Holiday Handmade Gifts Under Twenty Dollars

This time of year with the high cost of heating your home it is especially nice to be able to shop for gifts that don’t break the bank but are still a pleasure to give. Handmade gifts, even if the gift giver does not make them with their own hand are also more pleasing to receive than something bought in a big-box store. It is comparable to shopping at a hometown boutique as opposed to fighting the crowds at Wal-Mart. As an added bonus you can feel good knowing that you are supporting an independent artisan.

Another advantage to buying directly from the artisan is that the quality is usually much better. We care what our customers think and we want them to come back to us again and again. If something does happen you have someplace (besides China) to go to get your situation resolved.

Think outside the box this year! If you can’t think of a "thing", how about offering your services to that single parent friend of yours for a few hours of babysitting or for the elderly woman next door a few hours of lawn care, snow removal, or cleaning? If you can’t do those things yourself, find a teenager in the neighborhood and pay them to do it! You can make up gift certificates on your home computer. While a lot of people think these things are trivial they mean so much to those who receive them, much more so than that box of chocolates.

That brings me to another idea of gift giving that has seemed to die out. Bake some cookies, make fudge! One of the most cherished memories I have is one year when all my kids were actually able to be together for the Holidays and we baked cookies, biscotti, made fudge. We had a great time with lots of laughs and made a huge mess that we were happy to clean up. This year those same kids are spread out through all corners of the earth, literally.

Kids can get in on this too. They are fabulous at coming up with amazingly appropriate gifts that they have made themselves out of very little.

There are many of us in the designer and crafting world that sell our wares as a hobby, but most of us are trying to support themselves and their families by marketing their goods and/or services. This year why not make a pledge with your family and friends to have a handmade Holiday gift-giving season? If you can’t make it yourself, buy handmade!

There is an idea many people have that buying handmade has to be expensive and that is simply not true. Look at my shop. There are many items that you can give your friend, sister, mother, daughter, aunt, etc…that will cost you under $20.00. Of course if you want to spend more, feel free! Really though, all kidding aside if you look around you will find fabulous gifts appropriate for every member of your family that had the caring, loving touch of an artisan that won’t wreck your holiday budget. It can even be a family outing. Go to your local craft fairs this year. It’s not just a bake sale and granny square afghan kind of affair anymore (although I do love those!). You’ll be amazed at how much talent lives in your area and you’ll probable see someone you know that does beautiful work you have never seen.

In closing, whether you pick out an "Oh I love it, love it love it" gift from Divella Delights or another artisan or crafter, try to buy handmade this year and support a starving artist!

Have a great Holiday!

Unfortunately due to a rise in cost for packaging supplies I now have to charge shipping on all orders under $150.00. This change is effective today, October 11, 2011.

The shipping cost to you will be between $3.00 and $5.00 for orders totaling $149.99 or less.

For orders totaling over $150.00 the shipping remains free for the time being.

It seems like forever since I have been able to sit down and write. Did you miss me?

For those of you who may not know I just completed a move from Maine to Vermont and it has taken me a while to get settled here. On top of that my complete inventory of jewelry was lost for a couple of weeks so things were quite hectic.

We have rented out the house in Maine (and are renting here) while we finish some work on it and I am wondering already if that was a bad decision. I hope the tenant situation improves and things begin to run more smoothly. Meanwhile we are paying a mortgage and a rather high rent.

I am on the hunt for a "regular" job. You’ve heard the term "starving artist"? It is in fact accurate! I have lost 12 pounds though so what the heck? I have a couple of promising prospects and should know by the end of the week what I will be doing. That  means that I won’t have as much time as usual for my hats this year. As soon as I actually get hired somewhere I will not be taking any special requests for hats. They really pick up in sales from November to February…go figure.

Time to feed the dogs, get ready for the day and get to work in the studio while I still can.

I am very glad to be back! Look for some great Fall designs later in the week!

Pssst...have you seen the series of bracelets?

Although I am selling this pattern I thought I would let you know how I attached the cabochon on this piece as I did not do it as I normally would have. Usually I would attach the cabochon to a piece of suede cloth and bead around it then attach it to the piece. This time I completed the bracelet piece, then used E6000 adhesive to attach the cab to the bracelet, clamped it and left it for several hours. After that I worked a bead embroidery technique to go around the face and then worked circular peyote stitch from the base.

I attached my Fireline securely and picked up 4 beads keeping with the color on the base. I went through he bracelet, through a couple of beads then back up and through the last 2 beads, added 4 more bead and repeated. I continued this around then worked the circular peyote. It is a basic bead embroidery stitch so if you are unfamiliar with it do a search for "bead embroidery tutorials", there are hundreds out there free!

I have heard this hat referred to as the Newsboy style and then my son told me it is called the Jersey Girl.

Whatever it is called, it is my own take on the popular brimmed hat crochet style and I call it the Kathryn Cap.

I named it the Kathryn Cap because it reminds me of one of my nieces. Kathryn is a very talented gal, a bit sassy and quite an athlete so no flowers and flourishes for this design!

Like most of my other hats it is worked with 2 strands of yarn with a variety of fibers. After the basic hat is completed I attach some embellishments for a little more attitude.

Hope you like it!

I am having so much fun looking ahead to Winter this year. I have come out with 2 new designs for winter hats so far and am planning a couple more which should be rolling out soon.

Featured here are the Julia Cloche and the Allie Cloche. Both are my granddaughters but they very different in style. Allie is more the tomboy and does not like all the frills and flowers of my previous designs so I made a cloche style that is still a touch feminine but without all the pomposity.

Julia is a bit more girlie but still quite down to earth so her cloche is a little casual in appearance but with a decidedly more feminine flair.

Naturally because they have been so successful I still have my Diva Hat and my Ella Cloche also both named after granddaughters.

Ella is a bit feisty but very chic and classy.This series is hand knit with 100% wool then felted. The embellishments are made and attached to the hat after it is dry. Wear this hat when you want clean lines and a sophisticated look.

Diva is my little Diva Darlin’ and unlike the image her name would invoke, she is a very sweet, gentle girl who is very loving and affectionate. Like her mother, she cares deeply for others making her quite compassionate. I have been making this design using a blend of wool and acrylic for several years and have sold hundreds with as many very happy customers.

I still have some of the fabulous 100% wool Flapper hats

and a few of the Flapped Flapper Hats as well.

Make sure to check the Drastic Reduction section for some special deals on some of last year’s hats.

I love learning new techniques and when I figured this one out I enjoyed it so much I thought I would do a new series of bracelets for the Fall line up!

The top one in the photo was my first attempt with Swarovski pearls and larger beads. The 2 lower pieces are with smaller beads and gemstones which I like much better.

What do you think?! Should I put clasps on them or make them bangles that you can roll on?

 Many of you don’t know me on a personal level.

Yummmm, don’t these look delicious? You can’t eat them though, they are made of glass beads! I made up a pattern for them, which you can find on my blog a couple of posts down and you get it free! Now that I have 5 I am going to put them into a necklace and weave up the leaves. Stay tuned to see what develops!

Sometimes you never know what is going to get the creative juices going or where your next inspiration will come from. I ran across this photo by Jenn Desjardins early this morning on Facebook and decided to see if I could come up with a pattern for beaded berries. When I looked more closely at the photo it seemed the best way to tackle this was with bead crochet, which I have been doing a lot of the past few weeks.

Here is a free pattern and instructions to make a beaded berry measuring about 10mm across the base and 15mm tall. It seems the perfect size!

This is my second exposure in Bead and Button Magazine witht the thrid on the way. The first was my Winter Frost pictured here along with the magazine page.

This was in the June 2011 issue of Bead and Button Magazine.

When you see the August issue my work is large and in charge on page 16.

My Hearts and Flowers Necklace was created using a large sculpted heart bead handcrafted by Laurel Steven on Etsy.

I have just sent number 3 to be photographed by Bead and button photographers but am not which issue it will be in…stay tuned, I will let you know!

  I have had so many wonderful comments on my free form peyote bracelets, which I have not made in quite a while but rest assured fans, more will be coming soon.

I often buy "Orphan Beads" from Amanda at Rufus and Roxy who makes stunning lampwork beads. She will occasionally have a sale on a group of beads that do not go together so I buy them. This allows me to buy more lampwork (I love that part) and make a piece of original jewelry that always gets rave reviews!

If you have some beads laying around that need a home other than that tray you have them in, why not give them a home they can boast about? If you don't have any orphans of your own check out Amanda and adopt some!

 Freeform peyote is so much fun and because you can use beads of any size and shape it is a great way to de-stash! With no set pattern, just a few simple rules you can make a one of a kind piece of wearable art.  Give it a try. If you need some help getting started, just let me know.

Here are a few I have made in the past.

Although one normally thinks of wool as being used in winter designs such as hats, scarves and mittens this wonderful fiber has summertime uses as well. Because wool is naturally heat resistant, it knits up into a great hot mitt for taking things out of the oven or holding onto a hat pan.

For all of these I used Lamb’s Pride Bulky yarn. I love the way Lamb’s Pride felts up, perfect for this project!

The blue and gray ones are gone already. I will be needle felting a design on top of the green one tonight but here it is at it stand now, pretty and practical. These make great gifts for any season!

They should begin to trickle on the website soon!

This starving artisan routine is starting to make me a little crazy! I miss my studio and the creative process. Don’t get me wrong the steady paycheck will be nice. I am going to Vermont the weekend before Memorial Day to try to get some accounts and hopefully make the transition a little smoother. If you have any ideas in the Woodstock/Quechee area by all means drop me a line! I have some oven mitts going into the felting process, wait until you see them! I have given 2 away because I am still tweaking my pattern a bit. I am hoping this next one is the pattern that I can use this winter to make some wonderful gifts for you to purchase. I am also thinking about selling the pattern so you can make your own lovely gifts.

Take the pledge with your family to make the holiday Season of 2011 a handmade exchange. If you don't have the time to make anything then buy handmade and support your local artisans (or me!).

Wool is perfect for oven mitts because it is naturally fire resistant and these are felted nice and thick. I will be showing you the mitt after I knit it but before felting and then after felting as well so you can see the difference!

That’s all the time I have for now.

See you soon!

Here I go on the next adventure. You won’t see too many new designs coming up on here for a while as this starving artist has taken a full time job for a paycheck! While I will miss the time in my studio, it will certainly be a relief to pay the bills. There is a lot that goes into this business, more than most would think.

First, and one of the pieces I love the most is coming up with the designs. After that it is off to Cyberspace to research and purchase the materials. While I am waiting for those to come I usually have both sides of my table full with the designs I am currently making, that is the part I really love! Of course there is marketing, blogging, paperwork, taking photos, writing descriptions, listing, website upkeep on 3 sites, and inventory management. I need to keep up on packaging supplies, office supplies and tax paperwork. There is time and money spent on learning and developing new techniques. What this amounts to a lot of non-billable hours consuming my days and most nights.

Remember all this folks as you look at artisan created work wherever you find it! There is a lot that goes into each piece you buy. We are not manufacturing plants with assembly lines. We lovingly and at times painstakingly create one piece at a time hoping someone will love it as much as we do.

I am thinking that if I work a full time job and do this on the side my output will be less but I won’t be worried about eating and I can still dabble in what I truly love to do.

Wish me well and I will see you all soon!

Be sure and check out the next 2 issues of Bead and Button magazine where you will find my work!

A friend of mine has a daughter with Crohn’s, a painful and at times debilitating inflammatory bowel disease.

There are a couple of ways you can help. You can go to CCFA and donate yourself and mention the team "Hiking for Hannah" or you can simply make a purchase between now and Saturday May 21^st and I will donate 20% of all sales to CCFA for Hannah.

If you would like to donate you can go to Hannah’s Page and click on make a gift on the right hand side.

"Take Steps for Crohn's & Colitis is CCFA's largest fundraising event. Participants raise funds and awareness throughout the year and come together to celebrate the steps that have been taken towards a cure."

Here is what Hannah has to say:

"Hi

My name is Hannah and I have Crohns Disease. I am 13 years old and am in 7th grade. I was diagnosed in March of 2007. Since then I have had too many tests to keep track of. I suffer with severe stomach aches and constant runs to the bathroom. I never know when or where it might hit. At this time there is no cure for Crohns. I am walking on May 21st to earn money from either your sponsorship or donations to help find a cure for my disease.

Your donation will help support local patient programs, as well as important research projects. This cause is very important to me and I appreciate your help as we fight for a cure! In addition to donating, you can join me at the event. There will be food, music and kid's activities. The more money we raise, the closer we will be to making life more manageable for patients who live with these diseases every day.

No donation is too small or too big. I hope to see you on May 21st to walk with my team to make noise for a cure!

Thank you

Hannah

Please join me or donate to my efforts to support CCFA in finding a cure!"

I woke up early this morning with a sense of peace and gratitude I have not felt in a very long time. There have been so many things in the past year that have driven me to question the very existence of anything good. I will not saddle you with all the family adversities I will say only that there has been a lot of sadness and distress. In addition to that my jewelry business cannot seem to really get off the ground except on a very local level so again I find myself looking for a paycheck from someone else.

I have been designing jewelry for several years now and have all but given up many times. If it were not for the loving prodding of family and friends I think I would probably only be stubbornly plodding along using my stock for gifts for those treasured family and friends. I have also been tempted to sell off everything just to recoup my materials cost.

Yesterday was a marvelous day when everything seemed to come together.

Not only was I offered a much needed job, temporary in nature so we can finish our move to Vermont, but I received my advance copy of Bead and Button magazine (June issue).

My Winter Frost necklace is in it, page 17 with my name so I am published for the first time in actual print.

There are 3 people (aside from family) who have been very instrumental in pushing me to publish my designs. It was first suggested by Denise Dernorsek, a friend I met while working at the VA when this venture in design actually began. She has given me constant encouragement and honesty in her critique but only when asked! The other is Marsha who is the buyer for and has been with Tardif Jewelers for more than 30 years and who has purchased hundreds of my pieces over the past few years. When her niece was getting married she came to me to dress the wedding party in bling, leaving me feeling very honored. We have become friends over the past few years and she too kept pushing me to submit my work to be published. The third is Duchess from Artbeads.com who also gave me much encouragement to submit my work

Now it has come to pass, finally it seems to me, that my work is in an actual magazine and a very good one at that! It seems a bit silly to be so excited over such a small event but it happened at such a crucial point, as those things seem to do. It gives me the encouragement I need to market my designs in earnest. I guess now that I have something in my hand that is tangible proof that I am worthy I feel more confident.

This month we had a really fun challenge from Artbeads for Blogs and it fit into just what I was trying to do, I love it when that happens!

The challenge was "make it new" which meant to take something you already owned and give it new life, perfect!

I had a Victorian Shell Cameo given to me and all I know is the value is somewhere between $115.00 and $1500.00. While I wait to have it appraised I thought I could come up with a general design for it on a resin Cameo. I also had a variety of copper chain lengths and none of them were quite long enough to do anything with. I ordered some new copper chain, large copper jump rings, the Cameo, pearls and I was on my way.

Because the chain lengths varied I used the large copper rings to join them together in an asymmetrical pattern. I used 49 Strand wire to string the short strand of Czech Druk beads, Pearls and some odd copper beads I had in my stash, leftovers from other projects. For the last strand it was back to the 49 Strand but this time I added genuine Carnelian chips and of course the Cameo.

 Now I have a showstopper Cameo Necklace that did not break the bank, used up some of my supplies that I have for a while and gave me some ideas toward what I will do with this genuine Cameo. The metals I use will be determined by the value of the cameo but I know I like the multiple chain designs and lengths and adding the gemstones and pearls worked nicely.

These are so stunning I could not help but show them to you.

These 50-something best friends live in Jerusalem and have a way with vintage lace. After raising their families and finishing their careers, they are now having the time of their lives creating unique designs using vintage lace, beads and pearls. Their Etsy shop is full of delightful, magical accessories for the Bride. The lace embroidery is breathtaking!

I have to warn you that going to this shop could cause a ringing in your ears, a craving for cake and a desire to rent a hall!

Most of the Peyote Patterns can be made any length with some minor adjustments, which I am happy to make for you. This pattern however, just happened to come out 8 inches before adding the clasp so would fit a larger wrist without any adjustments. Remember, choose your own colors. Like the blog before this one, there are an endless number of possibilities when you use only 2 colors! Delica makes over a thousand colors and finishes.

My new 'Missing Pieces' pattern has been so much fun! I have made it up in the Peridot and pink but I wanted to show you some other color variations using just 3 colors. My personal favorite is the cream and taupe. With this pattern having only 2 colors and Miyuki making more than a thousand colors and finishes the possibilities are endless. You can get just a few colors, 1 pattern and make everyone you know a different bracelet.

The pattern comes with 2 clasp options and full step by step directions. All you have to know is basic peyote, a very popular beading weave becuse it is so simple to learn. My students have told me that threading the needle is the hardest part! As a bonus you also get a tutorial for making a pair of Peyote Tube earrings using the same beads. The investment is small: a needle, thread or Fireline, some Delica beads. You can even use a favorite button as the clasp...so many options!

If you leave the clasp off you have a lovely gift for the reader on your list. I am making new patterns almost daily so be sure and check in once in a while!

Here are a few of the latest:

If you have been hanging around here at all you know I use lampwork in a lot of my work and I have to tell you I came across some stunning, gorgeous, romantic, fabulous lampwork beads recently. Can you tell I like them…a LOT?

They can be found on Artfire and the name of the shop is Blissful Garden Beads. The artist’s name is Heather Davis and she is from Vancouver, Washington where she lives with her husband and 4 children. Her work is truly remarkable, stop by and check them out.

Here is a small sample of her work.

One warning, if you see some you love, you had best grab them quick. They don’t last long and one look and you can see why.

Heather has recently added Gift Certificates to her shop. All I have to say about that is that if you are one of my kids reading this…Mother’s Day is coming up!

April 23^rd Noon to 4 P.M.

When I first started making jewelry I would get up early and make earrings to go with whatever I was wearing for the day, would you like to do the same?

If so, I am having class that will teach you how to make your own basic earrings. I will be teaching proper wire wrapping techniques by hand and how to make your own earwires in a variety of styles by hand and with a jig for those who do not want to use leverbacks. I prefer the leverbacks because they are very secure.

All supplies for lead safe silver, gold and copper tones are supplied.

Class includes 1 pair of earrings. You can make more for just $8.00 per pair if time allows.

Round nose pliers, chain nose pliers and cutters will be available for purchase on the day of class for those who do not have their own tools.

Classes are held in Waterville, Maine. Directions will be available after purchase.

You can sign up under "Classes" to reserve your spot!

Due to limited seating refunds are not available for classes although in extraordinary circumstances fees may be applied to future classes.

Get your Knitting Needles and Hooks ready!

To my husband and children I am known as the Bag Lady. Every week or so I cruise the Internet trying to find a fabulous bag to admire. I look around a lot and often find myself back on Etsy.

This week I was looking for knitted bag patterns and came across these. What wonderful bags for everyday and she has them in knit and crochet versions!

Whip them up in white, gray or black for a more formal version then embellish to your heart’s content.

Jo, the owner of Little Projects on Etsy has more delightful patterns for bags, hats, shawls and and scarves...go check her out!

I have purchased the knit version and will be back to let you know the experience level later today!

While I was cruising Etsy today this pillow caught my eye. The owners/designers of this shop are a mother and daughter team with many years of seamstress experience. They have had 473 sales all with wonderful reviews.

I happened to notice this one because I have a granddaughter by this name.

In addition to pillows for both girls and boys

 she makes really cute hair accessories for your little princess, custom baby blankets, bibs, and droolers and some cool stuff for mom too!

Check out her shop Designs by Mimi and Lola!

I am now doing custom names in peyote pieces with any name you request on them. These make great bracelets and bookmarks. I did this one for one of my students, although she does not know it yet!

All you have to do is choose a background, your colors and let me know the name and I will make your pattern for you. We can work together to make the perfect piece for you or your loved one.

Here is what the pattern includes:

1. Bead Legend: this tells you what Delica beads you will need complete with the Delica color #, and the amount of each you will need.

2. Bead Pattern: useful for those who know how to read a Peyote Stitch pattern.

3. Complete print out row by row bead by bead for those who find it too tedious or have never even SEEN a Peyote Stitch pattern before!

4. Directions with photos of a beaded toggle clasp and a medallion style clasp. You can always make or buy your own if you want to.

Bonus directions for matching beaded earrings

You will receive your PDF format pattern via e-mail within 24 hours (usually right away) after Paypal has processed your payment. There is no refund for patterns.

All patterns and tutorials ©2009 Divella Delights and while you may make and sell the bracelets you may not distribute or sell the patterns, or use them for teaching purposes. It would be nice (and is customary) for you to give design credit to Divella Delights should you choose to sell the items made from these patterns (pattern created by Divella Delights) By completing this purchase you are agreeing to these terms.

There are no refunds for patterns.

I love natural fibers and wanted to make some wristwarmers for those in between seasons and for those like myself who have trouble the internal thermostat. Cotton breathes and the Pima cotton is high quality and as soft as it is beautiful. Naturally, one pays the price.

The first set of wristwarmers was designed by the team at Knitpicks but I have made changes and in fact have only kept the ruffle and redesigned the rest.

I am not to be satisfied yet…I want to make them fingerless gloves so I want to incorporate a thumb, actually 1/3 of a thumb if you know what I mean. So the evolution continues. Come back in a bit and see the progress!

We had our peyote class yesterday and had a great time! We’ll be getting together sometime soon to finish things up.

I have postponed the earring class due to the upcoming move (see previous blog entry). We will be going to Vermont next weekend to scope things out and find David an apartment for the next few months until we can get the house sold. With the 2 dogs we have it would be best if I stayed here until the house sells or is at least under contract.

The classes will resume in mid April!

Make sure you check out the great sale I am having!

I really want to know what drives people to shop, or not to shop, for items on line.

I have decided to have a drawing for everyone who replies to my weekly question for helping me get some answers.

Let’s jump right in!

We’ll begin with a basic question.

When you come across handcrafted items that you love on line, what is the main factor that prevents you from making your purchase?

1. Price too high for what you see.
2. Price too low for what you see.
3. Photo quality
4. Unrecognized name
5. Website appearance
6. Not enough information in the descriptions
7. Shipping prices
8. Refund policy
9. Other, please explain.

Each week I will have a drawing for a free pair of earrings for those who participate by making a comment answering the question. Please make sure you enter your e-mail address on your comment. It does not show up on the website, but does enable me to contact you if you are the winner. I will not use your e-mail address for any other purpose except to notify you if you should be the winner of the drawing.

If you would like to be added to my e-mail list, please feel free to sign up on the bottom of any page.

Thanks so much for participating!

I hate the terms full figured or plus size! Divella delights is coming out with some of my favorite designs in lengths for ravishing, robust women.

This category will feature necklaces in lengths from 20-24 inches and bracelets beginning at 9 inches. The first one is in, a wonderfully versatile piece in bead crochet.

The next is a 6-strand 22-inch version of Key Lime!

Any ideas? I would love to hear them!

Every week I check my report page to see what keywords and phrases people are using to search. This week I came across one that was asking how to attach bead caps and bead cones to a crochet bracelet.

This is how I do it.

First I hide both my tails in my work with a large blunt needle. I use the blunts because they don’t catch the threads.

I then cut a 4" piece of wire…silver, cold, copper; whatever the color of the bead cap/cone is. Now, if I am using a cone I put the wire through the rope under the 2 row of beads until there is about 1 inch on the other side.

I bend the wire so the short and long ends of the wire are parallel. Then wrap you’re the short wire around the larger one. Slide on your cone and wrap.

Using a bead cap you would do it the same way except you would not put the wire through the rope. Instead you would pick of the center threads in the bead crochet

Get ready for summer with this summer sun hat!

Crocheted in 100% cotton this hat will keep you cool and comfy while keeping the sun off your face and tender nose. I did the top portion in a slightly tighter weave to protect your scalp while you’re at the beach or poolside. The midsection is a loose design to help keep you cool and the brim is extra tight to block the harmful rays of the sun.

The flower is on a pin so you can remove it and pin your Pareo/Sarong, or attach it to your favorite beach bag.

Because it is made with cotton, you can toss it in your suitcase or handbag without fear of crushing it and when you get home you can toss it in the washer…cold water please and only delicate dry.

This hat will be your favorite evening hat this summer!

Crocheted in 100% cotton in an open, airy weave in a deep black, this hat has a tight weave around the brim.

The pin can be removed it for a different look.                

The pattern will include directions for both brims but it assumed that you know how to crochet.

Peace through Pampering does it again!

For 3 months I have had this patch of skin on my leg that was so dry it actually bled and formed scars. Wearing jeans has been painful. I tried creams, lotions, and salves; medicated, non-medicated. You name it I probably tried it. And yes, I had upped my water intake as well.

I contacted Barbara at Peace through Pampering where I got that wonderful lip balm hoping she might have some suggestions. She sent me some lotion that she had whipped up for her husband as he has a skin condition with very dry skin.

I cannot believe that after only 3 days of using this creamy lotion, once in the morning after my shower, I am seeing massive improvement. The cracks and flakes are gone and the skin tone is even improving! It feels so much better I am stunned quite frankly. I can wear my jeans without them causing pain to my leg. It has the perfect consistency, more like a face cream density and a light fresh scent. I am hoping she comes out with a lemongrass scent, I’ll keep you posted!

At this point she uses no preservative but because of the nature of lotion if it is not used up it will turn so she is seeking a natural, healthy stabilizer. The containers are large, like her sugar scrubs and a little goes a long way but even so I don’t think it will last long around here!

Your pattern comes with materials list, stringing sequence, full color photos each step of the way, as well as written directions. I have even supplied links to my suppliers for you.

A good time was had by all in the February beading class. The fringe technique was learned and bracelets were made!

We began the day with Starbucks coffee and Belgian chocolate pastries. I can’t think of a better way to begin a class, or my day for that matter.

Then we set up our bead boards and got down to business! Later in the day a nice Bordeaux was served with Blueberry goat cheese and crackers from Trader Joe's while we kept working.

I am still waiting for the other 2 pictures but here is the one Liz finished. Each student chose their supplies from my inventory and what a stunning combination of materials Liz chose! Excellent work!

The first thing you should know is I was not paid or compensated by anyone for mention in this blog post! 

There are a couple of things I try to do when buying supplies for my jewelry business. Free or low cost shipping! Not only do I want to save my own money, but also I want to be able to extend that price break to my customers. One thing though, I don’t ever want to sacrifice quality.

There are times items are less costly with one supplier than another but after I compute cost with shipping I am actually paying more per item.

After comparing prices, which takes a great deal of time, there are a few suppliers I use regularly who offer free shipping over a specific amount. I am not talking about thousands of dollars, a $10 or $25 minimum so it is not like I have to keep my list going forever before I make my purchase. I don’t have thousands of dollars at my disposal most months so I don’t use the $1,000.00 minimums or the 200-item minimum to get the best price.

There is one very large supplier out of California I used to use for gems and pearls but the quality had gone downhill and the cost had gone up so much I had to find others. I want to use high-grade materials in my creations. I don’t want to spend my time creating beautiful designs and then use inferior supplies.

So which suppliers do I use now? Well, there are several depending on what I am looking for.

If it is pearls, gemstones or gemstone chips on my mind I check out Artbeads.com and Beadin Path. The quality is very good and they both offer free shipping if your order is over $10 and $25 respectively. I do not think I have EVER spent less than $25.00 when buying jewelry making supplies! If you want it quicker there are other options but I prefer the free shipping.

If I am looking for copper I go right to Accessories Susan. Not only are her prices really good but her materials or lead safe and nickel free. She also has free shipping and with no minimum!

Any glass I buy I usually go right to the artisan. I did a blog a month or two ago about what some companies refer to as ‘Artisan created’. Careful here, most of it is not created by an Artisan as we think of it. My personal favorites are Generations Lampwork and Rufus and Roxy, both found on Etsy. Rufus and Roxy has free shipping over $25.00. Generations does charge shipping but it is nominal and they are both wonderful with special orders.

Seed beads in bulk is something I have yet to find free shipping for so if anyone knows of anyone, please let me know. I buy most of my seed beads from Caravan Beads in Portland, Maine. If I am just looking for a tube or 2 then Beadin Path has a good selection but Caravan is definitely my go-to place for Delica beads. Caravan also has delicious pearls.

Although Gemphora is a little costly and they do charge shipping, they have wonderful great quality gems that I have trouble finding elsewhere like Kyanite, Fluorite, and Labradorite. I always get the $5.00 donation pearls when I shop with them. They pick them so it is a surprise each time I receive an order. I have never been disappointed.

I get most of my findings and Swarovski at Artbeads.com.

I hope this helps you find some better prices for your supplies. Let’s face it, we all enjoy saving some money when we can and I enjoy begin able to create pieces without having to worry about the end price.

Do you have any favorite suppliers?

I was not paid or compensated by anyone for mention in this blog post!

This is a follow up on the Dragon Bracelet. For this one I decided to use filigree cones and a clasp rather than making a bangle. Which one do you like best?

In a recent edition of Beadwork magazine I saw a bracelet in there I really liked. The problem was that no matter how many times I tried to weave it using the directions and technique in the magazine I could not get it to work.

I have been doing bead crochet for with some time so I thought perhaps I could come up with a pattern with the same beads and a similar look. This was the result…

splendid! I will be ordering more of these beads!

As I scan the social networks I see the most delightful images testifying to the beauty that only winter brings. One photo in particular was this one by Joan Regal Ahier from the Dalles, Oregon. Although she considers herself to be an amateur photographer, her talent captures the essence of many a moment like no other I have seen. I used this photo as inspiration for my Winter Garden piece.

A nearly monochromatic work, this 18-inch necklace is meant to mimic an ice-covered garden in winter. In it you will find all of the delightful elements a lady loves.

The upper neck of this stunning piece was accomplished with dainty silver pearls and sterling silver beads to rest comfortably on your neck. As the neck transforms into the main body there are shimmering Swarovski crystals peaking out from the weave to catch the light and add flashes of color the way only these lovely Austrian crystals can. Next the weave (and the fun) begins!

I used sparkling crystal AB seed beads to give the effect of sunlight in the ice-covered trees and frosty Magatama beads to capture the look of snow on the ground. The lovely opalescent flowers give the sense that the temperature change came quickly and suddenly thus freezing the flowers in place. It serves to remind us that Spring will return again, the branches will turn green once more and blossom. The slight breaks in the weave not only allow more light to play on the necklace, but also allows for me to incorporate gemstone beads into the piece. As with most of my pieces this one draws to a close with a sterling lobster claw clasp. On the other side is an oval jump ring for added security, also in sterling.

Although entitled Winter Garden, this piece would be an exquisite bridal design for your June wedding.

For a piece that is nearly absent of color this necklace shimmers dramatically!

Peace Thru Pampering is now open on Etsy!!!

Can’t you just see how scrumptious her sugar scrubs are?! I was one of the Guinea Pigs she refers to in her product description She will be listing her bath salts tomorrow so stay tuned for more all-natural, non-toxic, healing, soothing products from Barbara.

"I loved the sugar scrub I purchased from a major retail outlet, until I read the ingredients. A whole list of chemicals that I couldn't pronounce and didn't want. So began my first 'mad science' experiments to make a product that is good for the body, soul and environment.
So I began with a list of ingredients that nourish your skin. Organic sugars that naturally exfoliate. Sweet almond oil to moisturize and soothe skin. Apricot kernel oil for it's high vitamin E content and skin softening. Grape seed oil for toning and healing. Scented with sandalwood and lavender essential oils, forming a synergy of scents to boost confidence and relax the mind.
Then I sent a batch out to my 'guinea pigs', family and friends that were willing to give me honest feedback. They overwhelmingly love it and want more. However, as with any product with natural carrier oils, this will make your bathtub or shower slippery; so please use caution and common sense when using.
This large 8-ounce jar is sealed and securely wrapped for shipping. Please note that I do not use emulsifiers, preservatives or artificial colors in this; this is a full jar of high quality oil and organic sugars. The heavy walled jar is labeled for recycling, so please recycle!

Simply smooth on skin and rinse with hot water. It will literally leave your skin as smooth as a baby's bare bottom"

Look for more scents to come!

The jars are dishwasher safe and because I re-use a lot rather than recycle so I use mine for beads and other small trinkets.

Come and make a bracelet with us.

Learn this technique and leave with a finished bracelet.

Class is limited to 5 so pre-registration wth payment is necassary by Februaury 1, 2011.

Fee is $75.00 and includes all materials, gemstones, pearls, beads in many colors and coffee!

Bring a snack or bag lunch if you like. There will be no "lunch hour" but you won’t miss a thing!

I have dogs and a cat so if you have an allergy to them beware! They will not be in the classroom.

Class begins at 10 A.M. and goes until you are finished (usually about 4 hours)

Since the class includes all materials and is so limited in space payment is required at time of registration and is non refundable. Should the weather prevent you from attending or we need to cancel for the weather you will have full credit to use for another class.

After registration is complete through Paypal I will send you my address and assist you with directions if needed. When the class is full the listing will show up as "Sold" and no longer be available to purchase.

Today I want to talk about Lampwork beads.

I have seen several sites lately who boast "artisan created" when talking about lampwork beads. This to me is misleading most of the time. When I saw that I could buy an unlimited amount of the same exact bead I began to wonder.

When I buy lampwork beads from an artisan each one is different, even if they are a "matched pair". This makes sense to me as an artist so I never gave it another thought. These mass produced glass beads are not the same. If you were ever curious about how these stunning beads were made I have a great link for you. After reading this you can clearly see that no 2 beads can ever be exactly alike unless you are melting the glass in some sort of mold. I do not consider that as artisan created. The beads that I use are truly artisan created, made by the artisan…one bead at a time with a torch and glass rod…by hand. This of course, does make the bead more costly but I look at it this way…I can buy an original painting or I can buy a print; a less expensive reproduction which a million other people are going to have. Perhaps if the prints are a limited edition only 500 other people will own them…still. The original makes it more valuable and there is not another anywhere. If you want to find some great (truly) artisan created beads check out my 'Link' page. Pictured here are some beads by Generations Lampwork and Rufus and Roxy.

I prefer it…how about you?

Most of us try hard to pay attention to what goes into our bodies, especially with the increase of genetically modified and engineered foods and cloned meats coming slamming the market.

We have long known that pesticides and herbicides collect in our bodies making us suffer innumerable illnesses and diseases. We don’t want to feed these things to our families, we know that ingesting harmful chemicals is bad for us. We scrutinize labels attempting to sound out the ingredients so we can at least pronounce them although most of us don’t know what they are, never mind the effects they are having on us. We do all this for what goes into our bodies, sometimes forgetting that what we put on our bodies is equally important.

How much attention do we pay to our bath products? The soaps and lotions, salves and ointments we put on our skin can contain harmful ingredients, which then pass through the skin into our bloodstream.

I have come across a new line of products created by a North Carolina mom that you will want to try. I had actually received some as a gift and wanted more.

Here is what Barbara says about her journey:

"As a mother of 3 I have learned that life is full of movement, noise, homework, chores, cooking, dishes, laundry and a general hectic pace. I can't count how many times I've heard a mom say "If only I had one more hour to a day!" Bathtime, grooming time, my ME time has become critical to my mental well being. After trying hard to feed us all a balanced diet with natural ingredients, I started to read the ingredients on our bath products. Lots of cetyl alcohol, polymers, disodium EDTA and other unpronounceable ingredients. Skin is the largest organ on the body; it readily absorbs what's on it into our bloodstream. So began what my husband refers to as my 'mad scientist' mode; blending and creating natural products that benefit our bodies. After rave reviews and encouragement from family and friends, I am hoping to help others achieve "Peace Through Pampering".

What she leaves out is that she has been painstakingly researching every detail for 3 years now. Even the delightful packaging was thoughtfully considered in order to give her family and now the rest of us an all natural, aromatically pleasing peaceful alternative to commercially prepared, chemically saturated bath products on the market.

Her shop will be opening this week so make it a point to stop by and see what she has to offer. A couple of things you won’t want to be without this winter are the lip balm and sugar scrubs…delightful!

Peace Through Pampering is a name you’ll want to remember and after you try her products it is one you won’t forget!

I really like using these in my jewelry. No matter how hard I try round jump rings always join up on the seam making for a weaker link. Sure there are times when I have to use the round ones but for the most part I use the ovals. Because of the oval shape when you connect them to each other, a clasp or a piece of chain the split is setting on the side rather than where the 2 pieces join. It is far less likely that you are going to have one of these come open than if you use round. Don't forget, you don't want to pull these apart, give them a twist just as you would the round ones.

Like most of my silver and gold supplies I get these at Artbeads

2. Non precious-metal leverbacks

On the rare occasion when I am not using sterling or gold I get my leverbacks from Accessories Susan. Not only does she have the best prices I have found, she also has free shipping and her items are all lead and nickel free. She has large and wonderful selection of Victorian era supplies as well as bead caps, filigree, and so much more. If you are not using sterling and/or gold this is your go to shop for beading supplies!

Time to get supper on! I'll be back tomorrow with more!

Now you can show your team spirit in a very fashionable way! With the NCAA football championship game on the horizon a friend from Oregon asked me to create one of my Flapped Flapper Hats in yellow and green for the Oregon Ducks and here is what I came up with.

They are made with a top shelf 100% lambswool so they are not only really warm but also very soft without the itch wool notoriously has. The earflaps are a little longer than most and help to keep not only your ears nice and toasty, but simply tie it up and you can keep that hard to protect jawline area as well. These are perfect to wear to your favorite sporting event, fun in the snow, walking Rover, or any other outdoor winter activity.

You can order the hats in any 2 colors and you get to choose which color goes on top. I can leave the flower off and the hat is suitable for men as well as women.

Do you have a favorite sports team? Are you an Alumni member who likes to show school spirit? If so, you will want to see what I have come up with. It is the new Flapped Flapper. I took my Flapper design that sells so well and altered it to be a hat with earflaps and make with 100% Lamb’s Pride wool so it is nice and toasty and still really soft. Siting out at those games can get pretty cold!

In this new design the classic Flapper Hat meets present day practicality while keeping the timeless feminine appeal from an era long past. This new fashion forward design is pleasing to the touch, as soft as it is warm. It is made with Lamb’s Pride 100% wool in your selected colors with a coordinating flower…or not.

I now have a special section devoted to charitable donations where %50 of the sale price gores to the Charity of the Month. The best part for you is they are also sale priced!

For the month of December and January those amounts will go to the Navy and Marine Corps Relief Society!

My daughter gave me a beautiful sweater for my birthday this year and when I put it on I knew I could live in it until May! The only problem was the neckline. While it is not a V-neck and not low cut, I guess it is sort of like a boatneck. it leaves some of the area between my neck and shoulder exposed and I tend to run a little cold most of the time. I don’t like those flowing scarves anymore because I cannot work in them.

That is the story about how my bell scarf was born. I wanted something that would not gape around my neck but not tight and it also had to cover that gap the sweater leaves.

Here I have the perfect solution and it gets better. It is also great under jackets and coats or you can wear it over a sweatshirt. I wear mine around the house!

I knit it with one skein of 100% wool and one that is an acrylic blend...sooo soft and warm. It begins fairly wide around the bottom then switched to a ribbed pattern with a decrease here and there…not too much

Gift Certificates have so many wonderful applications! They great for those people on your shopping list you are not quite sure what to buy. Not only that but suppose you want to buy your mother something really special and you have some others who would like to join in. Each person can send their own Gift Certificate so Mom has more choices! She can choose several pair of earrings, some necklaces and maybe a handcrafted exotic wood cutting board or bowl or even that wonderful Winter Frost necklace. The gift certificates are also great for those last minute "OOPS I forgot someone" gift because they can be sent right away. Because they all go through Paypal everything is instant. They are very easy to use.

Divella Delights has gifts for little ones on your list as well. Do you have a niece or nephew you have not seen for a while? Send their mom or dad the gift certificate and let them get the right size and color.

You can print them out and give them in person or in a card. They are great for those Yankee swaps at the office!

Be sure and stop by often, we are always changing!

Please have a happy and safe Holiday season!

For those of you who knit on double pointed needles and are giving socks or such as gifts here is a tip…

After you have finished your socks or other project put them in a mesh bag and add them to a load of clothes in the dryer. This will close up the gaps left between your needles and reserves the just knit look. Be careful if you have used wool so it does not begin to felt. Just a few monutes will do it.

You can also use the magic loop technique, which leaves smaller gaps! Here is a link to the video!

I am teaching a Peyote Stitch (used in so many beading designs) class every Monday and Wednesday from 2-5 and Saturdays from 1-4 (ages 10+) from November 1st until December 22nd in my smoke-free, pet friendly classroom.

You will learn this wonderful basic and very versatile stitch used in created these wonderful bracelets and more.  The last class in each series will focus on clasps and how to incorporate them.

Space is limited to 4 students each day so call to reserve your space. Class fee is $35.00 per class or $120.00 for any 4 classes and includes basic materials used in class. Last minute students are welcome if space allows. You may also purchase my patterns at a reduced rate during classes.

A little about me…

I have been making jewelry professionally for 5 years and I am a contributor in Jewelry Business Success News. I have taught art classes in public schools, teenage shelters and in my home over the past 15 years. My Winter Frost necklace is going to be featured in Bead and Button magazine June 2011.

Visit my website at www.divelladelights.com to see more about me and the jewelry I create. My work can be seen locally at Tardif Jewelers in downtown Waterville and Clothware Boutique in Harvard Square in Cambridge, MA, and Fyberworks in Portland, Oregon.

Dianne Culbertson-Jacques

info@divelladelights.com

Some of you may remember when I was making these crochet rope bracelets. A short time later everyone was making them so I set those aside and went on to other things. As I was getting the studio a little more organized I found a few that I had not put together and wondered what I could do with them and here is what I came up with.

The crochet rope is 7" or thereabouts and I decided to make necklaces out of them. I attached 49 strand wire to each end, filled it with genuine Garnet chips, added a beautiful artisan created lampwork bead and now you have 2 necklaces…one with the drop and one without. Just slide the drop over the toggle clasp and you have the plain crochet rope!

I am very excited to announce that my Winter Frost Necklace will be featured in the June 2011 Bead and Button magazine!

Created with hundreds is sterling silver beads, this necklace was in my mind for months before I finally purchased the materials. It was a huge step for me, it meant taking my jewelry to the next level in that I would be using a considerable amount of sterling, which as we all know has taken a leap in price.

I wanted to do a monochromatic piece in silver and Winter Frost is just that. To make the piece more comfortable to wear I used beautiful silver peacock pearls for the upper part of the neck with tiny sterling beads between. There are Swarovski crystals in the weave so there is just a delicate reflection of color making this a piece you can wear with many different outfits.

Although the piece is for sale, I do have to send it in so they can photograph it so I will let you know when I get it back. Should you want this elegant beauty for yourself you can put a deposit down for me to hold it for you.

I can’t wait to see the professional photos as it is difficult to capture the true magnificence of this piece with my digital camera.

Gold and silver prices are soaring out of control and some of my suppliers have actually stopped selling gold-filled cones and end caps which forced me to sit down and design my own at last. I had been thinking about it for quite some time but when an order came in from a boutique who wanted no plated metals on her pieces I was forced to get to it.

Here is what I came up with. I thought I would share it because I am sure if I am in this jam there must be others out there as well. This pattern will make a bead cap 10mm X 10mm and is worked in circular peyote.

#11 138

#15 54

Fireline or beading thread

String 26 #11 Delica beads

Go through beads again and first bead strung to form a circle.

Work circular peyote stitch until there are 5 in each row.

Then begin the decrease as outlined below.

String 1#11, 1#15 to end of row ending in #11

String 2#15, 1#11 to end of row ending in a #15

String 13 #15

String 13#15

String (1#15, skip next) to end of row ending in #15

String #11 between #11 from previous row

String #15 between each bead in previous row weave in and finish off, cut thread

Here is a bead crochet necklace I did using these bead caps.

After a few requests I decided I would begin selling my patterns for the beaded bracelets. Here is what you will get when you order one of my patterns. All patterns are in full color.

1. Bead Legend: this tells you what Delica beads you will need complete with the Delica color #, and the amount of each you will need.
2. Bead Pattern: useful for those who know how to read a Peyote Stitch pattern.
3. Complete print out row by row bead by bead for those who find it too tedious or have never even SEEN a Peyote Stitch pattern before! 
4. Directions with photos of a beaded toggle clasp. You can always make or buy your own if you want to.
5. Bonus directions for matching beaded earrings.

I design these patterns myself and it takes quite some time and a lot of work to complete them. Feel free to make and sell the times produced from these patterns however the pattern itself remains the property of Divella Delights and may not be sold or reproduced and marketed in any way, including for use as a teaching aid.

Because of the nature of the sale, pattern purchases cannot be refunded but I will help you in any way I can via e-mail. The patterns are extremely easy to use and if you know how to do flat peyote stitch you can one of these in a day.

I will have more coming! I am working on a Tiger Print now and should be posting it in a day or two.

Are you inundated with junk ads even though you try so hard not to get them sent to you? Sometimes there is nothing you can do to stop the ads from coming.

I shred everything with any personal information on it, even if it is just my name but I was nervous about using it for packing material until I began shredding all those ads as well. I realize I can recycle paper but the way I do it accomplishes other things as well.

Doing it this way gives my shredded material a lot of color and mixes with all the other stuff to give me some very attractive packing material for my small business. It means I don’t have to buy packing material, which helps my bottom line, and it gives a good use to all that paper. Hopefully those in receipt of packages from me will put it in the recycle rather than in the trash. Perhaps they will find it colorful enough to put it to good use again!

Do you have someone special in the military? If so here is an idea for a wonderful and meaningful gift and one they can add to throughout their military career. You will need:

A variety of charms,

6 inches or so of chain

oval jumprings (20 gauge open/unsoldered)

pearls, gems, beads of your choosing

headpins

The first thing I did was think of my daughter, her passions, and funny or meaningful times in her life. She took ballet, she loves horseback riding and so on. The main focus though was on her military career.

Where did it start? Where has she been?

First let me say that most of the charms are sterling silver as is the base chain. I found everything I needed at Artbeads.com; the selection of charms is astounding and the prices are great. I will highlight each item with a link for you. They also have a learning center.

The first charm I selected was the USN charm and I chose this one because she has a tattoo on her back with the anchor and of course, the daughter charm. They have other, more delicate military charms as well. She began with Boot Camp so I got the Illinois State charm, then A school was in Florida so I had to have that one. I live in Maine so I got that one and so on for every place she has been so far. I also chose an opal because it is her birthstone. She loves the leaves in the Fall so I got her some vintage Lucite leaves. They are pink but I wanted to stay with a theme. What woman does not love pearls? Right, so I put those in as well.

When I do charm bracelets I really like the oval jump rings because the stress is not on the opening.

You have gathered the items for your bracelet, now what?

If you need to put any beads on headpins now is the time. I prefer a wire wrap as opposed to a loop because it makes it so much more secure. You will want to do this if you use sterling or gold for certain! Video tutorials are available.

Cut your chain…make sure you subtract the clasp from the total. For instance if you are making a 6 inch bracelet and your clasp is an inch you only want the chain to be 5 inches. Lay out your chain and begin putting the charms on the table where you want them to go, don’t attach them just yet. After you get that all sorted out begin by putting on the clasp. I put 2 jumprings on here just for added strength. When you open your jump rings make sure you do so by twisting and not pulling apart. If you pull it you will never get a clean join again! Hold your jumprings with 2 pair of pliers. Twist one towards you and one away from you just enough to allow the chain to fit There are great tutorials all over the Internet so I won’t go into all that. Attach it to your bracelet and twist back. Put all your charms on leaving space for new charms that she will acquire later. Not only is this a lovely and meaningful gift but you can send charms to have put on later. There are a couple of fun charms, a cowboy boot (she learned line dancing recently) a high heel shoe for my little shoe queen. The guys that did her home of record move even made comments on the amount of shoes!

Please send me photos!

Blog for Beads by Artbeads.com contributed a large part of my materials in exchange for my honest evaluation of their merchandise in my blog. I am not paid to endorse them in any way.

OK folks, we have a winner but as the e-mail addresses do not always have names with them I have to get the name first so stay tuned. An e-mail has gone out to the winner.

Tomorrow, September 15^th as well as September 28th I will be at Togus VA all day selling my wares and I will have some really good deals so stop by if you are in the area.

If you live in Cambridge look for my jewelry to come to Clothware in the Square this Fall. If you find yourself in Portland, Oregon stop by and say Hi to Cindy at Fyberworks and take a look at my hats! I am very excited to be added to these beautiful boutiques. We are not stopping there! I will be doing a little traveling this winter to do some more marketing so stop in now and then. Who knows, I might be coming to a boutique near you!

October is booking up for me. On October 2^nd I will be teaching a micro-macramé workshop in Waterville, Maine. I will be a t Togus again on October 12^th and then I teach a class on Free-Form Peyote Bracelets in Manchester, Maine at Sweetland Retreat. As far as I know there is still room so sign up and lets bead!

David has sold his last bowl so I am trying to get him downstairs to make some more! I am a slave driver to be certain! Look for more soon. He is also going to be making those lovely 3-D ornaments again this year…you will want a set of those.

I put on a yellow blouse today and realized I have no yellow earrings. If you have 30 minutes and the materials you can whip u a pair for yourself before work. Here is what you need:

2 headpins 24 gauge

#11 seed beads

#8 sead beads

thread or Fireline

beading needle

2 6mm Swarovski crystals

 Here is how...

Work an even count peyote stitch 14 beads long with a width of 6 beads top and bottom. I used 6 #11 in yellow, 2 #8 aqua, 6 #11 yellow.

Tie on a stop bead ( no knots here you will need to pull this off). With your needle pick up 6 yellow #11 beads, 2 aqua #8 beads and another 6 #11 beads. Pick up a #11 bead, skip the first bead and go through the second. Skip the next bead and go through the next. Continue this way to the end, turn and do the same for the next row. (You should have 3 yellow, 1 aqua and 3 yellow.) Continue this until you have 6 rows at the top and bottom. At this point, do not worry about lining up the larger beads as this will take care of itself when you make the tube. Do the best you can to keep the tension even and snug but not too tight.

Next you are going to make a tube. Fold the beadwork in half lengthwise and "zip" it up. Take your needle and go through the first bead on the opposite side. You will notice here are "up" beads and "down " beads. You want to zigzag and go through all the :up " beads just like a zipper. Here is what you should have.

When I have reached the end of the tube I weave it in adn out the top tubes unti I reach the tail thread, tie them together then I weave them through other beads several more times before I cut.

Now it is time to wrap this up. Put 1 6mmSwarovski bicone on your 24 gauge headpin. Usually the tube is somehwat lazy so I take my headpin and add 14 #11 seed bead on it and put the yube over it. You might have to apply slight presure to get the tube over the #11 beads but this will make it nice and tight against the headpin so it doesn't loose shape. Add your other Swarovski. Loop or wrap the top of the headpin, put it on your favority earwire, make another and get to work!

These bracelets are a lot of fun and all you need is some wool yarn, a couple of beads and some wire. Great for necklaces too! It makes a wonderful project for those scraps  you have in your yarn collection.

You can buy the kit from Generations Lampwork with some stunning lampwork cones. It comes with everything you need.

After the piece if felted and DRY, you can begin to put your bracelet together.

You will need 2 pieces of 20 gauge wire of your choice, 2 cones and your chosen beads. For a roll on bracelet keep in mind that you need to make it larger than your standard because it has to fit over your hand. Measure your hand around the widest part with you thumb on the inside of your palm.

Put the wire through the I-cord at least 1/4 inch from the end. Make a loop and wrap 3 times. Put the cone on and pull tight, make another loop and wrap 3 times. Set this aside while you put your cone on the other end.

After you have both your cones on slide your beads onto the wire and put through the loop on the other side, wrap and Voila!

　I wish I would have thought to write the instrustions before I put these together so I had photos to share with you along the way. I will be knittig some more up today so I should have soem photos in a couple of days.

Here are a few photos of the bracelet in progress. Notice the way the colors are staggered so there is no clear lines. Unless you are doing something geometric it is usually best to stagger the colors.

Materials:

2 6mm beads

2 colors #11 beads (A and B)

Thread to match

# 10 needle

2 headpins (20 or 22 gauge)

2 earwires

18 # 8 beads

String on 6mm bead and tie a knot

Go through the bead to make a continuous circle as shown.

Now you want to use your #8 beads and brick stitch all the way around.

There are many good videos and written instructions on the inter net. If you Google "brick stitch" you will find one that works for you. Just remember that you will be going under the thread each time.    

After you have completed your circle with 9 #8 beads you will begin your flower.

You should be coming out of the top of your last bead after going through the first bead and last bead a couple of times remembering to keep your tension snug.

Pick up 7 #11 beads color A and go back through your #8 bead making a loop.

Now go up through your next #8 bead, pick up 7 #11 beads color A go back down through your #8 bead and repeat around, ending coming up through your first #8 bead.

Pick up 9 color B beads and repeat the process above.

There are 2 ways you can do the last row depending on how much color of your 6 mm bead you want to see.

If you want a lot of your 6mm bead to show then just go back to your color A bead, pick up 11 and repeat the process above.

If you want less color to show through then thread back so you are coming out the bottom of your #8 bead, add 5 color B beads and go up through your next #8 bead.

I end by going up through a row of the #11 beads to the top, tie a knot go down through the rest of the loop do this a couple of times then I go through the 6mm bead a cut the thread.

Now use your 22-20 gauge headpin and go through your 6mm bead so the head of the pin lies flat. From here you can either add some other beads as I have done here or just loop or wire wrap your headpin place on your earwire and you are done!

As some of you know I was invited to participate in the "Blog for Beads" segment that Artbeads.com has been doing for several months now.
The way it works is I get to pick out a specified dollar amount in materials and create jewelry according to a theme chosen by Artbeads.com. Following that I have to give my honest opinion about the materials I have chosen. In addition the fabulous materials they carry the shipping is free which makes the next part of my scheme easy for all of you! Beginning with the next segment when I post the photo of the design I create for Blog for Beads, I will also give you a materials list and easy to follow instructions. All you have to do is sign up on my e-mail list and I will e-mail you the info FREE! I have done several of these and you can see them further along in my blog if you wish to cheek them out.
Here is the feedback I received from Artbeads.com about my latest creation. pictured here.
"Wow, what a beautiful ‘Mermaids Choker’ you’ve created! The pendant is breathtaking against your luscious mix of seed beads, crystals and amber. Your choice of colors for your beads is outstanding and the two gold satin rounds add a lovely touch framed up against the side of the gorgeous lampwork pendant. I’m delighted to see your beadwoven clasp too! This is the kind of design, that if I saw it in person, I would want to pick up and touch as it has a wonderful warmth and vibrancy to it. An absolutely gorgeous piece and I thank you for all of your hard work creating it. I also appreciate your work on your blog, photos and links as well."
Be sure and check out the feedback from my customers on my Guestbook page!

Everything on the site is 10% off, even the Under $25.00 section! Necklaces have been discounted 40% and bracelets are 30%! Sale begins now and ends Thursday evening and remember, I ship every day.

All orders over $45.00 receive a free gift!

I have the jewelry store I sell to coming over tomorrow to fill up her display so if there is something you want, you might want o get it now.

The winner for February has been selected so as soon as I hear back I will announce the winner.

I just purchased a program so I can make my own bead patterns for peyote bracelets so lots of great new designs coming up. I will even be able to bead people, pets, etc into a bracelet. See the geometric one?

This one was a design from Anna Neff. I changed the bead type and colors and designed my own clasp. This new program is going to be very exciting.

Happy Valentines Day to all of you!

A friend of mine at work did this painting and asked if I could put it on a hat.

It was my first try at something like this and I was tempted to say " I can’t" but I decided to give it a try. It did not come out exactly but I am pleased with it.

It was a challenge and a lot of fun so I plan to do some more of this type. Flowers are great and I like doing them but it is time to step out once again from the comfort zone and push myself a little…or a lot.

I used to do Sumi-e painting so I am thinking of doing some on my hats. They will truly be one of a kind pieces of wearable art. I should have some great hats next winter!

This bracelet was fun to make. You will need the materials below and about 2 hours.

8# test Fireline

Size 8 seed beads

Size 11 seed beads

#12 beading needle

Center bead, mine was a flat MOP but you can use any large bead

Purchased clasp or you can make your own like I did

Make a 12-bead peyote bracelet with the size 8 beads to the desired length like this:

String on 12 size 8 beads leaving a 6-inch tail

Turn around, add one bead, skip the first bead and go through the next bead. Continue adding a bead and going through every other bead until you come to the end then turn and continue. When you get back to your tail thread, tie a surgeons knot. Do NOT cut your tail off yet. You will want to weave and cut later.

You can get wonderful instructions for the peyote stitch on the Internet if you are not familiar with this.

When you are finished with the bracelet set it aside.

Using a comfortable length of Fireline go through your large bead and tie a surgeons knot.

Add enough size #8 beads to go half way around you large bead then go through your large bead, add enough #8 beads to complete your "circle". I like to go through this circle several times.

Next you want to attach this to the center of your bracelet. Go through each bead around your large bead, through one bead in the bracelet and up through until you have gone all the way around your "circle". Remember to tie a knot, weave a little tie another knot and repeat this a few times.

Once your large bead is securely attached to your bracelet you are ready to add the frills.

With your needle and thread coming out of one of the #8 beads around the large stone pick up an odd number of beads, I used 7. Go over that bead and back through creating a loop. I do this 3-4 times in each bead. When you have added 3 or 4 frills to your #8 bead go through 2 instead of one bead and repeat all the way around.

You can either add a purchased clasp or make a beaded toggle and loop.

There are some important things to remember when you are adding a clasp to a beaded piece of jewelry and the most important is to use a new piece of thread. I know it is tempting to continue with the old thread and not tie on a new piece but believe me it is worth it to take the time to add the new piece. This way should the clasp section ever break you have not ruined your entire bracelet. Also please always, always, always weave and knot at least 3 times when adding a new piece of thread as well as when ending one before you cut your thread.

CONGRATULATIONS to Yunji who won the monthly drawing for December! It was a special year-end drawing gift of this complete hat and scarf set a ($61.00 value).

Now it is nearly time for the January drawing so make sure your name is on the e-mail list so you have a chance at a gift from the gallery of jewelry and fiber creations of Divella Delights. All you have to do is go to Divella Delights and scroll down to the bottom of the home page and sign up. I promise not to inundate your inbox with e-mails, I usually send out one a month unless I am running a special sale.

There are some new designs at Divella Delights beginning with these.   They sold as fast as I made them so more are coming. I also have a few designs tucked away in my head that will be coming very soon.

I will be slowing down on the winter hats and focusing on some for Spring and Summer made with cotton and silk fibers. As always, you can always place a special order which is why my sold items remain listed. Keep in mind that I cannot duplicate a hat exactly as I do not keep track of the fibers I use. Besides, you don’t want to see your hat on someone else!

I have just placed my "Beads for Blogs" order with Artbeads.com so I will have a very special item coming up in the next week. I can’t tell you about it yet, as it will be a gift for someone special. You will want to check back and see it though. For those of you who make your own jewelry you will want to see this idea. For those of you who purchase your jewelry and jewelry as gifts you won’t want to miss this one either!

Divella Delights also has a special "Under $25.00" section where you can get a very special handmade hat, scarf or piece of jewelry at a wonderful reduction in price.

I had better get back to my studio and get to work! See you in a week or so with some exciting new desings!

Wool Flapper Hats

The new wool felt hats by Divella Delights are going fast. It takes 3 days to get them finished and they are selling faster than I can make them! I will have more in a couple of days so come see me.

When I make my hats I use high quality fibers and fun embellishments. Most are in the style of the 1920s but I do have some more modern funky styles too as well as some good old-fashioned crochet beanies. I also have (or can make you) scarves to match. The scarves I make are 16X4 or so inches and have a 2-button closure so they don’t get all tangled up in whatever you are doing. They are especially nice for those who are involved in winter sports and they make your fun a little safer.

Special orders can be made after the Holidays to create something that is uniquely your own.

Come see the beautiful new wool flapper hats at Divella Delights!

Divella Delights is please to announce that we now carry Gift Certificates.

They are very secure as Paypal processes them. They are available in many denominations and you can print them or e-mail them, your choice so you never have to be caught without that special gift again! We have personalized items available for just about anyone.

Because Divella Delights creates one of a kind items your recipient can always find something that uniquely speaks to them.

You can find the gift certificates located on the top right side of any page.

My mother was an amazing woman. I began to tell you more about her but there is so much to say that I could not figure out where to begin.

In her early 50’s she was diagnosed with Early Onset Alzheimer’s and even through to the end she exhibited true and amazing grace. They told us she would get violent, she never did. They told us she would become fitful, she never did. They told us her personality would change, it never did. She never did any of the things they told us about and never changed from the gentle, compassionate woman we knew. She slipped away quietly a little at a time for several years until one day she was gone.

In honor of this remarkable woman Divella Delights will donate 5% of all sales to http://www.alz.org/index.asp

Thanks to all for your ongoing support.

I wish you all a very Happy Thanksgiving and remind you to thank someone in uniform today and at every opportunity.

Beaded watchband

My watchband broke the other day and one of those silly little pins went flying when I went to take it off. It belonged to my mom and even though it is nothing special in the monetary sense, I really like having it on. We had our first snow and I really did not feel like going anywhere so I thought I would use up some odds and ends and see if I could come up with something that I liked. I looked for a beaded watchband and could not find something that was really my style.

I wanted something with gems in it and I love all the autumn colors so I ended up with this. It is Poppy Japer and Mother of Pearl with 14K gold filled and sterling silver beads.

There are a couple of minor changes I intend for the next one. For instance the clasp. This one is a from 2 different color toggles I had lost the other pieces to. I can’t ever throw anything away and I figured since this was only for me and an experiment I would try this style of clasp. I like it very much! This makes me want my other watch to break as well!

Let me know what you think. If I get enough responses I’ll make a few up in different colors.

Divella Delights has some beautiful new felted hats coming. This one sold in less than 2 hours so I guess I will be making more of the felted hats.

I begin with 100% wool, usually Cascade 220 but I do have some really yummy Lamb’s Pride wool as well. After I knit or crochet them, they are felted into a nice wool fabric. They take about 2 days to dry and at that time I form them to the shape I want. Next comes the embellishment phase, which is my favorite. This one was needle felted all by hand using a small barbed needle and a foam block. Some will have knit or crocheted flowers and leaves, some will have beaded flourishes. It all depends on what the hat tells me it wants! I will also be doing some clutches to match and I even have a pattern tucked away in my head for a scarflet. Check in often, things are changing every day and it looks like the felted hats are going fast!

My husband and I have been working to make some wooden jewelry and we have completed our first pair of earrings. These earrings were made with Maple, Agate and Copper. The wooden piece was cut using a method that allows these "beads" to be 3 dimensional and all one piece. I added a Crazy Lace Agate and the earrings are wire-wrapped with copper wire then place in copper oxidized leverback earwires.

More photos and the finished earrings are available here.

I am happy to announce that I am knitting like crazy to make more of the felted wool clutches and full size felted bags. They should be dry in a day or two so I can begin the embellishments and get them ready for you.

I was very busy getting a lot of the small felted bags finished for the jewelry store. She has plenty to last for a bit so I want get more clutches done since they did so well. I have some really yummy colors coming up so check back and check often, they go quickly!

 am very happy to report that the "Little Bag" series is a success! You can see more at Divella Delights as well as some larger felted bags and clutches. I love to have an excuse to knit so thanks to all my wonderful customers!
I really need to focus on getting some jewelry done but with the temperature dropping all I want to do is knit and crochet. The jewelry store is getting low on stock and it is not the best time of year to neglect that for sure. I suppose that in light of this I will be at the table creating designs of the gemstone variety this week when I am not at LL Beans answering phone calls!
As far as those wonderful Flapper hats I have some in stock already. Last year they took off suddenly and I was up until well after midnight crocheting like crazy. This year I have quite a few made up ready to go.

Congrats to Susie who was the monthly winner for October!

Remember that you have to be on the e-mail list to win so sign up now if you have not already! You will not get a bunch of e-mails from me. I send them out to notify my customers of sales or contests. I will be having a customer only sale soon. E-mails will go out to notify those on the list with a special password to get the hot deals but if you are not on the list you'll miss some great pre-holiday deals

What a great idea, thanks Marsha!

Do you give gift cards, or want to but think it might not be personal enough? Check out these great little handmade felted bags just the perfect size to slip a gift card, or even cash into.

They are hand knit then felted to make a beautiful, thick durable fabric. Once dry (takes about 3 days) I embellish them in a variety of different ways and no 2 are ever alike. There are a few different sizes of the small bags and then of course the beautiful clutches are back this year.

The clutch is perfect for a night out, especially all those Holiday parties that are coming right up. It holds the essentials but does not overpower your outfit and they are quite elegant and feminine.

These little bags would make wonderful gift bags for a nice piece of jewelry too!

All this and more can be seen at Divella Delights.

I am so excited I cannot even wait until they are finished to start talking about them! I asked my hubby to make me some coasters but I wanted something natural. I love what he has come up with. Now, understand that these are just the rough-cuts without sanding and polyurethane. I am trying to talk him into putting on a matte finish rather than the glossy. They are the perfect size and he is going to felt the back so it does not scratch my mothers beautiful old wood tables in my living room.

Now he is in search of seasoned maple, cherry and oak small enough to use for this project. Trick is it has to be small enough to maintain the bark all the way around the coaster. These will be mine but I told him if I like them this much then others would probably like them too. They would be great hostess gifts for Holiday parties!

He works full time so this is a part time project and one he can probably do only on weekends so give it a week or two and check back! Maybe I can talk him into putting in an evening or two so we can have some to show you this week.

I also have a vision for a clock with gemstones set in filigree settings as the numerals of the clock and the clock itself with a Victorian theme. First I have to get the gems which I am going to go order now!

I will putting all this on my Divella Delights website so check in!

I am so excited about these new felted bags. I found a wonderful website some time ago for oxidized brass, silver, etc… to use on some of my jewelry. I was fooling around with some of her products the other day and came up with this bag. Now I have placed an order for some beautiful leaves, flowers and other filigree items that I can use on the 6 bags I have drying now. I can’t wait to get them! The shop is Accessories Susan and her prices are great which is important to me, as I want to keep the bags affordable. They take some time to make, then there is the expense of the felting process so keeping the embellishments affordable is key and Susan makes that happen!

Check in with Divella Delights in the next week to see what I come up with!

Because I had a request from the local jewelry store to do these little bags I though I would make some for my Internet customers as well. They are all hand knit with 100% wool and some novelty mohair and angora then felted. They have a heavy-duty snap (the first ones had a button and loop) closure and most of the embellishments are handmade by me as well. They are great for gift bags and perfect for business cards, money, credit cards, etc… I am also making a variety of other sizes perfect for all those pesky little items that get lost in your bigger bag. I use one to keep my GPS and digital camera from getting scratched. Lots more to come so stay tuned!

There is something new at Divella Delights! I am offering free shipping which includes delivery confirmation so you can track your package! This offer will be good until the end of the year on everything in my shop! Also when you purchase jewelry items they will come in a gift box tied with a pretty satin ribbon appropriate for gift giving. Shop handmade!

Great New Hats!

I have been having lots of fun creating my new hats for this winter! I am now making them in 100% acrylic in addition to the wool blends like last year and I have come up with some wonderful new embellishments. Check them out! Crochet hats for children, women and men.

Inexpensive Hat Display

I have a mannequin head to photograph my women’s hats on but I needed something for children’s hats. It is impossible to find mannequin heads in child sizes so I set out to my local craft store to see what I could find.

I picked up a Styrofoam ball 6" in diameter and cut it in half. I put a stocking over it to keep it from shedding them asked hubby to make a base. I put a piece of our maple tree that we have cut down into the Styrofoam and glued it into the base (a hole was drilled first) and Voila! The total cost was $4.47.

My husband is currently working on a solid hardwood version for me so I can use them at shows, I have seen what he has done so far and I can’t wait until they are done. The cool thing about these is that I will be able to use the same ones for child and adult sizes and he is making me different heights to make my display with several hats more aesthetically pleasing.

For now all I need it for is photos for my website so the foam version works great and the price was surely right!

The last couple of months have been busy! Divella Delights has been featured on Shopping Connection Galleria and Accessories Suzanne. I have also had 2 articles published in regard to jewelry making and marketing with an e-zine and it has brought a lot of traffic to the website.

It has taken a couple of years but Divella Delights is finally getting noticed. I am very excited!

I hope all this makes for a prosperous Holiday season this year.

My hats are also going into Bonnet Boutique next month and they are already in Rise Gallery and doing very well.

Thanks so much to all of you who have passed the word around!

Finding gems and beads is not usually too much of a challenge. They are not only all over town but all over the Internet as well. If I find someone new with good prices I order a few gems and/or a strand of pearls just to test out the quality. Sometimes I am disappointed and sometimes extremely pleased.

Finding findings on the other hand is not so easy but the news today is great!

A couple of years ago I found Morning Glory Designs and in he profile she suggested Accessories by Susan. I have found the most beautiful items there. She has everything feminine and wonderful! Her prices are insanely low too!I use her bead caps quite a bit in my crochet bracelets and they are great for multi strand necklaces and/or bracelets as well. She has beads, pearls, chain, filigree, and the list goes on and on. You have to check her out! I have made purchases from her shop just because there was an item I could not do without even though I had no idea at the time what I would do with it.

Studio Space

I have found a great use for some bulletin boards that were headed for the garbage by a local company. Hardly used but not too pretty they were going to throw them away and replace them with some more modern and attractive models.

I was always digging through bins and drawers to find my pearls and gems and I never really knew what I had or needed. I put the bulletin boards up in my studio and started pinning my treasures in small plastic bags, many of which are the bags they came in. I also have a box for retired bags so I always have plenty on hand. Now in addition to being able to see what I have, I feel much more inspired and I can just go around the room and pick what I want off the board. In addition to that now that those are on the walls I have more space on the shelves.

My seed beads are on shelves by size and color so they are also in plain site.

I use the large plastic salad containers to organize my thread and lightweight stringing material and tin cans to hold tubes of beads, again organized by size and color.

The drawers that used to hold my beads now hold fibers and other stringing materials (mostly for macramé) keeping them safe from the sun and lighting that can fade them.

I hope someday to be able to get some sort of sliding wall to put them on so I can close them when I am not using them to keep them from the light and be a little more attractive but for now this works very well!

Cold weather, Hot flashes and Beading

Being comfortable and hassle free is important to me when I am working. I spend much of the day in my studio either working or learning new techniques and it is difficult to regulate my internal thermometer as I go through the trials of menopause.

As the temperature dips and we enter the cold weather season I am reminded of a handy little tip that I came up with last year while trying to bead with a flannel shirt on. The thread likes to grab the buttons and causes problems for me. I like to keep it a little cool in my studio but sometimes it gets just cool enough that I need another layer but not enough to turn up the heat.

Now, I could wear a sweater or sweatshirt but this poses a problem for me which a few of you will understand. There are times when I have to quickly take off the outer layer. All of you who are there, or have been know how hard it is to regulate our body temperature and how quickly it can change! I got angry one day and cut off all the buttons on one of my shirts and this works very well!

Now I keep this shirt in my studio to wear when there is a chill in the air. I can take it off quickly when my body turns up the heat and put it back on when I return to "normal" several minutes later. I actually have 2 shirts I have done this to, a flannel and a regular cotton denim shirt for times when I don’t need quite the warmth of a flannel. I just fold the sleeves up and I can continue beading without the interruptions.

These elegant beauties feature Swarovski Briolettes in Golden Shadow and are surrounded by smaller Swarovski rounds and genuine pearls. Each pearl and crystal was wrapped (not looped) by hand using 14K gold-filled wire to make these earrings something you will want to pass down to your daughter. The sway a full inch from the bottom of my handmade earwires, also in 14K gold-filled wire.

A New Style for a New Season.

Last year’s Ella’s Flapper hat did very well and I will be doing those again this year. I have created a new style for this year with a bit of youthful appeal and I am calling this one the Diva Flapper. Diva is the youngest of my twin granddaughters while Ella is the oldest of the pair.
This hat is made with the same wonderful fibers as the Ella Flapper (lambswool, wool, mohair, acrylic and blends) but in a slightly different style. These are not quite as thick but perfect for those who live in a more temperate climate or who tend to get hotheaded!

As with all my hats they are crocheted by hand and by me. The embellishments are either hand knit or crochet, or perhaps beaded…again by yours truly. They are made " one size fits most" but can be made larger or smaller. Last year, one hat (out of 173) came back for sizing so they truly do fit most women from teen to adult.

Go to Art Beads at Art Beads and get these and many other gorgeous colors. The beautiful copper/topaz and other colors can be seen here. At this point they do not have a lot of colors to choose from but we are ll hoping that Swarovski will increase the selection soon! Meanwhile consider using the color you want for the seed beads and either a crystal or Jet Swarovski large hole bead!

Ah so much fun this one is. A lot of techniques I learn are not so much fun as they are necessary. This one, Beaded Netting, is loads of fun! So many of these techniques I swore I would never do.

I learned this one because I want to do some more vases but let’s face it that last one was a killer and took me forever! I would like to do some that I can sell which means I have to cut way back on the time involved and the materials as well. The beaded netting will allow me to cover greater area in a much shorter time and with fewer materials so I finally gave in and sat down this weekend to try and figure it out. It is SO easy…well there are some adjustments I have to make to what I have learned so far in order to cover a vase with it but the stitching itself is not that complicated compared to others I have learned.

I am also making a necklace for Art Beads! They contacted me after seeing my blog and offered me some free materials. All I have to do is make something with the materials and then blog about it! So the background of the necklace is below. Check back for the rest…this is just the base! I am very excited and hoping my order comes in today. If it does, I want to be ready so off I go to get the rest of the base done and a butterfly or two before the mail arrives!

I love Beaded Netting!

I have been having so much fun making jewelry the last few days! The time has come however, to get busy on all my crochet orders.

Most of the orders are for the crochet Flapper hats that did so well last year but I also have some orders from the jewelry store for crochet necklaces and more crochet bracelets. I am doing the ones with the gemstones and pearls in the center for her. Funny, I had intended to give those up all together but now I am getting orders. I guess you can never guess what is going to happen next in the world of retail.

So, off I go now to get my crochet hooks, knitting needles and get to work!

I am having a lot of fun with the Herringbone stitch, or Ndebele as it is sometimes referred to. Here are a couple of necklaces I have done so far.   The "chain" part feels so good on the skin…very silky and the drape is fabulous! I do the embellishments the same way I do on my gemstone weaves so it is pretty quick once I get to that part. I don’t know how many of these I will make, mainly because they take so much time. I will just have to wait and see how well they sell.

I am very excited about my order from Art Beads arriving soon; I just received an e-mail telling me it has shipped. They are sending me some Swarovski crystals to try out so you will be reading about them here as well as seeing some photos and design ideas. I have a few rambling around in my head now so I am anxious to get them!

Let’s win that jewelry!

I have added a new feature to my website! When you view a listing, following the description and price of the item there is a place where you can e-mail the item to a friend. This can be used if you see something that you think a friend would like or to tell a friend that you have found something you like. I have used this feature on other sites to e-mail myself at home if I am at work or on someone else’s computer. It is very handy and I hope it will be a useful tool for my customers.

I had such joy creating this necklace although it took me a month to complete. Each leaf, each petal, each delicate wing of the butterflies were stitched one bead at a time with great care. The pearls you see here are genuine. There are also macramé beaded leaves for some added texture. The entire piece measures about 20 inches but do keep in mind that the center rises quite a bit. On me the top of the center arrangement falls just below my collarbone.

Despite the size of the piece it is very comfortable to wear as it lies flat on your chest.

The flowers were sewn on ultrasuede and the backing is felt and is colorfast; I tested a swatch prior to use.

The clasp is appropriately a copper flower and stem toggle.

Ok so now it is official; I am going back to do the seasonal gig at LL Bean on October 19^th. I had my interview today, which really just meant doing all the tax paperwork come to find out. In the meantime I am doing some home shows for the jewelry and I have tons of hats I have to make so I had better get busy!

There is only 1 more day to the sale so get it while you can as Janis used to say! I know. I am dating myself aren’t I?

I am heading down to the Boston area again on Sunday for an overnight with my granddaughters before they start school. They are 6 now, my they have grown so fast! I was right there holding their mommy’s hand when they were born and it does not seem like all that long ago.

After that I guess things will return to normal, whatever that is!

I have a few design knocking around in my head…not safe in there, so watch for some new designs coming right up.

I will also be unveiling the flower garden necklace with over 20 hours of work in it, look for that in the next couple of days.

Now, it is late and I am off to watch the meteor show! Rest well!

Simplicity

After spending the majority of the last several months learning new techniques I decided to get back to basics and make some of my artisan jewelry in a more simple form. Check out the Snow Quartz necklace and earrings. While they have a very elegant appearance they also have a fresh simplicity about them that I find quite appealing. I can easily wear something like this with either jeans or a wedding gown.

Each link of the chain was added one at a time so the entire piece was created entirely be me.

I love working up a piece completely from scratch…I like to bake the same way!

 I am very excited about all the new stitches I am learning for use in my gemstone and beaded creations. Here is the newest made with a Herringbone stitch "chain" and an original artisan created lampwork bead. Pearls surround it as well as hand made seed bead leaves and has a couple of Black Onyx in it as well.

This beaded necklace was a pleasure to create, I hope it finds a good home!

Whew, what a week it has been.

I sold 10 hats to a gallery in South Portland, Maine and she sold them all the very next day! I have been working on this neckpiece  but have to put it aside now and focus on more hats. I have an order for 2 dozen hats for Bonnet Boutique due the end of September and the gallery in Maine wants more too.

I have been learning a lot of new beading stitches and micro-macramé over the summer and am really excited about being able to put it all together.

I also have to do some of the woven gemstone sets for the local jewelry store, 5 or 6 should be enough until November. Then there is the opening there sometime this Fall. It is a fine jewelry store but they have also purchased a bunch of my hats and fulled wool purses so they want to do a show featuring me. I don’t normally go in for that sort of thing but we have been doing business now for a few years so what the heck.

In addition, I am going back to LL Bean this season so I should be able to stay out of trouble this winter! I can’t say no…the discount is way too tasty and I love their shoes!

I had better pick up my crochet hook and knitting needles and get going on those hats!

Good news!

I have re-arranged the website so that all sold items are on the last pages in each category. This should make your shopping experience a little easier as now you do not have to sift through the items that have already sold and are no longer available.

If you have seen something in the past and would like information on ordering something similar, please connect me at info@divelladelights.com

Ok so I am almost there! I have to stop or it will be too heavy for a necklace…or do I want to be a pin? Not sure yet but I need some input here. I have to bead embroider the suedecloth and I am not sure what color to use. I have never done this before so I hesitate to use a dark color on the white background. I should have gotten black but when the lady told me the stuff was $50 a yard I think I went into shock! It is one of the few materials that do not ravel and I did not want to deal with that or have it unravel on my customer. I like to use the best quality in my materials so I never have to worry about a piece coming back.

Back to my dilemma…I don’t want to put in a new color at this point unless it is black. That leaves me with gold, brown, green, or ivory. I think gold would be a bit too flashy, brown and green are both dark, ivory would wash out I am afraid. OK, ok so brown it is and I just have to be very careful.

What do you think? Should it be a necklace or a pin? It has not told me yet. If a necklace, then what to do with the neck?!

Beaded Flowers

As usual I am on to something new. This is a photo of what I think will be the center of a necklace. I plan to do a combination beaded and micro-macramé neck for this one with a total length of around 18 inches.

Each petal, rose and each leaf was individually beaded then fastened to a piece of felt. I have since attached the C-Lon cord to the ultra suede and fastened that to the felt to begin the macramé portion.

It will be free form and I am thinking asymmetrical so balancing will be a bit tricky, as I do not want it sliding around once it is on the neck.

Although I enjoy doing these quite a bit, I can’t seem many being made as they are very time consuming.

Let me know your thoughts!

Hand beaded Flapper Hat

Although this went pretty slow I think this is going to be my new feature hat this year. I am hoping to get faster at the beaded flowers because as it is now it took me an entire day to get this one done.

I crocheted the hat in my usual style this time around but I think I am going to try a felted design cloche style. I am also thinking about making the flowers a bit larger, more dramatic although I so the like the subtle style this one has. Not too much but striking all the same.

I am getting ahead of myself. This hat was hand crocheted using a lambswool blend and acrylic. I made the beaded flowers and leaves using high quality seed beads, each petal done individually then assembled. I sewed the arrangement onto a piece of felt then sewed that to the hat to give it more stability. More information and photos are available at www.divelladelights.com

OK you want it, you have it! For this weekend I will have all gemstone necklaces on sale at 42% off, just to be a little on the odd side. It was pointed out to me that I don’t run sales on the necklaces as often as the bracelets. Call it Christmas in July although I was going to wait until August just because so many businesses do the July thing. As you can tell by my jewelry I like to be a little different! But since you asked for it now, here you are!

The sale will end around midnight Sunday and will begin now I guess!

Remember in my last blog I mentioned that I am learning some new techniques? Well, here is my first flower.    Now my brain is really racing. I am doing some bugs next; they look like fun too. So I am thinking I should do a bunch of white ones perhaps in a couple different sizes and incorporate it into a free form peyote necklace along with a couple of beetles or butterflies. I also want to put some of those wonderful micro-macramé leaves in there as well. I am going to try to draw out something rough but I want to keep it free form so I can bead as I go.

Now that all my kids and relatives have come and gone for the summer it is time to get back to work in earnest. I have 24 of my crochet Flapper hats to make for Bonnet Boutique and of course the ones for my website and I am going back to LL Bean again this fall. The hats were such a huge hit last year so I am giving it another go. I should have quite a bundle of new ones finished in August.

As far as jewelry goes, I am learning some new techniques and will be working on perfecting those in time for the gift-giving season coming up fast and furious. I am learning peyote-beaded flowers and leaves as well as micro-macramé and have some wonderful designs rolling around in my head.

I had a lot of fun this summer with my Garden Collection and I will do a few of those for Autumn and perhaps a Poinsettia bracelet.

I have ordered new gift boxes so will be using them again this year at no extra charge as soon as they come in.

I guess that about wraps up this month's ramble. I hope you are all having a great summer!

This is the bracelet I am giving away to the person who has the most referrals who sign up on my e-mail list this Saturday, July 11th

The only catch is that the people you refer need to email me with your name so I know who referred them. They can do that at info@divelladelights.com What?! You are not  on the e-mail list yet? Just  go to

Hi!

I would love to win the bracelet at www.divelladelights.com/blog. Please sign up on the e-mail list this Saturday, July 11^th. Sign up is located on the bottom of the front page. Thanks!

Thanks Jeanne!!

I have added a new category, which you will find at the top of the home page entitled "featured". I will have one or a few items that I mark 50% off for a day, perhaps 3 or 4.

I am going to be going back to a "real" job soon so I want to clear out my studio. I will still be making jewelry and my fiber goods, especially those wonderful hats everyone loves, I am obsessed after all. It’s just that I need to turn part of my studio into an office so I need to create some space and downsize a bit on the supplies end.

I am going to begin discontinuing those designs that are not "gotta have" items. So far I have discontinued and discounted the crocheted bracelets 60% of the original price, which was still lower than a lot of artisans on the Internet. They sell in the local jewelry store for $49.00 so I don’t really don’t understand why they don’t sell well on the net. It is a shame because I love doing them; I find it very relaxing.

I have decided not to make the crocheted bracelets anymore so I putting them all at 60% off. Many of them have handmade artisan-created lampwork in them for under $13.00!

I want to focus on my one of a kind designs and will be working on learning some new techniques to incorporate into those.

I have also started receiving hat orders for the coming season and find I will be very busy with those quite soon.

Now is the time to grab those bracelets! They make wonderful gifts, especially for those ladies in your life who have a hard time with clasps. My grandmother wore hers everyday never taking it off. She loved it because she just rolled it on, did not pinch her or get tangled up with anything else. So think ahead a few months. Is there anyone on your Christmas list who might like one these little treasures? They come in a wide variety of colors. There are even a couple for the men in your life.

OK so I am a softy.

My 6 year-old granddaughters are doing their first bit of charity work and naturally I sponsored them. I would like to help out more and make this a really positive affair for them so that they are eager to participate in charity work in the future. For every item that I sell from now until June 20th Divella Delights will donate 5% to Walk for Kids. You can see more info here. http://www.firstgiving.com/jessicacersosimo and please by all means if you would like to sponsor them, feel free!

Also, to sweeten the pot I am having a BOGO this weekend!! Buy any item in my shop and get one at the same or lesser value free!! Just e-mail me at info@divelldelights.com and let me know the item # of your free gift when you complete your sale.

Let’s help make this first charity venture rewarding and satisfying for the girls and their cause.

We all thank you for your support!

My daughters hate it when I refer to these wonderful, colorful 100% cotton cloths as rags. I got that from my Grandma June who taught me how to make these a long time ago. Sadly, Grandma is gone now but not her rags or her sarcasm, they live on, I have had mine for years. I continue to make them for the family and thought I would put some on my website for those who would rather have handmade than big box! Everyone loves them! Each one is hand crochet or knit with 100% cotton yarn. They are great for the kitchen and for the bath.

The first order goes out in October and there will be 24 delicious items to choose from. The new hats on the website will be coming out soon so stop by every now and then.

I am always happy to take special orders, I did a lot of those last year so if there is a special color combination you have in mind, let me know.

Playing with rocks

For anyone who has read my blog lately you know that I have been playing with macramé. My 6 year-old granddaughter gave me this rock so I decided to d something with it. The neck is macramé with $3 cubes and the rock has been wire wrapped with silver non-tarnish wire. It was fun to make up and I have a special piece of jewelry from a very special girl!

We have a very cute ½ Lab, ½ Pit puppy who has decided that my husband’s watchband and cell phone are really yummy. While I cannot do anything about the cell phone, I was thinking that I might be able to make a watchband.

I started learning micro-macramé about a month ago so I got out some Omega nylon cord (colorfast) and went to work. I decided to do it in black as the watch face is black and it is after all, for a man. Learn along with me or just pop in for a good laugh!

I don’t have much of the watchband done yet but here is my beginning.

I cut 12-56 inch strands of the Omega, as the watch is quite large. I fastened it on the watch using larks head knots. I added one size 4 cube to the center 2 strands then worked left and right side diagonal double half hitch knots. Before you ask I have no idea why it is not just a hitch knot rather than a double half…hmm. I am adding a #8 black matte seed bead in the center every other row of those diagonal double half hitch knots. I would like to put something more colorful in there but I will play with the next one. I have a couple of rescued watch faces for women. I need to keep this one simple as I am just learning.

So far so good. Now I have to fix supper for the poor watchless, phoneless man.

A bouquet for your wrist and a smile for your heart…

I had a wonderful compliment on one of these new bracelets from a customer. She said, " It makes me smile every time I look at it"...that is what I call a success!

I am absolutely convinced that once these bracelets really hit the streets, I won’t be able to keep up making them. That wouldn’t bother me a bit as I have so much fun creating them! In order to really get them out there, I have decided to run a short term 30% off sale on them. And because it is a pain to separate them I have all the bracelets at the same discount, lucky you. Enjoy!

The winner for this month’s free drawing is Tonya! Congratulations Tonya! I hope you enjoy the gift I am sending you.

I am beginning to get orders already for the winter hats! I had a lady contact me with an order for 3 of them and here we are in May…well, nearly June but you get the point. I am also talking with some local boutiques and the local jewelry store has taken them as well as the felted clutches. The gallery who featured me last month has decided to buy outright rather than consign which is so much easier for me. She sold many of the ones she had and is buying the rest as well as more on the website. That says a lot as far as confidence goes. I think at this point I will forgo consignment, I am just too busy!

The summer hats did not go so well so I am donating them all at the end of the month. I hate to see them without a head in them, they are so cute!

I hope you are all enjoying the Spring, I am looking forward to Summer as it is still a bit chilly here in Waterville, Maine!

It is nearly time for the monthly drawing again and I have a really special item in mind this month! I hope your name is on my e-mail list so you have a chance at being selected as the winner this month. Remember that all I ask is that you put in a short entry in the Guestbook for me after receiving your gift!

Metal Sensitivity

Do you or someone you know have sensitive skin? Does even the finest gold or silver turn your skin colors? Does your sensitivity only apply to plated metals? Are you fearful of the metals containing lead and seeping into your skin? Lots of people have allergies or sensitivities to metals and have trouble wearing jewelry they love but there is an answer! You can wear the latest styles and be free from rashes, itching, fear and more.

Check out all the wonderful macramé jewelry. Now, before you shutter from visions of giant owls with huge jeweled eyes staring down at you, listen up! What I am talking about is micro-macramé. Same knots, to be certain…those are eternal but wait until you see what’s being done with them. Rather than using large ropes and thick cords there are many of us designing jewelry using thread and small cord such as Irish linen. The possibilities are nearly limitless. I have even done some with pearls and other gemstones. In fact, most of my micro-macramé pieces do contain genuine gems! How exciting is that?

Take a look at this photo…fun isn’t it? This just gives you an idea what can be done. Of course, smaller scale can be done as well if you prefer the more classic look. The point is that many of us are designing jewelry with those of you in mind who cannot wear all the beautiful trinkets that fill the jewelry store shelves.

Check out your local jewelry store. Many of them have realized the desire for handmade, local jewelry over the imported stuff that fills the malls. My local jeweler took a chance on me a few years ago and she has been very pleased, not to mention successful. There were several months last year that the only sales made were my designs! She has half the store filled with local designers, the other half remains the typical, everybody has one items. You can guess which side does better.

You can also shop online for artisan created jewelry. The choices are infinite. Happy shopping!!

A bouquet for your wrist and a smile for your heart…

In this garden created in sunny yellows, scrumptious purples and lively greens you will find treasures such as genuine faceted Amethyst, Artisan created Lampwork, Vintage and Contemporary Lucite leaves, Czech glass, Golden Opalite, and Swarovski carefully woven together with the bright yellow button to a length of 7 inches.

Each bead and gem is individually knotted in a core of waxed Irish linen with coordinated threads for a lifetime of wear making this series perfect for every day or any day when you just need a smile.

Here in the midst of Spring, I am already working up my new 2009-2010 Winter hats so I must clear out the old to make room for the new.

I have my original Flapper hat designs as well as numerous hats with no flowers. Much like my Flapper hat series these are made with assorted fibers (wool, lambswool, angora, mohair) and acrylics. They are sweet, warm and ultra soft. Please see what my customers have to say in the feedback section!

I have put all my hats on sale at 50% off, even a few new ones! The ‘Hats by Jessy' are marked down 20%! And to make things easier I have included my cotton summer hats in this sale.

Now is the time to think of that long winter shopping list and get some great deals!

I also have some new bracelet designs for you to see and am working up some more color schemes today. 

Oh and don't forget the to pass this along to your friends so they san sign up on the e-mail list and have a chance at the monthly drawings! The May drawing is coming right up.

Many thanks to all of you for understanding the error last month. I ended up sending out 4 winners due to the glitch.

Carousal Series, a banquet for your wrist

I have a new design to show you and one in the works. This was inspired by Stephanie Sersich from her book ‘ Designing Jewelry with Glass Beads’ although I have made a few changes in that I use different stringing material and I use a lot of gemstone rather than making it all lampwork. I am calling it the Carousal Series. I am working on some fulled beads and discs for a fiber version. I hope you will come by and check it out in a few days.

The beads I make with the wool are fulled by hand and they take a few days to dry completely so I am hold with those but in the meantime I ham having a lot of fun making the gemstone variety.

I have spent this spring learning some new techniques and mixing up with my old ones and am having lots of fun doing it. I like using all the leaves and flowers, it reminds me of a beautiful English garden

As always if you see a design and would prefer it in a different color, just ask!

Sometimes coming up with an appropriate Hostess Gift is difficult at best as I prefer to make my Hostess Gifts myself. If they drink wine I can make some of those adorable wine glass charms with a theme to match a home or if it is a single woman I can make some sort of jewelry. If however, it is a couple and they don’t drink wine, as is the case with my brother and sister-in-law then those gifts are not appropriate. I wanted to come up with something for the home and I wanted it to be hand-made.

My sister-in-law is big on Victorian so has lots of pinks, creams and such in her décor. I make knitted hats and fulled bags in addition to my jewelry and had recently made a piece of fabric using some wool left-overs to cut flowers out of for my bags. This sparked an idea for the Hostess Gift I wanted to make.

When I got home I went to the yarn store and found some really pretty vintage rose colored wool and knit up a large piece and fulled it. I bought some creamy natural roving (unspun wool) for the needle-felting portion of the project. I thought about putting a little jeweled charm on the corner of each but decided against it because I was afraid it might scratch the wood on the tables. While the large piece was still damp I cut into 4" squares then let it dry completely.

I wanted to make them match but not exactly as is the Victorian era theme so I needle-felted hearts on each one with the cream roving making them each a little different.

I hope you like the outcome.

If you are going to make items such as these remember when you are knitting to allow for shrinkage. Generally speaking you are going to lose about 25%. The formula for that is to divide your finished size by .75. For example I wanted 4" square so I knit the fabric about 10 2/3 X 10 2/3. That gave me enough to get my coasters and trim them square. Or you could knit them at 5 1/3 each. I use a rotary cutter, which was a little pricey. If I did not have one of these I would probably make them one at a time, as scissors don’t really do a very good job.

  I have been getting back to this chunky design I love to create the most and I have a few pieces for you to look at. I enjoy learning new techniques and love experimenting but I kind of feel like this arrangement is my baby.

The one pictured here is made with genuine Stick Pearls…I just love these. The iridescence is amazing and no photo could ever do these pieces justice. I think this winter I am going to take some photo classes to try and capture more of the true essence of these beautiful pearls.

This particular piece is also comprised of Pearls, Amethyst, Swarovski, and seed beads. I make these at 17 inches although I can make them any length. We (the jeweler and I) played with different lengths and this one is the one most preferred by her customers. They all come with matching earrings.

With all the experimenting I have done, I enjoy my signature piece the most.

I hope you enjoy them as well!

I have added a few more of the ever-popular crochet bracelets and have put them all on sale for Mother’s Day at 50 % off for the rest of this week. I know I am a little late but I just returned from vacation where I picked up some really nice beads and some wonderful handmade Lampwork clasps from a local artisan in Portland, Oregon…wait and see what I do with those! Back to work with me now! I am also already working up my Fall/Winter line up of hats by request so get your orders in now!

See you soon with some wonderful new designs

People keep saying to me that I should not take any work on vacation! What on earth could they be thinking? My work is my passion. I often spend all day in my studio, knit and crochet while hubby is home in the evenings and then back up to my studio after I tuck him in.

Most of my ideas come to me as I am drifting off to sleep so I have to get up, make some notes, perhaps gather some materials together to recall that creation that surfaced in that half conscious state when the vision appeared.

I love to do things outside the "norm" although I am happy as an artist to see that the line between normal and not is getting grayer by the day.

I think the most boring commissioned pieces I have had are plain, simple just strung requests. I like to be challenged. Can you draw it, explain it in detail? If so, I would love to attempt it! The most wonderful requests I have had have been from the local jewelry store. She will call me and say "I need something with Carnelian and Pearls". We have been working together long enough that she trusts me. She also knows if she does not like it I will sell it elsewhere and start over although that has not happened yet I am happy to say. I get to play and let the creative energy go wild. I love that!

The option of NOT taking work with me just terrifies me. I have a bag in the car with knitting always, always. I have a light in the car so I can knit while hubby drives at night. Ok, so perhaps I am an addict. I am however, a very happy one. How many of us are fortunate enough to be able to be so fervently dedicated to a profession they cherish? Every day I am surrounded by beautiful colors, luxurious fibers, ravishing gems, lustrous pearls and have a studio right upstairs.

So, what WILL I take on vacation…so many options!

There are more designs in the works so come back every now and again.

New Bracelet Design!

I have come up with a hybrid design. I like the stability of the micro macramé and of course my design of the woven gems and pearls.

This bracelet is made with a very strong knotted cord and pearls. The top is then woven with Turquoise, Amazonite, Pearls, Czech glass flowers, and Mother of Pearl each on a bed of seed beads. The clasp is a genuine shell button. With the base being knotted with the macramé technique and the top all woven together this a very strong and extremely attractive piece of jewelry that will last years if not generations!

They do take a bit of time…about 3 hours so I won’t be making too many, as they are not very cost effective but they are therapeutic.

Well folks, here I go again in pursuit of another lesson. A friend of mine had a book on micro macramé and it looked really interesting to me. My mind went away with all the design possibilities. It will be my new venture to incorporate some of that old 70’s style stuff with my designs. Understand that this is not done with the Jute we used back in the day. It is done with thread or very fine cord and beads…even gems! Yea! Sounds like it will be right up my alley. I have ordered the instructions and that should be in for me to pick up in a couple of days.

I am still working on the vases; in fact I have a beautiful black, silver and white one in the works now. It is smaller than the first one I did for 2 reasons. First to make it more affordable and second don’t you know those things take a long time?

I am also still doing the crochet bracelets, the woven gemstone work and free-form peyote so if there is something you would like, please ask.

I will be going on vacation soon and am trying to get my ducks in a row, learn new techniques to keep things interesting and figure out what I want to take with me for some possible new accounts.

Free? Really? Absolutely!

Beginning this month I am giving away one free item a month free of charge to one person on my E-Mail list. All I ask in return is that you stop by my guestbook after you receive your item and leave a note. The only thing you have to do to have a chance of getting a wonderful surprise in the mail is join my e-mail list. You will find the link at the bottom of every page. These are not seconds. They are taken from the items I have for sale in my shop. I will contact the person drawn for a mailing address to send the gift to. I will not use your address for any other purpose, give it away or sell it.

My aim is to increase the favorable comments in my guestbook for others to see. It is that simple.

Sign up now…the drawing for free merchandise is soon!

Abstract jewelry?

One of the greatest roadblocks I always had in my painting was that I could not really get the concept of abstract. If it did not look like

"Something" I could not get there. With this new free form absract bracelet style I have been working on it has really helped get rid of that block, not to mention that vase I did recently. Oh by the way, I should be getting my new vases any day so I will be doing more of those very soon. They are a tad bit smaller than the previous one but still a good size for a dozen or so flowers.

Back to the bracelets…I am working on one now that I believe will be my all time favorite. The colors in the lampwork bead are all me and I love the way it is coming along. It is difficult for me to work in colors I am not attracted to although I still do it. I realize not everyone has my taste and I am thankful for that. My daughters have totally different color preferences than each other and myself. When I do something for them I love the way it looks on them but I could never wear it because of the colors. I suppose many times it has a lot to do with the style as well. There are some styles that me as a 50 something just should not wear lest I look as though I am in denial if you know what I mean.

The abstract bracelets transcend all that though. It seems that they can be worn by women of all ages. It is especially joyful for me when I can work up a piece that I really love. It is interesting to me that those with a more neutral palette will often be drawn to the more colorful abstract bracelets. They have spurred a few women I know to go and buy an outfit to match in colors they would never normally wear and as an artist I find that to be fabulous!

Thanks for stopping by and tolerating my rambles. Be sure to keep your eye out for this new abstract bracelet!

I have also been told they are great for Chemo caps, as the 100% cotton is breathable and soft.

I had a wonderful vacation but did not get much work done while I was gone. NAS Pensacola is where my daughter is stationed for the time being while she completes "A" School then she will be off to fleet or "C" School. It is a beautiful Navy Base and everyone was very friendly and helpful. Now back to reality and after leaving my dear husband alone for a week it is housework and Spring cleaning for me.

I do have some orders for some peyote bracelets and a couple of felted bags with beaded handles so I will work those in between rooms!

I will be leaving the end of April to go to Oregon, hopefully to get some accounts and see lots of family I have not seen for several years.

Back to work!

It’s funny how art seems to take direction all by itself. I began this, a free-from peyote bracelet as a special order for someone who wanted a free form in purples. When I realized I did not have an appropriate center bead I had to make one. I was going along trying to get this finished before I leave on my trip when I realized it began looking like grapes to me. Now, perhaps that is because I want a glass of wine, I don’t know. I’ll have one but not until I have finished with the clasp portion. Anyway, like the vase I did recently I had no real plan. I picked out the beads I wanted to use and went from there. I had a couple of leaves left over from the vase and decided to put them on. Then I went back and added a couple of grape clusters since it already appeared to have taken on that theme. Presto! I am waiting for final approval before I make this to her requested length. If she likes wine I think I am in! Happy Friday!

I had a wonderful compliment from my sister about my hats; especially the Summer Flapper Hats. "Because they are made of soft cotton they make great Chemo Caps and are much more stylish than many others you see around."

I will be donating some to the local cancer ward here when I return from vacation. I had never thought of that I am sorry to say. I donate to children’s homes and such in the winter months but never thought of the need for something pretty and feminine during the summer months.

If you know of a cancer center that could use some, please let me know. I would be happy to donate a few. I can make children’s sizes as well.

The vase if at last completed! On to the next… but which one? Any votes?

Finally...it seems like forever since I began this vase! Now that the skin is finished all I have to do is the embellishments. I have put a few flowers on and 1 leaf and I beaded up another leaf. After I get that little grouping on I will put a few pearls here and there and call it good. The bottom was much easier than I thought it would be so I am going to order those vases I spoke of in an earlier Blog. I have also found a few items around the house to work on in the meantime. Yes, I am addicted. Come back and see the progress on those as well. Oh! And I finished another peyote bracelet and have an order for one in purples.

I am on my way to Florida in a few days and have a lot to do to prepare for that trip. I am hoping to get some accounts on the way down.

Wish me luck!!

We are getting closer! Here is the vase as I near the end of the bottom. Then all I have to do is get the top done. One thing…if you decide to do one of these resist the temptation to add anything until you are finished with beaded the vase. It is more time consuming to bead this now because I have to watch that my thread does not catch on the flowers. Also resist the urge to decrease too much as you turn onto the bottom.

Having finished the summer Garden Bracelet I was working on I am going to be starting a new one with these colors. The cloth it is on is actually a light green so the colors, at least on my monitor are accurate. The shell is an original lampwork by Generations Lampwork and I will be using that for the center I think.

As the vase nears completion so does the bracelet. The direction of the vase is hard to see but after I finish beading the actual vase I will add the embellishments. I have decided on a title...Midnight Garden so I will be going with that theme. There will be beaded flowers, leaves and a few dragonflies, perhaps a butterfly and I am thinking vines...we'll see. I go back and forth between the two and then I have thrown in a sweater into the mix. I made the boyfriend sweater a few years ago and actually married the guy! Against the old wives tale for certain. Anyway he is due for another and here is the beginning of that...did this last night watching some tube with my honey.

am adding a copper crochet necklace to the batch of projects tonight, although I have to get that done for a special order at the jewelry store. I love having a few different things going on at once, it keeps me from getting bored. The free form peyote is really good for me as I tend to be OCD and very black and white. Abstract has never come easy for me, I do better with realism so this is quite a stretch.

You can see another little vase peeking out from behind, that'll be the next one while I wait for the shipment of larger ones to come in.

I will be taking a break pretty soon as I will be driving my daughter's car down to her in Florida where she is in "A" School in the Navy. I can't wait to see her as well as get out of the snow for a few days, we have had so much. Well, I had better get back to it...more tomorrow unless I finish it today...as if.

The Beaded Vase continues…

I had to resist the urge to take it apart and start over so I began the bracelet pictured here. I have to keep in mind that this is a learning tool and not a for sale project. I have learned a lot in this process and have been busy taking notes with photos. I think part of the reason I want to start over is because I am afraid of getting to the bottom and I am nearly there. The bottom of course, has to be completely flat so it is stable. Then there is the top up over the lip. One thing I am happy about and that is the choice of thread I used. I did not think about the end sue when I began and it is strictly a stroke of luck that I used Fireline. It won’t matter if it gets wet, king of important in a vase.

I also have a picture in my head I am anxious to begin after seeing some of the patterns emerge from this experiment.

I found a place on line where I can get the vases at a reasonable price and I am resisting the urge to order more until after I complete this one to make sure I can even do it. I have to order 12 at a time to get a price break and I really have no other use for them aside from these beaded vases.

Hopefully I can get this completed today, or at least the bottom.

I have a very small business I run out of my home, which finds me knitting, crocheting and making jewelry into the wee hours. I sell my jewelry to the local jewelry store that also imports all the gold, silver, diamonds you see in ever jewelry store in the country. For over 3 months the only jewelry sold was that which was handcrafted locally. It turns out to be a win-win for everyone involved. So why is it that all those folks, on say for instance Newbury Street in Boston does not buy handmade?

I recently went down there on the suggestion of many friends and the folks who own the jewelry store I spoke of earlier. Everyone seemed to think my goods fit in very nicely down there. What I heard from shop owners stunned me. I will give them one thing in Boston, they are quite honest! They told me and I quote…" We know the quality is not as good but it is cheaper and that is the bottom line" from one shop owner. " Wow, your merchandise is beautifully made but we can get it so much cheaper from China and because it does not last as long they keep spending their money here..." From another What amazes me is that people don’t even expect things to last very long and they would rather have something cheap and buy it 5 times. How did we become such a throw away society?! AND THAT IS OK?! Well folks, I can’t go along with that. I am convinced I will find my niche. I will not lower my standards, it has become my mantra! It would be so easy to pitch it all in, buy cheap materials, not care about the workmanship so I can sell cheap. I say easy but not really so. I want to feel good about what I am doing, the service I am providing. When someone makes a purchase from me I want him or her to be thrilled, not just happy. Furthermore, I want them to pass their treasures down to the next generation. So I keep plodding along with true hope in my heart. Speaking of hope, I know that word lately is like the word ‘love’ over used and abused. But that is another story…

I was in my local Starbucks store today and saw some beautiful handmade pottery for Portugal. While this is very nice, it occurred to me that we should be selling our local artisans if not instead of, at least in addition to art from other countries. In a time when everyone is so concerned about our country’s economy why are we not putting food on the table of those who live down the street but instead supporting those who live thousands of miles away? I am all in favor of supporting our global neighbors but what about the potter who lives next door? Should we not help those closest to us first?

It is not that I have no heart for those suffering many miles from me, it is that I DO have a heart for my suffering neighbors.

Let’s not forget that the USA is the most generous country in the world. Still, we have some of the worst slums and poorest people just blocks from our own White House. Why is that?

The mugs seen above were made by Twisted River Clayworks in Connecticut. They create pottery that is unique and eclectic. They use a potter's wheel, slabs of clay and other creative additions. All of their work is functional and made of stoneware. The glazes are certified food safe and contain no lead. Pots can be used in the microwave, dishwasher, and oven with care. They recommend heating the pot with the oven. Their work can be seen at http://www.twistedriverclay.etsy.com/
Twisted River has taken no part in this article and the ideas are my own and not a reflection of Ron or Char.
To be continued...