After last weekend's torrential rains in Brisbane and predictions of further rain and storms all week long I was concerned that today's resin workshop would have to be postponed until less humid weather. But when I woke up this morning and found the sun shining and no rain in sight, I knew the resin gods were smiling down on my little group of students today! With low humidity we were able to resin away to our heart's content. I love that this workshop allows me to make the class projects too - here's what I added to my collection today. Those of you who read my blog regularly would know that my favourite colour is purple and it has been the dominant colour in my wardrobe for a number of years. It certainly makes accessorising an outfit easy because everything goes together.  But this year I've found touches of red creeping into my wardrobe. It started with a pair of really cute Dorothy-esque shoes which I just adore! And then came a red blouse and it's coordina......

Here's the second of the two new classes in this month's workshop lineup. This one is for the fashionista who likes to walk on the wild side! Let me show you how to make your own faux barbed wire wrap bracelet using readily available materials. It will certainly draw some interesting comments.  Made from jewellery cord and paint, the barbs are actually quite soft and won't scratch your skin at all, yet it gives a realistic look of barbed wire. Teamed with some glass hearts and silver filigree balls, this goth style bracelet will suit anyone with a little rebel in them. And it's versatile too: not only can it be worn as a wrap bracelet, but it does double duty as a single strand necklace. Please email me to make a booking. 'Til next time..... If you can't get enough of My Tutorials and you want even more inspiration,  click here to find my books and printable pdfs...

I've added two new jewellery classes to this month's teaching schedule. The first one is working with coloured wire to make a sweet little bird's nest with a clutch of pearl eggs. And the second one I'll tell you about next week. If you've ever had the experience of store bought jewellery falling apart on you, then this class is perfect for you. You will learn how to make wrapped loops at each end of every bead so that your jewellery never falls apart! You get to choose the colour of the wire to make your nest with and select coordinating beads from my extensive collection. There are some really pretty beads to choose from so designing your own bracelet will be half the fun of this class. More details can be found on the Current Class Schedule page at Mill Lane Studio.  Bookings can be made by emailing me . 'Til next time..... If you can't get enough of My Tutorials and you want even more inspiration,  click here to find my books and printable pdfs...

Today the sunshine is streaming into the studio and the bangles perched on the window ledge are bathed in a lovely warm glow. Sigh..... makes your thoughts turn to summer! And that's a timely reminder that it's time to turn our attention to spring and summer fashions. Bangles and rings are great accessories to bring last year's summer wardrobe up to date so today I'm working with some new bangle and ring moulds that have a retro feel about them. Mod, retro, neon and colour blocking are all buzz words in fashion at the moment and they can easily be translated into resin jewellery. And if ever there was a match made in heaven, it would have to be retro and resin. I mean, what could be more retro than a resin bangle! A little while ago I showed you some very hip square and eclipse bangles and the retro wedge ring and today I'm working with the Classic Wide bangle, the Retro Pyramid ring and the very groovy Retro Side Circles bangle. It's amazing how different ......

Well campers, today's the day. Camp has finally arrived. Here's just one last teaser of the project we'll be making tomorrow morning. For those of you who haven't worked with resin before, you're in for a real treat. You're going to learn how such a simple technique can transform your paper stash into fashionable jewellery. And I promise, there are no jewellery making skills required. Can't wait! I'll be back next week with more crafty goodness from the studio. 'Til next time..... If you can't get enough of My Tutorials and you want even more inspiration,  click here to find my books and printable pdfs...

It was play time in the studio today with my friend Jenny. I've totally converted her from being a serious papercrafter into a serial jewellery maker. Jenny's become a regular student in my studio as well as being a great bead shopping buddy. She says I'm like a kid in a lolly shop when I'm around beads..... I think she is too! We make a good pair. So when you put us together in the studio with jewellery making supplies you can imagine what fun we get up to. Jenny is a fast learner. She's swapped her paper crafting tools for pliers and she's becoming mighty skilled with them too. She's become quite adept at turning loops. Look at her go..... What a great dangle component! And this is what she's working on.....   .......a gorgeous chandelier earring, designed and created by Jenny! Fantastic job Jenny! Jenny is moving away from the big smoke in a few months so my job is to arm her with as many jewellery making skills as we can fit in. Next lesson on the d......

As part of National Youth Week, Brisbane City Council has programmed a variety of activities for young people and this Saturday, you'll find me at the Chermside Library teaching a resin workshop designed especially for teenagers and young adults. We'll be working with a non toxic resin so it's safe for younger people to use - no nasty chemicals is this workshop! We'll be creating a pendant and a magnet in the class so it's got something for both the guys and the girls. And the good news is that this workshop is free. Yes, FREE!! So if you live in the Brisbane City Council area and you know someone aged between 12 and 25 who might be interested in learning how to work with resin, why not book them into this fun class. Bookings can be made by phoning (07) 3403 8888. But be quick.... there are limited seats available. Here are the workshop details: Date: Saturday, 14th April 2012 Time: 10am-12pm Cost: Free 'Til next time..... If you can't get enough of My Tuto......

With two large workshops at the Glass House in Port Macquarie this weekend I'll be spending a lot of time packing workshop materials and preparing kits this week. One of the scariest things when you're preparing for workshops is when materials don't arrive in time and at the moment I'm sweating on 3 different orders. Two are scheduled to arrive the day before I get on the plane, but the third one is definitely not going to arrive in time - it's still scheduled for picking. I think I'll get on the plane before it even leaves the warehouse! Hmmm..... on to Plan B (you've always got to have a Plan B!). In the meantime, I'm cutting...... moulding..... trimming off loops (with my trusty shank removers...... love this tool!) pre-spraying moulds..... making chains...... counting (and re-counting), kitting and packing. After cutting out over 100 ovals I'm really over this part of the kit preparation....... why isn't there an oval punch that fits this mou......

It's time for a giveaway on my blog and this one is short and sweet so don't delay getting in your entry! If you'd like to take part in a jewellery workshop in my studio then this might be just the giveaway for you. I'm running my Genie Bottle/Faux Perfume Bottle necklace workshop again and would love to have your company. But there's a catch - the workshop is on Saturday morning 25th February 2012, so you must be in Brisbane (or be able to get to Brisbane) to win this one.  No previous jewellery making experience is required.... I'll teach you everything you need to know to complete this gorgeous project. The prize will include all the materials you need for the class too. You even get to pick the bead of your choice (I have some yummy beads in my stash!). And for all you paper crafters out there, we'll also be creating a gorgeous little presentation pouch to make this a perfect gift for someone special. To be in the running, please leave your comment and ......

In conjunction with Frock Stars, an exhibition showcasing the background of Australian Fashion Week,  The Glasshouse Arts, Conference and Entertainment Centre in Port Macquarie NSW has invited me to teach 2 one-day Resin workshops in March. So for all you fashionistas local to the Port Macquarie area this is your chance to come and learn how to create fashion resin jewellery. What better way to show your fashion savvy than to wear your own handmade resin jewellery? This hands on workshop is a great introduction to the world of resin jewellery - you'll learn to create bangles, rings and a variety of jewellery pieces. Bookings are strictly limited and only confirmed upon payment of the course fee so please don't delay. Book direct with Glasshouse either by phone (6581 8888) or in person by visiting the Glasshouse Box Office, corner of Clarence & Hay Sts, Port Macquarie. For more information about the workshop, visit the Glasshouse website. So, if you've ever wanted to......

Ever wished you had a genie lamp? Wouldn't it be great to rub it and watch the genie materialise right before your very eyes?  And then to hear the booming voice bellow out: "My wish is your command!" Well, I can't promise you the 3 wishes, but I can show you how to make your very own Genie Bottle. Or a Faux Perfume Bottle. If you'd like to learn how to make this exquisite bottle, then join me in a 1 1/2 hour workshop in February and make one of your very own! This is a Mill Lane Studio exclusive from my Vessels and Vials series. It's a stunning piece of jewellery that is sure to draw many admiring comments.  In the workshop, you'll learn my tips and techniques for how to construct your bottle and how to create secure loops that will make your jewellery piece solid.   You can find out more details about the class by visiting the Current Class Schedule at Mill Lane Studio. To make a booking or enquiry, please click here . So if you had your very ......

Image courtesy of Christina Lowry It was a busy morning in the studio yesterday with some very enthusiastic participants in the Bangle and Ring workshop! Each one was itching to get started on making some bangles and rings and to put into practice what they had just learned.  Here's some photos taken by one of the students, Christina Lowry of Christine Lowry Designs (A Little Bird Told Me - Craft). Notice how everyone is a picture of concentration!   Image courtesy of Christina Lowry Somehow, she didn't manage to get into any of the photos, which is usually the way when you're behind the camera. But thanks to Christina for all the photos you took for the rest of us! Visit Christina's blog for more photos and her report on the workshop. Next weekend will be my last resin workshop for 2011 and there is still a vacancy if you'd like to learn how to make resin jewellery. With just a few short weeks until Christmas, it's a great opportunity to make some gifts for......