~At The Bench With Narelle~

Aussie Love!

2012-01-30T23:48:00.005+11:00

Week 29: Australia

Icon tea towel: Kirsten Haworth Textiles

Aussie charm pendant: Purplefish Designs

Fabric coasters: Smashing Smile Designs

Storage basket: Stilelemente

Koala hat: Funky Hooker

Australia Day dress: Franky's

x Narelle

Airy-Fairy!

2012-01-09T23:23:00.000+11:00

Week 28: Fairies

Fairy canvas art: Kale

Gabled fairy door: The Fey Folk

Fairy party invitations: In My Pencilcase

Tooth fairy kit: Sister Pants

Fairy card: Munchkin Magic

Fairy teaset: Little Characters

x Narelle

Under the Sea

2012-01-02T18:35:00.004+11:00

Week 27: The Beach

Because of the heat in Melbourne today, I took my inspiration from all these cool beach/Ocean themed goodies. I hope you find them refreshing!

Octopus brooch: Vonny K Art

Boat gift tags: Red Elephant Creative

Whale quilt: Alphabet Monkey

Fish apron: Trixi

Wine glass charms: Salte

Shark hand puppet: Sand Pit Kids

x Narelle

Retro rewind!

2011-11-28T23:35:00.004+11:00

Week 26: Cassette tapes

Cassette tape purse: My Pretty Shadow

Sterling silver studs: Narelle

Cassette badge set: Shelbyville

Cassette tape bib: Maisy Dee

Tape cushion pillow: Henrietta & Morty

Cassette tape necklace: Szeya

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-11-27T17:34:00.004+11:00

Fresh cup of coffee!

Fresh pot of pickle.

* non toxic & environmentally friendly :)

Fresh batch of zodiac charms.

x Narelle

I wanna be a Cowboy!

2011-11-21T18:19:00.003+11:00

Week 25: Cowboys

Raglan tee: Oh Deer Me

Cowboy invites: Little Muse

Cowboy & Indian quillow: Dragonfly Quillows

Yea ha pendant: Snickerdoodles

Art print: Monstar Creations

Cowboy apron: Bopper Craft

x Narelle

Put a bird on it!

2011-11-07T13:22:00.004+11:00

Week 24: Birds

Bird tote: Stalley

Hand embroidered tissue cosy: Edward & Lilly

Wooden bird game: Mollydag Made

2012 Diary: Sugarbird

Bird art: Matou en Peluche

Fabric toy box: Miss Lilly

x Narelle

Trick or Treat!

2011-10-31T15:51:00.004+11:00

Week 23: Halloween

Crow pinkeep: Nest in the Attic

Witch Glass tile: Little Red Strawberry

Halloween Fabric flag: Couture Crafts

Halloween Singlet: Eat My Feet

Felt bat toy: Plushka

2 skeletons: Athena's Emporium

x Narelle

Project Accessory!

2011-10-28T15:14:00.007+11:00

Image source: Here

I have always loved the show 'Project Runway' and have watched all episodes from all the different countries.

It's creative, inspirational & gets me motivated to get back into my studio after each episode.

Project Runway even inspired a lot of jewellers to make a piece using the theme from that weeks show and then display what they made on their blogs. It keeps the design brain ticking.

I know I spent a lot of time wishing for a spin off version for jewellers & jewellery designers......... but I shall wish no more.

It's here!!!

Last night (in the US) Lifetime premiered their new show 'Project Accessory'

If you would like to see a sneak peak pop on over here: sneak peek

Designers

Image source: Here

If you would like to meet the designers, the judges, look at photo's or read the blog it's all available here: Project Accessory

I can't wait until it's available to watch here in Aus!

x (an excited) Narelle

Man's best friend!

2011-10-24T23:44:00.006+11:00

Week 22: Dogs

Dog collar: The Crafty Possum

Fur freshener: Rocstar

Personalised place mat: Cheeky Blossom Designs

Carry Pouch: Cosmic Collars

Fleece blanket: Embroiderit

Dog Hoodie: Popple

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-09-18T16:59:00.002+10:00

Filing a ring for a custom order.

My stamped earrings are one of my staple pieces. It feels like I always have some on the go!

x Narelle

Here kitty, kitty!

2011-09-12T23:13:00.006+10:00

Week 21: Cats

Tote bag: Hello Penny

Pet bowler hat: Mel P Designs

Purse: Chloe and Viscount

Cat book: Son of Samorr

Cards & gift tags: A Bit Busy

Vintage paper brooches: The Little Orchid

x Narelle

Over the Rainbow.

2011-09-05T23:09:00.007+10:00

Week 20: Rainbows

Hair clip holder: Squiggle and Stitch

Necklace: Fallen Angel Design

Crayons: Stitchville

Sock monkey: Three Kittens

Balloon ball cover: My Little Giraffe

Art print: Run Away Violet

x Narelle

Daddy Dearest!

2011-08-29T17:04:00.003+10:00

Week 19: Father's Day

Plate: Redesigns

Coffee cuff: Pebble Lane Studio

Hero card: Sissy Sparrows

Hand towel: Lulu Handcrafts

Map coasters: Me2

Tiger Myrtle pen: Penpusher

Wishing all Father's out there a great Father's Day on Sunday.

And of course to my Hero, my Dad. I can't wait to spend the day with you.

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-08-21T23:18:00.005+10:00

After being stuck in bed with a viral infection for over a week, I finally managed a few hours in my studio today.

Working on my 'Patterned' pendant line.

Bezel cup studs ready to be polished & then have hand-dyed resin poured into them.

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-08-07T21:44:00.007+10:00

Scrap silver to be weighed, packaged & sent off to be refined.

Bluebird discs.

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-07-24T17:39:00.006+10:00

I have been flat out in the studio lately.

Unfortunately due to the weather being sooooo cold,

I am finding the limited studio time very frustrating!

Looking forward to the warmer weather.

x Narelle

Rain, rain, go away!

2011-07-18T23:00:00.001+10:00

Week 18: Winter rain

Rain water soy candle: Illumines-Scents

Mini notebox: Geritom71

Umbrella sisters print: Totally Innocent

Umbrella days badges 3pk: Badge Bliss

Rain, rain coin purse: Seventh Sphere

Raindrops earrings: Each To Own

x Narelle

Aloha!

2011-07-04T00:32:00.005+10:00

Week 17: Hawaii

Duo cushions: Cooshonz

Flip flops beach towel: Embroidery by Melissa

Bangle: Rosie Posie Crafts

Hula girl bookmark: Denim Days

Hula cup: Elm Design

Boy/girls boardies: Surfiekids

x Narelle

Wedding Fever!

2011-05-02T23:17:00.004+10:00

Week 16: Wedding

Wedding bouquet: Flowers By The Vase

Favour bags: Ben and Jess

Bridal veil: YJ Design

Bridal gown: KL Couture

Ring pillow: Natalie Briggs

Wedding cookies: Kate's Cookies

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-05-01T18:49:00.006+10:00

A few images from my studio:

Working on a custom piece

Flower detail

Sawing base of a heart bezel

New pieces made from brass

Lately with the cost of silver skyrocketing so much, I have been playing around with copper & brass elements. Fun!

x Narelle

Jewels fit for a Princess!

2011-04-30T22:28:00.006+10:00

As everyone knows, there was a Royal Wedding on yesterday!

I didn't set out to watch the entire event but ended up doing so because it was such a sweet wedding!

I, like everyone else, was mainly interested in seeing Catherine's gown, but I also had a bit of an obsession to see what sort of a wedding band she would wear with her gorgeous Engagement ring.

18-carat white gold ring with a 12-carat oval sapphire & 14 round diamonds

Her veil was held in place by a 1936 Cartier 'halo' tiara, which was lent to her by The Queen.

Her earrings were designed & made by London jeweller, Robinson Pelham. They are diamond-set oak leaves with a pear shaped diamond set drop & a pave set diamond acorn suspended in the centre.

The earrings were a wedding gift to the bride from her parents for her Wedding Day.

Their design was inspired by the Middleton family's new coat of arms, which include oak leaves & acorns.

The Wedding band was made by Wartski, a London family jewellery business founded in 1865, that have held Royal appointments as jeweller's to H.M the Queen & The Prince of Wales.

The plain slim gold band was made from a piece of Welsh gold, as is the tradition for Royal brides.

The gold has been in the family for many years & was given to Prince William by his grandmother, The Queen as a gift to mark his Wedding.

Prince William has chosen not to wear a Wedding ring.

Simple but stunning!

All the best to the beautiful couple.

x Narelle

Lest we forget.

2011-04-25T23:50:00.004+10:00

Week 15: Honouring our Anzac's

Girl's cap: Swing Design

Party invites: Pivotal Xpression

Boy's cap: Cook You Some Noodles

Tot shoes: Saselven

Camouflage Shorts: The Bear & The Whale

Camouflage kaftan: Erin Hassall

*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Australian &

New

Zealand

Army

Corps

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

Lest we forget

x Narelle

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T23:37:00.003+10:00

I hope everyone's day was fabulous!

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-03-27T23:10:00.005+11:00

A few pics from my studio.

I know I've shown this guy in my blog before. He's my favourite tool & I couldn't live without him.

But since I've started making a lot of bangles lately I have found that unless they are 'large' in size they do not fit in my vibratory rumbler!

So for my Birthday, my parents & husband surprised me with this....

A Lortone tumbler - which bangles fit perfectly inside!

So now I have two favourite employees & they have become the best of friends & work very well along side each other!

x Narelle

Sunday studio snaps:

2011-03-06T14:00:00.004+11:00

A couple of pics from my studio.

* Stamping on silver for a custom order.

* Sizing up a ring (on a messy bench!)

x Narelle

Splish, splash!

2011-02-28T22:11:00.004+11:00

Week 14: Mermaids

Hair clips: Precious Jade

Arctic art print: Art By Jaz

Pencil case: Pocket Carnival

Lolly bag tags: Princess Pirate

Sun catcher: Red Bobble Nut Tree

Mia plush doll: Rhonie Rainbow

x Narelle

Hey Lady don't Bug me!

2011-01-31T23:10:00.006+11:00

Week 14: Ladybugs

Ladybug adventure mobile: Ruby's House

Ladybug tape measure: Not All Who Wander Are Lost

Ladybug beanie: Bugalugs Handmade

Ladybird pinkeep: Nest In The Attic

Ladybird zip pouch: Chi-Chi-Stevie

Ladybugs wall decal: Vinyl Wall Design

x Narelle

Introducing............Me!

2011-01-10T18:18:00.003+11:00

My first interview as a jeweller / crafts person!

The lovely Karen & Samara that organise & run Monkey Markets asked if I would like to do an interview for their Blog.

Of course I would!

You can read it here: monkey-markets.blogspot.com

Thanks ladies, it was really great to be amongst all the other unbelievably talented people that you have interviewed.

x Narelle

Welcome 2011!

2011-01-01T04:38:00.003+11:00

I apologise for being a very slack blogger of late.

The last couple of months have been so hectic, but truly amazing.

I actually found it rather sad to say goodbye to 2010 last night, because I really did have an amazing year & I know it's going to be hard to top.

I travelled overseas twice, I got a range of my pieces in a gorgeous handmade store, took part in some big markets, friends & family had babies & I enjoyed a fabulous Christmas with my loved ones.

I am blessed.

I have a lot of ideas and plans that I have been working on for a while now and this year they will all hopefully come into fruition.

I am aiming to Blog a lot more, now that I have dropped some hours at my job, I will be able to get to bed at normal times for most days of the week.

So I will blog in bed of a night - nice!

Well, that's it for now.

Have a fabulous 2011 & I appreciate all the support & comments from everyone & look forward to sharing another year together.

x Narelle

San Francisco 2010

2010-11-21T15:49:00.000+11:00

San Francisco was just gorgeous, beautiful weather & delicious Salt Water taffy.

V e r y steep hills but amazing sites to be seen & food to be consumed.

We visited a fantastic hand-made market, so I got to collect a bunch of business cards from some very talented artists.

It's an amazing city that has a homely Melbourne feel to it.

x Narelle

Hollywood 2010

2010-11-20T18:04:00.002+11:00

Had an absolute ball & shopped a lot.

Halle Berry was doing a talk whilst we were there & Christina Aguilera received her star on the walk of fame.

x Narelle

Saturday studio snaps:

2010-11-06T22:12:00.000+11:00

A couple of pics from my studio.

* Balling up the ends of wire to be made into earwires.

* The finished product.

I have made 120 of these in my studio last week & this week - stay tuned to find out what they will be used for!

x Narelle

Sweet Tooth!

2010-11-01T22:04:00.000+11:00

Week 13: Sweets

Melting moments: Anita Christopher (Boutique Sweets)

Love letter cookies: Dessert Menu Please

Berry infusion tea: Simply Tea

Rocky road fudge: BTempted

Choc candied orange: Verily Orange

Cake decorations: MY Designz

x Narelle

I'm so lucky!

2010-10-23T11:50:00.000+11:00

Last week I entered a Blog competition of a gorgeous artist & online friend Michelle & I won!

Not only is that exciting in itself, but take a look at what I won.

'Classic White Rose'

A 5x7" gloss print photograph printed using archival inks and paper.
It also came framed in a black wooden frame, which I love!

When I entered the competition I said to my husband, "If I win that print, I'm going to hang it right there."
So I did!

Thank you so much Michelle!

If you want to purchase one of these for yourself or take a browse through her gorgeous range of cards, prints, & bookmarks, you can find Michelle's store Here. Perfect for Christmas pressies.

Also drop by & have a read through her Blog at: Michelle's Art & Photography.

One very talented & generous artist indeed.

x Narelle

Let's hear it for the Boys!

2010-10-18T23:02:00.000+11:00

Week 12: Goodies for the boys

Superhero cape: Tutus & muddy shoes
Quilt cover: Roller Coaster
Hulk hat: Seamstress & the Daughters
Crayon roll: Kazzalblue
Car pocket: LA Crafts
Kombi t-shirt: Billymac

x Narelle

Saturday studio snaps:

2010-10-16T23:19:00.000+11:00

Some snaps in my studio today.

* Sparkling, shiny pieces fresh out of my rumbler.☝This, by the way is still my favourite tool I have purchased to this day!

* Packaging all set out ready for orders to be lovingly wrapped up & sent off to their owners!

x Narelle

Spring has sprung!

2010-10-11T13:14:00.000+11:00

Week 11: Spring

Card set: The Craft Angel
Teapot: Hey Emmaline
Printable invitations: Cate Holst
Coasters: Loved
Library bag: Milly Molly Mandy
Magnets: Claire Richards

x Narelle

Saturday studio snaps:

2010-10-09T22:44:00.000+11:00

A couple of snaps from in my studio today.

* Some of the items I was working on in the pickle pot.
The pickle is rather blue which means it needs to be changed, but I try & use it for as long as I can!

* Rather messy bench!
All the plastic tubs are orders that I have. Each order gets it's own plastic tub with the customer's name & what item it is written on a post-it note on the front.
This way, I am organised & all the pieces don't get mixed up!

x Narelle

Thank you!

2010-09-24T23:03:00.003+10:00

On behalf of the animals I just wanted to say a HUGE 'thank you' to all that purchased a RSPCA cupcake charm from one of my stores, you helped support a wonderful cause.
A BIG thank you to Loretta - an extremely generous & kind soul. ❤

I doubled the amount I raised last year & am really quite chuffed!

So far Cupcake Day has raised over $171,000 for the RSPCA in Victoria - a great result for the 40,000 animals that will be cared for this year. Still hoping to hit the target of $300,000!
Nationally $502,271 was raised! That's a lot of cupcakes!

If you missed out this year, the next Cupcake Day for the RSPCA will be held on Monday 15 August, 2011.
Until then you could always join in on "Happy tails day" by simply purchasing merchandise from the exclusive Happy Tails Day range in September and October here!

Hug your pets for me!
x Narelle

It's in the bag!

2010-09-20T23:18:00.000+10:00

Week 10: Bags

Persimmon tree tote: Paluma Print
Shoulder bag: Kate Ward
Terracotta Floral: Lene
Japanese print: Percy Handmade
Silk clutch: Zilpahtart
Wristlet / clutch: Odds & Blobs

x Narelle

Having a laugh with Mr.Giraffe!

2010-09-13T22:40:00.000+10:00

Week 9: Giraffe's

Notelets: Forget Me Not
Felt Giraffe: Sophie and Jack
Cushion: Baby's Room
Plush toy: Little Pleasures
Canvas: Blucy
Onesie/bodysuit: Hey Diddle Design

x Narelle

J'adore

2010-09-06T23:59:00.001+10:00

Week 8: Paris

Print: Mulberry Muse
Badge: Little Ephemera Empire
Sachet: Atelier in Paris
Doll: Mon Petit Poppet
Pouch: One Brown Mouse

Sketchbook: Flairtree

x Narelle

Monkey Business!

2010-08-30T19:08:00.000+10:00

Week 7: Monkeys

Journal: Suse Hocking
Sock monkey: Twinklekids
Kids PJ's: Kids Comfort Zone
Finger puppets: Fuzzy Creations
Door hanger: Bubbybee
Personalised invitations: Willow and Elm

x Narelle

Father's Day finds!

2010-08-23T20:34:00.000+10:00

Week 6: Father's Day

BBQ apron: House of Moo
Cufflinks: Red Zebra Designs
Storage rack: Artesque
Notepad: Paddock Press
Cupcake toppers: Suga N Lace
Necktie card: Jacibean Designs

x Narelle

Cuppy-cakes!

2010-08-16T23:11:00.001+10:00

Week 5: Cupcakes

Wall art: Art Just For Kids

Circle tags: One Craftee Mumma

Beanbag: Joshua Alexander

Sock cupcakes: Baby Bukay

Cupcake charm: Narelle
Greeting card: Here We Go Loopy Lou

I know it's a bit cheeky putting myself in one of my Madeit finds, but because it's

"Cupcake Day For The RSPCA" today, I thought a little plug for them won't hurt!

All proceeds from charm sales go towards the RSPCA & there's free postage too.

Grab yourself one today here - no calories guaranteed!

x Narelle

Everyone loves Fairy Floss!

2010-08-11T12:06:00.001+10:00

On the 3rd of October a NEW market called 'Fairy Floss Markets' will be launched in Melbourne, Box Hill.

Fairy Floss Markets is a handmade babies and children’s market where you will find divine products that are handmade, hand designed and unique.

I have been accepted into the first 3 markets and am super excited.
I will be launching my *NEW* baby & children's jewellery range at this market & can't wait.

The quality of the products that will be available is amazing, so many talented designer/makers.

I have been featured as a Tuesday's Hidden Treasure this week, so pop on by the Fairy Floss Market's blog & have a look at some of the wonderful items that will be available.

x Narelle

We all scream for ice-cream!

2010-08-09T22:39:00.000+10:00

Week 4: Ice-cream

Notepad: Red Letter Studio

Earrings: Made By Becca

Plush: Vintage Chenille

Bag: Jalapeno Cherry

Soap: Sailor Mouth Soaps

Magnets: Loopy For You

x Narelle

Crazy for Daisies!

2010-08-02T23:30:00.001+10:00

Week 3: Daisies

Fine art print: Michelle's Art & Photography

Mineral eyeshadow: Frankie & Plum

Earrings: Alainn

Greeting card: Loopty Loop

Cushion cover: Robyn Lee

Soap: Rose Berry Bay

x Narelle

As sweet as an Angel

2010-07-26T23:17:00.000+10:00

Week 2: Angels

Art tags: Anna Bartlett
White tutu: Precious li'l things
Digital print: Sweet William
Angel bear: Vivianne Kay
Stitchery kit: Anna Marie
Bunting: Rourke and Henry

x Narelle

Wooden you love these?!!

2010-07-19T23:43:00.003+10:00

Welcome to the first 'Madeit Monday!'

Lately over at the Madeit website there has been so many gorgeous items popping up.
Usually when I'm browsing the site I put together a themed shopping list in my head, so I thought I'd start sharing them with you all.

Week 1: Wood

Cloud brooch: Nevertheless

Clothespin dolls: Enchanted belles
Harley: Joey jelly bean
Handbag: Teresa Cowley
Pen: Woodpile
Letters: Love letters

More goodies to come next week.
x Narelle

Featured as a fave!

2010-06-30T17:26:00.001+10:00

The wonderful Karmann over at KMCrafts blog put together a list of her favourite handcrafted jewellery.

The pieces were chosen from jewellery makers on the Madeit website.

Amongst all the gorgeous pieces she'd chosen, I spotted my Purple flower resin pendant. Yay!

Karmann also makes jewellery too, which you can find here or if you wish to check out the rest of her Friday Madeit Finds list, you can do so here.

Thanks Karmann, I appreciate the blog love!

x Narelle

I won!

2010-06-29T11:42:00.000+10:00

I could not believe my eyes when I saw this.

I seriously went back through the list about 8 times to check that I was the only Narelle!

I am so spoilt.

Look at all the goodies I won!

The gorgeous Julie & Donna over at Sissy Sparrows had an amazingly generous giveaway & yours truly took the prize.

They are talented ladies & their illustrations are just delightful.

There's stickers, cards, necklaces, a zine, a print (which is going up on my wall asap) there was even a cute little coin purse included that says "Monday is my cleaning day" - which it is!

Click here to get a closer look at all the goodies I received, I couldn't fit everything in one shot there was just so much loot.

And of course if you're wanting some of these fab items for yourself head on over to their store on madeit - Sissy Sparrows or here on Etsy - Sissy Sparrows.

Thank you ladies, it really came at the right time & brightened my week.

Now to decide which necklace to wear to the ballet on Saturday night!

x Narelle

J'adore Paris!

2010-05-31T14:19:00.000+10:00

Okay, so I'm a little bit behind on my blog posts!
I have found it a little hard to get back into the swing of things as I'm feeling so rested & relaxed!
But, I do start back at my other job this week, so I'm sure that will take care of that!

When first arriving in Paris, we were completely lost & found it hard to communicate with people.
With the help of a kind gentleman we finally found our hotel. (2 suburbs from where we were) Our room was so teeny-tiny, I was starting to feel a little dubious.

After a good night sleep & a few hours translating common phrases on Google translate, our week in Paris was amazing.

The patisseries, the fresh salad baguettes, the people, the fashion, the patisseries, the sites, the love in the air, the patisseries........
I would definitely go back for sure.

The highlight: I studied art history in tafe & college for 6 years & to finally be standing in front of the Lourve was a rather emotional experience for me.
Plus I got to meet Mona Lisa!

x Narelle

Too much temptation!

2010-05-17T07:02:00.001+10:00

On this holiday, I was hoping maybe to shed a few kilo's & tone up a little with all the walking & site seeing we'd had planned.

Don't get me wrong, we're not being lazy in fact we are walking approx 15 to 20 kms per day!

But when every corner has a sweet smelling patisserie like the above, there's only so much will power a sweet-toothed girl like me can have!

Each individual pastry is an art piece in itself. The detail they put into each sweet is amazing.

They are true artists that need to be supported, right?

So it would be rude of me to just walk on by..............right?!!!

x Narelle

Retro craft swap

2010-05-13T08:15:00.001+10:00

Before I went away on holidays I was involved in a craft swap that was organised by the fabulous Bec from Fun with a little Wise Owl.

Everyone was given a person to send to & a different person to receive from.

(I will blog about the goodies I received once I return home, I forgot to bring the photo's with me!)

The theme of the swap was 'Retro' & you could interpret it any way you wanted.

The first thing that popped into my head was roller-skates, so I went with that.

Above is a picture of the pendant (chain not shown) I sent off to Bec, my swap partner.

I built the piece up in layers out of sterling sheet & wire for the laces & soldered it all together.

I really enjoyed making this piece as it was something different from all the custom orders I had been working on.

So when I re-open my stores I have decided to stock these along with some other shapes as I think they will be fun pieces to sell.

x Narelle

Enjoying London

2010-05-11T10:39:00.000+10:00

After a looooooong, long flight my husband & I were so glad to touchdown in London.

We have spent the first week sight seeing all the great sights London has to offer & I have fallen in love with all the old weathered buildings.

It's not as expensive as I'd thought it would be here.
The food is so cheap, so we have been pigging out. Especially on all the different chocolate bars that we don't have in Australia!

When visiting Harrod's department store we were able to view the ring Dodi was going to give to Lady Dianna.
Whether or not it was an engagement ring is still uncertain, but let me say it is gorgeous!

I'm not usually into cluster set diamonds, but the centre rectangular diamond with the four triangular cut diamonds surrounding, are beautiful.

So we're finishing up here & are catching a train tomorrow afternoon to Paris.
Yay, it has always been a dream of mine to go to Paris. I can't wait.

Talk soon.
x Narelle

Mother's Day

2010-05-09T11:36:00.000+10:00

To all the Mother's out there,

here's hoping you're having an amazing day & being spoilt with lots of love & hugs from your families.

And to my mum, "Happy Mother's day!"

I hope you have a wonderful day & get to spend it exactly how you want to.

Sorry I can't be there with you but I promise to make it up to you when I get home.

I love you heaps.

x Narelle

Anzac day 2010

2010-04-25T14:26:00.000+10:00

Australian &

New

Zealand

Army

Corps

They shall grow not old as we that are left grow old

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn

At the going down of the sun and in the morning

We will remember them

Lest we forget

x Narelle

Crafty podcasts

2010-04-18T20:20:00.001+10:00

(Image source: bamfbackgrounds.com)

When I'm doing long hours in my studio I like to have something to listen to, something to keep me entertained.

The radio got too repetitive as did my limited cd stack.
I tried a small tv but got distracted & ended up watching whatever was on instead of working!
Audio books were great, but I was going through nearly one a day - very costly.

I have since found Podcasts put together by some crafty ladies & am loving them.
Nearly everyone has some form of mp3 these days, so for all of you crafting away alone in your studios here's a few Podcasts to download & listen to.

CraftSanity - Hosted by Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood

Craftcast - Hosted by Alison Lee

Craftypod - Hosted by Sister Diane

They interview an array of talented artist/crafters from all mediums, so there's something for everyone.
You can also subscribe to them in iTunes so they will be automatically downloaded for you!

Happy listening.

x Narelle

Say 'No' to Palm oil!

2010-04-06T12:50:00.001+10:00

I don't like to shove my political views onto people & I too do not like to see 'in your face' images of animal's in distress or pain, so I'm trying to do this as subtly as I possibly can!

Palm oil is in one in four food products that we buy.
Most of the global supply comes from Indonesia and Malaysia – the only place where orang-utans live.

It’s a tragic fact that every year an estimated 1,000 Orang-utans die because of palm oil..

You don't know if palm oil is in your food because it's not labelled properly which means you don't have the right to choose food products that won't destroy Orang-utan & Tiger habitat.

Please click on this link & sign the petition on the Zoo Victoria website.

Once palm oil is labelled, consumers can actually drive a market for proper certified sustainable palm oil because they can demand it of manufacturers.

Thank you for your help!
x Narelle

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T13:45:00.000+10:00

I hope everyone is enjoying a fabulous Easter with family, friends & loved ones.

Yesterday I attended the wedding of some friends & had a fabulous time.
I got to catch up with people that I have not seen for a while & even shared a boogie on the dance floor with them.

However, today I am nursing a rather sore head & plans of hammering in my studio this afternoon might have to be scrapped! (Who knew Champagne with Midori would taste so good!)

Enjoy munching on Easter eggs everyone, I'll be saving mine for tomorrow when the rustling of the foil won't be so noisy!

x Narelle

Circle of friends

2010-03-30T12:54:00.000+11:00

I received the lovely 'circle of friends' award from the gorgeous Emma of Little Cherry Hill.
With this award I have been asked to share 5 things that I love & then pass on this award to 5 other fellow bloggers.

Here goes:

1) My Husband: For all his love & support. I honestly don't know where I'd be without him.

2) My Parents: They are THE best!

3) Animals: I love animals, every single one of them. (Hence being a vegetarian!)

4) Chocolate: Probably everyone writes this one down! But seriously I am such an avid chocoholic you would truly be disgusted by the amount I eat every day!

5) Travelling: Since meeting my husband I have been fortunate enough to travel overseas at least once a year. So very, very spoilt!

Okay, now the hard part of only picking 5 of the lovely & talented Blog friends I follow.

* Mel Paton
* Michelle's art & photography
* ZippyZippy
* Kellie Christie
* Halle Jay

Off to let them all know!

x Narelle

I'm in chains...

2010-03-06T21:26:00.000+11:00

...and loving it!

My most favourite thing to make would probably have to be chains.
Although they are rather time consuming & tedious - making all the links, joining them all together, soldering them all closed, filing each link etc,
the whole process tends to have a relaxing methodical effect on me.

I admit, I do get a little anxious when I'm making a custom order for something I haven't made before, it is a little nerve wracking. But once the piece is finished I am so pleased with the results, no matter how complex the design.

But there's something I find so comforting with making chains.
Nothing beats pulling a freshly polished chain out from my tumbler.

Even if it's the most simplest type, once all the solder joins are filed, all the links pre-polished & tumbled, they always come out so shiny & fabulous looking.

I love making chains!

x Narelle

To market, to market...

2010-02-22T19:36:00.000+11:00

Yesterday was my first market back for the year.

Everything went well & my neighbour stall holders were ladies I hadn't met before, so we spent our down time chatting away over coffee.

I got some really great response to my new lines that I was trialing out, so I will be adding those to my stores - as soon as I get the chance to photograph, edit photo's, write listings & upload them!

The photo above is of the bunting/banner my brother & his wife gave me for a Christmas present & I got to use it for the first time yesterday.
(Please excuse the creased table cloths, I forgot to iron them!)
I think it looks great & matches my colour theme so well.

They ordered it from All Made By Me if you are interested in ordering one for yourself.
In fact there are a lot of fabulous makers of bunting on Made-it - one maker I really like is ZippyZippy
so head on over & check them out.

x Narelle

Dear Valentine....

2010-02-14T17:49:00.000+11:00

My Husband & I met approx 11 years ago.

Every morning I wake up grateful that I have him in my life.

He is caring, encouraging, understanding, loving & THE most selfless person I have ever met.

He laughs at my dumb jokes, supports & encourages me in everything I do & gives the best hugs in the world.

Most of all, he lets me be me & even loves me for it.

So thank you for being you baby & for being my Valentine!

x Narelle

February already!

2010-02-10T12:19:00.000+11:00

Wow, this year is going so fast already.

I apologise for my lack of posting, but I have been really lucky & have had a lot of orders.
When you run your own business, you prepare yourself for January & February to be considerably slower after the Christmas rush is over.

Luckily for me I have had some amazing clients requesting custom orders so my hands have been kept rather busy.

At the moment with the weather we're having, I'll be honest, I'm starting to struggle in my studio.
On a 35 degree day, when I'm soldering, I'm sure it's more like mid 40's!

But, by just going a little slower, drinking lots of fluids & taking a lot of zooper-dooper breaks I'm getting through.

Well, back to it.
Take care in the heat & don't forget your sunscreen!

x Narelle

Australia Day 2010

2010-01-26T15:19:00.000+11:00

"Happy Australia Day" everyone!

I hope you are all enjoying a lovely day off relaxing, BBQ-ing, gardening or whatever else it is you may be doing.
Australia is certainly putting on a show for us all, it is a gorgeous day outside.

No day off for me I'm working in my studio today, but it's nice to work away on a day like this with the door open & the fresh air blowing in.

I am so thankful that I live in such a great country.
No matter where I travel to around the world, there's no greater feeling than when the plane lands back home in Australia.

Enjoy your day fellow Aussie's.

x Narelle

Photo bracelet - process: part 2

2010-01-19T22:54:00.000+11:00

5. Oxidising (blackening) the letters/numbers.

6. Letting the resin cure.

7. Putting the entire piece together.

8. Packaging the bracelet & getting it ready to send off.

These 8 pics are not all the steps to make this bracelet of course but just some of the main ones to show you some of the process that goes into making a piece like this.

x Narelle

Photo bracelet - process: part 1

2010-01-10T02:43:00.001+11:00

This was a custom order that I had for Christmas.

The photo's are of some of the steps with making the bracelet.

1. Custom stamping the backs of bezels with names, dates etc.

2. Soldering the bezel walls & bases together.

3. Assembling the chain, ready to solder.

4. Bales attached to bezels & excess metal filed off.

.......to be continued!

x Narelle

"Happy 2010!"

2010-01-02T00:33:00.001+11:00

"Happy New Year!"

I hope the year is going well for everyone so far & that you all had a great time counting in the new year.

Unfortunately no parties for me.
I had to work from 10pm through to 3am and for new year's day I caught up on housework!
Hope this year gets a little more exciting than that!

Stay safe all and in the next few days I will be unleashing some new items for all of my stores.

x Narelle

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-27T20:43:00.000+11:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and got to spend some quality time with their families and friends.

Thank you to all my customers for your orders and for supporting my business this year, you have helped to make it grow and have given me amazing opportunities.

I am so thankful to be doing what I love every day and look forward to making some new and exciting pieces in the New Year.

x Narelle

Busy as a Santa elf!

2009-12-11T13:07:00.000+11:00

Hey all!

At the moment it feels like I am either working at my bench, or working at my part-time job.

The other morning at 3:30am when I returned home from a shift (I work night shift) I was starving. I then realised that I hadn't eaten for almost 2 days!

When I'm busy it's the little things like, eating & sleeping I tend to forget to do!

I'm not complaining though, far from it. I love being this busy.

If I'm not on a deadline or occupied with something I get bored so quickly.

I did have to be a little realistic this year though. As custom orders take some time to make I had to close my stores to catch up on orders.

I feel really bad for doing this but I didn't want to take on too much & then disappoint people if I wasn't going to get it all done in time.

I hope all is well in the studios of all my crafty friends.

x Narelle

I'm still here!

2009-12-01T17:04:00.000+11:00

I apologise for my lack of Blogging & for the really bad photo above!
I have been so crazy busy lately, I'm finding it really hard to fit everything in.

Last month I had 2 markets on, one was a Twilight market on Friday night which I really enjoyed.

Also, this Saturday will be the first Blackbird Market and I am really excited.
There is going to be a few other amazing crafters from the Made-it community and I can't wait to meet them.

I am a little anxious though, as I am trying to get through a HUGE To Do list of things to take to the market, as well as getting all my orders out, plus working on wholesale orders as well.

Oh yeah, I am now doing wholesale orders for 2 fabulous websites!

I'll tell you more about them a bit later on when I have a little more time.
Gotta get back to my bench, so much to do!

x Narelle

Going Green!

2009-11-19T15:46:00.001+11:00

Over the past months I have been changing little things in my studio to make my practices Greener, not only for the Earth, but for my health as well.

* I finally found a non-toxic "pickle" (cute name given to a bath of acid to clean metal in!) so it's not harmful to breathe & can be diluted & safely disposed down the drain or on the garden.

* I found a "flux" (used to keep areas of the metal clean when soldering) that is non-toxic, not harmful to breathe whilst heated & is 100% bio-degradable.

* I no longer use rolls of paper towel to wipe pieces or my hands with, I use cotton towels & then wash these towels with my shower water.

* I bring home bubble-wrap & packing sheets etc, from work & re-use it in my packaging.

* And just recently I received an email from my metal manufacturer's stating that they now 100% recycle all of their metal! - Yay!

This is fantastic news, one less company mining our Earth!

If you are looking for a metal supplier I highly recommend A&E Metal Merchants.

You can also send your scrap to them to receive either store credit or a cheque.

Every little bit counts!

x Narelle

Process of a resin ring

2009-11-14T17:55:00.003+11:00

One thing I really do enjoy when reading a Blog is being taken behind the scenes with photo's.

I love seeing pictures of people's benches, studios, work areas etc, and just as much as I love seeing the finished pieces they've created in these areas, I love seeing the process of them being created.

So I thought, since my Blog is named 'At the Bench with Narelle' that's exactly what I'll do, I'll take you to my bench!

The above image is some of the steps in making one of my heartbeat resin rings.
1. Measuring up the ring shank so when it's soldered & hammered it will be the correct size.
2. Soldering the ring shank closed.
3. Hand forming the little hearts from bezel wire.
4. Soldering the heart bezel to flat sheet.
5. Polishing the ring.
6. Letting the resin cure.

There are a few more steps in between these, but I thought I'd just share some of them.
Plus is kinda takes twice as long to make something when you're stopping to take photo's!

Hope you enjoyed the process, I will definitely be posting some more.

x Narelle

Kreativ Blogger Award

2009-11-09T14:16:00.001+11:00

Yay, I was awarded the Kreativ Blogger Award by Michelle who is a brilliant artist & photographer.

Thank you so much Michelle.

You can enjoy reading her Blog here.

There are 6 rules to keep this award growing:

1) Copy the award picture and post on your blog - ✓

2) Thank the person who gave it to you and link to their blog - ✓

3) Write 7 things about yourself we don't know:

1. I was a professional dancer for 10 years.

2. I travel overseas every 18 months.

3. In high school I was infatuated with Corey Feldman. (Stand By Me, Lost Boys)

4. I work a part-time Night-shift job three nights a week.

5. I am a vegetarian.

6. I have a phobia of feet.

7. I am a control freak!

4) Choose 7 other bloggers to pass the award to - ✓

5) Link to those 7 other bloggers - ✓

Smooch Designs
6) Notify your 7 bloggers - ✓

There, all done. The hard part was choosing only 7 great Blogs I read to give the award to!

x Narelle

I miss this already!

2009-11-08T23:15:00.003+11:00

Now don't get me wrong, I love coming home & there is no better feeling than when the plane touches down on home ground.

But I do really miss seeing the gorgeous beach above, the shopping & looking for things to do to fill our days or even doing absolutely nothing.

My holiday was fabulous & so relaxing, probably a little too much because I think it's going to take me a couple of days to get back into the fast pace I need to be at to get everything done for the next month!

Aloha for now.

x Narelle

Blackbird Summer Market

2009-10-19T21:45:00.001+11:00

I got in!!!!!!!!

I am so excited.

Blackbird is a summer market that will be held monthly at The Newtown Worker's Club, corner of Brunswick St and Gertrude St, Fitzroy.

The market will have:

Vintage fashion

Up and coming Australian fashion and jewellery design

Artists and Craftsmen (and women)

Live music

Hot DJ sets

Awesome food and drinks
... all in the one place on a chilled out summer Saturday!

The first market will be on Saturday the 5th of December from 11am to 4pm.

If you will be in the area on that day, pop on by my stall & say hello.

Off to make some serious 'To Do' lists!

x Narelle

Lights, Camera & Action!

2009-10-18T16:52:00.000+11:00

Just a quick post to mention that my jewellery was seen on "Sunrise" on Friday morning - Joy!

And a BIG thank you to all that purchased a cupcake charm to help raise money for Lort Smith Animal Hospital's 'Party for Strays' campaign.

You still have today to get in and purchase yourself one if you haven't yet, here or over here!

x Narelle

Featured

2009-10-12T06:56:00.002+11:00

Yay!

I found out a few days ago that I was featured on a fantastic Blog; Handmade Kids - 'Unearthing funky handmade finds for kids.'

It is a fantastic site with lots of wonderful ideas for gifts for friend's kids, nieces, nephews, grandchildren or even for your own little tykes.

They feature great items fresh from the creator's crafty hands and Jemma usually updates the Blog every day.

I am honoured to have had my baby/child's ID bracelet on there and will wear this badge proud!

x Narelle

It's beginning to look a lot like....

2009-10-08T12:23:00.000+11:00

...a handmade Christmas!

For all of those crafty little fingers out there, now is the time to start whittling away at your handmade Christmas goodies to do lists.

I rarely go shopping in department stores, so when I had to pick something up from one the other day I was rather shocked at the amount of Christmas stock on the shelves already.

I have been working in retail now for 21 years, so I really should know the deal by now!

Only 78 days till Christmas people..........yipes!

How about buying all your gifts handmade?

Sound good? Well, it's easy too.

Here's a handmade gift guide full of wonderful items from all the talented crafters/artists over on Madeit, updated regularly to give you some fabulous gift ideas.

Better get back to the bench.

Happy (online) shopping!

x Narelle

It's the simple things....

2009-10-01T13:24:00.000+10:00

...that make me happy!

I have been after a stump for my studio for a while now.
Every time I see one, by the time I go back to pick it up with someone, it's gone.
People with open fire places really have a radar for these things!

It got to the point that even my neighbours would wave hello and shout out, "Hi Narelle, any luck with a stump yet?" - I have become the crazy tree stump lady!

My friend text that she had just seen the council cutting down a tree in someone's yard.
Bingo!

So instead of sneaking back when it's dark and grabbing it (my style) she suggested we knock on the owner's door and politely ask (her style.) And that we did!

I am now proud owner of not one, but two stumps.
We picked the first one because it was the shape of a butterfly, ha ha!
We rolled it to the car and heaved it up........ then we saw the bigger one.
My friend said, "yeah, we can lift that." And we did.

It has made my stamping and hammering so much better and I'm sure the neighbours are much happier now too since the stumps act as a noise buffer.

I ♥ my stumps!

x Narelle

Sweet!

2009-09-25T17:42:00.002+10:00

Once again this year I am participating in the Lort Smith Animal Hospital fundraising campaign "Party for Strays."

Lort Smith Animal Hospital helps over 100,000 animals every year.

Their campaign 'Party for Strays' helps to create awareness in the community and raises significant funds to save the lives of animals in dire need of medical treatment and loving homes.

The lovely Leigh and Laura over at That's Noice blog wrote a post about my little party cupcake charms I am selling to raise money for Lort Smith.

They describe their blog as an Aussie-centric blog full of things considered awesome,

and I agree. They show and discuss lots of great items from toe socks to cupcakes and I am so honoured to be mentioned on their wonderful blog. Thanks ladies.

My cupcake charms can be purchased here.

They are only $20 each. 100% of sales goes to Lort Smith and postage is FREE!

It's for such a great cause so head on over, purchase a cupcake charm and Party for their lives!

x Narelle

Stitches & Craft Show

2009-09-19T02:15:00.000+10:00

(click image to make bigger)

In August, 19th to 23rd Madeit attended the Sydney Stitches & Craft Show.

Bec organised a booth & displayed a range of beautiful handmade products picked from crafters that have stores on the Madeit website.

I was lucky enough to have my daisy studs chosen to be displayed alongside all of the other talented people that were accepted.

The Stitches & Craft show is Australia's longest-running craft show, it had:

Craft Bars: where you could learn a new project in under 30 minutes
Reconstruction Zones: Where you could take a garment and re-fashion it on the spot
Handmade Nation: watch a film about the DIY craft and design movement in the US
Studios: presented by craft retailers
Fashion Parades: Wardrobe Refashion & Burdastyle
Inspiration: Lots of pop up displays around the show for you to be inspired by

Phew, I would have had a ball!

Some of the fab things on the Madeit stall were:

In the yellow box the Little Babushka Doll - Little Wise Owl

In the pink box the Little Blue Shoes - LoveBird

In the red box the Daisy Studs - Narelle

In the blue box the Madeit Recipe-zine edition 1 - Madeit

So click on the links & get shopping!

A big 'Thank you' to Bec for doing such a wonderful job on getting Madeit out there & for the amazing opportunity it gives all the talented crafters/artists around Australia.

x Narelle

Prepping for market

2009-09-17T21:23:00.000+10:00

This week I have been busy in the studio getting some pieces made for a market on Sunday.

As scary as it sounds, I did actually want to have a few of my Christmas lines ready to go as well, but they will have to wait for the one next month.

The pieces on my bench at the moment (seen in the photo) are small bezels that I will be using to make resin & paper dangly earrings.

I have some smaller ones made too for studs, but they were a little shy and hid in the pickle when the camera came out!

x Narelle

Finally!

2009-09-13T14:47:00.001+10:00

I have a store on Etsy!

Okay, well I opened a store on Etsy back in August 2007 but I have only just got around to listing a few items.

I guess I just felt that I'd get lost amongst all the other beautiful items for sale, especially in the jewellery section.

Then I thought 'what the hey' may as well give it a go and already I've been quite surprised.

I've had a few looks & someone has even hearted an item.

I have so many photographs to take of new items I need to get listed in all three of my stores but there is never enough time left in the day.

Fingers crossed tonight I'll get a couple of hours to take some pics before I have to go off to work.

Which is something I really need to think about. Night shift just doesn't seen to be working for me anymore, it's making me so tired I have no energy left for the day to be creative.

Okay, away goes the violin, enough of the sob stories. I'm off to finish a couple of orders.

x Narelle

Truly touched

2009-09-09T21:19:00.000+10:00

A few weeks ago I completed a custom order for a gorgeous customer.

It wasn't a complicated piece, but I think it came out really elegant.

It was a double sided charm so I got to use 2mm sterling sheet, which I love because it's so thick & chunky!

Once I packaged it up & sent it off I emailed my client to let her know it was on it's way.

She replied to my email with the story of what this piece represents & a little information on its meaning to her.

Every day since, I have thought about that piece.

It may have been rather simplistic in design.

It may have not have taken me days or weeks to make like some pieces do.

But that charm now sits as one of my biggest accomplishments.

Thank you to all that have let me share a little in their lives & to allow me to make a special keepsake for their memories.

x Narelle