CurlyQ Cuties - Monster Maker

I can across this site whilst Tweeting on Twitter: http://www.curlyqcuties.com/. It's fantastic if you like Plushies - big Plushies. They have a great gallery of their Monster Plushies.

The great thing about the site is that you can create your own monster in the 'Monster-Maker' section. If you select this option, it will take you to a screen where you can virtually build your own monster by choosing body shape, eye colour, bellow shape, mouth shape etc - and select different colours. The one above would be my ideal Monster - isn't he cute, in an ugly sort of way!

Once you are happy with your design you can add it to your cart and he/she will be made specifically for you AND shipped within 10 days. Now that's good service.

Check out the site and have some fun with the monster maker. What's your favourite monster?

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Time for Tea Craft Swap - My Goodies

Well, I couldn't wait today - the postie was running late, so I was phoning Royal Mail to make sure the service was running, that's how bad I've beed today.

If you remember my previous post about the Time for Tea Craft Swap - this is an update as to what I received. My partner, Laura Sparling, is a very talented lampworker and makes delicious cupcake beads. So I was thrilled to hear that she was my partner. The package arrived, beautifully wrapped, but got carried away and opened one of the items before I took a photo. Quick, the camera. And that's another story, I dropped the damn thing last night and it kinda went 'Ouch'. The screen is now bust and can't see a thing, so grateful these actually focus and the camera was pointing in the right direction. Anyway, I digress.

My goodies - beautiful cupcake beads (not just one, but five scrumptious beads), sparkly knitting needles to get me started again, lovely buttons (especially like the flowery shell ones) and my favourite tea; Redbush.

I'm just absoloutely amazed with all the cupcakes - she has been so generous. A huge thank you to Laura.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Slimming World - it had to be done!

Yes, you can eat fish and chips

Well, I'm admitting to it. Wasn't sure whether to or not, but it may encourage me even further. I've joined Slimming World - wey hey. I will be weighing in on a Thursday night, so if you would like to follow me and encourage me, please visit each Thursday evening, around 9pm, when the latest weigh-in figure will be on full display.

My daughter is now 21 months and she is my main inspiration. I would like to do all the sporty things she will be doing when she's old enough. I want to take her ice skating (as I love it too), swimming (we go once a week), skiing (Aviemore is only one hour away), playing in the park etc. I want to be a Yummy Mummy.

I joined two weeks ago (in desperation), as I need to lose quite a few pounds, well stones actually. My weight has been gradually increasing over the last few years, a combination of being really happily married, love of food (especially Cornish Pasties and Cornish Clotted Cream) and having a daughter. Some may say, that's no excuse and you are right. It isn't. Lack of exercise is also a major factor. Last summer I was in a good routine, walking about 3 miles everyday. Winter came, and that was that! I'm a person that concentrates on work, work, work (and snacking) and forgets about being healthy.

So now, I have no excuse, I go to 'Fat Club' (as we call it in our house) every week, so I'm being monitored. I will also post my good and BAD weeks.

So far I have lost 3.5 pounds, not much, but at least it's going in the right direction.

Don't forget to get your update, late Thursday night.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Out of the kiln - Dichroic Glass Pendants

These are my latest pieces out of the kiln - a batch of pendants and some cute and colourful hangers. I get so excited when I load the kiln, even more so when I open the lid. I'm like a kid in a candy shop. On the otherhand, you can sometimes be disappointed with some of the pieces. During the firing process, many things can happen; glass can slip, burn, overheat to name but a few. If a piece of top glass slips from, say a pendant, the resulting item can look messy and uneven. Sometimes the dichroic glass metallic surface can burn off, leaving a grey chalky appearance and if the glass is over-heated, you will be left with spikey edges. So as well as pleasant surprises, there can be disappointments too. But, the surprises far outweigh the bad experiences! I still love my creations and spending time designing new items.

I'm glad to say that today looks like it will be bright and sunny. After posting that Spring is finally here, it turned absolutely horrid - high winds, sleet and snow and brrrr, it was damn cold.

Today I look out and see the sun and feel better already.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Spring is in the Air

Spring is definitely here - at last. It has been such good weather that we've been playing in the garden. The sun is shining and it's mild enough without a jacket - yippee, doesn't everyone feel happy when the sun shines?

I thought I would share some sunny photos with you:

Anyone for Tea?

Ummm, that smells good

My daughter bent down to the snowdrops and to the tree and said 'smells good'. She loved the garden and just wants to be outside all the time.

Kathry, Lazy Daisy xx

How to Clean your Jewellery - Credit Crunch Tips

As money is tight at the monent, it doesn't have to cost a thing to clean your bling!

You can use ordinary household items, such as washing up liquid and baking soda.

Here are some tips:

Cleaning Silver
You can use a solution of washing-up liquid and warm water.
Rinse in hot water and buff dry.

Baking soda is fantastic for removing tarnish from silver. Every household should stock this little pot of powder - it is a great all rounder and good for domestic cleaning, and of course, completely safe.

Make a paste using one teaspoon of baking soda and a few drops of white vinegar (or just plain water, if no vinegar). Use an old toothbrush and rub the paste all over the silver piece, in all the nooks and crannies. Wash with warm water and buff with a cleaning cloth.

However, care must be taken when cleaning plated metals as it is easy to rub off the coating if you are too enthusiastic!

Another way of cleaning silver is using aluminium foil:

Line the bottom of the bowl with aluminum foil, add several spoonfuls of baking soda and fill the pan with boiling water. Now drop in your silver pieces and watch the tarnish disappear.

Why not try both methods and see which one works best for you.

TIP - Always clean jewellery in a plastic bowl lined with a cloth. This will protect delicate items and avoid your precious items from going down the plughole.

Gold
A simple bowl of warm soapy water should bring your gold up nicely - use an old toothbrush to get into awkward places.

Cleaning Precious Stones
Amethysts, diamonds, rubies and sapphires can be cleaned in washing up liquid and warm water – use a little paintbrush or make-up brush to gently scrub (toothbrushes can be too harsh for such delicate stones, so take care if this is all you have to clean). Rinse in lukewarm water then dip into surgical spirit to remove any soap residue. Buff gently with a cleaning cloth, or chamois leather works a treat.

Emeralds are softer and porous, so extra care must be taken - shine them using a chamois leather.

Pearls are porous and should not be washed in water. The oil on your skin is the best tonic for pearls, so wear them with abundance, but you must protect them from hairspray, make-up and perfume. You can polish pearls with chamois leather. This brings them up to a bright sheen.

If you are in a hurry, why not try this option - place your jewellery into a glass of warm water with a tablet of Alka-Seltzer, leave for a few minutes, remove and dry. The tablet does all the work for you. NOT suitable for pearls or opals though.

Hope you enjoyed these useful tips.
Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Pop Art - Fused Glass Cufflinks and more

Cufflinks (above)Ring (above)

Pendants (above)

These are my latest creations for the website; Pop Art range. I have made cufflinks, pendants and rings, with earrings coming soon. A matching set, even covering his 'n' her items. They are vibrant and retro in design.

Talking of my website, I have updated it and given it a more modern look. Take a look http://www.lazydaisyglass.co.uk. I now have ranges ie., Pop Art, Labyrinth, Fusion and many more and they are easier to view because there are pictures displaying each range.

The layout is much better than previous with easier navigation. Hope you like the new site.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Fine Silver Pendants - for Mothers Day

Fine Silver Double Heart - textured (above)


Fine Silver Pendant - Handstamped with MUM (above)

I have created these fine silver pendants for Mothers Day. I had a commission to make a fingerprint heart pendant for a friend and had some other ideas in my head, so went about creating.

Precious Metal Clay or Silver Art Clay is manufactured in Japan. It is currently available in fine silver (0.999%) and 24K gold. The clay is made up of small silver particles combined with a non toxic binder and water. Once fired the non toxic binder burns away and the water evaporates. It leaves the finished piece in its ‘original ‘ state, giving you the choice of type of finish. This means that your silver does not have to be the high shine that we associate with silver but can be finished to give a matt or semi-matt appearance simply by using a stainless steel brush. I like to create textured pieces to add depth.

I am currently working on my new website design and will be adding these to the website over the next couple of days.

God made a wonderful Mother

A Mother who doesn't grow old

He made her a smile of sunshine

And a heart of pure gold

In her cheeks he placed fair roses

in her eyes, stars that shine

God made a wonderful Mother

And that wonderful Mother is mine

Happy Mother's Day

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Time for Tea Craft Swap

Over on the Crafteroo craft forum (http://www.crafteroo.co.uk/), Yvonne from Blottedcopybook (http://www.blottedcopybook.co.uk/) came up with the brilliant idea of the Time for Tea Swap. Members of the forum had to register their interest, complete a short questionnaire and Yvonne then paired everyone up. There has been a great response, with 30 crafters registering. Here are the questions with my answers:

1) What do you like to do, craftwise?

I make fused glass stuff as a job, but like to do anything crafty; cardmaking, knitting, buttons

2) What do you like to do to relax?

Sit down in front of tv, watch a good movie, with a glass of rum and some chocolate.

3) What is your favourite type of tea?

Red Bush (caffeine free)

4) How do you take your tea? (With milk? With sugar? With lemon? With cake?

Are you a biscuit dipper?) No milk, no sugar, just plain red bush tea, with a large muffin and I'm definitely a dipper.

Tell your partner a little about you (include likes and dislikes here)

LIKES - I enjoy life, being a mother (she's 20 months old), love fused glass art, developed a thing for fabric buttons but don't know what to do with them, all kinds of pop music, photography, love cakes especially cupcakes.

DISLIKES - not much, oh - cleaning the house (not my strong point)

I have been paired with Laura from Beads by Laura (http://laurasparling.blogspot.com/). You must check out Laura's blog - she is a connoisseur of making lampwork cupcakes. Her work is absolutely exquisite. She also has an Etsy shop, details can be found on her blog. These are her cupcakes:

I did warn you - don't they look so scrummy

We now have to make a Time for Tea-related item, buy some tea bags and craft materials/supplies that my partner can use. These items then have to be packaged together and sent by Friday March 27th 2009.

I will of course update you at the end of March and show you what I made. Please check back soon.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx

Tutorial - Earring Cards/Display

This tutorial will show you how to make earring cards for display purposes. Many people ask about the best way to display their earrings, and this is a very economic option. My earrings are 4cm in length, including the fish hook and this earring display is perfect for this size of earring. If your earrings are longer, you will need to increase the size of your template.

Materials:
Card stock
Scorer
Ruler
Scissors
Pricking tool
Double sided sticky tape

Step 1 - Choose an appropriate card you wish to display your earrings. I used 220gms of card stock, it is sturdy and will not bend under the weight.TIP - do not choose card that has a busy pattern as this will detract from your pretty earrings. If you have a logo or theme, choose a card that compliments it. It is a good idea to make your first template out of scrap card, if you make a mistake, you haven't ruined your good card stock.

Step 2 - Cut out a piece of card - 4.5cm x 14cm. Measure and mark scorelines as follows - 5cm, 7.5cm and 12.5cm. Fold along the scorelines so you now have a shaped piece of card.

Step 3 - Measure two holes where you would like to hang your earrings, depending on the size of your earrings. Measure equal distances from each side so the holes will match and using your pricking tool, make the holes. I have made four holes; a set for studs and drops, but you can make only one set if you wish.

TIP - you can use your scrap card template to line up new cards to prick your holes. This will save alot of time as you will not need to measure further cards.

Step 4 - Apply the sticky tape to one end of your card template (the smallest section). Fold over the card to make a triangular shape and stick the small flap to the card. You earring display card is now complete. I have incorporated a daisy patterned card, but it is more tricky to measure and getting the pattern in the right place. Plus, there is more waste. To minimise the waste from the daisy card, I made small daisy gift tags. I hope you enjoyed the tutorial and think the earring cards look as good as I do.

Kathryn, Lazy Daisy xx