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.