Turkey....

Yes I'm just squeezing a quick blog in whilst I wait for my turkey curry to cook! Here's a gift that I made for my Mum. She has many a time sat and adored the work of Glass artist Claire from Rowanberry Art Glass. Particularly her beautiful trees which are just to die for. I therefore decided that I would make her some jewellery using one of Claire's wonderful beads... and here's the result. Mum loved it when she opened her gift on Christmas morning and to my relief I don't think she's taken it from around her neck since!



I received a PMC kit for Christmas, which for those of you who don't know is a clay which after being worked and fired with a torch (yes I know its scary, I'm hoping I'll keep my eyebrows)turns into beautiful precious silver. So I can create even more unique and one off jewellery with charms, pendents etc! I'm hoping to have a go tomorrow and shall post the results!!!

Hope you all had a FAB Christmas!!!

Janine

A bit of Christmas sparkle!

Here's a new addition to the website. Soft Icicle, made from 'snow ball' lamp work beads by Jan Jennings. I love his necklace it sparkles so much in really life and really reminds me of the snow queen.

I'm counting the days until I have some time off work now! One week to go and the festivities can begin although I'll still be indulging in the odd mince pie or two until then! Yum!

Oooh Hello there! Kings Of Leon Gig

It's been a while hasn't it? Mark and me went to see The Kings of Leon last Friday and they were excellent, easily the best band that I've seen anyhow!

I'm still very busy with the commissions and I've managed to get a few done this week. Here's my 'Aqua Dream Pool' which I was asked to make as a leaving gift for somebody.

I was also very lucky to win some of Laura Sparlings beautiful Zebra beads last week from her bead naming competition on her blog. I couldn't resist getting some earrings made from them straight away and I'm sat wearing them as I type. Thank you Laura! I love them!

Busy Busy!

As you all know I've been quite busy with commission's, Christmas gifts and general everyday living lately! Here are two necklaces I was given to create matching pairs of earrings for... it took a lot of looking at different beads and praying that they were the same but here's the outcome....

Tonight mark and me are off to Hull to see Kings of Leon perform, as a late birthday treat for me! Should be good!

New Addition

It's been a while since my last web update, or my last blog post for that matter! I have still been busy creating and it was my birthday at the weekend so I stayed away from the computer! There's a new bracelet that's been added to my website. I've named it 'Confused Heather' after the beads that I've used to make it. These were created by Tania from 'Tan of course'.

I've also been trying to get ready for Christmas, I'm dreading the thought of fighting my way through the crowds this weekend to get a bit of shopping done.... on second thoughts I may look to the internet!

Ebay Listing

I've just finished listing a few more items on eBay, one of which includes one of my latest designs, a 'Golden Gaze' bag charm which I'm starting at just 99p.

Pink Princess

Here's a bead I just couldn't say no to! It's one of Laura Sparlings fantastic creations.... a bauble bead. I just fell in love when I saw it as its completely hollow which I just think is sooo clever! Laura did tell me how it was made but to be honest it didn't really sink in! All I know is that its very girly, pink and just gorgeous and I'm keeping the little blighter!!! Here's what I did with it!

Vintage- Charm bracelet- Commisions

Here's some more of my work. I've been busy with even more commissions this week. It's all go!!

Fantasia....


Snow Butterfly....

Glass Beaded Bracelet- Commisions Galore!!!

Well with Christmas coming up I'm having plenty of commissions thrown at me, which is great! Some people just can't find what they're looking for and I love trying to help, although I always get a bit nervous as to whether I have created something they really like!




Here is my latest project, a purple and black beaded bracelet to match a necklace that my customer was desperate to have a 'set' for. This time I've used black cord as my base and wrapped around lots of beads! I like the finished result and think I shall be adapting this style in the future!

Yesterday I went into town for the first time since I left my job at Burtons and it felt really strange going back, but I was secretly very pleased not to have to be at work but able to shop instead! I picked up a beautiful new scarf and coat and did a spot of lunch! Oh I love having weekends off!

Janine xx

Lamp work Bead Necklace- New project- 'Floral Pearl glory'

I have been deciding what to do with this gorgeous bead for a while now! Mark had bought me it as a surprise from one of my favourite lamp work artists Jan Jennings and I really wanted to do something special with it! So i decided to team it with some beautiful freshwater pearls and sterling silver 'wiggly tubes' and I love the outcome, especially as the necklace is a bit longer as I really like the style of the longer ones. This necklace is for keeps I think!! He he.

I now have a eBay shop which Mark has been designing for most of the weekend, i may have the odd auction now and then as well as some jewellery as 'but it now' that is also on my website... It's anther portal for people to see my work after all! and I'm pretty happy with the result. Take a look!

It can't be bad!

Here's me at work today, sporting one of the creations from my place! I sat at my desk wearing this all day and felt very special indeed! Please excuse the photo as it was only taken with a phone camera but you get the gist! Some of the tiaras/hair pieces are made on site by the super talented ladies who work very hard to get them done! This is one which was knocked up in a few minutes. The girls sit there amongst all the beautiful beads and wire, twiddling away for most of the day- sounds like heaven to me!

Happy days!!!

Hi all!

Not had much of a chance to 'blog' lately as I have been putting my all into my new job! It's going really well and everybody is really nice and helpful! There is so much to learn though and my little brain gets overloaded with information very quickly! He he! I'm in charge of around 350 accounts all mostly bridal shops, so it's quite hard keeping up with them all and remembering who's who! I have also being trying to keep up with making jewellery which I'm sure Mark will be photographing at the weekend! Oh it's great having full weekends together! I'm really appreciating it, and I'm sure Mark is too, usually we only really get to spend Sundays together as he's away all week so it's nice being able to plan stuff to do without having to think about me working on a Saturday!

Last day!

Here's a picture from my leaving do on Thursday, some of the light weights have already gone home! He he. I'm the one glugging the glass of red wine on the right!

WHOOOO HOOOOO! Today was my last day working in retail, no more Saturdays at work!!! I did feel quite sad though having worked in Burtons for 7 years I will miss meeting different people every day. I am excited for my new job on Monday though! :)

Janine xx

SUEY

Just a quick note to say that you will be sadly missed! Every time I think of you I remember your infectious smile. The sun shone down for you today and the funeral was lovely, so many people arrived to say goodbye because they all love you! RIP Suey. Love you x

Horray!

Quite excited today, as Mark and me are going to hull tonight to see Ian Brown play a gig. I managed to get the weekend off so we can spend it together... I feel a bit of shopping is in order for tomorrow as we shall be stopping over tonight. I love shopping out of town and I hear that Hull has a new shopping centre that is just about to open this weekend.... Must have known I was coming!

It's my last week at work next week, and my last week in retail, I'm looking forward to starting my new job but I'm also going to miss aspects of retail, I do enjoy meeting different people and helping them prepare for special event like weddings and nights out especially when they are genuinely grateful for your help, it's so satisfying. I'll also miss all my wonderful friends at work 7 years is a long time to work with people so I'm sure I'll keep in touch!

Right, I best figure out what I'll be wearing tonight... I can feel a dilemma coming on!

Janine xx

Good news!

Here's a New addition to my website, Purple Odyssey necklace featuring lamp work beads by the super talented Laura Sparling.

Just a quick update really! On Thursday I received a call offering me a position for a new job which I had applied for. It is a new career path for me, away from retail and I'm very excited about it. I shall be working for a company who supply whole sale Bridal accessories, jewellery, bags etc and I shall be their accounts administrator. I start on the 8th of August and I'm really looking forward to it! I get two weeks off at Christmas for starters!!! something which hasn't happened for about 8 years now! Horray!

Janine xx

Hi

Thank you to everyone who has sent warm wishes for my family! They are very much appreciated, I am trying to keep busy as it is very easy to get lost in thought at the minute. The national papers have released information about the four missing air crash victims in my area today and it has been very strange to see pictures of Susan (we call her Suey), her new husband Steve and friends Helen and Nigel for all the world to see, but my thoughts are never far away from them. I am hoping that the media leave Sueys' parents and close family to deal with their grief.

I have thrown myself into jewellery making whenever I have had a spare minute and it's helping a lot, I don't know what I would do without it sometimes! I am hoping to get my new creations onto the website this weekend but I shall keep you updated. If you wish to join the mailing list for regular updates on my work please email me at sales@cherishedtrinkets.co.uk.

Janine xx

Living in hope

You may have heard of the Aeroplane which has tragically crashed on a flight from Bangkok on Sunday, unfortunately it seems that my Cousin Susan, her new husband and two friends were on the flight. This much has been confirmed, we are waiting for news as to what has happened to her, she is amongst the many people who are missing and we are all praying that by some kind of miracle she is OK. It is the waiting which is the worst thing... authorities cannot confirm for sure weather she is amongst the dead until they have DNA to match the remains that they have found. I just want to use my blog to send all my love and best wishes to the rest of my family who are waiting in agony for news. My thoughts are also with the families who have been told that their loved ones are dead. lets just pray.

Janine xx

Hair cuts, hits, and day off!

Hi people!

I have a day off from the regular job today so I decided to go for a much needed hair cut! Now, the girl who usually does my hair wasn't there so I was a bit nervous as I hate getting my hair cut at the best of times! It's done now... but not how I would usually want it (I think this is a girl thing) so I'll be washing and styling it myself later I think!

Just checked my web site statistics and I have recieved almost 6000 hits since its launch on Sunday which is fantastic and I really want to thank everybody who has supported me! Those close to me know that I have been having a bad time recently and I hope this is a turnaround that I have much needed! I think a lot of web designers are taking a peek at the site from a design point of view! Lets hope it wins Mark(the designer)some more awards! Thanks again Mark and I wish you all the luck in the world with your job interviews!

I intend to make some jewellery now as I can quite honestly say that I haven't made any for a while and I'm eager to use some beadies that I've been saving for a rainy day!!

Take care everyone!

It's here! It's here!

Not long now.... I hope!

Hello all!
Well, this last bank holiday has been spent mostly working on the site, Mark and me have been going through each product, making sure its got the right code, name and price and putting it in order with its edited picture in its proper place on the web site. It's really took it's time as Mark is such a perfectionist!!! It will be worth it though I'm sure. The site really is very near to being ready... as in a week or so maybe (fingers crossed) and poor Mark is so busy applying for jobs and working on his portfolio as well as having his regular job that working on my site as well is tiring him out! So thank you Mark for all your hard work! I much appreciate it!!!

Eight random facts about me!

Well, I have been 'tagged' by Laura Sparling of beadsbylaura to reveal 8 random facts about myself!

Here goes.....

1) I have one thumb noticeably shorter and fatter than the other, as in about 1cm shorter, I was born like it and I have no idea why.

2) I once made jewellery out of car seat (the wooden beaded ones) covers and sold my creations in the school play ground when I was about 10 years old.

3) I am petrified of driving out of town... anywhere where I really don't know, actually I am also scared of using public transport.

4) I used to horse ride as a youngster and owned my own pony. Most weekends i could be found show jumping or competing in some other pony owner way.

5) Now this is shameful... but as a child I had the biggest crush on Bill Murray from Ghost Busters.

6) My favourite film in the whole wide world is 'The never ending story'.

7) I was... and probably still am a member of the 'Dennis the Menace fan club'.

8) I cannot abide people who put the milk in tea before the hot water, it seriously upsets me!


So now I have to tag 8 people, which will be difficult as I have no friends. he he


I have tagged Claire from Rowanberryglass

Graphic designer Mark Sugdon of Fault 151

So if your reading this and you want to play you need to...

a.) Let others know who 'tagged' you.
b.) Post eight random facts about yourself.
c.) Post these rules.
d.) Tag another eight people and notify them that they've been tagged.

Have fun!

Janine xx

Ta da!

Here's what I managed to come up with for the birthday gift... I'm quite pleased with it! Hope my aunt is too!

It's been a while!

Not had much of a chance to update my blog lately! But here I am today with a day off and a necklace to make! It's my aunties birthday tomorrow and I'm trying to design a 'gothic' necklace and have been 'surfing' the net looking for inspiration! There's some really beautifull things about.... I want the necklace to be gothic but also elegant and feminine lets hope I get it right! I also get my car back today I think so it's goodbye to the clio :( its been great driving around in it and I definately want one now! I best get making some jewellery to pay for it!

A day off!

The necklace is a design I did a couple of weeks ago using one of Jan Jennings's 'Vintage Rose Garden' beads, I've named it 'Secret Garden'

Well even though it was my much deserved day off today I still had to be up at 7.00am to take my car in to get mended! I was there for half past eight and all I wanted to do was sleep. However.... I did receive a hire car a brand new Clio, it's sexy and it's black and i want to keep it! I'm kind of hoping they are a while with my own car!

I also managed to squeeze in a bit of jewellery making today but no pictures of it yet! I used the beads I purchased from Jan Jennings (Crystal Gardens) on Sunday to make a necklace, I am just waiting on one component for it and then it will be finished.

After tea I met up with a friend for a sneaky half a coke and a gossip down at the pub... i wanted to show off my new wheels (even if they wont be mine forever I can pretend!)

Janine xx

Back to work... last minute spend!

Here's a piece from my 'Vintage glamour' collection. I just love anything that looks old but still oozes style and sophistication! I ordered two more books today, to do with making vintage inspired jewellery so I'm very excited about receiving those!

Unfortunately I have to return to my regular job tomorrow... until i become a millionaire from making jewellery I shall have to put up with measuring inside legs and awkward customers! Ah well! Mark also returned back to Rotherham tonight... it was sad to see him go as I wont see him until Friday night now when he returns home for the weekend!

I managed to also cheer myself up by popping onto Jan Jennings Crystal gardens website and purchased some gorgeous beads that she made! i can't wait to get creating with them! they are so pretty! She is lucky enough to have a home studio within the beautiful North Yorkshire Moors National Park and uses it for inspiration. How lovely!

Well I suppose I should go as it's 'a school night' and I need my beauty sleep.

Catch you later xxx

Shopping.... and new pictures!

Hi ya!

Yesterday Mark and me did a spot of shopping, we only nipped into Doncaster for the afternoon but had a nice day all the same and managed to pick up a few bargains! While we were gone we received some studio lighting that Mark had ordered a few days before. This morning we set to work on some new pics and managed to photograph lots of jewellery for the website. Here's one of my 'Midnight Sparkle' sterling silver cluster rings.

Horray!

Mark and me woke up this morning to find beaming sunshine coming through the window.... so we quickly grabbed our gear and legged it outside to photograph everything... I received a new display bust today and the necklaces look beautiful on it! Its great to see how my jewellery might look when worn!


After a lot of waiting for the sun to come from behind the clouds we finally got some pictures! And with Marks wonderful magic he turned them into something quite stunning! Above shows my 'pretty in pink' kitch charm necklace. The web site will also feature close ups so that they will see more detail of what they are buying but I really wanted to capture what the necklace would look like when its worn... I don't think it looks half bad!

Hi there!

Well me and Mark have been having one of those days where we just don't know what to do with ourselves! The weathers not good again so we haven't dared go anywhere exciting! My book came today with some new jewellery making techniques and I cant wait to get stuck into some of them I do love making the charm bracelets and they will probably always be my signature piece but I want to be able to do as much as possible... I have also had to refrain myself from buying more beads today which was very very hard, but I managed it... well the day isn't over yet!

With regards to working on the web site Mark and me are becoming increasingly annoyed as we want to take pictures for it in natural light, but this awful weather has meant that its been virtually impossible to get a decent piccy!!! How frustrating! Please send us some sunshine soon!

Come on Mr postman!

Hmmmmmmm!

I am waiting for the postman I am sure he takes longer when I have something coming. I'm waiting for a jewellery making book and also some beads by Lamp work bead maker Laura Sparling, I love getting new beads!!!! And you're lucky to get hold of some of Lauras beads as they sell out in seconds on her web site! It's quite distressing! Thought I would pass a bit of time writing on here..... but its only killed like.... 2 mins....hmmmm maybe I should do something creative whilst I wait!

Mark is home tonight (he works away) and we have over a week together! Plans are to go 'bike riding' (he he) 'do lunch' and of course work on the website lots!!!! I went out last night, and a random person said that they had seen pictures of my work on Myspace and that she was excited about the website! How exciting is that? At least one fan is out there! Horray!

A brand spanking new blog!

Hiya!

I've decided to create a new blog to go with my new web site that is in the process of being made! I currently make lots of jewellery and with the help of my partner Mark I have decided to make this available online. Mark is working very hard along side his full time job to make me a beautiful website. He's a graphic designer but he is also self taught in 'flash' web design. This means the web site will have lots of moving parts and will be fully interactive! How exciting!

I have two weeks off from my regular job and I'm gonna spend what time I can getting lots done for the web site, Mark has next week off with me too so hopefully it will be quite productive! He works away and comes home at weekends so its been phone call after phone call updating me with his progress.

Yesterday I had to type out all the descriptions of the jewellery that I have done ready for the site, it took me ages and in between I kept getting distracted by beautiful sites dedicated to wonderful lamp work artists.... My bank account really doesn't like these guys but gosh I do! When you get some of these guys work through the post its like Christmas! Its so tempting to keep bits for yourself too! Mark is very patient and sits looking at all the pretty beads with me, mind you I do sit looking at Mac computers, and wire with him. Oh it must be love!

Chow for now!

Janine xx