After the rain............

The local dam has been inundated by all the rain, and is now up to 85% - considering the huge size of the dam, that is a lot of water.  We took a drive out this afternoon, and the continuing rain made for some "atmospheric" photos.

At last - some beads!

This simple necklace was made with a set of graduated, faceted crazy lace agate beads from FMG.  I used some small silver heshi in between to let the stones "breathe" a little.

What a mess!

This photo will give you a bit of an idea about the size of the trees we had to clean up last week, after all the rain we had.  Amazingly, it only  took 5 blokes with 3 chainsaws half a day to chop them up into firewood.

Sorry I've been absent

I've had a busy couple of weeks, and no time to bead (pout).  Last weekend a conference in Sydney kept me busy for 4 days, and then this weekend, we have had rain, rain and more rain (nearly 200mls).  You would think all the rain would be a good excuse to bead, but, between dealing with a flooded garage, doing some Christmas shopping, and contemplating what to do about the 2 huge trees that fell over in our backyard (missing the birdcage and shed by a whisker), I ran out of time.

OK, I will also admit to being somewhat distracted by playing with my new iPad, but I promise to bead real soon.  Just as soon as I download that new app, finish cleaning up after the rain, and do some uni work. Sigh. Maybe next weekend.

My first ever scrapbook page

Made for a special project for work - I am happy with my first attempt - I have been watching Michelle & Courtney at work for a while, and I guess I must have picked up a few ideas.

It's starting to feel a lot like Christmas....

........and I've been making more Christmas gifts.  

Luckily I have lots of girls to make for - some old, some young, but all special to me.

  I have been using some of the special treasures I have been holding onto for a while

 (sigh - sometimes it's hard to let go)

Pearls, iolite, agate, ceramic and brass.

Only a few more things to make now.

Winged Blossoms

This piece has been made for the "Sakura" (Cherry blossom) themed challenge on beadingforum.com.au.  I used a winged brass setting, some pink/green Precosia crystals and some lucite flowers.

I have had a lovely weekend with family coming from out of town for a visit, so spent yesterday being a tourist in my own town - always fun.