Bear With Me

You may notice that I have now got a 'Buy Beads' page as well as the links to my Folksy and Etsy shops.  Please bear with me as I get everything in order.  I want to offer as many ways for customers to buy as possible.  The plan is to offer my beads for sale from this blog while the jewellery is listed in either the Etsy or Folksy shops.

It's my organic approach to my business plan....... 

Beau Necklace is Born

As promised here are some photos of a Beau Necklace.  It is a bit short so I will need to get some more of the pvc tubing.  The idea is that it sits quite high on the neck but not quite a choker, although I guess it could be a choker...... 

I will be putting this beauty in my Folksy shop, please see link on the right. I'd better get a move on as the children will be back soon.  They went to my parents' yesterday for a sleepover.  We made the most of a child-free night by going to our favorite curry house. 

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Just A Quickie

To let you know that I have opened a Folksy shop at www.bluekilnbeads.folksy.com.  It needs abit of a jig about and personalisation but hopefully I can reach out to my UK customers more easily.  I have kicked off with a Beau Watch

I'll be back soon with some shots of the 'Beau Necklace'.

Autumn Leaves etc..

It doesn't feel much like Autumn today, its grey and wet.  Yesterday was a totally different story with beautiful blue skies and bright sun.  I pulled out my bead stash and found these lovely leaf beads which compliment the green and yellow glass beads that I reclaimed from an antique shop.  I don't often use autumnal colours so this is something different from me.   However, if you look closely you will notice that I have still included the obligatory lampwork in the form of some buttons!

I managed to get some torch time in at mum and dad's on Friday.  We still don't have a definite move date yet so we are still in our rented accomodation which is beginning to wear abit thin!  This means that I am confined to getting torch time over at my parents' place.  This is what the kiln fairies left for me. 

This is a a little set of two 'Beau Beads' with a matching small hole bead.  They have got light blue centres, encased in clear with cobalt blue and white dots on the surface.  I have an idea for these along the lines of a Beau Necklace....  I have also started to play with making buttons and this is what came out of Friday's session.

These are cute little buttons measuring approximately 8mm accross.  They have a cobalt blue base with copper green flowers.  The next picture shows you what the buttons look like from behind.

These buttons make me want to get out the sewing machine... not enough hours in the day at the moment.  I have a tunic pattern that I have cut out and now needs sewing together - one day I'll get it done *sigh*.  Now, better get on and make that Beau Necklace prototype, stay posted for an update.

Beau Watches

I have a watch like these that I made a while ago.  It has had so many admirers that I decided to create a few more.  The green one is a commission for my friend's Mother In Law.

Each watch is based on my Beau Bangle design with a pvc bracelet that can be slipped over the hand.  The clasps can be pulled apart and more Beau Beads can be added.

The pink watched will be listed on Etsy shortly.

Hooray I have a buddy

I have a buddy for the Etsy Bootcamp now hooray!  Her name is Every Last Bite and she makes fabulous Quilts, Eco Lunch Bags, Applique Shirts, Wall Hangings in georgeous fabrics.  Go visit her Etsy shop .

Its all going on

behind the scenes.  I have been busily dashing around the virutal world, joining groups and generally trying to link up with other makers, designers.... 

It has been brought to my attention that my Etsy shop is looking sparse.  The plan was to drip feed the shop but perhaps shoppers will feel reassured by a better stocked shop.  So, my mission for the coming week is to photograph and list more items.  Especially as the week after may prove to be quite on the work front with it being half term.  Speaking of which, I can't believe that it is upon us already - it will be nativity plays before we know it!

The Weekend etc..

I had a great weekend which was kicked off on Saturday morning with a monthly craft market held at the  Green Dragon . One of my customers bought a pretty bracelet and wanted a similar one for her other neice (the nieces are sisters). Hopefully this is similar but different enough. 

The afternoon was spent with friends on our first Geo-Cache Treasure Hunt.  It was great fun, the children walked miles and we were taken on a route into a neighbouring village that we didn't know existed. The day ended in the beer garden with a refreshing pint.

Sunday saw us spending the afternoon in the allotment.  We cleared some more of the bindweed that has claimed the fruit canes and we planted some more green manure.

I also managed to create this little fella which is about to be listed on Etsy.

Beau Bangle Green Elephant

I hope your weekend was relaxing.

Anyone for a Cupcake?

I had a real craving today for some cake.  The other day I bought a tin of notecards from The Hummingbird Bakery and each card has a very tempting recipe on the back.  So, I whipped up these Marshmallow Cupcakes.  I over filled the cases abit so they have spilled over.  However, they certainly did hit the spot with a nice cup of Earl Grey tea mmmmm...