Meanderings by Julz

2012-01-26T19:40:00.001+08:00

Australia Day!!
It's Australia Day today...national holiday and great national pride!
Somewhat spoilt by the claim that people who flaunt the Aussie flag...like on one's car (as I do)...are racist! This comes from a university study apparently...and I find it offensive!!

Anyways...
We had a fairly low key...but nice day! Happy Australia Day everyone!

Facebook Giveaway

2011-12-18T16:38:00.001+08:00

Hello everyone!!
I have reached a little milestone on my Facebook page Julie Doust Creations...I have 255 lovely likers!
I promised a giveaway when I reached that special 250 mark...so it is happening now.
If you would like a chance to win this necklace...featuring a Stroppel Cane heart...made by me...then pop on over and join in! I would love that! :)

Just follow the hyperlink to my page...or this link to the giveaway
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Doust-Creations/109903922430417?sk=app_149194385149202
See you over there...MWAH!!

2011-09-19T20:14:00.001+08:00

Mega Dust Storm
Sunday afternoon saw the swift arrival of a HUGE dust storm...like we havent seen in decades!!!
This photo is taken from our back patio...overlooking the Kalgoorlie Race Course (where we had spent a wonderful Kalgoolie Cup Day on Saturday)
You can barely see the outline of the marquees and tents...which they were half way though taking down.
Huge dust storm = a nine hour power outage and piles of dust indoors...not happy Jan!!!

Gotta a Leaf thing going!!

2011-09-09T21:27:00.001+08:00

I have a little leaf fetish...and have been making lots of leaves...I have put together a couple of simple but vibrant necklaces...with more to come at some stage!

Bronze/Blue leaves

Pink/Purple leaves!

Thrilled to be a winner!

2011-07-02T14:49:00.000+08:00

I won something!!! :) Not often that happens!
It is something I will treasure...and made from someone I admire greatly. Lynda Moseley from SCDiva hosts a monthly giveaway on her blog.Lynda is an amazingly talented polymer clay artist in the US. She is also incredibly generous and a lovely person. I am happy to have 'meet' her!! :)
She often collaborates with other fantastically talented people...as in this case. The necklace for July features beads made by Jill Kollmann. These ladies work well together...I can't tell you how much I LOVE this necklace!!! I am a lucky girl indeed!!!
Thank you Lynda!!! You have made me feel so lucky!! :)
Here is the necklace:

Facelift!!

2011-06-27T13:33:00.001+08:00

No not me...silly...alllllllllthough...I prolly could do with one...hehe!
I've played around and given the blog a more updated look...well I think so!
What do you think?
Unfortunately...in the process I seem to have lost the pictures of my lovely followers...:(
I have no idea what I've done and am trying to fix it.

Julie Doust Creations

2011-06-15T19:45:00.003+08:00

Thats me!!
I've set up a page on Facebook to showcase my polymer clay beads and jewellery. There will also be my bead jewellery and seed bead work there too! Come on over and visit...I would love that!
It seems my hylerlink wasnt working...so trying again!!
Julie Doust Creations : http://www.facebook.com/pages/Julie-Doust-Creations/109903922430417

The NEW Beading area.

2011-04-26T14:30:00.017+08:00

My new beading area is now mostly set up.It has taken me days to sort, move and re-locate all my beads and clay bits n pieces. Quite a monumental task it turns out!! I didnt realis I had so much stuff...or junk as Michael calls it!

So Here are some piccies!

Beading area

PC area

cube shelving behind the table

Back from Holidays

2011-01-27T08:06:00.005+08:00

My favourite beach ...Twilight Cove

Favourite fishing spot and just...being spot...Bandy Creek Harbour.

Michael rock fishing at Lucky Bay...known for having the whitest sand in Aus!

Hi all,We have just got back from our yearly sojourn to Esperance. Esperance for those who dont know...is on the south east coast of Western Australia...next stop if you travel south...is Antartica!! And you can tell...the water is freezing in Esperance...don't get me wrong...that doesn nothing to lessen the appeal of the place!!! It tests your mettle each time you take a dip...hehe!Esperance is a small, quaint town...despite the fact that it has a huge tourist population during summer and school holidays. Sometimes the place feels like its fit to overflow! I have been going there ever since I was a child...and I still love it!So...I thought I would share some pictures of our Esperance holiday!

WOW...50 Followers!!!

2011-01-06T09:26:00.000+08:00

I awoke this morning to find that I have 50 followers...how exciting!!
I said in a previous post that IF I ever got to 50 followers...I would have a little giveaway!!!
So it seems...the time has come...I am going to have a little giveaway!! Stay tuned...I ned to have a think about what it is going to be and when!!!
I go on 2 weeks holiday tomorrow...so it will happen when I get back...stay tuned!! And be good while I am away!! xxxxxxx

Sparkly Wheels

2011-01-03T20:29:00.000+08:00

I am addicted to making sparly wheels!!! While sorting through my beading mags for holiday projects...I came across a tute for making little sparkly wheels in on of this years Beadwork mags...written by Melinda Barta!!! Highly addictive...lots of fun...easy and quick!!! So I've made lots...and have more on the way!! :)

2010-12-31T08:17:00.000+08:00

I really enjoy Aunties Beads video tutorials...they help this left hander heaps!!! Thank you aunties Beads!

Just a little bit scary!!!

2010-12-30T13:05:00.000+08:00

My brother, sister in law and my two nephews (and the 2 dogs) are facing the threat of evacuation from their home in Emerald, Queensland. Its been raining there for weeks really. The news reports are saying that 80% of the town could be under water!!! Thats the scary part.
http://www.themorningbulletin.com.au/story/2010/12/30/80-emerald-flood/
Shane assures me they will be fine...that they are on fairly high ground...but I cant say my fears are allayed any. Its quite concerning when we are on opposite sides or our rather large country. Mind you...I am sure it is somewhat more alarming for them though...;)
I am praying they will be fine in their home and that I wont see them being rescued from their rooftop on the news...YES...a sense of humour is essential in these time!! :)

Cross your fingies for them...and all Queenslanders affected by these floods please!!

Merry Christmas wishes

2010-12-24T09:26:00.000+08:00

Well all my blogging friends...I wish you a safe and happy Christmas...from this very absent blogger.

I always have good intentions to blog...my life is at times interesting...I have things to share...but I just never seem to get around to it!!! So bad.

After I get back from my 2 weeks holiday at the beach...I fully intend to be more comitted to this blog and also my beading and claying.
If I ever get to 50 friends who visit me...I will surely have a little celebration and giveaway!!
Stay safe everyone!!! Love!!!
Julz

It's Race Round Time

2010-09-29T08:51:00.004+08:00

a little late...it was 2 weeks ago!!!

for those who dont know...Kalgoorlie (where I live) has an annual Race Round...it is a week of horse racing, partying, eating, drinking, socialising and events. Busy and fun!!!

You can find out more about it here: http://www.kbrc.com.au/

Anyways...its a time to dress up...so i made jewellery to go with 2 of my outfits.

The Pink Pearl necklace was made to wear with a pink jacket

The Black and White piece with the red flower was made to wear with a black and white outfit that had polka dot accessories!!!

We had a fantastic week and didnt lose too much money on gambling!!!

New blog background

2010-07-25T12:13:00.001+08:00

I am trying to find a new blog background!!! I have a free background from 'The Cutest Blog on the Block' and my old one...which I adored, has become defunct :(
So tell me what you think...do you like this one?
It doesnt have hearts :(...but its pink and black!!! and pretty! :)
xxxx

Strike while the Iron is Hot!!!

2010-07-07T12:04:00.004+08:00

While I have the urge and motivation to blog...Thanks to Karyn and her giveaway!!! I thought it about time I showed you some photos from my trip to Phuket. I loved Phuket and will definitely go back. It was extremely hot and humid when we went in April...perhaps we will visit at a different time of year, next time!!!

Michael and I at Sunset Lookout. Behind us is Kata beach

Patong Beach

James Bond Island (Phang Na Bay)

Wat Chalong Temple. So very beautiful.

Karyn's Giveaway

2010-07-06T10:03:00.004+08:00

Hello to anyone who still bothers to come here.

I confess to having lost alot of confidence and interest in beading and claying of late. I have even thought seriously about giving all my beads and clay away. Lets face it...we could use the space my 'stuff' takes up for something more useful!! Which is why I havent bothered to blog.

Anyways...a very talented lady, Karyn is having a giveaway on her blog to celebrate having 100 followers. She is a very talented seed beader and also makes the yummiest fused cabs (some of these are the giveaway). Pop over to "Releases by Rufydoof" and have a look at her lovely blog.

Good on you Karyn!!!

Seeya later!

2010-04-08T20:23:00.003+08:00

Hello fellow bloggers...long time no post...hehe!

Even though I havent been a good blogger...I have been around reading all my fave blogs.

I just wanted to let you know that I am off on a holiday...We (myself, Michael and his 3 kids) are off on a holiday too Phuket!

I am alternating between excitement and apprehension...LOL...this is my first OS trip.

Soooo...see you all in 10 days...prolly with lots of pics to bore you with!!! hehe.

Take care of yourselves...mwah!!!

Holiday Beading

2010-02-13T16:35:00.004+08:00

I am a bad blogger!!! I know it. I shall do my best to be a better blogger this year. Last year kind of got on top of me.

Anyways...I thought I would share some piccies of my holiday beading. I took my seedies on our annual 2 week holiday in beautiful Esperance (on the south coast of Western Australia).

AWOL

2009-09-30T09:11:00.003+08:00

How very, very naughty (read...lazy) of me to have left it so long between blog posts.

*sigh*...I dont know...I seem to have spent less time in the blogging world of late...actually less time on the computer full stop...which is not a bad thing...BUT...have I dont anything productive during this time away from the computer...you would think so...but no...very little!!!

I do have something to show though!!! LOL

I recieved my first bridal commission a little while back and have just completed it. All good...everyone approves!!! All round happy bridesmaids and bride...PHEW!!!

I was asked to make 3 bridesmaids sets...3 loopy wire chokers and 3 earring sets...using latte toned glass pearls and gold wire and findings!!!

So here is a piccie or two!!

Premio Meme Award...

2009-08-06T20:13:00.003+08:00

I somehow missed seeing that I had been given this award...my apologies dear Sharon.

I was awarded the Premio Meme Award By my friend sharon at Mana Moon Studios! I'm honored she's chosen me to be one of her recipients of this fun award! Thank you. So here's how it works....I'm supposed to share 7 facts about myself and then pass on the award to 7 others.

Here goes:

1. I used to be a hairdresser and am rather obssessive about my hair...hehe

2. I love learing about anything to do with Ancient Egypt

3. I didnt get my driver's license until I turned 19...lazy!!!

4. I turn 45 next week

5. I am left handed

6. I am a teacher and University Mentor

7. I come from a very smal farming town...not that far down the road from where I live now.

I am passing the award onto:

Belinda at Bead Fetish

Kerrie at Kerrie Slade handwoven beadwork

Maryanne at To Bead or not to Bead

Karyn at Releases by Rufydoof

Lynda at SCDiva

Nellie at Nellie's Treasures

Kay at Kay's Artycles

FROST

2009-08-03T20:27:00.002+08:00

I made this neckpiece for the Beadglass Designer Quest on the Australian Beading Forum. Each entrant purchases a deisgner quest pack (usually there are 2 colour choices)...the mission is then to create something... only using what is in the pack...quite challenging.

When I saw the beads...they reminded me of frost on the lawn on a winter morning!!! Hence the name!!

I decided to learn a new stitch...chevron chain stitch...and here is the result!!

One Lovely Blog

2009-07-09T13:34:00.002+08:00

I was honoured to be awarded this badge for my blog a second time...by the oh-so talented and lovely Nicole at Beadwright. Thank you so much Nicole.
In light of the fact that I already passed this award on...I wont do it again.

Red and Black

2009-07-09T13:23:00.003+08:00

Well it is school holidays for me...thank goodness!!! I know alot of people think that teachers have it easy...good working hours and lots of holidays etc...BUT...It hasnt been an easy year so far for me...and at times I have really struggled. Anyways...I digress...LOL

On the school hols...my friend Mel and I do little challenges. She is in another state...so we do this on msn...its fun.

The criteria for the first mini challenge was 'a pendant that had to feature the colour red'.

I decided on seedies...but the brio's wouldnt co-operate...so 3 tries down the track...it is finished...Taadaaa!!! (except i have to finish the bail)

TWISTED

This necklace features extruded polymer clay beads made by me...and little wire beads...also made by me. I wanted the necklace to look quite random...so i just piled up all the beads (except the black ones) and just threaded...yikes!!! It turned out ok...I have such a symmetrical mind and eye...that I find this sort of thing really challenging and disconcerting...LOL

New Cabs

2009-06-27T22:54:00.004+08:00

I have made some new cabs!!! Finally got time to clay.

These cheetah/giraffe (Cheeraffe...LOL) ones are a custom order. Unfortunately I ended up with a kind of bloom spot on 2 of them...no idea what happened! Will have to try and fix them

The second lot were abit of fun to make...silver foil, cracked and then painted! I quite like how the colours turned out. I shall be doing more of these I think.

The ONE LOVELY BLOG Award

2009-06-17T20:31:00.003+08:00

Weeee...I gots an award!!! Thank you Lynda for bestowing this award on my blog. I cant really believe people stop by to read my meanderings. So what a buzz!!!

I now need to bestow this award on 15 other blogs that I love, visit and read!!!

So in no particular order:

Belinda at Bead Fetish

Maryanne at Too bead or not too Bead

Nellie at Nellie's Treasures

Vicki at Dragonfly Creations

Ponsawan at Silastones

Marcia Palmer at Polymer Rhythms

Sharon at Mana Moon Studios

Claudia at Cloud Nine Creations

Karyn at Releases by Rufydoof

Anna-Karin at Smabla

Kay at Kay's Articles

Shona at Shona's Designs...apologies to Shona...she bestowed an award on me some time back...and I only just remembered...so thank you Shona!!!

Thats not quite 15...but there ya go...And I would give it back to Lynda...if it wasnt a silly thing to do...LOL!!!

So Lucky

2009-06-14T13:45:00.003+08:00

I feel very blessed to have recieved the most beautiful and original gift!!! This gift is from a new blogging friend... Lynda Moseley of SCDiva and comes to me as my "Pay it Forward" gift!!! What a gift!!!

I confess to covetting many of Lynda's stunning and unique pendants and brooches...and now I have some...SEE!!!

Thank you Lynda...the pieces you chose for me are even more lovely in real life. You are amazingly talented and a very special lady. This was fun!!!

REMINDER: Pay it Forward...

2009-06-01T12:28:00.002+08:00

REMINDER: I am nearly at a stage to be ready to mail off gifts to those who entered my Pay it Forward post...but I have ONE MORE SPACE...if anyone wishes to jump on board!!!

Fleur Bouquet

2009-06-01T11:51:00.003+08:00

I am so pleased to share a photo of one of my floral cabs all dressed up!!!

A very talented lady, Vicki Smith, bought some of my cabs and has made one into a pendant for a gift. It looks wonderful and I wanted to share it's loveliness with you!!!

PAY IT FORWARD

2009-05-07T20:37:00.002+08:00

I too love the idea behind Random Acts of Kindness and Pay It Forward. Doing something nice for others...is always going to give me that...good feeling...you know...warm n fuzzy!!!

I came upon this idea on one of my fave blogs, thanks Lynda at SCDiva.

So, here we go:

Creative people are adventurous! So, if you would like to participate, please send me a comment and the first five people will receive something from me in the mail.

Here are the rules, and happy posting!

This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:

1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. This is an adventure!

2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of actual materials, not of cyberspace.

3. It will be done this year (2009).

4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be!

5. In return, all you need to do is cut and paste this text on your Blog (from "Creative People are..." and create Five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.

6. Send your mailing address after I contact you.

IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if you do not post on your own blog to pay this forward. Would love it if you could join in!!!

Julz

We Make a Good Team!!!

2009-04-24T13:42:00.004+08:00

My friend, Mel and I are best mates. We met via the internet and have never met face to face (YET)...but we are so close and miss each other if we dont chat most days (or nights)!!! We know each other well...and we have lots of similarities!!! We both bead, we both love working with Polymer Clay...however we have totally different styles. Which I love.
I wanted to show you a picture of our "team work"!!!
Mel made this necklace yesterday...and MY GAWD...its just so beautiful. My part...I proudly tell you...is the pendant. I sent it to Mel in one of her parcels (we love sending parcels) last year.
So here is is...I am sure you will agree...its lubbly!!!

Pendant made by Julie Doust / necklace made by Melissa Wiergard

Pendants

2009-04-23T13:03:00.003+08:00

These pendants are interesting and very bright to say the least...they were inspired by an article in a Belle Amoire Jewellery magazine...by Lori Wilkes.

I loved the different colours and patterns together. But I am not all THAT in love with mine...hehe!!!!

Oh well...its all experience!!!

Hearts

2009-04-21T08:51:00.004+08:00

I got time to clay!!! wooo

I made some little hearts inspired by the DR. Ron Lehocky tute in Feruary Polymer Cafe.

I admire the work that Ron has done for Cerebral Palsy kids in the US...he makes heart brooches and sells them for $10. All proceeds go toward Cerebral Palsy Kids Centre in Louisville, Kentucky.

To date he has sold approx 7,000. Quite a feat!

I thank Ron for the tute!!

And here are my little brooches...I thought they would be fun to wear now that it is getting toward scarf season in Aus...and with my new waistcoats...for which I have a fetish at the mo!!!

Cabs AHOY!!!

2009-04-16T19:24:00.002+08:00

I had a little spend up...spolit myself indeed!!! With lots of cabachons made by Wendy Hearn of Guru Creations. Wendy was having a sale...I cant resist a sale!!! Such pretties!!!

So here I share a photo with you of my cabbie goodness....ENJOY!!!

Arent you jealous!!! ;)

Karma Award

2009-04-07T12:35:00.003+08:00

Karma Award
These blogs are exceedingly charming. These kind of bloggers aim to find and be friends. They are not interested in self-aggrandizement. Our hope is that when the ribbons of these prizes are cut, even more friendships are propagated. Please give more attention to these writers. Deliver this award to eight bloggers who must choose eight more and include this cleverly-written text into the body of their award.

One of my favourite beady friends and bloggers Belinda of Bead Fetish has bestowed the KARMA award on me. Arent I so lucky?

Belinda is such a sweet person and ultra talented too. Thank you sweetness.

I may actually get to meet Belinda in the flesh one day...her and her family are moving over my way this year...well...when I say my way...she will be 600km away!!! ;)

I am choosing not to pass this award on to anyone at the moment...as people may be getting sick of me...LOL

My family

2009-04-01T19:49:00.007+08:00

I wanted to share my family and family goings-on with you all.

Firstly a photo of my beautiful daughter Sophie on the day of her Year 12 ball. She looked so lovely and so grown up. Sophie is on the left (dark hair) Emily my eldest daughter is the blonde

We have a very momentous family event occurring next week. My brother, SIL and nephews are moving to the other side of Australia...Mackay, Queensland. Soooo...some of you may think!!! Well...just so you can kind of understand the impact of this upheaval...all of my family have lived in the same place...always!!! So this is the first time one of use has moved away....HUGE!!!!

Here is a pic of Shane (my brother), Yasmin, Logan and Finn.

We had a family BBQ, which provided a good opportunity to take some family photos. I share some with you

I hope that the move is all that they dream of...but GAWD...I will miss them so

An Award

2009-03-17T19:46:00.003+09:00

Lucky blessed me...has been bestowed with another blog award!!! It is so nice to know that someone reads my wafflings!!!
I have the beautiful and incredibly talented Belinda Saville of Bead Fetish to thank for this award. I love going to visit Belinda's blog...and seeing what she is up too...her seed bead work is inspiring and incredible...all the more so because of the short time she has been beading.
Thank you Belinda, you sweetie.
I am now to pass on this award to other deserved bloggers!!!

Toni Ransfield of Living with Kiwi's...for making me laugh and being my friend

Kim Cavender of Imagine Uncommon Things...for her constant inspiration...always

Marcia Palmer of Polymer Rhythms...so talented!

Zuda Gay of Clay in the Hands...incredible work...I so admire

Tina Holden of Beachcomber...for inspiring!

Little Steps...

2009-03-02T13:34:00.003+09:00

Firstly...I apologise for my blog absence. Term one at school is always hell...so much to do, children to settle in, parents to help, mentoring staff...the list goes on and I wont bore you with the details. By the time I sit down of an evening...i am dozing off!

But... I digress.
I have been thinking about opening an Etsy store for some time now. My good friend Mel (lubs ya girl) is the one who planted the seed awhile back. Another friend, Toni Ransfield, has just opened an etsy store...go girl...selling her beautiful polymer clay flower canes and puffy hearts (I so adore both). So this has got me thinking again.!!!
Some of the questions and quandaries I have, are:

is my work original enough
is it eyecatching for people to be interested in buying?
would people want to buy/wear it!!?
what would I name my store
can I invest the necessarytime into this?

etc...etc...no no laughing!!! I am an insecure twit...I have these convo's with myself!!!

Any thought or advice so welcome!!!

Oh...and the little step...I actually registered on etsy...hehe. Well, I did say little!

Orange Fever

2009-01-27T14:56:00.003+09:00

Orange seems to be the colour calling me at the moment...I love it.

This week I recived a parcel in the mail with my gorg orange resin bangle...ordered from Mylene (I can never get the squiggly line over your 'y') Hillam of Mill Lane Studio. It is so beautiful...I love the transperancy of the lovely colour.

So I had to make a button ring to go with it...of course!

Here are both:

Memories to last a lifetime.

2009-01-26T12:45:00.004+09:00

As those who visit know...I've been to Esperance, Western Australia for 2 weeks. My most favourite place in the whole wide world. The weather was perfect...only one rainy day!!

The most memorable part of the holiday was meeting a little orphaned sealion at our favourite fishing spot, Bandy Creek

The Fisheries Dept. believe he is very young and has lost his mum...somehow, pehaps she was attacked by a shark.

He is sooooooooooooo beautiful...when he cries for his Mum...it breaks my heart...even now! :(

He wasnt the least shy and even posed for photos. Of course we fed him...wouldn't you. Some of the fishermen even got so close they patted him...not wise I suppose...but very cool!!We visited everyday...to check he was still there and doing ok.

On one of our last nights, we went fishing and found him sitting among a family while they fished..couldnt believe it. We set up...I caught a fish...and guess who came running up to eat said fish...LOL!!! He can move pretty fast when he wants too!!!

He then spent the rest of the evening with us, while we fished. Needless to say...no fish got taken home that night...LOL.

He expected each and every one and even supervised the fishing, as you can see from the photos.

This would have to have been one of the most memorable experiences of my life...have a little wild creature be so trusting to let us into his life. I hope he will be ok and perhaps still be at Bandy Creek when we go back next year.

Driving out of town to come I home, I confess to being teary with a huge lump in my throat as I thought about him...I am pretty much like that now (yes I am a sook) hehe!

Thanks for letting me share!

Seeya Soon

2009-01-06T15:15:00.002+09:00

Well my friends...i bid you 'tata's for 2 weeks. We are off on holidays, as of tomorrow...early.

So this will be my last blog post for 2 whole weeks. Shall have alot of catching up to do when I come back...no doubt. You all make sure you take care and look after yourselves and I shall look forward to 'seeing' everyone when I get back

Beadies are packed...im ready :)

Byeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeees...lubs you all....MWAH

The 1000th Jewellery Creation Giveaway

2009-01-04T19:55:00.002+09:00

My special friend, Sharon from Mana Moon Studio's is about to reach an amazing milestone in her jewellery making career. She has nearly produced 1000 of her amazing wire woven beaded bracelet...they are utterly amazing!!!

1000...my goodness...that is pretty incredible!

In honour of her huge milestone, Sharon is having a giveaway competition...the prize...a unique wire woven beaded bracelet of course!!!

Lollies for your Fingers

2009-01-02T10:54:00.003+09:00

My newest button rings remind me of boiled lollies (and first creations to show for 2009)!!! Orange, lemon, lime and grape!!!
I do believe I am slightly addicted to making these, even though they are quite fiddly.
I have so many buttons...i can keep making forever...hehe!!!
Perhaps i should order some more seedies...you can never have too many :)

Awarded again

2008-12-31T07:31:00.002+09:00

I have recieved the Spreader of Love award again...arent i lucky.

This time the very lovely Belinda Saville of Bead Fetish has bestowed me!!!

Belinda is a new blogging friend...she is also a member of the Australian Beading Forum.

She is amazingly talented with those little wretches...seed beads.

Thank you for bestowing the award Belinda...i am going to be naughty and not pass on the award...as i already have done that...and the people i would award...have already recieved this...OK?

Ring...Ring...

2008-12-29T21:07:00.003+09:00

why dont you give me a call....!!!!

My first attempt at making seedie rings. The first one nearly did my head in...LOL. I found the second one easier...is that usual? That the second time you make something similar it gets easier?

I raided my precious button tin for the buttons. The blue button is an antique one...from the button tin my Nan gave me many years ago. I love looking through the tin and remembering the dress or blouse she had worn. I recall she took buttons off everything after it's use-by-date. Julie she would say...you never know when you might need a button!!!! :)

Well she was right!!! I needed that button today!!! Thank you for your frugalness Nan.

Well, needless to say, the two daughters decided they have to have one or two. Emily has claimed the silvery grey one and has ordered a pink one. Sophie has put in an order for a yellow one!!! So i guess i am making a few more.

Merry Christmas to you!!!

2008-12-23T21:05:00.002+09:00

Well its that time...i do believe i am on track. Presents are wrapped, ice-cream cakes are just made, salads tomorrow...i dont think i've forgotten anyone...at least i darn well hope not...yikes!
We are off to my sisters for the day, we take turn about years. All good...we dont have to clean up this year...wooooo!!
Small problem...ugh...I ordered a dress online...well it arrived today...and its like a bloody sack...about 3 sizes too big...i mean i know im a chubby bubby...but i aint that big!!! Humph. So now i have no chrissie outfit to wear...bugger!
Soooo...as i started!!!
Merry Christmas to my special blogging friends, and the small amount of people who even read my blog. Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment...i appreciate the time you take and it has made this short time of blogging ever so pleasant!
Stay safe, be careful, eat lots, drink lots and see you all soon. Lubs and kisses!

Designer Quest Entry

2008-12-10T20:05:00.003+09:00

The latest Designer Quest at the Australian Beading Forum is being hosted by Jo at Cranberry Bead-ilicious Beads. All members wishing to participate purchase a pack of beads (usually 2 choices) and then have a set timeframe to create something with this pack. The challenge is to try to use all beads and not add any 'extras'. Very challenging!!!

We all posted our creations over this week and are now waiting to find out who will be the winner. I dont envy Jo and Yvonne's job one bit...such gorg entries (unfortunately you need to be a member to view them all).

Anyways...here is my entry. Its interesting...LOL...and HUGE!!!

OUT OF THIS SWIRL

The Spreader of Love award!!!

2008-12-03T19:35:00.002+09:00

This award was bestowed on me by a lady i greatly admire...for her humour, insight and talent..Sharon from Mana moon Studio's. She has touched my heart greatly in the short time i have known her.

And i also think she knows how much I love hearts ;)

I have to post a copy of this award on my blogm mention who gave me the award (done) and pass the award onto 6 others...so hear goes!!!

I bestow this award on:

1. Tania Black of The beads in Tania's life

2. Mylene Hillam of Mill Lane Studio

3. MAK of MAKUstudio

4. Dora's Explorations

5. France of A Canuck in Oz

Ok...i know thats only 5...but there ya go...i am being a rebel!!!

I beaded

2008-11-29T23:29:00.004+09:00

I finally had time to bead now that the renovations are over.

This necklace is called "Black Batik", so named for Tania Black, the very talented lampwork artist who created the beads. I love Tania's beads and now have a nice little stash of them

These earrings are also made with Tania Black lampies...little rosebuds!!! They are adorable. I used Swaros with these.

It will be over soon...

2008-11-10T19:45:00.004+09:00

and i shall become a more dedicated blogger-type person!!! I just havent had time to dedicate to the land of cyber of late...renovations, reports to write...etc...etc
Our renovation property is nearly done...i am burnt out and at breaking point really!!! I dont want to see a paint tin/brush or ceramic tile or garden shovel in a VERRRRRRRRRRY long time!!!
My back aches...my legs ache...ok...everything bloody aches!!! All the time!!
I have lost my sense of humour...hopefully to be found again soon...LOL...yes i am smiling...through gritted teeth...but smiling.
So of course...just as we finish this grand adventure...the stock market crashes and real estate prices take a dive...yep...just our luck!!!
ok...it shall all be over soon!!! I keep saying that!!! :)
Sheesh!!!

Belated birthday pressie

2008-10-30T20:45:00.003+09:00

...to me!!!!

My dear friend, Mel sent me a belated birthday box...my oh my...was it worth waiting for!!!!

It is totally AWESOME!!! Wanna see?????

I got so many of my favourite thing...shoes...pink ones!!! a notebook, heart sticky notes, a little heart glass bowl, heart choccies...mmmmmmmmmmmm...a gorg little box...that had beady goodness inside!!!

The beadies were the best...Mel makes the most gorg poly clay flower beadies!!! I now have a stunning orange (i am in love with orange at the mo) set...a most beautiful wired heart with matching earrings. I also have some beadies to create with...a bag of clay roses, pink disc textured pendant, mokume gane heart beads, pink flower beads and some red and black glass heart beads!!! I am so lucky!!!

I lubs you Mel...you are the bestest friend!!!! MWAH

My new do!!

2008-10-02T20:07:00.002+08:00

Just for Sharon!!!!

I am a natural blonde...it gets boring!!! So decided to put a colour in my hair...its kinda an orangy colour, but i quite like it, actually!!!

What do you think?

Faux bone Cabs...by Chanel

2008-09-29T21:15:00.003+08:00

Chanel Oldfield is a very talented wire worker and seed beader...we both belong to a wonderful beading forum. Chanel is the lady who I made some custom faux bone cabachons for...a little while back.

Well...exciting for me, she has used some of the cabs...to create the most beautiful pieces of jewellery. I have to say...it is really exciting to see my polymer clay work made into finished beauty!!!!

Thank you Chanel, you are so talented...here you go...piccies for you of the cuff and pendant.

Monthly Challenge- Mokume Gane

2008-09-28T11:50:00.004+08:00

This month (September) we began monthly challenges on our Aussiepolyclayers forum. I was asked to be the hostess for this month and chose the theme...I love mokume gane now and have begun to really understand the whole idea of it...LOL..so it was natural I chose this technique to start off with.

The members of this lovely forum really jumped on board and have posted some amazing creations. I wish to thank everyone of them for making this...our first monthly challenge sonmuch fun. I have enjoyed looking at each and every entry. Thank you so much!!!

Here is a sampling of the entries...look here if you want to see them all.
Amanda
Melanie Dilday
Esme

Galaxy and some Jangles

2008-09-15T21:11:00.004+08:00

I have made some more Mokume Gane...yes...i am slightly addicted!!!! ;)

This time i made a cuff and a ring. I like how the cuff feels on...chunky but comfy. I am not fussed on the ring...its abit 'bobbly' for me!!
I like how the colours turned out in this stack...i used some silver leaf in there...but it didnt really show much....enough for a little sparkle.

I also played around with a different effect on my jangles (so named after Joyce...the wonderful lady who shared her idea of using eggrings for bangle blanks)...it is kinda twisty ( yes a very technical word). I really ro like the effect...but i think i will play around with it abit more...when i have some more time. I would like i to be more textured, rougher. Will see!!!

Mine...Mine...Mine

2008-08-17T20:33:00.002+08:00

I bought myself a birthday present!!!!

Some absomolutely scrumptious lampy beads from a very talented lampworker, Tania Black.

She is one of my favourite lampworkers here in Aus. I have it on good authority she is dreaming up more beads to tempt me...LOL...i dont mind at all!!!! ;)

You can see more of Tania's work here

Dear sweet Kay

2008-08-13T16:32:00.003+08:00

I wanted to tell the few people out there...who read my blog about a wonderful lady...whom I am honoured to call, friend. Kay lives on the other side of Australia to me...but we were lucky enough to meet....IRL a few months ago...i am adopted fairy godmother for her daughter Kat and grandson Rhys, while they lives here in my town. Kay and I spent some lovely moments together during her visit, talking, drinking, beading and learning. I sent her back to Victoria with a list of beads and supplies i was in need of...no bead shop here.

My parcel arrived in conjunction with a parcel for Kat...we had a ball oooohing and ahhhing over the pretties together. But...what blew me away, was the "extra's" i found in my parcel. So i wanted to share with you all my pretties from Kay...such pretties!!!!! Ceramic beads, hollow glass, pewter, seedies, glass pendants, lampwork beads, eqyptian type metal...and my most favourite, a huge red heart!!!

I felt truly overjoyed knowing that someone cares enough to make my day...actually more...week...month...LOL. I have been struggling with some inner turmoil over the last month or so...so this is my dear friends way of saying...i care. I thank her from the bottom of my heart...i hope she knows how much i appreciate her friendship and her kind ways....words arent enough!

Kay...you made a sad, confused soul happy...lol!!! I thank you.

Faux Turquoise

2008-08-05T19:16:00.005+08:00

These cabachons were made for a custom order...the same lady who is taking the faux bone!

She is very happy with them...phew!!!!

She wanted some chinese-eastern turquoise....so the colour is more greenish than blue...i really like the colour.

Latest offerings!

2008-07-19T20:19:00.005+08:00

Faux Bone/Ivory

These cabachons were made for a custom order. The lady in question has chosen 2 cabs...with one of the bigger ones and the tubes being 'grabbed' by a dear friend! I was planning to make earring with the tubes...so shall be making some more.

I have been thinking about making lots of different cabs and stocking them on my website (my SADLY neglected website)...will see!

Hmmmmmmmmmmm....

I made this necklace using 3 of my mokume gane pendants...thought it was a good idea!

BUT...i am not liking the way it is sitting. I posted a photo on Flickr...and some of my lovely and very talented contacts gave me some feeback. The general consensus from these ladies...is to use each pendant individually...and I think they are right...there is just too much necklace. Will post some more pics when i get round to making 3 necklaces...LOL!

For Relle

2008-07-09T18:59:00.005+08:00

My friend, Relle has her birthday tomorrow...and this is what i made her!!! She will be getting it late...im terrible at getting presents in the mail on time...and it has to travel all the way to the other side of Aus!!!

Mokume gane

2008-07-07T19:20:00.005+08:00

Well...it's school holidays...i waited for my creativity to come rolling in...i have 2 weeks of free time ahead of me...some of that child free...i waited...and then....i got...A COLD!!!!

Despite streaming eyes and a running nose...i did manage to clay...go on...applaud me ;)

I did some mokume gane...i found a tute on parole de pate

So sort of tried that...then i made some pendants inspired by a tute from Marcia Palmer!

The Award Goes to...

2008-06-26T20:34:00.014+08:00

It is the Sweet home blogger Award for sharing beauty, love and joy. A very talented lady gave me this award...and i am so very honoured to call Sharon of Mana Moon Studios a new friend. Thank you so much for honouring me with this award dear lady.

Soooooooo...now i get to bestow this award on to 5 people.

I am new to blogging...so dont have alot of regular blogs as yet...and i cant give it back to Sharon...so that limits me even more...LOL!!

In no particular order...i bestow this award on:

France Chevalier of A Canuck in Oz
France is an extremely talented and versatile artist. She never ceases to amaze me. Not only that, she is an extremely witty and giving person, whom i now call a friend.

Kathi Gose- Dragonglass
Kathi is such a generous person, with so much knowledge. She is always prepared to help out a fellow clayer. She also shares me love of Tim Tams!!!

Wendy Hearn of Guru Creations
Wendy is a talented glass artist in Australia. I have recently had the honour of working with some of her beautiful cabachons...wow!!! I greatly admire her work.

Melanie Dilday of Clay Happenings

I admire Mel immensely! I admire her commitment to promoting polymer clay in Australia, her generous giving of information and support to all fellow clayers, her wisdom and her beautiful soul.

My very very dear friend Ms Anonymous!!!

She 'gets' me! She makes me laugh and cry...often!!! I love her wit and her passion! I love her happy beads...they never cease to make me smile. She hasnt been around of late...life gets in the way...and i have missed her more than i realised. Perhaps she will pop in more often now...to liven up my days with her witty writing about our profession...teaching!

There...i have bestowed my awards! Thank you to all these wonderful people...for enriching my life!!

My new beadies

2008-06-26T20:15:00.005+08:00

Just wanted to share a pic of the new lampies I just bought!

Tania Black is the very talented maker of these beads. I love her work!!!

You can see her flickr album here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/22916648@N03/

Now to make something that does these beads justice!

She also made these...purchased some time ago!

What was I thinking...

2008-06-04T20:15:00.002+08:00

This would have to be the most 'out there' piece iv'e ever produced. I cant decide if i hate it...or love it...haha! My darling OH...informs me...it looks like viking horns...oh yay **rolls eyes**

I have no idea what i was doing when i made these...ummm...horn beads!!!

Thanks to Kathi Gose for showing me a new way of doing a skinner blend...you are awesome Kathi!!! MWAH!

Mixed Media...

2008-05-30T20:19:00.002+08:00

My latest clay work...some little experimments in mixed media...great fun.

Mixed media calls for some 'lateral thinking' on my part...i really need to let go of my self imposed boundaries for this type of work. But...i really think this is something I really want to keep going with. What do you think?

Pink Cabs...for Jo

2008-05-30T20:02:00.003+08:00

I finished 2 gorg glass cabachons that Jo asked me to bead embroider into pendants, for herself and her friend Meegan. I am really very pleased with how they turned out.
The art glass cabs were made by the very talented Wendy Hearn @ Guru Creations.

Wendy has blogged about my work here. Thank you Wendy...your cabs are incredible.

And.......here they are:

Tagged...WTF!!!

2008-05-11T16:17:00.003+08:00

Iv'e been tagged it seems...i have to confess...i had no idea what the heck that was!!! Thanks so much Ms. Anonymous...such a lubbly friend!! ;)

Apparently i have to tell 6 things that you dont know about me...hmmm...gawd!!! Could be boring!

Ok here goes:

I always wanted to study Agriculture...and become a farmer...like my Dad. Instead I became a hairdresser and then a teacher.

I think always knew i should never have married my now ex-husband.

I love horses...and rode for years.

I always have to do the right thing...what is with that??? And beat myself up when i actually dont!!!

I am a home body...i like staying at home! If i had my way...i would never go out!

I am not good at relationships. I stuff 'em up...perhaps it comes down to having no faith in myself...not being confident. It that bad that i constantly stress about stuffing up my relationship with the love of my Life!!!

See told ya it would be boring!!! Im not sure who i am tagging! Make it France !!

HOLDEN RULES!!!

2008-04-25T22:33:00.004+08:00

While in Perth..we went to the Perth Motor Show...gawd...it was so awesome!!

I am abit of a revhead...so is Michael...well...he is a huge revhead. He found a new toy...he wishes!!! It's on $28,000...when he wins LOTTO...sure!

BUT...i found the Holden merchandise shop...and got me some stuffs!!! A jacket and hat...WOOHOO!

My Perth Visit!!!

2008-04-25T21:57:00.005+08:00

It was great...i had a BALL!!! I spent way too much money on lots of things...but i needed them all. Especially the beadies!!!

The very lubbly Nat... thank you Nat...came and picked me up for the drive out to Jo's house (we chatted like old mates the whole way...i knew we would ;))... Long way!!! Jo was just how i imagined she would be!!! And we had the yummiest lunch...then it was time to drool over gemmies!!!
OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO.
I had beadies spead all around me...how cool!!!

Thank you Jo and Nat...it was awesome to meet you both!!

Nat, Me and Jo
Here i am drooling over the beadies...

My Pretties...i think i got the names right...hehe! You can visit Jo @ www.cosmicbeads.com.au

Excited!

2008-04-20T20:08:00.001+08:00

I am excited!!! One more sleep...and i get to go to Perth!!! I get to meet a lady iv'e become friends with online...shes sweet and funny! :)
I get to meet a lady who i used to chat to all the time...until stuff happened! She has the most delicious beadies...and i cant wait to touch!
I get to see 2 lubbly friends...and their bubbies...who i havent met yet!
I get to SHOP!!!....shoes....beadies....STUFFFFFF!!!

I EXCITED!!!!

Simples!!!

2008-04-17T09:46:00.004+08:00

As i was saying...trying to build up depleted stock...i find 'simple' is often what sells...well, I like simple!

So here are some of the things ive been making over the school holidays!

Put on ya sunnies!!!

2008-04-16T20:10:00.002+08:00

I have been trying to build up some stock...with the idea of having an open house in mind...at some stage. My beading mojo has been fairly absent of late...so i have had my lubbly friend Mel...being my colour co-ordinator the last few days. We had a slight misunderstanding yesterday...she said " royal blue &/or lime green"...as she dashed off!!!!!

I read... royal blue and lime green...and then said "WTF"!!! but...

i took up the challenge...and this is what i did..."put on ya sunnies...LOL

My cabs...

2008-04-11T19:31:00.000+08:00

So prettily dressed up in seedies by Joanne Ivy of Cranberry. http://www.flickr.com/photos/joivy/

I made these polymer clay cabachons earlier this year...or was it last year??? Well...around the time i became interested in seedies. My first ever cabs!!!! I sent some to Jo...for her to turn into lubbly beaded/ bezelled cabs...Jo is a very talented seed beader. This is what she did with them!
To say I was chuffed...was an understatement!
Thank you Jo!!!

I dreamed a design...

2008-04-07T19:27:00.001+08:00

BUT...too late!!! Last night I dreamed my Designer Quest design for the Beading Forum. Only problem is...its closed and I've already submitted my design...*sigh*.

Why do I do that...dream a design!!! It's no good to me when I am asleep...der!

It rocked too...oh well...file that away for another necklace...another time!

The Designer Quest happens several times a year over at the beading forum...you purchase a pack of beads...and make something from these packs. Very challenging!

Well...here is my entry...its nice...but not inspiring!

Well I like a chat...

2008-04-06T13:10:00.000+08:00

So perhaps my chats aka meanderings should have a purpose. I see lots of 'Artists' discussing their polymer clay and bead work...so i am jumping on the bandwagon. Perhaps my meanderings should be called...." the meanderings of a non-artist...coz im not an artist...not yet!
Dont let that stop you from joining me in my meanderings...please no!
So...this blog is about me...my polymer clay and beading...and possibly lots of other things that may pop up in my life!!!!!