'Pure & Simple'

There's nothing quite like crystal clear glass - it catches the light so differently to coloured glass. It's simple, it can be teamed with absolutely anything and it looks wonderful when etched. I made this set of hand-shaped hearts and spacers with wedding jewellery in mind. I figured that this batch of ten hearts and twenty round spacers would come in very useful for a jewellery maker that creates a lot of bridal pieces. The larger hearts could be used as pendants or necklace centrepieces and the smaller ones would be great as bracelet dangles or maybe as pendants for bridesmaids. Whatever, someone could make a whole stash of weddingy wearables with this batch of beads.

They'll be for sale over on my website at 8.30pm (UK time) tonight.

'Crocus' Socks

It's been a bit warm for knitting and that's why it's taken me so long to complete this pair. The pattern is 'Crocus' from - yes, you guessed it - Wendy D. Johnson's wonderful 'Toe-Up Socks For Every Body'.

The yarn is Smoothie Sock in 'Pumpkin' from Artist's Palette Yarns and it was a joy to knit with. The stitch definition is really crisp which makes the lace look lovely.

I have no idea what my next sock project will be. Normally I'm about two pairs ahead of myself but I don't think I'll be casting on for another pair until I'm in Cambridge. I've got to pack up all of my knitting paraphernalia ready for the move. Hope I've got enough boxes .....

And the winner is .....

Congratulations to Lauren who was drawn as the winner of the Lonelies beads!

This was my largest prize draw ever! I spent a long time typing all the names out, cutting them up and folding them. Then I stuck them in a bowl and mixed them with the same action I use for making pastry. Then my independent adjudicator (my Dad) gave the names another stir and drew one at random. Well done, Lauren! I shall get your beads off to you just as soon as I have your address.

Many thanks to all who entered the draw. I'll do another one soon so do stay tuned.

Bracelets by Joy & Debra

Joy Funnell made the fabulous 'Tutti Frutti' bracelet above. Isn't it just so bright and cheerful? Joy has used lots of my beads, Murano glass and Swarovski crystals. Yum!

The 'Dusky Dream' bracelet above is another Joy Funnell creation and I just love it. Pinks and purples teamed with Joy's wonderful silver work. Perfection. Please hop on over to Joy's website and also why not have a read of her blog too?

And here's another super-pretty charm bracelet. This berry-coloured beauty was made by Debra Farrell of Magical Creations. Debra has used a variety of my beads along with Murano glass, shell beads and Swarovski crystals.

This 'Berry' bracelet and matching earrings are available over in Debra's online shop. Debra has also just started blogging - please click here to have a read.

There are a few hours left for you to enter my Lonelies draw if you haven't already done so. The draw closes at 7.00pm (UK time) tonight and then I shall be drawing a winner. Thank you to everybody who has entered so far. I've loved reading your comments and visiting various blogs. One of you even decided to write a poem about my beads and I thought I'd publish it here on my blog :

An Ode To Lonelies by Ellie Pep

A string of beads we are, we are,
On this lovely blog you'll see...
We're looking for a brand new home
Where we'll make someone very happy.
Known simply as the "lonelies"
We're special, every one!
We're looking for a brand new home where we can have some fun!
Now we've had a conversation,
We've really thought this through
So listen to us Laura
For we'll share it now with you...
We've heard about a lovely place,
It really sounds like heaven.
We'd like to go there on June the 4th...
We'd like to live in Devon!!

Thanks Ellie. I'm honoured - I think that's the first time anyone has ever written a poem about my beads!

Please check back later tonight to see who is going to win those Lonelies .....

A touch of sunshine

There will be quite a few sets of Luminobeads for sale tonight including these bright and cheerful tangerine-coloured ones.

I have many blogs to visit - so many of you have entered the prize draw and blogged about it and I will sit down tonight and take a look at all the posts.

It's all a bit hectic here. I've been packing boxes and writing lists. Chris and I are moving into our new home next week and there are a lot of things to do. I'm doing my utmost to stay calm and unstressed .....