More new items.....

Still beavering away on new items....

I think winter has hit us now.....

Apart from toddling outside in the garden to sweep up leaves and do the odd tidy, nip into town for the odd shop, and of course the never ending housework, cooking, washing, ironing bla bla bla...........

Life is pretty good. Got the beading bug back (bbb) and trying new things with satin cord, such as those wonderful Chinese Knots and also trying my hand at 'Diamond Glaze', so far not hav

ing much luck. But try try again I will. Here's a few items to at least keep me entertained......

The latest in new knots for me is this Phoenix Tail Knot.

Second attempt at glazing. Unfortunately when I added a second coat, two of them cracked! BUT.......I fixed them.

First attempt at glazing. Not bad actually.

Samantha....

Slowly very slowly the muse is returning.....

Working with silk cord is far easier than wire. I will carry on with this theme until such time that my hands can tackle the wire again. Good things take time you know.......

Top photo is a Coin Knot. Bottom photo is a Snake Knot. (my favourite).

Winter Dreams [music: Giacomo Puccini - Humming chorus / Madama Butterfly]

Recent events make me crave beautiful music and beautiful photography. This music is one of my many favourites, enjoy!

She's gone.........

No matter how prepared you think you are and we had 3 months of knowing the day would come when we would have to say bye bye to Daisy cat. It was, and still is so hard and we miss her so much. On Wednesday 25th May at 4pm Daisy age 14 died.

The vet and nurse came to our home, so much nicer than having to take her there, in a way. Still wasn't nice to see her go, but she went and it was very peaceful and now we have a wee grave in our garden in the place where she used to sit in the sun.

Beads Galore NZ: The Beading Challenge Is Launched ... !!!

Beads Galore NZ: The Beading Challenge Is Launched ... !!!: "Hi Everyone! The challenge is officially launched! We have a total of 10 entries this time. I love the range of entries - each captures ..."

Yep I've entered another beading challenge. Here's my entry.

And it captures the look of 'Autumns Glory'. This piece is called 'Softly into Fall'. And it's worn in your hair! And it's crying out for votes............

Easter Cake.....

Has also been known to pose as 'Christmas Cake' and 'Birthday Cake'. Let them eat cake! And we did. It was delicious. And so was the Sunday roast. Easter Monday (ANZAC Day) was spent quietly reflecting life. Afternoon was spent (spending). Well an hour in Farmers looking for new tops 'Sale Sale Sale' time!

And another one bites the dust........

Finished pendant all wrapped up and ready for it's new home.

Yes I'm still designing......Just.

A custom order done and dusted and sold. And another order for one in green will be started very soon.

Well it got even worse didn't it.....

Not personally that is, but for dear poor Christchurch, a city I love, just about in ruins. And all those poor people. In Blenheim we get the odd quake rumble, and now when one happens it makes you more aware of how awful it would be to get struck by the 'big one'. It doesn't bear thinking about. We have to live each day as if it's our last, even days when you just feel like curling up and staying in bed for the day, at least make an effort to smell the roses. Eat something you really love, even if it puts a few inches on that waist line. Ok that's a bit over the top! Get a grip Jen, no one wants extra inches around any part of the bod. Talking of eating....... daughter Sam is a gem in the kitchen, she has whipped up cakes, biscuits and now muffins while staying and having time out with us. Top photo is the fruit and chocolate biscuits.And bottom is the ginger and pear muffins. Cake is in the freezer, what's left of it! Oh yes, and it's vegan recipes. I'm an easy recipe girl me, rock cakes and fruit cake are my favourites. Yes I'm a lazy baker. But I do love to whip up interesting salads. But more about that another day.

I hope this year gets better than it is now.....

Rest up darling Pooh. I've got lots of cotton wool here all ready for you. Safe travels.
Daisy, you are a funny bunny. Don't go too soon.

Too many nasty things have happened I don't want to waffle about.

It's got to get better, although there will be some sadness along the way.

I've started beading again and that's therapeutic. Perhaps some photos will appear one day.

I'll be glad when it's Autumn, summer heat doesn't agree with me. I want the wind to blow, cool and fresh. Clear my head. Give me back some energy that the heat soaks up. A bit of rain would be nice.

Oh stop bloody complaining! Go to bed and read your book. Awake re-freshed and read some more. All for now.

ANIMAL CRACKERS [Shamrock Edit] (HQ)