Collector Series-Running in Circles

I am deep in a major project that I will be sharing with you soon, but for now, let me show you this fun necklace from the Collector Series.

I added handmade, vintage and purchased components and charms.

Then I filled in the spaces with extra jump rings.

There are some fun goodies on this one.

Hope you are having fun creating as well.

Thanks for stopping by....

Recycled Wool Sweater Cozies

I am always grabbing cans and jars from the recycling bin.

I love utilitarian pieces from what some consider trash.

I love all the ways you can fancy them up.

This time I wanted something super easy.

I took 2 sweaters that had been felted.

I now do this at the laundromat when I take my giant comforter.

I washed them on the heaviest cycle on hot.

Then I threw them in the dryer.

One year I did them at home and the sweater pilled and balled so much I had to call a repairman to come unplug the wool balls from deep in the machine's workings.

I have been banned from felting at home now...

For this project, I am going to use the sleeves.  

Before I cut anything, I slid the can and jar inside to make sure they fit.

I measured and cut them to fit how I wanted them to.

Don't they look cozy?

Then I cut 2 hearts from another red felted sweater and blanket stitched them in place.

No they hold my art supplies stylishly.

These would make a great little gift.

It could be even more special if you used a sweater from the recipient.

Maybe I will whip a few more of these up for gifts.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.

Shades of Rose

I know I have not been posting as often.

Sometimes life throws a few curves into our carefully planned lives.

I always believe each difficulty I experience is a chance for learning and growth.

I have some serious learning to do....

So let's just share something pretty for the moment..

I think you know I love to knot linen cord.

It is SO much fun.

Here is a sweet little pink triple strand bracelet I made.

I used my little hand wrought links...

And that sweet little dangle makes me smile.

I am not usually a pink (or purple) person.

But they are growing on me...

                    What have you made lately?

                       Thanks for stopping by....

                  Linking up with these great blogs.

Rustic Polymer Key necklace

Time for some rustic polymer goodness today....

This fun necklace is a mix of wire, silk, clay, glass, pearls,and wood.

The key focal was made from a mold I made from a vintage key.

It seems like every day, I embrace this style more and more.

What style defines you?

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.

Beachy Blues Wrap Bracelet

Hello!

I think you can tell I have been using a lot of waxed linen cord lately.

Today I am sharing another versatile blue polymer piece.

It can be a necklace or a wrap bracelet.

I love these beads I did with the shimmery beachy blues.

This piece has a few heart beads thrown in as well.

The whole "key to my heart" theme...

right down to the steel heart links.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs.

Primitive Blush

Since it is still February, I am going to share another piece with reds and pinks.

This necklace incorporates beads with different colors and finishes than I usually use.

I like to experiment with pieces that feel a little outside my comfort zone.

The pale pastels in this necklace are not my traditional palette.

Now, the waxed linen cord knotting is totally me. 

I find knotting the cord very meditative.  

It is one of my favorite things to do while watching tv.

I will say, this piece has some of my favorite beads styles.

I am crazy for those flattened disks in any size, shape, color and texture.

I also love the heart on the left side.

The back of the necklace has lots of variety.

Lots of pinks, yet the deeper colors keep it from being too sweet.

Thanks for stopping by....

Linking up with these blogs.

Primitive Polymer Love Necklace

I wanted to share another of my favorite clay pieces today.

I know Valentine's Day has passed but I always think of February as the month of hearts.

This polymer clay piece is fun pinks and reds.

It is not too sweet though.

I love making my own steel clasps.

I love forming them and pounding them to work harden them.

  They suit my primitive pieces so well.

And they work really well.

I love texture and great finishes.  

The crackled finish makes these pieces look like ceramics or stone.

I love that.

Sculpey clay is my very favorite to work with.  

I prefer clay that condiditons easily.

Sculpey clays are perfect for that.

I am so happy when there is clay in my hands and a tray full of pieces ready to be cooked.

Thanks for stopping by...

                                            Linking up with these blogs.

Guest Post over at Plucky's Second Thought...

I am fortunate enough to be a guest contributor over at Plucky's Second Thought.

You check out my newest post over there now.

It is a tutorial for this sweet polymer clay necklace  just in time for Valentine's Day.

Pop over to check it out and tell Jess I sent you...

Thanks for stopping by...

Sweetheart Tiny Vial Necklaces

Valentine's Day is just around the corner.

Here is a sweet gift idea for your special someone.

Head to the craft store and buy a pack (or 2) of those little  mini glass vials.

Pick up a couple squares of Sculpey polymer clay too.

I like Sculpey the best because it is easy to work with.

Make tiny contents for your vials.

Here I made some tiny mushrooms with red and white Sculpey.

Bake them in the oven according to the package directions.

I have a toaster oven just for clay baking.

I keep it on our covered back porch to keep any fumes out of the house.

I added a bit of Spanish moss to the vial as well.

Use a piece of wire to push it down in there.

You can add a chain, silk strip, seam binding or satin cord for your necklace.

I use a bit of glue when I put the cork in.

A tiny piece of lace added gives it a sweet touch.

Hearts are easy to make.

Pinch off a little piece of clay.

Roll a small ball and then roll it into a point at one end.

Use a knife or a straight edge to put a small slit in the wider top.

Then gently roll each side to get the rounded tops.

I also made some tiny eggs.

I love nests and eggs.

To me, they symbolize life and family.

Add a little Spanish moss to these too.

These hearts look a little toasty.

Sometimes there are cooking/baking issues.

I like them though....

For that person who has been burned by love...

These are  easy and fun to make.

I love playing with polymer clay.

Takes me back to my childhood and playing with Play-Doh.

Thanks for stopping by...

Linking up with these great blogs...