Silver Precious Metal Clay Workshop

Jewelry Making at the lake

Little Felt Hearts

I found these felt hearts in a bag of felt balls I came across while emptying tote bags of previous projects. In my brave attempt to finally PUT THINGS AWAY!
Since we will be joining three couples on valentines for dinner and a show I thought why not make each of the ladies a little gift?

The felt hearts were red, pink and fuchsia - perfect valentine colours.  I looked at my bead assortment to find some coordinating colours.
For all three necklaces i used micro cord in dark grey.  For the red heart i chose some red beads and some silver toned findings.  I have a special "self healing" needle for working with felt projects.  Starting in the middle of the cord, with a little bead and then worked my way "UP" the necklace - through the heart, more beads and then the closure.

The closure allows you to adjust the length of the necklace - using two adjacent knots which slide back and forth. A little bead adds a nice detail.

For the light pink heart i used some yellow glass beads with pink swirls, some solid lavender beads and copper findings. Same sliding knot system!

For the fuchsia heart i used glass beads and a large crystal drop.  It was a real challenge getting the cord through the beads - so i used a dental floss threader.

Here is another felt necklace i made over the Christmas holidays  -  using pre-made felt balls and flowers.

 I got the idea from this kit i purchased.  It included the "self healing" needle.

Back from vacation and what have i been doing?

Happy August everyone! I was in Montreal for our annual vacation of relaxing by day by the lake or the pool.  And enjoying food, wine, friends and family by night. And music!  There always seems to be a spontaneous jam wherever Jim and I go. Such talented friends we have...!

I brought along some beading supplies and made a few things.  I also taught my niece Erica what i know about wire wrapping beads.  Even my sister got in the act.

Erica made the one above.

I made this.

My sister kept this one.

And this one.

And this one.  

Okay - she did pay me for them.  She also made a bracelet - don't think i have a pic.

I also made this one that my sister's mother in law, Muriel bought from me. ("don't get my face")

I was kind of sad to sell it - hardly had time to enjoy it, you know?  I used some cool vintage beads.  But it was actually her birthday and she said she wanted to buy herself a present - so how could i refuse her!
Now back to the sunshine and the lake....

Hubby Jim and brother-in-law Anthony chillin' on the doc.

Top photo are his brother Mike's girls.

Mixed Media Monday - Something Blue!

(click photo to enlarge)

The challenge today at Mixed Media Monday is Something Blue! Here is a blue necklace i just made - perfect timing....!! I wanted to use all the new beads i just bought - i had planned to save them for my vacation - what nicer pastime than to sit by the lake/pool/tv this summer and make jewelry.  But i could not wait!!  I strung the assortment of blue and silver chunky beads on natural leather cording.  It is about 24" long. I just loved mixing and matching the beads - that took longer than actually making it.

I decided last weekend to go to Michaels and buy a bunch of beads and beading supplies - they were having a 30% off sale on some of their lines.  I focused on glass beads in either blues and greens or pink and white. (the colours i wear most often) But also threw in some asian inspired reds.

I also got a few interesting chains and metal findings. I especially like the mod look with big rings and hoops.

(click photo to enlarge)

I also made this pink and lavender necklace -using wire cording. I made sure all those little chipped glass beads were strung in order - pink, lavender, yellow.  Pink lavender, yellow.  How tedious!  But it turned out really pretty.  I thought i would go blind looking for the little holes.  I think i'll stick to larger beads from now on!


Please be sure to check out Mixed Media Monday comments section for links to all the wonderfully creative blogs - this week featuring BLUE!