Hi everyone,

It's already half-way through January - how did that happen? I am currently deciding on which shows to attend this year with at least 4 in Brisbane so far. I could do more but feel that I'd rather put the effort into our local ones and do them well. The Craft Expo is in March (25 - 28th) then it's the Bead & Gem Show in early July (1 - 4th), the Stitches & Craft Show in September (16 - 19th) and finally the Craft & Quilt Fair in October (20 - 24th). I can see this is going to be another busy year.

My latest projects that will be going into 2 different beading publications are shown at the top. They will also be classes held at the shop in the next few months depending on their popularity. I have just a few (thousand) Swarovski chatons that I have been trying to incorporate into jewellery so I found these cute settings that were 3 cup links and thought they would look cute.

Have also been playing with macrame using hemp cord / leather etc. and you know how much I love my pearls - well these big hole pearls were perfect for this little number. The flower helped to give it a focal point. Liz is making me some large hole handmade beads (small sizes) to put into the bracelets as well - can't wait for these!.

Liz has got some gorgeous flower shaped beads as well as large leaves that she is working on - some exciting stuff to come.

Also been playing with some ferido clay which is a 2-part epoxy but in clay form - millions of possibilities that's for sure. Stay tuned!.

Monnie