Creativation 2020

Hi Everyone!

It's January and I'm heading to Phoenix.  Sonoma County is rainy and cold today, so it will be a treat to see some sunshine!

Creativation is an industry-only tradeshow where we can see all the latest innovations and new releases in the craft industry.

After last year's amazing show where I participated in the Project Embellish competition, I'm excited to see what the possibilities and connections will be this year.  It's a time to reconnect with friends in the industry, meet new suppliers and vendors and take some interesting classes.  This year, I'm taking a class on felting and embroidery and a class on a quick-cure clay.  It's always fun to play with new materials and techniques and see where they might fit into my designing.

So, stay tuned for photos and new ideas from the show.  I hope to post some on Instagram, so look for them there!

Llama Coasters and Tissue Cover

Hi Folks,

There's some new kits on the Herrschner's site including some designs I made for them.

Here's one of my favorites that I have made recently - a set of llama coasters and a tissue box.

Llama Coasters

Llama Tissue Box

And, here's a Scatter Kindness sign with coasters.

Scatter Kindness Wall Hanging

Scatter Kindness Coasters

Head on over to the Herrschners site for more details.

Happy Stitching!

Terry

Vintage Bouquet Necklace

Hi everyone!  Happy New Year!

Today I'm happy to share a new published design with you.  It's in the February/March issue of Beadwork magazine with lots of other beautiful designs.

Mine is in the Fast and Fabulous section and the theme was leather and lace.  I love that combination and had a lot of fun creating a Vintage Bouquet Necklace with layers of brass filigree, leather and crochet lace flowers and vintage-style buttons.

Beadwork Feb/March 2020

Here's my photo of the necklace.

The motifs will overlap a little when you wear it.  These layered flowers are so versatile - imagine one on a bracelet or even a small one on a ring.  These leather flowers are easy to make with a die cutter or you can make your own.  You can even buy them pre-cut! So many possibilities for vintage goodness!

Wishing you a very creative New Year!

Royal Cardinal Wall Hanging and Ornaments

Hi Everyone!

Merry Christmas!

I have some new kits out with Herrschners just in time for Christmas.  I had such fun creating cardinals in different poses for these ornaments and the wall hanging.  My editor wanted me to use a bright background and I just love how the yellow color works in contrast to the reds and greens.  I hope you enjoy them, too.

Royal Cardinal Wall Hanging

Royal Cardinal Ornaments

Happy Stitching!

Tierra Cast Finishing Touches

Hi Everyone!

I have been making jewelry for about twenty years and one of the first things I noticed out in the jewelry stores were the wonderful findings from Tierra Cast.  They are a local company to me in Santa Rosa, California, so they were in the local bead stores that I frequented.  If you can't find them in your local bead shop, there are many online from places like Artbeads.  These findings are always great designs and quality workmanship.

I was thrilled to receive a sample of their newest findings - Finishing Touches.  These are crimp ends in some wonderful styles.  You can use them for necklaces, bracelets or earrings.

There are some great designs out there already using these crimp ends with beads and leather and tassels and fringe, so I wanted to see if I could make some earrings with fabric.  To me, some of these crimp ends look like little fiesta skirts, so that was my inspiration.

Here is the first one:

Cotton Print Fabric Fan Earrings

To make your own fabric fan earrings:

1.  Tear a strip of fabric and stitch a running stitch along one edge.
2.  Gather the strip and tie the threads creating a fabric circle.  Overlap the edges and add a stitch to keep it overlapped.
3.  Fold the circle in half and insert into the finding.
4.  Squeeze the finding closed.  Glue can be added before insertion if you like.

Here's another set:

Denim and Muslin Fabric Fan Earrings

The denim over the muslin on these earrings is a die cut flower folded over the gathered muslin circle.

These are so easy to make.  I've got a lot more ideas and fabrics to try!  If you try this idea, I'd love to see your photos.

Thanks again TierraCast.

Cheers! Bottle Bag

Hi Everyone!

Need a quick hostess gift?  Just pop your favorite beverage into this easy bottle bag decorated with Joy embroidered iron-on letters.

I painted these letters with two kinds of DecoArt paint - a red acrylic and a glitter paint.  For all the instructions, see the Creating with Joy blog.

Of course, there are lots of options for making this in your own style - use your favorite word for a toast - and paint with your favorite colors.  This would be great for New Year's or any festive occasion.

Cheers!  All the best in your holiday festivities!

Bottle Bag

Over-the-top Sparkle

Hi everyone!

Beadwork showcases some Fast and Fabulous necklaces in their December 2019/January 2020 edition that are just the thing to add some glitter and glam to your outfit for a party or night out on the town.  Whether you want understated elegance or a full on statement necklace, there is something for everyone!

Here's my contribution to the glitter - my Silver Sparkle Necklace.  It's got a lot of swing to it, making it perfect for dancing.  These silvery glass beads have a unique cut called step faceting, so they really catch the light.  They are like mini disco balls!

Silver Sparkle Necklace

I decided this necklace wasn't complete without a pair of earrings, and I had some extra beads, so - voila!

Silver Sparkle Earrings

Now, I'm ready for some dancing!  No, wait, maybe a bracelet...


I got my copy a little early, so the issue isn't available generally yet.  But, in a few days, you should be able to find it on the website here.  As usual, it is filled with fabulous designs in bead weaving along with the Fast and Fabulous sparkle.  I love the ornaments on the front cover.  One of these days, I'll try one of those!

 If you like the beads I used, you can find the Silver Iris faceted 4mm beads here and for the 8mm beads, go here.  Or, search halcraftcollection.com

Time to get your sparkle on!

Happy beading,

Terry