LALA LAMPWORK BEADS BLOG BY HELEN MITCHELL

Where has this week gone!!

2011-09-22T05:34:00.000-07:00

Well I cannot believe its nearly the weekend again, this last week has just flown by!!! I got up on Saturday at 6 am and dragged George out of bed and drove her back to Chester, settled her into her new house and then drove home again!! I was back home by 2pm shattered but so glad to get off the M6!!

Here's George in her new house, she is a very happy bunny to be back at Uni.

So on Sunday I had to get up early to take Jason to work he was mean't to be away again all week and I was dreading it because I hate not having him around, espeically having to cook for myself!! tee hee. Luckily things worked out better than he thought and he came home on Tuesday Yay!!

I kept myself pretty busy anyway and made lots of beads, I am still playing around with my silver glass and made these with a press I have had for a while and never got round to using.

I really like this shape and so made a braclet too

Then I thought it would be a great shape to make some Animal beads so made these, my favourite is the piggy so far!!

I think next time I get in the shed I am going to play around with this idea a bit more!! thinking maybe cows next and then maybe made some tree beads, as think would be good on this shape!!

Anyway I so looking forward to the weekend, hopefully have a day out to the seaside, I really want a walk on the beach!!

Hope you all doing ok xxxxxx

Just Catching Up

2011-09-14T03:56:00.000-07:00

Well I am back from a brilliant extended weekend in Surrey and now trying to catch up with everything!!
Here is where we stayed

Madgy loves it there were lots of ducks to watch and you can walk miles from the door through a big golf course and stunning scenery. This is our second stay here, its about 1/2 an hour to my best friend's house and a great base. Oh and a wonderful pub right on the doorstep too! :0)

While we were staying there I popped out and spent as much time as I could catching up with Jayne and her lovely family, it was her Son's first birthday and she had a lovely party for him. On Monday we went to Camberley I had beads to post and we had lunch with her Mum.

I even managed to make a couple of bits while we where chilling out in the evenings.

So the next couple of days I plan to make new beads and get them stocked back in my ebay shop and then I have a busy weekend taking my daughter back to Chester Uni and then Jason is being sent off to Essex for a week! :0( .

Hope you all having a good week

Helen x

Happy Wednesday

2011-09-07T05:19:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday to you all, I have been keeping myself pretty busy making lots of beads over the last week or so.

I bought some new Double Helix glass and I am really enjoying trying out different combinations to see what colour mixes I can come up with!!

I have had quite a bit more shed time over the last week with Jason having to work in London and the girls all busy making the most of there last few days before they all return to College/School/Uni. I love it when they all busy and out my hair!!!! he he On Sunday we were mean't to be going to a duck race but it got rained off!! lol (this is were they put hunderds of yellow ducks in the river, they are all numbered and if yours gets to the finishing line first you win!!) its normally quite a fun day but not in the pouring rain even if they ducks did not mind!!. So we had Sunday dinner with my Mum instead and drank wine!!!!

Mum asked me to make some new necklaces for her neighbours so I made these

I plan on trying to make some more over the next few weeks as Jason's Mum likes to take them to sell to her friends near Christmas and I have hardly any made!!

I am really looking forward to the weekend its my freinds son's first birthday and she is having a party for him, he is sooo gorgeous and I miss seeing him grow up as we live so far apart!!

My ebay is also getting nicely stocked as I try to add new beads most days here is the link

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/lalalampworkbeads

hope you all having a good week and its not too windy and rainy!!

Helen xxxx

Wheat Harvest is all done!!

2011-08-30T04:44:00.000-07:00

So as promised here is a piccy of our combine at work!!

And here is Madgy on a bale!! I love this time of year when all the men are busy and out of my office!!!!! Its straight into our onion harvest now!!

As usual I have kept myself busy too, Lauren is back from Greece looking very tanned, Holly has been staying with her freind and came back Sunday. Elle is busy working, she run off her feet selling shoes with the pre school rush!! and of course Hubby is working loads as usual!!

So I took my eldest to Chester this weekend, we had a lovely time, picked up her key for her new house for next year, its really nice and she is now getting excited about returning to Uni. Then after booking into the lovely Green Gables B & B, we popped to Cheshire Oaks. Its the first time I have been and wow shops and more shops!!!! After picking up a few bargins!! bras for a pound!!! and of course a visit to the Lindt Choc Shop oh yummy!! We went to the cinema and saw Planet of the Apes, I am not normally one to sit still and watch a film but surprised myself and really enjoyed it!! Then it was pizza time and back to the B & B we were shattered!!!

We returned early on Sunday as I wanted to miss the traffic and get back in my shed!! So here is some of my newest beads

I have had a complete re think with my webby and now will only be selling my beads in my ebay shop and not on my website. Ebay has always worked well for me and even though the charges can be higher I do seem to sell more there and as long as I have a small turn over to buy glass I am happy!!! I still have my website but have changed it to a cheaper package and when I have time will see if I get round to adding some of my jewellery there.

So I am off to enroll my youngest at college tonight, she did really well in her results and she is really excited to start her new Childcare course.

Hope you all had a good bank holiday

Helen x

August is flying by!!

2011-08-17T05:32:00.000-07:00

Well I am soo sorry meant to try and keep up with this blogging but time just seems to fly by!!

My daughter is now well and truly getting over her op, she can eat soft stuff now, so thankfully I can put the blender to one side!! Poor girl I am the worst cook anyway and having blending mush was getting her down!! She has gone on holiday with my sister this week and rang to tell me she even managed pizza!! Yay.

Our other girls are doing pretty good at the min, we Lauren holidaying in Greece, Holly has been staying with Becca and now her Grandad and Elle is busy working at Clarks and trying to behave!!

So the last week I have been able to have a bit more shed time and have been fairly busy with sales going really well at the moment. Here are some of my newest beads

I am afraid I am still really loving making rings at the min, and now most of my family are wearing them now, well of course not my Dad or Hubby!!! LOL

Down on the farm its really busy we have now started our wheat harvest and the big combine is out, I will see if I can get a piccy for my next blog, its quite an impressive bit of machinery!!

If you want to check out my ebay beady shop click on the ebay logo

hope you all having a good week xxx

Helen

Things returning to Normal again!! Yay

2011-07-28T04:49:00.000-07:00

Sorry not blogged for a few weeks, my daughter had a horrible op and things were a bit mad for a bit, but now she is well on the way to a full recovery and thankfully life is returning to normal again. Yay. I love my family soooo much :0)

So unfortunatly I have not had much shed time and my glass stash has been rather neglected, however whilst sitting with her I have managed to have a go at a few rings, here is my last couple I made

And this morning I acutally went in my shed at 5 am and had a couple of hours. so should soon have some new beadies to show you. I made a couple of frit sets and some swirly ones too, so hope they come out good and Mr kiln monster behaves.

Hope all good with everyone out there xxxxxxxxxx

To London to see the Queen!!

2011-07-05T05:11:00.000-07:00

So I had a fun week, my Mum asked me to come with her to a garden party with the Queen in Buckingham Place, so off we went, it was a fun day, the palace gardens were beautiful and we felt very honoured to be invited. Unfortuately it was packed so we did not get near to the Queen, but it was nice to get all dressed up and have a lovely day out with my Mum.
Here I am before we left practising my curtsey!!

Here we are in the pub before we went to the palace, I love how these piccies look like we are in some old movie!!! lol

Here is Mum just outside the palace gates

And this is us when we came out by the fountain

I was also meant to go to a champagne ball last week but it got cancelled which was a shame but hopefully will be re-organised sometime in the future.

I spent most of the weekend running round after the girls, I did get a bit of torch time, listed lots of new beads in my ebay shop too, lots of new frit beads and some lentils too, since reopening its been pretty busy, which I am really chuffed about.

here is the link to my ebay shop

http://stores.ebay.co.uk/lalalampworkbeads

I did make some fun toadstalls

And at the min we have my daughters friend Heather stopping for a couple of days and she is interested beads (unlike my own girls!!) so we had a stint in the shed and she made a bead!!!

Here I am just guiding her a bit to show her the hang of it!!

And here is Heather showing off her first bead!! lol

We then had a lovely BBQ, enjoying the evening sun.

Hope lots more to show next week as plan to keep myself very busy over the weekend so I don't stress over my daughter's forthcoming op next week xxxx

Helen xxxx

So now its Hot hot hot!!!

2011-06-27T05:30:00.000-07:00

Goes from like being the middle of April all wet and windy to a complete sorcher!!!! Yay I love the sun, even if it is a very hot sticky heat!!!! I have been trying to walk to work to continue my effort to loose a bit of weight and stay healthy!! Today's walk was lovely but Madgy got rather tired as we neared the farm!!! Bless her I think she wanted to jump in the Dyke but I stopped her cause the water is really dirty!!! My office is in those building behind her!!!!

So I am trying to think what I have been up to over the last week, I feel like I have been really busy but actually don't know what with!! I am still rather addicted to Tiara's here is my lastest one!

And in my quest to make more Tiara's and thinking of heading in the fascinating fascinator/hat direction too after sprucing up a hat my sis lent me for a big day I have in London this week!! tee hee I have become rather flower obsessed and made these amongst a few more too!!

I did manage a trip to hobby craft yesterday and acutally got really excited over all the feathers and bits and bods that they had, made my mind awash with lots of new ideas!! so when I calmed down I bought a few bits without going too mad!!

So this week is a busy one, two main events to look forward to a trip to London and at the end of the week a girly summer ball!!! yay will let you know how it all goes, hope you all have a good week xxxx

I keep getting caught in the rain!!!!

2011-06-21T03:20:00.001-07:00

Well this week I have got drenched twice!! firstly we took my niece out for a walk on Friday and the heavens just opened on us!! We had to take refuge under a tree and call my parents to come save us!! Above is my two girls waiting to be rescued!! no coats!!! lol

Then the second time I walked up to my office on the farm on Saturday to check mail etc and this is what faced me and Madgy on the way home!! Its about a 2 mile walk back and we got drenched!!!! They say things happen in 3's so looking forward to my next soaking!! lol

Things have been pretty quiet on the bead front and only managed a little bit of shed time this week, been playing making ladybirds

and these too

I really like the idea of novelty hair pieces with my lampwork beadies so think I might follow this idea up a bit more!! Piggies next I think!! tee hee

A big happy birthday to my Hubby today too xxxxxxxxxxxxx

I Am In A Good Mood!!

2011-06-14T06:23:00.000-07:00

Hey there, well I am really in a good mood this week, lots of nice things have been happening over the last week!!

Firstly we picked up our new car and I totally love it, I have never had a brand new car before and feel very lucky, even if I do feel that everyone on the road wants to hit it and I am driving super careful!! We have a really narrow drive to park down (190 cm wide and the car is 170cm) so I have been hanging towels on the wing mirrors and getting my daughter to walk in front of the car to guide me down!! My old car had serious scrathes but it never mattered!! Anyway I managed to master the art of cruise control and picked my daughter up from uni on Sunday so now have both my girls off for the summer and I have no idea how to motivate them to get some work!!

On Saturday I had a lovely shopping day with my youngest daughter who has just finished all her exams, she helped me choose a dress to wear to Buckingham Palace to see the Queen!! and of course I treated her to a new dress too.

Bead wise I have not had an awful lot of time I did manage to make these pretty flower beads

and played around making hair combs

And a new bracelet

So next on my list is to empty my kiln, it still has the beadies I made yesterday in it and then hopefully have some more lovely beadies to make with. I have yet another tiara idea and hopefully some beads that match my new dress.

Hope you all enjoying the Sun today xxx

June Already!!! blimey!!

2011-06-06T03:44:00.000-07:00

This year is really flying by!!!! My daughter was 19 on Saturday, she celebrated it without me at Uni and by all accounts had a good time, oh to be young again!!! lol

I had a fairly quiet weekend, which was great as had lots of me time and managed to spend some quality time in the shed, a bit of dog walking, Tiara making and lots of cuddles with Spotty( well when he was not playing like mad or sitting on my laptop!!.

I bought some mosaic cutters to cut down my handmade murrini as the clipper things I usually use flick it every where and it makes me sooo mad!! anyway I am really pleased with them they cut the glass so much easier. Here are some beads I have made with my new murrini:-

Here is my lastest Tiara and I also had a go at a hair comb, I really love making them, its so addictive and I have been dreaming of swarvoski crystal!!!

My youngest daughter is sitting her maths exam as we speak, so keeping everything crossed for her and hope she does ok, she will soon be all finished at her school and onto College x

Good luck to anyone else out there going through the same xxx

Tiara crazy!!

2011-06-01T04:21:00.000-07:00

Well I have been going Tiara mad since my last blog!! totally addicted to making them and even my hubby has told me to off!! I have run out of tiara bases so waiting now for more to come!!! lol

I spent most of the weekend catching up in my shed and working hard to get my website back up and running. If you get time have a look, its has a total new look and I am now in the process of making new beads to fill it back up!! Just click on the flower bead below for the link (which is one of my new focal beads)
http://www.lalalampworkbeads.co.uk/

I am feeling in a really positive good mood this week, girls are being good and hubby seems pretty happy and I just cannot get enough time in my shed, really concentrating on trying to make the best I can especially with flower beads and murrini.

heres a few more pics of some of my new beads

Its my daughters 19th birthday this weekend, can't believe she is 19 years old blimey where does the time go!!! she is going to be celebrating away from home this year!! gonna be strange not being part of it, but heres to a fabulous weekend by big girl and I love you xxxxxxxxxxxx

last Weekends Bead Retreat

2011-05-27T04:52:00.001-07:00

Firstly this is the piccy of the bracelet I made with the beads from my last blog, the piccy is a bit dark, but I love it xx

Well we had a fantastic weekend, can't believe it was nearly a whole week ago!! It was such fun, lovely company, everyone got on brilliantly and the place where we stayed was fantastic. Great Walks and Great food and the beading was just brilliant, its so nice to have such a wide range of talent all in one place, I am constantly amazed about what everyone can make. We also had a baby shower for Aster it was a really lovely weekend and I am so lucky to have meet such a lovely bunch of beaders. The house we staying in is in the middle of the trees at the top of the hill in this photo. I walked Madgy along the Tissington Trail and it was beautiful.

There is way to much to tell you all but here is the link with Photos so you can see what we were all upto. Just click on the piccy x

Whilst we were there the lovely Faye from Occasions Accessories (http://www.facebook.com/#!/OccasionsAccessories?sk=info nfo) showed me how to make Tiara's and I am afriad I now have a new addiction!!! I would like to try and incorporate my glass flowers in each Tiara.

But my daughter wanted one without so I made here this one

I have loads to do at the min, I am in the process of redoing my website and I am not getting on very quick!! Plus I need lots of shed time to make new beads and thinking of making murrini too, so it will be head down over the next month or so, so if you see me slacking give me a kick up the bum!!

Helen xx

Bead retreat is nearly here!!

2011-05-18T04:59:00.000-07:00

I am so excited, some of the bead buddies have planned bead retreat weekend and its nearly here just two more sleeps. I cannot wait we had such a lovely time last year and I learnt loads too. We are staying on this lovely farm in Derbyshire and this year Madgy is coming too!! ( will have to watch her near all those sheeps!!!!!!

I have been busy preparing got all my beads together and route planned, new pyjamas and jeans too!! Its gonna be nice to have a step out of my hectic life and chill out. Hubby is gonna be left looking after his girlies and remaining pets!! Poor Spotty ( my cat) no Mummy cuddles for a couple of days!!!!!!!

I did manage a bit of shed time at the weekend and played around making my own murinni, at first i really had a job pulling it out even but kept at it and gots some nice results in the end. Here are some beads I made with them:-

I really love bracelets and as its now summer thought I would make myself some to add to my ever growing collection and came up with this

I quite like it it's nice and chunky, so I am thinking of making a whole collection sooooo made these beads for my next one!!

Will show you when I finish it, might match them with some more of my lampies and see what I come up with.

Catch up next week with all the goss on the beady weekend xxx

Helen xxx

My Newest flower beads x

2011-05-11T02:37:00.000-07:00

All the above beads were made on my sunday session in the shed, I have not had anytime since then, as came down with some horrible bug that floored me for a couple of days, I did manage to go to work but cancelled everything else which has mean't I have been feeling a little sorry for myself!! I even missed out on a night with some of my freinds!!!

Anyway, I have decided to give myself a kick up the bum and get back in the shed today, feeling sorry for yourself is pointless, easy to slip into when so much goes on around you but still pointless, so what shall I make!!!!!!!! hmmmmmmmmmm can't decide xxxx

Hope everyone out there having a fun time xxxxx

So sorry not blogged for ages!!

2011-05-09T05:23:00.000-07:00

Hi there, well I am sooo sorry not updated on here for ages, have had loads of going on over the last few months but think things are returning to a calmer time again (fingers crossed). I returned my eldest daughter back to Uni at the weekend, its a bit of a drive to Chester but I think I am now getting use to it now and it really is a lovely City. Was there and back, home by 1 pm this time!!! but then totally shattered!!

I then used Sunday as my beading day, I am really into making sets with hearts at the min and also flower beads too. I have been really thinking about my beading lately and things are pretty slow, so have decided to use the time to try harder and make more compilcated beads rather than trying to sell. The selling game is such a complicated one, that I am obviously not very good at and it can be disheartening when so much time goes into my making.

So I made flower beads yesterday and will get them cleaned to show later today, I am also getting quite excited about the bead retreat, only two weeks to go Yay, a whole weekend talking beads just can't wait.

xxxx

Mid Week and Feeling off

2011-03-23T05:24:00.000-07:00

Firstly don't laugh but here is a mad creation I made, not sure what I was thinking really but its done!!!! We are all allowed our little mistakes!!

Well its Wednesday already and I feel a bit off today!!! I have been dieting and think I might have eaten too much riveta!!!! lol Maybe I need chocolate!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I had a lovely weekend caught up with my little sis and her lovely family, little Megan is growing up fast and so comical now. I also met my daughters new boyfriend, this is a new experience for me,first time one of my girls has officially got a boyfriend and introduced them!! I think they are dead scared I will scare them off!!!! LOL!!!

So I have been extremally addicted to making impolosion beads and these are my lastest

I made this bracelet just for me and since wearing someone at work has asked me to make a bracelet in the same line but diff colours for their wife, so chuffed with that

Oh and my Mum has asked for red necklaces so made these, but won't know what she thinks of them until the next time we catch up. My Mum is my number one fan of my Jewellery!! lol

So last night I planned to make more beads but I had one of those days when whatever I tried to make just turned to pooh!! so having a day off the shed today, might get some seedies out tonight will see how I feel.

The only other thing I have to tell you is that I have now popped some beads on sale on my webby to try and make way for new beads to get to the link just click on sale.

hope you all having a good week and enjoying the sunshine peeking through xxxx

Really Chilled out this weekend

2011-03-14T06:13:00.000-07:00

Well I have just had a lovely relaxing calm weekend for a change, no teenage troubles and quite a bit of time to myself!! The sun even shone now and then!!

so here was my first attempt!!

Then I tried with green aventurine and it sort of did not work but I still quite like them!!

And these are my latest try, I think I am getting there now!! lol

I cant wait to try and make some more now, but running out of clear glass and no money till pay day!!

Oh and shhhhhhh don't tell anyone but I finished my peice for the gbuk competition which is safley hidden away ready to post!! yay

I have also nearly finished something else I have been making but its a bit mad really!! I will hopefully finish it tonight then show lol.

Oh and having a great time at the moment on the bead buddies forum, with swapsies, got this amazing beaded bracelet in the post today I loves it!!

Hope you all happy and smiling

Helen

I can be soooo stupid its unbelieveable really!!

2011-03-11T03:48:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, well what can I say I am a total idiot, I had to withdraw my entry for the GBUK because i am thick and did not read the rules properly and showed the cuff!! I was sooo annoyed with myself and it has really taught me a lesson to slow down and read things, instead of rushing in!! Luckily they have extended the entry date and I now have time to try and submit a totally new peice secretly this time!!!!

Above is my Mad Spot!!! lol

Anyway I have also decided to slow things down a bit, taking time to enjoy my beads rather than actively trying to sell, so I have put my Misi, Etsy, Folksey and Ebay all on hold and I am only going to concentrate on my website from now on, when I have the time. I mean I have a job and the girls, pets and Hubby to look after and feel like I have been overdoing things a bit.

Sooo to cheer myself up I had a bit of an internet shop and bought lots of lovely glass pearl beads and with all the beads now not listed I have been eyeing up ideas to make some jewellery just for fun!!

so far have made these beads
into this necklace

And with this necklace too

I plan to get some shed time at the weekend and want to try the tut in Beads and Beyond magazine that Sally Carver has done, I never have been able to master round implusion beads, so wish me luck!!!!

Happy weekend to you all xxxx

Teenagers are driving me mad!!!!

2011-03-04T03:02:00.000-08:00

Well all I can say is that I am glad it is Friday!!! as you may know we have four teenage girls between Jason and me (two each), aged 14, 15, 16 and 18 and I am not sure if it is me but my god its hard work!!!!!!!!!!!!! I know I gave my Mum hell at that age and maybe I deserve all the hassle they bring and I do love them all its just hard sometimes. I get so frustrated when I don't get much shed time.

Anyway apart from running around after all them and doing boring things like working!!! I have managed to to finish a cuff I have been making for the GBUK Jewellery competition.

And this morning I founds some off my odd beads and made this bracelet, I teamed them with some Rock Crystal beads that I just love.

I did make some focal beads last weekend and I have loads of ideas for some more beads I want to make so planning a shed day tomorrow YAy xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Its sooo cold!!!

2011-02-21T04:27:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, gosh its sooo cold and dull here in the fens this week, really hope it starts to warm up soon. I had a bit of a horrible week with a lot of stress that I won't go into, but my beads and glass are keeping me sane lol!!!!

I managed to get some torch time yesterday after a problem with my oxygenator. (it makes oxygen to fuel my torch) Hubby had to open it up and fix a faulty valve!! with a little bit of guidance from Spot of course!! had me worried for a bit but its happily humming away now!! Yay.

I made some encased beadies

and finished off some spotty ones for a big order I have at the min.

I have a pretty busy week planned fairly busy down on the farm, then off to Surrey this week visiting my best friend and her gorgeous son. Then my daughter is home from Chester at the weekend so we planning a family catch up weekend, so heres hoping we all have a good week xxx

My the last week has gone fast!!

2011-02-10T03:26:00.000-08:00

So let me think, what have I been upto??? hmmmmm the weekend flew by and I spent most of the weekend catching up on house stuff, running around after the kids, walking the dog and catching up on my beady orders, sounds rather boring but I love pottering about at the weekends. Hubby worked most of it but we managed to have a lovely Sundayafternoon together, big walk with Madgy and then lovely Sunday dinner made by Jason! would not be lovely if I made it!!! lol

I am really into making spotty beads at the minute!! everytime I sit in front of the torch I get all this different colour combinations popping into my head!! I have popped a few sets in my ebay shop and seem to be selling well, which really makes me have that nice warm happy feeling. I have also made little hammers, keyboards and footballs for a special order, its been fun playing around making novelty beads and I think in time I will continue to play around and make more.

I then made this for my Mum too, hope she likes it, she has been after a long necklace for ages.

Well its nearly the weekend and I have a fun packed day looking after my baby niece on Saturday - Yay. Hope you all have a good weekend xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Busy Weekend xxx

2011-01-31T04:43:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone, well that was a busy weekend!!! On Friday my daughter injured her knee in PE and that evening one foot went cold, it made me panic so we had to ring the out of hours doctors!! Anyway after getting checked out she has done something to a ligament and with rest she will be back to normal!! So another bit of drama over and done lol!!

I managed some shed time on Saturday and made quite a few sets of beads and also had a play around at making some fun ones too!!

Sunday I had a lovely family day, went to Springfields and did lots of shopping, while Madgy stayed with my Dad and had a lovely play day with their dog Charlie. Then I saw my little sis and my gorgeous little niece Megan, she spent hours playing with some necklaces I bought from Clares that I plan to break up and use for parts!! she is sooooo cute. The day was then rounded off by a lovely roast dinner made by my Mum. Oh I do really love weekends!!!

Mind you poor Spotty really missed me all day and I got a lovely cuddle when I got home, I think he is gorgeous (piccy of him above) xxx

Wednesday and I have the Midweek feeling!!

2011-01-26T03:25:00.000-08:00

Happy Wednesday everyone, I have that weird mid week feeling where its seem ages til the weekend, but you know you are half way!! Having an ok week so far, been busy at work trying to set up the new work computer with everything it needs, its takes ages and I have had a few pull your hair out moments!! lol

The weekend was nice and quiet and I managed to make lots of beads, I have a big order at the moment and loving making lots of spotty beads. On Sunday me and hubby went to a boot sale and market, he loves pottering about looking for bargins and me and Madge get dragged round!! I bought Madgy two new beds and she is in heaven now!! lol

Here is some of my latest creations

Hoping for a bit more beady time tonight but will have to see how it pans out as have my girly to look after too and she gets a bit jealous of my shed time!!!

Oh and a big congratulations to my big sis who has just got a new job after being made redundant, well done sis xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy New Year

2011-01-18T05:07:00.000-08:00

I cannot believe its been since last April since I have updated my blog, thats just terrible!!

Anyway I am back, just got over the flu, and my that really knocked me! Apart from being poorly having quite a good year, spent a few days down in Surrey catching up with my best mate and her gorgeous new baby, staying in lovely hotel too. At the end of that week I took my eldest back to Uni and spent a night in Chester, did loads of shopping with my other daughter, it was loads of fun, and I really love Chester.

The weekend just gone was mostly spent in my shed catching up, I had not made any beads for nearly two weeks, and I was a bit rusty!!! I managed to make a few sets and some more last night. The blue beads on the blog are some of my new ones.

Now I am back at work on the farm, its pretty much same old really! Madgy and the cats are all happy and I am planning to melt glass later tonight. Yay!!

Sorry been ages!!

2010-05-06T05:17:00.001-07:00

I am sooo sorry I have not updated my blog for ages!!!! Loads has been going on and I still don't seem to have caught up since my hols!! Sadly I did not make it to Cyprus due to the Ash cancelling our flights but we did have a few days relaxing in Norfolk which was lovely.

Here is Madgy and me on the beach!! We had some great weather and it was really relaxing and hubby spoiled me on my birthday by treating me to loads of new clothes.

I have been pretty busy with my beads and at the moment I am totally loving making encased flower beads and I hope to get better and better at them!!

I have just finished this bracelet which I was doing as part of a swap on Frit Happens

At the moment I am concentrating on building my stock levels so trying to grap every minute I have bead making, but as you are all probably aware kids and work etc to tend to get in the way a bit!! Still I do love all my family xxxxxxxxxxx

April is here

2010-04-01T05:14:00.000-07:00

I just love the month of April, it really feels like the winter is behind us (even if there is a gale blowing outside!!) the daffodils are all out and its lighter and I am sure the sun will start to appear a bit more soon!!!! I really should try and make some daffodil beads!!!!

I have had a bit of a busy week what with work and the girls etc. Elle did a dance show on Tuesday night and she was really good, it was really good show and I have not stopped singing Day Dream in blue by the I monsters - totally fab song!! here is the link to the song if you fancy a listen http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NQnNP4ai-hU

I have also been pretty busy in my shed GBUK have a competition that I want to enter so I have been trying out loads of diff ideas!! And I have now finished the beads for my entry and I am really pleased with them. (can't show you piccies as not sure allowed re comp rules etc).

I have been making lots of pigs for my web and will also be for a donating 6 of them for the Flame Off Auction, along with a voucher from the bead shed to help try and raise money for Air Ambulance.

I have a busy easter planned and hope to fit in a bit of beading too!!!! HAPPY EASTER TO YOU ALL XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

The Sun is out at last

2010-03-23T06:01:00.000-07:00

Well I don't know about you but I am loving that its at last warming up and the sun has been visiting us all, definately makes me feel happier.

I have been pretty busy over the last couple of weeks, with life and it amazes me how the days just fly by!! I had a fab day out at Sunny Hunny with my girls and Madgy, with a great walk on the beach and chips on the seafront. We all had a good day and enjoyed the fresh air.

Then in the week I did a pamper evening for charity that went well and I met an old school friend that fuses glass, which was really interesting to catch up.

As usual I have been busy with my beads, been making quite a lot and had quite a lot of sales on ebay, which has been good. I have also been a bit obsessed with making bracelets!!! Here are some pics of my recent creations.

Friday wooo hoooo

2010-03-05T04:31:00.000-08:00

Well I am glad this week is nearly over, been one of those weeks that have just seemed like everthing has been hard work!!! I am totally worn out today. The week started off bad with Tatty now gone missing as well so both farm cats now have not been seen for ages, I really miss them and its made coming to work on the farm a little harder. I just wish I knew they were happy somewhere and nothing bad happened to them. Then some other things that I won't go into went wrong!! life hey it's always throwing little tests at you!!

So I have had my head down setting up a new website, its really coming on now and I have made it live today.

www.lalalampworkbeads.co.uk

I plan to move over my .com one when I know its all running smoothly and there are no problems.

The only beads I have made are at the top here, just not had any time this week when I don't make beads I do tend to get a bit moody!!! he he

At least little Spot is getting use to his walking jacket and getting outside now, I know I spoil him but he is soooo cute and this little jacket is so perfect for keeping him safe!!

Gosh I sound a misery, sorry guys will make some beads this evening and return to my former happy self!!! lol

NAUGHTY SPOT!!

2010-02-23T06:14:00.000-08:00

Well he looks like a little angel and he gives the best cuddles but at the minute my he is a rowdy boy. He seems to have grown an urge to run outside the minute he gets the slighest chance. On Saturday he ran straight past me as I answered the front door and I only just caught him before he would have ran in the road. I fell over catching him and slipped in the snow!! Little monkey I have tried telling him how dangerous outside is but will he listen!!

So I decided that I would try and train him on a lead so I can take him outside but keep him safe!! I tried a normal harness but he just gets out it, so have now ordered him his own walking jacket!!! how posh is that, he is gonna be so embarrassed wearing that!!! he he

As you can see from the pics above he gets on really well with Madgy!! love the tongue Madgey!!!!!

Bead wise I have been fairly busy making beads but not had the chance to list them this week. I have been having a few web issues so now in the process of transfering my host, so thats gonna be fun!!!

Here are some beady pictures

The Blue bracelet is an idea I had with some glass lampwork flowers I made, I am thinking of making more glass flowers to sell as I think they are such fun xxxxxxxxxxxx

Tatty is missing!!

2010-02-16T03:54:00.000-08:00

Well its been a while since I blogged, so sorry guys the lastest down on the farm is that little Tatty has gone missing, he had a fight with Scatty and went missing the next day. Teenage boys hey!!!
I hope he is ok and that he comes back since hes gone Scatty has really bonded with Mags.
Its been really cold so you have to feel sorry for the
It was my Mums 65 birthday at the weekend and we had a family get together which was really nice and the chocolate cake was yummy!!

As many of you are aware its half term this week so pretty busy with our teenagers!!!

I have been beading a bit the beads above are now listed on ebay and I am currently in the middle of a little seed beady braclet. Not feeling fab at the min as having probs with my ears but hey ho must not grumble xxxxxxxxx

Tuesday already!!

2010-02-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Can you believe thats its Tuesday already, this week is flying by, its been dead busy down on the farm and today we passed our CIM inspection so we dead chuffed thats out the way for another year!! Naughty Scatty and Tatty have gone missing again, no where to be seen today, I do wonder where they go!!

I had a fairly quiet weekend, visiting my friend and Mum and Dad, oh and managing at last to buy a new washing up bowl!!! My old one had a hole in it so you had to wash up dead quick!! lol

I have been beading a fair bit but mainly orders and beads to sell on ebay, which seems for me to be quite a good place to sell my beads, or making hearts which I love at the min!!

Madgy has had lots of walks and is being a good dog and Spotty is growing every day, I feel a bit guilty as have booked him in to be castrated at the end of the week!! Poor little boy!!
Here is the cuddly monkey!!

Saturday Already

2010-01-30T08:25:00.000-08:00

Well this week has flown by, the farm has been really busy and our girls have been as ever demanding as usual!!! I have also took up swimming this week as after last weekend away decided that I was becoming unfit, so it's up at 6.00 three times a week and swim before work!!

Its so nice to be able to catch some torch time today and have a good walk with Madgey!! although it was cold the sun was out and it was really nice and bright.

Here are some beads that I have made this week

I also have some new beads cooking so hopefully more to show soon xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

happy weekend everyone.

What a Fantastic Weekend

2010-01-25T21:57:00.001-08:00

Hi everyone, well we had a fantastic time in Edinburgh, what a great city and it was great fun being a tourist!!! We saw the Royal Brittania, Palace Holyrood and the Castle and we went on a couple of sightseeing bus tours.

Here are some pictures taken on the Royal Brittania and One of Edinburgh Castle.

Whilst I was away I took some of my beadies too and when Jason was chilling in the hotel i made some Jewellery too plus I managed to check out a couple of bead shops too!!!

Getting home yesterday was a bit of a come down work was really busy cause I had been away and I had loads of stuff to do for Lala Lampwork, just about getting caught up now though, so off to clean some beads and then go for a swim!! (yes I am getting fat so having to do something about it!!!)

Snow snow go away!!!

2010-01-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

Well I think perhaps most of us are fed up with all this white stuff now, been hanging around a bit to long for my liking and just when you think thats the last of it, we get another covering!!! Above are a couple pictures of the road I have to take down to the farm, nice and slippery and foggy too!!! I suppose its quite pretty in a way but very dark!!

The farm has been really busy this week and I am finding it really hard to get some shed time, I did manage an early morning yesterday where I made these -

And then when I got so cold at work and could not face my cold shed I played with my beads and made these

I am really hoping for some glass time tonight!!! not that I am obsessed or anything!!!!

Fab weekend

2010-01-11T09:11:00.000-08:00

My girls were busy with their own stuff and weather was horrible so I took the opportunity to have a totally selfish weekend and spent most of it making in my shed, above are some of my creations!!

I did take Madgy out though with my daughter, had lovely walk its always so pretty when the sun is out and its all white.

Scatty and Tatty continued to be missing all weekend and then today they were waiting outside my office, I am so relieved they are ok

All in all I am feeling good xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Just sooo cold!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-07T03:46:00.000-08:00

I am so cold have had to come the office today and all the pipes are frozen and there is no water!!!! , just had another little sprinkle of snow above is a piccy outside my office.

Little Scatty and Tatty have gone missing, which is such a shame I have left food down for them and the heater on but now not seen them for two days!! I really hope they come back as I love them.

I got a fantastic delivery of handmade murini from Jo at Kitzbitzglass and cannot wait to get home from work to get making, they are fantastic, so if you read this Jo thank you and little spot loved the packaging too!! Here he is!! my cute baby just loves boxes!!

I have been making loads of beads for a giveaway I am doing on bead buddies but have managed some others too

Hope you all keeping warm and happy xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Happy New Year Everyone

2010-01-01T02:05:00.000-08:00

Well I am up first and everyone else is sleeping away, even Madgy is chillin in her bed this morning. We had a quite night in watched a film and kids played with the pop corn machine!! I feel asleep before the new year after drinking too much fizzy wine!! Typical hey!!!

Its a really lovely morning and sun is streaming in the window by my desk, gives me a good feeling about the New Year, hope we all have a great one and nothing too nasty happens this year, I always feel a bit scared at what might be ahead!! I know thats the wrong way to look at things so will try and be postive and look on the bright side more.

above is the sunshine, gosh my windows need cleaning!!! lol

I have really been enjoying the time off work and making as many beads as I can, even found the time to do some etching, which I have not really tried before, was not sure about etching before but now quite like it.

My girls are off to London today with their Dad to see Lion King, so hubby and me are gonna chill and enjoy a bit of peace.

Happy new year to you all

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Ouch!!!

2009-12-28T09:41:00.000-08:00

Hi again, just gonna have a quick moan, Madgy pulled me over on the ice the other day and I hurt my back, not wanting to make a fuss I have tried to ignore it but today its really aching!!!!!!!!!!!! Ouch Ouch Ouch!!!!!!!!!

I took a video of my baby boy here you go

I have had quite a few orders to complete so have been singing away in my shed today while my Hubby works at the football!!

Hope you all having fun xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

CHRISTMAS IS OVER!!

2009-12-27T03:00:00.000-08:00

Well its all over now and we have the new year festivities to look forward to next. I had a lovely day with my parents and girls while my hubby worked, he does not have a day off until the 29th!!! he was really fed up!!

I have been using my time wisely while I do not have to work and making beads, its so great to get some decent torch time.

Yesterday I walked down to the farm with Madgy and fed Scatty and Tatty the left over turkey they were so happy to see me, they are still very wild but doing well considering how cold its been.

And Madgy and Spot and even Ru enjoyed xmas

Hope you all having a fantastic break too xxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Nearly Christmas

2009-12-22T10:04:00.001-08:00

Well its nearly the big day and I am actually getting organised, went shopping today with my girls and Sis and baby Megan we had a lovely day and now all my chrimbo shopping is done.

I have my Xmas work get together tomorrow and have to travel upto Liecester so hope the weather is kinder than it has been, its freezing now!!!

Bead wise I have mostly been making orders and making gifts for Xmas,

here are some piccys of some of my frit beads

Hope you all getting sorted and enjoying the snow!!!!

I do like Fridays

2009-12-11T04:46:00.000-08:00

I am so happy its Friday gonna really try and chill out this weekend been another busy week!!

Went to my daughters christmas dance last night and she was really good, I was seriously impressed. I tried to get a piccy but she would not keep still long enough so got this weird one!! you can sort of just about make her out!!!!

Bead wise I have been making gifts for family and friends and really not had much torch time at all, did make a couple of funny animals just to play around!!
Hopefully have some torch time tonight and tomorrow I have a couple of orders to complete so really need to get down to it!!

Look at my poor little Madgy today she is having a quiet day and looks a bit down, will have to keep an eye on her, she has not left my side today poor baby, she is eating but just seems fed up!!
have a good weekend everyone xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

So Tired Today

2009-12-09T02:19:00.001-08:00

Hi there sorry been a while on here but just seem so rushed off my feet at the min! We have had the auditors in at work which has generated a lot of work at a fairly busy time!! I am so unorganised for Xmas and have had hardly any torch time!!!!!! moan moan moan!! really tired today little Spot has taken to running all over me in the night and I am getting hardly any sleep!! lol

Its not all bad though yesterday I took my little Sis shopping with baby Megan, it was great we even got one of those massive parking spaces right outside the shopping centre!! Baby was really sweet and well behaved and I got to feed her too. I bought her a really sweet little Hello Kitty dress and legging and some cute booties!!

I have been sorting out all my Jewellery and my MIL has been selling loads here are a few pics of some thats left!! I am really still into the Czech beads!!!
I have sold loads of bracelets this year which is strange, I really need more time to make more fun lampwork beads too!!

Spot, Madgy, Ru and Lucy send you hugs xxxxxxxxxxxxx

Miserable so in so!!!!

2009-12-01T10:32:00.000-08:00

Sorry guys but I have been a right miserable so in so today, woke up like it and can't shake it off my poor hubby is walking on egg shells today!!!!!!!!!!

I just seem really busy but not actually getting anywhere!!! mad hey and then I get cross with myself cause not done what I wanted and then when I do have some time everything goes wrong!!!!!!! ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!!!!!!!!!!!! lol

Anyway at least little spot is happy here is he having a kip on my laptop, aw what a cutie pie I so love himWith my beadies I am having a night of from me shed, as getting myself in a pickle so having a night off!!!

hope you all having a fab week xxx

Saturday at last!!

2009-11-28T03:19:00.000-08:00

Well Saturday is here and I plan to really chill this weekend!! just dyed my hair to get rid of those sneaky greys! (oh and my face arms and most of the bathroom!!!) Then this afternoon I am taking the Mazda out and going to see a friend, I have not driven it for months so I am really looking forward to it!!

Spot went to the vets last night for his kitten check, bless him I felt so guilty as had him chipped and his first lot of injections and he made such a fuss and then shook afterwards. He seems quite happy today though so I think the ordeal is all forgotten!!! Here is laying on my T shirt that has just come out the tumble dryer and was all warm!!!! cats do love their comfort!!!
In the week I have been pretty busy in the evenings making quite a few beadies, I am really into making dusted beads at the mo is are some examples

There are more examples on my webby with other colours. I am hoping to get beading this evening as have loads of ideas at the min and also must get on with my secret santa for bead buddies.

Hope you all have fab weekend

Helen

Sun is out today!!

2009-11-26T06:04:00.000-08:00

Well at least we have some sunshine for a change!!! still a bit windy but much better today.

I have been keeping busy and feeling pretty good at the moment, I don't really try to sell my jewellery very much, never been very good at all that sales stuff, but as its getting near Xmas and lots of my friends have asked to see my stuff I decided to get a bit organised. So I have got some necklace display thingy's and a big basket and arranged all my jewellery in it so friends and family can have a look through. I was so suprised when my Mother in law took the basket to show some of her friends and then sold over £100 pounds, which is just fantastic I am well chuffed.

I only had a bit of shed time Tuesday night and tried making shells!! here is a couple that came out quite well!!

And I am still making fun xmas beads to pop in with orders of my website(sorry they are on there side I really don't know what I have done, but its quite funny!!!

I plan a mamouth making session tonight providing the kiddies let me!! I have loads of new frits delivered today and can't wait to have a play!!

Oh and not forgetting the update on little Spot, everyone of the family has fell in love with him, he is so sweet natured and even sat with Jason watching the footie all evening, so the males in the house have bonded!!! he he

here he is helping me unpack a delivery!!!
Cute hey!!!

Helen

SPOT IS SETTLING IN WELL

2009-11-23T06:11:00.000-08:00

Well I had a lovely weekend, did not do much as was settling in little Spot and I think he is quite happy. He met Lucy and Ru my other cats and they seem to sort of accepted him and Madgy just wants to follow him everywhere. Spot is very different from any other cat I have ever had, he is so affectionate and cuddly, its amazing.

I managed to raise enough money from selling my beads on ebay to pay for him and I want to thank all my customers for the support, it means a lot to me.

I have managed a little shed time over the weekend and made some lentils and a few more frit beads for ebay here are some piccies

I am hoping for some shed time later today but will have to see how much little Spot needs me first. Hope you all not too down with this terrible weather.

xxx

Spot Is here!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-11-20T11:56:00.000-08:00

And he is totally gorgeous.

One more Sleep

2009-11-19T03:46:00.001-08:00

Just one more night and it will be Friday and this Friday is Spot day!!! wooo weee

Last night after work I sorted all my posting out and then went straight in my shed and made these

I was up early this morning, my daughter has non bullying day at school today and so no school uniform so she was up early getting all dressed up!!! Teenagers do so monopolise the bathroom!!

We have mad evening with all girls stopping tonight, hopefully a visit to my sis and her new baby oh and I want to go to the pet shop to stock up on supplies.

Have good day

2 Sleeps to go!

2009-11-18T03:02:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning and thought it was Thursday and then was really disappointed that its still only wednesday!! I know you should not wish you life away but I really can't wait to get little spot!!

Last night I had a play around with some coloured tubing stuff I bought from newmarket bead fair and made these bracelets, my favourite one is the green and white one.

I came into work early today as we are having problems with our Mazda so Hubby needs the car at 14.30, so hoping when I finish work to get some more torch time before Elle gets home from School.

Helen

3 Sleeps to Go

2009-11-17T06:31:00.000-08:00

Well I am really excited only 3 sleeps and then I get my new kitten, I have really felt so so fed up since loosing my little Erik and I know that the new kitten will never replace him but at least I will have something to shower with my love.

Here is a piccy of Spot, he is the one at the front of the pic. I had a job getting a decent piccy of him cause he kept rubbing me!!! He is a ragdoll and he is really really cute, I am so gonna spoil him.

I have been really busy trying to raise the cash for him as the condition that he come live with me was that I pay for him so I have have been in my shed non stop making beads and then listing them on ebay, and fingers crossed so far its looking really good.

Down on the farm we have been dead busy too just finished our end of year budget and now we have the Auditors to deal with!!! not my favourite time of the year I can tell you. Tatty and Scatty the two black cats that turned up on the farm have really settled in, all the men really seem to like them too and I think they are really being quite spoilt. Here they are chatting with Madgy!!! and for those of you who knew Erik you can see why I think they may be brothers!!!

Arn't they so sweet!!!

The only other thing I have done of interest was pop to the Newmarket bead show on Sunday, met some lovely people and did a bit of shopping but was very good, as I did not want to blow my kitty fund!!! If I get a chance I will see if I can make something with my finds tonight.

Right I am off to clean some more beads, have good evening everyone

xxxxxxxxxxxxx