tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3197608269003297652024-02-07T19:06:23.684-08:00Tallulah does the HulaTallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-67713096149404243552020-10-10T09:25:00.004-07:002020-10-10T09:25:55.740-07:00It's official: plants boost mental health and make us feel more connected with nature!<h2 style="text-align: left;"><b>Greener front gardens can cut down on stress as much as eight weekly mindfulness sessions, according to new research by the Royal Horticutural Society (RHS).</b> </h2><div><h3 style="text-align: left;">With today marking World Mental Health Day, it's a timely reminder of the value of plants and access to nature in our everyday lives.
</h3><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xKvqxCr_yQ9TWaR4-G_5tZncwNzD-jzrjDNVDb9bDlyZFDH4FU0lV_wFXhcHOQZ5jnapWhClD2uobLPBBah6_rSqch4eLbehDhrwd2nQY21IB4FLmIQoOLjRa_F9AUuPv0TQM3BcRCg/s960/1620799_10151963590271997_2027420341_n.jpg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8xKvqxCr_yQ9TWaR4-G_5tZncwNzD-jzrjDNVDb9bDlyZFDH4FU0lV_wFXhcHOQZ5jnapWhClD2uobLPBBah6_rSqch4eLbehDhrwd2nQY21IB4FLmIQoOLjRa_F9AUuPv0TQM3BcRCg/s320/1620799_10151963590271997_2027420341_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
This month, the RHS, in collaboration with the Universities of Sheffield, Westminster and Virginia, published its findings into a groundbreaking research project, measuring the effects of greener front gardens on people's stress levels. </div><div><br /></div><div>During the four year study, 42 residents in a deprived part of Manchester in the UK received a tree, a shrub, a climber, bedding plants, bulbs and sub-shrubs to brighten up their previously bare gardens. </div><div><br /></div><div> Before receiving the plants, less than a quarter of participants had healthy levels of cortisol, the “fight or flight” hormone associated with stress. In just a year, this had increased to over a half. </div><div><br /></div><div>The news may not come as much of a surprise to horticulturalists. </div><div><br /></div><div><b>You can teach an old dog new tricks!</b> </div><div><br /></div><div>Confession: I was once so rubbish with plants that I managed to kill a supposedly indestructible cactus! I had the reverse of the Midas touch when it came to gardening. Everything I touched turned to manure! </div><div><br /></div><div>My notoriety with plants spread like weeds. I was banned from hedge trimming and when anyone gifted me a pot plant, I would secretly cringe, wondering how many days it had left on this earth… </div><div><br /></div><div>Notice, however, that I'm talking in the past tense. I was rubbish with plants. Spectacularly so. I felt sorry for any that came into my “care”. I mostly killed them with kindness, freaking out so much about neglecting them (like that poor cactus) to the point where I'd over water them. </div><div><br /></div><div> But over the past couple of years I've definitely improved. And during lockdown I educated myself about plants and have been on a mission to transform my garden gradually, adding wildflowers and bee pollinators.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xYyw2vEV9dc3gDdfllbkKoONeVcF8jg5PZGXLHvvNYy0kKi3-a7XsqETz7HjwLDiB03Gd4pc4M80TO3xAWAQdsgrCWLrgn0tKlRhIYrjDdphYbx5x3VJrFmbAz3s9MgvJOqaYXyfBOs/s2048/IMG_7734.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2023" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7xYyw2vEV9dc3gDdfllbkKoONeVcF8jg5PZGXLHvvNYy0kKi3-a7XsqETz7HjwLDiB03Gd4pc4M80TO3xAWAQdsgrCWLrgn0tKlRhIYrjDdphYbx5x3VJrFmbAz3s9MgvJOqaYXyfBOs/s320/IMG_7734.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
Slowly, my confidence in my gardening abilities has grown. Blossomed even! I'm still far from green-fingered but I'm no longer the horticultural butcher either! </div><div><br /></div><div>It's given me so much joy to see beautiful blooms pop out when I least expect them, sometimes ages after I think they'll emerge! Half the time I've forgotten exactly what I've planted, so it's a total surprise when seedlings pop up! That's half the fun.
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAFEHO35pw-z_dwItrtuqEQ33c3_gfr4t1frzispfHk5NllRmcSCfpNDf7z8Cu6R6RYj9fujkMwV25GGeKou6pUUB-Ik3PUSxrIV6n671ThhyKikEZsj4XCgxjXOjqXlsvoH7d-cFQ-s/s2048/GTCC6911.jpeg" style="display: block; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAFEHO35pw-z_dwItrtuqEQ33c3_gfr4t1frzispfHk5NllRmcSCfpNDf7z8Cu6R6RYj9fujkMwV25GGeKou6pUUB-Ik3PUSxrIV6n671ThhyKikEZsj4XCgxjXOjqXlsvoH7d-cFQ-s/s320/GTCC6911.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
So I totally understand how surrounding yourself with greenery can be great for your mental health.</div><div><br /></div><div>Similarly, immortalising blooms in resin to wear around my wrist, ears or neck, or to enjoy in paperweights and coasters, is so therapeutic. </div><div><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQR1CTuYiyrWXHVRbJ2rBxub4WrldczJAjSIaJcJtxQIPSudQQEB1q9Oc-qyJugCJfzR6IqNl_qJqPT8uO7J0-FbEKqiRRf_0dpkC6EJNo30J256-8UAhqfp6-B7J3LOZNUIlQbf3Eq8/s2048/Puffball+smaller.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyQR1CTuYiyrWXHVRbJ2rBxub4WrldczJAjSIaJcJtxQIPSudQQEB1q9Oc-qyJugCJfzR6IqNl_qJqPT8uO7J0-FbEKqiRRf_0dpkC6EJNo30J256-8UAhqfp6-B7J3LOZNUIlQbf3Eq8/s320/Puffball+smaller.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paperweight by Tallulah does the Hula</td></tr></tbody></table><div><br /></div><div>I'm definitely a summer bunny at heart – so having a piece of English meadow to enjoy year round is definitely great for the soul. Especially as the nights draw in.
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OOcS7TJ5zvhXye3ucUzYT1SiZj_67RGORnWL8TT95wBQcarcNd5cuQ_Me194opQkBr-_0FmXPxbuIhppaRULILoLFCqDaDg7Mxp3tYK1CyM2TuReeroCTlIJnVqp6SjEjdY6-fMom18/s2048/IMG_9158.jpeg" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding: 1em 0px; text-align: center;"><img alt="" border="0" data-original-height="1851" data-original-width="2048" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1OOcS7TJ5zvhXye3ucUzYT1SiZj_67RGORnWL8TT95wBQcarcNd5cuQ_Me194opQkBr-_0FmXPxbuIhppaRULILoLFCqDaDg7Mxp3tYK1CyM2TuReeroCTlIJnVqp6SjEjdY6-fMom18/s320/IMG_9158.jpeg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Meadow bangle by Tallulah does the Hula</td></tr></tbody></table></div>Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-39803157159689873732020-09-21T02:13:00.000-07:002020-09-21T02:13:09.155-07:00From the rugged Scottish Highlands to the flat Fens: my latest bangle collection celebrates the beautiful Sound of Mull<h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">Fabulous friends give you flowers. But it takes a really special mate to handpick and dry your </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">favourite wildflowers and transport them 500 miles.</span></span></span></h2><h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: medium;">Luckily for me, I have that one in a million friend. </span></h3><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The lovely Helen was happy to oblige during her annual trip to see family in the stunning Sound of Mull in the Scottish Highlands.</span></p><p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN30Lv2q-cZYF7VFcWllHH8NZfPfXNHzlwKJJvYZRlw9Aydh7zzcr_MmtOrqvyqclODeJJR4rBMV0BdHQIcCoz1uV9lLWou3zM26i4YaB_GBEBQqqIMhKyTyvNkJHWXw9tWYY8gTan5E/s2643/20200806_105445.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcN30Lv2q-cZYF7VFcWllHH8NZfPfXNHzlwKJJvYZRlw9Aydh7zzcr_MmtOrqvyqclODeJJR4rBMV0BdHQIcCoz1uV9lLWou3zM26i4YaB_GBEBQqqIMhKyTyvNkJHWXw9tWYY8gTan5E/w640-h288/20200806_105445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The stunning Sound of Mull. Picture by Helen Bennion</span></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">She gathered a posy of crocosmia, purple loosestrife, sea campion, red campion, red clover, bird's foot trefoil, sea aster, silverweed, valerian, meadowsweet, heather, ferns and moss from her family's property.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-i2f1Uf6qUUQTa302uDY9w9QBht5hsqoA_NvOR23ZWnEHgufE-H88tz08agncYkPaiemhWqtw0zD2l3_BTV2DTHaplvVK4oXBD1Pv-usSX43p1Ta2REoHINDzrIjBBFeuqOCaFUWRGw/s1321/Wildflowers+picked.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1321" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX-i2f1Uf6qUUQTa302uDY9w9QBht5hsqoA_NvOR23ZWnEHgufE-H88tz08agncYkPaiemhWqtw0zD2l3_BTV2DTHaplvVK4oXBD1Pv-usSX43p1Ta2REoHINDzrIjBBFeuqOCaFUWRGw/w400-h272/Wildflowers+picked.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Wildflowers and ferns from the Sound of Mull. Picture by Helen Bennion</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The delicate foliage was carefully dried before being transported 500 miles or so, from the rugged West Coast of Scotland to the flat Fens in the East of <span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">England.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">I am so very grateful to Helen for these exquisite blooms! </span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">They were an absolute delight to put into a variety of bangles, which are now available in my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/859003370/scottish-wildflower-bangles-featuring?ref=shop_home_active_1">Etsy shop</a>.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6amkcC6sqDdJzewpiBPufY96GdWHvSAAOOz5hsCdiJb_H0Fro3DmVYVga-cWn4IHSxN_9OcSOYncFgtx0TL2WX1evBwB84ADGMVwRGr5Jy3S_kC9Vh1WW8jN4KrLDnSXuiSghnSD7ta4/s2048/IMG_0152.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scottish Highland bangle by Tallulah does the Hula" border="0" data-original-height="1563" data-original-width="2048" height="306" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6amkcC6sqDdJzewpiBPufY96GdWHvSAAOOz5hsCdiJb_H0Fro3DmVYVga-cWn4IHSxN_9OcSOYncFgtx0TL2WX1evBwB84ADGMVwRGr5Jy3S_kC9Vh1WW8jN4KrLDnSXuiSghnSD7ta4/w400-h306/IMG_0152.jpeg" title="© Tallulah does the Hula" width="400" /></a></span></div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1uV4RXaJSA4NKaSxzKGPjY_-Hr2yLVcMnsYaNlT-kxz1qSpPVDFGfgSXbclSux3-Z8WxuUDyw1hfM-OsUDufqdB1Sw1e_4K8dMWiqXoFSYUND8bb1A1_G19jJcBcm3vSHfKyNfPCLcI/s2048/IMG_0156.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scottish Highland bangle by Tallulah does the Hula" border="0" data-original-height="1554" data-original-width="2048" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis1uV4RXaJSA4NKaSxzKGPjY_-Hr2yLVcMnsYaNlT-kxz1qSpPVDFGfgSXbclSux3-Z8WxuUDyw1hfM-OsUDufqdB1Sw1e_4K8dMWiqXoFSYUND8bb1A1_G19jJcBcm3vSHfKyNfPCLcI/w400-h304/IMG_0156.jpeg" title="© Tallulah does the Hula" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg872apCOtbI0sjWDH0rB_VOvzS9qSENNUS6qj64JrOm32GwEK7BffzR6FaPnSWjPQGbjML-J1Dv2cj0p_iURviAGugOPlDne1MFetLCWVEgyDWAVASnoh1sNC0Fc3EVdm1zORInCzIQIs/s2048/IMG_0155.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Scottish Highland bangle by Tallulah does the Hula" border="0" data-original-height="1464" data-original-width="2048" height="286" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg872apCOtbI0sjWDH0rB_VOvzS9qSENNUS6qj64JrOm32GwEK7BffzR6FaPnSWjPQGbjML-J1Dv2cj0p_iURviAGugOPlDne1MFetLCWVEgyDWAVASnoh1sNC0Fc3EVdm1zORInCzIQIs/w400-h286/IMG_0155.jpeg" title="© Tallulah does the Hula" width="400" /></a></div></span><span style="background-color: white;"><p style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34); color: #222222; font-family: "Graphik Webfont", -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, "Droid Sans", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><br /></span></p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">The rugged coastline in Helen's photos and the delicate blooms, ferns and moss that are indigenous to this phenomenal coastline remind me of some of the scenery in New Zealand. Considering the climate and Lord of the Rings-esque landscape, this isn't entirely surprising.</span></span><p></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-gbH_pTB3etoclvj6u7AKeLna4iHYFnio_ZAnYaBmKn28QQmzsVik_esWO-NuyBjMLwsZAHj_75frqSLN3d-VnZjJRjUrRTU4kuJcxRqZCJsa23_O2c7DbJ7K6c4qwLCCL3f8w6GGas/s2643/20200803_115922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1189" data-original-width="2643" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjS-gbH_pTB3etoclvj6u7AKeLna4iHYFnio_ZAnYaBmKn28QQmzsVik_esWO-NuyBjMLwsZAHj_75frqSLN3d-VnZjJRjUrRTU4kuJcxRqZCJsa23_O2c7DbJ7K6c4qwLCCL3f8w6GGas/w640-h288/20200803_115922.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Sound of Mull. Picture by Helen Bennion.</span></td></tr></tbody></table></span></p><p><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;">I haven't been to my other home (New Zealand) in five or so years and I miss it terribly. With little sign of the Covid situation improving anytime soon across the globe (NZ being one of the most impressive countries to control its spread), it doesn't look like a visit is imminent in the near future.</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">I haven't visited Bonny Scotland in many years either. I have fond memories of spending a week or so with my parents and sister in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Loch Lomond when I was a teenager, staying in a family friend's dilapidated cottage in the middle of nowhere!</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">My last and very fleeting visit to Scotland (still a while ago) was a highlight from my former career as a club journalist: I was sent to Edinburgh and Glasgow to cover the MTV Dancefloor Awards for Club On magazine! What an incredible night that was (not that I remember much of it!).</span></span></p><p><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Graphik Webfont, -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, Roboto, Droid Sans, Segoe UI, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">One day, I plan to visit the Sound of Mull to experience this imposing landscape for myself. Meanwhile, I </span><span style="caret-color: rgb(34, 34, 34);">can look at my bangles and dream...</span></span></p>Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-45202417907386903632016-03-03T03:48:00.000-08:002016-03-03T07:31:49.732-08:00totalCAST: a gamechanger in the world of resin!<h2 class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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There's been a lot of buzz about totalCAST, the new casting resin by Eli-Chem resin - but can it live up to the hype?</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TotalCAST resin</td></tr>
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<h3>
Even before its official release, there's been a lot of excitement in the resin world about a new resin that promises to be clearer and safer than its competitors. With so much hype, I was very excited to be one of about 25 global testers before totalCAST is officially released. Could it really deliver on its promises?</h3>
As most resin artists know, our passion is a bit of a dark art. Or rather, while making beautiful creations is definitely an art form, getting the resin to behave is most definitely a science!<br />
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<a href="http://www.elichem.co.uk/" target="_blank">Eli-Chem</a> have certainly got the science right with totalCAST. Mixing up my first test batch, I was immediately struck by the lack of odour and apparent fumes.<br />
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I have been assured that totalCAST is BPA-free - that means that unlike some other resins, it doesn't contain bisphenol A, an industrial chemical which has been linked to possible side effects on babies and children. totalCAST is also free of volatile organic compounds (VOCs).<br />
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As a mother to two young children, I do sometimes worry about toxic fumes from my resin-ing - so this does give me some peace of mind.<br />
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Unlike other 1:1 ratio resins, totalCAST mixes very easily and its low viscosity makes it easy to pour into moulds. Even the hardener is incredibly clear - no nasty yellowing here!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangle by Tallulah does the Hula, made with totalCAST.</td></tr>
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Another thing that makes totalCAST a pleasure to work with is the lack of bubbles compared to most other resins, thanks to a diluent that expels air and drives it to the surface to pop!<br />
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After endless wrangling with heat guns and barbecue lighters, this is a pleasant surprise. It's almost <i>too</i> easy! (Shhh, don't tell anyone else!)<br />
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And because it's relatively quick and hassle free to mix up, its perfect for layering resin projects.<br />
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As a busy mum, I don't normally have the luxury of being able to stagger my resin mixing throughout the day - but totalCAST is so fast to prepare that it opens up a whole range of options.<br />
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The only downside is that it takes a tiny bit longer to fully cure than other resins I've used.<br />
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We're talking <i>hours</i> here, not days, and the gloriously clear result makes it well worth the wait! It also mixes up beautifully with tints, such as Eli-Chem's <a href="http://www.elichem.co.uk/p-23-resi-tint-pigments.aspx" target="_blank">Resi-Tint</a> acrylic pigments. I imagine it would also work well with alcohol inks although I haven't tested it yet.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4AaXV1e1wUliFzfMkuRi6td8ayEIMcToq6Lkgq_ZuxGUQ7t4pxsooqPU5ywddKObXxCc66KUdRo7I8VY_XVIcnlifR8TAxlJEOjtds7dFnqZJJR9-2VGC0_2S5KCIPqpiAIp3MA_mzc/s1600/IMG_9645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR4AaXV1e1wUliFzfMkuRi6td8ayEIMcToq6Lkgq_ZuxGUQ7t4pxsooqPU5ywddKObXxCc66KUdRo7I8VY_XVIcnlifR8TAxlJEOjtds7dFnqZJJR9-2VGC0_2S5KCIPqpiAIp3MA_mzc/s320/IMG_9645.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangle by Tallulah does the Hula, made with totalCAST and Resi-Tint acrylic pigments.</td></tr>
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<h3>
<b>Verdict: </b>In short, I LOVE totalCAST! </h3>
I would go so far as to say that this may well revolutionise the world of resin.<br />
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Once you've tasted ambrosia, you will never settle for second best!<br />
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totalCAST will soon be available to buy globally.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXQSczNaocbc1xvn-GzzpJLFH17HIk1OrRwcbn0_6q8MtKvaGGImcdullcRs3SfjQF4JFs5hw2lTPm90Mhcwi6N__eeHa90K2a1Seq9cRoSlPxvK7pJoVYGf4XZ-WVlbonWguykvBZBI/s1600/IMG_9646.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJXQSczNaocbc1xvn-GzzpJLFH17HIk1OrRwcbn0_6q8MtKvaGGImcdullcRs3SfjQF4JFs5hw2lTPm90Mhcwi6N__eeHa90K2a1Seq9cRoSlPxvK7pJoVYGf4XZ-WVlbonWguykvBZBI/s400/IMG_9646.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangles by Tallulah does the Hula, made with TotalCAST.</td></tr>
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Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-89724481009751071782015-10-26T14:40:00.001-07:002015-10-26T14:45:44.526-07:00Waste not, want not - pyschedelic stripes!<b>Love funky resin bangles? Hate waste? Here's an awesome way to use up your leftover resin for maximum effect. These psychedelic stripes put the fun back into funky!</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJWvk329xbGwxAiVBJDXOmdKBvZFMM41aZT8EAkF3t7yBs-d6BFYf9Y_GOExyqqSg697HSsua4q1es-fDp6r0fyUK7W7twqdF398AGByPaI5Cu6yWc39r3jIhn3dr8wz3oQ9HmRFeJC0/s1600/IMG_7789.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyJWvk329xbGwxAiVBJDXOmdKBvZFMM41aZT8EAkF3t7yBs-d6BFYf9Y_GOExyqqSg697HSsua4q1es-fDp6r0fyUK7W7twqdF398AGByPaI5Cu6yWc39r3jIhn3dr8wz3oQ9HmRFeJC0/s320/IMG_7789.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHObZBg7EcC3ffXNkVbJ-hByuxKSiDvmVZVxUJm1O_pgKOQj67I_FAba3VAyxVr4BE6rvzE7FeYvBDBmrVWWe7EOC6CnaC_b-RgGRyAMhwH9uYa5_VRlRMKQPsmMsbW4dkgyWHMoOslg/s1600/IMG_7790.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUHObZBg7EcC3ffXNkVbJ-hByuxKSiDvmVZVxUJm1O_pgKOQj67I_FAba3VAyxVr4BE6rvzE7FeYvBDBmrVWWe7EOC6CnaC_b-RgGRyAMhwH9uYa5_VRlRMKQPsmMsbW4dkgyWHMoOslg/s320/IMG_7790.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<b> What you need:</b><br />
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- Two part epoxy resin <br />
- Bangle moulds <br />
- Resi-Tint Acrylic Inks<br />
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<b>Method:</b><br />
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1. Mix up a batch of two-part epoxy resin to use in any other resin project. For this task I used <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/p-21-mastercast-1-2-1.aspx" target="_blank">Mastercast 1-2-1</a> resin by Chem Resins.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHz14_ORwYmYpvqhqHa20wgIWQR1waah4tf9xn4xySHJml7_wc_oElCueSWoTAbNT3-JbzgWeg9SGmazk5zPErcLJzZuPO42DujZUavIsH5JGSGEwn8gSYy3jHvMfiQdtG-ux-3oON8A/s1600/IMG_7724.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguHz14_ORwYmYpvqhqHa20wgIWQR1waah4tf9xn4xySHJml7_wc_oElCueSWoTAbNT3-JbzgWeg9SGmazk5zPErcLJzZuPO42DujZUavIsH5JGSGEwn8gSYy3jHvMfiQdtG-ux-3oON8A/s320/IMG_7724.JPG" width="240" /> </a></div>
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2. When you have finished your masterpiece, instead of chucking away your leftover resin, transfer it into a psychedelic stripe by mixing in a few drops of <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/p-23-resi-tint-pigments.aspx" target="_blank">Resi-Tint Acrylic Ink</a>. </div>
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Easy does it - one or two drops are all you need for a vibrant, beautiful colour!<br />
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3. Pour a thin layer of tinted resin into a bangle mould. For this project I used a combination of moulds made by <a href="http://resin8.co.uk/" target="_blank">Resin8</a> and myself. You can get totally different effects using thin or chunky moulds.<br />
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4. Ensure that you have a thin layer of your first colour poured into the mould. Carefully remove spills along the sides using baby wipes.<br />
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5. Once your first colour has cured, you are ready to pour another thin layer of tinted resin. The layers don't necessarily have to be of equal height, depending on what effect you are going for.<br />
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6. Continue pouring layers of tinted resin onto cured resin until you have filled up your mould.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBiv5eA96s3AXlKRSvraS_boCNerOEV9bOaihyphenhyphenLrscf_fHFY6q-j94CZALiA_kV97Bf0IJCvkRbmCbNRc5ks3Ifrum3AYZqj6O2mCKfOcYnhd9V9TO3P0MWcUgRMEPylZ4AjP7YNlixE/s1600/IMG_7762.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBBiv5eA96s3AXlKRSvraS_boCNerOEV9bOaihyphenhyphenLrscf_fHFY6q-j94CZALiA_kV97Bf0IJCvkRbmCbNRc5ks3Ifrum3AYZqj6O2mCKfOcYnhd9V9TO3P0MWcUgRMEPylZ4AjP7YNlixE/s320/IMG_7762.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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7. The end result? Some fantastic bangles. I think of these as "bonus bangles" because they are made out of leftover resin that may otherwise have been thrown away. Perfecto!<br />
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<br />Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-81388185817427928402015-10-26T14:15:00.001-07:002015-10-27T02:10:23.510-07:00Colour your resin!<h3>
Who says resin has to be clear? From psychedelic stripes to subtle hues, there are many ways to add colour to your resin collections. You can even sing (or paint) a resin rainbow, should you wish to do so!</h3>
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I was recently asked to test out four of Chem Resin's new <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/p-23-resi-tint-pigments.aspx" target="_blank">Resi-Tint Acrylic Inks</a> - a series of vibrant colours specially designed to be used with resin. <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/default.aspx" target="_blank">Eli-Chem Resins</a> have produced these acrylic pigments to be used for paintings and sculptures - but they can just as easily be used to add some va-va-voom to resin jewellery.<br />
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In the past I've used alcohol ink to tint my resin creations so was interested to see how Resi-Tint stacked up in comparison. I tried out Turquoise, Emerald, Flame Red and Scarlet.<br />
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<b>Resi-Tint pigment versus alcohol ink</b><br />
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The first difference between Resi-Tint and alcohol ink is that a little bit of Resi-Tint goes a very long way! Eli-Chem recommend mixing up one part of Resi-Tint to 1000 parts of resin.<br />
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I certainly found that one or two drops is all you need to colour about 300ml of mixed up epoxy resin - so go easy on how much you pour into your resin!<br />
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Luckily the pots come with handy droppers so it's easy to mix up the amount you require.<br />
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29.5 ml of Resi-Tint should last a very long time - which makes a bottle (retailing at £9.90 - or about $15) pretty economical if you're planning to do a lot of tinting and colouring! The colours are vibrant and tend to come out more opaque than alcohol ink (unless you mix up an enormous batch of resin)!<br />
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Here is a rose petal bangle I made, using turquoise Resi-Tint, <a href="http://alamould.com/" target="_blank">Alamould</a> bangle mould and <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/p-21-mastercast-1-2-1.aspx" target="_blank">Mastercast 1-2-1</a> two part epoxy resin.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g11pn7t0tyyCmhdMxgO_gjoJQpsB1BjRbELZOEV7NU7M1Zsyj2Ds6p1pqnY0NLNahmGacaiO33_rKX18csV5tkhBoNsbm5taRvNRSUr-eAO-oDjt9cEenyoZRRO1tHTko_Ty1H9woQQ/s1600/IMG_7763.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-g11pn7t0tyyCmhdMxgO_gjoJQpsB1BjRbELZOEV7NU7M1Zsyj2Ds6p1pqnY0NLNahmGacaiO33_rKX18csV5tkhBoNsbm5taRvNRSUr-eAO-oDjt9cEenyoZRRO1tHTko_Ty1H9woQQ/s320/IMG_7763.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWv121AHmfbe8F5-4rTiie6FVu8aqLdU2hZPlPO7ljklWyHnX-P9IHRqsNrDpLDSPVF6ytNLZ_HduSv4caTbWVv5WXXGgbwHEoDz1k5BlR3odfsE4HPL-Mv2KzxbacBC5wabKS3czoHo/s1600/IMG_7764.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimWv121AHmfbe8F5-4rTiie6FVu8aqLdU2hZPlPO7ljklWyHnX-P9IHRqsNrDpLDSPVF6ytNLZ_HduSv4caTbWVv5WXXGgbwHEoDz1k5BlR3odfsE4HPL-Mv2KzxbacBC5wabKS3czoHo/s320/IMG_7764.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw5X6e0wGqk6oTp7_G9kvHFgwZXLfUtLVVQDwarAQdb0Ur5nYPgNHWELU6eGe70PMTdgQ_AvRB5NomWm2YlndF5FizJZBXK0CJlsZZKyWCfIBTdskcUPtdjFf3XAyyLKJ_r6Q2MXGF7I/s1600/blue+rose+petal+bangle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPw5X6e0wGqk6oTp7_G9kvHFgwZXLfUtLVVQDwarAQdb0Ur5nYPgNHWELU6eGe70PMTdgQ_AvRB5NomWm2YlndF5FizJZBXK0CJlsZZKyWCfIBTdskcUPtdjFf3XAyyLKJ_r6Q2MXGF7I/s320/blue+rose+petal+bangle.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Verdict</b><br />
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All in all I was very pleased with the different effects I was able to achieve using Resi-Tint. Although it's hard to obtain a very subtle hue unless you mix up a huge batch, it is a very versatile pigment - offering an enormous range of effects. The only limit is your imagination!<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pD_sYMlyQnbsbSPX-v751NvbHIx4DBaZcIn_-TnL0IACOE4zyzRlVl45koE05N-0ykS5AxBRKFC51dPCag_4ugNigYFajVszmb3XeA4i__iRVbACr8reOVfOfef0I2ulNdiBNdvhT7w/s1600/IMG_7791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4pD_sYMlyQnbsbSPX-v751NvbHIx4DBaZcIn_-TnL0IACOE4zyzRlVl45koE05N-0ykS5AxBRKFC51dPCag_4ugNigYFajVszmb3XeA4i__iRVbACr8reOVfOfef0I2ulNdiBNdvhT7w/s400/IMG_7791.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flower bangle using clear resin poured in together with turquoise and flame red Resi-Tint pigments.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormhcVmmnHT3fvp7yFG-eEP-P1T6b81pU6bHBfaEiuW6dD5_np2k5XFU1bdCUHOOPJSInvV7kSbwOoh39jQ9uJ3HsZoZ6Z7nmVCUt2jBzCx2H6Rrwaib5uZe4F51PHN9k-KNPSRV1kDQ/s1600/IMG_7788.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhormhcVmmnHT3fvp7yFG-eEP-P1T6b81pU6bHBfaEiuW6dD5_np2k5XFU1bdCUHOOPJSInvV7kSbwOoh39jQ9uJ3HsZoZ6Z7nmVCUt2jBzCx2H6Rrwaib5uZe4F51PHN9k-KNPSRV1kDQ/s400/IMG_7788.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Made using emerald Resi-tint and resin mixed into a silicone leaf mould.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmWAMFonGvTjJME6AM24mY4pttTKnar9PHZxVlD1gTKr44X7y6KitiznIvCpBfIC1esWm9XDqgsB7cJnxJtNIFA6YqzMli9yZRLeeNAihDd9yIC-d9iI-2NqiYDnA37zYkcc3eCD08Ro/s1600/IMG_7734.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCmWAMFonGvTjJME6AM24mY4pttTKnar9PHZxVlD1gTKr44X7y6KitiznIvCpBfIC1esWm9XDqgsB7cJnxJtNIFA6YqzMli9yZRLeeNAihDd9yIC-d9iI-2NqiYDnA37zYkcc3eCD08Ro/s400/IMG_7734.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bangle featuring pieces of quail egg shell and sequins with scarlet Resi-Tint.</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
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Click <a href="http://tallulahdoesthehula.blogspot.co.uk/2015/10/waste-not-want-not-pyschedelic-stripes.html" target="_blank">here</a> for a resin tutorial showing you how to make this funky psychedelic stripe bangle using Resi-Tint!<br />
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You can check out my Facebook page <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">here</a> or take a peek at my Etsy shop <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TallulahDoestheHula2" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<br />Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-13678252863347441522015-09-24T02:10:00.002-07:002015-10-27T09:33:13.738-07:00 New resin gun tested!<h3>
Are bubbles causing troubles with your resin work? Fed up with pieces that never properly cure? A revolutionary new resin gun system has got me all fired up! </h3>
If you've ever worked with resin, you've probably been there. You've carefully measured out your two part epoxy resin, mixing up the resin with the hardener. You've dutifully followed the instructions, mixing up the parts with a lollipop stick. And then disaster! Pesky bubbles rise to the surface! Or you spill a glob of resin all over your beautiful bezel! Or perhaps you've messed up your ratios somehow and ended up with a tacky mess that never fully cures. If so, the resin gun system may be for you!<br />
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I was thrilled when leading UK resin manufacturer <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/default.aspx" target="_blank">Eli-Chem Resins</a> recently asked me to test drive their brand new MasterCast 1-2-1 resin gun system. Could it really live up to its expectations?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH40ksmlXahlCBrXRX5bc-V8h7J6KkImRyfEJrImC27QWJacCmR6Jp9-kLc9z_83hOT26k61qYayhyphenhyphen6C1L6ZV9SDvRvTersBik-RXTqa9dFoP219-f4U7K-4VVqQtQdiGZ23NYpmKWEo/s1600/IMG_7427.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIH40ksmlXahlCBrXRX5bc-V8h7J6KkImRyfEJrImC27QWJacCmR6Jp9-kLc9z_83hOT26k61qYayhyphenhyphen6C1L6ZV9SDvRvTersBik-RXTqa9dFoP219-f4U7K-4VVqQtQdiGZ23NYpmKWEo/s320/IMG_7427.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Method</b><br />
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1. Unclip the hinged bracket at the front of the resin gun and tilt it forward.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinBPLPZWIUy4bfkvJHXYI_HtemQ9Ytji_IfT0bfSjkieIK59shYrX79PZLJaPyP_Jwe0WsVAUAWhO3yu9UctEQIEnrTQliNPcUYj3EdysZhx8jAtnFD03yLa8V0Rn8bERGmEH4n579yY/s1600/IMG_7430.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiinBPLPZWIUy4bfkvJHXYI_HtemQ9Ytji_IfT0bfSjkieIK59shYrX79PZLJaPyP_Jwe0WsVAUAWhO3yu9UctEQIEnrTQliNPcUYj3EdysZhx8jAtnFD03yLa8V0Rn8bERGmEH4n579yY/s320/IMG_7430.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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2. Insert the plunger into the gun handle by pressing up on the metal release bracket at the back and sliding the plunger through the slot. Ensure the hole of the plunger faces backwards and the grooved side is facing down. Push the plunger all the way through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIsTQ-oJdwnisxurpf27vFLWiL9yZVP75SgtLBDKjyniqVqLuFizjftbUq1gm4fC9KHYQcwaARi-PuhZOh0v2mquJ2aPI4xzfd-hoBU6X6zP6nv08BtB15JIUaa5WyCX0h4P7DXhFGYI/s1600/IMG_7431.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAIsTQ-oJdwnisxurpf27vFLWiL9yZVP75SgtLBDKjyniqVqLuFizjftbUq1gm4fC9KHYQcwaARi-PuhZOh0v2mquJ2aPI4xzfd-hoBU6X6zP6nv08BtB15JIUaa5WyCX0h4P7DXhFGYI/s320/IMG_7431.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbWfkJ2vGTWPVwM7xhgamzHADQm8gQIBWE4CzLyLutfwapAxhQLKxTK5VEBEK_m9uuwU8HBya7liyopk5r0EpvKZJG_VEiVFlN0f13PIfiRozWlL7nFQHRZGowfMrZqZO8L6epSDunnc/s1600/IMG_7432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSbWfkJ2vGTWPVwM7xhgamzHADQm8gQIBWE4CzLyLutfwapAxhQLKxTK5VEBEK_m9uuwU8HBya7liyopk5r0EpvKZJG_VEiVFlN0f13PIfiRozWlL7nFQHRZGowfMrZqZO8L6epSDunnc/s200/IMG_7432.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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3. Insert the dual-barreled cartridge into the retaining bracket and snap it down across the top of the gun so it locks with a click. <br />
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4. Remove the cartridge cap and fit the mixing nozzle to the front of the cartridge. Once it locks securely into space, it's time to get creative! </div>
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5. Slowly squeeze the trigger to release the resin. The first bit of liquid may have bubbles in it, so you may wish to discard it. The rest is ready to use! Working in a well ventilated space and preferably wearing gloves, slowly squeeze the trigger to dispense the resin. Here I've used it to dome some bezels I've prepared earlier.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb8smtfMjPdsXDuuafWMxI-BhWjabLOOiW75Ok7HkrQxM1tgQ3QbIezeVyBl45xgrkwUyvLPKweimPgfGTiXFouwM_YGxaZoTaA6mvev-ez7DVvyuuMxWNkdNxxDcldIFU_eeEkwMrQg/s1600/IMG_7440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzb8smtfMjPdsXDuuafWMxI-BhWjabLOOiW75Ok7HkrQxM1tgQ3QbIezeVyBl45xgrkwUyvLPKweimPgfGTiXFouwM_YGxaZoTaA6mvev-ez7DVvyuuMxWNkdNxxDcldIFU_eeEkwMrQg/s320/IMG_7440.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z3kY_Hlk_neyItDOizSUjwiK8lvoB-YmJN2syFtQ5ddh-6JPMW_wIvlkWrQ9VQQDHsnPpAh7ChmyW-KGf3aSXLlt9wxjFwsidmYU7msuiBVnyPwASl5CYGLpxhKR9RzODQ6lIZKx2Jo/s1600/IMG_7447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Z3kY_Hlk_neyItDOizSUjwiK8lvoB-YmJN2syFtQ5ddh-6JPMW_wIvlkWrQ9VQQDHsnPpAh7ChmyW-KGf3aSXLlt9wxjFwsidmYU7msuiBVnyPwASl5CYGLpxhKR9RzODQ6lIZKx2Jo/s320/IMG_7447.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
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6. When you have finished your project, replace the cap on the cartridge for future use. Make sure you dispose of used nozzles and cartridges safely.<br />
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<b>The verdict</b></div>
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A small cartridge of MasterCast 1-2-1 resin goes a fairly long way! It may not look like much but one of those little cartridges was enough to dome 30 bezels, gloss the top of a pre-sanded bangle, fill up six small moulds and start the first layer of a large, thin bangle mould! Not bad! </div>
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The thin nozzle was ideal for getting into small spaces and because it was all so tidy, there were no spills or wasted resin. After wrestling with cocktail sticks, lollipop sticks and toothpicks, this was a bit of a revelation.<br />
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The kit was surprisingly easy to put together - even for a relative technophobe like me! Once assembled, it was so simple and quick to use that I instantly fell in love with this system.<br />
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Starter kits retail at £25 (about $38) each and include a reusable resin gun, two pre-filled cartridges and six mixing nozzles. Replacement cartridges cost £8 each (about $12) while mixing nozzles cost 30p (about 46 cents). As long as the nozzle is replaced on the cartridge, it should last for two years.<br />
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<b>Pros</b>: great for beginners, artists working on small projects and very precise work where you want to get into small spaces. There is almost zero waste and quality is guaranteed every time. An absolute beginner could pick it up and use it in almost no time at all! This is also a great solution if you're wishing to test out Eli-Chem's MasterCast 1-2-1 resin without committing to buying big containers of resin.<br />
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<b>Cons</b>: The cost may make it restrictive for experienced artists wishing to work on big projects. <br />
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<b>Overall</b>: A fantastic bit of kit that may well revolutionize resin!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvAaseOaOqXmcupoDmt6QMOyg5OcIXR-XNDmKwZ43E44SE9s3XIkXTEpdDQP6mGuPmjJO6Xo2fLblkPuYCOff6Lkt2dfitpH_dDCjrVgeG1tv6pV_bDTfu6jMROEmNYNy_ZSOaZ89vZ8/s1600/Resin+gun+creations.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOvAaseOaOqXmcupoDmt6QMOyg5OcIXR-XNDmKwZ43E44SE9s3XIkXTEpdDQP6mGuPmjJO6Xo2fLblkPuYCOff6Lkt2dfitpH_dDCjrVgeG1tv6pV_bDTfu6jMROEmNYNy_ZSOaZ89vZ8/s400/Resin+gun+creations.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Less than 24 hours on, here are some of my creations using the Eli-Chem resin gun!</td></tr>
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To find out more about Eli-Chem products click <a href="https://www.elichem.co.uk/default.aspx" target="_blank">here</a>. <br />
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For more of my creations check out my <a href="http://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">Facebook page</a>! Do pop by and say g'day :)Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-64777600191536843082014-11-26T03:35:00.000-08:002014-11-26T03:35:44.997-08:00<h2>
Who wants to win limited edition designer jewellery?!</h2>
<b>Love beautiful, bold, bespoke jewellery?</b><br />
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To celebrate Tallulah does the Hula’s first birthday, I’m giving away some limited edition designer jewellery on my <span id="goog_261748435"></span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">Facebook page<span id="goog_261748436"></span></a>! <br /><br />One lucky person will win this indigo blue necklace, featuring handmade beads and hematite gemstones.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYwlC9TBd4Rdva1SWgplagKaJV4nZ264Xyts1cPB4S4J6762RonlnarSYrcSVUPi14mHmKP4wo9JRXBmnCSdhvZKLEQARBItR2qYK8kAlFHYEr5S83K2eoe9uxS3L7jzQp5enK1u5oZU/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSYwlC9TBd4Rdva1SWgplagKaJV4nZ264Xyts1cPB4S4J6762RonlnarSYrcSVUPi14mHmKP4wo9JRXBmnCSdhvZKLEQARBItR2qYK8kAlFHYEr5S83K2eoe9uxS3L7jzQp5enK1u5oZU/s1600/IMG_1645.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRTanMViHO7mU4_4WolF54QdkuS8BXUNHSu_3hzXiMpbg2wdPc3Zz9GDxWYSvuE9qk5s4FZg7jESHYXSMYIpUuerZGaLA1lweNn3sYhEQHupndEusVKoax4cS-su9nuj2EqIQAFfAlKs/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHRTanMViHO7mU4_4WolF54QdkuS8BXUNHSu_3hzXiMpbg2wdPc3Zz9GDxWYSvuE9qk5s4FZg7jESHYXSMYIpUuerZGaLA1lweNn3sYhEQHupndEusVKoax4cS-su9nuj2EqIQAFfAlKs/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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One runner-up will win a pair of pretty earrings featuring handmade leaf beads and glass pearls.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZbQt7TUKGUHdg0uKbiXozbeG-soDLCnRuytw5SZq5sND8lN63S6-d1dh50nMqJbTJ3nhgvDQHyHKODboLn3FEJEKB2fR3GE97zYFV82AbSFn1uWMJCr10BWGyP9sGU2_w0jiZaP9Suw/s1600/runner+up.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZZbQt7TUKGUHdg0uKbiXozbeG-soDLCnRuytw5SZq5sND8lN63S6-d1dh50nMqJbTJ3nhgvDQHyHKODboLn3FEJEKB2fR3GE97zYFV82AbSFn1uWMJCr10BWGyP9sGU2_w0jiZaP9Suw/s1600/runner+up.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />The competition closes at 5pm on Monday 1 December 2014.<br />
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For more information click <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">here</a>!<br /><br />GOOD LUCK! Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-56642384515541457862014-09-25T13:41:00.003-07:002014-10-25T22:24:00.557-07:00Polymer clay swirly bead tutorial<b>Feel the need to bead? Do you lie awake at night, dreaming about gorgeous gemstones, smooth glass beads, earthy clay rounds, crystal rondelles? If so, you may have a bit of a bead problem.</b><br />
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Hello, my name's <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TallulahDoestheHula2" target="_blank">Tallulah does the Hula</a> and I'm a beadaholic.<br />
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There comes a point where creating pieces from bought beads just isn't enough! There's something really satisfying about making your own.<br />
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A few years ago, I discovered that Fimo and Sculpey's not just for kids! Once you've mastered the basics, the world's your oyster when it comes to making beautiful art jewellery out of polymer clay.<br />
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Here's a simple tutorial to get you started on some show stopping beads! All you need is some polymer clay, a smooth work surface (I use a tile, which keeps the clay nice and cool), a pasta machine for rolling the clay, a cutter and a rolling device (I find the smooth part of a bead reamer works better than an actual roller!). Enjoy!<br />
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<b>Swirly Bead Tutorial</b><br />
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1. Create a two-part <a href="http://www.polymerclaycentral.com/poleigh/skinner.html" target="_blank">Skinner blend</a> using your pasta machine to roll and blend two different colours. Depending on your preference, you can choose either complementary or contrasting colours to go for either a subtle or vibrant effect. It's fun to experiment and try out different colour combos.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYxTTeGNOM-d54npcdcoK3FJRXiAW9wld-G75PuQKVxjgLws9p-KeIXSwtXrIvbVN2c5BNsTDBM8PyYs3kPpB83wAEz84-pwOFCauaToawLDm0m7tUUiqhCqdGA6vC-MWzwtYjDKesCg/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPYxTTeGNOM-d54npcdcoK3FJRXiAW9wld-G75PuQKVxjgLws9p-KeIXSwtXrIvbVN2c5BNsTDBM8PyYs3kPpB83wAEz84-pwOFCauaToawLDm0m7tUUiqhCqdGA6vC-MWzwtYjDKesCg/s1600/IMG_0067.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-WWuJE7B3q61yJxXz3O0nhFhsEeOvUHJyE1MP1_SdTu9UyJbJCKC_1NbQMAMa5gktbPo7ZDGomCilzLUAlp5tci_DZ4KTgtq1alMNf_FxLRu2idmoUZUHnCepcOH01nROMEdG1XdbOQ/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0); margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="color: black;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif-WWuJE7B3q61yJxXz3O0nhFhsEeOvUHJyE1MP1_SdTu9UyJbJCKC_1NbQMAMa5gktbPo7ZDGomCilzLUAlp5tci_DZ4KTgtq1alMNf_FxLRu2idmoUZUHnCepcOH01nROMEdG1XdbOQ/s1600/IMG_0069.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></span></a></div>
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2. Once you have the desired blend of colours, trim the sheet to make it rectangular and get rid of any rough edges.</div>
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3. Next, use the pasta machine to roll a thin sheet of clay to use as an outline. In my case I used black and silver sheets but it's fun to experiment!<br />
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4. Trim the sheets so they are all the same size. Then make a jelly roll out of the sheet. In this case I've started by putting the yellow in the centre and put the green part on the outside but feel free to experiment. Variety is the spice of life!<br />
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5. Once you have your jelly roll, gently roll the cane to lengthen it. Rest your clay for a short while to allow it to cool down.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCGM37T0ZMn9lo8zfyIyjidRi0oLSQKDdKn78Yno99Pg1oETVUAaL5cU9_Ebixpah55UeNaiEJTb0u5AfET7Xnp81tmATY2ocWP4EtDepwLIGzk1lOGn7CvOOf0wW-BHZrYT3QgQUDks/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRCGM37T0ZMn9lo8zfyIyjidRi0oLSQKDdKn78Yno99Pg1oETVUAaL5cU9_Ebixpah55UeNaiEJTb0u5AfET7Xnp81tmATY2ocWP4EtDepwLIGzk1lOGn7CvOOf0wW-BHZrYT3QgQUDks/s1600/IMG_0083.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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6. Next, use your cutter blade to cut thin slices. Carefully use a roller or similar (in my case, the end of a bead reamer) to thin out the slices. Use your blade to gently remove them from the work surface as rolling them out will probably make them stick to the surface!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-asfnBKUeZkjwoBev1I6Vwz43wRt-9Bh0-uVxvHkIIqD3pantnmvh8_fEX9DGk466AUzO38e5LvOM39GakHatTfKhdDcks6SZHWwjYS-7ahbXGqNl8iDqYVHUGnVzQdbYCwNkN4iaA0/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS-asfnBKUeZkjwoBev1I6Vwz43wRt-9Bh0-uVxvHkIIqD3pantnmvh8_fEX9DGk466AUzO38e5LvOM39GakHatTfKhdDcks6SZHWwjYS-7ahbXGqNl8iDqYVHUGnVzQdbYCwNkN4iaA0/s1600/IMG_0085.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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7. Roll half a segment of clay into a ball and then squash down the ends to form a rondelle shaped bead. Use your rolling instrument to gently smooth the cane slices onto the bead, taking care not to distort the bead's shape.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTXBhPmT9xWRZ8s6m0eeh7X2EA76Z6y_ogSqUdAFafT7_KKUDYH65AIycHx4K1pycbZkkIPlMzlGQfapu_JuSu72I8HGcu3vtdBb1mZkHwhwKxPWh2FMAVGZEvQ8eAmvzd8jvQeNSB54/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTXBhPmT9xWRZ8s6m0eeh7X2EA76Z6y_ogSqUdAFafT7_KKUDYH65AIycHx4K1pycbZkkIPlMzlGQfapu_JuSu72I8HGcu3vtdBb1mZkHwhwKxPWh2FMAVGZEvQ8eAmvzd8jvQeNSB54/s1600/IMG_0086.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
8. Use a reamer, needle, cocktail stick, toothpick or some other sharp, long object to make a hole in the centre of your bead.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmHrYXgCLclWxl3w7Ci3mtDakRj4phJIWf_HG57g6mmLyBSVCvF18zWKQGob5iBidacIgTVXA-XlPtL2lr83qm_xbgURzV00xhwFEcb1iURuz8jmKComI4CziBctaxut4eIasLSVJbHc/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNmHrYXgCLclWxl3w7Ci3mtDakRj4phJIWf_HG57g6mmLyBSVCvF18zWKQGob5iBidacIgTVXA-XlPtL2lr83qm_xbgURzV00xhwFEcb1iURuz8jmKComI4CziBctaxut4eIasLSVJbHc/s1600/IMG_0088.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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9. You can use bits of scrap clay to embellish your bead. In this case, I've rolled a bit of leftover yellow clay into a thin snake and then made little dots which I've carefully smoothed onto the bead to liven up gaps.<br />
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10. Bake your beads in the oven, following the clay manufacturer's instructions. Once they've cooled down, you can gloss them, depending on whether you want a matt or gloss surface.<br />
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You can make all sorts of weird and wonderful beads using this technique!<br />
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To keep up to date with all things Tallulah does the Hula, check out my <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">Facebook</a> page :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPh2Pt0dokgWQXBjpMLbSaUu15Vw-s7Oi94q3OsXZvwsqFwB7uKHUYYRlnaU7iP_WVeJGt1HQszbuqVEDdqPATcp9LtKa2f4J6nePkPUSfry8KmRi4qlPmBv-AdPA_pLmuYbzIL_2hOI/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcPh2Pt0dokgWQXBjpMLbSaUu15Vw-s7Oi94q3OsXZvwsqFwB7uKHUYYRlnaU7iP_WVeJGt1HQszbuqVEDdqPATcp9LtKa2f4J6nePkPUSfry8KmRi4qlPmBv-AdPA_pLmuYbzIL_2hOI/s1600/IMG_0092.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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That's right. I'm all about personalised, homemade gifts this year.<br />
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Over the years, my family and friends have bourne the brunt of my jewellery making experiments - but this Chanukmas (because in my house, we do the fun bits of both!), I plan to take personally made presents that step further.<br />
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<b>Plum-tastic!</b><br />
We've had a glut of delicious, juicy plums in our garden.<br />
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After eating my body weight in plums and inflicting bags of the fruit on all and sundry, I've decided to try out this <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/12396/spicy-plum-and-apple-chutney" target="_blank">Spicy Plum and Apple Chutney</a> recipe from BBC Good Food. Because chutney is the savoury (or in my case, unsavoury) person's answer to jam!<br />
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Think mature cheddar, gooey Camembert, zingy, stinky Stilton, served up with a healthy dollop of chutney, crusty bread and a big glass of red. I can see your mouth drooling now!<br />
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So I made an enormous batch of chutney, using plums from the garden and apples from my parents as well as blackberries I picked in the neighbourhood (because I can't seem to stick to a recipe without going slightly off piste!). You can't say much more locally sourced or organic than that! <br />
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The kitchen reeked of vinegar, star anise and syrupy fruit - but it was a good kind of pong! Admittedly things got a bit out of hand when the pot bubbled over and gloop seeped under the ignition to our gas stove and erm... slightly knackered the ignition switch (hello matches!).<br />
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I bought some pretty Kilner presentation jars and <a href="http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/how-sterilise-jars" target="_blank">sterilised</a> them before filling them with chutney.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzzO1WoLzRBSTyF60QbMBX7cMnO5zD7gyJde6kfJnqLLJKOkIzj7RaapDHUVIeI1TkXLmXhODCh4w69MmpipumpQthUQiUV6Sbj7k4FVnwgdsS5_XYVwYcRvQ3dYo6QKvfpN-jYjZM7A/s1600/photo+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZzzO1WoLzRBSTyF60QbMBX7cMnO5zD7gyJde6kfJnqLLJKOkIzj7RaapDHUVIeI1TkXLmXhODCh4w69MmpipumpQthUQiUV6Sbj7k4FVnwgdsS5_XYVwYcRvQ3dYo6QKvfpN-jYjZM7A/s1600/photo+3.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Handmade hamper</b><br />
If you're sold on preserving the festive spirit in this way, how about a handmade hamper? The sky's the limit - there are numerous free recipes out there for other homemade goodies to accompany your chutney, such as fudge, tiffin, Christmas cake, jam - you name it! I won't reveal too much more about my plans as I've already given a lot away (just in case any of my victims - er recipients - are reading this)!<br />
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Patience is not my best virtue - but hopefully my experiments into chutney will prove a success. The most important ingredient in any chutney is time. I won't know for sure if I've made a delicious damson delight or committed crimes against condiments until Christmas time, when the vinegar should have mellowed out enough for the chutney to be consumed. But at least it will look pretty! Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-89519796149107517222014-09-09T12:30:00.000-07:002014-10-03T14:40:35.827-07:00Waste not, want not! The bead challenge begins!<b>Hello, my name's Tallulah and I'm a beadaholic...</b><br />
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As a mum on a limited budget, I hate throwing out food! One way I've cut down on our bills is by trying to use up ingredients to make yummy meals and finding creative ways to feed my young family.<br />
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I appreciate that in the same way that a girl can't have too many shoes, a beadaholic can't have too many beads. But even I must admit that my bead problem is getting out of hand! (Sometimes I lie awake at night, hallucinating about all that gorgeous eye candy and thinking of all the different things I could create with beads, wire, crystals, gemstones - you name it!)<br />
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Anyway, I've decided to give myself a bit of a <b>challenge</b> - to use up some of the beads I've made to create hopefully stunning pieces!<br />
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Let me explain. Just over a year ago, I was heavily pregnant and about to pop with my second munchkin. Munchkin number one had recently turned two and had the good grace to nap during the day - which left me with a bit of time to do creative shizzle.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to pop! </td></tr>
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While other mums-to-be blitz the house, paint the inside of wardrobes or sort out their pantries during this "nesting" phase, I went through a frenzy of making polymer clay beads. Vibrant rondelles, chunky, funky statement beads, twisty psychedelic beads, spotty dotty hotties... You name it!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beads, beads, glorious beads...</td></tr>
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I painstakingly created clay canes, worked them into the clay bead shapes, baked them, glossed them... These babies were a true labour of love (hey I was almost in labour by the time I made them!). I think subconsciously I must have known that when bubs number two decided to grace me with his presence, spare time would be as precious as a blood red ruby - and I was right!<br />
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So my mini Hobbit turned up - and as I suspected, I was knee deep in nappies, cluster feeding and all the rest (while also trying to maintain an extroverted two-year-old's very active social life!).<br />
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My poor handmade beads sat unloved in their boxes, crying out to be nurtured and strung! Just as the cake in Alice in Wonderland cried "eat me", these babies silently begged me, "bead me!"<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXWXO-Yy5Vm8qZUuK1BfCzUX-6kFu2oUh5M1KpneRaqJ_6u6TLwY3hUkM1J8XIO0PWY6NM7802wDUsKbuNErMekkzCGIVPUWdpEydqs0saPGMlT1rq3xlGgHfWX4WzQqS5FX7TphR4Y/s1600/photo+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHXWXO-Yy5Vm8qZUuK1BfCzUX-6kFu2oUh5M1KpneRaqJ_6u6TLwY3hUkM1J8XIO0PWY6NM7802wDUsKbuNErMekkzCGIVPUWdpEydqs0saPGMlT1rq3xlGgHfWX4WzQqS5FX7TphR4Y/s1600/photo+4.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lonely, I'm so lonely...</td></tr>
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Fast forward almost a year - and I've set myself the challenge of incorporating my clay creations into eye catching, original statement pieces, some of which I'm selling on my <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TallulahDoestheHula2?ref=hdr_shop_menu" target="_blank">Etsy shop</a>. I'm enjoying mixing up my handmade feature beads with sumptuous crystals, gorgeous gemstones, glass, copper - whatever catches my eye! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRuyRsysgnUo0S9ziZDT-z7bshzf3FrX_tfBjj7dnO563pcGZJl1hqxjHvEp6aXjopBHdJb_qag-GorrbQ9GNxNk76NofOM8GpfHTu4GNipyFI7h3Tc6YjcWq30OqPyMd-jOs71ng6vc/s1600/photo+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitRuyRsysgnUo0S9ziZDT-z7bshzf3FrX_tfBjj7dnO563pcGZJl1hqxjHvEp6aXjopBHdJb_qag-GorrbQ9GNxNk76NofOM8GpfHTu4GNipyFI7h3Tc6YjcWq30OqPyMd-jOs71ng6vc/s1600/photo+1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Translucent beads mixed with hematite rounds, copper and glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH46YC2KAYHt_uporw9IqCE8FRZxc9CS8ELwJCIJijtNjPpI-J6DTg0XcilhL5dFRH0Zl7wDrSCof0nx7AON_tpmV8lWoSzUHHoIrlWr9jyzLwMDIJmQu2beHJK3lIWKCN_kLxjYwCYw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRH46YC2KAYHt_uporw9IqCE8FRZxc9CS8ELwJCIJijtNjPpI-J6DTg0XcilhL5dFRH0Zl7wDrSCof0nx7AON_tpmV8lWoSzUHHoIrlWr9jyzLwMDIJmQu2beHJK3lIWKCN_kLxjYwCYw/s1600/photo+2.JPG" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of my favourites! Beads made from extruded clay canes star alongside ruby pink chalcedony, turquoise and glass.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjbiLtnpJBph7IPYH7qC4yjNJb_Sh7nQ71sRnbLH2A51FZkmkXSEWTvN2GPG1vDcEnqWisaMudfCGyK7GcHE8s6XgdsruSbJWi2cHaKRSDcZj41rwmAYVO2rjXs2pAphSnLhG0tgNm1w/s1600/photo+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSjbiLtnpJBph7IPYH7qC4yjNJb_Sh7nQ71sRnbLH2A51FZkmkXSEWTvN2GPG1vDcEnqWisaMudfCGyK7GcHE8s6XgdsruSbJWi2cHaKRSDcZj41rwmAYVO2rjXs2pAphSnLhG0tgNm1w/s1600/photo+5.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Although I'm loving our Indian summer, this autumnal necklace incorporates leafy clay beads with chalcedony, copper and glass.</td></tr>
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<br />
I do love a challenge! Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-319760826900329765.post-52568012607020584102014-09-01T13:04:00.001-07:002014-10-03T14:45:12.841-07:00From journo to jewellery designer...Aloha!<br />
<br />
Not so long ago, I was busy chasing firefighters (not such a bad
job as you can imagine!) as the "emergency reporter" for a newspaper in beautiful New
Zealand. When I wasn't covering breaking news, I got to try
awesome stuff like flying a plane, covering The Lord of the Rings World
Premiere and photographing popstars. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhivUXQw6s44JcGEv2agEk3O7ZA172TZtj8_c-tSUdtZZYLR7QuStdwwT_DIBPOJl2Q3ocxiyl31bEU6dncmTJI4LV7VOigARRYGJzTQaXYq_VgO87R6cgCim3LU9iVHMeXh2QEc9OmBOk/s1600/931202_10151540907671997_1260166899_n.jpg" height="277" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Biggles goes flying. Don't be afraid - be <i>very</i> afraid!</td></tr>
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It was a great life - but
pretty full-on at times - so when I got home after a long day's work, I
would chillax by hitting the beach, exploring a nature reserve - or
playing with beads and wire. Some of my first efforts were pretty cringe-worthy in retrospect! But as my fabulous former boss was fond of saying, "imagine if there was no failure - only feedback?" Making mistakes and learning from them is all part of the process after all.<br />
<br />
Fast forward a few years to March 2011... I was living back in Britain, working in PR and heavily pregnant with my first child. In the past couple of months, we had moved house and I was about to be made redundant as my whole department was being axed by the government. It was a stressful time - but also one of opportunity. Could I turn my passion for making jewellery into a part time job?<br />
<br />
That question wouldn't get answered for a while. Cyclone Issy (my baby girl) arrived in a whirlwind, and suddenly, I barely had time to glam up in the morning, let alone make jewellery! But in those hazy moments between getting up for night feeds, I would occasionally dream of gorgeous gemstones, twinkling crystals and luscious pearls... And eventually I found an evening class where I could meet up with fellow bead freaks and exchange ideas! Two hours a week where I could focus on something other than nappies, dribbles and nibbles! Don't get me wrong - motherhood's the best job in the world - but we all need a creative outlet now and again!<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_dB3Fk0z-q3G__2C1XcI5_iA4v-CIzN83KwVpvhlt9wj0Kohs_nX_LjorhB1Ph9cPSN6KvqsoMrQ0BuamU7vkjGN22jCaYOpLaFM2hN8P3kdC8ZI4R77rhQ7tRUetJDO8xjbh1KiJpY/s1600/10299926_10152201695851997_8089966496701573590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT_dB3Fk0z-q3G__2C1XcI5_iA4v-CIzN83KwVpvhlt9wj0Kohs_nX_LjorhB1Ph9cPSN6KvqsoMrQ0BuamU7vkjGN22jCaYOpLaFM2hN8P3kdC8ZI4R77rhQ7tRUetJDO8xjbh1KiJpY/s1600/10299926_10152201695851997_8089966496701573590_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How life has changed! But in an awesome way.</td></tr>
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These days I'm a mum to a baby and a three-year-old - as well as two fur babies (of the feline kind - adopted from the RSPCA) and 20 odd fish.<br />
<br />
The nearest
beach is almost an hour away, so I don't get much time to surf! But I've
definitely developed my love of jewellery making and incorporate my
passion for sun, sea and surf into my pieces. I love mixing up handmade
polymer clay beads with gorgeous gemstones, crystals, glass and pearls
to make bold, bespoke jewellery.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCxGKm2LyMMWaLsYcbcPrco-f_UpTt25_aOd_JVU5W7fcSVaBAT4IB-TeuiM7XknCFpRSzQQauBUtIh_4xu3f9f-prCXXI784dpglRwAuqFUfunPM4FvYFcxHvw4va5BFkI3GOra4WWA/s1600/lolly+bracelet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvCxGKm2LyMMWaLsYcbcPrco-f_UpTt25_aOd_JVU5W7fcSVaBAT4IB-TeuiM7XknCFpRSzQQauBUtIh_4xu3f9f-prCXXI784dpglRwAuqFUfunPM4FvYFcxHvw4va5BFkI3GOra4WWA/s1600/lolly+bracelet.jpg" height="219" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2ZTB6TvsZ4TDk3m-fnrwKS8EBWG7MH5Skgyynyp8IYm1dDkb8m0-3W9LF6-tc6khyouFGWhhqNkJq0Tm4nMv2M3IXfzrgg_tc16-iD3IyF8eIIxUU0c9C8DAgB7wEVGqX-hxsx2WQG8/s1600/photo+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhI2ZTB6TvsZ4TDk3m-fnrwKS8EBWG7MH5Skgyynyp8IYm1dDkb8m0-3W9LF6-tc6khyouFGWhhqNkJq0Tm4nMv2M3IXfzrgg_tc16-iD3IyF8eIIxUU0c9C8DAgB7wEVGqX-hxsx2WQG8/s1600/photo+2.jpg" height="303" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<br />
My Etsy shop name -
<a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/TallulahDoestheHula2" target="_blank">Tallulah does the Hula</a> - partly stems from my childhood nickname,
"Tallulah", given to me by my late grandfather - and reflects my love of
surfie couture. (You can also <a href="https://www.facebook.com/tallulahdoesthehulauk" target="_blank">find me on Facebook</a>!)<br />
<br />
If I close my eyes, I can almost smell the sea
salt, hear the crash of the waves against the rocks, see the sun
spreading its welcome rays across the sand...<br />
<br />
Do pop by and say g'day! ♥
<br />
<br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OCTLw8i9WajnjNicIq-s5NA81EcrPRs3uxO3DWMdVRl32xfDtbUJqhEefJWlQOaurK9WBnB69MdLNvFzeEtcYhxiDX4IJGUUNv-QyakfHcRUJXPEE1qfzwonC_TQjMp213Zt7UDxonI/s1600/64478_436901296996_8012825_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_OCTLw8i9WajnjNicIq-s5NA81EcrPRs3uxO3DWMdVRl32xfDtbUJqhEefJWlQOaurK9WBnB69MdLNvFzeEtcYhxiDX4IJGUUNv-QyakfHcRUJXPEE1qfzwonC_TQjMp213Zt7UDxonI/s1600/64478_436901296996_8012825_n.jpg" height="275" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Winner of the silly hat competition!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxQ9nmyRO5FUpzE7Ozxz6Zq-hDONbFgwATMO96DbS3QSDkv4uCIdZU4G1KFIWki97l9r4rI3MM3WV3fTZq0IN79mO58rwo7EzTDqam0DOO73aDqIwRIrZG8SjCnfaYFFD_OzXNXPmttU/s1600/1620799_10151963590271997_2027420341_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKxQ9nmyRO5FUpzE7Ozxz6Zq-hDONbFgwATMO96DbS3QSDkv4uCIdZU4G1KFIWki97l9r4rI3MM3WV3fTZq0IN79mO58rwo7EzTDqam0DOO73aDqIwRIrZG8SjCnfaYFFD_OzXNXPmttU/s1600/1620799_10151963590271997_2027420341_n.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Queen Elizabeth Park on NZ's Kapiti Coast - a place very dear to my heart.</td></tr>
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Tallulah does the Hulahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06313649264931220984noreply@blogger.com0