Bead and Button Show

 Are you going to the Bead and Button show next month?

If you are, I want you to know that I will be a guest 

in John Bead's Booth.

John Bead wholesales ETI products throughout North America.  

I will be happy to show you our new Jewelry Resin and my samples.  

If you would like to set up a time to meet just send me an email.  

I will be there June 7-10.

Email:  carmimail@aol.com

Square Fabric Beads

These beads keep my hands busy.

I sew them in groups on my machine and stuff them.  

The closing and embellishing I do by hand.

I tested out some of the many stitches that are already on my Janome sewing machine.

Fabric and thread.  A few of my favorite things.

My Ghastlie Zipper Pouch

 When I first saw the Ghastlies fabric collection I knew that I would need it in every colour.  My fabric arrived, but we were in the middle of last fall's move so I had to set it aside.

 Now that my studio is built I am trying to figure out the best way to set up my sewing area.  My fabric stash is calling to me....and using the Ghastlies was number one on my to-do list.

 My hardworking Janome made this project an easy one.  Changing to a zipper foot is simple and it stitches beautifully.  I learned how to make this zipper pouch in a workshop at The Workroom earlier this month.  Now that I have the pattern, I can make any size bag I like.

 

The fabric collection is by Alexander Henry Fabrics, Inc.  I wrote to them last year wondering if they could tell me a little bit more about designer of my fabric.  Here is what they wrote back:

 

Phillip DeLeon conceived of the Ghastlies on a cold winter’s night, when the iron gates of the spooky mansion across the way were banging in the frosty wind.  Having seen his neighbor, Gustav Ghastlie, walking a leash with no one inside it, he got straight to work.  Phillip is a long time lead designer of the Alexander Henry Collection, lending his considerable talents in life drawing, literature, style and beauty for over 20 years. A great creator of stories within the fabric, he is well known for his pin-ups, quilt collections, and 60’s-style super graphics.  An excellent set dresser and interior enthusiast, Phillip relished the chance to create the world of the Ghastlie family manse, and realized in the process that Halloween is his favorite holiday.  Phillip lives in Los Angeles in a very spooky old neighborhood with his family.

 

 This bag is my test.  I need to run out today to get zippers in colours that I would prefer to use like black and red!

Blue Diamond Orchid

 We have a fabulous new orchid in our home.  The Blue Diamond usually appears for Mother's Day.  I think it is stunning!  No matter where it sits in our living room you can't help but turn to look at it.

For all the Moms - Happy Mother's Day!

Enjoy my Sunday Bead Blogger Links.

Art Bead Scene
Tari shows off her colorful garden, a clear source of pride and inspiration in her life and artwork.
About.com Jewelry Making
Summer time is the perfect time to consider making Bohemian style jewelry, and Tammy gives you her take on a new book recently released that is full of Bohemian style jewelry techniques and designs. 

Beading Arts
Here's a great way to stretch out your more expensive beads to get greater impact! 

Carmi's Art/Life World
A kumihimo cord showcases a Mary Harding pendant. 

Snap out of it, Jean! There's beading to be done!
Jean tries very hard not to say,"Wow am I busy!"... because, of course, so is everyone else! But in this post she gives up and admits what a zoo it has been here. Read to see why! 

Earthenwood Studio Chronicles
Andrew Thornton creates a special kit for Lima Beads featuring Earthenwood birdies for a great springtime challenge! 

Resin Crafts!
Jewelry Resin is a great way to repair a mistake!

A-May-Zing Card and Pendant

 I think this tea pot, cup and pie image is adorable!  I just had to make some jewelry with it.

Last month in the UK I was able to observe the launch and sell out of this "A-May-Zing" CD-ROM at the Create and Craft TV studios.  I was the guest of Sara Davies and the Crafters Companion who teamed up with Nigel May to create the A-May-Zing CD, his first ever foray into creating digital craft designs.  There are 3500 images on this CD to choose from.

I was dying to use the CD after seeing all the samples!

 Here is the little tea pot and cup as a card embellishment.

 The same image smaller.  I poured Envirotex Lite Jewelry resin over the paper inserts to create these finished pieces.

The two items together are a perfect birthday gift.

The Tea Cup Project

 This week on Resin Crafts blog I have the best project!

 I have turned these tea cups into bezels for art!

 Tomorrow I will be showing you why I made the cups.

The Thinker

 The blank head in my studio has joined it's friends now.  

I wanted to show you the finished piece:

The Thinker

Keeping a blank head in my studio was not easy.  Every time I saw it I thought about what to cover it in.  I thought it would be great covered in buttons, or sequins or fabric.  I thought about using feathers, beads and vintage pattern paper.  I contemplated slicing it in half, turning it into a piggy bank or even trying to see if I could attach it to a body.  I could not stop thinking about her and therefore she became the thinker. 

I filled her head with good thoughts.

Carmi Cimicata

April 2012

 The original sat in my studio for several week.  I could not imagine what to do with it.

Bizzy B's owner Barb has given them to several artists in the hopes of generating funds for a special school.

 I finally got some tissue and colour onto it.

 The gold paint and fabric leaves were my favorite additions.

The Thinker is going to be auctioned this month at Bizzy B in Toronto.

Join us in-store on Friday, May 25, 2012, at 7:00 PM for the kick-off!
The silent auction will run from May 25 to June 3.
All proceeds will support a great cause: Western Technical School's innovative Cyber Arts Program.

You can see some of the other heads here.