Sneak Peak

Just a really quick post, in between Christmas and New Year, with a sneak peak at a few pieces that I will be listing in the next couple of weeks.

Stay safe. 'Til next time.

Vices - well not so much

I have relatively few vices - I don't really drink and I gave up smoking a few years ago (oh, how I miss you nicotine).  I do, however, have a serious addiction to handbags.  My closets are full of them.  Occasionally, I add up how much I have spent on handbags over the years  and then I feel so depressed that I have to buy another one to cheer myself up - it's a guilt spiral.  Every time I buy a new bag I tell myself that this will be the last one, knowing full well that this is a lie - the quest for the perfect bag can never be satisfied.    I remember looking at the bargain bins at the David Jones Sale a few years ago and the woman next to me saying to her friend 'buying a new bag is like going on holiday, it's so exciting' - I know exactly what she meant.    But, I've never really tried my hand at making bags, until a couple of weeks ago. Behold my first effort:

I found some great tapestry fabric at Spotlight and then used thrifted materials for all the embellishments and the lining and an old leather belt for the handle .  I wanted a raw edge but, given the fray factor (even though I used a zigzag stitch and fabric glue) I think I'll go with a good old fashioned hem next time round.    It's a good size too (about 18" across).  I'm pretty happy with it.  It's certainly not good enough to sell in my shop and I'm not sure if I should add bags in any case, I'll have to ponder.


All this sewing hasn't completely got in the way of jewelry.  Here's a sneak peak at a necklace that I will list after Christmas:

It's a little stuffed piece of embroidery, framed with lace and suspended from a suede necklace with some sweet little found object dangles.  It's assemblage meets shabby chic I think and I'm really rather pleased with it.


I've also got a couple of necklaces that I'm going to rework and list in January so keep an eye out.   Happy holidays ...

May you live in interesting times ...

Well it’s been an interesting couple of weeks.  I didn’t think Christmas was going to have any effect at all on etsy sales. Then, three sales in a row with my vintage textile wrist cuffs proving to be the most popular item in the shop.  

Things have quietened down now – we’re past the date for posting to the USA safely in time for Christmas so it’s to be expected I guess.

Talking about wrist cuffs, they are an exercise in perseverance.  They take an enormous amount of time and energy (much much more than you can realistically charge for in the price) and you are never really sure if they are going to work until you are about ¾ of the way through.  I got a lovely convo from the buyer of one of my cuffs today to say how pleased she was with it.  It’s always nice to get positive feedback.   I know it sounds a bit schmaltzy, but etsy really is a great community to be part of.

I've been trying a few new textile techniques such as using heat to distress fabrics (see the holes in the chiffon) on the cuff below.  I have to say (even though I’m biased) that the finished piece is much nicer in real life than in the photo.

Lately, I’m finding it hard to make anything other than bangles, bracelets and cuffs.  They are a such a good vehicle for experimenting with different techniques and combinations of colours.

This stack combines painted metal, crochet and fabric.  I found my little yoyo maker when I was cleaning up and put it too good use (for some reason I can't rotate these pics so they are the right way up - sorry)

Not sure what I’m going to add to this stack – I was thinking maybe a leather bangle,  charms and other embellishments??

These are little polymer clay discs that I've painted to resemble enameled metal

It’s been busy on a non jewelry front too.  We’ve been relocating my mother-in-law.  Whilst we’ve been fortunate not to have done it all on the one day, the downside of ‘bit-at-a-time’ moving is that it drags out the process which is exhausting for everyone.    

Cricket season is taking its toll on my husband and son – both have pulled up with muscle aches and strains (see, I knew sport was bad for you)

Oh and I meant to say hi to my first commenter Anabela Joana on my last post.  It was very exciting to get something other than a 0 in comments report. 

Til next time ...