Window Beads

OK, I did it! I made a new bead! Luckily for me I had a tutorial that helped me to make these beads, which I followed to start with, but then once I got going I started making beads that were completely different from my original idea.

The first bead is done as per the tutorial. Then the second bead, I changed slightly, I took away the actual frame, and added some dots to the outside to funk it up a bit. Then I liked the dots so much (surprise), that the final bead I showed off all of the dots.

I already have my idea for next week...stay tuned.

Jules

So, what's new?

Remember a while ago when I said it was a challenge for me to make new things? Well, I've decided to really challenge myself, and have set myself the task of making at least one new bead each week! The only rule is that it has to be something that I have never made before. Each week I'll set myself a theme, and then I'll play around with a few ideas, and I'll share with you the results. Sound interesting?

What's this weeks theme? I'll let you know in just a sec, but first, a little story about where the inspiration came from.

I recently had lunch with a friend who has started a scrapbook for her baby boy. I have to be honest, I had never seen a scrapbook before, I had never had any interest in scrapbooks before, but her album has changed the way I feel about scrapbooks! It is such a beautiful way of showcasing the moments with Ciara that we have been capturing on film. But, it's not just the photos, its the stories that go along with the photos. I was instantly hooked, and rushed out the next day to get started.

This leads me to my inspiration...this week I have decided to try making beads that are framed. They are often known as window beads. There are lots of different things that can be done with these beads, and I'm actually going to try making some this week!

Will share my results with you soon.

Jules

A change is coming

OK, it's time to do something new with my blog! I've given it some thought, and I have a really neat idea. I am still working it through in my mind, and I will have more details next week.

Stay tuned!

Jules

Leaving it til the last minute

Wow, it never ceases to amaze me that when I have a deadline for something, that it is always the day of the deadline that I am getting things finished, and it is always stressful!! When will I ever learn? You would think that being a project manager, I could organise myself a bit better than this, wouldn't you? I even wrote in my diary that I had to meet today's deadline yesterday, but it still didn't make me get it finished yesterday!! Today has been quite a pressure cooker to get things done, but I guess you can tell that I have done what I set out to do, hence taking some time to write about the experience. Maybe this public shaming will help me!

Jules

Music on, or music off?

I used to make beads while playing my favourite CD or listening to the radio. But now when I get on the torch, I'm conscious of listening for Ciara in case she wakes up, so I've not been playing any music.

And, you know what? It's been great! I have found myself being more thoughtful about what I'm making, more creative, more courageous! The end result has been some new beads, and then some new ways of doing those new beads. I'll sit there and really think about what I'm doing now, rather than just doing it.

Has anyone else had a similar experience?

Jules

Problem solved

OK, I now know for sure it was the oxygen concentrator! I got the bad news today on the cost of repairing it. It's at the stage where it almost isn't worth repairing. They also told me how much a new one would set me back. A bigger and better and newer one! It was a tricky decision, there was lots to think about, but in the end I decided to upgrade to the new concentrator. I have to wait a few weeks before I can get it, but in the mean time I have borrowed one, and I'm back in action. Phew!

Jules

Torch down...

It's always the way, isn't it? Just when I have lots of beads to make, my torch decides it's going on strike. The frustrating part is that I still don't know what's wrong with it. I figure it's a test of some sort. A test to see how committed I am to making beads, and making a go of the AussieJules business.

So, what is the problem with the torch? Well, the problem is that my flame is fluctuating. This is bad because it changes the dynamic of the flame, and it can basically blacken light coloured glass. I spent ages watching the flame the other day, wondering if I could "live with it", but sanity finally prevailed and I realised it was time to work out what was wrong.

Researching my troubles on the internet, I was offered several possible solutions. It could be the LPG regulator. Or it could be the oxygen concentrator. There were several other solutions that I tried too, but haven't changed anything.

I was able to rule out the LPG regulator. I went to the industrial part of town and bought a new one, and changed it over (oh man, I had the shifter cranking that day)! Anyway, I changed it all, tightened all the appropriate pieces, and the flame was still fluctuating. Dang!!!

My last resort was to take my oxygen concentrator back to the place I got it for a service. The unfortunate thing is that this takes several days. Keep your fingers crossed that this sorts it out.

Anyway, I haven't wasted my days, although it has been tempting to have an afternoon nap! I've been planning several exhibitions that are coming up for me. I have 2 SALA exhibitions, and a T'Arts window display coming up. All of them are going to be really different, and feature really new and different work from me! I'm really excited about all of them, and I will keep you updated as to how they turn out.

Jules