hello gorgeous

Welcome to 2012.......

2012-01-01T00:00:00.006Z

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Fa, la, la, la, laaa, la, la, la, laaa...

2011-12-24T13:53:00.000Z

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-11-20T10:33:00.000Z

join us

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-11-13T13:48:00.001Z

join us

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Time to Give Thanks

2011-11-11T10:05:00.002Z

Please show your gratitude and thanks today by giving two minutes of your time to fall silent for those who put their country first in order for our futures to play out safely...

Good night, sleep tight.....your courage will live forever.

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something to shout about.....

2011-10-05T20:56:00.001+01:00

Mum got the thumbs up from the hospital today....the treatment worked!

barring scheduled check-ups....they don't want to see her

{unless she finds anything untoward}...happy day!

Hope you've had a "happy day" ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-10-02T09:57:00.000+01:00

join us

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Stomach Flippin'...

2011-09-27T10:42:00.000+01:00

...just a bit!

Gonna have a little play and change my template...hopefully I won't lose anything as I have saved the template as is...not sure if the blog rolls will be saved {which is what I am concerned about} would HATE to lose you all.....

Please keep your fingers {and toes} crossed it all works out

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-09-25T10:27:00.001+01:00

join us

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

After all that Bead Soup...

2011-09-21T14:17:00.000+01:00

...you'll never guess what I'm having for lunch...

yes!

soup!

Slow roasted Lamb and root vegetable soup....mmmMMmmm, delish! Not homemade unfortunately, but delicious all the same. ;o)

However, all that gorgeous homemade Bead Soup I have devoured over the last few days was even more delicious!

362 participants this time round, numerous comments left and an abundance of comments received.....to which I would like to say an ENORMOUS thank you!

You have definitely boosted my confidence!

I wish I lived closer to our host, Lori Anderson, as I would definitely be delivering a fabulous bunch of flowers along with some well deserved hugs.....although I hear she is partial to a slice of pie and a shot of whiskey...shhh! don't let on I told you that! ;o)

So, there's only one thing to get focussed on now that the 4th soup is finished with

yes, that's right....the 5th Bead Soup Blog Party!!!!

Sign ups will be slightly different this time round due to the incredible amount of participants in the 4th Soup.....it's gonna be a lottery....yeah baby!

I can't wait!

Make sure you mark it down in your diaries, on your calenders, your smartphones, in your sidebars, on post-its all around your house...or wherever you feel you need to be reminded NOT to forget!

Hopefully I will see you there....but who knows!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Full as an egg with all this Soup!

2011-09-17T00:05:00.002+01:00

*now edited with Part Two*

Well, I certainly will be by the time I have hopped through all 362 blogs participating in the 4th Bead Soup Blog Party hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things!

As mentioned earlier this week I have been partnered with Kristina of Wild Roses and Blackberries and below is just some of what she sent me to create with!

The aim of the Bead Soup challenge is to create a piece {or pieces} with Soup {beads} sent to you by your partner...hopefully you will be partnered with someone who creates in a different medium, so you are able to challenge yourself in your creations with the soup you receive. The soup consists of a clasp, a focal and a bunch of beads. The only stipulation to the challenge is that you MUST use the clasp and the focal in your creations...you can use some or all of the beads, you can also mix it up with your own bead stash.

This is the second Soup I have participated in, the first unfortunately coincided with the ill health of my dad {who later passed away} comitted as I was I completed my piece, but I felt I didn't really do my partner justice. This time, even with the on-going health issues with mum, I have deliberated this way and that with the mountain of soup sent to me by Kristina. I have created two pieces of Bead Soup and I can quietly say I am pleased with the results. ;o)

The first piece created was a necklace with the focal from the soup. Kristina wasn't sure what kind of stone this was but was sure it was dyed in some way, I thought it looked fabulous with dark metal so have teamed it with gunmetal chain interspersed with 14mm wire-wrapped mosaic turquoise white rounds, 18mm wire-wrapped deep teal wooden beads, a trio consisting of two 2mm gunmetal rounds flanking a 6mm Swarovski faceted round in rose, finishing the creation with another trio of crystals...an 8mm faceted jet rainbow rondelle sandwiched between two 4mm faceted teal rondelles. The overall length of the necklace is 40"

It's the first time I've really attempted wire-wrapping and chain like this and as I said earlier, I am quietly pleased with it!

The second piece...well you will have to come back for part two!

I have completed it, but have yet to photograph it and I am out early this morning on footie duty with my 15 year old.....

SO WATCH THIS SPACE....YES...THIS SPACE HERE!!!!

I will let you into a secret, it's not another necklace but it WAS another challenge...with soup I had not worked with before...so thank you Kristina for the challenge....and THANK YOU Lori for the experience..again it was amazing!!

EDITED: Bead Soup Part Two!

So, here is my second piece of soup!

Kristina said she wanted to see what I did with the clasp she had sent in her package to me....well, I had never worked with a box clasp before, especially one with a sieve top and 3 strands to it! But somehow I really liked the clean look of not adding anything to it and felt it would be a focal in itself, so I made the decision not to embellish it {I apologise to Kristina if she feels cheated in someway...but I really like it like this!}

Kristina had sent me some rice pearls which were drilled side-to-top giving a herringbone type appearance. Again, I had never worked with pearls but I knew what I wanted to achieve. I dug around my own bead stash for the pastel pearl rounds I knew I had and would probably never use {well, at least not for a while anyway!} I also had some 6mm Rhondonite rounds that would be a perfect addition for the third strand, I think for a first attempt it's OK, what do you think?

Now, here is what I sent my partner, Kristina...

pop on over to Wild Roses and Blackberries to see what she has created with it...I for one can't wait...almost tempted to pull out of footie duty! ;oO

As I have promised my eldest to overhaul/decorate his bedroom this weekend, I will be multi-tasking...one hand will be holding a paintbrush the other will be blog-hopping!

Have fun hopping through the other participants in the Bead Soup and if you have five minutes, leave a comment {or two!}

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Giving is such a pleasure...

2011-09-15T16:20:00.000+01:00

...but receiving can be so much fun!

Here is just some of the soup I received from my Bead Soup partner, Kristina over at Wild Roses and Blackberries

I tell ya, for someone who doesn't step foot outside these four walls around me, it's been strangely chaotic here...so much so it has taken me an age to show you what I have received!

Besides the loveliness above, I had a mountain of other beauties to play with including seeds beads, lucite flowers, coffee bean beads, a copper teddy, filigree connectors...I could go on and on. Most of which I have never used before so Lori's expectations for participants to push their boundaries are well and truly met in this particular soup!

I love the clasp {seen above} but have never used one before....Kristina mentioned on her blog she would be intrigued to see how I created with it....she may be surprised at what I have done but you will have to wait until Saturday to find out, as that is the reveal day!

Right, back to playing....see ya on Saturday for the reveal!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-09-11T11:02:00.001+01:00

join us

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

In Memoriam

2011-09-11T09:44:00.001+01:00

{source}

xxxxx

Flick, Flick, Flick, Flick, FLICKR!!!

2011-09-09T22:09:00.005+01:00

arctic, a photo by hello-gorgeous on Flickr.

I have just opened an account at Flickr....got me a nice little side bar badge too!

Since taking photos of my jewellery with a simple point and shoot Samsung digital camera I have become more and more addicted to taking photos {the kids HATE it when they see camera in hand...I have NEVER seen them move so quick!}

I have ALREADY written my letter to Santa asking for a little something special to be left under the Christmas tree...or anywhere else in the house really!....only another 15 weeks till I find out HOW good I've been!

Have you written yours yet??? ;op~

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Getting back to "normality"

2011-09-05T16:36:00.002+01:00

{warning: photo depicting after surgery scar included in post}

or as close to it as possible.....

I can't believe we are in September already and in two days school starts again for another year of learning. It will be strange having only one son in education now....the time just seemed to have whizzed by in a flash for the other two! I think I need to grab these last two days tho' if I want Ellis to go properly attired {I've yet to get any form of uniform for him}....so guess who will be uniform shopping later! It's an exciting year for Ellis, being his penultimate, he has chosen his subjects ready for his GSCE's: French, P.E. and Car Mechanics {besides the compulsory Maths, English, Welsh, R.E, P.E. and Science}....who knows which direction this little lot will take him in.....

To say it's been a brain numbing, hectic year would be THE understatement of all time....trying to remain positive and push myself further in 2011, then hearing of and coping with Dad's unexpected Cancer battle and the double {triple} whammy...Mum being diagnosed with Cancer in the same week as Dad.

Late February/early March was a whirlwind of hospice visits by friends and family to see Dad and say their last goodbyes, long days spent by us at his bedside...all of which were filled with laughter and reminiscing and.....funeral planning. Whilst this was taking place, mum was also having tests which resulted in her being scheduled for surgery to remove a lump from her neck....

THAT was surreal trying to visit both in hospital {on opposites side of the City} and to have them speak to each other by phone from their hospital beds...VERY surreal!

Following Dad's funeral, mum and I spent a week in North Wales {mum's birthplace} visiting family and trying to come to terms with what had just taken place, also to help mentally charge us for what we were both about to head into.....the diagnoses from her surgery was that she had Hodgkin Lymphoma...rare in older people...that treatment would be 3 months of Chemotherapy followed by 1 {possibly 2} doses of Radiotherapy, so having this time with her family was important. Even tho' her cancer was at Stage 1, the outcome was unknown.

The journey was rough, mum only managed one month of chemo...a particularly aggressive dose given to her {which, we were told, even the younger generation found difficult to handle} the decision was to take her off chemo and start earlier than planned with the radiotherapy but instead of 1/2 doses she would have fifteen....one a day for three weeks. This form of treatment was much "kinder" to mum, the chemo had knocked every ounce of mental and physical strength out of her {I feel she would have coped better mentally if this had been the plan first}.

{Mum}

Treatment finished 11th July, she had her first appointment with the Consultant last week to see how she was getting on since treatment stopped. She is doing amazing....her strength is slowly returning, she has set herself a few goals to achieve to continue regaining her strength...mentally her brain is starting to retain information, she is not so confused by everything and I feel she has a small spark of hope about her. Her first scan will come in October {three months after treatment stopped} we will know what the outcome is then.....so, no point putting life on hold...time to make some plans and set those goals.

We also had an unexpected trip back up to North Wales in August, only this time the hubby and three boys came with us. I can't tell you how stoked I was to have all of us there. The kids are all teenagers and, two at least, are at the point of probably not wanting to "go on holiday with the parents"...but I felt I had to ask them anyway, to my amazement they said yes before I had even finished the sentence! One happy mamma!

I LOVE going to Pwllheli {North Wales}....it's a seaside town and gets extremely busy in the Summer but is as dead as a dodo in the Winter....there's really nothing to do there except chill and go to the beach!

{will display photos individually over the coming weeks for a better view!}

I LOVE IT!

I LOVE the smell....the sound of the waves...the seagulls...the yatchts...the water...the relaxed atmosphere....ooo, I could go on and on...

One thing the boys decided to do during the week was pop to the driving range as well as play a round of golf

If I could...I would move there...in a heartbeat!

The down side to the visit was, the weekend before we visited, my Uncle {mum's brother} had two serious strokes...the visits to see him were painful {because of recent events} emotions were bubbling under the surface anyway....he's got a long way to go but, fingers crossed, he will be improving by Christmas....it's a slow process...but staying positive helps.

So September begins and plans are to be made......watch this space!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

EDITED: shopping done, uniform complete...all achieved in 20 mins...yeah baby!!

"i heart macro"

2011-09-04T08:51:00.001+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something tasty....

2011-08-31T15:58:00.000+01:00

a bit of soup...

I am a bit late to the party as I have just returned from hols and the posting and receiving happened whilst I was away, then there was the catch up on return...washing, playing, ironing, playing, tidying, playing...

I was partnered with Kristina of Wild roses and blackberries and looking through her blog was overwhelmed at all the different styles she likes to tackle. To be honest, I wasn't sure what I should gather together for her, but on closer inspection realised that what I create with is not what Kristina creates with {often}. So, it was a case of teasing out of her some favourite colours/textures, adding a focal and clasp {of course} and some "extras".....

This is what I sent Kristina, hoping {fingers firmly crossed} that she would love the colours as much as I do.

I also found out that Kristina has a "thing" for dragons and, as I live in Wales I couldn't resist adding a little something extra to her package. Afterall, the Welsh dragon is our National symbol {besides the Daffodil}. I took the beads on holiday with me and went "hunting" for a dragon...

I found two lovely dragons, one to look after her hot drink and one to protect her when she goes out into the big wide world, I also added a stick of Rock {No.8 which can ONLY be found in Pwllheli}....sadly, I forgot to take a picture of them as I was too engrossed in taking pictures of the soup!

I know Kristina will share them with you tho!

I have recieved my soup from Kristina but I need to get some decent photos of the gorgeous-ness before I can share, unfortunately the weather has been gloomy for the last few days....but stay tuned it's getting brighter by the weekend!

Bead Soup will be shared worldwide on 17th September...make sure you return for your bowl!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Grabbing it by the balls.....hopefully!

2011-08-29T14:05:00.001+01:00

I am FED UP of being in a rut....of being in a melancholy/apathetic mood which seems to have taken over my whole being...I've tried {on countless occasions} to shift it but nothing's doing...I WANT to get on with life, but I need to pass through this force field first. I feel like my days are just passing me by...I have a mind full of things I want to do/achieve...within the confines of my four walls {getting out is a whole other issue!} but they are not getting past the "thought about" stage.....I AM FRUSTRATED people!!!!

I am, however, trying to grab it by the balls, so to speak {no offence fellas!} today I am messing with the blog, so excuse the transition stage {the way I am feeling it may last a while!}...other things I want to tackle this week are: giving a shout out to my Bead Soup partner, getting organised with a "to do" list, a catch-up blog post and some housework {shakes head at this one!}...that will do for now, I have SO much stored in my head that just thinking about it is overwhelming me...

I hope you are all gearing up for a busy/eventful week....I think I may be jealous if you are!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-08-21T07:00:00.009+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-08-14T07:00:00.008+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Colour Challenge "Ocean Raindrops"

2011-08-11T14:44:00.001+01:00

As it's a VERY wet day today, this week's colour challenge is inspired by a trip to Cardiff Bay on another VERY wet day!

So all you crafters, artists, knitters, jewellery makers, crocheters, photographers {and anyone else} out there, if you feel you want to take part, post a link below...I would LOVE to see what you create! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-08-07T07:00:00.009+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Colour Challenge "Riverside"

2011-08-04T16:03:00.000+01:00

I've seen colour palettes on quite a few blogs, whilst hopping about the world, and have always wanted to create one. There are some really gorgeous ones about.

So this afternoon, with 5 minutes on my hands, I decided to have a go {well, it was either that or get on with some cleaning!}

Here's my attempt, using my entry to the Countryfile competition as inspiration...

Now, if you've got 5 minutes on your hands and feel like a challenge to create something from these colours {in whatever medium you create in/are comfortable with} I would LOVE to see it. Just link below so we can all visit your creation ;o)

If it takes off...I just might make it a weekly thing...

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Who would have thought, me...

2011-08-01T13:23:00.000+01:00

...a photographer!

Well I suppose, when you think about it, we all are! Afterall, you don't have to be a "professional" to be a photographer....you just point and shoot, don't you?

Millie: my sweet souled girl

I have captured "moments in time" throughout my life, from toddling around with toy cameras, school trips, family holidays, teenage years to having my own kids and "freeze framing" special moments: a first Christmas or birthday, cutting a tooth, first day of school etc, but all of these moments have happened IF I've had a camera on or near me....it was never a case of "can't leave the house without my camera", "where's my camera, I must have it with me" ~ if it happened, it happened!

A Rainy Cardiff Bay

Then, there was a looong period of not taking a single photo...I mean long, as in years!

That was until I started creating/blogging a few years back...I would makes things, take a picture and post it on my blog...but still, that was all it was.

Last year I decided I wanted to get back on track with the garden and so started Project Flowerpot, I thought it would be nice to keep a photographic record of the garden year and to share it on my blog/facebook page...not only did I do this but also took photos of the food we were eating, books I would dive into, if we went out & about...I was snapping just about anything and everything!

Cajun chicken, Feta salad and new potatoes in seasoned olive oil

At the same time I discovered a "new love"...the Macro button!

W.O.W!

I LOVE IT!

If I can shoot it in Macro, I do!

Right now flowers are my passion using the ~~Magic~~ Macro button...you "get" what beauty is all about, and....I can't stop!

My camera is attached to my hip!

garden Clematis

I have to stress, I am NOT obsessed, in any way, hell I don't even "KNOW" how to take photos!

I JUST POINT AND SHOOT and hope for the best...

Of course, there are a million photos to get just one good one, but boy when you see "the one" it's like your hearts pings!

It IS magic!

I have been participating {for the last 12 weeks} in a challenge in blogland, which takes place every Sunday called I heart Macro, hosted by Lori.....you link a photo you have taken in Macro mode on her blog and then bloghop to everyone else who is taking part.....

Now, I love my "novice" photos, but truly, you MUST go and take a peak at some of the submissions in this challenge...I am awestruck!

The comments some of them have left about my entries are very inspiring too, to think they see my photo as "beautiful", "fabulous", "stunning" or "gorgeous" simply makes me smile and want to get better....although to achieve this I will definitely need to change cameras....my cheap little Samsung point & shoot is not gonna cut it, quite frankly!

underside of hanging basket during severe winter of 2010

This challenge has ignited a spark within me, I am SO inspired {I am even dreaming of cameras}...I want to be as good as these awesome photographers...

And then last week, whilst watching Countryfile on tv, my mother mentioned they announced their annual amateur photographic compeition was open and "you should send yours in"....well, I nearly snorted my coffee out through my nose!

But do you know what, I HAVEN'T STOPPED THINKING ABOUT IT!

So I have entered! Arrgghhh!

It's exciting just to be taking part, the winning photos will be made into a calender, with monies raised by the sale of them going to Children in Need. Very worthwhile.

There are 12 categories, of which you can only choose four to enter.

The winning photo, chosen by the public, will get to choose camera equipment to the value of £1,000. The winning photo chosen by the judges will get to choose camera equipment to the value of £500.

As I said earlier, I am a complete novice so my expectations are not high, but being part of it is a great feeling ;o)

Here are my entries:

Category: Water Worlds {taken at Roath Park}

Category: In All Weathers {a favourite tree}

Category: Leisure and Pleasure {taken at South Beach, Pwllheli}

Category: Plant Life {a wild flower}

I'll let you know if anything happens! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Hold onto your hats!!!!

2011-08-01T09:05:00.000+01:00

It's here!!!

The Bead Soup Blog Party sign-ups start today,

for three days only.

If you want to take part, then pop over to Lori's blog, click open the registration form and sign-up, there were over 200 participants in the February bead soup, but I feel this one will be even bigger!

There are already 89 participants {and sign-up has only JUST opened!!}.

I had SO much fun during the last bead soup!

Go, hurry, skit....sign up!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-07-31T07:00:00.014+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-07-24T07:00:00.009+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Going on a Spa break tomorrow, for 10 days....

2011-07-17T20:32:00.000+01:00

{Source}

.....well, actually the laptop is......

off for some rest and relaxation, with a bit of pampering thrown in the mix, ready to return to me all refreshed and feeling like new!

Gonna dip in an out {mainly facebook} via mobile but will catch up with everyone/thing properly around 28th, so until then....

have fun!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

p.s. I have pre-set a "i heart macro" for next Sunday if you wanna check back for that??

"i heart macro"

2011-07-17T07:00:00.004+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-07-10T07:00:00.008+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-07-03T07:00:00.009+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Did I hear you say.....

2011-06-29T10:29:00.000+01:00

MOO!

No?

hmmmm, then let me just help you out.....

MOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

I couldn't wait to open the package when it arrived!

My heart actually wanted to "pop" when I saw the contents....

created and designed by ME......printed and delivered by MOO

If you want to get your hands on some gorgeous-ness too, then I suggested you click here and start playing!

Moo have just brought out new stickers/labels and have a 40% off promotion BUT you must be quick as it finishes on 30th June!

Have fun creating!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-06-26T07:00:00.005+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-06-19T07:00:00.003+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

99 and counting.....

2011-06-19T00:03:00.001+01:00

that's how many days I have been without dad....

ninety nine

fifteen weeks

3 months

and

I MISS HIM!

this is my favourite group photo...

AND

the most frustrating...

middle son decided to go walkabout when picture was taken so missed out, everytime I look at it I am happy and scowly at the same time...

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Love You Always!

hugs

Sue xxx

Well......

2011-06-18T10:38:00.000+01:00

...I have been PANTS at blogging lately

BUT

I am still blog-hopping and keeping up-to-date with everyone

BUT

not commenting on your posts wouldn't even suggest I was there

I am ready to kick my butt and {try} to get with it!

NOW

all I need is a place to store my apathy and I'm there...

Have a fab weekend everyone, "see" you soon!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-06-12T07:00:00.009+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Like a Kid in a Candy Shop!

2011-06-10T11:31:00.000+01:00

That's exactly how I have been this week!

My fav jewellery designer, Tracy-Ann over at Cinnamon Jewellery has finally taken the plunge and opened a findings shop at Folksy.

Cinnamon Jewellery Findings

I can't tell you how excited I am at this, I ♥ Tracy's work...her designs are just so scrummy to look at and has you in a spin not knowing which one should come home with you, just like when choosing candy!

Sterling Silver Spiral Pink Agate

I would describe her style as contemporary, clean and very original. Tracy work's with a number of materials creating wirework and metalwork to die for. Her designs in Sterling Silver caught my eye originally and since then has branched out to working with Copper and Enamel.

Cinnamon Jewellery on Folksy

If you've got time on your hands this weekend and you're not sure what to do, then take five minutes to check out her creations....at the moment Tracy has listed only Copper but has plans to include silver-filled wired {and, if cost is not an issue} Sterling Silver findings.

I, for one, can't wait!!

Have a fun-filled weekend....

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-06-05T07:00:00.015+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"I ♥ Daisy"

2011-06-02T15:59:00.001+01:00

.....is the name of this piece created by hello gorgeous for the Saving Daisy raffle.

{"I ♥ Daisy"}

The bracelet is an easy-wear elasticated piece consisting of 8mm Czech glass fire-polished jet rounds accentuated with a Sterling Silver open hollow heart.

Casual or smart, day or evening wear "I ♥ Daisy" would fit in perfectly...whatever the occasion!

The raffle closed on 24th May but will be drawn tomorrow - 3rd June - I am very excited to be part of this fabulous gesture by one Facebook friend to another, in what would otherwise have been a heart-wrenching choice for Daisy's owners to make. The raffle was set up to raise the £1,600 needed to cover the cost of surgery to Daisy's leg. It has ended up raising £3,434.47 with some amazing prizes on offer....all donated by craft people in and out of the industry.

The last I heard there will be one massive prize with 19 {yes, nineteen} smaller ones.

The excess monies raised {once prizes have been posted} will be split equally between The Dog's Trust and Asperger's Society {which is a condition Daisy's owners have first hand knowledge of with their son}

DAISY UPDATE: I am happy to tell you Daisy has had her op {after a few false starts} and is on the long road to recovery...it's amazing what you can achieve when you pull together.

THIS is what puts a smile in my heart!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-05-29T07:00:00.023+01:00

join us:

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Do You Wanna Help...

2011-05-19T19:57:00.000+01:00

Daisy??

This little lady's owners have a very hard choice to make right now BUT you can help make that choice the right one!

Check out my gorgeous "cyber" friend Kirsty...she has decided to have a raffle for Daisy......

and BOY is it one you don't want to miss out on!!!!

Now, the raffle is drawn on 24th MAY, sooo

GET YOUR SKATES ON OVER TO SEE KIRSTY, NOW!!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Something New...

2011-05-17T18:15:00.001+01:00

When I Grow Up, I wanna be....

It's a question most of us, if not all, have muttered at some point in our pre-adult life...and quite possibly in our adult life too!

"And what do you wanna be when you grow up?"

"I wanna be a...."

Some of us had clear ideas of which direction we should go in and what the outcome would be, whilst others had absolutely no idea and whatever was muttered at the time would soon change by the end of the week, heck, sometimes by the end of the same day!!

I never actually pondered that question too much....it was asked of me but I was too busy enjoying what I was doing at that particular moment in time to wonder what I wanted to be when I was a million years older!

Mine was more a "feeling" of doing something I loved rather than a "knowing" of what I would be doing...all through my growing pains and adult life whatever I gave 110% to I "felt" this wasn't it....I've never particularly been a crafty person, I certainly can't draw for toffee, sewing is just too much effort and knitting...well lets just say my mind loses the count after the first two rows!!

It's funny how, with changing circumstances, we are thrown in different directions...through ill health I found myself dabbling in papercrafts...whilst I enjoyed this calming effect on my mind, the hold wasn't there long enough and so I turned to making jewellery and.....PING!! that was it! I felt as though I was home! THIS is what I wanted to do when I grew up!

With this thought I am putting a new blog feature together...to be aired here soon...maybe once a fortnight or once a month {haven't decided yet}....I will be asking that very question to those who have "made" something out of their dream of "when I grow up"....those who have taken their talent, imagination and determination and created a business out of it...to glimpse how they started, the ups and downs, the rewards, how they named themselves....

I can't wait to share these interviews with you...I hope you will be as excited to read them!

Check back soon...

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

"i heart macro"

2011-05-15T15:25:00.003+01:00

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

I Heart Macro...

2011-05-15T15:18:00.001+01:00

I've come across a few posts in relation to i heart macro over the last few weeks and have been inspired by some gorgeous photos shared....SO wanting to join in with the fun, but not feeling anywhere near good enough to do so.

This little brainchild is the work of Lori at Studio Waterstone...it's a simple concept:

"no words except "i heart macro." Take a picture - up close. REALLY up close, then post it. Add this button to your post, then comment here w/ a link"

I've decided I am gonna join in regardless, I only have a "point & shoot" camera {with a macro function}but more often than not it is hit and miss whether I "get the shot"... which always surprises me when it's a hit!!

As the concept is to post without words....check out my next posting!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Am On A Roll...

2011-05-14T16:50:00.000+01:00

...a banner roll that is!

After the excitement of creating the above banner for the blog, I decided to pop a new one on my Folksy shop too, slightly different....but the same....if you get my meaning! ha!

Pop on over and take a look!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

A Critics Voice....

2011-05-12T15:17:00.000+01:00

Have just spent the last hour creating....not jewellery but a banner of all things, for my little place of adventure....the hello gorgeous blog! It's made up of all things special to me....making jewellery, walks on the beach and of course, the pin-up!

What do you think?

I want you to be truthful...how else will I get it right otherwise! I am open to your thoughts and criticisms (constructive ones obviously!)

Anyway, don't be shy to leave a comment on what you are thinking

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

BTW!

2011-05-11T11:52:00.001+01:00

Yes, it's Bead Table Wednesday already!

Having recently sorted through my stash and got everything organised I was {a little} inspired and pulled a few colours

I have two projects in mind for these little beauties....they will look delicious! First tho, I need to order some silver!

What's on your BTW?

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Question of the Week - Where Do You Seek Out Your Lost Mojo?

2011-05-08T10:53:00.000+01:00

I'm not really sure I have lost mine...it's more like it's trapped....up there in my brain....desparately trying to grab the attention of my hands. I hear it knocking on the walls of my head, shouting "let me out"..."I have things to create"..."what's the hold-up?" and all the while I have a picture of those said creations spilling out of the mouth of my mojo with every sentence it shouts at me....pacing back and forth with frustration at being confined *sigh of apathy*

I feel I need a spark...my mind is ready for it but my body just doesn't want to know...how can that be?

So my question to you this week is....

Where Do You Seek Out Your Lost Mojo

{or alternatively, How Do You Release It!}

Hope you're all having a wicked Sunday!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Question of the Week - How do you store yours??

2011-04-25T19:05:00.001+01:00

I'm talking about Sterling Silver

I recently purchased some fabulous plastic boxes, ideal for keeping beads in, so over the Easter period I have been having a sort through my gemstones, don't they look SOOO pretty in their little homes!

and smaller ones for the "fashion" beads/components

Then I hit a dilemma, how to store my Sterling Silver pieces/components??

This is how they are stored right now:

wrapped up and altogether in envelopes....not very pretty or inspiring!!

Should I get more boxes {the walls of the compartments can be removed to make each compartment bigger} to store them in, should I wrap them first in tissue paper, or keep them in polythene bags and then in the boxes, or should I just store them "naked" OR should I think of something else entirely to store them in....I am scratching my head....

So my question of the week to you is:

How do you store yours???

I would love to see how you store yours, why not link back to your genius Sterling Silver storage solutions using Mr Linky below

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Happy Easter Everyone!

2011-04-24T09:38:00.000+01:00

Hope you all have a fabulous day, however you celebrate it!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

'Tis the season of......

2011-04-18T12:34:00.000+01:00

hope & expectation!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

It's Here!!!

2011-04-16T07:00:00.012+01:00

7000 Bracelets for Hope Blog Hop

A few posts back I mentioned I was taking part in the above campaign....participants are asked to create one bracelet {in an adult size} in a denim/blue jeans-inspired theme. The campaign is organised by The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", for children with rare diseases. The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families who have children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

Today is reveal day, here's my creation....

The brief was to create a bracelet for an adult with a denim theme to it. As we know not everyone has the same wrist size so I cheated slightly, what better way to make sure you have a perfect fit for any size wrist than to use elastic as a stringing material! The design is made up of super sparkly crystal rounds, lapis lazuli and silver toned twisted beads....this piece catches the light beautifully....and am ashamed to say I nearly decided to keep it for myself! ;oO

There's an amazing 112 participants in this blog hop....and you can visit each and everyone just by clicking on the links to their blogs below, I am sure with all the gorgeous-ness created by these fabulous artists you will be drooling by the end of the hop!

Thanks again Lori for another inspiring blog hop request!

Enjoy!

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got To Doodle

3. Kym Hunter, Creatively Kym

4. Mandy Duffy, Beads for Brains: 365

5. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

6. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings

7. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Jewelry

8. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

9. Amy Severino, Amy's Beads

10. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by Jennifer Pride

11. Jenny Cameron, Glass Addictions

12. Susan Ferguson, Windrock Studio

13. Mortira vanPelt, Inspirational Beading

14. Brandi Hussey, Brandi Girl

15. Jenny Vidberg, Shyme Design

16. Angela Barribou, Re: Angela Rae

17. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

18. Sue Hodgkinson, hello gorgeous

19. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading To Be Done!

20. Nicki Keller, Nicki's Reef

21. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

22. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

23. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

24. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

25. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

26. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

27. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

28. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

29. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

30. Deb Price, Green Shoot Jewellery Designs

31. Suzette Bentley, Ellies Bijoux

32. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads

33. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

34. Kate Gardenghi, The Tropical Blonde

35. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

36. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

37. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

38. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

39. CJ Baushka, 4 His Glory Creations

40. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

41. Sandra Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

42. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

43. Kim Roberts, Bahama Dawn

44. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

45. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia's Studio

46. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

47. Sue Kennedy, Sue Beads

48. Raquel Amaral, Raquel Amaral

49. Robyn Hawk, Daily Jewel

50. Linda Inhelder, Must-Haves Jewelry

52. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

53. Andrea Robinson, Madame Magpie's Shiny Things

54. John Rasmussen, Rasmussen Gems and Jewelry

55. Breana Fry, Vault 31

56. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

57. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

58. Dot Lewallen, Speedie Beadie

59. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

60. Heather Pyle, Aquariart

61. Adrienne Campbell, Adrienne Designs

62. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs

63. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

64. Susie Hibdon, Vintage Susie & Wings

65. Tania Spivey, Moobie Grace Designs

66. Norma Agron, Norma's Clay

67. Ana Novak, Cat's Pajamas, Dog's Tuxedos

68. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

69. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

70. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman

71. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

72. Catherine Pruitt, Boo Beads

73. Deana Hager, Just Deez' Art & Life

74. Lupe Meter, Gem's PC Corner

75. Valerie Norton, Hot Fused Glass

76. Janet Bocciardi, Honey From the Bee

77. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

78. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Design

79. Sally Russick, WireWorked

80. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

81. KJ, KJ's Beadacious Beads

82. Lana Kinney, Something Unique by Lana

83. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman ... Art, Life, Love

84. Karen Bien, Everyday Gypsy

85. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

86. Cyn Gagen, Creative Edventures

87. Niky Sayer, Silver Nik Nats

88. Deb Beechy, Beetique

89. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

90. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

91. Judy Riley, Three Red Beads
92. Charlene Gray, Gray Girl Studio

93. Erin Fickert-Rowland, Elysian Fields

94. Sharon Palac, Sharon's Jewelry Garden

95. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

96. Christine Altmiller, One Kiss Creations

97. Eileen Bergen, The Artful Crafter

98. Bobbie Rafferty, Beadsong Jewelry

99. Rebekah Payne, Tree Wings Studio

100. Mari Aparicio, Mis Amores

101. Tracy Statler, Make Bracelets

102. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

103. Kim Stevens, Picking Poppies

104. Karyn White, Releases by Rufydoof

105. Elisabeth Auld, Beads for Busy Gals

106. Lisa Hamilton, Simply Irresistible Jewelry

107. Serena Trent, All Things Made Jewelry

108. Sharon Driscoll, Right Turn Artwerks

109. Debbie La Rue, For the Love of Beading

110. Maggie Towne, Maggie's Bead Towne

111. Cassandra Watsham, Designs by Cassandra

112. Mary Ellen Parker, BeeTree by m.e.

Have a great weekend!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Urmmm....what's on YOUR bead table??

2011-04-13T11:52:00.000+01:00

**HEAVY SIGH**

As you know {or maybe not} my world was recently turned upside down. What I thought was going to be a positive 2011 started off as something completely different...and totally unexpected!

One of the things I truly wanted to, no...needed to do this year, was to create more jewellery pieces and finally get into the "swing" of creating some kinda career out of it...that was/is the plan anyway!

Trouble is, the room I "create" in is the dining room, which is never used as a dining room but a dumping ground!

Yes, another thing I want to "change" this year.....more family meals around the table!

This is how it looks at the moment

{it looks SO bare without blinds...another "change" for this year!}

and this is what's on my bead table today!!!

* remnants of my bead soup package from Design by Cassandra

* pliers pouch

* a stack of paperwork

* a gift bag FULL of delicious beads

*tissue paper and cellotape

*my bead fund money box {green}

*a few jars of silver-plated findings

*coloured side inserts for adidas trainers

my next job......is to tidy up the table...once that's done...

I can create!!!

yay!!

The first thing I will be creating is for a VERY good cause

Make sure you come back on Saturday to check it out!

Have a creative Wednesday!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

7000 Bracelets for Hope...

2011-04-10T18:39:00.001+01:00

You might remember a few weeks back that I took part in a Bead Soup blog hop created by Lori Anderson....well, she has started another blog hop, only this one is for children with rare diseases, such a good cause I couldn't help but take part. I emailed Lori straight back and signed up to participate in the “7000 Bracelets of Hope” blog hop. All I need to do to participate is create ONE bracelet, in an adult size, in a denim/blue jeans-inspired theme.

The bracelets will be sent to The Global Genes Project, an advocacy group who launched "7000 Bracelets for Hope", a children's rare disease campaign. The bracelets are given to one of 7000 families who have children with rare diseases to show them love and support.

The reveal date is the 16th April 2011.

There's an amazing 110 participants in this blog hop....I will list them all, along with my creation, on the reveal day.

MAKE SURE YOU POP BACK!!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Happy Mother's Day......

2011-04-03T18:55:00.001+01:00

hope it was all you deserved!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

The Best!!

2011-03-14T00:01:00.000Z

1938-2011

Good night my sweet Dad

I will miss you for all eternity

Rest in Peace

xxxxxx

PHEW! I am officially STUFFED......

2011-02-28T10:52:00.000Z

after all that soup!!!

♥ 209 soups visited {some twice!}

♥ 44 comments left for soupers

♥ 57 comments recevied by soupers

♥ a handful of soupers who haven't yet posted for various reasons

I want to thank all of you who took the time to visit my little place of creation and leave such beautiful comments....it's definitely encouraging to read when {quietly} you are not quite sure if you are good enough! There are some amazingly talented people out there and definitely some amazing pieces were created....too many amazing pieces to count, but two stood out for me:

SilverNikNats created two pieces from her bead soup:

and

Judith B Designs created this little beauty:

as I said above, there are SO MANY amazing pieces and everyone should be proud of their accomplishments for this event!

I can't wait for the next one in August

be sure to mark it in your diaries or post it on your blog....if this succesful soup is anything to go by then Lori will be looking for an assistant to help her with the avalanche of new sign ups in August!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Nothing Like a Bowl of Delicious Soup!!!

2011-02-26T05:00:00.591Z

Yay!!
It's HERE!!!

{Please read this full & very long post, you won't be dissapointed!!}
Welcome to the 3rd Bead Soup Blog Party!

Bead Soup sent to my partner: Design by Cassandra

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party?

A few years back Lori Anderson of Pretty Things had this fab idea of enlisting a bunch of jewellery designers to swap a bag of beads, each beader who signed up to the soup was parterned with another jewellery designer, the aim was to challenge them to create something inspiring using materials they wouldn't normally use in their everyday beading projects, they were tasked with sending the following:

~ A focal

~ A special clasp (not just a lobster claw)

~ Some coordinating spacers or beads

Using the focal and the clasp was mandatory, we could also use anything from our own stash as well as {but not compulsory} the beads/spacers sent by our Soup partner.

I was fortunate to be partnered with a gorgeous lady in Canada named Cassandra of Design by Cassandra. Here's what I received from Cassandra...

Zebra Agate Focal, Zebra Agate Beads, Freshwater Pearls, Kitty Clasp, Metal Spacers,

Black Onyx & Crystal Quartz chips

And here's what I made....

...a gorgeous bracelet consisting of zebra jasper rounds, metal spacers, jade coins and the exquisite zebra jasper focal all rounded off with the kitty clasp

One of the stipulations of the Bead Soup was to use the clasp received, as the bar of the clasp didn't fit through the loop of the kitty I had to use my initiative slightly...I used the kitty part as another focal and added the bar, along with another jade coin, as a dangle....rules adhered to, drama avoided!! ;o)

As well as the above soup, I also received the following in my soup stash

Reclaimed pieces: locket, cameo earring, pieces from vintage San Marino bracelet, Amethyst Donut, Milky glass teardrop beads {pink}, Handmade lampwork beads {turquoise}, Crystal quartz beads, Spacer beads {purple & turquoise}, Flower s-clasp, Reclaimed pieces: swallow, feather, vintage charms from Paris bracelet, Silver-plated chain

I only used a fraction of the overall soup Cassandra had sent me....I have SO much to play with over the next few weeks and can't wait to keep creating soup for your enjoyment!!

Pop on over to my partner Cassandra at Design by Cassandra and see what gorgeous-ness she has created using the beads I sent to her, she has teased me with these images and I can't wait for her BIG reveal!!

Soup 1

Soup 2

Before you see what the rest of the 209 participants have created, I wanted to say a HUGE thanks to Lori Anderson for the mammoth task she undertook...I know it was a pleasure for her {program glitches put aside} and that she is already preparing for the next soup {scroll to the bottom of this post} later in the year!! To add to this awesome feat, Lori has been offered a book deal on this particular bead soup....fantastic reward for a fantastic lady!!

I also have to thank Cassandra, my partner in this soup, for being such a gem with the promotion of both our soups....it has been MUCH appreciated given everything that in happening in my personal life right now...

THANK YOU CASSANDRA!!!

Check back for details of the GIVEAWAY of my Bead Soup!!

So, no more waffling......come see what the rest of us made!

91. Sue Hodgkinson, hello gorgeous *** You Are Here!***

92. Jenni Connolly, Jenni's Bead

93. Nally Parfyonova, Nally's Creations

94. Karyn White, Releases By Rufydoof

95. Emanda Johnson, Artemisia Studio

96. Sandy Richardson, Sandy's Coloring Box

97. Cindy Dolezal, Cindy Dolezal Designs

98. Stacie Stamper, Park Avenue

99. Mallory Hoffman, For the Love of Beads
100. Linda Landig, Linda's Bead Blog and Meanderings

101. Nicole Valentine-Rimmer, N. Valentine Studio

102. Jacinta Meyers, Jamberrysong's Creations

103. Charlene Gary, Gray Girl Studios

104. Rubiee Hayes, Glitter and Keys Galore

105. Marge Beebe, Rock Creek Creations

106. Elizabeth Freeman, Turquoise Sky

107. Shelby Foxwell, Sundown Bead Designs Rhetoric

108. Lynda Moseley, Diva Designs

109. Grace Danel, Grace Beading

110. Lois Moon, Que Onda Quitman

111. Agnes Shapiro, Beader Bubbe

112. Terry Carter, Tapping Flamingo

113. Judy Glende, Judith B. Designs

114. Mary Ellen Parker, Bee Tree By Me

115. Barbara Bechtel, Second Surf

116. Charlene Sevier, The Bead Dreamer

117. Alice Craddick, Alice's Beads and Baubles

118. Cory Celaya, Art With Moxie

119. Ronda Adams, The Ravished Heart

120. Sandi Volpe, Sandi Volpe Designs

121. Anna Lear, The Laughing Raven

122. Susie Hibdon, Vintagesusie & Wings

123. Amanda Austin, Sea Shore Glass

124. Jennifer Velasquez, Jen Judd Rocks

125. Hazel Ward, All Those Things

126. Brenda Salzano, Salzanos

127. Dee Gordon, Runako Designs by Dee

128. Anna Denisova, Anita-M

129. Margaret Saari, Mags-Jewelry
130. Genea Crivello-Knable, Genea Beads

131. Penny Neville, Copper Penny

132. Angela Blasingame, Hopemore

133. Helena Fritz, Beadwork by H's Blog

134. Stephanie LaRose, Confessions of a Bead Hoarder

135. Stephanie Haussler, PixyBug Designs

136. Diane Cook, Rosa & Josies

137. Maryse Thillens, Glass Bead Art

138. Jennifer Pride, Jewelry by J.P.

139. Shannon Chomanczuk, For My Sweet Daughter
140. Lisa Godfrey, Bead Happy

141. Heather Pyle, Welcome to My Muse

142. Regina Santerre, Regina's Writings

143. Liz DeLuca, Creative Arty Facts

144. Sig Wynne-Evans, Beaded Bear's Nonsense

145. Loretta Carstensen, Loretta's Boutique

146. Raida Disbrow, Havana Beads

147. Amber Dawn, Inventive Soul

148. Shelly Graves, Stars Dance With Me

149. Jess Italia Lincoln, Vintaj Blog
150. JJ Jacobs, Coming Abstractions

151. Carrie Tahquechi, Carrie T

152. Staci Smith, Staci Louise Originals

153. Katarzyna Kwiatkowska, Quiet Area

154. Ema Kilroy, Ema K Designs

155. Magdalena Sikora, Poranna Gazeta

156. Nicole Keller, Nicki's Reef

157. Ann Rishell, My Critical Eye

158. Noemi Baena, Fire, Metal, and Color

159. Christa Murphy, Adventures of One Beady Woman
160. Barbara Blaszczyk, Labotorium Flory

161. Collette Collins, Firefly Myst

162. Carola Greiser, Polymer Clay Shed

163. Joanna Kopijczuk, Bizuteria z Filcu

164. LeAnn Weih, Summers Studio

165. Cassandra Watsham, Design by Cassandra

166. Anna Motz, Stunning

167. Shea Zukowski, Gr8findings

168. Susan Kennedy, Sue Beads

169. Lisa Boucher, Lisa's Clay Happenings
170. Hope Smitherman, Crafty Hope

171. Alison Crenshaw, Beads by Earth Tones

172. Dorcas Midkiff, Wondrous Strange Designs

173. Melissa Rediger, Sea of Glass

174. Marina Dobrynina, Savon Feutre

175. Julie Nordine, Julie Nordine | Credit River Art Glass

176. Menka Gupta, Menka's Blog

177. Patsy Evins, Patsy Evins Studio

178. Cherrie Fick, En La Lumie're

179. Suzette Bentley, Ellie's Bijoux
180. Molly Alexander, Beautifully Broken Me

181. Lyn Foley, Lyn Foley Wearable Art

182. Tara Plote, The Newbie Beader's Blog

183. Natalie Schuetz, Natalie S Perlen

184. Kim Hutchinson, Running on Ink

185. Haley Frank, Wide Eyed Smilin

186. Grace Caputo, Suddenly Last Summer

187. Marie-Noel Voyer-Cramp, Skye Jewels

188. Erin Siegel, Erin Siegel Jewelry

189. Janea McDonald, Organized Chaos
190. Kristi Evenson, Colie Bug & Co.

191. Linda Inhelder, Must Haves Jewelry

192. Hilary Frye, FryeStyle

193. Whitney Lassini, Whitney Lassini

194. Nancy Schindler, The Rabbit Muse

195. Pam Brisse, The Blue Between

196. Beth Bricker, Vintage Sweets

197. Ruthie Stickney, Rose Works Jewelry and Gifts

198. Rose Noble, Lady Noble Designs

199. Karen Williams, Baublicious
200. Claire Maunsell, The Next Bend

201. Christine Damm, Stories They Tell

202. Kerry Bogert, Kab's Creative Concepts

203. Wendy Blum, Sand & Sea Designs

204. Juli Cannon, Julsbeads

205. Jenny Robledo, La Dona Boutique

206. Krista French, French Elegant Jewelry

207. Pam Krinski, Ewa Beads

208. Melissa Meman, Melissa Meman, Art, Life, Love

209. Dana Jones, Dana's Jewelry

210. Shirley Moore, Beads and Bread

1. Lori Anderson, Pretty Things

2. Kitty Durmaj, Perles and Life

3. Michelle Heim, Life In the Bead Lane

4. Lisa Petrillo, Lucid Moon Studio

5. Anitra Gordy, Leelu Creations

6. Paige Maxim, Paige Maxim Designs

7. Marianna Boylan, Pretty Shiny Things

8. Cheryl Roe, BeadRoe

9. Heidi Post, Ex Post Facto

10. Cindy Wimmer, Sweet Bead Studio

11. Terri Gauthier, Blooming Ideas

12. Rachel Walsh, Balanced Crafts

13. Marian Hertzog, M's Place

14. Mary McGraw, MK's Musings

15. Sarabeth Burke, Chronicles of Sarita

16. Deci Worland, Gem Trails

17. Erin Prais-Hintz, Treasures Found

18. Laura Zeiner, Stick Lizard Designs

19. Kristin Latimer, MJM Jewelry Designs

20. Cathryn Brooks-Williams, Chile Cats

21. Holly Westfall, Silver Rose Designs

22. Janna Harttgen, Palima-Lim

23. Libby Leuchtman, Libby Leu

24. Rebecca Anderson, Songbeads

25. Deb Hunter, Living On Air

26. Diana Ptaszynski, Suburban Girl Studio

27. Jennifer VanBenschoten, VanBeads

28. Margot Potter, The Impatient Crafter

29. Cyndi Lavin, Beading Arts

30. Courtney Breul, Beads by Breul

31. Stefanie Teufel, Stefanie's Sammelsurium

32. Patricia Gasparino, My Life Under the Bus

33. Tari Khars, Pearl and Pebble

34. Kristi Bowman-Gruel, Kristi Bowman Design

35. Jayne Capps, Mama's Got to Doodle

36. Becky Fairclough, Chameleons Designs

37. Evie and Beth McCord, EB Bead & Metal Works

38. Lynne Bowland, Islandgirl's Insights

39. Barbara Lewis, Painting With Fire

40. Lorelei Eurto, Inside the Studio

41. Stacy Hartis, Sissy & Jack's

42. Jennifer Cameron, Glass Addictions

43. Marcie Abney, La Bella Joya

44. Johanna Rhodes, Fire Phoenix Creations

45. Nan Emmett, Spirit Rattles

46. Melissa Mesara, One Eared Pig

47. Amanda Davie, Articulations

48. Cherin Poovey, Lanyard Lady

49. Virginia Joste, ViviBijoux
50. Andrew Thornton, The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton

51. Lori Dorrington, Lori's Glassworks

52. Melanie Brooks, Earthenwood Studio Chronicles

53. Kate Gardenghi, Tropical Blonde

54. Serena Trent, PinkIce Jewel's Blog

55. Malin de Koning, Beading by Malin de Koning

56. Shai Williams, Shaiha's Ramblings

57. Francy Inman, 8 Second Studio

58. Amy Freeland, Copper Diem

59. Lisa Liddy, Joolz By Lisa
60. Sandi Lee James, Do Be Do Bead Do

61. Mary Harding, Mary Harding Bead Blog

62. Stacey Curry, Star Hitched Wagon

63. Leslie Gidden, Mad Maggie Designs

64. Elisabeth Auld, Beads For Busy Gals

65. Niky Sayers, Silver Nik Nats

66. Linda Djokic, Lutka and Co.

67. Tracy Bell, Copper, Glass, and Recycled Trash

68. Laurel Steven, Rue's Daftique

69. Ingrid McCue, Wrapped In Silver

70. Birgitta Lejonklou, Create With Spirit

71. Diana Hawkey, Diana Hawkey

72. Norma Turvey, Moonlit Fantaseas

73. Jeanette Ryan, Jeanette Blix

74. Jackie Ryan, Silver Lodge Gems

75. Jean Yates, Snap Out of it Jean, There's Beading to Be Done!

76. Debbie Goering, Prairie Emporium

77. Valerie Norton, Hot Art

78. Jana Trupovniece, Stories of the Secret Garden

79. Amy Severino, Amy Beads

80. Emma Thomas, Fred Beans Nook

81. Karen Zanco, Everyday Gypsy

82. Suzann Sladcik Wilson, Beadphoria

83. Janet McDonald, Singing Woods

84. Dana James, Dana's Jewelry Designs

85. Kristina Johansson, Wild Roses and Blackberries

86. CJ Bauschka, CJ Bauschka

87. Angela Barribea, Re: Angela Rae

88. Marcy Lamberson, Studio Marcy

89. Tanya Floyd, Glass Migrations

90. Lisa Kavanaugh, Beading Bliss

The next party's sign up begins 1-3 August, 2011

If you love creating, you really don't want to miss it!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

The Soup is on the Table!

2011-02-23T14:16:00.002Z

You might have come across a lot of blogs on your blog hopping lately referring to Bead Soup....well, I signed up {for the first time} to take part in this spectacular event hosted by Lori Anderson of Pretty Things. I secretly want this woman to have a "beading world medal"....she SO deserves it for putting in all the hard work of sign up, partnering, contacting, html-ing, creating as well as coping with all the hair-raising moments when things didn't go quite according to plan - truly she is an inspiration! Pop over to her blog and take a look for yourself, you will definitely "get" where I'm coming from ;o)

As it's Wednesday I thought I would show you what's on my bead table.....and as it's Bead Soup reveal day this Saturday (26th) what else would be on my table but Soup!

I was fortunate to be partnered with a gorgeous lady in Canada named Cassandra of Design by Cassandra. It took me a while to put her Soup together as everytime I looked through my stash I couldn't stop putting things aside for her...I had to keep telling myself "it's just a focal, a clasp and a few beads... not a whole bead shop!!" ~ the object of the Soup is to send your partner something they wouldn't usually work with, to try and challenge their talents, Cassandra wrote in an email to me:

"Throughout the years of my jewelry-making endeavours, I tend to gravitate towards the 'repurposing' realm; I'll find toys in the dollar store and turn them into pendants, buy jewelry from thrift stores with interesting beads and components and tear them apart; buying store-bought clearance jewelry to ransack its pieces. That won't stop me from taking a trip to my local bead and craft store! I'm inspired by the combination of jewel and earth tones, unique shapes and sizes, textures and materials."

So the gemstones, along with the Sterling Silver clasp I had chosen was definitely opposite to what she regularly worked with. With the final choices made, an extra "packet" of soup thrown in along with some "special" non-beading additions....the package was sent.

picture courtesy of Design by Cassandra

All the while I was making up my mind Cassandra was doing exactly the same, and so our parcels crossed mid-atlantic and swiftly landed on our doormats! Yay! SOO exciting!!

Here's the Soup Cassandra received from me:

Soup 1:

{bottom half of above picture}

Rhodonite Rounds 6mm {pink}

Bali Silver Heart Clasp

Fluorite Rainbow Polished Nuggets {purple}

Fancy Jasper Teardrop Focal

Amazonite Faceted Coins 12mm {bluey/green}

Soup 2:

{top half of above picture}

Jade Honey nuggets 7-9 mm

Dyed Agate Rings

Fluorite Polished Rainbow Nuggets {burnt orange}

Turquoise Mosaic 12 mm

And this is what I received from Cassandra:

Soup 1:

Zebra Agate Focal

Zebra Agate Beads

Freshwater Pearls

Kitty Clasp

Metal Spacers

Black Onyx & Crystal Quartz chips

Soup 2:

Reclaimed pieces: locket, cameo earring, pieces from vintage San Marino bracelet

Amethyst Donut

Milky glass teardrop beads {pink]

Handmade lampwork beads {turquoise}

Crystal quartz beads

Spacer beads {purple & turquoise}

Flower s-clasp

Reclaimed pieces: swallow, feather, vintage charms from Paris bracelet

Silver-plated chain

Cassandra has put a few teasers on her blog, Design by Cassandra and I am SERIOUSLY excited to see what she has created....me on the otherhand, need to get my skates on, what with all the running about to different hospitals I have yet to create....but if you come back on Saturday I bet you find something delicious! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

I am hopping....

2011-02-20T11:46:00.000Z

...through blogs, and facebook and sometimes twitter....digesting everything that life is throwing at all of you....willing myself to have the energy to leave comments, create new blog posts, catch up on facebook and tweet with the twitter-ers but with all the health problems with mum & dad right now my energy levels are zapped!!

Mum & Dad

They celebrated 53 years of marriage on 15th February!

I love you both with all my heart!

******

I am mindful that the Bead Soup reveal day is fast approaching - 26th February - I promise to keep that commitment even though I haven't been very pro-active in promoting my partner, Design by Cassandra and her amazing bead stash I received...I do feel bad about that and hope she understands the reasons behind this...man, I was SO looking forward to the Soup this time round...I am aiming to post a promo on Wednesday {all being well}, so pop back then for five mins, with a cuppa of course! In the meantime, I want to thank Cassandra for her brilliant promoting of our partnership, I can't wait to see her creations :o)

see you Wednesday!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

I want you to meet...

2011-02-07T09:15:00.000Z

My Dad!

DAD

: {with the help of mum} gave me life!

: cuddled and nurtured me

: encouraged my first steps

: tickled me to death

: tucked me in at night

: showed me the right paths

: guided me through teenage life

: cut the strings when I turned 18

: taught me to have an open mind

: gave me away at my wedding

: held, and nurtured, my first born, and second and third born

: always had the right words

: always had a hand to hold

: always had a "blossoming" money tree!

: a storyteller

: had a knack of the early morning wake up call!

: a stickler for doing it the right way

: a proper gentleman

: a right softie

: a charmer too

: he was the hug everyone needed

: FULL of love

These are just some of the things I think of when I think of Dad......

There are SO MANY more things but I will be here until infinity listing them

Dad is struggling with life right now.....one he is not going to win

I will MISS him and I will ALWAYS love him

{in the words of Buzz Lightyear}

to infinity and beyond!!

xxxxxxxxxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

2011-02-04T08:58:00.000Z

This weeks theme is not original for this time of year....but

LOVE

is everywhere, so I have to run with it!

and finally, just because.......

Roobarb

It was SO windy last night, I hope everything is still intact where you are??

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you...

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Is it just me?

2011-02-03T14:38:00.000Z

After asking for your opinion, I have gone with something completely different! Is it just me....or do you do that too?

Check out the Header above, what do you think? Honest opinions please.....

yeah, right...like I'm gonna listen ;op~

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Tears and Raindrops

2011-02-02T15:29:00.000Z

I've had a particularly low day today {and the grey skies don't really help}.

As a result I have been a calorie-laiden, comfort eating naughty girl, whilst nice at the time....I now feel slightly green around the gills! pah!!

Here are just two of the items I demolished...

whilst watching numerous episodes of Oprah's farewell season....

which, when feeling teary, doesn't help...

especially when the shows are filled with inspirational and emotional stories...

BUT

there's an up to this day...

my order of soup has arrived, Bead Soup that is, yay!!!

Hopefully tomorrow will be a brighter day so I can photograph all the ingredients of the soup!!!

I want to share!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Twenty Question Tuesday

2011-02-01T11:05:00.000Z

In your eyes, what's Paradise?

A crisp, cold, clear autumn day in the English Lake District. A good walk, picnic lunch and lots of lovely views to take photographs of.

Prized Possession

I'm not sure I could narrow this down to one, lots of things around me are very special - none of them of any financial value. The painting of penguins my son won a competition with at 5, that's framed and on the wall nearby, a photograph of my husband and son horsing around one summer holiday - it was one of those days when if someone were to ask me to define happiness - my mind would go to that moment. Perhaps at the moment, it's the official photograph of my son graduating last summer - along with my own informals from the same day. I was proud fit to burst that day - not just for his degree, but the way he got there and the man he became in the process.

Favourite medium to work with and why?

I think copper - it's soft enough to go where you want it to, I can twist, hammer, melt, solder and etch it - and I'm a very long way from exhausting my ideas with it. Silver is a close second, but copper is affordable enough that I can work freely with it without worrying about how much money I might be about to waste when experimenting.

Flowers or chocolate?

As a diabetic, I would have to choose flowers, I do like to receive them, even if they are short-lived. I certainly don't need expensive ones, I do love a house full of daffodils when they're in season to buy and a bunch of snowdrops would make me just as happy as a bouquet of roses or expensive orchids.

Who influenced you the most?

Everyone on both sides of my families were makers - one grandfather worked with wood, I have many pieces of furniture in the house that he made, my other grandfather designed and made Christmas displays for department stores (amongst many other things), my mother knits, sews and does tapestry and my father can turn his hand to just about anything and all had very high standards of workmanship. So I think a family ethos of using your hands and getting satisfaction from doing a good job just became second nature to me.

Who would you most like to go to Dinner with?

See my McDreamy v. McSteamy answer below. I think a simple supper on the deck of a boat might be nice.

Top Cat or Banana Splits?

Definitely TC - but actually Benny the Ball was my favourite, we had a cat who was a lot like him - he had big fluffy cheeks and a cheeky face.

Today I wore:

Much the same as most days, comfortable jersey trousers, sleeveless T-shirt and denim shirt. And socks and slippers. My standard work clothes. Count yourself lucky I actually got dressed at all. Oh the glamour!

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend

I don't think I could - or it would be fair - to single just one out. I have however found in recent times that craft suppliers, as an industry, give exemplary service. You get goods promptly and receive cheerful, efficient service.

What inspired you to do what you do?

I think the seeds were sewn when some years ago I just couldn't find a necklace to go with a particular top for Christmas, as the fashion at the time was for choker length necklaces - but commercial necklaces were made for far slimmer women than me and everything I tried was far too short for my neck. I bought one I liked with another chain and modified them to fit me. That was when I first started thinking that to get what I wanted, maybe I should make my own. Once I started tinkering with a few rudimentary tools and beads, I was hooked.

McDreamy or McSteamy?

If both were in front of me nekkid and you had my back up my arm forcing me to make a selection, I'd choose McDreamy, I do rather like the way his eyes smile. But I'm afraid Special Agent Leroy Jethro Gibbs (NCIS) has already stolen my heart clean away. So poor McDreamy would always be second best.

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

I'm actually pretty happy with things as they are - I have no other career paths I'd like to explore at the moment. I've been lucky enough to already do some pretty special things - like live music photography at some pretty special events - but other than wishing for enough work so that I could pay the bills each month without the regular panic I currently experience, I'm quite happy just as I am for now. I want to learn and develop a lot further, there is still so very much more to try.

Favourite item of clothing

Clothes just aren't important to me - I'm not a girlie girl at all. But I think perhaps I'd say my denim jacket. It's got lots of large pockets and I've sewn the pocket flaps inside too so that I can use them - I can fit cameras and lenses in the pockets and it's large enough that I can wear anything underneath it, so I'm very comfortable in it. I've had a lot of wonderful times in that jacket. In an ideal world, I'd like one just the same in a soft grey suede.

Best childhood memory

I don't think I can single one out - but we always had fabulous long summer holidays travelling across and camping in Europe and when I think of childhood, my mind always rests on those times, swimming in mountain lakes, visiting fascinating museums and just travelling and gawping out of the car window at the passing scenery.

Most cringe-worthy moment

Too cringe worthy to want to share. It's bad enough that I can still remember it myself!

Favourite holiday destination

If funds were available, I'd probably choose the Bernese Oberland in Switzerland - but as funds haven't been available for some years now, we've spent every minute possible in the Lake District. I love it dearly and long to be there whenever I'm not. If I ever had money I'd like to buy a caravan or small flat there so that we could go whenever we wanted.

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why

I don't hold much store in celebrity, they're just people the same as the rest of us. I'm not sure that anyone who would consider themselves to be a celebrity would be the kind of person I'd want as a friend or be very good at it.

Best "crafty" tip you can offer

This was an important lesson I learned the hard way and am happy to pass on. Keep good records of your work - as you go along. The first time you have to re-make an old design, you'll curse not keeping a note of which gauge of wire you used, or the diameter of mandrel you formed it round etc. I now have two journals that I keep alongside my work to make notes in and it has already saved me far more time than it takes to keep it up to speed. I have a rough one for sketches, ideas, notes and workings out and then a good one as my final record of finished designs that I transpose the summary of those rough notes to - because they often change as I work. If I hit a snag making something and have to overcome it, I note this, so that I don't make the same mistake next time, I note sizes, materials and the tools used and it acts like a recipe if I want to make the same thing again.

What's your Star sign?

Capricorn. I just passed a large birthday milestone and I'm not very happy about it!

What would you most like to see happen next?

To get enough orders in not to live quite so hand to mouth and yet retain enough time to make the things that I want to do and develop my skills. If only.

My thanks to the gorgeous Boo of Boo's Jewellery......pop over to her blog, with a cuppa, and puruse her musings on photograpy, jewellery making and daily life.....definitely worth the time! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Don't You Just Hate Dilemmas...

2011-01-30T10:44:00.001Z

...however small they are???

I've been tinkering with the blog header, fancied a more rounder edge, but when saved the text was a bit blurry, so tinkered some more and came up with this:

nice...right?

But then I tinkered some more and came up with this:

and now I have a dilemma.....should I go with crisp and clear or should I be different and go with a mottled effect.....I really can't decide!

What do you think??

{Click on each picture to get a better look at the effects}

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

BTW!

2011-01-26T14:36:00.000Z

So, this is what is on my bead table this week!! ;o)

Trouble is, it's part of the Bead Soup Blog Party and one step away from being packaged up and sent to the gorgeous Cassandra over at Design By Cassandra

Cassandra was chosen as my partner in this challenge and for obvious reasons, as she hasn't received the beads yet, I want to keep the reveal hush-hush until the package arrives at her door in Canada! I was gonna show it in black and white but thought I would whet Cassandra's appetite with a little colour....what a tease!!

I have one or two non-bead items to add and then it's off to the post office in the morning!

If you want to check out more Bead Soup gorgeous-ness, visit the Flickr group set up for the reveal of beads received and creations made.

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Twenty Question Tuesday

2011-01-25T10:41:00.000Z

In your eyes, what’s Paradise?

Paradise would be to be content at any one time, just doing what I am doing at that particular moment. I’m very unsettled.

Prized Possession

I don’t have one which makes me wonder why I don’t. Very odd. I’ll have to think on it.

Favourite medium to work with and why?

Emulsion. Dulux is the best to paint with, I use it for my Half an Acre wooden fish. It comes in a million colours and goes on smoothly and evenly. Very satisfying.

Flowers or chocolate?

Flowers.

Who influenced you the most?

My dad. He brought me up to think that I could do anything if I put my mind to it.

Who would you most like to go to dinner with?

A great friend. I don’t have any aspirations for eating with famous people. What on earth would I say?

Top Cat or Banana Splits?

Top Cat.

Today I wore:

Red/orange stripy pyjama trousers, blue/white stripy top, red/white fuzzy socks, Uggs and a black/white stripy fleece. Stripes make me feel cosy and I didn’t need to go out! I never get dressed when I don’t need to leave the house.

Do you have a favourite online {bead, craft or textile} place to shop and would recommend

Fabric Rehab ~ not really a place for rehabilitation, more a place of addiction!

What inspired you to do what you do?

I don’t know, it just happened.

McDreamy or McSteamy?

I’m not mad on either of them BUT if I HAD to, you know last man on earth, then McDreamy would have to do. Neither of them are exactly ugly, eh?!

If you could do anything else, what would it be?

Run a boutique bed and breakfast with attached studio, opening out onto the waterfront. In summer I would fling the doors open to my studio chat to fellow arty types. People would come especially to see me and exclaim “So, you are The Bunny Maker, it’s so nice to meet you at last!”.

Favourite item of clothing

An old white Baja ‘hippy top’ I’ve had for over 20 years. Strangely enough it is still white and NOT that tatty. It’s soft and lovely and I wear it when I feel down.

Best childhood memory

I don’t have any. Sorry. Now I’m wondering why.

Most cringe-worthy moment

Oh good grief! Many, many, many. I’m hopeless socially!

Favourite holiday destination

Canyonlands National Park. USA. I had the nicest shower and cup of coffee after many days hiking at The Needles Outpost campsite. I spent my honeymoon there, all dirty and dusty. It was lovely. I doubt I’m fit enough now though, to do all that walking malarkey.

Which celebrity would you have as your best friend and why

Derren Brown. Fascinating.

Best “crafty” tip you can offer

Don’t buy cheap embroidery threads from Ebay – they ALWAYS split and you end up with about 30 packs which you then have to tolerate using until all gone. Yes, I’m still going through them!!!

What’s your Star sign?

Gemini.

What would you most like to see happen next?

A huge company wants to order 30,000 custom designed sock bunnies which then leads to total world domination.

My thanks to the gorgeous Anna at The Bunny Maker who, in her own words, is "a confuzzled mother of three boys, maker of sock bunnies, Thnakes and other soft monstery things for Widget and Friends. Designer and artist behind Half an Acre and creator of The Handmade Bunny, struggling to combine motherhood and a kitchen table business. Come on in and join the madness!"

So why don't you pop on over and share some of the fun that's on offer.....oh! and take a cuppa with you, you might be a while! ;o)

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Thank Folksy it's Friday!!

2011-01-21T14:36:00.000Z

It has to be YELLOW this week,

thanks to the sun shining brightly in the blue, blue sky! ;o)

Lauras Jewellery

My Pretty Little Things

Even though the sun is shining and it looks amazing outside......it is bloody freezing!!!

Hope it's warmer where you are?

Click on the name of each shop to be taken straight to the gorgeous-ness that awaits you...

See ya next Friday!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

BTW!

2011-01-19T10:14:00.000Z

Bead Table Wednesday

is in it's second week and was the "brainchild" of Heather over at Humblebeads

It's a little bit of fun to break up the week.

Every Wednesday you get to "share" what's on your Bead table at that moment.

Having missed out on the first one {by a day!} I have now joined the Flickr group and have posted some lovely Christmas sparkles left under the tree by Santa! Yum!!

but, in reality......here's what's actually on my Bead table

a christmas decoration, two glass shelves, a pair of earrings, two batteries and a bag FULL of beads!

Over the Christmas period, one of the two trees was placed on the bead table so all beady things had to be put away. It's seems my mojo was put away too.... :o(

Hopefully, after today it might re-surface.....I am about to clean the house {top to toe}

What's the saying "a tidy house is a tidy mind"

and with a tidy mind maybe my mojo will jump right out and startle me!!

Who knows!!

What's on your table?

Join the group and share in the fun!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

When The Sun Shines....

2011-01-18T15:57:00.001Z

the only thing to do is......head for the seaside!!!

After a very stressful {and completely unexpected} end to a dismal day yesterday, today's sunshine was a welcome sight...another bonus was the hubby having a day off from work. There was only one thing to do....make a flask of hot chocolate, grab the coat and head off to the seaside with Millie to blow away the fuzz of yesterday's events...

{photo heavy post}

it's hard to believe that only a few weeks ago we had this!!

it was a gorgeous few hours away from the stresses of the last 24hrs.....a moment of feeling free!

And now back at home with a nice cuppa and a jam sarnie! Yum!

One final photo to leave you with....

thought the concept of a shadow photo was cool, lined us up nicely and as I snapped the photo Millie "morphed" into Scooby Doo!

We haven't stopped laughing yet....it's hilarious to look at when you know how big Millie is in "real" life!

Hope you had a good Tuesday, wherever you are?

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

The Soup is On!!

2011-01-18T10:48:00.000Z

Sign up for this fabulous event has now closed, over the weekend Lori {our gorgeous organiser} at Pretty Things sat down to partner everyone up.....no mean feat with a WHOPPING 210 participants this time around!! Wow! On top of this mamouth task was the added headache of hiccups with spreadsheets and email systems not playing fair.....BUT ever the trooper that Lori is, she persisted {in amongst expletives} and before we knew it we were all being "pinged" with a partner!

I am excited to announce I have been partnered with Cassandra from Design by Cassandra

Cassandra is located in Canada, it will be fabulous getting to know someone across the other side of the water, her likes and dislikes, why she started to do what she does, what inspires her and what she hopes her future will hold. It's gonna be a whole lotta fun!

Go check out Cassandra's blog, she has some amazing designs and creates some gorgeous inspring Etsy treasuries too! I am ashamed to say, Cassandra has been on my blog list for a while but I haven't visited {or left comments} as often as I should have....shame.on.me.!

What is a Bead Soup Blog Party? Well, basically you sign up, you get partnered up and within a time period you have to send a bunch of beads, a focal and a clasp to your partner for them to create something wonderful out of what you have given them...they can use some or all of the beads received, it's up to them {I get to do the same with what my partner sends me} and then on the "reveal" date we all have to post a picture on our blogs and describe what we have done...we can then "blog-hop" to all the other blogs participating to see what they have created too....it's definitely going to be fun and very inspring too!

So the key dates now are:

Beads go Out: 28th Jan

Party Date: 26th Feb

Don't forget to check back for updates and reveals ;o)

The Soup Is On!!!!!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx

Movie Magic!

2011-01-17T12:51:00.000Z

Colin Firth

Well, who else would it be this week!

Congratulations to Colin for his Golden Globe Best Actor win for the potrayal of King George VI in The King's Speech

I have heard and read such good comments for the film from "awesome" to "exciting" to "emotional" to "I wanted to give it a standing ovation at the end {but was too scared to stand up}". I for one cannot wait to see it!

Colin Firth is best known for playing characters in period dramas, something of which I am not a fan, and somehow not your first choice for a "sex symbol"... BUT...he has a knack for playing characters who are more often than not underdogs and ultimately {throughout the film} win your heart...I loved him in Bridget Jones :o)

Let's hope the predictions come true and next month he will be holding aloft an Oscar for Best Actor, would be nice having just missed out on it last year!

hugs

hello gorgeous xxx