X Marks The Spot!!

One of the forums I belong to runs challenges every month, these are a great way to make you think about designs and exercise the old brain muscles!!

One of the challenges was entitles "Pirates" ......... lordy what was I going to do???

Then I sat down and thought about it, Pirates = Treasure!!

So I made up some golden nuggets (with real gold inside them - tis treasure after all!). But before you get to the treasure you'll need a map right! So I designed a ring top with a treasure map , X marking the spot!

Inkspired Challenge

One of the challenges in one of my forum groups last month was to design a piece that was based on a tattoo theme! Good challenge!!

So I came up with the hearts and flowers theme, ideally I would have included a dagger but these are quite tricky to come by, so I used a haging crystal drop instead as the piece looked unfinished without it.

The colours aren't normally ones I'd use together, I was taking myself out of my comfort zone, but looking at it now I'm really pleased with it.

On the road to Morocco .....

On the road to Morocco , originally uploaded by Glittering Prize - Trudi.

I belong to an online beading group (for jewellery and lampwork). And one of the challenges was entitles On The Road To Morocco.

In my mind I pictured a bustling market place, with lots of vibrant colours, and flashes of silky fabrics! So I picked out a variety of bright colours - reactive and sparkly frit (Goldstone) and made this set!

What do you think - did I capture the spirit of Morocco?

Challenges and Swaps!

I love to get involved in swaps and challenges, I find that they take me out of my comfort zone and work towards new styles!!

As it's "summer" I've been working on a challenge with the them Life's A Beach, and after several attempts I finally have something I'm pleased with:

I made this with a mixture of semi precious, ceramic, silver, swarovski and of course my own lampwork - so very unique!

On Frit Happens I've organised a Halloween swap - so I've been thinking of what to make. So far I have a couple of pumpkins to show off - very comical looking, I might have to call them Eric and Ernie!

In the kiln as I type I have a couple of ghosts . whooooooooooo!! Can' wait to see how they come out! Watch this space!