It's really summer now, whatever the weather. The days are longer and, when the sun comes out, it's wonderful to feel its warmth. And even when it rains, well, it's still summer and that's what matters.
When the weather hasn't been so kind (or the wifi has stretched to outdoors) here's what I've been reading and bookmarking. Hope you enjoy.
~jewellery links~
So many jewellery making techniques have been around for centuries, including granulation.
More textured effects, this time created using a rolling mill - something still on my tool wish-list.
And yet more texture with a video on reticulation.
I adore these earrings, simple shapes and beautiful textures and colours.
Metal clay shell necklace tutorial - beautiful.
Simple and quick DIY makes, including a beaded lace cuff, a jewellery box, and how to make a plaster hand from a washing up glove to hold your jewellery.
What to do with leftover copper pipe after you've had a new bathroom fitted? Etch it.
The Pink Star diamond has sold in Hong Kong and set a new world record.
~non-jewellery links~
Fascinating article about a decades-long study on what makes us heathier - it's not just relationships but the quality of them...
A super-bloom of wildflowers that can be seen from space.
I love Cheryl Strayed (a film about her, Wild, is well worth watching and it's based on her book of the same title) and this piece by her about what writing (and reading) does for us is quite special.
Such a beautiful garden print, created by artist Fiona Willis
A publishing house in Iceland that produces books once a month and then burns the unsold books the next day...
Cinnamon can keep ants away and other amazing things it can do outside.
Online camera simulators for when you have to learn just what an f-stop really is.
~latest reads~
I've been binging on a lot of jewellery books of all kind the last month or so, but have really enjoyed re-reading Carles Codina's Handbook of Jewellery Techniques and Nicola Hurst's Start Making Jewellery in particular. Reviews to follow.
Non-fiction has been winning out over fiction lately for me, something I'm keen to overturn soon and find something wonderful to spend the warmer months with. But one of the best non-fiction books I've read in a long while is The Brain's Ways of Healing by Norman Doidge. If even half of this book is true then our brains are more fascinating and far more adaptable than we could ever have imagined and have the ability to transform our bodies. Totally recommended.
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Here's hoping July is gentle and beautiful, in all ways. Enjoy your month.
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Photo of the lime avenue taken during a wonderful walk in the park.
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If you need more links then check out my Jewelled Web from July 2015.
(this post includes affiliate links - please check details here for more info.)
I read the Cheryl Strayed book and the film is very good - she is quite inspiring.
ReplyDeleteShe is really amazing, isn't she, and such a talented writer.
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