Travelling Bead Man and a Prize!

Had to share a couple of things that happened to me this week..

First, a visit to the Havelock North home of silverwork specialist, Ingrid to view (and buy) beads from Afghan travelling bead salesman Qader.

What treasures he pulled out of his suitcase!!  I felt like I was in another world as strand after strand of unusual beads appeared out of rice sacks (yes, rice sacks!).   The Lapis Lazuli was exquisite - unlike anything I've come across in NZ which tends to have impurities (white marks and streaks), Qader's Lapis was deep, rich blue and I purchased a strand of 8mm rounds and some coin style flat pendants - yummy, can't wait to create with them.

Next week I'm back at Ingrid's to do an Art Clay Silver workshop which I'm very much looking forward to.  This is something I've wanted to do for the last 2 years.  I'm full of ideas!

I also wanted to share the lovely earrings I won from Amanda @ Pallina Designs in her necklace naming competition.  I adore Amanda's work and have a necklace my husband purchased for my birthday 2 years ago which is an absolute favourite.

As a jewellery designer, I am inspired by other's beautiful creations and the work that goes into them, and Amanda's work is divine.  She loves 'shiny' too :) !!