Letters and Love Notes

 And now onto necklaces. I found this lovely envelope charm and thought I just had to make a dangly necklace with it. This type is really simple. You need a few charms, a long length of chain (depending on how long you want the necklace to be), jump rings to attach the charms, head pins, bead caps and beads.
1. Attach a jump ring to each charm using two pairs of round or flat nose pliers to open and close ring. I have one of each.
2. Thread a bead cap, bead and another bead cap onto a head pin. Use wire cutters to cut off excess wire leaving enough to make loop, about 1-2cm. Make a loop using round nose pliers.
3. Thread all onto chain, and then join the ends of the chain using a jump ring. When it is long like this you do not need a clasp as it fits over the head.

I also made a smaller version of the necklace using a cute clock charm. This one has a toggle clasp. Attach to each end of the chain using jump rings. I like to attach a small bead charm to the clasp as well so it looks nice if you are wearing your hair up.

Black & Gold Part 2

Hi there,
A few posts ago was about the necklace I made to go with my yellow and black dress for the Races. Well today I made the bracelets and earrings (and changed the necklace slightly).

I believe a bead board is essential when jewellery making. It allows you to lay your design out so you have an idea what the finished product will look like. That way you can easily change the layout if you wish. I spend more time fiddling around with the beads than making the actual piece, I think!

To make bracelets like this is very simple. I use clear beading elastic by Ribtex from Spotlight.
1. Just lay out your design,
2. Thread onto the elastic (still on the spool so beads don't fall off the end. I find it easier this way),
3. Measure so it fits your wrist, add or remove beads as needed and cut the end. Then tie a few very tight knots.
4. There we go; a beautiful bracelet. I made three as I like layering the bracelets up. I love my bling!

Goodbye Winter...

Slowly winter is leaving. It was a very windy 25 degrees Celsius today. Back down to 14 degrees tomorrow. Typical! This dress here I am wearing is one of my favourite winter dresses. I decided to wear it today even though it was warm. Usually I have a long sleave red top under and black tights. I love skater style dresses. They fit well around the waist then the skirt flares out in a flattering style. And of course who can say no to red? I love red!

 

Patterns.

I love tweed and hounds tooth style fabric. This skirt is a new addition from this winter. It is blue and red and looks lovely teamed with black tights and a grey top. And of course ropes of red and blue crystals and pearls! The skirt is by Dangerfield.

And this lovely 1960’s style shift dress is from TEMT. I love this dress, and the coat! It was my Auntie’s coat when she was a Uni student in Melbourne. She gave it to me a couple of years ago as she remembered how much I loved it. It is so very warm…and pink!

Ring, Ring- Hello?

I saw this old red telephone box in an antique store in Killarney (Victoria). I just had to take a photo. The box is chock-a-block full of old goodies. 

“Darn it! The Bells are Coming Over!”

Here are the latest additions to my rather large cushion cover collection. I think I better stay away from fabric shops. My wonderful Mum sewed these up for me. I’m starting a new collection using fabric with vintage sewing patterns and ads. I love reading all the ads on the middle cushion. The title of this post (Darn it! The Bells are Coming Over!) is an ad about instant coffee. After the lady of the house prepared the coffee they had a wonderful time with the Bells!

 

Black & Gold

I am going to the Races this year- first time ever! My dress is sort of a ‘50s style yellow with a black flower and vine pattern (from Dangerfield). I made this necklace to go with it. Here is what to do:

1.       Grab a head pin and thread a selection of beads and spacers on. I love spaces as they add extra glamour to the piece.

2.       Using wire cutters snip of extra head pin, leaving enough to make a loop (about 1-1.5cm).

3.       Using round nose pliers make a loop.

4.       Thread onto chain and there we go! I also made a little crystal charm and threaded a key onto a jump ring. Use two pairs of pliers to open and close the jump ring.

·         This method of threading beads onto a head pin can also be used to make a lovely pair of matching earrings.