It’s been over two weeks since I last blogged. Tsk tsk… I’ve had some distractions - visiting London to meet my new nephew being the one of the pleasanter ones. There have also been new beads and some new jewellery designs. I planned to say more about a number of these things than I will do here, and I will say more in time. Perhaps it’s the impact of listening to George Osborne’s voice for 54 minutes, but I’m feeling a little short on chat today!

I’ve made quite a lot of beads recently. I’ve been wanting to try some text-y beads and charms for a while now. I made a bit of an error before I started, when I ordered my stamps. As I often do when I order things online, I failed to consider how large the letters were. Once I opened them up, I realised they were quite large. I had planned to put little phrases on things but with these stamps I’d be limited to very large pendants if I did that. So, I opted for single words. The matter of what words to use is something I’m going to come back to. Briefly, for now, I picked words associated with intimacy and constance - fitting for jewellery, I thought.

I was anxious with these that they shouldn’t end up looking like Swoondimples rip-offs, especially as the font on the stamps looks very similar. I hope I’ve avoided that - please do say if you disagree! It becomes quite hard to tell once you’ve looked at something and fussed over it for some time. There were quite a number of attempts that ended up in the dud tub, but I’m fairly pleased with this handful. New, smaller letter stamps are on order.

I also got some new birds and houses made. A number have sold but these are still available.

I also finally got around to sending some new stock to Big Bead Little Bead. There are more houses there now, along with owls and hedgehogs.

And now for the new jewellery. Hopefully, I’ll get these listed on Etsy shortly.

(bronze clasp - TheaTOO, ceramic hoop and cap - Scorched Earth)

(ceramic button - Scorched Earth, polymer slices - me)

(ceramic bird - Blueberribeads)

I had to use that Blueberribeads bird to justify getting some more, this time in grey.

I got a bit behind with the AJE earring challenge, so I had to make up several pairs.

(lampwork dahlia beads - Ciel Creations, lampwork headpins - Earthshine Beads)

And I finally got a pair made with my own beads. These pods are also available in the bead shop.

I’ll leave you with one last pair of earrings. No art beads, just lovely czech glass and some vintage, antique silver hoops. I’ll be back soon - I have Bead Soup Blog Party pics to share.