Monday 2 July 2012

At least I've got my electric blanket...

Good news, my new iPad has arrived at last.  It's so cold and wet here at the moment that I find myself retreating to my bedroom, electric blankets on full, watching BBC crime programs or reading a book.  


This version has a camera which I tried out today on my latest piece:





I did have to seriously edit in picmonkey, but not too shabby I think.  If you've had a look at my etsy shop lately you will see a few pieces featuring these little textile cushions.  I bought some vintage hmong textiles from an etsy seller with the intention of making a cuf and took a punt on the pockets she had listed.  It was love at first sight when I opened the package.  They come in all shapes and sizes, most aren't really suitable for using in jewelry but the variety in textiles is just wonderful - some are really tribal with an almost African vibe, others more bohemian.  Some are obviously really old and some clearly quite new. I emailed her to say how pleased I was and she said that her mum and some of the village ladies make them with the left over bits and pieces from her bags and cushions.  Just like when I discover a new type of bead I'm finding it hard not to use them in everything.   This piece took an absolute age - sewing on the links and recycled silk.  I must have made and remade it a dozen times.  I debated over whether to use a leather or fabric necklace and then remembered a vintage chain with glass crystals I had (Avon would you believe it) and thought I'd never use.  Just goes to show you, hoarding pays.


I also got the urge to use leather:




The beads on this are mostly Czech glass with some bone and wooden ones for good measure.  I discovered that it's much easier to go through the leather with an awl rather than using a hole punch. The stick on the right is gold coral (which I'm assuming is coral that has been painted gold).  My daughter asked if it was macaroni which is a little disheartening. Actually, thinking about it, painting some macaroni might be a good option - a grown up version of the necklaces we made in primary school.


Melinda, from BeesonPie sent me some really cool stuff which included  deer leather pieces.  I thought I might try using it wrapped around a bangle.  Taking of bangles, I listed this stack:




Rather than the usual 9 or 10 bangles this set only has 4, but three of them are much heavier wire than I generally use (3mm) - it's quite difficult to work with but it does make for a really robust finish.  


Also been working on some earrings:




I do find it much harder to come up with ideas for earrings.  Although, having said that I did a custom order recently of 5  earrings - all different but harmonious - which I thought would be really really challenging but just flowed.  

'til next time.

19 comments:

  1. Today I could do with an electric blanket as well, summer isn't here yet....rainy and cold. Beautiful new earrings and I love the bangles set and the necklaces and the way you use the fabric in them

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    1. My mum lives in England (twickenham) and said the weather has been very up and down there as well.

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  2. Using an electric blanket in July seems obscene to me where it's been a stifling 104! Hahaha. Wish we could split the difference. Love how you've incorporated those beautful textiles in your work. Wonderfully colorful and richly textured, which is what you excell at.

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    1. I have to confess to being a bit addicted to my electric blanket and have been known to use it on the odd summer night.

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  3. May as well have an electric blanket over here...just so grey and cold, no summer at all! Whinge over...now the good stuff, love the textiles big time, that sweet little cushion is a joy.

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  4. Grey and cold here too but it is Alaska after all.

    I'm loving your textile pieces, and those long dangles are doing something to me.
    Your creative spirit seems to emanate from these soulful little pieces. good work!

    I've got myself on a Downton Abbey marathon presently and had to turn the heater on. I think popcorn may figure in later. Meanwhile my husband is sweltering in the midwest.

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    1. Downtown Abbey is really popular here at the moment. I've just discovered Game of Thrones - I'm always a few months behind the latest craze!!! I love dvd marathons particularly when snack food plays a starring role.

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  5. Oh Kate, I'd gladly bottle up some of this heat wave we're experiencing and send you some. I get the shivers just thinking about winter. I love your new pieces, you are so creative and inspiring!!

    ...Jackie xoxo

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    1. I shouldn't moan too much - It's not any where near as cold here as where I grew up in England. I often wonder what it would be like to live somewhere without seasons which was warm all year round.

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  6. Kate, some of your cold has made it's way up here to Queensland - take it back!
    Really enjoying your combinations of textiles

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    1. This is the time of year my husband starts lobbying for a move to Queensland.

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  7. Absolutely loving your work! And I've been looking for a good supplier of Hmong textiles, is this person on Etsy?

    Wow, so inspiring.

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    1. Yes they are at www.kulshimumkin.etsy.com
      I've bought a few pieces - really reasonably priced I thought. Also splashed out on a bag the other day and am really happy with it.

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  8. Whoo hoooare u lovin your iPad. Luv mine fer sure.

    Typing is weird though and it self corrects words onto weird words! But all that aside...love!
    Your new work is fabbo... Really awesome

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    1. Yeah - I keep missing the space bar and end up with long sections of words all joined by m and v. I did buy a wireless keyboard as well so I can use it to take notes in meetings - haven't hooked it up yet though.

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  9. Loving your new work, Kate! I was eyeballing those cushions on Etsy a while ago... they are fabulous. And the earrings just sing.
    BTW - the link to your Etsy-Shop isn't functioning... :(

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    1. I am so in love with the little cushions - I've got a basket of them near my work bench - apart from anything else they are great for colour inspiration. Thanks for the heads up on the link.

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  10. Just wonderful! I feel deeply about each piece you've shared.
    Shannon

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    1. Thanks so much Shannon - I'm a great admirer of your work so this is really appreciated

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