Finishing the Unfinished

I often start projects, without a clear idea of what I'm making.  Sometimes the projects sit unfinished for years.  I still have a bikini bottom to knit even though I finished the top 4 years ago.  

Well, I'm happy to say that I finally completed a project that has be sitting around since I started the blog.  My original intention was to create a necklace using the beads below.  

Getting the juices flowing.

I couldn't come up with a design I loved.  I finally realized I didn't actually like all these beads together in one piece of jewelry.  

Why not make two?!

Finished necklace.

Up close and personal.

Finished product #2; non-coordinating bracelet.

I'm noticing a pattern with my jewelry.  It is time to break the mold.  Any suggestions?  There is always more to come. :)

Oldies Craft Style

I haven't had any time to craft lately, but I did dig up some photos of my past creations.  Please enjoy a trip down memory lane while I search for some spare time.

Teddy Bear for a child in Africa.

I made the blue scarf.

I'm proud to say the blanket has held up all these years!

What a cutie!

Little Surprises

I spent this weekend celebrating my cousin's graduation.  I kept my visit a secret and she was thrilled to have me there to share her special day.  I am so proud of her and can't wait to hear about her next adventure.  From one artist to another, continue to shine through your pleasures and talents.

I've been waiting to reveal last week's necklaces. I made presents for two lovely ladies who mean the world to me.  Luckily, I finished the gifts just in time to catch my flight.  I love both necklaces so much.  I didn't want to give them away, but I trust that they will be treasured. 

Happy Mother's Day Mom!  She wore this beauty to breakfast and brunch.

The picture doesn't do the necklace justice.

It is always a pleasure spending time with my family and I miss everyone.  Growing up surrounded by my loving family was amazing.  I struggle being so far away.  I hope to see everyone again soon.

Success from Failure

There is this lovely store in my neighborhood, The Grove.  They sell wonderful handmade pieces as well as yarn, fabric and books.  I cannot leave the store without buying something.  Their yarn is beautiful and lucky for me, they sell remnants for just a few bucks.  I collect as many mini skeins as I can, hoping that amazing ideas will follow.

Honestly, I have a big basket of yarn I rarely touch.  Last night, I found a necklace that I thought I could recreate using yarn and pearls from my stash. I like everything to be symmetrical.  I thought it would be fun to attach the pearls at random without prior planning.  Needless to say, it didn't go so well.  I failed and tried to wear it as a bracelet.  Being less than thrilled, I went to bed.

Failed necklace as a bracelet.

Browsing through jewelry blogs, I came up with a new idea.  The yarn was too flimsy and wasn't holding it's shape. I decided to string the yarn through a medium sized copper chain.  Turns out, I had some sitting around...goes to show I have purchased way too many supplies.

I ended falling in love with the final necklace.  All in all, I'm glad I didn't give up.  I guess I better finish the baby booties.  I don't know why I always put off stitching up my knits.  I usually have to persuade my boyfriend to finish for me.

Sweet success just before bed.  It's not the best picture, but I was eager to share.

Check out the inspirational Stella & Dot necklace at Ribbon & Champaign Pearl Necklace.  

Back to knitting.  If anyone needs a baby gift, please let me know.

A Little Encouragement

I attempted to make a necklace last night. I was inspired by a beautiful and expensive piece of Stella & Dot jewelery. My necklace didn't turn out so hot. Although I was disappointed, I found encouragement in a fellow blogger's post Pretty Things.  Sounds like I'm in good company.  Stay tuned for attempt number two.

The Crafting Journey Begins

I've been crafting for years, but I go through phases of discouragement.  I'm hoping that by blogging about my creations, I'll stay creative and power through the let downs.  I recently got my mojo back. I make at least one necklace a week.  Sometimes I fear I stretch myself too thin by trying to excel in so many crafts.  I knit, sew and bead.  I'd really like to combine my knitting and jewelry making skills to create beautiful knitted jewelry.  Please check out my latest creations and embark on this crafty journey with me.  I hope you enjoy them.

I finally figured out a way to display all of my necklaces.  Thanks Clara for the awesome idea! I was very happy to make use of the coat hooks we already had.  Not all of the necklaces or my creations, but this makes it so easy to pick what to wear.

I made this one for a friend who loves color.

I made these two a long time ago, but I love them so much.  I didn't know I loved green so much.  I'm dangerous at the bead store.  I buy whatever catches my eye.  I rarely plan out a necklace in advance.  I know have a large collection of beads that may or may not work together.  In the cases above, I actually picked strands of beads that I wanted to put together and then bought a chain to add length.

I can either wear this one long or doubled up.

I love this one! This is a reincarnation of what use to be a green and pink necklace.  I had the shiny brown beads left over and decided to blend them with the green rectangular beads and small round ones.

I made this for my friends new baby girl.  I have started a matching pair of booties, but haven't finished them yet.

I have a box full of beads and wire and a basket full of yarn.  I hope to make a dent in both.  Check back in to see what I'm up to this week.