Changing the Focus for 2012

.........Well it has been an eternity since I last blogged!!   July! for goodness sake!

      .............In fact it feels like an eternity since things ran smoothly!

What with one thing or  another...things just simply didn't go to plan....or should I say other things came along (or people!) and sort of threw spanners in the works!  but that's Life huh!

Life sure does have a habit of getting in the way with being creative that is for sure!, and no matter what we do or say to try change that...things still go belly-up at the drop of a hat! 

....Bahh-humbug! I say to them all!...my 2012 WILL! be brighter - more fulfilling, more productive,  ...come hell or high water!

I am over my sanity levels being tested beyond all belief, and will be kindly but firmly putting my foot down when it comes to demands being asked of me that are not conducive with what MY! plans are!

    .....One of the few bright things in 2011 was the little guy in the photo!...my gorgeous little grandson!  His presence in the world helped put a brighter notch in the year.


So now it's onward and upward as the saying goes - and now I'm forward planning and taking stock of what I want to get done and achieved in the new year.

...................So here's to a wonderful 2012 year!   May yours be bright and sunny too...

Wkly Site/Page Promo - Wk 28

I'm sure those of us who are interested in the world of Art - whether it be paintings, sculptures, curios, Jewellery etc etc ...have at some stage or another come across a piece that has captivated us so much - we have sat there for hours on end just mesmerised by it.

I've had many of those experiences over the years - but about a year or so ago I had the same sensation whilst viewing the works of  Jeff de Boer......

Who would have thought that a scaled-to-size suit of Armour could captivate me so much....but I wasn't just captivated....I was totally gobsmacked!! and couldn't tear myself away from looking - the pieces are amazing!
And the more I continued my journey through Jeff's gallery - the more my jaw would drop further and further...resulting in the need of a soft cushion so I wouldn't smack it on the table  - plus countless amounts of paper-towelling were required to "mop up" the drool that came with it.

And when you clap eyes on Jeff's work - I am sure you too will have the same sensations....so make sure your prepared before hand with your soft "cushy" for your jaw - countless amount of paper-towelling for the drool...and possibly a mop and bucket for any excess!!

....Just as a "tempter" ....here is the first picture I clapped eyes on of Jeff's work......

When you see a scaled-to-size piece of "Mouse" Armour!....you find yourself saying "WT!!???....How'd he do that!!??"...and continue to look and be drawn in...then...Welcome to the club!....you too have been bitten by the bug that is Jeff de Boer        Jeff can also be found on Facebook at JeffdeBoerSculpture

.....Enjoy!!!..

..Till next time...cheers Suzi

Weekly Site/Page Promo - wk 27

Ok - first up - am a tad late in getting this post up - but my "Pick for the Week"  - the "Like" from my likes on Facebook - is Remy Heath from Studio Heath

Remy's work is simply stunning - and I know personally as I have quite a few of her "Goodies"...and yep - I am one lucky little "Vegemite!!"...lol

Oh!...and for those that do not know what "Vegemite" is - it's a condiment we "Aussies" generally get raised on as kids...nothing like a hot piece of toast with lashings of butter and Vegemite for breaky!...or any other time....hehehe *grin*

Ok...enough talking of toast, butter and Vegemite!..I'm getting the "hungers" typing!!...lol

Back to Remy's "goodies"......

My daughter actually caught sight of the one in the top right and wanted to claim it - not to be made into Jewellery mind you - she just loved the colours etc and wanted it to sit on her desk.   And when I gave it to her - yes I did succumb!- my little 5 - nearly 6mths old grandson caught a glimpse and his eyes lit up!..."Mmmm - sparkles!!""...lol

 As you can see from the photos above - these aren't small!!...and that is sooo great!! 
 It means once I get around to doing something with them - they will be substantial pieces!! :)

But aren't they just gorgeous!!??  

Anyway - pop over to Remy's site and have more of drool session....free paper towels available!!..lol

Till next time!!....and I hope your remembering to smile 'cos it is free you know!

ciao
Suzi 

Oval Jump Rings - Chevron Chain

Some years ago I was "experimenting" with some wire whilst making Jump rings, and wanted to see how easy it would be to make Oval Jump rings....soooo I did and it worked!!  :)

Since then I've made quite a few chains and bracelets..and have "tweaked" and worked out several ways these can be made that will sustain a bit of "rough" treatment and so far all is well.

But i wanted to take this even further, so early this year I was "messing" round with some chain maille and thought  "Hmmm....wonder if I did this and then that and added them if it would work"....here is the result of that "experiment".     The first photo shows the finished result....which is two lots of Chevron chain joined together with other links and then embellished with Amethyst, Lapis Lazuli and Turquoise beads.  Don't think it turned out too bad if I say so myself!!..lol

 

Persian Delight 

Chevron Chain - made with Oval Jump rings

The photo above shows what the chain on it's own is like..and - will add that ALL! links are hand coiled and cut etc....and in this bracelet alone there are approximately 136 links.  :)

All in all it was fun making it....ciao!

Till next time....Suzi  :)

Weekly Site/Page Promo

Last week I started a promotion to list one of the "Likes" I have on my business page of  sites/pages of other Artisans and businesses that are worth taking a closer look at.

Betty Stephan Beadwork was my pick for last week

....This week my listing is yet another "Beader" - but one who could be called the
"Queen of Beads" - none other than Sherry Serafini

Her work is to die for!...it's Vibrant...definitely has the "WoW!" factor and is nothing short of stunningly brilliant!

Whilst I don't have a business page of Sherry's on Facebook - I do have her site...so without further ado...please take a look at the beautiful work of

Sherry Serafini





This is just one of the "gobsmackingly" stunning creations Sherry does...breathtaking!!!













Till next time!....and remember...Smile!!!...it's free!!  :)

ciao
Suzi

Getting Back Into The "Groove"

Well it's been ages since I last posted on my Blog - but what with a million and one other things on the slot sheet - keeping up with the Blog has fallen by the way-side.

So!!...I'm definitely going to change that!

A few little "hiccups" that life throws at you that have been of a pressing nature are nearly sorted - so once that happens it will be onwards and upwards!!

I have ideas bouncing round all over the place and just want to get them out and happening.  Plus - I've recently got a beautiful stash of yummy Lampwork beads from Remy Heath of www.facebook.com/StudioHeath...simply stunning! as you can see in the photo....    So yes- am definitely pulling the digit out and getting on with it!!

Till next time!!....Smile!!...it's free  *grin*

ciao
Suzi