Window Quilt

I saw this fantastic idea a few months back over at That's My Letter's Blog.  I knew I had to try it out and finally got it finished this week. 

I found this great six paned window from North Carolina.  It is over 100 years old and it has some amazing old square headed nails.  My husband carefully stripped the old flaky paint off and sanded it down.  He painted it a light coat of flat white paint and then I distressed the paint with some sandpaper.  (Yes, I had the easy job.) 

Six mini quilts later and here you have my version of a Window Quilt.  I gave it away for a family reunion auction this weekend.  I was tempted to bid on it so I could have it but I let it go, knowing that I could make another just for myself. 

Earrings and More Earrings

Hi, My name is "T" and I'm addicted . . . . to jewelry!  I just can't stop!  Making the jewelry is probably even more fun that having the finished pieces. 
Anyway - here are a few of my latest creations:

Bezel set, faceted gems from my local Gem Fair that I simply had to pop onto some earring findings. 

 I love these Turquoise earrings but they're large and I haven't worn them yet. 

And of course, pearls . . . pearls, pearls, everywhere.  Pearls are probably among my most favorite. 

Now I'm off to finish some bigger projects, hopefully - fingers crossed!

Frame Coin Purses

Ah - among all my craft addictions, making bags (both small and large) are one of my favorite.  I've seen these cute little frame coin purses around the internet and thought I'd give them a whirl.  And anyone who knows me, knows that I can't make just one of something.  I bought a kit and some frames from a great Etsy site and then went to town.

 Most of these will be going to teachers for last day of school thank you gifts - along with some very cute necklaces we made - the boys picked out various rocks and gems from the last gem faire that came to town.  This little purse is probably my most favorite - it goes to son #1's teacher.

This little purse is the "kit" that I bought with fabric and instructions and all.  They really do work up very quickly.

These next two go to son #2 teachers. 

And this one is for me.  I love the retro ball frames on these.  They come in all sizes - I went with the smallest just to start.  It's always nice to have a little something you can grab to put your id, some change, and even a credit card in. 

Yummy Oreo Fluff

I came across the yummiest recipe a few weeks ago. So easy and so amazing!  We've made it twice in the last two weeks.

This recipe comes from Chef in Training and is lovingly known as OREO FLUFF. 

I followed her recipe exactly.  Think white chocolate pudding, Cool Whip, mini marshmallows, and crushed Oreos.  Seriously YUMMY!

We'll be making this again and again really soon!  Try it!  I dare you!

 

A Few New Earrings

Ok - I officially have a problem - a jewelry problem.  But I guess that's not the worst problem in the world to have.  I like to make jewelry - and I'm ok with that. 

I really haven't ventured too much into making earrings.  But I decided to whip some out this week and am pleased with the results. 

First - I LOVE pearls!  Always have - always will!  This is a giant white shell pearl and I just simply popped them on to a head pin, and attached them to a sterling silver earring finding.  Love them!

 This is turquoise and a silver bead.  Simple yet cute.  Gotta love the Sundance Outlet catalog for inspiration!

And finally, at least for now, some simple colored pearls formed into a loop.  More inspiration from Sundance. 

More to come, I'm sure.  Lots of ideas floating around in my head.  Now I just need to make some time for more crafting!

More Chunky Jewelry

I've got some sewing projects in the wings - trying to finish up some projects that have been sitting around part way done.  But they're not ready to "unveil" yet.  So in the mean time, the Gem Faire was in town this weekend and since I hadn't been in a while, we went over for a few hours and I ended up with some very cute beads.  They were calling to me so I came right home and starting creating.

Up first - I have been wanting a long solid red coral necklace forever.  These beads are about 7/8" long each making the necklace about 28 inches long total.  I can't wait to wear it this week!

 Next - a purchase on a whim, but it may turn out to be my favorite creation of the bunch.  These are dyed tree nuts and I just couldn't resist the color.  Total length - about 24 inches.  This necklace is going to work with me tomorrow! 

Third - this is part sterling silver, part pewter beads.  But I had been wanting to add another simple silver tone bracelet to my collection for awhile. 

And this bracelet is made up of smokey quartz, citrine, amethyst, and rose quartz beads.  I feel some pastel days coming along this spring and this is a nice addition for me. 

I still have quite a few other purchases to put together but I need a quick trip to the craft store to pick up more findings - up next, some huge pearl drop earrings that I have been wanting to make forever! And them a chunky yellow jade necklace.  I wear mustard/yellow quite a bit and it will be a perfect match! 

Bold, Chunky Bracelets

I've had a couple of strands of miscellaneous beads sitting around for awhile. You've seen them at the craft stores - a strand of coordinating beads that you can make whatever you want out of.  I bought them thinking they would make great necklaces or bracelets.  I finally decided to sit down the other night and play with them.  Both sets of beads decided they wanted to be bracelets. 

Here is #1 - Black and sparkles.  The focal bead right in the middle is large and beautiful. 

 I don't know why I am so dang symmetrical.  But I just can't help myself.  I do love how it turned out.

I had two strands of white/clear/sparkly beads and they decided to become a multi strand bracelet, along with a strand of thick silver chain.  I was a little worried about this bracelet being "too bulky, too big", but . . . .

. . . . I wore it to work on Friday and loved it!  Super bold and chunky!  And a nice mix of coordinated beads all put together for you.  I'm really going to have to branch out of my comfort zone and make a non-symmetrical necklace with these coordinated strands in the future.