Staying Productive in a Heatwave

Long time readers of this blog will know how much I hate hot, humid weather.  I tend to get up early and keep the curtains drawn for most of the day only opening them much later on.  I've been flagging these past two days but today decided to use my time productively.

I tried to ignore the heat as I watched YouTube videos on the desktop computer.  Focusing on how to make a beaded wirework bracelet I totally immersed myself on learning how to do it.

I'm very happy that the day wasn't wasted and looking forward to making more bracelets like these  and developing my skills further. 

*You may have noticed that I have made my font larger so that it is easier to read.

Freshwater Pearl and Seed Bead Bracelets

These bracelets are so delicate and pretty.  I have been using up the seed beads from another project and using freshwater pearls as the feature bead.

I am making the bracelets adjustable but I think I may make some into necklaces that can be adjusted from choker length to just below the collar bone.

As much as I like bold and chunky I think I have a disposition to make small and delicate just like me!!! (Joke!)

Three Ingredient Earrings

Three Ingredient Earrings

Sequins

Jump Rings

Ear Wires

Quick and fun to make and jolly to look at!  Earrings for Christmas or the party season.  I am on a crafting roll at the moment and can't seem to stop! 

Another Necklace and Jewellery Presentation Idea

Another make for the craft fair completed.  A ten strand glass peacock bead necklace - each bead strung by hand.  It took me a full day!

I've been experimenting with presentation for my various makes.  I am so happy to combine my love of paper craft by making the boxes for pendants.  The above box is a prototype.

The display card can be used to present the item and then laid down flat in the drawer to pack away for the purchaser.  So many things to make and so little time for sleep.  It is soooooooo good to be happily busy.

Enjoy the weekend!

Oven Baked Glass Marble Pendants

I really did bake these marbles in the oven.  My son thought I had lost the plot!  I think they are really pretty and catch the light beautifully.

Ombre Necklace

I had a break from paper crafting and made this ombre necklace for the November craft fair.  I'm in two minds to undo it and make something else but my son approves so it stays for now!  It is 16 inches in length but hangs down on me because I have a 12 inch neck!  If I was to keep it for myself I think I would shorten it to be worn higher on the neckline.

I'm making steady progress creating items to be sold at the fair.  Keeping busy is helping to take my mind off it!  It is one thing being shy and another to put yourself out there among strangers.  I really wish I had someone to take with me for moral support but I'm a big girl now! 

Have a great weekend!

Design Dilemmas

I think we sometimes take for granted how much effort designers, artists, creators put into their work.  The bracelet above took me many hours to get to an acceptable design with many mistakes made along the way.  I suppose I could say that the bracelet is a prototype and already I can see loads of areas for improvement.  I think the crystal beads for this design are too weighty for the micro macrame and tend to tip the bracelet forward.  It also needs another two 'bead stations' to put the design in proportion.  All these trials and tribulations are needed in order to grow and improve each time we do/make something.

My garden has been a bit of a trial and tribulation recently.  The slugs and snails have been overwhelming in their presence this year and on one occasion last week I collected 205 slugs and snails from around the garden in one hunting session.  I am saddened that just a few woody stems are all of what remains of my dahlia 'Happy Days' after the gastropods took a fancy to it. Happy Days for them indeed!

I am getting the urge to retreat.  There is no holiday again for me this year for various reasons and I really do need a break away from routine and people.  My 'retreat' may have to take place in the form of meditation.  I just need to take my mind elsewhere if not my body.  I make sure that I am the first up every morning so that I can enjoy the house in peace.  I really do enjoy solitude and to be honest a regular family holiday with beach, noise and partying really isn't my thing.  A tranquil hideaway with a babbling brook, a cosy cottage and nearby places to explore would be my ideal getaway but it remains just a dream.

Jewellery Catch Up

Before Christmas last year 2015, I made some spring themed jewellery.  There are more photos on my Linden Grove Treasure Trove blog here.

Have a lovely weekend.  The sun is shining today!

Blinging a Ring to Spring

Happy New Year!!!  Being that my word for 2016 is Advance - I really am advancing forward and looking to the next season on the calendar!  I am not wishing away the next few months of winter but just being proactive in the dreary months when I can get a foothold on my jewellery making and catching up with other things too!

I have been making these stretchy rings that are such fun to put together.  My focus has shifted from the darker earthy tones to the bright and zesty colours of the spring and summer time.

I am not going to let this year pass me by without squeezing every drop of productivity that I can get out of it.  I feel that last year was lived through a haze vicariously through others.  This year is mine for the taking!