Inspiration

I wanted to put together a post thats not really got anything to do with jewellery but more with the surroundings in which I get inspiration for some of pieces. These are photos thats Ive taken from over Christmas and into January during the storms we have been having. The tides are high at the moment and with the storms thats bringing the opportunity to see some bit waves and great views.

Loads of Copper

Starting out

So Much Copper Wire

I was given a length of wire by an electrician recently that was of no use anymore so that I could strip the copper out of it. Its about 1.5 metres long and has about 30-40 strands on copper inside measuring about 0.5mm. Its taken me all day already just to get some of the rubber coating off as its an outdoor cable so is heavily insulated. When Im done Im going to end up with more copper than I will know what to do with which means loads of experiments. (I honestly have no idea what Im going to do with it but you dont say no to free copper wire).

Its The Blogs 1st Birthday

I have now been blogging for a full year. ts gone by really fast but I have gotten to know some great people along the way and cant wait to get to know some more. My views are consistantly growing and so are my followers here and on twitter and pinterest. So thank you to everyone for sticking with me through this first year as I've learned how to keep a blog running. Come back in the next few days as I have a nice surprise coming to celebrate my First Birthday.

Happy New Year

Happy New Year Everyone

I have some great things planned for this year on the blog including much more from the workshop but dont worry I will still be working with beads (I don thing that will ever change). So feel free to share the blog with friends and family who you think may like what I have posted and will hopefully like whats coming. Thanks for sticking through this first year with me and watch out for a great surprise later on in the week. 

I Bought an Ultrasonic Machine

I was reading through the booklet from Lidl last week (German discount supermarket thats right by my house) and noticed they were selling ultrasonic machines for only €25. They normally only get a limited number of these types of things and then may not get them again for a year or more so I ran to the shop and got one. Its one thing I need for the workshop. It takes all the polish off a piece so easily. It only takes 600ml of water so its small but I have been playing with it and it can take quite a few pieces at a time. A bigger one would have only taken up too much space in the workshop. Thats one more thing marked off the workshop 'to buy' list for after Christmas.

If nothing else my whole family will have sparkling jewellery all the time now.

Merry Christmas

Just a quick note to say Merry Christmas to everyone. I hope you are all having a wonderful time and I will be back very soon with new posts.

Look What Ana Made

Ana from AcBeads was the winner of my Christmas giveaway and she recently posted on her blog a great picture of a beautiful piece she made using the beads I sent to her. She chose to make a handbag charm and used beautiful antique bronze coloured chain and findings and a lovely little charm!

Here's a picture of what I sent again

Now click here and see the finished piece. Thanks for sharing Ana I loved seeing how you used the beads.

My 100th Blog Post

So this post is my 100th blog post and thought it deserved its own post to celebrate. 100 posts in a year isnt bad but I'm aiming for a lot more n 2014 so be warned I have plenty more to come.

Thank You Beads Direct

Beads Direct had a online party last week giving away loads of different prizes and today mine arrived. I won a mug and pen. Both will come in very handy in the workshop so thank you Beads Direct.

Christmas Snowflake

I picked up the December Bumper issue of Making Jewellery Magazine last week and it came with a lovely packet of Preciosa mixed beads in blues and clear colours and a Chaton Rose. (you can also get the pack of beads in green as well). Inside the magazine where instructions to make a snowflake out of the beads using wire so I had to try it out. Im really happy with how its turned out. Its going to have to go on the tree as soon as we put it up.