Thursday, March 29, 2012

Been a Big Week.

Wow, just like the title says, it's been a busy week here in our household.

My mum came to stay for a couple of nights. 

Summer is now enrolled in a Preprep program (kindy) and I spent a few hours there at the centre with her, so she could get a feel for it all and meet the other children.
This morning I took in all her enrollment forms etc and then we did a little grocery shop together. She won't be starting there for another 2 weeks, as school holidays start now. So we have 2 weeks left together....it's going to be so strange not having her around everyday.
I'd be lying if I said it doesn't bother me a bit.

Anywho, my hubby did my bench for me pretty much straight away.
It's so big!! Here is a picture of my new bench:


It's a bit hard to tell just by looking at this, but if you look at the old bench picture in my last post, you can gather an idea of the size if you see where my soldering board is, compared to where it is on my new bench. It's probably a bit too big a bench...if there is such a thing?? lol

I got myself a new sheet of silver this week and some more gold filled wire and a new tool!! 


I have seen several others with this tool. A facet stone setting tool. And they've sung the praises of it, so I figured I would invest in one, considering I want to use a lot more of these stones in my work. I haven't tried it out yet..(typically). But perhaps I will get around to it this weekend. 

Hopefully soon over the next week, I will get to try out this new bench and see how I go working at it for a prolonged period of time. I might need to get a new chair yet, but hoping I can get away with my old one as it's really comfy to work in.

Alrighty, I should probably get on with my housework etc, though I don't much feel like it.

Take care 
Em ♥

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

On my Bench

This is my bench right now:


It's a mess. It's small and it's not comfy to sit at. (But it has been a good bench to me)

But that's no longer a problem as I'm getting this made:


Hip Hip Hooray!!

I've been talking about getting a new bench for ages now and it's finally a reality. 
I should be able to have it to use by Friday night. There will be at least double the space now! I will post a picture when it's all done and set up and tidy :)

I am in the middle of purchasing some silver. I probably should send in my scrap and get some cash back for that.....

Nothing much has been happening around these parts. The weather is rubbish. Raining lots. And still as muggy as the middle of Summer. 

We have an inspection tomorrow afternoon :(
I spent 4 hours on Monday doing a mega bleach out on my tiles again.
My little yellow budgie passed away last week.... she was so sweet. I will miss her.


Summer is on a waiting list for a pre prep program...hopefully will get in soon..... she really needs it.

And I think that's about all that's new. 
Here are a few pictures of my latest pieces:




Well I guess I had better get on with the tidying for the inspection tomorrow (not that the house is a mess). I just like things to be rather perfect lol

Hope you are all well x 
Em ♥

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

At the bench :)

Yes that is what I am doing this morning :)

I haven't been at the bench for the past week, so I headed in there this morning to tidy up my bench and get on with a few pieces that are sitting there, waiting to be finished. 

It's a beautiful day. 
Yesterday it was cool(er) and breezy and just the perfect weather for enjoying life :)
This morning seems to be following suit.
I'm just back at the computer to put some new stuff on my USB stick for my laptop and I thought I would do a quick post.

I went to the Gemshow on Saturday, by myself. 
It was horribly hot and the hall where they have the main part of the stalls was absolutely crammed, which made it worse heat wise. I did nab a few faceted stones and some small cabs:


There was a lot of rough available...which if I were able to cut my own stones, it would have been fab. But The cabochon side of things wasn't that great. There were a few that caught my eye, but honestly for the money, I would rather buy the better ones I have found on good ole Etsy.

As I made my way to the end of the stalls, I thought it was all over. Till I looked outside and noticed a whole load of other stalls outside on the grass. There wasn't that much for me there either....but I did manage to grab these:


Some lovely Boulder Opal cabochons.
This little parcel of goodies made it worth my while going to that show!
A few of them have the most gorgeous flash of purple. I can't wait to start setting these. 

There are lots of other shows throughout the year. I will try and get to a few of them. You never know, if you never go.
And I would like to know.

Must get back to the bench!

Em ♥

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Gem Show, New Bed And Spring Cleaning

It's just after 10am, Friday and I've been spring cleaning my morning away.
We have an inspection coming up in 2 and a half weeks time, so I thought I would make a start now, by spring cleaning the day away :)

This weekend there is a gem show on. 
In fact it happens to be the same one I went to last time and it was really disappointing. But they are so few and far between, that I feel like going again anyway. You never know, it might be better this time around.?.

We are getting a much needed new ensemble base this weekend. Which means it's time to look for a funky headboard! Yay! I have seen a few DIY headboards and have saved them to Pinterest. But seeing as I need to get a new workbench made, I can't see us taking the DIY headboard route right now.

I got to the bench this week and I actually sold a few pieces this week, which was awesome! I made these:




I also made these:



My dilemma with the above earrings is - the stone on the right is darker over the top half (click on the image to see it larger) and I'm not sure whether I should sell them and if so, should I say that one of the stones is darker across the top? Or should I let the photo's speak?? Or should I sell them at a discounted price perhaps?? What do you think??

Em ♥