NiNE FRUiTS PiE

Just WOW!!

2012-02-19T11:28:00.001-08:00

The last few weeks have been a whirl wind… Amazing things happening, new beginnings, emotions being flung around and being reconnected again! I must admit, even with the emotions being flung around, I’ve enjoyed every minute of February so far.
The only annoying thing is I still don’t feel too comfortable going into too much detail just yet, but I’ll do a really good catch up with what’s happening in a month or so!!
One of my ultimate highlights this month was the return of some awesome friends of mine. They went to live out in the land of Oz (Australia), a few years ago, but they clicked their heels and returned home. (I’m sure they took a plane actually, but it doesn’t sound as fun, right?). It was a lovely surprise last Sunday dinner time to get a knock at the door.. I had no idea it would be my beautiful friend and her family, needless to say I cried a little with excitement :’)
She has been an inspiration to me and has supported me no end, even from the other side of the world.. I’m blessed just to even know her!! So as a celebration to the families return I created a treasury… Welcome Home!!!! I hope you enjoy it
Apart from that I’ve been a busy bee! Working, getting organised, getting creative and looking for more pretty buttons. I’ve also been on the hunt for new clothes, I’m left with rather a small selection of clothes to wear and 5 bags of stuff ready to go carboot~ing with. But it gives me an excellent excuse to go shopping >_<
I did, however, buy these buttons the other week.

My new pretty buttons ♥

and then I made these

Little Bracelets for Little Wrists

I made some other bits and bobs too, but I haven’t got around to taking pictures, as the last few days I’ve had a bit of a cold and I’ll be honest, it’s made me a little bit lazy! But I plan to get back to 100% soon by dosing up on vitamin c, pain killers and plenty of fluids.
I can’t wait to get settled into this new life of mine and on track for keeping you guys in the ‘nine fruits pie’ loop… Thank you for being patient with me, and I’ll be back again real soon!!

Creativity and Snow

2012-02-05T15:56:00.000-08:00

What a BRiLLiANT week!!

A very Creative and POSiTiVE week!!

I got back to the drawing board, so to speak, and making some pretties!!!

Peach Melba button bracelet, Hot and Funky bead and button bracelet, Rainbow bracelet

Easter Earrings on the way to completion

Oranges and Lemon button bracelet, Playful pastimes button bracelet

I also went a bit OLD SCHOOL and got some pony beads out, I made retro style bracelets (well retro to me).. I haven’t made bracelets like this in years and it was really quite refreshing and FUN!!

Pony Beads Bracelets

I also couldn’t resist going through some fabrics I have.. Just refreshing my brain with what I have, and what I want to make with them.. They could really do with a good press, but I’ll get on to that when I get round to getting the sewing machine out :s

Pocket Pixie by Alexander Henry.. Pink Dandelion and Pink Mushroom City

Summersault fabric by Free Spirit. Apricot Raindrops and Cinnamon Pixie Stick

I think the animal one is french, but I can't remember the name off-hand. The bottom one is Appleville by Robert Kaufman Blue Apples

How Pretty are those…. Gorgeous eh? I can’t wait to use them. I also got to catch up with a lovely friend this week, post a few parcels and go out in the snow. This week really has been lovely.

Not the best picture in the world... but it's my shoes.. in the snow!!

Finally, I made an ultra warm wintry treasury over on Etsy called Hot Chocolate ♥ Hope it makes you feel all warm and fuzzy!!

Right I’m heading off, but I hope you all have a truly lovely week ♥

New Beginnings

2012-02-02T13:41:00.000-08:00

Just a quick pop by to share something lovely!

New Beginnings is a quirky little mid week treasury for you to check out!!

Filled with the playful joy of primary colours!! I hope you enjoy it ♥♥♥

Funny Old Week

2012-01-29T05:37:00.000-08:00

What a funny old week it has been.. But a good one.
Being a bit of a recluse I never usually get out and about to see my friends much. This week I have had a chance to see a few friends I’ve not seen in ages.. It was really great to have a good catch up with them.
Apart from the socializing, my ninja’s had a manicure.. Yes their first claw clipping.. Bless them, they were ever so good not one figit
I also got a chance to take a brief walk through the park and take a few pictures..

Swad Park

Cheeky Little Robin

Cheeky Little Great-Tit

This little bird was shy but also nosy

This is the cut though used by kids to get on to the playground area, I love the way the trees and bushes grow on the steep hill

Ok, So Not only did I take a beautiful walk through the park, but I also Created a couple of treasuries.. As Tuesday was National handwriting day I made THIS treasury as a little tribute… And then this weekend I have couldn’t resist but to make a super sweet sugar candy filled treasury and made THIS treasury full of sugary goodness.. Hope you enjoy them and find lots of yummy shops to look at!!
I also FINALLY got around to making these goodies, Sweet Little Hamster Necklaces.. It’s taken a while, but they’re finally available in my ETSY SHOP

Sweet Little Hamster Necklaces

Woah!! Well my Sunday dinner is almost ready, but I’m sure I’ll have more fun stuff to share next week! Happy Sunday!!! ♥

Hello Etsy Folk!!!

2012-01-18T15:22:00.001-08:00

If you like shopping on ETSY don’t forget to stop by my ETSY SHOP and use the discount coupon CLOUDNINE at the checkout! This discount code will get you 15% off anything my my Etsy shop!!
This offer will be available until midnight (gmt) February 14th!!
Also If you Like to creat treasuries, feature an item from my shop and I’ll send you a special discount coupon for 20% off. ♥

New Pencil Earrings in my Etsy Shop Now

Happy New Year!!! Hello 2012!!

2012-01-03T12:57:00.001-08:00

Hi there and a very… HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! I know I haven’t been around for a while.. I was taking a much needed break, and I do feel much better for it too!!
Well, I say break. I was still very busy over the Christmas period, so thought it best for my sanity to not put the pressure on for new products, blogging and the like. I had the most lovely Christmas as well. Lots of lovely gifts and spending time with the people that mean the most to me. It was great.
We also have a new addition to the pet family…. Treacle!!

Treacle and Her Muffin

She is one VERY cute and soft little hamster! Bless her, she struggles to use her hamster ball as she walks very gently. ^_^
I received so awesome awesome gifts.. I haven’t had a chance to photo them all yet as I have been on a major sorting spree of my room :/ But for now here’s a silly picture of me and my awesome new owl hat and cookie monster mittens (Y)

Me and My Sillyness!!

I have done a few Etsy Treasuries as well… My latest “A Rather Blustery Day” is full of lovely cheerful stuff to make sure everyone has a happy blustery day!! But if you head over to me ETSY PROFILE you’ll be able to view all my other treasuries, as well as my favourite items and my Etsy shop.. If you add me to your circle, you’ll be in for some awesome coupon treats!!
I’m afraid that is all for now… But this year has got some SUPER FAB things coming… I’m thinking them all up right now!!
But for now….Hello 2012!!! ♥

And Relax...! For now anyway ;)

2011-11-13T16:19:00.000-08:00

And Relax….! I must admit, Sunday night tend to be rather nice for relaxing and having a good gander on the net. Over all a brill chance for me to catch up with blogging. It’s been a busy week again, but so exciting too! I now have tan colour hamsters… and I’ve been catching up with shrink plastic orders as well as creating new pieces! This week I should be making some necklaces AND bracelets too! Here are some of the new designs…

Sweet Little Hamsters Earrings - Tan ♥

Toad Stools Before

Acorns

Lily Lionhead

There are some more too, but I’ll leave them for another time… I spent a long time drawing up the designs to make sure I got them just right and got the look I wanted them to have. I have cats too and if you head to my facebook page you can check some more of the designs out… Next to come is guinea pigs.. My rough copy is ready to go!

I’ve also been making up more button bracelets and adding them to my FOLKSY SHOP!! So be sure to check them out!

Every week I make an Etsy Treasury to share some lovely makes that are out there!! This weeks theme was ‘Deer’.. Mainly focusing on cute Bambi style deer (I’m saving the reindeer one for a few weeks)… I LOVE animals anyway and woodland creatures are up there at the top… I could do lots of treasuries each week on them… But here is this weeks treasury… ‘Oh! Deer! What can the matter be?‘

Now I’m spending time drooling over fabric.. I need to stock up ready for making dresses! Hope you’ve all had a great weekend and have a great week to come.. I have a Craft Fair next weekend. Not just any weekend though, Me and My Mum have organised it!! *Eeeeek* So this week will be a mad one, but all good fun! I’ll let you know how it goes…

I Did It!!!!

2011-11-07T16:02:00.001-08:00

WELL!!! Where do I start? I suppose I should begin with my mega achievement…. I made my dress!!!! Very pleased.. I did have a fair bit of help from my Mum (who is a marvelous seamstress by the way). And here it is…

My Christmas Dress

I used a Riley Blake fabric called Christmas Candy, designed by Doodlebug Design inc. I aimed for cute and simple style dress and me and mum worked on the pattern together to make sure it was right. I was even brave enough to add darts *eeeek!!* I was so nervous about sewing it together, but when I got going, I really enjoyed it. My mum added my pockets for me, made from a cute stripe fabric, with hearts, ricrac and a cute blanket stitch detail…. ♥

The Pockets...

My Mum also did the neck and arm bias binding so I had a good idea how to do it. Then I had a go at the bottom ‘hem’ (not quite a hem with it being binding)… and followed it by adding red and pink ricrac. I think it has a super cute look to it.. and yes I kind of went a little off course, BUT considering it was my very first attempt, I think I did alright!

The bottom 'hem'

I will be attempting another dress with another really cute fabric. It’s called Appleville.. Designed by Suzy Ultman for Robert Kaufman. I can already picture it done.. I’ll aim for a similar style dress to the other, but will attempt the lot by myself…. Maybe??!! Haha!

Appleville Fabric.... CUTE!!! ♥

I must also share about my new purchase… They’re super cute and adorable and a little old fashioned… I bought Bloomers!!! I know, a little mad but VERY me!!! Bought from a lovely Etsy shop called Icing Sugar (decorarockstar) They arrived super quick and packaged really lovely too! I wore them to the Craft fayre we were at on Saturday underneath my Christmas dress, over some brown tights… and they did look sweet! Hopefully when I get to wear the outfit again, I’ll get some decent pictures … Anyway, Here’s a pic of the bloomers…

BLOOMERS!!!!!! ♥

Seeing as my Mum helped me so much with my dress, I really think you should head over to my Mum’s Facebook page… It’s Bloomin’ Myrtle …. You will LOVE it… She’s a brilliant sewer and my inspiration. She’s got some fab new Christmas stuff coming soon too
I’ll leave you with my Etsy Treasury ~ Watch the pretties….♥
Enjoy ♥

LiFE iS A RAiNBOW

2011-11-01T12:46:00.000-07:00

Talk about a mad few weeks… I thought my life was pretty hectic before, but for some reason the last few weeks kinda ran away with my time!But I have some time back now and I’m as busy as ever. But I think I should put some order in place to my post or we’re all going to get lost.
I think I’ll start with the Facebook Fan page and my Webshop Birthdays… My fan page has been going for 3 years now and my webshop 1 year. It’s VERY exciting! I had a little bit of a celebration offering a special Birthday code in my etsy shop. Although that has finish now I am working on something special and important. I’ll get to that soon.
That kind of leads on to TREASURiES!!!!
Not only have I been creating some super cute treasuries, but I’ve been featured in a couple… The links to Which are below.. Please go check them out, leave a comment or investigate the items even more closely.. they’re GREAT!!
♥ Comfort…
♥ It’s My Birthday… CELEBRATE (Special Birthday treasury for Fan page and webshop)
♥ Another Sunny Day
♥ Every Cloud has a Gold Lining… (one I’m featured in)
♥ Sick Day – Get Well Soon! … (one I’m featured in)
♥ Sick Day …(one I’m featured in)
Talk about busy… I have also been working on some more Christmas things and have something super cute… The RAiNBOW GLiTTER CHRiSTMAS TREE!!! I am very excited by this… and although the picture is ok, it really doesn’t show just how glittery it is. It’s a little bit bigger than my other trees too. I’ve varnished it to protect the colour and the glitter and to give it a high gloss smooth finish.. ♥

Rainbow Glitter Christmas Tree

I also have some Christmas plushies done too.. but you can visit my fan page to see those.. the link is at the top of the page
AND… To keep with the Christmas theme… I have my Christmas dress cut out and ready to sew…. very excited… I should be sewing it together on Thursday morning, ready for the 1st Christmas craft Fair of the season this Saturday. I’ll have pictures from the fair… I hope!
BLIMEY!!! Out of breath now..!! Maybe I won’t leave it so long next time and bring more bite size chunks eh?
I’ll leave you with this and a Happy November 1st!!!

Borrowed from the internet ♥

Lets Go Nutty!!

2011-10-15T12:03:00.001-07:00

I got pretty excited this week when I found out that it’s Squirrel Awareness Month! I’ve always been a fan of nature and stuff.. and woodland animals rank pretty high in that. I remember as a child, going with my Mum, Nan and Aunty to visit my Grandad’s grave. Walking through the cemetery we would collect acorns and pine cones and lookout for squirrels and hares.. For this reason alone they have held a very special place in my heart.
Let’s face it.. Squirrels are mega cute. Their tiny little paws and bushy tails and cheeky nature are completely fascinating. What I love most is the way they gather their food and run off with it and hide, like you’re going to try to steal it.
I thought I’d put together a little treasury about it all. These great little creatures deserve it. You can find it HERE. It took me a while to put it together and I could have made loads of treasuries, so be sure to look for squirrel stuff on there
I also have this beauty on my website

Possibly Maybe Necklace

The picture isn’t great quality I’m afraid, but it’s a very pretty necklace you can buy it HERE
Happy Squirrel Awareness Month ♥♥

Time to smile and get creative ♥

2011-10-10T14:48:00.000-07:00

I have real trouble getting motivated sometimes. Honestly, I wake up sometimes and it feels like pulling teeth just to get the day started. This week has been a little bit different.
I’ve made some lists of orders that need completing and tasks I’d like to do, I’ve been sorting somethings out and reorganizing. To be honest, I’ve been rather productive and I’ve surprised myself.
One thing I completed was the children’s jewellery. Not that much need completing, but they now have the little NFP shrink plastic tags at the end of the extender chain. They’re pretty impressive. This is a baby bracelet that I’ve made.
I also caught up on my shrink plastic designs. I’ve had these drawn up and coloured in for a few weeks, but only got around to completing them yesterday. Here are some of the designs

Christmas Puddings

Kawaii Acorns

I made some up into designs already..

Wrap Up Warm Bracelet

A Pink Christmas - Necklace

They’re looking brilliantly cute and funky!!
I also put together an Etsy Treasury on Friday! After waking up in a rather grumpy mood I soon felt guilty when I found out it was World Smile Day *hangs head in shame* So I decided to make up for it I’d create a super smiley Treasury. Head over and take a peek.. It’s a little bit late but it’s always good to smile anyway.. Find it HERE!!
To carry on with my creativity I ordered some fabric in order to make myself a Christmas Outfit!! *Dun! Dun! Dun!* I am excited and nervous.. this will be my first attempt at clothing, but my Mum is going to help me cause she’s great at things like that I’ll definitely be sharing pictures with that project but you may have to wait a couple of weeks.
Happy Sunday and have a great rest of the week!! ♥

Sugar, Spice and Everything Nice

2011-07-30T12:47:00.000-07:00

Sooooo, I compiled a super cute Etsy Treasury List!! I thought I'd start with something sweet and girly and I'm really happy with the result.

It's a compilation of cute things I've found over the last few weeks ~ most of which can be found in my 'favourite items' on etsy too! I also have a few favourite shops on there too.. and although I don't always get the chance to buy from them, I adore their makes and decided to share them... Among hese shops you will find TwinkieChan, Kittypinkstars, The Sunshine Daisy, Aselfportrait, Em&sprout and Rubbishtees. I've also discovered more shops, which I think I will be visiting a lot.

I hope that I will manage to get my etsy shop up and running again soon. I'm working on some 'etsy special' collections which will include kawaii jewellery, bows and and some felt plushie friends.. The felt plushie friends will be rather exclusive and on the whole quite rare.

For now you can find me at the following places

http://www.ninefruitspie.co.uk/
www.folksy.com/shops/NiNEFRUiTSPiE
www.facebook.com/pages/NiNE-FRUiTS-PiE-jewellery-and-accessories/84712155299
http://twitter.com/NiNEFRUiTSPiE

If you're a fan on Facebook you could be in with a chance of winning a cute bow too!!

I'll update you about my guinea pigs soon!!

Catching up!

2011-07-29T14:32:00.001-07:00

Yes, in trying my hardest to play catch up! All my original plans for this year have gradually gone to pot. I really ought to get and keep a diary. I used to use my Filofax all tge time, but since the insert for the year were over £8, I haven't bothered. I suppose that will teach me!!!

The last few weeks have been hectic. Apart from working and feeling I'll, an extra fair was thrown in too. But getting on track hasn't been too bad! I've managed to sew a lot of bows, create a few new pieces of jewellery, attempt crochet and amigurumi, as well as other things too!

I've decided that I should try my best to blog once a fortnight, as well as compiling some etsy treasuries too! I love seeing what others have made and think it's important to share.

I'll also be sharing some super cute picture of my gorgeous guinea pigs and sharing a bit of their stories. You can expect a super cute post this weekend, with pictures and an adorable etsy treasury :)

Blogs away!!!

I'm having a clearout... SALE TIME!!!

2011-07-20T15:11:00.000-07:00

Yes yes!! It's time.. After making jewellery for a fair few years I have a fair bit of stock that has built up. So I have put LOADS on folksy!!! Going to put more on over the summer too!

NiNEFRUiTSPiE:Folksy

Head over there for some bargains! Most is LESS THAN HALF PRICE for Sterling Silver and gemstone jewellery.

Also I am working on more bows this summer.. Very excited!!!

Summer Break and Birthday Cake!

2011-07-06T14:56:00.000-07:00

July is here... The school holidays are looming! Not that it affects me too much, just that my work patterns will tend to change. We're having a bit of a summer break too!

Since I've been driving, we've spent many weekends at craft fairs and being generally busy! The weekend just gone we had 3 event in 4 days and a wedding party thrown in there too! We're almost worn out, so this weekends fair will be our last for a whole month.

We're hoping the next 4 weeks will allow us to catch up with orders, get cracking with new idea's, update online info etc. For me, I'm looking forward to having some time off! I also have a little project to work on...

I've decided to make my own jewellery pouches. I have woven fabic labels for them, cute rainbow coloured ribbon and some lovely fabrics in mind. I made this prototype the other week, while I was waiting for some things to arrive...

It's not perfect yet, but it gives an idea of what I'm aiming for! They should look great when they're sorted.

I'll also be working on more cute bows, some competitions, giveaways, website offers, sales and much more!

This summer is going to be a busy break... I have my Birthday to pretty much kick it off! This Friday infact! Spending the day with my Mum in Derby, then the evening with my lovely BF and my Family.. Then out on to the town on Saturday night to share some drinks with friends.. Really looking forward to it :)

Anyway I'll leave it at that for now and hopefully will be updating with a much more productive blog in the near future! We'll See!

CREATIVITY - (noun)

2011-06-04T16:34:00.000-07:00

cre·a·tiv·i·ty (noun)
1. Runs in ones heart and soul.
2. Helps to define ones personality.
3. The state or quality of being creative.
4. Something that is natural to a person, usually instilled from birth and runs throughout ones life.
5. When one aquires Creativity truely, it will never leave and would be impossible to live without.

Crafting reviews, tips etc and the future bloggingness!

2011-05-31T08:46:00.000-07:00

So, we've established my useless blog techniques... I'm not the best at keeping up with lots, but I have found a few things that should keep my blog going nicely.. I just need a little help from YOU!!

I've already plastered facebook with this but I'm going to say it here too.I just wondered if any of you crafters have a diy/create your own webshop to sell your items? I'm going to be featuring some in my next blog issue, I want to know about usability, quality, presentation etc... I will feature your webshop and facebook pages etc. Email ninefruitspie@hotmail.com with subject 'blog: webstore'

This gives me a chance to review sites, promote other crafters, give advice about the different webshops out there etc..

Also if you have been Crafting for more than 5 years, it would be handy to get the inside scoop on how you started, craft fair experience etc. Email again with the subject 'blog: crafting history'

If there is anything crafty YOU think I could include don't hesitate to get in touch... just make sure you head it 'blog: *subject*' or I may think it's spam! Always provide your name, business/crafting name, subject, and link to blog, webshop or facebook page!

I will do my best to write things up within a week, but please be patient. Many thanks

Claudia x

What a Busy Bee.... Buzzzzzzzzz!

2011-04-30T15:12:00.000-07:00

So, I'm back, still not much sewing done though! I did however get around to making a few bows ^_^ so it's not too bad.

Apart from that I've been a busy bee making jewellery, although I spent a fair while waiting for stock to arrive. But here's a little taster of things to come to my website.

I've closed it temporarily for a restock ~ some brand new designs coming! I really excited!

Hoppefully the webshop will be up and running again by 1st May around 10pm, until then there's my folksy shop. Sewing should commence in a few weeks time!

Apart from all the jewellery making, I've been working, and getting used to driving. I almost feel like I've been driving forever, it's a weird sensation, but very good!

Last weekend was my best friends wedding and she looked beautiful! we couldn't make it to the ceremony, but the reception was beautiful. We had a really lovely time. Of course, being the only person that drives I was designated driver, but I didn't mind.

Well, That's all I can think of for now ~ Hope you're all enjoying the Bank Holiday weekend!

♥

So very behind, but I'm catching up!

2011-04-13T16:08:00.000-07:00

Well, my original plans of sewing one thing a week and blogging about it quite clearly went out the window! But in all fairness I have been a rather busy little bee!

First of all we had a craft fair on the 26th of March, almost 3 weeks ago. But to be honest it feels like a lot longer ago than that, I can barely remember it o.O It was a fantastic day ~ Pleasent enough weather, and a lovely turn out!! Thank you to anyone who managed to come, we look forward to seeing you again at the next one!

I also finished my college course the Thursday after the fair. I had been studying the NVQ2 in childcare as an apprentice for the past 21 months. It seems like a long time to be studying, but then a lot has been going on and with the crafting and everything else it almost didn't feel long enough!!! But I feel quite chuffed that I ompleted it and handed it all in. I should be able to go pick my folder up soon too... But the BIG thing is still to come...

... I PASSED MY DRIVING TEST!!!!!!!! Finally! That has also taken me 21 months of lessons (I know a very long time) but something that was one of the most nerve~wracking experiences of my entire life!

I had my test at 11:41 on the morning of Friday 8th of April. To calm my nerves the night before and on the morning before I decided to make some jewellery which really did help, especially as they were really pretty pieces. But still, I was especially nervous. Probably the most nervous I'd ever been. I wasn't this nervous about my exams at school, partly because I didn't feel like they mattered all that much. Driving has been one of the few things I actually cared about passing.

I got picked up for my driving lesson that morning at 10:40, as I left the house all that was whizzing through my head was "Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you." and what followed was a pretty good lesson. As we pulled up to the test centre I could feel my hands, feet and knees shaking, so much so, that I could barely do anything. Anyway, the examiner came out and that was it.... It had begun. I think I was in shock it had finally arrived for a while. Started with a bay park that went well and then set out!

I don't remember a great deal after that, all a bit of a blur. But after pulling back at the test centre, I remember sitting there. Petrified. The examiner turned to me and said "I'm pleased to tell you, you have passed. It was quite a good drive really." I was in shock. My mind went a little blank. I felt giddy and light headed and saw all these pretty colours infront of my eyes. I think it was a mixture of shock, relief and being overjoyed.

Needless to say for the rest of that day, and the following 3 days I was on a real high. Unbareable really! I went out that afternoon to look at cars but bought (well Adam bought) a car the next day.. I nice little peugeot 307 in blue! Pictures will come soon, Promise!

So, now you know the story of the last few weeks. Hopefully I can get back on track with sewing and stuff in the next week or so and regular blogging will resume!

Thank you for reading :) take care ♥

Meet Mitsuko

2011-02-23T11:23:00.000-08:00

Hello world! I want you to meet someone very special ~ Mitsuko! Mitsuko is one of Kitty's little puffs who has come to live with me! She is a rainbow puff made by the amazing Kitty Pinkstars! You can find them sweetly placed in her lovely little Etsy Shop

Anyway, This is the story of Mitsuko meeting me and my other furry (and one not so furry) friends! You can imagine the excitement of getting home from work on Tuesday Morning and finding my adorable little packet! I quickly rushed and opened it and There she was in all her brightness ~ Mitsuko! Straight away she met all my lovely friends!

Mitsuko Meets Cyril, but Cyril seems rather sleepy... awww >_< Cyril is in his favourite spot (someone elses seat) but he seems quite happy to share with the furry friend! After a quick sniff, he snuggles back down and leaves Mitsuko to meet the rest of the bunch.....

Then Mitsuko meets Martha.. I think They're getting on quite well. Martha gives her a good sniff too and a couple of licks....

Even Goosey is happy to meet her! Mitsuko's going to have lots of friends. Goosey is quite sweet, she chatted with Mitsuko for quite a while and explained about all the mischeif that Cyril and Martha get up to.....

And obviously I had to meet her, she is sat in the palm of my rainbow hand.....

and now time to meet Rum, but only from the other side of the cage! Rum has a tendancy to find fabric quite yummy! I don't think Mitsuko wants her fur being eaten....

So there you have it! Mitsuko has entered my rainbow little world! There's another Picture, but I can't upload it, but will hopefully show you soon! I'm sure she will be joining me on my rainbow adventures of beading and being rather creative...... ♥

2011-02-18T14:54:00.001-08:00

I feel super~duper lazy and I'm sorry! All my plan have been scuppered several times over the last few weeks by things that are beyond my control. Little things that throw you out... but Oh well! Never mind! It's the weekend, so I'm going to do my best to enjoy it!

Tomorrow will be my new hair day. I'm going purple! O.o So it will be rather interesting. I'm also hoping to get some sewing in! These cuffs and pendants won't make themselves! I also have some headbands waiting for so elaborate decoration!

I have idea's whizzing round my head it can be hard to keep up with it all, but I have been jotting some things down.. Meanwhile I have been working on my new Bracelet and Necklace designs.
I Love them! They're made with white vinatge glass beads, a mixture of buttons and a charm. I'm really hoping to get some children's ones done as well. The one about has a lovely Bambi charm on it. I shall be adding them to folksy soon.. as last weekend went to pot! :s

I've had a pretty good week though. Monday was quite lovely. I received a big card and a hello kitty bedwarmer for valentines day ^_^ and I also got me a Blackberry (I never thought I'd say that) and since then my week has been lovely for the most part!

But I will leave you with a (not so fantastic) picture of my adorable cat Cyril on Tuesday as I was trying to get some work done! Apparently my bed belongs to him and if I sit on it I have to fuss him. That's the Law!!

oh! Hello Weekend.. How are you?

2011-02-11T15:06:00.000-08:00

OK... weekends pretty much here (YAY) I'm rather excited.. as well as all the cute makey stuff I usually get up to, I'll probably be getting me a new phone and some purple hair! I will let you know how that gets on obviously!

I need idea's on what to make ~ although I did get a request for a purse the other week, maybe I should work on that! But I think I'll be designing and making more pendants, and getting some cuff designs on the go too!

I also have some Easter idea's too... still working on some of the putting them together bits, but it should be FAB!!!!

Enough blabbering from me anyway! (for now)

Blabbering to pass the time

2011-02-06T11:40:00.000-08:00

Ok, Ok... I know I haven't managed to get into the sewing "zone" this weekend ~ Although I have been beading an awful lot. I do however have the idea's for what I want to make all stored upstairs (my head anyway).

This weekends been a strange one. I have a fab idea for my room trying to make it "more organised" and into a sort of workshop space. It will take a while, but when it's done it should look fan~tas~teeeeeek!

My problem with writing a blog is that I'm completely useless! I honestly never know where to begin properly or what to say. My life doen't seem all that interesting to document it like other people can. I don't have this amazing abilty with words that some people seem to have either, most of the time I feel like I'm stuttering. I'm more of a conversation type of person, face-to-face, etc.. I can work texts or a status and the comments that would follow. Maybe if I explain my bloging flaws now, you will forgive me for my future errors.

Please, Please give me more idea's on what I could blog about.. I would be eternally grateful :)

Well I'm off to paint my nails and start planning my projects a bit better!

Project 52 ~ week 3

2011-01-30T11:52:00.001-08:00

KAWAII STARS
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

These, I'm afraid, still aren't finished :S I'm useless I know, but I need some stuffing and I just don't have any yet!

My plan for these double sided felt stars is to stuff them a little and put them on sticks so they're like fairy wands, and to make them in all different colours too.. these are green one side and purple the other!

I will hopefully have week 1 finished completely soon. He looks a little silly un~stuffed, so when I get me stuffing, it will be all good!

Come back soon, I'll probably have some more cute things to share when you do :)

Project 52 ~ week 4

2011-01-30T11:45:00.001-08:00

MESSY PENDANT by me
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

This whole project 52 thing has taken me a while to get off the ground.. it's not that I haven't been sewing or anything ~ but finishing things can be a right pain!

Anyway I managed to get this done ~ It's my new design of pendants. This is the pendant protoype for my "messy jewellery" range. The jewellery will be focusing on fabric as its theme but with addes buttons and beads and pretty much anything else I can find.

This Pendant has orange felt as the base, Yellow flower ribbon for the "bail" (or what would be a bail) Then I've used bright Japanese fabric on top with cute buttons. It is backed with yellow flowery fabric too!

I feel like I'm waffling now and I still have to post last weeks project :S

Back soon!

Feeling Scrummy!

2011-01-22T04:12:00.001-08:00

Hiya all! How are you today? Hope you are all feeling yummy and scrummy this weekend!

I have some yummy things to share this week.. Like these earrings! Buttons and Cakes are a fab combination I think. I've made a grand total of 5 pairs all in different colours available on my folksy shop at £2.00 a pair.

I also had a parcel of pretty fabric arrive today ready for more projects. I'm excited yet a little nervous about using it, as it is so pretty I don't want to spoil it :/

Anyway.. Have a fab weekend and I'll be posting some more project 52 goodness very soon :)

Project 52 - the beginning

2011-01-18T07:12:00.000-08:00

Well, I finally took some pictures, they're no fantastic, but I have made a start.. It still needs to be put together, but its going to be a really cute bow, on a headband (still need the headband) and I'm hoping to get more cute fabric and make a few of these beauties, got lots of ideas ;)

And then I made this! A pretty flower brooch and I might make more of these, but we'll see how things go.. Still need to finish another project too, so hopefully by next week I'll have plenty to show you :)

Meet Poppy!

2011-01-16T06:03:00.000-08:00

This is Poppy! My cute and adorable friend, bought for me by my amazing twinnie!

My Twinnie (Sophiewoo) put her together for me at the build a bear shop.. she has a rainbow dress and Fairy wings and the most cutest pair of pink sparkly shoes! I hope to get more little pictures of her to show you soon as I'm hoping we go on many more adventures together!

And another week has passed..

2011-01-14T05:29:00.000-08:00

I can tell you this ~ When you are me, time disappears, normal plans fly away and can often be replaced with food and procrastination. I feel like I have not kept to anything so far, but getting everything straight after the Christmas holidays is taking a little longer.

I will finish the sewn pieces I started, hopefully this weekend. If all goes well I'll make something else as well!

I WILL be ordering some fabric too.. got some pretty and funky stuff in mind, and some lovely plans for them so the next few weeks will be amazing in the making and creating department!

I will be taking a picture of my little friend to show you all too, well I say little, she's quite big and cute! She is extra special because my twinnie bought her for me!

Just thought I'd better put something before I laspe into complete laziness!

TTFN ~ TaTaForNow! ♥

Project 52

2011-01-07T15:58:00.000-08:00

So... I don't really blog very often. Well not "proper" blogging anyway.. I tumble alot ~ but that consists of me making very short statements about not a lot of interesting stuff and reblogging every cute or funny picture that I like.

I rarely write a post of any substance, mainly because I never know what to write. I'm not fantastic with words or being organised, so the 2 of them together added with my persisitant blogging laziness has made my blog a bit of a disaster previously!

My aim for 2011 is to be a little more organised, pay abit more attention and to take a leap and do something even if its scary. I can cope with rides at Alton Towers no problem ~ Real life is a whole different ball game. So I have got together a little project for me to undertake ~ Project 52

Because I don't get a great deal of time to do something daily I am setting weekly tasks. Sew at least 1 thing a week, take at least 1 photo a week, blog more and hopefully follow at least 1 new blog a week (either on here, tumblr, fb etc)I am hoping this will help me be a bit more confident and get to know new people and all that sort of stuff! I might not write a great deal, but please say hi and stuff I just hope you enjoy it ♥

The summer doesn't have to end, Just because it gets cold!

2010-10-08T16:13:00.001-07:00

The summer doesn't have to end, Just because it gets cold! by NiNEFRUiTSPiE featuring pink shoes

I'm not sure I have a favourite colour as such, although I tend to warm towards pink. But I love summery colours, but as the Great Brittish Weather didn't serve us with a decent summer this year, I'm really clinging on to those gorgeous bright colours! They're just too funky to leave behind!

Can't believe it's almost over!

2010-08-12T12:57:00.001-07:00

I'm already at the end of day 4 of my week off! No idea where the time has gone and I've not even done half the things I've wanted to, intact I've been quite lazy :o But I think that alone proves that I must have needed the time to rest! That doesn't mean I've not done anything though! I've managed to meet with a good friend who I never get to see very often and spend the day with the BF on his birthday, as well as finish the birthday shopping and sell things on eBay :)

Hoping that this break will help me refocus a bit on the things I need to be doing. I've managed to get some great ideas for future jewellery plans which I am very excited about. Hoping to get a little more college work done too!

When the weather clears up a bit I'll take a few more pics and get them on here too.

That's all for now :)
Many blessings

my new hoyvoy trainers

2010-07-28T14:00:00.001-07:00

my new hoyvoy trainers
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

I picked these up the other day from Burton, TK Maxx! Only £9.99... about wet myself :)

Just thought I'd share this picture with you :)

back soon!

KAWAii LOVELY PEAR FRONT

2010-06-29T08:26:00.001-07:00

KAWAii LOVELY PEAR FRONT
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Yay! This cute pear is Just one of the fab felt fruit available in my giveaway! It's all very exciting!

I have also got oranges and kiwi's done and will be working on strawberries, lemons, limes, peaches, plums and apples in the next week or so!

All Kawaii and cute! I can do them so they are hairclips, brooches or pendants!

Thank you for looking and hope you enjoy them!

ULTRA CHUNKY, ULTRA KAWAii BUTTON BRACELET

2010-06-29T08:22:00.001-07:00

ULTRA CHUNKY, ULTRA KAWAii BUTTON BRACELET
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

This is one very very chunky bracelet, packed with biggish small buttons :S It's fun and perfect for the summer, especially if you love bright colours! I'm not 100% sure where i'm going to put this one up for sale yet, but it will be on sale for £8.50.. I can do 2 others similar. Hoping to get more smaller button bracelets done soon too!

Thanks

GET iN ON THE GiVE AWAY!!!

2010-06-28T15:48:00.000-07:00

Thats right people! Join the NiNE FRUiTS PiE facebook page and follow the details and be in with the chance of winning a new cute Felt friend! Kawaii! Pictures should be coming this weekend!... Start's on July the 8th and you have a week to Enter!

I know it's been a while since I've posted but I will try and post once a week at least with pictures and links and favourite things :) Enjoy!

Owl by the River - Semi Precious Necklace

2010-05-11T08:18:00.001-07:00

Owl by the River - Semi Precious Necklace
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

My cute new designs are on flickr People...and this is just one of them!

My Felt Owl Pendant on a semi precious necklace is just the start of the things i am working on at the moment..

On Thursday 13th of May (ascension day) until Sunday 23rd May (Pentecost) I am offering free p+p to anyone who buys off my folksy shop, Misi shop or online shop. I'll be adding more Items to them over the next few days as well!

Links can be found on http://www.ninefruitspie.co.uk

Keep your eyes peeled though! more to come....

ANYONE ON TUMBLR?

2010-04-30T17:02:00.000-07:00

I decided to join tumblr as well now... It gives me something else to do, and another place to show off my jewellery! :)

raspberry sorbet set - PINK

2010-04-21T16:58:00.001-07:00

raspberry sorbet set - PINK
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

If you like pink then you'll love this! it's one of my favourite sets! its new, funky and original! i can't wait to see it out and about on people!

It's available at my cute little folksy shop!

http://www.folksy.com/items/446606-Raspberry-Sorbet-PINK-Pony-Bead-Charm-set?shop=yes

hope you like this along with my other goodies! It's a little bit kawaii, and a lot of fun! ^_^

Rainbow Fizz! Shell Heart Charm Necklace

2010-04-11T04:34:00.001-07:00

Rainbow Fizz! Shell Heart Charm Necklace
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

I love this new little pice! Its super cute! Super kawaii and still very very girly! I have it up for sale on my folksy shop :)

http://www.folksy.com/items/428385-Rainbow-Fizz-Shell-Heart-Charm-Necklace?shop=yes

So please take a look... This is a Limited Editon Piece!!! There are only 5 for sale. The chances of more being made are minimal sue to the rarety of the shell hearts! (small shell heart might not seem that rare, but in the range of colours i've used they are)

It's up for sale at only £2.50! An absolute bargain.

Enjoy!

Midnight Garden Necklace!

2010-04-04T16:37:00.001-07:00

Button close-up on the midnight garden necklace
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

a Necklace with beautiful Charms and dangles, with a key, a dragonfly, a flower and a big button, and beautiful fluorite beads! the main Necklace is made with swarovski Crystals and Freshwater Pearls in a deep purpley blue tone..... Just gorgeous!

pink polka dot bag! a good primark buy! :P

2010-04-04T14:38:00.001-07:00

pink polka dot bag! a good primark buy! :P
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Easter Cupcakes

2010-04-04T13:17:00.001-07:00

Easter Cupcakes
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

My Mummy's Yummy Easter Cupcakes! :)

summer punch earrings pair 3

2010-03-28T11:36:00.001-07:00

summer punch earrings pair 3
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Stunning tiny buttons make this pretty pair of charm style earrings.. In vibrant bright colours perfect for the summer :)

www.misi.co.uk/gifts/41277/Summer_Punch_Button_Earrings.html

tadaa! cute and complete! sherbet dip bracelet!

2010-03-21T07:07:00.001-07:00

tadaa! cute and complete! sherbet dip bracelet!
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

I have just finished this beautiful sherbet dip button bracelet! i love it and hope you do too :) I'll be adding it to my folksy shop this afternoon and should be making the earrings to match! woooo!

Simple Easter Earrings

2010-03-14T07:20:00.001-07:00

Simple Easter Earrings
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Pretty and simple Earring perfect for the easter season :) blessings

Spring Time Prom Necklace with Silk Ribbon

2010-03-08T11:03:00.001-08:00

Spring Time Prom Necklace with Silk Ribbon
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Beautiful Dyed Jade beads in yellow and green, with green seed beads. Lovely silk ribbon and a stunning Sterling Silver Jasmine Clasp :)

Enjoy the Spring!

Woodland Butterfly Necklace

2010-03-07T11:16:00.001-08:00

Woodland Butterfly Necklace - Pendant
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Made with Cloisonne Beads, Crazy Lace Agate Beads and Faceted Gem-Citrine Beads with a beautiful detail Butterfly Pendant. Sterling Silver Pendant and Clasp.. One of my new Favourite pieces. A little pricey, but it does have 8 GEM- Critrine Beads.

Enjoy and check out my other pieces :) Thank you

pink dyed jade, black onyx and swarovski crystal chandelier earrings

2010-03-05T08:23:00.001-08:00

pink dyed jade, black onyx and swarovski crystal chandelier earrings
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

I love these Earring! I think they are perfect for those who like to be cute and funky but have a very special occassion to go to. They are both Stylish and funky!

Chrysacolla earrings

2010-02-08T15:08:00.001-08:00

Chrysacolla earrings
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

http://www.folksy.com/items/223361-Chrysacolla-Earrings?shop=yes

Available at my folksy shop! Please take a look!

This simple but stunning pair of earrings are made with beautiful rectangular Chrysacolla beads.

With Sterling Silver ear wires

Thank you :)

Golden Freshwater Pearl Necklace

2010-02-08T15:05:00.001-08:00

golden fwp necklace
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Available at http://www.mustardseedgiftshop.co.uk

Delicate and dainty necklace made with golden colour freshwater peals and Bali sterling silver tube beads. A classy piece that can be worn with many different outfits.

19" in length and a stunning Bali sterling silver flower Clasp

If you are interested, head straight there! don't miss out!

cherries for you

2010-02-07T06:26:00.001-08:00

cherries for you
Originally uploaded by NiNEFRUiTSPiE

Just one of the badges that i bought from paperchase! very cute! happy me!

Tomorrow is a busy day!

2010-01-29T15:33:00.000-08:00

Saturday the 30th of January! A day to be celebrated... It's the day that there will finally be some more pieces on the Mustard Seed Gift Shop website! It may not happen until mid afternoon, but it's definately happening. I shall be taking pictures, sorting items etc. in the morning, and although it might not have loads on it will be a start.. Keep your eyes peeled! :)

Finally getting my finger out!...

2010-01-20T15:12:00.000-08:00

Desperate times call for desperate measures! I've certainly had a wake up call which has caused me to spend more time focusing on what I actually want to do with my time.. which is make jewellery. I don't want to go into great detail at the moment, but in the near future I am hoping to have a blog shop as well as the other places i sell my jewellery. If things go to plan I shall be sorted by the summer but if not.. the end of the year.. it's my mission!

This post is quite ominous, especially after not posting for over a year and there being no real subject. But there shall be more, if only to post pictures and a brief word :D

Many Blessings!

so... i have a job.... FINALLY!

2008-10-11T05:30:00.000-07:00

I tell you what i ain't half glad i've got something! Dang dole money! But now i dunna have to worry so much cus i are going to be a child minders assistant.... when everythink is sorted and stuff! woo!
I can't wait really. It aint loads of hours but it'll earn me a ickle bit and i can carry on making me jewellery and stuff!

well i thought i'd let ya know and hopefully i'll keep you all filled in on how its all going and put new piccies up soon! yay! go me!

I need lace, and more beads, and some felt, and some pearls, and some more silver stuff, and oooh! the money to buy them with!

2008-08-13T03:16:00.000-07:00

I will start this particular post with the words "Bah, Humbug!". Well i would have done if I hadn't spent the time explaining that! (what??!!) Anyway, I have decided it really does suck not having any pennies! Especially when you have a list from here (my hand) to there (somewhere reallly really far away). I have far too many ideas in my head that I need to make to not have pennies!

Luckily a nice lady in a near by town has took on a couple of my sets. One of the sets being featured just here! Its made from a lot of Bali Sterling Silver, Pink Hemimorphite and Flashy hypersthene. I thought the set looked rather "boutiquey", which is probably a word I have just made up, but i plan that by the end of 2008 it will be in the dictionary. If it isn't I will complain.

The other set was yet another personal favourite, but i never got round to taking any pictures :( but it was pretty and unusual and hopefully some pretty lady will buy it! That one was made from chrysocolla, canelian, glass beads and Bali sterling silver. The lovely thing about that particular set was the clasps were dragonfly toggle clasps, really pretty and different. I want more! lol!

I have a few more ideas though of using more ribbons and lace in my jewellery! The pieces I have made with ribbon have been a real hit, and I have only a few left. One which is on etsy, and the other on our website. But I am almost out of ribbon, and have no lace (although i have asked my mum ;) ).

But I am running low on soooooooooooo much stock you wouldn't believe. I really could do with more pearls, more sterling silver bits and bobs, lace, ribbon, everything! (well there are only a few bits i'm running low on, the rest i just consider my self to not have enough of). I did consider starting my own "donate to NFP to help her make Amazingly pretty jewellery" Fund. but somehow i don't think its gonna happen anytime soon. which is a shame. Oh Well!

I have a couple of wedding shops interested, so i shall work on those piccy's in the next few weeks and hopefully we shall see some really pretty stuffs! yay!

<><><

I'm now on etsy!!! woo!

2008-08-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Well, I've finally got around to making myself an etsy shop. not everything is on yet, but hopefully i will have between 10 and 15 in a week or so! But what a week it has been.

http://NiNEFRUiTSPiE.etsy.com

Today, I took a lovely trip to a near by town, in hope to either find a new job, or some place to sell some jewellery. Hopefully i have found both. got a few application forms to fill in and c.v's to give out etc. But I still needed to find an outlet for my jewellery. In this lovely town there's a few "posh" shops. So I pulled my socks up, grit my teeth and was presently surprised. In the 3 most likely shop to take on independent designers all 3 showed an interest. I'm not expecting all 3 to accept, but even if one did that would be grand!

Well, I hope you visit my etsy shop and enjoy what you see. and if you think there's something i am missing from it. let me know! thank you

Claudia xxxx

My attempt to pull my socks up has begun! I think...

2008-07-20T11:26:00.000-07:00

I have recently noticed (this is a lie i noticed a long time ago but couldn't be bothered to do anything about it) that i have neglected my blog. This was not deliberate, but very lazy of me (i will argue at this point that laziness is a medical condition hense the reason it's not deliberate). However over the last few weeks or so i have been given a large perscription of "get off your backside and do something about it girl" pills. They do leave a slightly sour, but refreshing taste and although you may still not feel like doing anything remotely constructive, they make you!

This is partly the reason i have decided to blog again on a regular basis (well hopefully). I am going to start using my blog a bit like an online portfolio. Obviously with added extra's like sarcasm, rainbows, jelly sweets, cupcakes, moaning, faffing, spelling mistakes and not actually doing what i'm supposed to be doing!

So to begin here i have a necklace made with Vintage pearl beads and a Bali Sterling silver clasp. I take Beautiful vintage beads from jewellery that has broken and turn them back in to pretty wearable pieces. These particular pearls came from a long necklace where the string had broken and half the clasp was missing. They are quite large beads too, making the necklace nice and bold. I could have tried to mixing them with other beads and dangling stuff from it etc. but i think a classic simple single strand necklace does it justice enough.

I've recently came up with a new design too. knowing my luck its already been done before but it happened sort of by accident. I decided one night to start knitting some wire pieces for brooches. I was actually aiming for a sort of oblong shape, but thats not what the wire wanted to do, it was a wiggly shape instead! but then a brain wave occurred. It wiggled in such a way i could mold it into the shape of a dress. So thats what i did. Then i added pretty vintage beads for edging, waist band and pattern. Eventually i turned it into a brooch! And this is what it looks like done. None of the pictures i've taken give it justice, and i took lots. But it gives you a taste of what the real thing is like.

Anyway, until i can get more pictures sorted and taken i shall depart.

God Bless

NFP

i'd forget my head if it wasn't screwed on!

2008-04-06T05:08:00.000-07:00

Crikey! I have left it an awfully long time since my last post. Too long. But there has been a lot going on and wotnot. We now have the shop website up and running. We still have a lot of products to add but there are a few bits to buy on there, which is the main thing, and because there is the basis for it there, it means we HAVE to keep it up to date. But because I've been so busy sorting bits for that, and trying to get my room sorted to decorate, I kinda forgot to update this.

Well anyway. I'm getting quite excited about Pentecost. I sorted my outfit out weeks ago as well as my hair do! Yes thats right, I have a special outfit and Pentecost hair. It's my thing to do every year. This years colour scheme is bright orange and blue. My inspiration came from a dress I bought from monsoon earlier this year. It's white, orange and blue. And it was in the sale, for a fiver! I almost wet myself. So obviously I had to buy it. Because the weather has not been the best yet, I haven't had a chance to wear it as it is quite summery. So i decided to save it for Pentecost and match my hair and jewellery with it.

I do my hair as a witnessing tool. People tend to ask me questions why I've done my hair etc and I tell them its for Pentecost etc. and you get my drift! My hair will be plaited all over and wrapped in blue and orange wool! it looks quite funky and makes quite an impact.

My jewellery will be made from matching dyed jade beads, seed beads and buttons. I will be working on that in the next few weeks! As well as trying to decorate my room.

My bedroom is currently in very girly pink, purple and silver, but thats getting a bit wearing now. And my bed is in a cupboard sort of thing which I have to climb on to. It's partly the reason I stay up late. I just cant be bothered to climb into bed. It's too much effort. Anyhoo, I will sort have a normal wooden frame bed and have pastel pink and aqua walls with red gloss work, should look lovely.

I've had to book a week off work to try and get it done, but there is so much stuff in the room, it will probably take a few weeks longer! :0

Got to go sort some beads and stuff out, could really do with making a few more bits and bobs!

NFP
<><

Mustard Seed Gift Shop

NEW CHRISTIAN FORUM

2007-12-30T18:11:00.000-08:00

We've set up a new Christian forum for young people (14-30ish)

The aim of the forum is to encourage Bible study, fellowship and Prayer, Although we do hope the Prayer section in Particular is used by many more and that the prayer requests maybe spread through to Churches and home groups etc.

ATM the way of joining is a bit awkward, but if you are interested please let me know and I will sort it etc.

If your not sure about Joining, but would still like prayer requests adding, or passing on to you and your church let me know and that can also be arranged.

Every Blessing

<><><

such a long time!

2007-12-07T16:42:00.000-08:00

woah! i can't believe its been sooooo long since i last posted anything. i really have neglected my blog! so much has happened since the last time i posted, but i won't go to detail. well not at the minute anyway.

Just going to leave a poem!

And even through my heart felt tears
My dark dreams and all my fears
You find a way to light my path
to stop my falling hand

My stumbling foot doesn't carry on
But stops as you hold out your arm
My head is held like a child
my wounds are healed again

And when my past decides to haunt
My foes and woes distaught my thoughts
My heart in anguish for those day
when I forgot your name

You cradle me and hold me tight
Remind me I laid rest to ghosts
My lifeis new, I'm fresh, Forgiven
my stains washed from my cloak

Though hurt and pain I still feel now
You puut joy in my heart
To flee from what I was
to become a new creation

I will lay down my tortured soul
That through all faults of my own
Mistreated myself and all my friends
the soul was selfish and with revenge

My hastey marks and actions left
The bruises on my neighbours cry
And sorrow that i gave in vain
to leave them empty with all scorn

But then to learn of your great love
Oh rescue me from my own mind
And as I left my ruined soul
at the foot of your cross

On which you bore my shame and sin
Wept and bled to gain my heart
Bought eternity for me
serving even in your death

The ransom on my life is paid
The lamb has conquered deaths foul stench
For those who would all have faith
in his most precious name

Healed, Washed, Forgiven.

<><

hopefully i will manage to keep a bit more up to date in the future! i will get some pictures of my new guinea pigs etc. they are so cute, Agnus and Freda.

And also some personal studies on the fruits of the Spirit.

hugs and blessings!

Claudia

<><

TRUST!

2007-10-28T16:39:00.000-07:00

Wow, what a day I've had!

I feel I keep discovering new stuff. And today this thought occurred to me during a sermon at chapel.I'm sure many people have had the same thought, but I've never really heard many people mention it!

We touched on the conversion of Saul/Paul. road to Damascas! the Big one in the Bible. very profound! People bang on about how Saul killed many Christians and what a bad guy he was etc (and i am not saying it wasn't bad he killed Christians) but we have to remember one thing. He actually believed he was doing God's will at the time, the thing was He was trusting his own judgement in which he saw the right. It didn't occur to him that God didn't want him to do that.

God wasn't just telling Paul because he was persecuting Christians, but because of the Belief he was doing it in. Trusting himself that he was doing the right thing and not God. No wonder God blinded him. God had to make him completely trust in him. That meant trusting God would guide him to the right place and into the hands of those he had previously hated.He had to trust God that those people would take care of him. The people God lead Paul to, are the one he was on his way to kill or imprison. With Paul being blind, they could have really took advantage of that situation. Paul knew that, but was having to trust that God would bring him no harm. The people paul was lead to also had to completely trust God that paul wouldn't harm them, how hard knowing that he would have been going there to persecute them in the first place.

Sometimes I think we need to be completely blinded by God to reaffirm our faith in him. We need to learn to trust him with our whole lives, hearts and bodies. after all he knows whats best!

Acts 9

Saul's Conversion

1Meanwhile, Saul was still breathing out murderous threats against the Lord's disciples. He went to the high priest 2and asked him for letters to the synagogues in Damascus, so that if he found any there who belonged to the Way, whether men or women, he might take them as prisoners to Jerusalem. 3As he neared Damascus on his journey, suddenly a light from heaven flashed around him. 4He fell to the ground and heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"

5"Who are you, Lord?" Saul asked.

"I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting," he replied. 6"Now get up and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do."

7The men traveling with Saul stood there speechless; they heard the sound but did not see anyone. 8Saul got up from the ground, but when he opened his eyes he could see nothing. So they led him by the hand into Damascus. 9For three days he was blind, and did not eat or drink anything.

10In Damascus there was a disciple named Ananias. The Lord called to him in a vision, "Ananias!"
"Yes, Lord," he answered.

11The Lord told him, "Go to the house of Judas on Straight Street and ask for a man from Tarsus named Saul, for he is praying. 12In a vision he has seen a man named Ananias come and place his hands on him to restore his sight."

13"Lord," Ananias answered, "I have heard many reports about this man and all the harm he has done to your saints in Jerusalem. 14And he has come here with authority from the chief priests to arrest all who call on your name."

15But the Lord said to Ananias, "Go! This man is my chosen instrument to carry my name before the Gentiles and their kings and before the people of Israel. 16I will show him how much he must suffer for my name."

17Then Ananias went to the house and entered it. Placing his hands on Saul, he said, "Brother Saul, the Lord—Jesus, who appeared to you on the road as you were coming here—has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." 18Immediately, something like scales fell from Saul's eyes, and he could see again. He got up and was baptized, 19and after taking some food, he regained his strength.

Saul in Damascus and Jerusalem

Saul spent several days with the disciples in Damascus. 20At once he began to preach in the synagogues that Jesus is the Son of God. 21All those who heard him were astonished and asked, "Isn't he the man who raised havoc in Jerusalem among those who call on this name? And hasn't he come here to take them as prisoners to the chief priests?" 22Yet Saul grew more and more powerful and baffled the Jews living in Damascus by proving that Jesus is the Christ.^[a]

23After many days had gone by, the Jews conspired to kill him, 24but Saul learned of their plan. Day and night they kept close watch on the city gates in order to kill him. 25But his followers took him by night and lowered him in a basket through an opening in the wall.

26When he came to Jerusalem, he tried to join the disciples, but they were all afraid of him, not believing that he really was a disciple. 27But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. He told them how Saul on his journey had seen the Lord and that the Lord had spoken to him, and how in Damascus he had preached fearlessly in the name of Jesus. 28So Saul stayed with them and moved about freely in Jerusalem, speaking boldly in the name of the Lord. 29He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. 30When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.

31Then the church throughout Judea, Galilee and Samaria enjoyed a time of peace. It was strengthened; and encouraged by the Holy Spirit, it grew in numbers, living in the fear of the Lord.

many blessings

Claudia

Top 10 to Knowing Me!

2007-09-30T13:45:00.000-07:00

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

xxxxxxxx

just a quick one! my new hair do!

2007-09-30T05:23:00.000-07:00

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

xxxxxx

Time for Tea!

2007-09-26T13:34:00.000-07:00

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

xxxxx

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!

2007-09-20T14:10:00.000-07:00

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

xxxxxxx

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

2007-09-18T16:01:00.000-07:00

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
xxxxxx

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!

2007-09-17T09:54:00.000-07:00

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
xxxxx

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

2007-09-10T16:22:00.000-07:00

…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

xxxxxx

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

2007-09-07T15:53:00.000-07:00

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
xxxxxx

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

2007-09-06T17:44:00.000-07:00

....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...

2007-09-02T14:20:00.000-07:00

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.

It's a bit like the olden days....

2007-08-30T14:52:00.000-07:00

.... Well, not quite, but I can but dream.

I thought I would go to Stuart's house, and because he's waiting to pick his new car up, I didn't have a lift. So I walked. Thought it would be a great chance to use my iPOD. It was a Pleasant night, not too cold (well it shouldn't be, but the summer we're having...) and not too many chav's. I suppose its also a good excuse to get exercise too.

Anyhow, When I got to Stu's he was playing on his Xbox, but soon came off and we went to watch some telly. Not that there was much on. Just stuff like how to look good in expensive clothes, several programs about actor's trying to portrait real life where things happen that's just stupid, and reality TV, GRRR!

Yes, That's right we ended up watching Big Brother, and the weird and disturbing thing is I found myself laughing at it, which bugs me even more. This was until all the lights went off and the telly faded out and the distant sound of a house alarm could be heard. Ace! a Powercut! I get so excited when things like that happen.

We then went on a mad rush to find our mobile phones. The great thing about these modern jobs is they have lights on them, for the camera use! Then we went on the hunt for some matches, shortly followed by the hunt for candles and last but not least ... ... something to put the candles in! there pretty much sorted. Obviously, then it was time for a nosy out the window to see who else's power had gone out. And it seemed like pretty much everyone in the street.

About 15 minutes later Stuarts Mum gave me a lift home, so we could see who else hadn't got any power. Yikes! It seemed like the whole village. Just the odd street here and there lit up. Those streets almost seemed like Christmas, compared with everywhere else. Driving back was so dark, but it was so exciting. I suppose you forget at times, when your surrounded but street lamps and house lights that not that long ago in history we never had anything like that.

Its exciting and scary to think how far technology has progressed, but also how much we have lost touch with basic survival skills. How would we cope without electricity, gas and fresh water. Without fridges, cookers, batteries, lights, hot water etc... ... but then I suppose it isn't all that far away after all. There are homeless people in this country that have few of those. And if we dare to look a little further, those who have never had those things, who have to walk miles for water, struggle to find food and have little shelter.

I suppose whether its on your doorstep or elsewhere, when having a power cut instead of worrying bout what we might miss for a couple of hours, think of those whose whole life is built around be able to cope without them.

Claudia
xxxxx

Proverbs 13:23 A poor man's field may produce abundant food, but injustice sweeps it away.

Proverbs 14:31 He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.

Welcome to my Nine Fruits Pie

2007-08-29T14:09:00.000-07:00

... but its much more than that...

...apart from the nine fruits, this is also a place for bright colours, Beads, Jewellery, Clothes, Music, Funny Stuff, Shoes, E Numbers, and snooze buttons!

Yikes! Look at me, babbling on, I haven't even said who I am. Well My name is Claudia, but most of my friends call me Flo (long story). I do work, but I try not to talk about it. I make beaded jewellery, love shopping, eating, sleeping and that sorta stuff, but I don't want to bore you all with that sorta stuff! I'm sure anyone who reads this will get the kinda person I am quickly!

Well I suppose this post was short and sweet, almost pointless, but not entirely.
Thankies

xxxxx