Brilliant Weekend!

I had a lovely time last weekend, while teaching at Tuffnell Glass in North Yorkshire.  I delivered a two day course to eight eager and enthusiastic pupils.  The first day was full of hot glass, as we made a set of lampwork beads.  Three of the eight had never melted glass before and their progress was incredible.

Day two consisted of wrapping wire and constructing our bracelets, before proudly wearing and showing them off!

As usual Teresa looked after us all brilliantly with home-made lunches of sandwiches and cake and kept us well watered throughout the day with copious cups of tea and coffee!

We will be offering this course again in the New Year, but if you can't wait until then you can always book a one to one session with myself in the Beadmobile Caravan or better still bring a friend and lower the cost.
Email for details  gaysiemay@live.co.uk

Autumn Design Challenge

I couldn't believe my luck when I was picked to take part in this challenge, arranged by Lesley from Thea Elements and Caroline from Blueberri Beads, who both make exceptionally beautiful findings and beads.

I almost knocked the poor postie over when he delivered my package of goodies!  I wasn't disappointed when I opened them and these beauties fell out!

My mind began to race with ideas and I have already made two pieces using some of the components above.  I used the beautiful bronze connector made by Lesley at Thea Elements and the gorgeous ceramic heart made by Caroline of Blueberri Beads.  Do you want to see them?  Well I'm afraid you'll have to wait - the reveal date is not until the 2nd October.

In the meantime if you want to see Lesley's beautiful findings then here is a link to her Etsy shop:

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/THEAElements

For Caroline's beautiful ceramics then go to her Etsy shop https://www.etsy.com/shop/blueberribeads

Of course then if you want to add some handmade lampwork beads you can always visit mine! :)

GaysieMay's Beadmobile

I have had a lovely and extremely busy Summer.  The main job has been renovating an old caravan (exact year unknown).  I went to visit the caravan in its very beige state but instantly fell in love and knew I had to try and acquire it!  A successful ebay bid or two and it was mine!















The work has been fun, tiring and at times more than a little frustrating.  The first sign of rain saw several leaks including from the old and perished skylight.  I did most of the work with my Dad - who is a hero and very calm, thinking though each stage, where I might be tempted to just wade in with a hammer!

We did all the internal work first by big beefy fella ripped everything out including the kitchen sink!  The Dad filled all the holes before we reinforced the floor and set about creating a workbench and glass storage unit.








Just call him Mick two drills!  Once the unit was made and in, we drilled through the floor to add extraction and feed the propane hose out of.  I then set about mosaic tiling the workbench a labour of love indeed.

My daughter kindly (and under only a little duress) covered the upholstery for the settees that we had kept at the other end.  I dusted my sewing machine to whip up some curtains and then Dad and I got busy again reclaiming bathroom cupboards and using lots of plyboard to make bespoke glass storage!  Big beefy fella was then called in to put down the flooring - it has been very much a family affair!  A labour of love and I think very worth it!