Today I had to hand my work for LOOT in and surprisingly I found it a truly emotional event.

Once handed in I sat outside the museum watching the world go by and suddenly it felt like a weight had disappeared from my shoulders and I was struck with the fact that I'd done it. I'd actually made over 100 pieces and done all the background work needed to be in this incredible show. When I was first asked to attend the show I couldn't imagine how I would make 65 things and to sit here and know that I'd done it, and more, and that the hardest part was over I felt relief, achievement, excitement and exhaustion all at once. It had previously felt an impossible dream, and the whole idea of appearing in LOOT an impossibility but I pulled it out of the bag and now the fun begins - roll on the actual show!

Fortunately a lovely friend was meeting me for lunch and as we dined, and caught up, looking out over Manhattan I couldn't help but think how crazy my life has become, all because of those lovely beads. I've made so many amazing friends, visited so many wonderful places and learned so many new skills - none of which would have occurred to me as being in my path when I beaded my first amulet purse all those years ago.