Silver Wire Fusing

I just got home today from my holiday in Thurlestone, Devon (great time, relaxing, good weather, lovely location, happy families and even a bit of time to make some jewellery - more on that to follow) and waiting at home for me was this book I had ordered from Amazon: 'Silver Wire Fusing' by Liz Jones:

I have been thinking about fusing silver wire since Shay suggested it to me following my post about my first coiled jewel bangle where I was thinking about needing to make my bangle design less flexible.

Liz Jones' book makes the process of fusing fine silver wire look quite simple. I shall just have to see. I have quite a few of the recommended tools and materials but have not got a 'fire brick'. I'm not sure how essential this is - my husband has found a smooth brick from his out house and suggested I use this. Can anyone advise me about this or suggest where in the UK I can source a fire brick quite cheaply?

On vacation - again!

What a lucky girl I am - I'm off on another holiday tomorrow morning. This time the kids and I are off to Devon with lots of my family (4 adults, 7 children). My poor/lucky husband (depending on how you look at it!) is staying at home. As before, I am packing some of my jewellery making tools and materials but I'm not sure how much time I will get to create. I'm also taking my sketchbook so at least I can note down those late night/early morning flashes of ideas.

Fingers crossed for some good weather. See you in a week...

Where is my inspiration?

Last week I went on a lovely holiday with my family to the beautiful coast of Dorset. It was perfect and we were so lucky with the weather. I made a decision before I went not to take any of my jewellery making things, not even my sketch book. I decided that I would take a complete break from the norm... and I have to say it was exactly that. Half way through the week I realised I had not really thought about my jewellery at all and I felt totally relaxed. Before I went I had delisted all my items on eBay and Folksy and put my Etsy shop on 'vacation' mode. This meant I didn't need to worry about anything and I could concentrate on enjoying myself with my family.

That was last week. Now, nearly half way through this week, I have been sitting looking at my lovely beads and gemstones but I just can't find the inspiration to create anything. I also have a couple of future tutorials milling around in my head but I can't find the effort to sit down and write them. This is so unlike me.

Hopefully 'normal service will be resumed as soon as possible'..... until then I shall just have to enjoy the beautiful sunshine.