In the summer we did have a trip to London, but we didn’t get a single peek at the Queen, instead we followed her to Windsor, where she spent time in the castle and we watched from the opposite hill at LegoLand. Who knew we travelled in such exalted circles?
Anyway, here we are again, posting at irregular, infrequent and random times that resemble the train timetables far too closely.
Mike’s been busy, we’ve been to many fairs, teaching takes up a lot of his time too. He’s been invited to demonstrate his skills at beadmaking at the first UK Flame-Off this April. Should be fun! Lots of beadmaking talent there, and of course, a bead fair too.
It’s been fascinating over the past few years watching beadmaking grow by leaps and bounds. People who weren’t even making beads are now becoming very talented artists on their own, and some have moved to teaching their skills to others. It’s all good, really, the more people who make their own beads, the less the bead-buying people have to rely on *ick, ptui* cheap imported lampwork. But the best part is that the bead buyers over the past few years have said more and more that they’re learning the fine art of determining how good a bead is, and knowing what to look for in a handmade bead is vitally important.
I’d repeat the most valuable bit of advice that I’ve ever heard, from Kandice Seeber. Never sell anything but your best work.
Cheers, and best wishes from the TillerPeeps for happy holidays and a wonderful new year.
