Shooting Star Jewellery Designs

Happy New Year

2011-01-02T23:39:00.000Z

After a few months break from blogging, I might be back.... I say might because I have all the best intentions to begin 2011 blogging, making jewellery etc etc! But you know how things get... busy!
Beginning my first teaching job has taken up a lot of my time over the past term but having been thrown in at the deep end back in September I now feel a bit more organised and on top of things, so hopefully I will have some more free time to get back to doing some normal things.
I neglected both of my reading groups last year and I am hoping to get my enthusiasm for them back. I received some good books for christmas so I already have my interest piqued and I am ready to get reading... well I just need some free time!
Also for christmas I was given a Cath Kidston sewing book so everyone this year will probably be receiving a homemade item for their birthday or any event that requires a gift!
Hmm, I began writing this yesterday and now coming back to it I have kind of lost my train of thought... anyway Happy New Year!!

Bleurgh

2010-09-07T19:39:00.001+01:00

Well that is how I feel at the moment.... bleurgh. After a not so sunny summer autumn seems to not too far away and I am feeling quite grey. After completing my PGCE (yeah!) I am looking for a job (not yeah!) and getting more and more grey as the days go by. Hopefully something will come up soon or I will have ran out of house things to do!
I have been decorating our flat, the two bedrooms are now a newer looking shade of magnolia with bright, shiny, white woodwork making them lovely, clean and new. I have also been doing some sewing and made a wonderful (almost anyway) purse and am at the present time undoing some stitching on another one. I will continue un-stitching before re-stitching it correctly and then will show you what I have been making!
As you have probably guessed from previous posts - I love to read! So I have been reading my way through my bookshelf. I didn't want to bore you with too many book reviews so they will come one at a time later on.
My lovely kitten also keeps me busy - she has developed a keen liking to my new cardigan and keeps getting it out of everywhere I hide it! She is most mischievous but also too cute so I can't stay mad with her.

Lastly I am enjoying watching CSI....... it is on many times throughout the day so I can indulge frequently. My husband dislikes it, (or so he says... he seems to have been unable to leave the room while it has been on a few times now) so while he is busy studying I am taking full advantage of having the TV remote to myself!
One thing does seem to be missing from my list of past-times... jewellery making! Well I have done a bit and intend to do more. I am aiming to get everything photographed this week so if you don't see any new pictures by Monday please tell me off.
Although all these things are fun and I am enjoying my beautiful home, I would just love a job. But enough sadness... I am off to watch CSI!

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer & Annie Barrows

2010-08-17T12:03:00.000+01:00

(2008) ISBN 9780747596684

Flicking through this book before I began, I saw quite a bit of white space on the pages and the fact that this book is written as many letters to and from the main character Juliet. This pleased me after my attempt at reading The Name of the Rose by Umberto Eco (if you know the book you will know why I only attempted it!), I wanted something that wouldn’t take me ten years to plough through. As I began reading, I quickly warmed to Juliet and the other characters she is writing to.

The book is set after World War II and everyone seems unsure of themselves and the times, quite understandable in the circumstances. Juliet receieves a letter from a resident on Guernsey requesting information about an author – Dawsey Adams has acquired a book that once belonged to Juliet. This first letter sees a strong relationship grow between Juliet and all the members of the Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, resulting in Juliet visiting Guernsey.

This book is a wonderful read that really captured a different light of life after the war. It is uplifting, giving a story about hope and love with great heartache, but most of all it is about friendships. We take for granted now that we can call, email or text our friends but this book reminded me of the pleasure you receive when opening a letter from a friend – something that rarely happens now. It has inspired me to pick up my pen and paper and get writing – it is always on my to do list but just gets put to one side in the business of everyday life.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, a lot of what was written in the letters had meaning for me and I hope when you read this it will for you too.

I am currently reading The Reader by Bernard Schlink, what are you reading right now?

The Resurrectionist - James Bradley

2010-08-02T08:00:00.001+01:00

(2007) ISBN 9780571232765

I read this for my book club, it had been recommended to a member and from the blurb I assumed we would enjoy it. The blurb enticed us with a sinister and mysterious tale about the underworld of Georgian London. The book started off promising with the beginning descriptions of an anatomists trade but this fell short after only a few unimpressive sentences. The story continued to disappoint and unfortunately never really delivered it's promises of a sinister and mysterious chiller.
At the end of the book you are left confused and need to re-read the last part to try and understand what just happened. Unfortunately the book is so dull you won't re-read that last part leaving you still confused and unsatisfied. What could have been a great read with exciting adventures and descriptive text disappointed our book group but after a bit of internet research it seems we are alone in our thoughts on this book! What did you think about it?
Author site

The Memory Game - Nicci French

2010-07-25T08:00:00.000+01:00

This is French's first novel and by no means does that make it any less of a great read. Although I found it wasn't as fast paced as their other novels, as the story unfolds it keeps you guessing and reading on. The gripping storyline reveals an intriguing web of relationships between two families. With twists emerging throughout the book and likeable characters I would recommend this if you enjoy reading thrillers. It was quite an easy read that showed French's writing style which I do enjoy.
This book served to remind me how much I enjoy French's books and I am now on the lookout for another of hers that I haven't yet read. Although this review is short and sweet it is only because I don't want to give too much away about the plot! I have a habit of doing that and don't want to spoil it for anyone. Have you read this? What did you think?
Author website

Etsy Shop

2010-07-22T08:00:00.000+01:00

For those of you who don't know, I do have a shop over at Etsy.com where you can buy handmade jewellery. I have had the shop for some time now but haven't had the time to put as much into it as I wanted. Having some free time now I am planning to build up the shop and make my mark.
You may be wondering why you should check it out? Here are 5 reasons alone:
1. You will find something for everyone at affordable prices
2. You will find great gifts for friends, family, anyone!
3. It is easy to use
4. You will be welcomed and the service is fast and friendly
5. It is a chance to treat yourself!
Here is a taster of what you will find in the shop

I hope to see you there http://www.etsy.com/shop/shootingstar27

Twilight Eclipse

2010-07-21T08:00:00.001+01:00

After seeing two very different trailers for this film, I went to the cinema in two minds.
From the trailer showing the exciting fight scenes I felt excited about seeing an action packed fantasy film. After seeing the lovey dovey trailer I was reminded why I have only read the first novel (Twilight, Stephenie Meyer).
The film's artistic talents were shown off with interesting camera shots and impressive CGI, but the action expected only disappointed. The action that was there was brilliant but I wanted more! Cheesy comedy ran through the film taking an edge off the intense romance between the main characters. Although I enjoyed this film I can easily identify it's flaws -don't get me started on my dislike for Bella!
With the story set to continue in two more films I can't help wonder what these may bring. With the general consensus that the first film was the best and the following films not quite matching - why are they making more?

It's continued attraction may only be the increasing number of men with no shirts throughout all the films but can this sustain our interest for two more films?
Probably!
I am sure my not so favourable review will spark some controversy about this much loved fantasy phenomena and although i can list many things I dislike about this film, I still enjoyed it and will still see the next films.... but I am not sure I am ready to read the remaining books. However I know I am being slowly worn down by friends who seem intent on persuading me to read them - I may have to give in so I can join in the many conversations about the alarming events of the fourth book, but only for that reason... I won't enjoy them!

Florence

2010-06-01T09:35:00.000+01:00

After not posting for so long I have so much to say!!
I think the first thing to happen was that over the Easter break we got a kitten - Florence! Although she is so cute she is also such a menace. She is adorable and very friendly but like any kitten has her mad half hours when she runs around biting and climbing up everything, including us.
Here are a few pictures to show how cute she is:

So apart from supervising this ball of fluff, I have been very busy at school getting stuck into the teacher role and dealing with naughty children! It is half term at the moment so am busy planning for my last three weeks of my placement. The first week back is book week so I will be in my element and am very excited about the week. We have two authors coming to visit - Kaye Umansky and Ali Sparkes and with a witch/wizard theme for one of the days we will be in fancy dress. As well as library visits and story times, I have been thinking up imaginative activities - it is very exciting!
Since Easter I have also been to see Hairspray at the Mayflower Theatre in Southampton - it was brilliant! If you haven't seen it.... go! It was great how they combined the songs with the dialogue and set the backgrounds for the different scenes. Well worth watching.
School has been all consuming but am still enjoying it. After the next three weeks are over I should have more time to resume my hobbies and reading. I am very much looking forward to having more time to not doing stupid paperwork and having more time to relax.
What are your summer plans?

The Subtle Knife Book Review

2010-04-07T19:52:00.004+01:00

I read this book at the beginning of the year, soon after reading the first in the trilogy, the book can be widely found and Amazon have some more good reviews and comments about it. Here is my first review for the Busy Bookworm Challenge.

This is the second book in the Dark Materials trilogy by Phillip Pullman. It was easier to read than the first and explains a lot more throughout the story. The story begins to involve more characters and as such becomes more complicated but as the writing is more fluent and easier to understand, there are no problems getting to grips with the ideas. The book takes shape in different worlds and with different stories entwined together. The interesting way Pullman brings the stories together unfolds slowly as you continue to read on. The character of Lyra becomes more lovable and although she appears quite normal in some respects you begin to see her true character forming as she is put through more trials and adventures. Her adaptable personality shows when she meets a young boy who she is told she must help, her trusting nature leads them to the stories end.

As the book draws to an end, you find yourself drawn into these mysterious worlds wanting to know more and wanting to read on.

I began reading the Dark Materials trilogy after my husband would not stop asking me when I would read it so we could discuss it. He only ever reads things he knows he will like and we don't generally read the same thing so I guess I had to be the one to start reading something a little out of my comfort zone - and I am glad I did. This was an enjoyable read and although I had been sceptical about reading this, I am keen to begin the final part of the trilogy.

What did you think about the book?

My 2010 Book Challenge List as of today...

2010-04-07T19:24:00.003+01:00

My 2010 Book Challenge List

Every year I think to myself that I would undertake some kind of reading challenge but each year I don't sign myself up to one and on reflection I realise that actually I do read a lot of books! This year I am actively taking on a reading challenge which you can find more information about at Busy Bookworm Reviews website. So far, and I know it is part of the challenge so I do need to do it, I haven't written any reviews... they will come just give me more time! So far I am in the process of reading number 7 on my list and hope to write a few reviews before my holiday is over.

Here is my list - although not complete as I know there will be books I won't read and more that I will. The purple books are those that I have chosen to read myself, the pink are for my own book club and the green are for the library book club (note the differences!!).

1. The Subtle Knife – Phillip Pullman (January)

2. The Resurrectionist – James Bradley (January)

3. Pride and Prejudice and Zombies – Jane Austen and Seth Grahame-Smith (February)

4. Whistleblower – Tess Gerritsen (March)

5. The Diving Bell and the Butterfly – Jean Dominique Bauby (March)

6. Twilight – Stephenie Meyer (April)

7. Lolita - Vladimir Nabokov (April)

8. The Yacoubian Building – Alaa Al Aswany (April)

9. Lo’s Diary – Pia Pera (May)

10. Child 44 – Tom Rob (May/June)

11. Miss Pettigrew Lives For a Day – Winifred Watson (May/June)

12. The Amber Spyglass – Phillip Pullman (June)

13. The Name of the Rose (July/August)

14. The Guernsey Literary & Potato Peel Pie Society (July/August)

15. Comrade Jim (September/October)

16. Guernica (September/October)

17. The Suspicions of Mr Whicher (November/December)

18. Scottsboro (November/December)

What are you reading?

Spring has arrived!

2010-04-07T18:42:00.005+01:00

With the arrival of more sunshine I have brought out my summer jacket!! I may still be wearing a pashmina but the winter coat has been put away... finally. The Easter weekend was gorgeous and sunny, I didn't venture out and about but enjoyed lounging around the living room and basking in the warm sun. I had a well earned break with not a thought about work, it was bliss!

I also put together some more jewellery and took some pictures while it was bright enough to do so. I wanted to share them with you here:

This pastel necklace has been made with summer in mind, the muted colours look striking in this statement necklace.

These cute earrings do have a matching bracelet and necklace so look out or them, although I may be wearing them as they are my favourites!

Classic in white and gold, this striking long necklace will have a bracelet to match. This pretty piece will accompany any outfit, especially black.

Another of my favourites, this bright and summery disc pendant is inspired by daisies and will look perfect on a summers day. This item is for sale on etsy.com - Disco Daisy Necklace

To help you keep your place in your favourite book is your favourite bookmark, the Stars in Your Eyes Bookmark has a rainbow of seed beads surrounding haematite stars and can be found for sale on etsy.com.

In other news.... I have nearly finished my teacher training!! Since I began in September it has been a whirlwind of ups and downs, I begin my last placement on 20th April and ten weeks after that will have finished. The hard part is now finding a job, with any luck this coming September I will have a class of my own.

I am currently on Easter break and apart from writing an essay I have done absolutely nothing! Well almost, I have been watching Jonathan Creek from the beginning but am not getting any closer to cracking each case. I have also been to visit some kittens so I may well be posting a few pictures of a new pet in a few weeks, my fingers are crossed!

How has your Easter break been?

Happy New Year!

2010-01-24T18:52:00.004Z

Hello everyone, it has been a long time! All I can say is this may be the last you'll see of me for even longer next time... as I said before I have begun my PGCE in Primary teaching and it is as everyone warns - intense. I am thoroughly enjoying it but can't wait to get on with actually being a teacher.

I loved my placement before Christmas in a Year 6 at a school in Portsmouth and can't wait to get on my next one which is not until April. I am now though experiencing the 'fun' subjects at uni. So far this year we have made sketchbooks, colour wheels, messy maps, a photo frame, a fairground ride and sung Three Blind Mice for an eternity! Despite all the fun we are having, we have essays to write and test to do so my next few months are pretty jam packed with not so fun things as well.

As many of you probably experienced, we had quite a bit of snow over the Christmas period, which surprised us all particularly in Portsmouth as it doesn't normally last more than a few hours. This snow provided everyone with a thick blanket which quickly turned into a skating rink. Here are a few pictures from our window.

Now the snow has gone I am eagerly awaiting Spring and was delighted with some beautiful sunshine today. It provided with a welcome distraction to my work.

I am keen to continue writing, I may just finish this post and keep writing more to post at a later date, now I have begun I may not be able to stop!

Hopefully you will hear from me sooner than last time.

University

2009-10-21T14:19:00.001+01:00

It has been a long time since my last post and I have been pretty busy!
After moving house and starting my course I feel I am still not quite on top of things. I am writing this from the library at university where I am gathering sources for my essay due in next week. Although feeling ok about it, I am not sure I have left enough time! I am sure everyone is saying that whatever stage they are at though.
The course is going well so far and I am enjoying it. We are doing Maths, English, Science and Professional Studies before we go on our first School Experience and it has been an intense period of phonics, addition, subtraction and lesson planning to say the least. Having had a taster of what we can expect to be teaching at school, we will be going in on 2nd November for a 6 week block where we will develop to teaching 60% in the last week. We all feel a bit like we are being thrown in at the deep end. Tomorrow and Friday we are back in school to complete our preliminary days where we have been collecting info on the school policies as well as getting to know the children and teachers. I feel quite lucky as this week we are going to the cinema to see Monsters vs Aliens as a class outing!
Apart from being busy at uni, I have been to a bead fair and stocked up on supplies and will be having a jewellery party at my flat on 19th November. Feel free to drop by anytime during the evening. It is a relaxed event so you will be able to try on jewellery, look at buying gifts and have a nice evening chatting and relaxing. Hope to see you then.

What's been going on?

2009-09-11T16:26:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,
I thought I would give you a quick update on what I have been doing lately as I know I haven't really done any proper blog posts to give you any clues.
Since coming back from my holiday in July, I have left my job, been working in a school and bought a flat! It has been pretty hectic.
The reason I have left my job is because i will start a Primary PGCE (Teacher Training) on 21st September and I have been volunteering in a primary school for a week so far in preparation for that. This course is something I have been wanting to do for a long time now and I can't wait.
I have another week left in the school where I have been doing observations of the teaching methods and strategies before starting at the University of Winchester.
It has also been our friend's wedding at St Mary's Church in Portsea and it was beautiful I will put up some pictures in time.
We get the keys to our very own flat next Friday so I will be packing all our things away this weekend and our current flat is getting very small as the boxes pile up. We are very excited!
What have you all been up to?

French Holiday Part Two

2009-09-01T14:12:00.008+01:00

It seems so long ago now but our holiday in France is still fresh in our minds, reminding us to relax as times get busier for us.

We stayed with friends in a village, Castelfranc, close to Cahors, on the river Lot. Despite our journey being long and tiring we eventually arrived - and I mean eventually! after being given wrong directions - to the welcome of a home cooked meal.

We relaxed into the evening and slept well before taking the hire car to Cahors. Cahors in a lovely lively city with lots to do, we were lucky enough to catch some live jazz as we sat with our coffees outside.

We then went on the 'beach' on the riverside. We sat and enjoyed the sunshine which by this time was quite warm and pleasant.

The weather got hotter throughout the day as we joined some friends playing Petanque and drinking beer before a dip in the pool when unfortunately the clouds came over and the sun disappeared! But it just made our appetite grow and we dined on Cassoulet for hours!

Over the week of our stay we swam in Lac Vert at Catus, a very green refreshing lake.We swam in the Lot and fished in the Vert that passed by the house. We didn't catch very much, a few fish and one lonely crayfish, not enough for dinner. We took a boat trip down river to an island in the river for a picnic and fishing. We enjoyed delicious pizza in a nearby town and took punting trips downstream.

Overall we had a great stay in a beautiful place with lovely people.

Questionnaire - Buying For Yourself

2009-08-25T15:56:00.003+01:00

Hi everyone,
Hope you all had a great weekend, ours was busy visiting family in sunny Kent.
On Friday my colleagues and I had a lunch out as this is my last week at work!! I am starting a Primary PGCE at the University of Winchester in September. I am excited and apprehensive at the same time - it has been a long time since I have done any studying!
I will tell you more about that in another post - this post is meant for other things - a questionnaire for you all to complete, please :)
http://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dDR5R3lpU0ZjNWJqWFhJLXpBbkladkE6MA.. You can find the spread sheet here and it is quite simple with not many questions. I would really appreciate your answers so I hope you will take the time to complete it for me.
Everyone who completes the questionnaire will receive an entry into a prize draw to win an item of jewellery from my collection.
Thank you in advance.

Wedding Gift Guide

2009-08-06T11:57:00.007+01:00

Now I have reached my mid 20's, the theme of the summer seems to be - weddings! A few of our friends are now getting married and it has reached the all important time to choose the gift.
I have compiled a small wedding gift guide that details a few gift ideas for either the bride or groom and a few gifts for both. Most people, will buy a gift for the couple together but I know from personal experience that sometimes you may want to buy one of the couple an extra gift as well.
When I got married two years ago, one thing that sticks out in my mind from before the wedding was choosing our wedding album. My husband was quite clear in what he wanted – a massive album that had it’s own box. We searched high and low to find one we both liked and in the end we didn’t find one until about a year after the wedding and suffice to say, the photos are still not stuck in! On my search I did find this website http://www.centralcrafts.com/ that sells beautiful photo albums and a range of guest books.
One in particular that I like is this one pictured that is £54.00 for the 33x40cm size that holds up to 450 4x6 photos (the product code is 04424 if anyone is interested!).
Another gift idea for a loved up bride would be a keepsake box and I have found the perfect one for keeping all your secret things hidden away.
This cute box is available on Dancing Wired's Etsy shop priced at $23.95 and as they say - it would make an ideal wedding gift.

A great idea as a gift for the groom (or even a bride!) is a pocket watch, to ensure they make it to the church on time. I found this one at Tempus Fugit's Etsy shop and love the detail on the outside.

The blue on the dial is gorgeous and deep, it seems like an ideal man's watch, but I still want it for myself.

A little extra gift for the bride and groom would be some gorgeous pampering treats - Lush have so many luxurious and fun bathtime treats, including massage bars, bath bombs, shower jelly and lots more to pamper yourselves with. Of course you could always treat them to some luscious candles to help them unwind after the big day, Yankee Candles have some amazing smells.

These are my limited ideas on gifts for the happy couple - have you any more ideas?

French Holiday Part One

2009-08-04T10:25:00.009+01:00

During our stay in Normandy the weather was actually typically British! - some sunshine mixed in with rain and grey! Despite that fact we had a wonderful time and enjoyed visiting the local towns.

We visited Le Phare de Gatteville which is situated on the north east point of Normandy. Le phare means lighthouse in French and what a lighthouse it is! With it's 365 steps to the top, I was a little bit pleased it was too windy for a trip to the top on our visit, but at the same disappointed not to experience the great views from high above.

On the same day we visited a nearby town, Barfleur. It was a lovely sleepy seaside town with picturesque views and a distinctly fishy smell - it is a fishing town after all.

We stayed in a great 3 bedroom gite located only 30 minutes from Cherbourg. The owners were really friendly and nothing was too much trouble. The website here shows some good pictures of the gite, including it's location.

Near to where we stayed, was a town called Bricquebec which has a castle in it's centre where we enjoyed a gorgeous lunch of paella. After a slight mix up with obtaining a fork we were sat in the sunshine eating our lunch. After a walk around the market we strolled back to the car and came across a beautiful stream leading down someones drive way, what a great sight to see on your way home!

We did visit a few beaches while we were there and even had the opportunity to pick our own mussels from the rocks and take them home for tea. The beaches were great, so much sand and space but unfortunately the pictures make it look like it was a grey day with no sun - that was not the case. On the sand it was really hot and bright, by the water it was cooler in the breeze but I even went swimming one day! And if you know me, that was an achievement!

Zoo de Champrepus

2009-07-30T19:12:00.012+01:00

Having just got back from a two week holiday in France, I am sure you can imagine i have lots to share with you. Today I will tell you about our visit to Zoo de Champrepus in Normandy.

This zoo is much like any other with the park split into different sections. On arrival we crossed over the bridge to visit the Farm Animals. Here are the usual farm breeds; goats, sheep, cows, horses and donkeys.

We went on through to the Tropical Zone to find tiger, leopard, chmipanzees, a marmoset, Scarlet Ibis, Chilean Flamingo and macaws.

We passed back over the bridge and progressed to Madagascar in search of the lemurs who we then saw being fed. These cute creatures do let out a terribly loud cry from time to time though!

As you round a corner you are greeted by three lovely giraffes! We sat and ate out lunch gazing at them eating theirs! Their funny faces made us smile as they munched on their grass. Keeping them company in their enclosure were Oryx, Ostrich, Blesbok and Zebra. These active animals kept us entertained on our journey around the enclosure. the baby zebras were so cute! The meerkat's watchful eyes followed you as you passed by, they want you to look at their cheeky antics.

The lions were sleeping when we walked past them - as soon as we left them, they got up and promptly lay back down again as we turned back!

Overall the day out was lovely, lots of animals to view and see in their own environments (as much as possible). if you are ever nearby and love animals, it would be worth visiting.

Bakerella

2009-07-27T11:26:00.004+01:00

I am back from my holiday and in the mood for cake! I have been subscribing to Bakerella's blog for a few months now and am very impressed. The recipes are in depth and the pictures are amazing, you want to reach into the screen and pick up the cake to eat it right away.

I have not attempted any of the recipes yet but am planning to over the weekend, I think I will need a whole day to do any of them justice.

Take a look at her blog, but beware - it will leave you hungry and craving cake.

http://bakerella.blogspot.com/

The 10 Novels I Have Most Enjoyed Reading

2009-07-07T11:24:00.008+01:00

Today I would like to share with you some books that I have really enjoyed reading. I am part of two local book groups so you can imagine that I read quite a few books!

The two groups work in different ways:
The library group - the library buys in sets of books and we are allowed to choose each year 5 books from the list and then a final list is compiled for the coming months, usually including every one's number 1 book. I often have to read books I never would have chosen, I mostly like them but at times hate them!
The social group is a group of girl friends that meet about every 4-6 weeks and we do aim to discuss the book and mostly we do - for the first half an hour anyway, then we get on with catching up, eating cake and drinking wine! We each take it in turns to choose the next book and host the group.

I will get back to the original topic of the post now: The 10 books I would recommend reading

1. Out by Natsuo Kirino
This thriller is written by a Japanese author and is written brilliantly. With lots of twists it will keep you reading til the end.

2. The Girls by Lori Lansens
This moving book was a great read, told through the eyes of conjoined sisters, the two very different lives of the conjoined twins.

3. The BFG by Roald Dahl
One of my favourite children's books, this lovely story really captures the imagination.

4. Memoirs of a Geisha by Arthur Golden
The film fits perfectly with this book, while reading it you can imagine everything in great detail and on seeing the film, you realise that how you imagined it is correct. The author really tells the tale well, allowing you inside the character's lives.

5. To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
One of the very few books I have read twice. I read this as a teenager and obviously missed a lot of the meaning behind it. On re-reading it for a book club I found it a remarkable story and thoroughly enjoyable.

6. Alice's Adventures In Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
Another children's book that I really loved reading: the stories are so imaginative and take you to another world.

7. Great Expectations by Charles Dickens
Having read this a very long time ago, I remember that I thoroughly enjoyed it - so much so that I read it a few times, something that is very rare for me but shows that I must have enjoyed it. I think it would be interesting to see if I still enjoyed it now.

8. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
This was a very thought provoking book, the subject matter is touches on events in the future that may or may not be too far in the future.

9. The Life Of Pi by Yann Martel
This surprising story has so many twists and turns you won't know what is coming next.

10. What I Loved by Siri Hustvedt
This booked is packed full of artistic references and snippets of history from across the water. It had some really interesting pieces of information that kept you reading. The characters were varied and realistic, and you wanted to find out what happens to them.

In my list, I have forgotten two other books that were really good:
The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Morgan and My Sister's Keeper by Jodi Picoult. But don't read these if you don't want to cry!
Have I missed any great books? Or do you disagree with my choices? Let me know!

Butterfly House

2009-07-05T21:35:00.003+01:00

Today I visited Cumberland House Natural History Museum in Portsmouth. They have a butterfly house at the back and between May and September it is butterfly season. This was the first time I have visited this year and the butterflies were quite different to last. Obviously a lot of them were the same, but there were a few I don't remember and one amazingly beautiful bright blue butterfly that unfortunately just wouldn't stop still for a photo.

Here are a few I managed to capture

After seeing these beautiful creatures this morning I then joined some friends on the common for a BBQ and a few games of rounders. The sun was lovely and warm, and it was good to sit out and do nothing. After eating we started out rounders tournament which was not helped by the light weight ball being carried by the wind unexpectedly and not very helpfully! Overall it was a very fun day. I am now recovering my aching legs and red shoulders.

Weekend Wonders

2009-06-19T10:41:00.013+01:00

I always look forward to the weekend, it is the time I get to lie in, relax and do whatever I want! Well mostly anyway - the past few weeks have been really busy and I am very much looking forward to laying in bed all morning tomorrow.

The weekend is also a time to indulge, whether it be in food or purchases, it is a good time to do whatever you want.

I have chosen 5 things from around the web that are particularly wonderful to enjoy this weekend. I am pretty hungry so the main theme is food!

These gorgeous little things are a massage bar from Lush that smells divine and leaves you skin oh so soft when rubbed in. It really does leave you smelling good enough to eat - while buying this in the store, the shop assistant advised that as well as smelling good enough to eat, you really can eat the chocolate within! I am not sure I would want to, but if I got desperate enough, who knows!This brilliant orange sunset is over the Solent from the Isle of Wight. This amazing photograph was taken by my sister who is lives on the Isle of Wight and photographs in her spare time. This such sunset can usually be seen over the summer and is a typical view of the beauty on the Isle of Wight.

I have the perfect recipe for a chocolate cake that I would like to share with you - unfortunately you will have to wait as I don't have it with me to write up now. This pictyure will have to keep you going until you can make your own.
But, please note, this cake was not made by using the recipe I will give you - it is just a picture from Google!!

Although not food, this lovely shrug would be an indulgence. Having an occasion to wear something like this would be an indulgence!

I found this while browsing on Etsy and have discovered this seller - Angelina Design her work is very individual and I await the day I have an excuse to buy this shrug.

My last indulgence for today is a picture of my favourite crumble... ever! Using up the last of our fruit, I created a Cherry and Apple Crumble. Although I am sure this is something many people have eaten and made themselves, it was new to me! Now I make it whenever I can.

Enjoy the weekend, and let me know what you enjoyed doing.

Summer Wedding

2009-06-19T08:48:00.005+01:00

Last weekend saw the first family wedding since my own and it was a beautiful day. The sun shone brightly and we all looked stunning in our posh frocks. My sister and I (shown below) kept getting called each other's names! We don't look that much alike!

The bride and groom looked very happy and we all enjoyed catching up after so long. The wedding was in a small church in Wilford, Nottingham with the reception at a local golf club. The weekend went by very quickly and in no time at all I was back at work on Monday.

On Tuesday, I found myself accompanying my friend to spend a day in the secondary school observing Year 7 classes. It served to confirm why I want to teach at the primary level!

After an already tiring week, we have some friends visiting this weekend so we will be catching up with them and hopefully enjoying the sun. Have a good weekend everyone.

Live Music - The Fat Fox, Portsmouth

2009-06-01T16:50:00.001+01:00

I apologise greatly for the delay in this post, back in April we went to see a few bands at a local pub and I have been meaning to write something about them for some time now.
I won't embarrass myself too much as I am not that good at writing reviews, all I will say is that I am giving my honest views on the gigs!
The first act on were You're Smiling Now But We'll All Turn Into Demons who are a local band to Portsmouth. Their music is as they quite rightly say - hip, sexy and magical. You enter another world when listening to their music, allowing you to imagine what you will. It was a performance appealing to all tastes and with much to look at was most enjoyable.
The next act on were Wilberforce Malaise and The Family Disco and as you can tell by the name it was an act of many talents. If you like the interesting and different then this is one you should see. The exciting sound of Wilberforce Malaise and The Family Disco will please both your eyes and ears with their technicolour show.
Thomas Truax was the last but by no means least, act of the night and what an act to finish on. As well as writing his own music Truax makes his own instruments which you can only imagine until you see that they are straight from his own imagination! He was a pleasure to watch and enjoy the sights and sounds that came from his creative mind.
Updated to include Thomas Truax's website 27/07/09

Chicago

2009-05-29T11:50:00.004+01:00

After my rushed post last night, I thought I would write something more substantial on this bright and sunny day.

As I mentioned, I went to see Chicago last night at the King's Theatre in Southsea and I really enjoyed it.

Billy Flinn was played by Jimmy Osmond which attracted most of the audience to the show. He was good as this character.

I did find myself, unfortunately, comparing the show to the film which I have seen many times and love. After I had got over the differences, I thoroughly enjoyed the show. The actors and actresses really shone and took to the characters well.
The additional songs in the show to the film were new and different, the show had some unexpected aspects that really added something special.

Overall it was a great night, I would definitely recommend seeing it if you get the chance.

The sunshine is amazing today, so bright and warm, I don't want to be indoors doing work on this nice day. I hope you are all outside too, enjoy the weekend.

Purple Jasper Ribbon Tie Necklace

2009-05-28T22:35:00.003+01:00

I have just seen Chicago at The King's Theatre, Southsea... It was brilliant! Well worth going to see :) Had a really enjoyable evening.

Also just listed this necklace which you can find here

Dragonfly Earrings

2009-05-27T21:40:00.002+01:00

Just a short post to say that I have just listed these lovely Dragonfly Earrings on Etsy - find them here, I am off to do some Wi fit exercise.

Long Time... No See

2009-05-23T22:12:00.006+01:00

These past few weeks/months have been too busy to explain! Suffice to say that hopefully over the next few weeks I will be able to write some more blog posts and get more organised with my jewellery business. I am already thinking ahead to the autumn when I will begin having jewellery parties and getting ready for the Christmas period.
One thing I would like to share with you is something that I made for a gift but will be making more of in the future. This purse is handmade by myself using partly new material and partly material from old clothes (washed of course!!).I will be making some similar purses to sell, so please look out for them at http://shootingstar27.etsy.com They will each be one of a kind so you can be sure no-one will have the same as you.

Daisy Millefiore Bracelet

2009-05-10T13:59:00.002+01:00

I have just listed this lovely bracelet on Etsy at www.shootingstar27.etsy.com

These cute round daisy millefiore beads are strung on a contrasting purple cord. The yellow and white daisies really stand out.

It can be found at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=24851777

Etsy Shop

2009-04-26T17:17:00.005+01:00

With new items being added weekly to my Etsy shop, it is worth taking the time to look - you may find something you like!

The newest item is the Starfish Necklace

The blues and greens of the glass beads echo the colours found in the sea and compliment the starfish charm.

This beautiful necklace would be a lovely gift for any sea lover and would match a casual outfit or even dress it up with black clothes for a stunning evening look.

Etsy Shop Now Open

2009-04-19T22:10:00.001+01:00

Please see my Etsy shop for current items for sale. More items will be added in due course.
Thank you in advance.

A beautiful bunch of flowers

2009-04-15T20:39:00.013+01:00

Following last weeks feature on flowers from other artists I now present to you my work that has a common theme of flowers.

Each piece is handmade by me and is available to purchase. The items will be available shortly on etsy.com and I will keep you updated on my shop there. You will be the first to know when it opens.

If you have any questions about any items you see and like, please feel free to contact me on star_027@hotmail.com

Featuring Flowers

2009-04-07T17:43:00.008+01:00

I would like to begin this month with a blog post I hope to continue with. This time I am featuring other artists who have grabbed my attention with their flowery work - the theme being flowers!

Firstly I have come across a few different artists on the website http://www.deviantart.com/ and I would like to point out two whose work is really lovely.

Katty Kins

These beautiful roses are handmade and would look perfect on a charm bracelet, key ring, mobile phone charm, necklace, bag charm.... anything!

You can find more work by KattyKinns at http://kattykins.deviantart.com/ and her Etsy shop is http://www.kattykinns.etsy.com/

As she says her work is individual and one of a kind, you would be sure to step into spring with a bunch of these roses.

Albur Lily

The next artist is one that I also found on Deviant Art and I am particularly drawn to her Autumn Dusk bracelet. You can check it out at the link and you will soon see why I like it so much. The vivid purple really stands out against the other beads and the clasp really sets off the design. Albur Lily has other designs on Deviant Art that cover a whole range of different skills, crafts and mediums.

Snapping Rosie

This charming rose has been captured by Rosie Wibberley, a photographer based on the Isle of Wight. You can find more of her photographer on her website and you can purchase some of her prints from her Deviant Art profile. The stark colour against the very black background really caught my eye when browsing her work. The edges of the rose are really crisp in contrast to the blackness but the softness of the rose is still captured.

Photobeads

I have also come across this website that has some really cute flower beads. They would really look great as they do on their suggested projects or on a new design. They look very natural and appealing to the eye, they are simple yet stand out.

RachelleD

Last but not least, I would like to introduce another artist whose work I found on http://www.etsy.com/. All RachelleD's work features beautiful, brightly coloured flowers.

This amazing example shows just how attractive her jewellery is. Each item is individual with a striking personality to suit your own. These have certainly captured me and I am inspired by the designs.

Her work can be found for sale at her Etsy shop where I am sure you can find something appealing.

I hope you enjoyed browsing these artists work as much as I have done, I would like to continue to bring you the work of other artists as well as my own. The designs are inspiring and hopefully add some brightness to your day.

Links:

http://www.deviantart.com/
http://kattykins.deviantart.com/

http://www.kattykinns.etsy.com/

http://albur-lily.deviantart.com/

http://www.freewebs.com/snappingrosie/

http://www.rosiewibbs.deviantart.com/

http://www.photobeads.eu/

http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=5139840

April Fool's

2009-04-01T19:38:00.000+01:00

Hope no-one got too badly fooled today!
I have put some books on Ebay to sell so please take a look
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/merchant/star_027
Thank you

Aveeno Review

2009-03-31T17:48:00.004+01:00

Over the past few weeks I have been trying out The Aveeno Moisturising Range sent to me by Aveeno Skincare Solutions. I do not suffer from particularly dry skin but I do love my skin to be soft and smooth. I was keen to test out the Aveeno products as they claimed contain naturally active ingredients, designed specifically for all types of dry skin. The colloidal oatmeal is such a natural ingredient that the Daily Moisturising Lotion contains. This was my favourite of the two products I tried for the following reasons:
Although it took a while to soak into my skin, it almost seemed to melt into it.
The lotion was not greasy and once absorbed into the skin left it feeling fresh and clean.
My skin felt smooth, even after the first application of the lotion, and stayed this way for most of the day. I did reapply the lotion in the evening but only as I was testing the product. Again the lotion took a while to soak into the skin but it didn't leave any residue or make my skin greasy or sticky.
The lotion also lasted well overnight and kept the moisture locked into my skin. I didn't need to use it as often as I did as it worked very well at keeping my skin soft.

The Aveeno Moisturising Cream is a thicker, creamier version of the lotion and I did prefer the lotion out of the two. The cream definitely did what it said on the tube, it kept my skin soft and smooth. I just preferred the lightness of the lotion for all over body use. I found the cream to better suited for hands and feet.
I would recommend the lotion and handcream to anyone really, as I said I do not have very dry skin but it did benefit my skin anyway.

I made a purse!

2009-03-10T17:23:00.002Z

Just a quick update on what is going on with me.... not much really! Well not much relating to jewellery anyhow.
We visited family in Kent a few weeks ago which was very nice to see everyone and catch up on what they are all doing. We then went to Wales for a friend's birthday for the weekend. That was really fun, our friend had hired out a Youth Hostel for two nights and with 30 of us you can imagine what the party was like!
Then last week we took a trip to the newly opened Ikea in Southampton which suffice to say is very big... and busy! We did get what we wanted though and after our new chest of drawers being delivered on Sunday we just need to put them together and I can have a tidy bedroom for once (or for 5 minutes anyway).
This coming weekend we are having some friends over for dinner but I am out of inspiration with what to cook. Where we have been away for a few weekends and had busy weeks in between we have not really cooked proper meals, just cooked to eat rather than cooking a delicious supper. So I am out of practice in the kitchen.
Back to this purse - this year I am trying to think of different ideas to give people as birthday gifts. I am trying to steer away from buying things that people don't want or won't use. So far I have made a variety of sweets/chocolates that have gone down very well and this time I thought I would try my hand at making a purse. I found a tutorial on this great website that is full of crafty ideas posted by others who seem to be just as into crafts as I am. The tutorial itself is http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=101026.0 but I would recommend checking out the whole site as there are many good ideas on here. The tutorial was easy to follow and I made my purse within an hour (that's an over-estimate on time) and I did make two in case something bad happened to one!
Unfortunately I am in the library so cannot post any pictures of the purse, but will do over the next few days when I have finished the second one. I may keep this one for myself!

New Logo

2009-02-22T14:24:00.002Z

You may all have noticed my new logo which has been specifically designed for me by Rosie Wibberley of Snapping Rosie Photography.
Please check out her blog to see her profile and more about her work.

29 Days Of Giving - The First Week

2009-02-15T17:42:00.003Z

For the past five days I have been taking part in the 29 Day Giving Challenge and to be honest I have found it quite difficult! The first day was easy - I was going to a book club and took along some blueberry muffins I had made. The following days presented no extra ordinary opportunities to give something a bit more than I normally do.
I feel that I am quite a friendly, kind and caring person anyway so when I signed up to the 29 Day Giving Challenge I did think it would be easy. Although I do give a lot to others in my job, i.e. help, attention, time and thought, I do this almost every day and it is something that I do because it is my job. I signed up to the challenge so I could make a more conscious effort to be a better person. I don't know if anyone else ever feels that they are just going through life doing the same things day in and day out and not really appreciating the people around them, but I do at times. The challenge has prompted me to think more about how I speak to people and what I do for others and actually I do more than I thought. It has been eye opening to actively think about my actions and how they will impact on others.
Most of the things I have given this week have been kind words, a smile to a stranger and an ear to a friend, but I have felt good about giving these things and I know they were appreciated. perhaps making myself feel good about giving is not part of the challenge but I know it will help me keep giving for the remaining days in the challenge.

29 days of giving - Day 1 (9th February 2009)

2009-02-10T17:54:00.002Z

Yesterday I signed up to begin 29 days of giving. I stumbled upon this idea by chance as I was looking at other's blogs. It seems to be a very popular idea in the US and hopefully will develop worldwide. Here is the website to explain a bit better than I can what it is all about http://givingchallenge.ning.com/ the basic idea is that you give something every day for 29 days and I imagine by the end of 29 days you will be so used to giving it will become natural to do so.
So yesterday was my number 1 day and I made some blueberry muffins to share with my book group. Although I do love baking and sharing my baked goodness, this proved to be quite a mission! I worked all day, got home at 5.30pm, waited til after dinner to start the muffins, prepared all the ingredients and then realised I had no eggs! I then had to run out in the pouring rain to buy some, all the while keeping an eye on the time. The muffins were only just ready when I had to leave my house but by the smiles on those eating them, the muffins were a success.
I will be updating my blog to keep up with my progress on the 29 days of giving, so please check back.

Valentine's Gifts

2009-02-08T20:19:00.008Z

Valentine's Day is less than a week away, so come and buy your gifts here!

To buy any of these gifts, please email me (at star_027@hotmail.com) with your choices and how you will pay. You can either pay in cash or via PayPal.
If you choose to pay via PayPal I can post the item first class to you the next day so it should reach you the day after that.
Postage is £1.50 per item and each item will be individually wrapped in tissue paper before being packaged in a protective envelope.
If you have any queries, please ask.

White Bone Heart Necklace £7.50

Pink Glass Heart Necklace £7.50

Black Millefiore Heart Earrings £3.00

Blue Heart Bangle £5.00

Turquoise & Black Heart Necklace £7.50

Strawberry Phone Charm £2.00

Red Heart Pendant £15.00

Purple Heart Bracelet £5.00

Purple Cube Bracelet £7.50

Black Millefiore Heart Phone Charm £2.50

Blue & White Heart Bracelet £5.00

Black Heart Pendant Necklace £15.00

Jewellery Classes

2009-01-29T18:03:00.005Z

For the past three weeks I have been going to a Jewellery Class at Portsmouth High School. The tutor, Lucille Scott, is a Design Technology teacher at the school and is giving lessons in jewellery making each week.

In the first week, I explored different tools for working with soft metals and made a wire bracelet. It was good practice to see how to use the tools correctly and produce something entirely from bent wire - no soldering.

I started to make a copper ring in the second week of the sessions and although having done this before, I found I was re-learning many of the techniques. The whole sessions have been great to refresh my memory and skills. I also made a wire and bead bracelet which I will use the template for again to make further items of jewellery.

I have enjoyed the lessons so far and will continue to enjoy the next seven weeks as well as learning more skills to add to my repertoire.

5 Reasons You Should Buy Handmade Jewellery From The Designer

2009-01-23T20:35:00.001Z

1. The Price:
As a designer, the price you pay for an item of jewellery does not have to include the overheads that retailers have to cover. The designer can afford to offer discounts, free earrings or a whole set for a better price than the retailer. In other words you are getting more for your money, on both quantity and quality.
2. The Quality:
Each piece that I make as a designer is made with the utmost care and attention. If something is not quite right, I will start over and believe me it may take more than one attempt to get something looking right.
I always take the time to get to know each piece of jewellery I make, and can spend the time telling you what you are receiving. I will always be honest with what materials I have used and you can be sure the price accurately reflects the quality of materials.
3. Customisation:
You want something that looks the same but slightly different? As a designer, I can do it! If a piece is not quite how you want it, just ask. If you prefer a different colour, it’s not long enough; it’s too long; I can change it to suit you. In addition, if you have an old bracelet, or item you have bought elsewhere, that needs re-vamping, again just ask and I will see what I can do with it.
4. Uniqueness:
Each piece is a unique item that has been crafted in a certain way to achieve a unique look. As I said before, pieces can be adapted to suit you making all items distinct. Pieces are often one-off, but if you want the same thing as someone else, just ask!
5. Service:
When you shop from a designer you will receive a one-to-one service that will out weigh any you receive from a retailer. By having this special relationship with the designer, it enables you to have exactly what you want. If you are unhappy with the design process, you can change the outcome. Although many pieces are ready made for purchase, the great thing about shopping from the designer is that you can ask them to make something else specifically for you. Building that relationship with the designer will help you create the perfect item of jewellery.

Designers work to please you, their customers. If you are not happy with your purchases and the service you receive, you will go elsewhere. That is not our aim.

I strive to provide an individualised service to each customer, to enable them to feel comfortable in the knowledge that their piece of jewellery has been made for them.

This blog post has been adapted from the article at http://www.home-jewelry-business-success-tips.com/buy-jewelry.html

Happy New Year

2009-01-19T20:22:00.002Z

I am sorry for the delay in wishing everyone a happy new year, time seems to be going too fast already this year and I can tell I am going to have to be strict with myself this year.
After a lovely but very busy festive period I already feel I am behind with my own projects. I always seem to be saying to myself that I should make more jewellery, write more blog posts and in general ..... do more! So that is one of my new year's resolutions: to do what I say I will do! As well as this resolution I hope to have a more successful year with promoting my jewellery business. I am going to try to post a blog every week.... if I don't please nag me, I need it judging by last year!

Photographs

2008-11-13T15:43:00.004Z

After taking a good look at my blog, I realised there are no photos on here!!

Here a few of the new items I have made in the past few weeks:

This is the Purple Jasper Necklace which has a ribbon tie rather than a traditional clasp. The ribbon enables the wearer to tie the necklace to any length making it very versatile for anyone. This would make a perfect gift for anyone who loves the colour purple.

The necklace on the right is the Starfish Necklace. I am really pleased how the glass beads capture the light and show the beautiful colours of the sea. This necklace is a heavy necklace with a lovely starfish charm that would suit any animal lover or simply someone who loves blue!

November 2008

2008-11-09T18:27:00.005Z

After my first jewellery party in 2007, I had some idea of what to expect, but my last jewellery party, earlier this month, just proves that every day is different.
I had a lot of interest into the jewellery party, many people had not actually come across one before so I was able to reach out to new potential customers. On the actual day of the party, I was surprisingly nervous and spent quite a bit of time preparing myself and getting things looking just right.
As people began to arrive I felt much better about the party and started to enjoy it a bit more. I had decided this year to lay out a selection of my beads and charms for guests to browse through and choose items to have made into custom designs. This idea really worked well and I took as many orders as I did sell actual pieces.
I feel that this years jewellery party was a success in that I found some new customers and I took many orders. I did enjoy the evening as it went on and found that quite a few existing customers remained.
As winter is approaching, Halloween and Bonfire night is behind us, the evenings are getting darker and colder. I have been somewhat lazy with making new pieces and especially lazy with photographing. That is why now I have many photographed pieces to show you.... I have pulled my finger out and got on with it!

Jewellery Party

2008-10-27T21:17:00.002Z

After such a long time of not writing, I am just going to write a quick message to say that there will be a Jewellery Party next week, November 4th. Hopefully people will come but I have not had as good a response this year, but there is still time before Christmas to sell some jewellery!

Fun Packed Week

2008-08-05T12:10:00.004+01:00

The past week has been very busy. Last week, having got an Orange Wednesday cinema ticket and a 2 for 1 voucher for Pizza Express, we headed to Gunwharf Quays to see The Dark Night and have a meal out. The film was brilliant, very dark and gripping. It was a long movie, but there were no periods of boredom, I didn't fall asleep once! The meal at Pizza Express was nice, we had regular pizzas and then desserts of Banoffee Pie and Caffe Reale (cup of coffee with figs and cream on the side!). All was much enjoyed.
Then on Friday we had a visitor to stay for the weekend; my brother in law. We enjoyed a quiet night in on Friday evening and then on Saturday we went along to The Tenth Hole tea rooms in Eastney for chocolate cake. It was a lovely afternoon, perhaps a bit too hot for my chocolate cake, but pleasant and sunny. We then went to the Natural History Museum where we enjoyed a very hot butterfly room. On our way home we walked along Albert Road, browsing in a few shops on the way. At home, we ate a dinner of homemade pizzas and watched the movie (bought earlier on Albert Road) 28 Weeks Later. After being scared, we were joined by another guest who stayed over until Sunday evening. Sunday was a day I had been looking forward to, there was a Chinese Festival on Castle Fields, which boasted Lion dances, sports acrobat, Tai Chi, Chinese dance, Chinese folk songs, Library van, sports taster martial arts, smoothie bike, Chinese crafts and foods. None of that happened..... when we drove down to Castle Fields there was no-one around. On investigation the event had been cancelled due to the weather conditions! There was a light drizzle. We were all very disappointed and ended up in Gunwharf Quays. We then came home and cooked our own Chinese feast followed by cherry and apple crumble.
After a very busy and enjoyable weekend it was back to work yesterday and now the countdown begins to next weekend!

New web shop

2008-08-01T20:59:00.003+01:00

Please check my online web store at http://www.freewebs.com/shootingstar27/.
I have just updated my website with a gallery of jewellery already sold - these items can be remade using similar colours and materials, please just ask.
There is also a new web shop http://www.freewebs.com/shootingstar27/apps/webstore/ with only a few items at the moment, but please keep coming back, I will update with the new products as I put them online.

Where are the biscuits?

2008-07-28T10:33:00.005+01:00

On Friday we went along the Central Library, in Portsmouth, to attend a Murder Mystery evening. We were unsure what to expect but it started off with an author talk from two local authors, June Hampson and Pauline Rowson. After the talks, a body was discovered and this began the Central Trail which we were to follow to uncover the murderer. The clues led us around the library, once we had the final clue it was up to us to question the witnesses to piece together the last moments of the victims life and discover her murderer.
Our team raced through the clues and then uncovered some interesting facts from the witnesses before finalising our evidence and winning the prize! Two teams guessed the murderer correctly as well as the motive, and were rewarded with a signed copy of the two authors' books. Our team won a signed copy of Pauline Rowson's 'The Suffocating Sea'.
See Pauline's own blog for a more in depth account of the evening. Overall a fun and enjoyable night.

Going Well

2008-07-25T09:57:00.002+01:00

The past few weeks have been really great for jewellery sales. I can't really explain why but things seem to have taken off. Whether it is because I am wearing jewellery I have made every day or that I have been making more of a point to say that I make jewellery.... whatever it is it is working!
Hope everyone has been enjoying the sunshine, looks like it is over now just in time for the weekend. Not much happening this weekend for me apart from a murder mystery night this evening which should be quite fun.
Hopefully I will get some more pictures taken this weekend and put them online in the near future, but I do realise I say that quite a lot!!

Trying My Luck...

2008-07-08T19:27:00.002+01:00

As it is a 5p listing day, I thought I would give it a go and put a few items of jewellery on EBay. I am not expecting anything so any viewers will be much appreciated.
http://shop.ebay.co.uk/items/Jewellery-Watches__W0QQQ5ftrksidZp3911Q2ec0Q2em1QQQ5fcatrefZ1QQ_flnZ1QQ_npmvZ3QQ_sacatZ281QQ_ssnZstarQ5f027QQ_ssovZ1
It has been a long time since last writing a blog, and it feels good to be writing again. Hopefully I can stay motivated enough to keep writing!
I am in the mood to be making more jewellery, and have been doing so, but it is just the hassle of taking all the photos that holds me back. I wish there was an easier way.... Never mind, I am sure I will be inspired to take some photos of the jewellery soon enough.

Getting On With It

2008-05-06T15:13:00.002+01:00

I have given myself a kick up the backside and am going to get on with my jewellery business.
Although I have plenty of other things to be doing, what I should be doing instead of (or while I am) watching TV is making more jewellery and concentrating on marketing.
Watch this space for new photos and items, that I know I have said will come, but really they will this time. Now the sun is out I feel more renewed and determined to get things done. This is applying to all my life, not just my jewellery business.
Hope all is well with everyone else, and you are all enjoying this beautiful sunshine.

Losing Faith

2008-04-15T16:30:00.003+01:00

I am slowly becoming disheartened with my jewellery business. I have invited many people to my jewellery party at the end of the month but so far only 5 people have confirmed, 2 of which do not live in this country and one is me!
I understand that a lot of my friends don't see my jewellery as a business, they just see it as a hobby so I cannot expect them to be as keen as I am about everything.
I am also quite disappointed with Etsy. I have had no sales so far and not many views either. I do know that the jewellery market is very saturated and perhaps Etsy is not the right place for me.
I guess all I can do is be more positive and keep working hard. I am sure that things will pick up soon.
Has anyone else felt like this?

Birthday Present

2008-04-09T14:55:00.002+01:00

I finally I got a Nintendo DS Lite yesterday! I am very excited about it. Although I only have Brain Training so far (and I do not wish to share my brain age... yet), I am very pleased to have received my birthday present at last.

I haven't forgotten about my new feature, come back soon as it will appear.... I promise!

New Feature

2008-04-04T11:20:00.003+01:00

Each week I will be featuring one of my pieces of jewellery, showing it in detail. With pictures and explanations of my inspirations for that particular piece.
This will start tomorrow with a new necklace I made last night.
Check back for the new feature.

Also don't forget the April Competition. See below for details.

How to make a delicious raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake

2008-04-01T10:25:00.001+01:00

I have just joined EHow and written my first article!
So now everyone can enjoy a delicious raspberry and white chocolate cheesecake :)
http://www.ehow.com/how_2254481_delicious-raspberry-white-chocolate-cheesecake.html

JJMFinance Feature

2008-03-31T14:17:00.003+01:00

I have been featured on someone else's blog!!
http://jjmfinancesurvey.blogspot.com/
I completed a short survey about my Etsy shop and my answers are now on this blog.
Had a lovely birthday weekend, my pudding party was a success! Everyone bought lovely desserts and I got some really nice presents. On my actual birthday we went to Bournemouth Oceanarium, it was a gorgeous and sunny day. Saturday was less than sunny, as soon as we got to the seafront the rain started :( it was all good though as went into the arcade. Sunjai even won two aeroplanes on a two penny slot machine!! I did win the bowling though with 147 points!!
We then all drove down to the Tenth Hole tea rooms for tea and cake. It was yummy, I had a slice of apple and blackcurrant pie with ice cream. After that we headed home for fish and chips before going to our friend's house for his birthday party.
After the clocks going forward yesterday, I can definitely notice the loss of that hour! Tonight will be an early night.

Jewellery Party

2008-03-18T20:36:00.003Z

Now I have made a date for the next jewellery party (April 30th) I can begin planning and promoting it. The first thing I have done is announce the event on Facebook and invited all members of my Shooting Star Jewellery Designs group. This has not done very much as only people who cant come have RSVP'd. This is pretty annoying as they are all actually my friends and possibly don't realise how important my jewellery business is to me. But never mind, I am sure some people will come!
I have also ordered some new business cards. I do have some but they are in that ever so safe place that I have forgotten where they are. It is a good thing though as my old cards had my maiden name on. i have also changed the colour a bit to make everything stand out a bit more.
I will also be announcing a prize draw throughout the month of April. Stay tuned to find out more!
It is lovely to have the long weekend coming up, I just hope the sun comes out for it. My husband and I don't have any plans but it will be nice to spend time together knowing we don't have to do anything.
Check back for the prize draw details!

It's Been A Long Time....

2008-03-12T14:11:00.003Z

I am back, back from where I couldn't say and perhaps not back for long. I thought I had better make an appearance on my own blog as I haven't shown it any attention for a while. Life seems to have got in the way of jewellery making and promotion. I really want to hold another jewellery party in April so I need to get on with everything!
Do you know what? I am going to decide a date right now - April 30th. That is when my next jewellery party takes place.
That feels good to have made a date and have something to work towards. I can get on with making more items and preparing invites, fliers and packaging.
Sunjai (my husband- not sure if I have mentioned him before) and I have been busy catching with friends. He has been back and forth to Kent to visit his grandparents while his parents are on holiday. We are both going there this weekend and seeing his brother too. I will be happy to have peace and quiet as they live in the countryside/middle of nowhere so I can relax with a few good books.
Since last time I wrote my book group had its March meeting. Unfortunately only three of us could make it! We were discussing Catch 22 - so perhaps that says it all! The next book is called Norwegian Wood by Haruki Murakami. I have read the first chapter so far and am enjoying.
I had best get back to boring 9-5 work and will try to stay more faithful to my blog as the weeks go on.

Weekend Away

2008-02-29T10:39:00.002Z

Today I am going to visit my parents on the Isle of Wight. They live on the west by the sea. I am going as it is Mother's Day on Sunday and also to have my bridesmaid dress fitted. In May I will be a bridesmaid for one of my best friends and my mum is making my dress. I will let you know after this weekend what it is like!
I have been busy this week, making the invites for Jo's Hen Weekend in April. She is having a Disney theme and she will be Snow White so I used yellow and blue ribbon down the side of the card with a small picture of Snow White. Then I wrote all the details in black with silver to highlight the important info. I was pleased with the final design, it took me a few evenings to do it all, as I ran out of ribbon on the first evening! Hopefully Jo will be pleased with them too.
Just got to get through today at work before having a relaxing weekend. I still have to get my mum a present for Sunday, will be searching the shops at lunchtime today. Sh did mention to me that the photo frame I decorated for her a few years ago has broken so I could give her that, but she would be expecting it; I will see what is in the shops.
Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Waste of time

2008-02-23T13:58:00.004Z

I forgot to say yesterday that I took on board people's comments about my photos being scanned and took some photos of jewellery with my camera. It was a waste of time! I couldn't get close enough to get any detail and the background paper I used just reflected the light. I know I must have been doing something wrong but I much prefer the ease of scanning the jewellery and editing on the computer. I know I am not an expert at that but at least it doesn't blur!
Anyway I do like looking at pictures of jewellery that have been taken with a camera, it does look very impressive but I just couldn't get the hang of it. I may try again when it is sunnier, but I wont be spending so much time on it.

Butterfly Sparkle Necklace

2008-02-22T20:40:00.004Z

Here it is, as promised.

The photo of the Butterfly choker I made yesterday and tried to describe! Maybe you can let me know how well I described it and if it was how you imagined.

I have been quite busy today, I had a day off from work and relaxed at home. I made a few new items of jewellery and updated my Etsy store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=12340 with better descriptions, a new banner and avatar. Constructive criticism welcomed.

I have also put some earrings on Etsy to match a bracelet already listed. The daisy millefiore beads I used for the items are so pretty and summery. They really put some sunshine into a dull day. Definitely what's needed at the moment.

I am listening to my brother-in-law's radio show at the moment, good music and chat http://rarefm.co.uk/listen.php if you want to check it out - The Stefan Show. Every Friday evening at 8pm.

Now we are off to the pub to celebrate a friend's birthday, everyone seems to be born in February! This first part of the year has been very busy time for birthdays. It has been a great opportunity to catch up with everyone though, and enjoy some very good nights out.

Hope everyone has a lovely weekend.

Butterfly Sparkle

2008-02-21T07:37:00.004Z

I finally made another piece of jewellery last night! I actually sat down and got everything out and made something! I am very pleased with myself. Unfortunately I cant show you til tomorrow as I havent had a chance to take a picture yet. I will try and describe it for you - you can let me know how accurate my description was when you see the pic!
At first glance you see a pretty pink butterfly, this was adapted from a pair of earrings found in Dorothy Perkins of all places. I have put this butterfly onto a memory wire choker that fits perfectly around your neck. I have used pink seed beads to co-ordinate with the pink butterfly and accented this with small silver seed beads and black chakri discs. The black beads bring everything alive and bring your eye down towards the butterfly. The silver really adds extra sparkle to the necklace which could be worn either for daytime as a fun piece with jeans and t-shirt or to add something special to an evening dress. It would really light up and catch people's attention when worn with black. The colour pink in the necklace is vibant and warm.
I have been waiting to use this butterfly for a long time and am pleased with the result. You are just going to have to wait another day to see it!

Etsy Critique

2008-02-19T14:34:00.002Z

I have put my store up for critique on Etsy and have had some helpful tips so far. I was quite worried about being criticised but everyone has been very kind. It has given me some things to think about, I will be putting these things into action over the next week or so.
Please feel free to take a look at my store http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=12340 and critique or leave helpful tips and suggestions in the forum http://www.etsy.com/forums_thread.php?thread_id=5476096
Thank you for looking.

Manic Weekend

2008-02-16T16:48:00.003Z

After a long week at work, this weekend is so far the longest weekend ever! On wednesday evening, my husband and I went out to a favourite restaurant - Rosie's Vineyard - for a Valentine's meal. The food there is amazing! We were so full afterwards, I fell asleep as soon as I sat down in front of the tv when we got home.
Valentine's evening consisted of us waiting a long time to cook dinner and eat it and then make home made waffles and eat them. We had planned to sit down and sort out our honeymoon scrap book but it got too late to start that (that will hopefully be a project to do tomorrow).
After work yesterday we both hurriedly tidied the flat and got started on cooking for our friends. We had quiche with asparagus wrapped in parma ham, served with salad and victoria sponge for afters. We then proceeded to play Lord of the Rings Risk whcich took a good few hours! We finished off with Scrabble. I was terrible at both games last night. I blame it on being tired!
Today we were both working at the Children's University. Putting on workshops for primary school children. It was a fun but tiring day and now I am just about ready for nothing else! I have had a cup of tea which has warmed me up. But still not put me in the right mood for jewellery making. I have seen a blog recently where the author has been doing a project a day, it is a great idea. I dont know if she works full time but never the less it is an achievement. She has been going for about two weeks I believe (correct me if I am wrong!). I just wish I could find the time in between working full time, cooking, cleaning, reading for two book groups and seeing friends. I am not complaining at all, I love being busy, it makes me appreciate the quiet days when I can relax and do as I please. I am taking the next hour or so to do just that.

Happy Valentine's Day

2008-02-14T09:28:00.002Z

Hope everyone has a lovely Valentine's Day whether you are celebrating the day or not. It is after all a normal day with an excuse for the card and chocolate companies to make more money.... but I dont really mind as I love chocolate.

Home Time

2008-02-12T16:31:00.000Z

It has been a long day at work today :( I will be very glad to get home and sit down to have dinner.
I did meet my friend for lunch, which was lovely, we had a nice walk around the shops getting our Valentine's presents for our partners. My friend was very excited about Valentine's day, more so about the giving of her presents to her partner. I should probably be more like that, but I do like getting gifts!
I am being a bit of a book worm at the moment so unfortunately there hasnt been much time for jewellery making. I am part of the local library reading group and the meeting is tonight. The book we are discussing tonight is The Sea by John Banvilles. It really hasnt appealed to me and I have only read about half of it. It just doesnt stimulate me enough to want to know what happens. It will be good to hear what everyone else thought of it. I have also recently organised a book club with some friends. The first book we read as a group was Life of Pie by Yann Martel. I very much enjoyed it, I think most people did too but surprised by the ending. It gives you a lot to think about. The next book for that group is Catch 22. AFter tonight's library book club I need to start Catch 22 and finish quickly, I have so many books on my shelf that are unreaad and I just bought another 3 today!
Still loving this gorgeous sunshine and the fact that is light when I leave work!

Sunshine

2008-02-10T16:21:00.000Z

It has been a beautiful sunny weekend here in Portsmouth. Yesterday I took full advantage of the glorious weather and went down to the seafront with a few friends. We ate chips on the beach, walked along the promenade and played games in the arcade. It was great to catch up with old friends and do something with no worries.
We then celebrated out friend's birthday with lots of drinks and chocolate cake. After going to a few pubs we ended the night with a yummy curry. It was really tasty so I finished all mine and as a result sort of fell into bed with a very full tummy! It was a good evening and great to do something different.
As a result of all this, I have not done any of the things I had planned to do. Those things were pretty boring though so I am glad to not have done them! Today has been a relaxing day spent in my pyjamas watching tv and drinking tea. A lovely way to finish off the weekend.

Needing More Time

2008-02-07T18:31:00.000Z

It would be perfect if I didn't have to work, I could spend all day making jewellery. By the time I have finished work and got home, had dinner and sat down, it is already too late to even start anything. Then the weekend...... the ideal time to sit down and create...... or so you would think. Even that free time I don't seem to do anything!

Never the less, I have made some things over the past week and am pleased with how they turned out.

You can see this latest necklace for sale on Etsy at http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=9426367

As I was saying before, it is a replica of a past design with slightly different colours. The glass heart is really eye catching and people always comment when I wear a piece of jewellery with a glass heart like that.

At last it is Friday tomorrow. It feels like it has been a very long week, and I am looking forward to having no work over the weekend. I plan to make some more jewellery, but you know what they say about the best laid plans!

New Etsy listing

2008-02-03T20:44:00.000Z

I have just added another item to my shop on www.shootingstar27.etsy.com Check it out, I need all the views I can get!
Have been making new jewellery this weekend will upload pics tomorrow, just off to relax before bed and then another week at work :(

Getting down to work

2008-02-01T18:48:00.000Z

This week I have been desperately trying to find time to make some more jewellery. With both Valentine's Day and Mother's Day fast approaching I want to make some new items to put online and take into work. I would also like to have another Jewellery Party before Mother's Day but I will wait and see what happens for that one!

So I did make one item last night! Something similar to a very popular necklace I made last year. I made sure I wore it out a lot, as you can see it is an eye catching piece. People always comment on how nice it is, so I tell them I made it myself and they can buy it.......... that's it though, people dont seem to want to buy something I am wearing already! It is like they think I will be doing without if they buy it! Anyway I finally sold the one on the left, when I wasnt wearing it I might add, and I have made something similar. Hopefully it will be as popular.

I am going to get on with some more jewellery making now, I am in the mood to use my creativity.

Flickr

2008-01-29T19:16:00.000Z

I have just set up a new account on Yahoo (after forgetting all my previous passwords) to set myself up with a Flickr account to show all my jewellery items.
I will use this to show photos of jewellery I have made for custom orders as well as everything else.
Here is the link to my page http://www.flickr.com/photos/23369968@N08/
I am planning to make some more jewellery this week so keep checking back for more photos.
If any of you want to buy anything then please drop me an email and I will get back to you regarding prices/time length etc.

Catch Up

2008-01-28T14:34:00.000Z

After such a long time with no new updates, I will now be writing an essay! Quite alot has happened over the past six months, both in my jewellery business and personal life. I got married in June so much of the year running up to that was spent rushing around planning the one day. It all turned out perfectly in the end and we enjoyed a relaxing week in the Maldives as our honeymoon.
As for the jewellery business, I displayed my work at an Art Show in Cowes on the Isle of Wight in August last year. Despite it being a quiet event I managed to sell a few pieces. I made back the cost of the table and gained a few prospective customers too, so it wasnt a wasted day.
I built up my stock and had a Jewellery Party in November last year which was a great success. It was a very laid back event, it was mainly friends so they all knew they didnt have to buy anything: but many did! I took quite a few orders too, that I completed in time for christmas.
I went along to a Bead Fair in Surrey on December 1st, and built up my inventory stock. I picked up some lovely new beads and findings. I am looking forward to using them.
In early December I found some new customers in my work colleagues. They were all very impressed with my work and bought many items as christmas gifts.
During the past month I have added new photos to both my website (www.freewebs.com/shootingstar27) and my Facebook group (http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=2231497660). I also have a store on the website Etsy.com (www.shootingstar27.etsy.com). I have had some views but I don't seem to have as much time as everyone else on there to post on the forums every 10 minutes! I have also had some nice comments on my items.
Overall I have been pretty busy. Hopefully the next few months will continue to be busy and I will try to update more regularly. I will post some photos of my new items later in the week.

2007-05-14T21:37:00.000+01:00

I have finally found time to make more jewellery!

Pink heart hoop earrings £3

Pink angel phone charm £2.50

Orange star hoop earrings £2.50

Green dragonfly phone charm £2.50

All available in different colours/styles, please ask!

Welcome

2007-03-21T12:39:00.000Z

Welcome to my new blog. This is where I will keep everyone updated with new jewellery and projects.
Keep checking back for new items and photos.
Thanks!

Jewellery Party Invitation

2005-01-01T10:32:00.001Z

You are invited to my jewellery party.

At the party, you will be able to

view, try on and purchase beautiful handmade jewellery
take home with you anything you purchase
pick out gifts and have items gift wrapped
order custom made jewellery*
have fun!
relax and enjoy shopping in a comfortable environment

Party Date:

Party Time:

Host:

RSVP before:

RSVP To:

Thank you, I look forward to seeing you there.

To view examples of jewellery you may be able to purchase at the party please go to http://www.shootingstar27.etsy.com/

* Subject to availability of materials and time constraints. Custom jewellery will be made delivered after the party - please ask at the party for more details