Cindy's Fiberworks

Norwegian Star Cap

2012-01-26T19:20:00.001-05:00

I have been in a hat-knitting mood lately, and this was the first one. The yarn is handspun from a colorful batt which has been in my stash for a while. I didn't like the colors as they seemed somewhat disconnected and didn't flow well, so I spun the black/taupe and then spun the lavender to brilliant blue. I had in mind some sort of stranded hat. I am so pleased at the outcome. I used a pattern from "Hats On" by Charlene Schurch, and I want to make a lot more from that book.

Aqua and Copper Peapod Necklace

2012-01-12T13:21:00.002-05:00

I finally got around to applying the patina to this necklace. I am very fond of it. When I was crafting it, I found that if the torch got too close to the beads, they would shatter! I think they were not annealed properly, if at all. I love the organic shape.

Vintage Cardigan Completed

2012-01-10T11:27:00.001-05:00

Here is the cardigan I have been knitting for the last month and it is finally finished. I bought the buttons at ACMoore and they are okay, although I'm not totally thrilled with them. The yarn is alpaca, wool, and angora and is just lovely to work with. Great stitch definition. I will see how it holds up to wear though as angora does tend to felt somewhat.

I am thrilled with the finish on this cardi. All the little details are so interesting to me, and I am also happy with the finishing I did on this.

The pattern is from Interweave Knits, Spring 2005, and is the Vintage Pink Cardigan. The color in this post is more true to life than the previous post. It is called Peapod and does resemble that color!!

Vintage Sweater

2011-12-20T08:49:00.001-05:00

I am using some GORGEOUS yarn to knit myself a sweater. I purchased the yarn from a fellow Raveler for about half the price of retail, since she was destashing. It is comprised of alpaca, wool, and angora and is called Fresco, by Classic Elite Yarns. I'm using a size #3 needle and am getting about 6 stitches per inch. The pattern is Vintage Pink Cardigan from Interweave Knits, Spring 2005, and designed by by Norah Gaughan. It is a lovely pattern with some cable interest on the button band.

Can you see the angora halo in the second picture. It is stunning.

Pod Necklace with Green Seeds

2011-12-18T12:36:00.004-05:00

Here we have a copper pod necklace I just completed. It is a little rough but will do for a prototype. It doesn't quite rest flat on its back so I will have to figure that out. I do like the heavy copper wire armature from which it hangs. Fabricated from 24 g copper sheet metal and 16 g copper wire with a few beads for some color.

Playing with Copper

2011-12-12T15:44:00.001-05:00

These copper pods were a blast to make even though I may have struggled a bit. I used 24 g copper sheet and 16 g copper wire with a few assorted beads. Chains need to be added now.

Ruffled Peyote Bead Necklace

2011-12-07T13:30:00.001-05:00

I made a series of these circular ruffled peyote beads this summer while cruising on our boat and I put them together today to make this necklace. I have a few more beads to make another piece, but that's for another day.

2011-11-16T10:03:00.001-05:00

This pendant started out as my very first piece of copper fold forming and I just hated it. I did not have a vision for it at all, and put it aside and promptly made another one. However, I resurrected it and love how it turned out. I is so leaf-like now, instead of just crumpled up copper.

Brass Cuffs

2011-11-05T13:09:00.000-05:00

I have a Bill Fretz DVD which showed how to fabricate these simple, but lovely, brass cuffs. They started out life as a 2" diameter brass tube and were cut to about a little more than 1" wide. After hammering them, I cut the ring apart with a jeweler's saw and then polished them. I am enthralled with my creations! The plain cuff was made a few weeks ago, and became very tarnished after polishing, so I tried Renaissance Wax and that seems to be doing the trick so far. Time will tell. I have two more rings so I will be playing some more!

Fold Formed Copper Necklace

2011-11-04T10:42:00.000-05:00

This is my latest creation from playing at Tada's Artisan Boutique. We were fold forming copper sheeting and I just loved how this one came out. The copper reminds me of a petticoat. I had no idea how I was going to finish it off, but it sort of just came to be once I started putting things together. The straight pieces of copper in the necklace part were about 3 inch pieces of 12 gauge wire which I balled up on each end and then hammered flat and pierced. Too bad I broke my two-holed screw punch though. Sigh.

But I am loving this piece and the addition of the turquoise bead is excellent.

2011-11-03T09:57:00.000-05:00

Monika was wondering about the button mold process for polymer clay, from my previous post, so I thought I'd take a moment t explain.I bought the putty from Michael's for around $20 I think. It made all these molds with lots left over. It's as easy as could be and the molds come out very flexible, like rubber. Place the polymer button material into the mold, pop out, and bake. I buffed the finished button with my denim jeans.I have made several batches of polymer clay buttons over the years because I couldn't find the right color for my projects.

2011-11-01T12:45:00.000-05:00

This cute baby kimono was made with Trekking XXL sock yarn and should be machine washable. The buttons are handmade polymer clay buttons I just made this morning. I made about three skinny snakes of three different colors and twisted them together over and over and then broke off button size pieces and pressed them into a button mold I had made a while ago and then baked them. I buffed the finished buttons on my jeans to make them a little shiny and reamed out the holes, since they were too small. All in all, it's an adorable little sweater! The pattern is Cheryl Oberle's Little Hanten and is published in the wonderful book called Sock Yarn One-Skein Wonders.

2011-09-23T18:54:00.001-05:00

I finally completed this piece with the addition of the double link chain of copper. I recently read about a new tool (be still my heart!) called Koil Kutter which is an attachment for my Dremel tool which cuts rings!! I wind the 18 gauge copper wire around my old size 4 knitting needle to make the coils and then use the Dremel to saw them. The price is right and it works so well!! I tumbled them afterwards to work harden and make them pretty.

2011-09-22T14:50:00.000-05:00

This gorgeous cuff is from my latest class at Tada's in Gloucester Point VA. The large stone is a fire agate stone and the smaller rounds are probably agate or jasper. Don't know for sure. The wire is sterling and gold filled square wire with some half round thrown in there too. Cindy, our instructor, is a pure genius about making these types of objects and is so much fun too.

2011-09-13T12:07:00.000-05:00

Here is an funky wire necklace I just finished up. I do not know what the nugget stones are and the smaller round beads are most likely some sort of glass, but again, not sure. The wire is 16 and 18 g raw copper wire which was given a patina of liver-of-sulfer.The necklace design is from the cover page of Wirework Fall 2011.

Another Wirewrapped Cabachon

2011-09-08T15:38:00.000-05:00

The third in a series, this particular one does not have the twisted wire like the first two. I prefer a simpler, cleaner look.

I purchased some inexpensive chains to go with these so they will be a nice present.

Wire Wrapped Cabachon Pendants

2011-09-06T12:09:00.000-05:00

I took another wonderful class at Tada's Artisan Boutique, here in Gloucester Point, VA, where we learned to make these lovely sterling silver wire wrapped pendents. Next week we will be making rings!! These cabachons are wrapped with 21 gauge sterling square and 1/2 round wire.

Baby Shrug

2011-08-30T08:51:00.000-05:00

Isn't this garment the most adorable thing you've ever seen? It was a very fast knit, even if I did have to rip it out a couple of times since it appears that I cannot count. I also did not pay close enough attention to the directions for the ruffles either, since my version is much fuller. However, I LOVE IT!!

The yarn is superwash wool, which I normally detest, but this is really nice and it has a great twist. It is Serendipitous Ewe Fate sport weight, purchased at Frivolous Fibers in St. Michaels.

Fold Formed Copper Pendant with Sea Glass

2011-08-07T13:37:00.000-05:00

This is from another fabulous metal class with Barb Claytor, here in Gloucester Point, VA, at Tada's Boutique. We just played with manipulating 24 g copper sheet by folding it and twisting it with firing with a torch in between to soften it. I can't believe how gorgeous it turned out and the sea glass is PERFECT for this piece. Thank you Tammy!

Scrunch Beads Revisited

2011-07-12T09:11:00.000-05:00

I was recently asked about the pattern source for these glorious coral beads I made last summer. The directions come from a wonderful book, The Art and Elegance of Beadweaving by Carol Wilcox Wells and are designed by JoAnn Baumann and Tina Bloomenthal. The book is definitely worth the money. I am inspired to make more now.

Antique Jade Bead Treasure Woven Necklace

2011-07-01T16:35:00.000-05:00

My friend Heather presented this gorgeous bee made of jade as a reward for teaching her some wire techniques! I am hoping that she will be totally hooked on jewelry by now!

I found some matching jade beads and had the perfect C-lon thread to match. All the time I was making this, I kept thinking of tootsie rolls!! I am extremely pleased with my creation.

May Mystery Knitalong Shawl

2011-07-01T16:09:00.000-05:00

This is made from fine wool and silk Helen's Laces. I used the entire skein of 1200 yds and had to cut it short. It is very large and light and sheer. It was a mystery with clues published every week for 5 weeks and was quite easy to do. It was just a lot of knitting.

Folded Metal Pendant with Viking Knit Chain

2011-06-23T20:19:00.000-05:00

Sharon, here is the picture of the finished piece, since you asked so nicely:-)
The viking knit chain was made using a 7/16 dowel and 5 e-loops with 24 g copper wire. I worked about 12 inches and when it was done being drawn through the draw plate, it was about twice as long in length. I annealed the chain afterwards but it made it so soft that it actually got too thin in places. Next time, it would be better to anneal the wire immediately after it was removed from the dowel, and before the draw plate. I used 18 g wire for the bail and end caps. The bail wire was hammered flat and then wrapped loosely around a knitting needle to size it and then placed onto the chain.

Treasure Woven Bracelet

2011-06-20T09:47:00.000-05:00

I used some lovely pink and white lampwork beads for this finger woven bracelet, but poor planning on the spacing of them left me short. Tammy, from Tada's Artisan Boutique found me the perfect addition: a white and pink angel fish! What fun.

Folded Metal Pendant with Cabachon

2011-06-19T09:59:00.001-05:00

Another class with Barb at Tada's Artisan Boutique. We learned to fold and anneal copper metal to create a wonderful textured pendant. The cabachon was sandwiched between the folded piece and a flat backing piece in a dapped and filed 'bump'. The two pieces were then riveted together. I am still figuring out how I want to attach it to a chain.

Oriental Scroll Finished

2011-06-15T20:51:00.000-05:00

I finished the chain with simple double wrapped loop links and a classic swan clasp hook. It is shown here resting on my latest knitted lace shawl of cotton.

Oriental Scroll Pendant

2011-06-06T19:06:00.004-05:00

I took a FABULOUS class at Tada's Artisan Boutique at York River Yacht Haven, near Yorktown this past weekend. We learned to etch copper and how to apply various finishes, as well as dap and shape a round top to a cylinder. It was fabulous! I only need to construct a copper chain and this lovely will be finished.

Yet More Earrings

2011-04-22T09:36:00.002-05:00

More earrings. I feel as though I have only started with all the ideas running around in my head. I'm very sad that the price of silver is just skyrocketing and I want to conserve the little that I have. Sigh.

Green Beaded Copper Earrings

2011-04-17T10:43:00.003-05:00

I had attempted to make a bracelet with about 6 of these copper beaded plates but it was so difficult to make them that I gave up for the moment and made earrings out of the four that worked. The previous post shows a pair with brown beads. I adore these. They are, of course, from Beverly Ash-Gilbert's workshop I took a few weeks ago.

More Earring Frenzy

2011-04-03T09:17:00.002-05:00

I've been having a lot of fun playing with metal and wire. Here are my latest efforts.

Earring Frenzy

2011-03-29T07:12:00.002-05:00

I just took a class with Sally Stevens, whom I just adore. She is so much fun and has so many clever tips. Here are some of the earrings I made yesterday afterwards. The lampwork beads were made my her daughter, Shannon.

Beaded Metal Pendant

2011-03-28T05:32:00.003-05:00

My previous post shows the beaded necklace from my workshop with Beverly Ash-Gilbert. This is another pendant from the first workshop she presented that weekend. It is two pieces of copper sheet metal riveted together and then embellished with one of her bead soups. I finished it off by painting liver of sulfur on the background shape. I had beaded the piece before I could patina it, and not wanting to dip the entire piece in a noxious solution, I simply dipped the brush in and painted. It took a bunch of dipping and brushing but I am so pleased at how that worked. I used a simple rubber cord to hang it on.

Wander with Color Necklace

2011-03-16T11:01:00.002-05:00

I am fresh from three days with Beverly Ash-Gilbert and am totally inspired! This necklace is freeform netting and incorporates several colors of bead soups. It was so much fun to make and I adore the colors. I have another piece to show tomorrow - it is quite different, being cut pieces of sheet metal with beads embroidered on.

2011-01-16T15:23:00.006-05:00

Here I am getting ready to attend the Bead Society's Annual Bead Challenge Show Artist Reception. Since I have a piece in the show, I must look my best!!! This is the Hanne Falkenberg Cordelia Sweater I finished up recently but never modeled.

This is the necklace which is in the show.

Reverse Side of Stranded Earflaps

2011-01-16T08:44:00.004-05:00

I received a question from lyntwhit, who asked about pictures of the non-public side of the andean hat, and I'm happy to oblige here. I found the earflaps to be the most challenging part of the hat, since they were knit back and forth, rather than in the round. I knit these without turning my work, by knitting backwards. It was awkward at first but soon I got the hang of it. I carried each color in different hands.

2011-01-13T17:31:00.002-05:00

I have made a series of copper toggles and then tumbled them to work harden, shine, and smooth. I used a small one for a copper washer bracelet with swarovksi crystals and used one of the washers for the other part of the clasp. I'll see about posting a picture of the bracelet soon.

Frank's New Ombre Socks

2011-01-12T10:32:00.003-05:00

I believe that this yarn is Trekking XXL but I can't verify it since it was missing the band. I like the rich color changes and the pattern is lovely. It is a waffle rib pattern which is done by knitting 2 rows, and then k2, p2 for two rows. So easy and effective.

Bright Chullo Hat

2011-01-09T13:54:00.003-05:00

This is a kit from Knit Picks and it included 9 balls of wool Palette in gorgeous jewel colors, and a pattern. This was a lot of fun to make, but it was a challenge to knit the ear flaps, since they were knit flat, and it required stranded knitting on the wrong side. The entire hat weighs 70 gms, which is about one and a half balls so there are a lot of hats left unknit!!

I know that I probably shouldn't wear this hat because of my .... er, age, but I'm going to anyway.

Starburst Flower Bracelet Completed

2011-01-06T14:08:00.006-05:00

Here is the completed bracelet. It turned out very well, and is a summery type of bracelet. The silk ribbons add a very nice touch to it.

Starburst Flowers - Bracelet in Progress

2011-01-04T18:42:00.003-05:00

I purchased this kit from Fusion Beads and have been working on it for a couple of days. It is labor intensive, but also soothing. The silk ribbons will be woven through a base bracelet of right angle weave with the flowers threaded onto the ribbon as it gets worked into the base. The colors are somewhat garish to me, but it was the only colorway left, and it was on sale!!!

2011-01-03T17:57:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year Everyone!

Fabulous Bling Photography

2010-12-19T20:14:00.003-05:00

Look at this image!! Yes, indeed, I did make the bracelet. Lots of right angle weave with Swarovski crystals. It's shiny and beautiful. But it's the picture that captures my attention. Frank was inspired by another photographer's work which we saw on the web today, and while I was napping, he was shooting. Amazing work. Thanks, Frank.

Love Knot Bracelet

2010-12-15T14:29:00.002-05:00

I purchased the directions and the pieces for this bracelet from a wonderful wire artist in Florida. I embossed the flat pieces and then domed them. It has been antiqued and is VERY substantial. I am very pleased with it.

Blu Acorn Stitch Markers and Project Bag

2010-12-15T10:57:00.003-05:00

Look what my friend Shafer made for me!!!! I screamed out loud when I saw them!! Look how cleverly the polymer clay acorns match the batik print of the project bag!! Look how perfect they are!! Shafer, you are amazing. Thank you so much.

Copper Bangles

2010-12-11T10:36:00.003-05:00

My latest bangles. I adore the crazy wire bead! Must make more......

More Copper Bangles

2010-12-09T15:21:00.002-05:00

This grouping of bangles is my latest work. The first and third bangles incorporate handmade copper bead caps and lampwork beads. The middle picture shows a bangle with a freeform wirewrapped bead and includes some small glass beads. They have all been antiqued.

Copper Bangle with Lampwork Beads

2010-12-03T11:53:00.003-05:00

I am loving my copper bangles so much, and this one is no exception. It has three beautiful handmade lampwork beads, each set between matching copper bead caps, and surrounded by twisted and coiled copper wire. The beads are from GraceBeads. She has such lovely things there.

Copper Bangles

2010-12-01T11:39:00.003-05:00

Here are my latest two pieces of wirework with copper. I used 12 g raw copper for the underlying structure, and made yards of twisted copper to intersperse the beads. They are quite substantial, feel good worn, and make a soft jingling sound. I have been wearing them together .

Copper Viking Knit Bracelet

2010-11-29T15:04:00.003-05:00

This piece is composed of a length of viking knit, done in 26g copper. The spiral ends were wound around a knitting needle the same diameter as the viking knit, and I used 18 g copper for that. It is all finished off with a heavy gauge raw copper wire swan clasp, which has been hand forged. The clasp lies flat on my wrist and it's a fun piece.

Key Lime Lace Scarf

2010-11-08T11:55:00.003-05:00

For those of you who think I no longer knit, (based on lack of knitted items in my blog lately) here is some proof! It's handspun, from 80% BFL wool and 20% silk, into a fairly good lace weight and then knit in a 2-row lace pattern. I crocheted a simple fringe on each end and inserted a 6/0 seed bead in the center of each scallop. It weighs less than 2 oz. and is just a mass of froth and lightness.

Acorn and Leaves Necklace #4

2010-11-07T09:37:00.002-05:00

This necklace has a different feel to it, because of all the scrolled links and the asymmetrical piece supporting the acorn. It was Frank's suggestion to make the the central wire figure extend up on one side, and it's a good idea.

Acorn and Leaves Necklace #3

2010-11-06T10:07:00.003-05:00

I love this third iteration the most. (Of course, I normally 'love' the piece I just finished!) But I do like the design. I have two more large acorns remaining, and I still have some ideas. The entire necklace has been antiqued with liver of sulfer and the leaves are simply showing some interesting reflections in them - they are not colored except for the patina.

Acorn and Leaves Necklace #2

2010-11-03T14:32:00.003-05:00

This is necklace #2 of my acorn and leaves series. I am so loving this look.

The first acorn and leaf necklace is finished also, and I chose to use only one leaf for that one.

Acorn and Leaves Necklace Design

2010-10-29T08:59:00.003-05:00

This design pleases me so much!! I'm not sure if I want to use all the copper leaves or not, since I have ordered more lampwork acorns. I guess I'll be busy making a lot more of them soon.

Purple Beachcomber Bracelet #3

2010-10-28T14:19:00.003-05:00

This is the third iteration of this bracelet, intended for my daughter Chloe. The first one was too big, so it went to my older granddaughter Aoife. The second one was too small, so that went to my younger granddaughter Aisling. I hope this one is JUST right. She picked up the shells on the beach in NC.

White Oak Leaves in Copper Photographic Study

2010-10-28T13:57:00.003-05:00

Here is a pair of interesting pictures.

I have just created a set of white oak leaves from 24 gauge copper, and after tumbling them, they are very shiny. I will patina them afterward but I was curious about how they would photograph because of all the reflection. I used a light box indoors next to a very sunny window for both. The second one is the first picture I shot. I really like it. However, Frank suggested that I place dark brown construction paper on the inside top of the light box to reflect that color back onto the leaves. The first picture is the result of that shot. I find it fascinating. I think if I used a lot of sheets of the brown, all around the light box, it might be even better.

River Stone Pendant

2010-10-21T14:59:00.002-05:00

I've just done a 'happy-dance' around the house with this piece!!! I am so proud of myself. It's an amulet composed of a river stone, two copper bead caps, and 12 gauge sterling bail, and a 14 gauge fine silver balled headpin for the rivet. The instructions are from an online class from Beaducation.com, and is one of several classes I have taken from them. They are super nice and the classes are beautifully done.

Now, I have to decide about a chain for it.

Copper Linked Lampwork Bead Necklace

2010-10-20T13:38:00.003-05:00

It's amazing what liver of sulfur can do to a piece. When I bought these beads, I had a vision in my head of a darkened copper chain highlighting these gorgeous beads, but as I was making it, I was so disappointed in the look. I thought that I needed to add something to it to make it stand out, but after darkening it, I love it, and it is just what I envisioned. The bright copper wire did nothing for these beads. I made the bead caps with my new disc cutter and dapping tools.

Finished Lily and Leaf Necklace

2010-10-19T14:25:00.003-05:00

I am madly in love with this piece and wear it whenever I can, even with jeans. I chose not to patina it since it would be almost impossible to clean off the oxidation. It will naturally change color over the next few months and that's fine with me. I made a simple chain to contrast with the wildly spiraling pendant.

Metalwork Pendant with Pearls

2010-10-15T13:10:00.005-05:00

This mixed metal piece was made following a video class from Beaducation.com, a wonderful site with lots of video classes. They are having a sale this week too, so I purchased the class before 7:00 am this morning, and here is the finished pendant. The cone has been oxidized and I made the balled head pins after following another video class which I took a year ago. I also have some small leaves which are also very cool and will attach those when I make a necklace chain.

Blue Acorn Necklace

2010-10-14T08:35:00.003-05:00

So, my sweet friend Louise, knowing of my love for all things acorn, presented me with this beautiful lampworked acorn, and I knew that I had to do something special with it. I had originally planned on some sort of needlewoven band for it, but after playing with some seed beads, I changed my mind and went with wirework. I made a series of wirewrapped bead links, connected with figure-eight links. I LOVE IT!! Thank you Miss Louise.

Copper and Crystal Necklace

2010-10-07T16:18:00.002-05:00

I've been trying some new techniques and this project has a few for me to practice! First time using liver of sulfur, as well as punching holes and cutting metal. The link components are not hard enough and tend to move out of shape, but overall, I'm pretty happy with it. I'm thinking I need to texture the metal a little bit more.

2010-10-02T14:59:00.002-05:00

My daughter Chloe brought me some shells from her week-long trip to the outer banks and today I put the first bracelet together. I have ordered a bunch of glass fish beads but they won't be here for a while, so I 'made do' and love the look. Thanks, Chloe!!!

Variation on Peach Peyote Ruffled Beads Necklace

2010-09-17T15:31:00.003-05:00

I was on a roll with the ruffled peyote beads and had planned on making another freeform netted necklace similar to the previous one. But I decided to string it instead. The original necklace was sent off to my mother for her birthday today. I hope she'll like it!!

Cotton Lace Tank

2010-09-10T13:57:00.002-05:00

Just finished up a summer tank (now that summer is on its way out) and it turned out beautifully! I'm very happy at the fit and workmanship. The yarn is Dale of Norway Svale which I bought in Yorktown, and consists of cotton, rayon, and silk. It is the most splitty yarn I have knit but it worked up very very nicely and the gauge is very firm. Most cotton yarn will stretch and I did not want that to happen, so I used a size 4 needle. The top has not even been blocked yet (I admit it: I have already worn it) but it looks just fine. I took the sweater to the local bead shop, Tada, at York River Yacht Haven, to look for beads for the end of the cord and with the help of the owner's husband, we determined that sea glass, in soft aqua, was ideal. I just happened to have some in my small sea glass stash and drilled holes in the glass and sewed them on. It looks so sweet!

Purple Pearl Peyote Cuff

2010-09-03T13:14:00.003-05:00

I used twisted bugle beads along with 11/0 seed beads for the peyote base and fringed the glass and freshwater pearl beads on top of it. It closes with a peyote loop and toggle.

Peach Peyote Ruffled Beads Necklace

2010-09-03T13:09:00.001-05:00

The peyote ruffled beads are simply a circle of peyote with several rows of increasing until the bead ruffles. They are paired with etched glass beads on each side of the ruffle. The necklace is freeform netting.

Copper and Pearl Undulating Wave Bracelet

2010-08-23T15:10:00.001-05:00

Another workshop at Tada's Artisan Boutique here in Gloucester Point, VA. The wire is copper artistic wire in gauges 18 and 20.

Teal Stone and Peyote Necklace

2010-08-23T15:08:00.003-05:00

These stones match exactly a tank top and shirt I just purchased at Chico's.

Freeform Peyote Bracelet #2

2010-07-31T13:07:00.003-05:00

This version of freeform peyote was done with Tammy's tutelage and is more open and less solid than my first version. It was incredible fun to make it. I started out with three colors of see beads and added a few other beads, and the focal is a very cute green dragon fly. I added a few leaves and flowers of purple iris which just make the piece pop.

Aquamarine and Silver Necklace

2010-07-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

I've had a picture of a gorgeous sea necklace in my idea folder for several years and finally found the perfect beads and silver sea creatures for it. The aquamarine rough cut beads are the basis for it, and I added an assortment of glass beads to spice things up. Of course, the fish is a fabulous focal and he is swimming up the side of the necklace off-center. It clanks when I wear it and have had many compliments on it already. All supplies were found at Tada Artisan's Boutique in Gloucester Point, VA.

Heavy Metals Necklace

2010-07-25T09:14:00.002-05:00

This was a beadsoup mix put together with a modified netting stitch. It was very easy and fairly fast to make. I can't do the colors of these iris beads justice though with my photographs.

Beachcomber Bracelet

2010-07-24T12:25:00.002-05:00

I have just learned how to drill holes in shells and beach glass and made this gorgeous summertime bracelet, at Tada's Artisan Boutique at the York River Yacht Haven marina grounds. It jingles merrily when worn!

Freeform Peyote Bracelet

2010-07-19T12:55:00.003-05:00

Inspired by some freeform peyote bracelets at Tada, near our boat, I tried my hand at my first one. It was quite a lot of fun, actually, and I am really happy with the results. I was trying not to buy any more beads and to make do with what I have. I wasn't sure at all about the strong contrast of whites and teals, but I think it works. My technique will be a whole lot better the next time.

Baycation Crocheted Necklace

2010-07-17T12:33:00.002-05:00

We are in Gloucester Point VA, just across the York River from Yorktown, and there is THE NICEST LITTLE BEAD SHOP you could imagine, right on the marina grounds. I have been there multiple times already! It's called Tada Artisan's Boutique, and Tammy is the owner. Lovely.

So I made the necklace from 26 gauge copper wire and stringing the beads and simply chaining the individual strands.

The oyster shell is from an island off the Little Choptank River and makes a great prop.

Magic Carpet Socks

2010-07-03T11:23:00.005-05:00

My friend Perri gave me a kit for these socks from Sanguine Gryphon. (Thanks, Perri.) I just finished them up and they are very fancy and imaginative. The beads and leaf beads add a lot of bling to them.

I started out with size 1 needles over 80 stitches but was not getting gauge, so I switched to 0's. They are quite tight on my feet but still wearable, so maybe I should have used the 1's, at least on the leg sections.

They really are reminiscent of an oriental rug, aren't they?

Finally Another Post

2010-06-08T13:29:00.003-05:00

I have been busy with a multitude of projects, and I'm just starting to finish some up. This shawl is from the Evenstar KAL on ravelry, and designed by Susan Pandorf who is one amazing designer. I have knit one of her designs before: the Iris Scarf.

This one uses about 1100 yards of fine cashmere lace yarn, in black, and is heavily beaded around the edge with some iris colored topaz 8/0 seed beads. I have so far failed at taking a true color picture of those beads. Sigh. But it is a lovely piece and blocked out about 60" in diameter.

Tubular Peyote Cuff

2010-04-14T20:33:00.004-05:00

This bracelet was started in a class by Amy Katz and uses the tubular peyote technique. I almost went blind making it though, and I doubt if I will be doing such fine beadwork anytime soon, although I really like it. There is much more sparkle than shows in my picture because of all the Swarovski crystals on the bead ends.

Wearin' of the Green Treasure Woven Bracelet

2010-03-12T14:16:00.002-05:00

In honor of St. Patrick's Day, coming up soon, I created this green bracelet. The beads are lots of different colors of green, with a few rose colored ones thrown in for some interest. I'm happy with how it turned out!

Silver Charm Bracelet

2010-02-17T13:03:00.003-05:00

I took a class with Sally Stevens at Stars Beads on Saturday to learn how to make this charm bracelet. Her daughter made the lampwork beads which hang from it. Connie Fox was pretty much the original designer of it, but Sally had a few extra tricks up her sleeve. The bracelet has been tumbled for a couple of hours to bring out the shine of the silver, but that very shininess which I wanted to see has created havoc with picture-taking! I've been working on photographing it for a couple of days and actually thought something was wrong with my camera. Finally figured it out after requesting help from the resident photographer, Frank. The shininess caused the camera to think it was much brighter light than it was and the resultant shots came out dark. After changing the background several times, I put it in the lightbox on black construction paper and that was the solution!!

Enchanted Shawl Completed

2010-02-16T09:34:00.004-05:00

This is quite a large and heavy shawl and it feels wonderful when on my shoulders. It stays put because of the heft. You can't see it in this small photo, but there are a lot of amethyst colored AB beads which add bling and weight to it. (You can double-click the photo and you will see a much larger picture and the beads are visible.) The pattern is Enchanted Wood and was knit along with many other knitters as part of a KAL on ravelry. The yarn is The Unique Sheep gradiance fingering wool/tencel in 6 skeins each dyed a little bit differently to have a gradual transition. There will be another KAL starting in May with another mystery stole.

Romanov Silver Bracelet

2010-01-30T11:15:00.002-05:00

This lovely delicate bracelet is comprised of 20 gauge romanov units interspersed with 16 gauge rings. They crystals are 6 mm and are connected to the larger rings with 18 gauge wire. I made the magnetic clasp, and it is oh, so easy to put on and take off.

Evenstar Circular Stole Knit-A-Long (KAL)

2010-01-27T14:45:00.002-05:00

I just joined dozens of other lace knitters who are all going to knit a mystery stole designed by Susan Pandorf, a very talented designer. I previously knit one of her designs (the iris scarf) and know that she does beautiful work.

This KAL starts February 12 so you still have time to join, order yarn, and swatch. The group is on ravelry, of course, and it is called Evenstar Mystery Shawl KAL. I am choosing yarn from my stash - 2000 yds of black cashmere and here is the swatch. Gorgeous, yes??

Lampwork and Links Bracelet

2010-01-20T15:49:00.002-05:00

18 gauge brass rings hand cut with a jeweler's saw and handmade lampwork beads.

PS, my sawing technique is improving!! Nothing like practice, practice, practice to perfect a new skill!

Gold and Silver Empressa Bracelet

2010-01-18T15:43:00.004-05:00

Copper Bracelet with Romanov Charm

2010-01-18T14:27:00.003-05:00

I decided to try something a little different for the plain bracelet. I wanted to explore the Romanov component and I want to try a weight near the clasp so it wouldn't rotate on my wrist. I love it and it doesn't rotate. Voila.

Byzantine with Large Rings

2010-01-17T11:17:00.002-05:00

Here's yet another bracelet with rings I sawed by hand. It is composed of 18 gauge copper and 16 gauge brass rings.

Jasper Rosary Bracelet

2010-01-16T08:22:00.002-05:00

These are my very first saw-cut rings and while it was pretty difficult to do, I like the result, and I think that practice will most definitely help. The beads are 8mm green jasper, and I think they are just lovely with the copper, which will get a patina soon and look better.

Chain Maille Bracelet with Bead

2010-01-09T15:34:00.003-05:00

Just finished this one today. The bead is a handmade lampwork bead, which is slightly flattened, and sits very nicely on a wrist. The magnetic clasp is VERY STRONG!!! It is incredibly easy to put on. It was handmade by Scott David Plumlee and I purchased it and the rings for the bracelet from his website . I highly recommend him!

Double-Link Charm Bracelet

2010-01-06T14:25:00.003-05:00

This charm bracelet is fabricated from 18 gauge brass in a simple double-link weave. I'm trying out a counter-balancing technique to keep the clasp from rotating to the top of my wrist.

Tri-Color Inifinity Bracelet with Beads

2009-12-21T14:46:00.002-05:00

This is another gorgeous design from davidchain.com and has copper, bronze, and sterling rings with onyx bead accents. It has a lot of life to it when worn.

2009-12-18T11:20:00.003-05:00

Once again, I have more chain maille bracelets to show. The top picture is a brass and glass donut bicycle chain bracelet fabricated of 18 gauge brass. The second picture displays three 18 gauge brass byzantine and glass donut bracelets, and the last picture is a bracelet in two-tone sterling and gold-filled rings called status link bracelet designed by Sue Ripsch and bought as a kit from her website jewelrybysueonline.com. With the exception of the status link bracelet, I coiled and cut all the rings by hand and forged the clasps. I'm getting a better result with practice, but unless I decide to spend a lot of money and buy a jump ring cutting system, they will always be a tad bit rough looking.

Copper Scroll Link Bracelet

2009-12-14T10:21:00.002-05:00

This design is fabricated from 18 gauge raw copper. I made 56 scroll links, each from 1 1/2" wire, and fit them all together with dozens of 5mm ID jump rings from the same gauge. I LOVE IT!!

More Chain Maille

2009-12-13T13:49:00.005-05:00

I've been on a roll this week, after making the first chain maille bracelet a week ago. These three bracelets, one bronze, and the other two sterling, were made in a few hours each. The bronze chain was a kit from davidchain.com, who I can not recommend highly enough. He's a fabulous designer and teacher as well as supplier of his kits. I made the rings myself for the wedding knot bracelet (seen on the black background, on the bottom right) and it's a little rough but I'm still learning. I'm obsessed now.

Brass Rosary Bracelet

2009-12-07T11:00:00.003-05:00

I'm sort of obsessed with chain maille construction right now, and here's another piece I just finished up. I made all the jump rings, 18gauge brass, 3.5mm ID, using an aluminum knitting needle (size 4). I have a huge supply of mandrel sizes soooo handy. The second picture shows the first bracelet for comparison which uses 18gauge silver with 4.5mm ID. This one is a bit more delicate.

I apologize for the pictures in the last few posts. I am so unable to wait for the right lighting conditions!!!

Beaded Byzantine Bracelet and Earrings

2009-12-05T12:24:00.004-05:00

I'm home from yet another class from Star's Beads and this time I made a Byzantine bracelet and earrings from 18 gauge sterling silver jump rings. It was great fun and the bracelet wears beautifully. A glass donut ring was used in place of double jump rings for this particular variation!

Sterling Pin with Beads

2009-11-21T16:13:00.003-05:00

This shawl pin is 16 gauge sterling silver with some interesting sterling beads and a lovely olive green lampwork bead. It was alarmingly easy to make, but I did run into a little trouble with the point of the pin snagging while inserting it. I finally tracked down some 0000 steel wool which made all the difference in the world. I had great difficulties trying to capture the true color of the bead and was unable to do so

Tidepool Multnomah Shawl in Handspun

2009-11-14T13:53:00.002-05:00

Once again, I have made a garter stitch shawl out of my handspun. This one is finished in a traditional feather and fan edging and can be made to any dimensions. This pattern, called Multnomah, can be found on ravelry. The varied colors of this yarn are perfect for garter stitch.

Midnight La La Scarf

2009-11-14T13:47:00.002-05:00

This piece is handspun merino wool which is extremely soft, almost like cashmere. The coloring is so much like faded denim jeans which I wear almost every day, that I HAD to make myself a little neck scarf. I have been enamored of garter stitch lately so it pleases me in many ways.

Kumihimo Necklace with Peyote Bead Focal

2009-10-23T12:34:00.003-05:00

This project was a real pain in the neck, and I won't be doing it again. I love the kumihimo part, which was done with #15 seed beads on a fine beading thread. It took a very long time to do, however, and there are a couple of spots where there was no bead. The embroidered peyote bead wasn't fun however. But in a while, I may feel a lot better about the necklace than I do now!