Beauty - Really is 'In The Eye of The Beholder' (Post 42)

A week goes by, and I'm left wondering where?  Where did it go ... well, for me I did some polymer work - OK, 'half did' some polymer work.  Its still in progress.  What I had in my head did not quite turn out to plan.  But as it is well known, sometimes these works of art are inspirational in their own right.  

But first ...

Apologies to:  

• Carolee Crafts, Abracadebra, The Crimson Moon
  Due to what I think can only be a Blogger issue, I was unable to post the lovely comments that they sent.  Blogger was down for a period in the week and I could not even access the Design area; unfortunately when I did their posts had been removed - although I still had them in my email?  Gremlins at play!  So, thank you for your Comments - always appreciated.
  
• Missy Polyclay
  Last month Daria held a 'giveaway' competition on her blog, and I was fortunate to be the winner.  I've been a bit impatient waiting for the prezzy to arrive and Daria and I have been exchanging a few emails, hope I haven't been a pain.  Although the package has been sent, I can only come to the conclusion that it has been lost in the post.  A bit frustrating for us both, but not to worry, as they say ... what you haven't got you won't miss.  It was still nice to have been selected; Daria's work is lovely.

Hello and Welcome to:

• Carolee Crafts Caroline creates lovely bespoke gifts and cards and she has a great eye for detail and originality.  Take a peek, I know she'd enjoy a visit from you.

Don't forget to pop across to Wendy's blog for this week's Handmade Monday No. 16

Work In Progress

You may remember that I've been collecting Sea Glass, well this week I was given another great 'addition to my collection' from Barbados.  (Posted at the top with the Clown protecting it).  I decided to have a bit of a test run, encasing it with polymer.

Work in Progress

Reserving judgement at the minute!  It 'kinda' did work but its debatable as to what degree!! 

I do like the scallopy-looking one, think that may have potential.

Conclusion: Research a bit more - I think that Silver bezel would be more appealing; although in all fairness I've only skirted the technique as yet.  If you have any suggestions I'd love to hear them though.

This week, I've got a few projects to finish and some more beadwork techniques to do. 


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters

May's Meanderings (Post 41)

Hope you all had a nice long break; in the UK we not only had Easter but also an additional holiday for the Royal Wedding.  I took advantage and turned it into a holiday touring in France and Devon.  

Its been an interesting couple of weeks and I'd like to start by thanking Debbie of Abracadebra Designs for the two pairs of earrings she very kindly made for me as a Pay It Forward prezzy.

... thanks Debbie, they are, like all your jewellery, just beautiful!

I was a little surprised to see that nobody had picked up on my last Post ... with the offer of Paying Forward.  Maybe its the commitment for 5 gifts?  So, I'd like to revise that ... why not take part and Pay Forward just one little prezzy.  Pay It Forward - to the 1st person who writes a comment

PAY IT FORWARD CLOSED - THANKS TO ZUKIESTYLE FOR TAKING PART.

Next I would like to welcome two new followers which brings my total virtual friends to that magical number of 50 !!!!!  More on that later ... A very big welcome goes to:

1. Little Harriet  Harriet makes lovely handmade gifts and jewellery and has very recently made that big move of opening her own Folksy shop.  Congratulations with that Harriet, hope its a great success for you.
   
2. Nancy  A very interesting lady with a variety of talents, who calls herself 'the craft lady' but who is in actual fact so much more!  Her blog is very versatile and Nancy is very sharing with tutorials on so many unusual items.

Take a peek at both of these sites, you'll be pleased you did.

Whilst your in the mood for browsing, just a reminder that today is Handmade Monday No. 15 hosted by Wendy.  A showcase of all fellow artists work - always worth browsing.  Why not pop over ...

What Have I been Up To?

I've been teaching myself a new beadweaving stitch - 

'spiral chain'.  Its a tutorial I came across on Tackle That Bead Stash Blog, written by Liz Reed - thanks Liz, lovely clear instructions.

It really is easy to do, once you pick up the rhythm.  I've been merrily weaving spirals to my heart's content.  However, I've yet to finish it and foolheartedly attempted to do a peyote stitch clasp - oooh ... a bit too tricky; so have not quite completed it.  

Undaunted with my new found confidence I went on to make a royal blue/metallic grey chain necklace, which I finished with a beaded loop and clasp.  I've since been given instructions from Liz on a method to use - so my next one should be even better!

The chain matches my blue silk dress just perfectly!  I need to do some earrings to match next.

Still on the spiral chain theme, I'm currently making a chain bracelet or will it be a necklace? (running low on beads ...) for this months OTTBS Moodboard Challenge.  That is ... if I like it when its finished!

Work In Progress .... we'll see

Still To Come ...

I'm planning a 'giveaway' to celebrate reaching 50 Followers ... 

'Keep Watching, and ... I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters