News Archive:

Tue 22 Jul 2008 - The Beadwork Fair at Ardingly Sunday 27th July
The next bead fair that I'm attending will be this Sunday at The South of England Centre at Ardingly. I will have lots of gorgeous beads in sets and focals for you to choose from, including my dichroic focal beads, signature fishes, and some of my new cute panda beads. Please follow this link to my events page for more details and a link to the Beadwork Fair website with maps. See you there.
Mon 30 Jun 2008 - Open Houses starting this weekend

Open Houses as part of the Artists and Makers Festival starts this weekend, the 5th and 6th July and continues the following weekend 12th and 13th July. My work is on display in 2 venues, with the 2 x 4 Artists in Horsham, in the Drill Hall Community room, and in Plummers Plain at Edith Barton's house. My main display is at Edith's in her spacious summerhouse, together with Thea Taylor and Katherine Haynes. Come and see our artworks, enjoy some refreshment while you watch a demonstration and have a leisurely stroll around the garden whilst admiring the sculptures.

Please note that I am still convalescing from my surgery, but will attempt to answer all your emails and enquiries as soon as I am able and I will start teaching again in September as previously posted.

Mon 19 May 2008 - Temporary break for Surgery
Sarah Downton beads will be closed for business for a minimum of 3 weeks from today as I am having surgery and need time to recover. Please feel free to continue sending your contact forms and I will attempt to answer them when I feel up to it, but it will be after 3 weeks at least.
Wed 23 Apr 2008 - Tution bookings and my surgery

I am undergoing major surgery towards the end of May and will continue teaching up to 16th May. I will  start teaching again at the beginning of September and welcome your continued enquiries and bookings from now onwards and during my 3 month recouperation time. If you have a lesson booked with me and have any queries or haven't received my email to you, please don't hesitate to contact me.

I am planning to attend, exhibit and sell at all the events listed on my events page during my convalesence.

Tue 08 Apr 2008 - New teaching date
A teaching date has become available for a one day beginners course for 2 people on 17th April. Further details can be found on my tuition page and by emailing me using the contact form.
Wed 13 Feb 2008 - New events for your diary

New Members Exhibition at the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen Gallery. This event will run from 1st to 16th March at our gallery in Milford. This will be showcasing the work of the newer members of the Guild (myself included) that have joined over the last 18 months. Opening times are as for the gallery and the address can be found on my Outlets page.

Members of the Surrey Guild (again including me) are also taking part in this years Contemporaray Art Craft and Design Fair to be held at Winchester Cathedral like last summer. A few details are on my events page, but this will be updated with more information as I receive it.

Wed 23 Jan 2008 - Beadfair this Sunday 27th January
I will be selling my usual selection of beads and goodies at the Beadworks Fair in Ardingly this Sunday, at the South of England Centre. I have also been having a bit of a clear out and have loads of bargains ready for you at knock down prices, at least 70% off many beads. The show starts at 10am, and for more details and a link to beadworks official site please visit my events page.
Mon 14 Jan 2008 - Events for 2008

Please visit my events page for details of the Bead Fairs and Open Houses festival that are booked for this year. More details and events will be added throughout the year as I recieve confirmation, so please come back regularly for an update.

I would like to wish all my visitors a Happy New Year and to thank you for taking the time to view my site and for coming to meet me at events throughout the previous year.

Fri 02 Nov 2007 - New gallery - Wave 7 Port Issac in Cornwall
I am very pleased and excited to announce that my jewellery is now on show and available to purchase in Wave 7 Gallery, outside Port Issac in North Cornwall. This is a lovely little gallery on 2 floors in a converted barn and shows lots of very colourful and seashore inspired work by several well known local artists as well as being the studio for Victoria Mead, the proprietor, who makes beautiful abstract mirrors. More details are available on my outlets page.
Thu 04 Oct 2007 - Harrow Bead Fair
I will be displaying and selling my beads at Harrow Bead Fair this Sunday. My friend Francesca Cerreta very kindly invited me to share her stall, so look out for us amongst the mass of goodies. Details can be found on the events page. Come and say hello, we'd love to meet you.
Fri 03 Aug 2007 - Bead Exhibition in France and GBUK Bead Fair

GBUKs 4th annual bead fair is on 26th August at the Bonded Warehouse in Stourbridge. This event is the only one that brings together so many glass beadmakers under one roof. There will also be the usual mix of suppliers selling everything from glass to books, tools, seed beads etc. Go to GBUK's Bead Fair website for further details.

The international Glass Bead exhibition Bulles de Perles, creations contemporaines en verre at the Musee du Verre de Sars-Poteries, France, opened on the 30th July and now runs until the 15th October. Details can be found on my events page.

Fri 20 Jul 2007 - Contemporary Art, Craft & Design Fair - Winchester Cathdedral 21st - 29th July
My work will be on display in the Surrey Guild area of the marquee, together with beautiful pieces of work from my fellow Surrey Guild members. This prestigious event starts Saturday 21st July and continues until Sunday 29th July and showcases work from The Guilds of Craftsmen from Oxfordshire, Somerset, Sussex and Surrey, together with the Craft Potters Association. Please follow this link to the Winchester Cathedral website for further details and a map.
Fri 13 Jul 2007 - Events this weekend and next.

Open House and Garden is on at Plummers Plain again this Saturday and Sunday. Follow this link for more information.
We're open from 11am to 6pm both days, and I hope to be demonstrating bead making on Saturday. This is our last weekend, so please come and visit.

The Contemporary Art, Craft & Design Fair starts 21st July at Winchester Cathedral, for one week only. This is a must see event with fabulous art works collected from the south of England set against a backdrop of the Cathedral.

Sun 17 Jun 2007 - Lots of summer events

I have several events coming up in the next few months. Details and links for further information can be found on my events page.

'Bulles de Perles, creations contemporaines en verre' - Exhibition
Two of my extra special handmade glass beads will be on display at a big international juried exhibition in France over the summer months. This event is at the Musee du Verre, Sars-Poteries and runs from 30th July through to 17th September. They have also arranged a festival for the weekend of the 8th and 9th September, where there will be demonstrations and talks on the Saturday, and a bead fair on the Sunday. This  looks like being a fun weekend and would be worth a visit if you're over that way. The exhibition itself has an accompanying catalogue.

Closer to home I am taking part in the Southwater Carnival next Saturday, 23rd June. This is a local event run by 2 schools in Southwater and benefits the local community (as far as I know) as well as the schools. This is a fun day out for all the family.

The RAG Open Studios run on the 7th/8th July and the 14th/15th July, and I will be exhibiting near Horsham this year (rather than in Worthing as I have for the past 2 years). I will be posting more information about this nearer the time.

Tue 17 Apr 2007 - Two new events for your diary

Beads Day
Beads day is at the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford on 12th May. There will be the usual mix of beads for sale by a few local bead artists and various suppliers, and bead identifiction. I will be at the Glass Beadmakers UK stall with beads and jewellery for sale and will also be demonstrating glass beadmaking in the Studio.

Contemporary Art, Craft and Design Fair
This event is to be held at Winchester Cathedral from Saturday 21st July to Sunday 29th July. My contemporary glass jewellery will be exhibited and for sale in the marquee in a special area for the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen. Several other Guilds from the South of England will also be exhibiting. There will be other attractions to this event including a special terrace cafe providing refreshments.

More details of these events can be found on my events page 

Mon 19 Feb 2007 - Essex Bead Fair
Due to family illness I will not be attending this event that was publicised on my events page. The event itself will still be going ahead, but I will not now be attending.
Wed 10 Jan 2007 - New Outlet for my beads in new bead shop 'Aluisa Beads', Guildford
A selection of my original lampworked glass beads are now available to look at and buy in Guildfords first bead shop called Aluisa Beads. The shop is located conveniently near the York Road car park and is filling up with loads of lovely beads, tools, findings, books and all things beady.
Mon 08 Jan 2007 - Exhibition in Horsham Museum - The jewellers Craft
My original handcrafted contemporary glass jewellery is being featured together with 2 other local artists work in an exhibition in Horsham Museum.  The exhibition will be displaying pieces of jewellery from the museums collection, and comparing and contrasting this with modern styles and materials, including my glass designs.  I have loaned the organisers 12 pieces of jewellery and 4 beads for their display which will be in the Craft and Art gallery (upstairs). The exhibition opens on the 11th January and continues until the 24th March, with opening times of 10am to 5pm Monday to Saturday. Free entry.
Mon 18 Dec 2006 - Contemporary Crafts for Christmas - one week remaining
A selection of my work is available to buy at this exhibition in the Guildford House Gallery in Guildford High Street (which has one week left to run). There is a lovely selection of original Jewellery, pottery, wooden boxes, bowls and pots, cushions, patchwork, knitted jumpers, woven shawls and of course lots of colourful scarves. This display represents a fraction of what is available in the Surrey Guild Gallery but also features several new and different pieces from our makers. The exhibition closes at midday next Saturday so do pop along and have a look and buy a beautiful and original piece of art for a friend or treat yourself for Christmas.
Fri 17 Nov 2006 - New Outlet for my jewellery at the Surrey Guild Gallery, Milford and changes to tuition

I'm pleased to announce that my jewellery is now available to view and purchase at The Surrey Guild Gallery, Milford near Godalming in Surrey. The gallery hosts a wonderful selection of beautiful pieces of art and craft by Guild members, including pottery and weaving to wooden boxes and a huge variety of contemporary jewellery. The shop is open 7 days a week from 10:30 to 5:00, and more details including a link to the Guild website (which has a location map) can be found on my outlets page.

Tuition...We have made changes to my studio and can accommodate 2 students at once now.  Individual bookings are still very welcome and remain strictly one to one.  Further details are on my tuition page. 

Tue 31 Oct 2006 - New Events with the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen

My big news this month is that I've been accepted into the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen and I am exhibiting in my first exhibition which started today.  This is a showcase of crafts, exhibition and sale at the Haslemere Educational Museum. I have it on good authority that the museum is worth a visit, so why not make it a day out.  I will be stewarding this Thursday morning (2nd Nov), and will be pleased to meet you if you visit.

I also hope to be exhibiting in the Contemporary Crafts for Christmas sale put on by the Surrey Guild at the Guildford House Gallery at the top of Guildford high street during December.

More details of these events and links to the locations can be found on my events page.

Sun 01 Oct 2006 - My Shop is finally here.......and 1 week to go to Harrow Bead Fair

My online shop is open as of today.  I've started with a small selection of beads and a couple of pieces of jewellery, which I will be adding to as the weeks progress.  I do hope that you will enjoy looking at my designs and find something that you like.  Please come back again soon to view my new pieces as they are added.

Next Sunday 8th October is the Harrow Bead Fair.  I have my own stall this year, for those of you who've been before, I am in the middle aisle in the middle section on the far corner.  I do hope that you will come and look at my new designs and say hello.  I look forward to meeting you.

Fri 15 Sep 2006 - Business as usual and my next event

It's business as usual now the summer break is over.  Thank you for all your enquiries over this time, and if you haven't had a reply yet please contact me again, as some of my mail went astray.

It was lovely to meet those of you who emailed to say you'd be at the GBUK fair.  Thank you for coming to say hello and making the event so pleasurable.  My next big event is the Harrow Bead Fair on Sunday 8th October, which I'm looking forward to.  This will be my first time at this event with my own stall, so do come and say hello.  More details are on my events page.

Mon 31 Jul 2006 - One month downtime and GBUK Bead Fair

I am taking a month off work to spend quality time with my family over the school break, and to try to get some sense of order in our house and garden.  Feel free to send contact forms and emails, however I will probably not answer for some time, so please do not be surprised or upset.  I will reply when I can.

The GBUK Bead Fair is quickly approaching, August 26 and 27, please visit the GBUK Bead Fair website for details of exhibitors and the venue.

 

Wed 05 Jul 2006 - Events this weekend

Lingfield Bead Fair is this Sunday, for details please see my events page and for travel information there is a link to the Beadworks Website.  This is my first time as a solo stallholder, my work has previously been for sale on the GBUK stall.  Please come and say hello and have a look at my new designs.

The RAG Open Houses also continues this weekend.  Venue 9 where my work is displayed, is open from 2pm to 6pm this Saturday and Sunday, and I hope to be there on Saturday to meet visitors.  There are lots of lovely paintings and craft objects here, and some garden sculpture.  Tea and cake are for sale at this venue with proceeds going to WADARS.

Fri 23 Jun 2006 - Open Houses & Studios are here again

The RAG Artists and Makers Festival is upon us again this year, taking place in venues from Worthing to Horsham.  Most venues are open from 2pm to 6pm, a few, mine included are open in the morning also.

My work will be on display at The Cottage, 28a Mill Road, Worthing BN11 5DR at my friend Sheila Guyatt's house.

The event opens opens to the public next weekend Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd July, then the following weekend 8th and 9th July.  For a full list of venues and events please visit RAG Artists and Makers website or visit this page for an overview, or better yet pick up your free guide from any library, Tourist Information centre or art venue in this area.  Hope to see you there.

Fri 26 May 2006 - New Events and Whitsun half term

I'm pleased to add more dates to my events page.

The first is The Beadwork Fair at Lingfield Park Racecourse, where I will be having my own stall for the first time, and the second is the RAG Open Houses in Worthing and Horsham that I participated in last year.  Some details are on the events page, but more will be added to the RAG event as I receive them.

I also thought I'd let you know that I'm taking a complete break from work next week to spend quality time with my family (we don't get much of that these days), so use of the computer is banned and I won't be answering any emails until Monday 5th May.  Have  peaceful weekend.

Tue 16 May 2006 - Beads Day this Saturday 20th May

Come and see me and 3 other members of GBUK demonstrate glass beadmaking at the Broadfield House Glass Museum in Kingswinford, Dudley.  The event starts at 10am and goes on until 4pm.  There will be lots of beads to look at and buy, and the museum itself is worth a stroll around.  Free admission.

We will also have 2 tables full of our own lampworked goodies available to look at and buy.  See you there!

Tue 09 May 2006 - Beadworkers Guild Bead Bazaar
My beads will be at the Beadworkers Guild Bead Bazaar, Redworth on Sunday this weekend.  There will also be a small amount of my jewellery for sale.  Look out for Liz Parker who is running the stand and Pauline Holt.
Tue 28 Mar 2006 - Next Bead Fair
The next bead fair which my beads will be at is the Beadworkers Guild Bead Bazaar at the Redworth Hall Hotel in Redworth, Co Durham.  More details can be seen on my events page.
Mon 13 Feb 2006 - New Dates for your diary

Updates have been made to my Events page to show the fairs that I will be attending this year.  My beads and some jewellery will be available to buy at all the shows, although I will only be attending a few in person.

I'm also pleased to bring the Beads Day at the Broadfield House Glass Museum to your attention.  I will be at this event again this year, helping to run the stall and demonstrating glass beadmaking in the studio together with my friends.  There will be several other stalls selling beads of all types and of course the museum is well worth a visit.  Come and see how glass beads are made and say hello, we'd love to meet you.

Tue 10 Jan 2006 - Lampwork Tuition and Jewellery Making Tuition

I plan to be able to offer Beginners Lampwork Tuition from my studio in Horsham very soon.  We are at present improving the ventilation and have plans to install a second workstation so that you can learn with a friend.  I've been lampworking professionaly for three years now and would love to pass on the secrets of this wonderful craft.

I'm also planning to offer a Bead and Wire course for anyone wishing to learn how to make jewellery and for students who'd like to turn their beads into beautiful pieces of jewellery or accessories.

Course details will be available on this site soon, in the meantime if you are interested in these courses please send me an email with any of your questions. 

Sat 17 Dec 2005 - More jewellery in Spellcast Studio Horsham
A good selection of my glass jewellery is available at the Spellcast Glass Studio in Horsham for anyone after last minute Christmas presents.  We have added various pieces to my existing display including earrings, pendants and charms to adorn mobile phones, MP3 players, bags, cameras and anything else that you fancy accessorising.
Thu 01 Dec 2005 - Next Years Bead Fairs

New dates for some of next years bead fairs have been added to the events page.  More will be added as they are confirmed.

I'm happy to take orders for Christmas presents, send me an email and I'll see what I can do to help, obviously I've only got one pair of hands so first come first served!  Happy shopping. 

Wed 23 Nov 2005 - The Next Events

The major bead fairs and glass events where I have my beads and jewellery on the GBUK stand are over for the year.  I will add new dates for next years events as I get them, so please come back to put these in your diary.

I am now involved in my local craft and Christmas Fairs supporting local community and school improvement projects.   If you have an event that you would like me to attend please email me at the address above.

Sat 12 Nov 2005 - Credit Cards and my next Fairs

I can now accept credit cards at my own stall at craft events.

The next events are:-
Craft Fayre on Saturday 19th November at Christs Hospital, Horsham.  I have my own stall selling mainly glass jewellery made with my lampworked beads, and my usual range of sterling silver bangles, earrings and handcrafted chains.  I will have a selection of loose beads that I can show you if you ask nicely!!  Do come and say hello.   This is a lovely venue and worth a visit just to have a nose around. 

Sunday 20th November The Beadwork Christmas Fair at Newmarket Racecourse.  Go and see my beads and a selection of jewellery, perfect for Christmas presents, at the shared GBUK stall.

 More details of these events are on my events page.

Fri 21 Oct 2005 - New date for your diary and New Blog

I'm very pleased to be able to add a new craft event date to my schedule.  This is a craft fayre on Saturday 19th November at Christ's Hospital, Horsham which is one of the Blue Coat schools.  This school is currently on the TV programme 'Rock School' shown at 9pm on channel 4 on Fridays.  I will have my own stand and will be selling my current range of jewellery and some glass beads.   Come along and introduce yourself.

Also you may notice that things are changing slightly on my website....this is due to Richard my Webmaster moving my website and giving me admin pages...hooray.  I also now have my very own blog which I hope you'll visit.  I hope to be able to update things more regularly now, so please come back soon!

Tue 18 Oct 2005 - Daily News

I’m pleased to announce another new date for your diary….
The Beadwork Fair – (this is their 1st ever Christmas Fair)
Sunday 20th November 2005, 10am to 4:30pm
The Millennium Grandstand, The Rowley Mile Racecourse, Newmarket

I also now have new dates for the 3rd Annual GBUK Bead Fair in Stourbridge, these are on my events page and also on the GBUKbeadfair website which is remaining up throughout the year.  Please check back to the GBUKbeadfair site for photos of this years event, bead challenge entries and details of next years’ event as we get them.

Sun 09 Oct 2005 - Chat
Wow, that was a busy 2 months.  The GBUK bead fair has come and gone, I’ve been really manic topping up my supply of beads and jewellery for the event, organising the bead challenge and writing the script for the fair website which Richard my hubby and I put together to help promote the fair.  Also having my daughter around all day during the school holidays added to the rush.
We are now in the process of changing this website again.  Plans are afoot to move it (you don’t need to worry about that) so that we can add some sort of shop and expand it generally.  Alas all these jobs take time and keep me from the torch.

Mon 05 Sep 2005 - GBUK Bead Fair
GBUK Bead Fair is rapidly approaching Come and see me at my own stall at the second annual Bead Fair hosted by GBUK on Sunday 28th August (the Bank Holiday weekend) at The Bonded Warehouse, Stourbridge. Open from 10.30 to 4.30 Admission Free
For more information please visit www.GBUKBeadFair.co.uk This fair is uniquely based around GBUK members (Glass Beadmakers UK) selling their work and is a good opportunity to buy from the artists that don't normally have their own stall at the major bead fairs. There will also be a number of suppliers selling beads, threads, glass and other bead making supplies.
Wed 15 Jun 2005 - Patchings Art Craft and Design Festival

Patchings Art Craft and Design Festival starts this week on Thursday 9th June and runs until Sunday 12th June. My work and others from GBUK will be available every day at this event. This is an excellent opportunity to see craft demonstrations and buy original art and craft from the makers. For more details see my events page.I'm very pleased to announce the addition of a new outlet for my contemporary glass jewellery in St Ives, Cornwall. This is even more special for me because St. Ives is one of my most favourite places in the country. We visit regularly and it is a constant source of inspiration for my work. Please see my outlets page for more details

RAG Artists and Makers Festival I'm also very excited to announce that I am participating in my first Open House and Studio event in West Sussex in July. This is a two weekend event where my work and other artists will be available to view and purchase in several locations from Horsham to Worthing. For more details please see my events page.

Sun 08 May 2005 - Broadfield House Glass Museum
Come and see myself and other glass beadmakers demonstrating the art of glass beadmaking at Broadfield House Glass Museum. See events page for details.
Wed 16 Mar 2005 - New bead designs for 2005
Check out my new range of glass beads for Spring 2005 These will be touring the bead fairs listed on the events page
Sun 20 Feb 2005 - Online bead sales
I will shortly be setting up a method of buying my beads from this website. Please check back soon
Mon 14 Feb 2005 - New 2005 Dates
My new 2005 dates are now available on the events page
Fri 03 Dec 2004 - Spellcast Stained Glass Studio
My glass bead jewellery is now on sale at Spellcast Stained Glass Studio in Horsham. See Outlets for more details.
Wed 24 Nov 2004 - Pennifex
My beads can now be seen at the Pennifex Gallery See Outlets
Fri 05 Nov 2004 - The Art of Christmas
You can see my work at "The Art of Christmas" Exhibition at the Crew Yard Gallery in Calverton Nr Nottingham. From Monday 8th November 2004 until the end of January 2005. I am exhibiting with 5 fellow GBUK members.