Full bloom hibiscus

Bless him indoors....

He finally got around to scanning my new hibiscus paintings. Here they are in full bloom.

Have a lovely weekend everyone.

jingle jangle bracelets

I'm quite pleased with these - aysmmetric charm bracelets with a mix of pastel or strong colours.

Designed to fit quite snugly on the wrist - just enough movement but not enough to annoy.

something blue

Two more wedding jewellery offerings for my kiwi friend along the lines of 'something blue'

The idea was to have a pendant on a simple chain...

the top image is 'kooky blue': pendant length: approx 5cm, the chain link size is 2mm.
the below image is 'crystal blue': pendant length: approx 7cm, the chain link size is a chunky 3mm.

a wedding memento

Friends are getting married tomorrow.

So for a card I made this little collage and put it into a little frame. I've painted and sanded back the wooden frame to give it a 'driftwoody' feel.

I've made a number of these in the past - weddings, births and housewarmings....

People seem to like them

rough cut beads

Some of my eagerly awaited purchases have arrived.

Rough turquoise and fluorite beads mixed with other faceted gemstones make for strong chunky bracelets don't you think?

It's too hot here - 32 degrees today!

wedding jewellery

OK, please forgive this ugly image of what should be a pretty necklace...

You see I'm making wedding jewellery for a friend long distance. We've emailed images of the dress and descriptions of detailing. We've decided on a type of necklace (simple design to go with a very traditional white wedding dress), beads and length.

Pearls are lovely for a wedding plus little Swarovski crystal beads should catch the light without being too 'bling' and avoiding a too 'handmade' look which would not sit right with the dress.

So the best I've decided, to show actual length and size is to plonk a great length of measuring tape next to it. Any pointers in this direction would be greatly appreciated.

Anyway, I think she likes it... idea number two still in my head.

Oh yes: to clean pearl and silver jewellery, try a watery solution of bicarbonate of soda and toothpaste. If possible, let it soak for a couple of hours to brighten the silver. Soft stones like pearls, coral and turquoise shouldn't be affected.

bits and pieces

I'm currently waiting for new materials to arrive.

I spent time this weekend sorting beads, cleaning old pieces and breaking things up to make new designs. It's very time consuming but quite satisfying. Nothing like a bit of recycling to make you feel virtuous.

Here is what the contents of my 'to do' box looks like. I'm waiting for a brainwave to do something really special with those old silver filigree beads - they have been languishing in a box for 7 years or more.

I could never resist a bargain.

bromeliad

After four years my bromeliad has bloomed again. There was originally one spike. That died to make way for three little 'pups' that grew into three flowering spikes.

I think I need a bit more practice with the foliage.

Saturday frangipanis

and here they are.

It's been very hot in Sydney lately.

Just the thing for tropical flowers.

frangipani work in progress

I'm starting on Frangipanis again. I always struggle with the blossoms, trying to get the blend of colours just so. It will take a number of attempts to get the exact result I want.

This is what my work in progress looks like. And here is the reference - you can see the 'artistic licence' with the foliage which I've borrowed from a different plant.

pastel cluster necklace

A pastel cluster necklace on a silver chain - bring out the inner hippy in you.

Amethyst, blue chalcedony, aquamarine, clear quartz,freshwater pearl and sterling silver.

To enhance wisdom, intuition and truthfulness.
For creative thinking, balance and calm.

posh coral necklace

Just the thing to kick-start a new year meeting with...

Vintage branch coral, Tibetan turquoise and sterling silver: To cool tempers, increase self confidence and promote friendship.

Necklace length is approximately 49cm from clasp to pendant. The pendant adds another 6cm to the overall length - so sits below the bustline.

three colours pink

A new year, new work...

I'm still working on my watercolour-on-canvas technique. Scrubbing the canvas with hot water and a detergent and letting it dry before you start makes the colou 'take' to the surface a little better in my opinion.

A dash of masking fluid, some pastel and a splash of silver go into the mix.

Here are three offerings and a picture of two of them on the wall arranged as a diptych.

Measurements: 25.5cm x 36cm.