A Holiday Thank You…

It’s hard to believe that another year is coming to an end but 2012 is definitely just around the corner & galloping ahead at that…. As I look back on the year I can’t help thinking about all the wonderful people I’ve met, both in the flesh & on the net, who have supported me in my endeavours in so many ways: your questions, your compliments, your purchases, your trust & encouragement.

And so, in this spirit, I’d like to say a big THANK YOU by offering you, my readers, ‘Free Worldwide Shipping’ in both my Etsy & Zibbet Shops (patterns of course are not included as shipping doesn’t apply) – the offer is valid till the 30th Nov 2011.

So, if you’ve had your eye on one of my pieces, I hope you will take advantage of this once a year offer.

The Coupon Code for both shops is FRSHIP2011 – just put this code in the appropriate place on checkout & it should automatically apply the free shipping for you… (I haven’t used the shop coupons before so, if by chance they don’t work, please let me know & I’ll refund through PayPal)

You can visit Etsy or Zibbet from here or go to any of the Gallery pages, click on the piece you like & you will be taken to that item in one or the other shop.

Happy shopping & many thanks everyone!!!

Felted beads play…

I often use felted beads in my freeform work incorporating them into the fabric or attaching them to tassels & what not but always have some left over & so a little stash grew – what to do with them?  A friend suggested necklaces… hmmmm…. not really my thing… but I decided to give it a go anyway…. what fun & I think they look great, if I do say so myself 


Introducing Freeform Polymer Beads….

I created these polymer buttons/beads for my own use in conjunction with, & to be incorporated into, my freeform crochet work mainly because I couldn’t find what I wanted elsewhere.

I love making these buttons/beads… it’s a lovely change from fibre… but you will notice that I do not disguise the handmade nature of these pieces & there are some anomalies such as: fingerprints, brush strokes, distress scars & many a wonky edge & of course,  no two pieces are ever the same – & it’s these unique imperfections & differences that I love most, I never really know what I’m going to end up with – so very freeform… just wish the photos would do them justice – they look so much better in the flesh.

All my polymer buttons/beads are freeformed either by pinching the clay into shape or pressing it into one of my own handmade moulds. They are baked at the recommended temperature & roughly sanded. Depending on the effect I’m trying to achieve, each piece is hand-paint with a variety of acrylic/oil/metallic paints/powders then sealed with 2 coats of Polyurethane (indoor/outdoor) water based satin varnish & left to cure for at least 48 hours