Silk ribbon necklace

I have been lampworking again, I have been replenishing my stock of silver core beads, here are a few examples..

And making most of my beads tube shaped at the moment!

I'm really pleased with this, I love the watercolour silk and blues are my favourite colours..

I love the amazonite milky minty colour stone!

I am trying to build up my stock for the 'handmade' fair in Winchester Guildhall (July 5th), getting nearer all the while!

exhibition at the library

I have just set up my beads and jewellery in the gallery at the library in Winchester. I was a little worried when I turned up to see four shelves to fill, but hopefully I had the right amount of things, and now I need to make some more in case they sell!

I also have the Winchester handmade fair coming up in July, so I need to crack on and get torching.. http://www.flickr.com/groups/handmadefairs/

My beads in Nemeton's necklace!

I just spotted some of my beads in Lynn's beautiful jewellery, and earrings too, and they look fab, Lynn has made something really pretty with them.. :-)

The ones above are a bit similar, not the same as the ones Lynn has have a lovely pale pinky base..

http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=22319167

after the snow..

I hope that's it for a bit! We did enjoy the two days off school, sledging at the park, but I don't mind if that's all we get for now. Not knowing how long it was going to stay on the ground, I went out and dug - from our car, down the drive, along the access road and out to the next road which had been tantalising me as it was clear and driveable! I was pretty worn out, but it got me out to Sainsbury's so I was happy.

I have started adding bits to my shop again, four pendants have gone on today and I need to add things like earrings.. I'm gradually building up stock and at the same time trying out new things.

Following a tutorial from a fellow FritHappener, I tried making these rings - great fun and I will definitely do some more! I also have been buying these beautiful silk cords from another member and these are my first trials..

warmer

It is far more comfortable in my shed now the weather's warmed up a bit, and I've noticed it's already staying light longer in the afternoon. I fancied doing some really bright beads, and made another rainbow set!

Today I had another bash at the Luna which I haven't been able to get colours from so far - this time I dipped my flat tweezers in water, heated it up to dripping hot, and cooled with the tweezers, then warmed higher in the flame until glowing again, and did the tweezer thing again, several times. The two beads look very different to each other, but I'm really pleased as they have gone some lovely colours.. show you when it's bright enough to take a photo!

new year

I had a break over Christmas, it was lovely and relaxing and going back to school and work has been difficult!

It was -7 in my shed yesterday morning, the pot of water on my desk and the bead release frozen solid! I thawed it in warm water, didn't seem to come to any harm.

Today I bought myself some legwarmers to wear in the shed and out at work - they were great!

I made some discs and barrels using Psyche and a bit of Triton, encased in plenty of clear - and this time I decided to go back to effetre clear just to see if it was all that bad.. well, it wasn't! It seemed easier to melt after the Vetrofond clear I have been using for ages, and it wasn't so bad at turning the silver gold coloured, so all in all I'm happy!

I was also very generously donated some boro glass to try, and when I have bought some welding goggles I'll give it a whirl! If it goes ok I will probably get myself a starter kit, especially as it has a book.