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!

Home from the fair

We're just home from the first of the Martinborough Fairs. We enjoyed our "South Pacific Cruise" on the ferry to Wellington, where we stayed with our son and his partner, then travelled up to Martinborough very early on Saturday morning.
Boy! It was a scorcher with temperatures well into the 30's, but we have a wonderful spot on the eastern side of the square, where we get the morning sun and are sheltered from the wind. Apparently there were 25,000 people there, though it really didn't seem that busy.
Had a fabulous meal in Wellington at La Belle Italia in Petone while we were there - real authentic Italian, with fresh, fresh food and incredible service.
It was real family time in Wellington - my sister and niece helped out on mine and the Toy Boy's stalls, and my brother-in-law, who is an amazing cook, treated us to one of his creations on Sunday night.
We have come home feeling filled-up on family and fabulous food!

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.