Saturday, November 30, 2013

Art Installation


Take a pom pom, put it on a slab of granite. What do you have? 








Pomegranate. 

Friday, November 29, 2013

Yarn Pom Poms


Using two cardboard circles (I used leftover matte board)....circumference as you like, center hole (like bagel), with slit to pass yarn through....wrap yarn around the two circles.....snip on edge, passing your scissors under the wrapped yarn and between the two pieces of cardboard.  Pull a strand of yarn in between the two pieces of yardboard and knot tightly a few times around the middle of the cut yarn strands. Four minute Pom Pom.   I used inexpensive yarn here to see how it worked through...have the more plush wool yarn to go now....will try brushing it with wire brush for fluffy pom pom.  Wonder how felting would work....might just get smooshy organic shape...but may try. 


Monday, November 25, 2013

Yarn Balls on Canvas




My current "fascination" with pom pom type yarn balls had me recall something I made many years ago. Had yarn sample card, and pulled off my most favorite yarns. Of course, one could just pull together any thing they like.  Glued it framed canvas in arrangement that I liked. Hung it up!   In the picture in situ, see my Chinese New Year money envelopes in similar treatment....there I used tacks....on purpose because I wanted them free enough to move.  


Wool Bracelet with Stitching


Liking fabric bracelets.  a) easy to wear, light.  b) you don't need to take them off at airport security. c) I like fabric in general! d) easy to make.


Ok, this could be finished more finely, but was super quick:

1. Cut stripe of black wool.
2. Wrap around wrist and mark measurement.
3. Stitch on machine or hand random pattern...used silver thread made for machine use.
4. Made wide "buttonhole" where it will wrap bottom of wrist....put one end through the buttonhole, tie together.

Be sure to make the ends long enough to tie with the help of your "free" hand.  Of course, could make it velcro or other join fastener, but I like the extra flair of tie...matches the "messy" approach of shiny and casual that I was after here.  Like I don't care, but I care.

Pipe Cleaner Ornaments -- Star and Candy Cane




6 sparkly pipe cleaners twisted at top, bowed, and "conjoined" at center. 





Take a red/white or red/white/green pipe cleaner, bend it in half.  Hold at the fold, and twist gently so it doesn't get "bent" on straight part.  Then, fold over for "u."  String together with fishing line to hang down windows, or just hang on tree limbs. 



Tuesday, November 19, 2013

Multi Colored Leaves


On a finally rainy day, a nice discovery on a walk. Spring, Fall, Winter....maybe some Summer in there too. Non-native no doubt, but exotic has its charms.

Friday, November 15, 2013

Fleece and Lace Dress




Simple shapes are my friend in terms of sewing. See plenty of fleece tops with jewels and adornment -- not Santa sweater thing, but current runway. Decided to play a bit with black fleece and lace, turned out a little tame, but the fleece is cozy on these cooler days. Lay down a  beach cover up, with a few modifications, but very simple sew and shape. The fleece seems to hold it's edge without hemming, so will hope continues because I like how it ends raw and hem, sleeve, and neck. 

Thursday, November 14, 2013

Some Spider...Web


Quite a web a spider had going. The holes are likely were various meals were found. Spider made this in seemingly ideal spot for catching things....high enough for wind, off roof  of  side yard storage where other more-than-two-legged creatures may be hanging out.

Saturday, November 2, 2013

Jumbo Jewels Necklace



Playing with the idea of statement jewelry.  Started with plexi glass and jewels earlier this week.  Yesterday on my way to quiet place for conference call before a wonderful celebration of a dear person,  I spied this concept in a shop window.  So, darn, it is not my original idea.  Not exactly sure how it was made...the shop was closed, but this is what I did:

a. Color copy of a gem setting...play with scale on computer.
b. Laminate color copy. (FedEx office).
c. Cut out jewel shape...the lamination seems firm so far, not fraying. 
d. Sharpie outline on plexi glass that has been layered with masking tape.  Masking tape does a few good things...helps clean the blade, and gives some stability. Make sure to allow a space for the drill hole...you may have to add a top notch. I used a ring for one of these, so part of the band serves as the "hole" space. 
e. Clamp down plexi to work table.
f. Using jewelers saw (very fine blade), cut out the outline.
g. Drill hole for string or chain with jump ring.
h. Epoxy laminated jewel on plexi shape.