Xmas Crafting Fun

I officially have pretty much no excuse for updating this blog has beeen  now that I've an android phone.  In theory I should be able to update this now from almost anywhere. 

So the last month or so has been about the build up to that dreaded time of year - Xmas, or Yule as I prefer to call it. 

I have found some great beads recently that mean I can try out a few new things.  I found some rounded drop beads which helped me make a few Nepal Flower Bud bracelets.  Then I found some really small triangle shaped beads.  Had no ideas for them when I bought them. When I got home I remembered a tutorial for two drop dutch spiral, that called for an interesting highlight bead.  Perfect!  Now I am recycling watch parts to make steampunk inspired necklaces.

Unfortunately I can't share any pics of my new pieces witg you for now.  I don't want any of my friends and family to read this blog and guess which gift is theirs!  Therefore I will share pics with you once Yule is over.

I have to go now and drink coffee.  Lots of crafting to do today and not much time to do it in.  *crosses fingers* hopefully I will finish this little lot in time for Yule.

I forgot about you bloggy - sorry.

Yeah it's been a while. I'm rubbish at keeping any form of diary for any great length of time. Been ill for a while. I got a head injury at my regular day job, last year, and have been out of crafting action for a while now. I plan to try and blog about all those crafty things I have been and am currently doing. It has been a loong day today so I shall leave this blog writing shenanigans until tomorrow, when I should, in theory be refreshed. In theory :P

Amulet Bag Necklace - Black with Purple Stars

This is my first attempt at making an amulet bag (or purse to those in the US!).  I am very happy with the finished necklace.

Amulet bags are used to carry important, small, personal treasures, charms and such.  The necklace design means the amulet bag can be worn as jewellery, and your treasures kept securely on your person.

This is another piece which uses tubular peyote stitch.  I used a design that I had previously used in peyote stitch bracelets.  The fringe of this necklace is laden with semi precious gemstones of many different shapes, colours and sizes.

I will be making more amulet bags shortly, and plan to add them, along with this one, to my website for sale very soon.  

Secret Scroll Necklace - Cream & Lilac Daisies

This necklace will soon be for sale via my website.

Another one of my secret scroll necklaces.  This has a runic spell for protection on the scroll.  As I stated in my last blog, I was a putz and and forgot to photograph the scroll before sealing it in the necklace.  As soon as I get around to making another secret scroll, I will post the photo here.

I love the colours used in the necklace.  They are very traditional, and kinda bridal.  I have echoed the daisy motif used on the necklace pendant in the chain of the necklace.

I hope to have this for sale on my website as soon as possible.

Secret Scroll Necklace - Protection Present

I have a few secret scroll necklaces for sale via my website, this one was made as a gift for my hubby.  

All of the secret scroll necklaces have a scroll of paper, with a runic spell painted on it, sealed inside a peyote stitched hollow tube.  This spell can be customised to a customer's specific needs, or replaced with a personal message.  The tube is sealed up so as to keep the message safe and secret.

The few, pre-made, secret scroll necklaces that I have on my website currently, have all got love spells sealed inside them.  Last year my other half had to do a lot of travelling abroad.  I always get nervous and worried when he has to travel without me.  I decided I would feel better if he had a little protection on him. So I made this necklace for him.  He has worn it religiously whenever he is travelling or away from home.  Which makes both of us feel better :)

Now I took this photo just after the necklace was made last year (about October), and I could have SWORN that I took a few photos of the protection spell scroll inside.  I didn't.  The real annoyance is that I went ahead and made another protection necklace (to sell) and didn't photograph that scroll as I thought I already had a picture.  Grrrr!

Now I have to make another one.  This time I had better remember to photograph it before I seal up the necklace.

Special Birthday Gift

It was my youngest sister's (not the one that's getting married!) 18th birthday recently.  I decided to make her a necklace as a gift.  

I know that when we go out next weekend (for my other sister's hen party) she has a black and white, sixties style outfit planned.  Mum also told me that 'lil sister is also into the whole monochrome thing at the moment.  Armed with this knowledge I began my search for the perfect ingredients for my new project.

I remembered that I saw some exquisitely, expensive, lampwork beads in my local beadshop last time I was there. There was a wonderful selection of lampwork beads for me to take my pick from.   I found what I was looking for.  A black and white, funky patterned, square bead.  Which is a work of art in itself.  Each bead produced is totally unique.

I had to do justice to this work of art bead.  I thought long and hard about what would work.  Played around on my beadboard for ages trying this and that.  I knew what I had to do had to be bold to compliment the lampwork pendant bead.  That's when I came upon the idea of having one half of the necklace beaded black with white moonstones, and the other white with black tourmalines and snowflake obsidians.  I used a sterling silver toggle and loop set for the clasp.

I called up my mum and described the finished necklace over the phone.  She thinks my wee sis will love it.  *fingers crossed*  Will find out for certain next weekend.

Repairs - Crystal AB & Millefiori Necklaces

I was asked to repair some vintage jewellery recently.  These two necklaces were in amongst the repairs.

 There's something very satisfying about making old necklaces look like new again.

 Both of these necklaces are currently for sale in Chic & Unique in Stockbridge, Edinburgh.