And the winner is

Rach Cresswell.

Thank you to everyone who entered. 

Please keep an eye on my Facebook page for when my next giveaway is happening ...

1800 likers on facebook

What a big achievement for my Facebook page.  While celebrating reaching 1700 I hit 1800.  Completely by surprise so ....... I was thinking I would do a blog giveaway for this one.

I have enjoyed making these friendship rings so if you would like one, leave your name and email address below.  The winner will get a gorgeous friendship ring made in the colours of their choice (using what I have in stock) The stones used will be crystals and matching czech glass with artistic wire.  Made to your size as well.

I will draw the winner via random.org on Thursday 9th August 2012 at 8.30pm.

Thank you to everyone who has supported me and my designs.  I truly do appreciate your support, feedback and encouragement.

6th Bead Soup

This is what I sent Tracy Stillman from Tracy Stillman Designs.
She has been experimenting with seed beads so I thought a focal bead from Bobbie Pene at My Handmade added a nice 'kiwi' touch.

Big reveal is August 25th. I can't wait to see what she has made.


Tracy on Etsy
Tracy on Facebook

1700 likers on Facebook

I have reached 1700 likers on my Facebook page. What a honour to achieve such a great milestone. So I have added this piece for my giveaway.
Follow this link
Enter giveaway



And a BIG, BIG, BIG ... THANK YOU everyone.

Bead soup challenge

My new partner for the latest Bead Soup is Tracy Stillman. Her facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/TracyStillmanDesigns She sent the most gorgeous focal bead from Lyn https://www.facebook.com/pages/Silvermoonlyn/242195112108 I promise to post a photo soon.

Bead Soup Blog Party ..... again

And it's time for another Bead Soup with Lori. These are so much fun, are you joining in to.......

Button Swap Blog Hop!

Beading with buttons is something I don't usually do, unless I can peyote stitch around them. Lately my Arthritis is playing up in my fingers so simple pleasure of peyote stitching are almost impossible. I had many ideas for my buttons .... So I received

From Bonnie I have only used 2 so far but I will update when I have used the other 2. My bracelet with Mexican Agate button and matched with Agate :)

And then using the glass flower bead my ring ..

Please pop over and check the rest Use this blog to find them all. I have found a new passion for buttons, so keep an eye out for more.

Collective Creative Canape Reveal

I have found a new addiction. Bead soups.
My lastest one is with Keri Lee from
who I've met via Lori and her Bead Soup party.
She matched me with the talented Elena Gianni from
Her trade mark for design is gorgeous pictures drawn on plastic and then oven baked.
She sent me a gorgeous collection of beads that complimented her main pieces perfectly. So I added on crystal ravoli and made a stunning necklace and bracelet.


Thank you Keri for introducing me to Elena and her beautiful talent.
Roll on the next one.

Here are the rest of the people who played

Keri Lee Sereika

Beth Emery

Niki Meiners

Karan Parker

Liz DeLuca

Lynne Bowland

Judy Turner

Erin Grant

Bryna Lumb

Rochelle Brisson

Linda Youkman

Carmen Lau

Cheryl Foiles

Kelli Jacobson

Elena Gianni

Cindy Muse

Stephanie Woods

Lisa Lodge

Successful clay firing

My beads already for a firing with their glaze. Some glazed seemed a bit thin and some was thick. A good way to test it out.
Here is what they look like afterwards -



So what do you think?

Collective Creative Canape

Yes I know I have barely finished one bead swap and I am on to another :)

The best part of bead swapping is the element of surprise. You never know what you get.
I always scan my partners designs looking at what their main medium, what they use and their favourite techniques.

I thought I would send something made by me .... So I made some glass pendants and fired some clay ......
Organised by Keri Lee Sereika
My partner is Elena Gianni from

Here is a snippet of what I sent her .....


I can't wait for the preview date of April 1 .......

Bead Soup Reveal

This is my first Bead Soup Blog party. I was feeling very nervous to start. There are so many talented ladies out there, how could I compare. But the satisfaction of sharing your experience, even if its little in comparison, and knowledge is matched with meeting new people from around the world. Listening to them, chatting with them and forming new friendships. I had a ball.

When I opened by packaged from Stefanie it was like Christmas had returned. She sent me 2 focal beads. A glass heart and a clay oval. Along with shells, pearls, ribbon and the most gorgeous paper beads. I have looked at paper beads before and though ... hmm must try that but never have. They are gorgeous and have now been moved up my Bucket list :) So here we go -

The beads


The Bracelet
Using the gorgeous range of paper beads this chunky bracelet has organza ribbon threaded through the black chain. The paper beads complemented nicely with the selection of shells and pearls that match the paper beads perfectly.


The clay focal pendant necklace
The clay pendant was a gorgeous of work to start with so adding something that would capture this was hard. I chose to wire wrap with pearls and then add the ribbon for extra glamour. The necklace is hung on chain and close with the toggle I was sent.


Organza and wire necklace
Using the glass focal heart as the centre piece then adding a dimension with the wire and shells. Then using an assortment of paper and glass beads with the ribbon for added uniqueness.

Full length shot


The earrings
Made with paper beads and discs made out of I assume is polymer clay.
Aren't they just cute.


And a Key chain.
Using the glass, paper and pearl beads with a love charm for a chunky look.


The complete outfit.


A BIG THANK YOU to Lori for organising this and I can't wait to see you book when it's released. Thank you Stefanie for the most divine beads.

Stefanie's link is

Please follow the links on the right to see more blogs from the Bead Soup blog party.

My tease

A collage of what I have made with the beads in the blue dish :)
Details later .....

Where are we from

There are 200 participants in the 5th Bead Soup blog party. They come from everywhere and as you can see I am by myself in little on NZ :)
This map was made by Lori Anderson

You can see her log here -

BIG REVEAL .......... COMING TOMORROW

I am so excited and I can't wait.... tomorrow I reveal my creations and everyone else reveals theirs

My sleepy buddy.

Miss Tilly helping me with emails etc this morning. She doesn't want to lie down ....

Bead Soup beads arrived

These are the beads that Stefanie Teufel sent me. I am sure you'll agree there are a gigantic mixture of beads including Paper beads. Something I have thought of doing ... she must have read my mind.

My poor mind has been on creative overload with what to do.

Bead Soup

They arrived .... they arrived.
Thank you Steph they are absolutely gorgeous.

Time to scan for some ideas ....

3 years :)

3 years ago today I gave up my smoking habit of about 2o on and off again years.
I was thinking before about how much time was wasted by smoking. Gathering supplies and heading outside for a smoke. Now when I look back I am surprised I had that much time to spare ....
The best part of quitting smoking was picking up the beading tools and creating, creating and creating.

Pretty Things Bead Soup

Excited!
I have been chosen to particpate within an international bead swap. My beads will be flying to Germany.

What to send .... umm Something Pretty!
Stefanie is my partner ... here is her FB page

http://www.facebook.com/Stefanies.Sammelsurium
and blog
http://stefaniessammelsurium.blogspot.com/
Please head over and check her out :)

Happy New Year

People with many interests live, not only longest, but happiest.
George Matthew Allen

Happy New Year everyone :) I thought this quote to be perfect. As I am always busy this would suit me.

Wishing everyone success, love and happiness within 2012