On A String

 One of the things I get asked about a lot is how do I come up with designs and track my progress. I sat down and thought about it - it's as simple as a notebook and a pen.  Which sound easy right? But, there's a bit more organisation and process to it.  I generally record everytime I bead, what I've done, in just a few simple lines. I also keep a tally of what I need to buy next time I'm putting in an online order or visiting a bead shop. And I also keep a sketch book close by for when I'm either coming up with a new design, or planning a tutorial for a workshop.  So with that all in mind, I decided to plan a beading journal to fill what I saw as a gap in the market - a tool for beaders to capture the essentials of their beading journey in one spot.  I consulted with some of my beading friends, and designed ' My Beading Journal ' as a physical resource for beaders of all skill levels.  With elements including: - Favourite bead stores, social accounts and d...

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...