New DMC variegated Floss

I could not resist the gorgeous new variegated floss from DMC that go from purple to blue or aqua to blues. I had this idea to string some of new beachy luster glass beads with this thread. I also bought the metallic floss in aqua and lavender. Spectacular thread, The idea didn't work at all, The holes in the beads were big enough but the threads caught on each other and on the twisted wire needles too. All of my crafts are not successful, you see. But I wanted you to see the colors anyways. I ended up making this necklace by threading on wire and tying half hitches of the thread around the beads.

Review: French Inspired Jewelry

This book is so beautiful, each project page has not only a color image of the jewelry but a colorful collage of vintage items and inspiration around the projects.  It has interesting fonts and decorative page details. Each page is  a satisfying little journey into: the french seaside, vintage cherries, lush bluebirds etc. THis book is every bit as much a find for the altered artist as the jeweler. I particularly enjoyed the items made with vintage buttons, having once owned a button company.  Enjoy, enjoy, I highly recommend it!

Bead Simple Review

If you love classic, stark and simple jewelry designs this book has over 100 designs for you. Each has a clear large color photo and  good instructions. Many of these were just not "gobby" enough for my taste, which runs to bling and dangles and big beads. However, I could see my daughter Rachel and my sister Sara would love these designs. Many were made with classic shaped beads of glass and wood. I thought the earring designs were particularly lovely.

Lots of great stuff in here for all--

Native Baby doll Redo

My friend Patty collects Native American Baby dolls. We went to a local trade days event and she found a darling boy baby doll. The only trouble is he was dressed in colors that did not match the rest of her Southwestern themed collection, but she loved his face and wig. He wasn't very expensive and I offered to make him a new costume.

I cut apart his original clothes as pattern pieces for the new one. I chose a soft grayish green ultra-suede and found a thrift store skirt that was a nice coordinating rusty colored ultra-suede. I trimmed him with fake fur, feathers and  embroidered jacquard trims. I also added some beaded and hand stitched elements. He was fun to make.