I consider myself to be blessed in many ways – one of which is that I still have all my grandparents.  Well recently it was my Nana’s 80^th birthday and so of course we all got together to celebrate (including both sets of grandparents).

Pretty beads

I’ve always thought my Nana is one of the most elegant ladies I’ve ever met.  In old photos she looks like Elizabeth Taylor!  She is also very artistic and good at thinking outside the box– “Remember that bracelet you gave me last time I saw you? It goes perfectly on a hat I have!”  No wonder her first job was arranging window displays for shops!

I think most of us are drawn to a particular style of jewellery.  My Nana likes iridescence and sparkle.  Think opals and cut glass.  So I had been saving these pretty glass beads specially!

Look at the bead on the right of the centre and compare with the above picture – I love how the colours change with the angle you view the beads at!

I added in a few pearly beads for a nod to traditional jewellery – a good move because the earrings go with the extra-long string of pearls bought as a gift by my parents and aunt and uncle.

Postcard card!

Oh and here’s the card to go with the gift.  A while ago my mum gave me a set of postcards from the National Trust.  They seemed too nice to cut up, but then again they are too nice to keep in my craft draws!

Have you been saving any bits and pieces for special occasions? Or have anything you think is too nice to risk a craft-astrophe?