Showing posts with label handcrafted. Show all posts
Showing posts with label handcrafted. Show all posts

Friday, January 31, 2020

I Made Some Boot Cuffs




I find when I wear skirts in the winter, my legs get cold between my boot and my skirt.  The solution I came up with was making a pair of "boot cuffs".  Of course boot cuffs are awesome with leggings and skinny jeans too!!

My first attempt was with a chunky yarn...  I didn't like the finished look of the cuff because I found it to be too "chunky" for my chicken legs (the cuff is nice though, just not suitable for me).  Since this was only a test, I didn't make two;  I  only crocheted one to see what it would like on me.  See the difference between the chunky yarn and the 4-ply below:



I thought a 4-ply yarn would be more delicate looking and I was right.  It looks way better for my leg size.

How did I make these?

Any 4-ply yarn, a size 5.5 hook, scissors and a wide-eye needle.

Make a chain of 23 stitches (or however wide you want your cuff);

Single crochet in the second chain from the hook (into the back loop of the stitch only- this is what makes the ribbed effect and it also makes it stretchy);

Single crochet each stitch in the back loop, chain 1 at the end of your work, turn and repeat until you have your desired size;

When you've reached your desired size, slip stitch the seam (this will make a nice almost invisible seam);

With your last slip stitch, chain 1, and single crochet all around the opening, slip stitch at the end.

To make your little frilly, scalloped finish:

Begin with 5 double crochet stitches in one stitch, single crochet in the next and alternate all the way around.  Slip stitch at the end and tie off (make sure you leave enough tail to weave in).

Finished!


Monday, January 13, 2020

Button Scarf For Hubby

My husband wanted me to make him a scarf with buttons.  I chose this lovely, acrylic/wool blend, roving yarn in this gorgeous cobalt blue color.  This scarf can be worn 2 ways: first it can be worn by buttoning the two lower buttons which gives you a looser fit around the neck as he is wearing it in the above picture, or with the extra button, you can also wear it so that it covers your neck more.  See pictures below to see what I mean.  



I personally am loving this scarf!!  Do you want to replicate this look, find the yarn here, and the large wooden buttons I purchased them here.

*My blog contains affiliate links.  When you make a purchase via these links, I may be compensated.  Please note:  I only brag about items I have researched or I have purchased myself.  Than You!


Monday, December 23, 2019

Crying Eye Pendant, Custom Order




A customer sent me the picture below of a crying eye (eye with tear) and asked if I could replicate the design for his girlfriend.  




Below, you can see my design from this original photograph (with my personal touch). 


First, I made a sketch with the measurements needed for the pendant.  

Second, I chose sterling silver and solid silver as my preferred metals because that's what I had on hand.  

Third, I chose a lavender color cz stone for the tear (as was required by the customer).


Initially we wanted to use a piece of beach glass as the tear drop but my sea glass pieces were too big for this project (and I didn't want to have to cut a piece of glass for it was just too small to handle).


In my original design, I had the idea of using PMC silver clay, which is a precious metal clay (a wonderful product because you can work it like clay then fire it in the kiln so that it burns off the clay and you're left with a solid piece of sterling silver or pure silver depending on the clay type you use).  Actually, you can also purchase this clay in less precious metals like copper, bronze, and of course you can also get it in PMC (precious metal) gold.  I've never used any other clays other than the PMC3 silver and the Art Clay 950.  Although silver clay is available on Amazon.ca I noticed the others are only available on the Amazon.com site.

If you are like me, and love to learn about new techniques, then you will enjoy learning about how to use silver clays with this how to book (it's worth knowing what you're doing because this clay can be tricky). Here are a few good books from the Amazon.com site 

*My blog contains affiliate links, which means that when you make a purchase via these links, the company may compensate me for promoting their products.  I only promote products I use or that I know are of the best quality.  Thank You.


What happened to my initial idea of using PMC3 Silver, you might ask?  Well, I did the entire pendant with the exception of the bail and everything looked beautiful (I was quite proud of myself especially since I was using the Clay 950 for the first time).  
After removing it from the kiln, I was giving it a good polish to get the metal to glisten like it should, and it looked amazing.  I knew the client would be very pleased!  

And then, to my horror, during the last shining, the pendant got caught in the polishing bit, twisted, under the pressure of the Foredom machine, broke into pieces that were flung across my studio (I have yet to find one of the pieces)! 

I had no time to be emotional, no time to panic, nor to give up.  The pendant was a surprise gift and my client was counting on me.  He was on his way to pick up the pendant the very same day.  I had to use my plan B (yes, I most of the time have a plan B with this type of project).

I took a breath, gathered what I needed to construct the eye (using silver .999 sheet and sterling .925 heavy gauge wire) and got to work.  

To my relief, in no time, the eye came together quite nicely; I was satisfied with the overall look.  

After cleaning and polishing it up, I added the cz stone and placed it in the jewelry box ready for pick-up.  

Results:  Happy client and a very happy recipient, the girlfriend!

Quote:  Patience, persistence and perspiration make an unbeatable combination for success!



Wednesday, December 4, 2019

I'm Addicted to Knitting and Crocheting!


What do you do when it's time to unwind with hubby?  Why not watch a bit of Netflix together.  Sure.  Except, I get bored when I watch tv.  So, I would usually download some puzzles on my device and multi-task while keeping my husband company.  

So, one day, I thought I would make better use of my time by actually making practical things I could share with family and friends and also sell in my Etsy shop.  Now, I have a hidden bin next to the sofa where I keep my goodies and materials at an arm's length; ready to explore a new project at any time.  

Here area a few projects I've done recently:






Check out those faux racoon-fur pompoms!  I love them because they snap on so that you can easily unsnap for washing the hat without ruining the pompom.  My favorite pompom style too!! I got them here on amazon.  There are different colors to choose from.

Of course, you could make your own pompoms too.  That's what I did for a few of the hats in this post.  For a beautiful, puffy pompom every time, I used this really simple, pompom maker.

You can purchase my hats and my cowls from my Etsy shop here.






The two following hats are made for those who brave the cold.  The thick, double brim will keep your ears nice and toasty!  Plus the hats are made a genuine wool mix (there is nothing like natural fibers).
I hope you enjoyed my post.  Please subscribe to my blog to stay in touch with me.
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Saturday, June 17, 2017

Wide Copper Spinner Ring



Here is one of my latest rings:  a wide (12-13mm / 4/8"), copper spinner ring with three different silver bands.  I'm loving this ring!  The copper is finished with a rich, dark patina.  You can purchase this ring here. 

I recycle copper pipes to make these rings.  I love every step of this process!  What can I say, I have a thing for rustic, hipster jewelry!  See more copper jewelry here.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

Sixty Six Bracelets Later





I finished the bracelets I talked about in the previous post! I'll admit it was not easy! My finger tips have yet to recover from handling the metal and sliding the waxed cord knots. I've been applying vitamin E oil repeatedly, which is quite soothing. I hope I don't develop huge calluses on my fingers... well, at least they'll match my unsightly nails!! The sanding did a terrible number on my nails.

So, after all that whining, I'll share with you some pictures of what started as basic pieces of metal and cotton string...



...is now this:



I really like the blue, waxed cotton (reminds me of jeans); I just love it!




All of the little bracelets have been neatly tucked away in cute, shiny, gift bags and ready to be shipped.

Although the project (66 handmade bracelets) was a bit daunting at times, especially when I would need to restart a piece because of an engraving error (this happened quite a few times because of a little mishap with my engraving machine. Although it set me back a bit, I powered through and was successful in completing the project without being overwhelmed. And I have to say, at the end of a project like this, I always feel happy to have given my all.






Saturday, April 8, 2017

What Can You Make with Washers?

I purchased a bunch of small washers and was wondering how to use them in my jewelry designs. So, after playing with them a bit, I decided to drill them and dome them with an abstract brushed surface.

Wow!!  I am so pleased with how they turned out!  You can't even tell these were "washers."

They actually inspired me to make these "Summer Earrings" with "Purple Coral.





Thursday, September 15, 2016

The Clay Caterpillar


My little granddaughter's clay caterpillar creation!
She is quite creative for her age and comes up with the cutest 
little clay creatures!  

A child really doesn't need much to have fun:   a bit of colorful
play dough, a flat surface and their imagination!

Although she is quite well equipped with play dough tools
I remember my children having just as much fun by raiding my 
kitchen drawers!

Thursday, August 4, 2016

Personalized Wire Wrapped Heart Wreath


I was asked to make a wire heart wreath, and yes wire.  Lots and lots of wire and a combination of carefully selected glass and acrylic beads.  

This was for an anniversary gift.  

These wreaths can me made in any shape and they make wonderful welcome wreaths as well.  I sold many smaller versions of these as sun catchers or even as door hangers.  

**Just wanted to let all you jewelry makers out there that Fire Mountain Gems is offering 80% off almost 5,000 gems, jewelry and beading supplies!!  Great time to stock up!!!  Click here to go to their site.


Saturday, June 25, 2016

Inspired By A Swallowtail Butterfly


I'm doing a bit of work around the yard these days and I'm noticing many Swallowtail Butterflies around my flowers.  These Butterflies are so pretty!  I especially love the blue with a dab of orange along the back of the wings!

I would love to design a jewelry set in that blue!

I found these beads and shells at Fire Mountain Gems and I think the blue is quite similar (a little side note- there are 527 pages of blue beads and jewelry components.  I sipped on a coffee and relaxed while browsing):

*Beautiful Paua Shell is one of my favorites!!  The blue Swarovski Crystals are very pretty as well!






Saturday, June 18, 2016

Free Hand Engraving on Rustic Copper Rings




I am often asked to engrave my copper rings.  I do not have the equipment to do a professional engraving job, but I do have the tools to engrave free-hand.  I quickly wrote a date on the outside of this ring to show a potential customer what a free hand engraving would look like.  It was sooo difficult to take a decent picture.  Too much glare from the metal.   I had to darken the photograph a bit.  I usually don't engrave on the outside, it's mostly on the inside of the rings that I am asked to do this.

I think the free-hand engraving adds and compliments the rustic feel of my rings!




Thursday, June 9, 2016

Latest Project: Abstract Tree Pendant With Filigree Leaves


Latest project that I'm working on:

Copper and Sterling Silver Pendant with tree and leaves.  I'm making a few cutout leaves
and I'll be adding some filigree to fill in the leaves.

I sweat soldered the leaf and the tree to the copper plate.

If you're looking for a custom made piece, contact me.

See more Jewelry Here.

Friday, May 27, 2016

Acorn Pendant With Oak Tree Remnant



I designed this little acorn to dangle along with an Oak Leaf Pendant I made.  
I made it so that it sits flat.  The whole thing is made of copper sheet which
was cut, formed, textured and soldered together.  
The best way to form a ball shape is with a dapping punch, a block and a hammer.

The wooden bead I made from a piece of an Old Oak Tree.  
I drilled a whole through the wood and through the copper cap (this step is not in the photographs).

Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Enameled Oak Leaf Pendant Progress


Here is an update of the Oak Leaf that I am working on.  I finally finished prepping the leaf itself and  after rounding out the tips a bit, I finally was able to do the exciting part of this project:  enameling!
I used my jewelry torch to enamel glass powder over the top; so basically you end up with a lovely glass layer fused to the metal.  This is something I just love to do!  

The green I used is Jungle green;  it's a vibrant green which I find looks great for leaves! 
 I am very  pleased with how it turned out.  

I am now working on the acorn part of the pendant which will dangle freely on 
the necklace along the leaf. 



Tuesday, May 17, 2016

Hipster Ring with Robin Egg Enamel Experiment


Little experiment!  
Do you like the result?  I kinda like the overall rustic look of this earthy ring.  The robin egg enamel color combined with copper is just gorgeous!

Friday, May 13, 2016

Enamel Leaf Pendant Test


Enameled Leaf Pendant Test: 
I’m working on a leaf pendant and wanted to run a test before enameling the actual leaf, so I made this little copper leaf and applied the enamel and it turned out pretty good! 
I'm loving the way the black formed all around the perimeter of the leaf, the center and the smaller crackles near the tip.  To some this might seem like a non-successful test because of the black.  But I’m the type of artist who most of the time prefers my results to be different!  If you’re like me and you would like to a achieve this look add less of the enameling powder before you fire it so that the copper will oxidize and will show up as black in any portion where there is less enamel (you gotta love copper!)
In order to make the center vein running through the leaf, I used a fine, stainless steel rod and dragged it through the molten enamel while holding my torch in the other hand… 
I loved this project!  So much fun!

Sunday, May 8, 2016

Beautiful Flowers From my Sweeties!


My little granddaughter and my daughter came in the door with a bouquet 
of these beautiful white Tulips! It made my day! 

The flowers opened up and I couldn't resist taking a picture to share with you!  
Have a lovely day!

Friday, May 6, 2016

Metal Forming White Oak Leaf Pendant


This project is coming along wonderfully!  Overall I really love the Oak leaf so far!
It still needs a few finishing touches such as rounding out the tips and a couple of 
inside corners before adding the enamel finish.

I will soon be starting the copper Acorn dangle.  

Factoid, White Oak:  The White Oak tree is a large tree than can reach up to 100 feet tall.  
The trunk can span up to 4-feet across.