... life thru the round window

... has been been operating at whirlwind speed! I took a fleetlingly fast trip back to Canberra to catch up with family and friends whom I haven't seem for a long, long time.

I also had a bit of time to meet with the friendly folk from the Canberra Glassworks. The Glassworks celebrated their 2nd birthday over the weekend of 23/24th May (which I missed) but I am thrilled to announce that once again, my jewellery will on show and for sale at this fabulous establishment.

Three days felt like three weeks ... family dinners, quick drinks with friends, a road trip to the south coast, meetings et al.

It felt good to rug up in my big coat and get good wear from my scarves and hat, even thou it was for a short time. These itmes of winter attrire are packed in my cupboard now... as I continue to thaw out and enjoy warm Brisbane sunshine. Ciao for now ~ Liz x

... pay it forward

On the glass front this week sees continued new work from me. These are some new studs style earrings I have been making using Italian murrini. They are just gorgeous - plain, pink flowers! Perfect for those who don't like to dangle! More styles and colour coming soon!

Earlier this week I stumbled across this post written by Julz. It's a wonderful concept and have decided to play as well. The rules are easy and it always gives me pleasure to share some of what I have with others. The concept is not new as ideas like this are currently floating their way around facebook, twitter, my space etc. etc.

Creative people are adventurous! So, if you would like to participate, please send me a comment and the first five people will receive something from me in the mail.

Here are the rules, and happy posting!
This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully:
1. I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. This is an adventure!
2. What I create will be just for you with love and good wishes. It will be made of actual materials, not of cyberspace.
3. It will be done this year (2009).
4. I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be!
5. In return, all you need to do is cut and paste this text on your Blog (from "Creative People are..." and create Five things for the first 5 people to respond to your post.
6. Send your mailing address after I contact you. IMPORTANT: This offer is null and void if you do not post on your own blog to pay this forward. Come on, what are you waiting for? Liz x

... lime fresh

I picked these limes off my tree this afternoon - lovely and fresh! They almost mimic the lovely citrus green murrini I slumped earlier to make these gorgeous earring studs - they're a pretty good match, don't you think?

I've had a lovely Mother's Day weekend. My boys really spoilt me ... out for brunch yesterday, a lovely home cooked meal last night and a wonderful day relaxing today! I'm soaking it all in and wishing the weekend lasts a few more days.

Winners are grinners! We did the draw for the Birthday giveaways earlier this week. It was clever way to track traffic to my website. I can't take the credit for the idea but the results were very interesting!I half expected the entries to be from people I knew, but clearly there is a much bigger audience out there. Keep checking back from time to time as there will be more giveaways to come.

If your name appears below, can you please contact me via email so I can get these goodies out to you. Just put "winner" in the subject line. Have a wonderful week everyone ~ Liz x

1st prize - rose bud earrings: MandaPanda
2nd prize - set of groovy beads: RocketGirl
3rd Prize - focal bead: The Handmade Expo

... a plan in the making.

Several years ago I came across these silver plated cuff link blanks that I just had to have. They've been sitting in my art cupboard for all this time, just waiting to be used. The gorgeous Muranese murrini chips were a gift from my friend Sharon who bought them in Italy last year. They are just beautiful but very different to the smaller style of murrini I make and use in my own beads.

Last week while at the Stitches and Craft show, I took a course run by the lovely Pearl Toh who ran workshops teaching slumping and fusing techniques using a microwave kiln. We covered basic techniques but the ideas in my head were growing by the minute!

Some play time yesterday had me bee-lining my way to the cupboard in search of the murrini and cuff link blanks. I used the beautiful Italian Millefiori to make the cuff links you can see in the photo. I'm very pleased with them and I can't wait to get into some more of it this afternoon.The process between glass bead making and slumping glass are very different but I can see a wonderful relationship between the two art forms beginning to develop. Ciao - Liz

...... day 5 and counting

Today is day 5 of the Stitches and Craft Show (Brisbane) and we are on the home stretch! It's been exhausting but wonderful.

I have met so many people who buy my beads (either on line from me or from Mad Monnie) who I would normally never meet. It wonderful to finally be able to put names to faces!

If you are thinking of coming in the to the Brisbane convention centre, then please do! I would love to meet you! This also give me an opportunity to chat with you about my work...how its made, the materials I use and information about new colours and style for the winter months ahead.

For those waiting for the winners of my April giveaway to be announced, I apologise. I have been swamped with Stitches and Craft preparations . I promise to carry out the draw tonight when i get home and post the winners info as soon as I have contacted them personally.

I will also have some Mother's Day and show special up for grabs in my etsy store next week. If you have a discount voucher from the show, you will be able to use this to make a purchase from my shop this week. Ciao for now - Liz x