On A String

In Australia, our summers are long and hot - and we are a nation who tends to go on holidays at this time - and I'm no exception to this. For me, it means time with friends, family, children and now grandchildren, and time at the beach. We travel about 3 hours from home and spend a couple of weeks by the beach. My family (sons and husband) love to fish - and while they're out in the boat or at the pier, I can be found beading in our caravan. Travel beading means being organised - I don't have access to all my beads, pearls, crystals and findings, and I'm more limited in exploring my own creative pursuits and designing. It means that I usually pack two or three 'kits' and projects form other designers. This helps me grow my own professional skills, as learning from others is a great way to expand my own skill sets, plus I love to support other beading designers. In 2021, I completed two big projects, one by Helena Tang-Lim called ' The Urchin ' and ...

Right now, supporting small business in Australia is easy. The impact of COVID-19, and ‘staying at home’ has put the spotlight firmly on online shopping – the market place for many small businesses across the country. The difference between supporting a smallbusiness , often run from a spare room, kitchen table, or garage is often the more personal experience and unique products that you can find. It is a business built from that one person who has a passion for creating, and keen interest in providing a unique experience and product for the buyer. Buying jewellery in Australia  It can be an experience unlike what you get in store. The pieces are crafted by hand, be that beading , metal work, glass or polymer clay, are constructed using techniques the crafter has developed over time. Their intimate knowledge of their product and craft shines through in their finished product, and you know that you are getting a product that is a little bit of their soul every time. Cowgirl Penda...