Latest Creations

I have made many pieces 

I'm going to blog about my latest creations, instead of trying to catch up on months of post. I recently purchased African trade beads an have been inspired to create stuff with them. 

REDO

I made this trio of necklaces several years ago. I like the simplicity of the single teardrop crystal on a thin chain, but I didn't like the execution, so I remade it. I'm much happier with the result.

Crystal Earrings

I made these crystal heart earrings years ago, but never posted them or listed them for sale. I'm still not sure why. They're are well made and fashionable. I think they will do a lot to upgrade any casual everyday look.

The Butterfly Loops were made today on a whim.  I had these loops just laying around from a previously failed project and the butterflies kept winking at me, so I had to do something about it. I think they'll be great for butterfly lovers as a summer treat. Both pairs are made with Swarovski crystals and Sterling silver.

Sweatshirt Mod

I bought this sweatshirt years ago at Old Navy. I love the off-shoulder neckline and the bat wing sleeves. So you can imagine how heart broken I was, when I spilled something on it and it stained. I've had this Afro Girl stencil for a while, but never used it. I bought it with the Obama stencil at Stencil1. I tried positioning the stencil to cover the stain, and not sit too low. I had to consider how my big boobs would distort the stencil.  The positioning looks really low in the picture, but it's perfect when I wear it. The matte grey parts are where I added the glitter. I'm very happy with it.

Ski Hats

I haven't been on the bench since last months Iolite bracelet. I've been getting myself organized for school, which opened January 12th. I haven't stopped knitting. Mainly because it calms me and helps me focus. The Scrappy hat was originally for my nephew's Ricky's birthday, but I made it too big and had to start a new one. It's a fun, quick and easy pattern. My challenge was of course the sizing, but also the color arrangement and fiber care. Ricky's mom doesn't have time to hand wash, so I was lucky to have a large stash of different color Mission Falls 1824 superwash. It's perfect for this pattern.

Adult size

Kid size

I don't know which color to choose for the pom pon yet. And yes, the outside Christmas decorations are still up, but all put away on the inside. 

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

Shea Butter Soap

My sample of Honey Almond Soap from Naturessheabutter.com arrived today. It smells so good and a little less expensive than L'Occitane's Shea butter soap. I can't wait to try it. 

 

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.

 

Evolve/Redo

I've been staring at some of my past creations and wondering what to do with them. Some pieces can be easily recycled and others are already products of momentary genius and should remain as they are. These earrings were a little bit of both, but the design no longer fit my current aesthetics, so I redesigned them.

I'm happy with the results. I love the exotic look of the Bali beads, which are a works within themselves. I just choose my own special ways to display them. The drops represent a simple sophistication. I love the warm caramel color of the Chalcedony. 

And yes I'm aware that one earring is longer than the other. I haven't decided what, if anything, to do about it. They're handmade and imperfect just like the person who'd wear them.

Copper Cuff

I wanted to use my bracelet mandrel and make a cuff. Some time ago, I purchased the book The Jeweler's Studio Handbook, by Brandon Holschuh, that had instructions for a copper cuff. This is the first project that I've made from this book, but I still recommend it based on the well written instructions and detailed photographs. I made a few changes to suit my own esthetics. I hammered the finish (because I can't stop hammering) and rounded the the edges. I also had to rely on my own knowledge and expertise when I had problem with the assembly. I couldn't get the bracket to solder to the cuff. I tried about five times before giving up. I decided to drill holes and use rivets, which created a new set of problems. The tubes were too big to fit the aquamarine that I'd chosen for this project. I didn't have anything suitable with a large hole and still fit the frame. I came across an old flat turquoise bead, that had a hole big enough for the tubes, but it was too big wide for the bracket. Since turquoise is a soft stone, I cut and sanded it to fit. 

Sometimes, you just need to make something! I'm happy with it.

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.

Finished Turquoise Ring

I finally finished Lori's ring. I don't know if she's still interested in it after all these years, because I haven't told her yet that it's available. I had a difficult time soldiering the shank straight, so I used wire to hold it in place. I hammered the shank (because I always have to hammer something) and filed the edges smooth. I am satisfied with the finished result.

Multi-Turn Winding Stitch

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

Perfect Practice

My newest creation a Turquoise ring for my friend Lori. I was supposed to make it years ago, so I'm glad she's still interested. She has freakishly small fingers so I hope it fits.

Conversion

Turning a ring into a pendant. A friends father made it and left it to her when he died. It was too big for her to wear as a ring. It's a nice Turquoise Cab, so I think it will look great as a necklace.

Toggle

A little off center, but I'll make it work.

DIY!

The plug on Mom's Halloween decoration wore clean off. She's been having a hissy fit over the years while it's been out of service. We went to Home Depot for a nice new plug but this was all they could come up with, so I made it work. Now Mom is ecstatic. Which is good because we had an argument over where to put the new bookcase. I know it doesn't look Ideal, but believe me, it's in the best spot.

This cardigan definitely turned out better the second time. Mainly due to using yarn that wasn't blended with bamboo. The pattern is Baby Kina, can be purchased online from Magpie Patterns. This time I used Classic Alpaca that I got for a good price from Trinity Ridge Alpacas Fiber Studio. Sleeves are middle length and I used pretty JHB buttons. Made for Baby Rachel.

Best Peanut Butter Cookies

The best Peanut Butter Cookies Ever!

Get the recipe here Classic Peanut Butter Cookies.