Winter 2016. Chalcedony and Silver

Chalcedony and Silver Earrings. I had so much fun shooting this photo. The light was fading and made the Christmas lights brighter. The snow was perfect. This was a perfect moment. It makes me smile.

Iolite Chain Bracelet

I started this bracelet years ago and never finished it until today. At first, I wasn't sure if I liked the stones dangling from the chain, then I got stuck with deciding how to finish the closure. Suddenly it came to me, to toggle it in a cold connection kind of way. It's not a new toggle technique or design, it's just the first time I've used it. It seems right. I'm happy with it.

Etsy

Cast Heart Ring Save

This was created and inspired by a ring Grandma gave me back when I was in high school. I made a mold of it and cast it. The casting seemed to go well until I found a bubble in the crown when finishing it. I was so discouraged and wasn't sure of what to do with it, until now. I decided to cut another heart shape out of the crown, where the hole was uncovered. I just put the saw blade right in the hole and started cutting. It took me an hour and a half from start to finish and not one broken saw blade. With the size that it was cast, I knew it would be a perfect fit for a friend who I promised a ring.  I'm extremely happy with the save and will probably treat the other heart ring casting in the same manner.

 

Triple Wrap Bracelet.

I showed my new bracelet to my grandfather, and asked him if he liked it. He said yes, if "I"made it for him, so I jacked my new bracelet (previous post) for beads and made him a triple strand. I used waxed cotton linen. I'm not sure if I like the "S"clasp, or the large final knot, but I think he'll like it anyway. I re-strung the single strand with red dyed quartz. I like it. Maybe I'll learn one day not to second guess myself.

Crafty Night Person

I've been staying up nights and desperately need to change my sleep cycle back to daytime. In the meantime, I read, study and make stuff. Here is a blanket square I'm working on.

I made this Chan Luu style bracelet out of leather, silk thread, and African trade beads. I thought about using the red quartz but changed my mind.

I finished it with a vintage metal button. I found the Beadaholique tutorial a few weeks ago on youtube by accident. The project has been in my brain ever since. It's perfect for a restless night owl like me. It's super easy. I think I'll make them for friends and family. I'll use rubber cord so they'll be more versatile, and not weaken in water, like leather.
I made the beading needle from fine gauge craft wire. I couldn't find my store bought ones. It worked like a charm.

The finished product!

It's so difficult to center your subject using Hipstaprint, otherwise, I love it.

Chan Luu has an interesting story. You can learn more about her in this Good Morning America! interview on youtube.

Multi-Turn Winding Stitch

I'm not good at crochet, but if I was, I'd find a way to use this stitch.