tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73564140422124445542024-02-06T20:26:46.989-08:00Ooh Miss!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.comBlogger28125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-48801558085823701972011-02-19T06:59:00.000-08:002011-02-19T07:10:13.248-08:00Links I'm Obsessed With 2Time for another round of inspirational gorgeousness!<br /><br /><a href="http://beadorigami.blogspot.com/">Beautiful beaded beads and a sprinkling of origami</a> - I found this whilst looking for origami instructions, and it took my breath away. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.retrotogo.com/">Retro to Go</a> - fast becoming my new favourite website, this has provided me with endless inspiration which is now steadily filling my silversmithing sketchbook.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.corearchitect.co.uk/">Core Architect</a> - is fascinating me at the moment, it's a fairly gentle introduction to architecture and has some really interesting architecture. Again, helping to fill the pages of my silversmithing sketchbook!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-78420525400690062922011-02-16T09:13:00.000-08:002011-02-16T09:14:25.763-08:00Something's in the air...No posts at the moment, a fantastic opportunity may have come my way...watch this space...Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-28238856223017313992011-02-02T06:40:00.000-08:002011-02-02T06:56:15.199-08:00FrustrationAnyone who knows me in real life will know that I suffer from a fairly long term depression. Until now, it has never impacted on my creative side; I has consistently used it as an escape from reality; who could be depressed when looking at such beautiful things?<br /><br />Until now.<br /><br />What is it? Loss of mojo? No, I have a million and one ideas...I just can't get my head around construction. My brain is so slow at the moment, I look at the components and think that I cannot possibly do anything. Added to that whilst cutting some wire today I took a chunk off my index finger, I'm starting to wonder what's wrong with me!<br /><br />My resin experiments are going sorely wrong, I've wrecked a bangle mould and I've lost patience with just about everything right now. Having said that, at least I have a tonne of inspiration, so I guess I'll just have to keep drawing and writing about it until the ability comes back!<br /><br />Until then I have so many beautiful things stashed away in my bookmarks folder to stare at, including the incredibly beautiful <a href="http://skinnerstudio.blogspot.com/">Skinner Studio</a>, a complete resin mistress.<br /><br />Hopefully I'll be back with photos or at least something!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-41184544036002223522011-01-05T07:22:00.000-08:002011-01-05T07:31:54.775-08:00So, here comes 2011...Well, it's here already, who would have thought it. I don't even know where 2010 went! The secret santa bracelet in the previous post went down really well, with everyone, not just the person it was for! I don't think Tracy has taken it off since I gave it to her...I sense a future customer.<br /><br />I've really started my resin enterprise in earnest; the first test pieces are out-<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1_zV103-L8igb8d4MdDU-ItucnAOqeCoqXFh3FJQC9Ij_Be5y0O3K-QIc0u96txeAXbdgnexMEzl2s_MxR4bCP8kFLyi_FgW-srXIHpxpZaAWQtDRmOrMYCYNK1nun8NFJmV1dPU0tY/s1600/IMGP0277.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW1_zV103-L8igb8d4MdDU-ItucnAOqeCoqXFh3FJQC9Ij_Be5y0O3K-QIc0u96txeAXbdgnexMEzl2s_MxR4bCP8kFLyi_FgW-srXIHpxpZaAWQtDRmOrMYCYNK1nun8NFJmV1dPU0tY/s320/IMGP0277.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5558723465356193842" /></a> This will be turned into a ring...well, it would if I hadn't mucked it up and it'd gone cloudy...I left it on the windowsill and noticed that the windowsill sloped...and so had my resin! So I thought I'd be clever and turn it around but this must have led to air bubbles getting trapped in it. The bangle that I did befell the same fate. So, I've now got three moulds setting, all on flat surfaces, all people in the house with strict orders not to move them. Fingers crossed! They should have soft cured at this very point in time, but I'm going to wait until tomorrow and pop them out when they've hard cured. Keep your fingers crossed for me and watch this space!<br /><br />In other news we had a fab Christmas, I taught my niece how to make jewellery (well, it had to happen some time didn't it!) and I got a Wii Fit....so here's hoping I'm slim and trim by this time next year!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-67838344964983707682010-12-07T04:24:00.000-08:002010-12-07T05:10:58.382-08:00Secret Santa Present and work in progressSo I got a secret santa partner who loves silver and turquoise...great, I think, except there's a pretty strict amount of money we should spend. So, presenting Tara:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51aOS17nWBIJNI5OyRltBwxQfexEMK53YQER0Y4cGh_9XzbNsbVfg7pJFW9T5Ao-wLN_VSmLQ23OVyuFjJmI9nLFfbtw31WC15ishp-_U_Nb3l8dRYaE4s5JbQCYZVch2Z-z5DSio3v0/s1600/IMGP0260.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj51aOS17nWBIJNI5OyRltBwxQfexEMK53YQER0Y4cGh_9XzbNsbVfg7pJFW9T5Ao-wLN_VSmLQ23OVyuFjJmI9nLFfbtw31WC15ishp-_U_Nb3l8dRYaE4s5JbQCYZVch2Z-z5DSio3v0/s320/IMGP0260.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547920516052394018" /></a><br />I'm sort of taking this just as a sweet stocking filler bracelet, made from stabilised turquoise and stardust beads, with silver plated fixings. The next one, I'm not entirely sure what to do with. The focal beads are by Julie Fountain, of Lush Lampwork (I think!); mixed up with coated czech glass and these gorgeous, massive jet rondelles. It's going to be finished with a decent weight silver chain, or perhaps a nice ribbon. I've got to get cracking on something to wear at the staff Christmas party, I'm thinking...peacock pearls, onyx and maybe rock crystal... <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC_yjvtTuL6EkK6NOaqzXMY91g8JDi5mBVsXHJ30Zns76qd1biCXMex581Uqjynjyjkk_vxVsL6iYVR9JSBp3p-TNHr7tLzywKOIccW82O1G7dgMabUOQV1xzoszRu79Z6v7KemptymY/s1600/IMGP0263.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvC_yjvtTuL6EkK6NOaqzXMY91g8JDi5mBVsXHJ30Zns76qd1biCXMex581Uqjynjyjkk_vxVsL6iYVR9JSBp3p-TNHr7tLzywKOIccW82O1G7dgMabUOQV1xzoszRu79Z6v7KemptymY/s320/IMGP0263.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5547922252583820530" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-4197513981048150222010-11-29T03:29:00.000-08:002010-12-02T06:54:46.295-08:00My new enterprise begins :)My new enterprise begins...Just ordered my first resin mould and I have my eye on some casting resin...<br /><br />I've got a target for getting this business off the ground. There's a show I want to exhibit at, next September. I've been there before, visiting, and I think resin jewellery would go down really well with the type of people who go there. The only downside...I've got to have enough stock to fill up 10 feet of frontage, for three days! I've got a million and one ideas, so fingers crossed I'll be able to bring this plan to fruition!<br /><br />Barry is adamant that I should be exhibiting at Sandringham next year, but I'm not so sure. It's a lot of wedge to part with (over £300), and while it's well attended, the looks on the faces of the stallholders this weekend didn't make it look as if they were doing a roaring trade. People have to spend so much money to get in to the place it seems as if they don't want to spend when they get in there. Perhaps when I've got myself a reputation built up, and a good amount of stock...but until then, I'm going to focus on smaller enterprises. I'm adamant that I'll get to <a href="http://cluttercity.norwichartscentre.org.uk/">Clutter City</a>, I've been longing to exhibit there for a couple of years now. <br /><br />I'm hoping that this resin idea will take off, so watch this space!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-92017443372723802202010-11-24T04:57:00.000-08:002010-11-24T05:13:28.140-08:00Links I'm Obsessed WithThis week I've mostly been looking at:<br /><br /><a href="http://www.penny-dog.co.uk/">Penny Dog Jewellery</a> - Penny Dog not only has GORGEOUS resin jewellery, but she has fab supplies too and she's one of the first helpful sites I found for creating resin jewellery. She's really original and I love reading her blog and seeing how some of her designs come together. As if all this wasn't enough, she also donates money to the retired greyhounds trust with each sale, a fantastic cause which I feel is truly worth supporting.<br /><br /><a href="http://ilovespoiltpig.com/">I Love Spoilt Pig</a> - Earlier this year I was bought a gorgeous resin pendant from this site, which sparked a faint idea in the back of my head that I'd like to start making resin jewellery alongside the other style I enjoy...so here is my original inspiration for my next project! Spoilt Pig has the funkiest, coolest jewellery that I have ever seen, and I aspire to be able to create as well as this!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/etsyopenstudios/pool">Etsy Open Studios</a> - I long to have a studio like some of these places of gorgeousness! I've been mentally designing my studio for years, and when Barry and I got back together and started looking for houses, he promised me I would have one. Of course, now he has started silversmithing, he is intent on sharing it with me. If any jewellery maker that is reading this has a whole day that they can spend entranced with these photographs, click this link!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-68759419034937345602010-11-24T04:16:00.000-08:002010-11-24T04:57:22.063-08:00My new enterpriseWell, it hasn't started yet, but I'm gathering the knowledge and supplies to start making resin jewellery. It's all I think about at the moment, and I've got 101 designs floating around in my head that I can't wait to try out. I feel that this could be really good for my business; it'll be fun jewellery that makes you smile but doesn't cost a packet. I'm also intending to do more gifty things, like Christmas decorations and coasters, but we'll have to see how it goes. <br /><br />I've tied all this in to my plan to lose weight; two years ago I was 12 stone, having got there from being 18 stone. I got on the scales this morning and found myself at a more than hefty weight of 15 stone 9.5 lbs. So the plan is to get with the programme and lose weight properly, none of this crash dieting rubbish. I know it'll be hard work and take a long time, but I know I'll get there eventually, and I'm quite enjoying it at the moment. So what's the tie in with resin jewellery? Every time I get a certain amount of 'good food' days, I buy myself a mould, or some new beads. That way I've always got a target in sight and I can keep myself going to do the things I really want to do. I have this annoying habit- when I can't eat, I spend; when I can't spend, I eat. This is me trying to get a handle on both my finances and my weight, so we'll see how it goes. It feels good at the moment. <br /><br />I'm still beavering away at silversmithing class; currently attempting in vain to solder a bail to my setting. It's really not going very well; I thought I had it but then...clink, it's fallen off. Going to attempt it again tomorrow, this time with a more flattened edge to give the solder some more purchase. Which reminds me, I really need to pay the second installment for the course, whoops!<br /><br />I'm also starting a feature on this blog...I may not have many readers, but those who do read this seem to be fellow jewellery makers...so, I'm going to start a weekly 'Links I'm Obsessed With' feature...or maybe monthly, my obsessions are pretty long lasting! These are going to be jewellery related sites that inspire me, or make me drool, or smile, or anything! I'd love some suggestions, but for starters, I'm going to put up the sites I've been looking at most in the past few weeks. The original intention of blogs was to share information about the world we live in through links and stories, so it'll be me using a blog properly for once. I hope it leads to people discovering something new, and maybe giving some very talented people some business.<br /><br />Time to get started then!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-46405311178422384532010-11-13T09:00:00.000-08:002010-11-13T10:12:48.484-08:00Life moves along...All I seem to write here are 'I'm Back!' posts! Okay, I'm a bad, bad blogger. But life is moving at a startling pace, and I find that when I get time to do anything not work related, I find myself asleep instead. I got through another birthday, which actually was lovely- my sister, brother-in-law, boyfriend, mother and I sat and had a massive Indian takeaway and had such a good laugh. Barry bought me two rats and a cage for my birthday; we named them Apple and Crumble and they are so gorgeous :) <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqRm-aC37k464mlEf7b1lADhr3-kzhzgCq2mRrFZ6xMiZlEofff_3vjyQsOI7P4FBQ6Uhj4W8h7dsHT9BN743015MAJ6rvP19HB7Iltzg-5lmdZJx6yyJrGs1U2y5A6OqKxsknif3PYg/s1600/Crumble.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqRm-aC37k464mlEf7b1lADhr3-kzhzgCq2mRrFZ6xMiZlEofff_3vjyQsOI7P4FBQ6Uhj4W8h7dsHT9BN743015MAJ6rvP19HB7Iltzg-5lmdZJx6yyJrGs1U2y5A6OqKxsknif3PYg/s320/Crumble.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539082347747580050" /></a> <br />I've not been making much jewellery in the grand scheme of things; I did however do a craft fair in my local village which was an unprecedented success, I made £45 after taking off the table fee. I think the fact that my display was better than it had been in previous years was a great help, and that I had a bit more courage to talk about the things I'd made helped to draw people in. I know I was undervaluing my work a lot, but it has helped to get my name out there. There were nit pickers and people that made disparaging comments, but I suppose that is to be expected, and didn't dent my confidence. I was thinking that I'd like to try helping with the organisation of the craft section next year; they took in some of my feedback and it seemed to help greatly with everyone's sales. <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1m8GOT8b0Iln2sy-8vRV3DjQknyI8tTw2ME8EZg1e3Vwxmbo23wkbSWFKVXU4bocCAjyX8FUErQf4nbjxG0XxeXJOm3mlgLrEd6gxlIdX13T_CF8F5MiLWzfgUgxYuDZPmQDgcpUxw0/s1600/05092010259.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq1m8GOT8b0Iln2sy-8vRV3DjQknyI8tTw2ME8EZg1e3Vwxmbo23wkbSWFKVXU4bocCAjyX8FUErQf4nbjxG0XxeXJOm3mlgLrEd6gxlIdX13T_CF8F5MiLWzfgUgxYuDZPmQDgcpUxw0/s320/05092010259.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539084920293132642" /></a> <br />Craft fairs are an interesting beast; they can be both the best and worst places to sell at. This is summed up perfectly in <a href="http://blue-box-studio.blogspot.com/2010/11/bedtime-story-for-craft-stall-holders.html">A bedtime story for craft stall holders</a>, which <a href="http://www.nemeadesigns.co.uk/main.php">Nemea</a> linked to on <a href="http://ukbeaders.forumup.org/">UKBeaders</a> (w00t, linkfest). Everyone should read this! Even people who don't run stalls, you might spot yourself as one of the customers!<br /><br />In other jewellery related news, Barry and myself have started a silversmithing course. We both made silver rings in the first few weeks; both of which currently adorn my left hand (what can I say, I'm a magpie!). Barry is clever and textured his, it looks very much like a wood grain effect; I left mine plain. We've now moved onto our own projects; Barry is making a ring box and I'm concentrating on stone setting. One of my classmates fuses glass and whilst I was perving over this box of pretties, he said I could have my favourite. So the one I picked became my first challenge to set. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_hpS7_2Xuabra0A_OsKcqAiTBIt4-adMHKIIkm3tmpSnwl6m2lhV57m_diG65MQb3Ne_LUbdgL6_HcaZvwtSBRka0gR7foCI7w_E8b9acgmmWUQJJD99Gm2_2Kw4dxNBUe5nYKdTUeM/s1600/11112010040.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN_hpS7_2Xuabra0A_OsKcqAiTBIt4-adMHKIIkm3tmpSnwl6m2lhV57m_diG65MQb3Ne_LUbdgL6_HcaZvwtSBRka0gR7foCI7w_E8b9acgmmWUQJJD99Gm2_2Kw4dxNBUe5nYKdTUeM/s320/11112010040.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539089395287831362" /></a> I decided to set in copper because it suited the colours in my cabochon so well (okay, and also that I was too disorganised to order the silver); the first photograph shows post soldering, midway through trimming off the excess. The soldering is very messy I know, but the tutor tells me that silver is easier, so hopefully I'll manage better on my next attempt. I also gave myself a massive bloodblister on the palm of my hand shortly after I took this photo. I'm such an amateur! It took me five failed attempts to solder this piece; the instructor started me off and I managed to do the rest by myself. I did end up feeling like I'd melted most of my face off from the heat. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraBK13r1R6Ubx9AZPmjQMZC6Yp3W0v3RXLQ7DY6Dlbl4U36p-Q0s4TVH5sUANUzKRSSg3J7QznrMi9OWrtZXDI4jpK-zxXuQMAvyEJP3PsrE6sEyRCG4dIg1XC5dN1Cgpt7v5gpTG_Ws/s1600/13112010041.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiraBK13r1R6Ubx9AZPmjQMZC6Yp3W0v3RXLQ7DY6Dlbl4U36p-Q0s4TVH5sUANUzKRSSg3J7QznrMi9OWrtZXDI4jpK-zxXuQMAvyEJP3PsrE6sEyRCG4dIg1XC5dN1Cgpt7v5gpTG_Ws/s320/13112010041.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5539091443038045122" /></a> The second photo shows a much tidier looking version; post trimming, mid filing. I slotted the gorgeous cabochon from <a href="http://www.cs-creations.co.uk/">Simon as CS Creations</a> - his cabs aren't on the site at the moment, but they should be! Stunningly gorgeous. Only one oversight made on my part- I haven't soldered a bail on yet. I was thinking just something simple, along the lines of a loop of copper, I've got plenty of offcuts. Will post more photos when I've been to my next class!<br /><br />In other news, I'm getting ready to move in with Barry in a couple of months. We've got a gorgeous little one bedroom house in Kings Lynn and are currently saving for a house deposit. I never saw this coming seven months ago; but here it is. There was always something missing from my life after we split up last year; I could never put my finger on it until we saw each other again, as friends. All those old feelings came flooding back, so I rejigged my life so we could be together. And it worked...well, not to say that he doesn't still drives me crazy, and I don't still drive him crazy, but what couple doesn't? We know that now. And he told me that he loves me. I should have known that all along, he showed me every day, but it's amazing how much we have both changed in a year, for the better. He lets me in now, and I don't go crazy paranoid-insecure every five minutes. It works :) Anyway, enough with the emotional faff, we have work to do! Need to try to design a website, stat!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-42977639636519654112010-04-01T13:06:00.000-07:002010-04-01T13:11:06.617-07:00Mindy<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBh09-sx31z2I2cTxqAHQhFRikUNDmpmSlgainrlzgazBBoWoaMCv79w5_LaVvBc7FaF2P_nO9bbVVAkSnwkPF8msfUVeNjdFOluu9OUCXQT9FyRXpn6qNbUjJVdJQqzfdJncIyxJdjI/s1600/Mindy+in+Purple.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 266px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyBh09-sx31z2I2cTxqAHQhFRikUNDmpmSlgainrlzgazBBoWoaMCv79w5_LaVvBc7FaF2P_nO9bbVVAkSnwkPF8msfUVeNjdFOluu9OUCXQT9FyRXpn6qNbUjJVdJQqzfdJncIyxJdjI/s320/Mindy+in+Purple.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5455263707438712626" /></a>Sweet and simple. Mindy is the name of a character in the early seasons of Boston Legal, which I was watching while making these. Apologies for the awful photo, will replace them with some nice ones if the sun ever comes out. Made these in four colourways- purple, as shown; orange, green and blue. Decided I'd try to use up some findings then do a total restock at some point (though as my wages are set to drop over the next few months, I'd better make the most of the splurge power I have now!). Update on real life will come soon. Until then.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-85129816575246432802010-03-23T03:13:00.001-07:002010-03-23T03:16:05.065-07:00Naomi - Detail<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMm5XH5VnLUsMBLbJdSjv1QbpS0EOXVAZpn0l8s3PlhFOZ5ulatxMi4oyuFZ8bDOUnBs9Jc13zlWCy2YZwZngaQQ-UWLuglwEWW9zK_7PvAeMcENKbZKP0TuPqIWvCFvK7WGyWS_wpkc/s1600-h/Naomi+detail.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilMm5XH5VnLUsMBLbJdSjv1QbpS0EOXVAZpn0l8s3PlhFOZ5ulatxMi4oyuFZ8bDOUnBs9Jc13zlWCy2YZwZngaQQ-UWLuglwEWW9zK_7PvAeMcENKbZKP0TuPqIWvCFvK7WGyWS_wpkc/s320/Naomi+detail.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451770718102063474" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-46385431086749550472010-03-22T07:51:00.001-07:002010-03-22T10:08:01.614-07:00Some new photographs and pieces<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8YW9jqC7q17r_8AzHHQaig-LQAJB-dEQksRSx2gawiLnbbUOpeWMYNElkRveBQMLUvMuRIvKcpAwpSGPxQoGco2p21e48H0FrDg_3yOvJgID74kLxP90uvQmmlFrxF3PhD7w82kqfE0/s1600-h/Amelia+3.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 206px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM8YW9jqC7q17r_8AzHHQaig-LQAJB-dEQksRSx2gawiLnbbUOpeWMYNElkRveBQMLUvMuRIvKcpAwpSGPxQoGco2p21e48H0FrDg_3yOvJgID74kLxP90uvQmmlFrxF3PhD7w82kqfE0/s320/Amelia+3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451471270484548610" /></a>This is a far better picture of the Amelia necklace I made myself for the work Chrimble do. I was looking quite done up little black dress style so just wanted something subtle but classy- I think I went the right way here. <br /><br />I've been doing lots more stud earrings; even the two pairs I gave to my sister I think I should have about 35 pairs in stock now. Quite pleased with myself really; mounting 4mm cabs it a very fiddly task and I'm pleased it's done. Well...almost done. I've ten pairs of 4mm pearl cabs to mount and I know that is going to be the trickest task so far.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFwQpVeu77J8UjkUhoUeUcCw3jokGOtsquiCgRZ32sAZhsDb2io3HPgU71WcMcXmXL7TFdAhpQ2UGPWH55Z28afoYpcCuq3lIvtwpKXWMopXLY4TMbsnCpiPx6dreqZORKnmhyphenhyphen4IUM48/s1600-h/Naomi.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 170px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfFwQpVeu77J8UjkUhoUeUcCw3jokGOtsquiCgRZ32sAZhsDb2io3HPgU71WcMcXmXL7TFdAhpQ2UGPWH55Z28afoYpcCuq3lIvtwpKXWMopXLY4TMbsnCpiPx6dreqZORKnmhyphenhyphen4IUM48/s320/Naomi.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451501554964189410" /></a>This is Naomi. Made from recycled glass (the ovals) which I think is just fab and reminds me of the marbles I had as a child, yellow crackle glass and druk beads, and also the tiny orange cat's eye beads which I won in a contest many moons ago and I think help to pick out the orange in the recycled glass. My only regret is that I made it a little too long I feel- it sits quite low and I feel I would prefer it as more of a choker. However, I can see this being worn with a lovely summer dress, so I'm not going to pull it to pieces (crimping is not my forte and I hate having to redo for that reason). I'm trying to find some leetle flower beads in order to make a complementing set of earrings. Hopefully I will have some in my stash but last time I hauled it all out I got fed up and put it all back in no logical order.<br /><br />In other news, yay I will get my new car tomorrow! Can't wait.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-82466803632175784622010-03-18T06:50:00.000-07:002010-03-18T07:12:42.223-07:00Guess what I'm doing?Oh yes, mounting more earrings. Got some gorgeous cabs from <a href="http://www.marquisejewels.co.uk/">Marquise Jewels</a>, though I didn't realise my earring posts (surgical steel ones) had 6mm pads...damn, so I had to get some more! There's some really lush cabochons on there, so I've just suggested that they be added to the <a href="http://www.uk-beaders.co.uk/">UK Beaders Directory</a>. If you haven't visited the directory, do so! I never knew how many bead stores there were until I found this place, and the support you get on the forums is fantastic. <br /><br />Anyway, back to the point...I will add some photos of some of the jewellery I've been working on later :) Until then!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-71243038110817898962010-03-15T04:01:00.000-07:002010-03-15T07:52:50.489-07:00Earrings Mounted<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenlprSFDyMMv75DIUm8k7JG6gwEWkEmG12exby9wiqg6jRkJMHnrtMN5P5oXyUq4hjloqiziiwb7RWYfAI5KXmFoIDa1li8T3OZX0ykgRU55qLW1o2Lo1t696-gDzmf4UuJ5QwLlVWds/s1600-h/studs2.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 272px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghyphenhyphenlprSFDyMMv75DIUm8k7JG6gwEWkEmG12exby9wiqg6jRkJMHnrtMN5P5oXyUq4hjloqiziiwb7RWYfAI5KXmFoIDa1li8T3OZX0ykgRU55qLW1o2Lo1t696-gDzmf4UuJ5QwLlVWds/s320/studs2.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448814418885947538" /></a><br />Well, these are what I was working on yesterday...there's some carnelian, some rose quartz, haematite and a lot of pretty abalone. I ordered loads more bits yesterday as I've got a bit of a penchant for creating these now, and I think they could be nice as a little non-expensive treat or as a free gift...well, if I ever get around to doing parties; I haven't got the nuts to do them at the moment! Though I do know a lovely lady I work with who does Party Lite; we've chatted about doing a combined party one day but I don't know if we'll ever get around to it!<br /><br />Just updating this post...the sun has gone in, flippin typical! Did just fly into Dereham though and had a little mooch around <a href="http://www.beadthiscraftthat.co.uk">Bead This, Craft That</a>. It's really nice to see a mixed craft store not getting the jewellery department gradually (or rapidly, sometimes) taken over by cardmaking and scrapbooking stuff. In fact....I do think the beads may be taking over! Anyway, I got some goodies and skipped off back home (after setting the world to rights with the wonderful shop staff of course). <br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Q_9LYdBhHH0CCom2ua66gUJX_-hG_igNY9ppMJgY0Ec7gAHGGje0c7C9XBHKnwGIlxSjnrbtMblxj_3obnYb6VuzKwDCj7-tW5MSFMRMuSof0uHbN1aEFFmnX9DuMHesUTDB8g-TdE/s1600-h/studs.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 208px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil8Q_9LYdBhHH0CCom2ua66gUJX_-hG_igNY9ppMJgY0Ec7gAHGGje0c7C9XBHKnwGIlxSjnrbtMblxj_3obnYb6VuzKwDCj7-tW5MSFMRMuSof0uHbN1aEFFmnX9DuMHesUTDB8g-TdE/s320/studs.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448815917866759922" /></a><br />Not only have I finally taken a few pictures of the set I've been babbling about; I made another couple of pairs of stud earrings. These ones are a bit more...bling? Kitsch? Kitsch is probably the right word and I got the idea from a suggestion in a magazine. They're experimental because they're more chunky than the sort of thing I normally do, and I don't know if putting the post dead centre in the bead is the best idea. I might have to er...keep a set of these for myself, as a test pair...you know how it is! Anyway, while the main photo I took of the 'Amelia' set is rubbish, the photo of the earrings and a detail photo came out pretty well, so those two photos are at the end of this post. <br /><br />I really do need to find that charger. I have a Sony Ericsson Satio which has a 12.1 mp camera on it, with a seemingly decent lense, but it's not really a match for a proper camera. Then, having said that, my digital camera is no match for my film camera...you'd never guess I was a secret luddite!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaF6-ugFByiRBUprDX-jMg-YDklyLs6IdxMtdNsBZzSE8LTf_EHfFMmGlKXEMlUBH252Zzz5G7sawLzmbvKXahSw8tBqxyEt-Xw0EShuFfSy4FdFbxPmPXkgakX0wk81WBSN7FvVxEgEI/s1600-h/studs+in+progress.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 198px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaF6-ugFByiRBUprDX-jMg-YDklyLs6IdxMtdNsBZzSE8LTf_EHfFMmGlKXEMlUBH252Zzz5G7sawLzmbvKXahSw8tBqxyEt-Xw0EShuFfSy4FdFbxPmPXkgakX0wk81WBSN7FvVxEgEI/s320/studs+in+progress.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448869675759282514" /></a><br />Anyway, that's enough faff and ramble now. Visit <a href="http://www.beadthiscraftthat.co.uk">Bead This, Craft That</a> if you ever get a chance! It's in East Dereham, Norfolk. Have a good day anyone reading this, and I hope your weather stayed sunnier than mine did!<br /><br /><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKCUIhQATZkoDJGbvm7109f9Xrv78eS0qccW8emTVNypM_Meofc2qA-DcYftLK7Iqqhb1-iubwXE1oHy0j3vK2E2xUh3XeC-KGYxB5ZzHUgwlojpU46MqkwbDRL8pRS0SsVt9P_Gw2sQ/s1600-h/Amelia+Detail.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDKCUIhQATZkoDJGbvm7109f9Xrv78eS0qccW8emTVNypM_Meofc2qA-DcYftLK7Iqqhb1-iubwXE1oHy0j3vK2E2xUh3XeC-KGYxB5ZzHUgwlojpU46MqkwbDRL8pRS0SsVt9P_Gw2sQ/s320/Amelia+Detail.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448873124307263170" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkzUtM3C13kheGBugwjGx9n4NNiBfHzpYGT3b6i-PJ0N9jv0-EXDAS2CnmMpFvUzlDri-K_ZekJz0igKZk5SswTKVlfSzDIEy6XXwbqL8F82kqkelNGVFShQxpAUqbEBjq9Gk7Lez2nE/s1600-h/Amelia+Earrings.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 256px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijkzUtM3C13kheGBugwjGx9n4NNiBfHzpYGT3b6i-PJ0N9jv0-EXDAS2CnmMpFvUzlDri-K_ZekJz0igKZk5SswTKVlfSzDIEy6XXwbqL8F82kqkelNGVFShQxpAUqbEBjq9Gk7Lez2nE/s320/Amelia+Earrings.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448873341191591218" /></a>Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-20935554797788220742010-03-14T08:27:00.001-07:002010-03-14T08:39:22.430-07:00Oh Em Gee! Actual jewellery...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_k2DIgCFQL1Gx3Z4_esr7evW7VdTq_tvppWgvwxAnfLxbeNftYoM96ArY_w4W8YgUvY1C2WdMwf-HSz4u1vB4ucAOjRioIK26b-v6owc4jmZsvOhGcnkAdyYFzOEgaY4MaKvFZcggSg/s1600-h/14032010042.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 180px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_k2DIgCFQL1Gx3Z4_esr7evW7VdTq_tvppWgvwxAnfLxbeNftYoM96ArY_w4W8YgUvY1C2WdMwf-HSz4u1vB4ucAOjRioIK26b-v6owc4jmZsvOhGcnkAdyYFzOEgaY4MaKvFZcggSg/s320/14032010042.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448514422811955346" /></a><br /><br />Well, in progress anyway.<br /><br />I liked the idea of making miiiillions of studs; when you sell at school craft fairs dangly earrings don't seem to sell well...well I found out why when my niece decided she'd like to have a yank on mine! So absolutely ages ago I bought lots of pretty cabs; I've just gotten around to gluing the backs on. I've used epoxy glue, so it should be a decent bond. There they are sitting on a bit of CD case on my perfume shelf (yes, I have a whole shelf for perfume! When the boys at work tell me my clothes are budget I wholeheartedly agree; I have nicer smelling things to spend my money on!). Will take another photo when they're mounted on nice card holder thingies :) Sidenote, this was taken on my camera phone...not arf bad eh?Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-91341244351972699562010-03-14T06:59:00.001-07:002010-03-14T07:16:10.574-07:00Where I've been...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFA5nSrNOhpyDjdsfTCL49FZ412gFUNO62g1jlucIifw1lM1v3Ruf8S0lCT4J8yEV47zTKd82W3qKJHp-tqzX0E-W_32gr6frC79MCLzNAkcQGUHD6V4cwusokSD3Gq9uHxrWafWbczY/s1600-h/5568_557366753255_285404439_3655474_4376921_n.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQFA5nSrNOhpyDjdsfTCL49FZ412gFUNO62g1jlucIifw1lM1v3Ruf8S0lCT4J8yEV47zTKd82W3qKJHp-tqzX0E-W_32gr6frC79MCLzNAkcQGUHD6V4cwusokSD3Gq9uHxrWafWbczY/s320/5568_557366753255_285404439_3655474_4376921_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448489232802659698" /></a><br />Well, it's been pretty eventful here at Ooh Miss towers; not only did I graduate with a blessed 2.1 from UEA; but I also gained a new boyfriend...so the excitement of a new relationship and the hard work of finding a proper job to take over from my student ways has taking it's toll severely on my beading time! It is my aim to get back to it though; I guess the blessing of having an arty boyfriend is that he wants me to be arty too! In fact, up until recently I think I had only made one set of jewellery in about a year and a half...how depressing is that? The set is very nice though, that's my excuse. I will post a photograph as soon as I can find that elusive charger for my camera battery. <br /><br />As for work...I now work full time at a children's home; I don't think anyone who knew me previously could imagine me working in this environment, let alone working 15 hour days in it, but I absolutely love it! The lads are hard work, don't get me wrong, and some days I leave work in tears because it's been such a tough day. But every please and thank you that I get makes it worth it! I've even been told on occasion that I'm 'safe'; quite a decent compliment from a teenage boy I hear!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeypfDM2dFpIjpR_3CvudHXbncq4LaGuYYansQleyjnONIeZUoY9v1QqSBsyljRfBRmgVtwXhms83xNfZbN7uX-tnVhClzr0JhV8ycnkIta6o3lAB9IargFZ6uuk28Kl9ST9DPY58Uls/s1600-h/IMGP2250.JPG"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZeypfDM2dFpIjpR_3CvudHXbncq4LaGuYYansQleyjnONIeZUoY9v1QqSBsyljRfBRmgVtwXhms83xNfZbN7uX-tnVhClzr0JhV8ycnkIta6o3lAB9IargFZ6uuk28Kl9ST9DPY58Uls/s320/IMGP2250.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448489818721891218" /></a><br /><br />Where else have I been? Oh I've been on holiday too, a rare occurence for me! I went to the Isle Of Wight with the boy; we had a fab time, took hundreds of photos and were just ecstatically happy for a whole week. I cried when we queued for the ferry to get home, it was just that heavenly. We went to see the Needles, wandered around Ryde, went to the zoo, and just had a lovely time. <br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmTaNH9wNBpVhAxj4peaH4Xd7q0DtBFS0KK4MOTPshncd8bGSsih5y4j0HQmQKGynwrjN72Oo1Wo5vo7p0Ehq4lD0t1Oj0zS_VVvt6ptWcUx1BlkKo-7E-s17ayDuGbWeXsBDxflaBL4/s1600-h/IMGP1728.JPG"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 213px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcmTaNH9wNBpVhAxj4peaH4Xd7q0DtBFS0KK4MOTPshncd8bGSsih5y4j0HQmQKGynwrjN72Oo1Wo5vo7p0Ehq4lD0t1Oj0zS_VVvt6ptWcUx1BlkKo-7E-s17ayDuGbWeXsBDxflaBL4/s320/IMGP1728.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448492929812743522" /></a><br /><br />Anyway, as it is Mother's Day I'm now off to make some scrummy cheesecake and see if the carrot cake I made last night is still in tact!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-41171066249672759122010-03-06T12:58:00.000-08:002010-04-18T13:40:18.971-07:00I'm back!I'm back, and beading! It's been all change here at Ooh Miss Towers; working on cleaning my life up (well, mostly my bedroom but hey ho!) And I've set myself a challenge to use my beads up and sort some new storage! Will be back with some new photos of creations when I can find my blinking camera charger, and some more news about where I've been tomorrow :)Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-41315183606311997882009-04-20T02:36:00.000-07:002010-04-18T13:40:43.808-07:00K S Jewellery Designs giveaway!Ok so at the moment I do seem to be only posting about other people's giveaways, but I promise I'll be back after my exams! K S Jewellery Designs is giving away a gorgeous spiral loop pendant, and all you have to do is pick your favourite item from her etsy shop at <a href="http://www.ksjewellerydesigns.etsy.com">K S Jewellery Designs</a> and then comment on her <a href="http://ksjewellerydesigns.blogspot.com/2009/04/blog-giveaway-spiral-loop-circular.html">blog</a>! (It's actually very difficult as her designs are LUSH!)Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-50620361765119486812009-04-04T14:45:00.000-07:002010-04-18T13:40:59.074-07:00Brilliant giveaway!Just a quick one to pass on the news about this great giveaway! <a href="http://junkmammas.blogspot.com/2009/03/giveaway.html">Junk Mammas</a> are giving away some brilliant loot, and now I've got another blog to read!<br /><br />OlleeColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-38203455096676369102009-03-24T05:08:00.000-07:002010-04-18T13:41:17.063-07:00Bad blogger!I have been terrible with this blogging lark haven't I! Been so busy caught up with end of year university stuff that I haven't had time to breathe, let alone make jewellery! Anyway, here are the final three mother's day commissions:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDodSpXe7CAF0N5ZGGCYENrqzrDy9QELX1JfemxijaCFvTHl3dtLNmFLKYx1yFb4sZq2AvVZQODejOcIS88T-02GYhIkBCDdn7ndlLDk9mnUkx1eEHLuQOiJLY9benX3A-BAYeQfQW7E0/s1600-h/IMGP1480.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDodSpXe7CAF0N5ZGGCYENrqzrDy9QELX1JfemxijaCFvTHl3dtLNmFLKYx1yFb4sZq2AvVZQODejOcIS88T-02GYhIkBCDdn7ndlLDk9mnUkx1eEHLuQOiJLY9benX3A-BAYeQfQW7E0/s320/IMGP1480.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5316726685473664786" /></a><br /><br />Apologies for the TERRIBLE photos, but you get the idea. Angela at the bottom, the necklace sits on the collarbone nicely, and is made from sterling, amber and carnelian.Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-61480065931906689652009-03-12T12:27:00.000-07:002009-03-13T07:44:49.181-07:00Leah- not sure of this one!Third in a series of commissions- Leah.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGBJGFd2dzU_yv_LCg4UKyHBE7tcGBwbMcRpD-TyQATAGC26DOAbyxFBvc8aDXyMwKny2spL5w56tS4tWw1TIYhJkIN2kgteL3gWqcneo2p6K2p5ptIWfdIPbcZpmBDHkmsDeWBguVDg/s1600-h/Leah2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVGBJGFd2dzU_yv_LCg4UKyHBE7tcGBwbMcRpD-TyQATAGC26DOAbyxFBvc8aDXyMwKny2spL5w56tS4tWw1TIYhJkIN2kgteL3gWqcneo2p6K2p5ptIWfdIPbcZpmBDHkmsDeWBguVDg/s320/Leah2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312680619628260034" /></a><br /><br />I'm not really sure how I feel about this one, I'll look at it and think it's gorgeous and perfectly suited to the recipient one minute, the next minute I'll be panicking and not knowing if it's good enough! It's gone now anyway, so I can't do anything about it, but the general consensus of opinion is that it's good, so I guess I should stop worrying about it.<br /><br />Anyway, the details. Bali silver, sodalite, Swarovski and czech firepolish. Representing Kismet and a calm soothing energy (not that I believe in crystal energy, but I quite like the symbolism).<br /><br />Feeling quite down today, not entirely sure why. I know I should get the beads out and finish the necklace for the Angela commission, but...I don't know, it's just not there today. The sun has gone in and I'm feeling a bit lost, I'm tempted to roll myself up in my duvet and just sit watching films all night (except I've got to go to Barry's tonight, so that plan of action is out). Oh well, hope for a better day tomorrow.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />ColleenColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-26856851651693739592009-03-11T07:38:00.000-07:002009-03-11T08:12:00.200-07:00Life and suchWell, I got half a jewellery commission done! I ran out of components halfway through so had to order some more and just hope they'll arrive by Saturday! So, without further ado, presenting half of Angela:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZRqyOVZUDo0sCHMKB5f4rgZ-w97v7s1jVPtbSZRNUtp1RhHUDCMO_2lRzqpZnNVenS8dNl7x-TavM_EQp2KrjDusDRfJlg_6bs6DGi8Zoaf6kClz7zju0CbE8DRnTIkABiD2VSREjU/s1600-h/Angela2.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0jZRqyOVZUDo0sCHMKB5f4rgZ-w97v7s1jVPtbSZRNUtp1RhHUDCMO_2lRzqpZnNVenS8dNl7x-TavM_EQp2KrjDusDRfJlg_6bs6DGi8Zoaf6kClz7zju0CbE8DRnTIkABiD2VSREjU/s320/Angela2.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311942816895139058" /></a><br /><br />There's a matching necklace still to come, but for now- amber (ovals and rounds), paired with faceted carnelian rondelles to bring out the colour of the amber and give a bit of weight to the necklace. These are interspersed with sterling silver spacers to add a bit of sparkle. I stayed away from crystal this time, I didn't want it to look too geometric and I certainly didn't want any hard angles messing with the organic texture of the amber and carnelian.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoLqCk_-wlW7oAkgbFxkXChgJRERnRMb9-35O6ii0OCdR43jmpIVy8DiZBBFARRTlZhB_xMevQL-6VBJ7vSwijyXQ1hEj4g7xVfVgrvg8zIr0es9Qsvnyf92FFikJt7u6S9b6oRGcfnA/s1600-h/Angela3.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRoLqCk_-wlW7oAkgbFxkXChgJRERnRMb9-35O6ii0OCdR43jmpIVy8DiZBBFARRTlZhB_xMevQL-6VBJ7vSwijyXQ1hEj4g7xVfVgrvg8zIr0es9Qsvnyf92FFikJt7u6S9b6oRGcfnA/s320/Angela3.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5311945793871803138" /></a><br /><br />I really love these clasps. I'm not fond of fancy clasps really, although they definitely have their place (you just know I only don't use them because I can't do them justice!) but I do have a passion for clean, simple toggle clasps. Plus you can actually do them up by yourself, which is always a bonus. <br /><br />Must get outside with the camera now that spring appears to have sprung! The light is so perfect for photographing jewellery. I'm impressed with how well these came out, especially considering I took them one handed! <br /><br />Anyway, I'm in a fantastic mood today. I handed in my draft research project, so I can stop worrying about it for a couple of weeks! It's been a constant source of panic attacks and sleepless nights, as well as hair-tearing frustration, but finally, it's gone! I feel like a giant weight has been lifted from over my head. That's not to say I don't have lots and lots of work still to do, but the coursework is gone so I can now chug through it with no deadlines interrupting me. It was a perfect day for handing it in. Glorious sunshine followed me as I raced to university in my beetle (blasting out classic dance tunes, with the window down- nothing better!). Came home to the tune of classic Aerosmith, and I haven't felt this good in weeks! Considering I was in fits of tears last night, it feels good.<br /><br />I am slightly worried that I may have overstretched myself with commissions however, I've got two complete commissions still to do, a necklace to finish to go with the bracelet I've shown you, and an iron in the fire regarding a very special birthday present for the girlfriend of one of my best friends. I was quite impressed- he showed her some jewellery (a Miriam set-In Blue), and she fair demanded that he needed to commission me for her birthday! It's going to have to be fairly spectacular, she makes jewellery herself and if there's anything more nervewracking than a commission, it's a commission for a fellow jewellery maker!<br /><br />Anyway, hopefully my next post will bring two and a half more sets for you to cast your eye over!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />ColleenColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-77749766355350423512009-03-09T03:45:00.000-07:002009-03-09T04:10:13.550-07:00Mother's day commissionsSo, they're not actually made yet (I know, I know) but I'm very excited at the thought of being able to post some photographs that don't contain just varying colourways of the Miriam series! The customers are my usual suspects- Matt and Sean. Sean's mum has had a difficult year and we both want her to have something extra special for mother's day, so I'm giving a bit of a discount and doing a pendant as well as some earrings, in sodalite and some gorgeous bali silver. Matt wants something simple in dark red, so I'm working with garnet for the first time, and some more bali silver! I think I'm obsessed with it. I have to admit I'm pretty happy to be moving away from the Miriam sets for a while. I do want to make some more, as they're my signature range, but just not for a little while yet. <br /><br />Once all the money rolls in from these commissions I'll also have enough to open a business bank account with! I'm quite excited about that, having a bank card with my business name on it makes it sound more legitimate somehow. <br /><br />I really do need to find a better background for my photos though. The kitchen worktop is mock granite, and is gorgeous, but not quite matte enough. Got to be a sunny day to get enough light in there to avoid the use of the flash and avoid glare! I can't recall who, but one of the lovelies I follow (blogwise, not stalkerwise!) got some lovely slate from b and q, I might have to have a mosey down there and have a look.<br /><br />Anyway, I'll post photos of the commissions later this week hopefully, can't wait!<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />ColleenColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-78262481618920131032009-02-26T05:00:00.000-08:002009-02-26T08:46:57.899-08:00Another commission finished!Oh so much to talk about! So after my previous post I put a lot of photographs of my jewellery up on facebook, and a friend commissioned me to make her a necklace and earring set- the metal swirlies. After a discussion with my best friend, we've decided to call them Miriam. So, here is Miriam In Blue:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ZEELeeD_ZFEjy56vcmaq6YsfEt5OGm7sfkiyVjn7i8ZL7lM_gUUtGsvLSSkcQNS3_I1UD4lInZAfL1GacAuIrbAbcrpE73nvJ8tK80scP2E0EOHXSYstcZyQtZMTcukK9WrtWTuFxY/s1600-h/MiriamInBlue.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx_ZEELeeD_ZFEjy56vcmaq6YsfEt5OGm7sfkiyVjn7i8ZL7lM_gUUtGsvLSSkcQNS3_I1UD4lInZAfL1GacAuIrbAbcrpE73nvJ8tK80scP2E0EOHXSYstcZyQtZMTcukK9WrtWTuFxY/s320/MiriamInBlue.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307093276418330658" /></a><br /><br />As always, sterling silver wire and chain, paired with Sapphire swarovski crystals. Fingers crossed that Charli likes it!<br /><br />I'm preparing the forms to become self employed, I'm looking at a start date of the beginning of March, so I'd only have to do a month's worth of accounts. Good practice for the full year I guess! I must get on top of the accounts and cataloguing. I guess the best part is that all my stock should count as opening capital, so I can't possibly lose out!<br /><br />Seeing as I got paid recently, I had a wee spending spree on <a href="http://www.thesilvercorporation.co.uk">The Silver Corporation</a>. I've decided to start making stud earrings. I've got some lovely, but tiny, cabochons and some epoxy glue, so I've ordered a few more cabs and some earring backs, can't wait to get started! Already got an idea for the packaging so all that remains is to actually make the things. Even if they don't sell, well I like wearing stud earrings so I'll just have lots of funky pairs. <br /><br />I was ever so chuffed to see I have two followers this morning! Hello lovelies!Colleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7356414042212444554.post-72450771901990983272009-02-11T06:05:00.000-08:002009-02-11T06:56:58.481-08:00Honestly, it's like waiting for a bus...Two in one day hey! Well, I've been thinking a lot recently about how I can possibly turn this all into a bona fide business. It's something I've longed to do, meant to do, been preparing to do, for a very long time, but I never seem to get the time to make it all gel in one go. I know it's unrealistic to expect things to actually gel, but it's the way my mind works- if I can't work on something continuously until it's finished, I lose my way, and ultimately, my interest. So, in no particular order, my thoughts on this chaos:<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Website</span>: I need a website. There's no escaping it! I've had a friend offer to build me a site, but he seems to want to do it his own way with little regard to my style and the vision I have in my head for it. And that's the point really, isn't it? I have the vision in my head, and I'm notoriously bad at explaining what I want! I think what I really need to do is something of a collaboration with a graphic artist to design some of the things that I can't do myself, and then put it all together myself. To be honest, I used to be good at it and it'd only take a little time to resurrect the skill that I once had. It doesn't even need to be that complex really, but I'm worried over payment- do I take payment on the site, do I ask for e-mails? Asking for someone to send me an e-mail might put them off, but integrating paypal to a website might be too complex. I need to know if there's a simple way to do it without resorting to Mr Site, which I'm loath to do as the maintenance fee is so steep.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tax</span>: I <span style="font-style:italic;">need</span> to register as self employed! I'm a little bit confused as to the national insurance regulations to be honest, but I think I'd just choose to pay them all at the end of the year if it turns out I do owe them. I'm also worried about keeping accounts- I'm fairly bad at keeping a record of things, although I really don't sell that much in the grand scheme. I do most of my work on commission now, and rarely buy in beads just because they're pretty (such a shame! I used to love doing that!) so on a general basis as soon as the beads land in my bead box they're gone again. Does this make it easier? Who knows. I need to talk to an actual accountant here, as the opening stock confuses me. I have so much stock stashed away in boxes that it's really rather overwhelming at times. Which leads on nicely to my next point...<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Stock</span>: So much stock! Everywhere! I need to sit down and catalogue it all, which could take hours. Although I guess it will allow me to root out the pieces I now don't think are up to scratch, which judging by my current standards will be quite a lot! I feel like going to a craft fair and having a sale just to get rid of some of it. I used to love all my pieces like they were my babies, but I've become so tired of lugging it all to craft fairs and carting it all home again. I feel almost like they're stifling my creativity somewhat- like if I have too much stock on hand I worry too much about the value of it just sitting there, and need to get some of it away so I can feel good about making yet more stock! I think to be fair the money I used to buy the beads to make them was out of my bank account and long replaced by earnings, so I don't really feel so bad about selling most of it off cheaply, in fact it would just be nice to see some money trickling in from sales. After registering as self-employed of course ;)<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Marketing</span>: So, what route do you go down here? I have many friends who are rabid about promoting me. My boyfriend always wears the chain I made him with pride and is the first person to tell people that I made it, and that I'm a jewellery designer. I keep tossing around the idea of making small catalogues, with details about myself, and my jewellery, and photographs of examples I've made so far. If they were small enough I could send Michelle off with one, my mother, leave one at work, etc...it seems like a fantastic idea to me but is it too much work for too little return? I always try to suggest to men that I can make them jewellery as presents for wives, girlfriends, sisters, etc, and that seems to prove a good return for the effort I put it. It shows how good actually getting out there and showing yourself off is! I not really very good at marketing myself, I'm very shy and I find it difficult to get myself out there and talk to people. Do I also need to consider posters, flyers, leaflets? I know I need business cards, but would a leaflet with a money off voucher work well? So many questions that go unanswered here!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Craft fairs and display</span>: Craft fairs. The bane of my life, and all at once a joyous occasion, so long as the person selling bought in "handmade" jewellery isn't sniffing around my stall. I need to get some actual, professional looking display items sorted out! It's getting desparate now, I think one of the contributing factors to having done poorly at craft fairs before was the shoddiness of my display- forgetting table coverings is a favourite of mine. I need to have the stall planned out, know exactly what I'm doing and have it all packed into a big so when I go to a fair I can just pick up and go, not worrying about whether I've forgotten something or left something out. I haven't been involved in a craft fair since 2007, so I really need to get back into it, and use what I've learned about targeting my stock to the desired audience. Going to a school craft fair and taking lots of stock to sell in the £10-20 bracket isn't going to work. Going to a school craft fair and taking lots of children's jewellery that I can sell for under £5 *is* a good idea. To be honest it's pretty fun and relaxing sitting with a bowl of beads and making children's jewellery so I don't mind that aspect of it. I need to contact the place I get my boxes from to see if I can negotiate a deal too!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Last but not least</span>... I may actually be able to get my jewellery into a shop! I decided I'd take the leap and make some basic enquiries, and they think it's a really good idea! It's in a holiday resort, so now isn't the best time for gift shops, but when the Spring and Summer finally drag their heels onto the scene, I think a sale or return basis could work out to be very profitable for both of us.<br /><br />Anyway, I'm sure there was more I wanted to talk about but this post is now so much longer than I anticipated, so I'll sign off.<br /><br />Thanks for reading,<br /><br />OlleeColleenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15007179259866645823noreply@blogger.com3