tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-51961401262751044172024-02-07T16:54:08.527-08:00Mel's Mixed Media Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-54644586237265948212014-07-18T08:49:00.000-07:002014-07-18T10:21:05.232-07:00I'm Back :)Well, would you believe, my mojo has finally returned! It's been a long time coming, but I knew it wouldn't desert me for good. I'm in a much better place these days, partly because of my creativity, but I needed to get back into my creative groove in order to get me out of a bad rut I'd fallen into, and getting my hands dirty whilst using my creative energy seemed like a good way, as it occupied my time and my mind. So here I am with a quick catch up of what I've been up to.<br />
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I did an art course a couple of years back. I absolutely loved it! It was designed to make me face my fear of art, a fear that had its roots in a cruel act of ridicule my primary school teacher dished out in front of the whole class, about a piece of art I'd done. He was really cross because he said I'd wasted an old net curtain his wife had kindly donated to the craft supplies. I had been really chuffed with my bright yellow net curtain daffodil collage, but he said his 3 year old daughter could have done better. Why oh why do some people enter teaching?!! Anyway, his critique of my creativity completely killed my confidence, and I grew up with a fear of painting and drawing.<br />
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The art course was brilliant, it gave me a chance to experiment with lots of different media and techniques, and the tutor was so encouraging and had a cracking sense of humour. The whole group had a blast!<br />
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But once the year long weekly course was over, I completely stopped. My mojo deserted me. I hadn't a clue what to do, what kind of art I wanted to pursue or what mediums I wanted to work with. My personal life was also pretty crap at this point, so my confidence was low, and I couldn't muster the enthusiasm to do anything remotely arty.<br />
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Then a couple of months back I started watching Youtube videos on art journaling and mixed media. I fell in love! I had found what I wanted to do, and as for which mediums to use... well, the world was my pallette!<br />
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I'm slowly building up my supply of materials as and when funds allow, and experimenting by making some basic homemade supplies. I think it helps my creativity and helps me to think outside of the box, utilising stuff I readily have around the house, and it gives me a buzz knowing I've saved money. I haven't development my own personal style... I reckon that's quite a way off yet. I'm just enjoying the process of learning for now, and I've joined a couple of online mixed media/journaling groups for inspiration and advice.<br />
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Here are some pieces I've recently completed:<br />
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Mixed Media Tag<br />
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Mixed Media Canvas <br />
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Mixed Media Polymer Clay<br />
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Background Paper - oil pastels and ink<br />
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My art journal started out pretty basic, but as I've progressed I'm learning more about layers and textures and applying them to my art.<br />
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Journal Cover<br />
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Journal Pages<br />
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Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-36691429060646293612014-02-27T13:22:00.001-08:002014-02-27T15:21:36.952-08:00Hello AgainWow, it's a long time since I've been here...almost 3 years! So, what have I been up to?<br />
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Quick catch up: I closed my Etsy jewellery shop 'Chameleonite' last year. I also ended a relationship around the same time. There followed a period of feeling very low, and a lot of soul searching, which set me back on my spiritual path and led me to study 'A Course In Miracles' for a few months. But what was missing from my life wasn't religion or a relationship, it was dog shaped, and came in the form of George, a rescue dog of uncertain breed. The rescue said he was an American Cocker Spaniel, but everywhere we go people stop and ask me what he is. The most popular guess is a Cockapoo. I think he is possibly an American Cockapoo. Whatever he is, he is the sweetest, most adorable pooch, with a cheeky character, and I am so in love with him!<br />
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<br />Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-71965541384921608392011-06-24T09:29:00.000-07:002011-06-25T00:48:43.045-07:00Moving On<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc2z-Tf92Li7wC8wBsPBv4Q0Q-Qk2Lovg3LHqaaTEeRChc363f6GHylFbquYBXrJNw2MEG1aio9n71vcNaKNaiaWBNXWV7_wu16AxTXpuTI6Y_u0xCrotmHJ_1t6LDMFiuN9YMVtAnJTx/s1600/Baileygrass.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc2z-Tf92Li7wC8wBsPBv4Q0Q-Qk2Lovg3LHqaaTEeRChc363f6GHylFbquYBXrJNw2MEG1aio9n71vcNaKNaiaWBNXWV7_wu16AxTXpuTI6Y_u0xCrotmHJ_1t6LDMFiuN9YMVtAnJTx/s320/Baileygrass.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimc2z-Tf92Li7wC8wBsPBv4Q0Q-Qk2Lovg3LHqaaTEeRChc363f6GHylFbquYBXrJNw2MEG1aio9n71vcNaKNaiaWBNXWV7_wu16AxTXpuTI6Y_u0xCrotmHJ_1t6LDMFiuN9YMVtAnJTx/s1600/Baileygrass.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
I've barely touched my blog since my darling Labrador Bailey passed away four months ago. The reason, quite simply, is that I've been too entrenched in the depths of grief to write anything of any substance. <br />
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The impact of losing a much loved pet should never be underestimated. There will no doubt be those who think (thankfully no one has actually said it to me) "it's only a dog". It hurts to even write those words. Bailey was a huge part of my life, my constant companion, my reason for getting up in the morning. He formed a big part of my social life. Through walking him I made friends with fellow dog walkers, some whom I've now known for several years. I started each day with a walk in the countryside, noting the changing of the seasons, chatting with other walkers, having the occasional coffee while we caught up with what's going on in our lives, even getting together for an evening meal in the pub.<br />
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I do still occasionally go for a walk, but it's just not the same without him by my side. I imagine him exploring in the woods, running ahead of me on the woodland paths. I know every favourite marking post, every blade of grass of the dark green tufts he used to graze on, the discarded sticks lying where he last chased them, his teeth marks still visible where he'd carried them off into the long grass to chew.<br />
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I know in time the overwhelming sadness will ease, and the tears and unbearable thoughts of those final few days will be replaced with memories of happier times of the joy he brought to my life. I just have to go through the grieving process and come out of the other side. <br />
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There is now a huge black hole that was once filled with laughter, love and companionship. I go through the motions of each day, making my jewellery, taking photos, listing items for sale in my shop. But everything in my life involves inanimate objects. My life lacks life. My life lacks purpose. My life lacks love.<br />
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Bailey's passing also coincided with my son moving out and into his own place. It had been on the cards for a long time, ever since he returned from university. What had started out as a temporary base for a few months had turned into 4 years, so it was long overdue. But the two events coinciding meant for the first time in my life I found myself living totally alone. <br />
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My son has suggested that I turn a negative into a positive; He reminds me that I am now free to do whatever I want with my life. I wish I could see it like that and run with it, facing the challenges my new life has to offer. The world is indeed my Oyster. But with that freedom comes responsibility... responsibility for my own life, and what I make of it.<br />
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Not having Bailey by my side shouldn't make any difference. Not having anyone there to hold my hand shouldn't make any difference. As my very wise son pointed out, all the major events that have happened in my life have been instigated by me. We may feel as if we need someone there to hold our hand, but essentially we are alone. No one can live our life for us. We enter life alone and exit life alone.<br />
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Maybe that's my problem. I am now completely free for the first time in my life, and it scares the life out of me. I have spent my entire adult life caring for others, and now all I need to care about is myself.<br />
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Freedom is frightening.<br />
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Or in the words of Janice Joplin "Freedom is just another word for having nothing left to lose"Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-6248712860833086732011-04-08T03:01:00.000-07:002011-04-08T03:58:01.662-07:00WaxwingsI've had some new visitors to my garden, a large flock of Waxwings. I've never seen this particular bird before and was curious by their rather exotic appearance, especially the rather fancy crest on top of their head. They descended onto the Cottoneaster bushes at the foot of the garden, only resting for a few moments whilst they greedily gobbled up the bright red ripe berries, before alighting in a rather startled fashion to visit other bushes in a garden further up the road.<br /><br />I made a quick mental note of their features and went in search on the RSPB website, and eventually managed to identify them as Waxwings, a bird that breeds in the remote taiga forests of Scandinavia. They usually visit Europe in the winter when their breeding ground becomes overcrowded, resulting in a shortage of food which forces them further afield. If berries are in short supply either due to poor crops that year or because the berries have already been eaten by other hungry birds, they can come as far as Britain in search of food. But they usually only come as far as the east coast, from Scotland down to East Anglia.<br /><br />I'm in Lancashire in the north west, which would account for me never having seen them before. Further research would suggest many sightings of large flocks of these beautiful birds are being seen further inland in many parts of the country.<br /><br />Here is a rather poor photo I managed to get whilst they rested in the Cottoneaster. It's a pity I couldn't get a close up to show their beautiful colouring, but every attempt to get closer made them fly away.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GE80KqGp74Y/TZ7pUZAq0OI/AAAAAAAAAsg/sELgzF_05lg/s1600/Waxwings002.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GE80KqGp74Y/TZ7pUZAq0OI/AAAAAAAAAsg/sELgzF_05lg/s320/Waxwings002.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593164323761082594" border="0" /></a><br />Here they are taking flight.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsNVGI_oZZpohiw5z1dHl4AWb9k2TBhQNZdasWoYYhh4NKtJqtio6SXOgXHYmVTFjmX3U9G-vsSH6WphzT2r6JldSbKP3EJuslSetRoVjKP6cZcpuHd8Dzo_tiVbJel7CiH8JkADLLleh/s1600/Waxwings003.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwsNVGI_oZZpohiw5z1dHl4AWb9k2TBhQNZdasWoYYhh4NKtJqtio6SXOgXHYmVTFjmX3U9G-vsSH6WphzT2r6JldSbKP3EJuslSetRoVjKP6cZcpuHd8Dzo_tiVbJel7CiH8JkADLLleh/s320/Waxwings003.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5593164422027091218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GE80KqGp74Y/TZ7pUZAq0OI/AAAAAAAAAsg/sELgzF_05lg/s1600/Waxwings002.JPG"><br /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-62538968887836951182011-02-21T13:07:00.000-08:002011-02-21T13:24:59.613-08:00RIP Bailey<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvifHJukPfQ/TWLWccIoWAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/92BigrMpbrg/s1600/Happy%2BBailey.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvifHJukPfQ/TWLWccIoWAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/92BigrMpbrg/s320/Happy%2BBailey.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5576255072715167746" border="0" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nvifHJukPfQ/TWLWccIoWAI/AAAAAAAAAr8/92BigrMpbrg/s1600/Happy%2BBailey.JPG"><br /></a><br />My darling Bailey crossed over the rainbow bridge this afternoon. My heart is broken in two. He was a wonderful boy; gentle, patient, intelligent and so very handsome. He was my best friend and I will always love him.<br /><br />Thank you for enriching my life and bringing me so much joy.<br /><br />Run free my darling.<br /><br />Your heartbroken mum xxMel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-15405943978689002812011-02-06T13:15:00.000-08:002011-02-06T13:37:56.140-08:00Poppies<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7G0qQp1hWh6Es71uiaZ0_N57ZEAPjD2cZmv7sYuqR55lZiW3scTUVzAnSnjHdDiKzgGJDbIAEcLJGeI2lVjdulxtw80ISrG-NlhCB65kwTUASeVEQlBfsbzs938DBMpFT-VuFINtyRiK/s1600/Poppy6.JPG"><br /></a>I've neglected my polymer clay making of late, and as I adore Poppies I thought I'd try my hand at making one. I'm pleased with the way it turned out, but undecided if it will be a pendant suspended from a black suede thong, or made into a brooch. I made a slightly different one for myself which is on a fine silver chain.<br /><br />Poppy<br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TU8QGjUSRPI/AAAAAAAAArE/OFq92wBzulc/s1600/Poppy5.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 265px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TU8QGjUSRPI/AAAAAAAAArE/OFq92wBzulc/s320/Poppy5.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570688968826176754" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7G0qQp1hWh6Es71uiaZ0_N57ZEAPjD2cZmv7sYuqR55lZiW3scTUVzAnSnjHdDiKzgGJDbIAEcLJGeI2lVjdulxtw80ISrG-NlhCB65kwTUASeVEQlBfsbzs938DBMpFT-VuFINtyRiK/s1600/Poppy6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 302px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP7G0qQp1hWh6Es71uiaZ0_N57ZEAPjD2cZmv7sYuqR55lZiW3scTUVzAnSnjHdDiKzgGJDbIAEcLJGeI2lVjdulxtw80ISrG-NlhCB65kwTUASeVEQlBfsbzs938DBMpFT-VuFINtyRiK/s320/Poppy6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5570690351569535458" border="0" /></a><br />I've just remembered I bought a pack of silver precious metal clay about a year ago and still haven't made anything with it. It's a very different material to polymer clay, but I'll have fun experimenting with it!Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-77716492723632462062011-01-19T09:38:00.000-08:002011-01-19T12:48:03.612-08:00New Look for the New YearHappy New Year!<br /><br />Okay, I know it's a bit late and we're hurtling towards February, but better late than never. I've given my blog a makeover for the new year, and as I haven't had time to christen it with my first post until now there's quite a few new designs I want to share with you. More details can be found by clicking each link. So without any further ado..<br /><br />First in line is a pair of vintage inspired earrings. I love the retro feel of these; I could almost visualise my mum wearing them in the 60's; a quick application of mascara... after spitting on the solid black block to soften, red lipstick, a light spray of Norman Hartnell's In Love, and she was ready to go.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65663182/noir-earrings-black-agate-teardrop">Noir Earrings</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1xqZxhw2f-yZK-6FBfTy3v_KbV1HhE-JfOMFIHspO5DPYEh4fupXAA-j8AsFN2t6y_cHq3eCgT2e4WB_1Od5SgRi7t8-KEYYdNqAvImKCP-SXRnaG26vqJL3-jKcVqLHJceZhF8XLflC/s1600/il_570xN.207196717.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1xqZxhw2f-yZK-6FBfTy3v_KbV1HhE-JfOMFIHspO5DPYEh4fupXAA-j8AsFN2t6y_cHq3eCgT2e4WB_1Od5SgRi7t8-KEYYdNqAvImKCP-SXRnaG26vqJL3-jKcVqLHJceZhF8XLflC/s320/il_570xN.207196717.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563963496466895218" border="0" /></a><br />Next in line is a sweet little pair of cream Czech glass flowers because Spring is just around the corner... wishful thinking!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65707045/wood-anemone-earrings-cream-glass-flower">Wood Anemone Earrings</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcsITnpH2I/AAAAAAAAApo/GVD2-hZxBvA/s1600/il_570xN.207381347.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 305px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcsITnpH2I/AAAAAAAAApo/GVD2-hZxBvA/s320/il_570xN.207381347.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563964385856659298" border="0" /></a><br />I love the combination of colours in my latest addition to my collection; a charm bracelet of amethyst and peridot glass flowers interspersed with leaves, pearls and cute little silver puffed hearts for added tinkle!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/66047042/grapevine-bracelet-purple-green-glass">Grapevine Bracelet</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT6Yg-t1LmJxgDtN9chTXVhZpcugTCy-UUiY8cG9FCpdPyRyEK-y4h2-Z-YRkMQQwL3p0clIo90eX1JOC1oQXZCKAYtzosxOUSVjYzY48791-IZLFoMGJLxBzmG-XUMJWWSgH-g6gydKq/s1600/il_570xN.209588163.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 285px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBT6Yg-t1LmJxgDtN9chTXVhZpcugTCy-UUiY8cG9FCpdPyRyEK-y4h2-Z-YRkMQQwL3p0clIo90eX1JOC1oQXZCKAYtzosxOUSVjYzY48791-IZLFoMGJLxBzmG-XUMJWWSgH-g6gydKq/s320/il_570xN.209588163.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563955928357296130" border="0" /></a><br />More spring flowers... ever hopeful that we've seen the back of winter, even if it is only January. These are from my popular lily collection with Swarovski tipped stamens.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65136420/lady-grey-lily-earrings-lucite-flower">Lady Grey Earrings</a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTctM44cUAI/AAAAAAAAApw/R74B4vSh1As/s1600/il_570xN.205104293.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTctM44cUAI/AAAAAAAAApw/R74B4vSh1As/s320/il_570xN.205104293.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563965564090339330" border="0" /></a><br />Following the same theme, here we have the same style of lily in a beaded necklace.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65498246/nightshade-necklace-lucite-lily-crystals">Nightshade Necklace</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTctufOfECI/AAAAAAAAAp4/H2R-1VGxwng/s1600/il_570xN.207050497.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTctufOfECI/AAAAAAAAAp4/H2R-1VGxwng/s320/il_570xN.207050497.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563966141319024674" border="0" /></a><br />More flowers with these lovely Petunias.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65644659/petunia-earrings-purple-glass-flower"><br />Petunia Earrings</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTc6nm4JojI/AAAAAAAAAqw/3f3bOj64oWM/s1600/il_570xN.207119320.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 286px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTc6nm4JojI/AAAAAAAAAqw/3f3bOj64oWM/s320/il_570xN.207119320.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563980316764906034" border="0" /></a><br />I have phases where I become slightly addicted to certain colours and they appear in my collection in increasing numbers. At the moment, just in case it has escaped your attention, it is purple and all it's variants; amethyst, lilac, aubergine etc.<br /><br />Red is another big favourite at the moment, particularly bright scarlet red in opaque glass. I can't get enough opaque glass and seem to spend hours browsing suppliers looking for a shape I don't already own. Here I have teamed some rondelles with a bright red retro hoop to make this bold necklace.<br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65784416/kiss-necklace-red-retro-hoop-glass-beads"><br />Kiss Necklace</a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw1zA6XYBveA6UNFP_pLFfemY0ArxKfvEC8jguaxyEXVB2vrVRP9vL7knTy2Pw3lnoR0Dvw6XYYN_F5osKlGtcOEvoVvODeDboWInfpR5Xi0Y3uZghw0Kll43LP8gS48LND_Dl2F-AEOL/s1600/RED18.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmw1zA6XYBveA6UNFP_pLFfemY0ArxKfvEC8jguaxyEXVB2vrVRP9vL7knTy2Pw3lnoR0Dvw6XYYN_F5osKlGtcOEvoVvODeDboWInfpR5Xi0Y3uZghw0Kll43LP8gS48LND_Dl2F-AEOL/s320/RED18.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5564001450271861010" border="0" /></a><br />This next pair of earrings is a lovely shade of ruby red.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65632234/very-berry-earrings-red-fluted-glass">Very Berry Earrings</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp1YXGOtc5ohok9bWyPDK0_n4LIIatfvWm4avW8i8atYiuOs9vVxNBJTKZ6OGRTeXWTJazs3HmTqtcNpoPCC8urSDDj8rcYzRRCMM3pyQ-SB9taloYkhS-GfwEScXgWrxeCIqnDVIseOx/s1600/il_570xN.207072046.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUp1YXGOtc5ohok9bWyPDK0_n4LIIatfvWm4avW8i8atYiuOs9vVxNBJTKZ6OGRTeXWTJazs3HmTqtcNpoPCC8urSDDj8rcYzRRCMM3pyQ-SB9taloYkhS-GfwEScXgWrxeCIqnDVIseOx/s320/il_570xN.207072046.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563969626322964962" border="0" /></a><br />These blue Gentian buds are made from some vintage beads I have had for years and years.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65694606/blue-gentian-earrings-vintage-lucite">Blue Gentian Earrings</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcx5rMsMrI/AAAAAAAAAqY/m7lulFsGjBs/s1600/il_570xN.207314924.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcx5rMsMrI/AAAAAAAAAqY/m7lulFsGjBs/s320/il_570xN.207314924.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563970731557794482" border="0" /></a><br />And as it will soon be Valentine's day, I couldn't leave you without including a couple of heart designs.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65138737/blossoming-love-necklace-cherry-quartz">Blossoming Love Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcyelxPLzI/AAAAAAAAAqg/DKu4JQhVE7M/s1600/il_570xN.205114632.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTcyelxPLzI/AAAAAAAAAqg/DKu4JQhVE7M/s320/il_570xN.205114632.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563971365755629362" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/65972283/heart-of-gold-necklace-polymer-clay">Heart of Gold Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTczOH_z5mI/AAAAAAAAAqo/CRxfBXd_0bI/s1600/il_570xN.208428637.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 252px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TTczOH_z5mI/AAAAAAAAAqo/CRxfBXd_0bI/s320/il_570xN.208428637.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5563972182397412962" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-30020393381125678832010-12-28T12:46:00.001-08:002010-12-28T13:49:33.266-08:00New Designs Added This WeekAnother busy week making new designs. Here are the latest additions to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite?ref=pr_shop">Etsy shop</a>. Click on the individual titles for full descriptions.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64793513/english-rose-necklace-brass-filigree">English Rose Locket</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd14tqUqIJbdSH7df5kUAC8zwwno1lpD-8aaGuqcwarLXfJHMPSsmvvSqXKoydk4k3KckZrbT2ERqR-f7qLcym_XbIV8WlmYWr9sKTpF2g-hL8W_Ox3qvc4OtxFVTvFi-64OHKkoEQe0mx/s1600/il_570xN.203891428.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd14tqUqIJbdSH7df5kUAC8zwwno1lpD-8aaGuqcwarLXfJHMPSsmvvSqXKoydk4k3KckZrbT2ERqR-f7qLcym_XbIV8WlmYWr9sKTpF2g-hL8W_Ox3qvc4OtxFVTvFi-64OHKkoEQe0mx/s320/il_570xN.203891428.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555839579811700338" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64738086/topaz-twist-earrings-vintage-beads">Topaz Twist Earrings</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpNbanDfTI/AAAAAAAAAn8/NbHc5WqsQzc/s1600/il_570xN.203546670.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpNbanDfTI/AAAAAAAAAn8/NbHc5WqsQzc/s320/il_570xN.203546670.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555838223709863218" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64801828/smoke-earrings-vintage-bronzed-beads">Smoke Earrings</a><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpNyZ4RMrI/AAAAAAAAAoE/054yfQbPsAc/s1600/il_570xN.203801617.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpNyZ4RMrI/AAAAAAAAAoE/054yfQbPsAc/s320/il_570xN.203801617.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555838618650620594" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64764587/starry-night-necklace-black-gold-bead">Starry Night Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpOBK9_pXI/AAAAAAAAAoM/D1eZEXcCJcI/s1600/il_570xN.203652488.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 273px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpOBK9_pXI/AAAAAAAAAoM/D1eZEXcCJcI/s320/il_570xN.203652488.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555838872346142066" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64874567/heart-of-steel-earrings-hematite-heart">Heart of Steel Earrings</a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpORYMGXkI/AAAAAAAAAoU/CBFtt71G3dE/s1600/il_570xN.204082866.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 275px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpORYMGXkI/AAAAAAAAAoU/CBFtt71G3dE/s320/il_570xN.204082866.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555839150772870722" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64452958/caviar-necklace-black-glass-and-gunmetal">Caviar Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpObAQZf0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/8npKQejn0lk/s1600/il_570xN.203905464.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TRpObAQZf0I/AAAAAAAAAoc/8npKQejn0lk/s320/il_570xN.203905464.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5555839316147142466" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-4717631429801284902010-12-13T14:19:00.000-08:002010-12-13T15:01:11.275-08:00Latest AdditionsI've had a busy week or so adding new items to my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">Etsy shop</a>. All but two pieces are new designs, and two have been reworked. The Midnight necklace has had the beaded chain replaced with a plain one as I felt the original one was overly fussy and detracted from the pendant, and the Coal earrings have been re made in gun metal as I feel it complements the Obsidian cubes better than the brass used for the original pair.<br /><br />Here are my latest additions. Click on the title to see the full details.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63458340/posy-necklace-czech-glass-flowers-on">Posy Necklace</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5W6YEH3bZoTdwVSA-qiJldQrXxY8nUctQkavslXRialkT3CndazPVggKKH4RKlskH39BsLkvLhRF6FRlll0ol12uqJAitj7Amn0Xz8WhwKyJn5xJVJdCkd8Clo3j6jaORcmjQCh_SDCf/s1600/il_fullxfull.198934973.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 294px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP5W6YEH3bZoTdwVSA-qiJldQrXxY8nUctQkavslXRialkT3CndazPVggKKH4RKlskH39BsLkvLhRF6FRlll0ol12uqJAitj7Amn0Xz8WhwKyJn5xJVJdCkd8Clo3j6jaORcmjQCh_SDCf/s320/il_fullxfull.198934973.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550303208076067442" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64163567/midnight-necklace-brass-filigree">Midnight Necklace</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJn5ylcWGqcvSTM-1INWsxxjqV9zWnpLBd82pAW-_IQDP_V4wAu4XOSrPWrtfTRIYEUIo7rmcyAsYTyhK4ETpvAtXFK8qloEi6oJ-mg0ZYjznwUcyixJY14IJOhQKcfiiGowY2fAFbBxJ/s1600/il_fullxfull.201312009.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhJn5ylcWGqcvSTM-1INWsxxjqV9zWnpLBd82pAW-_IQDP_V4wAu4XOSrPWrtfTRIYEUIo7rmcyAsYTyhK4ETpvAtXFK8qloEi6oJ-mg0ZYjznwUcyixJY14IJOhQKcfiiGowY2fAFbBxJ/s320/il_fullxfull.201312009.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550296804333811362" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64164747/coal-earrings-black-obsidian-cubes-gun?ref=v1_other_1">Coal Earrings</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukKq4-ty9lXZYUkU1zeGmgHzaSTJkJhUsX3OmUcQFwSuMQu_k3DLSIs-2tt6DnMTlFzgPDVCYPV7lLO9tdaTSQBLGWN1McL5gwnra1Z2Qft960SyNGQyfdRJvUe1VAALHkJ1x_zdxWjcQ/s1600/il_fullxfull.201316675.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 274px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukKq4-ty9lXZYUkU1zeGmgHzaSTJkJhUsX3OmUcQFwSuMQu_k3DLSIs-2tt6DnMTlFzgPDVCYPV7lLO9tdaTSQBLGWN1McL5gwnra1Z2Qft960SyNGQyfdRJvUe1VAALHkJ1x_zdxWjcQ/s320/il_fullxfull.201316675.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550297205063419138" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiukKq4-ty9lXZYUkU1zeGmgHzaSTJkJhUsX3OmUcQFwSuMQu_k3DLSIs-2tt6DnMTlFzgPDVCYPV7lLO9tdaTSQBLGWN1McL5gwnra1Z2Qft960SyNGQyfdRJvUe1VAALHkJ1x_zdxWjcQ/s1600/il_fullxfull.201316675.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64243431/captivate-necklace-silver-pendant-red">Captivate Necklace</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9t-oqzKLdeugCxQ02pt7t-GfSih9i3OKa7QEnEED9PamE6Mth7qO-4pRImuenUROR2iOIk0Kq3B-0foEj2KNmG4SqGshTcUqycJRHX5lpBxuf976s081IPNXwRttj_0gxcBduRu6o2Pj/s1600/il_fullxfull.201618086.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9t-oqzKLdeugCxQ02pt7t-GfSih9i3OKa7QEnEED9PamE6Mth7qO-4pRImuenUROR2iOIk0Kq3B-0foEj2KNmG4SqGshTcUqycJRHX5lpBxuf976s081IPNXwRttj_0gxcBduRu6o2Pj/s320/il_fullxfull.201618086.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550297614755294450" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA9t-oqzKLdeugCxQ02pt7t-GfSih9i3OKa7QEnEED9PamE6Mth7qO-4pRImuenUROR2iOIk0Kq3B-0foEj2KNmG4SqGshTcUqycJRHX5lpBxuf976s081IPNXwRttj_0gxcBduRu6o2Pj/s1600/il_fullxfull.201618086.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64103910/mercury-earrings-hematite-and-gun-metal">Mercury Earrings</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnVYlu1AlX-zDc3xbyIY7PgixwoejuZ-Zg5gD3DUHyk9IT_3cJrFi63jzvrosD7TL7fhZYUgSFiI4WoShbvg4BfFA_v8qZ09HcvWf9aucskOBW7n42Gmng5fYsD6dlat0cjMRTWFwZIfZ/s1600/il_fullxfull.201077082.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnVYlu1AlX-zDc3xbyIY7PgixwoejuZ-Zg5gD3DUHyk9IT_3cJrFi63jzvrosD7TL7fhZYUgSFiI4WoShbvg4BfFA_v8qZ09HcvWf9aucskOBW7n42Gmng5fYsD6dlat0cjMRTWFwZIfZ/s320/il_fullxfull.201077082.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550298008878859410" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCnVYlu1AlX-zDc3xbyIY7PgixwoejuZ-Zg5gD3DUHyk9IT_3cJrFi63jzvrosD7TL7fhZYUgSFiI4WoShbvg4BfFA_v8qZ09HcvWf9aucskOBW7n42Gmng5fYsD6dlat0cjMRTWFwZIfZ/s1600/il_fullxfull.201077082.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/64103088/mercury-necklace-hematite-and-gun-metal?ref=v1_other_2">Mercury Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQae57Fp5oI/AAAAAAAAAmY/RjaKSnDRI2o/s1600/il_fullxfull.201073966.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 255px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQae57Fp5oI/AAAAAAAAAmY/RjaKSnDRI2o/s320/il_fullxfull.201073966.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550298308731856514" border="0" /></a><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQae57Fp5oI/AAAAAAAAAmY/RjaKSnDRI2o/s1600/il_fullxfull.201073966.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63465366/pop-art-earrings-multi-coloured-glass">Pop Art Earrings</a><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQafiC6Je3I/AAAAAAAAAmg/Snq2dCCYqmw/s1600/il_fullxfull.198902582.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQafiC6Je3I/AAAAAAAAAmg/Snq2dCCYqmw/s320/il_fullxfull.198902582.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550298998025845618" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQafiC6Je3I/AAAAAAAAAmg/Snq2dCCYqmw/s1600/il_fullxfull.198902582.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63464376/pop-art-necklace-multi-colour-glass?ref=v1_other_2">Pop Art Necklace</a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQagdVxYr5I/AAAAAAAAAm4/XYo-CX7-chM/s1600/il_fullxfull.198922191.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 289px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQagdVxYr5I/AAAAAAAAAm4/XYo-CX7-chM/s320/il_fullxfull.198922191.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550300016701648786" border="0" /></a><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQagdVxYr5I/AAAAAAAAAm4/XYo-CX7-chM/s1600/il_fullxfull.198922191.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63986376/flying-in-circles-necklace-brass-braided">Flying in Circles Necklace</a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSBr68CTv0S0f6NsOpkt8N7n7AcdHobjbXzjqIuKiOOlxpDlJNQVglZUnzFc_oFH9_pOhJB0GvuWt-fsaX5JxJeBbTgzZzOWxxGjo2mhZ4JbYncUwSqUe8RIKmYYQWot5bq9XGWWwfTP3/s1600/il_fullxfull.200622753.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 258px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSBr68CTv0S0f6NsOpkt8N7n7AcdHobjbXzjqIuKiOOlxpDlJNQVglZUnzFc_oFH9_pOhJB0GvuWt-fsaX5JxJeBbTgzZzOWxxGjo2mhZ4JbYncUwSqUe8RIKmYYQWot5bq9XGWWwfTP3/s320/il_fullxfull.200622753.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550300375734242722" border="0" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJSBr68CTv0S0f6NsOpkt8N7n7AcdHobjbXzjqIuKiOOlxpDlJNQVglZUnzFc_oFH9_pOhJB0GvuWt-fsaX5JxJeBbTgzZzOWxxGjo2mhZ4JbYncUwSqUe8RIKmYYQWot5bq9XGWWwfTP3/s1600/il_fullxfull.200622753.jpg"><br /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/63984162/denim-necklace-blue-vintage-lucite?ref=v1_other_2">Denim Necklace</a><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQahGQs6LlI/AAAAAAAAAnI/gR6wCVVk8Iw/s1600/il_fullxfull.200614037.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQahGQs6LlI/AAAAAAAAAnI/gR6wCVVk8Iw/s320/il_fullxfull.200614037.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5550300719715331666" border="0" /></a><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TQahGQs6LlI/AAAAAAAAAnI/gR6wCVVk8Iw/s1600/il_fullxfull.200614037.jpg"><br /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-51251551555433601532010-12-05T02:11:00.000-08:002010-12-05T03:17:58.685-08:00Rheumatoid Arthritis and SnowI don't think I've mentioned on my blog before, but I was diagnosed with seronegative Rheumatoid Arthritis about ten years ago. In the beginning I was literally crippled by it, unable to walk and pretty much housebound. But thanks to a little magic pill called Plaquenil, I steadily got my life back to something resembling normal. However, RA is unpredictable and flares of varying degrees are a common feature.<br /><br />I had my right hip replaced six years ago when it had got so bad it was bone on bone, but I'd never had a problem with my knees until three years ago. Since then every winter has produced a painful and debilitating flare in and around my knee, mainly affecting the left one, but with some right sided involvement. It's not just the joint that's affected, but the whole supporting structure of tendons.<br /><br />The reason I'm posting this is because I think there may be a definite link with the snow, or at least the cold. I've read that the body is like a barometer, and it has certainly been my experience that air pressure and damp affects my joints, but this snow thing has only just dawned on me. The last three winters have been harsh, with heavy snow fall, and I'm wondering if there is a connection. Whether my current flare in my left knee is down to the cold or the effect walking on a slippery surface has had upon my joints and tendons, I'm unsure. What I do know is I change the way I walk when trying to remain upright. Maybe that placed undue strain on the supporting structure of the knee?<br /><br />This latest flare came on surprisingly abruptly, in fact I've never before experienced any flare develop quite so rapidly. I woke in the morning three days back, felt absolutely fine, showered, got dressed, then sat at my dressing table drying my hair. When I'd finished, I walked out of my bedroom to go downstairs, and that's when it struck. I suddenly felt a pain in my knee and as I struggled to walk down the stairs, easing myself down one step at a time, it swiftly spread throughout my knee, from left to right going via the tendons at the back of the knee. By the time I reached the kitchen I was hobbling around holding on to the worktops.<br /><br />The knee is now swollen and warm to the touch and very painful, often disturbing my sleep during the night. My ankles are also swollen as evidenced by the deep rings in the evening where the tops of my socks have sunk into the flesh. Clearly there is no way I will be venturing out on the sheet ice that now covers the footpath. I doubt I'd be able to get out and about even if it wasn't icy.<br /><br />I haven't been this bad in a long time, but I know from experience that physio is a waste of time, and if anything only exacerbates the pain and delays the healing. I've learnt that all I can do is rest and continue with my medication with the addition of some anti inflammatory cream rubbed into the area, and wait until the flare subsides. This may take days, weeks or months, I have no way of knowing how long it will take. But I'm also mindful that I need to keep moving whilst not putting undue strain on the joint. I usually manage this by daily walks with my dog Bailey. Just a gentle stroll around the woods. But that isn't going to be possible with the present icy conditions.<br /><br />I hate feeling trapped at home. But I'm not here to moan, that doesn't help my mood at all, and stressing out doesn't help the RA to recede. I'd rather just accept it and work with it than against it. So I've been putting my enforced rest to good use by practicing some new jewellery techniques. All this wire wrapping is playing havoc with my thumb joints, but at least my knee is rested! It takes me a good while to get going when I've been sat still though. I'm trying to maintain a balance between resting and not sitting so long that I seize up. So I'm pottering around doing what I can here and there.<br /><br />The only worry I have is that Bailey isn't going for his daily trek around the woods. Poor little lad is looking really fed up. I can't even get down on the floor to play with him. I've considered hiring a dog walker just so he can get some exercise. My days fly by as there's always something for me to occupy myself with, but he just lies in his bed sighing and wanting my attention. In many ways he's a very intelligent dog. I just wish I could get him to understand that I love him more than life itself, but at the moment I can't walk. It breaks my heart to see him looking so fed up. :(Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-15792506478057925142010-12-02T01:52:00.000-08:002010-12-02T02:19:56.841-08:00Festive BannerThe snow has put me in a festive mood, so I've designed a new banner for my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">Etsy shop</a>.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIhjZh4md-2WWfeMS6qsn7V71nQWn_PNEtRmlQOF10o6l-qMySjbTlUty7AIhB1tif_zPbaVIth4xDWfYpHdrcuFpdYB8B6kmBs2GgszLfzUdXpfeSaHVHhQ4iYH_9s07hL8jR3nB1t79/s1600/iusb_760x100.7953491.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 42px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSIhjZh4md-2WWfeMS6qsn7V71nQWn_PNEtRmlQOF10o6l-qMySjbTlUty7AIhB1tif_zPbaVIth4xDWfYpHdrcuFpdYB8B6kmBs2GgszLfzUdXpfeSaHVHhQ4iYH_9s07hL8jR3nB1t79/s320/iusb_760x100.7953491.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5546021898244954962" border="0" /></a><br />I started by creating a pale grey marbled background and added snowy dots all over it. I didn't want it to be too Christmassy being mindful that not everyone celebrates Christmas, but I couldn't resist topping the C of Chameleonite with Santa's hat. I was quite pleased with how restrained I managed to be because my original design had a couple of Christmas trees and sprig of holly. But it didn't reflect my shop or say anything about what I sold, so I finally decided on one of my scarlet polymer clay roses placed at either end. Not very Christmassy, but such lovely festive colours!<br /><br />You can see the scarlet rose incorporated into my designs in the side bar on the right. Details of the necklace can be found <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48385488/scarlet-necklace-red-polymer-rose-pearls">here</a>, and matching earrings <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/48387565/scarlet-earrings-red-polymer-clay-rose?ref=v1_other_1">here</a>.<span style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /><br /></span>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-35769779509997473942010-11-26T02:24:00.000-08:002010-11-26T02:57:39.937-08:00Black Friday SaleI am offering Free Shipping in my Etsy <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">shop</a> from Friday through to Tuesday morning. All listings have been adjusted, so there are no coupon codes to enter, just click and buy. Happy holiday shopping!<br /><br />Here are my latest offerings: Click on the Title Name to take you through to the item listing in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">Etsy Shop</a> for a full description.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61684876/cafe-au-lait-earrings-coffee-pearl-and">Cafe au Lait Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgr7VG_UFVDNJiF0e6snUQGytjV1epMQ8iye91CWovC8PESj5PuGiTS1UD7ezB8yeRiVThF211qHfPW9VIUk0h4bWjVEGK5XnzI7351WgfYlj-OxthzSt3U3qhdYRjrE99eZhBsnaVBHm/s1600/il_fullxfull.192420900.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 264px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNgr7VG_UFVDNJiF0e6snUQGytjV1epMQ8iye91CWovC8PESj5PuGiTS1UD7ezB8yeRiVThF211qHfPW9VIUk0h4bWjVEGK5XnzI7351WgfYlj-OxthzSt3U3qhdYRjrE99eZhBsnaVBHm/s320/il_fullxfull.192420900.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543804158539625442" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/61782614/lemon-bonbon-earrings-yellow-jade-and?ref=v1_other_1">Lemon Bon Bon Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegccRzk7m2Lkym73jZYVY619R9MQoTdh7Vbmd3_gZSLnq4i0E4naaZ3KpjVREh8_6doEYVH6eK1C4J_XeWtJaPRH29heMIqZtIWOh_8_sNxarofxsP9lrrvyZJ9vLJeUQbSl3CMahOmD4/s1600/il_fullxfull.192753219.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjegccRzk7m2Lkym73jZYVY619R9MQoTdh7Vbmd3_gZSLnq4i0E4naaZ3KpjVREh8_6doEYVH6eK1C4J_XeWtJaPRH29heMIqZtIWOh_8_sNxarofxsP9lrrvyZJ9vLJeUQbSl3CMahOmD4/s320/il_fullxfull.192753219.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543804600115847986" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/62020834/petite-fleur-earrings-green-pearls-and?ref=v1_other_1"><br />Petite Fleur Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6y3qeVj-klcGH08RukJIJCfiNTheB4OP1E2NLz8uTfeZUa-_VINdjW0smGljtu8EatUY7C0xRxyKAL0yAGLER-EHA0sm_jqxHQbvwRcwZFyy2voB6s3gMynYEyZAz9rHE1CCoF4FSr-M/s1600/il_fullxfull.193554850.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb6y3qeVj-klcGH08RukJIJCfiNTheB4OP1E2NLz8uTfeZUa-_VINdjW0smGljtu8EatUY7C0xRxyKAL0yAGLER-EHA0sm_jqxHQbvwRcwZFyy2voB6s3gMynYEyZAz9rHE1CCoF4FSr-M/s320/il_fullxfull.193554850.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543804942857332738" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58944854/sage-earrings-green-vintage-lucite-and">Sage Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl-NZkzumuni3qt_xgAGjkkGLQJJdZ_B0M-WK87QKIRy3bnD3g1GJZGT2kHZlbCJ98CjOBLfOn0oWe0ovGMrYovHJrp6jRMxMOgvNuU86lmGefArNgqjyRFlfFqVl0Iom2oivufPSe9B5/s1600/il_570xN.183241475.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtl-NZkzumuni3qt_xgAGjkkGLQJJdZ_B0M-WK87QKIRy3bnD3g1GJZGT2kHZlbCJ98CjOBLfOn0oWe0ovGMrYovHJrp6jRMxMOgvNuU86lmGefArNgqjyRFlfFqVl0Iom2oivufPSe9B5/s320/il_570xN.183241475.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543807520720450994" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/58942436/rebel-earrings-vintage-turquoise-lucite?ref=v1_other_2">Rebel Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-PMjqKrtI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/6GGRpVTe4Uw/s1600/il_570xN.183557302.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 248px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-PMjqKrtI/AAAAAAAAAlQ/6GGRpVTe4Uw/s320/il_570xN.183557302.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543807112209673938" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59192264/gold-pearl-stack-earrings-in-sterling"><br />Gold Pearl Stack Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-N2dTBaVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/ieEOH3ACATg/s1600/il_fullxfull.184076806.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-N2dTBaVI/AAAAAAAAAk4/ieEOH3ACATg/s320/il_fullxfull.184076806.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543805633033234770" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59184185/pink-pearl-stack-earrings-in-sterling?ref=v1_other_2"><br />Pink Pearl Stack Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-OLy5LmtI/AAAAAAAAAlA/EAO77FVQ3PE/s1600/il_fullxfull.184078243.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 254px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-OLy5LmtI/AAAAAAAAAlA/EAO77FVQ3PE/s320/il_fullxfull.184078243.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543805999607683794" border="0" /></a><a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/59193081/olive-green-pearl-stack-earrings-in?ref=v1_other_1"><br />Green Pearl Stack Earrings:</a><br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-OfKjUXDI/AAAAAAAAAlI/3gv3Ea6Lgck/s1600/il_fullxfull.184075711.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 247px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TO-OfKjUXDI/AAAAAAAAAlI/3gv3Ea6Lgck/s320/il_fullxfull.184075711.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543806332375948338" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-52338070568948151052010-11-16T14:18:00.000-08:002010-11-16T14:23:44.471-08:00Be StrongWrap your arms around my shoulders<br />Lay my head against your chest<br />Feel the hurt and all my sorrows<br />Take my toils and make them rest<br /><br />Lift the shadows from my vision<br />Turn the darkness into light<br />Slay the demons that torment me<br />Tell me it will be all right<br /><br />Lay with me until I slumber<br />Till the anguish does subside<br />Hold me close against your body<br />Through the night till morning-tide<br /><br />Catch my dreams from where they scattered<br />On the winds of times gone by<br />Keep them safe for me my darling<br />Until once again I fly<br /><br />Should I stir and weep, console me<br />Let me feel your presence there<br />Know that you are right beside me<br />Feel your breath upon my hair<br /><br />Come the daybreak, when I waken<br />And the pain begins anew<br />Reassure me, I can make it<br />Seconds, minutes, hours through<br /><br />Take my hand if I should stumble<br />On the stony road ahead<br />Be my guide and gently steer me<br />On this new path I must tread<br /><br />Walk beside me on my journey<br />From my old life to the new<br />Keep my racing thoughts distracted<br />Wandering eyes upon the view<br /><br />As I near my journey's ending<br />Lose your hold upon my hand<br />Let me walk along unaided<br />On into the promised land<br /><br />Mel 16/11/10 <p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p><br /><p style="margin-bottom: 0cm;"><br /></p>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-57641335073376744352010-11-13T09:20:00.000-08:002010-11-13T09:31:57.959-08:00Coming Of AgeComing of Age<br /><br />I turned fifty at twenty one<br />By adding thirty years<br />Subtracting all my carefree ways<br />And multiplying fears<br />Not one to excel at maths<br />As you can plainly see<br />My workings out, they made no sense<br />Especially to me<br /><br />I carried the remainder<br />With ease of heart and mind<br />And wore it as an overcoat<br />Not loose, the tailored kind<br />Buttoned up and belted<br />Old fashioned in my style<br />It covered up my youthful form<br />The added years belied<br /><br />One and twenty candles<br />Adorned my birthday cake<br />Sticks of wax in candy pink<br />Topped with cotton wick<br />They didn't burn from both ends<br />Like the candles of my youth<br />Naked flames weren't dancing<br />Now much longer in the tooth<br /><br />I was always on the outside<br />At odds amongst my peers<br />My age, rank and position<br />A traitor to the years<br />Cosmo, She and Vogue<br />Suave impostors by my Aga<br />Was home to Homes & Gardens<br />And back issues of Saga<br /><br />When finally I came of age<br />On reaching big five O<br />The age that I'd been born to be<br />It felt like coming home<br />At long last I can act my age<br />Feel like I belong<br />Without the taunts and questions<br />Making me feel wrong<br /><br />We are the sum of all our parts<br />'Tho I won't equal yours<br />The symbols may be different<br />My twos might make your fours<br />I have added noughts to mine<br />Where none were meant to be<br />But by God it feels good to be<br />The age I'm meant to be<br /><br />Mel 27/10/10Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-14119429200857229212010-11-08T02:22:00.000-08:002010-11-08T02:27:52.474-08:00Half Price SaleI'm holding a half price sale in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">Etsy shop</a>. A huge 50% off everything for the next 48 hours. Sale ends Wed 10th Nov 10.00am UK time. I need to make room for some new designs coming soon.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite</a><br /><br />What better time to start your Christmas shopping!Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-77721209163113444712010-10-30T14:57:00.000-07:002010-10-30T15:00:11.879-07:00Someone Stole The ColourIn the dead of the night <br />Where ghouls and demons play <br />An artist took his palette <br />Dipped his brush into the grey <br /><br />He painted great wide swathes <br />Across the greens and blues <br />Blacked out the reds and yellows <br />Concealing all their hues <br /><br />The stars he had to dab at <br />More than once or twice<br />To blot out all their brightness <br />For the darkness was his vice <br /><br />The moon a silver slither <br />Took one brush stroke to conceal <br />He then wiped out the angels<br />With his artistic zeal<br /><br />When I awoke at daybreak <br />And out of bed I climbed <br />I stopped short for a moment <br />Thinking I'd gone blind <br /><br />The view from out my window <br />Was grim and grey and dank <br />No pale blue skies above me <br />No verdant grassy bank <br /><br />Thinking the glass was misty<br />I rubbed it with my sleeve<br />Round and round in circles<br />But the glass did not deceive<br /><br />It was then that I remembered<br />Your words the night before<br />“I'm sorry, I don't love you”<br />Then you walked out the door <br /><br />The instant that you said it<br />My world faded to grey<br />Someone stole the colour<br />When you took your love away<br /><br />MelMel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-51468251349232513092010-09-26T08:49:00.000-07:002010-09-26T09:20:17.468-07:00Latest AdditionsThis week I've added a few more memory wire bracelets to my existing collection. They're becoming quite addictive. I find the making of them very relaxing; there's something about threading beads in a sequence and watching the design build, that's very satisfying.<br /><br />Dotty: A simple, yet striking design. Six wraps in black and white form a nice deep cuff.<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJ9siOV2OVI/AAAAAAAAAjY/tLTqXsHHasI/s1600/il_430xN.176750237.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJ9siOV2OVI/AAAAAAAAAjY/tLTqXsHHasI/s320/il_430xN.176750237.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521251003400599890" border="0" /></a><br />Spangle: I love the zesty citrus orange and Lime in these crackle beads. They remind me of the hard fruit flavoured spangle sweets I had as a child.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfxgqK2zc8HnLcTbF1ACq0mS7a6Axmg3doKaUKfj6F-IcVEwP1cCLZGxzZfyWd5hMnuBIE5PZXZdra7R5pwjsRnRA-VGPcwSs9myzLGDDQe8_2t2wm1Awg61VmomNW6LdQHcUCD44x4Il/s1600/il_430xN.176766611.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 271px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZfxgqK2zc8HnLcTbF1ACq0mS7a6Axmg3doKaUKfj6F-IcVEwP1cCLZGxzZfyWd5hMnuBIE5PZXZdra7R5pwjsRnRA-VGPcwSs9myzLGDDQe8_2t2wm1Awg61VmomNW6LdQHcUCD44x4Il/s320/il_430xN.176766611.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521251271965562162" border="0" /></a><br />Autumn Fruits: Many of the wooden beads in this bracelet are vintage ones I've had in my bead stash for many years. I seem to remember I bought them from Janet Coles Bead Catalogue... anyone remember her? This was way before the internet, and I loved pouring over the glossy pages of wonderful beads she had personally sourced on her travels all around the world. Here I've mixed them with apple coral and carnelian.<br /><br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJ9v4RhIB6I/AAAAAAAAAjw/BWoX7Fr4EBM/s1600/il_430xN.176729866.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 238px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJ9v4RhIB6I/AAAAAAAAAjw/BWoX7Fr4EBM/s320/il_430xN.176729866.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521254680745215906" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Christmas: I know it's early, but it will be here before we know it. A four wrap bracelet in festive red and green.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha_dt_zX-eJS7jfAybsz1C_UuMSC6UyltfWmZi6ulcvo6fkn0rT2fW4NCSQNgQCFQBkJASTA1YjGwgFNMr861IyBICJ9qfEcWp11A4BC2kY0_ebDuofuWvono6KYlTMHRbKqTClx2ms-k/s1600/il_430xN.176485950.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 282px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjha_dt_zX-eJS7jfAybsz1C_UuMSC6UyltfWmZi6ulcvo6fkn0rT2fW4NCSQNgQCFQBkJASTA1YjGwgFNMr861IyBICJ9qfEcWp11A4BC2kY0_ebDuofuWvono6KYlTMHRbKqTClx2ms-k/s320/il_430xN.176485950.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5521255558499384322" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-7151238871514063032010-09-19T12:40:00.000-07:002010-09-19T13:08:03.618-07:00Beautiful MemoryDecided to introduce a few memory bracelets to my shop this week. I like the simplicity of them, the fact they are easy to wear with no fiddly clasps, and one size fits all. But I absolutely hate the way they devour all my lovely beads! <br /><br />I'm a typical magpie, I hoard my little beauties, take them out, play with them, gaze at them lovingly, then put them all away again. Well that's not strictly true, of course I do use them in my designs, but I'm not used to depleting my entire stock of my absolute favourites all in one sitting!<br /><br />Simple to make they may be, but it's definitely not a case of less is more where the memory bracelet is concerned, in fact the more the merrier! I adore the deeper cuff style of at least 3 or 4 wraps or more, so looks like I'm going to have to go on a bead buying binge... again!<br /><br />Mulberry:<br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZrxtvedoI/AAAAAAAAAjI/_a8e1_1wr6w/s1600/Mulberry6.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 229px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZrxtvedoI/AAAAAAAAAjI/_a8e1_1wr6w/s320/Mulberry6.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518716895225607810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Cool Water:<br /><br /><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZp339-ZGI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Och5p77EfjE/s1600/CoolWater2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 279px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZp339-ZGI/AAAAAAAAAiw/Och5p77EfjE/s320/CoolWater2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518714802026734690" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Autumn Berries:<br /><br /><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZqTMkHpPI/AAAAAAAAAi4/6vDnA1CnX2c/s1600/BerriesonCream.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 306px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZqTMkHpPI/AAAAAAAAAi4/6vDnA1CnX2c/s320/BerriesonCream.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518715271411901682" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Misty Ocean:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwz_O1ngCUdruvBsP3XNIBVNhJKzTwFmp9mtQHO3Cpzh7rocj2-5gMb4AH-5N2Zh2zn6LOORViZ5cGtI7km9sA8drztHTupK1it0i_9ee-L79FlSrapaH8wOp8i8y07ZHBdsHpXZahlFj/s1600/SeafoamOnCream3.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 269px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQwz_O1ngCUdruvBsP3XNIBVNhJKzTwFmp9mtQHO3Cpzh7rocj2-5gMb4AH-5N2Zh2zn6LOORViZ5cGtI7km9sA8drztHTupK1it0i_9ee-L79FlSrapaH8wOp8i8y07ZHBdsHpXZahlFj/s320/SeafoamOnCream3.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518716339955298082" border="0" /></a><br />But I haven't given up on my polymer clay roses, and here is my latest....<br /><br />Purple Passion:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cMm4-kY0qNUdsBnfjZHNys_Mwoom1nc-0csGrDGKNF3RHjlVaYA7l_WVCHX92vB-Zmy2ERMtTfrx9XdxA03yYolxbP_Vb4SX4dyQASj2-imA2Hhkw_JqvZmgH8bilyWr304UGYTDgBwn/s1600/PurpleRose1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 262px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0cMm4-kY0qNUdsBnfjZHNys_Mwoom1nc-0csGrDGKNF3RHjlVaYA7l_WVCHX92vB-Zmy2ERMtTfrx9XdxA03yYolxbP_Vb4SX4dyQASj2-imA2Hhkw_JqvZmgH8bilyWr304UGYTDgBwn/s320/PurpleRose1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5518718002383850946" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/TJZrxtvedoI/AAAAAAAAAjI/_a8e1_1wr6w/s1600/Mulberry6.JPG"><br /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-30158341242504458212010-08-30T13:47:00.000-07:002010-08-30T13:57:33.166-07:00Europe For CharityEtsy's European Street Team have set up the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EuropeForCharity">Europe For Charity shop</a> on Etsy to raise funds for humanitarian relief organisations to send aid to such disasters as the floods in Pakistan.<br /><br />Please consider supporting the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/EuropeForCharity">Europe For Charity shop</a> by making a purchase from a wonderful array of goods from all across Europe.<br /><br />I have donated these earrings which can be purchased <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/55104440/heartstrings-red-and-champagne-heart">here</a><br /><br />Heartstrings Earrings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TRbMVrMIX0U-hp7PxJizboGiGVVpvCCKJlfWYBhdfX4IklzOajP90PZcFV4k6rcegKqvhNdSWRyvQSCIToq8dAXZ0Pep820Of6fZkW_AYVYKyGo1_0BJ6OK-a79Sejp7-S9CcUXz6W6B/s1600/Hearts0001.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_TRbMVrMIX0U-hp7PxJizboGiGVVpvCCKJlfWYBhdfX4IklzOajP90PZcFV4k6rcegKqvhNdSWRyvQSCIToq8dAXZ0Pep820Of6fZkW_AYVYKyGo1_0BJ6OK-a79Sejp7-S9CcUXz6W6B/s320/Hearts0001.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511309169868495458" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-7937291522452281272010-08-30T08:24:00.000-07:002010-08-30T08:44:38.987-07:00Smooth BallsIt would appear my creative muse has returned from her summer holiday. I wish I could afford to go away for as long as she did. Think she must have been on a world cruise for the length of time she's been gone. She certainly seems well rested and raring to go!<br /><br />So on her return she was kind enough to show me how to make sterling silver headpins without the ball pitting. I don't know how she does it because I've been trying for what seems like forever. But with her majesty back in residence it seems I can do no wrong.... certainly where perfectly smooth balls are concerned.<br /><br />Perfecting my balls has had a knock on effect... it opens up endless opportunities for new designs. Not only is it more economical to make my own, but I can make them whatever length I like, which is a great advantage, and much less limiting that using standard lengths with small balls.<br /><br />So I've ordered some new supplies of silver to keep me busy, but whilst waiting for it to arrive, here's some new things I've made this past couple of days incorporating three different styles of ear hooks:<br /><br />Lamplight Green Bellflower Earrings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m2LuiQz72n_JMCY2zRRRCOdQnF3qRf9b8yEmYyKfBTduo0idJ0Zn1vSabG0L9QLAJBJoizU-JCLbzeiaiST6zZDEpr7cH2cin7CLAhsbALReGnTUTWG4xh0cRh_vJcLwqxDlaJlkLwvk/s1600/Lamp2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7m2LuiQz72n_JMCY2zRRRCOdQnF3qRf9b8yEmYyKfBTduo0idJ0Zn1vSabG0L9QLAJBJoizU-JCLbzeiaiST6zZDEpr7cH2cin7CLAhsbALReGnTUTWG4xh0cRh_vJcLwqxDlaJlkLwvk/s320/Lamp2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511227591652031778" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Turquoise Polymer Clay Flower Earrings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbxQA26pC9tCNlIgK8zRcmPC1nS4O5zS_KHgGfKZZEr5medewyPE4G79Q1onDNFLdYQT_ETjbhi9xAXmSohV3VObVxOgyfcpxawGkvMgL9DZjckL6OJ3ExLdLvnO53KFbTqPWYOdiwWQN/s1600/TurquoiseRoseEarrings2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 236px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbxQA26pC9tCNlIgK8zRcmPC1nS4O5zS_KHgGfKZZEr5medewyPE4G79Q1onDNFLdYQT_ETjbhi9xAXmSohV3VObVxOgyfcpxawGkvMgL9DZjckL6OJ3ExLdLvnO53KFbTqPWYOdiwWQN/s320/TurquoiseRoseEarrings2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511226775902386274" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Petit Pois Pearl Earrings<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Eset0ZpChyphenhyphenrCM-BOCb0_sva5j_US7Zm0rGM9-M2bZoNWHWE_A5q9BVzFbM68er4n7e-jA8YgDlUoeugVm0H1LQ9niInUKBfT8Pgu-Dfx_1X4Gbr_1Yxe3k6kEDv-h0nwgTV-jjMrYfOT/s1600/Peas4.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 290px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_Eset0ZpChyphenhyphenrCM-BOCb0_sva5j_US7Zm0rGM9-M2bZoNWHWE_A5q9BVzFbM68er4n7e-jA8YgDlUoeugVm0H1LQ9niInUKBfT8Pgu-Dfx_1X4Gbr_1Yxe3k6kEDv-h0nwgTV-jjMrYfOT/s320/Peas4.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5511228210438862882" border="0" /></a><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVbxQA26pC9tCNlIgK8zRcmPC1nS4O5zS_KHgGfKZZEr5medewyPE4G79Q1onDNFLdYQT_ETjbhi9xAXmSohV3VObVxOgyfcpxawGkvMgL9DZjckL6OJ3ExLdLvnO53KFbTqPWYOdiwWQN/s1600/TurquoiseRoseEarrings2.JPG"><br /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-61663976524953364922010-08-22T08:05:00.000-07:002010-08-22T08:28:19.850-07:00I'm back... I think<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOUWMsBjeEwNOPC-2U1pxpRQhfddlbiKobrjUnfl_n4GDqt4ZXf43r0754gIGA_zqNOMdQFh1cObMfGCXB6yuGzJuXXtlBi4lmGgcR23NBoAmOYLGI7-X_50DHWyEs1K40pHs6HMfm4QS/s1600/il_430xN.163793803.jpg"><br /></a>Creeps in quietly, takes a look around... Oooh I haven't been here in ages! Have had a break from many internet based activities and feel better for it. Would like to report that I've been living it up in the real world, but alas I haven't... well nothing too exciting anyway.<br /><br />My Etsy shop is all but dead, haven't added much recently apart from one necklace last week. Have been a bit naughty and just been renewing stuff as and when it expires. Have decided that Etsy isn't the greatest marketplace for selling jewellery. Not unless you make it to the front page, and since the introduction to Treasury East my regular front page spots have been zilch! Most of my other sales came from chatting in the forums... far too time consuming for what its worth. So not really sure where to take it from here... if anywhere at all.<br /><br />Just seem to have lost my enthusiasm for the whole thing really, but maybe it will return if I don't force it... then again maybe it won't.<br /><br />Still I'm enjoying my freedom... have even dipped my toe into the dating scene. Oh alright then I dived in head first. It's lovely having a reason to get dressed up for dinner dates and days out, even if it has meant treating myself to a new wardrobe of clothes, new make-up and having my hair done. I'd quite forgotten what it was like to wear mascara, and keep forgetting I've got it on until I rub my eyes, hence walking round looking like a Panda half the time. I play a lot more music these days too... and sing a lot too! Yes, life's good... but enough of that. Back to business...<br /><br />Here's my most recent offering:<br /><br />Misty Morning Necklace:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOUWMsBjeEwNOPC-2U1pxpRQhfddlbiKobrjUnfl_n4GDqt4ZXf43r0754gIGA_zqNOMdQFh1cObMfGCXB6yuGzJuXXtlBi4lmGgcR23NBoAmOYLGI7-X_50DHWyEs1K40pHs6HMfm4QS/s1600/il_430xN.163793803.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 209px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOUWMsBjeEwNOPC-2U1pxpRQhfddlbiKobrjUnfl_n4GDqt4ZXf43r0754gIGA_zqNOMdQFh1cObMfGCXB6yuGzJuXXtlBi4lmGgcR23NBoAmOYLGI7-X_50DHWyEs1K40pHs6HMfm4QS/s320/il_430xN.163793803.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508255198476501746" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/THFARwbXEWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/6Wxbo9bgVm0/s1600/Teal+Pearl+Lily10.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 242px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/THFARwbXEWI/AAAAAAAAAhw/6Wxbo9bgVm0/s320/Teal+Pearl+Lily10.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5508254493052440930" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-45691464328462614192010-06-18T04:57:00.000-07:002010-06-18T05:48:49.348-07:00The Good the Bad and the BeautifulIt's been a week of contrasts...<br /><br />A few days ago whilst out on my morning walk with my dog, I offered to help a distressed rider who had slipped off her horse when it lost it's footing as they slowed from a canter to a trot. She was in extreme pain as she'd twisted as she'd slipped off and hurt her back. I felt she needed an ambulance but she insisted she would be OK in the car. So while her friends took her horse back to the stable yard I took her to hospital. I mention this only to draw a contrast with another incident the following day. <br /><br />Thankfully there was no serious damage, it was just badly bruised. She couldn't thank me enough for helping her, but it was the least I could do and I would hope someone would assist me if I ever needed help.<br /><br />What I did wasn't anything much really, yet it left me feeling really good for the rest of the day. I don't think I'm alone in experiencing a very gratifying feeling in offering to help someone in difficulty, I'm sure most people do. We don't consciously set out to help for selfish reasons, but there is definitely a reward in being nice to others. Doing something to help, especially without being asked just gives a lovely warm feeling.<br /><br />The next morning I woke to find my garden shed had been broken into during the night and my son's mountain bike had been stolen. We both felt violated. It wasn't a nice feeling knowing someone had been creeping around in the back garden as we slept. Even though my son hadn't used the bike for a couple of years, it was still a horrible feeling. I imagine the person who stole it felt a similar gratifying feeling and warm glow as he saw the bike and seized it, just as I had felt when I helped a stranger the previous day.<br /><br />My garden doesn't quite feel right now. It used to be my little private oasis where I would sit out as it was going dusk, glass of wine in hand, listening to the evening birdsong. Now I feel uneasy, my eyes scanning the shadows for intruders.<br /><br />I don't feel angry, I just feel sad that someone chooses to spend their time sneaking about people's gardens in the dead of night stealing their belongings. There are far better ways of feeling good.<br /><br />So, that's the good and the bad of life.... and now to something beautiful...<br /><br />I found this feather whilst out on my walk yesterday. Isn't it striking! A little research leads me to believe it's from a Woodpecker.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vkTV5HUwvdNFe5tWPRASWci_mtHgv6I1rpCnfSHCMsUPDvKu3dzu-dabfZyhp5Te-_Gbrzj5CAL3if_Lxqj56oXxtU8kca1sBal4KyD9X77gvroYYMiRm9jRA1ZgnbcqV6QVKAWiPRsB/s1600/Woodpecker+Feather1.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1vkTV5HUwvdNFe5tWPRASWci_mtHgv6I1rpCnfSHCMsUPDvKu3dzu-dabfZyhp5Te-_Gbrzj5CAL3if_Lxqj56oXxtU8kca1sBal4KyD9X77gvroYYMiRm9jRA1ZgnbcqV6QVKAWiPRsB/s320/Woodpecker+Feather1.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484088204395811250" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I wish I could find more, I could use them in some of my designs. Polka dots are very fashionable!<br /><br />This morning's walk revealed a four leaf clover nestling in a clump at my feet. I just looked down, and there it was!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ZOEArrSpeZzCwo_Q7qZwDIC0aUvuK4MBsoP2y1YAGGZNz8_imyRQnKaPHbDayZGE6W8h8e7L1fA3J7lS4ZIk3avq53PGQhbtBzS09TS6q9t9WY98AnarRZGglC5Iv8vqs-yltTKkwz3/s1600/Four+Leaf+Clover.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 270px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ4ZOEArrSpeZzCwo_Q7qZwDIC0aUvuK4MBsoP2y1YAGGZNz8_imyRQnKaPHbDayZGE6W8h8e7L1fA3J7lS4ZIk3avq53PGQhbtBzS09TS6q9t9WY98AnarRZGglC5Iv8vqs-yltTKkwz3/s320/Four+Leaf+Clover.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5484090949433204722" border="0" /></a><br />It isn't the first time I've chanced upon one. But every time has been just like that... glance down and there it is! The times I've searched and searched I never see one... maybe they find us! :)Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-9851736436187710822010-05-19T05:34:00.000-07:002010-05-19T05:46:22.524-07:00Cold PorcelainI've just discovered Cold Porcelain and a recipe for making it at home ... there are loads of recipes on the Internet, many which vary slightly in the ingredients, so I chose one and couldn't wait to get started.<br /><br />After reading reports of some people's disappointment with their numerous attempts at perfecting the clay, I was a little apprehensive, thinking that I would either end up with a gooey mess, or something that was dry, difficult to work with and cracked whilst drying.<br /><br />But I'm delighted to say that my fears were unfounded!<br /><br />The clay appears to have turned out beautifully. I must say after previously working with Polymer Clay, the texture and light perfume from the Nivea cream in the Cold Porcelain is quite pleasant. Added to that, the low cost, natural appearance, low toxicity and no need to fire, and I can definitely say I am now a convert!<br /><br />Yesterday I made my very first attempt at making a white rose and was amazed how easy it was. It isn't perfect and I will need more practice but I'm enjoying the learning process.<br /><br />White Rose:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S_Pb_RwUGVI/AAAAAAAAAgw/W7jh84wr4Ts/s1600/WhitePorcelainRose2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 268px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S_Pb_RwUGVI/AAAAAAAAAgw/W7jh84wr4Ts/s320/WhitePorcelainRose2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472959852329572690" border="0" /></a><br />I had a little piece of clay left over from that rose, so I added a tiny dab of acrylic paint to make a pink rose. I'm not sure if the acrylic paint made the texture a little drier, or if it was drying out through use, or possibly a combination of the two, but it didn't seem quite as supple as when I made the white rose. As you can see from the photo, it has formed tiny cracks along the edge of the thinnest petals... which is no bad thing and I actually think it looks quite realistic.<br /><br />Pink Rose:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S_PcFc0YZxI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xqrf2b4Vb3Q/s1600/PinkPorcelainRose.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 287px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S_PcFc0YZxI/AAAAAAAAAg4/xqrf2b4Vb3Q/s320/PinkPorcelainRose.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472959958378637074" border="0" /></a><br />Primarily I'd like to use my flowers in my jewellery designs, so I'm a little disappointed that I will probably have to varnish them to protect from moisture. I love the natural matte porcelain look as it is, so will have to try a varnish with a very matte look to try to retain the appearance of porcelain.<br /><br />I'm going to experiment using various additions to colour the clay and want to try adding Mica Pigment powder for a subtle pearly, shimmery effect too.<br /><br />So my conclusion is that it is a wonderful clay and one that I will enjoy experimenting with.Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-4284691867158306162010-05-14T05:22:00.000-07:002010-05-14T05:34:16.797-07:00Birthday Sale BOGO Half PriceIt's my birthday next week and to celebrate I'm having a Buy One Get One Half Price sale on selected flower themed jewellery in my <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite">Etsy shop</a>.<br /><br />Many items are One Of A Kind, never to be repeated designs, so once they are gone, they are gone.<br /><br />On purchasing two items, half of the lower priced item will be refunded through Paypal.<br /><br />Check out what's included in my birthday sale <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Chameleonite?section_id=7030562"><span style="text-decoration: underline;">here</span></a><br /><br />Sale ends Friday 21st May 2010<br /><br />Happy shopping! :)Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5196140126275104417.post-43187332282256605032010-05-12T09:30:00.000-07:002010-05-12T09:49:47.145-07:00Midweek Catch UpI've been experimenting with some new ideas, and one design in particular, in polymer clay this past week. But my creative muse seems to have abandoned me. I've worked the same design over and over and still I'm not happy with the end result. No matter, I know my muse is only away temporarily and will return. I've learnt to ignore it's absence rather than push for it to return before it's ready... far less frustrating!<br /><br />In the meantime I've purchased some Mica pigment powders in gorgeous shades and will bide my time playing with them by incorporating them into the clay for some subtle effects. It'll be fun, even if nothing much comes of it. Who knows, a little bit of sparkle might just tempt my muse to return from its sojourn.<br /><br />While I wait, I'll show you a couple of designs that I have recently made, the results of which I am very happy with.<br /><br />Bow Belle Necklace:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S-ragbkvsLI/AAAAAAAAAgg/VvOIc_-BPLE/s1600/BowNecklace2.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 243px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S-ragbkvsLI/AAAAAAAAAgg/VvOIc_-BPLE/s320/BowNecklace2.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470424948087435442" border="0" /></a><br />Calypso Bracelet:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S-rbRVraE2I/AAAAAAAAAgo/Yg_mdkqh9xU/s1600/TurquoiseandSilverBracelet01.JPG"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 246px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/__iHm7UTdmm4/S-rbRVraE2I/AAAAAAAAAgo/Yg_mdkqh9xU/s320/TurquoiseandSilverBracelet01.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5470425788318356322" border="0" /></a>Mel's Mixed Mediahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05593071079717850347noreply@blogger.com1