project (based on the award winning cosmic chain in 2012 Bead Awards), has now been published in issue 47 of Bead Magazine and what's more it dominates the front cover too! Wow! What a great thrill it is to see it in print. I loved producing this project so much that I went on to make a second bracelet piece in the amethyst colourway with a beautiful czech glass dragonfly button as the focal/fastener. Here's a few pictures of the crystal links necklace. Hope you like them. X

Beads everywhere, UFO's and bridal headwear!

Well it's been quite a busy time lately. My beadstash has been in desperate need of a sort out as storage was becoming unmanageable since my lumbar fustion in 2011. It was getting to a point where I was having to move every stackable box until I could get to the item I needed - not good when I need to limit all bending, lifting and twisting to avoid further damage to my spine. Luckily my darling hubby has built me a set of kitchen style storage cupboards in the conservatory so that I can better organise my vast collection of glorious beads and related paraphernalia! However, I am quickly finding that as I box and rehome the beads that I need to store items in a different way altogether. So instead of it being a simple job it has in fact become a mammoth task and everything is in utter chaos...ooops! Last weekends Beadworkers guild seems such a long time ago, and I made a promise to myself that I would make a concerted effort to tackle my ever growing clan of UFO's (unfinished objects.) So I have continued to work at the "Morgan le Fay" necklace by Melanie de Miguel, and I am determined I will get it completed sooner rather than later. Watch this space! It is also at this time of year that I often get apprached by brides wanting me to make accessories/tiaras for their upcoming weddings. I currently have the wonderful task of creating something glitzy and fabulous for the midwife who helped deliver my daughter 4 years ago. I admit I have not yet tackled the assembly of this yet as my teaching career is also at it's busiest time of the year in the run up to gcse exam season. Phew...it's a busy old life! On top of all this I have heard some good news about a piece of my beadwork today, but I can't quite share that with you yet. I shall reveal all when I can. Bead on everyone! X

Bit of Beading Banter!

I have recently discovered how lovely it is to chat, and bead with fellow like-minded beaders and visited my first GBBS Great British Bead Show at the weekend. This is organised by the Beadworkers Guild and it was absolutely brilliant! I had so many compliments on my beaded efforts it was very nice indeed and was even asked by Liz Thornton if I would design a project for the journal...wow, just wow! Everywhere you looked the beauty and talent was outstanding. More important than all of that though was the heart warming feeling of being part of something really special...a group of caring, sharing people who are equally as bonkers over beads and their endless possibilities for creative exploration. Cheers ladies you know who you are!