…you’ll see my article, which includes specific, step-by-step instructions to create this mini dress on a 4″x4″ canvas.
The body of the dress was cut from a piece of recycled wool sweater (this is why I always keep my scraps.) And the tiny red bow with extra long tails is just a plain piece of string…I bet you all have plenty of string staples to choose from.
Within the article you’ll also find the details on how to create stamped metal tags like this one.
I like how the single red bow accent pops. To keep the rest of the elements on the quieter side, I added just a tiny touch of glimmer…sometimes a vintage glass button is all you need.
Thank you all for stopping by and for leaving such interesting comments on my previous giveaway post…I very much enjoyed hearing about your inspirations. And you’ve opened my eyes up to some things that I haven’t noticed before in nature. Thank you…I love how we can all learn from each other.
Colleen Wilkins was randomly picked as the winner this time. Colleen, I’ll be emailing you to get your address.
Since we’re on the subject of things that are three-in-one, here’s a look at something that I recently put together using three bracelets (previously made from an old necklace in this post)…
…to create this one new necklace…
…which could also be worn as a triple stranded bracelet.
It seems that I am programmed to reuse things over and over and over again, switching and changing, always making with my hands what I envision in my mind…usually with a practical purpose. Who knew that being practical could be so much fun…are you like this also?
You know how three is my favorite number? This being the case I thought it would be fun to create three different pieces for this giveaway (1 winner for all 3 pieces.)
Here’s a look at the canvas (6″ x 6″) that I created…
…with a little birdie as the focal point…
…perched with a feather…
…within a cage of crystals.
For this particular piece, a single spot of blue felt like just the right amount of color.
Here’s another birdie inspired piece. This mica charm hangs from antique brass chain links and leather.
When I think of birds, their lovely eggs usually come to mind. So here’s an egg inspired necklace with a mixed chain of chunky, glassy beads along with blackened metal links.
To enter this giveaway simply leave a comment on this post (I’d love to hear what marvelous things in nature inspire you, or just say “hi”) by 5pm on Friday, September 2nd. And I’ll be back here to post the winner the next morning.
Thanks for stopping by and for participating…have a happy, wonderful week!
Hi there. I’m still on break, but I wanted to pop in to share some highlights with you. For the last couple of weeks I’ve been taking it easy, enjoying some sights from one coast (Maine) and skipping to another (California)…sporting happy, pink toes along the way.
While in the LA area, Bill and I enjoyed a very lovely dinner and walk with Jenny and her wonderful family. Spending time with Jenny is always special. The whole time we were away I was so caught up in the moment that I forgot to take out my camera, but luckily, Jenny took some photos. Back when I first met Jenny I wasn’t very good at remembering to take photos, and I guess I’m still not so disciplined in this area. BTW, Brook isn’t in the recent photos since she was away at a camp (her 5th year!) in Maine. Traveling without Brook is very new to Bill and me…I wonder, will this ever get easier? For now, we’ll probably stick to traveling on our own only when Brook’s away at camp…baby steps, right?
And speaking of stepping, we had a foot stomping time at the Hollywood Bowl. This was our first time there and it was fantastic! There’s nothing quite like experiencing music under the star-lit sky.
We were mesmerized by the string magic of Rodrigo y Gabriela (they performed with the LA Philharmonic…can you imagine?!) I was particularly entranced by Gabriela’s hands as she performed – her right hand flies and flitters across the guitar, very much like a dancing bird. And with so much strength, heart and passion that I almost forgot to breathe as I watched…it was intense!
After the concert there were smiles all around. Thanks to Ali (she’s like a sister to me) and Charles for this most memorable treat.
After this concert Bill and I had a chance to roam all over the LA area…we loved Santa Monica.
And of course I had to search for delicious food in Thai Town.
We walked and ate, then drove and ate…we basically ate. I don’t think I mention my passion for food enough, especially of the ethnic kind. Anyway, I was so busy looking and eating that I kept forgetting to take photos. BTW, speaking of eating (and not taking photos), while in CA I had a chance to have lunch with several of the editors over at Stampington. Although I didn’t actually eat (was just getting over a stomach bug,) it was delightful to be in the company of such a talented team of women.
Once I arrived back at home I couldn’t wait to get busy again in my studio (going a whole week without making something is a long time for me,) and I created something special for my next giveaway…I’ll post the pics and details in the coming days.
Thanks for stopping by to catch up with me some. And I’ll be back shortly once my feet are ready to settle down more…I think I should be good in several days…we’ll see. I hope you’ve been skipping along happily too.
I’m addicted to making mini things…are you? If so, here’s a super quick quilting project for you.
To create the pieces shown above I used “Live to Love” Clear Stamps for the picture frame and heart designs. You can find more specific how-to instructions over at Studio Crescendoh.
And speaking of mini, I’ll be taking multiple mini breaks this month so you probably won’t see much of me here. Like a birdie, I’ll be flying around here and there…and just in case you’re interested, I’ll be back here sometime in mid-flight with an update or two.
Just one quick question before taking off. While I’m away I’ll be thinking about my next giveaway (I hope to have my act together to be able to offer something in the beginning of next month.) Anyway, in the past I’ve been sticking to offering jewelry…is this something you’d like me to continue or perhaps you’d like something on a canvas or something quilty even? Or maybe you’re like me, and you like to have a little bit of everything. Please share whatever suggestions you might have. Thanks!
Yesterday I celebrated my 43rd birthday. And in traditional fashion I started off the day by indulging in a slice of rich and robust birthday cake…this year I chose to have tiramisu.
This simple cake made of only three main components (lady fingers soaked in espresso, topped with creamy goodness, dusted with cocoa) packs a punch! I love how you can taste each individual layer.
And I love how they taste together. One perfect bite…
…with one perfect cup of coffee.
Doubling up on coffee felt oh-so-decadent. And I didn’t even feel guilty afterward…that’s the beauty of birthdays. And speaking of birthdays, I’m already thinking about what type of cake I should get for next year when I turn double 4’s. There’s a good chance that I’ll probably get two cakes, and there will most definitely be coffee involved, possibly in two ways…we’ll see.
Here’s a look at a mini canvas that I created for a special friend when she turned 43. She’ll be 44 next month so I better get going on making something fun for this year. I love making birthday presents don’t you?
It’s mid-way through Summer and I’m just now able to let the quiet fog settle in. I like this relaxed state very much.
I am more free…to play. And skip rocks with Brook.
I am more present as I watch the gentle swaying of boats. And as I listen very carefully to the waves, I can hear music in the air…nature sings so sweetly.
There is simple joy within this calmness.
Wishing you a peaceful, joyful weekend of pleasure.
Yesterday Bill and I celebrated our wedding anniversary. We’ve been married for fourteen years and together for nineteen. Ever since Bill entered my life, all has been WONDERFUL, even when it wasn’t all that wonderful. For instance, when we first met (we were both around 24 yrs. old) Bill was working on completing his Masters at the University of Colorado and I was in between jobs…we were basically broke and existed on ramen noodles and frequently dined on Taco Bell on Friday nights (not so romantic right?) Anyway, it didn’t matter that we had so little money back then because we always had fun together no matter what. I didn’t need fancy food or fancy gadgets or even a fancy home…I just needed him. I married for love.
Every year on our anniversary I like to look back on all that we’ve been through together. All the places we’ve lived, all the jobs we’ve had, all the places we’ve visited, all the things we did right and all the things we did wrong…we’ve grown so much together. And I am excited that there is much more ahead for us to experience together. Gratefulness for the life we’ve lead and for the days ahead floods my heart.
With much love in the heart I created this canvas…
Beginning today and running throughout the rest of the week I’ll be participating as a guest curator over at Crescendoh. This will be my second time there. Last time I shared my personal Art Saves story which you can read here, and this time I decided to go with a poem (inspired by my love of making things.) And speaking of making things, what wonderful things have you been creating these days? Or perhaps you’ve been enjoying a lazy summer? Lately I’ve been feeling a pull towards all things quiet, and my mind seems to be humming at a comfortably low lull. I hope you’ve also been taking pleasure in the slow and simple rhythms of Summer.
I created these paper flowers using Live to Love clear stamps (all proceeds benefit Water.org). And the how-to instructions are available over at Studio Crescendoh.
