Jancari Designs

So busy.....

2010-11-06T19:59:00.000+11:00

I don't know if everyone else is feeling the same way, but I've found between now and Christmas is just flat out. I have been invited to an extra four markets and can't make even one of them as already have plans at those times. I guess it's just the time of year.....but it seems to have started even earlier than usual!!
The photo I've included today is of a simple necklace made with silver coloured brass components. Two swallows swooping to the etched oval piece. I just sold one on the "madeit" site so thought I'd make another as they are quite popular and pretty.
I've got plans to make some Christmas brooches in the next couple of weeks. I've bought and have some of the parts on order, so hopefully they'll be ready soon. I'll post some photos when I have some done.
Now I'm off to find a recipe for "Funeral Potatoes". My girlfriend has come back from the US raving about them. Wish me luck. xx

Visit Ballarat........

2010-10-20T23:37:00.000+11:00

Gee, it's been a month since I've posted anything.....I am so slack at this!
I've been working at work, and working at home. I've made lots of earrings and rings and things lately.
I've included a couple of photos of some of the things I've made recently, all with the stitched buttons.
I was in Ballarat on the weekend and found a fantastic shop called "Gails Patchwork Emporium". Her shop is amazing! She has beautiful materials and things for the sewers, but also buttons and beads and wonderful things for everybody. They're open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 6pm if you're interested at 131 Yarrowee Street in Sebastopol. If you ever find yourself in Ballarat make sure you drop in there. They also do mail order but I notice that they don't have nearly half the stock in the catalogue......it really is worth a visit if you can get there.
Going to have a busy week again for the next week. We've got friends and family coming over and of course some shopping expeditions!!!
Bye for now. xxx

Pendants at last.....

2010-09-18T15:10:00.001+10:00

Well it's taken me a little while but I've finally finished the new glass tile pendants. It's been a busy week cleaning and throwing things out then I had a stall and a market. So I finally got into them at 1am this morning and finished the bails. I've taken some photos and listed them on the madeit site already, so I've included a couple of photos here to show you.

It was also my friend Jurgen's birthday yesterday. Happy Birthday to you Furgen!!! We had a great time at dinner last night.

I've also got some other news. I've opened a new shop on the Craftumi site (the sister site to madeit where you can buy all your craft supplies). My shop is called "BeadyBoo" and you'll find beads and findings that I have too many of or just don't use anymore. You'll find the link over on the right side of this blog under "links to my shops".
So that's all I have for the moment.... until next time. Bye!

I've been shopping....

2010-09-12T23:04:00.000+10:00

Well I haven't made a start on any jewellery yet as I've found my work bench and the kitchen table are both full of junk.....so I've made a start on cleaning up. And I've done pretty well so far so hopefully I'll get a start on the glass tile pendants soon as they are selling like hotcakes on the madeit site!! Mum came around today with some boxes and plastic tubs so I can start to sort all my altered art bits and pieces. You don't realise how much you accumulate until it's time to clean up!
I thought I'd show you a couple of purses that I just had to buy! They are gorgeous little card wallets. I got them from a lady at the Sunbury Market who was selling them for her daughter in law. I think it was the bird designs that got me in the end as I just can't resist anything with birds on them. I reckon they'll be great for travelling with. She had florals and all sorts. Mum bought one with owls on it - very nice.
So that's all for now as I'm back to cleaning.
Cheers xx

Holidays.....

2010-08-30T14:27:00.001+10:00

Well it has been a long time since I've updated the blog. I had computer problems for a little while and then I went on holidays with "the girls" to Bali. We go there every two years to shop and eat and of course we all had a great time.

I've included some pics of Bali for anyone interested.

I ate lots of nasi goreng and chicken satays. And I think I overdosed on watermelon juice as I've been suffering withdrawals since I came home!!

I went beserk shopping and have finished all the birthday and Christmas shopping for the year. And also got plenty of bags, clothes, and shoes for myself of course!!

So now that I'm back it's all about work. I need to find some inspiration to make new jewellery. Though I do have some new images that I'm going to use for the glass tile pendants.....I might make a start on those.

Cheers!!!

Stitched buttons.....

2010-06-16T13:50:00.000+10:00

You wouldn't believe it, but this bloody parotitis keeps recurring. I've got to have an ultrasound tomorrow so they can figure out what's going on. At least it's not constant now, just every now and again.
I've been busy though making some new items. This week I've used stitched buttons and made more bobby pins, bracelets, some rings, and earrings. I've included a couple of photos of the earrings. I used rubber backs on these ones as I find them more comfortable. Cute hey?
I'm also very pleased to say that I've had a number of wholesale orders recently for my glass tile pendants....they seem to be doing very well of late.
Well, I'm off to visit my friend with her hairless cat Romeo.......though he's not exactly hairless anymore as he's grown a short coat of fur over most of his body!!
Cheers for now. xx

Getting better.....

2010-06-09T21:49:00.000+10:00

Well I can't say much has happened this week. I missed the markets on the weekend as I still wasn't well enough to go, so there's no news there. But I am much better now and am going to Sunshine Market tomorrow. Hopefully it won't rain too much and we'll get a few people there.

I'm showing a bracelet I made this week using cherry quartz, brass, and glass beads. It's a bit different but I like it.....I love the colours. I haven't come up with a name for it yet, so does anyone have any suggestions?
Blessings, xxx.

Where has the time gone?

2010-06-03T14:41:00.001+10:00

So where has the time gone? I notice that it's been almost a month since I was here last. I've been sick for the past couple of weeks with something called parotitis.....I'd never heard of it before. But basically I've had a lump sticking out of my neck with a high temperature and throat infection. But I am feeling much better now.

I've haven't been making anything for the last two weeks so I'll show you a necklace I made for a friend about a month ago. My friend doesn't like the feeling of metal on her neck so I used a ribbon made from pure silk so it is soft. She loves the necklace, and with the ribbon she can easily adjust the length of the necklace to suit her and what she's wearing on the day......I'm glad it all worked out. I think it looks a little strange at first, but it does look great on.

So I'd better get back into things now as I have markets on the weekend. Bye for now. xx

Mothers Day.....

2010-05-08T21:04:00.000+10:00

It's been a busy week this week with markets and birthdays and things.
The necklace I'm showing today I made this week and I call it "love letters necklace". It's a simple but pretty design I think with the birds flying down to deliver the letter. It's made with brass components and vintage glass flower beads.

Another update on those mini cupcakes I was trying to replicate. Well I found out the the woman who made them is a pastry chef so now I don't feel so bad that mine weren't up to scratch!!!

It's Mothers Day tomorrow and I'd like to take the opportunity to wish Mum a very Happy Mothers Day. Thanks for everything you do Mum, and I hope you have a great day. With love xxx.
I hope all the Mums have a terrific day tomorrow.

Stirring chocolate....

2010-04-30T21:14:00.000+10:00

I've been doing nothing much but making jewellery this week for the markets on the weekend.

I did go to the movies today and saw "When In Rome". It was ok, but not something I'd especially recommend. I only went as I had a ticket that ran out today....there was nothing much on so that is what I settled for.

Mum went to lunch recently and did some shopping. She brought back these spoons covered in chocolate. One has a marshmallow on top and the other is like a freckle on top. You are meant to stir them into your hot drink. Is that not a terrific idea? So I took photos to show you. They had smarties and all sorts apparently. The sticker on them says "2 cats in chocolate". I don't know if that is their business name or not, but whoever you are - Thank You and well done!! They are just gorgeous!!! xx

Brown bird in the ring.....

2010-04-13T10:09:00.000+10:00

Well the cupcakes didn't turn out exactly how I thought they would. I followed the recipe to the letter, but it was not good. They weren't moist and dense like a mudcake should be. And the first batch sank in the middle. I had to make a few alterations to the time and heat, but it didn't help much. The fudge frosting was okay, but not like the one I was trying to recreate. Overall a disappointment. I think I'm going to have to ask for the recipe.
I've been making more jewellery this week. I've had a few custom orders that I'm hoping to finish up today. I've included a photo of a bracelet I've made recently. I love the earthy feel and brown colours. I've called it "brown bird in the ring" bracelet.

Baseball is back on telly again. So I'm up early every day this week to get my fix. But now I'm a bit tired as I still keep having the late nights!! Take care. xx

Spirit of the butterfly....

2010-04-08T19:21:00.000+10:00

It's been busy as usual this week making lots of jewellery and trying to get my shops in order.
I had a lovely Easter doing the markets and caught up with family.
Today I'm including a bracelet I made yesterday called 'spirit of the butterfly'. I love the old style colours of pink and green, and I think the butterfly shows really well.

I'm taking dessert to a friends birthday on Saturday and have decided to make cupcakes. I bought some at Sunbury market last weekend. The gorgeous young lady had made these mini chocolate mud cupcakes with a fudge frosting. They were absolutely beautiful. So I've been on the web getting recipes this week and I'm going to try to recreate this cupcakes. Anybody who knows me knows that I like to bake, but I've never tried cupcakes before. Wish me luck!!

Market to market.....

2010-04-01T20:23:00.001+11:00

Hi again. It's been a busy week this week and it's not getting any slower over Easter. Had Sunshine Market today and the weather for it was beautiful. Then I've got Sunbury Market on Saturday, and Keilor Market on Sunday. In between the markets we've got plans to visit family.
I've also been trying to catch up with jewellery sales, so I've been flat out making jewellery this week.
The one I'm showing off today I've called 'Swallow to circle' necklace. Not a very imaginative name, but that was all I came up with. Can you give me any other ideas? It's a simple design but elegant I think. I really like the detail on the ring and the birds of course. So that's it for now..... have a very happy Easter. xxx

Blue and green......

2010-03-24T23:46:00.000+11:00

I've been listing jewellery on my Etsy site this week, though I'm going to take new photos for the items. I've ordered some really cool papers in as backgrounds for the photos, so I'm just waiting on those to arrive. These scrapbooking shops have some beautiful papers.
Hubby is still on holidays so we went to Ballarat today to visit some dear friends and had a great time as usual. I'm going to miss these day trips when he goes back to work!
I've included photos today of a necklace I made, though I don't have a name for it yet. Both the beads are handmade, and the main focal bead is wrapped in brass, in fact it is all made with brass. The chain is gorgeous with a fine etching all over.

That's all I've got for now, so until next time.....

I'm back.....

2010-03-17T21:57:00.004+11:00

Well I can't say enough how glad I am to be back...... as camping is really not my thing.

I've put up some photos of the trip. We went to the salt lake races at Lake Gairdner in South Aust.. The photos show just a bit about the salt and the cars etc.

To me this wasn't interesting at all as you'd see the car take off and then never see it again, but to my husband it was a dream come true as he'd always wanted to go there. Now we've been hopefully we won't have to go again for years to come!!! Now it's back to work as usual and I have a market tomorrow. Bye for now.

Holidays....

2010-03-03T12:21:00.003+11:00

Well I'm off for the next couple of weeks. We're going to the salt lake races in South Australia. We've never been before so it should be interesting..... still not convinced about this camping thing though!!

I thought I'd leave you with with pics of my little fairy bracelet. They're made with brass components, a lovely detailed fairy charm, and Swarovski beads. I've made them in a couple of different colours including this teal colour, purple, and a dark red. I've also used bee charms. They're very cute with a simple design.

Well I'm off, so I'll talk to you in a couple of weeks and tell you all how it went. Cheers!!

Filigree butterfly necklace....

2010-02-25T19:11:00.000+11:00

Hi all. So I haven't listed anything on the Etsy site yet. But I do have it ready to go. The problem is, this time in a week I'll be on my way to the salt lakes in South Australia. We're going to the racing that they have there once a year. It's really not my thing, but hubby wants to go, so I reluctantly agreed. I'm really not in to camping - at all!!! But I have plenty of books, and Soduku puzzles lined up ready to pack. I've decided I'm going to tough it out! Anyway, I think it's too much work now, so I will list all this jewellery when I get back.

Today I'm including a photo of my filigree butterfly necklace. It is a gorgeous butterfly with beautiful detail. It has Swarovski beads hanging from the bottom, and hangs from two strands - one chain, and the other seed beads.

Lunch with old friends...

2010-02-21T18:28:00.000+11:00

I've had a great time today. I met up with old school friends, some of which I haven't seen for 25 years!!! We had a great time talking about the things we got up to and shouldn't have got up to, and of course finding out what everyone is doing with themselves. We all got back together on Facebook.......it really is a wonderful thing.

I've also been making up new items for my Etsy shop. I haven't listed anything yet, I thought I'd build up a bit of stock first before I start listing. So this week I started on some brads bracelets. I like the colours of these, they're a bit more colourful than ones I've made in the past. So I've included a couple of photos to show you. Looking forward to a busy week this week. I've got to make up lots of new stock for the Etsy shop and I have to start packing for our camping trip that's coming up a lot sooner than I want it too. Ciao!!

The new pendants.....

2010-02-16T12:09:00.000+11:00

Finally, I've taken the photos of the new pendants, and they've all be listed into my madeit shop. There are lots of birds as I can't go past the birds.... and a variety of other images.....all ones that I like of course!

Have you noticed the new banner on my blog? I also have one in my madeit shop and my etsy shop. Renee from Thompson Designs made them up, I think she did a great job. To look at more of her work I've put a link under "my favourite blogs".

I looked in the mirror this morning and decided I need a change, so I'm off now to dye my hair purple. Not a bright purple, but a deep violet sort of colour. Hopefully this will do the trick!!!

Flourish petal necklace.....

2010-02-14T23:25:00.000+11:00

We went and saw our gorgeous nephew again today. He is the sweetest little boy, all smiles. He has big blue eyes and the longest black eyelashes I've ever seen!!! I've also been working on the glass tile pendants. I finished them today so I'm just waiting for the bails to dry so I can take some photos and list them. I can't wait to see how they go.

I thought I'd include a photo of one of my favourites today. Its called the "flourish petal necklace". It's made with a handmade glass focal bead and Swarovski and other Czech glass beads. I love using pink and green together..... it's such an old style colour combination that i think works so well.

I've been to the movies...

2010-02-10T12:36:00.000+11:00

I still haven't started on the new workroom yet. I keep putting it off. I think I have to get a lot of containers first to sort through all my beads and things.
I went to the movies with Mum yesterday. We saw "Edge of Darkness" with Mel Gibson. I loved it..... bit of a thriller. I also watched "The Blind Side" with Sandra Bullock. It's based on a true story and it's a great movie, I highly recommend that one.
I had a friend around this morning, I was helping her make up some new postcards for advertising. Shirl does lovely slumped glass work. I've included a photo of one of her pieces.
I'm also busy making up more glass tile pendants today. They won't be ready for another couple of days yet as they have to dry between processes, but I have some great new images. I'll take photos once they're ready and put them on.

More about workspace....

2010-02-03T09:46:00.000+11:00

Well I'm happy to tell you that I won't be extending the house!!! I've decided to move rooms. To me this is almost as hard! The other spare room is filled with my clothes, my beads, my market things, spare bedding, absolutely everything. But regardless, I've decided to get everything out of there and do up the room, and make that my new workspace. I've already decided colours: three green walls, and one feature wall that will be pink. And I'm going to put up white shelving. I notice that this is all very easy to write down, but I know it will be at least a couple of months before all this is finished. (I'll have to remember to take progress photos.)
So at least a decision has been made and all I have to do is start work!

I've included a couple more pics of inspiring workspaces. They really are gorgeous.

Inspiring craft workspaces....

2010-01-30T14:32:00.001+11:00

These last few days I've been trying to sort out my workspace. This is not easy I can tell you. My office and my workspace, and my craft workspace are all in one room, and it's a very small room! So of course I have boxes all over the house. This has brought me to googling craft workspaces to see what I could find to get some inspiration. I've found some beautiful workrooms and have decided I have to do some major replanning here to get it up and working more efficiently. Imagine having all my bits and pieces in one spot where I could find them.... or even knowing all the things I had to work with (as a lot of times things get lost and I have no idea that I even have them). I've got all these ideas running through my head now. My poor hubby.....I've even thought about extending the room out..... like I could afford that!!! I've attached some photos of some inspiring workspaces.

Deckas wallets...

2010-01-26T06:04:00.001+11:00

Well it's 5.30am. I've been up all night taking photos and listing the newest wallets in my ebay shop.

I've just received the latest shipment of Deckas wallets. I love them. They are great quality, they have terrific colours, and they're a bit different too. I'll add a some photos so you can see what I mean.

I've been shopping shopping shopping this week. Everywhere and buying everything!!! I've got some great sale items on books, and beads, the wallets, camp chairs, handmade gift tags, lip balm, everything!

I think it's time I went to bed. My head's getting muddled and it's hard keeping my eyes open.

Looking forward to a great Australia Day!
If you want to see more of the wallets, click on the link below, and look under the category "wallets".

Link to my Jancari Designs ebay shop.

The new scarves......

2010-01-19T16:42:00.000+11:00

Finally! I've taken some photos of the new scarves. I've got quite a few different colours and have listed a few in my madeit shop. I'll include a couple of the photos here.

I haven't been doing much these last few days as my back still isn't the best so I've been able to catch up with lots of reading, but man it soon gets boring!!

Bird got the blues bracelet...

2010-01-14T14:18:00.000+11:00

Well it's cooled down thank goodness!

Thought I'd show you another bracelet I've made. I call it "bird got the blues". Made with brass and different colour blue gemstones (I've forgotten which type they are - just for something different!!!).

My memory is shocking!!!

My back isn't too good today so I'm going to rest up a bit more and hope to get to a sale tomorrow!

Hot and sticky.....

2010-01-10T15:07:00.000+11:00

It's been hot these last couple of days and there is only more to come. So I've been trying to distract myself today. I've listed a few of my fringe scarves into my madeit shop, and I've made a necklace that I quite like. I'm trying to decide whether I should keep it for myself or not.

I used a bird, butterfly, and beetle, and a few Swarovski crystals to make it. With a huge Swarovski pendant hanging at the bottom. I haven't decided on a name for it yet either.

Think it's time for an icecream!!

What I've been doing.....

2010-01-05T17:23:00.002+11:00

Finally, I've made some scarves. I just haven't got around to taking any photos of them yet. I'm pleased with the results and can't wait to get some more yarns.
I went to the movies today and saw "Did you hear about the Morgans", and loved it. It's one of those light, easy to watch films, and it there were plenty of laughs. It starred Hugh Grant and SJ Parker.
I have also been spending way too much time on facebook. I love it. I've been catching up with old friends, and people I haven't seen for more than 20 years!!! It's terrific!!!
I still haven't taken down my Christmas decs so I think I better tackle that now.

I thought I would include a photo of some "soaring swallow" earrings that I made. I love working with the little birds!

Happy New Year.....

2010-01-02T12:37:00.000+11:00

Wow... it has been a busy time for me as I'm sure it is with lots of people. So now it is all about relaxing and taking it easy for a few days.

I've bought lots of wool and am finally going to tackle these scarfs. I'll take some photos when I've finished to show you.

I've also discovered Facebook recently and found old friends. This is a wonderful new thing for me and I've been spending a bit of time on there. If you're not signed up you should take a look.

I also found these dog leashes and camera straps on the madeit site at Christmas time. I think they are gorgeous. So I've included a photo to show you. They're made by allanaC.

I'd also like to wish everybody and their loved ones a happy new year!!!

Christmas week....

2009-12-27T19:49:00.000+11:00

Well Christmas is over for another year. We had a great day spent with family and friends, stuffing our faces with food all day! Then shopped yesterday at the Boxing Day sales. We were there with everybody else at 6am to shop for the bargains. We've also had other family over today to have our Christmas together, and then there's two more other family Christmas days to go this week. I love this week and getting to catch up with everybody again.
I haven't spent any time on the crafts this week, but have got some ideas for summer scarves that I'll try out in the next few days.
I hope you all enjoyed your Christmas.

Merry Christmas!!!

2009-12-23T17:07:00.000+11:00

Hi. Well it's almost Christmas day, and I've been rushed off my feet. The house is almost clean and only just the basics needed for shopping. All the plans are made and the presents wrapped. I think I may be able to enjoy Christmas eve this year.

Have got Sunshine market tomorrow, so hopefully the rain will hold off until the afternoon, and then everything will be perfect (or should be anyhow).

Nothing much to say today except to wish everybody a Merry Christmas. I hope that wherever you are and whoever you are with, that you are with good people and have a happy fun filled day.

Much love, Meg.

Pre Christmas cleaning.....

2009-12-19T15:03:00.000+11:00

Wow. It's so close to Christmas now that I can't believe it. It will be at my place again this year and the house is currently a huge mess. I've tried to do little bits of clearing my work on the kitchen table and coffee table, but then I find something else to use and work on that.

This week I've been making candles, scarves, and Christmas brooches. I'm a little late obviously with the brooches, so hopefully I'll remember where I put them when it comes to next year. I made the brooches as I tried looking to buy some that weren't cheap or tacky looking. I coudn't find any and thought I'd give it a go myself. I'll include a pic to show you.

Good luck with all your Christmas preparations!!!!

Josh's birthday.....

2009-12-13T16:08:00.001+11:00

Hi again. Well today we went to a birthday lunch for my gorgeous nephew Josh. He turned 2 today. He is so beautiful, excited and talking about everything he notices.

I've still been busy here making jewellery trying to keep up. I've just listed 15 more glass tile pendants in my madeit shop. And I'm making more of the vintage brass items. I think it will start to slow down in another week or so when people stop getting gifts posted as they worry about them arriving in time. I'm still waiting on items myself. I ordered a couple of beautiful scarves..... I'll include a picture or two. I got one for mum for Christmas, and the other for myself. The colours are lovely. I ordered them from an Etsy shop called FlorasFinest.

Brads bracelets....

2009-12-08T12:26:00.000+11:00

It's been a little while since my last posting as it's still been busy. Had a great weekend with the markets and my husbands birthday. We went to our favourite Indian restaurant for dinner with family and friends. It was lots of fun.

Sunbury Market on the Saturday was probably the busiest I've ever seen it. It started off as a craft market but over the last two or three years, they have slowly added sellers with other items too. It's a nice market with both an indoor and outdoors. It's at the leisure centre on the first Saturday of every month except January.

I have been frantically making jewellery to keep up with the sales and I've also been listing new items I've made onto the madeit site. I call them "Brads bracelets". I'll include a couple of photos here.

Now it's time to continue these Christmas cards. Ciao!

Busy, busy, busy....

2009-12-02T22:49:00.001+11:00

Well it's December again so I've made a start on the Christmas cards. I was looking for any excuse for a break so decided to come on here. Business is pretty busy at the moment. I'm selling travel wallets like there's no tomorrow. And I've just received an order for some custom pendants. I've also got two markets on the weekend and my husband has a birthday. I'm not complaining though as I love being busy.

For something different I thought I might include a couple of photos of the travel wallets today that I sell on my website. They are made in either leather or suede and come in a huge range of colours. I have a bright pink suede one and I love it!!!

Early day....

2009-12-01T07:52:00.002+11:00

Well it's a new day. I'm up early today as I've gone over the broadband limit and now it's slowed me down so I'll have to use it in the off peak time for the next few days!! It doesn't matter how many gigs I get, I always seem to overrun the limit. I do get lots of things done though early in the mornings. I've been very productive so far taking lots of photos and updating listings on my sites.

I thought I would show one of my necklaces today. It's called "sparrow in flight necklace". It's a very simple design made from aged brass and a Swarovski crystal drop. I love the colour of the bead, it's a teal colour in real life. The photos don't show it that well. And the detail on the bead cap is lovely. I love using birds in jewellery. What do you think?

Attic window....

2009-11-30T08:38:00.003+11:00

One of my passions is working with old or vintage style brass. I love the old style look of the finished pieces. I use quality beads to highlight the brass. In this case, I've used a gemstone and Czech glass.
This one is called "attic window" due to the shape of the focal brass component.
Isn't it gorgeous?

In the beginning......

2009-11-29T22:04:00.004+11:00

This is the first blog I have attempted, so please be patient with me while I fumble my way through.

I thought I would begin with one of my best sellers. These are the glass tile pendants. I've found that the bird images are the most popular, followed closely by the vintage images.

I personally love the vintage images best. I have included some pictures of each.