NOW is working for me...

I love learning new techniques for handmade things. It is part of what I truly enjoy. However, I usually see a tutorial and think "Hmmm...that looks really cool and I could make that". So I save the tutorial over in a file and usually never get back to it. Therefore I miss out on so many great techniques. Always thinking I will get to it when I have time. Alas, my 2011 word NOW is actually working for me as I decide to try that new technique now instead of waiting.
For those of you who follow the extremely talented Jillayne of A Fine Seam you have seen her amazing unique ruched flower. Please visit her blog and try her great tutorial.
This is my first that I tried and feel it turned out pretty well. I used an inexpensive muslin fabric. I know I will be making many more of these fabulous flowers.

This is the same flower as above but with an antique button in the center.

Thank you so much Jillayne for so generously sharing your talents and techniques with us.

Now my mind is busy thinking of the many colors and combinations that this flower lends itself to. All of the many uses for embellishing is also taking over my thoughts. Try this for your Mother's Day gifts.

Once again my creative muse is fueled by the wonderful people here in Planet Blog.

Will you try this technique? What will you do with a beautiful ruched flower?

A very happy and creative weekend to all...

Caramel Cameo Choker...

I have been busy in the studio with needle and thread and beads and lace. I call this Caramel Cameo Choker. The color is between caramel and butterscotch. Vintage lace is handstitched to grossgrain ribbon. Some gold toned beads are added to embellish the lace flowers and encircle the cameo.

Ties in the back with gold toned satin ribbon so it fits all sizes.

The look is very vintage and very feminine. I can see this worn with so many different looks from jeans to velvet. It would look especially appropriate with a Victorian costume don't you think?

I am thinking I should make some cuffs as they are so popular right now. I could make a Caramel Cameo Cuff. What do you think?

There is so much joy in making something with my own hands and stitching loving thoughts into each and every piece.

Happy creating...

Omiyage...

This is a book titled Omiyage and I have owned it for several years. The author is Kumiko Sudo. She is also the extremely talented artist who makes the lovely fabric gifts. I have always been fascinated with small things that are handmade and on the intricate yet simple note.

This butterfly is one that I made several years ago. Beautiful fabrics cut into shapes and then sewn by hand. Each butterfly has hundreds of tiny little stitches holding it together. I tried to do my best tiny stitching even though none of it shows in the finished butterfly. However I know my stitches are beautiful. The green ties are to hold a small pocket closed. I have a glass heart in this pocket for good luck. Since butterflies are the bearers of 10,000 happinesses I made these and gave them to my sisters one year. I doubt they realize how much time and love went into making each and every one of them.

This is a fabric origami bird that is made with simple shapes and handstitched. Once again I made each tiny stitch as perfect as I possibly could just because. These small birds are so simple and elegant when complete. I placed each bird I made in a lovely little nest (purchased) and then gave them to my dear friends and sisters.

I have many more little fabric items I wish to make from this amazing book. The days of traveling and working on small hand projects while captive on a plane are long gone. I have had numerous little scissors, needles and pins confiscated merely because I never even thought of my lovely hand sewing projects being anything related to terrorism or causing harm to anyone. How sad. So now all those hours are spent mindlessly watching some idiot tv or listening to some music or reading until my eyes are too blurry to see through. I miss my tiny little stitches and the amazing finished fabric gifts. When I am home there never seems to be the time to sit and stitch as so many chores always need to be tended to. Yes, I hear the dryer calling me now to have me fold a load of clothes. Oh joy!

How do you like to spend your travel time when you are captive on a plane?