I went on my hols

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!!

A kiss of Spring

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

Countdown!

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!

© Gemheaven 2007

Dance!

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

Hols are here!!!

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

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

Mondays blues!

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

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

© Gemheaven 2007

Formation

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

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

© Gemheaven 2007

Waiting Game

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

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

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Enjoy!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Swimming in Cool Waters

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

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

© Gemheaven 2007

What about love?

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

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

© Gemheaven 2007

50 Lengths

Why the title I hear you all ask??? Well today is my swim day with my lovely Mum - my Mum suffers from Polymyalgia which is an arthiritis of the joints - its supposed to stay with you until your body learns to fight it - my poor mum has had to cope with it for 3 years now and although she has cut her steriods down to one a fortnight today she was stiff and in pain and a swim always relieves it!! And yes I did my 50 lengths!!!

THis necklace is made with labrodite nuggets, silver and Caroline Hannons beautiful artisan beads - the blue flash in the stones is almost like peacock blue - that shimmer between blue and purple and I used Carolines beads to enhance this flash. ITs a long necklace, one to wear with higher necklines and I am rather proud of this one!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Red

I fell in love with these beautiful beads of Lauras the minute i saw them on her blog and couldn't believe my luck when I found out I had won them!! Sometimes I get beads and know instantly what I'm going to do with them, sometimes I keep them knowing one day inspiration will strike - and not always at the most conveniant time!! These weren't ones I knew instantly but when I looked at them on Sunday I wanted to make a necklace - funny though I played around with it and finally decided she wanted to be a bracelet....... (yes the jewellery commands lol)

Suddenly I found these silver vine beads which I've had in my bead box for ages and bingo here we have Tomatoberry!! I'm really pleased with it and can show it at my party with pride on Friday

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Thank you so much to everyone who has added lovely comments about my interview here and elsewhere I really appreciate them and I know there will be some fabulous interviews in the future!

© Gemheaven 2007

Pond Life!

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These cute little earrings have lilypad like flowers on them (well I can see them anyway!!) and I actually dreamt what to do with them! (and the name) do you think someone was having a laugh ;)



The pretty flowers actually look like lilypads hence the name and like the earrings I added some prehinite to the centre. This bracelet took me forever to finish as I wanted her to become a necklace so she fought and won - am I loosing my mind!! If you think I am then blame Hannah @ kutuu she asked me today how many lampwork sets I have (those I haven't created with yet) I counted eeeeekkkkkkkkkkkkkkkk! You surely don't expect me to tell you that .......;0)



© Gemheaven 2007

Sun day, Sunday

Its been a beautiful day today hasn't it (well anyone in Cornwall can answer this!) and yesterday was even better - we went to Fowey - one of my favourite places. The gig racing was on as it was the end of Regatta week and it was fanstastic to watch. I'd love to live somewhere like Fowey with views over the estuary * sigh but sadly the house prices in Cornwall are horrendous and according to the papers yesterday Carrick, North Cornwall and Restormal are in the top four :(
The above pieces are part of my obsession with the flip flop weave - with Caroline Hannon of Crafted Gems beautiful lampwork beads - aren't they fabulous? The names well its because the earrings which strangely I made first reminded me of jellyfish and so the name came from that - but I think it fits don't you??

© Gemheaven 2007

Grrrr last Nights post!

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Last night I made my post as usual and Blogger went down with no connection so I lost the lost! So today I'll make 2 posts :) - this mornings is last nights and tonight ... well I'm sure you get the drift! I think I'm getting addicted to chainmaille - well the flip flop weave anyway - of course I'm keeping this as its part of my b'day pressie but I am making more things ready for the party season.

I started making a few pendants - mainly for the parties as I'm always being asked about slightly cheaper alternatives of my jewellery for gifts and as not everyone wears earrings I thought pendants can be worn by anyone!

This one Capolino IV is a Beverley Hicklin bead and completes the Capolino range of bracelet and two sets of earrings. These can be found on the website.








This one matches the Rock Pools bracelet - another Beverley Hicklin bead - a simple and elegant pendant.

The colours are fabulous and you can see here - like a mini rockpool all of your own!







This last one is Caroline Hannon - beautiful swirls of greens and yellows on a Burgundy base. Marrooned was named as I was listening to Maroon 5 lol!






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I'll be back later with more pics and Kara of Innocent Charms blogspot has kindly tagged me
again!! As Fhi of Fhi Fhi creates also tagged me a few days ago I hope I can combine the two - so I'm off to have think - Kara I don't really think I'm weird enough rofl!!


© Gemheaven 2007

Bodmin Gaol

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Today with my Mum and niece and nephew, Elli and I took a trip to Bodmin Gaol -wow what a place and not far from where we live and I can't believe we haven't been there before!! Anyone who lives nearby take a trip!! We bought a book on the history but as you wander around there is loads of information on the inmates - children transported for putting stones on the railway line etc! Think we are way to soft now lol....

The necklace Moonlit Walk is my take on a Moonlit Walk on the beach - when the moon is clear and bright lighting up certain stones and pebbles on your way. Strung on Greek leather with an adjustable clasp.

Hope you like it?

© Gemheaven 2007

Twelve hours left ....

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Twelve more hours of being *cough thirty *cough something * cough before graduating in to another year older and before all you wise ones think I'm forty I'm not got another *cough few years left before the big 40 lol!! I will be celebrating my birthday with my lovely Mum and my gorgeous daughter who a the age of 5 yrs,11 months and 28 days pulled out the dyson and hoovered the lounge while Mummy ( embarassed moment) was finishing her new bracelet (pictures in the next few days) then she went out and picked in the washing as it was starting to drizzle - so who wants to hire her!!!







This necklace is a commission for a lady going to a friends wedding in Italy, the Artisan beads are beautiful with flashes of yellow and palest blue, Mary Parker has truly mastered boro!





I can't decide whether to go and do the ironing now or crawl into bed with my daughter (who always takes the place of missing parent - E is off playing golf - yes I know its my birthday tomorrow!) and read my latest Jilly Cooper book Wicked, the reviews were awful and apert from some of the characters being incrediably young and somewhat unbelievable, at the same its not a bad read - then again maybe I read trash too much!!




© Gemheaven 2007

Back again!!

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Great name for a bracelet especially as its how I feel (with added tiredness)!! Claire of Rowanberry Glass beads made these little beauties and I instantly fell in love with them. I made this bracelet for Jan whose birthday it was on Friday - a very special lady who is more like my sister and my friend.

Camping is fun in the sun!! I decided this past week - yes I've been camping in Woolacombe in our caravan - pics tomorrow I hope! WE went with friends and we had such a giggle - in fact belly laughs, the sort of laughter that clears the head and bubbles in your tummy! Whizzzing down hills on childrens ride- on cars and all sorts (well it was funny then!!)

Of course after a week of ice cream and G&T's a diet is a must - although this week is pretty hectic so may the diet wait until next week!!

OH and fab news my dd can ride a bike without stabilisers *jumping up and down smilie needed here!! She taught herself and Mummy is so proud!! She's six on Thursday :D

OH and more fab news my friend Bev has got engaged see Unique Jewellery blog!

© Gemheaven 2007

Off for a Week

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Just a quick note to tell you all I'm having a week off with my family! I'll be back to it on the 13th albeit sporadically as its my daughters birthday as well as my own!! The website is still open so if there is anything you want to put back for you ( to be delivered on the 13th) just go through the normal process or email me jo@gemheaven.co.uk. :)

A pair of baby pink earrings for you to check out in the meantime - Laura Sparlings fantastic Artisan beads.

© Gemheaven 2007

Pinch, punch first of the month!

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First of all let me say Happy Birthday to my dear friend Debbie - Debbie and I go back years - we've been through quite a lot between us and I count her as one of my true friends! Sadly with our lives being busy we don't see enough of each other - but I am thinking of you today hun!





My prize draw winner for July is Pam so your earrings will be flying off to your house - hope you love them as much as I do!! For anyone not knowing what I'm talking about for every purchase or every person who submitts to my newsletters there is a free entry into that months prize draw! Look out for August's prize(ooh ok I'll show you here!!)

August is a time for birthdays in our house - friends and family! Thats including myself and my princess so if I'm quiet you'll know why!!

Enjoy the sun :)

© Gemheaven 2007