Read all about me on this month's SYDNEY MUM blog...

Over the last couple of years I have been fortunate enough to have had a profile done and my work displayed in Australia's Creative Beading Magazine. During that time I met freelance journalist and blogger Sharon Quill who edits and compiles the profile stories and other articles for the magazine. After completing another recent story for the magazine she asked if she could "blog"about me on her Sydney Mum site, of course I was thrilled to be asked... http://sydneymum.wordpress.com/2011/07/08/what-a-beading-beauty/

Melissa Player:Creative Beading SWAROVSKI Competition Results 2010

After many, many months of waiting and anticipation the results for the 2010 Creative Beading Swarovski Competition are finally out and all place winners and finalists have been published in the March edition of the Creative Beading Magazine.

I'm very pleased to announce that I received my magazine in the mail this week and I received 8th place for my crystallized Akubra hat "Australiana" and 10th place for my necklace "PREY: Protect Our Children".

I'm just thrilled for the 2010 winner (a lovely lady & a very deserving entrant) and I'm also very excited to see so many of our Beading Forum members being recognised for their amazing vision, skills and talents.
www.beadingforum.com.au

This is a very difficult competition...after a few years of entering I still can't figure out the judging criteria but as long as you have a go, express yourself and enjoy your craft then you are certainly in with a chance.

 

SWAROVSKI Crystal World ,Wattens AUSTRIA

SWAROVSKI Crystal World- Swarovski Kristallwelten in AUSTRIA....some pics

Hi Everyone...well after a 7 week adventure through Dubai & Europe we are safely back at home and I am just starting to find my feet again. Kids are back at school, a mountain of paperwork awaits and
beads are resting peacefully!!

Just thought I'd share some of my photos taken at Swarovski Crystal World in Wattens,Austria (Kristallwelten). I LOVE,LOVE,LOVE this place and have been very fortunate to have been able to visit there twice in the last couple of years. The artworks, installations and retail shop (including a retail shop for designers) is just amazing and very inspiring. It's also worth googling Swarovski Kristallwelten if you are a true Swarovski fan!

If you are interested in taking a peek at this sparkling crystal wonderland head over to my Bead Art & Design page on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Bead-Art-Design/62804332660

Make sure you "Like" my page while you're there so that you can be in the running for future giveaways. Enjoy.....

Breast Tests & Breast Screening

"The Z-Bra: Love the Skin You're in" by Melissa Player

When I was in my early 20's I lost an Aunt to breast cancer and saw first hand the devastating effect it had on her family & friends. Ever since then I have been very conscious to ensure I was tested on a regular basis. For the past 25 years I have had regular breast ultrasounds because there really is NO excuse not to have this simple breast screening procedure done on a regular basis. When I reach a certain age I will go from breast ultrasounds to mammograms.

Sadly, too many women ignore getting regular checkups and tests done because of a number of reasons or excuses. I know that one reason this simple procedure is often neglected is because many women are uncomfortable with their bodies or the "skin they are in" and thus they feel too embarrased to get these checks done (you know who you are!!!)

I put in over 50 hours of work in the "Z-Bra: Love the Skin You're In" to try to inspire and encourage you to have these simple screening tests done.

If you haven't had one before...or if it's been a few years then please make an appointment this week to see your GP to get a referral for either a breast ultrasound or a mammogram - don't ever think it can't or won't happen to you.

SAFARI by Melissa Player

Many thanks to Australia's Creative Beading Magazine for featuring me as the profiled designer in your recent edition (Vol6 No2). I had no idea how much work goes into writing an article for a magazine, getting the photographs right, getting the copy right etc,etc. I really have a whole new level of respect for such processes.

Pictured: SAFARI - Hand crystallised Leather Corset, 2009 - 3rd Place Creative Beading Swarovski Crystal Competition