Check out Spider Spiral for unique handcrafted jewellery. This new site has been put together by our good friend Cathy, and sells funky bead and wire jewellery made by Cathy herself. I’m particularly taken with this spirally heart bracelet. Great source of Christmas presents - go on, you know you want to…
I launched a new website yesterday: Emily’s Beads. It’s a bit of a pet project I’ve been working on for a couple of months.
I started working on it to try out using the PayPal shopping cart on a site and find out exactly how it works - thought that would help with enquiries from potential clients. Once I started working on it I got a bit carried away and it’s turned into a bit more than that.
The site is to (hopefully) sell some of my beaded jewellery, so there’s a shop section arranged by category, but I’ve also put in some ‘added value’ sections to contain book reviews and tutorials (there is one of each at the moment, so I will be continuing work on that). I’m pretty pleased with the results. Even if I don’t actually sell anything it can be used as a demonstration of how the PayPal system works.
Just wanted to do a quick post about another cool website I’ve discovered recently. The site is Sumptuosity, the main purpose of which is to sell fabulous soft furnishings and accessories. There’s some gorgeous stuff on there. Might have to treat myself to something really special for our new home (shhh, don’t tell Mik). Have to wait before we start thinking about colour-schemes though!
What makes this site really special is that it’s not just about selling their wares. There’s also some articles about designers and a new forum that looks like it could turn into something really interesting. I like the way the site owners aren’t just nameless people behind the scene. The forum really gives you the opportunity to interact with them and contribute something to the site.
I finished another bracelet last night, using the bead’s I posted a picture of a few days ago. Oh, that’s amusing, I’ve just noticed the photo (below) shows up where I’ve made a mistake. I guess that’s what makes handcrafted items more interesting - they’re not always flawless.
I’m going to continue with the same beads and make a bangle-style bracelet. I’ll also make some earrings to go with each and then see if there are enough left for a necklace. By which time I will be thoroughly sick of those colours and want to do something different 
For some reason the designs I’m most happy with are bracelets. Necklaces I don’t seem to get on with quite so well. I’ll have to work on that.
I finished watching the animated Lord of the Rings last night. Such a cool film! So, after such a busy day I’m going to treat myself to another night in front of a DVD tonight. So what’s next in the list…? Um, the other Lord of the Rings
And of course while I’m watching I will get on with some beading. Last night I cleared off my beading tray (thread ends and faulty beads from the previous project):
Honestly, that is tidy! I’ve got my various threads, sharp pointy scissors, stretch magic (beading elastic), needles, pot for stray beads, pliers and bead scoop (couldn’t live without the scoop!). All essential! I also chose three different colours of seed bead:
I’m going to make a similar style of bracelet as the last one, but with a different pattern. It’s actually quite difficult to find a selection of different coloured beads for brick stitch because beads can be so variable in size, which makes the weaving uneven. These three are all the same type of finish, so hopefully will be similar enough to get a neat finish. We shall see!