This has been a good week. I have learnt that I have some very dear friends who forgive all my mistakes and love me for what I am. I have downloaded (or uploaded?) some songs - they are on my 'About me' page, so don't impose too much. I make no apologies to those who don't like C&W: I still love you!

Well, I have just spent the most relaxing time at Centerparcs. I only wandered off into a bead dream once. I love the Spa sessions, although this one was punctuated by me smiling at about 6 complete strangers as I wasn't wearing my glasses (reckless, eh?) A couple of them came to introduce themselves this morning as I was standing at the bar ordering another 6 hot chocolates for the children. We actually took 8 children with us...not all mine! It was an extended family affair.

I have a couple of orders that I want to play with this weekend, one for a special person who is quite the most delightful friend I have made in many years. Her love of glass equals if not surpasses mine. I am very lucky indeed.

The hood of my extractor fan has, however, become horribly clogged so the first half hour or so will be taken up with sorting it out. PLUS, the dust, which has settled over the last few weeks has muddied my rods. All in all, I will be housekeeping in my garage for an hour or so before I can even get started with the melting business.

E-mails notifying you of new glassy combusibles will be arriving in the in-boxes of my mailing buddies, so keep your eyes peeled.

It has been a sad time. I will get back into my garage soon...may not come out though!

I have been promoted to acting Head, starting from Easter. Which gives me time to panic, working myself up into a fury of inadequacy and self doubt. On the other hand, it gives me an excuse to disappear into my garage to make beads on the pretext that I am having to take time to 'de-stress'... Every cloud has it's silver lining. Wish me luck (with the beading, not the head teacher business!)

I'm spending the weekend at my mother-in-law's house, deep in the wilds of Derbyshire. It has been a very trying week, so I'm glad of the break to be honest. I was able to get some flame time in this morning, before we left. I have had an idea about creating beads with selected parts etched and masked off. I experimented with the 'Random Rennie' set and I have been playing around with more. This time, I have layered different colours of transparent glass which I will etch later in the week when I have time! In the meantime, I am going to enjoy being looked after by my mother-in-law: lovely.

What a week! If I manage to get home before 7.00pm at the moment, I'm counting myself lucky. Tonight was spent sat outside in the car for an hour and a quarter playing Scrabble on my phone with my son, waiting for my daughter to finish her ballet lesson. I wonder if I was as high maintenance when I was young? Unlikely, as I was the perfect child and teenager...just turned reckless when I became an adult!

I am hoping to go into my garage and lose myself in some glass this weekend. I'm feeling in a pink mood, although goodness knows it will all have changed by then. I'm definitely in a transparent way of thinking though, maybe with some dots and some etching...

Certainly, there is evidence of green grass in our back garden, which can only mean that the snow is on its way out? I was able to trudge down to the bottom of the garden yesterday, slipping only once. I wanted to practise the 'helix' shape that I have been playing with over the last couple of weeks: irregular shapes interest me greatly. We don't seem to find they sit easy on the eye and I know that the children I teach find them troublesome, because the shapes don't seem to follow any rules. Maybe that's why I like them! Anyway, I have listed some new beads, which are both irregular AND irridescent - aren't I the rebel...

I couldn't resist putting this picture in - we don't often get snow in Doncaster and it looks idyllic. It's a shame the dead horse's legs are sticking up and spoiling the effect, but there you are. We really must locate the rider soon...

Armed with a trusty hammer and chisel, I smashed my way into my garage - stupid door had frozen solid! I had a really good afternoon, making up a small backlog of orders. Thanks to a small fan heater, I was able to spend a little time playing too. The net result is a very small and very exclusive set of beads, made in homage to Epiphany. I can't decide whether to list them as a set or whether to make my first piece of jewellery in over a year. I have used some pixie dust in gold and laid it over dark grey glass - the reaction is curious and not what I would have expected. You'll have to wait and see!

Sunday is 'D' Day...

In the meantime - Happy New Year. I wish you all well.x

Blimey - it's been brass monkeys here in Northumberland! Being a soft Southerner, I hardly knew what had hit me. The children have had a fantastic time, building snowmen, playing snowballs and generally getting soaking wet and cold. I have had the excuse of my dicky knee to protect me from getting too wet and cold - still got attacked though.
I hope you all had the Christmas you wished for? After the trying year we all seem to have had, I think we all deserved a time of peace and recuperation. Perhaps the snow and freezing temperatures have been a blessing in disguise for some of us, as it has prevented all the usual dashing around. I'm also aware of the trial it has been to some people and my thoughts extend to them: the shortest day has come and gone and Spring will soon be by.

I will be going home soon to my beloved beady garage. I have an  outstanding order to fulfill, which I did attempt before Christmas. The weather was so cold in Doncaster though, that every bead split in two as I brought it out of the vermiculite! I could have cried. I have plenty of ideas for new beads though, especially using the new silver glass I got for Christmas. Keep your eyes peeled for more beads and in the meantime, keep well.

I've completely depressed myself by the realisation that I still have another 20 years to work before I can retire: ugh! This all began earlier this afternoon when the head and I were chewing the fat. She has been at the school for four years to the day and I came the term before her. Just as I was comfortably resting on my laurels, nestling my lovely cards and presents to my heaving bosom she dropped in the bombshell:

"Well, only another 20 years to go; do you think we'll make it?"

Now don't get me wrong, I love my job and consider it a priviledge to be allowed to teach my children...but 20 years!!!! I'm too old and tired now - what will I be like in 10 years time let alone 20?

I may well have to retire to my garage this Sunday (can't do Saturday as I have to go to a family 'do' in Derbyshire) to contemplate my options - the mortgage does rather tie my hands though!

I apologise for the lack of beads last weekend but Christmas frivolities rather got in the way of any sensible creative work. I have however been pondering my beady options. I recently received confirmation that my beads will be in a private publication, something I'm really thrilled about.

I keep struggling for titles to my blog posts - I'm sure my brain is becoming hardened. This has been a trying week, although I received a wonderful compliment from one of the parents at school today - the sort of comment which puts to bed all the self doubts which plague you.

Anyway, to cheer myself up I have ordered some new glass (Reichenbach 'magic') and some new frit (TAG purple sable) and I feel a play coming on this weekend...after I have darned my daughter's new pointe shoes that is. She is allowed to go en pointe now after seven years of training. I've agreed to darn one pair, to show her how it's done and after that, she's on her own.

Keep your eyes peeled for some new bead sets later this weekend/early next week. They'll be full of silver glass promise (which means the reactions will be spectacular but unpredictable at first)

Have a good weekend!

It has been another hectic week, but quite productive as I have been able to remove a couple of irritants, leaving the channels of communication and creativity free once more! I haven't been down to the garage, as it has been just too cold...infact, when I lit my torch this morning it took a few minutes to get up to full steam (can gas freeze????)

I've had requests for white and black beads, but I lack the talent to combine those two colours: I always find the black 'bleeds' into the white glass and I think monochrome beads should be a crisp design. So - I have made two sets of beads instead - one white, one black. I will etch my white beads too, to give them a frosty look.

I've discovered some lead transparent frit, which reduces beautifully. It's been lain at the back of my supplies cupboard for so long, that there was a little spider burrowed in it - quite charming really.

It has been a week and a half! I truly hope that the wind and rain has not impeded anyone too much, although my thoughts go out to those in Cumbria. I did my teacher training there and have fond memories of working in some schools in the most remote of areas.

My week has been hectic to say the least, including accompanying my children to Young Voices in Sheffield on Wednesday night. To hear over 1,000 school children singing in unison, accompanying some of the most famous names in the music industry was an amazing experience: it never fails to move me.

I have had some interesting requests in terms of glass beads too and visits to my site from people from all over the world (although I find Aberdeenshire council's interest in my work quite curious - regular visits from them feature quite heavily on my stats!) I am hoping to list some new beads on my site either this weekend or early next week. I have however, left my camera at my mother-in-law's, so will be borrowing my son's camera to take any photographs - who knows, the picture quality may improve!

I was going to think of something witty to put as a title, but I don't seem to have the wherewithal to think of anything today.

It has been such a busy weekend. I spent Saturday on London with my daughter. I'd bought tickets to see the Royal ballet's performance of The Sleeping beauty ages ago. My daughter Sarah is a keen follower of Sarah Lamb. We missed seeing her dance last year as she was ill and was replaced at the last minute. She was stunning - made me feel quite emotional watching her. Sarah (Tucker!) and I took a rickshaw back to the station, in the dark and pouring rain. It was magical (if not a bit hairy when we got sandwiched between two buses - but nothing ventured, nothing gained)

We all went to three Christenings today - my two nephews and my niece. My daughter had been asked to be one of the Godparents, which she was really excited and proud about.

An old friend of mine from years back got in touch with me today - I haven't spoken to them for over twenty years, but reminiscing brought memories flooding back. It also makes clear the reality of your present situation. I'm hoping we may well meet soon, along with some of our mutual friends. I wonder if I will know what to say after so long?

Gosh it's been ages since I posted here and such a lot has happened. I began my headship course, went into hospital (again), met my group from South Africa, got invited to talk at a head's meeting, burnt my fingers twice and somehow managed to make my commisssions. For that reason, I have not made any new sets of lampwork beads to post on my website. I have nearly finished all my orders, so I'm hoping for some 'me' time this weekend. Which should see some new sets posted in the next week or so. My mailing list buddies will be informed first, so keep your eyes peeled for the e-mail.

Up till now, she has won everything! After years of dancing like a new born foal, she is dancing like a dream now. We don't have to be at the competition until 2.00pm this afternoon, so I am going to hit the garage this morning and make some of the beads that I promised. I am shattered, so I can't promise anything exotic...it may just be spacers, but they are always useful to have.

Well, this week will be taken up with ferrying my daughter to and from Gainsborough. She is in a dancing competition every day, which involves mum carting child, props, costumes and make-up on a daily basis. Now, I'm not known for my good humour at the best of times, but by Wednesday, I am generally getting distinctly tetchy. Still, she is a stunning dancer and it is worth the trail.

BUT - my beloved bead making is being neglected. I have been so busy this last few weeks, that I haven't been able to get into my garage. I have, however, promised myself a good few sessions this week, wherever I can snatch them. So, all my mail buddies will get an e-mail by the end of the week, to give them the heads up that new beads are baking and ready for sale.

Just as I thought we would gain some equilibrium, I have spent most of the day packing to leave on the school's annual residential trip - oh lucky me! Last year, we were blessed with wonderful weather and a class of lively children, who thoroughly enjoyed themselves AND went to sleep really promptly every night. I'm not sure what this year will hold in store. All orders for beads will be held over until Thursday though: my head has kindly agreed to a day of R&R (or 3 Ss as I remember it once being described to me!) So, wish me luck as I wave you goodbye...

Such as it is! After two hectic, but exciting weekends, I am finally able to hit the garage properly. I have been sneaking off like a thief all week in the evenings to make the orders I received - they are in the process of being cleaned (hateful job!) The weekend is mine though and I am planning to play around with some ideas that have been flyiing around my head for a bit. I have a lovely CiM glass, called Gelly's Sty. It's a pure baby pink and will work well with a pale green I have. Marcie (Firelady( sent me a sample of something called Golden Shell from Lauscha, which looks interesting: it was free, so who am I to complain?

It's a special weekend for me: my son is doing his grading in Tang Soo Do and my daughter is attending her bursary audition with the Royal Academy of Dance. She played in the Associated Board of Music High Scorers concert last weekend. I don't know where she gets her talent from, but it makes me so proud. SO, to you lovely patient customers who have commissioned orders - you will get your beads very soon, but I think this weekend I may be a little busy, being proud!

It's glorious here! The sun has finally decided to make an appearance and spurred me on to create havoc in the garage. I was digging around my stash and csme upon some silver wire I'd forgotten I had! So, off I went, wrapping it around the ivory glass...only it did something I didn't expect. The results will be available on line later this weekend... (sorry - too many elipses here)

I've also found my silver buckthorn glass - it resembles lots of other transparent ambers etc, so needs careful labelling - only the labels had fallen off. I'm going to mix it with other silvered glass, to see what would happen - I suspect LOTS of reactions.

A whole day of sneezing, aching and number crunching has driven me to despair, SO to break the monotony I booked a school trip to see The Northern Ballet's production of A Christmas Carol . Wandering back to the classroom, I began to wonder how my class would react...

They were thrilled! Couldn't believe it. I really thought I'd be met with groans of indifference and/or embarrassment. LOVE my class!

Ho hum - doesn't time fly when you're having fun? Actually, my weekend has consisted of driving one or other child to their various clubs (all of which seem to be at opposite ends of Doncaster) and sitting in carparks waiting, marking work, planning work (and my escape!) and people watching. Time to go back to work and normality I think. Mind, I reckon this weekend has earned me loads of brownie points, so I'll be able to disappear into the garage every evening and catch up with my glass. I managed to get hold of the book '1,000 glass beads' when I went to The Laing Gallery in Newcastle. Some of my sitting-in-car-parks-waiting time has been spent looking through this tome and I have plenty of ideas and techniques I want to try. Keep your eyes open for them on my site: they may appear in my gallery, if I don't want to part with them.

Funny old week - really hard work to be honest, but we all have weeks like that and have to put them behind us (stoic, eh?) I received a beautiful set of beads this morning - caught in a low moment on Tuesday, I cheered myself up by buying some of Dora Schubert's  fantastic beads. They lift me up somehow, being these tiny works of art.

I was lucky enough to receive tuition with Dora in Stourbridge a couple of years ago - such a genuine person and so ready to share her talent with everyone. I know we all had a great day and came away feeling very positive about our work. My dot obsession started that day and has never left me. I remember her saying "let the flame chase the stringer, Clair!" I'm that cack-handed, that I did the complete opposite...I still have to repeat the mantra today, when I am using delicate stringers.

There won't be any new beads on my site for a week or so, as I am a single parent this weekend and can't abandon my little chickens for decadent glass play in the garage. So I hope you enjoy your weekend as much as we are!

I've had a heavy couple of weeks at work, but nothing that a bit of bead making couldn't put right. I have recently re-discovered a gorgeous Lauscha glass, all milky mint and glossy. I spent a happy few hours playing with the glass on Saturday and Sunday and listed the beads yesterday. I'm that smitten with it, that I've ordered some more...from America! I wish I didn't like the unusual, hard-to-get-hold-of glass - you end up paying almost as much in postage as the glass itself! Still check out my 'Green Eyed Monsters'. They're full of movement and mystery, with swirls and deep pools of clear green and crystal glass...

I've just been tidying up my lampwork bead shop - many sets have been removed (well, they have been sold!) leaving space for some more sets. I have a lovely set of colour shift lampwork beads, in aqua and brown to list, but I was thinking about making some more colour combinations before listing them all. This has been the week of returning to school/work for many. My daughter started her new secondary school and looked so grown up - it took my breath away for a second. My son was supposed to start on the Thursday too, but silly mum made a mistake and thinking he started on Monday, had packed him off to Grandma's for a few days...the school were very understanding but requested that he return the next day! I felt SUCH a fool. Still, gives me an excuse to go into the garage and hide my embarassment in a plethora of glass rods and create some lovely colour shift lampwork beads...

Well, I sincerely hope none of you has floated away yet? Quite frankly, I am tired of the rain and even more tired of myself being bad tempered because of the rain! Making beads has been problematic, as I have to keep the garage door open (ventilation) and the oxy-con is next to the door (near the power point) and the rain keeps falling on it (DANGEROUS!) Still, I have managed a set, which I find rather interesting - all will be revealed later! There is a heavy clue in the title of the blog, however.

Well, I am home and waiting for my husband to come home, so I can disappear into the garage for a beading session! I have got some pixie dust, which I want to try, as I saw some beautiful beads in The Laing Gallery in Newcastle upon Tyne, which inspired me to give it a try. I stood on the beach in Tynemouth, watching my children splashing around in the grey sea, getting soaked to the skin myself (through torrential rainfall) and planned a set of beads using pixie dust - how sad am I? I will also use my frits to create some seascape beads and who knows, I may use both! I had a lovely, hectic week in Northumberland - it always moves me really. I sincerely hope, however, that everyone had better weather than I did!

Cornwall was beautiful, absolutely beautiful. I'd only been to the Liskeard area previously, so the South, near Penzance knocked my socks off! I was expecting to see more glass there though - with the light being so clear (and world famous) I thought that glass was a medium that leant itself well to expressing land and seascapes. I am buzzing with ideas that I want to try with my beads - I feel that a return to some frit might be in order. I have some unusual glass from Lauscha via Marcia , some smashing 'Antique Clear' from Tuffnell Glass and an unusual frit from Val Cox! I think it may be time to go 'international' and create alchemy with my glass!

A daft time to start a blog really, as I'm off on holiday to Cornwall tomorrow and won't be returning for a week. Hence the message left on the Welcome page - please continue to browse and buy my beads: they will be posted to you next Tuesday, promise!

I took an order of Aurae glass (Double Helix) today. I bought some shards from Kitzbitz Art Glass and had a play over the weekend. I have a friend, who is going to give me her opinion of the results (thanks Sharon!) It reduces to a mirror effect, which I am not so sure about. It's real bling, but I don't know if that is an effect which I want to pursue.

I will be at the torch again next Wednesday, hopefully energised by my Cornwall visit - if anyone has any suggestions for bead designs or colour combinations, please let me know!

Clair