New bracelet

New bracelet, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

Sunday was the better day of the weekend but I was still determined to sit at the table and work on an inside project. I pulled out all of my jewelry 'findings'-isn't that a good word for all the little things we find along the way? I recently stumbled upon a ribbon band at Michael's that had feathers tacked on. Really caught my eye so I grabbed it fast! (On sale for $1.99.)

I have fallen in love with the charms that have words stamped in them. They can be found in most scrapbook stores or Hobby Lobby and are part of Tim Holtz' selection of great little trinkets. The cogs are also Tim Holtz but the oriental coins aren't-I don't remember where I found them but love the different sizes.

I also found a good line of chains and trinkets called Industrial Chic at Michael's. The chain and the feather band are part of their findings-as well as lots of little pendant things made of metal. Love them and most items are $4.99-$5.99.

One hour later I had a wonderful bracelet made and a necklace to match! I took my Industrial Chic chain and cut it to size for the necklace then took the remainder of the length, doubled it, added jump rings to each end, added the feather band to the jump rings and used a coordinating colored clasp/toggle for the closure. There-all done and ready to wear.

Find time

Find time, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

My project is almost finished. After adding strings of beads I remembered I had some metal tags that might work. Of course, since having more time is on my mind because of my upcoming retirement-37 more days!, these two tags seemed to fit right in.

FIND TIME-we all want more time. Time to spend on our own schedule, making our own wishes come true. Stepping away from the control of someone else's schedule and sense of what 'must be done right now' and develop our own natural rhythm of time.

Now to determine how to mount this wall-hanging. One friend has suggested I tack it to a canvas so it can be hung. I don't think I want to make it into a quilted wall-hanging so that may be what I do. Hmmm....perhaps a trip to the craft store is in my future? On my time???

New project combining new and old

, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

Old linen, scraps of bright fabrics from projects I've forgotten about, yo yo's made sometime, stitching and beads. Perfect way to spark my creativity.

I pulled out all the pieces Sunday evening before I finished packing for 3 days in Atlanta. Obviously, I had more than I needed to keep me busy if I got stuck somewhere at the airport. Being the crazy road warrior that I am, I was more worried about what to bring to keep me occupied than comfortable shoes...silly me!

I laid the golden linen out, placed circles of fabric that had never turned into yo yo's and stitched them down using whatever thread struck my fancy. I layered yo yo's on top and stitched them in place with beads. Now I am making strings of beads over the whole thing. The only thing hindering me is if the needle makes it through the bead!

What have you made pulling old scraps and pieces of projects together?

Reader's Appreciation Luncheon

2012-04-13 14:53:17 +0000, a photo by janellcl on Flickr.

The photo is not the best but I had to commemorate that I met Marjorie M. Liu Tuesday at a Luncheon for literacy. I have read every book she has written and already can't wait for the next one-due next year. Her characters capture my imagination and her style of writing is poetic and captivating. I was thrilled to be able to sit with her at lunch and talk about her characters, her life as a writer, and other authors we both loved. What a treat!