Marlier Designs

A brand new look!

2011-04-05T11:15:00.000+10:00

I have decided it's time for a change. There will be new things to show, I'm stepping away from my jewellery, but I will still be making glass beads :) New products will be on offer , there will be a new name and a new logo to go with it too. It's all very exciting :D :D :D I will also be transferring all of these changes to a brand new blog, which I will give you all the link to when it goes live :)
Thats about it for now, I must get back to making pretties!
xo

We have a winner!

2011-02-26T19:51:00.000+10:00

We have a winner! The winner of my giveaway is Kim Mika, she posted over on my facebook page :) The beautiful birdie necklace will be on its way to Kim very very soon!

I hope to have another giveaway in the not too distance future!

Thank you all for joining in the fun :)

A giveaway!

2011-02-15T22:11:00.002+10:00

I have decided it is time for a giveaway!

A long time overdue too, I think.

All you will need to do to have a chance at winning is,

Valentines Exchanges

2011-02-08T11:48:00.003+10:00

At the moment I'm taking part in two lampwork bead Valentines themed exchanges... One, I have to make 3 heart beads and send them internationally to different people.. I will get 3 back from different people as well, what a fantastic idea, I am very excited to be able to participate in this one :)

The other exchange is more local, being organised by my fellow moderator Diana, and myself over on the beading forum. Everyone makes the same number of beads as there are participants, that are inspired by Valentines Day. Everyone sends away their beads to D, where she will distribute them out, so everyone will get 1 of the same type of bead. Sounds like fun huh? If you're interested, go on over and check it out, sign up is on until the 18th Feb :)

Have a great day

A giveaway!

2011-02-02T17:53:00.002+10:00

My beautiful friend Belinda Saville is having a giveaway over on her blog here

Belinda has just reopened her etsy store, which is very exciting and has a beautiful range of moroccan inspired pieces, Just delicious!

If you would like to enter, all you have to do is follow the instructions on Belinda's blog

-xo-

2011

2011-01-29T21:52:00.004+10:00

Well, it has been some time since I wrote a blog post. Too long , in fact. In the time since my last post, I haven't been very creative, hardly made a thing at all! I have resigned from my job, and am happy at the prospect of being creative once again, trying out some different things and spending a whole lot more time with my beautiful children :)

School started back on Monday, the twins are now year 4 and my little Phoebe started prep, and still trying to adjust!

I am hoping to get some Valentines Day inspired beads happening in the next day or two, very much looking forward to making beads again :)

I am also considering having an auction of all the beads I have made in the last 12 months, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Grantham community. I wasn't affected by the floods directly, but many many people were and I would like to help out in some way :)

I will be holding the auction on my facebook page here

I'll be back in a couple of days with details and hopefully some Valentines Day beads to show off!

To market, to market

2010-11-22T20:10:00.008+10:00

It has been a very busy few weeks. On the weekend on 5 and 6th November, Christmas In The Country art and craft show was on and in full swing! It was a huge week of setting up with all the other committee members. It really was all worth the huge effort we put in, a very successful event for our 20th year! Here are a few piccies :

And some beautiful stalls from the weekend

Cupcakes!

2010-10-09T08:34:00.003+10:00

Just thought I would quickly show this cupcake bracelet for my friend and boss at work! She loves cupcakes and dotty beads and wanted a bracelet.. Here is what I came up with!

What I've been up to

2010-10-08T21:28:00.004+10:00

Wow, it has been a long time since I updated my blog, way overdue! I started back at work in July, and have not been making much jewellery at all, but still making glass beads when I'm not working :)

Lately I have been preparing for "Christmas In The Country" an art and craft show here in Gatton I am involved in. I think there will be a lot of late nights coming up getting ready!

Here are some photos of some recent works, and hopefully I can update more over the weekend!

Oh also, some exciting news :) I found out this morning, I am number 8 in the top 50 networked blogs in Lampwork! How exciting is that! I'm wrapped :)

Have a great weekend!

Felting...

2010-07-10T22:31:00.003+10:00

A little late (ok a fair bit) but here are the pictures of the felt beads I made in the workshop a few weeks ago! I have made a few since then, having a lot of time making them as well!

I have recently gone back to work, and doing full time hours for the next couple of weeks, so all I have managed was to string the beads together as a bracelet, but no clasps as yet!

I am planning on ordering some more gorgeous colours very soon though!

Busy times

2010-06-15T13:58:00.003+10:00

It has been a busy time for me since my last blog post! Nothing all that exciting going on, just the normal every day stuff that seems to have gotten on top of me lately.. Running around with kids, etc.

I have ditched the oxygen tank I was using with my lampworking torch and am now hiring an oxygen concentrator, which is a much more economical way of doing things. I won't have to worry about having to fill up oxygen bottles anymore! It was such a pain in the bum :) Hopefully I can get back into the swing of beadmaking again.

I do have a few photos to show though, some buttons and a couple of necklaces, some focal beads too.

I've also booked myself into a felting workshop, which is this Saturday, should be a lot of fun! I haven't done a workshop for a few years now, so I'm really looking forward to it. It is being run by Mad Monnies bead shop in Brisbane, and the teacher is Liz DeLuca, a good friend of mine and fellow beadmaker and jewellery designer. Hopefully I will have pics of it to show you next weekend!

Have a great week

2010-05-10T20:29:00.003+10:00

It's been a busy week for me! Last week I was featured in our local paper, with a little story about my jewellery and beadmaking, which was just fantastic! My website also went live, so have been getting a lot of interest there, and updating it almost daily. I also purchased a new lampwork tutorial of a stargazer lily bead, also known as the oriental lily. I have loved these flowers ever since I started my first job as a trainee florist back in 1994, such a long time ago! So I have been trying to make these beads, but they keep cracking on me. I really need to put them straight in the kiln, because of the size of them, I have had 2 survive, out of about 6! I also had another go at a frog, but his little legs broke after i was taking the bead from the mandrel :( So disappointing! Here are a few piccies anyway :)

My Website!

2010-05-03T22:25:00.002+10:00

I've finally taken the plunge and got myself a website! It's just about finished, there are still a few things I'd like to get listed on there, but I think it is *mostly* done!

I have had a lot of help from a couple of people, Lyn and Anne.. without your help ladies, I don't know what i would have done!! It definitely wouldn't be looking as pretty as it does now :)

Anyway, here's the link :

http://www.marlierdesigns.com/

Something new!

2010-04-27T16:28:00.004+10:00

Here's something new from me, I bought some gorgeous fabrics. Some Amy Butler, Joel Dewberry and Michael Miller. They have the most beautiful feel to them, super soft! I plan on making a few funky cushions for the couch, and not sure what else. I also bought a cool Amy Butler bag pattern, I haven't bought the fabric yet, but I'm thinking teal/turquoise and chocolate. But anyway here's a pic of what I have collected so far!

Striking colour beads, and a mega disc!

2010-04-13T15:10:00.005+10:00

I've been trying out some new Double Helix glass colours, namely Clio and Terra 2.1 I've also got some of the new Terra, its a really beautiful glass, as are all of them! I also bought a new bead roller, its called the mega disc and I plan on making a few beads using it and turning it sideways so it's a donut shape, and I can then wire wrap :) I've also been making strawberries, but you have to be careful, these ones are rather crunchy!! Ok enough rambling, here are the pics!

Coral Mango, Poi

2010-03-08T19:52:00.006+10:00

A few days ago I posted about some coral mango lentils I had made. Well, on the weekend I went ahead and etched them, and I am very happy with the outcome! I think the colours just pop out even more!

I also made another set, and had the itch to etch these too! The name of the glass is called Poi, a soft purpley colour, and when etched it softens the purple just so much, gives a totally different look!

But wait, there's more!!! Beads, that is!

2010-03-06T08:33:00.003+10:00

Here is another lentil set I just finished last night, using CiM Celadon and Fine silver wire for decoration for 3 of the 5 bead set.
I also made a little bead from reichenbach Multi colour, just to show the different colours that came out from this one rod of glass! It seems to like graphite, the colours came out a lot stronger :)

Lentils!

2010-03-05T15:57:00.003+10:00

I've been making a few new bead sets this week, some lentil beads
and also a set using my crystal press. I have also just finished a couple of other custom orders, and will post photos up when they have cooled down :)
All this rainy weatehr is great for beadmaking, I'm loving the rain!

A little bit bit of sunshine!

2010-02-12T21:17:00.003+10:00

I was very happy this evening to learn I had received The Sunshine Award from my friend and fellow beader and blogger Belinda of Bead Fetish.
Thanks Belinda, for brightening up my night :)
These are the rules:

The rules for accepting the Sunshine Award are:

- Put the logo on your blog or within your post.

- Pass the award onto six bloggers

- Link the nominees within your post.

- Let the nominees know they have received this award by commenting on their blog.

- Share the love and link to the person from whom you received this award.

Here are some of my favourite bloggers :)
Kath from ArtInGlass
Liz from CreativeArtyFacts
Bree from BeadsByBree
Marcy from StudioMarcy
Liesa from HandmadeHeaven
Miriam from BubbaChenille

A new arrival!

2010-02-04T17:10:00.003+10:00

My twin sister Kath from ArtInGlass had a baby boy just a couple of hours ago! Toby Benjamin weighed in at 7lb 2oz and they are both doing very well! We are all so excited, I will have photos to post up tomorrow hopefully!

Seaside Exchange

2010-01-30T13:36:00.003+10:00

Over on www.beadingforum.com.au there is currently a lampwork exchange that I am hosting. The theme is the 'seaside' and there are 10 participants. Everyone makes 10 beads of the same type, and they all get sent off, so that everyone will reeive the same (ish) thing. Cool hey.. Hopefully I will have everyones beads in my hot little hands by Friday!! I have already received some and they are just gorgeous! Anyway these are the beads I have made for the exchange. The clear frit over the gorgeous vetrofond honey crunch depicts the sand, the CiM pulsar and white filigrano represents the sky and the beautiful blue of the ocean.

Jewellery with ceramic beads

2010-01-12T13:14:00.004+10:00

I purchased these beads before christmas. I just love these connectors, they are made by artist Natalie Fletcher, you can find her gorgeous creations here.
The shards bracelet is mine, I'm not giving it up for anyone!! The second bracelet which features swarovski crystal dangles is for sale, along with this gallery of work.
I still have two more sets to make up as well, will post photos when I have completed them. :)
Have a great week!

Some new jewellery and a few beads too

2009-12-29T13:27:00.004+10:00

The last few days have seen me get back into the seed beading yet again, after a little break. I have had this beautiful lampwork cab completed for quite some time, but I hadn't gotten around to stringin it together. I decided to go with a Ndebele rope, and using delicas, it worked up beautifully, a slinky feel to it. The other cab, I' keeping for myself. It was given to me by a friend who knows I have a thing for turquoise, and I am really happy with how this one came together. Iused some gorgeous magatamas around the bottom to give it a different look as I didn't want to put a fringe on this one. I have another two cabs on the go ready to be backed as well.

Santa was kind enough to bring me a creation Station as well! Very happy with that!! I have been trying it out and making a few beads, just playing around really, I am almost out of oxy again eep!
Will post some more pics up when I have the other two cabs finished :)

WINNER!

2009-12-16T21:14:00.003+10:00

The winner of my Christmas draw was announced on my fan page today - Nicola Sleep! Congrats Nicola your goodies will be in the mail shortly :) Thanks everyone for entering and telling your friends!

Lustre Focals

2009-12-15T08:58:00.003+10:00

A few weeks ago I had a visit with a good friend Liz, from Creative Arty Facts and we made some beads, trying out a few different glasses and techniques etc. Liz has a great collection and showed me the bullseye lustre range she has. Well, I think I'm addicted to yet another COE now! Liz gave me some rods to take home with me, and I have since ordered more, and just can't stop making them! The lustre gives a beautiul metallic sheen to the clear glass, really really pretty. Here are some beads to show you what I mean :)

Giveaway!

2009-12-15T08:32:00.003+10:00

Over on my Marlier Designs facebook fan page at the moment, I'm having a Christma giveaway! Simply post a comment, or post on my wall and you're in the draw! I will be randomly drawing a name tomorrow morning, and will send a message to the lucky winner, and announce it on my page of course! Go here to become a fan and vote if you haven't already!!

Some Earrings

2009-11-24T17:52:00.003+10:00

Here are some earrings I made prior to the Art and Craft Show, these didn't sell, along with plenty of others I'm yet to photograph! There's some mobile phone charms I have as well, all lampwork beads, need to take photos of those too! I think I'm going to host a pre Christmas open house jewellery party type thing, as I still have quite a bit of stock I'd like to get rid of!
Have a great rest of the week everyone!

Christmas In The Country Art & Craft Show

2009-11-13T20:34:00.006+10:00

Last week was a busy one. I spent most of it helping set up for the 'Christmas In The Country' art and craft show. I didn't find it as busy as other years, maybe the rain kept a few people away, or they weren't looking for jewellery.. Anyway I took a few photos of my stand and of some others as well. Enjoy!

A few more things!

2009-10-05T21:12:00.006+10:00

This afternoon I have been playing around oxidising a few pairs of fine silver earrings I've made. Also a few other pairs of earrings I've put together in the last few days, all the lampwork beads made by me :) I've also included a before and after shot of the oxidised onyx briolette earrings I made today. You can see what a difference it has made to the look of the piece :)

New jewellery!

2009-10-04T13:49:00.003+10:00

I have been beading away the last few weeks, getting ready for a local Art and Craft Show I have once again been invited to sell at :D
These are just a few

Lampwork bits and pieces ♥

2009-08-28T22:09:00.002+10:00

I finally got a chance to make a few beads yesterday afternoon! It had been so long since I had, felt like forever! Hopefully I'll ge a chance in the next few days before it all gets packed away again for the house move :) This is just a group shot of beads I've made recently, most of them are pairs of beads I'll make into earrings. Enjoy!

Goddess beads and other stuff

2009-08-18T18:40:00.003+10:00

What a busy few weeks I have been having, I have kind of forgotten all about blogland lately! Our house has been sold so we are getting ready for another move, its not even 12 months since we were in this place! Oh well. I had a look at a beautiful home today a few minutes out of town , its a beautiful place, nice and peaceful too :) I'll be crossing everything for the next couple of days!
I have been making bits and pieces of jewellery, and making lampwork beads when I can as well. I have had another go at making goddess beads again, but I really need a kiln to stop the cracking, its driving me nuts! Ah well, hopefully soon! Here are the last couple I made :)

Another new Cab

2009-06-28T13:07:00.003+10:00

I finally completed this beautiful fused glass cab last night. I've been trying to get it done for a couple of weeks now, but other things got in the way. The fused Glass cabochon is made by Liz Deluca, a very talented lampwork and fusing artist. This piece is made using seedbeads in size 11 and 15. I have another cab of Liz's I'm working on today as well, hopefully will have pics by tonight :)

Seed beads and Cabochons!

2009-06-07T17:38:00.003+10:00

Lately I have been getting back to seed beading. I'm really loving it too, it has been quite a while since I've been wanting to create with these tiny little things, really enjoying it. So this is just a few new pieces I have whipped up in the last week or so...

Recent Beads

2009-05-20T20:18:00.004+10:00

I've been a bit slack lately, with updating this! I haven't really been making much jewellery, but the torch has been calling me! I've upgraded to a fantastic minor burner, and I am really loving the change. So here's a bit of what I've been up to lately :)

Turquoise and a lampie

2009-04-07T10:09:00.003+10:00

I made this necklace up over the weekend, pretty simple really. Turquoise coins that are drilled slightly off centre so they overlap each other, and a black lampwork focal of mine. I think the black focal works well against the light colour of the turquoise coins.. I also added a little dragonfly to the focal to give it that something extra

Polymer Clay Bracelet

2009-04-03T18:16:00.002+10:00

I made a bracelet up this afternoon with some beads I bought from Dani of The Whimsical Bead . Her website is temporarily closed at the moment, but this link will take you to her wonderful etsy store, lots of fabulous goodies there!
The beads I got from her are these gorgeous fuschia pink and orange lentils, arent they gorgeous! The technique used to make these beads is called Mokume Gane ( I think).. Looks like there is gold leaf in there too! Cool, huh?
So I have teamed up the beads with Swarovski Crystals in Fuschia, Crystal and Fire Opal, a couple of lavender jade beads on the ends and teamed up with a dragonfly charm. It has all been strung together on soft touch, gives it nice flow and movement, I love the stuff and so much nicer than regular tigertail.

My name in print!

2009-03-06T13:35:00.006+10:00

I have made a few lampwork cabs in the past, in particular a few were sold to Chanel Oldfield, a NSW based jewellery designer. Chanel specialises in seed bead embroidered pieces, and also wire work. She was recently featured in Beads Etc magazine with a profile, and also a tutorial for an embroidered cuff, in which one of my lampwork cabs were featured! Here are a few piccies of the lovely piece she created :) You can view Chanels products and work for sale here :

www.freewebs.com/jewels4you

http://cabsncuffs.vstore.ca/

Pandora Style

2009-02-23T19:50:00.003+10:00

This is a bunch of pandora style beads I've recently made. They have been cored with sterling silver :D Some have been etched, some with flowers, plunged dots, stringer scroll work etc.. I love making BEADS!

Swarovski Crystal and Wire Pendants

2009-02-19T16:00:00.002+10:00

I have been making these crystal and wire pendants for a couple of years now, and thought I would show a few. They are all made using swarovski's, and non tarnish silver wire. The olive and brown toned one is made using mostly czech beads, however still a great effect.

Etched Earrings

2009-02-12T17:50:00.003+10:00

This is just a simple pair of earrings I quickly made up a couple of days ago, plain round beads with raku frit on them. Annealed, and then etched, I added a 4mm jet swaro to complement the beads as well :)

A bright lampwork bracelet

2009-02-11T17:40:00.002+10:00

I made this very bright lampwork bracelet last week, I made all the beads, then etched them to give them that matt look. I've been wearing it a fair bit since I made it, and think I'll make some more as well.

A welcome

2009-02-05T10:24:00.002+10:00

I really should have put this post up first! Basically this is just a welcome, and a bit about me and what I'll be doing on this blog.

I live in QLD with my husband and 3 children, two 7 year olds and a 2 1/2 year old. In late 2003 we were living in Brisbane, I didn't know anyone, and I came across a bead shop. From there the addiction started, LOL. I have been making jewellery ever since then, I sell it once a year at an Art and Craft show held here. The jewellery making has recently been put on hold though, since lampwork took over. I have been making my own beads for over 12 months now, and love every minute of it. I still have a lot to learn, but I am really enjoying it all. I have a collection of glass and tools that are slowly growing, and having fun each time I sit down at my torch.

So, with this blog I'm going to be having a monthly giveaway, it could be a piece of jewellery or lampwork bead/s whether it be a focal or set or whatever! Pretty exciting stuff! I'll also be sharing beads or jewellery I've recently made, other artists I admire, etc.

Thats about it for now!

My new but old kiln!

2009-02-02T17:46:00.001+10:00

How exciting! I picked this kiln up yesterday, so I can now start to anneal my beads myself, and hopefully slump some into cabs too! It does need a few things, like a pyrometer, and a plug, hopefully I can get a sparkie to have a look at it soonish.. Here's a piccy or three for now though: