tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-19819316299949032302024-03-13T01:31:38.168+00:00Bumpy Beads - Artisan beads & JewelleryBumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.comBlogger130125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-18449994214493832822012-08-26T21:19:00.000+01:002012-08-26T21:19:32.426+01:00I'm still here!Although I've not blogged for almost twelve months, I am still very much here! <br />
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It's been a busy year. Building work at home meant my bead studio had to be packed away for several months. I missed being able to make beads more than I'd have thought possible. All building work is now complete though, and in addition to a lovely big kitchen, I now have a brand new studio. I'll post some pics of it soon, but in the meantime I have something completely different to show you.<br />
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Whilst I was torchless I desperately needed some other outlet for all that pent up creative energy! So, I dusted off my sewing machine, and made myself a couple of skirts. Then I made some new cushions for the sofas in the conservatory, and some more for my studio.<br />
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I got the sewing bug! So, when my trusty heatable wheat bag needed replacing, it seemed obvious that instead of buying a replacement, I should make my own!<br />
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So, I made one, but filled it with rice instead of wheat, and I added a handful of the most gorgeous lavender flowers. Then I thought I'd better make a spare in another fabric. Then I thought perhaps my Dad might like one for his aches and pains.<br />
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I kept stumbling across really lovely fabric, and then I found some pretty ribbon. So I made more. Now, I seem to have more than I need! So, I thought I would set up an Etsy shop, and see if anyone else would like one. I called it 'Ricicles'! See what I did there??<br />
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My rice bags are pretty amazing, even though I say so myself! I've made some pretty floral ones, but I've also made some in more basic ticking utility fabric, so they'll hopefully appeal to achey men too.<br />
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They can be heated in the microwave (for about 90 seconds), or popped in the freezer as a cold pack. The nicest thing about rice is that it doesn't go stinky in the same way that wheat bags sometimes can, and it really moulds to your body, so stays put.<br />
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I use my rice bag every single day. It really eases the aches I get from sitting at a desk all day in the week, or at the torch at the weekend. In the winter it'll warm my feet in bed a treat.<br />
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I'm hoping to sell a few, but if I don't I know what my family will be getting for Christmas this year!<br />
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Come back soon and I promise I'll have some pictures of my new studio, complete with super duper extraction system!<br />
<br />Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-26312824221251475712011-08-28T13:29:00.003+01:002011-08-28T13:39:36.284+01:00SamburuAnother blog - I know! No blogging for months and then two in one week. It's amazing how much more beady stuff you can get done when you have a week off work!
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<br />I made this Samburu bead set, and then etched it to a matt finish, which I think really suits this design. I love the colour reactions in these beads, and the fact that you can see the traces of silver that I burnished onto the bead to help the colour reactions along.
<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80632562/samburu-lampwork-bead-set-uk-sra-fhfteam?ref=v1_other_2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645883855418984610" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUAYfKPfEq_qYvxO8VSmHaBJa7_RgS9Hlowi07W6hypjt9IIBjYcKSL5FxPIPV-I5cnYFRYCyjM3Q0VKpVxip06B3mHMlTXODHGo4kEN8neyLtTglepDGa3DyXSzv3Qh6wSlnNm0P3qJBm/s320/Samb5.jpg" /></a>I made a couple of focals too. Well I made three actually, but one broke when I cleaned it. Urgh! It was the nicest as well, but that's the law of breakages! That'll teach me for not keeping the one end warm enough before I placed it in the kiln. Tsk!
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<br />This is a much paired combination of turquoise and silver;
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<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80633409/aqua-lampwork-focal-bead-uk-sra-fhfteam"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645883862168850066" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW47QWPu9_n2oXfV5rYNV4gbCWmFKTt5P1BbJxhUJFeCgEyXTK6s3n1VZ991MMUiKLtjHhUyioaOsq31dOamY_MEMqGQPWsm3DExlke-iCdZnJXP1DvI_lLYHqynRGBjiebjOgFEFejLms/s320/Turq1.JPG" /></a>
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<br />... and another favourite combination of mine - turquoise and purple. This time I've made a spotty bead, just because I love how the turquoise saturates as it tries to move away from the purple glass.
<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80633864/popspot-lampwork-focal-bead-uk-sra"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 227px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5645883860377093250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgWfojoKgu_EJ5IOTjGBW386S_KgDtn1ItPleHl8rS_F-vExAGa-0A16K_jCXpHZSBPT_WNXEbTWgSC-0evKYN6muioaV6ifzJVJhqQxx6if4594DqE6XO0n9wxNHo7mZDfifndmoA-c4P/s320/PopSpot.JPG" /></a>Thank you for looking!
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<br />Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-38872398276446213822011-08-21T18:19:00.005+01:002011-08-21T22:14:01.690+01:00Bucket & Spade and Other Beads!I'd had this set of beach beads in my head for a while, and I finally got around to making them this weekend. I love making murrini, so these barnacles were a good excuse to pull some starburst cane. These beads remind me of beach holidays in Bournemouth, when my Grandad would buy me a new bucket and spade and a little packet of paper flags. Bliss!
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<br />So, here they are, Bucket & Spade;
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<br /><a href="http://t.co/9zMSh15"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643362646828715330" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdyfzZJlGzKvotMpuARWX1iLduujss8RFXqSEumk1cRSIjk-QqpbjOISeva8G-QxWfnOhQn_n_Rs3TkvX6NpxOdIY-OyliDzn4oIW6oWFdN_HwUulZYPC3YBMX1Qcwk6PX7INPCILtu64M/s320/IMG_3331.JPG" /></a>
<br />This is another set I've been wanting to make. I've wrapped shards of glass around a base bead and then used some flame jiggery pokery to get a nice oil-slick effect of blues and purples. I've called this set 'Voyager' in honour of Voyager 2, which launched 34 years ago yesterday, in Silver Jubilee year, and is currently around 13 light hours from Earth. Yes, I know, I'm a geek...
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<br /><div><a href="http://t.co/sScbLQe"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643362647070893106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdKO0H_Ui2rKneagDby1mQV0HYn-UiG4qny6hQ4zdrVyD5xEkRnXkCMgIT0snfjCh9O5PZx0InR75d_bx3VPcSIgQUscMvwUZoxISv7Q9eIuX35KrDzg2ouYCIcLNJ55PIWN7kF_5aM3E3/s320/IMG_3333.JPG" /></a></div>
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<br /><div>Then I made some pebbles. Always nice.</div>
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<br /><a href="http://t.co/FpTNMyC"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643362652035116530" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvR7NQM0abNfDru10ZicjIKzj61I9fWwmymZuDi_THIlOk3g1P6SuQIlHGZjSSkJ2h7ic2wGlfHjVbnC-Hh1peXExKCGNSRn4QmHF1RZuExdSVecyaDnAlC2dgFr2J2Oo9GP2uIWd3OxV/s320/IMG_3323.JPG" /></a>
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<br /><div>I played with some silver glass twistie, getting a nice organic reaction with one of my favourite terracotta red glasses.<a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/80194223/karoo-lampwork-bead-set-uk-sra-fhfteam"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643362652728564978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlE5onaAH_HNR6nhgfzFe1P8U6OzMXN7MxXVv3lbNzzn6GsgMFzwzLvOlKMff_5yKM3QdNP52Sg8uHhZvNH55BrF5mZes041CzJPG2d6MhmsiCjhcbabVLpcxMpb6sBnTiSfbiOHZOcEWf/s320/IMG_3337.JPG" /></a></div>
<br /><div>And because I like blue...
<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/74416688/centaurea-lampwork-bead-set-uk-sra-fhf?ref=v1_other_1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5643368616531832370" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsM3pKBJlkexExM5t6cu5a2cjMTUI_gbNpFpT4QzRWwW3xxYTKYlH4xOKpVT-8XBulQC4E3VTfcP_iZAqoj54WtJFLWrG5tkIsh3ll-Kvz4R7nMyyxJhsTHeRbyiIKytF-s4TzMbNsGUlH/s320/IMG_3318.JPG" /></a> That's all for now. I'm off to enjoy the rest of the summer while it lasts!</div></div></div></div>
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<br />Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-61290196639960250132011-05-03T19:51:00.002+01:002011-05-03T20:02:55.002+01:00Bluebells & Pebbles<div>A few days ago I went for a walk in nearby woods, and there was a beautiful carpet of bluebells, as far as the eye could see. I also heard my first cuckoo of the year! I came home and just had to make a set of 'Bluebell' beads in bluebell colours. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5679956416_d0bbac49e1_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5145/5679956416_d0bbac49e1_m.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>I haven't made any of my pebble beads for ages, but they are one of my favourite sets to make, so I made 'Lyme'.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5679396533_9578741e9e_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5679396533_9578741e9e_m.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>Finally 'Caribbean', a set of turquoise beads, some etched and some shiny. </div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5679396081_0bb0e7d3d2_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5023/5679396081_0bb0e7d3d2_m.jpg" /></a> <br /><div>I hope you like them!</div><br /><div></div><br /><div>My aim is to try and get more torch time than I've been managing. Time will tell whether I can make that a reality, but these extra bank holidays have been splendid!</div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-48639062307202416012011-01-30T15:16:00.004+00:002011-01-30T15:23:48.450+00:00In Full BloomNow I don't know about you, but I'm missing a bit of colour in the garden. Those who know me will vouch for my impatience. My answer was to create my own spring colours and trap them inside glass!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/67037441/in-full-bloom-lampwork-bead-set-uk-sra"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5567998286649126802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0h2UnbOh-5bwGnZ8g6ALLttp96h8nNM6QLKvddkwiRv4ZO5HMMx80CIRLwZX7FNUCkC8HqVUnjBPXn9w6VVGE46DVbWHFI6C4WI7C3dNes0byFrtte6KHDlA4p2DfKrPl8WSwJpisn0_l/s320/InFullBloom4.jpg" /></a> <div>This set is aptly called 'In Full Bloom' and I hope they put some colour into your day too.</div><div> </div><div>Have a great week!</div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-62502929043962168762011-01-26T19:34:00.002+00:002011-01-26T19:55:21.965+00:00Maasai NecklaceI wanted to show you this gorgeous necklace that <a href="http://www.gemwaithnia.co.uk/index.html">Nia Clement</a> has made using a set of my lampwork beads and lots of Bali sterling silver.<br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 394px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5125/5354194393_9080dfa6c6.jpg" /><br />Of course, the last time I saw these beads they didn't look nearly this good! Nia has a way of designing jewellery that shows beads off to their very best. I think the name Nia has given this piece is perfect.<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5354193867_380a5c5363.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 426px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5008/5354193867_380a5c5363.jpg" /></a><br />This necklace has reminded me that I should explore the techniques I used in these beads again. I'm buzzing with ideas at the moment, and am looking forward to getting an opportunity to light my torch.</p><p>I love to see how people use my beads, so if you want to share any of your creations with me I will show them off here for you!</p><p>You can see more of Nia's work at <a href="http://www.gemwaithnia.co.uk/index.html">Gemwaith Nia Jewellery</a>.</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-59389996434945037082011-01-22T16:27:00.005+00:002011-01-22T17:22:43.350+00:00Stellar BeadsI made my first beads of 2011! This set, in different shades of blue, is called Stellar, and quite possibly represents too many hours spent gazing up at the stars lately!<br /><br />These may be my first beads for 2011, but definitely won't be my last. I hope you like them.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66477466/stellar-lampwork-bead-set-uk-sra-fhfteam"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 188px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565056293642361538" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1JLkvp6RuVceyDve605EnK6PW2dk5IHbRogy5rLJZwjk4v9PLEDl9N9S3quk89NkBx2IccJpALSeDHcC7lVOkFAlz4_ugve8MgKdCrCk10lakJoUvy37WAd9uN6pJ1kpgDX-cCR-VNSW7/s320/Stellar1.jpg" /></a><br />With Valentines Day just a few weeks away I felt compelled to make a heart. This one is hand-shaped and ideal for someone who likes to hint at romance without the addition of girly pink!<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66476719/valentine-glass-lampwork-bead-uk-sra?ref=v1_other_2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 293px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565056296983657042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm8AHvnFM2L4cVlmD_OLbap4NJkWpHGv85_lAWoA0DJe-ej10aMNUOqY1fspSQsyQQaLRgjyeLn9N4LZivFWyIcmS5dH7yE5oaGP4oTDVdS8WcaGzRHsrO9y65cCxhbEE7KgkDVnV7Iqkj/s320/Valentine.JPG" /></a> I have been fortunate to have been featured in a number of Etsy treasuries lately, and here are some of them. My beads are in excellent company, so I encourage you to click the pictures below to visit the treasuries for yourself.<br /><br /><br />See if you can spot my beads.<br /><br /><br />This treasury, 'For the Long Journey' was curate by Lynn Davy, who, as <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/nemeton">Nemeton</a>, designs and makes the most incredible creations, using all kinds of beads, from weeny seed beads to lampwork beads. Lynn cleverly created this treasury by searching on one of the words in the title of the previous item. Ingenious!<br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d35ca0b31b28eef6b99091d/for-the-long-journey?index=0"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 254px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565056300540301586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzajtnvbDMuZliTLlWHixvcKYNciWHVi_9CQl9E06NJbDBXmZ_fNPq388EOVczrOkJHKDkNIrM3jW0ofn58MYNKvWfLKZEcocIxvkzt1OcxIogb1A3Z3pzJQxob8Ksq0-Ht_HLtYm7axUd/s320/Etsy1.png" /></a> 'Pink Smoke' was curated by Alison of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/AMIdesigns">Ami Designs</a>. This treasury features some gorgeous items in subtle pink tones.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2e0390cf7d8eef055670ca/pink-smoke?index=2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 261px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565056303664737090" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8YixYWh3TkIrScI0VSDeEiAb-xP0AlKhVfhwKlgjJAnXw07iTfrdPNqGguZxMplf5NLbhpx-I0hVNou66UHlHft1xwmUeJ22WNCcNdHHByzIgb-c4SbY3FfcRdc3FyiS2dfMXq-wI6man/s320/Etsy2.png" /></a>The very talented George curated 'Dreaming of Caribbean Seas'. There are some fabulous blue-green tones and sea-themes going on here. Do pop along and have a mooch around George's fabulous range of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/mizgeorge">handmade jewellery findings</a>. </p><p><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/treasury/4d2c6b92d3736d916d6db9dc/dreaming-of-caribbean-seas?index=4"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 262px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5565056308817857522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ7NkUSsDUpxblw0E9-oIEZ6-XEi6lEzJIuPvtw7ASx8o4qNq1mcdQe9Nswgvevi7upp7BOkrPukvyVThiwTUowWZBdjd0uk_WWj_X0ACzWmg_NawcI3W3tN-ZruLTHfmIoG51jgXeBbTy/s320/Etsy3.png" /></a> That's all for now. Enjoy the weekend!</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-14058580312415187172010-11-28T20:01:00.002+00:002010-11-28T20:16:42.091+00:00Split peas and Lentils!All this icy weather has promted lots of soup-eating. I'm sure this culinary delight inspired at least one set of beads! In glorious split-pea and lentil colours, here is Daal;<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5215336320_92883ca2c5.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5215336320_92883ca2c5.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div>I made this next set when there were still a few golden coloured leaves on the trees. Looking outside today, they've all since dropped. This is Turning Leaves;<br /><br /><div><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5047/5215336556_8a9f2883bf.jpg" /><br />Moving to warmer climes, these beads are called Cherokee;</div><br /><p></p><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5214744183_9181952c76.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5214744183_9181952c76.jpg" /></a><br />Here is Rivulet;</p><p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5215336432_0a978ede04.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5215336432_0a978ede04.jpg" /></a><br />And finally, night sky inspired Bootes;</p><p></p><p><br /></p><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5215336760_d1aea39f0d.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 500px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 375px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5215336760_d1aea39f0d.jpg" /></a></p><p>Stay warm! </p><p><br /> </p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-25553727834654869032010-10-31T15:28:00.003+00:002010-10-31T15:39:26.748+00:00New BeadsI think I picked up a bug this week, as I've been feeling a bit bleurgh. I did manage to make some simple beads sets though, and here they are;<br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaJRXFukw4G27arqOWzSHseTPeo4agS3rx_a-soj0LgD10_yd3mAKW342VcRA6EOxFY96pXNmrY6Be21rCoesBOIg5UwvQ4c1aaZiT9M4XzmshZ1nFwds41-8857Nv8cTSgC-UXBtNsGI/s1600/Honeycomb.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233246944179490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizaJRXFukw4G27arqOWzSHseTPeo4agS3rx_a-soj0LgD10_yd3mAKW342VcRA6EOxFY96pXNmrY6Be21rCoesBOIg5UwvQ4c1aaZiT9M4XzmshZ1nFwds41-8857Nv8cTSgC-UXBtNsGI/s320/Honeycomb.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-38yQR7sXWHqqU5SdNTblkQVJmEidlntIly3-eC4lz3acW5WOnuZ6o_i92CBti5nX4s7zrtnREtJnHH42JWOCNaEPjp9mx8eM4kX6ym4WLPtXaWdvBXDoS7owP1A9Aepq5s6oajY28dpN/s1600/Lavender_Lace.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233243358456546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-38yQR7sXWHqqU5SdNTblkQVJmEidlntIly3-eC4lz3acW5WOnuZ6o_i92CBti5nX4s7zrtnREtJnHH42JWOCNaEPjp9mx8eM4kX6ym4WLPtXaWdvBXDoS7owP1A9Aepq5s6oajY28dpN/s320/Lavender_Lace.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiT8aVOt7CfvXJvcieOXyqLtR9EHc57qJFXTUqlAFsJ70w4Dv7XOzo162MLYmM8H282yU7zAQWpUo9fZuu5c1e5nWJbw1_vpHpVCXbnwppQ3_dhP_d4g2X96RrtcXrcQgVjm-Nb9f0j0F/s1600/Steel.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5534233253438369522" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQiT8aVOt7CfvXJvcieOXyqLtR9EHc57qJFXTUqlAFsJ70w4Dv7XOzo162MLYmM8H282yU7zAQWpUo9fZuu5c1e5nWJbw1_vpHpVCXbnwppQ3_dhP_d4g2X96RrtcXrcQgVjm-Nb9f0j0F/s320/Steel.JPG" /></a><br />I hope you're managing to keep one step ahead of the bugs that are doing the rounds at the moment.</div><div> </div><div>Have a great week!<br /></div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-28885216221114384182010-09-26T18:29:00.004+01:002010-09-26T19:13:17.843+01:00Reflecting on GlassSo... glass...<br /><br />Clever isn't it!<br /><br />I mean, it's solid, watertight and strong and yet it can be completely transparent.<br /><br />But not always.<br /><br />It can be liquid, and bendy and fragile and opaque.<br /><br />It can be ice-cold, or furnace hot.<br /><br />It can be rounded and smooth, or razor sharp.<br /><br />It can start off clear and end up red. Or yellow. Or orange. Or.... well, I think you get the picture.<br /><br />It magnifies, and in doing so allows us to see into the far reaches of the solar system.<br /><br />In short, it's pretty amazing stuff, and I just like to reflect (see what I did there?) on this now and again.<br /><br />So anyway, I took some of this ice-cold hot liquid solid stuff, and made some beads! Here they are;<br /><br />On Golden Pond;<br /><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5026157049_4dfb6980b6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5026157049_4dfb6980b6.jpg" /></a></p><p>Over the Rainbow;<br /><br /></p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5026773040_b116232faf.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5026773040_b116232faf.jpg" /></a><br />Forgotten Garden;<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5026772792_094e5666e6.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5026772792_094e5666e6.jpg" /></a><br /><br />Coral Blush;<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5026156891_d893909f43.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5026156891_d893909f43.jpg" /></a><br />A Touch of Magic;<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5026156651_12d5361e15.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5026156651_12d5361e15.jpg" /></a><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5026156891_d893909f43.jpg"></a>Nevada;<br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5026157205_19dc5e2380.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 448px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/5026157205_19dc5e2380.jpg" /></a><br /><p>I hope you like them!</p><p>Have a great week.</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-60603518879891258842010-07-11T21:06:00.003+01:002010-07-11T21:28:55.525+01:00I made beads!<div>And here are some of them........<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipjaxUfMH8-xP1jvg-zSgT87Xw4XIx9Yv2Mb0CkUETxxaZvJgMJPS2IQRc_fA4CKPhAzUzcKFi38xKW4cFRk_n4QW_zs4HXjFMUk1PHHP9qA9Ko3F69R76n9UfBBwjhuvLH_eOy2KaGAy/s1600/combo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 239px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5492747090175882882" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiipjaxUfMH8-xP1jvg-zSgT87Xw4XIx9Yv2Mb0CkUETxxaZvJgMJPS2IQRc_fA4CKPhAzUzcKFi38xKW4cFRk_n4QW_zs4HXjFMUk1PHHP9qA9Ko3F69R76n9UfBBwjhuvLH_eOy2KaGAy/s320/combo.jpg" /></a> I've also made myself a bracelet, using some of my orphan lentils and one of <a href="http://www,designedbygeorge.co.uk/">George Harper-East's </a>fabulous toggle clasps. <p></p><div><div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4102/4780865032_342ee86d25_m.jpg" /></div></div></div><p>That's all for now! </p><p>Have a great week.</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-194484635072829572010-07-04T15:27:00.008+01:002010-07-04T16:45:42.706+01:00Venice RevisitedIt's been a while since I blogged, but not because I've had nothing to say. I've just been too busy to say it! But this Sunday afternoon finds me with a kiln satisfyingly full of beads, made earlier today, an empty ironing basket, and 10 minutes on my hands.<br /><br />Where to start?<br /><br />In May we made a return visit to Venice. You know how sometimes, after the perfect holiday, you're almost afraid to go back in case you're disappointed? Well, I was feeling a little bit like that as we'd had a <a href="http://bumpybeads.blogspot.com/2008/05/venezia-e-murano.html">completely perfect time </a>there two years ago. I shouldn't have worried, Venice was just as perfect as I'd remembered it. The weather was just as beautiful, Murano was just as inspiring, and the icecream was just as delicious.<br /><br />We'd had a fairly frantic start to the holiday. Remember the weekend where the volcanic ash cloud made an unexpected reappearance? Well, that was the weekend we were due to fly to Venice! Our flight was delayed by one day, so we missed one night of our holiday, but at one point we thought we wouldn't get there at all! It was a real rollercoaster of a weekend! We'd heard stories of passengers reaching the runway and then being told their flight was cancelled, so until I saw the familiar sight of Venice from the aeroplane window I wasn't quite convinced we'd actually get there. But despite Eyjafjallajokull's best endeavours, we eventually made it. I'd rather hoped our return flight might be delayed and we'd have to spend longer in Venice than anticipated, but Eyjafjallajokull wasn't on our side that week, and sadly we departed right on time. Typical!<br /><br />We spend a beautiful day island hopping, visiting Burano, famous for its lace, and of course Murano, glass capital of the world. We found this spectacular glass sculpture as we were strolling through Murano. Just gorgeous.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4632507046_c75532a8d5_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4632507046_c75532a8d5_o.jpg" /></a> </p><br /><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4632507464_67d271b331_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 226px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/4632507464_67d271b331_o.jpg" /></a></p><p>We also found the Effetre factory, where most of the glass I use in my beads is born. It's a real pity they don't have a retail shop there, as I'm sure it would do a roaring trade as Murano is a mecca for lampworkers worldwide. Effetre used to be called Moretti's, and you can still just about make out the old signage.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sB00PQEaI2f_gjl-i47pQZCQyF08icVPbyp0kHqboxIulEq65CV_HXSe1HVUaNhsng-H9qO_zv1AkQk95ULCrMSfjfLxjF-3Me8RJVQtvmXZKQ7NuWm7a6Z52mhHSgBKeaVN9ifNVDWv/s1600/IMG_2266.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490067957755244162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1sB00PQEaI2f_gjl-i47pQZCQyF08icVPbyp0kHqboxIulEq65CV_HXSe1HVUaNhsng-H9qO_zv1AkQk95ULCrMSfjfLxjF-3Me8RJVQtvmXZKQ7NuWm7a6Z52mhHSgBKeaVN9ifNVDWv/s320/IMG_2266.JPG" /></a><br />I loved these blown glass balloon animals.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4632507748_133ae1b813_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 399px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4632507748_133ae1b813_o.jpg" /></a> and this fabulous glass paint and brushes art piece. The pretty blue hat you can see just in front was stunning too.<br /><br /><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4632507918_e744e67859_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 370px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4049/4632507918_e744e67859_o.jpg" /></a><br /></p><p>On Murano we visited Andrea Giubelli's studio again. Andrea makes fabulous hollow glass beads, which are blown. Despite the fact that I speak no italian at all, and Andrea speaks very little english, we managed to have an lengthy and in-depth conversation about glass beads. He pronounced my beads 'molto bella', which completely made my day! </p><p>I bought this enormous hollow lentil. It measures 6cm across and is about 2cm deep.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovl-daujfSKqy3qWwrgnOP_rb0r2R3VPgStFXywM4aV-cX37O41DCvJJeBdhpye4_yrFAsUm2ZgPlFIqNE7O35PGKoYHzPpTySd2Sf2xuZGtOGZDe5Ia054ID9_9mrUcl9i2NC0qT8UeX/s1600/IMG_2374.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490071209116695442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiovl-daujfSKqy3qWwrgnOP_rb0r2R3VPgStFXywM4aV-cX37O41DCvJJeBdhpye4_yrFAsUm2ZgPlFIqNE7O35PGKoYHzPpTySd2Sf2xuZGtOGZDe5Ia054ID9_9mrUcl9i2NC0qT8UeX/s320/IMG_2374.JPG" /></a> I like the neat clear sticky labels that Andrea uses to sign his beads.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qi1M-0F4ZPN5z0koiPkHuX0eZkOiusGkiQRb3mpTowl6Qb-8xqSdfN3qgrGj0mfRjoR86abnpj_GMSmRoagc_t6_IRkgxpbr3ipYwBowMuiGbWItJGGvfRyCYWTqp58uEFpKKKukbA68/s1600/IMG_2375.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490071647532289730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qi1M-0F4ZPN5z0koiPkHuX0eZkOiusGkiQRb3mpTowl6Qb-8xqSdfN3qgrGj0mfRjoR86abnpj_GMSmRoagc_t6_IRkgxpbr3ipYwBowMuiGbWItJGGvfRyCYWTqp58uEFpKKKukbA68/s320/IMG_2375.JPG" /></a> So, would I return to Venice again? You bet! The gondaliers alone are worth the trip, but the glass/gondalier combo is an absolute winner! On reviewing my holiday photos I discovered I'd taken rather a lot of the gondaliers. I wonder why...<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsyMp7A5VS6BVzaDghJUEBfehSLKylv9ZalCfS1CYQANkCLqI2E-B38fQ_B1cVOW5M186WUTVPeKVX_ydLmELM3lNRKArZ_mo5NP8PxLV4E-HlHS3gldqbKXtqQlMSNZPgZiM1t1HCBzy/s1600/IMG_2272.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490072534603773170" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjsyMp7A5VS6BVzaDghJUEBfehSLKylv9ZalCfS1CYQANkCLqI2E-B38fQ_B1cVOW5M186WUTVPeKVX_ydLmELM3lNRKArZ_mo5NP8PxLV4E-HlHS3gldqbKXtqQlMSNZPgZiM1t1HCBzy/s320/IMG_2272.JPG" /></a></p><br /><p>So, looking ahead, there's <a href="http://www.artinaction.org.uk/">Art In Action</a> to look forward to on 15-18th July, and then in August it's the <a href="http://www.ifg.org.uk/">International Festival of Glass</a>. Having attended both in the past I heartily recommend them.</p><p>If you're a National Trust member you can get<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-trust/w-support/w-competitions_offers-2/w-art_in_action.htm"> two tickets for the price of one </a> for Art in Action if you book before 11th July! That's a saving of £14. I love a bargain!</p><p>I will shortly be visiting Cornwall, and there's an exhibition I'm particularly keen to see in Falmouth at the Here and Now Gallery. </p><p><a href="http://girlswhodraw.wordpress.com/2010/05/20/travelling-menagerie-at-here-and-now-gallery-july-2010/"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 227px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5490074996865790002" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiy90zrR05-YuseidQFAS2oAczy9tJCe-ntMkIjH1fzDTlQsxa5r9zeNX24CAcJtDl7tP3KtDEFOI2ndlV9f_JxV_QAGTbz25ftWkQjWQHyaVLHtH1bsxosbf_Tg9bpExNEIVu9DOt5AeQm/s320/menagerie.jpg" /></a></p><p>With thanks to <a href="http://dollydaydream86.blogspot.com/">Dolly Daydream</a> for alerting me to this. </p><p>Well that's all for now folks. As I mentioned at the beginning, I have a kiln full of beads today, so check back soon to see what I've been making.</p><p>Enjoy the sunshine!<br /></p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-73492056796676743602010-04-24T20:26:00.002+01:002010-04-24T21:26:11.509+01:00Hip Hip Hippo-ray!I can't recall when I first decided that I needed to knit a wild animal. It's not the usual kind of craving, granted, but once the notion was in my head I knew I wouldn't be able to settle until it was done.<br /><br /><br />So here it is. It's a hippo and I knitted it.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4548282571_9080a13a78_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 350px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 331px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4064/4548282571_9080a13a78_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div></div><div>Now it's finished I feel a sense of relief, and I'm wondering what I will next feel compelled to produce. It's very odd how these ideas come to rest in my head. If I was a regular knitter having a sudden yearning to knit an animal may not seem too out of the ordinary. The truth is that prior to the hippo I had knitted nothing more than a couple of scarves in my entire life. And one of these ended up being turned into a cushion cover when I got bored of it! The last scarf I started got no further than about 3 rows before I unpicked it and handed it to my Mum to finish - and what a brilliant job she did of it too. But, it bothered me. It bothered me that I'd been beaten. I was disappointed with myself for giving up. </div><div></div><br /><div>When I was little I had a few violin lessons. I hated them, but I really wanted to succeed. The violin teacher decided that the violin really wasn't my forte and 'let me go' from the class. He was completely right to do so, because it was never going to happen for me, but I was so cross that I'd let a stupid little violin beat me. </div><div></div><br /><div>A couple of years later, at a different school, the teacher asked if anyone would like to learn to play the cello. I didn't hesitate. My hand shot into the air as I realised this was the perfect opportunity for me to redeem myself, to myself. I'd show that stupid little violin a thing or two by learning to play it's bigger relation! I was never that good at it, but I played in the school orchestra. I was probably rubbish, but I didn't care. I'd proved to myself that I could do it.</div><div></div><br /><div>Years later I still need to prove to myself that I can 'do stuff'. Although it can be inconvenient at times when these compulsions take over, I wouldn't change it at all. If I'd not given in to these notions, I would never have made a glass bead. Or abseiled from a water tower. Or knitted a hippo!</div><div></div><br /><div>So I'm feeling nicely calm now and can tick the "Knit a Hippo" box. The desperate obsession to knit passed the moment I sewed the tail on my hippo and declared him finished, but I will definitely be knitting more regularly now.</div><div></div><br /><div>I wonder what my next challenge will be! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-69123934353440661212010-03-21T11:29:00.009+00:002010-03-21T12:17:44.341+00:00Fossils RevisitedLong-time followers may remember my exitement at finding a tiny but perfect <a href="http://bumpybeads.blogspot.com/2008/08/fossil-hunting.html">fossil </a>on a trip to Charnmouth a couple of summers ago. This is it before I was brave enough to clean it up;<br /><br /><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3178/2725791004_4c5fe0dda2.jpg" /><br /><br />This fossil inspired my <a href="http://bumpybeads.blogspot.com/2008/08/fossil-collection.html">fossil bead series</a> and I have been harbouring ideas of making some silver jewellery from my ammonite too. This weekend I finally got around to it. Silver clay is not my most favourite medium to work in as I am by no means a perfectionist with it, but I wanted an organic finish to the pieces, so my rougher style was for once an advantage!<br /><br />First, I made a mould of my fossil from a flexible alginate-based compound.<br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6mPtPh9rA-IsGn4iQDwyrBiihenrkk6z7SMzxG-RAOIwOf__lw5EDFSJLQG6c_jp1w1UJEypmp6gRq-9glQEIlP07bI2CPEOK1wqKupMfHPzjr9RDVDRHEtgDcNQN4e023WhD4kVKf7R/s1600-h/Amm1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451049464777186674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv6mPtPh9rA-IsGn4iQDwyrBiihenrkk6z7SMzxG-RAOIwOf__lw5EDFSJLQG6c_jp1w1UJEypmp6gRq-9glQEIlP07bI2CPEOK1wqKupMfHPzjr9RDVDRHEtgDcNQN4e023WhD4kVKf7R/s320/Amm1.JPG" /></a> Then I filled the mould with precious metal clay.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dLWr3S0dwl3FUSvrstIPtkiFdCEvuvsUgzaaqHausAUjFA2dxtcUgsX4xrkRxr2267Z9EkosYA1p6KOyXO6K4CGnHowYnEkvbfzPfQf7kUPj6JNWDVRFnB-Fc35CLMyHXrpeX6LkdYYF/s1600-h/Amm2.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451050361048047730" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_dLWr3S0dwl3FUSvrstIPtkiFdCEvuvsUgzaaqHausAUjFA2dxtcUgsX4xrkRxr2267Z9EkosYA1p6KOyXO6K4CGnHowYnEkvbfzPfQf7kUPj6JNWDVRFnB-Fc35CLMyHXrpeX6LkdYYF/s320/Amm2.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><p>I popped the moulded ammonite out and left it to dry completely. Then I made another! I attached some fine silver earring posts to the back of the earrings with clay paste, and left them to dry again. Then I sanded the pieces to neaten the edges and fired them.</p><p>Once they had cooled I brushed them with a brass bristle brush to reveal the satiny silver surface. Then I burnished the earrings with an agate burnisher to bring out the shine and popped them in my tumbler for a couple of hours. Finally, I polished them with jeweller's rouge. This is the end result.<br /></p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmcGz0bG6IDNFUlqKTut0N3DNgaSb3V-AxsuuOBU-q8a1skx1AWEFRDz7O8LOsWFBNv_EO4Fch_6-z9ixobvu0LiRtXZVonFOqAuOrLcm4IanfGshwzLN4YqCufbG4oZ1oF97Vf8Iu4uG/s1600-h/Amm4.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451052319932535762" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBmcGz0bG6IDNFUlqKTut0N3DNgaSb3V-AxsuuOBU-q8a1skx1AWEFRDz7O8LOsWFBNv_EO4Fch_6-z9ixobvu0LiRtXZVonFOqAuOrLcm4IanfGshwzLN4YqCufbG4oZ1oF97Vf8Iu4uG/s320/Amm4.JPG" /></a><br /><p>Then I decided to make an ammonite charm too, which I have used in a necklace I made for myself. I used some of my organic lampwork beads with some citrine, smoky quartz and crystal quartz briolettes, and hung them of a silver ring which I hammered to texturise. I don't often make jewellery for myself, so I'm realy pleased with my matching necklace and earring set. I've also made an extra charm which I've just turned into a simple pendant.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizds58HMV-M4L5Jep8a7wiTIgBHZ9wzYIMp7mIMOKXCSvTj_mfc-QwJTMQysqkGA8E2haNsuOg3cod5zoqEnIKpfBHT-0TimP1Nr-WVX1PtLjAr2mmxUMtOCj4_M5rDDXeiHlRVwSmbpRc/s1600-h/Amm5.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451052790883308802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizds58HMV-M4L5Jep8a7wiTIgBHZ9wzYIMp7mIMOKXCSvTj_mfc-QwJTMQysqkGA8E2haNsuOg3cod5zoqEnIKpfBHT-0TimP1Nr-WVX1PtLjAr2mmxUMtOCj4_M5rDDXeiHlRVwSmbpRc/s320/Amm5.JPG" /></a> I'm off out to lunch today to celebrate my parents' Golden Wedding Anniversary, which is the perfect occasion to wear my new jewellery!<br /></p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-3722607662983216692010-03-16T19:10:00.009+00:002010-03-16T20:24:37.802+00:00Elephant Fundraiser a Trumpeting Success!You may remember that I was asked to make two pieces of jewellery to be auctioned at the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's <a href="http://www.elephantfundraiser.com/2009/10/to-attend-event.html">Elephant Gala Fundraiser</a> in New York. <br /><br />The first one was dedicated to Turkwel. I made some lampwork beads with lots of silver in them and paired them up with some smoky quartz.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HeeQLo5x7-BLszfrd05N4nokiW-x5wgAmEVDuPaOcpw9L36EAXz5jJim-aKz-NYU_oFEHytVVbKzD0FJdUzN52R-5q_Fu57gxN_XyPTHrHKR3YoJpC7o0L4vhNaDmPENApAjiOMdM3XK/s1600-h/turk1.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449319564697778546" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5HeeQLo5x7-BLszfrd05N4nokiW-x5wgAmEVDuPaOcpw9L36EAXz5jJim-aKz-NYU_oFEHytVVbKzD0FJdUzN52R-5q_Fu57gxN_XyPTHrHKR3YoJpC7o0L4vhNaDmPENApAjiOMdM3XK/s320/turk1.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjg5cVk3T2bD5KfF1cqzExh9faclRaT_elEEztRVGdZ5NxfRiETu66rtvzrvO-GaZ1rE4JMHth16Gw6PzxllUzVevF-C6IZ_GMl7GDi7uNhPBswfNvRWKMcNe0TGA5AiqpuxFud8Lk8LA/s1600-h/Turka.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449317442188566866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjg5cVk3T2bD5KfF1cqzExh9faclRaT_elEEztRVGdZ5NxfRiETu66rtvzrvO-GaZ1rE4JMHth16Gw6PzxllUzVevF-C6IZ_GMl7GDi7uNhPBswfNvRWKMcNe0TGA5AiqpuxFud8Lk8LA/s320/Turka.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRhHnAgrvjeV2t2foNs_VB97P0CiMWrRwDmXBdQEJY4cEhyphenhyphen1VdsdGcqusoNyIDYL7518pRlJLb7Lt9T0xN98UjrI7ciIZ_JyDb7Psxxl43j4i1hL-dD71QAbPvngA3XlDcQosZRiv9UVY/s1600-h/Turkb.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449317451325298466" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxRhHnAgrvjeV2t2foNs_VB97P0CiMWrRwDmXBdQEJY4cEhyphenhyphen1VdsdGcqusoNyIDYL7518pRlJLb7Lt9T0xN98UjrI7ciIZ_JyDb7Psxxl43j4i1hL-dD71QAbPvngA3XlDcQosZRiv9UVY/s320/Turkb.JPG" /></a> </div><br /><div>The second piece was dedicated to Chaimu. This time I made some organic cream and amethyst beads and wired them up with some amethyst briolettes.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0XyMbr1HmIaW9TCCUw4ZsP2Ah4IbThxiWklgIj7oY-lYfRvBJZpJFJEliLZbnx4v2rXYVJ_68gh3Y-ozAmXKtUTBKHqquJ4QaS0e8cKWSp_HegoVKbZH1c9IBd1cJjWXdfYxvPn0O1Yy/s1600-h/Chaim.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449320019626471954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0XyMbr1HmIaW9TCCUw4ZsP2Ah4IbThxiWklgIj7oY-lYfRvBJZpJFJEliLZbnx4v2rXYVJ_68gh3Y-ozAmXKtUTBKHqquJ4QaS0e8cKWSp_HegoVKbZH1c9IBd1cJjWXdfYxvPn0O1Yy/s320/Chaim.JPG" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKGsvpLo9T8Mjmxx_Ld1mteuDVIhxxIZNt3Q8KM4RG5fwRrbAlljWno2dA2Fq8tCzK03AXOfpTRXR7G8JUIqiXJ251mcTuTT77_ksqQx77skDTVV7f7kzPDn_5iB4QUENCKYmIwHvfh-a/s1600-h/Chaimua.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449317459148767586" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCKGsvpLo9T8Mjmxx_Ld1mteuDVIhxxIZNt3Q8KM4RG5fwRrbAlljWno2dA2Fq8tCzK03AXOfpTRXR7G8JUIqiXJ251mcTuTT77_ksqQx77skDTVV7f7kzPDn_5iB4QUENCKYmIwHvfh-a/s320/Chaimua.JPG" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aQTaO_QNV_lpu5m2Fm-ReVfAAyKe_ENltfpP4jubrYTNBT5DU5R60s9UZ6RcVDNA3BLHaH6ilMfXOtEzvP8x1cG2Kq7522tcB9QqpRJ8hByTSPYAuz25frx8A__A_UmHyvagXRwjAMkw/s1600-h/Chaimub.JPG"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449317467627267810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-aQTaO_QNV_lpu5m2Fm-ReVfAAyKe_ENltfpP4jubrYTNBT5DU5R60s9UZ6RcVDNA3BLHaH6ilMfXOtEzvP8x1cG2Kq7522tcB9QqpRJ8hByTSPYAuz25frx8A__A_UmHyvagXRwjAMkw/s320/Chaimub.JPG" /></a>I am pleased to report that the event itself was a resounding success, and the evening raised $70,000! The pieces I made sold for a total of $750, which I am really pleased with. </div><div><br /><br />The picture below was taken by Beth Dietz, a DSWT supporter who attended the event, and has kindly allowed me to use her picture of the Turkwel piece as displayed in New York. Thank you Beth! </div><div><br /></div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb6Kkuc5kh6IziHo_roSVR9mB8cXXfRFxaDMzTvGoDH4pe8dG0ceJiL-BOcLtTS5mzxY-WFWlunK6SduPMKpf1PQ4uOKVICDxfa-NKchXiEVJpkgwqkiS57tjKPq5ElqP-TlfjoC-hVl8/s1600-h/turkny1.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449323186737390018" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwb6Kkuc5kh6IziHo_roSVR9mB8cXXfRFxaDMzTvGoDH4pe8dG0ceJiL-BOcLtTS5mzxY-WFWlunK6SduPMKpf1PQ4uOKVICDxfa-NKchXiEVJpkgwqkiS57tjKPq5ElqP-TlfjoC-hVl8/s320/turkny1.jpg" /></a><br /><div><div><div><a href="http://www.kristindavis.me/">Kristin Davis</a>, of Sex and the City fame, was the guest speaker for the evening. </div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Kristin gave a brilliant account of how she was involved in the rescue of little Chaimu when she was visiting Kenya. Kristin is a fabulous supporter of the Trust and has seen first hand the incredible difference that it makes to the lives of the elephants, who are orphaned often as a result of poaching or other human intervention.<br /><br />By the wonders of modern technology you can <a href="http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/5008714">watch Kristin's speech</a> on Ustream.<br /><br />I learned today that the person who bought the Chaimu necklace presented it to Kristin as a gift and I am told that she loves it! I hope it serves as a reminder of the part she played in Chaimu's rescue, and that she wears it often. </div><br /><div>If you would like to support the work of the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust you can <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/">foster your very own elephant orphan.</a></div></div></div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-11744423040056261302010-03-14T18:50:00.002+00:002010-03-14T19:05:20.824+00:00Moon Flowers look like this....<div><div><div><div>If there were flowers on the moon, maybe they would look like this;</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/4432087964_9b0a7e4eb8_o.jpg" /><br /><div>I rarely combine silvered ivory with florals, but I quite like how my MoonFlower bead turned out.</div><br /><div>The promise of spring has definitely affected my bead designs, and this is one of the many florals I have been making recently. I called this one 'Peace'.<br /></div><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 336px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4057/4431327763_0b6490460d_o.jpg" /><br /><div>And now a couple of sets. The first one is stepping stones over a babbling brook;</div><br /><div></div><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 326px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2745/4431326305_60e8690b08_o.jpg" /> <div>And the second sets inspired by a packet of lentils! </div><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4432095318_962bd93f57_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4054/4432095318_962bd93f57_o.jpg" /></a> Inspiration can come from the oddest places...<br /><br />Have a great week!</div></div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-50797687240178313792010-03-06T17:30:00.004+00:002010-03-06T18:12:44.671+00:00Dad - this one's for you!Having just got off the phone to my Dad, who has observed that I haven't updated my blog lately, I thought I had better rectify that!<br /><br />Despite treating myself to two long weekends away from work specifically to make beads I managed a pitiful amount. The reason for this was two-fold.<br /><br />On the first weekend I managed just three beads before, for some inexplicable reason, plunging my left index finger into the flame. Ouch!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cCn28tSgY_jUhKEAzxYGHwJkYkJgrUjQBqCLE-otoNZGb2oKzn32GKU7_QIc3IVhkucgQi7VhmWeZnzMP6CMPVBwRTbq-MOx26Axfwn4cJAHUqJ1DvWkdvVMAfZonBAn9JPNMLWDGA3g/s1600-h/ouch-call-the-ambulance-3.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 225px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 225px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445583995925599698" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_cCn28tSgY_jUhKEAzxYGHwJkYkJgrUjQBqCLE-otoNZGb2oKzn32GKU7_QIc3IVhkucgQi7VhmWeZnzMP6CMPVBwRTbq-MOx26Axfwn4cJAHUqJ1DvWkdvVMAfZonBAn9JPNMLWDGA3g/s320/ouch-call-the-ambulance-3.jpg" /></a> <div>My finger smoked, and my nail baked to a black crust and the smell of burning flesh filled the room. My head told me I needed to abandon the bead I had just spent the last 15 minutes on, and which was nearly finished, and head to the cold water tap. My heart told me to ignore the agony and finish the bead. Almost without exception my heart wins the day in these circumstances, but this time, because I could tell it was a big burn, I did the sensible thing and sacrificed my bead to save my finger.<br /><div></div><br /><div>So for the next 30 minutes I held my finger under running water, and for the rest of the day whenever the wave of agony resurfaced I ran to the freezer and grabbed the peas. Being sensible paid off, and I avoided a blister, but I wasn't able to feel the tip of my finger until Thursday when the hardened end of it finally fell off! Eew! </div><div></div><br /><div>Other beadmakers will know that once you've had a burn there is little possibility of making beads for about a week, as every time the burn gets warm again it hurts like heck. So that was that for my first beadmaking weekend.</div><div></div><br /><div>So it was with a significant amount of eagerness and expectation that I approached the following long weekend. I finished work on Wednesday evening and had an entire four days with nothing much planned except beadmaking. Imagine how fed up I was when I came down with the lurgy on Wednesday evening, only to feel human again in time to return to work the following Monday morning! Urgh! Why do these things always happen?!</div><div></div><br /><div>Well, I did manage a brief session at the torch, and the two sets below are the result of that.</div><br /><div></div><div>This first set is called 'Agateous' on account of it reminding me of Moss Agate. I've used a lovely, deep clay-red glass which I heated until it was soupy and blended with ivory, black and silver. The black has webbed through the other colours which gives the agatey feel.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4410655941_a0ffa9e0ae_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4047/4410655941_a0ffa9e0ae_o.jpg" /></a> <div></div><div>The second set is called 'First Frost' and I've used a lovely opal glass in sky blue, which I've decorated with silvery fronds.</div><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4411423364_1dc0c22824_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4013/4411423364_1dc0c22824_o.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div>I have another day off work next Friday, but you know what? I'm not going to plan a beadmaking session at all, and I'll just see what happens.</div><div></div><br /><div>This week I ran a couple of giveaways. So congratulations to Julie H-B and Janet (JayeSpangles) who both won a set of ring pellets to try out. If you would like to try these yourself take a look at my Etsy listing where you can read the full instructions on how to use these clever pellets to ensure your precious metal rings are a perfect fit.</div><div></div><br /><div>Thats all for now. Have a great week.</div><br /><div></div><div>(See you soon Dad - love you xx)</div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-42468226996353786572010-02-15T20:34:00.004+00:002010-02-15T21:22:10.653+00:00Spirograph ArtWhen I was little my <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spirograph">Spirograph </a>was one of my best ever gifts. But why should something as fabulous as the Spirograph set be reserved for children? I have dusted off my set and had great fun creating these <a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40769270">Spirograph Art cards</a>.<br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4360302356_ea33d37b06_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2707/4360302356_ea33d37b06_o.jpg" /></a> <div>You will find them in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BumpyBeads">Etsy shop</a>. They are not printed reproductions. They are the genuine article, drawn by hand, individually, in ink. I am selling them in sets of five, wrapped in ribbon and cellophane, so buy them for yourself or as a unique gift for someone else.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4359561903_2daedd9bf6_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 330px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2575/4359561903_2daedd9bf6_o.jpg" /></a><br />Spirograph was invented by <a href="http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/comment/obituaries/article817803.ece">Denys Fisher</a>, a British Engineer. It is made up of plastic cog wheels, with rails and circles for them to run along and around. The Spirograph’s wheels are of different diameters, with holes for the pen tip at different distances from the centre. With the turn of the wheel, the pen traces out hypotrochoid and epitrochoid curves. I don't understand what that means at all, but it sounds very clever and I can pretend I'm actually doing something deeply mathematical instead of just making pretty patterns for fun!<br /><br /><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4359561789_cecf0ea8c1_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 450px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 337px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4059/4359561789_cecf0ea8c1_o.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I remember that there was a version of spirograph for younger children, called Spirotot. My sister had one of those and I wish we'd kept it!<br /><br />Spirograph is still being made today, but unfortunately it is nowhere near as good as those produced in the 60's and 70's. There is also a pretentiously named "Hypotrochoid set" available in a nifty tin, and while it does the job it's still nowhere near as good as the original Spirograph.<br /><br />Oh they don't make things like they used to!<br /><br />I'll be listing some more sets in various colour schemes shortly, but I have to say that I rather like the classiness of the monotone set.<br /><br />I have a set of beads to list too, just as soon as I've wrestled them from the mandrels and cleaned them. Now if only I could produce a spirograph design on a bead. Now that would be cool....<br /><br /><br /></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-12469626050273020702010-02-06T16:12:00.008+00:002010-02-06T17:15:41.379+00:00New Beads & Other NewsI have new beads to show you this week at long last!<br /><br />This first set is called "Andromeda"<br /><br /><br /><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=40142228"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4029/4335071806_46d1e774ef_o.jpg" /></a><br />and the second set is one of my favourites; "Lyme".<br /><br /></p><p><a href="http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=vl_other_2&listing_id=40141861"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 360px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/4334329919_89aec1228f_o.jpg" /></a></p><p>I plan to be producing beads a little more often than I have managed over the past few weeks, so keep checking <a href="http://www.bumpybeads.co.uk/">my site</a> and my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bumpybeads/sets/72157621232962958/">gallery</a> for new beads.<br /><br />Despite the lack of beads, I have been busy making beads and jewellery for a very exciting fundraiser event in New York. <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/index.asp">The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust </a>are hosting an <a href="http://www.elephantfundraiser.com/2009/05/coming-soon.html">Elephant Gala Fundraiser </a>at <a href="http://www.dutescoart.com/">The Wild Horses of Sable Island Gallery</a>, and I was asked to make two pieces for the charity auction. So I have made pieces for two special orphan elephants; <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphan_profile.asp?N=215">Chaimu </a>and <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/orphan_profile.asp?N=221">Turkwel</a>.<br /><br />Now this is the exciting bit! Their guest speaker is <a href="http://www.elephantfundraiser.com/2009/05/menu.html">Kristin Davis</a>, of Sex and the City fame, and she is (hopefully) going to be wearing one of the pieces for the evening. Gulp! Kristin was involved in the rescue of Chaimu, a male baby ele when she was visiting Kenya. I'm hoping Kristin might like the Chaimu piece enough to place a bid! Well you never know ;)<br /><br />I will post some piccies of the pieces I made once the auction details are in the public domain, which should be soon.<br /><br />I was asked to send a copy of my Bumpy Beads logo for them to add to the event Sponsors page, which I duly sent. It is quite bizarre to see my little logo displayed against some big brands, particularly the iconic Vespa brand. I think I could get used to it though!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.elephantfundraiser.com/2009/05/sponsors.html"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 311px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435169630630348978" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN__TPrbmp1Q0rkDLheLu2_CYCfY9pZXixrPVzsgA4i0bnZHADRCjXJi8EbMQLDuOdh_6b18NV8wWDEbP8TVVgdtGydhao_mOMyVypsQfSIiSeglkj_wDPXp0UoJEOMfLGQ0QrKizaAWmc/s400/fundraiser.png" /></a> I was wandering around the website of Making Jewellery magazine yesterday evening when I stumbled across some pictures of my beads and jewellery. These particular pieces featured in a recent edition of the magazine, but I didn't know they were online too! My beads are the ones at the bottom of the page, on the left. I'm sharing the page with some of Laura Sparling's delicious <a href="http://www.beadsbylaura.co.uk/BBLCupcakeBeads.htm">cupcake beads</a>.</p><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfUS5dR0t3uAEK4S0_uBDHnmX7O7vfeSjAA6Fem9-HzgM8W0YlPbCZ_rwDWFM43f8eBCk1HzHFx9-deHH3JPJFrRbDumW4G0-t8TNV5U0z6AEkHZEjlYo-qdGyaOa8DPCcwqBypHOA_bM/s1600-h/mj1.png"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 218px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435173725425248562" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCfUS5dR0t3uAEK4S0_uBDHnmX7O7vfeSjAA6Fem9-HzgM8W0YlPbCZ_rwDWFM43f8eBCk1HzHFx9-deHH3JPJFrRbDumW4G0-t8TNV5U0z6AEkHZEjlYo-qdGyaOa8DPCcwqBypHOA_bM/s400/mj1.png" /></a><br />The other thing I have to tell you is that I went all sequins and sparkles a couple of weeks ago and went to see the <a href="http://www.strictlycomedancinglive.com/default.asp?contentID=576">Strictly Tour </a>at the NEC. (Gon on, click the link - you know how you love THAT music!) It was fab! </p><p><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk9e1SgTilVY6z3K7qA3wWwBJxJIeA5WOZweEFhKtdUMy3zhKvXnd_u2bFV2dOE7OVdwgU1SJUmgEX_bkmmB8YU6JLYRXGHNeVvv2UrIcRfrlTzk2MUM_lNEKNbPKoIkjPmpuFqj4h0AP/s1600-h/300logo.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5435179382396558434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWk9e1SgTilVY6z3K7qA3wWwBJxJIeA5WOZweEFhKtdUMy3zhKvXnd_u2bFV2dOE7OVdwgU1SJUmgEX_bkmmB8YU6JLYRXGHNeVvv2UrIcRfrlTzk2MUM_lNEKNbPKoIkjPmpuFqj4h0AP/s400/300logo.jpg" /></a>I am a massive fan of the show and was in my element with Len, Arlene, Craig and Bruno. Kelly Brook is stunningly gorgeous, and the dancing hobbits, Chris and Ola were cute! Ali and Brian were in love, Ricky Groves was funny, Natalie Cassidy did a brilliant quickstep and Austin Healey displayed a marvellous chest, which justified the ticket price all by itself ;) Mark Ramprakash won the trophy the evening I went. I haven't enjoyed a night out so much in ages.<br /><br />I'm back at the NEC again tomorrow, but this time to visit the <a href="http://www.springfair.com/">Spring Fair International</a>. It should be fun!<br /><br />Have a great weekend :)</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-52887740590005234392010-01-27T19:33:00.007+00:002010-01-28T21:38:34.629+00:00QR Codes (more exciting than they sound – read on!)<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyeIkxDetofqpJKBeUe6m4XOqeosZ_MyHybCsAOIULFYpVpSCDTb-OZV5Z100HbT_UgRKn-gUcCcQyPfBRIm_q_bn_HyxOzS8PUL1iiBm9QDrxkboMDOaTBMa1QTSD_-7LHcbzitHqCE6/s1600-h/Barcode.gif"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 190px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyeIkxDetofqpJKBeUe6m4XOqeosZ_MyHybCsAOIULFYpVpSCDTb-OZV5Z100HbT_UgRKn-gUcCcQyPfBRIm_q_bn_HyxOzS8PUL1iiBm9QDrxkboMDOaTBMa1QTSD_-7LHcbzitHqCE6/s320/Barcode.gif" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431518170603221234" /></a><br /><br />Followers of my blog will know that I love gadgets and technology, so when I discovered an app for my iPhone that reads barcodes I was in my element. There are <a href="http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/search?entity=software&media=all&page=1&restrict=true&startIndex=0&term=barcode+reader">lots of similar apps</a>, but I downloaded <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/redlaser/id312720263?mt=8">RedLaser</a> to play with. It works on the premise that while out shopping, you scan items, and are immediately presented with details of where you can buy the item, and how the price compares at different retailers. <br /><br />So, of course, I set to work zapping everything in my kitchen cupboard. The barcode reader worked really well and scanned everything I presented to it. However, although the app is supposed to support us here in the UK it is clear that its catalogue is just not as well developed as one would have hoped. But I had fun and learned more about bar codes than I ever knew there was to learn!<br /><br />This led me to the discovery of QR Codes, or ‘Quick Response’ Codes. I’ve often seen little square codes on the backs of products, or in magazines, and even on the front page of Moo stickers, but I’ve never understood their potential. <br /><br />Of course, I may be way behind the rest of you in learning about this technology, but for the uninitiated QR Codes are 2 dimensional barcodes. This means that unlike the barcodes we are more familiar with, like the one above, they carry information on both the horizontal and vertical planes. By carrying information in both directions, QR code can carry up to several hundred times the amount of data carried by ordinary bar codes. <br /><br />QR code was developed by <a href="http://www.denso-wave.com/qrcode/index-e.html">Denso</a> in 1994 and has been used in wide variety of applications, such as manufacturing, logistics, and sales applications. In terms of common everyday use, QR Code is now being used in all kinds of ways. Look out for it printed on paperback spines, or at exhibitions and events. <br /><br />Ok, so now we know what they are, but so what? How can I read them?<br /><br />To read QR code you need a QR Reader. Many of the Japanese smartphones actually have an inbuilt QR Reader, but for those that don’t there are plenty of <a href="http://ax.search.itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZSearch.woa/wa/search?media=all&term=qr+reader">downloadable readers </a>to choose from, many of which are free. I chose <a href="http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/i-nigma-qr-datamatrix-barcode-reader/id331895424?mt=8">i-nigma</a>, by 3GVision Inc for the iPhone. You just launch the app, scan the code through the phone camera, and you can then retrieve the information contained in the code. If the information is a link to a website you can launch the site directly from your mobile. <br /><br />This technology has massive potential. In Japan and the US QR codes are now being displayed in the corner of movie posters. Scanning the code will take you straight to the movie trailer. Brilliant!<br /><br />You will by now realise from my blogs that for me pretty much everything eventually comes around to beads and jewellery, and you’ll be pleased to read that this blog is no different! The <a href="http://www.springfair.com/">Spring Fair & Jewellery Show </a>at the NEC in February will make use of QR Codes in a massive way. <br /><br />They will be using QR codes as a method of accessing <a href="http://m.springfair.com">http://m.springfair.com</a>, which is the mobile event site. QR codes will be displayed prominently on Spring Fair signage and other marketing collateral enabling visitors to access the site directly from their phones. They list the benefits of this technology as;<br /><br />• Convenience for visitors of comprehensive event and exhibitor details in the palm of their hand.<br />• Ability for visitors to plan the day’s schedule of exhibitor visits, presentations and seminars.<br />• Convenience for visitors of all exhibitor contact details and product information still at their fingertips once they’re left the show.<br /><br />All too often new technology, while very impressive, actually has very little practical application. I think the reverse is true in the case of QR code. It’s quite incredible really that although it has been around for over 15 years it’s not used more in this way. I guess as more people migrate to smartphones QR code becomes more accessible, so perhaps we’re on the verge of something that will grow and grow. Who knows?<br /><br />So, the next logical step was to create my very own QR Code for my <a href="http://www.bumpybeads.co.uk/">Bumpy Beads </a>website, and here it is;<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5yeAYJuTnPv7R5uMEWJeGMpcT8YvPerMLMExzxnCciBY8oHoiX7nmI0ui9npmjieP_JZ2_qqGkeVhiGolc2CKmSOJjAkzjx0AykvEflaARlZZQ7m-Xd0_gao78hqkvRkHLsrAoVFvX4B/s1600-h/BumpyBeads.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 248px; height: 248px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU5yeAYJuTnPv7R5uMEWJeGMpcT8YvPerMLMExzxnCciBY8oHoiX7nmI0ui9npmjieP_JZ2_qqGkeVhiGolc2CKmSOJjAkzjx0AykvEflaARlZZQ7m-Xd0_gao78hqkvRkHLsrAoVFvX4B/s320/BumpyBeads.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516331375184226" /></a> <br /><br />Scanning the code will reveal that it points directly to <a href="http://www.BumpyBeads.co.uk">www.BumpyBeads.co.uk</a>. Brilliant!<br /><br />The next step will be for me to reproduce the QR code onto the reverse of my business cards. Stickers with my code can be placed on the backs of my jewellery boxes. Imagine it printed onto a t-shirt and worn at a Bead Fair! Or on a vinyl car window sticker, or a tote bag... or... well... anywhere really!<br /><br />It is also completely possible to direct the QR code to a different place each day, so one day someone scanning it would be taken to my website, or another day to my Etsy Shop. I could point people to a different beadmaking or jewellery making tip each week, or link people to my favourite site of the week. So my business card would become so much more than just another business card. It would evolve, and be exciting, and worth hanging on to!<br /><br />Scanning the QR code below will point you to my Etsy Shop, but scan it tomorrow and it may well point you somewhere entirely different. How exciting!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIwO9LomagxAWE3T9Ys801b5Nc1RoKjvEQin1ibhT1YPmYtjukUonj_fA-C-g-XKbDrvcKjIfKzuT3AfL4_iIml4cA_8sSI2XkplMtfjLV7fGCQpwX70SYS1dT3K58WgPSiKYa4HowhBX/s1600-h/RandomQR.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 296px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIwO9LomagxAWE3T9Ys801b5Nc1RoKjvEQin1ibhT1YPmYtjukUonj_fA-C-g-XKbDrvcKjIfKzuT3AfL4_iIml4cA_8sSI2XkplMtfjLV7fGCQpwX70SYS1dT3K58WgPSiKYa4HowhBX/s320/RandomQR.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431516554291087650" /></a><br /><br />The possibilities are endless, so I’m just going for a lie down now I’ve worn myself out thinking about them. But look out for QR code on my website, in my blog, on my business cards and wherever else I can use it!<br /><br />Happy scanning!Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-29763893727219669902010-01-18T19:19:00.002+00:002010-01-18T19:39:59.915+00:00New Year, New Beads!My first blog of the year, so I'll begin by wishing you all a Happy New Year. It's been a very odd year so far and off to a bit of a slow start, mainly due to the snow. And we have more forecast for this Wednesday. Now I love a bit of a snowy sprinkly to prettify the place, but come on now... enough is enough! It's amazing how quickly the "magical sparkle" of the snow can turn into a "tedious slushy mess". I blame myself really. I wished for it. Two hours later we had three inches of the stuff and I was struggling to get up the hill I live on.<br /><br />The moral of this story must surely be "Be careful what you wish for"!<br /><br />So here are my first beads of the year. I have another Taj focal, this time a lentil shape, with some lovely detail;<br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4285056557_3623f96219_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4285056557_3623f96219_m.jpg" /> </a><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4285799678_6b9df9544e_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4062/4285799678_6b9df9544e_m.jpg" /></a><br />Then there is a set of wavy beads, so I'm cleverly calling these, ummm... wave beads! <p></p><p></p><p><a href="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4285799190_62423c2586_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4063/4285799190_62423c2586_m.jpg" /></a> I love the shape of these. They really demonstrate the versatility of glass.</p><p>Finally a set of beads inspired by the night sky and star gazing adventures through my telescope.<br /><br />The Pinwheel Galaxy is a spiral galaxy about 27 million light-years away and about twice the size of the Milky Way.<br /><br />This set of Pinwheel Galaxy beads was inspired by the fabulous swirl of this beautiful galaxy. Droplets of real silver on the surface of the bead represent the starry masses that hang in the galaxy's gravitational sphere.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4285056477_ca0430aa8f_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 180px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2788/4285056477_ca0430aa8f_m.jpg" /></a></p><br /><p>All of these beads are listed in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/BumpyBeads">Etsy Shop</a>. </p><p>I'm busy making some jewellery for a special project at the moment, but I'm hoping to be making lots more beads again soon. </p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-76289298601046787942009-12-19T21:53:00.003+00:002009-12-19T22:07:22.851+00:00Tutorial in "Making Jewellery" MagazineI have a tutorial published in the current issue (10) of "Making Jewellery" Magazine, so I just thought I'd let you know! It's a really simple tutorial that shows some easy techniques for making your jewellery more versatile so that you can wear it in different ways.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVEdsNCWw0EPVDSBAz-420h8a5GOL34nnBjuwGz3yQ4nw1_Q0ORUXw8WLKPT5hEcLfroGShb8NHdhx_4QU4hPlDpO3WlC0QFhtSKLBgMB_fzT-dJ2u3otO5lpL-LARDH5qmVO-PfxhFVe/s1600-h/makingjewellerymag.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5417071353843282578" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQVEdsNCWw0EPVDSBAz-420h8a5GOL34nnBjuwGz3yQ4nw1_Q0ORUXw8WLKPT5hEcLfroGShb8NHdhx_4QU4hPlDpO3WlC0QFhtSKLBgMB_fzT-dJ2u3otO5lpL-LARDH5qmVO-PfxhFVe/s320/makingjewellerymag.jpg" /></a><br /><div>They have also featured some of my pieces in their Readers' Showcase, so I'm quite pleased!</div><br /><div>It's a great issue this month and it comes with a fab 2010 calendar, so don't miss out.</div><div> </div><div>On sale in all good newsagents now! I hope you enjoy the tutorial.</div><div></div><div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-13153575174224236802009-12-16T19:48:00.004+00:002009-12-16T20:08:49.408+00:00What a result!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwbesBgnr8BxbWxpTVPoPgxd6_l2R47c16roCyFrkkBWEEp_5Da3GGQwZ7fCAJTBtApLZTjrJBFJJcNzuhRIOlFPSwOu7dL77xCXCTilgG4I41rjBJjr_RfPZxSIsBkjwJGEYA_JsHOat/s1600-h/trunk.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 308px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5415927937541866306" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRwbesBgnr8BxbWxpTVPoPgxd6_l2R47c16roCyFrkkBWEEp_5Da3GGQwZ7fCAJTBtApLZTjrJBFJJcNzuhRIOlFPSwOu7dL77xCXCTilgG4I41rjBJjr_RfPZxSIsBkjwJGEYA_JsHOat/s320/trunk.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><div>Wow, what a result! Just over £2500 was raised from the auctions of my jewellery for the <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/">David Shedrick Wildlife Trust</a>. I am staggered! With just six pieces being auctioned that's an average winning bid of over £400 per piece. </div><div></div><br /><div>If you placed a bid - THANK YOU! The Trust really needs the funds to help continue their incredible work rescuing orphan elephants and raising them until they're ready to return to the wild. </div><div></div><br /><div>If you were one of the lucky bidders THANK YOU for your generosity and I hope your jewellery gives you as much pleasure as it gave me to make it.</div><div></div><br /><div>If you're still looking for the perfect Christmas gift for someone who has everything, why not give an elephant? Yes, a real elephant! You can find out how to foster an elephant for a gift for someone, check out<a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/asp/fostering_christmas.asp"> this link</a>.</div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-1713155834657769732009-12-13T17:46:00.003+00:002009-12-13T17:58:50.376+00:00New Beads!It's been too long since I listed new beads, but I have listed some on Etsy today.<br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4182097770_cffb40ea2f_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 217px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2727/4182097770_cffb40ea2f_m.jpg" /></a><br /><div>I have a Taj focal bead and a Taj bead set. These were an experiment with some colour reactions from some special effetre glass, and I'm quite pleased with the colours that emerged. I've called them "Taj" because they remind me of indian sari silk for some reason. I've etched them so that they're silky soft.</div><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4181334727_b18e0d4909_m.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 212px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2724/4181334727_b18e0d4909_m.jpg" /></a><br /><div>Then I've made more of my "All Washed Up" beads in purple and the palest pink.<br /><br /><div><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4181334451_115c98eb80.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 237px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2491/4181334451_115c98eb80.jpg" /></a><br />The pink beads have been hand-shaped into little nuggets and I really like how the light catches the flat facets of these beads.</div><br /><br /><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4181334335_84af696427_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 480px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 214px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2783/4181334335_84af696427_o.jpg" /></a><br /><div>The elephant auctions are doing amazingly well, with bids now having reached over £1000! There are just a couple more days to go before they end, so don't miss out!</div><div> </div><div>I almost forgot! Look out for my project in the January issue of "Making Jewellery", which will be on sale later this week.<br /></div><div>Have a great week.</div></div></div>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1981931629994903230.post-61607825963302568572009-12-08T19:20:00.003+00:002009-12-08T19:48:13.171+00:00Elephant Auctions - now live!It's that time again and the pre-Christmas auctions of jewellery, raising money for the David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust have launched today! They run for seven days, and there are six pieces, dedicated to six special baby elephants;<br /><div align="left"></div><p align="center">Kilaguni<br /></p><p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4039573604_453eab5f8a_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2746/4039573604_453eab5f8a_o.jpg" /></a></p><p align="center">Mutara<br /></p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4039573424_2d56d360c4_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2732/4039573424_2d56d360c4_o.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Nchan<br /></p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4038823805_41a36a6396_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2759/4038823805_41a36a6396_o.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Shaba<br /></p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/4039573552_b8b99ce48f_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3576/4039573552_b8b99ce48f_o.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Tano<br /></p><a href="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4038823859_f3cda6232c_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2535/4038823859_f3cda6232c_o.jpg" /> <p align="center"></a><br />Shukuru<br /></p><a href="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/4038824009_e1f03ccfaa_o.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 427px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3497/4038824009_e1f03ccfaa_o.jpg" /></a><br />The DSWT have had a really busy year, rescuing more baby elephants than ever before, so if you're buying Christmas gifts at the moment, or even thinking of treating yourself, please consider a gift that keeps on giving. <p>The DSWT are also auctioning some completely gorgeous limited edition bronze statues of elephants, with all profits going to the charity. They are all absolutely beautiful, but <a href="http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Little-Maisha-a-baby-elephant-in-bronze_W0QQitemZ190355199373QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Antiques_DecorativeAntiques_Collectables_EH?hash=item2c520dd58d">Maisha</a> is my favourite.<br /></p><p><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 289px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 203px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5412953368378429234" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3ppQ-R4GRtxabsb0PXmM_58Yo3YA10gT8xwNJWOAqCCgimYnp0CL0iaJgRRi81eBN87KarvTr4aYrIaEzViK7tsrcattOopAC5CYlxqvIwB3ZQ3V3bDeIzOC0qmXqutV7oQhf7wo1urSc/s320/Maisha.jpg" /> Or why not give a REALLY different gift this year, and give someone a baby elephant! Or at any rate you can give a gift of a fostered elephant, which is even better (no elephant poop to clear up after!) You can find out how to foster an orphan elephant yourself, or for a gift for someone at the <a href="http://www.sheldrickwildlifetrust.org/">David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust's site</a>.</p><p>Good luck if you decide to bid!</p>Bumpy Beadshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00306246101196299573noreply@blogger.com0