Happy New Year!

I am wishing us all a better, happier, healthier puppy-filled year!

Polymer Clay Pendants

I had an exciting breakthrough with polymer clay yesterday!

I love how these turned out. I have been hoping to learn how to make my own bezels with clay....among other goals. Polymer is a new medium for me so I have decided to spend 30 minutes to an hour each day either using it or reading and learning more about it.

I made up these shapes and bezels. Since I know I'll be painting everything I am using any colour clay I have. When they came out of the oven, I lost my interest a little and set them aside. Ugh. How dull. A few were a little burned too. Too long in the oven.

But yesterday morning I attacked four of the pieces with black paint. Once they were "aged" with the black I was much more inclined to want to work with them!

Not knowing what I would put in the pendants I decided to just sample different colours.

In my studio I founds bits and bobs that would look nice in each bezel. These are samples so I didn't want to go too crazy. There was still a possibility of disaster and these would go into the bin.

I poured in some resin and here they are 24 hours later. I want to wear them today! I plan to go into the studio again this morning and work on the second batch!

I am heading into the New Year definately excited about polymer clay!

Happy New Years Eve!

My One And Only Quilt Project

Ah. I am happy now.

A 3 year unfinished project has finally been folded and placed in a special drawer.

I can go into 2010 with a clean slate. This project was hanging over my head for two Christmas holidays...I really thought I would finish it last year.

I took a classic quilt making class a few years ago and learned how to hand stitch a quilt. Each panel took hours and by the fifth panel I was thinking how crazy it was for me to be hand-stitching when I had two sewing machines in the other room. But, I had decided it was important to at learn the original method for making a quilt.....later I can use all the technology I want.

So I pieced it all together but was stalled when I realized I had no desire to do all the final top stitching. You know...all the swirly stitches that make the quilt look so pretty.

Then along came my Janome machine this summer. I was so surprised to receive a quilting board attachment. The machine was already pretty great...but this acrylic extension table meant I couldn't put off sewing my quilt for very much longer. It was a sign. All I needed was some extra time between One of A Kind show deadlines.

And of course, the very important free motion stitching option.

This means you can sew in any old direction you want. Look at those swirls!

It took me almost four hours to sew swirls all over the entire quilt. It was worth it.

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Now that it is done I can honestly say that I definitely don't plan to make a hand-stitched quilt any time soon. I would have to be stuck somewhere without my tools and electricity for me to succumb to that idea again.

An all-machine stitched quilt.....well, that's a possibility.

My Last Book Assemblage for 2009

This is my new favorite. "For the Love of Shakespeare."

This book was a special commission that came in with little time to spare. The person who requested it is someone I could not refuse. I just met this family at the Christmas One of A Kind show, so when the Mom emailed me quietly asking if I would do something with the theme of Shakespeare for her daughter I just had to meet the Christmas deadline.

Truly, the book came together rapidly. I had a few days of panic when I could not find an appropriate book to use as a canvas. But a drive north to a favorite used book store had me locating this square book...which contained the work of Shakespeare. Whew. I knew a book would find me.
My next hurdle was selecting an image.

There aren't that many portraits of Shakespeare. I think he looks very elegant in this painting.

This sketch is officially recognized as a portrait he actually sat for....but who wants to look at this face forever?


Now this is a great painting! If this is Shakespeare then he would still look fantastic in our time. I love this painting. But they are still debating whether or not it really is of William. (The full story is posted here. It is fascinating.)

I was so tempted to use this painting for this special book...but if the painting is ruled to be of another person than I would want to take this book right back. In the end, I was thrilled with the final piece and was very excited to deliver it. I hope I am now part of a special Christmas memory.

Unaltered Photo

With photoshop the ability to change the colour of any object is a temptation. Generally I brighten the lighter colours and darken the blacks. But this photo is unaltered.

Isn't this an odd assortment of flowers?

Its a bouquet I received this Christmas from my Dad. Ordinarily he sticks to the classics; orchids, poinsettia, hyacinths. But this year he added in this bunch. I guess he couldn't bypass the odd assortment of colours either. These flowers receive their colour by drinking in water which has been coloured. It's not as though Mother Nature needs any colour advice. She already does a pretty amazing job. But blue flowers....and chartreuse. So unusual. Every time you walk by this bunch you have to reach out to see if they are real. They make me think of spring in an alternate universe.

A Little Extra Time

There is a little extra time now to work on small projects.

Things I put aside until there wasn't a deadline looming.

Today is just that sort of a day. I have nothing on my schedule and no desire to leave the house.

This very pretty necklace was purchased in Paris in April.

In my haste to remove the price tag...I managed to cut the ribbon too.

I could not believe I had cut the main ribbon holding everything together...so today I plan to fix this necklace. It was meant to be a gift....but it will most certainly join my collection now.

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Here are my Sunday beading links.

Art Bead Scene It’s the ABS annual 12 days of Christmas free projects. Twelve days of last minute holiday gifts!
Barbe Saint John – New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Eco Friendly Gift Wrap
Carmi’s Art/Life World Carmi makes huge resin baubles from an ice tray.
Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Cindy shares her favorite things this week. You might be surprised to find out what they are!
Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie makes a chunky, funky necklace with some unusual wooden chain and findings.
Jean Campbell Jean shares a free sparkly necklace project, just in time to whip up for your New Year’s Evening wear.
Lorelei’s Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei goes back in time to remind fellow Etsy sellers about Heart-o-Matic!
Snap out of it, Jean! There’s beading to be done! Jean offers a project called Supercool which features a great focal by Dustin Tabor!
Strands of Beads Melissa shares some whimsical lampwork artistry by Debi Cogwell.
The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Using a drilled resin piece from Lynn Davis and some filigree, Andrew creates a necklace paying homage to the faeryworld sanctuaries.
A Bead A Day There is still plenty of time to make some New Year’s Eve jewelry! Lisa shares an eye catching bracelet using velvety hearts and chandelier-like egyptian crystals.

Welcome Santa!

Hope everyone has a very nice day!

Huge Faux Jewels

Faux Baubles or the necklace I would give Wilma Flintstone for Christmas?

Don't you always think of Wilma and those huge rocks around her neck when you see big jewels?

Anyhoo. Yes, you are staring at a crazy necklace.

It has been built for two reasons.

One. I bought this crazy ice tray. It is meant to make jewel shaped ice cubes.

Two. Who makes ice anymore? I pour my leftover resin into it.

Since I have no plan for leftover resin, I usually just pour it into a mold and drop anything off that I have handy. This is just stuff that would end up in the big bin. I did laugh when I popped them out of the ice tray. I only filled the tray reservoirs half way. I wasn't sure they would pop out, so I panicked and removed them at this point. Next time I'll make the whole gem.

What's a girl to do with experimental resin baubles?

I was going to make a few more tree ornaments.

But once I started wiring them.......

I figured I would go all the way and make a festive necklace. The sort I might wear with a costume...or when I am old and on a cruise. Ta Da.
I am not well. Battling a cold. I think that's reflected loud and clear in this blog entry. I should not operate any machinery whilst taking these cold medications.
Happy Christmas Eve!

Just Me

Well, I would like to think this is me.

Vintage me. I have snow today. Just enough to make it festive. I also have a craft day with my niece, so I'll be back later with a crazy "how to."

Jackie Kennedy Book Assemblage

One of two final books for 2009.

I just hope the recipients are not reading my blog!

Polymer Clay Day

Folks.

I have a day where I am waiting for things to dry.

So I am going to start a huge project.

Rearranging my studio to accommodate a polymer clay station. This could go quickly or you might find me under a pile of shelves after midnight.

UPDATE

Here it is. Everything is now in the area!

A Few Last Goals

Heading into the final few days before Christmas has me sorting out table space. By Tuesday my last orders will be delivered. These necklaces are the only items I did not finish in time for various events this year. I had planned to complete them for the Jolly show....but they honestly just take too long to make with so much hand sewing. I think I will place them in my Etsy shop in the new year. I don't feel as rushed to finish them now. Phew.

Sunday Bead Links

A Bead A Day Lisa shares a special gift she received from a friend, SHRINKY DINK earrings!! Still a great product after all these years!!

About.com Jewelry Making Sparkle plenty with this endless knotted red crystal necklace project!

Art Bead Scene It's the last ABS monthly challenge of 2009. Are you running out of ideas and inspiration? ABS has just the antidote!

Beading Arts If you can string stone nuggets onto wire, and if you can crochet a simple chain stitch, then you can make this pretty necklace.

Carmi's Art/Life World One shrunk sweater equals felted beaded mitts for me!

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Cindy explains why she chose Lee Krasner's painting "Untitled" for this month's Art Bead Scene Challenge.

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei tested out some cool chain from Rings and Things.

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! Would you like to investigate a lyrical book which explores all areas of your imagination and challenges your creativity? Try Lisa Crone's!

Strands of Beads Melissa shares a cute find - sterling silver elephant clasps.

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Thinking deep thoughts, Andrew offers up a sumptuous bracelet and adds a new bronze charm to his shop.

What Stella Won

I thought my magazine subscribing friends deserved a little update. This is what my niece Stella won for selling all those magazine subscriptions this fall. And her Mom thought the stuffed ostrich might be bad. I am the only one who thinks this is the funniest stuffed doll yet! When I asked Stella if I could borrow it to make the video she replied "oh....just take it." Thanks friends!

Almost Caught Up

I had a few last minute book commissions! I am working away hoping that they can be delivered early next week!

Beaded Sweater Mits

These are the nicest mittens I have ever worn!

Yesterday I showed you my lovely sweater which completely shrunk in the dryer. It had all these hand stitched flowers on it and I knew I would try and preserve that area. I made my own pattern (crudely drawn) and went to find my sewing shears.

I cut both sides of the mitten out and had the four sides to work with. I also thought it might be good to add on the sweater sleeve. It will keep the mitten snug to my arm.


I used my sewing machine to stitch the mittens first. Here is the inside out version. I also went around the seam twice just to make sure I didn't miss a spot.

Then I attached the old sleeve edges. This finished them perfectly.

Then my favorite part. Out came some beads! I also just recently received a bag of vintage buttons from my friend Brian. I found a really pretty button chain in the bag and thought it would make a nice embellishment too.

One hour of bad TV later and my mittens were done! Beaded and embellished. My sweater has a new life and the hand stitching will be admired for some time.

I saw this idea on a Martha Christmas show a few years ago. I just had to wait for a sweater to be shrunk. Now I am looking at all my old sweaters wondering it I should just shrink them on purpose!

Honey I Shrunk My Sweater

Woops. My pretty sweater ended up in the dryer and not on the drip dry rack.

It might fit a 12 year old now.

So. I finally have an excuse to make some recycled mittens!

Tomorrows blog will be a how to!

Its So Grey Today

It is a little difficult to be cheerful today.

It is grey, raining and fog is setting in. Actually, the perfect setting for the funeral I attended.

So this afternoon I will just focus on little things. I'll count my blessings and send positive energy out to Mary.

Dollar Store Finds and Sunday Links!

I am lucky to have a huge Dollerama in my shopping area. It means I don't have to make any sort of a special trip to pop in. It used to be that I had to drive a considerable distance and then I would come home with bags and bags. Now I just pick up one or two items as needed.

On Friday I stopped in because I am looking for the cookie cutters I bought a few weeks ago. I promised to find more for a friend...but there isn't a bird cookie cutter to be found and I went to a second location to see if they might have them. Since I was in the store, I strolled down the Christmas aisle. I found these wooden Christmas card clothespins.

All I can say is wow. $1

I have no idea how they do it....cheap labour abroad aside, someone still had to laser cut the images, attache it to the red background and add a clothespin. It could never be made in North America for a dollar...not even for one and this is a set of six. The downside is that usually each store has 12 and by the time you read this, they'll be sold out. So if you have a store in your neighbourhood go right now!

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Here are our links this week!

A Bead A Day If you find yourself in need of a quick holiday gift, don't overlook memory wire! With this simple design, you can make one for all your friends.

About.com Jewelry Making Thinking of making some beaded ornament covers? Then you'll need to know the size bulb to use too.

Art Bead Scene It's the first day of Art Bead Scene's annual Twelve Days of Free Projects!

Barbe Saint John - New Jewelry from Forgotten Artifacts Barbe gets all steamy over the new Steampunk Style book!

Beading Arts Cyndi shares a new tutorial featuring one of Earthenwood Studio's fabulous new pendants!

Carmi's Art/Life World Carmi wonders if anyone else is working on Spring.

Cindy Gimbrone aka Lampwork Diva Inspired by Grandma's necklace, Cindy creates an edgey look with CZ's.

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles Melanie shows a sneak peek of a pair of earrings she made for the upcoming book Steampunk Style by Jean Campbell

Jean Campbell Jean shares 3 easy tips for making holiday gift production a little less stressful.

Katie's Beading Blog Katie's making tons of earrings this season. Here are a few fun ideas for your own last-minute gifts!

Lorelei's Blog: Inside the Studio Lorelei is saying Thank you and Merry Christmas by giving away a gift certificate to artbeads.com!

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done! When you check out this ornament kit which is available for you to make, it will REALLY put you in the spirit!

The Writing and Art of Andrew Thornton Each representing a different spectrum of lampwork glass, Andrew shares the new additions to his bead collection from two different artists.

A Little Time

Now that I have a little extra time I am reviewing some of the things I bought this fall. These three are a very odd purchase for me. I have never collected glass or ceramics...but when I saw these tiny vases I just wanted them.
Today I might just put some fresh greenery in the vases to make them more festive!

I Have A Shelf!

Yeah!!

There is a new place in Bloor West catering to artisans and the people who like buying from them!

This is Periwinkles. I linked them right here so you could see their website too.


I went in on Tuesday and was told this little shelf was still available to rent.

Today I filled it with some of my Poufs (c) and art cards. I just love having a new place to visit!

This sunday they are having their "Crafty Christmas Open House" from 1-4.

FYI. For my Toronto friends, the shop is just a block west from Bizzy Bs on the other side of the Street.

Contemplating The Future

Be present.

Live in the moment.

Take time to smell the roses.

Yes. I hear you and I get it.

It is hard to be present as an artisan when I always live in the future.

For example. I am done with Christmas. I am up to here with Christmas....but that's because I started working with Christmas imagery in July. By November 30 at midnight, my Christmas booth at the One of a Kind show was back in my van. I'm a little surprised to even see Santa in all the stores now.

But that's because I am now in Spring mode.

And I am wondering how many easter cards I need to make. Its all pastels and sun shiney colours in my studio....I am looking for my pink velvet paper.

I am certain all my other designer friends are doing the same thing...is anyone else worried about the Spring? Funny, we never talk about this. I guess everyone is used to the schedule. I bet a few of you reading this are already finishing up your Valentine creations.

So. I am going to try and be present.

I am going to try and be in the moment.

But, most of the time I will be in the future.

They know me there.

Saturday Highlight

One of the highlights of the Jolly show this past weekend was finally getting to spend a little time with Susan. I have been waiting to get my hands on a copy of her book: Creating from the Inside Out.

Black and white folks.

There is no stronger colour combination.

This book is so beautiful. Each page is better than the next.

I have not even read any of the words yet!

AND.

I bought two framed pieces of her art.

Beautifully framed in Shadow boxes. It makes me want to rearrange a whole room so they can be showcased properly.