Getting My Head Down

As well as copious nana Naps, all to aid recovery of course, I have actually been in the studio beading! I have to be a little careful of my sitting position though and leaning forward over the desk can be painful after a while but I'm learning! 

This is a nice piece of Ocean Jasper and a little fossil bead into a scarf pin or brooch.

This one, a Fern Agate, I had to bezel bead rather than bead embroider.

Its see through you see and that would be lost with a backing.  The depth is amazing.  Lovely bit of stone.

And this is a drusy in a hand cut Cheetah Agate.  I backed the drusy with gold kid leather.

I'm still collecting Iron Age ideas and making notes.  It's always amazing to think I walk in the steps of villagers of over 2500 years.  I know in the garden we have found Roman glass and nails, wish I could remember where I put them!  Our friend's farm along the valley also featured in a Time team a few years ago.  Simons Time Team Episode is here should you be interested.   I also have found copious oyster shells and we are 20 miles north of Poole Harbour.  I just want to find something Iron Age and I'd be over the moon.  Eyes are always peeled on dog walks! 

I'm now off to sit and bead for a bit more. Have a great week! 

Nice Bit of News

Well the current view is a bit drab. 

The tumour came out yesterday. I wont miss it. Biopsy results in a week or two.  Great for weight loss I hope!  All I’ve eaten since Thursday is some mashed potato and that little pot of ice cream. As everything was done fabulously by keyhole, 5 of the blighters to be exact, there was hope I might go home today but things went a bit squiffy so I’m staying in another night. Better safe than sorry with a chunk of the old tum missing.  Anyway I did have the delightful news this afternoon that my Snowdrops piece was voted 3rd in Vistors Chioce at the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival!  I’m over the moon! There are an awful lot of amazing entires to this so super pleased. 

I have my knitting and notebook and thank goodness for the internet. Now I just have to work on getting my temperature down and things working in the right direction and I’ll be home anoying John before long.    

It's Being Used!

The huge piece is being added to and my little pile of empty thread winders and covers is growing. It may not seem much but it is to me! 

The piece itself has had lots of stuff added to embed the plastic canvas pieces in.  

At the moment it's far too busy and needs some calming measures! I will work on it.  

The village we live in has Iron Age roots.  This has been extensively explored and dug by the local architects and university over the years and there are a few papers on it all. This field in front of the house (to the right in my header banner)

and this one to the rear

Both had Iron Age villages in them.  This is the rear field and if you know what you're looking for you can see the outline of the enclosure and pens. 

I have been gathering information on what I open my curtains and look out on over the past couple of years and decided it's about time I put something together!  According to the finds the villages were of high status foundry works. Lots and lots of metalwork for farm implements but also a large quantity of wagon and chariot fittings as well as weapons.  All, to me, fascinating stuff!  So, that is what I'm trying to put together in the piece up above.  

The plastic canvas pieces are supposed to represent a sword sheath and shield boss.  The rest of the mayhem is the concealing earth.  The only downside of the piece is it's size at 24 inches square!  It's certainly going to be a show stopper!  I now remember why doing  small work is a good idea.  The other ideas in my head, and even in my notebook, will be on a much smaller scale. 

I have still been falling asleep at silly times and feeling like a limp dishrag most of the time.  Yesterday I spent the day in the hospital where I finally had the Iron transfusion. 

I was hoping to feel better instantly but no, the effects can take 10 - 14 days to start being noticed.  At least it's in me and working now! 

I did put together a pile of pin cushions for the up coming Open Studios.  

I have found that most people would like to buy something from you even if they can't afford the larger pieces and these, and a few books I'm hoping to make, fit the bill!! 

This week I also had a delivery from Ikea. I found these hanging pots for my Ikea trolleys. 

Not really what they're meant for but the small ones were only 50p so how could I say no, and they're not that small either. 

I've been almost having a bit of a clear out when I've felt a bit more energetic and I hope these will help my sort the stuff better! 

My two nurses have been wonderful looking after me this week but they're all demanding lunch now. 

Have a great week!!