Illness and Macrame

Well, it's been a while. I've had a horrible virus that makes half of my face in nearly constant pain, still got it but it’s getting less.

I had a big order of 8 Macrame bracelets this month. Luckily, I find Macrame therapeutic and it helps take my mind off the pain. The blue colours were very popular, and they turned out really well. Now all I have to do is work out how to do my accounts.

 While being ill I’ve been watching a lot of ‘Jewellery Maker TV’ DVDs. This has spurred me on to have a go at my first wirework project, ‘The Tree of Life’. It’s easier than it looks, and I was quite pleased with the result. I used quartz chips for the leaves, I was trying to go for a Gondor style look. Only problem was that some of the colour came off the wire, so I need some nylon covered pliers before I attempt to sell this design. On the bright side, it means that this necklace is mine, and I’ve already had positive comments about it.

 
Merry Christmas everyone, and I hope Father Christmas brings you all you want.

Fame at last, well, Hall of Fame

I've made a few items these past 2 weeks. My first make was a Carnelian Necklace and earrings. I was watching 'Downton Abbey' and got inspired. I've tried to go with the elegance of that series.

 

 

I'm actually quite pleased with the way it turned out. The gemstones look a lot nicer in real life though. I decided to send it to 'Jewellery Maker' TV's 'Hall of Fame', and they put it on air. Comments  by the presenter, Carole included: "Some beautiful, gorgeous tones in here, really, really right for Autumn" "that is absolutely gorgeous with that beautiful little drop there." "that's stunning, and beautiful earrings there as well" "Angela, thats absolutely gorgeous, thank you very much." "An interesting design." So, I think its safe to assume that they liked it. I'm going to enter another one and see what they think. It's nice to get feedback on my designs from people in the know.

 

I decided to make some cheaper necklace and earrings sets at stocking filler prices (£5-6). They are very simple, with agate pendants, but they are something I would wear myself. I think the graduation of colour in them is quite simply gorgeous.