Even more stitch markers

Just listed a few more sets of these on Etsy since it seems the only showcase you can buy slots for is the knitting showcase. If these don't sell, then I suppose I can convert these into stemware markers.

More Stitch Markers

I had so much fun wrapping wire for the last pair of stitch markers that I pulled apart a couple pairs of earrings I had for sale on ETSY (don't worry, I still have Frosty Earrings) and made them into another set of stitch markers. The Christmas Tree is made of Swarovski crystal, the snowmen have Swarovski hats and Czech Druk bodies. Everything else is sterling silver.

Something new...

I got a special request last week from a friend of mine who knits... she wanted to know if I could make up some stitch markers for her. Since I don't knit, the thought never occurred to me, so thank you for the idea! They were fairly easy to make once I figured out how to make the loop at the top the right size. They needed to be big enough to go over the knitting needles, but not too big. So anyway, here's the result!

Please visit her awesome knitting blog here!

Lanyards

Maybe it's schizophrenic to attempt to make a bizillion different types of things via beading, but here's a little something for those who need to wear ID badges, whistles, pens, someplace to hang reading glasses, whatever...

Each lanyard is approximately 30 inches long, which should be more than long enough to swipe badges while still being short enough to keep whatever you're hanging on the lanyard above waist level. The beadwire used to string these lanyards is tested to 44lbs, so you could hang keys on the swivel and still be okay. I tried to get my fiance to test one out with a whistle while refereeing a soccer game, but he wouldn't be caught dead with one of these! :) However, I'm sure a female ref could appreciate the artistry. The swivels are silver plated, to keep the "jewelry" look. Each lanyard is crimped twice, for extra durability. After all, what's the point of having something like this if you can't take it out year after year?

NaNoWriMo

Did you know that November is National Novel Writing Month (aka NaNoWriMo)? The short of it is that during the month of November, aspiring novelists attempt to write a 50,000 word novel. Although there's no quality control tied to being a "winner," (all you have to do is write a novel of 50,000 words) it's still a LOT harder than it sounds.

This year, NaNoWriMo celebrates its 10th anniversary. So, to anyone who's ever said, "One day, I'm going to write a book," maybe that day should be today...

"Improved" scrapblog slideshow...

More Spirals

This is getting pretty addicting. The first rope took a bit, but now I'm starting to have a little more fun with variations in bead sizes, patterns, etc. You'll probably recognize these- I'm still playing with different clasp/closure configurations.

Here's one I think is simple and darling. Just looks like a bit of the ocean around your wrist. I toyed with some charms and other beads, but it just got distracting. This one is pretty, but part of the fun of these spirals is making a one of a kind pattern, so it's on to the next one!

And here's a cute little one I'm working on. It's got little Czech fire polished beads in there...

Spiraling

This month's sale at the local bead store is on seed beads and stringing supplies, so I thought it was the perfect opportunity to learn how to do ropes. Spiral ropes can be really versatile, depending on the size and shape of the beads. I put together a few spirals using the same sized beads.


This one is another take on the inspirational bracelet. On each side of the pewter plate, we have 10mm Swarovski crystals on stretchy elastic so you can actually slide the bracelet on/off. The rope is flexible, but not stretchy so it was either add the stretchy part or use a clasp. The engraved plate seems to be more than enough metal, so I don't like to use clasps with them. But anyway, it's an interesting look, that's for sure.


Here's one I'm working on now... the seed beads are smaller and I haven't decided which of the matching lampwork hibiscus to incorporate or how to do it yet. (My original idea was to use one of the beads as a clasp and make a beaded loop at the other end.) Well, time to get some sleep.

Chunky Monkey

Well, I may have gotten a bit carried away, but while organizing my current stash of supplies, I found some memory wire and lots of chunky glass beads. My son loves stringing beads with me, and we put these together a couple nights ago. (I had to do the finishing work since memory wire can be tricky.)

They're easy and fun, and because the beads are bigger, I can sit and do these longer than I can work with smaller beads. These are great for active folks because they stay put and there's no clasp (which is usually the part of the bracelet which fails.)

Back in business

Unfortunately, my carpal tunnel got the better of me after cramming to prep for the Christmas craft fair. Although I started out with a relatively minor case, it turns out that we're expecting a little girl this summer. The good news is that we have a healthy little one on the way. The bad news is that I ended up with sciatica, back pain, acid reflux, and of course, carpal tunnel. Such is life!

Fortunately, my last day in the office is this coming Friday. In the coming months, I hope to have enough quiet time to finish a couple of projects a week and also an opportunity to take some classes at the local beading store. Hopefully, I'll have enough inventory to peddle my wares, because I promised my fiancee that I wouldn't buy more beads until I sold some stuff. :)

I am, however, considering purchasing a couple of beading books with great reviews from a lady in California. If I do end up purchasing these books and trying these patterns, I'll be sure to identify which ones come from the book.