I Heart Macro - cabs!

Hello friends,

Two posts in a day...  playing catch up!

Yesterday, I had a day away from preparing the house for sale and took a trip to the country for a Lapidary and gem show at Yarragon, Victoria.

I have always wanted to try and set a cab in silver but needed to buy a cab to try it! I couldn't help myself and bought a few cabs to try and also the tools that help fold/push the metal over the stone.

Next step... the silver, the bezel and the instructions.....
I have no idea if these are 'good' or not.. I just chose a few from the ones available that I liked.

Fossilised coral x 2, dendritic agate, Botswana agate, Purple Chalcedony and an Australian Garnet

Tools for pushing the edges of the metal over the cab.

Now to make the time to put these babies together!

Linking up to Lori's for I Heart Macro

Cheers for now,

I Heart Macro - Bead Love.

Hello dear readers,

A few days ago, I went to the Melbourne Bead Expo. This annual event is one of two annual bead shows held in Melbourne, Australia.

This particular show is run by the Bead Society of Victoria.

There were lots of bead suppliers from around Australia, many locally talented lampworkers, classes  available and a wonderful exhibition of jewellery items as part of the Challenge Exhibition. ( all competitors had to use the same beads as part of the challenge)

I was fairly restrained in my purchasing this year, mainly buying strands of smaller  beads and gemstones that I could incorporate with a few pieces I am working on for Christmas presents and on-line beading design challenges.

The blue ones are Peruvian Opal, coloured pearls, Hessonite Garnet, and Grey Quartz to name a few.

Wonderful glass daggers...fabulous aren't they?

Today, I am linking up to I Heart Macro. Please click on the photo link below to take you to see other 'I Heart Macro' photos at our host, Lori's site - Studio Waterstone.

Cheers for now,

Bead Table Wednesday 2

Goodness, the week has flown!

As I received my Bead Soup Blog Party beads from Grace in Philadelphia this week, I have started to think and plan how I may best put them together.

Which pearls to use?
Which gemstones to use?
Which colour combination do I like the most?
Will I add a lampwork bead to the mix?
Will I use wire?

I am totally in love with the crazy lace agate focal bead she made me, so, although I have shown a photo of this on a previous post, (after receiving the "soup"), I  am showing it again!

So this is what I am working on this Wednesday, there is a lot to think about.....!

Cheers and happy beading,

Jenni

At Long Last , Bead Love returned.

After reading yesterday that my Bead Soup  partner Grace had received her package from me, I was  keeping my fingers crossed that mine would arrive today, and it did!

I couldn't get to my letter box fast enough when I saw that tell-tale yellow envelope  poking it's corner out.
I started to open it and then thought,  "woops, got to take photos"

So, I will walk you through it....

Gorgeous little box and foliage.

Pretty packaging and card

The huge pile of lovelies.

The totally beautiful crazy lace agate focal, with clasp and connector.

I can't tell you how lovely this is, it is delicate and so beautifully made.

And it all ties in together so well.

I am SO thrilled to receive these beautifully crafted pieces.

A selection of gemstones. I am  totally mad about gemstones!

Gemstone names. 

Exquisite coloured pearls.

Grace, thanks so much. I am in awe of your silversmithing work and am hugely happy with all the lovely extras you have sent me. Hope I can do it justice!.

Hope all BSBP participants are receiving their parcels and  liking theirs as much as me!

Until next time,

Jenni