And the winner is...

Congratulations to Rachel of VirtuoSew Adventures.  I will be sending "Tugging at Nature" across the 'pond' today. 

I wish with all my heart that I had enough of anything and everything to send something to everyone -- but I'm sure there will be future give aways and meanwhile thanks for participating.

Every gift from a friend is a wish for your happiness". - Richard Bach

A 'Cuff' Prototype

This is my first punchneedle cuff bracelet.  I made this prototype to fit my very small wrist - more will follow in sizes that most people can actually wear.

I've never used punchneedle in this way - but by the time I finished I could actually say "it worked"!  That isn't always the case, and when it does it rates an extra square of chocolate as a reward *smile*.

I began the design by punching to the dimensions necessary for the bracelet.  After punching I added decorative fiber.  Once the punching was finished I added a shank button and created a thin cord to use as a loop closure.  I attached that to the back and then secured felt to the back of the bracelet.  Last step - stitch around the edges of the felt and punchneedle.

I'm hoping for a little more decorative fiber and brighter colors with some of the upcoming bracelets.  Also I'd like to add a few beads or other adornments.  Guess its back to searching through my 'stash of stuff' (*smile*). 

"Beauty is whatever gives joy". - Edna St. Vincnet Millay

Fall Giveaway

Being surrounded by the beauty that is this fall -- I'm going to 'fall back' to an earlier creation and offer it as a giveway.  This artist book, "Tugging at Nature" is in an accordion style and is made primarily of fabric and chock full of forest images.  

So here you go -- if you'd like your name to be put into the hat please respond to this posting.  I'll draw a name next week, Thursday the 3rd of November, and then pop this little bit of autumn into the mail

I thank each and everyone of you for sharing this journey with me -- and love the opportunity to give back a bit.

"If you stand still outside you can hear it...Winter's footsteps the sound of falling leaves". - Takayuki Ikkaku

Punched Pendants

What a fun time I've been having!  Making these punched pundants involves choosing threads; choosing charms or center pieces; punching the design; adding the trim; placing the punched piece into the metal frame; adding ribbon.  Sort of like following a favorite recipe.

I've loved choosing the colors.  I started with the ribbons and then matched the threads and center piece. 

I am gathering a very nice collection of these simple pendants -- ready to be displayed in public come December.

"Think left and think right and think low and think high.  Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!" - Dr. Seuss

"Enchanted Adornments"

I recently discovered this book - and just had to share it with you.  "Enchanted Adornments" by Cynthia Thornton is an absolutely enchanting book.

Basically its a 'how-to' book -- in that Cynthia shows us how to make beautiful mixed-media jewelery.  The techniques she teaches and features include metal clay, wire, resin and more.  There are lovely pictures of the jewelry and wonderful instructions but...

...there is a story line throughout the book -- where our heroine is on a trip visiting magical mythical creatures and for each one she must make a piece of jewelry.  The stories of her travels and the lovely creatures she meets along the way are wonderfully illustrated. 

This is a book that one can curl up with - let the imagination travel with the artist and thoroughly enjoy faraway pretend worlds!

"Life's enchanted cup sparkles near the brim". - Lord Byron