I still have flu but it has subsided somewhat so I have leapt up out of my seat (metaphorically of course- I spend most of my life sitting down) and am getting on with 2013.

One of the main 'jobs' I have given myself for the year is to re-do all of my patterns and instructions. This means proofing them all again, adding in extra tips that I have learnt over time, putting in photos and text about new variations and generally giving them all a once-over. If you have already purchased a pattern from me then you will autmatically be sent a link to download the updated file (it will be sent to the email address associated with the purchase so if you no longer have access to that then you will need to contact me). I will be posting on the blog when I update any patterns so there is no need to chase me up until you see they have been done.

Another thing I am adding in, so it is nice and clear for you all, is my 'Angel Policy'. This is a term which has made its way from the rubber-stamping community into the general craft community and basically is me letting you know my policy on you using the pattern. Many of you have contacted me over the years about using my patterns and I am always delighted to let you know you can go ahead and make items to sell or give as gifts but I figured that it would be easiest if I put that policy nice and easy to find in every pattern. My policy simply is: "I love to support and encourage individuals who make beadwork so please feel free to use anything you make from these instructions as gifts or to sell to support your bead buying habit".

I am also busy adding all of my patterns to those I sell on Bead-Patterns.com and will be soon removing all my old patterns from there to be put to rest (they may be reprised in the future with all new instructions but who knows). So if you want any of them then I suggest you get in quick!

I have also decided to have a big clear out of books (I already gave 40 or so to the library at Missenden Abbey but there is always a need to clear out more) so I have added a lot of books to my Amazon store if you fancy a look. Some of these are extremely rare so dive in soon if there's a book you've been looking for.

Here are some photos I took on my graphic design course the other week