-
BeadyJean's bio
Took early retirement in 2003 and moved to live in the Limousin region of France with my husband. I continued to work here for almost 7 years until my state pension kicked in, but now am taking life a bit more leisurely. Hobbies are predominantly arts and crafts based and include porcelain painting, bead-work, crochet, knitting, tapestry, and just about anything else that involves needles, hooks and paint-brushes. I speak French and German reasonably fluently, so my interpreting skills are frequently called upon, but they have, in turn, introduced me to many new friends. -
BeadyJean's latest comments
ViewDate:
18th Jun 2016BeadyJean commented on:
Just joined so I'm introducing myself.Bonjour from France, where I have lived with my husband since 2003. We are both 67 and live in a very rural area where there are 3 cattle to every human. Peaceful.... except for the 'mooing'. We worked as artisans on the local markets for the first 7 years till my state pension kicked in, but after the financial crashes in 2008, it became a lot harder to make a living as a market trader. I used to teach at weekends for a large UK craft chain, so started up some crafting groups here, that have proved very successful. I have twin daughters back in southern England and two grandsons, so still make regular visits back over the Channel. The hustle and bustle of life in the UK can sometimes seem overwhelming when you are not used to it anymore, so I am usually very glad to get back to my peaceful little hamlet and the slower pace of life. I am fortunate to be able to speak both French and German quite fluently, so am often called upon to be an interpreter for other English speaking immigrants. The bureaucracy here can be complicated, but once you get used to it and know which fences to jump, life becomes a lot easier.... plus, it brings me into contact with a lot of people that often become close friends. Well - I could write a lot more - but don't want to bore you - I'm sure that I will get to know some of you better as time goes by. My aim in these later years of life is to enjoy whatever comes my way, to be content with what I have and to be of assistance whenever possible. It's not that difficult to do, either. My inner child gets a lot of nurturing, so life is constantly full of new experiences and lots of laughter - I hope your's is too.ViewDate:
18th Jun 2016BeadyJean commented on:
Crafting at homeI have recently finished a king-size bed-spread in crochet and am currently crocheting bunting for the garden - 70 triangles, so far.ViewDate:
18th Jun 2016BeadyJean commented on:
Crafting at homeHi..... yes!! I also make jewellery but like Starburst I don't do a lot with wire, but much prefer bead-weaving techniques and bead applique. From 2003 till 2009 I used to sell my work on the artisan markets where I live in France, and also kits and everything else needed for the craft, but after the global financial downturn, I stopped markets and turned to teaching bead-work and other crafts, too. So, you can imagine that I still have a good stash to work through!! I additionally paint porcelain, crochet, knit, plastic canvas, felt applique, Fimo and many others. I'm new here - have you posted pictures of what you do?ViewDate:
18th Jun 2016BeadyJean commented on:
Crafting at homeHi Hazel - I have wanted to learn to tat all of my life and have tried the shuttle kind several times without success. However, a month or so ago I joined a craft group near where I live in France, and a lady was tatting, but with a needle. She showed me that basics, so I purchased some of the special needles you need, and learnt the rest from Youtube videos. It's much easier than the shuttle and although there might be a few things that can't be done in one or the other, there are very few. I particularly enjoyed making a whole collection of Summer earrings. Try it!! You'll get hooked!!ViewDate:
18th Jun 2016BeadyJean commented on:
BeadyJean showcase imageThank-you - I am now working on the one for the opposite wall. -
BeadyJean's latest showcase activity
Approved0 Comments18/06/2016 19:26:35Gallery SubmissionThe painted tile splash-back I made for the cooker areaApproved2 Comments18/06/2016 10:24:49Gallery SubmissionThe tiled mural that I painted on cheapo-cheapo white tiles to brighten up the splash-back behind... -
Chat
Strike up a conversation with BeadyJean. Click the following button to start chatting!
Chat with BeadyJean