You Know Your Behind When ... (Post 74)

You forget how to blog!!  Well, what can I say.  Its been so long since I last updated my blog that I couldn't even remember my password to access it and had to reset it! Now that is bad!  Not only that - but the layout of blogger seems to have changed in such a short space of time. This in itself has thrown me off track.  My own fault for not reporting in more often.  


It would seem that my last blog was bridging that gap in posts - now, I've fallen behind again.  


What have I been doing?  Jewellery-wise, not a lot!!

I've discovered Crochet and have encountered some lovely people who have helped me on that journey. It all started when I created an Etsy Treasury If Only ... I could crochet, little realising the force of attraction that it would have.  This one treasury brought back quite a response. 


People that have influenced me and who I am equally grateful to are:


Diane of Adesso Jewellery who introduced me to the basics of crocheting with beads, with some great advice and support.  Thank you! Her Etsy store is well worth a visit.  At the same time, Diane was about to set up her blog on Jewellery Making Techniques and has now achieved this - look forward to seeing this progress.  


Becs Dean of Beads By Becs, and also a friend from OTTBS.  Becs heard of my desire to bead crochet and in particular my confusion of 'how to start'.  She has a great tutorial on her Etsy store, which I was fortunate to be a 'tester' for.  I owe my actual 'starting' bead crochet to Becs.  Thank you!


Linda Lehman of Wearable Art Emporium who has been so helpful, and patient.  Thank you!  Linda writes tutorials for Bead and Button, and has featured in various other publications.  Her vast experience of teaching is evident in her work.


Gemma of Damselfly Gemma who seems to have a wealth of information when it comes to all forms of jewellery making and always willing to answer 'silly' questions that I sometimes ask.  Thank you! Her Crochet beaded pieces are inspiring.  


Unfortunately, I have become sidetracked by crocheting with yarn and have yet to complete a crochet beaded bracelet.  Partly because of my stubbornness in working with small beads .... even though Gemma suggested otherwise!  Partly, because of the fascination with yarn!  So, that is what I've been doing.


Many thanks to you all ... on what is just the beginning of my Crochet Journey!


WIP

It has grown a bit since this pic, but due to my being side-tracked its not yet finished!


Completed!!
I have made a Summer Hat, a few granny squares and bits and bobs.  

Lean pickings for June, I'm afraid but thought I'd just remind you I AM still blogging ...  Until next time:

'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'

Charters

Playing Catch Up ... (Post 73)

As the week goes, its been a good one!  Not much beading, but I do have some recent makes to show you.  The Earring Challenge .... 52 pairs in 52 weeks ... is tripping me up, and I don't think I hold the record for being the 'last' person to catch up, but it wouldn't surprise me if I'm close to it.


Today, I have four pairs of earrings to 'show and tell'.  I'm not sure now what order I've beaded them?  That doesn't matter though.


Please be aware that any tutorials I use, I always give credit to the original designer, where known, and I would ask that you respect their work and do the same whenever you use others' tutorials.  Also, many designers will publish guidelines as to whether you can make products to sell or teach - again, honour their views or don't use!

Blue & White Feather Earrings
A Carolyn  S. Degroff Design

These sweet earrings have a North American type look to them.  I love these and wear them a lot.  The designer has an ArtFire shop where she promotes her jewellery and tutorials and also blogs.  CSD Designs






I believe I first came across her in a Yahoo group, where she very generously shares advice and tutorials from time to time. 


This design is based on brick stitch and cascades of loops, to form this pretty earring.

Tinkerbell
A Mariposa Design (Martina Nagele)

What do these earrings remind you of?  I think they look like fuchsias on a sunny day.  A really cute earring, made with a flower looking stem and frilly top. They would look lovely made with a gorgeous pearl ... 


This pair have been given a new home and were welcomed by the recipient, so I am told.  I was actually quite reluctant to release them; but as we all know, sometimes it is better to give than to receive. Also, of course I can make myself some more - so mustn't be selfish!


The stitch is herringbone peyote and works up very well; and quite quickly.  It will probably take you longer to decide on your colour scheme!  


Mariposa's blog is luxuriously laden with tutorials - such a talented designer and so generous.  

Berry Delight
Based on Tinkerbell Mariposa Design

I enjoyed making the Tinkerbell earrings and adapted the frilly top to be these earrings, using 'peanut' beads; which have a dumbbell look to them and interlink quite well.






On reflection, I don't really like my 'Berry Delight' ... they suggest 'frog spawn' to me, which is not really a nice image to hold!!!  So, they will be de-assembled, and parts used for something prettier! Perhaps I have to vivid an imagination.

Flower Earrings
A Deborah Roberti Design

The Flower Earrings I made using some of my 'old' stash - which do not show off the design to its best potential. Deborah Roberti is yet another talented artist and has an amazing array of jewellery. 




Take a look at her blog and soak up the inspiration.  Some of her tutorials are free and she gives specific guidelines for using them. 


Due to the irregularity of the beads, I decided to use these as Stitch Markers, which work perfectly with the neat flip back earring fastening. In fact, I'm sorely tempted to make more Stitch Markers.  That's another story for another day!


Handmade Monday No. 63
I really must put a permalink on my website for Wendy's Handmade Monday, as I don't always post on a Monday and its not fair that you should miss out on the weekly wares of these lovely friends.  


Take a visit and see what your inspired to do; because there you will find a wide selection of crafts and maybe there's one that you've always wanted to do?  


Take Me Out of My Time Warp
I've decided I do NOT like this 'blogging in the past'. Sorry, have I lost you - I mean that my Posts are a little behind and I don't feel that I can tell you what is happening 'here and now' and its my fault.  

If I Posted more often, then you would get my thoughts hot off the press; instead of which I'm having to trawl my grey cells to tell you what you've missed! 


I reckon two more Posts and then I'll be up-to-date with blogging and out of my 'time warp'. Well enough, waffle - I'm off to check out some of my friends on Handmade Monday ... maybe I'll see you there?


Lastly, keep the comments coming, its great to share views and if I know I'm not just talking to myself ... maybe, just maybe I WILL blog more often?


'Keep Watching, and I'll Keep Blogging'


Charters