Steampunk Tag Swap

Over at Creating the Craft Life Ning group.

I participated in the Girly Steampunk tag swap.

The pink one is the one I sent 

to my swap partner. 

 I resized some of the Graphic 45 paper

used some left over numbers 

from a clock project.

 Added a decorative watch face,

actual watch parts and hex nuts.

 Prima flower and sparkles, button, lace,

cool paper clip, sheer ribbon, ribbon trim, 

beaded trim and feathers.

 Brass grommets and some chain.

 Didn't think this one was girly 

enough... so I kept this one.

 Love the G 45 papers

Both the front and backs were 

to be finished.

I enjoyed making these. I look forward to see 

what my partner came up with. 

Earrings Everyday ~ April Challenge

This is the image from a pottery barn catalog that struck 

Erin's eye for our inspiration this month.
Seems she is addicted to that place.
Can't say I blame her.

 Here is a little story  on how these came to be...
My Bead Soup Partner from the 6th Bead Soup 

Sarah Goode

Sent me several of these Silk Cocoons

 A bonus item.  I had them out to possibly do 

something with items that had been sent to me for the 

recent  8th bead soup.

As it turned out it wasn't happening.

 I used some Adirondack color wash

to dye the cocoons.

Sprayed  a few with the mushroom color. Tried 

the chili pepper, stream, and lettuce color too. 

I micro waved them to heat set them.

I really don't know if that work to set the color.

I will have to test it out. (later)

Anyway...

 There they were on my desk when I saw the picture 

for this months earring inspiration.

Hmm what to do... what to do....

I noticed the texture of the lettuce green cocoons were very similar 

to the mint leaves. It got the wheels going in my head.

What could I make with these?

Silk Cocoon bell earrings. 

Dug around in the ol' stash and I found

Light olive green Czech glass flower caps and 

round beads (for the goblets), 

Bone tube beads (for the plate), 

silver plated metal (silverware) & coconut shell Spacers.

The coconut spacers reminded me of the place-mats.

They are a bit on the large side for earrings, yet  not heavy. 

But with my long hair you just might be able to see them.
Thanks for stopping by.
Click on the link to see what the other Participants have created!

Earrings Everyday!

Long Distance Collaboration

About the same time I sent my bead soup 

I also sent out beads to my Mom.

She likes to do what I don't. 

And she is quite good at it!

Here are just some of the beauties 

she has made for me recently.

I send her the beads  and clasp and 

she makes them up for me. 

I have to say this pattern is wonderful 

and these bracelets feel like liquid silk on.

We are now working on this one with

 the recent batch of beads I sent.

I'm leaning toward the the 9 cube formation

 as apposed to the block of 12.

Either way I like the earthy look this has.

Oh and the long distant part is that she lives in 

Florida while I'm living here in Michigan.

Thank Goodness for Skype.

And for a very talented Mom!