Happy Australia Day to all my fellow Aussies! There are a few things going on in our country at the moment that make it somewhat hard to be enthusiastic about celebrating our nation (dodgy human rights “issues”, culling sharks, dreadful live export trade etc) so I won’t make a big deal about it except to say I love my country with all its faults. I love the weather (despite it being blisteringly hot at the moment), the beaches, the wildlife, the laid-back attitude and the blue, blue skies. No country is perfect – ours has its issues as much as any other nation – but all in all, I wouldn’t want to live anywhere else. Doesn’t mean I don’t shake my head in disbelief and shame at some of the decisions and policies made by the people in power, but I still love my country overall (even if I am a little embarrassed by it sometimes).
That bit of patriotism over and done with, let us move on to topics far more interesting – crafting and op-shopping! Went op-shopping with my Mum yesterday morning and bought a few bracelets and necklaces full of lovely, lovely beads. I hit the jackpot with a couple of large pieces that had LOADS of beads on them, enough to make quite a few things with, and in the colours I needed too (except for yellow – why oh why can I not get any yellow beads anywhere???):
Look at this amazing layered bracelet/cuff! Only $2.00! Such a bargain and the beautiful greens are such nice shades in a variety of styles and sizes…
These wooden ones were also a great buy. A nice earthy red colour – I will get plenty of use out of these little guys (not sure what I will do with the large “bits” but I will hang on to them anyway)…
I am always on the lookout for turquoise of any description. These ones came from a big and bold chunky necklace. They are resin I believe and not really a proper turquoise shade but still useable. They look a bit like cartoonish volcanic rocks to me!…
This purple/mauve necklace had lots of nice beads on it too, mostly glass – which I prefer – and with lovely detailing (love the little dimpled beads). Purple is a popular colour and I can never have enough in my stash…
I also picked up this strange item. I think it might a charm from a handbag (?) but I couldn’t be sure. The sales lady didn’t know either so she priced it as a bracelet ($2). I thought I could get a lot of use out of the silver findings on it and even the black cord will be handy. It didn’t look as though it had been “worn” or used at all.
I also picked up a tiny bracelet made out of these cute little coral-coloured cube beads.
So, what have I been making? More jewellery…I am just not in the mood for anything else at the moment and kinda have to go where the money is (i.e. I am selling the jewellery and it is helping me financially quite a bit). I sell a lot of cards too but they take such a long time to make and I am just too hot (and lazy) at the moment. Apologies if you come here looking to see what new cards I’ve made…just isn’t happening at the moment!
Anyway, here are a few pieces that I made in the last couple of days – the first lot being very bright and colourful! Love these colours together – very fiesta-inspired!
These earrings are very Day-of-the-Dead inspired…
These pretty glass earrings were made from a vintage necklace I bought a few weeks back in a 2nd hand store.
This silver and turquoise pair will be popular with the ethnic/boho crowd…
This ring is the finished product from the bracelet panels I featured in this post It worked so well with the filagree ring blank I had..
I made this silly little ring using a broken bead…it reminds me of a boiled sweet!
I really like these earrings, mainly because of the gorgeous ceramic red beads – such a nice colour…
This dainty pair is also nice – the silver and red works really well…
I have lots of orders to complete and am currently procrastinating…it’s so hot and I’m tired (unfortunately my anaemia is kicking my butt at the moment and I have to have an iron infusion in the next week or so…). Was supposed to be at a fireworks party tonight but have piked. Anxiety playing up a bit currently and I am having to force myself to leave the house and socialise. Just wasn’t up to a party tonight. As a result, I am schlepping about at home in my PJs and am trying to get my house tidy (or, I would be if I wasn’t procrastinating about that too…).
I did actually go to a party yesterday – my nephew’s 5th birthday party. He had a Superhero theme so lots of little Supermen, Spidermen, Ninja Turtles etc running around. The kids were awesome – not a brat amongst them. My sister-in-law did an AMAZING job of preparing food and making decorations in a superhero them. Check out the “Kryptonite Krispies”:
We also had an hilarious half hour when the kids were trying in vain to break the super-pinata – it was pretty strong. It took older brother (Master 7) to give it the final bash which sent all the treats inside flying. I actually helped make the piñata – I babysat my nephews and nieces last weekend and Miss 3 1/2 and Master 5 spent a good part of the afternoon putting the initial layers of paper macho onto a balloon – their concentration and dedication to the task at hand made me smile. The final result (finished by their Super Mum) was pretty cool and very, very robust!
Unfortunately, towards the late afternoon, my Mum became very ill and I had to take her home quickly. Seems like she got over-heated. I was pretty worried for a while there as she looked dreadful and was so sick. But she is better today – just recovering and taking it easy. It was so very hot and humid yesterday and easy for people to get heat stroke and dehydration, despite the fact she had been drinking plenty. I sometimes forget that she is a “senior” now – I need to keep an eye on her more (even though she would laugh at that and tell me to get a life ha ha).
Well, this house will not clean itself and I should probably eat some lunch and bring in my laundry…or not. I could just sit and play with beads. That sounds much nicer 🙂
Upside Down Miss Jane 