Counting Sheep

I've been having lots of fun making these little sheep. They began as a project for the Beads of Courage Programme, but have since become something that other people are interested in and I really enjoy giving each one an individual personality.


I was asked a few weeks ago to work on a flat floral bead, which has teased my imagination a little. I've inserted man made "diamonds" into some of these beads - something I hadn't done for ages, but I think that this style rather suits the twinkle.

I've also been making loads of tomato relish, trying to use up some of the beautiful heritage tomatoes that the Toy Boy has growing in the garden. This is a tried and true family favourite here, something I do every year. I just love preserving food for the long cold winter months - I feel like sich a Domestic Goddess!

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!

A Very Brave Family

While I was in New Plymouth for the Dunkley's Great New Zealand Craft Show I was privileged to meet an amazing family.
Rory Gardiner was diagnosed with two cancerous brain tumors when he was 7 years old in March 2009, and since then he and his family have been fighting for his life. He is currently in remission, but will not be considered "safe" until March 2014.
Rory's mother, Leigh, has kept a faithful record of their journey on Rory's website.
During the course of his illness, Rory has amassed an amazing 800+ Beads of Courage!
I urge you to visit there and to read their incredible story.
So to Rory, Leigh, Sean and Sam, I salute you.
You are heroes!

Beads of Courage

I love making beads - it is one of the great joys of my life, but to make these fun beads for kids adds a whole other dimension to my pleasure!

In the Beads of Courage Programme, the children receive set colours and styles of beads for every proceedure they go through, (i.e. green for a blood transfusion) but when they go through a special- tougher - act of courage they receive an extra special - usually handmade - bead.

These are the beads in my latest contribution to the Beads of Courage for our local Child Cancer Foundation group.



The bugs are great fun to make - I'd never really bothered much with "sculptural" beads before and rather surprised myself when these wee fellows appeared.



Tiny Tea! I asked some of the parents what the children like, and apparently food is a big bugbear for their poor sick tummies - but they love to look at yummy things.



When they go into remission, the children receive a purple heart - rather like a soldier who has fought a courageous battle - isn't that appropriate?



I've thought about making cats and dogs and sports balls. Do you have any other suggestions for beads that I could make to make these wonderful children smile?