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Welcome to EJR Beads!

Are you looking for beads, findings and craft supplies just that little bit different? EJR Beads is home to my handmade art beads plus a host of other jewellery making and craft supplies. I pride myself on stocking the EJR Beads online store with the unusual.

You can find my latest lampwork, polymer and ceramic art beads plus masses of other things-we-like for sale in the online store

Not sure you want to click yet? Don't you like antique beads, freshwater pearls, copper, sterling silver & hypo-allergenic beads & findings? Not interested in vintage buttons, craft supplies and tools - polymer clay and art clay silver supplies?

See, I knew you were bluffing. Now stop teasing me and just go take a look. You won't regret it.  Here you go, here is the link again, all nice and big. Please add me to your faves because I am always adding cool new items to the store, so you need to check back regularly!

 

Click here for the EJR Beads online store !

 We ship throughout the UK and beyond, have an easy-to-use shopping cart and very reasonable shipping rates with a quick despatch.

 

  Oh, and you can use the store to join to my mailing list too.

 Subscribers get regular emails about new products, competitions and more. Simply set up an account in the online store and tick the box for the newsletter to subscribe.

  In the meantime,  thanks for visiting ejrbeads.co.uk today. I hope you have enjoyed your visit, if so please do spread the word! You can scroll down the page now to read more of my waffle. I waffle almost daily on this page, so you can always see what is new - in the store and in my head...

 Best wishes,  Emma Ralph

 

 

Studio Update: Tuesday 2nd September

New beads and free beads!

 

lampwork glass beads I took one look outside this morning, heard the rain thundering down and thought to myself "I will work inside today". Somehow the idea of spending all day in a spider-laden shed in the rain didn't quite grab me today! But there is always plenty of other stuff to do.

So I listed some new lampwork beads in the EJR Beads online store today, including this set of Encrusted Relic beads.

But I so have some freebies you can win. Giving away some free beads is a nice way to start a wet Tuesday don't you think?  I thought so.

free lampwork beads 

So, as promised - your chance to snap up some freebies. These beads are some of my new Encrusted Relic beads, with a bit of a Mackintosh feel to them. If you want to be in with a chance of winning them all you need to do is to email me three bits of info:

Firstly -  the answer competition question - "What is the name of the lampwork Focal bead I have listed for sale today?"

Secondly - your full name

Thirdly - your postal address (this is just time-saving, so I can get your beads straight out to you if you are the lucky winner.)

 

 

 

Studio Update: Thursday 28th August

Blink and you miss 'em!

 

jewelry gifts for the holidays magazine

 

 I listed a couple of sets of beads today. A set of lampwork and polymer beads, which both sold pretty quickly. So it just goes to show -  you should always drop by the EJR Beads online store to see if I have snuck a set or two in under the radar!

 There are more beads in the kiln though - so hopefully they should be cleaned, photographed and listed early next week sometime.

Meanwhile, the annual Jewelry - Gifts for the Holidays magazine from the Beadwork people has arrived.

 This mag has a lovely mix of projects in it. Not too Christmassey either if you know what I mean. More, they are just very nice projects that you would be happy to wear to special parties or give as gifts. A very nice issue, with a bit of everything in there from wirework to stringing.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Monday 25th August

Hooray, Hooray, it's a holiday!

 

Relic lampwork glass beadsI do hope you are all enjoying the bank holiday weekend. The Brits at least. ( I know that for my American readers, it's next weekend you get to loaf around in bed)

But for us Limeys we get to be lazy now and good thing too I reckon. We should do it every week if you ask me. I mean, what is even the POINT of Mondays? No-one likes them. Ban 'em I say.

Today isn't such a bad Monday though since I have some new lampwork beads to list later in the online store later. Here is a sneaky preview of one of the sets. This is a rather bizarre set of beads I am calling "Encrusted Relics", since they were very much inspired by things left under the sea / in the ground too long.

I will be curious to see what you make of these beads, since I think this is one of those "love 'em or hate 'em" type sets! Actually the photo doesn't quite do them justice but they are certainly unusual!

I think they will be a design challenge for whoever is brave enough to take them on. None of the beads is identical in style, colour or well - anything really! But somehow, for me at least, they seem to work.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Thursday 21st August

and now I have guilt!....

 

I was working out in my shed today, making lots of lovely new lampwork beads. When I went to turn off my propane, a spider was busy building a web right in front of the tank.

The spider was so nearly done and it was a lovely web. I figured that if I took one of the long guide silks she had made, maybe I could re-orientate the web slightly so I wouldn't snag it.

Well, that plan didn't work. I totally muffed up her web. Big time. She was only little, but I could SEE her angry face and I am sure I heard her swearing at me.

But, she gobbled it all up and when I returned half hour later, she was remaking her web. This time in a slightly different position so as to not obstruct my pathway.

What a clever, persevering, inspiring little spider. Yey to her!

Sometimes - ok, quite often - in bead making, things don't go according to plan. Or it can take months sometimes to perfect a process, to work out the right ceramic glaze or the perfect glass combo that will help you create the look you are after. There are so many times when I might open the kiln or oven and find another "what not to do" bead smiling at me.

I shall add Mrs Spider to my list of motivational thoughts for all those moments, spurring me to go back to the drawing board.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 20th August

Hi Ho....Hi Ho...!

 

It's off to work I go!

I was sitting here this morning thinking how much I love my work. I really do. And thanks must go to you for that as it is you guys who keep EJR Beads going and me out the doss house! Thank you!

I got to thinking about some of the jobs I had in the past, before my previous "career" in credit control. Did you know, for example, I once started training to be a hairdresser. At the end of the day I couldn't really handle the "so, are you off anywhere nice for your holidays then?" level of conversation for 45 hours a week. But the work itself was cool.

Don't ever underestimate hairdressers because it takes a lot of hard work and talent to be good at hair. Believe me, I know from the botched attempts me and other student hairdressers made! It is a brave woman who replies to those "models required" signs in the hairdresser window. One of my models (the incredibly ancient Mrs Pettitt) would always just fall asleep. I am sure she only came in for the tea because her blowdry and set would always be dubious at best!

Then another of my jobs was factory work. A summer job making plastic identity cards using the fabulously-titled Pramesco Mark 3 machine! This machine would melt and fold plastic. That was it's raison d'être.  It knew what it was doing, it just needed a numpty human to put the flat plastic in and take the folded plastic out. I was that numpty.

I often wondered what the Pramesco Mark 2 was like. How inferior was it to the mark 3? Why the upgrade? Is there a Pramesco mark 4 now? Or even a mark 5?

My brother was working this job too. He put a jelly baby into his Pramesco Mark 3 and it never quite worked the same after that. Smelt interesting though.

polymer cafe magazine october 2008 

But thankfully the days of the Pramesco are behind me.

EJR Beads is now here to keep me out of trouble and away from public view. So what is new in store today I hear you cry?

Well the latest issue of Polymer Cafe magazine is in. It's a good'un too!

Lots of projects in there for using your translucent polymer clays with groovy products such as my favourite Adirondack Alcohol Inks for instance.

Also, a  cool sculptural project by Christi Friesen and much more.

 

 

 

 

Studio Update: Sunday 17th August cont.

Silent Auction!

 

lampwork auction beadsSo, I thought it was time for a lampwork bead auction. But this time, an auction with a difference - or more to the point several differences.

Firstly, this auction will be run from this website, not eBay or elsewhere. Secondly, it is a silent auction.

So how does that work?

Simple. Just email me your maximum bid, cross your fingers and wait. The highest bidder wins, paying just £1 higher than the next highest bid.

So, if you are the highest bidder with a max bid of £30 and the next highest bidder's bid was, say, £24 - you would win the beads for £25. Clear as mud?

Don't worry, it will all work out in the wash.

Here are the beads in question - a set of stylised rose design tabs in various shades of purple and lavender. All the beads are decorated on both side, they come with natty little coordinating spacer beads too. The tabs average around 18 x 16 mm.

Postage and packing worldwide is included. Closing date for entries is 24th August (a week from now). If there is more than one highest bidder, whoever's bid came in first will win. So what are you waiting for? Email me and get your bid in!

 

 

 

Studio Update: Sunday 17th August

Reading Specs on!

 

Well after a lovely Saturday afternoon over with Mr Man, feeding the foxes it is back to work for me. You will all be glad to hear Foxy is doing well! He showed up in the kitchen as I was making my dinner and had to be escorted outside again with bribes of whiskas cat kibble.

Foxy Lady is doing well too - she is Foxy's sister and a little more timid than Foxy (although still braver by far than your average fox. I guess it is all relative really. )

But the world does not turn on cute fox anecdotes alone really does it? Certainly this website needs a tad more than that and I know that most of you really tune in for beady news. So all I can tell you is that I am now settling down to clean a big bowl of lampwork beads.

Will I get them cleaned, photographed and listed in the EJR Beads online store today? I just don't know. If I shut up and get on with it just maybe.

jewelry artist magazine 

 Meanwhile, you might like to know that lots of new bead magazines have come in. I have new issues in for Jewelry Artist, Wire Jewelry, Art Jewelry and Beads & Beyond.

 Jewelry Artist has a fantastic issue out, as always. Among other great projects and articles, there is a feature on choosing and using resin. This opens up many new possibilities for your jewellery design, more so if you are a polymer clay artist as often resins can be successfully used with polymer clay (Check out my second book Get Creative with Polymer Clay for a cool resin and clay project for instance!)

There is also an excellent article on saws. Sounds odd, but if you are teaching yourself different skills for jewellery making, these sorts of articles are beyond value. Not only are all the basics covered, but there is even a very nice project at the end where you can put your new skills to practice.

 

 

wire jewelry magazineAlso in store now - the latest issue of Wire Jewelry.

This is the Summer 2008 issue. Thought the last issue was Summer 2008?

Well it was. So is this one.

I know, crazy huh? I think the last one was actually called the "Summer Preview". Anyway, the point is this, don't go thinking you already have this issue just because its called Summer 2008. You probably don't. You probably need this one. You probably need to hurry since these Wire Jewelry mags just fly out the door no matter how many copies I get in.

There is the usual mix of high quality wire projects in this issue, with 3 different chain maille projects for those of you who are link-obsessed.

 

 

 

 

 

Studio Update: Saturday 9th August

Nope. Not yet.

Thanks for asking though!

handmade ceramic pendantsWell, the new beads all seemed to sell out very quickly. Thank you everyone. Your support is so appreciated, I hope you know that. I am sorry to anyone who missed out but I am sure there will be some more goodies up soon.

I did list a couple more of my ceramic pendants this morning in the online store. I love making these pendants. In fact, I have one from this latest batch that I have kept back for myself as I want to make it into a necklace for me to wear. Gasp! I never wear jewellery these days, so this is rare!

I was going to list it for sale, but it kept looking at me asking me not to. Plus it is a green triangle shape so it reminds me of those noisette triangles from Quality Street chocolates. Umm chocolate.

 

 

Studio Update: Thursday 7th August

Yup. Woe is still  me!

 

Horrid cold still here. Has now travelled to lungs. Either that or someone kindly sandblasted the inside of my lungs whilst I slept for that fashionable raw feeling.

So what is a girl to do except sit around in bed watching telly, eating chocolate, faffing around with beads and updating drivelley blogs all day? This being ill lark isn't all bad really is it.

foxy wants dinner  Meanwhile.... many of you have been asking for news about Garden Fox. So here he is.

This is Foxy's standard body language for "will you give me some dinner please? I am bored of rat and pigeon?"

(Yes, Foxy did eat Mr Man's favourite garden pigeon the other day, but we will draw a line under that sorry event. In fairness, pigeon was very stupid. We had to pull it out of one of the local cats just the weekend before and it STILL continued to walk around on the ground without the slightest concern for who was stalking it. I guess this is Darwinism in action)

So even though he has some shocking inter-species personal skills (as in eating the other animals he meets) could you resist Foxy when he asks so politely?

 

 

foxy really wants some dinner

Well, could you resist?

Are you sure?

Could anyone really resist those soft tan brown puppy eyes?

Looking at Foxy and how he has wrapped us around his little finger this summer, it is so easy to see how Man and Dog developed that so-called "best friend" relationship.

This cunning little creature knows just how to push our buttons. He must be laughing all the way to his den as he cons more specially blended "fox mix" and sultanas out of us. This fox even has Mr Man's mum making sandwiches for him daily.

When was the last time anyone made you sandwiches daily? Or me? We are in the wrong game. We need to get cute and furry.

 

foxy eyes! 

 So maybe you haven't fallen under Foxy's spell yet? Maybe you think we are just soft.

Are you REALLY SURE you could resist those eyes?

If so, all I can say is you are a stronger person than any of us are ;-)

You will notice that this photo was taken on a different day, with Foxy in a totally different part of the patio. This really is his stock pose for getting what he wants. He is the gigolo of foxes, just playing us for all he is worth.

Well, they do say foxes are sly and cunning, don't they. I am starting to see just what they mean. You don't want to know what the little criminal has stolen from the house and garden too! If it ain't nailed down.....

 

Are you bored of Foxy yet? Probably you are. I don't have children to bore the pants off you about, so I have to do it with animals.  Maybe I will start showing off copious pictures of my cats doing nothing in particular. Oh it will come to that, I am sure.

Did you maybe come here for some bead news instead though? If so, all I can do is apologise. This cold has pushed me right behind schedule on the bead front. I do have some new lampwork beads and ceramic beads, pendants and buttons almost ready to list in the online store. I just need another day at least to photograph them and whatnot. But there are some cool things in the pipeline so watch this space....!

 

 

Studio Update: Tuesday 5th August

Woe is still me!

 

microfine glitterOoh I feel dreadful. Aren't summer colds the pits? Never mind, I am sure it will be over and done with soon.

Meanwhile, we have had a new delivery of Microfine Glitters. But its not all good news. I need to warn you that some of these colours will not be around for ever (indeed some are gone already). My manufacturer is quitting the business. So unless I find a replacement as good as these glitters, when we run out they will be discontinued. I will only settle for a product that is as good (or better) than the glitter I stock now. This stuff is fabulous and I simply wont settle for the lesser quality glitters flooding the market today.

So the moral of this tale is - if you see a glitter colour you like at EJR Beads, do make sure you order up enough to keep you going. Even though stocks are pretty good right now for most colours, once they are gone that could well be it. Let's hope not. I am always scouring the globe looking for fantastic products to bring you but like men who put the seat down afterwards, good glitter can be hard to find it seems.

Oh, and some colours are available in larger 50 gram packs too don't forget!

 

 

Studio Update: Monday 4th August

Woe is Me!

 

I have had a stinky cold all weekend. Not a killer one, thank goodness. Just a nasty head cold. Now it has turned into a stupid, annoying sinus infection. Poo.

I have been very good though. I have managed to fit my "I'm dying. Leave me now.... I would be alone" moments in around my work. Got all the orders from the weekend packed and into the post nice and early. Also I managed to get some more ceramic beads and buttons fired. I should also have some lampwork beads cleaned and finished off in the next couple of days too.

Secretly though, I am thinking I should get some kind of medal or certificate of bravery for this soldiering-on. Remember I am a useless patient and hate being ill. If you think I am self-obsessed normally, you really don't want to see me when I have a temperature.

I am so glad we got out for a walk on Friday though, else I would be totally stir crazy by now.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Friday 1st August

Happy in Happy Valley!

 

happy valley 

I took a day off today. Well, I have been working very hard on lots of lovely lampwork and ceramic beads, so I figured I deserved it.

Mr Man and I decided to not do our usual dog walk. Instead we took the furry overlords on a trip to one of my favourite places around here. Happy Valley.

Happy Valley is just one of the open areas of chalk grassland around the town where I live. Pretty much all this part of Surrey is on chalk. It produces some fantastically beautiful landscapes. The downlands and meadows of gorgeous wild flowers attract so many birds, insects and other critters.

This valley and the surrounding downs (why are high areas of land called "Downs"?) have been farmed since Celtic times. In fact, the Celtic field markings and barrows are still visible in some areas.

 

chaldon church

After the comfortable stroll through the valley there is a rather insignificant turning to the right. A short walk over some farmland and you arrive at a small lane.

Trot up the lane just a little and what do you find? Only my very favouritest church ever!

Chaldon Church dates from the 10th - 11th century although there has been a church on the site since Saxon times at least.

There are many remarkable things in Chaldon Church. The ornately carved pulpit dates from the 1600s for example. A renaissance tablet set into the wall has the coolest Sun face and morally inspiring verse carved into it. Everywhere you look there is cool stuff.

Simply the smell of this place gets my heart thumping. It smells old. It smells of the middle ages. I used to do a lot of archaeology on mediaeval sites and the mud of those places smelled the same as Chaldon. Nice and musty and old. I am sure there some who would hate that smell. But for me it is magical and evocative.

 

 

chaldon mural 

There is, however, one more thing that Chaldon Church has up its sleeve. That is its 12th century wall painting - the oldest of its type in England.

Depicting the 'Ladder of Salvation of the Human Soul', this mural is a very graphical representation of hell and purgatory, full of warnings against the seven deadly sins.

Imagine you are a mediaeval peasant. Are you going to disobey the priests when all those evil demons await you? They will boil you in pots and do other nasty things to you if you don't watch out.

Or you can live righteously and be judged in purgatory up above. If you have led a good life (and can prove it) you might just ascend the ladder to heaven.

What ya gonna do? It's a no-brainer really isn't it.

 

domesday excerpt

 

Now, as I said - this place is OLD. It is mentioned in the Domesday book even.

On the wall inside the church someone has written out the excerpt from the Domesday book and its modern translation.

Take a look-see.

Now I am no lawyer, but that clearly says the Church belongs to Ralph yes? And what is my family name?

Bingo!

By my reckoning then, this is MY church. I has got it in writing, innit.

 

 

Well I do hope you enjoyed today's little romp around Northern Surrey with its delightful chalky downlands and interesting churches. Was it all a bit too clichéd "English" though?

Oh I do hope so. I hope you could almost taste the cheese and chutney sandwiches and lashings and lashings of ginger beer.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 30th July

Memory Lane!

 

polymer clay leaves

 

I was digging around some old files today, archived from some hard-drive or other long since keeled over.

There are more dead hard disks around this house than dead flies. Which is saying something since cleaning dropped off of everyone's top ten years ago when it comes to priorities. I think about the same time that old mattress and shopping trolley appeared in the front garden actually.

Anyway... found some of my polymer clay work dating from 2000-2001!

This is one of my Millefiore cane slice collar. I made lots of these, as they were really fun. This one was inspired by Coleus leaves.

It can be scary and fun at the same time seeing photos of really old work. I think a bit like looking at really old photos of yourself. I think I still have some of those canes around in the studio too and they are still workable. Isn't Fimo wonderful stuff!

 

 

 

Studio Update: Sunday 27th July

But Wait...There's More!

 

lampwork glass beads 

Well the new beads sold out pretty quickly yesterday. Thank you all - I am sure you have no idea just how much I appreciate your support.

To those of you who missed out on the beads - I am sorry, but please keep trying you will find some available soon I am sure.

For instance, I just listed another 3 sets this morning (I told you I had been busy this week!!) and right now, they are all still available.

Please just check out the lampwork beads section to see what's new.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Saturday 26th July

Tyred and Exhausted!

 

I worked like a Trojan yesterday. Up at 6.30 am and working non-stop trying to get all the new Art beads photographed and the images processed.

I did stop around 5 pm and had a float in the pool for an hour on the Lilo. What bliss that was! Now, don't go thinking I am Victorian Beckham or something, the "pool" is one of those huge overgrown paddling pool type things. We bought it off eBay for 200 quid and it has been worth it's weight in gold.ceramic large hole beads 

When my accountant first came to see me, he looked into the garden, saw numerous inflatable killer whales and such-like and remarked "Oh, I see there are children in the house then!".

I had to sheepishly tell him the youngest person in my entire family was 25 and we were just a bit odd and liked pool toys. I'm pretty sure I noticed him make a quick scan of the major exits of the house at that point.

Anyway..... you don't need to hear all this rubbish. You need to hear about new Art beads right?

How about some ceramic ones then? These are some Tyres I have been working on. They have large 5 mm holes and I am in lurve with them. I cannot stop playing with them, they are so fiddle-with-able. You can find these are more in the Ceramic Beads section of the online store.

 

ceramic buttons  And talking of Ceramics - I finally have some of my new buttons to show too. I have even made a new category for them (you can see it in the main menu of the online store, 3rd from the top.)

I have listed some cute Rustic carded buttons and metal shank buttons too.

My buttons are not only fab for clothing or fabric crafts, but great for jewellery too. They make unusual focals or clasps, especially for seed bead work. Or why not take some inspiration from my Shabby Chic jewellery range to create some cool button earrings?

 

And as for new lampwork beads? I have some up my sleeve. I should have them listed over the next day or two, so keep 'em peeled!

 

 

Studio Update: Monday 21st July

Furry-Faced Cheek!

 

cheeky fox

 

Some of you may remember me showing you a picture of the very tame fox cub living in Mr Man's garden?

Well foxy is growing  - both physically and in his bravery. He comes and sits every morning outside the kitchen door, waiting for his brekky . Of course this means we will have to feed Foxy forever I guess, but don't worry - he is very good at hunting too. Too good if you ask me since I found a clump of something that was obviously once a bird on the patio this weekend!

As you can see, breakfast wasn't served quite quickly enough for him the other day, so he decided to walk into the kitchen and have a word with the chef! What bare fared cheek his has. Or, I suppose that should be a fur faced cheek.

He is very sweet and still loves sultanas above anything else. He will sit by our feet in the garden making puppy eyes at us until he has had his fill!

 

bead magazine 

Of course, I am assuming that it is food Foxy wants. But maybe I got it wrong? Maybe all he wanted after all was the latest issue of Bead magazine?

If so, fear not Foxy. All you need to do is to log on to the EJR Beads online store and check out the Books and Magazines section.

The latest issue of bead is in stock and apart from a whole bucket load of really cool projects, it also contains a feature on British Lampwork artists, including muggins here!

Also in stock now, the latest issue of Jewelry Artist. If you ever wanted to learn how to solder, well it's a great issue - lots of top tips and projects to get you started.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Thursday 17th July

Long time, no speak!

 

 

lampwork beadsYes, these pages have been a bit bare haven't they!

Sorry about that, I have just been busy in the studio the last week or so making lampwork beads, polymer clay beads and working on a new series of ceramic buttons too.

Most of the beads listed in the online store over the last couple of days have sold now. If you want to get advanced notifications when new beads go up, make sure you are on my mailing list. Check the FAQ on this site for details on how to sign up, and remember just setting up an account at the online store will not subscribe you. You have to opt in to the mailing list. So if you haven't been receiving email updates, why not log in at EJR Beads and check your account email notification settings (or just email me and I will check your account for you)

Meanwhile, as I type this set of lampwork beads is still available, but hurry! I am sure it won't be for long. (Oh and those are not whopping great bubbles, just a trick of the light and my poor photography skills I am happy to report!)

 

 

 

Studio Update: Friday 4th July

Caution: Purple Distraction Ahead!

 

lavender field There you are, driving down the road and you see a sign by the roadside. "Caution - Purple Distraction Ahead".

Is it a killer grape on the loose? Alice Walker doing a book signing? No. It's a lavender field. A beautiful, purple, fragrant lavender field.

Apparently the area around here was quite the world's hotspot for lavender production in the 18th and early 19th century.

Over the last four years, Mayfield Lavender have revived the tradition by setting up their English lavender oil company, growing all their lavender organically at their Oaks Park field.

organic lavender farming 

 

 

 Now as you know, lampworkers such as myself spend our days melting glass with big hot flames to make beads. Lavender oil is fantastic for the inevitable minor burns that we all get.

Lavender is also a well known for relieving stress. Actually, this morning I was feeling quite panic-attackey. After half an hour of walking around the lavender field taking photos, I was feeling a lot more relaxed and mellow!

So, if you are looking for anything to do with Lavender - do visit Mayfield's website. They have an online store too!

 

 

 

 

Studio Update: Friday 27th June

Read all about it!

 

step by step beads magazine I took off for a spot of birding today. I probably should not have, since I had a kiln's worth of lampwork beads needing cleaning and photographing. But all work and no play makes Emma way too grumpy so off I went, picnic in hand.

We saw some very cute baby Lapwings and other stuff too. I think Mr Man got a photo of them, so will show that off later in the week if he ever remembers to get the photo off his camera and give it to me.

Of course, all too soon it was over and we were back on our way home to get some work done. So what can I tell you about the online store today? Well, some new reads are in. The latest issue of Step-by-Step beads and Stringing magazine have arrived.

I think these are both awesome publications. Step-by-Step Beads just seems to get better and better. There is such a great mix of projects in each issue from stringing to beading. What I also like is that there is a good mix for different abilities too. Beginners will like how there is always something in there they can magage and learn new skills too. But with some magazines, more advanced beaders can sometimes get left out. Publishers are so often afraid of "scaring people off". Not so with Step-by-Step Beads as they always seem to have some meaty stuff in there too!

stringing magazine 

Stringing is a very different animal, but equally good. It is a magazine to inspire and provoke ideas in you rather than teach you techniques. So each issue has literally hundreds of different earring, necklace and bracelet designs. You can use them to inspire new designs in your own collections, plus get a really good feel for any new directions jewellery-making is going or see hot new trends.

 If you do jewellery parties and take custom orders, Stringing magazine can be invaluable. Customers can flick through it when discussing commissions and give you ideas of what they like, what they don't like etc. So you can both arrive at the desired design and be able to show different design concepts to your customer rather than trying to describe them. A really useful selling tool in itself since a picture really does paint a thousand words!

Find both these magazines and more in the Books and Magazines section of the online store.

 

 

 

 

Studio Update: Tuesday 24th June

Amber-cadabra!

 

amber claspsThe Baltic Amber section has been re-stocked and undergone a little facelift. I wanted to show the current colours of amber chip beads a little better in some spanking new photographs. Old favourites such as the River Rock are back in stock and there are also some new colours: Cola and Light Cola.

You asked for the chips to be a little smaller - so you got it! They are a tad cheaper than before. Well, as they say on the telly "every little helps!"

Don't forget Baltic Amber screw clasps are also available. Containing no metal at all, these clasps are completely hypo-allergenic and make the perfect finishing touch to your amber jewellery. What is more, they come in a multitude of different colours!

lampwork beads

"Wah, but I want lampwork. And cheap lampwork at that!"

Ok. You got that too! Just keep an eye on the lampwork beads section of the online store. I will be adding a few caboodles over the course of this evening and tomorrow. Please remember though, it is "first come, first served" on all my art beads. If someone else's order comes through before yours, they will get the beadies and you will get a refund. Even if they are first by just a minute or even a fraction of a minute. We is very democratic at EJR Towers. So the moral of this story is - you snooze, you lose!

 

 

 

Studio Update: Friday 20th June

Just Chillin'!

 

It's Friday evening, my work is done, the dogs are walked - I'm just chillin' and looking forward to the weekend. Ok, who am I kidding - I will be working again tomorrow if not this evening. It seems there is always *something* to be done when you work for yourself. Not that I am grumbling. I wouldn't have it any other way.jewelry artist magazine

Although (like most self-employed people) I do end up working pretty much every waking hour, there are many benefits. Because that does allow me to have a little time out at off-peak times. On Tuesday we went out for a spot of birdwatching. It was bliss. We trotted off down to our nearest nature reserve and sat in a hide eating cheese and onion rolls and watching the birds over the lake. I have never seen so many Kingfishers in my life. It was like a buy-one, get-one-free on kingfishers. I even saw kingfishers doing it, so we know a whole new generation is in the making ;-) They really are gorgeous birds. If you get a chance, get out birding this weekend. It is super-relaxing.

But back at EJR Towers - what is new here? I am still working on getting this weeks art beads finished up. Lots of beads are made, just everything seems to need sanding or polishing, cleaning or photographing.

Meanwhile you might be interested to know that the new issue of Jewelry Artist has arrived. There are some fantastic Art Clay projects in this issue, plus so much more.

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 18th June

They is gone!

 

Sorry folks, the freebie beads have been snapped up now. Do keep an eye out for future giveaways though!

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 18th June

Wot No Freebies?

 

free lampwork beads

 

My apologies to everyone waiting for the freebie beads I spoke of in my email newsletter. The trouble was, I couldn't get a nice photo of them the other day, so today I tried scanning them instead.

This set of freebies consists of a nice focal heart bead, in pale pink and clear. Plus a trio of scroller beads, all accented with palest periwinkle and blue. As you can see, it's not the best photo in the world - but it will do! These beads are just such a pale pink colour I couldn't really pick them up with the camera at all. But trust me they look a lot nicer in real life.

So, do you want them?

The first person to email me their full name and postal address will get them.

 

But let's say you miss out on the freebies - or maybe you are one of the people who likes to pay for your beads instead - what to do? Don't panic. I have another set of lampies to list in the online store later and hopefully the ceramic beads will be up tomorrow or the day after. Oh and did I tell you I have been working on some more polymer clay beads too?... I am so all over the place with my mediums this week

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 11th June

What's New Pussycat?

 

beads and beyond magazine If you are waiting for new art beads, I can only apologise and promise you there will be some new sets up for sale soon in the online store.

I have a kiln full of lampwork beads that I should get cleaned and photographed over the next few days. Also I have a whole slew of ceramic beads that I am working on. It will be a few days yet before those are ready I imagine, but just keep checking the online store won't you!

Meanwhile, do take a wander around the Books & Magazines section of the store. New issues are in for many of your favourite reads. There are still some copies left of Wire Jewelry and the new Beads & Beyond issue is out too.

I think this latest issue of Beads & Beyond is the best yet. Especially if you are a lampworker, since they have features on both the major glass bashes of the year (GBUK's bash and the Flame Off conference). Plus a whole host of stringing, wirework, art clay silver projects and more. Me like.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Friday 5th June

They're up!

 

polymer pod pendant by Emma Ralph

New lampwork beads, polymer clay beads and even some earrings too are now up in the online store!

Amongst the polymer clay goodies, I have also revisited one of my favourite designs - my Pod Pendants.

I haven't made one of these pendants for absolutely ages. I don't know why I stopped making them actually, since I really enjoyed doing this one. I teamed it with some great dyed silks which you would have thought were custom-dyed, the colours match so well!

 

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 4th June

soon...

 

I will have some new lampwork and polymer beads ready soon, I promise. Just gotta photograph them and list them in the online store. So hopefully you should see some new stuff up in the next couple of days.Jennifer Blunden Art

Meanwhile, look at this beautiful card that my friend Jennifer Blunden sent me for my recent birthday.  This card is another of her stunning original designs.

I just love Jennifer's characters. I am sure that she MUST have modelled this one on me. In my head, that is just what I look like when I check out the mirror (of course, you only have to scroll down the page a little to see the reality though ;-)

You can see more of Jennifer's talents in the customer gallery, where some of her jewellery is showcased, featuring her beautiful art on Fimo polymer clay.

Talking of Fimo - I am afraid I have a little bad news. I have heard from the manufacturers that the prices across the Fimo range are to rise at the end of this month. I will endeavour to keep my prices as low as I can, but please be aware that price changes are coming. The current prices are only good whilst stocks last.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Thursday 22nd May

And now for something completely different...

 

lampwork agate beads

 

Here is a new set of lampwork beads, up in the online store today.

The shape is my all-time favourite - Flamenco tabs, but the colours are very unlike me. Muted earthy stone-like colours throughout this set. They remind me of agates. I can just see these beads working beautifully with sterling silver, can't you?

 

 

 

Studio Update: Monday 19th May

To bid or not to bid, that is the question!

 

 

sra lampwork beads on ebay I have a new auction up on eBay. I have listed on the US eBay site this time around.

The UK eBay site has really messed around with the search function and the way they show listings. Why can't they just be happy enough with the millions they were already making? Why do they have to squeeze any extra bit of money they can out of that site at the expense of the sellers who made it what it is?

They now sell advertising space to outside websites. So when you search for something on ebay, you just get spoon-fed their advertisers' sites rather than easily being able to see all the store and auction items that might be suitable. It has become impossible to find anything on eBay UK lately.

So far the US site seems left un-changed. Since that is where most lampworkers list anyway, I thought I would go back to listing there. So for this auction, the price is in US Dollars don't forget, not GBP (which makes it a pretty sweet deal given the current exchange!) Also, postage and packing is free on this auction.

 

 

Studio Update: Wednesday 7th May

Argh NOT Cute!

 

Don't you hate it when you are walking in the woods, busy being in a foul mood and someone takes a photo? Mr Man took this awful photo of me yesterday.  I was wracking my brains trying to remember what it reminded me of. Yup - I'm Bigfoot!

Separated at birth?

Grumpy Emma     bigfoot

 

If you are wondering what I was pouting about, I was moody about having to go to the dentist today! Never mind, all over with now. And yes, I was brave.

 

 

 

Studio Update: Monday 5th May

Aw Cute!

 

fox cubOk then - how about a cute fest?

What about this little guy then? Isn't he adorable?

He is one of the 6 fox cubs currently using Mr Man's garden as feeding station and training ground (especially for those important night-time missions!)

This photo was taking in daylight however. With three of us sitting on the patio only a couple of metres from him, talking to him all the time. He sure does like those sultanas put out for the birds. He just laid on down and gobbled them all up, looking up obligingly for the camera each time I called to him.

I just don't think anyone has told him yet that he is meant to be a bit more wary! His mother is - she kept a much greater distance when I was in the garden. But this little guy? No, those sultanas are obviously worth being a bit braver for!

 

 

 

 

 

 

The EJR Beads Archive - don't miss my waffle - see what has been and gone!

 

Self Representing Artist    British Lampwork            

All text and images © Emma Ralph 2006

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