"I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it." -- Pablo Picasso
The time is now for me to make the changes I've been planning. I'm both excited and scared witless. The workload
to prepare is not for the faint of heart. While out with a friend this weekend, I found this necklace and knew it was to be
my talisman as I navigate new waters.
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I love my bling and Cousin makes it so easy! Their new slide bracelet components are gorgeous and simple to use. I had to keep my daughter out of the studio as I worked. She kept trying to sneak off with the finished bracelets before I had a chance to photograph them! For each bracelet I was able to coordinate and add as I wanted. The slide beads come in pre-coordinated sets for all tastes from rock-n-roll to girly romantic. I rarely wear bracelets as they are generally too big
for my skinny wrists, so I especially love that I can cut the leather bands to size.
Continue reading "DIY Slide Bracelet Components from Cousin" »
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"Jewelry takes people's minds off your wrinkles." -- Sonja Henie
Spring weather is fickle. I am ready to pull out the t-shirts, but there is still a chill in the air.
I'm bored with scarves, so I made this twisted, crocheted choker. It adds a warm dash of color.
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"Doing collections, doing fashion is a non-stop dialogue." -- Karl Lagerfeld
Be still my tartan and fair isle heart! Karl Lagerfeld's pre-Fall 2013 collection for Chanel is outstanding. I'm a Lindsay with ties to Clan Lindsay, so maybe I'm genetically programmed to love this look, but really, can you blame me? The layers of knit and wool fabrics are Chicago winter perfect. And all those details...swoon! May I please have that ruff? And that orange scarf!
Continue reading "Dress to Kilt : Chanel pre-Fall 2013, Knitwear Fabulous" »
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“Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risks,
breaking rules, making mistakes, and having fun.” — Mary Lou Cook
Greetings! Welcome to the next stop on the Industrial Chic Blog Hop! I warn you, I was doubly inspired, so I have two projects to share with you. (A third will be featured after Labor Day!)
Earlier this summer, I received assorted trinkets from Susan Lenart's Industrial Chic™ collection plus some Ice Resin® to incorporate into work in any manner I wished. Treasure box? Painting? Shrine? The large pendant inspired me first with the possibility of framing bits of paper ephemera from my stash. And, I loved the thimble!
Here are the basics to make one of your own:
Materials:
Pendant from Susan Lenart Kazmer's Industrial Chic™ collection
26" of Beadalon® Professional Series #26 / .018 Stringing Wire in Black
1 Beadalon® medium sized silver toggle
2 #2 Beadalon® crimp tubes
2 silver finish crimp covers
Clear glass Czech beads (obtained from Shipwreck Beads)
Cut glass Czech beads in powder blue (obtained from Shipwreck Beads)
vintage brass beads (from my Gam's broken necklace)
vintage 3 cut 11/0 metallic silver beads (gift from a friend)
assorted beaded buttons (a gift from a friend)
4 jump rings
6 inches of ribbon (I used to sell the ribbon when I owned my yarn store 12 years ago.)
Tools:
flat nose pliers
crimping pliers
wire cutters
Directions:
First, I took apart the pendant by carefully opening the prongs with my flat nose pliers.
I replaced the collage provided with paper from my stash of Victorian replica paper scraps, but I think it would be equally cool with a photo of family. I put the metal frame and glass top back in place and pushed down the prongs to securely hold everything together. I readded the grey ribbon and and pendant bail.
The rest was straight forward bead stringing with the pendant at the center and the larger beads interspersed with beaded buttons and 11/0 3-cut vitage beads. I finished it off with a shimmery, sheer ribbon in the palest of pinks.
The finished result is remarkably light despite the size of the pendant. I've been wearing it to college meetings all week, receiving many compliments and requests for custom work.
But like I said, I couldn't stop with one. I had to make another. Those sewing bobbins! Perfect! I grabbed an old key from the junk drawer. When I bought the house, I was given a skeleton key to front door at closing. Seriously? Yep, here in Chicago circa 1999! When I moved in, I found a tin of them under the stairs, one for every door in the house with plenty of spares.
With my key as charm holder, I added a bobbin and metal tag from the Industrial Chic™ collection, plus my personal bits and bobs, like beads, buttons and even an old French franc. Ooh, la, la! C'est magnifique, n'est-ce pas?
I've been having fun following the blog hop and I hope you do too. Here is the full August line up!
August
10 Barbe St. John http://barbesaintjohn.blogspot.com/
11 Cheryl Bodkin Waters http://blog.artsyfindings.com/
12 Cindi Bisson http://fatcatcreations.blogspot.com/
13 Gretchen McHale http://readingartworks.com/beta/?page_id=964
14 Jenny Barnet Rohrs http://www.crafttestdummies.com/
15 Kari McNight http://backporchartessa.blogspot.com/
16 Me - Lindsay Obermeyer
17 Seth Apter http://thealteredpage.blogspot.com/
18 Suze Weinberg http://suzeweinberg.typepad.com/
19 Tami Bayer http://www.tamibayer.com/
20 Theresa Cifali http://theresacifali.com/
21 Tracie Stivers Lampe http://www.radicalrecycks.com/BlogRetrieve.aspx? BlogID=7528
22 Traci Bautista http://kollaj.typepad.com
23 Jen Crossley http://amarkintime.blogspot.com/
24 Eileen Hull http://www.eileenhull.blogspot.com/
25 Pam Carriker http://pamcarriker.com/blog/
And if that isn't enough inspiration for you, check out what these amazing designers did in July!
Ken Oliver http://kensworldinprogress.blogspot.com/
Vicki O'Dell http://www.vickiodell.com
Cindy Cima Edwards http://www.cindycima.com/
Elena Lai Etceverry http://thetravelingprincess.blogspot.com/
Jen Osborne http://www.themessynest.com/
Wanda Eas http://craftymule.blogspot.com/
Sandy Martin http://sweetpeajewelry1.blogspot.com/
Susan Weckesser http://mysweetearth.blogspot.com/
Tracy Weinzaphel http://www.tracywburgos.typepad.com/
Terri O http://www.supersimplewithterrio.com/
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"Patience is the ability to count down before you blast off." - Author Unknown
I'm slowly making progress. It's taken 4 shows to finally get a handle on how to develop a collection of ideas that fully show off my range of skills and ideas. This is my table display at the CHA Summer 2012 Designer Showcase. I decided to go for a theme, specifically DIY wedding.
I had so much fun making everything, especially all the work with paper as my diecutter is a rather recent acquisition (ie - toy). I used it to cut out hundreds of paper flowers that I then snipped, bent and twirled into scores of flowers for the initials in the background. I considered different letters "I do," "We do" "Love" etc, but I settled on my own initials to advertise my business, LBO Studio, while also giving the impression that they are the monogram of a newly married couple.
There is a beaded bridal headpiece with matching groom's boutonnière and bridesmaid barrette. The French beaded daisy bridal bouquet is gorgeous and a great momento of the big day. The flowers are among the easiest to make, so a great project for those just learning the art.
I carried the beaded flowers onto embellished boxes for the safe keeping of wedding notes and cards. As I grew up with cornucopias as table top favors filled with candies and nuts, it was a nostalgic trip for me to make my own versions for the display.
I start several months in advance of the show researching trends and thinking about what resonates with me and my design sensibilities. The hardest part is settling on one concept and then carrying it through different mediums. I want to do everything, but have learned that without a bit of editing, I tend to confuse folks. Feedback has been that editors aren't sure how to market me and my work. Thankfully, that's no longer a problem. I am finding my niche. To anyone wanting to enter this business, I have to say - be true to yourself, be patient, and keep making!
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The Possible's slow fuse is lit
By the Imagination.
-- Emily Dickinson
The Craft and Hobby Association's (CHA) 2012 Summer trade show was full of crafty inspiration. This was my 4th show to attend and I finally got smart about it. I scheduled my time so I could fully walk the floor and enjoy as many make 'n takes as possible. Time to relax and play really helped me to learn more about the materials and see what they could do.
This holiday curmodgeon can't wait to start preparing for Halloween. Don't you love the owl I made at Floracraft! You can make one too.
These beaded trantulas from Blue Moon Beads are craftabulous!
I also love the other displays from the DCWV / Blue Moon Bead booth. This company never fails to dazzle with their displays. I must find a skeleton to bling out for my porch this fall. The neighborhood kids would flip out.
And talk about a freaking clever use for old lace tights and bits of broken chain!
Of course, Halloween isn't the only holiday. There was plenty Christmas fun too. This little wire tree with paper cut ornaments is so simple and so cute. I also like this use of acrylic board and paper. A great gift tag that doubles as an ornament.
The annual Crafty Couture display by the CHA designers group has inspired some fantastic booth displays. Check out the paper and crystal sparkle of this dress!
Here's a detail. See what I mean? Incredible! I also love the Hello Kitty bike. It is over the top cute, but in a way that works.
I always leave the trade shows utterly exhausted and yet refreshed. There are so many ideas to consider, new materials and tools to explore that I can't help but ignore my tired feet and head to the studio.
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Ta da! After several weeks of knitting, crocheting, cutting and embellishing, I unveiled The Snow Queen at the Craft and Hobby Association(CHA) 2012 Summer Trade Show. Wow! I am really pleased with it. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale, the dress is a play of textures, cool colors, and lots of sparkle.
The knit and crocheted shell is made with Vanna's Glamour® from Lion Brand Yarn. They generously supported my entry by sending the yarn I needed. Thank you! The yarn's shimmer is perfect for the frosty look I wanted. And before you ask, yep, I will be making the pattern available for purchase!
I bought a die cut machine earlier this year. I admit it, I'm now a die cut addict. So much fun! I lost count after 50 snowflakes. While each is cut the same, the embellishments are unique to each. I stamped, collaged and even did some lacing with Kreinik threads.
The shoes are embellished with white and silver sequins using Aleene's® Leather and Suede Glue™. I was skeptical, but gave the product a try. Those sequins stayed put! Not one flipped off despite packing and unpacking. Yeah! Simple white mules turned into evening bling! Can't wait to embellish a pair of flats for the fall.
There were 20 enteries in the Crafty Couture exhibition. Each made by a member designer of CHA. Six designs were selected to be featured in Cloth, Paper, Scissors. Check out these gorgeous dresses!
Kathy Cano-Murillo (aka Crafty Chica) pulls out all the stops with her winning entry. You have to see the mix of surface applications - tie dye, stenciling, drawing and a bit of embroidery. Too fab!
I adore the soft transition of color in this dress by Jennifer Priest of Hydrangea Hippo. The paper is pages torn from a book and rolled to give that lovely texture.
I also loved the entry by Alexa Westerfield. Her play with text, texture and color is lots of fun.
No, my dress won't be featured in Cloth, Paper, Scissors, but for me, the best part was all that I learned. I've been working in textiles for 25 years, so moving into paper crafts is opening up a whole new world for me.
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"In summer, the song sings itself." -- William Carlos Williams
Summers mean long walks along the shores of Lake Michigan in search of perfect pebbles. I love their smooth texture in a range of earth tones. This past week I introduced my niece to this lovely past time. We collected dozens of pebbles for use in making jewelry, paper weights and other fun reminders of vacation.
Check out a some of our stash!
To make your own pebble (or sea glass) charm you will need the following:
MATERIALS
Pebble (My own is 1" x 1.25".)
24 gauge non-tarnish silver wire (I used Artistic Wire from Beadalon.)
Wire cutters
Needle nose pliers
Round nose pliers
Ruler
An 18" length of ribbon, chain or other necklace strand (I used a silver necklace my mother gave me years ago.)
DIRECTIONS
Cut a 12" length of wire.
Fold the wire in half and place the pebble in its center.
Bend the wire around the pebble, wrapping tightly as you go.
Proceed until you have completed three wraps.
Firmy grasp the wire ends with your needle nose pliers. Hold the pebble steady and proceed to twist the wire with the hand holding the wire ends until you achieve the desired twist.
Once you have achieved the desired amount of twist, use your round nose pliers to bend a loop approximately 1/4" from the top of the pebble.
Using your needle nose pliers (or your fingers) bend the tail along the shaft of the loop covering the entire 1/4" length.
Split apart the remaining length of wire.
Using your needle nose pliers, bend the wire into a flat spiral.
Once you have completed both spirals, bend them flat against the front of the pebble charm.
To further tighten the wire against your pebble (thus holding it securely in place) and to add a bit more texture, pinch the wire with the tip of your needle nose pliers. Twist slightly to add several crimps.
A charming reminder of sunny summer days that you can wear year round!
For more vacation craft ideas, checkout the work in the Designer Crafts Connection webring wherever you see this logo.
Each blog in the hop is written by a designer associated with the Craft and Hobby Assocition. We each have unique styles, so be sure to hop through to see what each is doing with this month's theme on vaction crafts.
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"Words form the thread on which we string our experiences." -- Aldous Huxley
This is a quick and easy bangle bracelet to create. Make one or make several. Each takes less than an hour and may be customized to match any outfit you have in mind. Go glam with metallic threads or keep it colorful and simple as in the case of this example. I've been living in my raincoat these last few days, so I chose a water theme.
To get started you need the following:
MATERIALS
wood bangle bracelet - I used one from DIY Bangles that is 1/4" x 3" with a flat exterior shape.
#3 perle cotton - I chose 4 colors of DMC Perle Cotton in 798, 943, 955, 966
1 large eye needle
scissors
DIRECTIONS
Undo the first skein of floss and cut an 18" length of thread. If you are right handed, place the tail ontop of the bracelet with the tail facing to the left and held securely by your left hand. If you are left handed follow these instructions in reverse beginning with the tail facing to the right and held by your right hand.
With the tail securely held, proceed to wrap from right to left over the tail pulling firmly as you go.
Continue wrapping until you have covered a desired amount.
Thread your needle with the remainder and tuck it under the portion you have wrapped.
Pull the needle through and trim away excess thread. Trim away any tail that may still be seen.
Proceed to the next color repeating the same procedure, beginning with cutting an 18" length of thread.
Continue working in the same manner with each color in sequence.
I worked a 4 color repeat 4 times. I didn't concern myself with each wrapped section being equal in length, though you can certainly measure by counting wraps or using a ruler.
Keep for yourself or gift as a gift. This bodascious bangle bracelet is a colorful delight.
For more jewelry ideas, checkout the work in the Designer Crafts Connection webring wherever you see this logo.
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