I often use this quick and easy way to add interest to my collage projects.
Making Collage Paper
The Envelope IS the Card
Many of us who make handmade cards also make the envelopes for the cards. I really hate the thought of the envelope just being tossed or thrown away after it is opened because it took time for me to make it. Personally when I receive a card I save the envelope so that I can recycle it later. I thought it would be fun to put the focus on the envelope and make it a keepsake!
Inside the decorative envelope is a card with a printed message with room for the giver(s) to sign at the bottom. I used a lot of the techniques I love: stamping, stitching, inking, distressing and layering. I also love that I was able to incorporate a scripture from the bible and encouraging messages on the envelope flap and the signature card. I believe baptism is the most important step a person can take in their lives so I was very happy to make a unique card for the special occasion!
Irregular, Misshapen, Tarnished - PERFECT!
As you can tell by the title of this post I am currently obsessed with imperfection. I found tons of irregular, misshapen, tarnished gunmetal beads in my stash. I believe these were inexpensive beads I bought many years ago from a local big box store when I first started beading. I kept the beads but in the back of my mind I was never planning to use them, because who has time to pick through the bunch trying to find the perfect ones? Looking for a challenge and armed with a positive attitude and a desire to create something organic I put them to use, and voila!
I was able to use the irregular beads along with some metal beads and buttons and create the designs below. I also discovered a really fun technique. After making a wide cuff style bracelet, I folded it in half, sewed it up, adding beads where needed to create this texturelicious bangle. Love it! and of course I'm obsessed - for a while anyway. Moral of this story - never throw away any beads.
I was able to use the irregular beads along with some metal beads and buttons and create the designs below. I also discovered a really fun technique. After making a wide cuff style bracelet, I folded it in half, sewed it up, adding beads where needed to create this texturelicious bangle. Love it! and of course I'm obsessed - for a while anyway. Moral of this story - never throw away any beads.
INSPIRED BY NEW ORLEANS!
I recently visited New Orleans last month, and I was so inspired by the "Crescent City".
For me New Orleans is a melting pot of many things: people, food, and architecture. I was able to find inspiration in all these areas. The "City" is much like the Gumbo for which it is known. I think of my jewelry designs as gumbo sometimes. I try to design using a multiple techniques, colors, and bead sizes in one piece in an effort to create unique details. The piece below was designed while I was visiting New Orleans. I used my latest obsession: Picasso beads - love them!
For me New Orleans is a melting pot of many things: people, food, and architecture. I was able to find inspiration in all these areas. The "City" is much like the Gumbo for which it is known. I think of my jewelry designs as gumbo sometimes. I try to design using a multiple techniques, colors, and bead sizes in one piece in an effort to create unique details. The piece below was designed while I was visiting New Orleans. I used my latest obsession: Picasso beads - love them!
New - The Interlocking Loops Necklace
The matching earrings compliment the necklace perfectly and are also really comfortable to wear. I plan to offer a tutorial for the earrings in my shop soon. I also will be making another set like this in a different color combination - stay tuned!
Back to the Beads (for a minute)
I'm currently finishing up this necklace made up of large loops. It was inspired by a necklace worn by a national news reporter. The stitch I'm using is cubic right angle weave or CRAW for short. This is a stitch I learned a few years ago from a David Chatt tutorial.
I thought it was a neat stitch at that time if you wanted to make geometrically shaped jewelry. Now I appreciate the stitch for the beautiful drape it gives my pieces, and it's much more fun to work with. The colors I used in this necklace are 2 of my favorite and are on trend for 2014/2015 season.
I thought it was a neat stitch at that time if you wanted to make geometrically shaped jewelry. Now I appreciate the stitch for the beautiful drape it gives my pieces, and it's much more fun to work with. The colors I used in this necklace are 2 of my favorite and are on trend for 2014/2015 season.
Scrapping Project #2 - BRAVE
This is my second scrapbooking project. I'm trying to be freely creative , but part of me wants steps to follow or a process. This is part of my process - it helps me get started and then I feel my way through the rest. Maybe it will help you too!
Disclaimer: I love the shabby chic, imperfect look. I'm not that into the picture perfect layout and I love to embellish!
Disclaimer: I love the shabby chic, imperfect look. I'm not that into the picture perfect layout and I love to embellish!
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| INTERESTING PHOTO |
- Pick an interesting or sentimental picture. It's true a picture says a thousand words. The subject matter gives you a lot of direction on how to proceed, when it comes to what type of embellishments to use, and how to title your layout.
- Choose the layout papers. Use the colors in the picture to help you decide if you want to go monochromatic or complementary with the embellishments.
- Mat your photograph - it helps it to stand out as the focal point and it gives the eye a place to rest when you use a lot of embellishments.
- Of course you need to consider the elements and principles of design. I'm working on this right now I just rely on my eye and what I think looks good to me. I do know colors are important because they add to the story you are trying to tell. Color evokes emotions and feelings. Contrast helps give your layout interest, and Texture is just amazing - I love texture because it brings life to the layout. More later, most importantly have fun showcasing your memories.
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| COORDINATING PAPERS |
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| ROUGHED UP AND TORN EDGES THEN INKED |
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| ADDED STAMPING, STENCILS, EMBELLISHMENTS FOR A FINISHED PRODUCT |
Supplies Used:
Stamps
Stencils
Die Cut Flower Shapes
Embossed Die Cut Flower Shapes
Dry Wall Tape (for texture)
Inks, Dyes, and Paints
Cheesecloth
Alphabet Stickers
Obsessed with Paper
Okay, now my latest obsession is paper (again). This time I'm delving into the world of scrapbooking. I have no interest in the cutesy, perfect, looking scrapbooking. I want to scrapbook the way I make jewelry: with no boundaries, and no rules. A little shabby, a little chic, and a whole lot of adventure! So here goes - my adventure into scrapbooking.
PROJECT 1
The picture was taken in the Bahamas while on vacation - her beautiful smile reflects the fact that she was enjoying the moment! I took my cues from colors in her top, and the blue of the ocean.
Supplies Used:
Core'dinations Paper
Drywall Tape
Buttons
Stencils
Die Cuts
On to the next. . . .
PROJECT 1
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| Mallory on vacation |
Supplies Used:
Core'dinations Paper
Drywall Tape
Buttons
Stencils
Die Cuts
On to the next. . . .
How To Choose The Right Beads For Your Project
Last year my daughter Mallory and I attended the annual Rock and Gem Show in our county. Mallory bought a beautiful, but rather large stone, even though at the time she had no idea what she would do with it. After a while she decided she wanted a bracelet.
We took the stone to our local bead shop to find seed beads to help build this bracelet. Needless to say, Mallory was overwhelmed at the choices available. She didn't know where to start. I taught her a quick 3 step process to help her choose the beads needed to complete her bracelet.
1). Decide if you want a monochromatic palette (subtle shades of the same color as your focal piece), or a complementary palette (colors that are opposite your focal piece).
2). For a monochromatic palette look for hues that are lighter, darker and a different texture than your focal piece. For a complementary palette get your clues from your focal bead - look at the bead or stone and search for subtle flecks or variations of colors. These variations become your complementary colors. If you are unable to detect any variations, then use a color wheel. Search for the color of your focal piece on the color wheel then look at the color(s) directly opposite of it - these will be your complementary color(s).
3). Add some metal accents (gold, silver, or copper) to your piece, it also serves to provide interest to your piece.
We took the stone to our local bead shop to find seed beads to help build this bracelet. Needless to say, Mallory was overwhelmed at the choices available. She didn't know where to start. I taught her a quick 3 step process to help her choose the beads needed to complete her bracelet.
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| Mallory's bracelet |
2). For a monochromatic palette look for hues that are lighter, darker and a different texture than your focal piece. For a complementary palette get your clues from your focal bead - look at the bead or stone and search for subtle flecks or variations of colors. These variations become your complementary colors. If you are unable to detect any variations, then use a color wheel. Search for the color of your focal piece on the color wheel then look at the color(s) directly opposite of it - these will be your complementary color(s).
3). Add some metal accents (gold, silver, or copper) to your piece, it also serves to provide interest to your piece.
Hancock Fabrics Button Haul
I love interesting and unusual buttons, so I have been collecting them for a long time. I usually have no idea what I will use the buttons for when I purchase them. I just want to have them in my stash. Recently, Hancock Fabrics had a great sale on buttons and I went crazy! See Below :)
How To Follow Crochet Instructions
I saw a headband in one of the popular crochet magazines and I thought I'd give it a try. I read through the instructions before I got started and I felt I had a pretty good understanding of what I needed to do. I finished the base chain and row 1, everything went well.
Then I started on row 2 and realized something was wrong and it had nothing to do with the crochet symbols, or stitches. I did not understand what the writer was telling me to do. No problem, I'll just read through everything again. I did that and there were no revelations for me, nothing clicked, I read, reread, and read again. I studied the few images that accompanied the instructions and I got nothing. I became frustrated and angry with the person who wrote the pattern.
Then I started to doubt myself, I couldn't sleep, it really bothered me that I couldn't figure out this pattern. It was a rough day. The next day I reluctantly picked up the magazine and read and reread again, this time I read the entire set of instructions. I also examined the pictures more closely. I finally figured it out. I slapped myself and I continued crocheting.
My Lessons Learned:
1). Read the entire set of instructions from the beginning to the end
2). Have an open mind
3). Use the pictures as a reference
4). Recognize that writers have their own writing style and may omit information they feel you should know
5). Look for a similar pattern by a different writer
6). Don't doubt yourself, keep trying
7). Enjoy the process
Then I started on row 2 and realized something was wrong and it had nothing to do with the crochet symbols, or stitches. I did not understand what the writer was telling me to do. No problem, I'll just read through everything again. I did that and there were no revelations for me, nothing clicked, I read, reread, and read again. I studied the few images that accompanied the instructions and I got nothing. I became frustrated and angry with the person who wrote the pattern.
Then I started to doubt myself, I couldn't sleep, it really bothered me that I couldn't figure out this pattern. It was a rough day. The next day I reluctantly picked up the magazine and read and reread again, this time I read the entire set of instructions. I also examined the pictures more closely. I finally figured it out. I slapped myself and I continued crocheting.
My Lessons Learned:
1). Read the entire set of instructions from the beginning to the end
2). Have an open mind
3). Use the pictures as a reference
4). Recognize that writers have their own writing style and may omit information they feel you should know
5). Look for a similar pattern by a different writer
6). Don't doubt yourself, keep trying
7). Enjoy the process
How To Fit More of Your Passion Into Your Life
If you love what you do as much as I do then you are probably trying to find ways to do more of it. I'm a wife and mother with many responsibilities. I am also a designer and crafter and I'm constantly trying to find more time to either start or finished art-based projects. It can be a real struggle. Rarely do I get the opportunity to spend the entire day working on my projects. Below you will find the top 5 things that have helped me become more productive.
1) Make A Plan: Yes make a plan and stick to it. I'm not saying you should be rigid, just focused. Plans have to be changed when unexpected issues arise so be flexible. If you are as busy as I am then you know time is valuable and should not be wasted. It's very important to prioritize your day to get the most out of it.
2) Be Prepared: This motto is not just for the Boy Scouts. I keep a work box in my car. This is a simple container with a project that needs to get done. This is not just busy work but an actually project that may be somewhere in the middle of my to do list. Your work box can even contain a book that you need to read in order to improve your skills. Having this box in your vehicle ready to go will enable you to pull it out when you go to the doctor, or while waiting in the pick up line at your child's school.
3) Get Up Early: I have found that getting up an hour or two earlier than the rest of my household gives me enough quiet time to think, plan or put the finishing touches on a few projects. It also alleviates the guilty feeling that I should be doing something else like cooking or cleaning.
4) Stay Up Late: Staying up late after your household has gone to bed is a great way to fit more of what you love to do in your schedule. Of course, I'm not saying you should make a habit of this, because we need our sleep to keep our creative juice flowing. One night a week will probably suffice. Staying up late, like getting up early, gives you the opportunity to finish or start projects. It can also provide the quiet time you need to reflect on the day and plan for the next.
5) Keep Yourself Healthy: Good health is priceless so be sure to take time to do the things that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. A healthy mind and body gives you the energy and appreciation to keep doing whatever it is you love to do!
1) Make A Plan: Yes make a plan and stick to it. I'm not saying you should be rigid, just focused. Plans have to be changed when unexpected issues arise so be flexible. If you are as busy as I am then you know time is valuable and should not be wasted. It's very important to prioritize your day to get the most out of it.
2) Be Prepared: This motto is not just for the Boy Scouts. I keep a work box in my car. This is a simple container with a project that needs to get done. This is not just busy work but an actually project that may be somewhere in the middle of my to do list. Your work box can even contain a book that you need to read in order to improve your skills. Having this box in your vehicle ready to go will enable you to pull it out when you go to the doctor, or while waiting in the pick up line at your child's school.
3) Get Up Early: I have found that getting up an hour or two earlier than the rest of my household gives me enough quiet time to think, plan or put the finishing touches on a few projects. It also alleviates the guilty feeling that I should be doing something else like cooking or cleaning.
4) Stay Up Late: Staying up late after your household has gone to bed is a great way to fit more of what you love to do in your schedule. Of course, I'm not saying you should make a habit of this, because we need our sleep to keep our creative juice flowing. One night a week will probably suffice. Staying up late, like getting up early, gives you the opportunity to finish or start projects. It can also provide the quiet time you need to reflect on the day and plan for the next.
5) Keep Yourself Healthy: Good health is priceless so be sure to take time to do the things that keep you physically, emotionally, and mentally healthy. A healthy mind and body gives you the energy and appreciation to keep doing whatever it is you love to do!
How to Do Freeform Crochet (before you start)
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| blue freeform crochet necklace from msbusyhands.com |
My Latest Obsession is freeform crochet. When it comes to freeform crocheting there are no rules, and
yet it can be very intimidating because most of us have been conditioned to follow
rules. During the freeform process we
may second guess ourselves; we wonder if we should use this stitch or add this color thread. We simply may not be comfortable with the idea
of not following a pattern or foregoing the rules we’ve spent so much time learning.
We become frustrated and we put the work aside until another day. I encourage you to try freeform crocheting at
least once, because it allows you to break the rules, have fun, and express
your creativity.
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| crochet choker from msbusyhands |
There are a couple of things to remember. First, there are no mistakes when it comes to this style of crocheting. Allow the crochet hook and thread/yarn to drive the design; in most cases you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Second, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with the crochet stitches you already know, and to build your repertoire as you explore new stitches. To keep your designs fresh and interesting there are two very important questions you should ask yourself as you take this journey into the unknown, and they are “what if?” and “why not?”
There are a couple of things to remember. First, there are no mistakes when it comes to this style of crocheting. Allow the crochet hook and thread/yarn to drive the design; in most cases you will be pleasantly surprised with the outcome. Second, this is a wonderful opportunity to experiment with the crochet stitches you already know, and to build your repertoire as you explore new stitches. To keep your designs fresh and interesting there are two very important questions you should ask yourself as you take this journey into the unknown, and they are “what if?” and “why not?”
The following guidelines will help you get started on your
first freeform beading project:
Start with the end in mind, in other words have a goal and work towards it. Determine whether your freeform project will be a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or just a swatch. This takes away the fear of the unknown.
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Start with the end in mind, in other words have a goal and work towards it. Determine whether your freeform project will be a bracelet, pendant, earrings, or just a swatch. This takes away the fear of the unknown.
A
bracelet is a great place to start because the shape is usually simple, a rectangle,
and the piece is long enough for you to get the look and feel of the freeform
process.
Create a template out of cardstock. As you work your piece check it against your template to help you keep your shape on track.
Create a template out of cardstock. As you work your piece check it against your template to help you keep your shape on track.
Next choose a focal point, this can be a stitch that is a different shape, size or color than the other stitches. It can also be a cluster of beads. A freeform design can be busy, so having a focal point gives the eye a place to rest. There are many ways to create a focal point, and it does not always have to be in the center of the piece, but making it the centerpiece gives you an easy starting point, creates an obvious anchor for your secondary stitches, and it lessens any intimidation you may be feeling about where to start.
Next choose a focal point, this can be a stitch that is a different shape, size or color than the other stitches. It can also be a cluster of beads. A freeform design can be busy, so having a focal point gives the eye a place to rest. There are many ways to create a focal point, and it does not always have to be in the center of the piece, but making it the centerpiece gives you an easy starting point, creates an obvious anchor for your secondary stitches, and it lessens any intimidation you may be feeling about where to start.
Build a monochromatic color palette that
compliments your focal point. Choosing
threads in the same color family is easy and it helps take the guess work out of
which colors to include in your palette. Use threads of various thicknesses, and textures, this helps to create contrast and
gives your work the organic look and feel we love in freeform pieces.
Complete the project and then analyze it. Determine what you like or don’t like about
it and use this information to improve the design of your next piece.
Most importantly get started and have fun!
How To Make Your Own Earring Cards
How to display your earrings is a question you might struggle with when you are ready to present your lovely creations to the world. Purchased earring cards are great, but doing it yourself is fun, easy, and can be personalized.
Take one of your business cards,
and punch holes in it. I also punched a hole in the center of the card to facilitate hanging the card on a spindle or hook.
Voila! there you go an instant personalized earring card.
Take one of your business cards,
and punch holes in it. I also punched a hole in the center of the card to facilitate hanging the card on a spindle or hook.
Voila! there you go an instant personalized earring card.
Working With Embroidery Floss
I finally finished the "Flower Necklace" using embroidery floss. See the image below, I even made a pair of matching earrings. I really enjoyed working with the floss, I especially loved the huge variety of colors that are available. I will continue to use the floss in my designs.
To make the necklace part of this design check out the pictorial below:
Chain 8
Connect the last stitch to the first stitch with a slip knot to form a circle, then chain 1
Yarn over
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| Yarn over and pull through all three stitches on the hook |
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| Continue the pattern until you reach the desired length |
The Making of a Diva (note card)
I had to stop being obsessed about crochet for a few days in order to make some Diva cards. The Diva cards are 3-D note cards that can be personalized with a name or a phrase.
I love making these cards because each has it's own personality! I am now offering these cards in my shop in multi-card packages. Visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/msbusyhands
to check out the Diva's and other note cards.
I love making these cards because each has it's own personality! I am now offering these cards in my shop in multi-card packages. Visit: http://www.etsy.com/shop/msbusyhandsto check out the Diva's and other note cards.
Crocheting with Embroidery Floss
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| crocheted button made from one skein of embroidery floss |
Visit the Irish Crochet Lab to learn how to make this button.
Below you'll find the progress I've made so far. I plan to make a necklace to wear with the lacy top I purchased at Charlotte Russe on a recent shopping trip. I've been looking for different crochet tops to showcase some of the crochet neckpieces I'm making for the summer.
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| 4 skeins of embroidery thread used at this point |
I "HEART" Crochet!
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| Cowl inspired neckpiece |
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| Leg Warmers and Beanie |
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| Infant hat and booties |
Inspired by Sculpture
MY LATEST OBSESSION. Check out this sculptor via the link below. Saw his work in person at a small gallery in Orlando, Florida. I like his style. Beautiful colors!!!
http://www.nanolopez.com/portfolio.html
http://www.nanolopez.com/portfolio.html
Tia Doodles
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