Happy Halloween!

I don't have any scary pics ( although the quality of this one is pretty scary - this was a very difficult colour to photograph so big sorry's to you all squinting at the screen) This morning I was awoken by a BOO! from Elli arghhh I'm not good when I'm frightened awake lol - she's so excited!!

We are off shopping for school shoes today but coming back in good time as we have a Halloween party to come too - Elli is dressing up as a bat - she says she's a Princess Bat but I'm not sure they have those! No doubt she'll make herself as sparkly as possible ....

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I'm sure most of you recognise Isabelle Anderson's beautiful beads here (If not find her at flame and glass) teamed with a load of silver I think this necklace has turned out pretty well (with added sparkle from the Alexandrite swarovski crystals) There are earrings to match but unless you can cope more bad pics I'm not sure I want to show you ..............................

OK a little one just to tempt :)

Right I have a new charm bracelet called Frosty Morning to photograph and a website to clean up before the loading of new pieces tomorrow.

Enjoy your day! RESERVED

© Gemheaven 2007

Lyonesse

Whether you live in Wales, Scotland or Cornwall there is always connections to King Arthur, of course being Cornish you can guess where I think he was lol but the stories of Lyonesse are - ok in my eyes - pointing to the Isles of Scillies especially when you know there are signs under the water of walls and fields!!
The website The Land of King Arthur gives some idea of what I'm talking about- have a read - and then remember we also have Tintagel ;0). Any one lucky enough to visit Cornwall will understand the mystical land we live in!!

Of course I couldn't finish without Tresco !!

Enjoy!
© Gemheaven 2007

Hols are here!!!

Half term is here so I will do my best to post on here regulary - if my lovely daughter allows it - I love it when she is off school - no clock watching and no packed lumches, no after school activities ahhhh relaxation!!! Well you'd think wouldn't you lol - my daughter likes to go out and about the whole week - plus I have a party on Friday so busy busy!!

This bracelet with beads from Josephine Wadman - aren't they gorgeous like little pockets of garden!! I named her after Heligan Gardens or "Ligan" as the locals call it. A beautiful garden near where I live that had been lost since the First World War - have a look at the website and let me know what you think.
© Gemheaven 2007

Swirls and Curls

Yep the weather is now a typical English autumn , misty drizzle and cold - arghhh I hate this weather - my hair naturally is wavy - not a nice ringletty curl but what I class as a clump wavy bit every so often and this sort of weather aggravates my hair no end. Every morning I straighten my hair (and yes I use protectors lol) and if I stepped outside now it would just undo all the hard work!! Funny that I straighten it now for years I had a spiral perm to create the ringletty curls I so desired!!

The above bracelet has the fabulous Isabelle Anderson's beads and Karen Hill Tribe silver - crystals in Silk help create this eyecatching but soft looking bracelet.

And now I have to attempt to photograph some new pieces I have created - this murky light is not liked by my camera at all!! Also my saw arrived - I have to say Goulds Jewellers were fabulous - second to none customer service I would recommend there service highly - so if in need of some tools try these lovely people :)

© Gemheaven 2007

Change on the cards!

We've been so lucky with the weather but today its truly broken lol - misty drizzle and cold for the walk up to school yuk! The above charm bracelet was actually inspired by the beautiful early evening skies we've had here recently - the beautiful tapestry of colour has been amazing - sometimes nature has a way of waking us up to its beauty!

The blues, pinks and purples in the sky apparently - according to my daughter were painted there just for us (Our favourite colours - you see!!) have you been seeing the same skies???

This charm bracelet is slightly different to my others in the fact I created the chain using a simple 2x2 - not only does it give a very chunky feel I also believe the gemstones, fw pearls, crystals and Caroline's fabulous beads a better sitting position! I absolutely adore this charm bracelet and will be having a very hard time letting this one go I think!

© Gemheaven 2007

The Mermaid of Zennor

I don't know if everyone knows the story of the mermaid of Zennor - I remember (all those years ago -yes I have a good memory!!) doing the story at school - maybe being Cornish and it being a Cornish school, or maybe it was to do with the Cornish Gorsedd which we always wrote poetry, drew pictures and wrote about Cornwall for the yearly competition in our school.

Lying midway between St. Ives and Pendeen on the north coast of the Penwith Peninsula lies the small moorland village of Zennor. A short way north of the village lies the spectacular Pendour Cove. A local legend tells us of the story of one Mathew Trewella and his love for a mermaid. Mathew was a fine young man with a voice to match his good looks. Every evening Mathew would sing the closing hymn at Zennor church alone - this was to be his undoing. A mermaid, half-woman half fish, was entranced by the wonderful music from the village above her home at Pendour Cove. She listened to Mathew's voice with increasing interest until one day should could stand it no longer. She had to see who was making this beautiful music. The mermaid dressed herself in a long dress, taking care to conceal her long tail and walked awkwardly up to the church. At first she just marvelled at the singing before slipping away to return beneath the waves before the ebb-tide. After a few more visits, she became bolder and waited longer. It was on this visit that her gaze met with Mathew's and the pair fell madly in love. The call of the sea was too strong however and the mermaid knew that she must return to her home or face certain death. She turned to leave but Mathew called after her 'Please do not leave, who are you, where are you from?'. The mermaid explained that she was a creature from the sea and that she must return now. Already deeply in love with her, Mathew told her that wherever she went he would follow. Carrying her, Mathew ran down to the cove and followed her beneath the waves. Neither were seen again. It is said however that if you sit above the cove at twilight on a fine summer's evening you might just catch Mathew singing faintly on the breeze.

Taken from Cornwall in Focus

A beautiful Cornish Tale which I hope I have captured with Claire Morris of Rowanberry GLass artisan beads - the colours in these beads are fabulous - mixed with citrine and Karen Hill Tribe Silver with some handcrafted fine silver tendrils ;)

© Gemheaven 2007

Mountains

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You know you need to do the ironing when not only are there mountain goats grazing on the top but rabbits burrowing in - mind you the last school shirt for Elli should have said it all!! I don't mind ironing its the one time I can catch up on MY programmes, such as Greys Anatomy, Men in Tress, Brothers & Sisters, Americas Top Model rofl !!

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The above two charm bracelets, incorporating all the colours of Autumn to me include Caroline Hannon's artisan glass, czech glass, gemstones and crystals - the effects are great and I do feel the view out of my bead room window helps inspire this.

© Gemheaven 2007

Mondays blues!

Ohhh Mondays are the hardest morning aren't they - trying to get up in the dark doesn't help nor that fact my dh switched the heating to come on AFTER I get up brrr!! I love the Autumn though I love the freshness of the air but it doesn't stop me yearning for warm mornings where I can feel the heat in the air really early in the morning - maybe having a poor summer doesn't help - can't complain though this October has been lovely and warm!

The above bracelet contains amazing beads by Mary Parker of Flamingo Beads the colours in them are really beautiful - go take a look at this talented lady's work! OH and an artisan made toggle by Hannah @ Kutuu :D

© Gemheaven 2007

Party Day!

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I have a party tonight so all preparations are being made as per normal on a party day - inventory is made, everything is priced ready now only the boxes and tissue paper and business cards to get sorted - oh I love party nights.

Just a few pieces to show you before they get whisked away!! Please don't try to order anything after 6pm tonight as the people at the party get to buy first and to save any un-necessary disappointment but send me an email if you interested in anything you see before then and I'll pop them onto the website in the reserved section for you.

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Have a great weekend and enjoy the rugby for those that do :D

© Gemheaven 2007

Today I .....

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Soldered , yep on my own, it was a huge step mind you I have no idea why I was so afraid!! I wanted so much to practise a few things but my jewellers saw still hasn't arrived - this postal service is awful at the moment I'm also missing beads from Isabelle and some silver to fingers crossed everyone it all turns up tomorrow!! I'll show you at the bottom of this post what I did!

This neckace has beautiful lampwork beads by Claire Morris of Rowanberry Glass - the colours are stunning and I hopefully have managed to capture their beauty with the gemstones I used, Kyanite, lapis lazuli and smokey quartz of course intermingled with silver!!


And this is my soldered links - these are hammered and soldered and I've made a clasp so I can wear it as a bracelet - hopefully when my saw arrives I will be able to make less "organic" looking ones!!
* organic meaning rough!!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Formation

I have been busy today - not sure if I'm anywhere close to finishing but I'm getting there - what ever is she going on about I here you ask ----- my next party!! I have bracelets and necklaces and a couple of new earrings - just hope there is enough for everyone!

Sorry for the waffle I've been shut up in my bead room all day with no food lol - after the amount of cappacinos I drank while in Bath maybe I'm having withdrawals - mmm now which one was best , Browns I think wins - Sunday morning sitting in the sunshine watching the world go by!! The above bracelet is with Isabelle Andersons beads, onyx, and bali silver - the artisan glass beads remind me of rock formations - can you see it???

© Gemheaven 2007

Strangers in the night!!

Hello!! Good to be home but I loved Bath - a wondeful city brimming with history and culture its no wonder I was inspired so much while I was away - E even believed I wanted to come home to start creating on day! Hopefully I will have some pics for all of you yet to visit this historical city when my dear Dad has got round to sorting photos for me.




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The above jewellery is bali silver with beautiful faceted onyx - a perfect combination for day and night so a great idea for the party season which is closely approaching!!

Sorry for the short post but I'm exhausted - more tomorrow promise!

© Gemheaven 2007

Flowing

What a beautiful morning, clear and crisp just enough chill in the air to wake me up on the way up to school!! I really enjoy my walk up to school (well unless the rain is horizantal and stinging) ITs great when you get back and the house is quiet (If E has left lol) and I can get on with my work and occassionally housework!!! Tomorrow I am off to Bath for the weekend with my Mum - she needs a break and Bath is so beautiful with lots to do and see - I can't wait -I hear there's a little bead shop tooo...



This bracelet with stunning beads by Isabelle Anderson and Hill Tribe silver is beautiful with that oily slick shimmery silver on each bead they trully are eyecatching!

Enjoy!

© Gemheaven 2007

Waiting Game

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The postal strike is over for a few days and I can see people like me who rely on the RM to deliver supplies and send parcels to clients going mad today posting and then tomorrow sitting on their doormats waiting!! I would happily pay courier for some orders mainly because waiting isn't always something I can do - waiting for silver supplies is a nightmare - I have the bead etc but need the clasp or some silver beads to complete the work - can you see how frustrating it can be!!
Luckily for the moment I have a good supply but it can fast run out and with party's and internet sales I really can't afford to do that - so lets hope it all gets sorted quickly!

The above bracelet is fabulous purple (remember the shops are full of this colour ;) )I did make earrings with the same beads which I can't remember if I showed you before so for the slight chance of repeating myself here they are!!

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Enjoy!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Swimming in Cool Waters

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Today is my swim day, today I did my 50 lengths as usual - does anyone who reads this swim?? I want to know why the first 20 are the hardest, thats when my arms ache, I want to stop, its tiring and I want to just float, after that it gets easier and although the 49 is hard and tiring I also have strong arms and feel like I could go on - why is this???

The above bracelet is with Carolines beautiful beads, I don't know if you can see but the colours in the encased beads are from darkest blue to pale and greens, wonderful bali beads and clasp with a crystal quartz rondelle to enhance the clear - funny why I called her Cool Waters!

© Gemheaven 2007

What about love?

I seem to be selling my bracelets as fast as I make them at the moment!! So I thought I would show you my latest necklace to keep you all on your toes :D This one is with Isabelle Andersons beautiful terra nuggets - they remind me of little rocks - do they you?? I've mixed the glass beads with loads of Bali and Hill Tribe Silver which gives it this wonderful contemporary look.

But have also made about 4 bracelets so keep an eye out in the next few days for my latest creations!! If anyone can guess the link with the name of this piece let me know in the comments and the winner can choose an item from the website up to £15 - winner will be picked (Unless there is only one - on Wednesday!!) Have fun!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Transition

Hurrah I'm better and my mojo is back!!! I decided after making my commission piece chamr bracelets are very theraputic to make - well for me anyway!! Caroline made me these fab beads which to me have all the essence of autumn and the transition from Summer (Hence the name!!) LOts of fabulous colours, browns, greens, blues, purples, golds so hopefully I managed to pull these colours out in my photos.


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Using a mixture of swarovski crystals, gemstones and silver leaf charms this bracelet has turned out to be a wonderful swishing bracelet! Imagine walking through piles of fallen leaves - thats the sound I mean!!

Elli has lost tooth number two now - she was thrilled by the fact she asked the tooth fairy for 2 x 50p and thats what she got (good job she told Mummy first - so she could ring the tooth fairy and prepare her ;0) ) My baby is making some transitions of her own!

© Gemheaven 2007

They're working!

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At last the antibiotics are doing their job and my back ache is easing - thank you so much for the love and concern shown to me over the past couple of days - I luff you all too!!



I have been making some pieces while being off colour so a couple to show you here - above is a new weave for me called forget-me-not - its a heavier bracelet than the flip flop weave but still lovely to wear!

Here is my second piece with gold vermeil - I actually really like this - its warm and the garnet and beautiful beads (By Isabelle) seem to pop more with the gold , don't you think??

© Gemheaven 2007

Ouch :(

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I'm now on antibiotics so excuse the poor excuse of a post today! Last night I felt proper poorly (as my dear Pops used to say) so I stayed snuggled up to E on the sofa -sadly I got worse today so the dr was spoken too ( I try not to see him if I can - telephone conversations are preferable!!) and so antibiotics it was - hopefully in the next day or so I will be back to my bright and bubbley nature ;0)

LOts of goodies arrived in the post today (thank goodness as we have a postal strike lasting until next WEdnesday now !) so my creative juices are tumbling out of me if only I can sit comfortably!

© Gemheaven 2007

Sorry!

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Big sorry for those of you expecting a post over the weekend - not only a party on Friday but my silver work course over the weekend plus a bout of cystitis meant I was extremly tired and low (still am:( ) I think I pushed myself to continue over the weekend but peeing razor blades (No not literally!!) meant I was phsically drained! The course was fantastic (at Mid Cornwall School of Jewellery)we made a bracelet chain to begin with so when my soldering stuff arrives expect some delights!! A ring was next and its amazing watching something trasform - I'm wearing it now!) also a pendant and earrings.

Excuse the photos I have been nagged for them ;0) so took them quickly!! I met some wonderful ladies (*waves hello if you are reading) all who are really talented!
The bracelet is sterling silver, fired, soldered and put together of course cleaned and polished!




















The earrings need to go in my tumbler but I'm really happy with them, the pendant is quite large but looks fab on a long chain!



And this is my hammered ring - its much more shiny than this picture showed but I wanted to also show you the texture!

A fabulous highly recommended weekend!
© Gemheaven 2007