GIVEAWAY 5 copies of Jewelry Designs for Artisan Lampwork Beads

Well it has been a long time between posts, you probably had all thought that I had fallen of the face of the earth. A change of jobs has led to a change of pace in the bead studio.  I am not even sure if I would call it a pace, I think it would be more likened to a dead stop.  I can't even tell you the last time I turned the torch on,  I even bought two new diamond tipped reamers from the USA and they are still sitting in the packaging that they came in.

This lack of creativity has had me thinking about what it is that I really want out of life.  I would love to -  stay at home, create a few beads, learn more glass skills, potter around my large garden, learn more about photography, spend more time with my family, cook (and enjoy the process), teach jewelry making again and even video the odd tutorial.  That 9-5 day job is stifling my real passions.

Well it is time to take a stand, pull up my big girl undies (Australian Slang for underwear)  and make a change.  Whilst I love being able to go to work and be appreciated for what I do, I just don't love it that much to keep me ultimately happy.

I have come to the realization that I have to start my "real life design" on the side whilst still doing the 9-5 thing.   This poses a problem for me, as I am so easily distracted during the day with all my amazing ideas for my "real life design".   It is going to take Focus, Focus, Focus, Organization and Patience - these are skills I need to hone in on.

Step One - JUST START!!!

One of the life coaches I listen to regularly says to FAIL FAST.  So if what you are doing is not working, find out sooner than later and change the plan.

So over the last couple of days I STARTED!!.  and now I wanted to share that first step with you.

I compiled my first ever Kindle Book.  The book features my jewelry designs using my own lampwork bead creations.  It is a book that offers inspiration to beaders struggling with what to do with that awesome beads that they bought.

To celebrate Step One - I am offering the PDF version of the book for FREE to 5 of my fellow bloggers.

All I am asking is if you can share this book on your blog or your facebook page and leave me a comment to let me know that you have done so.

 

 

I will let the lucky 5 Bloggers or Facebook fans know on Wednesday 7th August  - I will contact you again then so I can send it to you via email.

Silver Murrini - I am challenged!

Ok - so I am leaving a certain exchange that I am doing on the Lampwork Etc Forum right until the last moment.  My beads need to be sent and postmarked by the 17 September to be sent to California USA.  So I only have a couple more days left to make some successful silver reactive murrini recipes.  

Here are a few beads that I did Monday night a couple might just scrape through as good enough to send.

Also this week the Artisan Beaders of Australia Blog went live - I have been working on the concept for a while now.  Would love you all to visit and follow along.

Earrings, Goddesses & Fire Lotus

I had a bit of a play with TAG Fire Lotus yesterday.  I love the earthy feel it gives especially when overlaid onto a sage base. - All these beads have fire lotus as an accent.  It gives a wonderful array of colours depending on what you do with it in the flame - these where all used in a neutral flame, cooled and then slowly struck.

My Mum & Dad are going on a cruise in September and Mum asked if I could make her some interchangeable earrings for some gold sleepers that she has, these are to match some outfits that she is taking with her.

And this last pair are going to be listed on Etsy when I take a couple more pictures.

Cheers Tania

Glass Bead Makers Challenge & Students

Over the last couple of months I have opened my world to teaching basic lampwork bead making classes.  I am loving it!!! - I have great students and some of them are picking it up really fast.  Soon enough they will be addicted too.

Here are some beads that a student made in her second class - I am really impressed with the shape and holes that she is forming after a two hour first lesson.

I am also organising the challenges on the Glass Bead Makers Forum - the July/August Challenge  which finishes at the end of August and I made a bead for it over the weekend.

Here is the inspiration

Here is the bead.

I still love my Moroccan Lamp Style beads - so why not make a few more!!

Cheers Tania

Dreaming of Ceramics

I scored big time last week - a friend on mine (friend since grade one) sold me a pottery kiln and wheel for an amazing price - I have yet to pick it up but very excited - so apart from everything else I am supposed to be doing, I am now trolling the internet for ceramic inspiration, tutorials and insight.

So if you know any amazing websites for me to visit leave a comment and let me know please!

Finished off a few more pendants that I have listed on Etsy as well this week.

Cheers Tania

Bead Soup Cooked and Ready to Serve

Whoops a bit late - work does get in the way of some things when blogger decides it does not like scheduled posts!

Done and ready to wear - my lovely soup from Alicia in Canada from All the Pretty Things - 

Here is the soup ingredients

And here is how is was served. - I used every last piece - and I love it!!!!!

I love the unbalanced designs and use of different components, none matching of course.

Can you tell I like chunky!!

I added a couple of my own lampwork beads to one of the strings - the colours matched perfectly.

Click here to see the complete list of Participants in the Bead Soup Party 6 First Reveal

Lampwork Rings and Stock Clearance

I just have way too much stock and no room.

I have been diligent about listing my jewellery supply stock on Etsy over the last week or so.  I have so much in my demountable studio that I don't have room to lay it out the way I want - you know Girl Cave Style - I want to put a sofa in there - have a nice display of my finished works - a place where I can invite friends over for a coffee and play with beads and things.

I have also started to import some items that will be new and need ROOM!!! - so go and check out my Etsy store - and see if you can help me make some space in my Girl Cave.

Chain - great for Steampunk Designs available on Etsy

While I was cleaning out some things in the cave - I found a packet of adjustable ring bases - these are now featuring some of my newest lampwork beads. - These ones are available on Etsy as well as down at L'abundance

I had these pink strawberry beads floating around in the what to make pile - they found there way into a chain with some funky black and white beads, making for a fun fresh necklace.

Lastly my EDP goddess adorned with Bali Silver accents

I have also finished my bead soup jewellery item.

Can't show it until the reveal date on Saturday - which is Sunday here. I nearly wore it to work today, I am really happy with the results.

Cheers Tania

Bead Soup in the House!!

Woo hoo - my bead soup package from Alicia has arrived safely in my letterbox all the way from Canada.

I had to wait a couple of days to photograph the soup as the weather here has been overcast and rainy, and I love taking my photos out in the natural light.

So here it is - and what a wonderful package with the added Canadian Pin (nice touch)

Bead Soup Ingredients

Alicia has handmade the silver flower focal and clasp.  She has worked with a wonderful fall pallet, gifting me with jade & rhodonite gemstones, swarovski crystals and some other gemstone chips and flowers. - I am now in creative mode thinking of the possibilites for these ingredients.

I have also been working on some reactive twisties for a challenge on the Lampwork Etc Forum - some not working quite the way I want them - but never the less it is all experimentation and taking yourself out of your comfort zone.

Reactive Twistie Experimentation

During the week I made a couple of bracelets to showcase my Mandala beads - one has already gone to a new home - I will be listing the other in Etsy sometime soon.

Sold

Finally a few beads made with DH Terra 2 Silver Reactive Glass

Goddess made with Terra 2 & Sage

Focal bead with Terra2 and CIM Olive & Triton

Terra2 and CIM Olive & Triton

Cheers Tania

GIVEAWAY AT LORI'S - Got to be in it to Win it

Who does not love a giveaway - well here is an awesome one being held by the Bead Soup Hostess with the Mostess!!

Head on over to Lori's Blog - and check out some fab eye candy and enter - simple as that - you have until the 13th of July!

Cheers Tania

Artisan Beaders of Australia

Well it is out there now....  I have had an idea swimming around in my head for quite some time.  Using my social media background I wanted to help promote the things I love the most..... artisan beads.


I wanted to create a place for us Aussie beaders to shine, be loved by the masses and maybe even earn a buck or two doing the things that we love.


I have a book full of ideas, scribbles, inspiration and mostly the drive to help serve this creative community to the best of my ability.


I am not the most patient person and sometimes things for me are a bit like a roller coaster when it comes to ideas,  I do not have all the answers or all the knowledge but I love to research, lurk and explore all I need to know to help me grow.


The journey has now just began and my project is in its infancy, I have big hopes for this venture which will see Australian artisan bead makers proudly on top of the creative world, not just down under. So head on over to stage one of the tour to our new facebook page "Artisan Beaders of Australia" (ABA) for short.

Cheers Tania!