Mixed Blessings

I was really excited when I ordered my new computer, and had planned carefully to have it arrive while my son was home so he could help me in the teething stages - yes, I knew that it would be a bit of a challenge for me. I love technology and the way it connects me to a whole unimagined world...but I do find that the maze of computer speak just baffles me!
So all was well initially - Dell and me were making friends nicely and playing well. Then she refused to read my camera driver...for no reason, she just dug her toes in and said she couldn't see it, even though it was plugged into her side with the appropriate umbilicus. And I got cross.
I imported all kinds of special software to try to please her but she still stayed blindfolded to Canon, who is the nicest little camera you could find. And she's not that old, really...
So eventually, with my dear son's help, I purchased a mediator - a card reader who will take Canon's card and deliver it to Dell. What a long and frustrating story this has been.
So now all I have to do is get Blogger to behave - does anyone know of a mediator that will work with him? Blogger MUST be male, surely? He is just so inflexible...

Studio Time

Happy New Year! I hope that 2011 brings you all the things that you wish!

It's holiday time in Golden Bay, and the time of year when I love to see visitors to my studio. We are on a hill just above the Pohara Holiday Park, and love to hear the sounds of people enjoying their summer break. As I write this I can just hear the sounds of children playing on the beach and the sounds of the sea. Everyone is so relaxed and happy - it is such a great time of year to spend with people - they are at their very best!

I have to say that it's VERY hot in the studio - with the kiln and the flame going combined with this gorgeous weather we're having, I have the fans doing double time.

Every time I go the bead box I find that the teal colour box is almost empty...so I have been enjoying making a few beads in that colour. I've been making a few Landscapes and a few Florals - can you see the One Colour Florals in the photos?
I've also been making a few sheep for the Beads of Courage Programme, and have been asked to make them for a client - isn't that fun?
Happy Holidays everyone!

Meet the Cats

I've been sorting through photos and have come across some lovely recent ones of the cats.
They're Bombays - little black panthers with golden eyes. They're just beautiful and have the most wonderful natures.





illy (aka Princess illy One Eye)is slightly older than Mojo at 5 1/2, and lost her eye to a nasty infection last year. She is a huge personality and manages all of our lives quite successfully. If you've been to visit the studio you have probably met her!

Mojo is a little more shy, though he will occasionally socialize with new people. He always has a lot to say and can jump from the ground onto the top of the rotary washing line. His nickname is "Gerald McBoing Boing" (Do you remember the children's story about the boy who could leap to amazing heights?), and he has been found on the very top of our neighbours kitchen cabinets. He thinks its hilarious, but we have trouble with some of his jokes!

Here he is coming home with a story to tell.


We often call them the Bumpy cats because they adore one another and often bump along together - they seem to love to touch one another as they wander along - they are very sweet!

If you are wondering about their names - they are named for coffee brands - the Toy Boy and I both love good black coffee!





This last one is The Princess asleep hidden in the folded sun umbrella.

Meeting Laura-mae

Recently I've been lucky to have a young woman share her Fridays with me on a local high school Day Out Programme.

Laura-mae lives just down the road from us, and though we have met before, it has been a real pleasure spending time with her getting to know her.

She is 14 years old and loves jewellery and music, spending time in her weekends busking (playing her guitar and singing) and hanging out with her friends.

The Toy boy also has a young man from Laura-mae's year group spending time with him in the workshop - Jeremy is helping to assemble snails as I write.

Since our son grew up and left home, we find that we have had ever decreasing contact with young people, so this has been great fun for both of us!

We're off to the bead room this afternoon to assemble some lovely coral Swirl beads that came out of the kiln this morning.

TGIF everyone! - Generation gap here - Laura-mae just asked what TGIF mean, and for those who don't know...THANK GOD IT'S FRIDAY!

After a Long Silence...

It's been ages since I've posted here - and ages since I have uploaded new work onto the website.
Excuses, excuses...we've been away doing lots of shows and fairs - our last one was to Hunters Garden Marlborough on the 7th November. It was a fabulous day out, but quite chilly with that good old east coast wind blowing through us rather than round us!
I've just been catching up with uploading some of the new pieces I've been making in the little studio time I have had
So here's a little taste...

Light Ivory "Spice" Pearls
I was thinking about pearls when I made these beads, but with a bit more character!

Peach Mango Round Spice Beads
I'm in love with this Peach Mango glass and have just discovered that it was a limited edition - and I only bought a pound! Neeedless to say, I'm squeezing out as much as I can possibly get out of this gorgeous glass.

True Red Small Round Spice Beads
I always love true red - the Italian Reds are wonderful - rich and full.

Earthy Colours on Black CanCans
This is a different one for me - I'm not usually good with "off" colours as they don't suit me, but this set looks wonderful on my friend Helen, who has dark hair and skin.


Chakra Lotus Flowers with Whole Colours and Crystals
I've been meaning to try this out for ages - making Lotus Flower beads in two shades of the same colour. This style has so much meaning for me, and I love the "rhythm" of making them. It's a bit like a meditation in itself.
So, it's back to the studio again for me - I have lots of ideas for Roses in different colours and styles - watch this space.