Aviya Glass

Hama Bead Chanukah Star Decorations

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 20 Dec 2012 22:42:00 +0000

I bought a small children's craft kit from Kosher Kingdom that consisted of a Star of David Hama Bead Board and a few colourful hama beads enough to make one star.
I made up the kit and then thought it would be fun to make some star decorations for our home using the traditional blue and white theme.
I ordered Hama beads in Dark Blue, Light Blue, Silver, White and Pearl and set about making my stars. At a festive 'craft for kids course' at the local school, aimed at helping children be creative, I took my stars in for the group to see as one of the weeks was showcasing Chanukah. As we do not live in a Jewish area this was an opportunity to educate others about the significance of Chanukah and why we observe it.
My goal was to share about Chanukah and show some of the items I made for my own home. These were very well received and although I had no intention of selling them I was asked if people could place orders. I agreed and landed up with many orders and a sudden shortage of Hama Beads! I left a bead out of each star to allow for a ribbon to be pulled through to make them easy to hang.
Here are some of the patterns I came up with - Hope you like them!

Handbag Charm Dangle End of School Year Gifts for Teachers

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 20 Jul 2012 19:00:00 +0000

I have had little to no time to do any crafting, blogging or glass work as I am fostering to very young, globally delayed, boys. They suck up time and energy like no other children we have cared for and most days I can barely remember my name, but on the plus side they are making huge progress!

Enough of my woes, one of them has been going to nursery for 3 hours a day for a few weeks now and is loving it, so I made the teachers a thank you gift to acknowledge all their hard work with this very challenging child.

I found out their favourite colours (I know their names) so hopefully they will love these personalised handbag charm dangles.
The little guy took great delight in presenting his gifts, which made it all worthwhile.

Race for Life Blackheath 01 July 2012

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 01 Jul 2012 16:10:00 +0000

Just a quick post to say I did it! Those who know me know that running is not something usually associated with me. I started to train for Race for Life as I wanted to run it but then we took 2 children into our care and they are so much work that I just ran around after them all day! In running after, and around, our foster children I sprained my ankle 3 weeks before the event, but I was determined to do it so I strapped it tight, took painkillers and am sure to regret it tomorrow! This is my running number, my message, medal and the gerbera they were selling to raise more funds.

I am chuffed to say I ran over half the 5km and walked the rest in honour of my dad who passed away November 2011. I took 37 minutes to complete my race.

Here is my dad in May 2011 and by early November he was gone.

I know that nothing can bring him back but any money raised hopefully can help those with cancer and those who will be told they have cancer.

Here is my page if anyone wants to make a donation however small, it will be gratefully received by those who need the research to find a cure for this awful disease. http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/terrywren

All credit to those fighting cancer and to those who are trying to find a cure and if anyone thinks they want to do Race for Life go for it, it was a lovely day and a very achievable distance.

A special thank you to my team for cheering me on and supporting me, I couldn't have done it without you!

Free Form Purple Sea Sediment Jasper

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 24 May 2012 19:00:00 +0000

Sea sediment Jasper is gorgeous and even a little mysterious. I searched Google for a definition to include here and while there are a few comments to say it is apparently not jasper, there is little confirmation of what it actually is instead.

I don't mind not knowing what stone it is because I love the mottled veins, spots and detail. Each piece has its own personality which is why I found these free form beads particularly individualistic and pleasing. Sea sediment Jasper comes in a variety of dyed colours and shapes usually highly polished focal beads are more widely available. A departure from blue I had great fun creating these.

Did you know that like orange and silver no true word rhymes with purple?

But I digress, the bold patterns of the focal bead have small flecks that the liquid gold glass and copper accent beads compliment. Teamed with antique toggle clasp to complete the rich colours reminiscent of Byzantine jewellery.

Sky Blue Quartz and Glass Bead Necklaces

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:45:00 +0000

Blue is my favourite colour with peacock blues being my absolute fave. These sky blue quartz focal beads are a delicate but unusual shade of blue and reflect the light so beautifully that I just had to make up some necklaces with them.

I am tempted to make some with other colour combinations but so far a variety of shapes in the same shade seem to work best. In saying that one of the necklaces has the palest lavender AB cube beads!

I have changed my Facebook page cover shot to show these too. Do you like them?

Comical Glass Kitty Cat Bead Pendants

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 14:15:00 +0000

I have been revamping (aka spring cleaning) my website, improving the photos, adding new items, and reducing clutter. It is now very clutter free and minimalistic, perhaps too much so, I will revisit the new look to make sure I like it.

I made these comical kitty bead pendants. Each one an individual, they have a rhinestone rondelle collar, glass bead body and such a cute expression, only one of each. While playing around with the photos I did these few shots and thought I would share them with you.

I am going to add them to my website with selection options of a cotton and organza multi cord necklace, a key ring or a shepherds crook book mark. If you see one you want before they are all added please say, they are £2.95 each, add £1.00 for a necklace, keyring or bookmark and £0.95 P&P.

I look forward to your comments, suggestions and any thoughts on my 'new look' website.

Spring is bursting with colour!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 21:45:00 +0000

Signs of Spring are all around - beautiful daffodils, birds singing their hearts out and, at the moment glorious blue skies, and some, very welcome, warmth from the sun. This got me thinking what I could add to the mix and these cute rings are the result.

Adjustable Tibetan silver filigree rings each with an individual fused glass cabochon will add a pop of colour to any outfit. I have loads of glass colours so if you don't see the shade you want let me know.

Done just in time for my stall on Thursday night, 29th March, a pamper evening at Langely Park School for Girls so will only be available on my website on Friday.

The photos aren't as great as they could be because I took them too late today but I would love your comments please!

Let's hope the sun continues to shine so gloriously!

We have new neighbours!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 08 Mar 2012 10:47:00 +0000

After a very busy and traumatic second half of 2011, I won't bore you with the details, we are settling in and making our new house a home. The signs of Spring are appearing, even though it is bitterly cold and windy, and after much nagging OH put up the bird box. This is a custom made Blue Tit box that we have had for about 7 years. In that time we have moved 4 times (urgh) and each time a Blue Tit couple have found it, made it their home, and reared their babies.

This year is no exception, I am thrilled to say the box has been up for 3 days and already there is interest.

Not the best pics but I dared not be too intrusive and scare them off!

I love wildife and so hope they will feel comfortable enough to raise their babies here so we can share in the beauty of nature and the wonder of new life! They don't even play their music too loud!

Windows scam alert!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:43:00 +0000

Just received a call from Windows saying they have been receiving a number of error messages from my computer which means it has been downloading files to clog up the hard drive and is infected.
Now I know my computer is ancient, and IS giving me a number of errors, so I listened but asked how she would be able to assure me this was an authentic call. She neatly side stepped that question and went on to say these files are downloaded and my hard drive is 95% infected. How does she know this without logging on to my computer - the warning bells began to ring.

I know many people who are not computer savvy and at this point I know they would be inclined to believe what they were hearing. I had done a complete, full and painfully slow scan over the weekend so I knew my computer was ok. I told her that I had done this scan and it did not detect anything. She told me that virus protection, firewalls and other security would not detect these files and if I logged on she would show me exactly where they were and what she was talking about. At this point I know this is most likely a scam because, without authenticating her call, she was asking for access to my computer to show me something. This would enable her WITH permission to download anything under the guise of removing malicious files. The proverbial wolf in sheep's clothing.

I asked what the point of security and firewalls were if they did not protect me and she said these files write straight onto the hard drive and my system is about to crash at any minute. I asked her to name some of these files so I could look for them and see if this was the case and she said 'they don't have names'.

This was the final red flag for me because I said that every file, even viruses have names, I would be happy to check if any of them were present when she told me what they were. At this point she said she was phoning from Windows because I am a customer and only trying to help, if I don't think my computer has a problem then that is my issue and she hung up.

Annoyed now because I was busy enough without having to check all this out but I phoned Microsoft who on hearing I had received a phone call proceeded to tell me most of what was said and confirmed they had not phoned me and it was a scam.

Why blog this and not just an angry Facebook or Twitter post? For longevity, because I have friends and family that would be convinced and possibly caught out because they don't know enough to ask some technical questions. She was very believable, even after a bit of questioning, so anyone who is scared of technology in any way or doesn't fully understand their computers could be fooled. I am by no means an expert, I do have a little technical knowledge and am sharing this from a lay persons point of view.

I was unaware that this scam is out there, here are some basic questions to ask to authenticate the caller.
IP address of my computer? If it was authentic she would have error reports logged against my IP address.
Phone details, company name so you can call back - if genuine they would have no hesitation in assuring you and giving you this information.
What course of action should YOU take? I asked what remedial action she was suggesting I take, at which point she asked for access to my computer without telling me what needed to be done.
Any questions you can think of to continue to call which in my case eventually ensured she left without succeeding and I was sure it was a scam. Record the call if possible, or gain information to report it but do not allow anyone access unless you are absolutely sure they are authentic, even under threat of your computer crashing and losing everything because she was playing on fear to get me to place my computer and all my personal information in her control.

The real people will understand your hesitation and help you to correct any problems but Microsoft, Windows etc will not phone you unsolicited to tell you there is a problem and offer to remedy it in that way.

If I help even one other person to avoid these predatory, scamming scum I will be ecstatic, merely raising awareness is important. Please take care!

These Bunnies need help!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:10:00 +0000

I haven't blogged in ages, decided to showcase this good cause and thought it a perfect way to restart my blog.
It is so enjoyable to see what people create so I always ask to see what people make with my clear glass inchie tiles if they have the time and inclination to show me! An order on Etsy from Italy prompted my curiosity as usual as these are for such a good cause that I asked Martina if I could feature her on my blog. This is what Martina has to say.....

Hello! We are a group of volunteers that take care of abandoned rabbits in our region. Our name is "Rabbit Rescue Firenze".

Our last story... In December 18, we found a mother rabbit and her 5 babies (also called kits or kittens!)abandoned in the middle of a roundabout in the middle of a street near Florence.

One day a girl (me: Martina) who lives nearby, saw them and realised how dangerous it was for them to live there!
She has warned other friends, that sometimes help the unlucky rabbits, and they came and recovered all the family and brought them to safety.

January 14, the surprise! the mother rabbit gave birth to three other baby bunnies!

Today the first 5 bunnies are big enough to be ADOPTED, and 2 have already been adopted! The other 3 are still too young to be adopted, they have to live with their mother a bit more.

To be able to afford the sustenance of this big rabbit family, we created a small no-profit market, funds are only for their food, health care, vaccines etc.

It's important: never to neglect a rabbit. We have rescued many rabbits, but unfortunately sometimes they died shortly after, or are now seriously ill. Before buying a rabbit... there are many things to know about them! People should be well informed and be prepared to take care of them properly.

If sterilised, a rabbit, can use the litter box like a cat,.
Rabbits can become very affectionate! A rabbit is a perfect pet, hope you love them.
Thanks to your support :)

Awwww

and these are 2 of her super cute key rings.

I hope you raise lots of money to save unfortunate bunnies Martina!

The link is in Italian but please contact Martina if you can help, even in the tiniest way, as her English is very good!

Martina's facebook Page

If anyone else wants to be featured please let me know!

Dichroic Fused Glass Gecko in Picture Frame - Handmade Monday

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 25 Jul 2011 13:19:00 +0000

I am pleased to announce that I have brought my laptop back from the dead! I had to erase everything and take it back to factory settings so I don't have all my usual comfy settings and files but it is operational.

I love African art because it is so vibrant and warm, full of colour. If you have ever been there you will know what I mean when I say the feel of Africa is unforgettable. I miss it so much and this gecko is a reminder. We always had a few geckos on the walls in the house. They eat insects, usually stay up near the ceiling, occasionally fight with each other, which is fun to watch, but are welcome house guests.

My gecko is a riot of colour and not at all realistic except for the shape and is framed in a light wood picture frame. He is attached to the glass so is a tactile piece of art either to hang on a wall or free standing. I have hand cut all the glass, this is not from a mould, and it has been in the kiln 3 times. Hope you like him!
For more gorgeous makes head over to Handmade Monday you wont be disappointed!

The Great British Weather - NOT!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 10:43:00 +0000

It's been a bad week and if you are feeling down then don't read on because I am going to have a bit of a moan unless of course my situation makes you feel a lot better because there is always someone worse off out there!
The weather, it is a British topic that comes up in most if not all conversations and for good reason. There is too much of it, not enough or the wrong type of weather for most people. When it's sunny for any length of time people miss the rain. For me I like sun, lots of it, blue skies and a gentle breeze and I'm often told I live in the wrong country to want that! Is it too much to ask for it to rain all night if it must and be sunny during the day?

I had high hopes for my event this weekend. It was in aid of EllenorLions Hospice - a good charity, at Chevening Estate - a beautiful venue, during July - a month for sun during the afternoon so I had a lie in, all good things!

The variable and utterly unpredictable element of weather is what turned an event with huge potential into a drama. By the time we got there all the spots under the trees were taken, with good reason, except that on second glance they were in the 'wind tunnel' and experiencing rain being blown toward them at full speed. We took a spot next to the Falconry Display and proceeded to set up in the rain. I begged hubby to wait it out, I even thought for the first time of just doing a runner, who would notice?

The poor birds were utterly dejected and convinced this was not right for majestic birds of prey. If only I had brought my camera, I could have shown you the steam rising off the gazebo in the tiny gaps of sunshine inbetween the torrents of rain and taken some gorgeous close up shots of these beautiful birds because there was no one around them.

Once set up, we braced ourselves against the gazebo to stop it taking off, only for a bunch of people to scuttle in dripping their umbrellas everywhere, with their backs to our display generally just clogging up the space without the decency to even look at my work. A couple commented several times at how sunny and glorious it was last year and so many people too! Now where was it they wanted to place their umbrellas?

One woman rushed in, dumped her camera and batteries on my table and proceeded to sort them out as she didn't want to do that in the rain and her and her hubby went on to take pictures from inside our gazebo. So glad they couldn't read my mind!

We sold a few bits, took our dripping selves off home to dry out and promised never to do an outdoor event again! But more disaster awaited, my laptop had fatally crashed and the only way to get it to work again was to restore it to factory settings, which means a loss of many photos, all my files and settings. It has been threatening for a while so I wasn't completely surprised and had done all the repair disk blah, blah which is why I knew there was only one last ditch attempt. It is limping along, clearly not going to be here for long and has an inability to type 'n' a lot of the time. I even missed Handmade Monday, some items on Ebay and didn't scoop £160 euromillions, not even a tenner!

I wont bore you with any more 'how bad is my life' stuff but to end on a plus note I was the closest to 'guess how many balloons in the car' and won £90 M&S vouchers!

Zero Calorie Cupcake

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 12 Jul 2011 08:37:00 +0000

Oh how I wish! Yes this cupcake is really fat free but not quite as tasty as one might hope.

Part of my range of mini glass painted pictures in rustic wood frames for the fair I am exhibiting at on Sunday, 17th, July at Chevening Estate in support of EllenorLions Hospice.

I am hoping they will be popular, affordable year end teacher presents or a gift for those who dream in cupcakes!

If you are able to come along and support this worthy cause that would be fantastic.
17th July. Sunday 2pm - 5:30pm Summer Spectacular!
Chevening Gardens, The Chevening Estate, Sevenoaks, TN14 6HG

From broken bead to beautiful cabochon!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 10 Jul 2011 22:27:00 +0000

This is the story of a bead that was supposed to be so large and beautiful but tragedy struck. Carefully designed and made on a mandrel in vivid orange, ivory and black glass reminiscent of the coat of a wild animal it should have been a talking point and a bead of note.

The bead maker was demonstrating the process of making lampwork beads using a torch and took a completed bead out of a pot to show me. As he removed it from the mandrel it just broke into 2 pieces. This can happen if the bead has not been annealed properly and the larger the bead the more likely there is stress in the glass.

Understandably annoyed after all the time (and glass) spent making the bead it was cast into the 'ugly jar' a place for all failed work or ideas that didn't quite meet the high standards of the maker - there was nothing else in the jar.

I didn't think that should be the end and asked if I could take it away with me to work on it. The broken pieces were removed from the ugly jar and handed to me - a dubious look conveyed the unlikelihood that there was anything that could be done to improve things.

Several days passed...... I have been quite busy of late working on new ideas for my upcoming fairs and the bead pieces were left on the side, not forgotten but sidelined for now.

On Friday I cleaned the bead release from the channel with a diamond tipped reamer and put the 2 pieces, channel side down, in the kiln alongside some other work.The transformation had begun.

The worst part of fusing glass in my opinion is waiting for the kiln to cool and I was impatient for the chance to see what had become of the ugly bead.

And here they are! The bright orange has mellowed somewhat and some of the dramatic edging pattern that was originally in the centre of the bead is now underneath.

Size 35mm x 45mm.

From ugly jar to a new life as 2 oval cabochons, I look forward to seeing what jewellery these become.

For many more gorgeous makes pop on over to Handmade Monday

An apple for the Teacher gift - a glass picture

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 12:17:00 +0000

Long gone are the days when you could give an apple to the teacher to show your appreciation for their hard work all year. Teachers deserve loads of thanks for all they do but it has become such a competitive 'gift' process now and is far less about 'the thought' than about the gift. I do pity those poor parents with several kids and therefore lots of teachers to thank.

I have seen lots of apple related gifts recently so thought I would add mine to the mix.

A cute mini frame with a delicious looking apple that wont attract wasps! It can also be personalised with a teacher's name if required.

I met Alicat at Danson Park Show this weekend. We usually go along to help out at RSPB as it is down the road. I saw on Ali's blog, I think, that she was going to be there. I love her work so took the opportunity to say hi to someone I know 'virtually' through CF.
It's always nice to put a face to a name and Ali got to meet the person behind the CF fluffy grey and white cat!

Ali's work is gorgeous, so much more so 'in person' and being as experienced as she is there are no bubbles in her work! She very kindly gave me some tips for my attempts and also has given me a really good idea, which I wont reveal yet, but am keen to give a go!

Happy Handmade Monday, pop along and see some more gorgeous makes here

Versatile Blogger Award

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 22:50:00 +0000

I was awarded this by Carolee Crafts - thank you!

Some housekeeping to do and then to pass the award on!

1.Make a post linking back to the person who gave you the award.... (done)

2. Share seven random things about yourself (oooh the tough bit)

3. Award seven recently discovered bloggers with this award and contact them to let them know they have won..... (in progress)

7 Random things about me:
I love, love, love cats, wild or tame.
My favourite colour is blue.
Being a night owl means early mornings are not for me!
I make 'to do' lists, lots of them and always get them finished erm..... eventually.
I would be lost without an internet connection and my laptop.
I long to be tidy and organised but that is still an aim not yet a reality.
Others might wilt but hot, sunny days give me energy and fill me with happiness.

I would like to nominate 7 talented and multi skilled bloggers as follows:

http://silverpawjewellery.blogspot.com/

http://studiocraftsblog.blogspot.com/

http://rosmademe.blogspot.com

http://creacionesnoemibaena.blogspot.com/

http://flowermouse.blogspot.com/

http://beadsandmorebylois.blogspot.com/

http://quiltmomsjourney.blogspot.com/

Window Clings and stained glass effects using peelable paint

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 06:51:00 +0000

A while ago I posted about my first attempt at a window cling, of a Boston Terrier, using peelable paint. I should have started with something simple so I went back to basics and have been exploring with different colours and pictures, nothing I can actually use around my house, just pictures I liked and thought would be fun to paint ..... and they were! I am sure the butterfly will find a window or mirror to settle on though.

Still learning the ropes with this technique but it is quite addictive! The paint are opaque and milky and then just become so pretty when they are dry! I like that randomness about it, or perhaps it's more down to my lack of knowledge on these paints but at the moment the finished results continue to make me smile and who doesn't need to smile?
From this ..........

to this

Air bubbles - urgh I could do without them! Just when I think I have a bubble free picture I see them, tiny, but very annoying! I chase them round with a toothpick, taking delight in popping them, and seeing a smooth paint surface. What that says about me I probably don't want to know! Answers on a toothpick please!

For more gorgeous makes visit Handmade Monday - hosted by Wendy of 1st Unique Gifts!

Slumped glass Spoon rest. How to make them from recycled bottles

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 10:43:00 +0000

Depending on your view these can be called recycled, upcycled or repurposed. I prefer upcycled or repurposed because they are no longer wine, herb, condiment bottles and can't be used for their original function. They have a new use or purpose in life.

I use small wine bottles, herb bottles and sauce jars, all of which make ideal spoon rests and used teabag dishes.

Slumped bottles draw a lot of attention at fairs and become a great talking point as people want to know 'how I got them to look like that'.
My spiel goes something like this...... empty wine bottle (the fun part), clean thoroughly to remove labels and allow to dry fully, then place in kiln with enough space around each one to allow for the slump.
Ramp up kiln slowly until bottles are glowing, red hot at which point they take on the consistency of thick honey. They retain their shape until gravity takes over and gently slump in on themselves and the bottom folds over.

I keep a check on them to ensure they have achieve the shape I want, then they are cooled, slowly, to allow for annealing of the glass. This stage takes the stress out of the glass so there is not a risk of thermal shock shattering your lovely creation.
Yes glass suffers from stress too!

Once fully cooled, remove from kiln, wash, allow to dry, add furniture bumps to prevent them scratching any surfaces and there you have one less bottle smashed on the pavement or clogging up landfill.

For more gorgeous Handmade Monday blogs visit here

Luscious Lime and other summer beaded cord jewellery

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 10:26:00 +0000

Such fun for summer in a range of juicy, gorgeous colours, not only are they very popular but they are great for anyone with metal allergies (myself included) but very versatile too. As a necklace they can be worn many ways including as a multi wrap bracelet or anklet.

Made from cotton cord, knotted between each bead to keep them in place. No two are the same so please ask for any colour you like, I would love to make one for you. I have a wide range of glass beads and cord colours in stock.
If I don't have the colour you want, and you are happy to wait a few days, I will order in and make one up. I love fulfilling specific requests.

Here are some beaded surfer style bracelets too, very comfy and fit a wide range of wrist sizes as they are adjustable. I have leather and wooden beads too for those who prefer a little less bling and more rustic look.

Window Clings! My newest craft adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 14 Jun 2011 09:57:00 +0000

It all started with a trip to Hobbycraft 2 weeks ago. Browsing Hobbycraft is a dangerous and expensive pastime, but it was an emergency - the visit, not the browsing, as I needed a few glass beads to finish off an order. It was during the dangerous browsing session that I came across peelable paints for making window clings and was intrigued.

I am never able to leave with just what I went in for, I had pondered glass paints a few times and wanted to have a go but didn't really know where to start. The peelable paints seemed like a bit of fun so I bought a few colours.

My parents were over from South Africa and being Boston Terrier fans I made them a window cling. I had asked them to give me pictures of their Boston Terriers to make it a bit more personal but they didn't provide me with any pics I could work with so I improvised and made this little guy.

As a first attempt I am pleased and think he came out rather well, loads of room for improvement of course! I am now hooked on peelable window clings, have bought a 31 colour set and plan to spend this week, I hope, making some colourful designs for my fair here on Sunday 19th June which also happens to be Fathers Day.

Novelty Cupcake cufflinks

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 23 May 2011 22:11:00 +0000

Quite a while back I was asked to make a pair of cupcake picture tile cufflinks for a groom. The customer was very pleased with their cufflinks I am happy to say and as it was the first time I had a cupcake request so I added ‘novelty’ cufflinks to my website to accommodate any other themes people might want.

They have proved extremely popular, especially the cupcakes! I am sending a pair off to Australia today. I have been so busy of late that I have neglected my blogging and other online networking that I thought I would do a quick blog post.

If you know someone who loves something a little quirky, different , very personal or commemorative I can make cufflinks, earrings and pendants to order with your picture, motto or design (clean, family friendly pictures only please!) I can’t do copyright images or logos, unless it is your own.

I also sell the clear glass tiles for inchies and tile pendants for those who want to make their own too. These are hand cut from 3mm clear art glass, no nasty green tinges here! The edges are gently softened in the kiln before being properly annealed and cleaned. They have a slightly textured back which ‘disappears’ when the image is applied.These pictures show the textured back as they are just placed over the image to show clarity and smooth edges unlike the cufflinks which show no texture.

Any size glass tile for jewellery such as pendants, cufflinks and earrings available, please just ask. Perhaps you want the edges less angular and more softened, that is possible too. Personally I prefer a more rounded, organic shape to my pendants but that may just be me!

To date I have only made and sold the clear tiles on request but as requests seem to be increasing I am going to add them to Etsy, Folksy and my website soon.

My gorgeous win!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 18:29:00 +0000

I entered a competition on Craft Forum to guess the date and time that Carol would make 10 000 posts and gave the closest guess.

I had no idea what I had won but knew it would be handmade. Today I got a large flat parcel and as I was only expecting delivery of glass beads this was a little confusing (it doesn't take much).

The parcel was so beautifully wrapped it was a pleasure just to open it and inside I found a set of placemats and matching coasters. Clearly my professed love of cats had been noted and incorporated. These are totally gorgeous, I love the colour and of course the cats!
They are a textured/distressed burgundy with a cat theme. There is stitching around each cat and it is clear that a lot of work has gone into producing them.

Thank you so much Carol! I am thrilled with my prize. To visit Carol's blog go here

Giveaway winner!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Sun, 17 Apr 2011 19:25:00 +0000

Although so many people read my give away, visited my website and Facebook only 4 people actually took the time to post! Thank you everyone who entered. I was hoping that my give away would attract loads more comments but there can only be one winner and it is ................... Anna aka Quiltmom! Congrats, let me know what you would like!

All the nines! Giveaway time!

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Mon, 11 Apr 2011 21:02:00 +0000

99 followers here on my blog and 999 Twitter followers which is superb - thank you!

I have been wanting to do a give away for some time and this seems as good a reason as any.

There are no mega hoops to jump through but there are chances to gain extra entries!
To be in with a chance to win please comment on this post about your favourite item from one of the following:
- my website
- my etsy
- my folksy

extra entry for
- becoming a Twitter follower - please tweet me so I can take note
- new follower on this blog
- 'like' me on Facebook, please drop a comment I do follow, 'like' back!

What's up for grabs? £15.00 to spend in any of my shops (£9.99 just wasn't enough) or I will make a pendant, ring, earrings, cufflinks or other item in your choice of colour.

I will pick a winner using random number generator. All names will go on a spreadsheet, including extra entries and from that total I will generate a winner.

Sound good? Please tell your friends to come and join in the fun!

Closing date is 17th April at 19h00 GMT

Apple Blossom Promise

noreply@blogger.com (Anonymous) — Thu, 07 Apr 2011 13:41:00 +0000

Today sitting in the glorious sunshine under our apple tree that has just sprung into life feeling happy as I look forward to summer.

Apple blossom is beautiful but short lived and brings the promise of ripe apples later in the year. Here is a pendant and necklace to match that warm and sunny mood.

Juicy green, rosy apple jade beads dangle from a Tibetan Silver dragonfly pendant with a swirled glass heart focal bead. Pendant comes complete with bronze organza and cord 18" necklace. There is only one and it's in my Etsy shop. Let me know if you want earrings to match.