Another First

With the heat wave we are having it was nice to get out of the overly hot house and sit in an air-conditioned bead/jewelry shop to take a wire wrapping class.

With the supervision and assistance of Svetlana Ivleva, the instructor at "Sparkling Ideas" in the Chilliwack Mall, it was not hard to create an earring that I am pleased with.

Earring, singular, because of time constraints, but, with my asymmetrical hair cut, I only wear ONE 'statement' earring anyway. On the other side, where my hair is much longer, I just wear a tiny silver ball stud.

Looking at the enlarged pictures, and remembering my numerous errors, I know that there is lots of room for improvement!

But that's okay, because I'm happy with this beginner project, and practicing will be FUN!

Beginner Class

Overall I'm pretty pleased with the results of my first attempt to make a rose with polymer clay. The class was a lot of fun and I learned a lot.

I'm very happy with the rose and the little accent flowers. Once photographed I can see that the leaves look too thick and chunky though. Next time I'll work on getting those thinner and more delicate looking.

While I would have limited use for polymer flowers, I do want to give creating polymer clay beads a try. Having the ability to create unique beads for jewelry would be worthwhile. Still, I don't think working with polymer clay will become a huge thing in my life --- more like an occasional side interest, especially if I am wanting a particular piece of jewelry that I am not able to find in stores.

I do believe I'll take a closer look at polymer clay how-to books next time I'm in Micheals.

ANOTHER Hobby?!

More hobbies (yes plural) are not something I need right now, but I'm about to start TWO more!

I've been searching for earrings of a very particular size and shape lately and haven't been able to find them in stores so I decided to learn to make them. I went into Sparkling Ideas, a local bead store, to sign up for an evening of instruction in wire wrapping. That class is in two weeks. While there I saw this beautiful polymer clay rose. Turns out there is a class for THAT too.

Not So Bad

So today Shelby is rethinking her initial rejection of the new bed.



In fact, I think she quite likes it.

Ingrate

I spent $70 for a fancy orthopedic Serta bed for her to ease her aching, arthritic hips and she lays on the floor!

To be fair she IS laying in it at the moment, but only after being coaxed to do so.

A Little Lace

I've been seeing a lot of summer over-blouses in stores these days. The sheer or lace tops are modeled over simple tanks and camisoles. Perhaps now is a good time to crochet a little vest by Mary Maxim?

I'm making it for myself, from the Mary Maxim kit which includes a 1 pound cone of sport-weight cotton, but I'm hoping that after I have worked the pattern once, and understand the construction, I'll be able to down size it for Elfonda, my Fairyland Minifee. That would likely require using a tiny hook and sewing thread.

Wishing for a Model

I always find getting modeled shots of my creations so awkward!

I wish I had a 'real' model for that task.

Someone who knew just how to stand.

And could be relied on to not have a dorky look on her face spoiling the picture. LOL

But anyway, these pictures should give you an idea of how the tunic actually fits.

And a better look at some of the details. For instance I don't think it was apparent on the hanger that the cap sleeves were slit.

This little detail helps both the sleeve and the body of the garment hang a little better than the 'winged' look one gets when rectangular, one piece, body/cap sleeve arrangements are sewn all the way across the shoulder/sleeve seam.

Summer Tunic

I finally finished sewing the Lemon Yardage into a summer tunic.

I plan to wear it tomorrow for a demonstration of Saori style techniques that I'm doing for our local guild.

The holes in the right front are slits created during the weaving process. They were then embellished using a technique called "Picot Beading".

I also beaded the edge of both lapels.

The pretty dragonfly button was a gift from a friend and fellow guild member.

The pocket was formed by folding up the bottom edge.

I'll try to get a few modeled shots when I'm wearing it tomorrow.

Treasure for My Granddaughters

When out for a walk this morning I came across a treasure!

It was laying at the base of a tree, discarded by it's previous owners. Looking at the bits of remaining, light blue (possibly speckled) shell fragments, I'd say they successfully raised a family. 

I'm not up enough on nest/shell identification to speculate what type of bird may have created this nursery, but it sure has a lot of interesting inclusions. 

One of the interesting bits is a clearly labelled, cellophane, "Allan's" candy wrapper. There are also other bits of paper and plastic right alongside the more traditional building materials like straw, bark, leaves, mud, and sticks.

I can't wait to show my granddaughters! Maybe they'd like to take it to school for Show and Tell and then perhaps donate it to the school for other classes to see as well.

It's very sturdy and well built. I might take it to the wild bird store and see if they have any thoughts about what type of bird may have built it.