It has been such a long time...

I still enjoy working with needle and thread and want to post some of my newer projects.

Hanah Silk Lamp Shades

I absolutely love designing with Hanah silk ribbon and wanted to share a project I've just recently completed.  I have two vintage glass lamps mounted on marble stands.  The shades were worn and discolored so I removed the fabric leaving only the wire frame.

I've taken six coordinating shades of Hanah silk ribbon, along with vintage lace and remade my shades.  The rolled roses are made with the same silk ribbon and  I've scattered rhinestone pins and chandeliers crystals  along the top and base of the shade.

This was an enjoyable project and I'm really pleased with the results.  I've used a low watt florescent bulb and it is lovely shining through the lace pattern.

The velvet leaves add a special touch of color to the design and the rhinestone pins and crystal chandelier babbles add the perfect sparkle with the reflection from the light.  I love making roses but I'm not sure I love making this many.

Many thanks to my "crazy quilt sisters" for sharing their lace, rhinestones, and chandeliers crystals.  I couldn't have done it without you!

Lovely New Tote

I love well-designed and beautiful bags!  One of my "crazy quilt sisters" recently purchased the large size and I loved it.  Needless to say, I couldn't rest until I had one of my very own.  Now that I have the medium, I'm wanting the large to carry my projects in.  We are never satisfied, are we?

Becky Feeley is the Founder of Texas Carpet Baggers.  Please take a look at all the lovely bags she has created.

I love the Ribbon and Roses fabric and also the arrangement of the inside pockets.  You can have a well-organized bag with all your content arranged perfectly.

By the way, I did order the large size.  I just couldn't resist.  Now I will have a perfect tote for my current crazy quilt project.

Still Fascinated with Wire

I'm still fascinated with wire work so I thought I would post several of my latest projects.  One of the neatest things I have discovered through a friend is the Lazee Daizee Viking Knit tool.  Created by Stephanie Eddy, this wonderful tool makes the most beautiful chains.  Check out Stephanie's site for a youtube video and demonstration.  You can order directly through her website as well.

Viking knit chain
 

Crocheted apple tree

The chain pictured here is made with the 1/4" tool and 28 gauge wire.  I covered the cabochon with a free form crochet frame made with 26 gauge wire.  I've added the apple tree using 2.5mm Swarovski bicones in olive and siam.   I created the design as I went and it was an enjoyable project. 

Tree of life pendant

I took a class at the Brazoria Library's bead club.  It was a fun project creating another tree.  It's wonderful to have willing teachers to share their knowledge.

Bird nest pendant

Last month I took a class at the Bead Attic, our local bead shop.  We made this cute bird nest pendant.

After completing my crazy quilt I seem to have lost my creativity.  I'm hoping it will return soon.  In the meantime I am thoroughly enjoying my new source of creativity.

Learning to Wire Wrap Cabochons

Picture Jasper

My wonderful son has given me many beautiful cabochons over the past few years and I am just now attempting to learn how to wire-wrap them.

One of my dear crazy quilt "sisters" offered to give me some lessons so I thought I would share my work.

Picture jasper - back view

Lois got me "hooked" when she offered to wrap one of my cabochons. Jason had given me this picture jasper several years ago, and it was one of my favorites.  Pictured here is the exquisite work she did for me.

The back of the cab is almost as beautiful as the front as you can see in this photo.



Chinese Green Turquoise

I chose this Chinese green turquoise for my first attempt.  Although I had lots of help from Lois, I am pleased with the work I contributed.


It's very difficult for me to wrap those 4 wires and have all those tiny wraps uniform.  If I just had one more hand I think I could do a better job.  I've added some Swarovski bicones and bronze seed beads and wrapped it in a vintage bronze.


Turquoise

I did this turquoise piece for my second attempt.  I'm not as pleased with how I shaped my wires so I will probably redo it.  I need a lot more practice with designing my wires.

Jason was in South Africa last year on business and brought back a gorgeous tiger's eye cabochon.  I'm working toward getting good enough to wrap that one.

Sunrise on Surfside Beach

Once again several friends got together for a week of stitching and relaxing on the beach. I wouldn't be surprised if neighbors sell tickets for opening day.

What a sight it must be to see eight women with all their crazy quilting supplies, Ott lights, food for a week,  and suitcases converge on this small house. It's a perfect setting for a perfect week!

I wanted to share several photos. The sunrises and sunsets are spectacular. All we have to do is walk out on the back deck and view the splendor. It reminds me of the hymn "For the Beauty of the Earth." I am indeed grateful to God for the "glories of the skies."

One of the girls issued a challenge after one of her walks on the beach. She came back with a number of the butter clam shells and suggested we make pincushions. I had no idea what I would do until I got into the project.

I've glued a magnet in the bottom of the shell and covered it with a tiny cushion made with Hanah silk velvet. I've added a few tiny shells and a turtle charm. The tiny shell is probably about 2" wide. It was loads of fun and I wanted to share a photo of the finished project.

Crazy quilters can embellish anything, can't they?

My Crazy Quilted Collar



 

What a great feeling to finish another crazy quilt project.  This is my second collar using the beautiful Gooseberry Hills pattern.  I absolutely love the design with the offset panels in the front and the off-center back. 

 

I've always wanted to do some project using only Kreinik metallic threads.   Those who know me well, know this is my very favorite thread.  With this black and gold background  I thought this would be the perfect project.  I have also used the Kreinik Serica and Bella silk threads to create the row on tiny embroidered flowers on the left front panel.

 

Many crazy quilters love the sparkle and glitz that can be achieved with all those bright and shiny embellishments.  The Kreinik metallics provide the perfect seam treatment to accomplish this.
 

I've also incorporated several beautiful things that have been given to me over the years.  I am so fortunate to have many talented and generous friends.