Here's my handful of sweet treat beads I made yesterday :) I couldn't seem to stop myself! I love whimsical beads and sweeties are definitely my favourite. Who doesn't smile at the mere sight of a cupcake? Or is that just me? Hmm..! Anyway, I'll be putting some of the beads up for sale and turning some of them into pendants for sale in my Etsy shop.

Valentine's Day is drawing ever closer and I'm so excited! I know, I know, I'm so very American with my big celebrations but, hey, it makes me happy. I've already made myself a set of jewellery and have some decorations for the house. I bought a heart-shaped cake tin so I'll be baking a pretty heart cake too :) Mmm cake.. ooh, sorry, I got distracted! Funny story: In America we give everyone Valentine's cards. Even little kids in school get big packs of cards and give one to every child in their class. When I moved over here, I didn't know that you normally only give cards to your significant other. My in-laws thought I was a bit nuts when I was texting everyone with 'Be My Valentine' and whatnot. Well, ok, I *am* a bit nuts, but this is not the point! Do I have a point? Not really. I suppose the point is I like to decorate and bake and spread holiday cheer, no matter the holiday, and even if people think I'm a bit crazy I bet it makes them smile. A little. I hope. :)

Enough of my rambling :) I'm off to the post. Be on the lookout for new items coming up for sale soon on my website and on Etsy.

Oh and go have a look at Sam's blog. She's made her first fish and he is SO cute! Have a great weekend :)

Love,
keiara

Here is my latest fishie, Victoria Valentine. She's decorated with the 'Passion' frit blend from Beady Sam which I'm simply obsessed with! Victoria is my official Valentine's Day mascot this year. I don't know why I need a mascot but, hey, it makes me happy :) Plus she gets me giggling every time I look at her.

Watch this space for more fishies and sweet treats coming up! Hope you're having a great day :)

Love,

keiara

Today is my 3 year wedding anniversary and it's also the 1 year anniversary of buying my first torch! That's right, on our wedding anniversary last year my darling, indulgent husband took me to a bead fair in Ardingly where I met Martin Tuffnell and the rest is history :)

So happy anniversary to me!

Steve took the day off work and we went to Bluewater where I (finally!) bought a Troll bracelet. I can't wait to fill it up with beads! We had lunch at TGI Friday's, which always reminds me of home, and then went for a wander. I met some lovely girls at a fabulous handmade cosmetics shop (I might have purchased a few things!!) one of whom turned out to be a ceramics artist! We exchanged contact info on the promise that we'll get together and trade some techniques. How great is that? I've always wanted to give ceramics a go and quite fancy the idea of throwing my own pottery so I'm bursting with excitement :D

Well I'm off for the night. Thanks to everyone for your lovely thoughts and wishes on this day. I appreciate it so much :)

Love,
keiara

After months of only selling through my website I've decided to give Etsy a try. I'm hoping this will also make ordering easier for my American customers as they can see all the info laid out in the listing. I only have a few things listed so far.. including a couple of fish! Go take a look www.bykeiara.etsy.com and let me know what you think :)

Tomorrow is my 3 year wedding anniversary! I can't believe it's already been 3 years. I have a lot of other exciting things coming up as well. In March my little sister, Leah, is coming over to visit for a few weeks and then I fly back with her to Florida to visit my family. I haven't been home in over 1 1/2 years so I reallllllllllly need to go back! I miss my mommy.. lol :( I'm really looking forward to the visit as my daughter, Kaia, will also be there so all three girls will be under Mom's roof again. I'm not sure if she's excited or not.... haha. No, she is, she is.. I swear. Also coming up in April is the Flame Off, a huge glass festival. I can't wait to meet up with all my glassy girls :) My New Year's resolution is to really work hard on getting my art out there so I'm also making a new website and have decided I WILL do at least one craft fair this year. I'm seriously nervous about that though. Any advice from other crafy ladies is surely appreciated.

Ok, I'm off for now. I hope you have a wonderful day!

Love,

keiara