2012 June | Topaz Magpie Jewellery

Beautiful Boats Part 2

on June 30, 2012

Finally the fog lifted, in time for the last race of the week. And what a beautiful sight awaited us. Unfortunately one of the yachts had to pull out of the race, but it didn’t stop the other three creating a wonderful spectacle in the glinting sunshine.

So I promised to try and get some better pictures to post, and today proved to be the day for it. Only I forgot to take my camera…. Luckily CJ Surf remembered to take his. Ready to see some lovely, lovely boats?

Finish line

Over the line

And this evening we took a stroll around the marina, where all the boats are moored. Stunning, even without their sails up.

Velsheda, Lionheart & Ranger

And best of all, those amazing boats have given me some ideas…

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I Saw Three Ships… Well, Four…

on June 27, 2012

Living so close to Falmouth, with a view of the bay from our garden, there is always something to be seen on the ocean. At times, industrial – tankers, fishing boats, rigs – at times curious – the little yellow boat that always appears in the same place and looks remarkably like a submarine, for instance. Quite often though, the sight is beautiful. That is what I expected this week, when I discovered that the J Class Regatta was being held here.

Ten J Class yachts were built between 1930 and 1937, 6 in America and 4 in Britain; they were the largest yachts built at that time. Only 3 of the originals are still in existence, although there are now 8 in total, the other 5 being replicas built on the original design. One of the original yachts, Velsheda, is in the regatta in Falmouth (I think it’s the one to left of the top picture – at any rate, she won today’s race!). It has to be said, they look stunning sailing along close to each other.

Of course, this being Cornwall, yesterday the fog descended and the race time had to be put back; the second photo was the best I could manage. Today, if anything, the fog was worse; from home I could barely see the end of the garden, let alone the sea. I happened to be in town though, and under the cloud level, which meant I did witness the majestic sight of the race starting. I really hope the weather picks up at some point this week, so that I can get some better pictures for you!

Versatile Blogger Award!

on June 20, 2012

So last week Natalie from Free Spirit Designs surprised and delighted me by awarding Topaz Magpie a Versatile Blogger Award. I’ve been vaguely aware of this award for a little while, but never paid it much mind – until now! What a lovely idea, to support the blogs you enjoy and to tempt other readers along.

It appears the rules are thus: needless to say, I begin by thanking Natalie. Then I have to tell you all 7 random things about myself. Finally I nominate 15 blogs which I visit regularly, and let them know. You also get to add the Versatile Blogger button to your blog (if you can figure out how… give me time!). Not too tricky, so here goes…

7 Random things about me:

1) I love mystery, detective and historical fiction – preferably all together!
2) Before making jewellery I was a university librarian and yoga teacher.
3) I am horribly indecisive & a champion prevaricator. There, I’ve admitted it!
4) I have a 1976 red & white VW camper called Tabitha.
5) The first ‘real’ band I saw was The Smiths… in about 1985.
6) Gin is the best (alcoholic) drink. Ever. (Sometimes I’m not indecisive!)
7) I was once chosen to represent Cornwall in a fencing competition – only to catch a stomach bug from my daughter and so spent the day in bed instead. Boo.

And the blogs I enjoy?

It’s not that long since I began a blog indulgence, and I am fairly erratic with my reading. I do have a feed reader, but I can’t seem to find the time to keep up with all these busy and creative people! However, let me introduce you to the ones that I do (almost) always make time for…

Witchmountain
Pipany & the Poltisko Memoirs
Magpie’s Laundry
Tess Allen
Wild Acre
Mangle Prints
Modflowers
Redneedle Sewing
Summoning of the Muse
Sue Bulmer
We Love Shiny Things (Lauren Grace)
Red Brick Glass
A Very British Affair
Miss Magpie Makes
Wychbury

Well having started my list I realised there were actually lots more I could have added, but these are the ones I go to most often (and that don’t already have thousands of followers!). I also notice that they are mostly sewing and arty blogs, not jewellery. Strange. And yes, I see that there is a slight magpie bias, but I don’t think you can hold that against me…

Now all I have to do is visit these lovely people and let them know. I hope you’ll take a look at any you haven’t already been to, and maybe find yourself a new favourite whilst you’re there.

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Work(shop) In Progress – Part 3

on June 12, 2012

Yippee!!!! Today I moved into the barn – oh, yes, I really did. Well, sort of… I have a table, a pile of tool boxes and a selection of random equipment stacked on the floor.