Stacker beads and Surprises

One day last week, I woke up early, and decided to play with some polymer clay . I had been intrigued for some time with stacker beads (ovenfried beads) and so tried to make some. I did eventually after many attempts, and was happy I had managed to get the technique right. Then, of course, I looked at the mess of reject clay I had from all of the failed attempts, so thought I should on the spot use the clay rather than store it, so I made lots more beads. So now I have lots of other beads just for two stacker beads. Some of my Dolly friends said they thought the beads made out of reject clay were just as good anyway.

Besides clay play, it’s been a big week. My Rotary Club, the Rotary Club of Wallsend-Maryland, District 9670, held its annual community awards last Tuesday. Six people in the community were recognised for their service to the local community. My husband , Jim, was also presented with a “fun” award for services beyond the fall of duty , referring to his accident in Papua New Guinea while on a Rotary volunteer project. I now realise that this was a diversion so I wouldn't guess that he was also being recognised as a Paul Harris Fellow – a big surprise for both of us, but especially for Jim. Occasionally, Rotary Clubs recognise the service of non-Rotarians so our family feels very proud that he has been recognised for his untiring support for humanitatrian projects. The award reads ' in appreciation of tangible and significant assistance given for the furtherance of better understanding and friendly relations among peoples of the world.' Thank you to the many many Paul Harris Fellows around the world for their service to their communities.

It was also Jim’s birthday last week, and a good time was enjoyed by all.