Sunday 23 October 2011

Return to beading heaven

Last weekend was the return of my favourite bead fair; The Big Bead Show which is held at Sandowne Park in Surrey. Yet again this year it was a glorious sunny day and it was almost a shame to be indoors. However the lure of the goodies inside is such a draw. This show is always very well attended and every stall is surrounded by eager buyers. There are several sellers whom I always visit as their stones and silver findings are second to none. To me strands of beads are like glistening sweeties and even those I cannot afford I love to gaze at. I spent 5 hours there and I will not admit how much money I spent but I found some beautiful new stock. The most annoying fact is that the price of silver is still rising. Necklace and bracelet clasps that I bought last year are now 50% more expensive - eek!

Here is a glimpse at some of my buys




A gorgeous strand of amethyst nuggets















Gorgeous pink and natural shell/mother of pearl
















Some lovely shapes of haematite, one of my favourite gemstones as it is so versatile.








I also found some new Tibetan beads at the Fair, as it is getting near Christmas I bought some Christmas themed ones which included these


Cute aren't they! I also found some glorious Owls, just look at these beauties.





These are very large in comparison to the usual  little ones I use but I thought they would be fun to make up into bag charms.
















I so wish they did pigs this size, I would buy the whole stock! I have already made these up into bag charms, I am really pleased with them.





This little fellow is for sale in my Etsy Shop here



















And this fellow is going into my stock for my upcoming Christmas Open House in November.






















I also could not resist putting together a Christmas themed one ;0)












Despite the frosts earlier in the week the last few days have been wonderful again. It has been gloriously sunny here today, a perfect day for planting my bulbs and my winter bedding plants. The garden looks really tidy. We even managed to have lunch sitting out on the patio; what a lovely bonus for late October. The really great news is that my dear Billy seems to finally be well again and he is jumping around with all his usual grace and agility. Here he is looking down from his favourite wall whilst I was busy in the garden this afternoon
I am so relieved that his back has settled and he did not need the intervention of the vet. He does NOT like going to the vet's at all!
I hope you all enjoyed a wonderful weekend and you perhaps caught a peep of the sun too?  Thanks as always for your visits and comments and "see" you all soon.

Bye for now,

Jane x

20 comments:

  1. I love your bead buys, it's a good reason for me not to take on jewellery making as another craft area, can you imagine how much I'd spend!! Glad Billy is back to himself and no doubt enjoying the sunshine, looks like it's set to stay for the week - time to get my garden tidied. Bethx

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  2. Beautiful Jane! I would love to have all your new bag charms! That winter charm is just so cute!
    That exhibition must have been unbeliavable place! How you can ever choose what to buy?
    I'm so happy to hear that Billy is now well and enjoing his favourite guarding place!
    xxx Teje

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  3. You can see the temptation I have Beth and yes it is a very expensive business! Glad you are enjoying the sun,
    Jane x

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  4. Thanks Teje it was a great day and I had to stop myself buying lots of extras...my credit card has taken quite a bashing. Billy is doing really well :0)
    Jane x

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  5. Lots of lovely purchases Jane!! I love the amethyst (grape or plum?). :) The little reindeer, snowmen and owls are beautiful and what gorgoeus new charms too!
    Lucky you being able to get out into your garden, the wind is howling here and the rain is pouring out of the heavens and has done all day!! Looks set to do the same tomorrow too. :(
    So glad Billy is feeling better. :)
    Vivienne x

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  6. Dear Jane, oh my, yes I know about bead shows! We have one hear called the Bead Bazaar put on by the Portland Bead Society! I used to belong but now just go to the shows. I'm glad you're having such nice weather and especially that Billy is back in fine form!
    ((hugs)), Teresa :-)

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  7. Hi Jane- Thanks for sharing your fun finds from the gem show. Love those tiny reindeer, so cute! You're going to have some great pieces by your holiday open house!
    I'm so happy to know that Billy's feeling better and getting around to his favorite spots!
    P.S.
    The Halloween decorations are beginning to disappear, almost as fast as the candy in the stores here...You know what that means, don't you? ;o)

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  8. Poor you Vivienne with your weather you really are getting the rain. I think its coming this way soon.Have a great week.
    Jane x

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  9. You know just what I mean then Teresa...there are so many wonderful beads available...*sigh*, it's great to window shop even if you can't buy. Billy is doing well, that is the most important thing.
    Jane x

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  10. Hi Michele, yes I know just what is coming up for you over the pond ;0) We really don't do much for Halloween here...but over your way I'm sure the witches are starting to call.
    Have fun.
    Jane x

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  11. Beautiful finds, Jane!

    I am a fan of those haematites too, beautiful hearts and oh, the owls are adorable also (not to mention the little snowmen...)! And yippee, you made a C-themed bag charm already, I am also introducing some C-crafts my blog this week...I think it's just about the time (and I have already warned Viv!)!

    A kiss to B, I'm so happy he's doing great! And happy week to you, dear friend!

    Yours,
    Mia

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  12. I can't wait to see you C themed bits Mia...how exciting. I also can't believe it is only 2 months today until Christmas Eve ;0)
    Have a creative week,
    Jane x

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  13. Lovely beads, Jane, it must be soooo hard to decide which ones to buy. It looks as if you had a heavenly time in bead heaven! So good to hear that Billy is back to his agile self again....he looks very contented. Have a happy week.
    Helen x

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  14. It is indeed a struggle not to buy more and more beads Helen. Billy is so much better, I am so pleased , he really was not himself at all.
    Have a great week,
    Jane x

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  15. Thanks Jane for showing your "raw materials". It sounds like fun looking at all of the beads and findings.
    My favorites are the amethyst, shells and hematite hearts.

    I'm happy to hear Billy is feeling much better.
    Hoping your package will be here this week.

    Happy Monday!!

    Anne
    PlumCreek22,etsy

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  16. Hi Anne, I'm glad you enjoyed looking at my latest purchases. I hope you parcel arrives this week too...usually they take about 10 days to the States. Have a great week and thanks for visiting me here,
    Jane x

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  17. You must have been in bead heaven Jane at the show!...Everything is so beautiful and I can imagine it must have been so hard to be firm with yourself when making your choices!...I have really fallen in love with your owls....they are lovely!
    Ooh..so glad Billy is doing well...he is such a handsome fellow too!
    Hope you have a lovely week,
    Susan x

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  18. I'm glad you like my owls Susan, they are proving very popular. My Billy is doing great, really back to normal now bless him.
    Have a good week,
    Jane x

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  19. I'm so glad Billy is better and glad you could find so many treasures at the show. I'll look forward to seeing what you make with the beads. I also love your garden photos. My garden is on its absolute last gasp for the year. All these activities are good for your soul :)

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  20. Billy is completely back to form now Linda (but fast asleep on his chair as I type this). Gardening is indeed good for the soul!
    Jane x

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