Damselfly Gemma

Giveaway Time!

2012-01-20T09:39:00.000Z

Hello lovely readers. Hope you are all well :o)

Time for a giveaway here on Damselfly Gemma. Technically this giveaway is celebrating the fact that I got my 100th sale over in my Folksy shop late last year...I've just been a bit late organising it!

I have decided to give away three heart themed pieces of jewellery as valentines day is approaching. This giveaway will run in a similar way to others I have had. I will do a draw for each item separately so you need to leave me a comment saying which of the three pieces you would like to win.

Here are you choices:

1) Frosted glass heart beads and sterling silver earrings

2) Blue resin drops with iridescent hearts and sterling silver earrings

3) Pink glitter and black lace resin heart pendant with sterling silver bail

To enter:

Leave me a comment saying which of the three draws you would like to be entered in. One choice only please! Oh and make sure I have some way of contacting you if you win!

Open worldwide but as I will be paying the postage I will be sending the cheapest way possible ;o)

Closing date: 23.59pm Sunday 29th January (UK time)

Beading courses: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced?

2012-01-09T12:51:00.002Z

What do you think constitutes a beginner, intermediate and advanced beader?

I ask because I've recently discovered (via the OTTBS facebook group and Becs) that there is a shop/studio not too far from me that offers exciting beading courses. Its called Stitchncraft. Amongst the many, many exciting courses are a few by the fantastic bead artist Laura McCabe. Now her 1 day courses are already fully booked but she does have a couple of 2 day courses entitled 'Masterclass Beaded Sculpture' that are for advanced beaders only who are proficient in all the basic stitches.

The course is £120 (excl. materials) which is very cheap considering you get 12 hours of tuition from a beading master but I do not consider myself an advanced beader so I doubt I will be booking it. Besides which I have masses of books and tutorials here at home that are gathering dust.

It has got me thinking though. What is an advanced beader? Competitions often describe an advanced beader as someone who has been beading for over 5 years. Well I certainly fit in that category but I do not consider myself advanced, maybe intermediate? I first started beadweaving in my early/mid teens I think, with a kit from Spellbound beads that I picked up at a craft fair in the NEC when I used to go with my Mum. Not long after I acquired Carol Wilcox Wells' Creative Bead Weaving. My copy is not the newer edition but is dated 1996. So, time wise I started to learn beadweaving at least 15 years ago. But, I have not actually done a lot of beading in that time! I have an okish knowledge of the basic stitches but occasionally need to dig out one of my many books to remind me how its done. I have never been on a beading course but have learnt through books, magazines, bought tutorials and the internet. I don't struggle following instructions but haven't actually done many complicated designs. The most complex kit I have purchased and completed is probably the dragon necklace kit from Spellbound beads. I did this at least 5 years ago and did not struggle with it.

I did not do much beading during my A levels or whilst at uni. I probably did no beading at all when I was teacher training and whilst I was a secondary school teacher. (So that's 3 years when I don't think I touched my beads). Just before I started my teacher training I joined the Bead Workers Guild and found a group in Totton that I used to attend but the teaching malarkey put a stop to that and I let my membership lapse. After leaving classroom teaching and moving into private tuition I have now rediscovered time for beading and am really enjoying it again. Last year I came across OTTBS and am loving being part of that group. They're all wonderful at encouraging and sharing. They are really making me want to bead loads and I have been beading a lot more since finding the group. They are making me want to go on courses to meet other beaders and develop my beadwork....which leads me back to my initial question! Am I a beginner, intermediate or advanced beader?!

One thing for sure, I need to actually have a go at some of the many projects I have in books etc! Although this will mean buying more beads as much of my stash was bough on the cheap and the quality is not good enough for beadweaving.

I also want to continue with resin and silversmithing and more....to be honest, I like being a Jack of all trades, master of none!

Happy New Year

2012-01-01T20:55:00.001Z

Hello lovely readers. Happy New Year! Hope all your 2012 dreams come true. xxx

In Damselfly Gemmaland things have been a little quiet as real life Gemmaland has been a little on the busy side. Don't worry though, I haven't forgotten about the giveaway. I'll try and get that sorted this month so keep an eye out. Haven't decided on the format yet but will prob be a choice of bits.

Here on my blog I have a few plans. I would like to use it to keep a better record of what I create. I'm really bad at photographing creations so I'm thinking that at each month end/beginning of next I'll put together a photo mosaic or something, mainly for my own records and so I can see my crafty achievements.

This month I have some creating booked in that I better get cracking with (for friends' wedding) and I'm also considering doing a few challenges running around over on "Operation Tackle That Bead Stash". The January challenge (that the link goes straight to) is very cool and I had a fab new book for Christmas that could be very useful- Shaped Beadwork by Diane Fitzgerald. Over on the facebook group I'm taking part in a group challenge where we gave each one person picked a theme then you sign up and set the theme for the next person. I've got Earth, Wind and Fire. No time limit though so don't expect anything too soon on that front ;o) Also over on the fb group, Clair has suggested a earring beadalong where we make a pair of earrings every week for a year. Very, very tempted with this one!

On the folksy front. I've been a bit quiet. Haven't listed anything for a while. Not really been in the mood to and had a lot on. Hoping to get re-enthused on that front soon. I prob have a load to relist as I was listing daily 6 months ago. I'll prob start listing daily again soon. Missing the lovely people over on the folksy forums.

Well, there's some of my plans...what are yours? Exciting things planned?

Gemxxx

Bit busy...

2011-11-01T21:42:00.000Z

Its a little busy in GemmaLand so sorry for my lack of blogging. My blog is not the only online presence that's suffering at the mo! I haven't forgotten about my celebratory giveaway (actually, did I mention that here?....don't think so...giveaway soon to celebrate 100 sales on Folksy!) Hoping to sort out a giveaway in the next couple of weeks and it will be hosted here.

See you when I'm more organised!

xxx

September Embers Finale

2011-09-30T15:52:00.002+01:00

Its the last day of the September daily listing club over on Folksy, and here's what my fellow Embers and I have listed today!

New stud earrings

2011-09-24T12:17:00.003+01:00

Recently I have been obsessed with making little sterling silver and resin studs. Last year I made a few pairs of forget me not studs and I have been using the same basic design with other fillings. It all started when a friend of my Mum asked me if I could make a pair of earrings for her little niece for Christmas.

I've made 8 different pairs of studs in the last couple of weeks. Here's what I made. Some can be found in my Folksy shop but some have already sold :o) I can make more though so do get in touch if you'd like me to make you a pair.

Folksy Changes

2011-09-18T17:16:00.000+01:00

Many readers will be aware of the recent changes over on folksy. A couple of weeks ago, they announced 'clarification' to their T&Cs. Unfortunately, this clarification was not particularly clear and it lead to many many people (myself included) emailing support to ask if our items were allowed to be sold. Sadly, many people were told their items were not appropriate as they were not handmade enough.

Understandably, this caused a lot of anger. People who spent hours designing and making their creations, and who have been selling on folksy for months/years, are no longer deemed appropriate. Whilst 'inappropriate' items are allowed to remain until 1st November, many sellers have already left the site. It's not just the shops directly affected either. Many sellers have left in support.

Folksy say that these terms were in place from its launch but admit that they have not policed them very well. I accept that they are allowed to stipulate whatever rules they want regarding the items for sale on their site but in my opinion they have not helped the situation at all by making some extremely insensitive comments about affected sellers on twitter and by being inconsistent with their rulings (at least it seems that way to me). Sadly, speculation and even nastiness from some sellers on the forums has made matters worse.

I am saddened by what has happened to my once beloved selling platform. I'm further saddened by the mass exodus of so many talented people. Fortunately, there is now a place for people affected by these events. The fab diddybears has set up webpages on her site called 'Supporting Handmade However its Made.' Here you can find links to fantastically talented crafters, many of whom have left Folksy for good. If you have been affected, then you can apply to advertise on the site for free until the end of this year.

For the moment I am staying where I am as its the only selling platform working for me. I am nervous though that the T&Cs will be 'clarified' again and suddenly I'll become inappropriate too. I'm giving serious thought to other places. This is only a hobby for me and I don't really want to spread out all over the place as it'd be hard to manage. Much deliberation is required before I decide what's right for me. I wish every success to those who have left/are leaving. I hope you are all massively successful in whatever you are now choosing to do.

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Folksy Friday: September Embers

2011-09-16T09:59:00.000+01:00

Well, September is here so works picking up again. Good for the bank balance but bad for the hobby! And if I spend all my free time on the 'puter, blogging and what not, then no creating gets done! Must admit, I've lost a bit of blogging enthusiasm recently. Hopefully it will pick up again soon.

Today I've decided to do my Folksy Friday on the September Embers, the name for this month's mad group of folksiers who are listing every day. Here are some of the many things that have caught my eye. Hope you like my choices!

NOfkantsCurios, UniquelyYours.
Falling Dew, Lizzyanthus,
Bonny Lass, The Glass Boutique.

Beaded musings

2011-09-04T11:25:00.001+01:00

Hello lovely readers. Hope you are all well today :o) Its been a while since I posted about anything other than the folksy listing clubs. I've just checked- it was May with this post about my beadbusting goals. (If you're interested, they didn't go spectacularly well! I did enter the moodboard but my Anemone Cuff did not get completed. I still haven't finished it- really should get on and do that).

Well anyway, the point of this post....
Last month Operation Tackle that Bead Stash had a fab moodboard with gorgeous colours of purple, blue and turquoise green. You can check out all the lovely entries here. My entry was a little late (oops) but this is what I produced. It's a choker mostly in herringbone stitch. The different sized beads make it curve.

Now I like this a lot. Love the colours etc but the prob is, the size 12, delicas and 15s make it curve too much. I have a skinny neck but really it wants to be bracelet sized so it just doesn't lie flat against the neck. I thought I could get a way with it but the more I try it on the more I think not. I've made a couple of these before but must have misremembered the bead sizes. Have to dig out the others to see what I used.

The upshot is, I think I'll be taking it apart and remaking it once I have the same beads in the right size. So, what should I do with these ones? I have more of the purple and blue but mot many of the turquoise left so whatever I do with them it can't be much bigger. I love the colour combination though so would like to reuse them as they are.

I've had some thoughts. I could cut it into pieces and make a bracelet (or possibly choker if I have enough) along the lines of this.

Or, maybe.. this.
I was twisting it and liked what happened. I think I could produce something like this with tubular peyote...or maybe beaded crochet although I do find that quite tricky.

What do you think?

Oh and do stop by OTTBS and check out this month's moodboard. Liz picked gorgeous colours!

A-Listers Finale

2011-08-31T10:25:00.003+01:00

Its the last day of the August daily listing club over on Folksy. I apologise for my lack of blogging about the club. For over half the month I was on tally and happy dancing duty though. Towards the end of this month I've been busy with new students. (Last year's GCSE students did really well and I'm very proud of them!)

August has been a quiet month for the listers. Its due to be busy again in September though. I thought I'd do a finale post of everything listed today. At the mo, this post is a work in progress...

August A-Listers

2011-08-02T20:58:00.000+01:00

The July Jewels have turned into the August A-Listers over on Folksy. As its the school holidays, its generally quieter on the forums but there are still a fair few of us attempting to list daily (or as often as we can). There are familiar faces, new faces and returning faces. Here's what I've listed so far and I'm also happy to report I've had my first A-Lister sale already!

Today I have decided to select some goodies from sellers I've not seen before/recently in the daily listing group. Hope you like my choices!

Aingeal Designs; Flights of Fantasy

KerryLou Design; Treasure Trove Jewels by Laura Groom;

PrestoBeads; Passionate About Photography.

July Jewels Finale

2011-07-31T08:51:00.009+01:00

Its the last day of the July daily listing club over on Folksy. As its quiet at the monent, probably due to the school holidays, this is everything listed over the final weekend. Enjoy!

July Jewels

2011-07-16T11:25:00.000+01:00

Apologies for my absence. I've been busy marking GCSE maths papers. All done now :o)
I did take a break from the daily listing club over on Folksy due to the aforementioned marking. Whilst I was gone the June bugs turned into the July Jewels with many returning faces and newbies too. As I haven't blogged about them yet I thought I'd do a big post featuring everything listed on one of the days. Which day? Well Thurs 14th sounds good to me as it was my birthday!

Here's everything listed on my birthday in the order they were posted on the forum!! Each photo is clickable if you want to find out more. Can you spot mine?!

Folksy Friday: June Bugs

2011-06-10T09:29:00.001+01:00

Very busy here and not had the time to do the big blog posts I usually so at the beginning of the week supporting the June Bugs- this month's Folksy listing club. Sorry folks. Must try harder.

Here is a small selection of the wonderful goodies listed by the talented June Bugs yesterday. Hope you like my selections.

Gelert Design; Eccentric Ella;
Diomo Glass; Polly Purple Horse Crafts;
Moody Cow Designs; Dottery Pottery.

Here's a blog hop too if you fancy joining in! Enter your Folksy Friday links.

Here's the code if you want to display the hop on your page! Just copy and paste into the Edit HTML tab in your post (Blogger).
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=damselflygemma&postid=10Jun2011&meme=7978"></script>

Folksy Friday: Maths Exams!

2011-06-03T12:38:00.003+01:00

So on Monday and next Friday morning thousands of 16 year olds will be taking their GCSE maths exams and from Wed I will start marking! Eek! First year being a GCSE marker. I maybe disappearing of the face of the planet until 4th July (when I'm supposed to be finished). My tutees are well prepared and they all should get good grades.

As its on my mind a fair bit I though I'd do a maths and exam themed Folksy Friday. Hope you like my choices. As always, click on the photos to go to the sellers' shops and find out more about these fab handmade goodies.

wall envy art; Vintage Dreams;
ello.design; LaurasJewellery
Temporal Flux; plain primitives

I have attempted to set up a FF blog hop. The get the code button doesn't give you the code to this hop- it lets you set up your own. You *may* be able to display the hop using this code:
<script type="text/javascript" src="http://www.blenza.com/linkies/autolink.php?owner=damselflygemma&postid=03Jun2011a&meme=7978"></script>

If you use it and it works can you let me know please!!

Mayhem Finale!

2011-05-31T21:45:00.001+01:00

Today is the final day of the May daily listing club over on Folksy. I'm doing one of those big finale post I have done a couple of times before. Here's everything listed on the last day of the Mayhems in the order they were posted on the forum!! Each photo is clickable if you want to find out more. Can you spot mine?!

Folksy Mayhem: Week Three

2011-05-24T22:09:00.001+01:00

So behind with blog posting and even further behind with reading. Sorry folks. Will try to catch up but can make any promises. Its getting pretty busy with tutoring as the GCSE maths exams are on 6th and 10th. Then I'll be marking. Pretty scary as its the first year I'll be marking REAL GCSEs. I passed my marking activity so they are actually going to let me loose on the real things. Eek!

Towards the end of last week I aquired a beaded hairclip obsession. I've been making many crystal hairclips and sold one too. I make them whilst watching tv. Here's three of the bits I listed in week three including one of my new hairclips.

Here's a selection of fabulous goodies from the other Mayhemmers listing in week three (16th to 22nd). As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Bags of Swank; April is Forever Jewellery; Indira Albert

maxine Veronica Jewellery; Bluedaisyglass; Pirate Treasures Jewellery

Lilac Elephant; Blooms Art; Colour Me Fun

Ritzy Swish; Konnie Kapow; Little Red Robin

Scrub up Lovely; evajeanie; Diomo Glass

NOfkantsCurios; The Whimsical Wren; By Creative Hands

Lily's Night Garden; Dottie Designs; Josie-Mary.

Folksy Mayhem: Week Two

2011-05-16T21:13:00.000+01:00

The Mayhem continues! I have had 3 sales in the last week which has gotten me on the tally (I didn't have any in the first week.) Two of these sales were a new dandelion seed pendant and matching pair of earrings (they went to different people though!) I listed them yesterday and they got loads of love despite the fact they were 'seconds'. I have another of the pendants half made. Just have to decide what colour to put behind it. Any requests? It would be similar to the one on the far right (that was quickly snaffled up by the lovely Natalie) but I can put any colour behind the seeds. I do like the black though. The other two pics below are other new items listed in my shop in the last week.

Here's a selection of fabulous goodies from the other Mayhemmers listing in the last week (9th to 15th). As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Ello Design; Lynwoodcrafts; Clover Jewels

Diomo Glass; blue daisy glass; Pirate Treasures Jewellery

Dottie Designs; April Is Forever Jewellery; Natalia Lovat

O'Blue Trashion; The Whimsical Wren; Purple Pebble

Images21; Little Red Robbin; Maytree Lane

MillieBead; Aunty Joan Crafts; Mrs Jones Handmade Jewellery

Card Making Princess; NOfkantsCurios; flonightingale.

Folksy Mayhem: Week One

2011-05-09T11:55:00.000+01:00

The daily listing over on Folksy continues. This time we are called 'Folksy Mayhem!' Many listers are contiuing from other months although we have some new faces too. Like previous months I will blog approximately weekly depending on my workload.

I have now been listing on Folksy for over a year (I listed my first pair of earrings on 5th May 2010) and through the listing club I made my first sale and attended my first craft fair as a seller and met so many fabulous crafters both virtually and actually. Thank you for being so wonderful and supportive lovely daily listing people!

In the last week and a day I have listed some new bits and some relists of things that have fallen off the back of the shop. Now I'm past the year mark I have bits that have been round twice now so have to decide whether to bother listing them again. Hmmmm.... Anyway, here are 3 of my recent new listings.

Here's a selection of fabulous goodies from the other Mayhemmers listing in the last week and a bit. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

April is Forever Jewellery; flonightingale; Maytree Lane

Loves a good yarn!; ello.design; Clairez Cardz

NOfkantsCurios; Card Making Princess; PollyKrafts

Raven's Stained Glass; bluedaisyglass; Vintage Dreams

Diomo Glass; Lynwoodcrafts; Clover Jewels

Gladys And Albert; Pirate Treasures; Jinja Jewellery

Putting on the Charms; moody cow designs; Top Sock Drawer

Lily's Night Garden; Bags of Swank; Ritzy Swish.

Bead Busting Goals

2011-05-08T12:40:00.002+01:00

A bit ago I came across a fantastically titled and packed full of fab content blog called Operation Tackle that Bead Stash! I have mostly been hiding in the background over there, reading the posts, making the odd comment and thinking about joining in with challenges and what not. Well- I have decided to stop hiding in the background and join in! After all- I started out beading. I may have wandered more into silver and even more into resin but beading was where it all started and I have a mountain of beads to prove it.

On Tuesday (although I only got round to reading it yesterday), Clair wrote a post entitled 'Bead Busting Monthly'. The idea is that we make a personal bead busting goal and blog our progress as well as cheering each other on.

So, hmmmmm.....beading goals for this month:

Anemone Cuff
Really would like to get this finished. Its based on the "Sea Urchin" project by Stephanie Burnham from the beadworkers guild journal 2006 and I probably started it that year so its high time I finished it! I did suffer a setback when I realised I didn't have enough of the fringing beads and it took me a while to get round to digging out the supplier and getting some more. Basically I have to finish off the fringing in the tiny size 15s and some sort of clasp. I know it looks nearly done but the fringing grows sooooooo slowly. I had a dire craft fair a week or so ago and I managed to complete about an inch in the 4-5 hours sat behind my stall. Them's gen-u-ine pieces of abalone shell buried amongst the fringing :o)

May Moodboard
Tackle that bead stash have a monthly challenge in their moodboards. I meant to join in last month as I have bucket loads of red beads from when I was wedding beading but somehow the month disappeared and I got no beading done. So, this month I shall make more of an effort to enter. Have some lovely greens in my stash but what shall I do with them? Ponder, ponder....

That's it for my goals for now. I may add to them if I find some spare time but the tutoring is getting very busy with the exams looming. Have to see how things go.

Folksy Friday: Grumpy

2011-04-29T11:02:00.000+01:00

Feeling a little grumpy this morning so thought I'd have a wander round Folksy for some grumpy goodies. Found some fab stuff that has cheered me up too! Yay!

Hope you like my choices. As always, click on the photos to go to the sellers' shops and find out more about these fab handmade goodies.

Sharon Griffin Figurative Ceramics, Mouthy Mitts,
Cuddles For Jossie, Creative Knits,
Temporal Flux, Kawaii Boutique UK

April Show-ers: Week Four

2011-04-28T09:26:00.000+01:00

Are you all enjoying the sunshine? Many of the Show-er have disappeared this last week. No doubt enjoying the fab weather with their families. Some of us are plodding along though, me included. Here's are few of my newly listed goodies I listed in week four:

Here's a selection of fabulous goodies from the other Show-ers listing in the last week and a bit. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Loves a good yarn; Averilpam Design; Eccentric Ella

Kawaii Boutique UK; Lilly's Night Garden; Creative Knits

Gimme that Thing; The Cats Whiskers Jewellery; PANTSANDPAPER

NOfkantsCurios; Anna King Jewellery; By Creative Hands

Uniquely Yours; moody cow designs; Dottie Designs

Indira Albert; Maxine Veronica Jewellery; Cards with a Difference

Mrs Jones Handmade Jewellery; Putting on the Charms; Mystic's Realm

Imogen's Imagination; Clover Jewels; Laura Faye Crafts.

April Show-ers: Week Three

2011-04-20T19:10:00.001+01:00

Hello all. How are you all today? I took a mini break from the Show-ers as I was feeling a little rough but I'm all caught up now (I did however sneak in and buy a couple of lovely goodies from one of my fellow show-ers but didn't hang around!) A lot of my catch up listings were relists though. In the last week I listed 3 new pieces and here they are:

I enjoyed browsing the listings from other sellers especially as I missed out on a lot of them first time round due to my mini-break. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Dab and a Dash; Felted Fairy Folk; Maytree Lane

Lilac Elephant; jujucards; Buggable

pipdesigns; Cottons And Dreams; busybeecards

NOfkantsCurios; Kawaii Boutique UK; Helen McCartney Designs

Ickle Imogen; Claire's Cross Stitch; Loves a good yarn

Lily's Night Garden; With Hugs and Kisses; The Whimsical Wren

Maxine Veronica Jewellery; moody cow designs; By Creative Hands.

April Show-ers: Week Two

2011-04-12T10:04:00.001+01:00

Hope you are enjoying the lovely weather we've been having recently. Its been lovely down here in Southampton. The Show-ers are continuing to list and sales are good. In the last week I have listed some pom pom, pressed flower and lace jewellery. Here's one of each type. I nearly didn't list the heart- its one of my favourite things in my shop. Well- and the pom pom bangle but I already made myself one of those!

Today I have decided to do a rainbow post of yummy goodies from other Show-ers. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Ann Chandler Originals; pipdesigns; Infiniti Jewellery

Ciren's Call; Clover Jewels; Top Sock Drawer

Pretty Beautiful Designs; Creative Knits; Kawaii Boutique UK

Audrey's Cat; UniquelyYours; Lily's Night Garden

felted fluffies; NOfkantsCurios; Buggable

MarthaMooBeads; Heart Felt Designs; With Hugs and Kisses

Imogen's Imagination; beadesk; Court & Spark.

Folksy Friday: Forests

2011-04-08T08:28:00.001+01:00

Been a long time since my last Folksy Friday. Sorry! I can't promise that this means they're back for good though.

Anyhooooo....

This Sunday I am trying out a Craft and Gift fair at Lyndhurst. 'Craft and Gift' fairs can be a bit hit and miss apparently. Sometimes they are full of imported cheap rubbish. Its a regular event and they may have space for me on a regular basis. We'll see how this one goes before I book any more.

Lyndhurst is a lovely village in the New Forest, Hampshire. I've always meant to visit as I drive through it every now and then on my way to other lovely places. Every time I pass through I think I really should stop here somtime for a proper visit. It boasts cute little shops and a Ferrari & Mazerati dealer!! Also the easiest one way system possible that I still get lost in and thats if I dont confuse it with Lymington. Doesn't take much to confuse this girl though.

Thought I'd have a nosey through Folksy looking for yummy Forest themed goodies. Here's what I found. Hope you like them!

New Forest Pottery Time; Audrey's Art;
Folk of the Forest; ....Buttercup's Bits & Bobs!;
Marcade Arts Press; Made Whilst Listening To...

Why not join in the Folksy Friday blog hop!

Folksy April Show-ers: Week One

2011-04-05T21:29:00.000+01:00

The Mad March Hares hopped out in a grand finale (fantastically blogged by Natalie) but the daily listing over on Folksy continues. Now we are called the April Show-ers! Some people have now been listing every day for a whole year, some people are brand new this month and some (like me) are somewhere between the two. I am going to continue as I have the last couple of months and blog about the lovely, talented and supporting bunch approximately weekly.

I am continuing to list some new bits and some old bits and am happy to report that I am already on the sales tally for the month with 4 sales over the weekend. Here are three of the new pendants I have listed in the last few days.

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Show-ers. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

moody cow designs; loves a good yarn; The Cats Whiskers Jewellery

Squintessential; Whimsical Wonderland; Rock Princess

NOfkantsCurios; Belle & the Bean; Putting on the Charms

Kawaii Boutique UK; Dottery Pottery; Facets

Mary Elliott Jewellery; 100 percent delicate; JAustenJewelleryDesign.

Mad March Hares: Week four

2011-03-30T21:52:00.000+01:00

Folksy's Mad March Hares are still listing yummy goodies every day ... and the daily listing clubs appear to be the only thing I'm blogging about atm!

I'm still listing daily but to be honest much of the last week's listings have been relists as I've been pretty busy in my maths tutoring life. I have a few students taking their adult numeracy exams on 4th and they all want extra lessons. Good for the pennies but bad for the crafting. There are new resin bits coming but I need to find time to sand them etc.
Here are two of the new goodies listed last week plus one of my fossil shell goddies that was relisted to remind you about them.

Due to much business I dont have time for an enormous post. Just a few sellers featured today. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Uniquely Yours; blue daisy glass; Whimsical Wren Jewellery

Buggable; November Garden; Imogen's Imagination.

Mad March Hares: Week three

2011-03-22T10:46:00.001Z

Over on Folksy, the March Hares are still listing yummy goodies every day. Jewellery, artwork, scarves, bags, supplies, cards and many more fantastic handmade treasures are listed every day.

I have continued to list. Some relists and some new bits. Not all my old items are going to get relisted on folksy. I have recently opened a Frooly shop. Some of my older items and some other new bits will be listed on there instead to try them out in a new marketplace.
Here are three of my new goodies listed this week. I made up a batch of gold coloured resin so much goldness!

And three yummy goodies (each day) that have caught my eye from other hardworking Hares. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

NOfkantsCurios; The Crafty Little Bead Box; Jinja Jewellery

Squintessential; With Hugs and Kisses; Cards with a Difference

Spirit of the Woods; Crafty Mushroom; greanbea

UniquelyYours; moody cow designs; MarthaMooBeads

PrestoBeads; O'Blue Thrashion; Audrey's Cat

The French Quarter; Hannelore's Atelier; Sophie's Stuff

Maytree Lane; felted fluffies; Dottery Pottery

The March Hares: Week two

2011-03-15T09:23:00.000Z

Hello lovely readers. "What have the Mad March Hares been up to?" I hear you ask. Well maybe you didn't but I'm gonna tell you anyway :o) This week I have been amongst the many who have had sales. My crafting balance is looking good. Trying to decide what supplies to buy silver, resin moulds/dyes/bits, beads or other exciting things?
I have continued to list. Some relists and some new bits. Here are three of my new goodies listed this week.

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Hares. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Wellydog Gallery; Pants and Paper; Silk Purse, Sow's Ear

NOfkantsCurios; Presto Beads; beep beep

Whimsical Wren Jewellery; Dottery Pottery; Poppyfields Design

Indira Albert; Red Brick Glass; WoollyLakes

Ann Chandler Originals; Careford Creations; Averilpam Design

Maytree Lane; Lily's Night Garden; Great Green Ltd

April is Forever Jewellery; Konnie Kapow!; artmagic

The March Hares: Days one to seven

2011-03-08T10:41:00.000Z

Hello lovely readers. Hopw are you all today? Good I hope. It is lovely and sunny here in Southampton but still a little chilly at the mo- but still sunshine=smiley!

1st March means a new listing club over on Folksy. This time we are the (Mad) March Hares. Lots of new faces and returning faces all attempting to list every day. I am continuing too and in the last week have listed some brand new things and some relists and I had my first sale for March too. Here are three of my goodies listed this week.

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Hares. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Ann Chandler Originals; LaurasJewellery; UniquelyYours

Spirit of the Woods; busybeecards; Just Bev Soaps

Lily's Night Garden; lilipopo at glass mountain; maram jewellery

JAusenJewelleryDesign; Jinja Jewellery; Imogen's Imagination

PrestoBeads; GlitterRT; sketchstitch

April is Forever Jewellery; Cards with a Difference; Steampunk Storm

NOfkantsCurios; Poppyfields Design; The Whimsical Wren

Valentinos Finale!

2011-02-28T12:03:00.012Z

Today is the final day of the Feb daily listing club over on Folksy. I'm doing one of those big finale post I have done a couple of times before. Here's everything listed on the last day of the Valentinos!! Each photo is clickable if you want to find out more.

Folksy Valentinos! Week Three

2011-02-22T14:19:00.001Z

We are now at the end of week three of the February daily listing club over on Folksy. Here are some of my recent listing.

This week I've decided to go for colour stripes from other Valentinos. As usual, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Indira Albert; Jo Walters; Poppyfields Design

Court & Spark; Silk Purse, Sow's Ear; Wind The Bobbin Up

Redpaint; Gimme that Thing; JAusten Jewllery Design

Gaia Noir; Just k Jewellery and Gifts; Dizzy Izzy Supplies

Jinja Jewellery; Lily's Night Garden; With Hugs and Kisses

Ra Ra Bazaar; Maytree Lane; Jewels of Isis

Wellydog Gallery; Dottie Designs; NOfkants Curios.

Folksy Valentinos! Week Two

2011-02-14T19:33:00.000Z

We are now at the end of week two of the February daily listing club over on Folksy. Sales are going well for loads of people. I've had 6 myself since the beginning of the month, a mixure of new and old listings. In the past week I have relisted a few old pieces and listed a few brand new pieces. Here's some of them.

And three favourites each day from other Valentinos. As usual, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

PyroAngel's Sweet Trinkets; Eccentric Ella; Spirit of the Woods

SP Jewellery; Lily's Night Garden; lilipopo at glass mountain

Ickle Imogen; Aunty Joan Crafts; Gimme that Thing

Carols Crafts; artyadz; Gaia Noir

Lemonade and Lamingtons; cheerymishmash; Card Making Princess

Jenny's Bead Box; UniquelyYours; K & O Jewellery

MarthaMooBeads; Sew, who are you?; BaggieAggie too.

Giveaway win from The Whimsical Wren

2011-02-11T12:53:00.000Z

Back in December I entered one of the many competitions Jennie (of The Whimsical Wren) was running on her facebook page. I won and got to pick anything I liked from her Folksy shop. It was sooooo hard to choose! I picked these gorgeous butterfly and crystal earrings. They arrived shortly after Christmas- a great late pressy for me!

Jennie sells beautiful, whimsical jewellery over on Folksy and BigCartel. She is having a sale on at the moment. Check out her facebook page for details of the discount code.

Here are a few of my favourites form Jennie's Folksy shop. Recently Jennie has been making GORGEOUS pocket watches but if you want one you have to snap it up quick as they have been selling reeeeeally fast!

Thanks you so much Jennie for the wonderful earrings. I feel very glamorous when I wear them!

Folksy Valentinos! Week One

2011-02-07T18:53:00.000Z

I know, I know...no blog posts for ages then three in as many days. There's more on the way too in my head at least. I'm so behind, sorry!

We are now one week into the February daily listing club over on Folksy. This month called 'The Valentinos'. I have been part of the daily listing club since June last year (although I did step back from it in Jan). As such I have quite a few items delisting so with the exeption of today, all my listings have been relists. Here's a couple of my favourites plus today's brand new resin heart pendant.

And three favourites each day from other Valentinos. As usual, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Dragonwys; Putting on the Charms; Steampunk Storm

Imogen's Imagination; Eccentric Ella; made by lolly x

Orange Blossom Felt; Konnie Kapow!; Lou Lou's Luxuries

NOfkantsCurios; GlitterRT; Maxine Veronica Jewellery and Art

Lemonade and Lamingtons ART; blue daisy glass; Dottery Pottery

UniquelyYours; Leanne Woods Designs; Maytree Lane

MarthaMooBeads; Poppyfields Design; Mary Elliott Jewellery.

Wedding Giveaway

2011-02-06T15:24:00.000Z

Have you heard about the massive wedding giveaway going on over at Inspired Celebration? If you are getting married this year or know someone who is then its well worth you entering. Several Folksy designers (me included) have gotten together and are offering 20 different goodies worth over £500 for you to use on your upcoming big day.

These are the earrings that I am offering as part of the giveaway. They are made from sterling silver and 6mm freshwater pearls. The silver drops have been hammered to texture them and highly polished. The total drop of the earrings is 7.5cm (3 inches).

Pop over to enter and to find out more details about the other items on offer and the T&Cs for the competition- closing date is Valentines Day.

Oh and if you really want a pair of these but dont win them in the giveaway then get in touch and I can make you a pair!

Ummm....Happy New Year! Plus Secret Santa goodies

2011-02-05T13:54:00.002Z

Hello lovely blog readers. I have been a very bad blogger and missed January entirely. Hope you all had a great Christmas and New Year and January. I accidentally started 2011 by deleting my last post of 2010. Whoops! Blame it on the seasonal lurgy.

Due to the affore mentioned lurgy and bit of mojo loss and internet loss due to broken router, I took a little break from listing daily on Folksy and hid under a rock for a bit. Feeling much better now though and have rejoined the madness of the Valentinos!

Also, back in Decemeber, I joined in with Secret Santa over on Crafteroo. I was a bit rushed mid December so forgot to photograph what I sent to Claire but she blogged here if you'd like to see.

I was very lucky to have Jane of Hooked Yarn as my Secret Santa. Look at all the wonderful goodies she sent me!

The scarflet and mitts are very warm and cosy, plus the flower is detachable so I can wear it in the summer too. Jane also sent me some cute little hands, feet and face in an old tin along with some old sewing snaps. She also sent me some tumbled gemstones and some chocolate. And look at the cute card. Its based on a drawing her son did a few years ago. So cute!! Thank you so much Jane. Love all the bits and pieces and the supplies will be put to good use. The chocolate already has been ;op

December Elves: Days 17 to 19

2010-12-21T11:27:00.001Z

Well, regular readers of my blog will know, the craft fair that got snowed off in the last batch of snow was on last weekend. It was a disaster and in hindsight I shouldn't have gone. On Friday I looked at the weather report and thought it might be iffy but the organiser said it was still on so I assumed she had better local weather knowledge than me. Hmph. I got stuck on the motorway on the way up due to an accident. Sold nothing- there were very few people through the door as it was very snowy. Left early, had to dig my car out of the road as it was just wheel spinning and to top it all off I slid into a bollard on the drive back to my friend's house. Oh well, never mind. Could have been a lot worse and at least the car still works so I could get back home to Southampton on Sunday.

Meanwhile, the Elves are still going although in smaller numbers. I relisted a few items in advance to keep up. (I am technically one listing ahead but I wont be listing between Christmas and New Year.) Here are 3 of them.

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

UniquelyYours; Wellydog Gallery; Kate Blankett

JAustenJewelleryDesign; NOfkantsCurios; Leanne Woods Designs

Victoria's Polymer Art; Maxine Veronica Jewellery; bluedaisyglass

I shall possibly get round to another Elves post before Christmas but if not have a fab Christmas and New Year all whatever you are all up to.

December Elves: Days 14 to 16

2010-12-16T22:32:00.000Z

See...more hairclips!!

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. Silvery finds today!

Lizzyanthus; Esme Dodsworth Design; MarthaMooBeads

Mirribeads; Steampunk Storm; Mia Scintilla

Silk purse, sow's ear; Mystic's Realm; SP Jewellery

December Elves: Days 11 to 13

2010-12-14T11:57:00.000Z

Just a quick update on the Elves. My recent listings have been a couple of relists and the beginning of a big run on hairclips!

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. Today I've gone for reds and greens!

Imogen's Imagination; Audrey's Art; Eccentric Ella

Lilly's Night Garden; SP Jewellery; MillieBead

UniquelyYours; Court & Spark; Putting on the Charms

December Elves: Days 8 to 10

2010-12-11T11:35:00.000Z

Hello lovely readers. Hope you are all well and that your Christmas preparations are going well (if you celebrate Christmas). Mine aren't going particularly well at the moment! The tree is not up, I've given no more than a passing thought about cards and I have no idea if I've bought all the presents I need yet. Ah well. i'm sure it will all come together in time.

Here's what I've listed recently over on Folksy. Two pairs of upcycled shirt hairclips and a relist of my 'maths teacher' earrings.

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. I decided to go with a blue and purple theme today!

Creative Knits; Infiniti Jewellery; beadesk

JAustenJewelleryDesign; Kate Blanket; Rowan Jade Jewellery

Rags to Roses; NOfkantsCurios; Astrid's Garden

December Elves: Days 5 to 7

2010-12-07T16:33:00.001Z

Great news since my last post- the cancelled craft fair is now going to be on 18th Dec! Yay! Anyone in the Croydon area come along- see here for more info.

Meanwhile I am still listing daily as part of the December Elves. Two of my recent list are relists I'm afraid but the rose hair clips are new!

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Leanne Woods Designs; Audrey's Art; Dottery Pottery

Creative Knits; Sprinkles; Mia Scintilla

All Things Blankets & More; moody cow designs; Dab and a Dash

December Elves: Days 1 to 4

2010-12-04T12:12:00.000Z

Readers of my last post will know that the Christmas Craft fair I was supposed to be doing today got cancelled due to the weather. Still a bit grumpy about it as I was really looking forward to meeting loads of fellow folksy sellers and hopefully selling loads of jewellery to Christmas shoppers. The fair is going to be rearranged for March/April next year but people wont be buying Christmas presents then. Oh well- cant do anything about it now unless anyone knows of any fairs in the South/ South-East that have had people drop out last minute?

It does mean that I have some things that which I wasnt going to list on folksy until after the fair including button studs that I made LOADS of a few weeks ago and a couple of experiments with hair combs. I also wrote and put together some beaded Christmas decoration kits. I listed the baubles yesterday and today and they are available in a variety of different colour combinations.

Here are my listings from days 2-4 (on 1st Dec I relisted a set of wine charms that sold the same day!)

And three favourites each day from other hardworking Elves. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Imogen's Imagination; Mia Scintilla; The Fat Cat Designs

SP Jewellery; Rags to Roses; Red Brick Glass

NOfkantsCurios; Leanne Woods Designs; The Whimsical Wren

hats and more; UniquelyYours; Maxine Veronica Jewellery

November Sparks Finale

2010-12-02T12:07:00.001Z

Sorry for the lack of blogging. Its been very busy over here in Gemmaland. I wouldn't be blogging now but I've had to cancel much of my tutoring today due to the snow. (2 of my lessons may go ahead later if it clears a bit) I now have a bit of a dilema. I was going to put together many beaded Christmas decoration kits for the fair I'm doing on Sat in Croydon. I was seriously running out of time and didn't know if I'd finish writing the instructions in time let alone putting the kits together. Now I have a lot of free time today but what are the chances of me making it to the fair or the fair actually going ahead?
EDIT-the fair has been cancelled so that answers that question :o(

Anyhow...November Sparks! That was the point of this post. I haven't talked about them since 23rd. Naughty Gemma! Here's a few of the bits and pieces I listed in the last week.

Here's everything that was listed in the last day of the November Sparks. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. Some of these items have already sold but if you like it then you could always ask the seller if they can make you another!

November Sparks: Days twenty-one to twenty-three

2010-11-23T21:58:00.000Z

Had a few sales recently through folksy and a lovely friend of mine started her Christmas shopping with me (thanks again Emma). Means I can get a few extra supplies for making kits for sale at the Croydon Craft fair coming up a week on 4th Dec. Here's my spark's listings for days 21-23. The glittery heart sold that day! Yay!

As I had a red theme last time I thought I'll have a silver and white theme today from other fantabulous November Sparks over the last 3 days. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Vintage Dreams; Just K Jewellery and Gifts; Fairly Girly

JAustenJewelleryDesign; Poppy Sparkles; Dach Crafts

Miss Bohemia; Talking Beads; Esme Dodsworth Design

November Sparks: Days eighteen to twenty

2010-11-21T13:23:00.000Z

Still keeping up with this listing daily business! I've been going since 1st June now. Phew! Its hard work sometimes but lots of fun too.
Here's what I listed over the past 3 days:

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous November Sparks. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Eccentric Ella; Milliebead; Lemonade and Lamingtons

skyjewels; Mushy...Makes; Northfield Primitives

Imogen's Imagination; Fairly Girly; Blue Forest Jewellery

Hmm...apparently I am in a red mood today!

November Sparks: Catch up! Days seven to seventeen

2010-11-17T20:07:00.000Z

Been very busy and haven't had the time to blog every three days so doing a big catch up post. Here's a selection of things I have listed in the past 11 days.

And various favourites over the past 11 days from other fantabulous November Sparks. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Miss Bohemia; Ickle Imogen; Iyobo Design

♥ Lonely Hearts ♥; The Little Bead Box; NOfkantsCurios

SP Jewellery; Pyroangel's Sweet Trinkets; skyjewels

Pants and Paper; moody cow designs; dottery pottery

Audrey's Cat; stars & scars; Dach Crafts

Kingsclere Craft Fair

2010-11-15T16:26:00.001Z

Apologies for the lack in blogging. I have been busy preparing for and going to my first proper craft fair! Jacqueline Austen of JAustenJewelleryDesign organised a fair in her village. There were a few folksy sellers there and it was fab to put names to faces. Very busy for such a small fair so thanks muchy Jacqueline for all your hard work advertising it!

I shared my stall with my bestest friend Jen. We decided to call ourselves JenGem Accessories. Here's our stall (we had 2 table pushed together).

We both had a few sales. Jen sold one of her dinosaur bags; the pink monster purse and a kiddies apron. I sold a couple of hairclips; a resin pendant; and Natalie (NOfkantsCurios) bought my beaded flower pendant. We both bought a few bits too! I bought a piece of malachite from Natalie that I am planning using in my gem cutting experiments and a gorgeous felted monster charm from Jesselu.

Such a fun day out! Hope the one we're doing in Croydon on 4th Dec goes as well.

Edited to add: Jacqueline has done a huge blog post about the fair too. Go see here!

November Sparks: Days four to six

2010-11-06T15:09:00.001Z

My listings in the past 3 days... one has already sold though. Hannah of Squintessential bought a couple of bits fron me including the pom pom earrings. I can make more though if you like them ;o)

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous November Sparks. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

O'Blue Thrashion; Dach Crafts; Mary Elliott Jewellery

Whimsical Wren Jewellery; Diomo Glass; Putting on the Charms

A Bead Cornucopia; noodleBubble; Jo Walters Unique Beaded Gems

Folksy Friday: Newbies

2010-11-05T07:43:00.001Z

Today is my 6th month selling anniversary on folksy! (I joined folksy over a year ago and bought some bits from there for presents last Christmas but didn't start listing things myself until 5th May.) To celebrate I will refund 20% of the item price if anyone buys from my shop today (Friday 5th November). As its a Folksy Friday day too I thought I'd pick things from people who were in my situation 6 months ago. Newbies eargerly awaiting sales! Welcome in guys!

Angel Wings by PhotoFairytales; Personalised girl's charm bracelet by Polly Red;
Purple and turquiose glass bead necklace by Coral Reef; Cotton Mary Jane slippers by Winnibriggs House;
Felted form by Soft Ceramics; Jewellery blue tea lovers gift set by Doll House Designs.

Wedding memento commission

2010-11-03T22:29:00.000Z

A bit ago I was contacted by a lovely lady through Folksy, who had seen my resin jewellery there. She asked me if I could put bits of her wedding dress into resin as a memento and so she could "wear her dress again".

After a couple of messages back and forth we arranged for me to make her two pendants and two brooches containing pieces of her silk dress, pearly beads and snippets of her veil with sterling silver findings. She also wanted me to encase a tiny jay feather in a pendant for her husband.

Here's what I made for her. I'm happy to report that she liked them!!

I keep meaning to make my own bridal mementos! Really should get on and do that. I may offer it as a custom listing. What do you think?

November Sparks: Days one to three

2010-11-03T10:22:00.002Z

Ok- I know day three has barely started but I have a little free time to blog now and will be too busy later. Tutoring is still very busy and I have a cold so not much blog reading or crafting is being done. I did set up a facebook event for Jacqueline's fair in Kingsclere on 13th. If you are nearby or know of anyone nearby please pass on the link!

Here's my first three listing for the November Sparks- three pendants:

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous November Sparks. So many lovely people joining in this month! Very hard to choose favourites... As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Squintessential; Bits and Bobs Crafts; Top Floor Treasures

JAustenJewelleryDesign; flonightingale; NOfkantsCurios

Miss Bohemia; Imogen's Imagination; Lily's Night Garden

October Folkfest: Days twenty-eight to thirty-one

2010-10-31T18:24:00.000Z

Last four days of the October Folkfest listing club. Roll on November Sparks! I've been listing everyday since the beginning of June now! (Well ish- I ocassionally didn't list but I made sure I caught up or posted extra in advance if I knew I'd be too busy to list!) These listing clubs have really boosted my sales. I began listing very nearly 6 months ago now but didn't have a single sale until I joined in the June loons. My folksy sales score now stands at 28 but in reality it is higher as I've also had to delist things for friends who spotted them on folksy but wanted to pay cash.

Here's what I listed in the last four days of October:

And three pretties each day from other fantabulous Festers. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

The Little Bead Box; Maxine Veronica Jewellery; Lilly's Night Garden

NOfkants Curios; Jessicas Jotters; PyroAngel's Sweet Trinkets

Creative Knits; createdbycarole; Pants and Paper

Dottie Designs; Ann Chandler Originals; Steampunk Storm

Folksy Friday: Maths is fun!

2010-10-28T19:03:00.001+01:00

So much maths tutoring going on in my life at the mo that its the only thing on my mind! So...a maths themed Folksy Friday...enjoy! (Quite chuffed that the first item to show up in folksy when searching for 'maths' is my pair of maths teacher earrings!)

Equations cufflinks by Bookity; Fun with shapes by One more time, please!;
Calculator iPhone case by CrankCases; Red/white dice kit by Curious Designs;
Numbers by Made with Tender Loving Care; Count with me by Indira Albert.

October Folkfest: Days twenty-five to twenty-seven

2010-10-27T21:13:00.003+01:00

Still super busy so just a quick post. My listings...

And three goodies each day from other festers. Click on the pics to find out more...

Audrey's Cat, Chasing Beads, Astrid's Garden

Milliebead, Funky Cinderella, Painted Ghost

Iyobo Design, Sarah's Jewellery Designs, girlybunches

October Folkfest: Days twenty-two to twenty-four

2010-10-25T18:09:00.000+01:00

I am soooooooooooooooo behind with my blog reading. I love reading all your blogs but I follow so many that I usually have at least 50 new posts to read each day in google reader. Tutoring has really picked up recently which is great for the pennies but not so good for the promoting and reading and making. I have loads of resin work to be sanded. Doesnt take long to mix it up and pour into mould etc but the sanding takes ages. Better try and find time for it though as have a couple of craft fairs coming up soon and I'm running out of things I made for the zoo. I wont be able to list every day at the rate I'm going without better time management.

Anyway, enough rambling and excuses. Here's my october Folkfest listings. These unusual earrings are all made from pieces of black feathers suspended in clear epoxy resin.

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous festers. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. No particular theme today, just things that caught my eye...

Heirloom Bunting; moody cow designs; jcu designs

Dottie Designs; Lemonade and Lamingtons; FloralGifts4U

NOfkantsCurios; UniquelyYours; Diggi Woodturning

Fantasy Creature Swap round up

2010-10-24T12:07:00.000+01:00

Back in July I tried to organise a fantasy creature swap. I don't know if I picked the wrong time of year or whether the topic was uninteresting but I only had 3 people sign up by the deadline. As one was from the US, I took that and gave the 2 British girlies to each other. A Hungarian asked to join in after the deadline. I decided to let her join in and partnered her with me too.

The two British girlies were Louise of Nanuk Jewellery and Hannah of Squintessential, both fellow folksy sellers. Hannah makes gorgeous fantasy themed jewellery from silver clay and Hannah makes all sorts of quirky and fun jewellery (but I know from facebook is a fantasy nut!)

To see the gorgeous dragon pendant and wolf and other goodies that Louise sent Hannah click here.

To see the yummy beaded dragon set Hannah sent Louise click here.

Sorry to report that for me came disappointment. Despite several email reminders etc I have heard nothing at all from the two international participants since I allocated swap partners. Oh well. I'm not naming and shaming or anything but it has put me off organising a swap in the future- and if I do I prob wont have it open internationally. At least it was only me who lost out not others.

Well, this is what I sent to them. I made them both polymer clay dragon pendants (which were inspired by the work of Christi Friesen after reading her fab book).

Maybe the goodies never arrived- which would explain why I never heard from them- although I did email them to let them know I had posted them.

October Folkfest: Days nineteen to twenty-one

2010-10-21T21:39:00.000+01:00

Tired today so just a quick post...here's my listings...

Other yummy goodies from fantabulous folksy sellers... click for more info :o)

October Folkfest: Days thirteen to eighteen

2010-10-18T22:09:00.000+01:00

Had a busy few days so this is a 6 day catch up rather than a 3 day one! Spot the odd one out! And the larger black and red lace one has been snapped up- yay! (Thanks Mel!)

And three random favourites each day from other fantabulous 'Festers'. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Folksy Friday: Moo Cows!

2010-10-14T20:34:00.001+01:00

This Sat I am going to London for a friend's birthday drinks. It was actaully Naomi's birthday a month ago but she's such a busy girly that the celebrations were put back to now. I'm not going to tell you what I'm giving her for her pressy because she may see this post via facebook and then it wont be a surprise! However, Naomi has inspired this Folksy Friday because of her love of cow print! (Naomi, if you are reading this, I'm afraid you are not getting any of these wonderful goodies for your birthday- athough you may HAVE to buy the dress for your niece or save it and hope you have a little girl one day!)

Moody Cow! Tissue packet cover by moody cow designs; Daisy the sock cow by Lonely Hearts;
Heart pendant by Stars&Scars; Mini Moo cow print dress by raggtagg*;
Cow animal hood by Doodles in the Margin; Cute cow greetings card by It Belongs To Turtle.

October Folkfest: Days ten to twelve

2010-10-12T10:34:00.000+01:00

My listings...scraps of pink and black glitter lace in various resin shapes. I have another pendant to come in this lace too. I'll list it tomorrow :o)

So me thinks I shall pick pink and black things from other fokfesters. As ever, click on the pictures for more details.

October Folkfest: Days seven to nine

2010-10-09T16:17:00.001+01:00

My fester listings, lace scraps in resin.

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous October Folkfests. No theme today! Just things that caught my eye. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Folksy Friday: Black lace

2010-10-08T07:46:00.001+01:00

I listed some black lace earrings today for October Folkfest which inspired this collection of yummy goodies!

Black lace statement necklace by flonightingale; Black lace scarf by Sparkling Ginger;
Black lace bangle by Pennydog; Black ruffles coat by Fashion Couture;
Sammi-Lou burlesque underskirt by KizzyLou; Long crochet opera fingerless gloves by Blue Fish Handmade.

October Folkfest: Days four to six

2010-10-06T18:21:00.000+01:00

Last of my pressed flower listings...

I decided to go with a monochrome(ish) theme from other festers today. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

October Folkfest: Days one to three

2010-10-05T14:43:00.001+01:00

Yes, I know this is very late... For about a fortnight I have felt like I was coming down with something and it finally hit on Fri (although I was too busy to let it hit me on Fri so I attempted to ignore it.) I spent the majority of Sat-Mon feeling very sorry for myself and cuddling up on the sofa under a duvet watching lots of Futurama on dvd! I somehow manged to continue listing but still need to catch up on viewing and promoting. Feeling much more with it today- actually feel capable of moving and looking at a computer screen! Yay! I'm even thinking that I should be ok to tutor D tonight (cancelled all of yesterdays and this morning's tutoring). I have to go really or I'll miss my weekly dose of being attacked by his two cute little brothers who always come running to meet me to say hello to my zebra pencil case!

Anyhow.... here's what I listed in days 1-3.

Lots of new 'faces' in the listing club this month as well as some who have been in the monthly listing clubs forever! No particular theme today- just 3 of the many things that caught my eye each day. As ever, click on the pic to find out more.

And the winners are...

2010-10-05T10:28:00.000+01:00

I wrote down all you lovely entrants in 3 separate lists and used a random number generator to pick the winners.

Fossil shell necklace- Moody cow designs
Silk scrap earrings- NofkantsCurios
Forget me not earrings- noodleBubble

Congrats Trish, Natalie and Lisa!!

Thank you to everyone who took part and special thanks to everyone who took the time to browse my shop and tell me what your fav things are. I found it very interesting!

Giveaway win two!

2010-10-03T12:53:00.000+01:00

A couple or so of posts ago you may remember I mentioned I'd been very lucky and won 2 giveaways. Well on Friday my prize arrived from Jacqueline (of JAusten Jewellery Design). Jacqueline offered the winner a choice of a custom made piece of jewellery; a piece from her folksy shop; or a mystery prize. I chose the mystery prize option! And look at what she sent me!!! Its soooo yummy! I arranged a Christmas swap with Jacqueline a while back (through the folksy forums) for a pair of earrings- I have given the earrings to Phil to give back to me for Christmas. This necklace will match the earrings perfectly.

Jacqueline sells wonderful gemstone and precious metal jewellery from her folksy shop. Here are some of my faves from there- although dont hang about if you see something you like- Jacqueline's stuff sells REALLY quickly as its such high quality and VERY resonable- seriously- Jacqueline is selling thes goodies way too cheaply so grab them quick before she sees sense and puts her prices up to what they are worth!

Now I'm not a big jewellery buyer as I like to make my own, so although I happily admired Jacqueline's jewellery my bank balance was relatively safe...and then she opened a destash shop! Oh dear...my will power is taking some beating. I am still just about managing to be craft neutral (only spending money on crafts if I have sold things) but Jacqueline is really making that difficult. I haven't yet bought from her fab destash shop but have my eye on pretty much everything! Another place where people snap up her goodies the instant they are listed!

Thanks you so much Jacqueline for the wonderful necklace. And for being such a great supporter of us all in the list a day challenges on folksy.
xxx

ps. Just over 24 hours left to enter my giveaway if you haven't already done so.

September Stars: Days twenty-seven to thirty and finale!

2010-10-01T08:48:00.000+01:00

Made it to the end of the stars so a slightly different post from me today- my last 4 day's listings and then everthing else that was listed by the stars yesterday!

And the big finale! Everything that was listed yesterday!! As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Folksy Friday: Daisies

2010-09-30T19:31:00.002+01:00

The last few days have seen me adding daisies in resin necklaces and earrings to my folksy shop. I thought I'd have a look to see what other sellers have in the way of these lovely cheerful flowers!

Daisy brooch by Handmade by Amber; Crochet applique by HeloiseV;
Daisy hairclip by Dready Derry Designs; Flower pin pot by Granny Ruth's Gift Emporium;
Summer felt daisy ring by Nuada Accessories; Daisy wrist purse by Libellule.

Have you entered my giveaway yet?

Giveaway win!

2010-09-29T15:18:00.001+01:00

I'm been a very lucky bunny recently. I've won 2 giveaways! Sorry for hogging all the luck- but I've made up for it a bit by holding my own giveaway...

Yesterday my wonderful prize from the fabulous Dawn (of Lilly's night garden) arrived. Dawn was offering the winner any notebook or any 2 of her gorgeous handmade cards from her folksy shop. I chose her peacock notebook. Dawn's cats then conspired against me and spilled her tea over it but Dawn very kindly and very quickly made me another. Isn't it yummy!!

Dawn sells wonderful cards, notebooks and diaries from her folksy shop. It was very difficult for me to choose as she has such gorgeous things there. Here are some of my favorites.

Thanks you so much Dawn for the wonderful notebook. I haven't decided what I'm going to use it for yet. Got to be something worthwhile of such beauty...

Giveaway time again!

2010-09-26T16:20:00.023+01:00

Hello lovely readers. I feel like another giveaway! Who wants to join in? I'm going to run it in the same way as I ran my first giveaway. Basically there are three choices that you can win- all resin goodies this time! I'm giving all 3 away and will run 3 separate draws.

Choice 1- fossil shells in a resin pendant with a sterling silver bail

Choice 2- silk scraps, resin and sterling silver earrings

Choice 3- pressed forget me nots, resin and sterling silver earrings

What you need to do to enter- just leave me a comment here (or my facebook page: personal or shop) saying which of the three choices you'd like to win and I'll pop you into that 'hat' (not anon. because I wont be able to contact you if you win). Open internationally!!

You don't have to be a follower but it would be nice if you are. If you have some spare time I'd appreciate you visiting my shop and letting me know what your favourite thing is but only if you have a spare minute.

You have until the end of Mon 4th October to enter and I'll announce the winners on here sometime on Tue 5th. Feel free to blog/facebook/twitter/whatever about this giveaway if you want. Good luck!

Thanks for entering and thanks to everyone who takes the time to browse my shop.

Tally so far inc. 3 from facebook (Mon 5pm):

Fossil pendant: 12
Silk scrap earrings: 2
Forget me not earrings: 12

September Stars: Days twenty-four to twenty-six

2010-09-26T14:36:00.000+01:00

Nearly at the end of all my fossil shell jewellery- well at least until I go back to Barton and do some more fossil hunting. Here's the latest batch:

And three fabulous goodies each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. Different colour combination today! As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

September Stars: Days twenty-one to twenty-three

2010-09-24T19:27:00.001+01:00

As mentioned this morning, I'm a little late with this post. Three days comes round sooooooo quickly, especially now tutoring is picking up again. Days 21-23 saw the last two pairs of fossil shell earrings and a bangle from me.

And three goodies each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more. I decided to go with a theme today. Can you tell what?

Folksy Friday: I'm late!!

2010-09-24T09:33:00.001+01:00

I'm late with my September Stars blogging....AGAIN!! In honour of this fact I thought I'd look for folksy items to do with 'lateness' :o)

Sorry I forgot card by Gingerbred; "I'm late, I'm late" resin brooch by Nelli D;
Alice in Wonderland Artwork by wall envy art; White rabbit pendant and watch necklace by Scrummy Beads;
The eleventh hour by Always Picture Perfect; Save the date postcards by Craftypagan Designs.

September Stars: Days eighteen to twenty

2010-09-21T08:01:00.001+01:00

Very busy day yesterday, didn't have much time to read forums or blogs. Hoping I'll have more time today. Here's the fossil shell earrings I listed on days eighteen to twenty.

Something a bit different today. I'm showing you all the last three items to be listed each day from other sellers (though I haven't repeated sellers). As ever, click on the pics to find out more.

September Stars: Days fifteen to seventeen

2010-09-18T11:48:00.000+01:00

Yesterday I said I post this later in the day but didin't get round to it. Sorry!

Having finally gotten round to making more gift boxes for my fossils in resin range I'm now on a massive run of fossilised shell listings. The shells were collected from the clay by me and Dad at Barton-on-Sea, Hampshire. I cleaned them ans have set them in clear epoxy resin. I have 8 pairs of earrings to list and a few pendants/necklaces and a bangle too. (I did list one pendant about a week ago though.) The last 3 days have seen three pairs of earrings.

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Folksy Friday: Fossils

2010-09-17T07:00:00.002+01:00

September Stars will know I'm in a listing run featuring my fossilised shell jewellery (I'll do another post later showing my latest 3 listings along with goodies from other stars). With fossils in my mind, I thought I shall do a fossil themed Folksy Friday this week :o)

Actual fossil fish picture by NOfkantsCurios; Silver ammonite fossil charm by Natalina's Jewellery;
Ammonite fossil pendant by JAustenJewelleryDesign; Jewllery box in oak by Tree Gems;
Ammonite Brooch by Gelert Design; Trilobite necklace by Niche Handmade.

September Stars: Days twelve to fourteen

2010-09-14T13:59:00.001+01:00

My listings for days 12-14. The button earrings sold very quickly to the lovely Angela of BeadCornucopia (go peak in her shop. She has yummy bits and pieces for the jewellery maker and more). Thanks Angela!! The earrings were OOAK though I may make similar pairs if anyone's interested...?

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

September Stars: Days nine to eleven

2010-09-12T11:07:00.030+01:00

Blegh! Managed to delete this post by accident. Where's the huge undo button when you need it?!?!? Hopefully I've pretty much reconstructed what I wrote....My listings

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. As ever, click on the pics to be taken to the sellers' shops to find out more.

Folksy Friday: What makes me smile!

2010-09-10T08:00:00.001+01:00

Wednesday I read a great little blog post by Laura from made by lolly. She has inspired this week's Folksy Friday. Basically I think of something that always makes me smile and then see if I can find a Folksy related item.

[Wobbly toddlers] The Duckbeast t-shirt by Pierre Cochon; [Raspberries] Raspberry earrings by PatsParaphernalia;
[Rainbows] Rainbow signed fine art print by Red Shed Art; [Orangutans] Three monkeys children's art print by lovefromtherobinsons;
[Pompoms] Pompom hat by Eccentric Ella; [Starry skies] Dichroic stars fused glass pendant by Tutty fruity fused glass.

September Stars: Days six to eight

2010-09-08T22:41:00.000+01:00

has it really been three days since my last post? I suppose it has because i've listed three more things... I'm sure the plot was around here somewhere.... I thought thinks would calm down now the zoo is finished but I don't seem to have stopped and I've had 2 whoops moments with the tutoring too. I completely forgot one appt (should have checked my diary Monday night) and yesterday I forgot my pencil case- much to the disappointment of D's little brother. He always comes running to meet me when I arrive and practically goes head first into my bag- my pencil case is a zebra!!
Anyhoooo, amongst organising some 'lighten the Christmas £££ burden' folksy swaps (best way to do Christmas shopping EVER, here's what I listed in the last three days.

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars...

September Stars: Days one to five

2010-09-05T19:54:00.000+01:00

The August A-team has ended and the September Stars have begun. I took a few days off from listing every day what with the zoo and all but have had a bit of a catch up today. I've photographed the majority of the items that did not sell at the zoo (over 250 photos!) so have plenty of new items to list over the month. Here's what I've listed (6 because I didn't really list on the 31st of Aug although I did manage 31 listings)

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous Sept Stars. Picking only three is very tricky! And I picked things that haven't already sold. lots of yummy goodies have already flown away with the sales fairy. Yay!

Hmmm...having just peaked at this post in preview mode I notice a certain colour scheme seems to have appeared all by itself. Maybe my favourite colour has changed from purple to orangy red!!

Marwell recycling week

2010-09-04T23:00:00.002+01:00

Well I've done my two days at Marwell's recycling week. Not made many sales but the exposure was good. In total we took £87. On top of the sales I mentioned in last night's little post, I sold three fabric flowers (that I'd made whilst sat there the two days), one of Natalie's fossil pictures and one of Nat's rings. Didn't get extra sun frazzled today! Was cloudier and I wore long sleeves.

Look! I had a sign! Very exciting!!!

I took the above pictures this morning as I forgot to take one of my exciting sign yesterday. Here's how it looked on Friday.

In the fourth pic you can see my little display area. At the back is Jane's cassette tape crochetted pot cover and a fabric scrap patchwork bear bag I made when I was little. In front of Jane's pot cover is a beaded bag I made from an old car seat cover. Then in front of that is piles of photos from lovely folksy and crafteroo people who make beautiful things out of recycled goodies.

Whilst I sat on my bench I made fabric roses from old shirts and fabric scraps. I sold one on Fri and three today. Haven't got pictures of all of the ones I made.

The two blue ones sold today. The little one is an old shirt thats now a brooch and the big one is part of the bottoms of my bedroom curtains (they were too long!). Its a hair comb but I stiched a safety pin to it too so it could be worn as a brooch. I showed a few little girlies how to make fabric roses.

I had a super heathly smoothie too. And why was it super healthy? Well for starters it was a smoothie so lots of yummy fruit and for seconds I blended it by cycling! They had a blender attached to a bike so you could recycle your energy! You had to pedal frantically for about a minute. It was yummy.

Sleepy time now.....zzzzz

Quick Marwell update

2010-09-03T20:14:00.001+01:00

I'm a little sun frazzled after my day at Marwell today despite the sun block. Not amazingly busy but quite a few people were very interested- they just didn't buy much! 5 sales in total for the day. 3 were mine (a bag charm, a pressed flower necklace and a fabric brooch I made whilst sat there), 1 was a bag from Nat (O'Blue) and one was a bag from my friend Jen (who will be putting things in her empty folksy shop one day soon...maybe!). People were VERY impressed with Jane's (Hooked Yarn) plastic Morrison's carrier bag yarn crocheted brooches.

I have taken pics of the stall but bit shattered to do anything other than a quick update. I'll do a proper blog post about the event sometime Sun or maybe during the week. I have a big sign printed by the zoo! I've never had a sign before!! Very exciting! I must remember to take a picture of that tomorrow...

And if you're around- come visit me tomorrow. I'm up near the red pandas. Whilst you are browsing my goodies your small hangers on can make an animal out of srcap or listen to a story. Or why not have a smoothie blended by pedal bike power!!! (That's funny to sit and watch whilst I'm making)

Marwell sneak preview (and end of August A-Team)

2010-08-31T21:38:00.000+01:00

On Friday and Sat this week I'm heading to Marwell wildlife for my little stall of recycled goodies. I've been very busy making and planning displays etc. Thought you might like a sneaky preview of what I've been up to! Lots of bits and pieces in resin!

First of all, my fossil shell jewellery. If you have been reading my blog for a while you will know that the fossil shells are the reason I dabbled in (and got hooked on) resin in the first place. Marwell is going to be the day I launch the range! (Because as Natalie says, "You can't get more recycled than millions of years old!") All my fossil resin jewellery will have sterling silver findings. There will be more than in this picture, but basically there will be lots of earrings, some necklaces/pendants and a bangle.

Next, pressed flowers in resin. Some of these flowers are from my own collection and some were very kindly given to me by Kaz of buteartism. Again, more to come.

Next, fabric scraps in resin. When I was looking for fabric for my wedding dress I got a lot of tiny fabric samples. I didn't throw then away and now I've found a use for them! Again, more to come.

And finally (of the resin ranges), greetings card cuttings in resin! A fair few keyrings but a couple of pairs of earrings too.

Still have LOADS on the to do list. I have lots of broken jewellery that I want to make new jewellery out of and I also want to make fabric roses out of some old shirts for brooches or maybe fascinators. Plus I have lots of printing to do. Boxes and business cards etc. Plus I've been asking around on the folksy and crafteroo forums for pictures of people's recylced creations. I'm going to have a little display area with pictures of lovely goodies for inspiration and advertising. I'll be popping their details on the pictures and let people take them away if they're interested. I also have a great pot cover crocheted out of cassette tape by Jane of Hooked Yarn and a bag made by me out of those beaded car seat covers from the 70s (display only items).

Prob wont be blogging again until after the zoo. Much much much to do! Plus I'm tutoring as well. On that note, I'm temporarily bowing out of the list a day folksy challenge. I did manage to list 31 items this month (well...ish. Yesterday I listed two pairs of different coloured earrings in one listing to save me 20p) I'll catch up next week because I'm sure I wont sell everything at the zoo! These are my end of August listings.

August A-Team: Days twenty-six to twenty-eight

2010-08-29T10:10:00.000+01:00

August has been my quietest month so far. I only had one sale for most of the month but just had a mini rush of 4! (Ok 3 were to the same person, thanks Hannah.)
Here's my listings from days twenty-six to twenty-eight- more resin!

And three favourites each day from other fantabulous A-Teamers.