Heart Buttons

I have been trying on and off for a few weeks now to come up with a quick and easy way to make heart shaped 2 hole buttons that were consistent in shape and not too thick. Several attempts later with buttons being broken as they stuck to the mandrels I have finally have got something to show that I am happy with. Once I have done the Honiton Show next week I will be adding them to my etsy shop for you to buy ;-)

My daughter Megan is the one responsible for setting me off down this path as she wanted some for a project she has been working on, making brooch/hairclips featuring my "seconds" buttons as there were a few mounting up and she felt they didn't deserve to be shoved in a box. This is what she has done with them which I think is rather cute.

She has also made flower shaped ones with a round button in the centre and butterfly shaped ones with a long narrow bead as the body. I'm hoping to be able to sell a few at the show next week.

Helen x

My Sunday

Well here I am killing time until tea is ready, which incidently smells lush even if I say so myself :-)

This morning my hubby was up early to go an collect 3 of his 4 children to come and stay with us, it's been aaaaaages since I saw them so was looking forward to their return.

As I was awake early for a Sunday I made the most of it and headed studio bound at about 8:30am!! Yesterdays kiln haul was nice and satisfying and I set about filling her up (the kiln, I've yet to name her - suggestions welcome) again.

I have been working on some new style buttons, much simpler and therefore cheaper than my "usual" buttons so hopefully they will be well received. The first time I tried this design they all stuck to the mandrels and came of in 2-3 pieces :-/ so fingers crossed I have overcome that issue!

As I feel it necessary to add a picture to any blog post to make it more appealing I thought I'd show those of you that don't know, what my beadies look like fresh from the kiln.

Have a lovely Sunday evening whatever you are up to

Helen xx

Lampwork Play Day at Helen's Haven.

I had such a lovely day on Friday, I spend a lot of time on a bead forum and had a group of South West beadmakers over to my studio to talk beads, play with glass, eat, drink and generally chill out. The weather was looking like it may not be too kind so I got the kids to help me put up a mini marquee thing we have but I needn't have worried. It was sunny until mid afternoon when people were starting to head home anyway. I would like to say a huge thank you to those that came and look forward to welcoming you all here again soon.

"Cheers ladies!"