I was looking at Flickr page earlier and felt quite disappointed, I'd seriously got into the craft of jewellery making in around Feb/March time and I just don't seem to have much to show for it. As it currently stands I have a mere 18 items upon there and that's everything I've ever done, ever. Even 'The Lonely Blue Earring' is up there and that was the very first thing I made. Maybe I'm being a bit too harsh, but to be honest I think it's fair to say I've progressed since I put those blue beads together, I guess I'd be more concerned if everything up there looked pretty much the same, but I've tried out new things (whether they've worked is another matter entirely). As I get more confident in my abilities I will be making alot more things I assure you. I'm getting there albeit somewhat slowly. The ideas are there certainly.
Writing of ideas I read a piece in a magazine about how to go about putting together an ideal sketch book. Hmmm, looking at their 'ideal' I laughed out loud, there is no chance I could produce anything up to that standard. I can't draw for toffee, in fact there's more chance of England winning the next World Cup than me producing a work of art. I still chuckle when I see my 'seahorse' that looked more like a brontosaurus and my 'butterfly' that just looked like 2 letter B's (obviously one was a backwards B) with a sausage in the middle. At present I have a simple exercise book covered in dogs, I'm well passed the middle page so I'll think about that later on.
I'd come in to a bit of money after selling my old PS3 as I'd just upgraded to a PS3 Slim (thanks to the Carphone Warehouse). I used some of that to have another bead splurge, I ordered lots of goodies from eBay, a box of delights from Beads Unlimited and I went and raided Pink and Dizzy. It was then I'd got the pack of glass crosses I'd been waiting for in order to get started on the rosary bead project I'd seen in a copy of 'Bead' magazine. I used the actual design in there purely as a guide, with regards to the colour I did it purple and used a whole variety of beads and bits that I already owned, I also made it rather long as well. Although it cost less than a fiver to make to make as 'Bead' stated, it certainly took longer than 2 hours, saying that I was routing around for beads for ages, getting food, playing with the hamsters and was distracted by the TV so I guess that kinds of explains that. I was in fact so pleased with the eventual outcome of it I chose to make another one, only this time in red. Because I ordered the mixed coloured pack of crosses I plan on making more of these rosary beads using a variety of colours - maybe go monochrome, use charms or take on themes autumn colours, fruits of the forest, the ocean, sunset, you know that kind of thing.
I'm off up to Bradford on Thursday for a week to visit my family, as soon as this was confirmed pretty much I was online checking out numerous craft and bead shops in Leeds (I knew for a fact there'd be nothing of that nature in Bradford), I'm all too aware there is a Hobbycraft as it was situated round the corner from where I used to work - I spent many a lunch hour in there, but much to my delight I found another one in the town center 'Yum Yum Beads' it's called I believe and judging by it's online shop then it looks most interesting, I'm sure a few quid will be spent there.
Monday, 19 July 2010
Saturday, 3 July 2010
Wednesday June 30th, 2010
Phew, phew and thrice phew. I had finally managed to find my two formally AWOL library books.I had gone along to the library to return my mountain of jewellery making related books when the librarian asked if I'd like to renew the additional two books remaining on my ticket. This was news to me, I had no idea I was clearly under the impression that the ones I had just returned were all the ones I'd had. Perplexed I politely asked for their titles before readily agreeing to their renewal, I was really hoping my psuedo enthusiasm disguised my initial panic, inside I was thinking 'oh my god, oh my god, where the hell are they?'.
'Perfect Match' (a book on making earrings) and 'Making Necklaces' (title self-explanatory) were the books I sought and I spent the evening searching frantically moving the bed, checking behind the bookshelf, even inside my pillowcase (don't laugh I have left books in there before). It was then I had visions of them having fallen into the bin somehow and already been disposed of then I would be forever in the libraries debt. I was sat in the spare room absorbed in 'The Jolly Postman' when Matty casually strode in opened up the box file where we keep the boring but necessary paperwork and blow me down there they were. The relief was tremendous, up until that point Matty had been about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, but right at that very moment I could've kissed him but I didn't instead I gave him a finger of my Twix, a very noble gesture on my part, besides I had another one in the fridge and he did only find them by accident after all.
Now reunited with my books (mine for 3 weeks) I browsed through 'Perfect Match' and was immediately inspired by the ocean/sea range, so much so I'm considering purchasing some African Recycled Glass beads to make them happen. I guess it is kind of ironic that I have a love of making these earrings without actually having pierced ears, but that might be soon set to change. In a previous entry I wrote that my lobes were too small for the piercing procedure to take place but it turns out they're not so I could soon be wearing and flaunting my very own creations before you know it (obviously when I get good). Using up some of my plastic charms and beads I put together a pair of earrings kinda similar to the gumball charm bracelet (also featured on Flickr).
'Perfect Match' (a book on making earrings) and 'Making Necklaces' (title self-explanatory) were the books I sought and I spent the evening searching frantically moving the bed, checking behind the bookshelf, even inside my pillowcase (don't laugh I have left books in there before). It was then I had visions of them having fallen into the bin somehow and already been disposed of then I would be forever in the libraries debt. I was sat in the spare room absorbed in 'The Jolly Postman' when Matty casually strode in opened up the box file where we keep the boring but necessary paperwork and blow me down there they were. The relief was tremendous, up until that point Matty had been about as much use as a chocolate fireguard, but right at that very moment I could've kissed him but I didn't instead I gave him a finger of my Twix, a very noble gesture on my part, besides I had another one in the fridge and he did only find them by accident after all.
Now reunited with my books (mine for 3 weeks) I browsed through 'Perfect Match' and was immediately inspired by the ocean/sea range, so much so I'm considering purchasing some African Recycled Glass beads to make them happen. I guess it is kind of ironic that I have a love of making these earrings without actually having pierced ears, but that might be soon set to change. In a previous entry I wrote that my lobes were too small for the piercing procedure to take place but it turns out they're not so I could soon be wearing and flaunting my very own creations before you know it (obviously when I get good). Using up some of my plastic charms and beads I put together a pair of earrings kinda similar to the gumball charm bracelet (also featured on Flickr).
Friday, 25 June 2010
Thursday June 24th 2010
Good golly gosh it has been a long time hasn't it? Why it seems only yesterday I was grinding my teeth with torment and vengeance whilst attempting to complete the now 'infamous' 5 strand bracelet. But firstly allow me to apologise sincerely to you dearest diary and loyal companion for my recent neglect, but there have been many of what I'd consider to be justified reasons for this i.e. stupendously sunny weather, barbeques but perhaps more significantly the World Cup. Yep, I'm a self-confessed football fiend and as it stands right now, the only games I've missed are the ones that have been on at the exact same time, but thanks to the genius of the red button I can flick between the channels. I said this before the tournament and I'll say it now if I had any money I'd put it on Argentina; remember kids you read it here first.
Anyway I'll move on but before I do can I express my admiration for the World Cup Coca-Cola song (Wavin' Flag - Knaan). It's amazing, initially I got the tune in my head because of the ad, so I looked it up, downloaded it and it's been on my player ever since. It's so catchy and summery 'when I get older I will be stronger, they'll call me freedom just like a waving flag'...Ahhh, amazing.
Despite the fact that I have slacked off a bit from putting finger to keyboard and recording the gradual progress of my beloved recreational activity I have not vacated it. In fact if you care to visit my Flickr page you will find two new pictures waiting to be stared at. The first being THAT bracelet, initially I said that I was going to keep it as it was so I could laugh at it, feel myself turn red each time I caught a mere glimpse of it to the point where I'd want to dig a hole and bury it. But rather than put myself through that humiliation voluntarily I chose to take it all apart and start again. I pretty much kept up with the initial design but replaced some of the smaller more overlooked beads with some larger and brighter ones for a better effect, which seemingly worked. The finished piece looked a whole lot better and as for the fastenings then in a bid not to destroy my newly beaded strands I paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each individual wire was carefully wrapped around the jump ring and secured with a crimp bead. This time I ensured all the loops were the same or at least very similar in size and I think you can really notice the difference when you compare the 'before and after' pictures. I appreciate that it might not appear to be 'perfect' in the eyes of the pros but that's why I'm not one - yet at least. Not only was I pretty damn pleased with the outcome I was also greatly surprised at how well the whole procedure had gone - well compared with my previous effort.
The other piece is very simple indeed, my mum called me asking if I could possibly make her a necklace that consisted of purple and black because at the Bradford University where she's some kind of manger they've been given a purple & black uniform so she was seeking jewellery to match; the theme was CHUNKY. Flattered that my services were being sought to Pink and Dizzy I scurried and got a bunch of satin diamond and an aluminum pendant then got to work. The picture is the final outcome, I showed it to my mum she was most impressed by it but I'll be giving it to her in July when I pay a flying (well National Express) visit to northern dwellings.
Last night I actually had a dream that Matty had his name changed officially to 'Apple Green Beads' I don't quite know what to make of that, too much beading on the brain you reckon?
Anyway I'll move on but before I do can I express my admiration for the World Cup Coca-Cola song (Wavin' Flag - Knaan). It's amazing, initially I got the tune in my head because of the ad, so I looked it up, downloaded it and it's been on my player ever since. It's so catchy and summery 'when I get older I will be stronger, they'll call me freedom just like a waving flag'...Ahhh, amazing.
Despite the fact that I have slacked off a bit from putting finger to keyboard and recording the gradual progress of my beloved recreational activity I have not vacated it. In fact if you care to visit my Flickr page you will find two new pictures waiting to be stared at. The first being THAT bracelet, initially I said that I was going to keep it as it was so I could laugh at it, feel myself turn red each time I caught a mere glimpse of it to the point where I'd want to dig a hole and bury it. But rather than put myself through that humiliation voluntarily I chose to take it all apart and start again. I pretty much kept up with the initial design but replaced some of the smaller more overlooked beads with some larger and brighter ones for a better effect, which seemingly worked. The finished piece looked a whole lot better and as for the fastenings then in a bid not to destroy my newly beaded strands I paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring each individual wire was carefully wrapped around the jump ring and secured with a crimp bead. This time I ensured all the loops were the same or at least very similar in size and I think you can really notice the difference when you compare the 'before and after' pictures. I appreciate that it might not appear to be 'perfect' in the eyes of the pros but that's why I'm not one - yet at least. Not only was I pretty damn pleased with the outcome I was also greatly surprised at how well the whole procedure had gone - well compared with my previous effort.
The other piece is very simple indeed, my mum called me asking if I could possibly make her a necklace that consisted of purple and black because at the Bradford University where she's some kind of manger they've been given a purple & black uniform so she was seeking jewellery to match; the theme was CHUNKY. Flattered that my services were being sought to Pink and Dizzy I scurried and got a bunch of satin diamond and an aluminum pendant then got to work. The picture is the final outcome, I showed it to my mum she was most impressed by it but I'll be giving it to her in July when I pay a flying (well National Express) visit to northern dwellings.
Last night I actually had a dream that Matty had his name changed officially to 'Apple Green Beads' I don't quite know what to make of that, too much beading on the brain you reckon?
Monday, 7 June 2010
Monday June 7th, 2010
At last, I can finally boast to completing my latest production. I had literally been working on this piece all day Sunday, pausing only to have the infamous Sunday Roast (and pudding), playing with the hamsters, eat cheese puffs and occasional trips to the latrine. I didn't even sit down with the Papers and their many supplements till 11:50pm, by the time I'd finished they were well out of date.
So just what was this stunning work of art that I sacrificed my whole Sunday for? It was simply a five strand bracelet (or five strand bracelet disaster as I refer to it on my Flickr page). I'm sure it'd take the pro's no time at all but I continue to reiterate the fact that I am a simple novice. The idea came about after seeing these multi-strand bracelets in numerous books and magazines in a whole multitude of designs, I was feeling ambitious so I thought I'd give it a crack. My theme was complete randomness, just making it up as I go along, there were two primary reasons for this, the first being that it would ensure my design would be completely unique
and secondly I didn't really have much choice in the matter. You see whenever I invest in beads I always favour the 'mixed' packs that vary in colour, shape and style so I didn't really have any that would create a full strand.
It was all going so well, all my thread was all measured and cut correctly, beads by my side I started threading like a fiend possessed. It wasn't until I'd completed the third strand that I realised that just like the Titanic I'd hit an iceberg. In other words I'd cocked up - royally. Instead of slipping each of the individual threads through a single calotte and knotting it, I'd only gone and looped the threads at both ends securing the loop with a crimp bead. Trying so hard to remain optimistic I daringly proceeded but deep down I knew that just like the great ship itself I was sinking very slowly.
It was only after I'd attached the lobster clasp to the finished 'piece' that I gasped in horror, each of the individual loops varied in sizes meaning all the strands differed in length to the point of ridiculousness. The clasp was a pointless addition, the bracelet was that big (one strand alone almost fitted around my wrist twice). You could simply slide it on to your wrist only to watch it immediately fall off sending it crashing to the floor, it was truly heartbreaking - for me at least.
I asked Matty for his opinion, after all what could he say that I hadn't already said and thought to myself? He said he liked the actual design idea of it but would maybe have been better suited to a necklace, hmmm, he was certainly on to something there (not that I let him know that). After much thought I chose to keep the bracelet for pure comedy value, where I can look back at my novice days with fond memories.
As soon as funds allow, whenever that maybe I'm going to have a huge bead splurge and seriously consider that necklace idea. Looking back it certainly wasn't a whole Sunday wasted a very important lesson was learned that day, well two actually the first being don't ever let enthusiasm and delirium get in the way of studying instructions and logical thinking. The second, never eat a huge bag of cheese puffs immediately after devouring a chunky slice of strawberry cheesecake, don't do it, trust me, I suffered.
On a more positive note, Saturday night I put together lovely pair of summery earrings I called 'Lemon Drops' (again check out my Flickr page if you care to take a gander). They were inspired by all the gorgeous weather we'd been having (notice how I used past tense). I really wish my username didn't have 'wine gum' in it, I'd kill for a pack of those right now.
So just what was this stunning work of art that I sacrificed my whole Sunday for? It was simply a five strand bracelet (or five strand bracelet disaster as I refer to it on my Flickr page). I'm sure it'd take the pro's no time at all but I continue to reiterate the fact that I am a simple novice. The idea came about after seeing these multi-strand bracelets in numerous books and magazines in a whole multitude of designs, I was feeling ambitious so I thought I'd give it a crack. My theme was complete randomness, just making it up as I go along, there were two primary reasons for this, the first being that it would ensure my design would be completely unique
and secondly I didn't really have much choice in the matter. You see whenever I invest in beads I always favour the 'mixed' packs that vary in colour, shape and style so I didn't really have any that would create a full strand.
It was all going so well, all my thread was all measured and cut correctly, beads by my side I started threading like a fiend possessed. It wasn't until I'd completed the third strand that I realised that just like the Titanic I'd hit an iceberg. In other words I'd cocked up - royally. Instead of slipping each of the individual threads through a single calotte and knotting it, I'd only gone and looped the threads at both ends securing the loop with a crimp bead. Trying so hard to remain optimistic I daringly proceeded but deep down I knew that just like the great ship itself I was sinking very slowly.
It was only after I'd attached the lobster clasp to the finished 'piece' that I gasped in horror, each of the individual loops varied in sizes meaning all the strands differed in length to the point of ridiculousness. The clasp was a pointless addition, the bracelet was that big (one strand alone almost fitted around my wrist twice). You could simply slide it on to your wrist only to watch it immediately fall off sending it crashing to the floor, it was truly heartbreaking - for me at least.
I asked Matty for his opinion, after all what could he say that I hadn't already said and thought to myself? He said he liked the actual design idea of it but would maybe have been better suited to a necklace, hmmm, he was certainly on to something there (not that I let him know that). After much thought I chose to keep the bracelet for pure comedy value, where I can look back at my novice days with fond memories.
As soon as funds allow, whenever that maybe I'm going to have a huge bead splurge and seriously consider that necklace idea. Looking back it certainly wasn't a whole Sunday wasted a very important lesson was learned that day, well two actually the first being don't ever let enthusiasm and delirium get in the way of studying instructions and logical thinking. The second, never eat a huge bag of cheese puffs immediately after devouring a chunky slice of strawberry cheesecake, don't do it, trust me, I suffered.
On a more positive note, Saturday night I put together lovely pair of summery earrings I called 'Lemon Drops' (again check out my Flickr page if you care to take a gander). They were inspired by all the gorgeous weather we'd been having (notice how I used past tense). I really wish my username didn't have 'wine gum' in it, I'd kill for a pack of those right now.
Thursday, 27 May 2010
Wednesday May 26th, 2010
There I've done it, I bit the bullet and finally put my beloved 'Scribblenauts' and its Offial Guidebook up for sale on eBay. Despite playing it and completing it I was still somewhat reluctant to let it go, I don't know why really because I doubt I'd ever play it again (especially with the new 'Professor Layton' game coming out at the rear end of the year). I had been dead set on putting it up on eBay yesterday but I was so bummed out after the death of Paul Gray I didn't bother instead I just ate loads of Sainsbury's Cheese Puffs, amazing aren't they? (for those not in the know Paul Gray was actually the bassist for the legendary band that is SLIPKNOT, of whom I am a very big fan). Selling my worldly goods is my attempt at raising capital for what I've named 'Helen's bead fund'. My target stands at £60, enough to go on a huge splurge that in theory should keep me quiet for a while, in between watching The World Cup of course. As I write (or type rather) my current total stands at...drumroll please...£3.85, ok so it's a start, even Sir Richard Branson had to start somewhere.
I skipped happily up the High Street to purchase the newly released edition of 'Bead Magazine', well there was actually a repatriation today so it was a rather a sombre trip up town, I stood by paying my respects then flitted off home. Nibbling on a scone (I was all out of cheese puffs) I sifted through the magazine and before I knew it all these ideas leapt right at me like thet were fresh salmon. I was particulary interested in the rosary style necklace and think I'm going to very bravely attempt it or at least something that resembles it. Anyone who knows mw will be aware that I don't actually go out to replicate the design entirely, instead I merely use it as a template and add to it my own eccentric personal twist that makes it that bit more unique, the other reason I never copy from others designs is that in my case the piece will never end up looking as good as the one I'm copying. Amongst its pages were also some rather delightful seed bead pieces, now I will learn this trade at some point, as soon as finances allow. Back in the day when I was a hardcore novice I didn't entirely understand the idea of seed beads, I was obviously familiar with what they were and what they could be used for, however, I was ignorant to the concept of sizing so blissfully unaware I went out and bought loads pf them. On further examination I remember thinking 'good golly gosh, they are a trifle small' being a glasses wearer I could only just about see them let alone bead myself a masterpiece. Anyhow it later transpired that I'd only gone and bought 15/0 the smallest size going and for that reason they're pretty much useless, still you live, you learn.
I skipped happily up the High Street to purchase the newly released edition of 'Bead Magazine', well there was actually a repatriation today so it was a rather a sombre trip up town, I stood by paying my respects then flitted off home. Nibbling on a scone (I was all out of cheese puffs) I sifted through the magazine and before I knew it all these ideas leapt right at me like thet were fresh salmon. I was particulary interested in the rosary style necklace and think I'm going to very bravely attempt it or at least something that resembles it. Anyone who knows mw will be aware that I don't actually go out to replicate the design entirely, instead I merely use it as a template and add to it my own eccentric personal twist that makes it that bit more unique, the other reason I never copy from others designs is that in my case the piece will never end up looking as good as the one I'm copying. Amongst its pages were also some rather delightful seed bead pieces, now I will learn this trade at some point, as soon as finances allow. Back in the day when I was a hardcore novice I didn't entirely understand the idea of seed beads, I was obviously familiar with what they were and what they could be used for, however, I was ignorant to the concept of sizing so blissfully unaware I went out and bought loads pf them. On further examination I remember thinking 'good golly gosh, they are a trifle small' being a glasses wearer I could only just about see them let alone bead myself a masterpiece. Anyhow it later transpired that I'd only gone and bought 15/0 the smallest size going and for that reason they're pretty much useless, still you live, you learn.
Sunday, 16 May 2010
Sunday May 16th, 2010
Firstly dear loyal readers I would like to apologise for my lack of entries over this past week or so but there has been a bereavement in the family, my little baby hamster alias HAMMY tragically had to be put down. She was 2 and a half and had contracted a fatal illness. I'm coming to terms with it now but it broke my little heart and I have a lump in my throat as I'm typing this but I'm feeling a little better today. HAMMY was the first hamster me & Matty got together, we do have another one called MUI MUI who is a year old and we're going to get another one soon. HAMMY will never, ever be forgotten - ever. It's comforting to know that she had the best life we could ever give her and she'll be remembered for the way she lived instead of the way she died. R-I-P little HAMMY.
Moving on, I finally grew a pair and sent the infamous silver necklace and earrings to my mother as a very, very belated Mother's Day gift. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous by her reaction, I knew she finished work at the Bradford University at 4:00pm so I waited anxiously for her text, it was like the jewellery makers equivalent of waiting for exam results. When my phone vibrated at 4:18pm I jumped out of my skin (I choose to have it on vibrate because ringtones and message beeps made me jump, for a while I considered ordering a variety of gun shot ones from Andy McNab's website but living next to RAF Lyneham it probably wouldn't be the smartest of moves so I decided against it), I tentatively reached for my phone and read 'O2 have new offers, check out our website for further details...' or something along those lines. Groaning I was about to put the phone back when it went again, this time it was my mum and it turns out she loved them them all and went as far as to say she was going to take them to London with her next week. In the note I popped in with them I asked her to be brutally honest, it might have come across as though I was inviting criticism, maybe even begging for it. In truth I didn't want her say it was good just because it was me that made it. You'll never learn your craft that way.
While frantically searching through my sock draw in a desperate bid to find a pair that matched I found a carrier sack in there containing numerous blocks of Fimo, that I'd obviouly purchased at some point and completely forgotten about there was blue, yellow, flourescent orange, red, green and white. Hmmm, I just decided to have a bash at making some beads at some point, if I'm feeling daring I might try the funky looking millefiori look. Regrettably I don't have any clear varnish right now or I would have done it already, saying that maybe clear nail varnish will suffice I do have that, as long as they are bright, crazy and unique I'll be happy. I gave up on finding a matching pair and grabbed a 'High School Musical' I love TRoy sock and a 'Nightmare Before Christmas' one (please, please don't ask - I don't want to go there). Right now as I type I'm watching 'Ghostbusters 2' and briefly considered making a Fimo Slimer, but there's no way I could do him justice and I certainly don't have enough white to even thinking about attempting the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man - shame.
I was browsing through the Argos earlier this after just of curiosity to see if they still sold the Soda Stream (they do by the way) and while I had the catalogue in hand I examined the jewellery section to dare I say check out the competition and see what Elizabeth Duke was up, but I was taken aback by the sudden influx of 'celebrities' flaunting 'their very own' lacklustre designs. I'm sorry Coleen but there's no way I'm contributing to your handbag fund by paying £40 for a silver chain with some gold coloured crystal attached to it. Then there's Lily Allen seeking £23 for a 'base metal smiley face pendant'. It's not the prices that bother me so much it's more the unimaginative, flat and complete lack of character these mass produced products have. Now it may sound like I'm going off on a bitter rant but it just bugs me to see some silly ass 'celeb' gurning stupidly modelling their latest money-making scam, especially when you know that they'll never adorn them again. In the jewellery making magazines I
read each month I continue to amazed by some of the tremendous, original pieces sent in by their readers. They are the visual definition of talent, a talent to be envious of and not in the same caliber as the tacky 'celeb endorsed' nonsense that are an insult to every true jewellery maker. I just read that back, it does really sound like I'm having some sort of period induced rant doesn't it? Please someone agree with me, there must be someone who does surely, I'm not the angry, bitter, twisted person I sound like - the whole situation wound me up that's all.
It may seem that my ambition to work with resin might really happen, you see I've been doing some research and found that there is actually a kit specifically designed for resin virgins like myself, it comes with everything to get started - right down to the gloves. I showed it Matty and suggested he read it, much to my surprise he did and that initial look of horror and panic that he'd expressed when I first confided that I'd like to try working with such chemicals wasn't there, instead he seemed reassured at the inclusion of the health and safety information. The whole kit costs knocking on £40, which I'll admit is a lot to me living in recession Britain and all that but when funds allow it, it'll be a case of 'look out world resin Helen is has landed' (you best take cover).
Moving on, I finally grew a pair and sent the infamous silver necklace and earrings to my mother as a very, very belated Mother's Day gift. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't nervous by her reaction, I knew she finished work at the Bradford University at 4:00pm so I waited anxiously for her text, it was like the jewellery makers equivalent of waiting for exam results. When my phone vibrated at 4:18pm I jumped out of my skin (I choose to have it on vibrate because ringtones and message beeps made me jump, for a while I considered ordering a variety of gun shot ones from Andy McNab's website but living next to RAF Lyneham it probably wouldn't be the smartest of moves so I decided against it), I tentatively reached for my phone and read 'O2 have new offers, check out our website for further details...' or something along those lines. Groaning I was about to put the phone back when it went again, this time it was my mum and it turns out she loved them them all and went as far as to say she was going to take them to London with her next week. In the note I popped in with them I asked her to be brutally honest, it might have come across as though I was inviting criticism, maybe even begging for it. In truth I didn't want her say it was good just because it was me that made it. You'll never learn your craft that way.
While frantically searching through my sock draw in a desperate bid to find a pair that matched I found a carrier sack in there containing numerous blocks of Fimo, that I'd obviouly purchased at some point and completely forgotten about there was blue, yellow, flourescent orange, red, green and white. Hmmm, I just decided to have a bash at making some beads at some point, if I'm feeling daring I might try the funky looking millefiori look. Regrettably I don't have any clear varnish right now or I would have done it already, saying that maybe clear nail varnish will suffice I do have that, as long as they are bright, crazy and unique I'll be happy. I gave up on finding a matching pair and grabbed a 'High School Musical' I love TRoy sock and a 'Nightmare Before Christmas' one (please, please don't ask - I don't want to go there). Right now as I type I'm watching 'Ghostbusters 2' and briefly considered making a Fimo Slimer, but there's no way I could do him justice and I certainly don't have enough white to even thinking about attempting the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man - shame.
I was browsing through the Argos earlier this after just of curiosity to see if they still sold the Soda Stream (they do by the way) and while I had the catalogue in hand I examined the jewellery section to dare I say check out the competition and see what Elizabeth Duke was up, but I was taken aback by the sudden influx of 'celebrities' flaunting 'their very own' lacklustre designs. I'm sorry Coleen but there's no way I'm contributing to your handbag fund by paying £40 for a silver chain with some gold coloured crystal attached to it. Then there's Lily Allen seeking £23 for a 'base metal smiley face pendant'. It's not the prices that bother me so much it's more the unimaginative, flat and complete lack of character these mass produced products have. Now it may sound like I'm going off on a bitter rant but it just bugs me to see some silly ass 'celeb' gurning stupidly modelling their latest money-making scam, especially when you know that they'll never adorn them again. In the jewellery making magazines I
read each month I continue to amazed by some of the tremendous, original pieces sent in by their readers. They are the visual definition of talent, a talent to be envious of and not in the same caliber as the tacky 'celeb endorsed' nonsense that are an insult to every true jewellery maker. I just read that back, it does really sound like I'm having some sort of period induced rant doesn't it? Please someone agree with me, there must be someone who does surely, I'm not the angry, bitter, twisted person I sound like - the whole situation wound me up that's all.
It may seem that my ambition to work with resin might really happen, you see I've been doing some research and found that there is actually a kit specifically designed for resin virgins like myself, it comes with everything to get started - right down to the gloves. I showed it Matty and suggested he read it, much to my surprise he did and that initial look of horror and panic that he'd expressed when I first confided that I'd like to try working with such chemicals wasn't there, instead he seemed reassured at the inclusion of the health and safety information. The whole kit costs knocking on £40, which I'll admit is a lot to me living in recession Britain and all that but when funds allow it, it'll be a case of 'look out world resin Helen is has landed' (you best take cover).
Tuesday, 4 May 2010
Tuesday May 4th, 2010
I sure wish I hadn't got long ball wire earrings in bulk, I've literally got hundreds of them. Yep, I can mae earrings till the cows come home, in fact five of the eight items on my Flickr photostream are ear related. Now don't get me wrong I enjoy my little silly self making them but because I don't have pierced ears (my lobes are way too small apparently)there isn't a whole lot I can do with them. It isn't as thought I can casually flaunt them on a night out secretly yearning for compliments. At present all those featured on my photostream including 'the lonely blue earring' are safely tucked away in generously sized seal-grip bags in little coloured plastic boxes going nowhere. Why couldn't I have got chains, bracelets or even brooch bars? At least then I could've got some use out of them. Still it's my own fault I'm in this predicament but I was just a sucker for a bargain.
My Bank Holiday Monday outing was a surprise trip to Swindon's very own 'Hobbycraft' and all I can say is 'holy hell'. I was there mesmorised by the rows upon rows of rather delicious looking beads, crystals, ribbons, tools and findings - even the plastic storage boxes were enough to get me excited. How could I possibly decide what to purchase? Well I guess my very limited budget would kind of limit my options. It seemed the woman beside me was facing the same dilemma as I, although judging by the way she was stripping the racks putting the goods into an already overflowing basket like she was a contestant on 'Dale Winton's Supermarket Sweep' money clearly wasn't an issue. I wouldn't be human if I said I wasn't jealous, I know it's one of the seven deadly sins but I will confess I was seething with envy. My wicked thought were interrupted at first by a rather obnoxious sneeze followed by Matty coming charging down the aisle demanding that I hurry up. I couldn't blame him really we'd been in there approaching 2 hours, in that time I must've got my daily 10,000 steps just pacing up and down the bead section. Still in a flurry of confusion I told him to pick something for me, he thrust a pack of 'fancy glass beads' in crimson into my hand and escorted me to the counter. Passing the magazines I noticed a copy of 'Creative Beading & Jewellery Design' I'd seen it advertised and knew it was only available in selected specialist bead and craft stores so I snapped it up too. As I was leaving I too a copy of 'Hobbycrafts' jewellery making leaflet because I could, it was free and I need all the help I can get - although I'm slowly becoming a dab hand with the earrings now.
My Bank Holiday Monday outing was a surprise trip to Swindon's very own 'Hobbycraft' and all I can say is 'holy hell'. I was there mesmorised by the rows upon rows of rather delicious looking beads, crystals, ribbons, tools and findings - even the plastic storage boxes were enough to get me excited. How could I possibly decide what to purchase? Well I guess my very limited budget would kind of limit my options. It seemed the woman beside me was facing the same dilemma as I, although judging by the way she was stripping the racks putting the goods into an already overflowing basket like she was a contestant on 'Dale Winton's Supermarket Sweep' money clearly wasn't an issue. I wouldn't be human if I said I wasn't jealous, I know it's one of the seven deadly sins but I will confess I was seething with envy. My wicked thought were interrupted at first by a rather obnoxious sneeze followed by Matty coming charging down the aisle demanding that I hurry up. I couldn't blame him really we'd been in there approaching 2 hours, in that time I must've got my daily 10,000 steps just pacing up and down the bead section. Still in a flurry of confusion I told him to pick something for me, he thrust a pack of 'fancy glass beads' in crimson into my hand and escorted me to the counter. Passing the magazines I noticed a copy of 'Creative Beading & Jewellery Design' I'd seen it advertised and knew it was only available in selected specialist bead and craft stores so I snapped it up too. As I was leaving I too a copy of 'Hobbycrafts' jewellery making leaflet because I could, it was free and I need all the help I can get - although I'm slowly becoming a dab hand with the earrings now.
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