Susan Sto-helit. Because in this world, after everyone panics,

I did All the Chores and Errands today. Then this afternoon I decided I’d rather make another pair of earrings with some owls I rediscovered when I was looking for beads for my owl coin necklace. I flipped one over to show off the detailed back.

The owls, I have no idea where I found them or what they’re made from. But they look hand-carved and they’re fairly heavy, so I’m guessing some stone. The glass beads were probably made in India. The findings are all gold-colored metal. Anyway I had fun.

Here it is: ( Behold my shinies )

Another necklace I've had in my mind for years finally came together. Everything was already in my hoard. I don't know whether to be pleased with myself or embarrassed. I'm going to take a break from jewelry now. I have birthday gifts to wrap and I want to rearrange the Halloween/bats/cats shelves and add my newest tchotchkes.( Read more... )

Back when I did the Eclectic Beaded Crochet online class, I ended up with a 5-wrap bracelet that is about 2" too long. Which also makes it too loose. Because I didn't want to rip one end out and recrochet it, it's just sat in the box with the other crochet jewelry.

But I've been thinking of other ways to shorten it, and I finally came up with a kludge that works. I used a tapestry needle and the same crochet thread to gather a section that was turquoise chips into a berry cluster. Ideally, the beads should be crocheted in without spaces, but it works well enough, and it shortened the bracelet the right amount. So, pictures:

The turquoise chips section before:

And after (I added a bit of ribbon):

And the whole bracelet:

Here they are, the original one that started with the class in, um, err, 2003, and the two I did this month. They're all wrapped in knotless netting, 2-ply Irish waxed linen threads. ( Photos )

Last week I decided to work on a few quick projects before I started the next set of bigger ones. So, here they are. ( Photos )

I finished a few small projects this week. Mostly repairs to the charm dangles on Minerva the Filofax and the project sketchbook, both of which had snagged and pulled apart. But also a set of fidget beads to carry in my purse, based around one of Eleanor Wiley's Sacred Wheel of Peace mandala pendants. ( Photo )

It's a start. Perhaps now I can get back to one of the bigger projects.

This week I strung a necklace. ( Photo follows )

I finished the first doll. ( Photos follow )

Here's the necklace for Aged Mum. ( necklace )