Sunny

I've had a lot going on.
 

I’m sorry about not posting anything last week, I was a little under the weather. I should start by saying that I have terrible allergies. I went to an allergist in 2002 and he told me I had the worst allergies of any patient he’d ever seen and this doctor was pretty old. After taking expensive prescription antihistamines for years I settled for over the counter meds.  I took Cetirizine or Zyrtec for the past year or two but this year it stopped working (as antihistamines do from time to time) so now I’m taking Chlorphenamine which is in the same class of antihistamines as Benadryl or Diphenhydramine, they are very effective but they make you very sleepy (and now are being linked to Alzheimer's disease). I also take Flonase every day. Neil tells me I shouldn't take so much medicine and I have told him many times that if I don’t take these meds I get sick. Well now he has seen firsthand what happens when I don’t take my medicine. Two weeks ago I forgot to take them (both the antihistamine and nasal spray) for about four days total. The first time I got sick I was in college, I left the doctor with an antibiotic, steroids, nasal spray, decongestant, inhaler and cough syrup. And at least once a year for the last four years I was in the US I had the same thing happen, I would go to the doctor and they'd give me an antibiotic, steroids (methylprednisolone) and a cough medicine in pill form.  Last week (and even now) I was feeling pretty rotten but I couldn’t really rest, Neil is ill so someone has to take care of things. Last Wednesday I definitely had a fever and woke up twice in the night drenched. I can only stand to do one strenuous activity a day (whether it's yard work, cooking or cleaning) then I'm useless for the rest of the day. I am now at the tail end of this allergy induced bronchitis.

Last Tuesday I had my first driving lesson. Two weeks ago I passed the theory test for my UK driving license. I have a license in Pennsylvania but that isn’t doing me any good here (especially since I need to get it renewed). But I had never driven a stick shift or driven on the wrong side of the street (and car). I didn’t think I was going to do well. To be honest, I was okay driving but starting and stopping are tricky especially starting. I have another lesson tomorrow then hopefully Neil will put me on his insurance and I can drive between lessons.

 

Lastly, the flowers. Fortunately while I wasn’t feeling well it rained for almost a week  straight (or at least it felt like it). So I got to take a break from watering the flowers. But on Saturday I still went out to feed them (which I’m supposed to do every two weeks). My  two favorite roses seem to be at the end of their bloom, but three more are just getting started.

 

This lovely little orange rose is just starting to blossom, and another two bushes are going to open any day now.

 

 

 

 

 I can’t wait to see what color they are.

 

 

 

 

 

 

As you can probably see from the pictures they have aphids which I have tried spraying with homemade natural pesticides and store bought chemicals (which Neil doesn’t like). The homemade one didn’t work at all, the store bought one did seem to work but I can only use it twice a year, and I’m afraid to use it now that I that have seen birds perched on the bushes. I hate bugs but I like birds.

Another bush about to blossom

Finally, for the reason you read this blog. Between being out of ideas and materials and being busy I hadn’t made anything last week. But then I purchased some glass beads. Honestly I knew exactly what I wanted to make I just didn’t have the supplies I needed to make them. So I went online and made a couple of small purchases. One turned out to be a bust, the beads didn’t look anything like the picture but I can’t really complain for the price I paid and they were buy one get one free (You get what you pay for is the lesson I am learning this year). I’m still waiting on the essential piece I need for my idea so I can’t make it yet.

The Last two Peace roses

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did get a large pack of glass beads from my favorite supplier and I am amazed by the range of colors that were in the pack. I wish I had my wardrobe from home, I would make myself a pair of earrings to wear with every outfit. Unfortunately I didn’t bring all of my pretty summer dresses with me, and even if I did I’d never get to wear them since it’s rarely hot and I never get to go anywhere (hopefully that will change when I get my license!).

 

The first pair I made reminded me of a yellow linen dress I used to wear at home. I HATE YELLOW! But I like wearing it, it looks good on me. But when I saw these little yellow beads I knew I had to make a pair with them.

 

The two oblong beads are glass and you can see a swirl pattern in them. Each bead is separated by a small pearl bead. The findings are silver plated and they will hang approximately an inch and a half from the ear. 

Although there were several hundred beads in the pack I bought there are only enough of the same beads for me to make one pair of these so if you want them for yourself let me know. 

£4.50 including UK shipping, $9.95 including US shipping

Sherri

Sherri & The Roses

 

Sorry I haven’t posted anything since the showcase. I had a creative spurt last month and made several designs then posted them all, I didn’t have any inspiration to make anything else.

 

 

I have been busy though. We have a huge front yard at our house and I recently became interested in caring for it. I’m a city girl, I don’t do dirt or bugs but we have 12 rose bushes in the front yard and I am trying to nurture them. Some have aphids, most of them have a fungal infection which turns their leaves brown but when they bloom they are lovely. There are several different types of roses and in many colors; orange, red, several shades of pink and one call a “peace” rose which changes color as it blossoms.

This one smells like Turkish Delight

I started a few months ago, in the winter I cut back all the brown dead looking parts; Neil said they should be pruned by 30% every year but he hasn’t done it in years. This year I did it. Now that they looked like they wanted to flower I’ve gone out every day and watered them. We don’t have a hose or a spout outside so I carry a gallon jug back and forth to water the bushes. I figure it is good exercise and besides it will make them pretty. Neil doesn’t want me doing all this work but I don’t really have anything else to do.

The Peace Rose

Aside from that I’ve just been trying to be a good wife, learning about natural cleaning products (I've become obsessed with vinegar) and trying to keep the house clean and make yummy food like pizza (which I think I finally cracked) and trying new recipes that we can both enjoy. This week I made North African Cous Cous, Neil even liked it and he’s a picky eater. Last week I made chocolate pudding and Sunday I made butterscotch pudding, Neil didn’t like the chocolate and refused to try the butterscotch. More for me!

This Sunday is Mother’s Day in America and my Godmother’s birthday is a few days later, and since I now have clip on earrings I decided to send her a pair. I had in my mind the pair I was going to send her but when I went to get them apparently they didn’t exist. I have the long pair (Birthday Earrings) and the pair on the chain but I thought they may be too long so I  made this pair especially for her.

Each earring has two garnets and one faux pearl bead. The findings are all silver plated.

 

Hopefully I’ll be inspired to make more earrings soon.

£5.00 including UK shipping, $9.30 including US shipping.
PS. I took these pictures on Monday and the bushes shown have bloomed more since then.

 

Happily Ever After

 

 

I’m a little obsessed with this chain right now. I just keep thinking of new ways to use it. It’s like this year’s wire. I keep having bouts of insomnia which leaves me exhausted during the day but when I’m lying in bed trying to sleep ideas pop into my head. This is one that came to me two weeks ago.

 

Each earrings consists of four chains (one for each flavor of marriage*; sour, bitter, spicy and sweet - see descrption at the end). Each chain has a different bead on the end; two 2mm pearls, one 4mm pearl, one 8mm pearl and one Swarovski teardrop crystal. Each strand of chain is also a different length. The earrings hang about 2 inches from the ear. The chain is sliver-plated, as are the findings; which as always can be fitted with either fish hooks (shown), kidney wire or clip on (additional cost).

 

As always these aren’t exclusively for brides or bridal party members. Anyone can get their hands on these. That’s all for the wedding line this year, but again you can see what’s still available from last year’s line and most of the pairs not in stock can be made.

 

£8.00 including UK shipping, $13.75 including US shipping

 

*Yoruba Tasting Ceremony:

From the age-old traditions of Africa, in which the wisdom of the ages is transmitted by story and ritual more than written word, we receive the Yoruba ceremony, a time for the tasting of four elements - the sour, the bitter, the hot, and the sweet - four tastes symbolic of the elements of marriage.

Taste now the sour, for surely every life of integrity admits to its share of times which
are less than perfect. As (Couple's Name) experience life’s disappointments as well as
successes, will we offer our love and support, without measure and without limit?
If so, let us all taste and say “we will.”

Taste now the bitter, for surely every life of depth will know it moments of denial and
rejection when we feel turned away by life. As (Couple's Name) encounter times when bitterness might take hold of their hearts, will we offer our guidance and wisdom, without measure and without limit? If so, let us all say “we will.”

Taste now the hot, for surely there is spice and passion in every enduring relationship.
As (Couple's Name) find and express their hearts’ deepest longings, will we offer them our respect and encouragement without measure and without limit?
If so, let us all taste and say “we will.”

And finally, taste now the sweet, for the abundance of life which has brought these two lovers here to be joined in marriage will continue to pour itself out for their enjoyment. As (Couple's Name) know the sweetness of married life in all of its ages and stages, will we offer our congratulations and benedictions without measure and without limit? If so, let us all taste and say “we will.”

 

 

Here Comes the Bride

 

Here is the first wedding design of 2017.

These earrings are very similar to AquaMarine from last month only instead of blue glass beads this pair is made of clear and pearl beads. I made the blue glass pair to practice the settings for these. This pair features 8mm pearl and 4mm pearl bead, 8mm and 4mm faceted acrylic iridescent beads. All of the findings are silver plated and can be fitted with either fish hook, kidney wires or clip on (for additional costs). They will hang about an inch and a half from the ear.

 

Of course these are not strictly for brides, bridesmaids, flower girls or MOBs; anyone can have these sparkly white sweeties.

 

£7.00 UK shipping, $11.75 US shipping
You can check out the wedding designs from last year. most designs can be made to order if they are not in stock.

Clusters

I hope you all enjoyed your Valentine’s Day!

These are the last of the garnet earrings I made at the end of last year. I love these as well. I had a similar pair at home that were all pearls. But I think the contrast of garnet and pearl is cute.

 

Again these are smaller than the first few I posted at the beginning of January. They are just over an inch long so they would even be cute for a little girl. Each Cluster features 3 - 6mm garnet beads and 3 - 6mm pearls. All the metals and findings are silver plated.

 

While this may be the last pair in this line I may produce more garnet earrings in the future. I wanted to start off the year showing you all some really nice styles. Now I have to get working on my March idea, fingers crossed I can actually do it.

 

£7.00 including UK shipping or $9.75 including US shipping
Don't forget you can get any of the earrings in kidney wires or clips (clips are an additional cost)

Grace

 Garnet Grace

 

I try to wear a pair of earrings every time I go out. That way if someone says “I love your earrings!” I can say ‘Thank you, I made them and I sell them if you’d like a pair.’ This is the pair I wore this week, and good thing I did. A friend of mine inquired into a bead the color of her mother’s birthstone. She thought it was a ruby but after we spoke she realized it was garnet. Good thing I was wearing these!

 

I love this little pair. They are quite small compared to the ones I released in the past two weeks. These are barely an inch long. They are a similar style to some of the wedding earrings I released last year. They feature two 6mm garnet beads and one 6mm pearl bead separated by crystal rondelle spacers. All of the findings are silver plated.

 

Remember if your birthstone isn’t garnet I can do the same designs in any of the birthstones featured on this list.

£7.00 including UK shipping, $9.75 US including shipping

Blue Pearl

 

 

Happy New Year!!!

I hope you had a wonderful holiday. We had a quiet one. Since my last post I’ve had a birthday, I won’t admit which one but I like to call it π x 11.141 – you can do the Math. We also had an immigration hearing which we just found out was ruled in our favor. So we’re pretty stoked!

But after the past few weeks of chaos I need to get back in creativity mode. Fortunately for me, while sorting all the earrings I realized I had a few designs that I never published. These earrings are two of the firsts I made when I started in the late summer.

I bought two jars full of necklaces and bracelets made of retro beads. I dismantled the strands and started making earrings from the beads. Right away I made this pair. It’s a simple design, classic even.

 

The second design I wanted to have some customer interaction to finish. I was letting my creative juices flow when I realized I only had enough of the beads to make one pair. Unfortunately I had two designs in mind. So my idea was to put it to my audience to help me finish. Whoever purchases this pair can chose how the pair will be. Talk about one of a kind jewelry! [Will be sold with large bead on the bottom]

  

 

 

£3.95 or $8.18

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All prices include shipping. Shipping available to US and UK.
For purchase leave a comment  or send an email payments are made through PayPal. Items will be shipped once payment is confirmed. 

Thrift Stores/Charity Shops

 

We’ve been busy, but this blog isn’t always about where we go unless I find materials in our travels. We try to go away on a day trip once a week. Saturday we tried to go to Weymouth but never quite made it there. We spent the whole day in Portland on Chesil Beach. Unfortunately they didn’t have any sea shells there.

The remainder of our time we pretty much waste. I experiment with new materials and designs or try new recipes since I also love cooking. I don’t know what Neil does, plays Tetris and watches You Tube videos (just kidding). Once a week we go to a coffee shop for cappuccinos. On that trip we have to stop at several ‘Charity Shops’ as Neil calls them or Thrift Stores as we call them at home.

I’m not really into Thrift Stores. Neil loves a bargain but I only like bargains at department stores. I have gotten a few pairs of shoes in the charity shops because that’s pretty much the only place I can get good quality shoes in my size (when I can find them) at a reasonable price. When I decided to start making earrings Neil started looking in charity shops for beads to make them with.

He’s trying to take over my blog! He’s constantly looking at YouTube videos and trying to tell me things to make earrings out of. While I do appreciate the moral support, his ideas aren’t usually the way I want this to go. Nevertheless, we’ve found a few deals on beads at the ‘Charity Shops’ and I’ve done a few pairs of earrings.

 

Rosie

Trixie

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

These pairs I made from the beads of a vintage necklace, the beads are in good condition. I really dig the shapes!

 

Swirls

 

 

This pair I really love. I’m a hematite fan anyway, but I tried being creative and putting the beads in a spiral. I also tried to incorporate all the pieces from the bundles we purchased. Neil really likes the bundles the way they are so I told him I would take one apart and leave one together.

 

 

Again, what you see here is the only stock there is, at least for now. I think I can make another pair or two of Rosie and Trixie, but Swirls I can only make one pair.

£4.50 for UK shipping, $8.18 for US shipping

Only one of each in stock . Prices do not include shipping. Shipping available to US and UK.
For purchase leave a comment  or send an email I'll respond with Paypal info. Items will be shipped once payment is confirmed.