Finally Some Beadwork!
posted on Saturday, 30 June 2007
Woo hoo- beading!
I made one of these beaded necklaces a few years ago and have been meaning to make some more ever since, and finally got around to it this week. They're simple to make- just open all your bead storage and pick out as many tubes of beads as you like (for this one I had 146!). You can keep to a colour theme, such as I did for my first one, or just choose any colours you like, and then get beading! It's just a herringbone rope and you go from small to large beads, and then back again. There's really no set pattern or design- just go for it!
I really enjoyed sitting and choosing colours and seeing what combinations worked- the big rules- as I talked about previously- that might help are
1- keep shiny beads limited, always make sure you add in matte beads and
2- don't give up on a colour if it doesn't work straight away.
Each colour will look so different once it has beads either side of it and is part of the finished piece, rather than just a row of colour that you've just added.
This one is just waiting now for me to add the clasp- and having worked out what I want to do to finish it, I just need to go and buy what I need- I feel a bead shopping trip coming on!
I was sent a link to a great colour design tool which may help anyone who sometimes struggles with choosing colours and putting them together.
More Scrapping And Beading
posted on Tuesday, 26 June 2007
I seem to be so busy at the moment- but am making sure I get lots of beading done now as well.
As a result I now have 2 new Geometric Beaded Beads, in the same colours, one for me and one for a long overdue present. No clues as to who its for, but I hope she's pleased when it arrives- as soon as I can get to a post-office that is. It seems my dream, of making enough of these to have a necklace of them, may, one day, become a reality!
I managed to fit in another scrap-booking class this week- this could become very addictive! So nice to do a 2-hour class and come home with something finished.
Spindizzy
posted on Tuesday, 19 June 2007
Yet more beaded beads. Went to bead group on Saturday and bought those all essential 2mm crystals to finish these- and anyone who says they're not essential isn't a true beader!
On Monday we went to the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition which I love going to every year. This year there were some great pieces, I especially liked a lot of the photographs. I think my favourite piece is Spindizzy by Thomas Newton. His photography work is amazing and well worth a look. A copy of Spindizzy is definitely on my list of summer essentials!
Finished Beaded Treasure Bracelet
posted on Saturday, 16 June 2007
I've finally managed to finish my Beaded Treasure Bracelet which I started back in March! it's a great technique, and so easy to do. I completed the bracelet using a large button I bought a few years ago that was just waiting for the perfect project to be used in.
My mind is now whirring with all sorts of variations- I've got the thread and the beads- I just need the time!
More Beaded Beads
posted on Sunday, 10 June 2007
Have had another busy week of teaching and travelling around. Popped over to France last weekend which was delightful. Lovely and sunny and managed to pick up some French beading mags whilst I was there!
Came back and the next day headed straight for the Dangerous Beaders bead group and did a small class there on my Geometric Beadwork Series which went really well. It was a lovely group and I hope to visit every month- and get some beading done whilst I'm there!
What with a trip to France, a WI meeting, a trip to Hatton Gardens, 3 days teaching, 2 driving lessons and 3 visits to the gym it's been a busy week all round- so not much beading done. All I've managed is to begin a new beaded bead. I'm waiting until I get to The London Bead Co next week to buy some more 2mm crystals to finish the last one.
More Polymer Clay In London
posted on Saturday, 02 June 2007
Had another meeting today of the new London Polymer Clay group. We met in Waterstones in Piccadilly and it was great to see everyone's work and the completely different variations in how people use Polymer Clay.
Some of the people there were:
Carol Blackburn,(who I met up with recently) who brought along some of her lovely bowls and beads for us to see.
Debbie Carlton, (who I actually bought a pair of earrings from a couple of years ago!) who brought along lots of great, colourful work to show us.
Kotomi Yamamura, who brought some of her wonderful Russian Icon/ Medieval inspired jewellery, which uses Polymer Clay in such a different way. Full of jewels, precious stones and beads, this really is very covetable stuff!
Sarah Maloney, who makes miniatures and brought along some food and goldfish for us to see- extremely cute and finely detailed work.
We had a lovely few hours chatting and catching up on any Polymer Clay news. If you're interested in coming along for our next day please do contact me.
It always surprises me when people assume that because I make jewellery, I wouldn't want to buy any. Surely you wouldn't assume that because someone likes cooking they'd never want to go out to a restaurant? I love jewellery- and don't think you can ever own enough!
Back in December I saw a ring in the Sunday Times Style magazine. It said it was made by LLadro - which completely threw me as I knew them for their porcelain figures etc, but I didn't manage to see one at the time. Now of course the LLadro shop has just moved back to its newly renovated premises just a couple of doors down from Waterstones where I was today, so how could I not take the opportunity to pop in and have a look?!? I was only planning to look at the ring but as soon as I saw it was adjustable, and part of a range of jewellery, I ended up with the ring and the Pendant Necklace. Now I just need to save my pennies to buy the rest of the range!
I also popped along to St James' Church where there's an interesting market. I was really pleased to find the amazing work of Demec. They use Tagua Nuts to make their own beads which they combine with silver, silver and gemstones. I've never seen the nuts used in this way and they really are beautiful to look at, and feel. If you like contemporary, simple jewellery I'd really recommend checking them out. I may have to add one of their pieces to my ever-expanding collection!
Back home and on with beading- just to show that the beaded bead I finished yesterday wasn't a fluke, here are some of my current beading works in progress.
The piece at the top is a beaded cuff that has come to a stop. It uses two pieces of Dichoric glass, made by Marlene Minhas, that I've beaded around. But I've added them to the backing material and am now not sure whether to continue with the coloured lines. The plan was for the rest of the background to use the same 'tealy' coloured seed beads as used on the cabs, along with the coloured stripes you can see. But now I'm not sure about the stripes. I've been pondering it for over 2 months now, so all suggestions welcome!
The pieces at the bottom left are the start of the new beaded bead I'm working on.
The piece at the bottom right is the next piece in my Geometric Beadwork Series. I abandoned the piece I started last year as I had the urge to change the sizes as I went along.
That Girl's Vans Are Sick
posted on Friday, 01 June 2007
Surely that's got to be the best compliment ever?!?!
It was said about me as I walked by a teenage girl the other evening. I don't know what I was more chuffed with: 1- being called a girl, 2-the fact I was obviously young and funky looking enough to be complimented like that, or 3-that I knew what she was saying!
Obviously she was complimenting one of my many pairs of new shoes the ones she liked were the black ones with the pink flamingos- and who could blame her?!?!
After realising I've been very non-beadery recently, I got straight on the case and beaded like mad to make another of my Geometric Beaded Beads. I love playing around with the colours in these and have started a new one- in blue and brown. After spending many hours experimenting I've adjusted the design which I feel works better but unfortunately is harder to bead!
In Full Bloom
posted on Friday, 25 May 2007
I visited N1WI this week. It was packed with lots of young, funky women, it's really nice to see a re-surgence in interest of the WI. I go to another one nearer my home as well, so it was nice to see the difference.
The speaker was Chris Price, who's a fantastic florist with a shop in Essex Road, Islington. He showed us lots of really great, effective, and simple to replicate looking, displays which definitely inspired me to be more adventurous in my flower buying and displaying. In fact the next day I treated myself to some hot pink Peonies and lime green Chrysanthemums!
Yet more non-beading this week- hands up who's starting to think I have become a fake beader?!?!
Instead I went on a little 2-hour scrap-booking class at the Landmark Arts Centre. I've never done any scrap-booking before so wasn't sure what to expect- and I was really pleasantly surprised to enjoy it so much! We made little books from brown paper bags and it was great fun playing with colours and sitting and sticking bits of paper, ribbons and buttons. I've booked on 2 more classes over the next month and can't wait to do them.
We're off this weekend for our annual pilgrimage to Scotts Grotto, so will have to take lots of pics to fill the book with.
Finishing My Chain
posted on Saturday, 19 May 2007
The second day of our class with Michael David Sturlin.
We spent the morning and most of the afternoon carrying on working our chains and then moved on to annealing and drawing them. I was pleasantly surprised with how much turned out- a bit more practise and I might start making something presentable!
It's surprising how tiring it is sitting and concentrating all day- really looking forward to a lie-in tomorrow before heading home and back to work.
Inspiring Day
posted on Friday, 18 May 2007
I'm once again on my travels. This time back in Dorset, but taking a 2-day course with Michael David Sturlin at Silver Clay in Corfe.
Corfe is such a beautiful place to visit- I'd really recommend it to anyone who gets the chance to visit- especially if you can combine it with a course. There's also a Cookery School nearby (where Michael's wife is teaching) which looks great too.
I'm thoroughly enjoying the course, Michael is an amazing teacher with so much knowledge, and is happy to share it. If you ever get the chance to do a class with him, or even just see his work, then leap at it. It was a joy just to see some of his finished pieces, the quality and consistency of his work is amazing and I'm so inspired, but by the end of day 1 my piece isn't looking so hot!
It's a great group on the class with me- a mix of abilities and backgrounds- and I was thrilled to see some great examples of loop-in-loop chains made by one of the others attending.
Lynn Davy had a jewellery party this evening, and as I was in the area it would have been rude not to pop in- that's my excuse anyway! I wasn't planning to buy any beadwork to wear as I have a thing about not wearing work by others, in case people assume I made it. I just hoped to buy one of her beaded beads, but once I saw her 'Jelly-fish' necklace I couldn't resist it! it went perfectly with what I was wearing and once I put it on it really came to life. I also bought one of Lynn's beaded beads, as well as a collar, so a good night all round!
I received 2 copies of the latest issue of Bead Magazine today and straight away gave them away- anyone who was interested in my Beaded Cuffs, they're a project in this issue.
Great British Bead Show- And Great British Beads
posted on Monday, 14 May 2007
Headed off to the Great British Bead Show yesterday. Was going primarily to pick up my challenge entry as it needs to get to the States this week (of course it's a secret why, check back later for more details!). I wasn't planning on doing much shopping but of course some beads just called out to me.
The main bits that caught my eye were these fantastic lampwork beads from Sally Carver (Red Hot Sal). They really called to me and I went back to the stand about 4 times before deciding I had to have them! Her work is so lovely- really bright and colourful- but not garish or childish- as Goldilocks would say- 'Just right'.
I also bought some lovely coloured jump rings from Beadsisters and some cut beads from Halfpenney's. It was really nice to catch up with all the people you don't see from one year to the next, until you spot each other at a show. Also great to meet lots of the people I've been emailing and phoning over the past few months- always good to put faces to names.
I was really taken with an amazing Turquoise cab at Designer Cabochons, but after buying the lampwork and all my other shopping this week (as well as the fact I have a pile of cabs waiting to be used!) couldn't justify it. But it was nice to finally meet Alex and Jane and see all the cabs in real life.
How Much Do I Love Stringing??
posted on Saturday, 12 May 2007
I strung my first necklace in a long time last night. I had some Wire Guardians, Scrimps and lovely silver colour stringing wire to try out, and after buying those beautiful Banded Agate beads last week I was desperate to have a go.
I wasn't sure about the idea of Scrimps at first but am totally in love with them now! So much easier than crimps- unfortunately this and the fact I can now wear necklaces again may re-ignite my love for buying strands of semi-precious beads- not good for my purse! Fortunately/ unfortunately I'm away and will miss the Rock N Gem Show at Alexander Palace next weekend- but as I'm going to the Great British Bead Show tomorrow I'm sure I'll make up for it then.
Taught a Wirework Class today and really enjoyed it- so satisfying to see everyone go home with their brand new hand-made Sterling Silver jewellery!
Knotted Necklace And New Class Dates Added
posted on Thursday, 10 May 2007
Following on from yesterday's blog, I was itching to make my new knotted necklace and was pleased to finish it this morning before going to the gym.
After lots of requests, I've added new dates for both my 'Wirework' and 'Ending It All' classes. These are at a different venue from my usual ones. They'll be in Kentish Town rather than Euston, so you'll have the added bonus of being able to pop to the bead shop after class!
I've got a place on a masterclass with Michael David Sturlin next week and am really looking forward to it- counting down the days!
Polymer Clay, London And Shopping
posted on Wednesday, 09 May 2007
Had a lovely day out in London with Carol Blackburn. Carol is the author of 'Making Polymer Clay Beads' which you can see here. It's a great book and has everything you'd possibly want to know about Polymer Clay in it- every technique you can think of and 100's of different beads to make.
I contacted Carol after seeing her book and looking for anyone doing Polymer Clay in London- and when we met today we realised we'd met before and sat in the same Dan Cormier class a couple of years ago!
We're both looking to get a London Polymer Clay group going so if anyone is interested, please contact either of us- you must be out there somewhere all you London clayers!
Suzen Millodot Class
posted on Sunday, 06 May 2007
Had a great knotting class today with Suzen Millodot- once we got started. Unfortunately the room hadn't been booked for us, and that was after we'd all been to the wrong address- cue near heart failure on my part, but it was all sorted in the end and a great day was had by all.
We spent the day learning button knots and I think nearly all of us had finished, or nearly finished, a necklace by the end of the day. Suzen had brought along some lovely lampwork beads by Ray Skene which I think we all took advantage of as well!
My necklace was made using some lampwork I bought at Bead and Button last year, along with some small donuts and pony beads. It's a great technique and I'm itching to get all my big beads out and make some more necklaces.
Back In London
posted on Monday, 30 April 2007
Back in London and at least there was a nice package with my latest delivery of The Sampler waiting for me- to ease me back gently to London life and work.
I love getting the sampler- you never know what's going to be in it and it's always a bit of a gamble, but this is definitely my favourite so far. I received; cards, a purse, a handbag mirror, buttons, badges, a magazine, bath goodies, craft kits, a felt gnome (!) and some lovely jewellery. One pair of earrings are from Linda Trent, and as well as being beautiful, came in the most wonderful little tin- a real treat.
My first task when home was to head off to the bead shop to get my copy of Beadwork Magazine as mentioned in my last blog and it was great to see Lynn's project.
Now I just need to settle back in and get back to work- and some serious beading!
Ugly Necklaces And Beading Gifts
posted on Saturday, 28 April 2007
We're back in Dorset on our way home from Cornwall. Managed to visit Lynn Davy who's a great beader and friend.
Lynn was very kind recently and sent me some of her beautiful beadwork as a surprise present- it is this which you can see in the photo. It's a lovely brooch which opens up to reveal a beaded pendant on a chain. I was delighted, shocked and really touched when I received it, so many thanks Lynn. Of course I'm very chuffed to be fortunate enough to own a Lynn Davy original now!
Lynn's Marie Antoinette Collar has just been published in Beadwork Magazine- and do you think I could find a copy in all of Cornwall? not a chance- so buying a copy is first on my list of things to do when I get back to London.
Lynn's 'Candygirl' necklace is in the final of the Ugly Necklace Contest so go vote for her! The Land Of Odds have been kind enough to open the contest up to non-USA entries, so let's get behind Lynn and show the World the UK can produce ugly necklaces just as well as the USA! and a Big Boo to all those USA entry only contests while we're at it!
Yet More Beading In Cornwall
posted on Friday, 27 April 2007
Still in Cornwall- and enjoying the lovely weather. As we usually visit at a different time of year, when it's rainy and cold, it's nice to see it in the sunshine!
Treated myself to a visit to GJ Beads the other day, and as Jill runs classes every Thursday, I booked myself onto one. It was great fun to sit and bead for two hours and just play around with colours and fringing. We were making a 'Freeform Nugget Pendant' and I really enjoyed myself. I made my pendant reversible and now just need to make a necklace to attach it to.
Cornwall is full of great art and artists. I love the work of Seb West and Andrew Potter, so always have a look at their galleries in St Ives whilst we're here. This year I bought a lovely print from The Whistlefish Gallery- the artist isn't on their website unfortunately, and yesterday we visited a lovely glass gallery in Porthleven- really beautiful pieces. The light down here is wonderful- very inspiring and soothing.
For the first time since we started visiting St Ives, we walked to the Chapel Of St Nicholas, which was great to see up close, and discovered a National Coastwatch Institution station. Reading the plaque outside we were shocked to discover this is a voluntary organisation run on donations and hard work. It was set up in 1994 after the government cut back on funding for coastguard stations. We were invited inside and had a great time looking through the telescopes and spotting ships miles away. It's great to know these people are there looking out for others, a real shame it isn't considered essential enough by the government to fund it.
You can see some photos of the Chapel here.
Beading Birthday
posted on Saturday, 21 April 2007
Happy Birthday web boy!
I was really pleased to finally finish this kit that I bought from Lisa Niven Kelly last year. This two week holiday is a great time for catching up on all those beading and work things I've been putting off.
Beading In Cornwall
posted on Sunday, 15 April 2007
Yay to be in Cornwall!
I look forward to this trip every year. As much as I love London, it's always nice to get away from it.
Having lots of fun doing nothing much; teaching myself Illustrator, doing some beading, going for long walks over the sand dunes and watching the rubbish, but strangely addictive, Las Vegas on DVD- it doesn't get better than that.
I'm working on a kit I bought last year at the Bead and Button Show from Huib Petersen. It's great fun and I hope to have it finished in time to wear for the summer- we'll see!
Cabochon Finished
posted on Sunday, 01 April 2007
I managed to finish my cabochon bracelet today and am proudly wearing it!
The cabs are amazingly beautiful and I'm glad to be able to wear them and show them off.
I've already started my next piece with some glass I bought from a friend, whose glass I have previously used in some of my work.
