It was Christmas Eve in the Workshop.....

and absolutely nothing was stirring, not even a pair of pliers. That's because I'm sitting here, at my computer, doing a blog post to wish anybody who actually reads this a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

I've been on Facebook and said Merry Christmas. I've even ventured over to Google Plus and managed to get into an argument before I could utter "Season's Greetings". That happens a lot!

I've been back to the UK and had my Grandchildren fix.

Thomas and Alex - Aren't they cute?

We are going out for our Christmas Dinner tomorrow, so I don't have to do very much. Suits me fine!

I am going to be doing a lot of thinking over the holidays. Bluetina had a crappy year, sales wise. Both the website and the Etsy shop. I am considering a change of direction, maybe....possibly....

In the meantime, remember this?

I was going to list it as is but I thought it needed a bit of tarting up. I started fiddling around with some silver wire and this is as far as I've got:

That little loop is waiting for a drop of some kind but the jury's still out on exactly which one. Watch this space!

Again, Merry Christmas to you all and a Happy New Year! Let's hope it turns out better than the last one!

Beautiful Bead Crochet....

And here is another skill I haven't the patience to perfect! Nona, of Lanmom Originals, crochets with beads. That's a bit of an understatement really. Just look:

Southwestern Necklace - Sedona Dreams

Nona explains how it is done in some of her listing descriptions: 

"There are four steps to creating a piece of bead crochet rope jewelry. The first step is design, which includes determining the look of the finished product and breaking that pattern down to a straight sequence of beads. The second step is stringing, where each individual bead is strung on thread in the correct sequence. One mistake here will destroy the pattern, so I take great care! The third step is to crochet each of these tiny beads into a beautiful, strong and light bead rope. The fourth and final step is finishing with joins, findings and/or accent beads to complete a lovely and unique piece of jewelry."

Nope, can't do it!

Breast Cancer Awareness Necklace

That is a most beautiful piece of jewellery!

ReCycladelic Pop Top Bracelet

Nona says these are much simpler but they still look mighty complicated to me!

And, to top it all, Nona takes beautiful photographs and makes her own soap!

Lemon Lavender Castile Soap

I'm beginning to feel inadequate, so, for the sake of my ego, I'm stopping there! LOL

Daringly Different!

If the title mystifies you, it is the phrase that Pam from epicetera uses to describe her jewellery!

Pam has a definite style which I admire immensely. Look at this bold necklace!

Turquoise Calsilica Jasper Necklace

Pam can do chunky with panache but also uses delicate pearls to great effect:

Natural Keshi Pearl Necklace

As well as a penchant for the dramatic, Pam also demonstrates a sense of whimsy!

Colorful Stretch Skull Bracelet

Most of all, colour is manipulated with style in Pam's designs. I love these long random necklaces of hers!

48 inch random necklace, mixed pearls

Have a peek at Pam's "About" page to find out more about how she got started!

Wire Wrapping Heaven!

I'm going to start with a big picture here, so you can see what it is that I am in awe of!

Aqua Blue Wire Wrapped Necklace

This wonderful piece was created by my friend Joy. She has a shop on Etsy called Catinalife Creations where you will find all sorts of beautiful and intricate jewellery!

Look at the precision work in this bracelet:

Gold colour wire woven cuff

I don't think I'd have the patience although I would love to attempt it some day!

Joy also makes chainmaille jewellery:

Niobium Rainbow Rings Bracelet

Talk about complicated! I wouldn't know where to start!

If you want to see more (and who wouldn't?) go visit her shop on Etsy. 

Oh, and Joy also loves cats, as if you hadn't guessed! That makes her a top person in my book!