Bedecked Beads

Sometimes things go wrong-Crafting Disaster?

2011-09-26T09:33:00.000+01:00

Have you ever had a crafting disaster? Has something unique and unusual come out of the mistake?
I had this happen to me a couple of weeks ago......

I decided that I hadnt had a polymer clay day for ages and realised that the crafting season was now kicking in with avengance. I had happily stuffed a few handbag mirrors/compact blanks into my crafting unit, intending to do something with them in the near future..soooo..out came the polymer clay. I happily made up a few circles of clay using an old mokume gane cane that I had stored, some fab new special glitter and jelly roll canes.

I had 4 blanks and made up 4 circles to insert on the recess on top of the handbag mirrors.The polyclay was put in the oven and I felt a great sense of satisfaction, that I had actually got out my poly clay. Circles came out of the oven and I got the two other compacts out of the packet, only to discover the tops were rounded corner squares NOT circles. Aghhhhh how could I forget/not check :-(

So...out came out the polymer clay again, two new toppers made for the square shapes and a brand new pendant out of one of the spare circles, which I claimed for myself. So, dont despair, sometimes something new can develop from a mistake..thank goodness!
All compact/handbag mirrors are available on the website, the pendant is currently being worn by me :-)

R and R-This is not a craft related post!

2011-09-11T08:21:00.003+01:00

It gets to this time of the year and all we are looking for is a little R and R. So the delightful 'G' (my O/H) and I took ourselves off to Paris for a well deserved break. We visited Paris last year and stayed in an Ibis, to be reasonably sure of the hotel standard.This year we decided to take the artist in our souls and booked a lovely appartment in the vibrant, cafe society area of Montmatre.

Our hosts provided us with flowers, red wine, bread and Camembert to start
off our gastronomic journey.

This year we became a tad more adventurous by booking a 3 day Metro pass and we travelled regularly, morning noon and night until we got it sussed!

We visited street markets, with such quality produce. Amazing wines, succulent chicken,fragrant flowers and wow...fish...wonderful displays!
We did the tourist things of course. A visit to Paris isnt complete without that, so the Eiffel tower, Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame were on our list..but so different as the sun is setting

Beautiful parks, strange sculptures, famous cafes and caberet. Paris is a wonderful and eclectic mix of culture,style and ethnicity.

We also visited the cemetry at Pere Lachaise where the great and good (or not so good) are buried. We searched out the graves of Oscar Wilde, Jim Morrison (frontman of The Doors), Chopin, Edith Piaf and Sarah Bernhardt.The most moving moment was to see the memorials for the different concentraction camps where hundreds of Jews died in WW2

Folksy Friday- Show me your heart(s)!

2011-08-19T06:43:00.000+01:00

I started this topic in the Folksy Forum as I was interested in the items fellow Folksters made, using hearts. I do tend to chose jewellery, as that is my vice, but I was amazed at the other items there were.

Here are some of the shops who posted in the forum and I would like to feature them today.I have added the links at the bottom of the page.

I hope that you will visit each shop and look at the fantastic items they sell

1. http://folksy.com/shops/HandmadeByTamaraJayne Tatty Rag Heart.

HandmadebyTamaraJayne make a great selection of crafts. Call in if you want some bunting or even a few egg cosies! I love this raggy heart for its fresh colours..lovely in a country kitchen.

2. http://www.folksy.com/shops/averilpam Polymer Clay textured heart

AverilPam can offer unique, handcrafted polymer clay jewellery visit their shop for a ‘one of a kind’ item. I love this pendant! I admire the work of other polymer clay artists and the items created in this shop are fantastic!

3. http://www.folksy.com/shops/WendyElf Walnut buttons

Wendy Elf shop contains a wonderful selection of wooden items from key fobs and bag charms to greeting cards and peg bags. I love the idea of the personalised key fobs but have picked these wooden heart buttons as my favourite

4.http://www.folksy.com/users/ShooglyBeads Polymer Clay Heart Bracelet
Shoogly Beads are another Scottish based business. This heart bracelet in pink, lavender and blue has been created with polymer clayand crystals. The very apt name of ‘Monet’s Garden’ describes this piece to perfection

5. http://www.folksy.com/users/AudreysCat Heart Cushion

AudreysCat create items from fabrics from the 40s to the 70’s. How about a vintage apron or peg bag to go with your retro style. This cushion is a fab design and colour. The patchwork fabric heart is made up of pink, lilac and blue..so pretty and a lovely feature cushion for a girl’s bedroom

6. http://www.folksy.com/shops/KerryLouDesign Hearts birthday card

Kerry Lou Design can offer handcrafted cards and books for various occasions, new baby, wedding etc. I love this card for its simplicity and clean lines.

7. http://www.folksy.com/shops/CraftyWarren Beaded Heart Earrings

At the Crafty Warren you can find exquisitely beaded jewellery, beading supplies and even quirky sock rabbits. I love the beading and would love to have a go at this kind of jewellery but not sure that my eyes would cope with the tiny beads.

8. http://www.folksy.com/shops/BedeckedBeads Polymer Clay Heart

9. http://www.folksy.com/shops/BedeckedBeads Crystal Heart Charm Bracelet

A couple of different items from me. A simple polymer clay pendant with the addition of silver leaf make this a pretty pendant for everyday wear and the crystal heart bracelet will provide the wearer with a little understated bling

Folksy Friday-Ode to our Feline Friends

2011-07-22T11:00:00.027+01:00

It is true, you can find some fantastic items on Folksy. Folksy Friday on my blog, this week, includes some fantastic feline favourites. I hope that you will visit some of these shops and show your support

Bedecked Beads

My first is an item of jewellery for sale in my shop This brooch has been made from a full sized domino,
To enhance the feline theme here is a photo of one of my beautiful
BSH cats-Rosie

The next item I am featuring is a lovely fabric handbag made from a lovely retro fabric with unusual top loop handle. These bags are one of a kind made by Wendy in Gower, Wales

Mad Bags by Wendy

Dottery Pottery

Here is another brooch, this time made with clay and decorated with various varnishes. check out Dottery Pottery for their beautiful handcrafted ceramic items

Baggie Aggie Too

The Beady Eye

How much do you enjoy technology? This Kindle cover is made with a quality cotton fabric and is fleece lined to protect your gadget. Customised covers can be made to fit other gadgets. Check out 'Baggie Aggie Too's shop.

Finally this original piece of art work on a boxed canvas has been created by The Beady Eye. This truly content feline is painted with watercolours and drawn with ink and pencil

Folksy Friday-A quick trip round Europe

2011-07-15T07:01:00.000+01:00

Paris by Night Necklace

Bedecked Beads Folksy Shop

I have reinstated my Folksy shop after an absence and I have remembered this week to feature some of the great craft that you can find on Folksy

The first item is one which I have relisted and I call 'Paris by Night' It features the iconic Eiffel Tower together with ribbon and lace which gives it that 'Oooo la la' factor.

Paris Box- Jewellery/Trinket Box

One artisan/crafty person I really admire is Louise 'Zuzu' Crosbie whose shop is an Aladdins cave of fantabulous goodies. I have also chosen a Parisien theme from Zuzu's shop.This stunning box would be the ideal gift to store your wonderful jewels!
Zuzu's Petals Altered Art 'n' Stuff

I have featured Italy with this next item. this beautiful Merino wool scarf would make a lovely gift. merino wool is renowned for its softeness and warmth. Pom Pom Knits

Scarf (Merino Wool Extra Fine hand crafted)

What represents Spain best?. It must be the Flamenco..great passion..flair and style.Look at this fantastic flamenco apron. Wear this and you would become a passionate senorita in your own kitchen :-) Flamenca de Gales

This gorgeous little house
brooch has been inspired by Dutch architecture. Take a look at the items offered by 'Hollowbourne' in their Folksy shop

So thank you to the featured shops!
Bedecked Beads
Zuzu's Petals Altered Art 'n' Stuff
Pom Pom Knits
La Flamenca da Gales
Hollowbourne

Where do you find your inspiration?

2011-07-12T07:00:00.011+01:00

To be able to create you have to find inspiration whether it be other artists or the wonderful world around us. There are such fantastic colours in nature for example look at a sunset, how the hues change and darken. I
took out my polymer clay yesterday and found some inspiration in a pottery from Cornwall called Troika the simplicity of their designs inspired me to make this necklace, simplistic and geometrical and very different for me. I used Cernit stone effect clay

I have lived in Scotland for 4 years now and I wanted to create a piece of jewellery that in corporated a plaid. I tried really hard to get this right but the 'plans of mice and men' etc , it wasn't quite as I expected. I used a royal blue, dove grey and a dark green for this cane. The lines in the cane went a tad awry when I tried to reduce it but I still quite like the beads. Sorry Scotland :-(

The last two pieces came about when I had small amounts of the original clays left, so I made two floral brooches. the first was made with the stone effect clay and the second with the blue and dark green of the second necklace

I would love you to tell me what it is that inspires you!

Stockist News

2011-07-04T07:18:00.001+01:00

I was thrilled to be approached by Julia and Karen from Potter Around in West Lothian about stocking my handcrafted jewellery.
Potter Around is a ceramic painting business and craft studio based in Kirknewton on the outskirts of Edinburgh.Julia and Karen are very enthusiastic about supporting local crafters and artists and are rapidly stocking their studio with gifts ranging from pottery, glassware,textiles,papercraft and jewellery. There are classes for adults and children and so much more
I have submitted some domino, polymer clay and crocheted jewellery to add to the stock and I hope that if you are in the area, you will pop in and have a browse.

Blog Candy Winner

2011-06-13T09:15:00.002+01:00

Wow, what a great response to our blog candy/giveaway! There were a total of 202 correct entries which was amazing.

We used the random number generator to draw our winning entry. No 162 was the winner, Cathy James, who has been emailed. Cathy has 24 hours to get back to me to claim her prize which I m sure that she will. Congratulations Cathy!!

As some of you are aware, the website has been closed for two weeks but is now open for business

A Big Thank you-Treasure Hunt/Blog Candy

2011-05-24T18:37:00.002+01:00

I have been overwhelmed with the support that I have received via my facebook page, loyal customers and followers.

Handknitted Copper wire necklace

I am offering a wee bit of blog candy/competition as a thank you. All you have to do is pop over to the website and answer the following questions.

Please use the contact form on our website, under the ‘competitions’ tab (DONT leave your answers on the blog) Leave your answers, together with your first name. The closing date for the blog candy will be Sunday 12^th June 2011 at mid-day. All correct entries will be put into the draw and the winner will be notified by email, week commencing June 12^th. If we have had no response from the winner within 24 hours of the email being sent, the prize will be re drawn.

All of the answers to the following questions, can be found on the website

1. Where will Bedecked Beads be on 26^th November 2011?

2. When was the website established (month and year)?

3. Who makes polymer clay beads at Bedecked Beads?

4. What game pieces do we use for some of our jewellery?

Larbert Craft Fair

2011-05-22T10:33:00.004+01:00

Polymer Clay Pink and Purple Lentil Swirl Bracelet

Bedecked Beads had a lovely time at the craft fair at Larbert yesterday. It was nice to meet old friends and new. Some fellow crafters from the Livingston Craft Association (Liz Steel Crafts, Clairez Cardz and C & I Knitwear) were present as was a good friend of mine Jenni Hamilton (Cardmadfairy) who brought her wonderful crazy collection of sock monkeys and wonderful cards.

Honey Jade necklace Set

Gemstone (Fluorite) and Pearl Necklace Set

There was great foot fall at this event as it is really well advertised. There was a lot of interest in our new polymer clay and gemstone jewellery
People like jewellery that is handcrafted and unique.
I took lots of pictures of other stalls but unfortunately forgot to take some of ours so I have attached one taken at the last event!

Trying new techniques

2011-05-04T23:12:00.001+01:00

The fascinating thing about polymer clay is that there are so many different things to try. Nothing is ever wasted even if you are left with lots of scrap it is useful for becoming the centre of new beads. This week I have tried two new things.

The first is a water colour/torn paper effect. I made a skinner blend with three shades of blue-green and made a stack including black white,translucent and the skinner blend.The sheet was left over night and the next day I was able to tear it and add it to the surface of the scrap clay.
I found this technique on Maggie Maggios Blog

The second technique was to make a 'mobius' bead. I made a square cane with a simple jelly roll which was cut. A slice of cane was taken and opposite points were pinched together at the top and pinched together at the bottom. I have already made a necklace from these beads incorporating matching lentils

Some of the finished items

2011-03-22T18:47:00.001Z

Oh well, I managed to get a few polymer things made. I hope that you like them!

Bracelets

Earrings

Brooches

Pendants

Necklace

Clay in my hair!

2011-03-20T17:45:00.001Z

I have a jewellery party for my friend Kerry next Saturday and decided that I had better do some more 'crafty' stuff. I had forgotton how much pleasure it is creating with polymer clay and how you forget the time! I decided to concentrate on vibrant yellow, green and orange for my first project and had a great time making canes. I have made a 'squiggle' focal which will go at the centre of the necklace together with complimentary beads covered in the same cane. I also made a square pendant. I made two brooches, one a very large flower..I think it will look great on a jacket, the other is a sort of abstract design.The last item is a rectangular pendant with a knitted effect. I suppose I had better go and get them in the oven now!
Needless to say, the clay gets everywhere, in the carpet and in my hair!

Tempus Fugit-Finally Got Round to Creating

2011-03-15T07:00:00.078Z

Wow, I seem to be so busy all the time! I finally made a few things with my beady stash but be assured there are more items to come! I have spent the majority of the day updating my website and still havent finished uploading everything!

I have also sent out a free postage offer to all of my customers. You can register with the website if you wish (I sent out newsletters between 4-6 times annually) I have added a link in the right hand side coloumn.

Beady Spending and Creativity

2011-02-27T13:34:00.000Z

Yesterday I added to my beady stash..not that I actually NEED to as I have a storage chest nearly as tall as me! Sometimes it is compulsory to buy beads in order to be inspired and creative. I purchased some gorgeous rose quartz, fluorite,ceramic beads with sunflowers, crystal hearts and more :-) Luckily I have a very supportive husband who positively enncourages me to buy more than I need LOL.

I did however obtain more supplies by collecting a further supply of sea glass.
Today I have made some backing cards for my brooches, which I think will help them to be displayed better at craft fairs.

Inspired by Nature

2011-02-14T21:31:00.002Z

There are so many things that can inspire our artistic muse; the seasons,animals,colours,sea,landscape to name but a few. What greater inspiration than the fantastic colours contained within a peacocks feathers? I have named these my peacock necklace and bracelet. I have combined a gorgeous cobalt coloured wire with copper,green,teal and turquoise beads and crocheted them into these jewellery designs. It is wonderful to be embracing brighter days and emerging from the dreariness of winter. I hope these pieces inspire you to think of brighter days ahead

Sunday Show Case-Folksy

2011-02-06T11:26:00.007Z

It is great to feature other Folksy sellers. It all goes to spread the word of the great items you can buy, which make unusual and unique purchases or gifts. I came accross this shop the other day and I adore the kooky and kitsch items that they sell. The shop is called Shabby Cow and can be found on Folksy. I hope that you will pop over and look at this great shop!

Roses are Red,Violets are Blue. What can Folksy offer you?

2011-02-01T20:41:00.007Z

There are so many wonderful people on Folksy who sell such a wide variety of handcrafted items.Wouldn't you prefer something that is totally unique, not mass produced.You know that so much thought has gone into the design and creation of these pieces. Many articles have been written about the cost of handcrafted goods.Dont forget we are not buying the raw materials in bulk and although we love our craft, should we be paying ourselves under the minimum wage for creating these pieces?

As we are so near Valentines Day, I am featuring items that may be associated with it
Please enjoy and visit the featured shops :-)

The rose & crystal necklace and the rose lampwork beaded watch are by Bedecked Beads

The fabulous modern and quirky Valentines Card is by The Doll House

The stunning watercolour painting of a red rose is by Lizzyanthus

The fantastic drift wood heart is by Driftwood Dreams.

The fabulous red felt rose brooch is by Granny Ruth's Gift Emporium

Dont let crafts become extinct, start by buying your gifts handmade and visit UKs top handcrafters on Folksy!

Blog Candy Winner

2011-01-29T12:03:00.006Z

Firstly I would like to thank everyone for joining in this little competition. There were a total of 22 comments by people other than myself. One of these comments was deleted and a new comment added later, therefore I selected numbers between 1 and 21 to make it fair for everyone (one entry each)

The winner of the competition as you can see from the picture is no 21 The Mosaic Garden CONGRATULATIONS!

Folksy Friday on the subject of the sea!

2011-01-28T16:48:00.008Z

There are so many things that you assiate with the sea.There are the fantastic colours,sea glass and drift wood to name a few. Colours can vary from azure blue to green and grey. I hope that you like the pieces I have picked for you today.
My two pieces are firstly one associated with the cool blue/grey of the sea represented by this fantastic lapis lazuli gemstone and secondly a copper crocheted piece of sea glass which I have made into a brooch. Bothe these pieces are featured in my Folksy and website

The Seahorse picture is so unusual, you can find this in Thread Friends on Folksy

Sea pottery earrings by the Beach Shack Project

A lovely water colour of sea urchins by Handprinted and Mixed Media by A Deegan

And finally a beautiful deep sea green ,enamelled silver pendant by Lukelys

Wire me up!

2011-01-23T18:07:00.006Z

I love tangling myself in wire and have made a couple of crocheted necklaces this weekend.

The first is made with silver plated wire and purple glass pearls. A very rich looking necklace in a choker style with filigree effect leaves

The second necklace is again a choker style but this time crocheted in copper wire.The glass pearls are in shades of russet,gold and hunnisuckle. This is a slightly different style but as light to wear as the first piece

The third necklace is one that I made a couple of weeks ago with glass drops and green wire.

I really enjoy this type of work although it is a little hard on the fingers!

I think these designs would be ideal for wedding or special occasion jewellery

Blog Candy/Giveaway

2011-01-22T12:39:00.008Z

I have had my blog for a couple of months and have also manged to gain over 1.5K likers on facebook.I have therefore decided to have a give away as a thank you to all my supporters,customers and likers.

This is a pretty 'Paris' themed necklace, made from a soft black silken cord with glass beads in various shades of pink. The focal piece is a minature Eiffel tower amongst bead charms and pink satin ribbon.The necklace fastens with a silver plated trigger clasp. All you have to do is comment on this post. I will select a winner through random.org on Saturday 29th January-competition closes Friday 28th January at midnight.

I do have another of these necklaces in red and black (oo la la) available in my Folksy Store (follow link on the right)

Folksy Friday

2011-01-20T22:54:00.007Z

I only came across this post on the forums. I had no idea there was such a thing but I think that it is a great idea to feature the wonderful crafty people we have in the world.
My theme for Folksy Friday is Mixed Media/Altered Art
There are links to each shop within each item

Featured artists (links within pictures)

Gillian's Mixed Media Musings

Ginger Bits

Papillon

Zuzu's Altered Art 'n' Stuff

Bedecked Beads

Thank you for giving us inspiration!

Long time,no blog-New Folksy and Designs

2011-01-10T14:13:00.009Z

I may have been a little tardy in making blog posts but I havent been putting my feet up (that much!) I have decided to add to my retail outlets by opening a Folksy shop

I have a couple of items on there, which are not featured on my website. I dont know why I have done this, I spend so long online as it is with blogger,facebook and my website.I must be a glutton for punishment. I made some scrummy polymer clay beads over the Christmas holidays and have made up two necklaces and a bracelet which can be found in both of my shops.

I have booked two craft fairs for 2011 to start with and I have a few more in the pipeline. I hope that the weather this winter will not prevent me from attending them!

Yesterday my DH tried out his new light tent and updated a few of my photos. I have attached a few of these for you to look at.

Post Christmas Sale

2010-12-30T07:12:00.002Z

I am having a sale on my Bedecked Beads website. I am offering 10% discount up to 31st December, just enter FB10 at checkout.

Christmas Eve and Facebook Giveaways

2010-12-24T10:33:00.004Z

Glad that the holiday has finally arrived but sad that I am unable to be with my family due to my poor husband having a nasty 'bug'

I have had a great year and met some lovely people along my crafty journey. Supportive crafters from the craft association which I am involved in,crafters at craft events and lots of lovely people who follow me on Facebook I have done giveaways on Facebook before and will be doing another one shortly once I manage to acheive 1500 likers. I will run my giveaway through the blog due to Facebook rules. I hope that if you havent joined me on Facebook, that you will (or suggest to a friend) so that I can organise the giveaway. This is a token of appreciation for all the support I have received.

Finally I hope that you have a very happy holiday and a fantastic New Year

Aghhhh at Snow

2010-12-04T19:02:00.006Z

Most of you in Blogland must be aware of the tremendous amount of snowfall that we have had in Scotland.

I have had a pyjama day today and stayed in, nice and snug. I know that I shouldnt have put up the tree today but I needed something cheery after being disappointed when my craft fair was cancelled. There must be many of you in the same situation. I think that our only alternative is to shop online...and keep waiting for the postman!

All wired up

2010-11-26T21:17:00.004Z

I am enjoying playing with wire....quite a statement hey? I bought myself a fab book on wire work and have been passionately twisting, crocheting and knitting to my hearts content.

I made a crocheted bead necklace a few weeks ago and have now made a similar necklace in red and gold, very festive :-) I have made a few bracelets and a brooch using this technique too

I have so many ideas but so little time! This time of the year I have been very busy with my craft fairs as well as my other job. I want to do more wire work and polymer clay but this will have to wait until after Christmas....

Stock Panic and Great Days!

2010-11-14T11:25:00.005Z

Christmas is nearly upon us and I went to my first big craft fair for Christmas yesterday. I attended this fair last year and the footfall was good and I made a record number of sales. This is a bonus and I quickly have to start replenishing stock!

I was particulary pleased with my sales of semi precious jewellery,watches and sea glass. So off I go now to start to increase my stock.

Preparation for Christmas

2010-11-08T16:13:00.005Z

I treated myself to a book last week. Of course the book was to do with jewellery..what else? I decided to try a new technique with wire and I have made this copper wire, crocheted, bedecked with beads necklace. Hope that you like it.

I feel as though I am able to mention the word now, having meandered into November.
I have spent the weekend making more items for up and coming craft fairs. A few bracelets with sparkle..wow the AB crystals are fab!
My biggest craft fair will be this coming Saturday at St Margarets,Livingston. I really look forward to this one as it is all handmade items and they are a friendly crowd.Hope to see you there!

T'is the season to be jolly!

2010-10-11T10:49:00.008+01:00

'Oh no' I can hear you say..its too early!
It isnt too early in the crafters world as we have to be prepared for up and coming craft fairs, custom orders for Christmas etc
All I can say is that..I have started
Yesterday was a bookmark day. These are affordable gifts for stocking fillers, friends gifts and for children to buy for their relatives
I have picked bright jewel colours of beads for the first one as you can see.
The second bookmark is my favourite as I love mermaids.The mermaid trails behind her a swathe of blue and green beads, picking up a starfish in her wake
I have been busy with custom orders too. The crystal watches have been popular for that party bling. I have made two elasticated charm watches for my customer to choose from.Her daugher is not a 'pink' type of girl, so I have made one in green I(her fave colour) and one in jewel colours again. I wonder which one she will prefer?

Sunday Crafting

2010-09-19T18:03:00.007+01:00

I decided to get out my polymer clay after a few weeks absence. I have made some cabouchons for cufflinks, pendants and beads
I tried a new technique today which I really enjoyed and I am pleased with the effect.I rolled out some black clay and then added silver leaf. I painted the silver leaf with three shades of alcohol inks and ran through the pasta machine on a thinner setting to get a crackled effect (similar to dichroic glass)I made a pendant with this and also covered some scrap clay to make glittery beads..ideal for Christ*** (please note I didnt say the word!)The beads look like lollipops whilst they are drying. I cant wait to use them!

I have recently made a few beaded watches which have been selling like hot cakes. I had a few pre-ordered and these are the latest two which I have just added to my website

Tempus Fugit

2010-09-05T09:44:00.003+01:00

Time certainly does fly. It is a while since I blogged and I had a great day yesterday playing with beads. I created two pieces of time piece jewellery. The first is a pocket watch with a Paris theme, so I just added three beaded charms in the colours of the tricolour and added it to a black chain. The watch has a steel casing and it works well with the black chain.

The second piece was a copper coloured watch face for which I made a beaded strap (using small beads that I made last week from fimo)
I have put the first piece for sale on the website but I am tempted to keep the second piece for myself :-)

Facebook Giveaway

2010-08-31T20:28:00.003+01:00

I dont know how many of you have Facebook pages for your craft/business. It is another great way of getting your name out there. I love seeing other peoples crafts and gaining inspiration from them and picking up crafty tips. I have been very fortunate gathering over 750 likers along the way :-)To celebrate the number of likers I am giving away a bracelet via my business page on Facebook.
If you have a Facebook account, pop over to Bedecked Beads and tag yourself on the photo

Fimo Play Day

2010-08-30T19:15:00.004+01:00

I have had a really busy weekend. A craft fair on Saturday and one on Sunday, so it was nice to have a relaxing day off. My days off start with a nice hot shower, breakfast and a cup of tea. No hurry, I do too much of that when I am going to work! So..then what..a play with my polymer clay. I decided to use mostly scrap clay, you get a lot of that! I did use some gold and cream as well of which I still had a quarter of a bar of each. The blue scrap clay was twisted giving a marbled effect and I added some copper foil. I used scrap green clay with the gold and cream in the mokume gane technique. I love this technique as you never know how it will turn out. I have loads of mokume gane to use another day but I managed to make a pendant, two brooch shapes and a couple of rounds for cufflinks.

A very enjoyable day!

Lack of Blogging and Craft Fairs

2010-08-21T12:52:00.003+01:00

I am not sure how much blogging to do, I seem to concentrate more on Facebook and update that with new products regularly. I think that we get so focused on promotion of our craft that we dont find as much time to actually do it. I still love incorporating different styles and media into my work and I hope that you enjoy the look of things that I make, as much as I enjoy creating them.

Next weekend will be a busy one for me as I have two events to attend. one is a craft fair in Linlithgow (the palace there was the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots). It is a lovely market town, nice wee cafes, the palace and the loch and well worth a visit-you can always pop and see me too! On the Sunday I will be attending a new venture which is a craft fair at my local garden centre, where there is also a nice wee cafe (do you get the idea I like my coffee and cake..lol).

Details of both events are on my website BedeckedBeads

Knitted Choker Necklace

2010-08-21T12:45:00.004+01:00

I commented on a lovely knitted bracelet by my fellow crafter Charters, having bought copper wire the same week! Unlike Charters I made a necklace and have incorporated gorgeous beads in shades of blue and green. Hope that you like it :-)

Dont forget that if you register on the website, you can sign up for newsletters and special offers. The next newsletter is due out at the beginning of September.

and more buttons................

2010-08-15T12:31:00.002+01:00

I must admit I do have a passion for buttons and the more unusual, the better. I obtained these buttons from a local haberdashery shop and was quite excited by them (sad I know!) They have a real retro feel and I have carried on the black and white theme with the beads I have used.The bracelet is elasticated (unstretched size 7.5 inches) The necklace is a choker style, so that the buttons lay flat and is approximately 16 inches. I have to add these to my website and I will give the option to increase the necklace length by up to 2 inches

Buttons

2010-07-24T14:17:00.005+01:00

I have always loved buttons. When I was small my mum always had a button tin and I would spend hours sorting them into colours, shapes and sizes. My children did the same thing, grandmas button box was a fascinating thing to play with.
I still love buttons and now incorporate them into my jewellery.I even have a section on my website devoted to Button Jewellery

Here are a few examples

Pearly pinks

2010-07-18T15:24:00.003+01:00

Victoria Rose-Vintage style glass pearl and fimo rose necklace
just added to the website.

Glass pearl loaded elasticated silver charm bracelet

Everything is coming up Roses

2010-07-17T18:04:00.004+01:00

I cant claim that I made all these polymer clay roses but I certainly made the yellow one (first attempt) I have purchased some wonderful polymer clay roses, so expect some more rose jewellery soon.

The antique effect necklace incorporates some dainty brass swallows and the yellow rose is a short dangle. It is a short necklace (16 inches but could be made longer)

The red and white roses are also polymer clay and these again are on a choker length necklace of red and white beads to compliment the flowers.This is 17 inches in length and an extension chain could be added.

I am hoping to add these to Bedecked Beads website soon

Beachcombing

2010-07-13T19:08:00.002+01:00

I am so lucky living in this part of the world. the great city of Edinburgh with its architecture, the Highlands, lochs and lowlands and not forgetting the coast. We went out to the coast a few days ago and found some fab driftwood which will be ideal for photographing and displaying my jewellery. We also found some lovely pieces of sea glass (one almost showing'Dunbar'), pottery and a lovely wee piece of slate. Hopefully I will be creating some seaglass jewellery shortly but am very torn between knitting,polymerclay and beading at the moment. I must try and head in one direction and not get distracted! (I sound like a school marm there..must give myself lines lol)

Playing with Canes

2010-07-10T19:05:00.003+01:00

Silver Plated Handknitted Necklace with Summer Berry Seed Beads

2010-07-07T22:59:00.003+01:00

Bring in the clowns ;-)

2010-07-04T17:49:00.004+01:00

I had an array of different coloured beads at the bottom of my bead box. I started thinking of the masked jester, Harlequin. I incorporated oval acrylic beads and miracle beads together with different coloured spacers to create this Harlequin necklace and bracelet.The necklace has a feature leaf toggle which can be worn at the back of the neck or on the side, as the photograph

Continuing the theme

2010-07-04T17:47:00.004+01:00

Latest Additions - Online Shop-Necklaces,Brooches and Bracelets

2010-07-02T21:03:00.000+01:00

Latest Additions - Online Shop-Necklaces,Brooches and Bracelets

Our latest additions category feautures newly created items, please check back for updates. You are also welcome to join us on facebook

Summer Fashions

2010-06-29T18:49:00.009+01:00

There is no hard and fast rule for this summer.It is pretty much wear what you like!

The nautical look is still very popular, lots of stripey tees and white linen trousers about. Flowers are also popular, worn in the hair or classic 'tea dresses'. I have combined both these styles in a couple of nautical necklaces with large rose focals

I have combined florals alone in a lucite, floral bracelet. I have also been playing with polymer clay and making my own canes, which the following necklace and bracelet are made from

Welcome to my blog

2010-06-28T20:52:00.000+01:00

It is almost 12 months since Bedecked Beads online shop was opened. Now seems a good time to add a blog to let the www know about us!

My aim is to let people know about the jewellery that I create. I try to create OOAK (one of a kind jewellery). I am a magpie and have become a collector of all types of things which I think may prove useful in creating something new. I love altered art, bright and shiney things, tactile stuff and vintage. I hope that you will find something in these pages and my website, which will appeal to you.