Friday 16 July 2010

Sunset


sunset
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Seemed apt really as this is likely to be the end of this blog but I have not quit at all just moved it to wordpress

http://samhalliwell.wordpress.com

Please come over to visit me, I would love to see you all. jewellery and beads will feature still promise!!!

Look forward to seeing you all soon, thank you so much for being with me here, come on over and take a lookie
Sam xx

Sunday 11 July 2010

Periwinkle


periwinkle
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I am missing making beads terribly but simply do not have the time right now but I have found time to make more zentangles. These are fab as they can be picked up and put down so if I have 10 mins to spare I can do a little doodling! This is my favourite so far I love the way it all came together.

Hope you are all well, the heat is blistering here at the moment which saps energy as well which makes me less likely to sit in a hot shed with a torch! Never thought I would say it but roll on autumn when it is a little cooler! That said the heat has been so long coming this year I should enjoy it while it lasts!

TTFN x

Wednesday 30 June 2010

Savannah Sports Day


Savannah Sports Day
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
It is that time of year when the schools have their annual sports day! This is Savannah's first sports day and I was lucky enough to be off this morning to be able to go and see her race. Bless them they all looked so bemused at the number of parents standing around shouting encouragement and taking pictures. Imagine my embarrassment at seeing Savannah come out with her T shirt on back to front bless her. All sorted though and put on the right way round by her teacher!

Andrew (Savannah's cousin) is in the same class as her so I have a few shots of him as well. They both looked like they had loads of fun.

TTFN xx

Monday 28 June 2010

Up on the roof


Up on the roof
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Got a thing for photography lately! I have been admiring my brother in laws' photographs (one of which you have seen on here!) and found out that my point and press camera has a couple of gadgets on it. Added to my photoshop elements I can play a bit with my pictures! This picture here is taken from my 2nd floor bedroom window and whilst not the best picture for composition I am so chuffed I managed to get the colours from the sunset.

Hope you are all well
TTFN xx

Tuesday 22 June 2010

Closing down

It is with great regret that I am announcing the closure of Aurorabeadz. This is with immediate effect and for the indefinite future. I am not sure about this blog at the moment so I am not going to delete it but postings may be few and far between. 

Thank you for sharing my glassy journey this far. I sincerely hope it has not ended I am not selling my equipment but I am taking a step out for a while  and am not sure how long that will be!!!

TTFN, thank you for reading, for buying and for being with me
Sam xxx

Wednesday 9 June 2010

Focal bead


P1030604
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Sometimes things just seem to go right! I made a few beads last night first time on my torch for a good week I think. I made 3 focal beads which I am mostly happy with. I think I need to work on my ends, they are ok but tend to slant a bit. Not a mega problem at all just me being a perfectionist! Anyhoo this bead and a few others will be up for sale later on in my Etsy shop
TTFN xx

Tuesday 8 June 2010

Elegance


Elegance
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Only a quickie today a few things going on in my life right now that are demanding my attention but I am still here an just wanted to touch base with you all!

This focal bead is made with a base of black glass and with Triton shards laid over it! My photography skills are still a bit lacking so this picture does not do it justice, you should see the different colours in the silver glass simply gorgeous if I do say so.

TTFN x

Friday 28 May 2010

Aurelia


Aurelia
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Another little beauty for you to admire! This has been cored with 6mm silver tube (outer diameter) approx 5mm inner diameter! and so will fit Pandora and Chamilia bracelet systems. These will be available very soon in my Etsy shop!!!

Hope you are all well. I am about to go up my shedio and make some more gorgeousness (i hope ;o)) and have got a long weekend off with my girls and hubby. We are hoping to pop off sometime over the weekend to London to the science museum which the girls are very excited about!!!
Pictures will follow I hope. Have a lovely bank holiday weekend
TTFN xx

Sunday 23 May 2010

Falling Leaves, Grand Shaft

I want to talk about something other than me or glass of jewellery. I have a very talented brother in law who has a huge interest in the tunnels and features of underground Kent. He regularly enters war time tunnels (with permission i hasten to add) and is a very good photographer to boot! This awesome picture speaks for itself and is among a bunch of favourites that he has on his Flickr album. If you click on the picture next to my bit of blurb then you will be taken to his Flickr album and I would recommend you have a look
TTFN xx

Friday 14 May 2010

Deep purple earrings


Deep purple earrings
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Introducing my new range of earrings! These are still needing a little tidy up but I have been hanging on for ages to show you guys these and finally got them glued today!!! They measure approx 7mm across and have been glued with a strong epoxy to a sterling silver post. Once I have tidied them up they will be for sale in my Etsy shop. Expect many more in different colours etc and of course if you have a special request for a colour then please do not hesitate to contact me . They are selling for £8 a pair.

TTFN xx

Tuesday 11 May 2010

Blast from the past


pink and emerald set
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I have been looking back through my Flickr album and found this set I made in September 2008. I have not made a set like this since and am having some shed time tomorrow as it is my day off so expect some more of these!!! They are gorgeous to make and I have other colour combos I can play with!!!

Other business: thank you so much to the 8 people who left comments they were very welcome and boosted my confidence no end :o) I used a random number generator and person number 2 has won a little prize made by me and I will be popping it in the post asap! Congrats Karen I hope you like it xxx

TTFN x

Saturday 8 May 2010

SPECIAL LAUNCH OFFER


All of my little ladies!
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
To celebrate the relaunch of my Belita beads I have put together a little offer for you all.

Buy any 2 Belita beads and get 15% off OR buy any 3 Belita beads and the bracelet and get 20% off.

They are available through my Etsy shop here. You will need to go through Paypal and pay the full price as usual but I will then refund you the difference.

I am quite excited to be able to offer these gorgeous little charms. They make a beautiful gift and can easily become a little heirloom to be handed down. They can be changed to reflect the outfit you are wearing and are simply fab to wear! I wear mine loads!!!

I would love to hear what you think of these so please feel free to pop a comment in you never know one of you may just get a little surprise!!!

TTFN xx

Friday 7 May 2010

Belita beads are finally on sale


Rhona
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Yay I am so totally happy to finally announce that my Belita beads are on sale. I had so much fun today coring them and cleaning them up absolutely no housework got done let alone me eat lunch LOL.

Anyway my beads and bracelet set can be found in my Etsy shop and there will be many more to follow (if you all like them!!!)

TTFN xx

Deep purple


Deep purple
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Quite simply I adore these and the way they came out! They also sold very soon after putting them up for sale in my Etsy shop!!! I love that feeling that I have made something and someone wants them straight away.

My beadliner arrived yesterday and I have 15 big hole beads waiting patiently for me to pop the silver core in so who am I to refuse the chance of some treasured bead time LOL. I am about to go up my shedio and line my beads pictures to follow shortly I hope and then grand launch of my Belita Bead range will be ready to go! I am thinking of a prize draw or something similar to launch so watch this space!!!

TTFN xx

Wednesday 5 May 2010

BIG bead!!


BIG bead!!
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I am kinda liking making the big beads they just take so darned long I can only bring myself to do 1 per session. They do seem ever so popular tho cos this one sold within a couple of hours of me putting it up for sale! It is quite scrummy and I hope its new owner is as pleased with it as I am
TTFN xx

Monday 3 May 2010

Jens pind bracelet with lampwork beads

Do you remember these beads!!! I made them a few weeks ago with the thought of a new lariat in my head. I made the lariat but was not happy with how it turned out so it has been hanging around waiting for some inspiration. This afternoon I was tidying up my beads corner and came across the bracelet I made a couple of weeks ago and thought "Wow those beads would look fab on there" and there you go. Jens pind chain maille weave with my own handmade lampwork beads embellishing it! On sale now in my Etsy shop!!!

TTFN x

Sunday 2 May 2010

Pretty Woman


Pretty Woman
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I made a set of beads like this one last night and am very chuffed with them. They are called Pretty Woman as they remind me of the dress worn by Julia Robert's at the polo match in the film of the same name!
I made another set as well which will shortly be up on my website for sale

TTFN x

Tuesday 27 April 2010

Belita Beads


Belita Beads
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I finally got some torch time and whilst ideas lacked for sets etc I managed to make 5 more Belita beads. These gorgeous little beauties are waiting to be cored with silver tube and will then be available to buy. The bracelet is also handmade by me and the Belita beads will fit onto it!! I am quite excited by these and very glad to be able to offer them to you for sale very soon
(Promise!!!)
TTFN xx

Saturday 24 April 2010

Eeek I am sooooo sorry!

I have been really poor at blogging lately and simply this is due to the fact that I have not got a huge amount to share with you. What with my new job and all that I simply have not got any beads made and there is only so much you guys wanna hear about my life eh ;o)

Life is good still I am very happy and settled. I would like more bead time but that will fall into place and I am not gonna get stressed about it cos that ruins my mojo when I do get into the shed! My 2 girls are fine. Imogen is 13 in June and Savannah is 5 in June...doesn't time fly! Both ages bring with them a different set of challenges but we seem to be doing good right now they are both doing well at school and not getting into any difficulties that I am aware of.

Tony is fine the talk of redundancies that was being banded around 3 or 4 weeks ago seems to have gone quiet so we are keeping our fingers crossed that all has settled and now the weather is improving work will start to come back in. All in all things are plodding along!

I am loving my new job very much. I swore I would not go back to shifts and weekend working but actually it is not to bad at all! I seem to get a little more time to myself like if I am on a late shift then I have the morning to myself. Not really enough time to get into the shed but enough to do a bit of housework and keep on top of things, I get into my shed in the evenings still for a few hours a week. Working with patients again is so brilliant I have a real sense of achievement after each shift. The people I work with are fab and have made me feel really welcome.

I am hoping for some shed time tomorrow evening so hopefully more bead pictures will be on their way soon. I have made some rose murrini which I am playing with still so I hope to have some bead sets with roses on them to show you soon. I am waiting for my silver core stuff to arrive and then I will be making my Belita beads again to see as per my last blog so I am still beavering away just not as high profile as usual!!

I hope you are all well stay with me guys things will pick up again soon and I will have eye candy for you to drool over LOL

TTFN xx

Tuesday 13 April 2010

Long time coming but finally.....

...I have got my head around the Jens Pind weave in chain maille and have made it small enough to go through my Belita Beads (silver core beads). I am therefore proud to announce that coming very shortly I will be offering the full system both bracelet and beads for you to design your own bracelets. I am quite excited by this and hope it will go well I think it is a fab idea to be able to offer a more affordable option to the Troll bead and Pandora bead systems but which also is compatible with them. For those of you who may be unfamiliar with these systems please google Troll beads, Biagi, Pandora or Chamilia to get an idea! A modern take on the charm bracelet and so easy to swap and change your beads around to match whatever outfit you are wearing.

Saturday 10 April 2010

Post and run .... again


P1030306
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Sorry just seem to be so darned busy at the moment. I have had time today to play with Jens Pind again in chain maille and something just clicked and I can do it!!! I bought little rings so I could make bracelets for my Belita beads (silver core beads) sadly only my uncored ones fitted so I have ordered some smaller beads and will now be able to offer you a bracelet that you can out your beads on!!! Well soon anyway!

Hope you are all ok
TTFN x

Friday 9 April 2010

Lily the pink


Lily the pink
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Just wanted to show you these simply cos I love em.......

Have a fab weekend guys hope the sun shines on you all
TTFN xx

Tuesday 6 April 2010

Some sad news....


Lavender frosties
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Sunday evening I was just about to start a torching when I had a visit from my mum and dad. Sadly my Uncle had died earlier that day. He was the oldest of 3 children with only 11 months between him and my dad and he died following a long ish illness with Progressive Supranuclear Palsy and Picks disease. Sadly we watched my Grandad die of it as well in 2000. Diagnosis can only be confirmed post mortem but we are gutted!

I am not gonna bore you anymore but please google PSP and learn a little about a horrible disease that may affect you or your family one day. I am planning to do a charity run later this year for it more news to follow

My cousin Steve (my uncles eldest son) is running the London Marathon later this month to raise money and awareness. If you want to donate please follow this link. Please do not be offended by my blatant advertising of this donation is purely voluntary and I only highlight is as it is a subject close to my heart.

TTFN xx

Tuesday 30 March 2010

Blueberry muffin set


Blueberry muffin set
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I was in my shed a few days ago and was playing around with a design in my head and on some beads and suddenly thought that I had not made a lariat for some time and this set of beads would work fab as a lariat so I made 10 of these and 2 long handshaped / gravity beads and am going to turn them into jewellery later tonight I hope!

TTFN xx

Thursday 25 March 2010

dichro surprise


dichro surprise
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
This has got to be the largest bead I have made to date! I can't find my bloomin calipers but it is approx 30mm across. It is made from Neo Lavendar shift from Bullseye which means that it changes its appearance depending on the type of light it is in. I adore this glass and to make it even more magical there are lines of dichroic stringer wrapped around it and encased so in the sunlight (which there has been a distinct lack of the last 3 days!) it glitters! I struggle to capture that bit for you but have tried my best!

I will make more of these I think but at around 45 mins for this simple bead with very little detail I will not be churning them out by the ton hee hee

TTFN x

Monday 22 March 2010

Pastel roses


pastel roses
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Hoorah I made some beads this weekend and I am quite pleased with them. Click on the photo to the right and you should go to my Flickr album and see what else I managed to make! They should all be up for sale on my website soon provided Mr. Site lets me upload stuff cos it was not working a couple of weeks ago!

I am pleased with how these ones turned out, once again I have etched them simply cos I adore the etched look but if you like these and want them unetched then get in touch and I can sort that out for you no worries!

I am also quite pleased that I have managed to get some decent colours out of my reicenbach multicolour but I need daylight to catch them properly so you are gonna have to wait hee hee hee

TTFN x

Sunday 21 March 2010

Mr. Fisher


Mr. Fisher
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
This little guy was in my garden this morning. Savannah was so fascinated with him she kept an eye on him for ages making sure our cat did not get him! He soon found a hiding place where he was safe from cat and child LOL!!!

Another sign that spring is well and truly on its way. The frogs are out of hibernation and the garden plants are coming to life, my clematis has buds on it as does the honeysuckle which I butchered last weekend :o/
It was positively gorgeous in my garden today, the rabbits were cleaned out and allowed to run around for most of the afternoon, the cat could be found on the lawnmower storage box in the glorious sunshine and quite simply life was excellent.

I don't think I have felt this well for quite some time and I intend to make sure that feeling carries on

see you soon
TTFN xx

Wednesday 17 March 2010

Another obsession


doodles 1
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
As if my life is not full enough already what with work and beads I go and find a new interest. One of the girls on Frit Happens forum introduced us all the "Zentangles" or "zen doodling" Found me a piece of paper and a pen and off I went!!! I think there will be lots more of these. Imogen has all my little ones and she is going to use them to make cards with and she is doodling as well now! Google "Zentangles" if you want more info but don't spend loads of money piece of paper and a pencil will see you well no need for lots of expense!!!

TTFN xx

Sunday 14 March 2010

Green fingers

No beads in this post but some general musing. I want an allotment. Now for those of you who know me you are probably laughing very hard right now!!! Sam....a gardener ha ha ha !!!!!! BUT....I have a fairly big garden and it would not be a major biggie to lose some of it to a little plot where I can grow some bits and pieces that I can use in my kitchen! It would be fab for the girls and would help a little with the shopping bill and enough with the "Good Life" jokes!!!

I believe the waiting list for allotments is quite big cos they are very trendy right now and TBH I am not sure I have the time to give an allotment the care it would need but a little plot in my garden is feasible! It was sunny earlier so I have been out and tidied up a bit and successfully pulled down my rotten fence which has now started me thinking that the time is ripe for some serious thought about a veggie plot! The weather is warming up the frost risk is pretty much passed and it will be nice for me to have something to do with the girls!!! They could weed and help keep it clean.

The question now is what to grow....suggestions please very welcome and if anyone knows of a blog or a website that they think may be helpful I would be grateful I need all the help I can get! Off to take some pictures of the garden so if it happens I have some before and after to show you all.

Other news: Happy Mother's Day to all the mum's out there. I hope you have all had a lovely day and been spoiled by your kids. I got a bacon sarnie and tea in bed and a plant and a great big hug which was lovely. Imogen is home tonight so I hope to get another hug later from her.

My new job as junior sister at my local hospital is going very well I am really enjoying it and hope that I am gonna settle in nicely. They are a great bunch and I am proud to be part of the team there.

I am getting into a routine slowly which means that the bead making is slowly coming back on line! I miss getting up to the shedio as often as I did but I am finding that the ideas are flowing a bit better when I do so a happy medium has been struck. I have also made some Belita Beads (my silver core beads for Troll, Pandora and similar bracelet systems) which I hope to core this week so keep an eye out for them.

I have some bits a pieces that have been languishing for a while so I feel a sale may be in the offing soon, watch this space.

Right best be off dinner to cook an all that
TTFN xx

Sunday 7 March 2010

Aquarius


Aquarius
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I made this monster last night!!! Made with a base of teal glass and with shards in Triton wrapped round it this positively glows in the sunlight (which there is plenty of today yay!!!)

TTFN xx

Thursday 4 March 2010

Little bag


P1030202
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I saw a bag like this somewhere on the internet ages ago can't remember where but after fiddling about with the design finally made it last night! I am quite chuffed with it (and yes I am easily pleased LOL). It is completely fab for work as I don't really take much with me although it is quite roomy!

I am going up my shedio tonight to make some beads which I am looking forward to should get loads in next week cos I have 4 early shifts which is great!

Hope you are all well
TTFN xx

Tuesday 2 March 2010

Spring time??

I may be slightly premature here but the sun is shining it is quite chilly in the shade but in the sunshine it is very pleasant and I am feeling very spring like! The photo above was taken from a google search of "glass daffodils" (of course it has to be glass!!!) and I love this piece and it seemed simply right to show off today.

I have not had much time to bead of late and was hoping to tonight but I have had to swap my shift so hopefully tomorrow night now! Imogen is off in France till Friday so it is just me Tony and Savannah this week, I am missing her loads and strangely enough missing her bickering with Savannah!!! Aren't we odd!!!

I start my new job proper next week hopefully. I am picking my uniform up today and I have shifts for the next 2 weeks. No real change except I am no longer agency and I have more responsibility but the shifts will be the same maybe a few less late shifts so hopefully more beading time in the evenings yay!!! Despite being told by Tony that they may be making redundancies where he works life is good! Money is tight and potentially gonna get worse but I have my health my family and my friends, a job I love a hobby I adore and I am pleased with my lot!!!

TTFN xx

Sunday 28 February 2010

I have been so tardy.....

....I have missed a few of the fhfteam member spotlights so a quick catch up is in order

First up is Diane who makes gorgeous ribbons as well as fab beads!

Next is VeeBee with her fab bracelet and some lovely beads.

Third is Lynn Davy who is an awesome seedbeader published regularly in the beading press and who makes simply gorgeous stuff

and finally for the moment is Tracy with her scrummy collection of beads

Please take some time to give some love to each of these talented artists they would love to have you visit

TTFN xx

Wednesday 24 February 2010

AND THE WINNER IS......


blushing posies!
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
.......... Rebecca Emery who left me a comment on my Facebook link to the blog! Rebecca I will contact you and make your bracelet!

I had 27 people in the draw so thank you so much for taking the time to leave me a comment and thank you for my birthday wishes a few of you left for the upcoming 2nd birthday of Aurorabeadz!

Other news: the beads on the right are available now to buy in my bead shop on my website here and I am hoping for some more bead time tomorrow night! So there will be more soon.

TTFN xx

Monday 22 February 2010

Prize draw update!!!


commission bracelet
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Another example of the kind of bracelet I am offering in my prize draw!!! You have till Wednesday to leave a comment to be in with a chance. See my post for 21st February for more info!!! Go on you know you want to win this!!! Mother's day is coming up why not try to get it for your mum!!! Summer is coming how about a gorgeous summery bracelet for those evenings out! Is there a birthday coming up!!! or simply a treat for you!!! Spread the word leave a comment and you simply never know!!!

TTFN x

Sunday 21 February 2010

PRIZE DRAW!!!


pinks bracelet
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
OK I promised a prize draw so here you go. It is the 2nd Birthday of Aurorabeadz in March and I have successfully got over 200 fans of my page on Facebook as well as a good following on my blog. To celebrate all of these things I am offering the winner a bracelet similar to the one shown but in whatever colours you like.
In order to be in with a chance of winning a bracelet similar to this bracelet you simply have to leave me a comment on this blog entry either here on my blog or via my Facebook page. Only comments left in these 2 places will be entered into the draw! To give you all a chance to enter I will close the entries at 9pm Wednesday 24th February and announce the winner shortly after!!!

Thank you all so much for following me for commenting on my posts and for admiring and buying my beads and jewellery.
TTFN xx

Saturday 20 February 2010

Springtime flowers


Springtime flowers
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Definitely feeling the springtime thing right now! I walked to work this morning at around 6.45 and it was daylight which is lovely. Added to that the birds were all singing away in the trees and whilst walking into the hospital grounds I walked past a robin proudly showing off his red breast singing his little heart out. It was so lovely and made me feel (despite the bitter cold) that spring is not that far off! Daffodils are poking their heads up through the soil and will soon be in flower. I adore snow but it is so disruptive but you know spring has got to be one of the best seasons!

TTFN xx

Friday 19 February 2010

Feeling blue


Feeling blue
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Not that I have anything to be feeling blue about. These beads are simply scrummy if I do say so myself! Made with a base of transparent aqua encased in clear glass and then with ASK Tribal turquoise dots these beads looked fab glossy but etching them just makes them glow! Have I mentioned I love etching stuff hee hee.

Gotta dash cos I need to get ready for work but these lovelies and 2 other sets will be in my Etsy shop later tonight I hope!

TTFN x

Thursday 18 February 2010

Pinks


Pinks
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I had a lovely evening on the torch yesterday and this is one of the sets I made! Very delicate and cute maybe appropriate for the upcoming wedding season!!!

A friend of mine has just popped round and collected some beads off me that she is going to try to sell and a fair she is doing on Saturday! It is at St. Mary's Hall in Whitstable Kent from 10 am - 4pm if you are in the area try to take a look. I am hoping to be able to provide beads for Gill on a regular basis. Thank you Gill for thinking of me and good luck in your venture!

TTFN xx

Tuesday 16 February 2010

Waterlilies


Waterlilies
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Todays offering is not quite finished I have yet to add something to hang it from a chain with but I am very happy with the patina and wanted to catch it cos I stupidly forgot that if I refire or solder I will lose this!!! MAde from a mould this is button sized but would look awesome suspended from a delicate chain! or maybe it is calling out to be a centrepiece on a bangle! Now there is a challenge for me! Make my first bangle!!!!!

TTFN x

Monday 15 February 2010

Flower focal


Flower focal
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
When you look around at what spring and summer fashion trends are there seem to be quite a few flowers! I like making raised flower beads but have not made any for absolute ages so I decided to make some and the picture above is one of my beads! I ummed and ahhed about making leaves and stems etc but decided on abstract single flowers with different colour petals and am quite pleased how they turned out! I am thinking that some smaller round beads will compliment this long focal very well so I am hoping to get some torch time in this week and make some! I am also wondering about etching!

TTFN x

Sunday 14 February 2010

Heart Pendant


Heart Pendant
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
This is my latest creation. Again something I had a dream about!!! I envisaged it being a bit more puffy but I had great fun making it and learned loads. I have also done a different finish and used one of my dremel attachments to give it the brushed look!

I am really chuffed with it and would love to hear what you guys think of it!
TTFN xx

Monday 8 February 2010

FHFteam spotlight - Jolene


The spotlight for the next few days falls on Jolene. Jo has been making beads for about the same amount of time as me but has recently moved into the field of shards, murrini and twisties to compliment her awesome bead making skills. her work can be found here and here go take a look!! Her own handmade murrini feature in the absolutely scrummy beads above that are also made by Jo and are for sale in her Etsy shop!

TTFN xx

Sunday 7 February 2010

My first spinner ring


My first spinner ring
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
Having nearly got a spinner ring just before Christmas and then deciding I could make my own I have finally got round to giving it a go! This is my first attempt and there is a bit of a problem with the soldering (which split slightly when I flared the edges out) but overall I am quite pleased! It turned out to be the size I wanted it to be which is good and I am pleased with the hammered look! Gonna play with this design I think

TTFN xx

FHFteam spotlight - Josephine

Please take a look at the wonderful work of Josephine which can be found here she is our current spotlight artist and does some absolutely gorgeous work.

TTFN xx

Tuesday 2 February 2010

FHFteam spotlight - Jeannie Gems


Please go take a look at Jeannie Gems on Etsy here The photo above is one of her creations and it is gorgeous and there are loads more things like that!!!

Monday 1 February 2010

I love the kiln fairies

Blimey my photographic skills still need some refining but I think this picture is clear enough for you to see the scrumminess these beads have to offer! I love making these beads and using the shards to get the different effects and I have to say these particular chards are my absolute fav! I have also got the hang of making round beads without using my marble marver! So considering the fact that I thought that last nights journey to the shedio was a waste of time I have been pleasantly surprised by what the kiln fairies left me.

Click on the picture to go to my Flickr album and see what else I made. They will all be up on my website tomorrow morning for sale!

TTFN xx

Sunday 31 January 2010

Sunshine award

Thank you so much to these following for nominating me for the Sunshine award:
There are rules that I am supposed to follow but this award has really been around so I would like to choose some people that have not had the exposure that this may afford them so for now simply thank you for thinking of me and linking to my blog. I have linked back to you and hopefully you will get new followers from it.

TTFN xxx

Thursday 28 January 2010

Life's a peach


Life's a peach
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
You know when you make something and you think it looks completely gorgeous then you go and see other peoples work and look at your own and think hmm...... well I just did that! Don't worry I am not gonna get all "my beads are not good enough..." but I wonder if I will ever make something complex!

This set and the other set I just put on Flickr called Bullseye twister were the result of 2 hours beading today and I am very happy with them! The photos are not fab cos they were taken indoors with naff lighting I hope for a little sun tomorrow morning so I can take some proper piccies. These will be available on my website to sell by lunchtime!

TTFN xx

Wednesday 27 January 2010

Silver metal clay pendants


P1030118
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
I made these a couple of weeks ago but had not got round to finishing them so today I soldered the rings on the flower and the small pendant and then tumbled them. After tumbling I dipped them all in liver of sulphur and then rubbed them with a silver cleaning cloth.

I am very pleased with these I love the way the liver of sulphur has coloured them. I would love to hear what you think of them as well

TTFN xx

Tuesday 26 January 2010

FHFteam spotlight - Trudi of Glittering Prize

This is the totally stunning "Striking Eye" bead from Trudi of Glittering Prize which can be found here and she is the focus of the current FHFteam spotlight!

TTFN x

Monday 25 January 2010

Pink swirls


P1030046
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
It is typical isn't it? I get my mojo back and I am working almost full time and get little time on the torch! Grr........ Should not moan cos I am very content with life at the moment. I am totally loving being a nurse again and have applied for a full time job and I am loving that I have mojo again despite not being in my shedio for the last week. I am not going to get stressed by it things will settle and I will get back into a routine and you guys get the anticipation effect.... hee hee. What will she produce next?

I have just had my delivery of new frits from Val Cox so expect some more fritty swirly beads from me and I am awaiting an order from the USA soon with some Bullseye odds and more coe 96 glass for my fritty beads! You can just bet your bottom dollar that that little package is stuck in customs :o( still it will be worth the wait.

MY huge order from Cool Tools has also arrived so I have some new things for my silver metal clay. Speaking of that I have 3 pendants nearly completed which I hope to finish off this week and post on my website so keep your eyes peeled.

Right I have to go get ready for another shift. Have a good Monday guys and see you soon

TTFN xx

Sunday 24 January 2010

FHFteam spotlight - Les (Flame Born Beads)


The next spotlight is on a lovely lady called Les her beautiful work can be found here. The photo above is directly from Les's online website and is one of the gorgeous sets of beads she has on offer as well as some more whimisical and unusual beads. Please go and have a look and you never know what goodies you may find.

TTFN xx

Wednesday 20 January 2010

Pinks bracelet


pinks bracelet
Originally uploaded by aurorabeadz
This was a commission for a friend who wanted a bracelet in pinks and purple. The beads are all handmade by me and accompanied with swarovski crystal bicones and I cut all the jump rings myself as well and made the simple 2 - in - 2 chain . I am very pleased with this, it is lovely to wear and sits comfortably on the wrist! I hope my client likes it as well!!!

Other news: some places are apparently having a return to the snow today! Nothing here at the mo which I am very pleased about. What....I hear you cry I thought you liked snow! Well I do but I had a little accident on Monday when I fell down my stairs and I am a little battered and bruised (although not as much as I thought I would be!) but stepping out on snow and ice simply does not appeal right now!!! I hope it is not to bad where you guys are.

TTFN xx

Tuesday 19 January 2010

FHFteam spotlight


Land or sea scape?
Originally uploaded by caraj316
This scrummy bead is by Jo who is the current featured artist on our facebook fan page. Read more about Jo here www.jobaileydesigns.co.uk

TTFN xx