NEW PRODUCT: TULIP PENDANTS!

Hooray!

I've finallised my Pendant making technique, and here are the results! What do you think?

The Pink one was my first attempt, I love the variated thread as it adds extra depth. After finishing it I asked my boyfriend Chris what he thought.

Chris sounding puzzled 'Hm, yeah it looks nice'

Me 'It's a Tulip'

Chris 'Oh yes, I can see that now, I didn't realise it was a flower because it didn't have a stalk'


Tulip no. 2 was then made with a stalk! I think it does look better, so thanks Chris!

These unsual vintage style tulip necklaces are now for sale at the introductory price of only £9.00 on my facebook shop (normal price £10) which includes P&P. They are available in a range of colours, all made to order!

More pendants will be available in my shop soon, and at a Vintage and craft fair in Sheffield City Centre on May 19th!

Thanks for reading!

Pendant Experiments...

I've been stitching away slowly for about a year now on various little projects. I soon learnt how to make my cross stitch earrings, which you can see here which quickly led onto rings and hairclips. I love making them, even though it's a bit fiddly, there is a great sense of satisfaction when a new pair of earrings has been completed, or even an earring and ring set. However, jewellery shouldn't stop there. For a while now I have wanted to try to make dangly earrings and pendants. While I have yet to trial any earrings, I have made some experimental cross stitch necklaces that I'm proud of.

 

Red Heart Cross Stitch Pendant

This vibrant red heart necklace is bold, bright and beautiful, and attempt no. 1. I used a metal 'button'. My hand stitched design was then stretched over the metal frame and secured at the back with the reverse, which popped into place. It's still pretty fiddly, and needs a bit more strength to make than my other jewellery, but the larger area means I can create more interesting, intricate designs.

Pink Butterfly Cross Stitch Pendant

This pink butterfly heart necklace was attempt no. 2. I love the 3d affect the memory thread has, it makes the antenna much bolder! I am pleased with how these have both worked, however there is a small problem. The silver plated chain has been threaded through a metal 'button loop' at the back, which is in the middle of the pendant. Unfortunately this gives them a tendency to lean forward when worn. Time for another technique...

Flower & Butterfly Cross Stitch Pendant

This time I stitched a design that would fill the blank pendant finding. I have not only used cross stitch, but also lazy daisy stitch for the flowers and long stitch for the grass. I then very carefully cut the even weave fabric to the size of the pendant back before carefully gluing it in place with a clear drying glue. This flower and butterfly embroidered necklace hangs perfectly when worn. I have even tried a circular smiley necklace and added seed bead detail.

Smiley Cross Stitch Pendant

This time I have filled in the background with a half stitch, using variegated DMC thread. I love the effect this has of making the smiley even bolder. My mum suggested I try filling in the background, and I'm glad I did. Thanks mum!

If you are interested in buying any of these, or my other cross stitch jewellery please see my shop now tab on facebook, or alternatively check out my photos and contact me at yousewshould@gmail.com I also do custom orders if you have anything specific in mind. For now however, all I need to do is wait patiently for more jewellery supplies to arrive so I can make some more pendants and try out brooches using the same techniques! I'll keep you posted!

 

Happy Stitching!

 

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Something Special... D'n'J Designs

Yes, it's that time of year again. restaurants will be full of couples determined to have a romantic night out, shops are full of valentines day cards, chocolates, flowers and cuddly toys. whether you are a big fan of valentines day, or more cynical and just don't 'do' valentines day, it's hard to miss.


I should probably admit now that I'm not a huge fan of Valentines day. Why is so much emphasis placed on this one day each year to show someone you love them, what about the other 364 days? It's the little everyday things that make a relationship special, not the huge bouquets of flowers, or mass produced soppy cards. It's the personal items, the unique, thoughtful gifts, however small, that always bring a smile to your face and remind you of the one you love, and a special moment together.


So this year, why not buy something that is hand crafted, unique, and something that will last for more than a couple of weeks or several tasty mouthfuls? You can find something special this year at D'n'J Designs, who create many beautifl wooden items including the lovely heart  trinket box pictured. The box is then hand painted or varnished. I love these boxes, if you're anything like me you'll never have enough places to put jewellery and trinkets. As an added bonus, they'll look great on any dressing table!


Last orders for these boxes in time for Valentines day is the 10th Feb, ready for posting on the 11th.

Deanna, the lovely lady behind the designs, began all of this as a hobby, making gifts for friends, and it developed from there. She manages all of this around working for charity, for which she also raises money with auctions. She does all this while looking for a job, and  taking care of her Gran!


Her skills also extend to producing wicker baskets, amongst various other wooden creations, all of which you can see here. She is also branching out into cards and gift tags too under the name D'n'J cards & Tags, such as the cute card pictured. You can see some more of these fabulous designs here. 


Thanks Deanna from D'n'J designs. Good Luck!

This is Me!

Ok, so I have a little confession. I've been busy working on several projects (as well as having my day job) so I haven't quite completed anything to blog about! That got me thinking, what else could I write about that's relevant, maybe inspiration, maybe other blogs/ other crafters, although I'm planning that for a Valentines Blog next week (if you'd like to be featured, please leave a comment below), but they're still all standard 'blogging' topics. I want to do something different.

OK then, so what makes a good blog? I am far from the expert on this, and good is just a matter of opinion anyway, right? Still, with a little help from my thinking cap I realised that my favourite blogs, the ones I keep going back too, are a bit more personal. So how about telling you a little about me? I'm always curious about other crafters, so this is me!

I grew up in the Midlands with mum dad and my big little sis (she's been that ever since she grew taller than me!). We were often out and about, clambering up trees, going on walks or bike rides, playing in the garden, doing all the things that kids do!

It was probably when I was about 10 that I was given my first cross stitch kit, which I proudly completed, (and has subsequently been lost along the way)

Throughout my teenage years I kept stitching on and off, off and on, through school, 6th form, a few years of being in the Daventry Dolphins swimming club, then a ju-jitsu club, before coming to Sheffield for university, as a big girl.

...Well, I was certainly bigger, and what student doesn't have a fancy dress house party at some point? In case you hadn't worked it out, I was the Queen of Hearts from Alice in Wonderland. I always made my own costume, the best ones always were! (One of my friends dressed up as a spider with stuffed tights for the legs! she looked awesome!)

It wasn't all parties though, I did a lot of walking. Living in Sheffield with the Peak District only a bus ride away, and the fantastic University of Sheffield Walking Club, how could I not? I soon became a walk leader and publicity officer, and met my boyfriend Chris. I grew a lot in myself those years, thanks to fantastic housemates, and great friends made in the walking club!

Can you recognise where the castle is? It's Pervil castle, just by castleton in the Peak District.

Of course, as any avid walker will know, refreshment is essential, after a long hot walk a refreshing pint is just what's needed. Likewise if it's a rainy walk, cold, misty, snowy, any sort of walk really! A pub stop at the end soon became a large part of the walk, and my social life.

Now I've bought a house with Chris, I work 9-5 as a Cell Biologist, and try to sell my cross stitch jewellery! I still have dreams though, they're the same ones I had since I was little, and one day I will do them.

I will go travelling.

I will be a mum.

One day....