More Sea Glass and the Power of the Blog

Alright 'Power' and my blog might be slightly over stating things but this is one of those wonderful situations that leaves you wondering 'how did this connection get made?'.

Of course, it starts with sea glass. A comment left on Musings from a Muddy Island, some Mersea sea glass finding its way to me, some (actually about 2 pounds weight of) sea glass from the Isle of Wight arriving at Hedgelands. And finally, my friend Flik agreeing to pick up a few pieces of sea glass for me when she visited her Grandmother in Lowestoft.

The story continues and you can see the posts about how I transformed the various pieces of sea glass from around the country. And there have been some really positive connections made, some wonderful books to covet and a guest blog to write for Waveney Valley Blog - which is where I started this blog from 'how did this connection get made?'.

So this just goes to show that you never know what a blog might stir up!

Isle of Wight Sea Glass Transformed

OK I was a bit lazy with the first two pieces of Isle of Wight sea glass (presented on a silverplate bail) - but I have to try these things. One of the pieces is going to be in the Rackenford Shop from next Wednesday - the 14th of May. There will also be a demonstration by a local artist during the morning between 10am and 12 noon so if you are anywhere near Rackenford in Devon (near Tiverton up the link road a bit) then do stop in and tell them 'Michele sent me'.

Oh and I'm booked in for the 21st May to do a demonstration on making (Mobile) loop charms which can be put on bag straps and other things as well. I'm going to offer to make 3 charm loop charms in the shop for £5 each (lampwork beads will be £1 more) with a £1 going to Rackenford Shop. But a bit more about that next time.

Back to the transformation - This piece of sage green sea glass was set into a lightweight sterling silver band with a backing of rings behind. I quite like this style so I might try this with some fabulous pieces of English made Antique art glass.

So I hope 'Melton Mowbray' feels that the small hoard of sea glass collected with much blood sweat and I suspect a few tears (from the cold) has been suitably treated. Of course there is a lot more there to do!

Community Spirit in Cyberspace

I participate in a wonderfully friendly and supportive forum called UK Beaders which is a wealth of information.

There are always 'challenges' to participate in and for the second year, the forum hostess 'Kitsch Kitty' has organised a charm bracelet for auction with the proceeds going to a cancer charity. The theme is Blue Copper and Silver. Two bracelets will be made and the forum community as been asked to donate charms. Here are my two offerings. Both feature lampwork beads.

Now you are wondering what are lampwork beads!? Lampwork refers to the method used to create these mini works of colour and art. The lampworker uses a torch to heat the glass rod and roll the molten mass onto it. These are artisan made glass beads that have been properly cooled in a kiln.

Anyway, I'll be sending these off to Kitsch Kitty to put with the other charms. I will definitely be buying raffle tickets in the hopes of winning one. If you want to read more about it, you might have to register, but to look at Latest Creations is open to all.

Next time? Possibly more pics of sea glass but also some information about Rackenford Village Shop, how to get there, when it is open and what you might find there.