.... I'm back now

... and ready to groove again. I have been away for a few weeks but it feels much longer than that! Maybe it was due to the fact that we are free of electronic gadgets during this time? It was the opportunity to wean myself free from the facebook/email/computer addiction that I have. I'm not too sure how long it will last now that I'm back home again :) 

... Busselton Jetty, Busselton - WA

Apart from my teaching session at the Albany Summer School (Western Australia) we also had some time to rest and recover from the busy year that was. It was great to explore different parts of the country that have been on my "to do" list for some time. The Margaret River region of SE WA was the perfect location for lots of exploring, swimming and down time with my boys. 

... grapes from the Cape Mentelle vineyards

... hand made @ Gabriel Chocoate

... beautiful Australian Flora - always an inspiration!

 Well, my happy snaps are now posted and my blog has been updated.I've been putting off the "studio clean-up" since before Christmas so I'm contemplating a start (some time soon). The torch is calling me so, it may have to wait for a while longer :) Liz x

... back in the groove

.... and very excited to be welcoming my first student for 2012. I have been up early today to finish off the last of the studio clean up and pack up some orders that need to be shipped before the end of the week before she arrives :)



... packed, wrapped and ready to go!

 Yesterday I sent off my newsletter, the first for the year. I showed off some Italian styled millefiori pendants that I have been making. Already I am thrilled with the feedback - sold a few and have custom orders for specific colours.

 



... same but different!



I have some very specific ideas about what I want to do with the pendants in the future - I love the look of the traditional flower millifiori designs but as the same time, I'm really obsessed with the contemporary square designs and patterns as well. They will suit the modern day shapes I'm planning to use them for!

 

Ok ... gotta run now as now I'm running really late. Talk soon - Liz x

... good grief!

... 2011 is finally over - and  I'm exhausted! What an incredible "roller coaster" of a year its been! When I look back at what has kept me busy this year, my head starts to spin and I have a headache from just thinking about it!

So, what's in store for me this coming year? Not much for now - well, until I get back from teaching at the Albany Summer School that is! I am super excited about heading off to the west coast next week - not only about the teaching but the long, awaited week at the beach that soon follows!

hand enamelled head pins

I have enjoyed some well earned play time in the studio over the past few days ... starting and finishing projects and playing with new toys.



new millefiore pendants

I've been promising myself some time to learn new skills and refine older ones and maybe  - and apply them to my creative repertoire. 

Basic Elements - new and now available....

... and just when I thought it was safe to leave the confines of my trusty keyboard and monitor (that has pretty much dominated my life the past 365 days) - I discovered this!

Wow - what a visual feast for the eyes (and heart) this is! Pinterest is an online pinboard designed to help organise and share your inspirations - how cool is that! You can follow me here - better still, click on the Pinterst button (on the right of the page) to follow me and I will follow you in return!

Last but not least, I would like to thank each and everyone of my customers, friends and followers who have supported me throughout the year. I am humbled by the emails and letters I receive from you and know that your encouragement and continuous support is greatly welcomed and appreciated . Wishing you all much love, joy and happiness and a brilliant and prosperous new year ahead  ♥  Liz

... winding down

.... slowly! In my last post I said I would do something and I haven't - not because I don't want to, but because I just don't have the energy at the moment. So, to redeem myself I am offering free postage Australia wide at the reguarl shipping rate for any purchases from my estore. I will be adding a few new sets, pairs and focals over the coming days.

... just spotted - fresh scented blooms from my garden!

The pressure from an incredibly busy year is finally taking its toll on me! My customer orders are now finished and have been posted (thank goodness) and I can start to relax.

Plans for teaching at the Albany Summer School early in the year are also now almost complete. Student equipment has arrived and has now been sorted. Teaching notes have been prepared and the glass has now been delivered. All that is left is to pack my bags and get on the plane!

                                     ... new decorative glass headpin listed in my etsy store

The botanical attraction continues ~ as I have been making more and more of these copper head pins, decorated with ornate leaf shaped heads. They are a step or two away from my usual fascination with glass floral headpins, but none-the-less, just as satisfying and rewarding to make!

Have a lovely weekend everyone - I'm off to spend some much needed time in my "creative space" ~ Liz x

... keeping with the programme

... has kept me a little quiet of late. I just when I thought I could step away from my studio for a while, I find myself heading back to make new pieces in order to complete custom Christmas orders. I did take a few days off about a week ago and made the most of the gorgeous Queensland sunshine and spent a few precious days at the beach with my family...

... it was perfect! Batteries are recharged, family has regrouped (for now) and I can get back to finishing off the last of my "to do" list without feeling like it's a bore chore!

I'm almost done  and the last of the goodies will be winging their way to there respective owners first thing Monday morning!

If you are looking for a little Christmas Inspiration - the Red Hill Gallery are hosting a shopping evening on Thursday December 15th and will be open for trade will 8pm. Why not pop in and enjoy a glass of bubbles,check out all the gorgeous art and wearable art items and know that buying handmade this Christmas supports your local aritsans!

And finally, I wanted to give you some advance notice of a "blog" sale that I am hosting from next week. Make sure you pop in from time to time to make the most of the "day only" sales I will promote each day next week. These items will only be available from this site and are one-off items with no repeats possible.

Enjoy the rest of the weekend - play safe and have fun! Liz x

... instagram

... is a very cool iphone app that allows you to share photos instantly with friends via face book etc as well as allowing you to apply filters in order to artistically change the image.This morning's very early trip to Mt Tambourine gave us some time to wander thru the gardens while most of the towns residents were still asleep .... and of course, time to snap some pics and get with the program!New work featuring Summer of FuN pieces have safely arrived at Canberra Glassworks and will soon be on the shelves. These wildly fun and funky pieces feature an eclectic mix of summer inspired colours, shapes and decorative beads. Each piece is unique and highlights textured beads and findings, all of which are carefully balnaced against one another.

I have really enjoyed working on this collection over the past few weeks - it's really given me a opportunity to push my own boundaries and use many concepts and ideas that have been "on paper" for some time now.
Pieces from this "story" will also be on show at the Red Hill Gallery in Brisbane within the next few weeks. Hope you've had a fabulous weekend! Talk soon - Liz x

... Czech, Czech - 1, 2

... Oh how I love and hate this glass! Earlier this week I cleared my desk from the manic mess that had grown over the past few weeks and dragged out my Czech glass. Every now and again, I do start from scratch and re-learn all the basic properties that a particular glass type has to offer. I love the colour palette in the Czech range, especially the luscious transparents - perfect for my summer range!

So far, this is my collection of big "lolly inspired" beads from the past few days! Quality control this morning spotted some issues - and I quickly remember now what it was that made me shelve this glass some time ago!

Large cracks have appear within some of my beads - literally overnight! They are crazed and span from on end of the bead to the other. No only on one bead, but on several!

You can see from the pic above that it was mainly in the beads that were heavily encased with a thick layer of clear glass. This type of cracking is consistent with glass that is incompatible with another type used - this time, within its own family of "transparents".GGGGrrrrrrrrrrrr - so mad!

Will play again later today - but I'm thinking it's heading back to shelf some time very soon - Liz x