News Archive:

Mon 03 Oct 2016 - 2 events this month

The first is the Big Bead Show at Sandown park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey. Saturday 15th October. 10am to 5pm. One of my favourites of the year, always busy and always lots of new beads on offer. Do come and say hello, I'd love to see you.  Watch out for my newsletter coming this week with your chance to get free tickets.

My next event is the following weekend October 22nd and 23rd, and is the Horsham Artists Open Studios group event, the Contemporary Art Fair at County Hall North in Horsham. Open from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. £2 entry adults, children under 16 fee. Entry provides a full colour programme. For more information please see the HAOS website, and contact me if you'd like a limited free ticket.

Thu 01 Oct 2015 - Art Fair @ Roffey Park next weekend & Big Bead Show 17th October

This news section, is apparently working again, yay!

My next events as you can see above are the Art Fair @ Roffey Park, a joint venture with the Horsham Artists Open Studios group.

October 10th and 11th, from 10am to 5pm. £2 entry adults, children fee. Entry provides an full colour programme. For more information, or to request your limited free ticket, please see the HAOS website.

 

My second event is the Big Bead Show at Sandown park Racecourse, Esher, Surrey. Saturday 17th October. 10am to 5pm
I love this show, always busy and I see so many of you. I do hope you can make it. Watch out for my newsletter with your cjhance to get free tickets.

Thu 17 Jan 2013 - New Events for the New Year

I have updated my events page with details of the shows I am doing so far this year.

Sunday January 20th is the Beadworks Fair at Ardingly, West Sussex, and I will be there with my new designs for the spring and Valentines Day. I will also have popular favourites, many bargains and my popular rummage pots restocked with lots of lovely colourful beads. New Big Hole Bead sets, uncored beads make good value gifts for you or a friend. This fair I will also have my Cloud Beads with their silver linings available, before they are returned to the Surrey Guild Gallery at Milford, near Godalming, Surrey. I will have a selection of sterling silver chains also, with some heavy snake chains suitable for my Big Hole Beads and Cloud Beads. As it's January I will have a bowl of sale bargains too, including lovely focal beads and bead sets, all first quality. We look forward to welcoming you to this fair.

The Big Bead Show has its spring event on Saturday 6th April, and I will be in my usual spot near the food hall and Bead magazine area.

For details of these events and my other shows this year, please see my events page

Wed 18 Jul 2012 - Beadworks summer fair at Ardingly

My next event is this coming weekend, Sunday 22nd July,at the South of England Centre in Ardingly, West Sussex, RH17 6TL, 10am to 4pm. More details on my events page.

I've been trying to get the summer spirit by making some new beach beads and fish in the hope that the sun will come out. I will have my usual mix of glass bead sets and focal beads, with several new designs, silver chains, and my ever popular rummage pots, with bargains starting at £1. I also have some new uncored Big Hole Bead sets, perfect for filling up your Pandora, Troll or other similar charm bracelet. I may even put more beads in my sale dish, who knows!

Do come and say hi.

Fri 27 Apr 2012 - Events and Tuition Update

I have 2 places available on a rare Saturday 1 day Beginners Beadmaking Leasson, Saturday 12th May. Contact me for more information and to book your place.

My next events are: -
Sunday 27th May, The Beadworks Fair, Dorking Halls, Reigate Road, Dorking, RH4 1SG
and
Horsham Open Studios, over the 2 weekends 16/17th and 23/24th June. I will put the address up nearer the time on my events page and here on the front page.
I plan to sell from my unique jewellery collection with some added new pieces, and will have my beads for sale as well as perfect affordable gifts including my simple uncored Big Hole Beads, beads on cotton thongs, simple earrings and some handmade cards.

I look forward to welcoming you at one of these events.

Wed 22 Feb 2012 - Big Bead Show in March, Etsy shop and Facebook Page

Big Bead Show - I'm very happy to announce that I will be selling at the Big Bead Show in Sandown Park at the end of March, that's Saturday 31st March. I always love this show, it's very busy and well worth a visit. I will be sending out a show newsletter nearer the time with details of my show special offers and sneak preview of some of my new bead designs.

Etsy Shop - I've been very busy restocking my online Etsy store and I'm adding at least one set of new beads every day at the moment.

Facebook Page - it's here at last, my new business page called 'Sarah Downton Contemporary Glass Beads' for all the latest news and beads. I'm updating this page daily with news of my latest Etsy listings, photo uplaods, treasury links, tuition dates and more.  Do pop on over and 'like' it, and also subscribe to my RSS feed and you will be kept informed of all my latest happenings.

Tue 27 Sep 2011 - Exhibition at The Capitol, Horsham, and The Big Bead Show.

I am pleased to announce that my exhibition of work is in the Art Gallery in The Capitol, Horsham. I have invited my friend Katherine Haynes of Popped Bubble Designs to join me and we share the 5 cabinets upstairs in the gallery. The exhibition started Tuesday 6th September and runs until Sunday 9th October, and is open during the Capitol opening times. Please enquire at the box office if you wish to purchase anything on display.

Saturday 15th October sees the return of the Big Bead Show at Sandown Park, which is fast approaching. I’m busy getting ready for this event and look forward to welcoming you to my stall on the day. Please look out for my show newsletter when I hope to be able to offer some free tickets and show specials.

Mon 13 Jun 2011 - Horsham Artists Open Studios

It's that time of year again, when the many talented artists and craftspeople in Horsham fling open their doors to welcome you to have a look around their studios/exhibition space and browse their latest work. I am exhibiting again with Katherine Haynes, who recycles bubble wrap in an amazing way, dying it in gorgeous colours and making lovely wall hangings, bags, pictures, blinds, hair slides, garden decorations and all sorts of beautiful accessories.

I will have a cabinet full of jewellery, and lots of other small items to buy, including beads on thongs and my very own Sky Beads (un-cored big hole beads to suit Pandora style jewellery), my popular credit crunch range of earrings and a selection of greeting cards. I will also have some new Cloud Beads (big hole beads hand lined with silver tubing and compatible with Pandora) and a selection of chains to buy to wear your Cloud and Sky beads on.

Come and see me making glass beads and have some refreshments.
Weekends of 18, 19th June and 25th, 26th June, 11am to 6pm
We look forward to greeting you at 3 Windmill Close, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6BY

Tue 22 Mar 2011 - Big Bead Show April and new tuition date

I will now be attending the Big Bead Show Saturday 2nd April at Sandown Park, Esher, Surrey. I will have my usual spot, renumbered to no.48. I'm very busy making brand new sets of my new bead designs and colourways, and making some regular favourites. I will also have some Show specials, including tuition special offers. Watch out for my Sky Beads, uncored beads with a hole large enough to fit Pandora and other popular charm bracelets. I will also have a selection of silver chains and my ever popular bargain pots, refilled with lots of fun beads.

New this year are my shorter glass beadmaking classes, for the budget concious or those of you who fancy a bit longer than a taster but not a full day. Details and prices will be on the tuition page shortly.

I have one place on a one day glass beadmaking class on Tuesday 5th May. The course is from 10am to 5pm and is £120. More details can be found on my tuition page. Contact me now to book your place.

Thu 06 Jan 2011 - Happy New Year - current and forthcoming events, and tuition dates

Welcome to a new year of beads, events and tuition with Sarah Downton. I have updated my calender of events for 2011.

My current event is an exhibition at the Bank Gallery in Chobham which draws to a close on the 16th January. This is a group exhibition by many of the members of the Bank Gallery cooperative and includes me as a Surrey Guild of Craftsmen member.

My next bead event is The Beadworks Fair on Sunday 23rd January at the South of England Centre, Ardingly. I hope to have some new beads as well as my usual selection of orphan bargains and silver chains. I will also have my new range of Sky Beads - my un-cored big hole beads (ones without a silver lining) that are compatible with most of the bead charm bracelet and necklace systems available.

I also have a couple of new tuition dates with one place available, see above and my tuition page. If you wish to come with a friend, as ever just drop me an email and I will give you my complete set of tuition dates to choose from for your booking.

More details can be found on my events and tuition pages.

Mon 06 Sep 2010 - New Bead Fairs and Tuition Dates

This month I have 2 bead fairs that I am attending, the first is The Beadwork Fair on Sunday 19th at a new venue in London, Vinopolis. This is where the final for the TV series The Apprentice was held this year.

The second is the GBUK Bead Fair, at Ardington. Oxon. This is a special one because it is mainly lampworkers from the UK selling their own unique handmade glass beads. The event will run in the afternoon only but will be well worth a visit.

As usual all the details can be found on my events page, with links also to the relevant sites.

I have 2 new tuition spaces available, details are above and on my tuition page, please contact me now to book your place. As ever if these dates do not suit, please enquire for a list of my other available dates.


Fri 19 Mar 2010 - Grand Etsy Shop Opening, new events and a Course Vacancy

My latest venture is my new Etsy shop which I opened at the start of February. I am gradually filling this with stock and I'm restocking at least once a week, so please pop on over to see what's there. I am using this shop to stock customer favourites and repeated sets, although no 2 are ever the same due to the handmade nature of glass beads. For a quick link and easy peek at some of the new beads please see the Etsy Widget on my shop pages and beadlog.

My events page is updated with new dates for your diary. The start of May sees the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen having another show at the Bank Gallery in Chobham. This is a lovely gallery on the high street in a very nice town, well worth a visit on a day out. I will have my cabinet full of jewellery made using my glass beads, and a display of Cloud Beads for sale. Please see my events page for more details and information of the other events I am attending, including the Big Bead Show at Sandown.

I have one space on a Beginners Beadmaking Course on Thurs 13th May. Please contact me to book your place. If this date doesn't suit remember that I arrange courses as and when you can come, so please feel free to contact me to choose your best date to come and learn this amazing skill.

Thu 21 Jan 2010 - Bead Magazine Profile, Ardingly Bead Fair, New Beads and Tuition

If you're visiting my website for the first time you may have come via Bead Magazine, where I have been profiled this month. I'm very excited to have my work recognised in this way with a 6 page spread, so if you haven't got your copy yet it will be available until 16th March.

This Sunday is the Beadwork Fair at Ardingly and I'm busy preparing lots of new beads for the event. Do come and say hello and take a look at my latest beads. I will be refilling my ever popular bargain pots and will have some new chains available too.

I have restocked my shop with some beads and will be putting more beads, Cloud Beads and jewellery up for sale here next week.

Please see my tuition page for more available spaces on courses. Please note that there is only 1 space left per course, thank you. I have added a new date Tues 23rd Feb for a 1 day Beginners course.

Tue 12 Jan 2010 - New Courses!
I'm pleased to announce the beginnings of my new specialised courses for beadmaking. All these courses are for intermediate students with some experience of glass bead making. I've listed some titles with a few details, as courses will vary slightly depending on the skill of the students and the direction they wish to proceed, in other words I like to be flexible to meet my students needs! Please go to my tuition page for more details and to keep an eye on any other new course titles. You can also contact me with any techniques you might wish to improve on or to book your dates.
Tue 29 Dec 2009 - Ardingly Bead Fair next Year
The Beadwork Fair is visiting the South of England Centre at Ardingly again in January. I will be there with my usual mix of colourful bead sets, focals and Cloud Beads for your delectation. I have also added a stock of lovely heavy weight chains (bracelets and necklaces) perfect for wearing your Cloud Beads on or other well known silver cored beads and charms. More details are on my events page.
Mon 14 Dec 2009 - 2 Exhibitions

Surrey Guild of Craftsmen, Christmas at Guildford House Gallery

This exhibition runs from 21st Nov to 24th December and is now in full swing in the Guildford House Gallery, in Guildford High Street. The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 10am to 4:45pm. The exhibition is located in the Garden Room at the back of the ground floor. Do come and enjoy seeing all the lovely pieces for sale, and buy a unique gift for a friend or relative. Guildford House gallery also has a lovely cafe serving delicious cakes and lunches. I will be stewarding again this Saturday (19th) so do come and say hello.

Winter Exhibition at the Bank Gallery Chobham

Another exhibition with the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen as members of the Bank Gallery, Chobham. This newly opened gallery is located in Chobham High Street, and the exhibition runs from 1st to the 24th December, from 10:30am to 5pm Tuesday to Sunday.

 More details are on my events page

Fri 25 Sep 2009 - Harrow Bead Fair and The Big Bead Show and Tuition Date

Harrow Bead Fair Sunday 4th October
Next weekend is the 20th annual Harrow Bead Fair organised by the Bead Society of Great Britain. This must be one of the longest running bead fairs in the UK. I will have a stall selling my luscious beads in mouth watering colours, a selection of sterling silver chains and my popular bargain bead rummage pots.

The Big Bead Show Saturday 17th November
The Big Bead Show organised by Bead magazine is on Saturday 17th October at Sandown Park and promises to be as lively as previous years. This is a huge show and a real must visit if you're into beads as there are so many stalls to see. The Bead Awards competition winners will be announced at this show also.

Please see my events page for further details and links to the show websites

Tuition
I have one space available on 1 day beginners bead making course on Saturday 10th October. Please contact me to book the last place.

Fri 18 Sep 2009 - GBUK Bead Fair Saturday and Hatfield Bead Fair Sunday

This Saturday 19th September is the first of our new style Annual GBUK Bead Fairs. The show is at Creaton, near Northampton, and doors are open from 1pm to 5pm, with a small £2 admission charge. There will be mainly glass bead makers selling their individual creations. This is 'The' show for you if you love individual handmade glass beads.

On Sunday 20th September The Beadwork Fair comes to Hatfield again, this time at the University of Hatfield. At both of these fairs I will have several new luscious bead designs and new sets for you to buy, including my new 'Dotty pick n' mix' in the seasons colours. I also have my high quality sterling silver chains, cables and 'add a bead bangles'. My bargain pots are topped up and ready for you to rummage. see you there!

Details of both these events are on my Events Page

Sat 22 Aug 2009 - 6th Annual Stourbridge bead Fair...this Sunday 23rd August
This Sunday sees me and many of the other glass beadmakers in the UK all in one place again selling our handmade glass beads at the 6th annual Stourbridge Bead Fair. Doors open from 10am to 4.30pm with free entry. This is a show not to be missed, as many of the exhibitors are bead makers. I have restocked my bargain pots and have a few new sets and some of my new luscious stripy tabs, just yummy. I am in my usual spot on the top floor, the first stand on the right hand side as you enter the room. See you there. 
Mon 20 Jul 2009 - Bead fair at Ardingly this Sunday
This Sunday sees me at the usual bead fair at Ardingly Showground. I will have my usual mix of gorgeous coloured bead sets and focals, with some new designs and colourways. I have also restocked my bargain pots ready for you to rummage and find yourself some bargains. Please swing by and hello.
Sat 04 Jul 2009 - Contemporary Art, Craft & Design Fair - Winchester Cathedral 4th to 12th July 2009
I am taking part in this wonderful show that opened today, as a member of the Surrey Guild of Craftsmen. The show is set in a large marquee, situated in the inner close of Winchester Cathedral. Entry is £3 per person, and this allows unlimited entry over the course of the show. Guilds from Surrey, Sussex, Hampshire & Berkshire, and Oxfordshire are taking part, together with about 30 other contemporary artists and craftspeople from around the country. I will be stewarding on Thursday 9th and Friday 10th July, so please do come and introduce yourself if you come and visit on one of those days.
Tue 16 Jun 2009 - New Tuition dates and Horsham Open Studios this weekend

I have another space on a new course next week available for last minute bookers. The course is on Mon 22nd to Tues 23rd June and is a 2 day Beginners Beadmaking course. Follow this link for more details on this and the other 2 day course running Mon 29th to Tues 30th June, and email me now to book your place. I'm happy to let the first day (Mondays) on the 2 courses go to anyone wanting a one day course.

Horsham Open Studios starts this weekend, follow this link for a brochure you can download. It would be lovely to see some of you at the venue I'm at, with my friends Edith Barton & Katherine Haynes. The address is Church Lane House, Church Lane, Plummers Plain, RH13 6LU.
Come and see us in Ediths' fabulous garden. We have paintings, fabric figures, my contemporary glass jewellery, dyed bubblewrap bags and hangings. View our work, take some refreshment and enjoy the garden. See you there.

Wed 03 Jun 2009 - Tuition dates, Horsham Open Studios and I'm a 'Beads and Beyond' magazine winner

I have one space remaining on a 2 day beginners beadmaking course running from Monday 29th to Tuesday 30th June. Email me now for further information and to reserve your place.

I'm very pleased to have my Transition necklace on the front cover on this years Horsham Open Studios guide, the complete range of venues is in the guide that can be downloaded from the Artists and Makers website. Just follow this link. I will be exhibiting at Edith Bartons' garden studio again, in Plummers Plain.

I was also very excited to be a winner in the Beads and Beyond magazine competition. I was the runner up in the advanced category with my Transition 2 set of beads, the complete gallery of winners and runner up sets can be seen in the May issue, and my beads are on page 56.

 

Thu 02 Apr 2009 - Tuition Dates

I have a couple of spaces for tuition remaining in May.

1 place remaining on a beginners 1 day course Thurs 21st May

1 place on a 2 day refresher course, Sat 16th May and Weds 20th May. This will be suitable for anyone who has attended a course and not yet set up a workspace, or for anyone who wants to improve their basic skills.

Email me now to book your place and for further information.

Fri 13 Mar 2009 - New Beads in For Sale in My Shop and I'm Published

I have restocked my shop with 8 new sets of beads for sale, these are predominantly made from premium Silvered glass or Dichroic glass. Please follow this link to go shopping for beads.

I have had my set of competition beads 'Second Transition' printed on page 62 in this months (April) Beads & Beyond magazine available from WHSmith and bead shops.

Tue 10 Mar 2009 - Tempest Exhibition
The Tempest Exhibition that was on during the International Festival of Glass last year is now on tour in Europe as was originally planned. My bead is still on display (between Sharon Peters and Petra Jenson if I remember correctly). Ten new artists beads have been added and a new catalogue produced. The first stop is at Creative Glass in Zurich and is on until 29th March.
Thu 19 Feb 2009 - Bead Fair schedule added to Events page and newish beads in my shop

My events page now shows all the events that I currently have booked for this year, including the new Beadworks Fair at Dorking Halls at the end of May, which is the next fair that I will be attending. I also hope to take part in the Artists and Makers Festival once more at my friend Edith Par Barton's amazing summer house in Plummers Plain. This year the festival is only in the Horsham area and is a few weeks earlier than usual so we don't clash with Wimbledon and other summer sporting events.

New beads were added to my shop a couple of weeks ago, please follow this link to view my new beads.

Tue 20 Jan 2009 - Bead fair at Ardingly this Sunday and tuition dates

The Beadworks Fair at Ardingly is this Sunday 25th January, at the South of England centre. I have a stall and will be selling my luscious array of bead sets, focal beads and sterling silver chains, cables and 'add-a-bead' bangles. I've been busy making new encased frit bead sets in spring colours and hope to bring you new valentine inspired girly pink beads and hearts. I'm restocking my bargain pots and will be having a sale on my older focal beads. Come and say hello and grab yourselves my latest designs, the newest beads always go early on!

My studio refurbishment has been delayed until the Easter holiday due to the exceptionally cold weather and the news that I need a concrete base. I am continuing to teach during February and March so keep the enquires and bookings coming.

I have space for 1 person on a 1 day course on Saturday 28th February. Please see my tuition page and email me for further details. This place is now taken, thank you.

Mon 10 Nov 2008 - Tuition Dates and next Bead Fair dates

I have a few remaining spaces on some 1 day beginners courses during this month, November. All spaces are for one student only and are the last few dates available for this year as we approach Christmas. We are planning to upgrade my studio during January so I will recommence teaching in February. Please follow this link for dates of remaining spaces and further details.

Thank you to everyone who came to visit us at the Big Bead Show Saturday at Sandown Park. We had a very good day and enjoyed meeting you all.

Our next Bead Fair will be at Ardingly on 25th January. Please follow this link for details on my events page and a further link to the Beadworks site.

Wed 24 Sep 2008 - Harrow Bead Fair Sunday 28th September
I am pleased to announce that I will now be having a table at the Harrow Bead Fair this Sunday. I will have some more new beads along the lines of those that sold so well at Hatfield, together with my  array of luscious coloured beads and my popular penguins and pandas. I am restocking my bargain pots with orphans and experiments and will have top quality silver chains and cables available. Do come and say hello at 'The' beading event of the year.
Wed 17 Sep 2008 - Hatfield Bead Fair this weekend, Tempest Bead Exhibition & The BIG Bead Show

This Sunday will be the first Beadworks Fair at Hatfield House. I have a stall at this event and look forward to meeting you there. Do come and say hello. Please follow this link to my events page for further details. As usual I will have my mouthwatering array of vibrant coloured beads and some bargains, together with some more of my new gorgeous silver foil lined beads and new style dichroic beads and maybe a panda or 3. I will also have some high quality sterling silver snake chains and omega chains.

The Tempest bead exhibition continues until the 28th September, so you have one and a half more weeks to go and delight in some of the best beads by some of the best beadmakers in the World and the UK. I am very pleased to have a bead in this exhibition which is in the Coffee Shop in the Ruskin Centre, Stourbridge. Follow this link to my events page for further details.

The Big Bead Show is on Saturday 1st November at Sandown Park, Esher. This is the second year for this show organised by Bead magazine and I am pleased to be having a stand there. Further details can be found by following this link to my events page.

Wed 20 Aug 2008 - Stourbridge Bead Fair and Tempest Bead Exhibition

This weekend is the International Festival of Glass in Stourbridge, west of Birmingham. I will be selling my beads and jewellery for the 3 days of the Stourbridge Bead Fair for the 5th year running (formerly the GBUK bead fair). My stall is in the usual place on the 3rd floor just as you enter the top room. I will have a few new designs for you to buy, these include some of my new jewel beads, silver lined beads in gorgeous jewel colours and some more of my new pandas. I will also have my bowls of bargain beads and a selection of multi strand coloured chokers and good quality heavy weight silver chains. I'm also planning to take my new Big Holed silver core beads (compatible with Troll and Lovelinks systems).

I have my bead 'Prospero's Plan' on display in the Tempest Bead Exhibition at the Ruskin Centre Coffee Shop where I am pleased to be exhibiting with some of the big names in British Contemporary glass such as Peter Layton and David Reekie (my personal favourites), and some of the big international names in beadmaking including Sharon Peters, Heather Trimlett, and Nancy Tobey to name a few. We are of course also very well represented by our own very talented UK beadmakers at this exhibition. Entry to the exhibition is free (and is next door to the Glass Biennale which is well worth a visit) and a colour book is available to buy with all the beads beautifully photographed by Lucy Hunt.

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.