Birthstones and other inspiration

Well, so much for me getting lots of lovely handmade birthstone jewellery in my shops each month. I've done pretty well, but I have let May down. The May birthstone - Emerald started off pretty well. I got some gorgeous little stones, all beautiful and deep green. And then messed up completely in trying to set them. Whoops. They aren't the strongest stone, and I was probably a little....ahem over enthusiastic.

Never mind, onwards and upwards.... June is pearl, and I've got a box full of pearl goodies and a brain full of ideas - well half a brain anyway, the other half is trying to deal with all the everyday stuff and failing miserably.

In the meantime, I've been loving the warm weather and was out in the garden yesterday taking pictures.

 I love how this chive flower is bursting out of it's bud. Yippee... sun.

 These Lily of the Valley are such a gorgeous delicate shape. I would love to make some earrings in silver based on these flowers. Might take me a while to figure out how to put it all together though.

 Stunning stunning peonies. Love this splash of colour in our garden. Big flouncy and beautiful!

Ah we have so many forget me nots all over the place. I know people think they're a weed, but I think they're so pretty. I can't bring my self to get rid of them, so now they're everywhere. I love how there are so many teeny flowers clustered together. Definitely gives me some jewellery design ideas.

Featured maker - Becki from Poppybead

Another featured maker on the blog today. This time it's Becki from Poppybead. I know lots of you crafty sorts out there do lots of clever things with wool and her lovely stitch markers might just come in handy! 

On that subject, I need to learn to crochet so I can make a baby blanket for a friend by September?? Bearing in mind I was rubbish at knitting I'm not sure whether it will be a competely futile waste of time to even try. What do you think? Any tips? Anyhow, in the meantime over to Becki.....

Tell us a bit about yourself - (where do you live, what's your name etc..)

I live in Birmingham but am originally from London and my name is Becki

What do you make? 

Beaded jewellery & stitch markers.

Why do you use that medium?

I just love how pretty and unique beads can be.

When/ how did you start crafting?

I did an adult education course about 6-7 years ago and just kept beading.  Then started making cards as well as knitting and crochet.

When did you start selling your stuff - where do you sell?

I started selling my stuff at the end of January this year online at www.poppybead.co.uk  Nearly all my friends and colleagues have had beaded gifts from me and kept saying I should set up a website.

Do you also have a day job, or is this your main job? 

I do have a day job and crafting is at the other end of the spectrum from the day job.

What do you love about your medium, what do you hate?

The variation of beads and colours always keeps me looking for more beads.  Not enough actual bead shops in the West Midlands and getting glue on my fingers.

Where do you get your inspiration from?  

Everywhere, my friends, shops, magazines, strangers with lovely jewellery, nature literally everywhere

What is your favourite music to craft to?

I like to listen all types of music from Beverly Knight to Kings of Leon, but love Motown and soul.

What is your favourite piece of your own?

I have a few favourite pieces but would say my oldest would be a red suede thong necklace and slightly newer would be a turquoise piece that just stands out.

Where do you do your crafting?

 At home, craft evenings, side of a Basketball court (I also officiate basketball games), and I knit on public transport.

Thanks for taking part Becki

Druzy-tastic

Loving all things druzy at the moment.

Going to make these beauties into rings shortly!

May Birthstone

Who first beholds the light of day
In spring's sweet, flower month of May
And wears an Emerald all her life
Shall be a loved and a loving wife.

Emerald is the birthstone for May. It's a true gemstone, as opposed to a semi-precious stone. Emerald tends to have numerous inclusions and is graded by eye, rather than a loupe. These inclusions mean that it is not a particularly strong stone. It's such a special stone it even has a cut named after it. Which shows off the stone's colour to it's best, whilst maintaining a strong shape.

In 1953 Jacqueline Bouvier was presented a 2.88 carat diamond and emerald engagement ring by Senator John F. Kennedy. Apparently, John Kennedy's father, Joe Sr. picked out Jackie's emerald engagement ring. Not the most romantic, but still who wouldn't be thrilled with this beauty....

I've always loved that deep emerald green colour. I always look for clothes in this colour, but rarely find any. I once saw Mary Hansen, from Stereolab on stage in a gorgeous emerald green sequinned dress many, many (many) moons ago. I wanted that dress then, and I still want it 20 years later. One day I'll make it happen. I'll probably be in a nursing home by the time I get round to it, but I will make it happen dagnammit.

I'm working on a couple of emerald birthstone pieces for the shop - some gold wire wraps, a first foray into the world of gold!! Plus I have some lovely teeny cabs which I'm setting onto silver to make some pretty little earrings. I'll let you know when I have pictures!

And the winner is......

So the giveaway is over, thank you all so much for joining in. I hope you love catching up with the latest news on the Pumpkin Sputnik facebook page (if you haven't checked it out yet, what are you waiting for?). But it's time to announce the winner....

The lucky lucky winner of these gorgeous notebooks is.........(ahem....drum roll please).....

is.......................... (name chosen from a hat which gave my 4 y o lots of writing practise!!)...........is

Clare from Clare's Creations. 

Yay - well done Clare. Enjoy your notebooks - we'll be in touch soon to get address etc!!