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Pictured above are some sketches I’ve done this morning, of a couple of shapes I’m planning to cut and carve. I like the idea of putting an incised rune into it. Although not obvious to the onlooker (unless they knew their runes), it would make a pleasing little decorative feature and of course the wearer would know it’s secret and special meaning. I love that idea. Now I’m off to my workbench to start turning the thought into reality ..read more

Pictured above are some sketches I’ve done this morning, of a couple of shapes I’m planning to cut and carve. I like the idea of putting an incised rune into it. Although not obvious to the onlooker (unless they knew their runes), it would make a pleasing little decorative feature and of course the wearer would know it’s secret and special meaning. I love that idea. Now I’m off to my workbench to start turning the thought into reality ..read more

Pictured above are some sketches I’ve done this morning, of a couple of shapes I’m planning to cut and carve. I like the idea of putting an incised rune into it. Although not obvious to the onlooker (unless they knew their runes), it would make a pleasing little decorative feature and of course the wearer would know it’s secret and special meaning. I love that idea. Now I’m off to my workbench to start turning the thought into reality ..read more

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We’re just back from our daily walk. It was lovely out along the hedgerow today. I noticed a few different things in flower today, at this time of year things really start to change quickly. High up in a big oak tree we saw seven noisy jays – clearly not socially distancing! The bird life seems much bolder and more noticeable now that it is so much quieter. I got down to have a closer look at the patch of celandines, paying close attention to the way the centres are formed. Yesterday it was dull and damp, so their little faces were closed. Today the sun was out and their glossy petals had unf ..read more

It’s been a funny old week hasn’t it? We’ve all had to make some adjustments to the way we live our lives and even if you’re fit and healthy it can make you feel a bit weary. But there is still much to enjoy and Mr J and I are able to do our usual daily walk to see what’s happening in the wood and hedgerows. After making some delicious pancakes for breakfast this morning I felt keen to start putting some ideas for pendants down on paper, ready to start painting, stitching and beading next week. I think I’ll start with the ‘Springtime’ pendant first, it will be lovely to use a fresh pale ..read more

It’s very quiet here, living as we do at the end of a cul de sac with a field on one side of us. Usually there is the hum of aircraft from the local airport, but of course there are no planes just now. But beading goes on as usual, and crafting is a wonderful stress buster. I’ve had several emails from some of my usual online craft shops saying it’s business as usual. My Oak Tree Crafts ‘Acorn Club’ beads arrived this week – lovely spring colours, so will inspire a catkin inspired piece I expect. The Lakeland Crafts faux leather pieces have proved inspirational, and gave me the impet ..read more

I rather like January despite the cold damp weather. I’ve always found it a peaceful, reflective month in which to plan projects for the coming year, brush up on old techniques and find out about some new ones. At first glance nature seems to be pausing too, but of course she never really sleeps, as the green spikes of bulbs in my garden, and the tiny buds and tightly furled catkins along the hedgerow testify. December is often too busy to get much crafting done, but is an ideal time to catch up on reading. I’ve treated myself recently to a wonderful set of ‘tomes’ on traditional Indian jewe ..read more