Today I'm wearing ....

Reactions Swap Bead (1), originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

This necklace - the focal was by Louise of Just Desires - she lives local to me and she hosted a studio open day at the weekend!

When we have get togethers, there is the traditional bead swap! For this I received 2 hollows from Colette, and I loved Louise's beads to so arranged an additional swap!!

I've added Swarovski Crystals, and the silk was by Diane of Sowzere - in all a perfect combination!

New Heart Press

Bavarian 3D Hearts, originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

What joy .......... I have a new heart press and I'm really just loving it. The cavity makes just a nice size focal bead to decorate and as the surface is "flatter" it's also easier.

They feel nice and smooth in your hand, almost like stones (unless I've left raised decorations on them of course!)

For starters I've made this bunch of 6, but there will be more to come soon!

Smiling

Well I'm sitting here with a smile on my face - I belong to an online beading group and I have been voted Bead Artisan for June!

Even better was that I had 2 beads nominated, high praise indeed, and I just wanted to say

thank you!

Trudi xx

The Inspirational Wilds Of Gleninchaquin, Co Kerry

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to visit friends in Kenmare, Co Kerry. And unless you see it for yourself, it really is so hard to imagine the sheer untamed beauty of the place. You can really understand the phrase 40 shades of green!

We hired a car and drove around the Ring of Beara, the Ring of Kerry and also into the Gleninchaquin Park. The scenery changed at every turn, and literally took your breath away! This part of Ireland still possesses the raw natural beauty of the land. If you ever get the chance to visit, do so, you won't be disappointed!

When I came back, I wanted to make a simple bead that reflected the landscape. I made this from a couple of layers of green, and when you hold it up to the light it has a beautiful semi transparent, semi opaque quality. I've added a fossil colour to represent the wild rocks and some clear dots that represent the natural waterfalls found. I hope you like it!

It will be going up for sale on my website in the next couple of days!

Thanks for reading!

Trudi x