Handmade Buttons

When I saw this pattern, I had to have it.  I'm not really sure what to call it.  Necklace?  Neckwarmer?  Scarf?  There is just something about it that I love!

What I think makes it especially cute is turning it with the button on the side rather than in the back.

 

That calls for a really big really cute button, which brings me back to the button problem I was complaining about in my last post!  I was thinking about it and it dawned on me that maybe I could make my own.  Several years ago, I wanted to try making polymer clay pendants.  I bought the supplies, but really didn't get too far.  I made some but wasn't really happy with the finished look.  I got the stuff out yesterday and tried making some buttons. 

This is what I ended up with.  The one I liked the best is on the scarf.  Still not really happy with the end look.  I wanted them to look more like ceramic.  But there is potential.  With a little more practice and a few supplies I could have buttons to match anything I need!

Any advise?   I'd welcome your tips and suggestions!

~Thought for the day~

"Energy and persistence conquer all things."~

 Benjamin Franklin

"Mermaid" Wire Crochet Necklace

It was fun to work with these bright colors!  The shell pendant and ocean colors make me think of a mermaid and the green wire seaweed.

There are six strands of peridot wire with tiny seed beads in green and blue with an iridescent finish and some 6/0 gold lined green beads.  Each strand is a little different. 

The weather has been beautiful this week!  I'm sure there is more winter to come but this has been such a nice break!  And look at the gorgeous sunset we had the other night...

"Know what you want to do, hold the thought firmly, and do every day what should be done, and every sunset will see you that much nearer the goal.” 

~Elbert Hubbard

The Blues

Seed beads in shades of blue were randomly crocheted on silver wire.  The four strands in this necklace were crocheted in one continuous piece.  It fastens with a bead and loop like a button and buttonhole.  I saw something similar made with yarn and thought I'd try it with wire and beads. 

On a personal note, my sister and I are going to Eureka Springs, AR for the weekend. (YAY!)  Saturday is the Worldwide Photo Walk where people from around the world meet, take a walk together and take photographs.  You don't have to be a professional photographer to enjoy the event.  

I've used this quote before but it's fitting because Eureka Springs is my "one small place of enchantment".  I plan to do a blog post some time in the future & share it with you. 

~Today's Quote~

"I do not understand how anyone can live without one small place of enchantment to turn to."

~Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings

Red White & Blue Bling Bracelet

I saw a bracelet using sequins in one of my books and being a lover of "bling" I wanted to try it!  I bought a mixed bag of sequins and as I was sorting them, the red, blue and silver ones just caught my eye.  I was hoping to have it finished for a Memorial Day post but didn't get it done in time. 

 It also includes silver lined clear seed beads and red bugle beads.  It's actually pretty wide, about an inch and a half, including the sequins.  I really think I'd prefer it on a smaller scale, but it is pretty and sparkly and has lots of Bling!

I think these would be neat for twirlers or school spirit bracelets.

What do you think of it?

~Today's Quote~

You cannot do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late.

 ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Callie", Inspired by California Dreaming

♫ "California Dreaming on such a winter's day..." ♫

I was working on this necklace this weekend as 10" of snow was falling.  I must say it was just a little depressing for the first day of spring!  The colors in these beads cheered me up a bit.  They remind me of  beach glass.  It was nice to imagine a nice warm walk on the beach on such a nasty day! 

I used a mixture of Czech glass beads, Czech Fire Polished Beads, and 6/0 seed beads to make the focal point of this necklace and completed it with silver chain.

Don't forget you have until March 31st to enter the giveaway in my previous post!

~Today's Quote~

There are many things in life that will catch your eye,

 but only a few will catch your heart...

Pursue those.

~Anonymous

"Ann" Necklace in Shades of Blue

This is a custom order for a lady named Ann. I've never met her and she has only seen a small sampling of my work. She requested a necklace and earrings in shades of blue to go with a dress she's wearing to a wedding later this month. She was very specific about the colors and the length of the necklace and earrings which helped a lot. I'm a little nervous as this is my first custom order! I hope she'll be happy with it!


~Today's Quote~
"Blessed are we for every day we are here on this earth
to grasp our family, friends and the beauty of each day."
Elma Evans Smith