Final Picture for Teaching Staff

Max has had a great year this year. This picture is the last of three that I made and I think it came out really well. I am toying with making more of these - I just want to get the borders a bit more professional before I start selling them.

Cross-Stitcher Project

I bought the latest issue of Cross Stitcher today and in it was a project on ribbon roses. I didn't have any ribbon 4mm or less in width and I noticed that they also suggested using cross-stitch floss. So, I gave it a go, which made me then think of ways to expand on it and make a picture. I am so pleased with the end result that it is going to be a picture for the TA in Max's class who has spent a huge amount of time with him this year.

The embroidery was so quick to do and would look as beautiful with just the roses, put onto a card. I am definitely going to investigate this avenue more...

Twisted Bracelet

This bracelet is made using tigertail and then twisting the strands. I then threaded ribbon through, and this has the added bonus of acting as a safety catch in the clasp.

Some Things I Have Been Making

The top two are very similar and use exactly the same craft ingredients. I am pleased with them as they are very cute in real life. The two bracelets are made using the same pattern (two-drop peyote) but the higher one I have adapted from the pattern as I didn't like the closure on the original.

Peyote Discs - Finished!

Not an excellent photo of the necklace I'm afraid, so I hope to take another soon. But, you can see (along with my double chin) that it sits nicely on the neck. I made side bands of peyote stitch and attached ribbons to tie the choker with. The earrings are incredibly simple as the choker is such a statement piece. I wore it today, to show my C&G class and it was very comfortable, despite me not really liking things too close to my neck.

Brick Stitch 'Feather' Pendant

This pendant was inspired by some earrings in a book, but only loosely. The actual design and make-up was my own. I love the mix of turquoise and brown/bronze - it is so lovely. I am going to put this in my Folksy shop without a chain, so someone can decide for themself how to wear it. I could not decide on a ribbon, chain or thong, as all would look lovely in my opinion.

More Cards...

This one is for a man. I always struggle to make cards for men anyway and I don't even know this one. I was really pleased with how it turned out - it actually looks a bit arty!

A New Bracelet and Some Good News

This bracelet is made form a pattern by Spellbound Beads (linked to some months ago). I changed the pattern to make the bracelet a ribbon-tie one, and only used one strand of discs, rather than two. I like the finished result and intend to put it in my shop soon. The colours are a lovely mix - I think brown and turquoise is my favourite colour scheme.

The good news is that I had a meeting with someone today and she ordered 68 cards from me - so guess what I will have to concentrate on over the next two weeks...I am so excited!

Coin Purse

This is a coin purse that I designed myself. The inner bit, where the money goes, has velcro to stop it falling out but there is also a button flap for effect. Although it is obviously a prototype and not saleable (I need to work on my buttonholes for a start!) I am pleased with the way I managed to think about the process of making the article up. It is fully lined and the velcro stitching is inside the lining - so not on view at all. I will probably make a larger one for cosmetics, using a ribbon to tie the flap.

A Christmas Present for the Friend With the Green Bracelet

I made this jewellery roll this morning, to go with my friend's bracelet and decorated notebook. So, one present down and lots more to go...

Two Jewellery Rolls

Same pattern as before but different fabrics. They are so simple to produce but look so lovely.

Jewellery Roll

My friend phoned me last week and asked if I would be able to make a jewellery roll for her, as a present for someone for Christmas. I had never made anything like that before, but thought there would probably be something on line. There wasn't a huge amount in the free pattern line, but I did manage to find one to give me the basic shape. I then made two prototypes before I came up with a third, and successful, design. Don't mention the phrase 'bias binding' to me as it now sets off my nervous tic!

I have made the roll in two complementary fabrics and am really pleased with how it turned out. I will not bother with the beads in future though, as they double the production time.

I hope you like it...

A new style of necklace - not sure really...

I saw a similar necklace on a friend and thought I would have a go making something like it. I am quite pleased with how the beads look together but am not sure about the ribbon! All comments would be appreciated...

My son is such a sweetheart...

He made me this 'aword' for being the best mum in the 'would' (sic)

I was really impressed with his use of colour in it though, even if his judgement in mums is a little off!