Wednesday, February 29, 2012

More Jewelry


Okay, it seems I'm back on track posting now--just in time for me to leave for a while.  Oh, well--such is life.  I made the first necklace for myself with a little twist on the side.  I needed something turquoise and this works.  I have to refine the "twist" however since it keeps coming apart.  The second set is in fulfillment of a commission from a friend.  I also made a small pair of dangly earrings to match.  She had picked out the beads herself and she loves the finished product.  That's what counts.  She's asked me to complete a necklace/earring set for one granddaughter and has helped me pick the beads she thinks she'd like and another necklace/bracelet/earring set for the other granddaughter with beads I already have.  I'm taking all my beads with me to my daughter's and maybe I'll have some time there on occasion plus her children love making necklaces with the beads.  I found some old pop beads my daughter had at one time and I'm bringing them as well.  I think the children will like taking them apart and putting them together again. I liked it : )

In Celebration

Last week I made this blanket with 36 pockets for my pastor and his family to celebrate his tenth year at our church.  It measures about 75 inches square and the pockets are each about 7 1/2" square.  We had a Pocket Shower for him with the congregation filling each pocket with goodies.  It was a great celebration and we are so blessed to have him since the average tenure for pastors is about 7 years.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Sun and Shadows


I love watching the sun set.  It had been a cloudy day all day and to see the sun shine through my curtains was a blessed relief.  I thought it looked pretty shining through the branches outside my window.  It's all in the simple things.

Thursday, February 23, 2012

Three Bitty Bracelets


I've been trying to post for three days now--who knows?--just Blogger problems--had to try a new browser.
Aaanywaaay,  here are three bracelets I made last weekend.  I'm totally loving the them and loving to wear them.  I have a commission to make two necklaces, a bracelet and a pair of earrings and I'm currently working on a surprise gift that I'll reveal next week.  I'm cleaning away all that I've been "collecting" over the years--a torturous, yet needful job--auction, here I come.  Have a great day and make it "the Lord's Day."

Saturday, February 18, 2012

Nursing Cover


My daughter picked out and bought her fabric (like it a lot) and I bought the notions and provided the sewing skills.  Her baby is due March 2 so this is just in time plus today's her birthday.  I sent her pictures of it and hope she likes it.  It turned out cute, took about 1 1/2 hours to make but the next one will be easier and quicker.  Next One?  Who said that? Here's the link for the tutorial if your're interested:  http://www.diaryofaquilter.com/2010/04/nursing-cover-tutorial.html

Friday, February 17, 2012

So Boho

Ok, so I have this gypsy vagabond living inside me and this style of jewelry always grabs me.  I saw this in a catalogue and had to make one. What to do.... 
Now all my shops have officially closed, all my sources and reasons to make things are no more.  Each in its own time have either shut down, relocated or stopped taking consignments--all within a couple of months' time.  Could be a sign.  We're planning a move in a few months and I think that God is telling me to continue to clean, purge and get rid of my accumulation of stuff.
So, why do I keep making things?  I can't stop myself.  My creativity doesn't stop even when there's nowhere to go with it.  Maybe I'll keep them for gifts, mission money makers for the youth auction at church or for myself.  Gotta go.  Right now I have four projects--one baby blanket to finish, a secret blanket to make, my husband's coat to mend and a nursing cover for my daughter and yet I'd rather be....

Thursday, February 16, 2012

Wedding Roses

Remember all the wedding roses I made a few months ago?  Here is the backdrop into which they went.  Amy wound up filling in the gap and said that there must be 100 on the screen.  I contributed about 20.  It turned out beautiful and the photographer will rent out the screen for weddings--cool.

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

Which One?



Which one will she choose?  The pearly one or the memory wired one?  Which one would you choose?  I love them both and will wear each--just to see if they work : )
I needed to be doing at least three pressing things today but I don't want to do any of them.  Today marks the three-month anniversary of my sister's death, it's gloomy outside and a bit gloomy in here, too, so I'm doing fun things like jewelry-making and sleeping.  I have church responsibilities tonight and have to put on my happy face then.  I'm so blessed to have the opportunity to stay home and choose what I do.  Thank you, husband of mine and God.

Tuesday, February 14, 2012

Stormy Weather


He makes clouds rise
from the ends of the earth;
he sends lightning with the rain
and brings out the wind from his storehouses.

Psalm 137:7

I've used a mix of old and new to make this bracelet.  Love it!







Monday, February 13, 2012

Three Little Bracelets



These little bracelets are going to my neighbor and her daughters who pick up our mail and packages when we're away.  It's good to have neighbors who look after each other and who are trustworthy--God's gifts.

Sunday, February 12, 2012

A Bracelet with a Message

Our church met together to view the Super Bowl last week and since I'm not a football fan, I brought my beads 'n' stuff.  I made a bracelet similar to this one and my pastor's wife (and my friend) loved it so I gave it to her--thus, no photo.  I liked the colors I had picked so I made myself one as well.  This one has a little frame into which I put the word "Seek."  The scripture inspiration comes from Matthew 6:33:

But seek first his kingdom
and his righteousness,
and all these things
will be given to you as well.


 
I love this scripture and have taken it as "mine."  It's a good lesson in trusting God for everything and believing that He is the source for all things.  The stipulation is the first part--"seek first his kingdom."  That's the challenging part.  I hope you have a good "seek-full" week.

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Heart Trio

I found these little crocheted hearts in my stash of lace.  They measure about 1 1/2".  I don't know how I'll use them but they are so cute.  Have a happy heart day.

A happy heart makes the face cheerful....
Proverbs 15:13

Tuesday, February 7, 2012

Heart Bowls

JBWolfePottery on Etsy

I found this set of lovely bowls on Pinterest this morning (or ones like them).  In keeping with my "heart" theme this month, I thought I'd share them.  I'm very tempted to purchase them but the object of my not creating much lately is to clean, purge and organize so I'm off to do just that.  Enjoy your day.

Monday, February 6, 2012

Hearty

from weheartit.com
Remember, an apple a day keeps the doctor away.  Hope you have a hearty day.

Saturday, February 4, 2012

Guarded Heart

I took my inspiration for this bracelet from the above photo, a bracelet priced $1750.00 in a high end catalogue.  Of course, mine doesn't have real pearls, silver and gemstones but it's way bigger than the one pictured.  As I was working it I thought, "Why am I having to add so many beads when they have half as much?"  It wasn't until I layed out the bracelet that I realized that they would wear this with two stands on one side of the wrist and one strand on the other.  Hmmm, mine has three strands.  I've been wearing it today to get used to the size, the clunking and the weight.  I doubt I wear it when I play the piano/organ tomorrow at church, though I really like the way it turned out.  It's my rendition of mixed media art jewelry.  Fun, fun and one of only two creative things I made this week.  I've been attacking my art stash and it's taken all week to do so and I STILL can't see a dent.  Hello, my name is Sally and I'm an Art Supplies Hoader.
Anyway....the heart.  Can you find it?
"Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do
flows from it."
Proverbs 4:23 NIV

Friday, February 3, 2012

Blank Hearts and First Installment


I bought this dozen blank muslin hearts, each measuring about 3" in length and 2" in width, at a yard sale quite a while ago.  I thought less than a dollar was a good price so I couldn't pass them up.  I've been holding them, looking at them as they sat in the drawer and wondering when I would take the time to work on them.  Now's the time.  The little rosy heart is the first of the set.  I plan on finishing all of them this month.  Let's see if I do it.  I used two pieces of a small doily, perle cotton thread, embroidery thread, crystals, a small rhinestone and the hem of a chiffon robe for the hanger.

Thursday, February 2, 2012

A Good Ground Hog, Birthday, Heart Day

Flowers and a card then we're off to the bakery (best in town) for my birthday cake.  Maybe it will help me put aside the fact that I'm on Medicare now.  My husband has the day planned so we're getting ready and then the surprise(s)?  I made the cross-stitched heart many years ago and love to see it all year long.  I put it over my kitchen sink for February.  Hope your day is good, too.

Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Hearts For February


I actually opted to wear this necklace with a white tank under the orange sweater. It did get noticed and I like it except the big beads make it heavier to wear. I'm 65 tomorrow and just beginning to wear "jewelry of size." Better late than never, I guess.




I realized later on this morning that this is the month of February (yes, I do know in which month I was born.)  I've decided to post heart things this month.  I found this "on its way to the garbage bag because the berries are splitting" garland as I was purging my stash today so I thought I'd make a Valentine's wreath--red and white.  It's on my front door.  Happy Love Month.