National Craft Month - Mahogany Onyx Necklace

This is the newest off the bench. Mahogany obsidian and jasper necklace. I love the deep colors, the burgundies, and pinks all mixed together. Made it as a multi strand necklace and added fun metal components to it.

Mahogany obsidian is for inner strength, and I thought the journey tag as the focal was appropriate. It is times when we are going on a new journey, spiritually or emotionally, that we need that inner strength to accept the changes we will face as we grow. Jasper is a gentle stone, and a great addition to this.

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!

March is Craft Month - Crocheted Slippers

March is national craft month, and this month all of my blog posts will be of something I have made. My goal is at least 3 things a week. Let's Play!

Lasts night I did some surfing on YouTube and found several tutorials on how to crochet a slipper. These slippers are based loosely

 on Stitch Stitch Booms pattern for slippers. 

I used the worsted weight medium size 4 Caron One Pound Yarn and a size H (5.0) hook

I have made hats, scarves and a blanket or two, so this was a fun change! One of the easiest things I think I have done. They are really quick to make

What I learned. Make them smaller than you need, because they stretch, and the yard feels 'hard' on the bottoms of my feet. I don't want to wear socks with them, that defeats the purpose of the slipper, but an insole works!!!! 

What are you making for National Craft Month??

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!

March is National Craft Month - I Totally Forgot!!!

I completely dropped the ball on National Craft Month!!!

Ok, so we are three days into the month, so I am not that far behind. I can start today!

I had several ideas that I wanted to start in March, and thought I still had a week left!

Ok, so do you follow any March craft challenges? I would love to know about them.

Have you thought about trying a new craft, or starting a new hobby? March is the best time to do it!

Are you in a rut, and have walked away from your craft due to lack of inspiration? March is a great time to pick it back up and fan those flames of creativity!!!

I am off to start my crafting and try to inspire more creativity. 

Post links in the comments of what you are doing for National Craft Month!!! I would love to see them!

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!

NCMC Day 5 - Use up left over beads - Mirage Beads

A couple of years ago I did a blog partnership with Rings and Things. One of the fun beads I chose was the Mirage Beads.They have even more to choose from now!

Remember mood rings? These are mood beads. They change color with the heat of your body. How fun!
Simply knotted on cord, easy peasy, takes 2 minutes to make. It actually took longer to find the beads than it did to make the bracelet!

They changed colors to purple just from me handling them. I put this bead in the middle to show you what they look like when they are at room temp.

What did you create today?

NCMC - Day 1 and 2 - Earrings and Simple Stringing

I used day 1 of NCMC, to show the amazing transformation of my work room from horrific to terrific.

On Day 2, I have combined two challenges, so tomorrow I can get back on track.

The first days challenge was to make a pair of earrings. It is the first of March, and I am ready for spring to arrive. These earrings are made from carved shells, copper and swarovski crystals. The little flowers carved from the shell remind me that spring is on its way, and I could use a day at the beach to relax. The little swarovski crystal, blue like the sea....ah....take me there please!

Day 2 is a Simple stringing challenge. This piece is a nod to Dave Matthews, and the song Pig. This one is for you Leigh :)

A little pig carved from dyed quartz is the focal of the bracelet accented with glass beads, faceted crystals, sterling, silver plate, and of course - pearls. Pearls and swine - I just had to!!!!

The song that inspired the piece

Poor Comet - he has outgrown his little bed, but he still insists on hanging out with me when I work :)

What crafts have you challenged yourself to make this month!!!!

National Craft Month Kick Off or How I was motivated to clean my studio

It's National Craft Month! I had committed to cleaning and organizing my craft room this month. I figured it would take me a month, but when I was reminded that March was National Craft Month I wanted to see how much I could get done by March 1.
It all started like this- and I had 3 days to get it in order.
I started to organize by color and type of bead in pee-tree dishes I had bought
I am making some head way
I emptied out over 20 different containers
Almost there...
And this is where I am after 3 days. I still have a lot left to do, but I am pretty pleased with my progress

This is so embarrassing, and at the same time, such a good lesson.
Does your work area get out of control? Are you willing to share your work area?
Have fun with National Craft Month and post links so we can see what you are doing!

One more day til National Craft Month!

While on one of my many interweb adventures, I found the blog post from Fusion Beads about March being craft month. This was very exciting and very timely. Fusion Beads has a daily craft challenge posted on their blog, and one reader has pledged to have their craft room cleaned to kick of National Craft Month. I am in the middle of cleaning my room, I want to have mine clean too!!!! Now the pressure is on, because I technically have today and tomorrow to have this accomplished.

This week has been cleaning, purging, organizing, whining, donating, whining, oh - did I mention whining?

How have I accumulated so much crap?!?!?

*stands at the microphone*

Hello, My name is Tish McDermott and I am a craft hoarder.

*applause*

It is so true, and I have come to understand this and embrace it. I even recently said no to an offer of a big stack of magazines. heh - you should have seen their face when I said no - EVERYONE knows they can off  load their items on me. Not today Buckco!!

There are several things I like to do, of which you have seen pictures. My top three are jewelry, sewing and painting. My workspace, as is, will not accommodate all three. Well, I take that back, it would if I did one at a time, but I don't. I have all three going at once. That is what spawned the big clean.

I wont' post pictures yet. Some will gasp in horror, not being able to understand the tragedy of my room. Others will gasp, but inside they will be pleased. Then there one those who will cheer and scream and laugh, because they are not alone in their hoarding, AND I will make them feel good about themselves :)

Til then!

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“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, ‘I will try again tomorrow.’” — Mary Anne Radmacher

March is National Craft Month- March Challenge

March is National Craft Month, and Fushion Beads has offered up a daily challenge for the month of March to help keep your creativity flowing.

Go to their blog for the challenge list and get your Create on!!!!!

The first is organizing your work area....I am embarrassed to show mine, but I will accept the challenge, will you?

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“Accept responsibility for your life. Know that it is you who will get you where you want to go, no one else.” – Les Brown