Half way

I've been soldering - so I stopped halfway through 3 chains and made a couple of pairs of these earrings. I have kept one pair for myself - I need to test them out right?! They are so light , yet they catch the light enough for people to see them on - so I'm happy with this design - another I think which will be kept on.
I also made this necklace - these beads of Claire's, of Rowanberrys Glass Art, definately talk to me, they trully misbehaved and although were a bracelet in my head decided they wanted to be a necklace. Now most of you will probably read this and think I've completely lost the plot. BUt you see most jewellery designers will say the same thing, whether it our muses stepping in or whether these beads created by artisans carry some personality I have no idea. Claire thinks all beads have a fiery nature because they are born from the fire!!
I think I'm going to leave it there before I make you think anything else!! Hopefully will be back tomorrow I have lots more to show and all my delicious gemstones arrived - *sigh!

The Mermaid of Zennor

I don't know if everyone knows the story of the mermaid of Zennor - I remember (all those years ago -yes I have a good memory!!) doing the story at school - maybe being Cornish and it being a Cornish school, or maybe it was to do with the Cornish Gorsedd which we always wrote poetry, drew pictures and wrote about Cornwall for the yearly competition in our school.

Lying midway between St. Ives and Pendeen on the north coast of the Penwith Peninsula lies the small moorland village of Zennor. A short way north of the village lies the spectacular Pendour Cove. A local legend tells us of the story of one Mathew Trewella and his love for a mermaid. Mathew was a fine young man with a voice to match his good looks. Every evening Mathew would sing the closing hymn at Zennor church alone - this was to be his undoing. A mermaid, half-woman half fish, was entranced by the wonderful music from the village above her home at Pendour Cove. She listened to Mathew's voice with increasing interest until one day should could stand it no longer. She had to see who was making this beautiful music. The mermaid dressed herself in a long dress, taking care to conceal her long tail and walked awkwardly up to the church. At first she just marvelled at the singing before slipping away to return beneath the waves before the ebb-tide. After a few more visits, she became bolder and waited longer. It was on this visit that her gaze met with Mathew's and the pair fell madly in love. The call of the sea was too strong however and the mermaid knew that she must return to her home or face certain death. She turned to leave but Mathew called after her 'Please do not leave, who are you, where are you from?'. The mermaid explained that she was a creature from the sea and that she must return now. Already deeply in love with her, Mathew told her that wherever she went he would follow. Carrying her, Mathew ran down to the cove and followed her beneath the waves. Neither were seen again. It is said however that if you sit above the cove at twilight on a fine summer's evening you might just catch Mathew singing faintly on the breeze.

Taken from Cornwall in Focus

A beautiful Cornish Tale which I hope I have captured with Claire Morris of Rowanberry GLass artisan beads - the colours in these beads are fabulous - mixed with citrine and Karen Hill Tribe Silver with some handcrafted fine silver tendrils ;)

© Gemheaven 2007

Today I .....

SOLD

Soldered , yep on my own, it was a huge step mind you I have no idea why I was so afraid!! I wanted so much to practise a few things but my jewellers saw still hasn't arrived - this postal service is awful at the moment I'm also missing beads from Isabelle and some silver to fingers crossed everyone it all turns up tomorrow!! I'll show you at the bottom of this post what I did!

This neckace has beautiful lampwork beads by Claire Morris of Rowanberry Glass - the colours are stunning and I hopefully have managed to capture their beauty with the gemstones I used, Kyanite, lapis lazuli and smokey quartz of course intermingled with silver!!


And this is my soldered links - these are hammered and soldered and I've made a clasp so I can wear it as a bracelet - hopefully when my saw arrives I will be able to make less "organic" looking ones!!
* organic meaning rough!!!

© Gemheaven 2007

Back again!!

SOLD

Great name for a bracelet especially as its how I feel (with added tiredness)!! Claire of Rowanberry Glass beads made these little beauties and I instantly fell in love with them. I made this bracelet for Jan whose birthday it was on Friday - a very special lady who is more like my sister and my friend.

Camping is fun in the sun!! I decided this past week - yes I've been camping in Woolacombe in our caravan - pics tomorrow I hope! WE went with friends and we had such a giggle - in fact belly laughs, the sort of laughter that clears the head and bubbles in your tummy! Whizzzing down hills on childrens ride- on cars and all sorts (well it was funny then!!)

Of course after a week of ice cream and G&T's a diet is a must - although this week is pretty hectic so may the diet wait until next week!!

OH and fab news my dd can ride a bike without stabilisers *jumping up and down smilie needed here!! She taught herself and Mummy is so proud!! She's six on Thursday :D

OH and more fab news my friend Bev has got engaged see Unique Jewellery blog!

© Gemheaven 2007