... bonne année - 2010

... happy new year everyone! It's a great time to reflect the year that was and a perfect time to contemplate the one ahead. The festive season always makes me appreciate what I have - a great family, good friends and supportive followers of my work - my thanks go out to you all! I am looking forward to another fun filled and exciting year. I have some very exciting projects pencilled in for the year, the first of which is an exhibition mid February. More details to come soon!

The picture I posted was of more bell flowers I made a few days ago. I had to play with my new tools (as you do) but I'm enjoying the break away from the torch.

I bought these wirework tutorials from the very talented Jewlie Beads to keep me busy over the next few weeks. It's something I've always wanted to do. I will post photos of the finished products once they're done - wish me luck! Grosse bise - Liz x

... play time

Santa bought me some very special tools this year. I've been a good girl and worked hard and so some special bits of Carlo Dona came my way. Yesterday I had a chance to play with my new toys, only to realise that I am going to need some "real time" to get to learn how to use these tools properly.

I have been lusting after these hand crafted tools made by 3rd generation Muranese artisans for quite some time now, the bell flowers in particular. I already have the heart tools and so now my collections begins to grow.

I also made some off the mandrel leaves yesterday - another thing I need to work on. I put them together to show you my handiwork! I posted the rest of the pics here if you want to see a few more. Baci - Liz x

... I see red

roses are red - from my 17 year old son!

red beads - made fresh!

Something special for Amanda who was my 100th fan to sign up on my

Creative Arty Facts f/b page

and my little way of saying thank you to all those

who continue to support me!

... did you manage to see this?

...well, it was so big you couldn't really miss it! Alexander and I were sitting at the waterfront and saw The World cruise into Brisbane. Last night it was docked at Portside and we caught a glimpse of it as we made our way to the hip and happening dockside precinct for a bight to eat and to see the movie, Avatar.

It looks amazing and I really wanted to get up and personal but the security guards hovering at the embarkation points were making me nervous - given the chance, I would be on board that boat in a heartbeat!

I am waiting for some new glass to arrive this week - America is sooooooooooooooo far away and with the postal strike on at the moment I am starting to worry. Hope it does not go "missing in action" ... till it arrives on my doorstep, I will stalk my postie.... Liz x

...ok, so I missed the 12th day!

...because I was too busy relaxing, but I do apologise. It was a wonderful day though - I pretended to clean up my studio, bought some more glass on line, sorted though my work table (not finished), watched a dvd (mamma mia), read one of my new books and had no less than 2 spas.

And, if this wasn't enough bliss - Christian made crepes for breakfast - yum!

Can you tell I'm enjoying the break? I have now officially finished all my custom orders and gallery work for the year - (yay) and am looking forward to a little more rest and relaxation over the next few day.... ciao!

... on the 11th day of Christmas

.... I realised I skipped another day! Well, that was probably because i was busy putting this floral arrangement together.

These glass gorgeous flowers were a custom order and are heading south for the summer - I just love them and wish I could keep them! Later on today I will take then off the mandrels, clean the centres and pack them off *sniff* ~ Liz x

... on the 9th day of Christmas

... I had a little time for myself so some home baking was the order of the day! This is Italian Panettone, a traditional sweet bread made with citrus peel and dried fruit.

I did cheat thou and made the dough with the help of my bread maker. I found the recipe for it here and realised that it has been especially modified to be made this way. I did however, bake the loaf in the oven rather than leaving it in the bread machine to finish cooking.

Tomorrow I head back to my "other torch".... ciao!

... on the 8th day of Christmas

.... I'm revisiting simple bold shapes and colours, fashioned into uncomplicated neckware!

This necklace is part of a range of different jewellery I have been working on for some time now. The unusual silver discs add a little interest .....

Transparent colours are normally my "thing" but I'm truly loving these bold colour statements - perfect for summer wearing!

... on the 6th day of Christmas

... I realised that I have missed a few Christmas days since I last wrote! Can you tell I've been a bit busy? What was I thinking????? Anyway - I have been a bit pre-occupied but hope to have a more time to post over the next week or so.

This is a collection of big hole beads I have been working on for a while now. Originally they were created with the idea that they be worn around the wrist, but now look pretty funky worn on long leather lariats that I've been making. (more news on this later thought....)

Some of these sold since I took the photo but I just wanted to show off some of these little gems.... enjoy the day... talk soon, Liz x

... on the 2nd day of Christmas

.... my best book mistress gave to me - a fabulous stash of books I won the other night - YIPEE! The gorgeous Tania who owns TLC Books at Manly had a shopping night earlier this week. We went along and had a lovely evening - picked our summer reading books and enjoyed the wine, cheese and olives - yum!

This was the lucky door prize which I won! Thanks so much Tania - I'm sure this is Karma telling me to slow down and take it easy this Summer!

... on the first day of Christmas

.... my true love gave to me, new glass to play with and a partridge in a pear tree! Yep ... the box arrived the other day and I'm loving it!!! But, it's also the first day of Summer and I have to say, it's been a bit hot. The studio is fitted with air con (thank goodness) so it's not too bad. The cool tiles on the floor also help keep the room temps down so I'm thankful!

The garden boutique for this week's BrisStyle Designer Markets this weekend is coming along nicely .... we put the marquee in the garden over the weekend to make sure it was all ok - and it was :) I'm putting the finishing touches on my stock and looking forward to catching up with customers and friends, old and new!

Just before I sign off, I want to wish Emma-Lee from Milk Thieves Art + Design the best of luck on her opening day on Thursday. I am thrilled to be apart of this venture and another exciting chapter for Creative Arty Facts. Talk soon ~ Liz x