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.

Christmas already!

I can't believe how long it's been since I last wrote this.. the time just flies by! I am having a quiet day for once, perhaps I'll even get some torch time today :-)

I didn't do too badly in the christmas fairs, but not nearly as well as last year.. however, I have sold quite a bit since then, so I feel they have been worth it if only to get myself known.

I had a commission from a friend, all completed now, I had to learn how to make brooches and also silver core beads in the shape of a heart, which is trickier than it sounds! My first efforts looked nice but they had the same amount of glass above the hole as under, so they wouldn't stay the right way up. All sorted now, I'm thrilled with the results!

fairs over!

I'm very lazy, I only did two! They went ok, although not as well as last year but I'm not surprised that people are being more careful.

I took along three mandrels this time, with glass on, in various stages of making a bead. It was very helpful, I could see their faces changing as they properly understood.. most people say they know what lampworking is, and they have a vague idea, but doing my flameless demo over and over, I realised just how many hadn't quite got it and I think it makes their purchase feel all the more special and unique to them.

I've spent some time restocking today, and putting a few beads up for sale.. here are a couple..

october already..

Here are a couple of things I've been making recently, more with making jewellery in mind (Christmas fairs approaching!) than being artistic and experimental..

I can't believe how quickly the time goes at the moment, busy with school, working at school, getting kids to do their homework, after school clubs, and at the same time I'm trying to stop myself becoming obsessed with trying to make a great bead for a competition!

I make one, which is maybe interesting, but I think it is technically flawed, then I make another which I'm very happy with technically but maybe a bit boring.. the more I try, the less I know what I'm actually trying to acheive! Plus, I haven't really got anyone who I can ask for their opinion, who would know what constitutes a good bead.

Maybe I should give trying a rest..

new glass

The winner of the competition was Beadmonkey who suggested 'in the beginning' - it was a hard decision in the end with lots of great names!

I got a bit of new glass and I love the colours! The heart is 'kryptonite' from CIM and I think it's gorgeous..

I also bought myself a tool to make off-mandrel leaves, to go alongside my off-mandrel hearts..