hello

[Sue]

This is just a few words to introduce myself. I am 43 live with my long term and according to him long suffering partner of 15years, two sons, two cats and a granny to three ( my daughter's who lives across the road from me so she might as well be at home) so a very young granny who is definately not into wrinkly stockings (except on fancy dress), rollers or zimmer frames well not yet. I work full time as a pharmacy technician in the NHS and currently studying a foundation degree in pharmacy as part of my job.

I am a self taught beader and chain mailler. I started making my own jewellery about 3 years ago as I refused to pay a lot of money for the tat on the high street but love to accessorize. I soon found people asking me to make them something and started to sell one or two pieces and found I got a real buzz from it. About 6 months ago I was house bound following an operation on my knee and used the time to learn something I had always wanted to have a go at Chain Maille.

I still bead but at the moment concentrating on Chain Maille as there are not a lot of people who make or sell jewellery using this technique. I use mainly silver plate and copper at the moment but am slowly introducing sterling silver when I can afford to buy. I make my own rings (not sterling still not confident enough yet) and am still learning weaves. I have started to experiment by adding beads and gemstones to add that extra zing and my next projects in the pipeline is to introduce my all time favorite beading item Swarovski Crystals especially the sew on fancy stones I love them I would buy the lot if I could as I cant get enough of them ( must be the sparkling aspect I am a sucker for glitter and glitz)

I am looking forwards to talking to like minded folk and sharing hints and tips. I am still new to the world of forums and chat rooms so if I muck up on things and I will please bear with me.

As well as beading I love to craft and also make cards, cross stitch and am always looking for new ideas and inspiration. I can spend hours just trawiling the internet looking for handcrafted items and projects just wish I had more time.

My ultimate dream it to be able to work full time making and selling jewellery and to give up the rat race. Our long term goals is to emigrate to the USA as I can work over there at my profession and hopfully if I can crack this internet lark can still persue selling my jewelery.