Sarah Downton Beads and Jewellery

Thursday morning

What a lovely day we had on Saturday at the Big Bead Show. It was so nice to meet you all again, and share the excitement of the day. Visit my Facebook page to see photos of me and my stall there, and a running commentary from Dickie (he was posting as me, I was way too busy working – oops, my little secret for the day).

Today I get back into my studio to start making new beads for the next show at Newmarket, on Sunday 17th November, so I’d better get my head down quickly as I’m reliably informed that it’s a very busy one, almost like Big Bead Show, eek. I thought you might be interested to see the studio fallout from the show this weekend gone, so I’ve popped a photo of my workstation below. I have to say I will be tidying it up, I struggle to keep working with that much mess. Oh and there isn’t even more mess behind my bench, that’s a mirror reflecting the other side of the studio.

I’ve also received a new batch of frits to try from Glass Diversions in America, and I can’t wait to dig in. I have 4 large pots of some of my favourites from Robin, including 2 colour-ways that I’m using loads more of at the moment so that’s a relief knowing I won’t run out, and a mixed set of 16 mini pots to try out too (these last ages, I bought my previous batch about 7 years ago 😮  ), so exciting. Oh and I forgot my 3 freebies in mini zip loc bags. Yay, I can’t wait.

Friday morning

Big Bead Show tomorrow, woop woop!

As I’m sure you know by now I love this show,  I get to see so many of you, my lovely customers, and it has a real buzz about it, probably because  it’s so busy, and most of you are so excited to be there. I also get to see a lot of my bead making buddies too, especially when Tuffnells Glass are there. It’s always a good opportunity to stock up without having to pay postage and nothing beats looking at all the lovely glass colours and tools and frit and……

So today I’m putting the finishing touches to my brand new stock (that means pricing up, lol 😉  ), sorting out and reducing a few more bargains for my SALE bowl of focals and sets, checking my stationary quantities (boring), sorting yet more bargain single beads and having a general ‘surplus bead clearout’ (yipee) and lastly packing my boxes ready for the off tomorrow. I really hope that I get an earlier night tonight rather than the usual late one I always seem to have before a show. I must also make sure I pack my huge tub of celebrations, not really sure where that is going to go, but please make sure you get yours when you spend over £10……single chocy that is not whole tub 🙂

Here’s a pic of some spooky spooks and smashing pumpkins that I made for last years’ show……..I have made more and a few penguins with Santa hats and they’re soooooo cute.