Lots to Share!

Due to my lack of posting over the last couple of weeks. I have quite a bit to share with you.

First, I must give you an update on the nesting blue tits. The chicks finally fledged just over a week ago now. I had been checking every day that they were still in the nest box and I couldn't do anything until I had seen the parents going back and forth to the box every morning. Unfortunately, in the last week it looked as if there was only one parent doing all the feeding etc. Two chicks fledged and for most of that first day they just fluttered around our garden, it was quite a tense time because we have several cats living around us. I managed to snap some pictures of the chicks which were taken within about 30 mins of them fledging. I just hope they've managed to survive.

I am pleased to report that the trip to Wembley wasn't in vain!!! The Tigers won. The boys were ecstatic and are STILL talking about it. Hull City are now in the Priemiership and will be playing the likes of Man Utd and Chelsea this coming season - oh joy!!

Our trip into Derbyshire was lovely. We met up with hubby's Mum and spent the day visiting various studios and galleries that were taking part in the Derbyshire Open Arts Festival. We started off at Studio 61 in Lea where some of my chainmaille jewellery is on display and for sale. After that we went off to Pollyanna Pickering's gallery, which was full of stunning wildlife paintings and prints. Hubby ordered a signed print of a tiger (Hull City!!) which we went to pick up yesterday, but it wasn't quite ready. It wasn't a wasted trip though because Pollyanna has another exhibition on until the end of this month (see her website for details) and it was all tigers!!

I've been busy with my jewellery too. I was asked to go along to a local wives group to do a small talk and hopefully sell some of my work. It was a little nerve wracking to say the least, but I think it all went ok. I don't think the talk was quite long enough, but I could see that some of the ladies were itching to see my wares. As soon as I invited them up for a closer look I was swamped for about 15 mins which resulted in a very successful sale. Whenever I visit this kind of venue I always make a donation to the cause/charity of their choice. If you are interested in me coming along to your organisation/event please don't hesitate to get in touch. Below is a small selection of my latest pieces, some of which were sold at the above event.

Finally, I was a little busy towards the end of last week - not with jewellery, but with a birthday cake!! I volunteered to make a cake for a friends 50th birthday. It was a real challenge because I decided to do it in the shape of a guitar - a red Fender Stratocaster to be precise, which is the type of guitar Graeme owns. I was really pleased with the result and I think he was rather pleased too. Here's a picture of the finished cake, apparently there's not alot left now!!

My First Award!

I've been given an award!! Yeah, my very first blog award which I received from my very dear friend Kerrie, thank you matey, you made my day. I would therefore like to make the day of 5 fellow bloggers:

1. The first goes to my mate, Caroline of Crafted Gems. Caroline is the reason for my lampwork bead obsession - I have a fair few of her beautiful and exquisite lampwork beads. Where would I be without, Caroline. I have to thank her for supporting me, pushing me and for egging me along when I need it and for making me bankrupt lol.

2. The second goes to Nia of Gemwaithnia, my long lost twin (we kind of resemble each other!). I absolutely adore Nia's jewellery. She is so talented and it is a joy to feast your eyes on her creations - she's a lovely lady to boot!!

3. Next comes, Lesley of Coburg Crafts. Another very talented jewellery designer. I was lucky enough to meet up with Lesley, in real life, a few months ago and she was just as I imagined her and we got on like a house on fire.

4. Coming up next is Anne of Chloe's Designs. An extremely talented young lady. Anne makes amazing jewellery from fused glass and I'm lucky enough to own one of her dichroic bangles (see earlier blog). We met up a few months ago at a craft fair and we chatted and chatted for ages.

5. Finally, the last but by no means least is Maz of Amari Jewellery. Maz designs and makes the most gorgeous wirework jewellery. Her work is so neat and precise and her use of semi-precious stones is inspiring.

I hope you take a moment to visit the blogs mentioned above and the others that are listed in my list of friends - there is a wealth of talent and expertise.