The sunshine is still here and I get some more beading done and finish my latest set of beaded beads.

This is one of the subtlest colour-combinations I have ever used but I really like it. The crystals I used (2mm rounds) are quite colour intense when used with the opaque Delicas, which stops it being too delicate for my tastes. Now it's all beaded I just need to pack it up and let it wing its way over the the US for photography.

I recently showed a photo of the Camelia in my garden and as much as I wait all year to see it bloom, I also dread all year the time when I know the flowers will begin to drop and it will be a long wait until I see them again. Unfortunately that has already happened, and due to travelling I know they will all be gone by the time I return home, but this year the sadness is tempered by the appear of a funny little (camera-shy) bird who spends hours jumping amongst the fallen petals excitedly picking each one up as though it will be hiding some treasure he is looking for. Of course he is endlessly disappointed, which is sad, but he seems to be enjoying himself and his mix of jumping, pecking and looking is mesmerising to watch and so I hope I will have his amusing behaviour to remember whenever I dread the flowers dropping.

I, of course, have found some time to browse the internet and came across some jewellery designers new to me whose work I love:

First up is the amazing work of Mabel Hasell. I love the way she makes it seems as though the precious stones she uses are growing out of the metal. I have never seen anything like this before and it's one of those discoveries that make you think "Why did no-one do that before?"

Next is Emily Margaret Hill who makes lockets and jewellery which is sentimental to the wearer.

Lastly Laura Gravestock has explored Islamic art and Moorish architecture with her Promise Collection. I love the mix of geometry and opulence.