Hama Bead Chanukah Star Decorations

I bought a small children's craft kit from Kosher Kingdom that consisted of a Star of David Hama Bead Board and a few colourful hama beads enough to make one star.
I made up the kit and then thought it would be fun to make some star decorations for our home using the traditional blue and white theme.
I ordered Hama beads in Dark Blue, Light Blue, Silver, White and Pearl and set about making my stars. At a festive 'craft for kids course' at the local school, aimed at helping children be creative, I took my stars in for the group to see as one of the weeks was showcasing Chanukah. As we do not live in a Jewish area this was an opportunity to educate others about the significance of Chanukah and why we observe it. 
My goal was to share about Chanukah and show some of the items I made for my own home. These were very well received and although I had no intention of selling them I was asked if people could place orders. I agreed and landed up with many orders and a sudden shortage of Hama Beads! I left a bead out of each star to allow for a ribbon to be pulled through to make them easy to hang.
Here are some of the patterns I came up with - Hope you like them!

Handbag Charm Dangle End of School Year Gifts for Teachers

I have had little to no time to do any crafting, blogging or glass work as I am fostering to very young, globally delayed, boys. They suck up time and energy like no other children we have cared for and most days I can barely remember my name, but on the plus side they are making huge progress!

Enough of my woes, one of them has been going to nursery for 3 hours a day for a few weeks now and is loving it, so I made the teachers a thank you gift to acknowledge all their hard work with this very challenging child.

I found out their favourite colours (I know their names) so hopefully they will love these personalised handbag charm dangles.
The little guy took great delight in presenting his gifts, which made it all worthwhile.

Race for Life Blackheath 01 July 2012

Just a quick post to say I did it! Those who know me know that running is not something usually associated with me. I started to train for Race for Life as I wanted to run it but then we took 2 children into our care and they are so much work that I just ran around after them all day! In running after, and around, our foster children I sprained my ankle 3 weeks before the event, but I was determined to do it so I strapped it tight, took painkillers and am sure to regret it tomorrow! This is my running number, my message, medal and the gerbera they were selling to raise more funds.

I am chuffed to say I ran over half the 5km and walked the rest in honour of my dad who passed away November 2011. I took 37 minutes to complete my race.

Here is my dad in May 2011 and by early November he was gone.

I know that nothing can bring him back but any money raised hopefully can help those with cancer and those who will be told they have cancer.

Here is my page if anyone wants to make a donation however small, it will be gratefully received by those who need the research to find a cure for this awful disease. http://www.raceforlifesponsorme.org/terrywren

All credit to those fighting cancer and to those who are trying to find a cure and if anyone thinks they want to do Race for Life go for it, it was a lovely day and a very achievable distance.

A special thank you to my team for cheering me on and supporting me, I couldn't have done it without you!

Free Form Purple Sea Sediment Jasper

Sea sediment Jasper is gorgeous and even a little mysterious. I searched Google for a definition to include here and while there are a few comments to say it is apparently not jasper, there is little confirmation of what it actually is instead.

I don't mind not knowing what stone it is because I love the mottled veins, spots and detail. Each piece has its own personality which is why I found these free form beads particularly individualistic and pleasing. Sea sediment Jasper comes in a variety of dyed colours and shapes usually highly polished focal beads are more widely available. A departure from blue I had great fun creating these.

Did you know that like orange and silver no true word rhymes with purple?

But I digress, the bold patterns of the focal bead have small flecks that the liquid gold glass and copper accent beads compliment. Teamed with antique toggle clasp to complete the rich colours reminiscent of Byzantine jewellery.

 

Sky Blue Quartz and Glass Bead Necklaces

Blue is my favourite colour with peacock blues being my absolute fave. These sky blue quartz focal beads are a delicate but unusual shade of blue and reflect the light so beautifully that I just had to make up some necklaces with them.

I am tempted to make some with other colour combinations but so far a variety of shapes in the same shade seem to work best. In saying that one of the necklaces has the palest lavender AB cube beads!

I have changed my Facebook page cover shot to show these too. Do you like them?

 

Comical Glass Kitty Cat Bead Pendants

I have been revamping (aka spring cleaning) my website, improving the photos, adding new items, and reducing clutter. It is now very clutter free and minimalistic, perhaps too much so, I will revisit the new look to make sure I like it.

I made these comical kitty bead pendants. Each one an individual, they have a rhinestone rondelle collar, glass bead body and such a cute expression, only one of each. While playing around with the photos I did these few shots and thought I would share them with you.

I am going to add them to my website with selection options of a cotton and organza multi cord necklace, a key ring or a shepherds crook book mark. If you see one you want before they are all added please say, they are £2.95 each, add £1.00 for a necklace, keyring or bookmark and £0.95 P&P.

I look forward to your comments, suggestions and any thoughts on my 'new look' website.
 

Spring is bursting with colour!

Signs of Spring are all around - beautiful daffodils, birds singing their hearts out and, at the moment glorious blue skies, and some, very welcome, warmth from the sun. This got me thinking what I could add to the mix and these cute rings are the result.

Adjustable Tibetan silver filigree rings each with an individual fused glass cabochon will add a pop of colour to any outfit. I have loads of glass colours so if you don't see the shade you want let me know.

Done just in time for my stall on Thursday night, 29th March, a pamper evening at Langely Park School for Girls so will only be available on my website on Friday.

The photos aren't as great as they could be because I took them too late today but I would love your comments please! 

Let's hope the sun continues to shine so gloriously!