From chunky to gorgeous!

Check out this gorgeous glass fused cab I recently created.

The glass on the right is a chunk of lampwork glass that one of my lovely beadie friends, Nat, gave to me.

Nat is an amazingly talented lampwork artist based in Australia. She kindly gifted me with a wonderful selection of glass chunks - which I am guessing are the result of some of her unsuccessful beads she had made. I have been like a kid in a candy store fossicking through the bag of glass and imagining how beautiful the successful beads were that she made. She also gave me a huge collection of Moretti glass rod ends from which she creates her beads which were too short for her to use... too short = burnt fingers = OUCH!

I adored the chunk of glass before I fused it so I was soooo happy to see how the cab turned out.. an adorable little triangular cab. I'd love to take credit for the shape but it formed that shape all by itself.

Talk about a great way to use unwanted glass!

Watch this space for more cabs made from Nat's lovely glass.

One of my beadie friends is taking part in a wonderful idea called Pay it Forward of which I am taking part.

Nothing beats treating your friends to something nice - not as a treat - but because they are your friend and they deserve it.

So I thought I would post this idea on my blog... I hope you join in!

Creative people are adventurous!

So, if you would like to participate, please send me a comment and the first five people will receive something from me in the mail.

Here are the rules, and happy posting!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. This is an adventure!

2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of actual materials, not of cyberspace.

3. It will be done this year (2009).

4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be!

5. In return, all you need to do is cut and paste this text on your Blog (from "Creative People are..." and create Five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.

6. Send your mailing address after I contact you.

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if you do not post on your own blog to pay this forward.

So come on PAY IT FORWARD!!

I've been published again!

One of my designs has been published again in Australian beading magazine, beads etc.

Issue 23 of beads etc magazine which was released in May 2009 includes a tutorial by me, Bohemian Rhapsody.

To be honest when I submitted this piece as a tutorial submission I didnt' think it would be accepted - let alone make it on the cover... so I am just a wee bit chuffed!

I have to say I was also excited to see the page below advertising magazine subscriptions which show two issues of the magazines - both with cover shots of my work!

Memories of Camelot

The Australian Beading Forum of which I am a member, from time to time have Beading Challenges. The theme of the latest Beading Challenge is "Ladies of Camelot"

Here is my entry for the Ladies of Camelot Beading Challenge...

Memories of Camelot

The title represents the beautiful and wonderful treasures the Ladies of Camelot would carry in this amulet.

When I learnt of the title of the challenge I instantly pictured a Knight in shining armour riding his horse. I researched the Ladies of Camelot and really struggled with choosing just one of these wonderful ladies.

So instead I decided to design a piece that represented all of the Ladies of Camelot and have created a small amulet/coin purse that the Ladies of Camelot would carry with them.

I can picture the Ladies of Camelot using this amulet to carry precious gold coins, a delicate lace handkerchief to wipe away her tears as she farewells her brave Knight as he departs for battle or perhaps even a favour.

The main design has been stitched in size 15 seed beads, the border row in size 8 beads and the purse has been embellished with brass findings, Swarovski rhinestones, gold silk cord piping and a little black tassel.

I have to say I am pretty proud of myself as this is really my first heavily embroidered piece... that I have spent many, many hours on!

Spencer loves this purse and insisted I take a photo of him holding it this morning so I couldn't resist including this picture.

Glass... glass... and more glass!

I have been enjoying using my glass fusing kiln so much lately... thought I'd share a few more pieces I have made recently...

New glass fused cabochons made by moi ♥