Top 10 to Knowing Me!

I thought I'd let people have a bit more of an insight into what I am like. I've done 10 points. There's alot more than this I could tell you, but then it could make the blog almost pointless and we don't want that! lol! Any way here we go....

1. Faith - My faith has to be the most important thing in my life. Many people already know I'm a Christian and that I go to church. Most people don't realise how seriously I take my faith. I am by no means perfect, Nor will I act as if I am. But I wish I could be and will try (failing many times). I will stand firm for what I believe in and I often argue the point with people. This doesn't mean I disrespect or don't understand other peoples view or that I dislike people with opposing views, but it does mean I will not be swayed from my beliefs, as I guess many of the people will feel the same with their beliefs and values.

2. Caring - I try my best to care for people. I will try my best to be there for people. If they need a shoulder to cry on, someone to moan to, need advice or someone to laugh with. I will try the best I can. Again I'm not perfect and I will make mistakes. Sometimes I'll say the wrong thing and put my foot in it. Sometimes I'm not good enough. Those times I often need a slap, but sometimes I feel vulnerable or not good enough. But I am making a conscious effort to be better!

3. Jewellery - Making jewellery has got to be one of my favourite hobbies/jobs to do. I love making pretty and original designs. I am constantly looking at beads, putting new designs together and deliberating what colours work with what, to make sure I get the best designs I can. I mostly use semi precious gems, Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and sterling silver.

4. Music - I love listening to music. I don't have an absolutely huge CD collection, but enough to see me through. I do own an iPod, so I listen to most stuff through that at the moment. I have quite a few favourite bands really and all seem to be differing in sounds. I mostly listen to Idlewild, Newsboys, Danielson Famile, Jars of Clay, Why?, Camera Obscura, Architecture in Helsinki and Y-Friday. bit of a mish mash there.

5. Christmas, Easter and Pentecost - These have to be my favourite times of the year. Christmas is just ace. I get so excited and I'm usually awake at about 3 in the morning just waiting and too excited to go back to sleep. I never know what I'm going to get so it's always a surprise. But it's not just that I enjoy everything about it. I love buying presents for other people, I love putting the tree up, going to church for the carol service and to top it off the Christmas eve service. That's just wonderful. Easter's as exciting, but we don't go mad with the presents. I think the most distinctive things about Easter is the Good Friday procession through the town and then Easter morning, waking up early and going to Church. Its so wonderful. Then Pentecost. Wow! celebrating Pentecost is great. the coming of the Holy Spirit. This usually means doing something wacky with my hair. It gets people talking and asking questions.

6. Laughter - I love being able to laugh. I sometimes laugh too much and I like laughing at the simple stuff too. I like witty comments and quick comebacks, silly songs and jokes that don't really make sense. Other things that make me laugh are singing out of tune or in a silly voice, dancing around like an idiot, making animal noises and impressions, pretending I'm great and just generally being silly.

7. Watching Films - Some would say I don't watch enough, the odd few may say I watch too many. But really I don't watch loads. I really don't have a huge collection, but I really love watching films. I do have a few favourites, Muppets Christmas carol being top. I love Christmas films, funny films and ones that make me cry. I tend not to watch the latter for that reason. My dad used to laugh when I cried at E.T. so I haven't seen it since I was about 10. If I know a film's going to make me cry I try and watch it on my own.

8. Nerves - Apart from me getting on people this is quite an odd thing of mine. If I see people I know who I've not seen for a while I may not always speak to them, just incase they don't remember me or don't want to remember me. I often think people from school won't want to speak to me ever and things like. People may add me on msn, myspace or facebook or even give me there numbers but until I'm absolutely sure they want to I'll often not speak, Just in case.

9. Dislikes - This is not me trying to put a downer on things and I would urge people not to get put off by my dislikes. Just because I dislike certain things doesn't mean I dislike the people who either like or are into these things. This is often a common mistake made by people who then accuse people with similar dislikes to be 'judgmental'. My first is Harry Potter (sorry folks) just something in my gut says its wrong, besides the fact I feel it promotes witchcraft. Witchcraft is another, but this does not mean I hate witches or want to burn them. I just don't agree with what they do. Some would feel the same about me. Which I suppose leads me to Halloween. I don't like Anne Summer's stuff or things to that ilk, I really don't like moths or daddy long legs and I'm not to keen on compulsive liars!

10. My work - Last but not least! Most people know I work at the Golden Arches, but a lot of people do not know about the 'project' set up but me and my mum. This is what my jewellery making is going towards. We have kind of founded a Christian initiative called Habakkuk. The aims are to provide Christian Information easily to the public in Swadlincote. The information includes things like Church service times and contacts, Christian events, Christian Organisations like the YMCA and Barnardos. We also aim to provide Bibles and Christian tracts (leaflets and booklets) for little or no cost. The work for this will be funded by the sales of Handcrafted Items through the Mustard Seed Gift Shop. We are looking for shop premises at the moment, but that's taking some time.

Sorry if it a bit long, I think I got carried away.

Hugs and Blessings

Claudia

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just a quick one! my new hair do!

Hey just a quick one here today. I thought I'd share my new hair do! Here's a quick picture of my old style. Very long. Then followed by my 'shorter' style. It's still longish, but shorted than I've ever had before. I really like it too.It makes a real difference when styling. still getting used to it and at the moment its still very novel. keep playing with it. flicking it about and stuff! I'm thinking of having it dyed in the next few months a chocolaty brown colour. But I'm not too sure. We'll see!
There are still a few people who haven't seen it yet. Very exciting! Anyway, that's enough from me at the moment. hope everyone has a great day!

Hugs and Blessings

Claudia

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Time for Tea!

I thought I'd share this cute pair of earrings with you. I love them to bits, so much so I'm thinking about keeping them. But I shouldn't thats kinda naughty. They are made from Bali sterling silver charms and as you can clearly see there's a spoon, a fork and a cute teapot, and the teapot has cute heart detail on it. They are quite detailed too. I've attached them on to chain so they dangle at different lengths and I think it add great 'movement' to them.

They remind me so much of tea parties. You just don't hear of tea parties going on like you used to. I reckon we should bring them back in to fashion. It would make a good alternative for things like Hen nights, baby showers, girly nights in etc. I reckon you could have a right laugh too. I haven't ever been to one.

And this subject brings me on to a mini rant! There are 2 items that are a right pain to find in shops, and believe me these hunts have been going on for months in as many shops as I can go in too. These items are a tea infuser ball but left plain and a cake slice. I really want a cute cake slice, I went on the hunt for one in 3 different towns and didn't find one! the cake slice is for our turkish delight soap cake! The tea infuser's is the same. I wanted ones that weren't decorated and on a chain, i went all over the place. I could only find ones with dangly bits on the ends! I wanted to put my own dangly bits on the end. No fair! But thats my rant over.


One last jewellery bit for now. My go with almost anything earrings! I made these for my self, with the matching necklace and bracelet. I made them in black so they go with a lot of stuff. I love them. Nice and dangly, with my very comfy ear wires! they have the cute ribbon/fish charm, a cross charm and then Black onyx and clear Swarovski crystals! So as well as them being gorgeous they also say a bit about what I believe! Hopefully a good witnessing point. I'm hoping to get a few more piece like this done, they make really good presents for us Christians!

Well, last but definitely not least, i will share on the MAJOR thing that happened today. I went to the hair dressers. (dun dun duuuuun) Yes folks I had a hair cut. Pretty major for me as my hair has never been short than wait length before, ever! Now its just below the shoulders. so far it feels a bit more managable, and a fair few people seem to like it! I am hoping that I can get an awesome 70's do going on! That would be really ace! But for now I think I'll just go to bed. lol

Hugs and Blessings

Claudia

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Luke 11:27-29 (New International Version)

27As Jesus was saying these things, a woman in the crowd called out, "Blessed is the mother who gave you birth and nursed you."

28He replied, "Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it."

It's not a mess.... It's creative flair!

There's nothing I like more than to sit down with my beads on a dinner tray (on a beading mat of course) with all the other tools and 'stuff' around me. Often I will be so surrounded that if I need the toilet, its like the krypton factor obstacle course to get out and by the time I get to the loo I'm hopping about and only just sit down in time. Makes even worse when my leg goes dead as well. I'm just dreading the day that puts too much of a delay on my dash for the loo!

Apart from the 'toilet troubles' being stuck in the middle of a load of beads is awesome. I like getting as many out as possible, it's easier to see what goes with what. Often you'll find colours that match that you never thought would. Inspiration is often plentiful. Sometimes I get too many idea's then struggle to decide what would be best! but sometimes I'll sit hours staring, just trying to think. I'll know the colours match etc, but sometimes I don't know how I'm going to put them together, what order (if any), how many strands, full set or just one thing! GRRRR! But sometimes I'll sit down and know exactly what I'm going to do with what beads.

Often my beads look in a state, I try to keep them tidy. I do always keep them protected though, wouldn't want to damage any! Ever! It can be a right pain sorting them out again after jumbling them all up. Sometimes thats the real bug bear, specially when you just want to carry on!


One of my favourite designs is still the 'bow' one. I think it looks soooooo cute. And although the bow looks HUGE in the picture, when its on it actually look very delicate. I made this using Freshwater pearls, Swarovski crystals and glass seed beads, the bow is silk ribbon dyed very prettily (if that's a real word) Matches just beautiful!

Well, off to have a cup of tea and maybe (hopefully) an earlier night.

Hugs and Many Blessings

Claudia

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Psalm 113:3-5 (New International Version)

3 From the rising of the sun to the place where it sets,
the name of the LORD is to be praised.

4 The LORD is exalted over all the nations,
his glory above the heavens.

5 Who is like the LORD our God,
the One who sits enthroned on high,

Horlicks! hmmmm

Yes! It's that time of year again for me. As the nights start drawing in, I will be back to my routine of drinking horlicks. I don't really see hot chocolate as a summer drink, but boy have I missed it. It does have to be the malted sort though. you really can't have it any other way. Add some milk to make a sort of paste and THEN add the hot water. Ideally I would make it with hot frothed milk, but unfortunately I neither have the money or space for such appliance to do so. Shame, it would get some use!

Last night was pretty much bliss, I stuck some of my favourite songs on, had some Horlicks and beaded! There can't be much more of a better evening, I tell you. The winter evenings will contain a lot more of this sort of thing too. I feel i can get quite a lot done, yet be relaxed at the same time. snuggle down with my jammy's on and my pink fluff lined slippers. It'll be even better when we start having the fire on. When that happens it won't be long until CHRISTMAS!

But I won't rush it along too quick though, as I have much Christmas shopping to do yet. (Have to start this early because I have a HUGE family). Men are so awkward to buy for too. If they don't drink much, wear ties, like sports or cars your pretty stuffed. Anything you do find for a bloke that does suit is often expensive. Personally I think they should be chuffed to get pink fluffy slippers, I know I would.

One thing I have noticed I do when I 'blog' is babble. I very often do it in real life (?) so I guess it's kinda second nature. I will learn to not babble as much soon I'm sure. But for now i will leave you with the picture of my new coat. Gorgeous is it!


Hugs and many blessings

Claudia
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Psalm 71:22-24

22 I will praise you with the harp
for your faithfulness, O my God;
I will sing praise to you with the lyre,
O Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips will shout for joy
when I sing praise to you—
I, whom you have redeemed.

24 My tongue will tell of your righteous acts
all day long,
for those who wanted to harm me
have been put to shame and confusion.

Staying creative.... I think!

Wow... what a week! I'm still recovering from the other Saturday. Although that was my 'week off' there was very little rest. This week was back to the grindstone for me, hence the lack of posts.

I found though when I'm busy like that, I still struggle to stay creative. I crave being away from my beads or paper. but then when i get them all out I could be sat there a few hours, just staring at them. It's like I need to touch them, but all creative flair vanishes for awhile.

You can guarantee that when you put everything away or it's very late and you should really be going to bed, then you have a million ideas all whizzing round at once. That's one of my downfall's. About 12 at night, I think I might get an 'early' night but then an awesome idea pops in my head and bam! I have to make stuff. Before you know it, it's 3 in the morning.

If I'm really struggling, I read fashion mags, bead catalogues and often look at fabric etc.

On another note, I bought myself a new coat the other day. It's Awesome! very catwalk like. when I get a chance I will take some pics and pop them on.

Well I ought to get back to being busy. Or trying to be busy. Hopefully I will find even more inspiration soon, make some pretty and original designs and take lots and lots of Pictures! YAY!

Hugs and Blessings

Claudia
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What season is it? I honestly can’t tell.

…Anyone who is living in Britain at the moment will probably know what kind of summer we’ve been having. Or not been having, which seems to be the case. The weather has been rather disappointing. I’ve found myself wishing it were Christmas already. But all is not lost at we had a rather lovely BBQ on Saturday night.

If you can remember me saying last week I was going to be rather busy, and I was! I had booked a week of work and I hardly got a rest, but do you know something it was one of the nicest weeks as well as tiring. We had booked our local church hall all day Saturday. We had a small sale in the morning and a sale and BBQ at night, in the hope to raise awareness of our initiative. We had a lot of support from the church where it was held and a few others too.

It was a gorgeous night too. Not roasting hot, but not too cold either. Not too many moths and daddy long legs, and a pleasant evening to be able to chat with almost everyone. A lovely person who has been donating money for our initiative had paid for the BBQ. We thought a BBQ would be a relaxed way of getting our aims across. Meetings are so formal, which can make people tense and that’s not what we are about.

We managed to raise a nice chunk ready for when we have a shop. Which this money will help pay for rent etc. As well as going towards a fully functioning Internet shop too. The next sale on this scale will hopefully be near Christmas. I’m so excited I really can’t wait and although it was a lot of hard work it has really been worth it. People have already begun to place orders for cards and jewellery, so I can see many Large orders being placed to cover them over the next few weeks….

…. Blessings & Hugs

Claudia

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5 Make-up must haves... and why I use them!

I hardly ever wore make up when I was a teenager, I had excellent skin only the odd spot every now and then. I always looked fresh faced. I only really wore make up when going to a party or some thing. Then when I left school and went to college I did wear it more often, but that was more to do with the style of clothing. Thick black eyeliner, dark mascara, vivid pink lipstick, glittery eyeshadow. I was what most people referred to as a 'greb'. That usually means you listen to rock music of some sort and don't dress like a chav!

Now days although I still have some of my 'Greb' gear left, I tend to like pretty things. Pretty skirts and shoes (although I still live in trainers), Dresses, Pretty cardigans, pretty cami's and t-shirts etc. My make-up has also changed to reflect that too. I still wear black mascara and eyeliner, just not so thick. But hear is a small list of my very fave's!

1. no7 foundation/powder - I can't stand being able to feel powder on my face or see a thick orange line. So when I discovered this I just had to have it! It stops me looking tired and even's my skin tone out fab!

2. Brown eyeliner - defines my eyes enough without being too dark and matches almost every colour eye shadow I have

3. Coral colour blusher - this blends well with both pink and peach tone make up (which I'm lucky enough to suit both) saving me £££ buying several!

4. The most natural looking lip gloss I can find. Again matches every tone of make up I'm likely to wear without being too strong. Great for parties or shopping!

5. Last but not least brown/black mascara - if you've noticed yet my list contains things that will blend with many tones and styles and yes, this does too. I'm all out for being able to save a bob or 2. I have very short eye lashes and thick mascara just doesn't look right. I try to go for something dark enough to define my eyes without making them look like I rubbed soot in them!

This may change in a year, depending on what my favourite style will be next! But for now, I really love the style I've found myself in. All quite accidental too! But isn't it fun!

Claudia
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It's late and I'm hungry....

....It's Just weird. I mean, here I am, sitting in bed on my laptop. I know I should be a sleep because I have a long day tomorrow. But I'm really hungry. I just don't get it. But what's new.

I don't even know what to write about. I started this blog when I had loads of idea's, but you can guarentee that they disappear when it comes to writing them down (well with me it does anyway)

I suppose if I was normal I would have started telling you about where we will be selling from on Saturday and what a faff it's been to try and get everything ready. I have been working on my new labels for my jewellery since Monday and have only just got everything sorted (yes 4 whole days!!!) All because I decided to name them after women in the Bible. I have sorted who is what colour/s and what the labels should sort of look like. I tell you I've been working on that side of it for neaarly 2 months on and off. But That side of it is all sorted... I think!

I started with what I thought the obvious one would be, Sarah - meaning princess. so naturally i picked pink. I went through finding names and trying to match the different colours up to what the nature of them was etc. I think I've done quite well. I won't list the all though, because there's over 30!

I completely got sidetracked there! This Saturday, Mustard Seed Gift Shop (mainly me and my mum at the mo) will be selling our hand crafted goods at the local church hall. We put and Ad in our local newspaper, posters in shops, leaflets to the churches etc. We have so much stuff though we need a shop to store it all in. We are struggling to see most of the floor at home now. Everywhere is covered. And we get given a lot of things too. We are hoping to sell a fair bit just to give us some room back.

We must have getting on for over 1200 handcrafted items, baring in mind most will be unique or a variation on a theme. When we get our shop we will have a few other crafters bits and bobs too. Tomorrow we are taking ALL our goods to the church hall and setting up.

We have also got to prepare for the BBQ we are putting on there at the night time. It's to raise awareness of the project we are doing, to show people our goods and hopefully meet more of the Christian's in the area. Being the area we live in it's quite...erm .... Stubborn. Not too keen on change, Suspicious of anyone doing anything for the first 2 years until they get to know them. As soon as your past that stage your fine though! Very Odd!

So please remember us in your thoughts and prayers this weekend. that both the morning sale and evenign BBQ goes well and that positive things are achieved.

Many Blessings and Huge Hugs
Claudia
x x x x x

And here's one I made earlier...

Sundays! Always a busy day for me. Its up early(ish) off to church, back home have dinner, online for a while then off to visit my Nan. Usually we go out to church again from Nan's, but it was a Morning service instead. So I decided to take a small selection of beads with me. Well I say small, My small selection is a craft bag full with my tools bulging from the pockets. Anyway, I made a selection of things while I was there, (as I have now mastered the art of being able to talk and craft at the same time) and still didn't use a 2% of the beads I'm Sure. I made this Beauty though. It's so delicate and pretty, it has to be one of may favourite creations in a while. It has Bali Sterling silver tubes and beads with bright faceted sapphire beads. as you can tell the sapphire's are all different colours so I Put them into a sort of order. There's not just the necklace and Bracelet but also matching earrings (well similar) but they just need to be finished.

I reckon this is one of those pieces you can wear with all sorts and it would match. I can imagine it with jeans and a T-shirt or a posh frock. Either would look nice. But that's sapphires for you. they really are beautiful. I know so many people that didn't realise that sapphires came in so many colours. They thought they were blue and thats it. I soon put them right :) LOL.

Ezekiel 1:25-27

25 Then there came a voice from above the expanse over their heads as they stood with lowered wings. 26 Above the expanse over their heads was what looked like a throne of sapphire, and high above on the throne was a figure like that of a man. 27 I saw that from what appeared to be his waist up he looked like glowing metal, as if full of fire, and that from there down he looked like fire; and brilliant light surrounded him.


I also made 2 other pretty necklaces. Both with Chinese Freshwater Pearls, Chinese Cloisonné beads and silver lined seed beads. One has mainly blue, green and pink and the other Pink and white. I am hoping to get pictures of those tomorrow.

I have a real thing for pearls at the moment. There is just something about them. Most people think they are for just 'older' people, but most of my jewellery have freshwater pearls. You can also get those in all the colours under the sun, but obviously most are dyed. But I don't think that matters, they are still rich and Beautiful. And also the many shapes. I happen to like the 'odd' shaped pearl. I suppose they are exciting and versatile.

I have spotted some pearls in the shape of a cross, so they may be next on my list, as I would like to make more 'reflective' jewellery. So watch this space.... LOL

Jonah 2: 7-9

7 "When my life was ebbing away,
I remembered you, LORD,
and my prayer rose to you,
to your holy temple.

8 "Those who cling to worthless idols
forfeit the grace that could be theirs.

9 But I, with a song of thanksgiving,
will sacrifice to you.
What I have vowed I will make good.
Salvation comes from the LORD."

I thought I would post this particular verse for 2 reasons. The first is that today at Church the 'talk' was about Jonah, and how he ran away from God. The 2nd is because it gives Hope. Jonah had done wrong, but he repented and God forgave him. He then vowed to do what God had asked of him, and God blessed him. Even Christians today run from what God wants them to do. Doing what God wants isn't always easy, but not doing it will be harder. Of course Jonah found out the hard way. Lets Hope we don't.....

Hugs and Blessings

Claudia
xxxxx

Romans 12:11-13

11Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. 12Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. 13Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.