tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8520329298559930842024-03-04T23:01:15.362-08:00GaysieMay...... dancing with modern technology and glass!GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-58141714534065480472014-05-03T04:50:00.001-07:002014-05-03T04:50:40.321-07:00Cim Ginger v Effetre 255Well following my last blog about my need to find a suitable replacement for one of my all time favourite glasses, I had another little glassy emergency. My 'Ladies What Lunch' beads and my 'Betsy Bird Head' beads largely have faces made using CIM Ginger. Now recently it has been in short supply here in the UK, and when Tuffnell Glass's last delivery didn't include any Teresa suggested a few alternatives - they really go the extra mile to help. So I left Tuffnell's with the glass I had gone for - a lot that wasn't on my list and a new CIM Ginger alternative. <br />
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I was eager to test the Effetre Silver Pink 255 as my stash of CIM is at a pitifully low level of two and a quarter rods! When I first pulled the stringer I was surprised how pink the little gather at the end had gone, when compared to the colour in the rod.<br />
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The two beads on the right hand side are made with CIM Ginger and the two on the left with the Effetre Silver Pink 255. It is a little paler as a fleshy tone when placed on white, but proved to be a suitable if not slightly subtler alternative. I will continue to hunt for the CIM Ginger, but now at least I know there is an acceptable and hopefully more constant supply of an alternative. I'd love to know what other people think of it, so do please let me know. Enjoy your melting.<br />
Gay <span id="goog_1757070317"></span><br />
<span id="goog_564489873"></span><span id="goog_564489874"></span><br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-34366212209865799442014-01-30T01:37:00.000-08:002014-01-30T01:37:15.305-08:00Falling in Love Again ....I'm very lucky, very lucky indeed, I live only 20 minutes away from Tuffnell Glass <a href="http://www.tuffnellglass.com/">http://www.tuffnellglass.com</a> who supply all my lampworking glass. I paid them a visit earlier this week, hoping that one of my all time favourite glasses would be back in stock. My all time favourite glass (well this week at least) is CIM Stoneground - a very good warm neutral glass, it looks beautiful etched and is perfect for creating soft shoreline colours. Unfortunately this glass is as rare as Hen's Teeth in the UK at the moment and although I have a little stash I wanted to secure some more (you just never know when these glass producers are going to pull the rug from under you and declare that a line is discontinued).<br />
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Seeing my obvious disappointment (I fell short of actual tears, but think my chin did wobble), Teresa and Becky rallied around offering me alternatives. As Teresa handed me a bundle of Effetre Sand I think I felt something in the pit of my stomach - could this be love? It is a beautiful smooth glass in the rod and looks very uniform in colour, whereas Stoneground has slight stridations or colour shifts within it. I left feeling better than when I arrived as I always do - is it the glass or the chippy banter of the Tuffnell crew I expect a little bit of both, having promised to try it as soon as I could.<br />
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Here are the results of my first play with<b><u> my new all time favourite glass</u></b> (well at least for this week ;)), fickle? Who me? You can see that the lone heart here is made from Stoneground with silvered ivory shards melted in and then etched. I have left the Sand unetched at the moment but plan to etch it later. The shards on the heart I made with the Sand and silver foil, the two beads either side of the heart are covered in silver foil and the outer beads have Iris Orange frit on them. <br />
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I have to be honest knowing that I can get hold of this glass with relative ease and that is should be stable enough to encase (although I haven't tested this yet) has made my heart sing! Yes I'm in love again and yes I'm in love with Sand!<br />
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-90960573661293412742013-10-02T11:59:00.003-07:002013-10-02T11:59:43.749-07:00Autumn Design Challenge RevealIt seems like such a long time ago now, since I received my package of beads from the lovely Caroline of Blueberri Beads and Lesley of Thea Elements.<br />
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I was excited to get started and the package was so inspiring that I made the first bracelet and necklace the morning the parcel arrived. Keen? I'll say so!<br />
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The fabric used in these were remnants of silk used by my daughter in one of her theatrical costumes and I randomly zigzagged contrasting threads through it - the colours tied in well with the lovely ceramic heart and the bronze connector of Lesley's. I added just a couple of my lampwork rustic rounds to the ceramic heart pendant and was immediately pleased with the design.<br />
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Living by the sea I wanted to get a little piece of home into my next design and driftwood seemed the perfect compliment for the rustic ceramic beads used in this necklace.<br />
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It's hard to see from this image but Caroline's urchin beads seemed to look just right!<br />
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The next design took a little longer to come together, but now that it is finished I think I am happiest with it. I don't know why but I sat and looked at the bronze connector for hours before selecting just the right beads to go with it. I knew I wanted the connector to serve as an off centred focal. I am really quite pleased with the overall look and hope I did both Caroline and Lesley proud!<br />
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I can't wait to catch up with all the lovely designs - if you too wish to see what everyone else did with their components just follow the links below:<br />
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<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, verdana, georgia; font-size: 12px; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lesley Watt – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://thegossipinggoddess.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Caroline Dewison – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://blueberribeads.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://blueberribeads.co.uk</a></span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Made By Jules - <a href="http://madebyjulesjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://madebyjulesjewellery.blogspot.co.uk/</a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Heidi Post – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://expostfactojewelry.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Janet Bocciardi – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.honeyfromthebee.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.honeyfromthebee.com/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Alice – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://alice-dreaming.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Dolores Raml – </span></span><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://craftydscreations.wordpress.com</a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Lucy Haslam – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://faerystone.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pine Ridge treasures - http://www.gratefulartist.blogspot.com </span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Shirley Moore – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://beadsandbread.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Tracy Collins – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://travelsintimedesigns.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://travelsintimedesigns.blogspot.co.uk</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Melissa Trudinger – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://beadrecipes.wordpress.com/</a></span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Mags – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://magsinhelmet.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Pepita – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.co.uk/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://pepita-handmade.blogspot.co.uk/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Jo-Ann – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://itsabeadifulcreation.blogspot.com</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Toltec Jewels – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://www.jewelschoolfriends.com</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Judith Johnston – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.judith-johnston.com/blog" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.judith-johnston.com</a></span></span></span><a href="http://www.judith-johnston.com/blog" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">/blog</span></span></span></a></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Janine Lucas – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><a href="http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.esfera.me/travel/blog/travel-stories</a></span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Madeline Bunyan – <a href="http://madelinebunyan.wordpress.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">http://madelinebunyan.wordpress.com/</span></a></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">Chic and frog – </span></span><span style="color: navy; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Arial; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><span style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://www.chicandfrog.wordpress.com/" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;">http://www.chicandfrog.wordpress.co</a>m</span></span></span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">The Moon & Seven Stars - <a href="http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumn-design-challenge.html" rel="nofollow" style="color: #666666; margin: 0px; padding: 0px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">http://moonandsevenstars.blogspot.co.uk/2013/10/autumn-design-challenge.html</a></li>
</ul>
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Here again are the contents of my parcel:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA1XR1GjJ8aHPnM8WVylsF_s82YJKJ3A5toDXjcZtljvpY2otmyD0vdzPC3Nahq7Fke5ioobTjGylZIGmPiypWy2U_wvbfJiALFiQqjh9kBz0QLJ086DmFOWp7jaqK98bK6App1rU3z9C/s1600/Bluberri+bead+-+Thea+Too+stash!+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIA1XR1GjJ8aHPnM8WVylsF_s82YJKJ3A5toDXjcZtljvpY2otmyD0vdzPC3Nahq7Fke5ioobTjGylZIGmPiypWy2U_wvbfJiALFiQqjh9kBz0QLJ086DmFOWp7jaqK98bK6App1rU3z9C/s320/Bluberri+bead+-+Thea+Too+stash!+002.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr2U761SuqJ-Do_dxrh6kmSZIB6f2L2hyphenhyphenHa-Db00FQmbjjiYZuBjxtPHAPRW_Hw6tFjSzheG2kE84iAVl-8H2nnQEUlVHsA8STkVpt_3dVC-l2H1knQQfhBmm8d9GLhg3Gysc2GihB0ad/s1600/Autumn+Challenge+022.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSr2U761SuqJ-Do_dxrh6kmSZIB6f2L2hyphenhyphenHa-Db00FQmbjjiYZuBjxtPHAPRW_Hw6tFjSzheG2kE84iAVl-8H2nnQEUlVHsA8STkVpt_3dVC-l2H1knQQfhBmm8d9GLhg3Gysc2GihB0ad/s320/Autumn+Challenge+022.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-81412700643170719062013-10-01T01:38:00.000-07:002013-10-01T01:38:31.612-07:00All Things Bright and Beautiful!I have recently put myself forward for a couple of fairs and so have gathered all my various wares into the one place. I managed to acquire a beautiful old haberdashery unit that used to house embroidery threads, it is just perfect for my bead and bracelet stock.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhS_n4wZBqfsI7SlxR67zf248C9ED41tTGCWwj-VDW52IAQOvpcgvLWPClfy0tCl5WWIvl1wnB8_vtMe6aYRAOYMuVVRvdqdKOFXBlfcMY0sDOixRt11s5VILKRb_9iNnHchs6hyQOkzE/s1600/Bright+and+beautiful+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAhS_n4wZBqfsI7SlxR67zf248C9ED41tTGCWwj-VDW52IAQOvpcgvLWPClfy0tCl5WWIvl1wnB8_vtMe6aYRAOYMuVVRvdqdKOFXBlfcMY0sDOixRt11s5VILKRb_9iNnHchs6hyQOkzE/s320/Bright+and+beautiful+001.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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It was only when I looked at all the beads and bracelets together that I really noticed just how influenced I am by my surroundings. The majority of my work being either sandy neutrals or sea greens and blues!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS8CuHBn1Ljv_wNTfZe9dtCM92eZlfSdqO6EEsMD73fTGghsuWYxfwdFd1DQsMQNAAgLlxA-RVqKw3A3LzySGfb2_T92Nd8ql0WWu3kl6xJZDTZVtW_tuZ93tWJjxc5T_aId6LRP4AAmT/s1600/Bright+and+beautiful+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiS8CuHBn1Ljv_wNTfZe9dtCM92eZlfSdqO6EEsMD73fTGghsuWYxfwdFd1DQsMQNAAgLlxA-RVqKw3A3LzySGfb2_T92Nd8ql0WWu3kl6xJZDTZVtW_tuZ93tWJjxc5T_aId6LRP4AAmT/s320/Bright+and+beautiful+002.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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Now that Autumn is well and truly here and the bleakness of Winter is only a whisper away - watch out for a change! The cold North Sea will soon be wearing its grey overcoat - guess what was in my last glass order - you got it 'mystic grey!'GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-65119659700436586752013-09-05T04:36:00.002-07:002013-09-05T04:36:46.099-07:00Brilliant Weekend!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYnVh6p7zgB2llTl4kVyRoF8JCuXW0cUcvNRvw3kUNYWZTMj1zN4LOp5Wr-XZJv4_WXnP7JLaSqBPY-UCe5ArQ20XDHlDXYZYMXysO2oHqJthGkKnkyJiXdorR40ly9u3dtkS0ZUoKrxp/s1600/Beads+to+Bracelets+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfYnVh6p7zgB2llTl4kVyRoF8JCuXW0cUcvNRvw3kUNYWZTMj1zN4LOp5Wr-XZJv4_WXnP7JLaSqBPY-UCe5ArQ20XDHlDXYZYMXysO2oHqJthGkKnkyJiXdorR40ly9u3dtkS0ZUoKrxp/s320/Beads+to+Bracelets+001.JPG" width="320" /></a>I had a lovely time last weekend, while teaching at Tuffnell Glass in North Yorkshire. I delivered a two day course to eight eager and enthusiastic pupils. The first day was full of hot glass, as we made a set of lampwork beads. Three of the eight had never melted glass before and their progress was incredible.<br />
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Day two consisted of wrapping wire and constructing our bracelets, before proudly wearing and showing them off!<br />
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As usual Teresa looked after us all brilliantly with home-made lunches of sandwiches and cake and kept us well watered throughout the day with copious cups of tea and coffee!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgyAQTbVzPNpYoy562hyphenhyphenU8q-Zc4hHA6Yol1TUFn0QdGbXGLS_ux5lZzVrC35Ez7lHPQqdzaSc-QSUd1TDmGUKF3FC85rhiAJK8Y6qlzz_mB7h_yzhbianONIE5Zp8S9J_LYNOmmJJU0t7/s1600/Beads+to+Bracelets+014.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlmieHO4jf_HISm0mDf8hvom2gNZfCXvCzWa_QDKly0E4-x3zzoK_HLtGF7mjZmJneSYRp9B5ThNNn3a9LfXrHjPGI40aSWKrtoMnk2YhIFNdM1zbmL-ooiZlogBrKO6YS9PVzfAdYahP/s1600/Beads+to+Bracelets+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNlmieHO4jf_HISm0mDf8hvom2gNZfCXvCzWa_QDKly0E4-x3zzoK_HLtGF7mjZmJneSYRp9B5ThNNn3a9LfXrHjPGI40aSWKrtoMnk2YhIFNdM1zbmL-ooiZlogBrKO6YS9PVzfAdYahP/s200/Beads+to+Bracelets+016.JPG" width="200" /></a><img border="0" height="144" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCgyAQTbVzPNpYoy562hyphenhyphenU8q-Zc4hHA6Yol1TUFn0QdGbXGLS_ux5lZzVrC35Ez7lHPQqdzaSc-QSUd1TDmGUKF3FC85rhiAJK8Y6qlzz_mB7h_yzhbianONIE5Zp8S9J_LYNOmmJJU0t7/s200/Beads+to+Bracelets+014.JPG" width="200" /><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGufgMj2qBrrQaCGAdMmohCtPVrKq9Dy76LV46NkCZkA5ZjHmjojEeJ1t9PBiTe69w3Mx6rcKac7FL-M3fvMQj2tslIRG23uXLldclm2782tp0FKCIWH5cRCZG_oBzF6_XZ0-ho92qIbA/s1600/Beads+to+Bracelets+013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglGufgMj2qBrrQaCGAdMmohCtPVrKq9Dy76LV46NkCZkA5ZjHmjojEeJ1t9PBiTe69w3Mx6rcKac7FL-M3fvMQj2tslIRG23uXLldclm2782tp0FKCIWH5cRCZG_oBzF6_XZ0-ho92qIbA/s200/Beads+to+Bracelets+013.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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We will be offering this course again in the New Year, but if you can't wait until then you can always book a one to one session with myself in the Beadmobile Caravan or better still bring a friend and lower the cost.<br />
Email for details gaysiemay@live.co.uk<br />
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-76997818561214022692013-09-03T08:36:00.002-07:002013-09-03T08:36:17.981-07:00Autumn Design ChallengeI couldn't believe my luck when I was picked to take part in this challenge, arranged by Lesley from Thea Elements and Caroline from Blueberri Beads, who both make exceptionally beautiful findings and beads.<br />
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I almost knocked the poor postie over when he delivered my package of goodies! I wasn't disappointed when I opened them and these beauties fell out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWPXrTQnXyyj2CxRT8BjINpX1jI7jbtL3Wr5-Al20Fkr3MwsW06bQbWk_rlxAi68xATxAKftO7qH1pj3g1v2W6gvjOvewqiBgJbE8swdDoYVHqPo0xjcWug6sClPJMmAfecLrbI_AkI-_/s1600/Bluberri+bead+-+Thea+Too+stash!+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcWPXrTQnXyyj2CxRT8BjINpX1jI7jbtL3Wr5-Al20Fkr3MwsW06bQbWk_rlxAi68xATxAKftO7qH1pj3g1v2W6gvjOvewqiBgJbE8swdDoYVHqPo0xjcWug6sClPJMmAfecLrbI_AkI-_/s320/Bluberri+bead+-+Thea+Too+stash!+002.JPG" width="265" /></a></div>
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My mind began to race with ideas and I have already made two pieces using some of the components above. I used the beautiful bronze connector made by Lesley at Thea Elements and the gorgeous ceramic heart made by Caroline of Blueberri Beads. Do you want to see them? Well I'm afraid you'll have to wait - the reveal date is not until the 2nd October.</div>
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In the meantime if you want to see Lesley's beautiful findings then here is a link to her Etsy shop:</div>
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<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/THEAElements">https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/THEAElements</a></div>
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For Caroline's beautiful ceramics then go to her Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueberribeads">https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueberribeads</a></div>
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Of course then if you want to add some handmade lampwork beads you can always visit mine! :)</div>
GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-7318187106323517552013-09-03T06:59:00.004-07:002013-09-03T06:59:42.440-07:00GaysieMay's BeadmobileI have had a lovely and extremely busy Summer. The main job has been renovating an old caravan (exact year unknown). I went to visit the caravan in its very beige state but instantly fell in love and knew I had to try and acquire it! A successful ebay bid or two and it was mine!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWd3HXimVjSHpMpJjIGW6K686AZYYtj1gdYdnZQ-3-gyOiOOHnw0UKarIowH32Zo3Z0QILlzcOQOdD9s0FJBJ4Ld_mp4mFvBn-NZM6OlvNnKZ57FrrAzr-2p9KTD-KOzBdiVM2D_CIWv2/s1600/Caravan+taking+shape+001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxWd3HXimVjSHpMpJjIGW6K686AZYYtj1gdYdnZQ-3-gyOiOOHnw0UKarIowH32Zo3Z0QILlzcOQOdD9s0FJBJ4Ld_mp4mFvBn-NZM6OlvNnKZ57FrrAzr-2p9KTD-KOzBdiVM2D_CIWv2/s320/Caravan+taking+shape+001.JPG" width="320" /></a><br />
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The work has been fun, tiring and at times more than a little frustrating. The first sign of rain saw several leaks including from the old and perished skylight. I did most of the work with my Dad - who is a hero and very calm, thinking though each stage, where I might be tempted to just wade in with a hammer!<br />
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We did all the internal work first by big beefy fella ripped everything out including the kitchen sink! The Dad filled all the holes before we reinforced the floor and set about creating a workbench and glass storage unit.<br />
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Just call him Mick two drills! Once the unit was made and in, we drilled through the floor to add extraction and feed the propane hose out of. I then set about mosaic tiling the workbench a labour of love indeed.<br />
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My daughter kindly (and under only a little duress) covered the upholstery for the settees that we had kept at the other end. I dusted my sewing machine to whip up some curtains and then Dad and I got busy again reclaiming bathroom cupboards and using lots of plyboard to make bespoke glass storage! Big beefy fella was then called in to put down the flooring - it has been very much a family affair! A labour of love and I think very worth it!<br />
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GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-25890683129832301642013-03-03T08:12:00.000-08:002013-03-03T08:12:11.033-08:00Papering over the Cracks!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ok so I had some really tatty looking jewellery busts - I bought them off ebay and didn't read the blurb properly they are tiny and to be honest a little useless! That'll teach me! Anyway I decided to try and tart them up a bit. <br />
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The first thing I did was to cover the busts with torn paper and pva glue.<br />
You can see that I wasn't too careful about how I applied it. The only thing I did was to make sure it covered the whole of the busts and that I didn't use coloured newsprint.<br />
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It was at this point that the very important next step had to be followed. This is the most important step of any re purposing, up cycling or generally faffing about with bits and bobs. - HAVE A CUP OF TEA AND WAIT FOR THINGS TO DRY!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtTEck28Ea57KjqKOr-ywl4-YsHZXZ8hx-BgXHP4NJ9YhXWkzUiFdNy4iX-Yl80BOUT3YAJjTj2NC3rdu_0G2lJvpDegivok_BYJSyR6lmOj_TJEnA_MSLW7FR594a0lkuc9w33HxloFY/s1600/Tut+2+003.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhtTEck28Ea57KjqKOr-ywl4-YsHZXZ8hx-BgXHP4NJ9YhXWkzUiFdNy4iX-Yl80BOUT3YAJjTj2NC3rdu_0G2lJvpDegivok_BYJSyR6lmOj_TJEnA_MSLW7FR594a0lkuc9w33HxloFY/s200/Tut+2+003.JPG" width="200" /></a><br />
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Next I applied some old emulsion paint - I applied it with a dry brush and quite sparingly. Once this was dried I added some gold paint detailing before waiting for it dry once again. <br />
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The final stage was to brush varnish over the whole thing - I chose one with quite a light stain this time in the past I have used one with a darker stain for a more aged effect. Wait for it to dry and dress it with some of your lovely handmade jewellery!<br />
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-308702619156010492013-02-25T12:56:00.000-08:002013-02-25T12:56:20.648-08:00You never know what is around the corner...<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmphvCnkPkF3EvyMSlsuWS1HB26HcexMSel_yvMHH3iAWeP6K7ZKozFs-yohQN4lgrtbnGH1W5clUGMnSbif2tQEvpPYeBsBuAeB4K0v6p4eBmxS8vhv30AYns0YuFoy3ATtNKhf1APOp6/s1600/green+and+turquoise+054.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmphvCnkPkF3EvyMSlsuWS1HB26HcexMSel_yvMHH3iAWeP6K7ZKozFs-yohQN4lgrtbnGH1W5clUGMnSbif2tQEvpPYeBsBuAeB4K0v6p4eBmxS8vhv30AYns0YuFoy3ATtNKhf1APOp6/s320/green+and+turquoise+054.JPG" width="320" /></a>... a few months back I went to my daughters university to have a dress fitting. She is in her final year of a costume design degree course and I am to model one of her degree show outfits. Now that in itself was exciting enough for me, its such a cool place with aged tailors dummies draped with costumes from every era you can think of, such a creative environment. As her lecturer was talking her through what needed to be done next and discussing decorative finishes he noticed my bracelet and commented on it. He then recalled Jessica telling him about having a Mum who made glass beads and jewellery, well before I knew it I was agreeing to run a one day wire-work workshop!<br />
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The workshop was on Friday, I was so excited. I have been a primary teacher for the last thirteen years, but this was the first time I'd taught adults - I loved it!<br />
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None of the students had done any wire-work before and I think you'll agree they did a very good job! The students choose lampwork beads from my stash of odds and orphans and every single one looked fab! I also gave a lampworking demo. I have the bug and now and can't wait to deliver my two day lampworking and wire-work workshop 'Beads to Bracelets' at Tuffnells.<br />
http://www.tuffnellglass.com/contents/en-uk/d143_Beads_to_Bracelets_-_Two_Day_Course.html<br />
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The March class sold out so they asked me to do another Aug 31st/1st Sep. <br />
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-41376766439212489842013-02-04T10:01:00.000-08:002013-02-04T10:01:54.947-08:00Totally Twisted!<br />
Its strange how sometimes things just seem to evolve. I had a glassy friend over for a cup of coffee and as we sat talking and stroking glass beads I picked up some of the copper wire that was lying around (I had intended to make some jewellery up - okay, okay I admit it, I'm just untidy) and started to play. <br />
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My friend had admired the necklace I was wearing and asked about the small copper twisted connector bead on it. It was as we were looking at this that I decided - why not elongate it and turn it into a setting for a lampwork focal? The results were rather pleasing. Needless to say I got a little carried away and made up several. <br />
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GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-21108545083189427952013-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:002013-01-21T11:59:54.367-08:00Tomorrow I Fight Again!I posted a while ago now about a fight I had - I didn't exactly win. My adversary was the 'pop up' light tent, which I bought to improve my photos. Since the brawl to get it back into its ridiculously small bag it has sat wedged behind a wardrobe - not I hasten to add, in the said small bag! <br />
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Since that time some months ago I have practiced patience and waited (sometimes for a number of weeks) for sunny days on which to get outside and take my photos. However, after yet another bleak weather forecast with no mention of sunshine, I have decided to be proactive and have set myself the challenge of setting up the light tent and capturing some images using daylight bulbs! Still scared emotionally from my previous bout I am already finding little house hold chores and distractions that may yet take priority!<br />
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Yet fight I must, I owe it to the beads - this poor little chap was snapped on a rather grey day - wish me luck?GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-29778002611507523022013-01-20T11:00:00.000-08:002013-01-20T11:03:07.874-08:00Tomorrow - The First Day of the Rest of My Life?Ok, so I made a huge decision to quit my day job! Tired of the stress and workload I resigned. I finished at Christmas. On the 28th of December we flew out to Tenerife for a fortnight. On returning to the UK my youngest fell ill with a fever and was off school, for three days. The fourth and fifth day of that week would have ordinarily been my days off! So (drum roll please) tomorrow Monday 21st January will be the first day of the rest of my life! <br />
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So what to do? Well I do have some rather exciting news, not only am I delivering a one day wire workshop at the local uni campus in February but I've also been asked to run a two day course at Tuffnells Glass. The first day will be making up lampwork beads and the second day will be transforming the beads into bracelets. To say I'm excited is an understatement. Wish me luck?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OKCNzDX9vsXQB01nrlN-KHM9uoUlqQs8vZ-lD-gcwzK1Oe0mkRYwVQNxs82jvvaj_AQ8CCgILmLiVpEQzeq7T1ZXBRUJBgLZaoYlQdrnPhVGm8sHqatL0kb1vlLKqG92xID9vfw9Ka4V/s1600/Val+Cox+Frit+009.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_OKCNzDX9vsXQB01nrlN-KHM9uoUlqQs8vZ-lD-gcwzK1Oe0mkRYwVQNxs82jvvaj_AQ8CCgILmLiVpEQzeq7T1ZXBRUJBgLZaoYlQdrnPhVGm8sHqatL0kb1vlLKqG92xID9vfw9Ka4V/s320/Val+Cox+Frit+009.JPG" width="320" /></a>You can find out more at Tuffnell glass<br />
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http://www.tuffnellglass.com<br />
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<br />GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-59368921757528523612012-12-21T08:31:00.000-08:002012-12-21T08:31:29.261-08:00It's Been Too Long!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zq5NxL8l_YpI9rCHZf3uT_OneM8NHy90Vj1LPuPOEhSzo3YnMN3ULAiCx38IX8fY872Jbw6ccj0DoXJRJyGOBjWZpZJP8rm3_YDR8u2RAwL4GmpGPx2P5xVKQWS91LlnIJMIy3SxNFsA/s1600/Juno's+Friend+GBUK+006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="279" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6Zq5NxL8l_YpI9rCHZf3uT_OneM8NHy90Vj1LPuPOEhSzo3YnMN3ULAiCx38IX8fY872Jbw6ccj0DoXJRJyGOBjWZpZJP8rm3_YDR8u2RAwL4GmpGPx2P5xVKQWS91LlnIJMIy3SxNFsA/s320/Juno's+Friend+GBUK+006.JPG" width="320" /></a>I can't believe I've neglected this poor blog - and so much has been happening too! Perhaps that's the reason why. I've just been reflecting on what has been a great year on the glassy front. I was lucky enough to win the stringing section of the GBUK annual competition, with this my entry Juno's Friend. I was obviously delighted and am already thinking about 2013s entry.<br />
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As if that weren't enough I actually managed to win the Lampwork section of the Jewellery Maker of the Year Competition held by Beads and Beyond Magazine. I have to admit I shed a little tear on hearing the news. The piece I entered was quite tricky to make, but I'm pleased I persevered with it. I've also been lucky enough to attend a couple of courses, one with Bronwen Heilmann who came over from the States and the other with Amanda Muddimer who came up from her own studio to deliver a course at Tuffnells glass. They were both fantastic and I learnt loads of really useful tips. <br />
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So I'm here wondering what next year will have to offer on the glassy front? If its halve as good as this year it will be great!GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-17292595603267289462011-02-26T22:47:00.000-08:002011-02-26T22:47:08.187-08:00Spring is in the air!<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I was sat doing nothing much the other day, there was no TV babbling in the corner, no children squabbling, no noise much at all, and then I heard it. The first noticeable dusk birdsong! Sweet music to my ears. A sign that the long winter months are on their way out, giving way to spring at last. I don't know if this is why the piece of copper I was weaving into a spiders web, suddenly became a birds nest, but it did. Once it was made and patinated there was just one thing missing. A little birdy to sing in the spring!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha94bJhqxZiG8X2-bx1WV_uq3jzPL7lyxG7yIu_FrwLjkfafANQIoB8C2I9dux6TWcV8gnjOYHFUc-Fbjidy4WTpErY6IlF5aP0TuEOQCDfMy0FZ7i5NmuSHN4h_DphzeKq1TnqwqZYNI/s1600/blue+bird+005.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiha94bJhqxZiG8X2-bx1WV_uq3jzPL7lyxG7yIu_FrwLjkfafANQIoB8C2I9dux6TWcV8gnjOYHFUc-Fbjidy4WTpErY6IlF5aP0TuEOQCDfMy0FZ7i5NmuSHN4h_DphzeKq1TnqwqZYNI/s320/blue+bird+005.JPG" width="298" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So I turned on the torch and made this little fella to sit and sing - I think he's waving good bye to winter!</div>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-3101244197831711462011-02-24T05:46:00.000-08:002011-02-24T05:46:21.592-08:00When Too Much is Not Enough!I really love the bracelet that I've just made. It uses my own copper clasp and the links are all made by myself so I feel proud that a lot of care and love went into making it. The problem is that I would really like to make another in a different colour and I have a very clear image in my head. So what's the problem, I here you ask? Well making the lampwork beads nearly killed me. Ok, so I exaggerate slightly, but it did take some time and commitment to make them. I settled with all my equipment in front of me and turned each lampie into a lovingly prepared dangly and then set about composing the whole piece, only to find that I had no where near enough danglies to achieve the look I was after:<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKubIRtRzzC7MYvP9V6KWsvIIp_lvxsU0E24fWoowaTZ6gd_S3rIWZw_TV6G27wkxvVzjwlb0ibugjzeeri1aprmA5cOd9NFdnaP9eBPDIwilgmEt1qIv1MEPzuhdAun43HPQn_srJyMZC/s1600/focals+016.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="245" l6="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKubIRtRzzC7MYvP9V6KWsvIIp_lvxsU0E24fWoowaTZ6gd_S3rIWZw_TV6G27wkxvVzjwlb0ibugjzeeri1aprmA5cOd9NFdnaP9eBPDIwilgmEt1qIv1MEPzuhdAun43HPQn_srJyMZC/s320/focals+016.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>So I had to make some more. The only problem with that is, that every time I went near the torch, the last thing I felt like making was more of the same type of beads. I did, however dig deep into my reserves of energy and perseverance and eventually made more and completed the bracelet, but not until some time had elapsed. I now face the prospect of facing this huge challenge all over again - this time though I'll be sure to make all the beads necessary in one sitting! Wish me luck!GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-12526193899248974352011-02-04T11:23:00.000-08:002011-02-04T11:23:17.485-08:00I Have The KeyI've just spent a happy couple of hours making lots of new beads. Having had a collection of old keys kicking about in my beading cupboard, I got to thinking. Could I use them as mandrels and melt glass onto them? Well before I knew it I was dipping them in bead release and trying to find out. <br />
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After rather messily covering the shaft of the key with ceramic release (and much of myself too) I encountered my next problem. How on earth would I hold the key and be able to turn it in the flame without burning my fingers? I got lucky with the first one and I managed to super heat the end of a glass rod and use this as a punty, attaching it to the hot key. Easy, I thought. No, just lucky, as try as I might, the subsequent keys were not playing and I had to think of something else. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2z8tvKpD2OaWE_ueT5GtGT2FbBD49a8y_j6Ua46BV6X7Id80XugGOBiO4QORYBrFgNYHgqXkF-02CeIkx7T0ZkTsqQH41fRFue8rtq5OtzxoYlujCrG7ld6C_dPZrjCBRxMnHghyphenhyphenKmaox/s1600/etsy+and+ebay+100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" h5="true" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2z8tvKpD2OaWE_ueT5GtGT2FbBD49a8y_j6Ua46BV6X7Id80XugGOBiO4QORYBrFgNYHgqXkF-02CeIkx7T0ZkTsqQH41fRFue8rtq5OtzxoYlujCrG7ld6C_dPZrjCBRxMnHghyphenhyphenKmaox/s320/etsy+and+ebay+100.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>A few of the hollow keys offered another solution, which was to stuff bamboo kebab skewers into them and use this to twist the key as necessary. Hey presto it worked, but not for long and I soon found myself dodging hot metal and glass as one worked itself loose and fell onto my workbench before bouncing toward my lap! It was after this narrow escape from a third degree burn that I thought I would leave my torch for the day and give the matter some more thought - so what is the key? Answers on a postcard please!<br />
<a href="http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/">www.gaysiemay.etsy.com</a>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-35154319991400281022011-01-27T09:06:00.000-08:002011-01-27T09:07:19.072-08:00Some day even your mistakes just work!Today has been a good day, I have had plenty of play time at the torch, and done a good deal of my 'to do list' for today too. I have four large focal beads cooking nicely in the kiln, and even today's accidents have been happy ones, I picked up a stringer (thinking it was dark amethyst) to add some final detailing to one of the beads. Detailing complete I thought I'd bake the bead in a reducing flame (propane rich to make all the colours pop), only to find that the dark amethyst was actually a stringer of Triton left from my previous torching session. Triton is a lovely reactive glass that turns rich metallic shades of blue and purple when placed in a reduction flame, and as it happened it was just what this particular bead needed. I'm just praying to the kiln fairies that they'll be kind and it is still as pretty in the morning!<br />
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<a href="http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/">http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/</a>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-60901760366397629602011-01-18T13:44:00.000-08:002011-01-18T13:45:34.387-08:00I speak pidgin technology - tweet tweet (did you see what I did there?)I feel like an outsider, partially understanding a fraction of what I am doing, but wholly understanding my almost complete ignorance of it! <br />
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I chat on a forum, where advice regarding blogging, tweeting, flickr groups and the linking of all of the aforementioned are common place. People are willing, eager even, to share their knowledge and conect themselves to others wirelessly through this wonderful medium we call the web. They are a kindly bunch, with much patience, Yoda-ish in their manner. Yet despite all this sharing of knowledge, I feel, as if much of it, is in some mystical language to which I am not party. As though some unspoken initiation test has yet to be successfully completed, whereon the fog that is cyberspace, will clear and I will gain understanding and clarity and ultimately Jedi status (well not quite, but you get the drift). <br />
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I see myself in all my techno-confusion as the character played by Rowan Atkinson in a 'Not the Nine O'clock News' sketch, who is trying to buy new speakers for his sound system (you remember them - built like tanks), only to be humiliated for his ignorance of modernity by the two serving on, who eventually tell him to go home and play his gramophone Grandad!<br />
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... and on that note I'm going to dust off one of my old LPs, and have a Marathon bar (what the hell is a Snickers anyway) and no, I am not a Grandma, well not to the best of my knowledge anyway!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jqYUKnfh2rcYO0VTVao7SPLyeX1D9P9ImB1V7RuDgWvcddhyMKV92jYtP-JWKRwIWpk7hU_dniB7fzrz_EIWaNAmLTpEcrdDdoL0aTNCsMmFIye75snSUfELGqITKGL9QdzN7eIcjTQ/s1600/wine+stopper+060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="184" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjc7jqYUKnfh2rcYO0VTVao7SPLyeX1D9P9ImB1V7RuDgWvcddhyMKV92jYtP-JWKRwIWpk7hU_dniB7fzrz_EIWaNAmLTpEcrdDdoL0aTNCsMmFIye75snSUfELGqITKGL9QdzN7eIcjTQ/s320/wine+stopper+060.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Or on second thoughts a large glass of wine!<br />
<a href="http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/">http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/</a>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-86208001379721167692011-01-13T15:37:00.000-08:002011-01-13T15:40:05.893-08:00Fight may just have been worth it!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRVvacG_a-GehfYLBCfZlAk9AnH5w0iFemY4-ncT3gTP5PkhlkgSR-D8uYUWlBFQz8Xzkrk6Uo4ClE-VgmvdNq7hG7aEW2ufxrg1Z48craolFtt9pkcDSMg1ip1B7ARH1yuY7VH47D6rs/s1600/bracelets+040.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="280" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuRVvacG_a-GehfYLBCfZlAk9AnH5w0iFemY4-ncT3gTP5PkhlkgSR-D8uYUWlBFQz8Xzkrk6Uo4ClE-VgmvdNq7hG7aEW2ufxrg1Z48craolFtt9pkcDSMg1ip1B7ARH1yuY7VH47D6rs/s320/bracelets+040.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Well I finally assembled and poised the lamps around the pop-up light box and hey presto - in the middle of the night, produced not too shabby photos!<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/">http://www.gaysiemay.etsy.com/</a></div>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-61491750299961070202011-01-13T06:42:00.000-08:002011-01-13T06:42:15.585-08:00Just had a Fight!Can you believe it a woman of my age brawling on the kitchen floor. I feel quite ashamed and to add insult to injury I lost! Well I lost the first round at least, but I'm prepared to have another bash. <br />
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My adversary, I hear you wonder? A 'pop-up' light box akin to a modern day pop up laundry basket! These things make deck chair erection look like child's play. I have twisted it every which way possible, I have sworn at it, sat on it and all but throttled it and still I can not get it nearly small enough to go in the postage-stamp-sized-bag from which is sprang!<br />
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The worst of all this is, that I knew what was coming. My other half bought our little boy a 'pop up' tent during the summer holidays, what fun! I had a fight with that too. I grappled and wrestled and failed miserably to put it away successfully. It now resides behind an old cupboard in the garage which at least keeps it in check. The minute it is liberated, it magically springs up crushing mere mortals between itself and the garage wall!<br />
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All is not lost however, this 'pop-up' conundrum, may well yet become my best friend. It will hopefully enable me to take a decent photograph, in our grey and bleak mid-winter. It arrived packaged beautifully accompanied by two huge lamps, these sport bulbs the size of ostrich eggs and, I'm assured, give of real daylight! I can only hope they live up to the massive expectation I have of them. I keep thinking that I will magically turn into some David Bailey style photographer overnight, when in reality all I ever do is point and press!<br />
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On this note I think I will call a truce, the gap behind the wardrobe is sufficiently wide enough for the said light box to reside, and to be honest I really don't have the energy for another tussle!GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-78191133784006412082011-01-09T02:56:00.000-08:002011-01-09T02:56:08.255-08:00Prototype for new bracelet design.Over Christmas I had a lot of time on my hands. We were all under the weather but myself, less so, than the rest of the family. So I did what I do when slightly bored, I got all my lampworking books out, I browsed the internet endlessly and I made beads. <br />
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It was at this time that I realised that I strive to make complicated beads (with varying degrees of success or failure) using what can be quite involved techniques, when in actual fact the beads that I like to look at most are relatively simple. This dawning led me to make a set of non-matching beads, yes a non-set really, themed on colour and contrast. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp0HnnuRnIY_rOL95rCLQ_crt-FjJppV4t9CxnY4B6wGvyZ2n8b-dD1LeZbVBixVtHRt_aYxQtU72TADhaom2h3LwIxP81m3XVvXI1mHC0gd_ir6DA2IzOeyYvUQOCCdHotYYQzK2iS7V/s1600/Toffee+bracelet+002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" n4="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQp0HnnuRnIY_rOL95rCLQ_crt-FjJppV4t9CxnY4B6wGvyZ2n8b-dD1LeZbVBixVtHRt_aYxQtU72TADhaom2h3LwIxP81m3XVvXI1mHC0gd_ir6DA2IzOeyYvUQOCCdHotYYQzK2iS7V/s320/Toffee+bracelet+002.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>An internet splurge with Christmas money (thanks Dad), had seen the book 'Bead on a Wire' by Sharilyn Miller, land on the doormat. This coupled with said non-set of beads gave rise to one of my favourite pieces of jewellery of 2010. I know that this is a design I want to explore further and so with optimism, I look forward to the creative possibilities of the New Year!GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-852032929855993084.post-7230108136939666832011-01-09T02:07:00.000-08:002011-01-09T02:07:32.105-08:00No really I don't know what I'm doing!One of my new year resolutions was to brave the world of technology a little bit more. I'm thinking positive and jumping right in! Now please bare in mind that when I was at secondary school, we had one BBC computer installed the year before I left. So you see the background I'm coming from. I grew up in an era where mobile phones looked like house bricks and needed a battery pack akin to those rucksacks worn by the ghost busters. <br />
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So far I have created a facebook account and this very morning I created a twitter account, I'm not sure how either really work, but I'm stumbling through it, albeit rather nervously. Up until today my internet experience amounted to shopping, email, shopping, forum use (or misuse), shopping and posting items in an Etsy shop - so basically a bit more shopping!<br />
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The real object of all this is shameless self promotion, in order to try and reach an audience for my handmade lampwork beads and jewellery. I will hopefully chart my progress and work in this area as time goes by. I would love for everyone to have a glimpse of my wonderfully glassy world. Shiny and pretty and at times a rather frustrating world <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaysieMay">http://www.etsy.com/shop/GaysieMay</a>GaysieMayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14529599867038017900noreply@blogger.com0