Day Lily

 This stunning beaded flower measures 10 cms high by almost 8 cms from petal tip to petal tip and was designed  by Melissa Grakowsky Shippee.  It was a LOT of work and a first for me working from a graph rather that a word pattern.  Normally I would steer clear of graphs but fellow beaders encouraged me to have a go.  I did find it a little repetitive to bead after the first two petals but the final result was worth it.  My Day Lily will become a beautiful brooch. 

Chocolate Pennies

 Nothing better than a little chocolate treat when you are beading.  Chocolate Pennies are delicious and “healthy” too.  They consist of 3 ingredients only, Melted dark chocolate (85%),  chopped raisins and toasted slivers of almonds sprinkled on the top.  Scrumptious and so easy to do.  I did an online cooking experience with my almost 5 year old grandson yesterday.  We made these pennies and he chose to top his with chopped dates and coconut.  I might try dried cranberries next time.

Fixed!!!!

 Following on from my previous post.  I have now fixed the break.  It wasn’t that hard to do and why on earth I left it for so many years I do not know.  Perhaps I know a bit more about beading now and it was not as daunting.  I have decided to reinforce the entire bracelet with 8lb Fireline to avoid any further mishaps.  Hopefully!

Oh No!!!!!!!

 Some time ago I made this bracelet.  Not my own design.  Normally I would credit the designer but it was so long ago I can’t recall who it was.  Sadly, as you can see, it broke apart and has been sitting like this ever since.  Today I have decided to mend it!  I think perhaps I should have used a heavier Fireline.  From memory I did it with 6lb so I might reinforce the whole bracelet with 8lb.

Beetroot & Chocolate Brownies.

As mentioned previously, I am cooking up a storm during lockdown.  Each week we have a special treat and I have been trying some baking that’s a little different for me.  In fact, I do not usually cook at all.  My husband has been the primary chef in our household for over 30 years now.  This eventuated when he began working from home and I worked in the city four days a week.  He is an amazing cook, often  creating meals from nothing other than bits and pieces from the pantry and fridge.  He covers many different cuisines.  However, I digress.  

This week’s treat is Beetroot and Chocolate Brownies.  They are rich and delicious.  One square is enough and we enjoy just that each night with a cuppa.  Well to tell the truth, one square is not enough.  I would love to have more but we are being very strict and resisting.

From this......

To this......

 Today I watched a live demonstration for using brick stitch on a metal finding by Paula Gething from On A String.  One of the best things to do during lockdown.  Below is an earring design I did after the demo.  My first attempt at brick stitched around a metal shape.  Pretty happy with it.  I used a black metal square as my base.

I have a wonderful collection of beading books and many, many beading magazines.  One of my very favourite books is Shaped Beadwork And Beyond by Diane Fitzgerald.  I am a little embarrassed to say I have had it for a few years and not made anything from it.  This all changed in COVID isolation.  I have now made 3 pairs of earrings and a pendant from this wonderful book and have a stunning bracelet pattern in my sights.