Category: General

My autumn bead finally entered its competition yesterday. I lost count of the number of versions I did to try and perfect it, but when my final attempt broke taking it off the mandrel I had to enter the first of the version I was trying to recreate even though it was not as good as I’d like it to be.

As expected, it didn’t win, but some lovely autumn coloured crunch beads did, made by Sandy Kelly. A worthy winner.

The day was long but enjoyable. I got a lift from Corby, having left my car at Trudi’s house, with Scarlet and Melody. I’d never met Melody but liked her her straightaway. Just as well as it took us two hours to get to East Hendred, near Oxford.

Turnout was disappointing from members but there were several vendors to make up for that. Martin with his glass and tools, Jolene with murrini and shards, Vickie with frit and findings, Shirley with frit & silver and Heather with Lauscha glass.

The meeting was lively and useful; heated discussion is healthy and necessary if GBUK is to progress. I was shocked and honoured to be awarded with a certificate of appreciation from the committee.

After Carol’s beaded cab workshop had finished it was time to head home. The lively discussion continued in the car and over dinner at Frankie & Benny’s.

It was late when I got home but it had been a good day and the journey was long but worth it. I was pleased I hadn’t had to drive …

I went back to work this week, after six wonderful weeks off, and landed with a bump.

Nothing was going to compare with three weeks in America and an awesome 25th wedding anniversary party was it?

And it’s going to be a busy term, with several fairs to attend and all that that entails with making beads and jewellery.

Today I’m going to an Open Studio event in Titchmarsh, about an hours drive away, with my mate Sally. Three more friends, Angie, Trudi & Deanne, are holding the event so I’m really looking forward to it.

Next weekend is the GBUK AGM. I’m Secretary of this illustrious organisation and will be there recording the events. GBUK hold several competitions over the course of a year and the theme for the AGM this year is ‘Autumn’. So I’ve been making autumn beads, lots of autumn beads, each one slightly different as I’ve tweaked them. Yesterday’s efforts finally produced one I’m proud of. I shall make it again to perfect it further but it will have to wait until later in the week. Torch time is scarce at the moment.

A new technique I’ve been playing with is cabochons.  My spatial awareness is, erm, dodgy so find shaping things by eye tricky, but the cabs seem to like me and I’ve produced some pretty good ones already, and enjoyed making them which I wasn’t entirely sure I would. I don’t think the ones I’ve made are saleable but it’s certainly a promising start. I have plans for what to do with them once I am happy to sell them, so watch this space!

 

We’ve been home just over a week and, as with most holidays, feels like we never went away. Glad I took so many photos.

Busy busy because I have a bead fair on Sunday, a craft fair on Monday and our 25th wedding anniversary party the following Saturday.

So, I have beads to clean, jewellery to make and a house and garden to make suitable for large quantities of visitors. And to top it all, work to go back to three days after the party. Now there’s a downer!

I’m not short of beads for the bead fair. I carry a lot of stock, which works in my favour when I don’t have the time or inspiration. I’ve been making cute little ‘somethings’ though. Not sure what I’ll call them yet, but I hope they sell well.

I’m pleased the hot weather has arrived at last. It would have been odd, for me, going from the disappointing temperatures we were having earlier in July to the much hotter ones we are heading for. Gave me the chance to try out my new holiday clothes which head for the suitcase at the earliest opportunity.

I won’t be going on my torch until we are back now. Too much else to do. But I have a big stash of focals to take to the Gathering  for swaps and, if I don’t swap them all, I have a big stash of focals to sell when I come back.  I’ve really enjoyed using my new pastille press from Perlenpresse, the shape is easy to use and has provided my imagination with a new canvas.

At the end of the week we are off to America, calling in for a day to Iceland to visit the Blue Lagoon and Geyser.
It’s a three week trip with highlights of the Gathering in Rochester, Niagara Falls and Chelsea v Inter Milan in Indianapolis.
I’ll (hopefully) be posting lots of photos and will be keeping a running account of where we are and what we are doing.
This a special holiday, celebrating 25 years of marriage to my gorgeous husband Graeme.

What a busy year 2011 was, and so far 2012 is following in its footsteps.
Not made many beads, no inspiration, mojo – you name it, it’s not there.

Geran is very happy at Derby, Becky has temporarily finished her stint in London & is off back to Durham for a bit.

I’ve been studying hard, maybe I can’t manage study & beads, so come April/May I should be fine 🙂

The bead fair season for Fyrebirds starts in a couple of weeks, just as well I have plenty of stock. Kempton is a long drive, coming home all in the dark, so can’t say it’s my favourite but I do get to spend the night at Mum & Dad’s so not all bad.

Long long time since I posted on here. The school holidays are over in 2 days & then I’ll have to go back to work.

Lots of things have happened.

Becky graduated from Durham and is off to London, Geran is going to Derby University.

I’m going to be home alone with Graeme & Jack the cat. It’s going to be lonely 🙁

I will still have my glass. I took a couple of classes with Di East (my first ever) and have learnt a little about making aquatic paperweights. Very exciting stuff. I have made two so far and I’m reasonably pleased with both. Just need to get rid of a few of those bubbles.

My birthday and I’m now older than I like to think about!

Lots of lovely pressies, cards and good wishes from lots of friends which made me very happy.

I went to Harrogate Bead Fair, with my fellow Fyrebird Shirley, at the weekend and we sold more than last year which is very encouraging. Had a wicked Indian meal on Saturday night with some great people and stayed in a very comfortable hotel.

Not long til Flame Off now, about 4 weeks – and by then I need to be stocked up again. Lots more hours at the torch, not that I mind at all!