Wednesday, July 21, 2010

Bohemian Chic, Charm and Feather Necklaces




Fashion is at a fun place right now. I really relate to bohemian Chic. I love natural materials and gifts from nature. I am trying to think of ways to incorporate the amazing chunks of mica I find around the woods here. I am on a feather kick at the moment. These necklaces are fun to wear because the feathers catch the breeze as you move and since tethered will flutter. The feather makes a nice background for other handmade charms and recycled beads.

Friday, July 16, 2010

More my style...






Second bead project. I am working in my colors. Pearls and white bone. A big clear glass heart bead made from recycled glass. Linen in a tattered and fringed way. I always come back to nature. Soft and romantic. The shape of the dress is yet to come. The chiffon is only gathered and pinned. I know for sure the dress will be backless. working out the other details.

I am enjoying beading! Who knew? It is a lot like mosaic work and evolves as you go.

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Summer Experiments, new skills






When I was little my Irish mother used summer as a time to teach us creative skills. Alternative learning. The arts were an every day part of life in our house. Someone was always making a dress or new summer top. I remember making kid suede rose barrettes. They would be perfect with romantic bohemian chic looks. My dad made me a bead loom and drove me to a bead supply house in Boston to purchase giant bags of glass seed beads. I still have those big coffee cans full of beads. I remember trips to Natick Mall to an incredible old school button shop called 'Windsor Button'. Learning new skills was a way of life.

I still view summer as the lazy days of experimentation. The pace of life changes... (not slowing down, just different) I find myself on road trips to towns and cities I don't usually get to during the busy school year. I find evenings filled with more down time, and no check lists of school work or projects that must be completed. I cherish those evenings and view them as my time. I am using my free time this week to try my hand at beadwork. I am working on turquoise suede and using my spare glass bead collection.

Any critiques, advice or helpful tips are welcome! I hope to finish this cuff bracelet by the weekend.

Sunday, July 4, 2010

I found an ancient Butterfly Book!



The pages were falling out. Someone loved it dearly. Pencil and pen marks point to species that have been found and identified. I love a well worn and loved book. I found the owners own attempt at drawing the butterflies tucked inside the book. I think I will frame it even though it is torn and water stained. I also found a 'golden' butterfly and moth book from 1942, a 'field guide'.

I made this pendant from the field guide. The other antique book may be a potential for restoration.