Getting Ready for Fall - Crocheting Granny Squares

 

I have to keep busy, call it a curse, call it a super power but because of it, I am always making something. And in turn, I have now taken over two rooms of our house. One for tie dye, jewelry, painting and storage of festival gear, and the other for all of my material, sewing machine, mailing supplies, yarn, work desk, computer and printer. 

I am craft hoarder elite!

I get distracted easily, and sometimes I may have more than one project going at a time.

Sometimes I can get frustrated with myself, as I compare myself to other artists out there, that their color combos on their tie dye are more brilliant than mine, their wire wraps are more intricate than mine. 

Once I am done throwing around the confetti of my pity party, and I have had my last bit of dejection cake, I understand, it is because they picked one thing and did it right, where I have to do it all!

And because I have to do it all, it is crocheting season!

It is one thing I do love to do. It is a project that I can do, while sitting in the living room in front of the television and pretending to be watching a movie with my husband. 

I myself personally could spend all of my waking ours in my office or studio working on projects, but I do have to find a balance. So when the weather cools off and there is not so much to do, television is the go to entertainment for my husband. He just wants to know I am in the same room with him, and if he wants to make a conversation, then I am there to join in. 

I started a new project that I am absolutely excited about, and part of the project is granny squares. What I love about granny squares is the versatility of the pattern. Even the versatility of the basic granny square itself. You are basically making a tiny mosaic tile to piece together into a beautiful work of art. 

After I had gotten started on my squares, I realized I needed extra bulk for this project. I do love the crispness of the single strand yarn granny squares. You can see the detail. 

But I wasn't looking for detail. I was looking for comfort and snuggly. I used two strands of worsted weight yarn and made my squares again. What a difference. The extra color gave more texture. The extra strand of yarn gave the squares a soft, cushy, comfortable feel. Perfect for what I am working on. 

I am using a mixture of scrap yarn and Big Twist 100% acrylic yarn. Middle of the road yarn, super soft, doesn't unravel, and affordable -  especially when bought at JoAnns with a coupon. I bought it because I wanted to try something other than RedHeart SuperSaver. Red Heart SuperSaver is a great affordable yarn, especially as a beginner, but it is just too scratchy.  

I am just in the beginning of this project, and have to figure out a couple more things. 

I can't wait to show it to you!

What do you like to work on during the cooler months??

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Although I do live a lifestyle that is richly enhanced with healing crystals, crystal energy, and universal energies, some do not, and that being said, I must say - Crystal meanings, metaphysical and spiritual healing lore is lore for inspiration, folklore, reference, and entertainment only. Crystal and spiritual healing lore is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information. See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner for all health issues. By using this site and associated materials, and accessing this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Fabric Bracelets - DIY

These fabric bracelets are my newest creations that are taking over Raleigh, and beyond!

This is a fun way to upcycle scraps of fabric into jewelry. 

I use a metal core, of 12 ga copper, or 12 ga aluminum, wrap it around a soup can, it will be about the same size as a standard bangle, or you can use a zip tie. The zip tie has a bit more flexibility than I like, but it will still work. Once you have a 'core' you will need to hammer the wire, to give it a tinsel strength.

Now you need to adjust the size of the core to make a bracelet. The standard industry size is about 2.5" inner width. For me that doesn't work. I have huge hands, so I make mine a bit bigger, so when finished, the inner width is 3" and I can slide them right on!

Cut your strips of material, about an inch in width.  Pinch it tight with your fingers and start to wrap around the wire. Over lap the material to create some bulk as you are wrapping. Continue to wrap the fabric around the core for several revolutions. You want 2 - 3 layers of fabric to give it some cushion.  Then use a scrap of wire to wrap around the end of the fabric to hold it in place!

There you have it!!

Your own wire wrapped bracelet!!!

They are a lot of fun to make, and a great way to use up scrap material.

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

Although I do live a lifestyle that is richly enhanced with healing crystals, crystal energy, and universal energies, some do not, and that being said, I must say - Crystal meanings, metaphysical and spiritual healing lore is lore for inspiration, folklore, reference, and entertainment only. Crystal and spiritual healing lore is not a prescription, diagnosis or healthcare information. See a doctor or other healthcare practitioner for all health issues. By using this site and associated materials, and accessing this metaphysical and healing lore information, you acknowledge and agree that you personally assume responsibility for your use or misuse of this lore.

Pancakes and Booze in Raleigh - Tonight!!!!

I am so excited to be a vendor at Pancakes and Booze in Raleigh at the Lincoln Theater tonight!!!

There will be lots of artist there, lots of local vendors there, live music and pancakes and booze!!

Here is a blurb from their site

"As you may have guessed, we are an art show, but we are not your typical art gallery. Since 2009 we've been filling the best venues in over 30 cities around the world with your favorite local artists, photographers, bands, and DJ's. We focus on keeping the work on display local and original to help artists of all types sell their work while they're still alive (why does it take dying to gain recognition?). Each show usually features between 50-150 local artisans, a unique lineup of live musicians and/or DJs, live painting, body painting, along with other forms of entertainment. Oh, and of course PANCAKES!
We seek to bring the art community and those outside the community together by creating an upbeat art show that appeals to the masses. Through the shows we create an environment where artists, potential buyers, and pancake fanatics alike can make connections with several different types of people within their own communities." 

I am debuting my new fabric wrapped bracelets tonight!

Come on out and see what is happening at Pancakes and Booze! It will be fun!!!

And as always, Be peaceful, Be kind. 

Remember to explore, create, dream, imagine and discover!

All of my jewelry creations are based on the metaphysical properties of the stones or the colors that are incorporated. Jewelry should be a window to our soul, a protector of our emotions and a companion to our spirit. All of my other creations come directly from my heart in hopes they touch yours as well. Celebrate yourself with healing jewelry, and other gift ideas made with love!

What ever could it be?

Stay tuned!

Wrap it up - I'll take it!

Hey kids lets talk about packaging today. I like to make the packaging that holds my pieces just as fun as the piece itself. When my customers get their orders, they have nice little 'gifts' wrapped up with that personal touch. It is perfect for those items bought as gifts, being it is already wrapped.

When I first started, this was the packaging I used and got such raves about it, that I thought it was time to bring it back. I got away from this practice when I was sharing the business with friends for continuity's sake, and am glad I am back to it.

It is all about utilizing what is around you, making it personal and showing that little bit of extra effort. Don't settle for an organza bag - everyone is doing it. Your art is a one of a kind, why not make your packaging the same.


i have a bunch of fabric scraps -



Cut a circle - oh, say - about 5 inches across for this example




I use embrodery floss for my thread. it comes with 6 threads to a strand, typically i separate it in half - and just use 3 strands. Pick a coordinating color. coordinating color for me means first one i pick



Measure your floss to about double the width of the circle. thread your needle, knot the tail of your thread so you don't pull it thru and start a running stitch around your circle




you can allow your material to gather on the needle as you work. don't make it perfect, you want it to have personality.



When the needle is full, push the fabric out onto the thread and continue around your circle.



Go all the way around your circle with the running stitch. Now you want to give it a tag. I printed my little slogan on card stock several times to fill the sheet.




now i take my scrapbooking star punch and punch out the tags.



position the slogan in the punch




LOOK AT YOUR TAG!!!!!!



Now push the needle thru the tag, and push the tag till it is against the fabric. Pull the needle from the thread and knot the tail.





Pull your strings together to gather up the material and make a little pouch. Tie a bow and you are set!!!





Fun packaging made easy!