Heavenly Jewellery, the making of

OK I've moved myself

2009-01-10T12:58:00.000Z

TO somewhere new :)

Here

More hammering

2008-11-13T09:02:00.006Z

Ancient II

I seem to be stuck on creating for my Simply Heaven Range at the moment ~ I suppose while pieces are selling I have to redo them for the shop, both on my website and Etsy ~ while in my workshop I always get waylaid into creating something new ~ which is great fun and its usually while I redoing a piece these ideas flood in. Ancient II is a remake of my other earrings this time with five recycled silver pebbles adorning each hammered ring. These will be going up onto my website very soon.

Curly Ribbons ~Sold

These beauties came from another session in my work room, they sort of just happened but I think I will be making more and these sold really quickly ~ they were also featured in a treasury on Etsy as they were being sold in my Simply Heaven shop. But fear not there will be more I promise you .
And finally I have one of my signature bracelets to show you ~ made with Claire Morris of Rowanberry Glass Arts fabulous boro beads and mixed with blue opal, Chalcedony, Iolite and peridot and of course wire wrapped to creat a stunning bracelet in blues and greens.

Obscured by Clouds

This bracelet is available on my website in the Glass Gems section.

Etsy bragging

2008-11-04T09:47:00.005Z

Today I am doing some Etsy bragging and showing some fabulous people off!! Since being not only on Flickr, Twitter and Etsy I have made some wonderful friends and met some really talented artists. Freya of Tiger Burning Bright is just one of many but she included me in her delicious looking Treasury. Freya's work is so inspirational to me ~ and with it she is such a lovely friend ~ I can highly recommend her Pastiche earrings I am wearing mine now :)
A Treasury, for anyone who isn't 'up' on Etsy and all its going ons, is a place to promote artists and sellers you really like ~ (Not good to put yourself in) I've been a few now and I have to say I really should show more of them off ~ sadly my way of getting a screenshot isn't great.

Leading me on to another seller ~
Babecakes 1011's shop is looking soo delicious I may even go to America just to try them out!! This one is the Lemon with Limon frosting and wow!! I could go on about all the wonderful cupcakes she has in her store but I would only depress myself with not being able to buy any!! I do urge anyone who is in the US or has family over there to treat yourself or them ~ then let me have some delightfully in details feedback!!

Enjoy!!
Finishing with my new Styled heart earrings ~ I have about 5 pairs left ~ they seem to be popular :)

Etsy Shop Open

2008-10-30T10:53:00.005Z

As promised, a pic of the wonderful graphic design for my new shop and section on my website "Simply Heaven" ~ I love it and Sharon of Manamoon Studios is such a dream to work with. She seemed to understand exactly what I needed because of course I need it to work along side my gemheaven pieces. This design for me fits the bill and slowly I am now adding pieces ~ I have been busy soldering, hammering and polishing!!

Simply Diamond

I love this shape and will definately be making more of these diamond shaped earrings at some point ~ these ones are shiny but I think hammered and oxidised will look fabulous ~ the ideas are brimming over here!!

Simply earrings with Adventurine

More fun and flirty earrings coming too ~ like the ones above but with different stones and I have some fabulous czech glass coming soon ;) Remember I can make up in a variety of textures, shapes, colours etc so if you are thinking of someone in particular don't hesitate to give me a shout.

A new Section

2008-10-27T18:45:00.007Z

Simply Studs

I've been really busy over the weekend trying to finish my stock for a new section of my website called Simply Heaven ~ I wanted to do some simpler pieces for Christmas shopping as I always get asked about what I have for less than £20/£15/£10. Hopefully this new section will help you all not only with your Christmas shopping but also if you want to buy yourself a little treat without breaking the bank! Each piece instead of being boxed up will be placed into a simple organza bag, because of this I can offer first class posting (Instead of only registered which my one of kind pieces have) ~ I promise you'll still see the gemheaven touches and as soon as the my delivery is here in the next couple of days I will show you how you will recieve your piece of Simply Heaven.

Wave pendant with Flourite

The main difference with the new section will be everything can be remade ~ nothing is one of a kind but I can say pieces will be limited (until the beads run out for example) but everything is also interchangable ~ so say you like the Wave pendant above but you don't like Flourite gemstones ~ tell me what you would like and I will make it up especially for you. I have had so much fun creating a new line of simple but fun jewellery I really hope when I launch it you will enjoy it to.

Simply earrings with Turquoise

Any questions then feel free to send me a email ~ have a look at my website for more information and check out Flickr for more pics! The lovely Sharon of Manamoon Studios is creating my new Etsy banner and avatar which I will show off once its all up and running ~ can you tell I am excited ~ the preview is stunning!!

No Love Too Small

2008-10-23T08:55:00.004+01:00

No Love too Small

Sometimes I just play around in my workshop, seeing what shapes I can make and how I can incorporate them into my designs ~ No Love too Small ~ was just a heart commission I had last Friday, I made half a dozen hearts in vary sizes and showed the customer concerned. These were left over and I thought they were soo cute I had to use them, a 3mm rondelle in Ruby finishes them off perfectly I think. Measuring about 30mm {1.25"} approx they are small and dainty!

Cranberry

I must be in a red mood this week, with the ruby earrings and now these with Rubilitte garnet wire wrapped onto them ~ I love the effect though and these would make a perfect Christmas Day pair ~ eeeek did I say Christmas Day? haha today is my older Sister's birthday and mentally I don't even think about Christmas until after today so I am a little ahead of myself :)

Happy Birthday ALi!!

Following......

2008-10-20T20:03:00.004+01:00

Mulsum

Ok those of you who know me well, know how terrible I have been of late and not only blogging but catching up on everyone elses blogs ~ I have great excuses ;) but won't bore you with them here because I have a new gadget on my blog! Yes, following is the new way to keep up to date with friends blogs ~ now at a drop of a hat I can see who is posting without trawling through each and everyone's ~ sadly if your blog or name was after L I probably wouldn't get to you because the beads would start calling and I would forget where I was ~ maybe its my age not the beads ....

Theodora

Showing of my surprise bracelet ~ yes I actually used gold~filled and found it very lovely to work with. I love the warmth it gives the garnet too. The earrings are a bit of sneak preview ~ as of Monday evening not even my Flickr watchers have seen them yet!! What do you think ~ Amethyst, labradorite and pink Amethyst on posts ~ I'm really pleased with the out come but need to stop putting pink Amethsyt in everything I make :P

Basics

2008-10-17T14:36:00.008+01:00

Luster of Life

I suppose my title may confuse you but as someone who can't help but watch the news I know the world and his horse are all waiting to hear some good news about the credit crunch ~ my fellow jewellery lovers will know that treating yourself in times of trouble is a great pick~you~up and treating friends and family especially now we are approaching Christmas!! So I'm coming up with a basic range ~ something that will still have the 'gem heaven' sparkle of course!

Ghost Tree

My lovely friend Brandi tagged me this week, anyone who has been reading my blog since the start will know I have been tagged a few times before ~ but you never know you may read something new about me today ~ well I will try!!

1. Link to your tagger and list these rules on your blog.
2. Share 7 facts about yourself on your blog, some random, some weird.
3. Tag 7 people at the end of your post by including links to their blogs.
4. Let them know they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blogs.

1) I love nail polish ~ mainly pinks and reds and have bottles of the stuff but I also bite my nails so colours are confined to my toes!! You will be pleased to hear I am trying and have one hand which is not quite as embarassing as the other

2) I'm in love with sock monkey ~ I found a site on Etsy with some stunners on and keep trying to tell Elli she wants one for Christmas!! I WILL have one lol!!

3) I am growing my hair ~ I get bored so easily and decided on a change ~ *disclaimer I may change my mind again at anytime

4) I've seen Mama Mia twice and actually would have gone more if I could have!!

5) I am tone deaf ~ can't sing a note yet I do a mean Babara Steisand in my shower!! WEll I think so (I was brought up on Barbara and especially love the Guilty album)

6) I can't leave the house without eyeliner and lipstick on!

7) I have an important medical appointment I keep putting off and need nagging about .....

Brandi tagged a few of my mates so here's my list

1) Izzy of Adventures in Glass
2)Bettejo's A bead a Day
3) Nina ~ Beads in the Belfry
4) Caroline ~ Crafted Gems
5) Sharon ~ Manamoon Studios
6) Becky ~ Chameleon Designs
7) Kelly ~ Kebo Jewellery

Germany

2008-10-02T18:36:00.006+01:00

I've been in Germany - did anyone notice ;) My E won a place in the Mercedes Trophy World Final 2008 Golf Tournament and so I have been a WAG for a week!! There was four in the team - three playing and a team Captain plus partners and what fun we had! With 27 nations all socializing as well as the golf - it was a surreal, can you imagine not only flying Business Class (VIP lounge was fab) but also arriving in Suttgart to see the Vans to collect us!

Our guys were dressed as James Bond complete with Martini's - it was so cool to see them all being applauded. There was some fabulous costumes of national dress and from that first day it was one big party ~ and I am still suffering I can tell you :))
As Wags we were taken here, there and everywhere the above pic was taken at the Mercedes museam which was fantastic ~ like travelling through time with the car company. The great thing was we ended the Tournament here with the presentation can imagine partying amongst 30 yr old mercedes, mind you we didn't come into contact with them at the end of the evening wonder why!!
And here's my E mid~round have no idea what he's doing though ~ but then I have no idea how to play golf, a WAG is too busy shopping!!!!

Yay!

2008-09-10T10:06:00.004+01:00

Me~ Sold

Eeeek not often I would even think about putting a picture up of myself but as I went on and on and on about my eyes I think you all deserve (lol actually you don't deserve it hah) to see me in them!! I actually like my glasses but I am still adjusting to wearing them - and putting them down and working for half an hour without them before realising even though I have a string for that exact reason .....

Chloris

I've done some more silver work to - I made some cute studs which I will show you below for a commission and loved them so thought I'd make a pendant which is so easy to wear! I actually love to work my frustrations out in the metal and I promise I put all the good and positive back in while polishing ;)

Fleur ~SOLD

Hope you like them :)

My Eyes continued...

2008-08-28T17:37:00.003+01:00

Watersnake

I know its boring - the saga of my eyes but after the lovely comments and emails I had I thought you may wish to hear I have been!! I have been tested and ..................................................yes...............I need glasses!! No surprise there then ;) I have picked out some sexy black rimmed ones but as its only for close up work I shan't really be showing them off - unless you all want a pic?? Also my darling Elli needs them for th complete opposite reason - she needs them to see the white board (opposite to black board!!) so they are making her little bi-focals - and they look so cute on her!!

Watersnake Earrings

It was actually ok - the test and everything but its scary when you see how far your eyes have deteriorated although apparently for 10 years (yep thats how long I went in between) its not bad just .5 but I could really see a difference - do you think it will make a difference to my work??

I went on my hols

2008-08-12T16:34:00.005+01:00

Kennack Sands ~ Reserved

I did, the family, some friends and I!!! But did I take any pics??? Nope - and yes I am kicking myself now! Mind you the weather was appalling , more like October than August - rain and winds - in fact my feet got so muddy - I refuse to wear wellies ( I was on my summer hols) but camping probably wasn't the best place to rebel, as the story my poor feet are telling now! Mullion is a beautiful part of Cornwall, quite wild (the way I like it) and the coast line is superb. Kynance Cove is a definite one to inspire a future design - in fact I can feel one bubbling up ;) Take a look at the website pics - much better than the ones I would have taken - because yes it was raining AGAIN!!

The Colour of Sunsets

Being neither north of south really on the Lizard Peninsula - does that make sense? - I saw some fabulous sunsets - on the rare occassion we had sun and this one sums up all the colours I saw. Beads by Caroline Cash of course with delicious Karen Hill Tribe Silver! Of course we all know the saying red sky @ night Shepherds Delight - which means a dry day following and I think the most perfect sunset I saw did actually mean this!! WE actually made it to the beach!

Splashing the Waves ~ RESERVED

Of course now we're home and now preparing for my Elli's (and mine) birthdays - a seven year olds party - please pray for dry weather!!! I can't believe she is seven - doesn't time fly when you are having fun!!

My Eyes

2008-07-15T10:26:00.005+01:00

Aurora - SOLD

I think my eyes are starting to complain about all this close up work, I need nagging to go to the opticians! Years ago, and I mean B.E (Before Elli) in fact B.M (Before marriage) I had my eyes tested as my Auntie was diagnosed with Glaucoma, I need glasses for close up work, I had them as a Birthday gift (very expensive) and I hated wearing them. At the time I worked as a photographers assistant - setting up lights, booking in clients, sorting through the photographs, adding client base to computor, loading film etc. My head was up and down and I started getting headaches from glasses on and off, or in my case not taking them off at the right moments. So guess what I gave up wearing them.....

Tundra - RESERVED

Of course I now need to be rechecked and my eyes are so sore in the evenings, I think they are crying for help. I'm just so bad at gtting myself checked out for some reason... you'd think after all my health scares I would be the opposite, sadly anything which is slightly invasive of my person I run screaming for the hills. WEll I suppose there's always more valium ....

ANd yes I am joking ;p

You know its bad when...

2008-07-04T12:26:00.004+01:00

your friend who lives away rings to ask if you are ok because you haven't written your blog for over a week. Or your Dad tells you off and calls you boring. So to all my blog readers near, dear and far - I'm Sorry. I have been so busy I can hardly keep up with myself, parties, wholesale, commissions and of course life! But I am still making and the above pendant (which comes in antiqued and shiny silver) Infinity is one of my latest designs. Simplicity with a organic twist don't you think??
I also had my first ring commission which I thoroughly enjoyed doing. Three slim line rings, one hammered, one grooved and one with a pebble on top. I hope you like them :)

Right more work is to be done - speak soon..

Happy Birthday 'E'

2008-06-22T09:40:00.002+01:00

Happy Birthday to my lovely 'E' who has now put up with me for over 11yrs, married for 9 - today I will spoil him rotten - strawberries and cream anyone??

Wire Boutique

2008-06-17T20:16:00.005+01:00

Today the Wire Boutique was launched!! All the designers on the Boutique are from within the UK - using fine quality gemstones and wire in precious metals to create exclusive pieces of Art. You may recognise some of the names on there (me!) - all the designers have their own unique style and you will definitely get an exclusive piece of jewellery. I have become officially obsesses with wire at the moment - thick or thin everything has it on ;) I would even cover my dh in it - but he is a faster runner than me ;)
Here's one of my pieces for sale on WB - Apple Blossom - with beautiful Prehnite, Rose Quartz and peridot - this is one of my favourites. Luckily all the blossom on our apple tree seems to have produced apples so a bumper crop this year!!

Take a look and let me know what you think!

Ohhh featured

2008-06-16T21:10:00.005+01:00

Do you remember this charm bracelet of mine featuring Isabelle Anderson's wonderful shells - well she's been featured on Art Bead Scene - how exciting! Thank you Caroline of Crafted Gems for the heads up!!

I am very busy at the moment trying to fulfill orders and get stock for the new website that should be open tomorrow morning - I will blog some more tomorrow about it but here's a taster of what I made end of last week ....

Not so Pure - available on Etsy and my website as of tomorrow :D

Ooops I did it again

2008-06-12T17:54:00.004+01:00

Honestly I think the week is just two days long here - mind you the year is only 4 weeks.... I just can't believe my daughter will be going into the Juniors (Uk we have infants from 4yr-7yrs, then juniors 7- 11) it only seems a year ago I left her in Reception class age 4 - I cried - Elli barely waved!!
As you can see I have been creating - so I'm making the most of these very short weeks ;) I've also had a few commmissions I have been getting on with as well as getting prepared for a brand new website that will be launching very soon - very exciting :)
All these pieces are available on my website or Etsy from today complete with all the other new pieces I have made.

More animals

2008-06-05T13:55:00.009+01:00

I won't bore you with too many more animals from WM Safari and if you scroll down you even may see some earrings ;0)

This rhino looked as if it quite fancied our car! E swiftly moved it but our lovely friends in the next cat thought it was hilarious!!
I love elephants and always thought them to be gentle creatures but apparently they can be a little temperamental!!

I also love giraffes with there long legs and they are beautiful.

And finally I came home and created this with rose quartz, prehnite and peridot.

Disappeared!

2008-06-03T11:49:00.005+01:00

I haven't disappeared really - my wonderful husband asked me to take a break from the website and work (I really am at it 24/7) and I promised I would but it turns out he was whisking me away for a few days with Elli to visit our lovely friends. So here I am after a relaxing 5 ( should have been 4 except the car broke down!) days filled with laughter, gin and food!!
One of the days we went to West Midlands Safari park - a bit like longleat where you drive in and around animals - of course some are behind fences but as you can see the Lions were not and as my favourite animal (I am a leo myself) I took quite a few pics!!

I won't bore you with it all now (more like spreading it out across the week!) but I wanted you to know I am Back!!

Back into jumpers

2008-05-20T16:21:00.006+01:00

"WARM HEART"

So I added a warm pic!! Maybe its just me, I've had this awful cold, but today and last night I have been freezing. The sun is warm but the wind has a bit of a cold freshness to it - I suppose after the balmy weather we had it just feels a little chillier!!

"DRUANTIA"

More silver work today to show which I did mean to show you last week, I also have some lampwork pieces to show - hopefully if my brain is in gear tomorrow I can show you some more. I ordered some new saw blades which is why I made these two pendants - It was definately the right decision as it was an far easier then before.

"GROW TALL"

This last picture shows my latest earrings - they are long yet I think extremly easy to wear! I enjoyed the experiment though with the vines twisting around the square silver. Watching our honeysuckle go wild was the inspiration - its taking over the top garden but I can't wait for the flowers!

FLames

2008-05-13T10:22:00.004+01:00

"BUBBLES"

Fridays for me is usually coffee with friends but every so often something happens to change the plan from our usual cappacino at CHarlies (Charlestowns fabulous coffee shop) Friday was one of those days so with the arrival of my new torch I set about soldering - and boy I did lots. I was on a mission my "Just Silver" section on the website was looking a little sad and I really need to get pieces added. Of course I am slowly doing this so if there is something on todays post you fancy - drop me the usual email :)

"DULOE"

Bracelets and earrings and a lovely necklace (you can already find in my Etsy store) I did have fun - there's something very theraputic about soldering, pickling and finally taking out of the tumbler!! Maybe its the hammering ;0)

"GOODAVER"

My jewellery this weekend was influenced by the stone circles and the bracelet and necklace are both named after Cornish ones.

Where the week went!

2008-05-07T21:54:00.005+01:00

What fabulous weather we have been having - ok its not going to last (in the southwest at least) so of course I've been making the most of it! Monday, a bank holiday or May Day as we call it, was really warm and we (the family) went to TRerice, owned now by the National Trust, a beautiful Elizabethan house and gardens. Elli and E even had a go at playing Cornish Kayling - a game of skittles, and ELli tried her hand at brass rubbings. LOts of sunshine and a run around the maze - great fun. Mamma, Gump and Nanny came to - so cups of tea and slices of cake finished off the day!
Of course when the weather is fine my designs tend to turn blue don't they and this one is no exception - named Arethusa after the NYmph who who turned into a fountain - these turquoise briolettes are gorgeous!
This bracelet is named Rioja and is garnet, crystal quartz and bali silver - all wound onto dainty chain for a really slinky feel - I'm working on a kyanite, iolite and moonstone one at the moment and have slightly pink arms from sitting outside this afternoon!!

Wire

2008-04-30T16:02:00.005+01:00

I am so enjoying wire work at the moment and the above piece "Artemis" was a real labour of love - one of those projects that seemed to click even though it wasn't exactly what I started out to achieve. I definitely had aching hands by the end but am so pleased with the final outcome I am hoping to attempt another at some point.

Gorgeous boro beads by Claire of Rowanberry Glass - amazing colours to pull out - my favourite type of beads - someone on Flickr (sorry if its you) said it looked "appley" and I think they're right - like apple blossom - maybe I should photograph the blossom on our apple tree for comparison?
Finally some earrings I created with beautiful apatite, Iolite , aquamarine and gorgeous smooth rock crystal .
And thank you Hannah (Of Kutuu) who checked up on me this morning - she was worried because I have been a bad, neglectful blogger recently!! May, I promise will be an improvement :)

Blood Red

2008-04-24T18:45:00.005+01:00

I have a thing about rubys at the moment - I love them - the rich colour almost pinky tones - yum!! The above earrings are with oxidised silver, which to me shows off the ruby to perfection But I have got a couple briolettes left so if you fancy something with shiny silver ...

See I told you I love rubies ;)

Today I woke to a nudge from the lovely Catherine of La Perle - to tell me Sharon of Manamoon had written about me on her blog. She made me so happy - a sweet lovely write up that made me blush down to my toes :) On Etsy where I have a little shop we have chance to show off other peoples work that you like, inspires you or you just want to promote - I love making these its like making a poster up!! I also love showing off my friends work they are such fun!!

On strict orders

2008-04-21T18:37:00.003+01:00

My lovely Dad has been complaining that I'm not updating my blog enough so here I am as promised (well I promised my Mum ;0) ) The above pic is from Pentewen , a beach not far from us - the weather was quite rough as you can see - there was even surfers in the water - which you don't see much on the south coast - the waves are usually too small to be any good - but obviously the wind was in the right direction!

I've also been making lots of pendants too - this one is lapis lazuli and the blue is beautiful with oxidised silver on chain. I love the simplicity of pendants.

I promise to be back tomorrow with more...

Rolling In Gemstones!

2008-04-16T19:56:00.004+01:00

Today I had a meeting with a lady from a gemstone suppliers - a lovely lady - who fell in love with my cat! She had so many gemstones I was in heaven. I even held in my hands a strand of th most beautiful diamonds which cost nearly as much as my lampwork collection :) Keishi pearls with an incredible luster, rubies - oh I could go on but I would get all you gem lovers drooling over your keyboards!!! Sadly I'm too busy pooling all my money into silver at the moment for my party on Friday!

I've also being doing some mor wire wrapping - I love this one with the ethereal blue of the Chalcedonywith ros quartz, pearls , crystal quartz and more Chalcedony all oxidised. It was a lot of work but well worth it - well I think :)

Weekend Posting

2008-04-12T11:04:00.005+01:00

Elli had her first sleepover last night - they were chatting a lot - until gone 10 and E went and told them to calm down - then just before 6 am they woke again! Urghhh I know tonight Elli will be struggling , normally at the weekend she lies in until 8 (so do we!!) and she needs her sleep (so do we!) and getting up at the crack of dawn all week means the weekend lie ins are sacred !
I'm down to 38 sets of artisan glass beads but I have succumbed twice - I know a moment of weakness - sadly the beads are beautiful and je ne regrette rien ;) (Or I regret nothing for those of you who can't read french - or remember the song by Edith Piaf ( although I wasn't even a twinkle in my Daddy's eye when the song came out!)
The top bracelet is still available but the second - after being spotted on Flickr is off to the US to her new home. I'm now preparing for a party next Friday - lots to make and create - so back to it!!

New look

2008-04-09T09:28:00.002+01:00

Slowly over the next few days my website and other places are having a spring clean - look out for it - hope you like it :)

Numb fingers

2008-04-08T13:46:00.004+01:00

MY fingers are numb and my s isn't working properly because I have been playing with wire - a lot!! There is little pieces of wire under the s on my keyboard so I have to press really hard - so if anything doesn't make sense - add an s ;)

The earrings I love I made myself some a few weeks ago and haven't yet changed back to my other which is a good sign - with little teeny weeny seed pearls - let me know what you think won't you ? The necklace is with 'Autralian Opal' which is actually IMpression Jasper - its a beautiful oft bluey/green so with added aquamarine and fw pearls in bronze and ivory I thought she looked very ocean like.

and finally some more earrings with rose quartz on a twisted ring - I love these and plan on more in the near future!! Now before you nag I am still making with my lampwork beads so to finish some lampwork earrings - fun and beach themed

OK I know

2008-04-04T09:06:00.004+01:00

where have my blog posts been - well I did warn you - blog posting with a six year old is hard you get to the middle of a post and get called away - then you come back and forget where you are - I have quite a few unfinished ones in draft this week. I also would like to apologises to my blogging friends for neglect ;)

Part of me is looking forward to normality when Elli goes back to school but she is such good company too I will miss her loads! Yesterday we went shopping - I love shopping but I don't do enough of it (contrary to what my E says!) She is such good fun and loves looking at clothes as much as I do - especially if they come in her size - yes I have a real girly girl :)

I'm down to 40 sets I think (although bad girl that I am I've recieved another 2 sets in the post - do I have to count them lol) I'm working on getting down to 20 arghhh but its hard!

Monday again!

2008-03-31T18:45:00.005+01:00

After the excitement of my treasury this morning I thought I'd better come back and give you an update on my lampwork jewellery - well I'm down to 40 sets now!! Yes I have used another 4 sets since I last spoke to you - I have been busy :) It is still holidays though for my daughter so we do have to spend some time together ;)

This set includes beads by the very lovely Isabelle Anderson - I have to blame my friend Izzy for actually making me fall in love with lampwork bead in the first place - her website is where I got my very first set! I love the luminous look of these and have actually been coveting them for a while - so much Izzy forgot about them ;)

1st treasury on Etsy

2008-03-31T11:52:00.002+01:00

1st treasury
Originally uploaded by Gemheaven Jewellery

How cool!!

Check her out HERE

More in a bit...

44 and counting!!

2008-03-27T10:57:00.010Z

I'm working like a trojan I really am - my bead stash is slowly going down and I haven't bought any beads since Tuesday - what do you mean TUESDAY!! I know I slipped up but I clicked buy before I even thought about it - well I suppose thats how I have 44 sets still in my box lol!! So if you can do your maths I have used 3 sets since I last posted! The above set is a Emma Ralph Ice bead set and I love the colours - don't you? (YOu can find this one on my Etsy shop - if you are interested)

Then I had some fun with some of the lovely Laura Sparlings beads - lots of delicious desserts - I think these look very summery - don't you!

I have one more set I have made up into a bracelet which I will save until tomorrow - hopefully I will be able to subtract a number or two from the title - wish me luck ;0)

Backwards

2008-03-25T13:54:00.004Z

I giving up beads for lent - thats the reason for being backwards because as you know lent is over!! Over the weekend I added up all the bead sets I have - now I'm talking about Artisan Glass (lampwork) which is something I have always held my hands up to being addicted too! BUt this I actually hang my head in shame I counted (and this was me being honest - when I say counted these are just the ones I sorted) 47 sets in total (well actually I counted 46 but then found another set under a book) yes you read that right 47!!!

SO because of this I am on a bead buying ban - yes I have to show you in the next month at least 20 pieces made with lampwork - Hopefully you will help me count this down and when I reach 20 I can start buying again - eeeek - this will be extremly painful as I adore buying them!! Please hold my hand throughout April so I keep strong - haha! So all my flame fueled friends please help me be strong and I am not ignoring you if I suddenly stop buying your beads - I need to be strong ;)

Good Friday!

2008-03-21T10:37:00.005Z

Well I've had my Hot Cross Buns for breakfast - yum and now we have a lazy day ahead - the weather here in the UK is wintery - last easter was so much later and we had beautiful blue skies and hot sun - in fact there are photos of us in t-shirts enjoying a Easter egg hunt! Why do they change the month Easter falls in? I have been told its something to do with the moon and would love to know if this is true - maybe a google is in order!
OK this is what I have found out

Easter Sunday is the Sunday following the Paschal Full Moon (PFM) date for the year. In June 325 A.D. astronomers approximated astronomical full moon dates for the Christian church, calling them Ecclesiastical Full Moon (EFM) dates. From 326 A.D. the PFM date has always been the EFM date after March 20 (which was the equinox date in 325 A.D.).

But next year apparently it falls on April 12th so I think a picnic will better be saved for next year!!

I haven't a great deal to show as my dizzy spells are still happening - I think I may have to brave the dr next week. FIngers crossed I will be able to still create something this weekend ☺

Spin me round

2008-03-18T08:55:00.003Z

So sorry - I fully intended to post on Sunday evening - then MOnday but I had this weird dizzy thing - just like when you have had to many drinks and the room spins round except I hadn't had anything stronger than a cup of tea. Even with my eyes closed it felt like I was being spun around - and with that headaches and nausea - yuk. I managed a few moments yesterday on here but not enough to post.

I was busy making though - so I have lots of new things to show you in the next few days - a couple of commission need sorting too - being off doesn't work when you have work to do!!

Jump!

2008-03-14T14:33:00.005Z

This bracelet is one of my favourites at the moment (I know, I know I say that about them all!) but I think the colours in this one are just fantastic. This is actually boro glass - which is not that easy to come by in the UK sadly (hopefully that will change soon) - boro glass has lots of silver in it and has to be treated in a whole different way (my source on the subject hopefully will be playing with her new glass real soon ;0) ) I adore boro, the colours are fantastic - these are actually from the US by an artist called Cory Walker.

I added little glass spacers (Shirley Giles) Green Kyanite, Rubies, Moonstone and Teal apatite - I just love how the colours pop! I have a few other sets of boro here waiting to be played with so expect more soon.

Two in a row!

2008-03-11T16:22:00.006Z

I am doing well - two posts in a row!! I have to show you Elli's pasty she made on Saturday - being Cornish we love pastys - lovely beef, potato and turnip with lashings of pepper, a pinch of salt and a knob of butter - all wrapped up in short crust pastry! Elli decided she wanted to make her own - and I was extremly impressed with her heart pasty! She ate the lot to!

Another reason for todays post I wanted to show you something my two fab friends are doing at the moment. Allison Raposa of Msbaubles and Angela Mckenna of AM Designs have both entered into the new volume of the Etsy promo book (see HERE).

TimothyAdamDesigns says: With 140 etsy artists featured in 4 volumes, the handbook to handmade is a small cut of very talented artists from around the world. "the handbook to handmade" is a monthly volume of 36 ETSY artists and their shops...this is a promotional tool that is used to help promote artists and etsy. the first volume was a success, with a great mix of artists from 36 different cities from around the world.

I love Etsy and have bought a few bits and pieces on there - more and more UK artists can be found on there - really there is worth a look - everything from Knitting to canvas's, soaps and pottery! I really hope Allison and Angela get to show us what the finished book looks like with their pages! Allison and Angela both have unique styles which I admire greatly.

The first picture shows the latest silver necklace I have made - simple and sweet with that dark edge ;) and the bracelet is a birthstone commission I had with my customers childrens birthstones - I love the mixture of the stones - peridot, Amethyst and Topaz.

Oh I say!

2008-03-10T19:18:00.004Z

The saga of the missing gemstones continues - day 7 and counting :( The above pendant was made with my rather large already collection ;) Wire shaped into this leaf shape and wire-wrapped gems oxidised and hand-polished.
Guess what I have won something - I don't win much if anything but I had a comment left by the lovely Cindy of Jewellery Tales telling me I was a winner and woohoo HERE I am! Winning Art bead Scenes prize is fantastic - I'm so excited!! Many of you may remember seeing Trelissick on my blog a few weeks ago - although now she is in a new home!

The above necklace is Baltic Amber - this is the most fantastic Amber I have ever had the privilege to hold or even work with - the organic nature is perfect to me - and I kept this design simple - who need to complicate such beauties?? The beads are incredible and I finished her off with a pretty sterling silver leaf clasp.

Have a good evening

Grrr post

2008-03-09T18:22:00.004Z

I promised you a look at these earrings on Thursday didn't I?? I hope you like them I seem to be taken with wire wrapping at the moment - I think the more confident I am with silver wire the better it is becoming. I also made a few more pieces yesterday which I will show you in the week - in fact my wrists were aching this morning and I'm sure my eyes need testing!

This pendant was actually made for my friends birthday - her birthstone of course and I wanted something simple yet pretty. I think I may be making a few more of these pendants......
Now there is one thing all these pieces have in common... yes the gemstones. I adore gemstones and I placed my normal order of lots of beautiful, special pieces last Monday- I waited and waited , Thursday I contacted my lovely supplier who told me they were posted Monday! Arghhh Yesterday still no gemstones - now a week is too long for recorder post from Scotland to here - ok I may be the bottom and Scotland at the top BUT I 've had supplies from Hong Kong come quicker than that! I have an awful feeling that they are gone for good! Now I love my postie - he's fantastic and doesn't seem to mind me pouncing on him when a parcel is expected. The ones that cover for him are great too but somewhere the Royal Mail seem to have started to employ people who are less then trustworthy - this isn't the first parcel I have lost - you may have gathered! So fingers crossed my parcel is lost and will be found!

Always making...

2008-03-06T09:27:00.005Z

I seem to be making lots of earrings at the moment - the above pendant doesn't count!! Yesterday I made a pair which was so unlike me - I keep looking at them and wondering where my muse has been on holiday recently! I will photograph them today and show you tomorrow or Saturday- I do love them so I hope you do too!

The above pair and matching pendant are Smokey Quartz with Prehnite, Iolite and Fw Pearls - they are quite weighty compared to my normal earrings but I think they will certainly get some comments!
I'm still coughing but hopefully it will ease off now - Mandie is right when she says it sounds as if you are a heavy smoker when you do cough - last night I sounded like a squeaky gate!

Cough Cough

2008-03-04T19:42:00.004Z

I was going to post yesterday but with a awful cough and cold by the time I had been caught in a hail storm walking to school to pick up Elli,being drenched through, where my jeans were so wet an cold by the time I took them off the were being dragged down (than goodness my coat is a good length) and my legs were looking like I had poured boiling water on them. Then the shakes started and I felt terrible. Luckily Mamma and Gump ( the grandparents) were able to come to the rescue and take Elli swimming while I wallowed in the bath trying to warm up! I couldn't stop sneezing and although that does seem to have stopped I'm left with a really chesty cough.

Today I did do some creating though - I will show you more tomorrow - so I must be on the mend. I had a day where I didn't have to leave the house so hopefully tomorrow I will feel even better. I have to say my little girl is a fantastic nurse - she smoothed my brow (lol she did really) I think she enjoys the drama although she did tell Mamma she was going to live with her soon!!!
The above pendant is my Mum's pressie for Mothers Day - that and a book which hasn't arrived (Mandie from Jewellery Craft recommended it) The pendant is very dainty I'm really proud of this one.

Mothers day

2008-03-02T15:42:00.002Z

MY poem
Originally uploaded by Gemheaven

Happy Mothers day to you all out there. I had some wonderful gifts from Elli including this poem! Which made me tear up!

Mummy I love you so much you make me sparkle
Upstairs at night I love it when you cuddle me
Mummy you are special to me
Mummy I love you
You are the best

Cold!

2008-02-29T14:37:00.005Z

Last night I went to bed with one of those throats where you feel like you have swallowed sandpaper - today I feel like my nose is on tap and as I tap this it has started drizzling - perfect - just in time for the walk to school!! Its funny how the weather likes to wait for that walk - morning or afternoon the rain always likes to start about 10 mins before I have to leave!! This cold is making me feel like I am chilled to the bone :(

A couple of pieces to show you before I trundle off to my party this evening - although I am full of cold (apologises to anyone who is going to night - I promise not to breath over you!) I'm looking forward to getting my latest pieces out there. It always so nice to see people trying pieces on at parties!! The first necklace is dainty with Tourmaline and a Karen Hill Tribe Silver flower - and the charm bracelet with Isabelle Andersons beautiful shell beads - this piece I nearly called Linen - for obvious reasons - the chain and headpins were handcrafted by me - of course!!

Will post again Sunday - the website will be updated tomorrow morning - lots of new pieces!!

Earthquakes

2008-02-27T14:28:00.004Z

How scary! Not for me, I live in Cornwall (down the bottom) so we seem to be safe from these happenings - although I have experienced tremors before. Two summers ago on a holiday to the Greek island of Zante we woke in the night with the feeling our bed had been picked up and shook around. Then one morning by the pool we had another - funny thing is the children didn't even notice!! The third was the worst - it actually made me feel quite ill - we were shopping and everything in the shop started swinging and rocking. The owner didn't even bat an eyelid though - so we decided not to be worried! But how I would react in a earthquake is anyones guess - were any of you affected???

I wante dto show you the other pieces I made with Beverley Hicklins beads - (after my last post - see below) I love the colours in these and was influenced by Italy (One of my favourite countries) Now I have to finish the preparations for the party - my first in 2 months - so its getting everything back together - the worst part is the pricing each and every piece up - think of me.....

And another....

2008-02-25T09:21:00.003Z

Lovely BetteJo passed this on to me - isn't it lovely:) I have a few people I want to pass it onto - the people who always listen to my waffle whether here or through emails or msn. Sometimes when life is getting us down its our friends that add that little bit of sunshine. SO my awards goes to all my friends you know who you are!!

I'm also going to have a little brag - yesterday I had email from Cindy, one of the editors of Art Bead Scene - I was featured yesterday :) Go take a look - How exciting!!

Right I'm off for my swim - hoping to swim 55 lengths today (small pool!! probably more like 27.5!!) Enjoy your day!

Thanks Crunchy is friday!

2008-02-22T16:13:00.005Z

AS promised a look at on eof my new bracelets - I think the colours Isabelle Anderson captured are fantastic and it gave me the oppurtunity to use these beautiful flashy labradorite lentils with them. I named her after that lovely Sunday where we spent the afternoon wandering through Trelissick. Cornwall is full of inspiration for me - there's always something that triggers a design.

Friday sometimes don't come fast enough but this week has flown by - in fact can you believe next weekend is March!! Now I can't wait for spring to fully kick in - but the summer is my favourite time - I've already been buying gemstones in the colours that sing Summer - turquoise, Kyanite, ruby - lovely rich vibrant colours!

Now don't forget either its Mothering Sunday next weekend. My Mum for one is a very special lady (we're actually very similar ;0) ) But I'm not sure she'll want jewellery this year (I could be wrong?!) So I'd love some ideas - of course buying handmade would be great - so ideas would be lovely!!

Have a lovely weekend

Sorry

2008-02-21T10:29:00.006Z

For my rant on Monday - its all sorted my lovely friend Clare lent us a book which Elli and us read last night. A lovely look at how babies are made and my sweet child said "I'm not confused anymore"!!
I have been working hard this week - lots of new pieces made - sadly most of them are commissions but I'll show you at some point. I also have a party booked for next Friday - as you all know all my stock goes to these - so my website may look a little thin on the ground on the first but I'm trying to make lots of new pieces in the meantime to cover all eventualites :)

I'll be back tomorrow with a fabulous bracelet (even if I do say so myself) its one of my latest favourites. So check back tomorrow :)

Back to Normal

2008-02-18T20:38:00.002Z

School and normal routine I mean - I think I'm way past normal now! The sun was shining today but it was so cold - but I do prefer it to rain. The above necklace was definately influenced by the sun - I love that amazonite focal and of course the ivory pearls just show it off to perfection.

I also made some more of my planets - these are so light and easy to wear - I'm hoping to keep these as part of my basic silver range, inexpensive and fun. I love the pattern on these - now I'm not giving away any trade secrets but you'd find it hilarious if I did tell you how it came about - but I won't because then I would have to kill you!! :)

Now I'm going to have a little rant - please feel free to scroll to the bottom for my final pic ;)
Any one with children will understand the protection we feel for them - my daughter is six and although we joke about her going on sixteen, she is a child who is in love with the idea of princes and princesses, unicorns, fairies and magic. She does say she has a true love but that's not because she understands but because she adores Disney classics (Ie Cinderella and Sleeping Beauty) so imagine my shock (and horror) when she asked her Daddy if it were true - and in childs wording asks him about sex!!! Now I'm no prude, I tell her the truth (But on a need to know basis - its quite easy to change the subject without actually lying) but I do not want her learning about the birds and bees from another child at school (same child that told her there is no such thing as Santa Claus) So any Mum reading this who likes to tell your children everything can you spare a thought for those of us who would like our children to stay as innocent as the day they were born for as long as possible. Arghhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh.
OK after my sounding off :D I'll leave you there until next time ....

Special Award

2008-02-16T09:10:00.006Z

OH a special early morning surprise from Jo of Daisychain designs and Mandie of Jewellery Craft - I had a Make MY Day Award - my first and I'm so chuffed - thanks Jo & Mandie :) SO I've popped it on the side but now I have a job to do :-
To pass the award on, here are the details :
1. Write a post with links to 5 blogs that make me think and/or make my day.
2. Acknowledge the post of the award giver.
3. Display the “You Make My Day Award” logo
4. Tell the award winners that they have won by commenting on their blogs with the news.

The blogs listed below are with some incrediably gifted people -

1 BetteJo of Beadcreations - she sometimes has me crying with laughter - such talent for writing.
2 Jo Rutter- of Joannarutter.com, her fabulous jewellery and lovely photographs are perfect!
3. Amari Designs - Maz makes the most wonderful, elegant jewellery
4 MsBelle - GInger is a fantastic writer and makes the most wonderful jewellery - I need to see her gemstone collection!!
5.Dawn Vertress - her silver jewellery is breathtakingly gorgeous - I'm going to be Dawn when I grow up!!

Enjoy everyone!!

Where's the week gone!

2008-02-15T20:41:00.003Z

Hmmm not that Friday feeling - more a feeling of where has the week flown by too! Time goes by so quickly doesn't it - the good thing about school holidays is Elli and I become more in tune - of course normal school weeks I'm a Mummy who is always saying 'Homework' or 'Bed' or 'Swimming lessons' , but holidays we all become more chilled out and my sleepy 6 yr old really knows how to chill out!
Another wire wrapped bracelet to show you - again with Caroline's beads, the patterns in the glass sung tigers stripes at me, yet once I started playing the other colours just popped! out. I've used bronze fw pearls, prehnite, amethyst, garnet, green apaptite, and of course aa couple of charms, then of course she was Oxidised and hand-polished. Can you tell I love this technique!

Half way

2008-02-13T20:27:00.005Z

I've been soldering - so I stopped halfway through 3 chains and made a couple of pairs of these earrings. I have kept one pair for myself - I need to test them out right?! They are so light , yet they catch the light enough for people to see them on - so I'm happy with this design - another I think which will be kept on.
I also made this necklace - these beads of Claire's, of Rowanberrys Glass Art, definately talk to me, they trully misbehaved and although were a bracelet in my head decided they wanted to be a necklace. Now most of you will probably read this and think I've completely lost the plot. BUt you see most jewellery designers will say the same thing, whether it our muses stepping in or whether these beads created by artisans carry some personality I have no idea. Claire thinks all beads have a fiery nature because they are born from the fire!!
I think I'm going to leave it there before I make you think anything else!! Hopefully will be back tomorrow I have lots more to show and all my delicious gemstones arrived - *sigh!

Half Term Hols

2008-02-11T19:46:00.001Z

The half-term hols are here so I have Elli at home - which means keeping my blog updated may be a little tricky! She's very good though , I can't complain and she let me spend an hour or two in the garage (my workshop) while she played her DS Lite. I did have to come in to make choc crispies - I thought she was going to help but the actual licking the choc clean from the spoon and bowl was all she really wanted to do! So In the tumbler I have, 2 chains (one large , one small) 1 x pair of earrings (new style) pebbles (commissions) and some twisted jump rings!

Yesterday we spent the day with Mamma and Nannie (Gump has gone playing golf in Portugal!) we had alovely pub lunch and then on to Trelissick Gardens, on the River Fal it was chilly out of the sun and when we suddenly came out onto the tennis court (Or what was ) the sun and views not only of the house but over the River were stunning - silly me forgot the camera though!

HOpefully I'll be back tomorrow - I'm working on a few commission at the moment and waiting for a few parcels but I'll try!

She's gone!

2008-02-08T18:16:00.000Z

Its disco night! I feel like my darling daughter is a sixteen year old not a six year old - we've had tears and tantrums over what she wanted to wear, I thought jeans and a pretty top but oh no my little madam had other ideas!! Then five minutes before she had to go she decided she didn't like her boots with the skirt she HAD to wear but needed new shoes!!!!!!!! It funny how at that age they think you can magic these things out of thin air! Now her bedroom has clothes all over the floor and it smalls of her perfume (Barbie body spray in Lollipop - bleurgh) OH my how am I going to cope when she is sixteen!!
The above bracelet is my latest work of art - now I can actually admit to this one being a "work of art" because it took forever (Just like First Kiss of Spring") I counted this time the amount of headpins - over 300 at last count! MY arm has been aching ever since but oh boy I love to make these!! I have a commission for one next and then I have many colour, gemstone combinations. So yes if you were wondering if I will take these on commissions I will - please remember that the choice of gemstone will greatly inflate the price! Oh and "kisses of Sunset" is Hessonite Garnet with my "kisses" of fine silver.

Now I'm just waiting for one tired little girl to come home for cuddles with her Mummy!

Foggy Start

2008-02-07T16:25:00.000Z

Damp and foggy this morning when we walked to school , yesterday's sunshine was a distant memory. I do have these lovely Amethyst earrings to show you though (The birthstone for February!) which are lovely and cheery! The thing about fog is its chilly, I don't think I've felt warm all day. But the weather report is for warmer sunny weather so bring it on

This pendant to me looks like a spring bouquet with teeny weeny little fw pearls, rose quartz, amethyst and peridot. I have a feeling I am pining for the change of seasons, or maybe I'm just thinking ahead! I've included the picture of it hanging so you can see how sweet it is.

Of course today I have been oxidising so, todays blog may be sweet and cheery but in a few days expect to see some darker pieces, including another bangle and bracelet! But tomorrow, fingers crossed I have a beautiful bracelet to show you - I will be very torn to sell this one I can tell you!

Calluna

2008-02-06T13:27:00.001Z

Oh aren't I good, a second post in two days!! I have quite a few pieces to show you so I have to keep posting! This wire wrapped bracelet has the most amzing beads by Isabelle Anderson - the colours in them are fabulous! YOU will notice it has been oxidiised but it really made the colours pop! when I did it (as well as loving the look!)

The saga of the disco continues, my lovely 6 yr old has her eye on two boys! One she has had a major fluttering of eyelashes at ever since they went to Nursery together - he lives only a few doors down and they are weekend (and warmer weather) playmates. Elli has always been sure they will marry at some point, even when she tells me he loves another. Yes, I know my daughter is only six but she also thinks she is a princess!! Now, a new boy has arrived on the scene - he in her class (and has been since September) and she is very giggley when talking about him - luckily being only six she tells Mummy everything, they even held hands in class on Monday! So who do you think she is going to dance with at the disco on Friday - my pick is on her first crush but hey being six that could change at anytime and I'm sure I'll get a "Duh Mummy that was ages ago" if I ask then - we'll have to wait and see!

Gearrannan

2008-02-05T09:10:00.001Z

Sorry I know I promised to post yesterday but I was busy sourcning all evening for a customer and lost track of the evening - so huge apologises :) I am trying to keep up with everything honest!! The above bracelet with Isabelle Anderson's artisan glass is called Gearrannan because Isabelle called them Drystone Wall which if you look closely you can see the pattern. The colours remind me of heather so the name was found - Gearrannnan is a historical village on the Isle of Lewis built by this technique - you can read all about it here

Elli has her first disco in Friday, she is so excited - you know the jumping up and down excited, the "how many days until" excited. But I had to laugh she looked up over the weekend and asked "What is a disco Mummy??". Bless her, I didn't want to burst her bubble and say "well hun the boys stand at the side being extremley silly and the girls giggle and dance round their shoes" or was that just my generation!! I'm sure there will be more news of the pending dance as the week moves on - I mean we have the "Oh what shall I wear???" saga next ;0)

Where was it??

2008-02-03T21:02:00.000Z

So did you get any?? SNOW I mean! We had nothing , well nothing is slightly wrong as although we didn't really get snow we did get every other weather condition the UK can throw at us! Rain, wind, hail, sleet, sun, cloud, more hail, more sleet, and so it went on. My poor dd was waiting all day for the snow she thought we had been told we were getting!! Luckily lunch out with Mamma and Gump saved me from a few hours of moaning! We had lunch in a pub by the sea - watching the waves and headland across the bay was amazing - sadly I had no camera so no pics to show.

If you have any snow pics on your blogs please let me know - I can at least show Elli, luckily she enjoys seeing pics as well as enjoying the real thing!
Today I made some chains ready for my gemstone order which I hope will arrive Tuesday of this week, I'm also hoping for a artisan glass charm bracelet - again if my supplies turn up. In fact I have quite a few pieces waiting for supplies so there will be lots to show in the next couple of days - and this time I promise *cough {without fingers crossed} to try and post every other day at least. I have an excuse though - you are all keeping me way to busy creating and my blogging is going to pot!
Speak tomorrow ;0)

Ohhhh Wild!

2008-01-31T15:49:00.000Z

The weather not my jewellery today! Bet you all wondered though. So who has sun, wind, rain, or even snow?? We are forecasted snow but as that happens every blue moon (which I'm sure its not) I'd be very surprised but I promise pics if we do. Elli has a inset day (teachers training day) tomorrow so it would be fab if we did have some. I'm planning cake making and other delights if not - we were planning on going off with Mamma and Gump (My parents) but with the weather being threatened we're not.

I assume my inspiration for these pieces came from the beautiful day we had at the beach on Sunday as well. Kara from Innocent Charms Chats says this one reminds her of the sky and the sea so its probably from Sunday. But my friend Caroline of Crafted Gems also posted a picture from her weekend where she went to the coast - her picture is the opposite of mine - maybe because she lives up in Scotland her picture is cold and wild with the sea crashing on the harbour. Wonderful I love it and of course I nagged her to let me post it here too

Isn't it fantastic!!!

Beach Inspired!

2008-01-29T18:57:00.000Z

After the day we had at the beach (see post below) you couldn't expect anything less then beach inspired jewellery! Luckily I'd just taken delivery of some fabulous shells that Isabelle Anderson had made me ready for my Sea Gem section on my website which I like to fill with not only sea glass but beach themed bracelets, necklaces and earrings. Sadly in the winter months the urge to create is not so strong - probably something to do with its too cold and wet for the beach!!

I love seaglass as you all know and owuld love to be able to do more with it - unfortunately at the moment my silver skills aren't up to the standard of bezels and things but one lady who is just fantastic with sea glass is Barb Macy - her sea glass jewellery (and all her jewellery) is fab and her blog makes a great read especially if you are a jewellery designer.

So did you all notice??? - no oxidisation today!!!

I think I can fly!

2008-01-27T17:26:00.000Z

WE spent the afternoon at the beach - it was beautiful, the sun really warm and the sky blue as summer! I love this pic I got of my daughter jumping at the waves - please note she isn't silly and stand out of the sea so not to get wet when landing!!

You almost need sunglasses for this picture don't you - low sun on sparkling water!

I love this pic, Elli and E comparing feet sizes!!

OK so back to the jewellery I have been creating and oxidising again!! Don't worry I promise more shiney sparkly pieces tomorrow!! I just couldn't resist showing you what a wonderful day at the beach complete with little pasties - well we are Cornish!!

Against the Grain is an oxidised bangle with fw pearl and Rose Quartz - the darkness of the silver really brings the stones out, don't you think??

© Gemheaven 2008

A kiss of Spring

2008-01-24T19:12:00.000Z

I used the title of my latest piece for this post - today the sun was shining and guess what we actually felt some warmth - mind you, you had to be out of the wind, now that was cold! In fact the children all came out of school asking for their coats off - how funny as soon as the sun shines they want to strip off - really it wasn't that warm!! Maybe being in Cornwall and the South of the UK we feel the warmth sooner, of course sun rises and sets earlier and later then say Scotland but then again we can grow palm trees and other plants that anyone further up (For us Cornish anything over the Tamar {River seperating Cornwall and Devon} is "Up Norf"!! :0D

Now a little about the jewellery - the first bracelet is made from tiny (4 - 5 mm) rounds of primarily, Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Peridot and Aquamarine, with my little 'Kisses' in and amongst the gemstones. It took me quite a few {understatement} to finish her but I'm so happy with the finish look. The second bracelet with Isabelle Andersons beautiful beads and micro faceted rounds of Smokey Quartz with Bali silver.

Enjoy!
© Gemheaven 2008

LOve is....

2008-01-23T17:20:00.000Z

There was me complaining about the weekend flying by can you believe its Wednesday already!! Mind you I have been very busy - I have large commission to complete (Nearly there) as well as keeping my website stocked up. Now I've had a multitude of emails about my hearts so this post is dedicated to them. Of course if you are interested send me an email and don't forget to ask the relevant questions before reserving them!!

I love the way this necklace has turned out - simple idea I know but it looks fab on - with a very dainty little heart chain too!!
Of course these would make fantastic gifts for Valentines day or for yourself - hey if no ones going to buy you something you'd love then my motto is always buy it yourself :)And now I'm going to show you something not heart related - not everyone likes them do they??

Hopefully I will be back tomorrow with more to show - fingers crossed!
© Gemheaven 2008

Sometimes

2008-01-20T20:17:00.000Z

Sometimes I wonder where the days go - I spend half my week looking forward to the weekend - and then then the weekend mysteriously disappears into Sunday evening and the cycle starts again!! Personally I think weekends should be 3 days long - now this isn't anything to do with having days off - you'll find me creating whatever the day of the week it is - but to do with my dh and dd (Husband and daughter) you see they just start to settle and relax and BAM it's over!

Ever since Elli started school her outlook on leaving the house has changed - before school she wanted "out out" always wanted to know what trip or friends we were going to see, what park or even shopping was an adventure. Now at the tender age of 6 (going on 16) she hates leaving the house at weekends - preferring to "relax Mummy" Now is this because she loves playing on the computor or drawing her pictures of princesses, unicorns and horses or is it because the school system means she HAS to leave the house every morning and when she does come home, so many hours later she has homework and after school activities - maybe like me she likes the fact on a weekend there are no rules, no alarms and no rushing.

Hopefully this year the summer will actually arrive and stay for more than a week! Then the joy of a weekend in the garden, riding bikes and having picnics will change her idea of relaxing all over again. *sigh hurry up spring......
© Gemheaven 2008

Metal week!

2008-01-17T18:15:00.001Z

A little play on words there - it has been mental but also metal - as in silver - its so theraputic I love spending time with my metal! Luckily I have a load of commissions to complete which gives me a chance to play without the guilt of knowing I need to add even more things to my website.

Look at the beautiful blue sea glass I found in my sea glass box - three different shades - of course this little beauty is already on the wrist of the owner and she's lucky I even decided to send it - you know how I am with blue!

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I also would like to say my valium wearing off was like the morning after, headache and lethargy - in fact it felt like I hadn't slept for 48 hours!! But hey they worked at the time and made a terrifying (for me) experiance much easier ;0) My mouth is still feeling odd but hopefully its all sorting itself out now. Again thanks for the hugs and love you all have shown me :D

© Gemheaven 2008

Relief!

2008-01-15T16:37:00.000Z

OK tooth is now sorted - we hope so I want all of you to keep fingers crossed for me for the next few weeks that a root canal is not needed!! I also want to thank everyone for there hints and tips you sent me. The wriggling of toes when the injection was given was fab - it worked and of course I'd like to thank the drugs -although I think taking 3 this morning might have been a little over the top!! My poor dentist was greeted by me shouting up the stairs "Its ok I won't cry today I'm on drugs" *yes I'm blushing. I also think I was chatting nine to the dozen throughout the experiance but I have to say I was extremly impressed by how gentle he was - yes I shook like a jelly but I also managed to lie there with his hands and tools in my mouth - big feet - although in my haze I think I told him I didn't like to be interfered with *eeeek

Its funny how now I'm coming off them I feel hungover and having flashbacks of the morning - my lovely friend Clare who drove me there and back said I was hilarious and I just thank the lord I didn't run naked through the town centre because I have a feeling I was game for anything!! But yes I'm suffering now - I think I could sleep for a week!! I also told the dentist about my blog so I hope to goodness he doesn't find it - I remember refusing to give him the name of my business lol so hopefully he forgot and won't come searching!! If he does "hello" and the previous blog post was written through sheer terror and I like you really!!!!!

Huge thank yous to all my lovely friends the hugs and goodluck vibes helped me so much :D

© Gemheaven 2008

Wet Sunday, lazy sunday!

2008-01-13T15:52:00.000Z

OH its horrible out there - the wind is howling and the rain is lashing at my windows - earlier it was hammering on the roof of my garage while I was making some new pendants for my website. The sort of weather that makes you want to hibernate, the sort of weather before Elli I would have stayed in bed with a good book and lots of cups of tea - now I would feel guilty - not only because of spending time with Elli but also a day wasted would be my first thought. E cooked a fabulous roast dinner, of course with free range chicken (For those not watching UK tv here's a link to Chicken Out )

For those of you wondering why I haven't mentioned my tooth lol well its because I'm trying to pretend its not happening - sadly now you have reminded me and I'll have to go have a glass of wine to help my nerves!!! NO honestly I can't stop whats happening so I'm trying to go with the flow - the valium I'm sure will help although I am a little worried as taking two seemed to have no greater effect than one - mind you I'm not quite sure what I was expecting!! To my dear blog friend Brandi of Caties Blue - the reason my friend gave me of not having "laughing gas" is because it is now illegal !! IT can only be given in hospitals apparently - maybe something to do with thats its a strong sedative, my friend trained with its use but said no one can include it in treatment in the UK! Boohoo!

A few of my recent pieces above- Elegance is simple and chic with Rock Crystals and silver. The above pendant Full of Curves with handforged silver and prehnite - I really enjoyed creating this one.

© Gemheaven 2008

Still here with tooth!

2008-01-10T17:07:00.001Z

Title to warn anyone who is bored of my tooth tales - so they can run screaming!!

Last night after pilates *Have wonderful story to tell you in a bit so scroll down if you don't want a tooth tale. I rang my best friend from school who is a dentist up near London, she was fantastic and told me to hold onto my tooth - apparently the last thing that should happen is an extraction. She also agreed with the drugs so yippee I have valium (Or an equivelant) and I have to have a trial run so tomorrow night is a right off lol!!

ok funny story from pilates - My friend Vicky drove last night and when we came out it was very dark with no street lights we walked up to the car and Vicky was having trouble getting her key in the keyhole - all of a sudden it unlocked and we climbed in. Vicky was a bit worried because she said she hadn't got the key in properly and with that the lights went on and off and the door locked and unlocked itself again. WIth that a lady knocked on the window - you guessed it, we were sitting in her car - luckily she saw the funny side of it - we were crying with laughter!!

© Gemheaven 2008

OH sorry!

2008-01-08T17:18:00.000Z

Why am I saying sorry I bet your asking?? Well its because the tooth saga continues :( Today I had my appointment for my broken teeth (apologises for anyone new playing catch up here) and with a 12.30 appointment as always (I have a thing about being early) I was 15mins ahead of schedule! ten minutes of sitting went by with my poor Mum (who is also phobic of the dentists) and I trying to pretend we were fine while really we both were having palpatations with fear. Suddenly the receptionist looked up and said "Mrs Tubb the therapist is running behind" and with that I burst into tears - thank goodness the waiting room was empty!! How embarasssing although that wasn't the worst of it - when I eventually went upstairs to the room its was 55mins later!!

SO I sit down and wait my knees a knocking ( they do really don't they) and the very young (or am I getting older) therapist who I think could see I was alittle worried told me he was going to put the chair back so he could look - but nothing happened - no thats not true the chair moved I didn't so I think by now he really did know. Well to cut the long story a little shorter - as a therapist although he can do fillings etc he needs to go through my dentist first so Mr Cooke came in and looked and, you know the thing people do when they discuss you above your head, and your mind works overtime and before I knew it I was in floods of tears AGAIN. The tooth is unstable so they need to remove the filling ( I only have two) and check if their is decay underneath - if there is they want to EITHER do a root canal OR remove the tooth WAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH

Now all this is a maybe but would you tell someone who is phobic and obviously in a state things like root canal, sedation, hosptital, extraction, drilling, and not expect them to literally fall to pieces - and then he asked me WHAT I wanted to do?? I couldn't even tell you my name by then!!! SO here I am supping rescue remedy and hav dug out my pot of Quiet Life and made an appointment to see the dr - I need something strong for next Tuesday!!!

I am here

2008-01-06T15:15:00.000Z

Me and my broken tooth!! I'm hoping to get an emergency appointment tomorrow - if I'm lucky but if not I think I'm going to try another dentist - its driving me potty! Anyway enough boring you with my mouth issues. I have been busy making and creating so will have a few bits to show you this week. Off course I am a little addicted to my silverwork so really must create something with my beautiful lampwork beauties I collected over the past two months ready for the new year! The above necklace is with a fabulous Labradorite focal, rondelles and little Karen Hill Tribe charms. She's on a long 30" chain but it can be changed to a shorter one if necessary.

Of course I had to make matching earrings - these will go with the bracelet (Posted on Friday) or with the focal!! On more of my hammered rings. "E" and I also had fun playing with my disc cutter and we made our first bead - having "E" there beside me is great as he shows no fear when it comes to experimenting - the disc cutter and doming set is all so new I prefer really to just play with different ideas but of course being a man he likes to go the hole hog!!

It will be so nice to eventually use my own silver beads and I have so many ideas but not sure how soon that will be though. It great fun to experiment though :D

Ouch!

2008-01-03T18:58:00.000Z

So imagine me this morning - I played avoidance tactics until 10 am before I finally plucked up courage to phone the dentist - and guess what I have to wait 3 weeks!!!!! I mean anything could happen in 3 weeeks! Now in the UK we have NHS dentists and private ones - we are now private so you'd think the dentist could fit me in wouldn't you - so I'm now eating little bits - its taking me half an hour longer than normal to eat and cleaning my teeth arghhhh - am I going on, can you tell how cheesed off I am??? We had pizza for tea, every little crust felt like another tooth, well at least I will loose weight this way!

As promised more pieces to show you - silver and one gemstone piece - I love this bracelet - the labrodorite is quite chunky and the brushed silver discs give an added sparkle! The silver bangles or a Caboodle of bangles (lol!) are going to be sold in sets of threes but of course you can buy as many sets as you want - I love bangles when the weather get warmer and you hear the jingle jangle (Caroline of Crafted Gems and I had a conversation about it earlier) but I also love bangles with black - probably because I wear alot of it!!
And finally some more pebbles - aren't they shiney!!
© Gemheaven 2008

I'm so scared!

2008-01-02T20:11:00.000Z

OK I'm a big baby I'm terrified - I can't open my mouth or eat because part of my tooth has broken!! Now I had two fillings at the age of 11 and apart from when I fell off a horse and knocked both of them out ( the fillings not the teeth!) so they had to be be refilled I've had no other work done - no considering thats 20 *cough plus years I think I've done really well - with regular check ups I promise. But now I'm going to have to face my worst nightmare and actually go see my dentist with a problem - and they have to hold me down to clean my teeth so imagine the stress lol mind you I might loose the Christmas lbs in the meantime ;)

At the moment my tumbler is full of silver pieces so hopefully tomorrow I'll get chance to photograph them - the earrings above are a new range - there will be more than one pair of these so not only can you buy yourself a pair but your friends and family too! Made out of scrap silver (a mixture of sterling and fine silver) melted down to create these little pebbles - on stud backs they are chic - I love mine and thats saying something as I normally wear danglies! Of course because they are handcrafted each pair are slightly different!

The middle bangle is a commission for a special friend - the rubies are fabulous!! The bottom earrings are a little play I had with my disc cutter - like little hourglasses hence the name!!

More tomorrow - me and my half tooth!!
© Gemheaven 2008

Countdown!

2007-12-31T11:48:00.000Z

I hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas - we did, although I seem to be sleeping constantly - is this a way of catching up or have I got a sleeping disease?? Eleven hours of sleep - feel like a baby - or I wish I did - is there such a thing as a too much sleep though because I certainly don't feel refreshed!! In fact I could go to bed right now except the cat is sprawled out on it and Elli is playing with her lego and needs a little help now and again - where's E ?? Three guesses - yes the golf course!

The above bracelet has beautiful artisan glass beads by Clare SCott with Amazonite, Karen Hill Tribe Silver and swarovski crystals.

THoroghly spoilt this year by my lovely family and a few silverwork tools were had so keep an eye out for some more silver pieces from me in the very near future! MY list for new goodies for the website is ready so I promise at some point in the day tomorrow I will add them - patience will be needed as I can't promise I will be up and about early or with a clear head!!

Wishing everyone a Wonderful 2008 - enjoy your evenings and above all Stay Safe!

Merry Christmas!

2007-12-23T11:24:00.000Z

Elli is on count down as and from later today the Christmas here begins - meeting and seeing friends for gift giving and lots laughter! So i thought a quick post now would be better then waking up on Christmas morning knowing I had no chance to wish you all - my friends and customers of 2007 a Very Merry Christmas. So here I am!!

SO to everyone who has supported me during 2007 - I really am blessed with so many talented, and wonderful friends and also my customers who without whom my inspiration could not have been channeled!!

See you all very soon

Loads of love

Jo & Family

(The above necklace "Ethereal Forest" includes artisan beads by Isabelle Anderson with gemstones and crystals)

How hard??

2007-12-19T16:12:00.001Z

Oh I have a ton of pieces to show you but I can't!!!! Its so hard to not be able to say lookie at my lastest (big show off am I!!) but you never know who is looking on my blog and I'd hate to ruin a Christmas surprise! So for all of you thinking I'd taken my Christmas break early -I haven't today I have made some more pieces - near the end now - and of course wrapped everything up ready for collection ...phew

These little beauties though (Not the charm bracelet) are going on my site in the New year - petrol tourmaline - the colours are fabulous don't you think?? Golden brown through to green - simply stunning - maybe I'll keep these (lol!) Whats everyone else up to then??

Who hid Thursday??

2007-12-14T20:37:00.001Z

Arghhh the week is going too fast and I haven't written a single card yet!! I know I'm not the only one but its starting to get scary!! On a good note Elli did her nativity without tears yesterday which was lovely but Daddy says it was because of him being there *rolls eyes!!

I seem to be missing parcels though - beads, dvds, cd's, silver, more beads,and gemstones - for some reason things are taking an age to get to me and I'm starting to worry - now someone tell me if the post office is striking and I just don't know it or is someone sitting looking at my beads and wondering who they are for?? I'm impatient for my parcels as it is but when I have a commission to finish for next Thursday and the componants haven't arrived yet the panic does set in - so maybe if you all cross your fingers for me they'll arrive tomorrow morning - tell you what - anything that arrives tomorrow morning I'll photograph them for you to see - ok??

Lots of gemstone jewellery I have been creating this week as you can see - the bottom one is a sterling silver ring with garnets and silver.

Nativity

2007-12-12T19:23:00.001Z

Today was Elli's first day of her nativity at school - my little munchkin was an angel but when I arrived at school she was an angel in floods of tears - her tummy hurt and she wanted to go home. Now any Mother with a dramatic child will go through the same questions as I did - first the soft cajoling, then the concerned maybe she's going to be ill again (see yesterdays post!) then the bribe - if the bribe doesn't work then she really is poorly - it didn't to begin with I said no to Rainbows later and she shook her head - then her teacher offered a merit - these little stickers they are given for good work - and all of a sudden she nodded and decided to be brave - what is it with stickers lol!!

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Anyway she did the nativity with her angel song and routine - made Mummy's eyes water too!! But because she did do the play I had to let her go to Rainbows last evening with Mums and Daughters so I'm all covered in glitter and glue - great fun crafting!!

I'm off to crash on the sofa now - until tomorrows play - fingers crossed she makes it for Daddy to watch!!

Its Monday - right??

2007-12-11T14:37:00.001Z

Its no good having Elli home from school - it throws my week right out - so its not Monday?? Elli has gone back to school today - no temperature this morning and she was desperate to go because their school nativity starts tomorrow so off she went wrapped up in her hat, scarf and gloves!! It was freezing this morning or as Elli calls it "Jack Frost has been".

I actually started on my family's pressies this morning - of course I can't show you because they may peak!! Lets just say I nearly froze my fingers off this morning in my garage it was so cold - think I may have to invest in a little heater to take the edge off the cold air in there. Cold hands does not make it easy to work especially when you keep hammering your fingers at the same time!!

The above necklace is created with Isabelle Anderson's etched purple beads with amethyst and silver - on silver adjustable chain - what do you think??

I've been tagged!

2007-12-09T17:20:00.001Z

I've been tagged by Brandi of Caties Blue so I'm going to bore you with 5 things about me!

1) I'm the youngest of 3 girls - my poor football mad Dad was desperate for a son!
2) I bite my nails - I didn't used to though so if anyone has any hints or tips I'd love to stop!
3) I Love reading chicklit - you know the ones girl meets boy blah blah blah
4) I adore history especially the Tudor times - how they live etc
5) I bought a dress yesterday hahah

I'm tagging Caroline of Crafted Gems ,Catherine of La Perle,Krista of Crystal Seas, and Mandie of Jewellery Craft. Hope you enjoy being tagged!!

The weather prompted me to make this necklace - chunky silver and Crystal Quartz with Isabelle Andersons beautiful artisan glass beads. Mind you it's a definate year round necklace!

Something Warm!

2007-12-07T17:48:00.001Z

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Brrr hasn't it gone all cold and stormy outside - walking Elli to school this morning was a battle and a half ! I felt like tying a rope around Elli's ankle just in case she did that Mary Poppins thing and took off! When Elli was about 3 and at afternoon nursery I remember walking to school with my brolly up. The wind was so strong it kept tugging it and I remember saying to my friend "Ohhh I'm gonna take off" with that a little hand came out and took my hand - tight and I mean so tight I could feel the blood leaving lol then another little hand and took hold of my coat. Looking down I saw a very worried 3 yr old and asked her what was the matter - "I don't want you to turn into Mary Poppins Mummy - she never came back!" Bless her - Mary Poppins was her favourite film - maybe she had overload;)

The above bracelet is with Carolines beautiful beads and mixed with deep Carnelian and Bali silver give a rich and warm looking bracelet don't you think?? The earrings of course are Isabelle Anderson beautiful simple earrings with a touch of Bali silver.

Happy Birthday Nan!

2007-12-06T12:07:00.001Z

Today my lovely Nan is 85 shhhh don't tell her I told you - you see its a secret she tells everyone she's 39!!! Ever since I was little my Nan has been 39 and yes it took a few years to sink in that she wasn't really - trusting little soul I was!

My Nan has always been an inspiration to me - life is always happy and full of fun - we not similar except I suppose I am a morning person ;) and I have her black hair but you see my Nan was beautiful - pictures of her as a young woman I see her as glamourous in that 1940's way - like the movie stars - I have heard she caused a stir when she moved down to Mevagissey after meeting and marrying my Pops - she was born and raised in Tunbridge Wells. During the war while my Pops was stationed in Kent (thats when they met) my Nan worked in an aeroplane factory - building parts for the aircraft- she said she never understood why she couldn't have been sent to the chocolate factory!!

SO I made these pieces for my Nan - she loves purple which is why I chose the Amethyst and I thought the pearls have that classical beauty about them! We are all going out on Sunday to celebrate!
Oh and a BIG HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Kara - one of the loveliest ladies on the blogging world I know - see her HERE

On the mend!

2007-12-05T17:05:00.000Z

Thank you so much for the Get Better soon messages I have - it was lovely:D I did mean to post yesterday but ended up collapsing on the sofa instead - sorry! I did before that catch up on some commissions outstanding so the pressure is definately off now (well only my own pressies to make and do - hahah is my own sisters read this I wonder if they are rolling their eyes!) I have also been in an earring mood and have made a few pairs - maybe because my attention spane doesn't have to be for too long??!!

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Elli had her testing today with school for swimming - now I think she is a beautiful swimmer - she swims with her hands by her sides flipping her feet like a mermaid ( head under water *very important) she glides through the water so gracefully .... and then she needs some air so she doggy paddles while she gasps and phew back down for more graceful swimming - I guess you can get the picture - if we gave her a snorkal I think she would do just fine lol!! Needless to say she only managed 9 metres - yep 1 metre too short for her badge and certificate - but well done for getting that far - if you read back on my blog you will see the magical moment she suddenly could swim - it wasn't that long ago!

Tomorrow is a special day for my family so I will be writing about someone special .....

Man Flu

2007-12-03T09:27:00.000Z

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Yes I caught my husbands Man flu - I felt yucky all day Friday but had my final party of 2007 to prepare for so had to soldier on (whose playing that violin!?!) party was fab but when I got home this stinking cold piled in and on Saturday I took to my sofa (caught up on some tv lol) and didn't really move off it all day - yesterday I pottered but still feel awful BUT because my lovely husband kept working through his I can't go hibernate I'd never hear the last of it ;)

I've nearly uploaded all my new pieces onto the website but this month I will try and add something as soon as its made - as much as I can anyway!!

The charm bracelet is with of course Caroline Hannon's charm beads in black and silver with black agate, onyx and crystals, lots of silver and some jingling bells - Elli says its sounds like Santas sleigh!!

Gift Certificates

2007-11-29T16:28:00.000Z

I often get asked for gift certificates or vouchers while I am on the circuit doing my parties and moving my website meant we could actually make this possible - we have two ways of being able to do this - 1) By email - basically you send money to someone via the internet - the money goes into their basket to spend as and when they want OR 2) By post, this involves a card and paper certificate as above but once the recipiant goes through checkout they redeem the certificates value against jewellery - all good fun !!

SO now when thinking of friends and family you don't have to worry about choosing the wrong piece - a Gift Certificate saves the day!! Of course I couldn't leave you all without showing you at least one piece of jewellery ;)

Ice Themed

2007-11-28T17:08:00.000Z

Ok the chill in the air has finally got me inspired - these beautiful crystal quartz nuggets are like ice cubes - hence the name - maybe watching the cruise ship sink in the Antartic inspired me really - mind you cruising in the freezing cold doesn't appeal to me AT ALL!! But then you all know I love blue - blue skies and blue seas lol
Now my husband would love to go somewhere cold - with snow thats a must but Elli and I aren't so sure. Elli says aged 5 "I want to wear my bikini" MUmmy says aged £& (haha) "Well I could wear lots of clothes!!" but my preference is warmth definately!!

Blue is the colour!

2007-11-27T14:09:00.000Z

Usually I get inspired by blue when the seasons change into spring and summer - thats when the sea changes from grey to blue but for some reason I still want to create blue and when I saw these fabulous beads by Clare Scott I just had to have them!! Maybe its wishful thinking or maybe not but I still am swayed by blue!!

I also added, apart from the usual silver, some swarovski crystals in blue and pink - which hopefully you can see pulls the colours out! Lastly a pendant with silk ...

I also love looking for unusual pieces to use in my jewellery and while browsing I found Chinook Jewellery , Melissa the lovely lady who is Chinook Jewellery also creates fabulous cermaic pendants - definately my style ,from botanical to seashore!! This is my first purchase - they are truly beautiful!!

MY silver as promised!!

2007-11-26T13:08:00.000Z

Well everything is out of my tumbler and all photographed - now my skills are still quite basic but I love soldering - can you tell?? Now I have made a commission piece - the lady in question (*waves as I know she reads here occassionally) wanted a hammered ring necklace which went from large to small - with the small rings passing through the large at the end. What do you think then??
I'm really pleased with the effect so I hope the lady in question is too!!

A few of my other silver pieces for you to look at below!!

Funky Chunky!

2007-11-25T16:49:00.000Z

Oh the inspiration is piling out of me at the moment - mainly silver - I've been making in my garage again today - luckily it wasn't as cold today - yesterday my fingers lost all feeling and I had to come in to warm them up - the tumbler was going some too and this morning lots of shiny pieces were pulled out - I promise to photograph them all tomorrow!!

This piece was inspired by , not only the name Beverley Hicklin the Glass artist gave them "Sea scape" but the colours - then I found a poem by Emily Dickinson I knew it was a good name. This piece is chunky - there is no escaping it but including the handmade chain she truly is a fab piece (yes I sometimes even say it :) )

There is a bracelet (Not yet photographed which I will add here when done) with simple handmade chain with just a simple bead.

Enjoy

Will there be snow?

2007-11-23T09:01:00.000Z

I always laugh this time of year at the so called weather predictions - it always seems to depend on what channel you watch or what newspaper you read! This morning we are told it will be mild - with average or higher rain fall, yet yesterday a friend read we were in for a cold winter with snow!! Predictions of the weather in my honest opinion never work - I mean look at our summer....
This bracelet to me has the colours of our winter in it - the cool blues with the russet colours of shrubs, Beverley Hicklin to me captures colours fantastically. With Karen Hill Tribe Silver and fw pearsl with a little touch of faceted amazonite - I've hopefully captured the beauty of these artisan beads.
I played with solder again yesterday so hopefully I'll have pics later :D

The Secret Garden

2007-11-21T10:55:00.000Z

I love the story of the Secret Garden - its one of those feel good stories with twists and turns - but then I did read a LOT as a child ( still do ) and its just another memory - of course I watched the adaptation too! There artisan glass beads by Isabelle Anderson seemed magical with a hidden depth - almost like there was more inside if only you could get in!!

I will be addding charms when they arrive (I hate waiting for my silver I'm so impatient) I've mixed black onyx and amethyst too and some gorgeous hammered disc beads - but take note of the pretty clasp!
I'm adding link to the secret garden page on Wiki for you to have a nose at for anyone not knowing the story! HERE

Enjoy

© Gemheaven 2007

She's back!

2007-11-20T10:05:00.001Z

Yes my muse is back and I'm creating again woohoo!! I felt like my arm had been left somewhere - and to create with hardly any pressure is such a good feeling (Yes I still have commissions to do !)

This necklace with a load of Karen Hill Tribe with Caroline Hannon's beads as focals is named after the Goddess of healing and fertility.- I love the silver beads!

The bracelet, in one of my favourite styles is again Carolines beads with lots of sterling silver jump rings - she's named after Coventina, goddess who personified a holy spring (that was reputed to have healing powers). I seem to be inspired by Goddess at the moment - last time it was Celtics lol - I wonder why!!
© Gemheaven 2007

OHhh cold today

2007-11-18T16:10:00.001Z

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OHHh its been cold today and we've stayed in kind of hibernating I suppose!! We watched Narnia on the tv and we snuggled - well E and Elli did I was more moving my arms in an iroing motion lol - but yay I got close to the bottom of the pile!! Now I have a fabulously gorgeous smelling joint of beef in my oven ready for later while I actually made something yesterday (well two things) - so fingers crossed my muse WAS on on a short break!

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I'm slowly working my way through my commissions to - so everyone who is waiting - I'm getting there - Its a great feeling to tick them off on my book! The above two charm bracelets are of course Caroline Hannons charm beads with a variety of fw pearls, gemstones, czech glass, crystlas and silver - Autumnal beach needs some more pictures taken but apart from that I@m really happy.

I did make a new chain and have a variety of charm beads ready so watch this space!! And a huge thank you for all the lovely comments on my new website - much appreciated :D

© Gemheaven 2007

Sorry for being slow

2007-11-16T09:48:00.000Z

A very short post to say I am around - just having a little loss of muse at the moment - think she's gone a short break - well I hope its not long haul!! I'm also working on my brand new website so thats taking up a lot of time but we're nearly there!!!!

Word of warning for everyone who has created an account on my old website - you 'll have to do it all again :( So sorry but hopefully the new look and shopping facilities will make it all worth your while - I'll keep you all updated!

OH its up E just phoned to say we are LIVE!!!! eeeekkk

Comments are appraciated lol - am scared now!

© Gemheaven 2007

Christmas fair

2007-11-14T09:31:00.001Z

Tonight I have my first Christmas Fair - so you can imagine how busy it is in Gemheaven household but Wednesdays aren't not a good day here -- manic running around is just a normal Wednesday - we have swimming with the school (which is most of the school afternoon by the time you get home you have to leave to go collect your child from school!) Then homework and an early dinner before Rainbows - now today my Elli is taking her "promise" but at the same time I have to be unpacking my display - so I feel incrediably guilty at missing this - I do wish leaders would give more notice :(

Today I decided to post everything I have made in the last couple of days beginning with "S" - why i hear you ask - maybe its to do with the "snakes" I have with family committments, my work and passion and the juggling I seem to be doing at the moment - I'm sure it will all settle down real soon but for the moment I feel like the plate spinners you see trying to keep everything up in the air!
I haven't mentioned it before but my "E" is revamping my website - its looking fantastic and I'm really pleased - it looks very professional as he's not involved with IT at all. I will update you all with news of it going live - of course it will be the same web address but anyone on my mailing list will probably have to re-submit their details but emails will be sent out to remind you of this!

Back to my plate spinning :D

© Gemheaven 2007

Harvest !

2007-11-12T13:40:00.001Z

I know harvest time has been and gone but when these beads came from Beverley Hicklin I couldn't call this anything else could I? The oranges, reds and golds are fabulous and of course the Karen Hill Tribe Silver leaf beads are perfect!

Life is busy here with parties, school fairs, commissions and of course my own Christmas pressies to create for so if it becomes a bit hit and miss on here feel free to nag me into making and creating lol - I may need a slight kick - I'm feeling like its close to the end of term lol ;0)

Hopefully tomorrow I'll have something new to show you all - if I get through my commissions of course - so until then.....

© Gemheaven 2007

Bring them out!!

2007-11-09T18:19:00.000Z

Yay I made some stud earrings - it was a bit hit and miss but I did it - another string to my bow which is great I always get asked for stud earrings - so comments please!!

Just to prove I have been making with my favourite artian glass - this bracelet is a favourite of mine the colours are earthy but with oil slick colours - the name Cornubia is the old celtic spelling of what we now know as Cornwall. The name means "people of the horn", ie the Land's End section of the Cornish peninsula.

The name of this bracelet come from the Menhirs of Cornwall - men meaning stone and hir meaning long - longstones.

One of the most impressive Menhirs is Men Scryfa, a short walk from Men-an-Tol. The name means "inscribed stone" and is thought to be the burial place of a King slain at the battle of Gendhal Moor. Inscribed are the latin words "Rialobrani Cunovali Filii" - Rialobran, son of Cunoval. Legend says he was as tall as his grave stone - nine feet - and lays buried beneath it with his weapons and treasures.
Taken from Standing Stones of Cornwall

I definately have been feeling my roots this week!!

OK I have a party at Nics tomorrow night so if you see anything you fancy here on the blog remember to let me know before 6 pm tomorrow - Thanks

© Gemheaven 2007

Silver Dreams

2007-11-08T12:14:00.000Z

So many ideas so little time - seems to be the story of my life - hopefully in a few weeks things will calm down and I will be able to play more with my silver. Today I thought I'd show you a few things I have been playing with - mainly sodering - if it moves I solder it down!! - I last saw my husband in the garage !!!

A few pairs of earrings next - I love these ones - but then I love daisies!!

Hammered rounds of ccourse soldered together!

And lastly with a beautiful lotus bed hanging from two hammered hand-forged rings.

Dance!

2007-11-06T20:42:00.000Z

I've taken to sleeping with a notepad beside my bed - my mind is so full up of things I need space - maybe spring cleaning my brain may be a good idea!! MY notepad actually looks very organised I have lists, I have tickings, I have numbers and I have a IOU list lol - and it looks very organised - just don't expect my work space to be the same way - I cannot create when its tidy and clear!

Sometimes my life feels like a dance - a dance I'm definitely not leading - maybe I should just relax and let the dance take me where the music leads but the problem is sometimes I want to dance to something else!! I like to think I have rhythm I know my lovely E hasn't well not my sort in fact its a family trait - they're all 10 seconds behind the rest of us! When we were arranging our wedding we talked about doing "our dance" to Harry Connick Jnr - but of course lessons weren't within our budget - shame it would have been good - well if our rhythm was right lolEnough ramblings from me and no I haven't been drinking!! I did seem to go off on a tangent so for everyone who stayed the course my apologises - blame the diet coke I've just drunk!

Hope you enjoy the jewellery - inspired by the fabulous Laura Sparlings beads of course!
© Gemheaven 2007

Capturing Cornwall

2007-11-05T08:57:00.000Z

Again more soldering from me and this time I have branched out into bangles yay!! I love this one with the wrapped sea glass (Cornish of course) - they come with either one piece or 3 on them - I'm really pleased with the result aand have been wearing it continuosly since - it makes a lovely sound when they knock together!!Of course matching earrings - the beauty of sea glass is not only, as I believe each piece tells a tale, but each piece is unique with a variety of colours , aqua, frosted clear, green and even blue - the colbalt is stunning and before it was just too small to drill - now I have a use for then all!!

And finally with a "pebble"!! Again these bangles can incorporate anything even silver charms! Can you tell I'm happy - another big THANK YOU to Hannah of Kutuu for mentoring me through these!
© Gemheaven 2007