The Cosy Corner

Well here I'm at it again! I bought some lovely bead collections from Sabrika's in various ethnical colours - Oriental Promise, Pink Garden, Forest Green, Seascape Tones and Tropical Sea - and got into this 'making' frenzy. So I decided to post some of them here. This first one is my Oriental Dream Necklace, on sale on Etsy . I made it while unable to sleep, at two o'clock in the morning. I was thinking of re-visiting the Far East, in particular India or Thailand.  I am quite pleased with the outcome, needless to say.  Find it on etsy, or else contact me through the comments below if you want something custom-made for yourself. Here is a picture!

I have been working hard to improve my quality of work... never easy when you're running about like a mad hatter, as I do.  So, the best option I have found is to leave my work laid out on my dining table so that I can simply plonk at my chair when I am inspired, rather than have to prepare the whole set up before I even get started. So, a few weeks back I ordered some lapis beads - some round ones and some long ones.  I had seen a Neptune necklace on BeadsDirect , and quite liked the idea but did not have the materials. So I adapted it to this: Everyone likes it - I may have to order more Lapis. or more long beads in a different colour for that matter.  Then I was looking at another design by BeadsDirect , and I created the following purple delight; using seed beads, lampwork beads and multi-faceted rondelles: They are available on Etsy .

So today I wore the first set of jewellery that I ever made - my earrings, bracelet and necklace.  They are in an aquamarine colour and very summery.  A lady just walked in to my office and passed a compliment and then she asked me to make her a pink set.... so I have my first order. Yesterday I was speaking to the lady who taught me my first proper steps, Jane Hewes, and she did suggest that once word gets round, I will start being asked to make stuff for people. And thus, here we go! I did not think it would be so soon, but it is nice to know that I will be able to sell some of my stuff - there is only so much one can wear in the same colour, even though certain colours tend to be repeated.  I cannot wait until she comes back in November - we can have a catch-up (and not just jewellery) and she will teach me some new wiring techniques. I will try to update this post with some pics later on.... 

I saw a tutorial on Beadsdirect's blog (via youtube) ... and it is for jewellery with a cellini twist. I'm so tempted to make it... but I do think that I shall first try something easier, with less skill required.  The twists are absolutely gorgeous and I would like to have them but i am not sure about the bead sizes I have - apparently the different sizes give the build a twist... We shall see! Thanks for the inspiration and tutorials, Beads Direct!  

I've not done much in terms of creation these last few days - too hectic with social events and doing things here and there. Here's hoping this weekend things will change!  I now have a considerable stash of beads... and I need to work them before the enthusiasm switches to something else. I would also love to be able to photograph them properly but I need to take some leave in order to do so.  Hopefully the weekend is here and I can take some time to do that, before I go swimming. Of course a swim is on the cards - too hot to do anything else.

I have recently decided to sell my knitting mill.  I have created worms (huge cylindrical knits, with crocheted eyes) for my nephews and a huge blanket for myself; there's pretty few more blankets I can create! I have hardly ever used it and while it's a loss of money, I do need the space for other things. If I do create anything any more, I will do it by hand and avoid simple, square objects as I have many of them!  I might, however, give my hand a go at it if I do not sell it right away. I am just moving on to something different - but if you have a huge project that requires much yarn and great lengths, well this is the way to go. See my ebay listing or my Etsy listing . 

I am wondering just how long it takes to get an e-shop to take off. I have placed my items on sale at my etsy shop , as well as listed on ebay .  Funnily, though, I have had very few views and no bids to purchase. More's the pity! I am trying to work with tags / labels to improve SEO. How does one generate more views / traffic? I'd be happy to receive any comments you might have! 

My first pair of earrings is listed on ebay! I am advertising my blue droplet and crystal earrings here !  These are earrings which are handmade by me! They are also listed on Etsy , since I have more than one pair available! They are on silver-plated earring hooks, made with glass beads Get yours now!      style="display:block"      data-ad-client="ca-pub-0641177604026687"      data-ad-slot="9666157533"      data-ad-format="auto">

From time to time, I head back to this blog to share creations with the reader... and so I have started to work with jewellery - only a week ago!  I think I have the knack for it, having always observed carefully every piece of jewellery I buy. My gran taught me to string beads as a young child - mostly seed and bugle beads, but I never knew quite how to get them to hang around my neck unless the thing was large enough to go through my head. And I have always wanted to make earrings but never knew quite how. This last weekend, I took the plunge and joined a friend of mine. I put together some tools that I had, together with some supplies from when I last attempted to start again.  But this time it went well - I have a couple of items listed on Etsy - Gerimaus's shop !  I have, so far, one pair of pink earrings and one pair of turquoise-coloured earrings , both sets made with glass beads.  I plan to make more, so do keep a watch-out for that space!