A Pink Rocking Chair.

My sister, Julie, always wanted a Pink Rocking Chair. I set myself a challenge to try and sort one for her.

When one came up on Freecycle, I emailed and luckily got it, the lady said it was in need of some TLC, so it sounded ideal for my project.

First, my son Iain stripped it down, got every tiny little bit of varnish off it, quite a fiddly and drawn out job. Then husband Andrew glued the spindles back in and re-screwed the screws in to make the rockers secure.

Next , my daughter Shona gave it a couple of coats of undercoat, this part took ages as the top had to be done, then when it was dry, 24 hours later, it had to be turned upside down for the rockers and the base to be done. It had two coats.

We had to get the paint especially mixed as we could only find satinwood paint in pale baby pink, or deep burgundy. We opted for a Cotton Candy shade in satin so it wasn't too shiny. Again two coats, with lots of drying time inbetween.

I found a gorgeous grey material with a silver flower pattern which reflects every colour it is close to. From this I made a pad for the seat of the chair, and there was enough left for a little scatter cushion. I added two complimenting cushions from Morrisons, in Silver with Beads, and Burgundy.

She loved it :)....and I get my dining room back !!

Blueberry Cluster- Making Jewellery (4)

Making Jewellery Magazine, issue 4.

Chuffed to see my "Blueberry Cluster" design in the Supplement.

Made using varying sizes of Cats Eye Beads in 4mm, 6mm & 8mm, in a rich Royal Blue.

Each single bead was threaded on a pin and attached to a cable chain, its very bold, tactile, and heavy - you just have to shake it from hand to hand when you hold it :)

I would say it was around 300 pins in total, so it took a little while to make, I won't be making another in a hurry :)

Crocheting a Bag

Years and years ago...to many to mention, my Mother taught me to crochet. I started basic with the coloured squares with random scraps of wool, any thickness and every colour of the rainbow.

A couple of days ago my interest was pricked again, looking at a friends photos on Facebook, she had made a gorgeous crochet bag, have to have a go at that, I thought.

Nipped into town and bought some wool - when I say 'some', it was actually 2 carrier bags full, but I had to make sure I had a good selection of colours didn't I ? :)

Anyway.... here is the owner of the pattern.....

http://attic24.typepad.com/weblog/crochet-bag.html

And here is the base of my first bag........





I think, perhaps, I have picked a bit too bright colours, maybe next time I shall tone them down a little :) Just in case you cannot see the colours, it is purple, mustard, coral pink and turquoise blue.

"Lilly Bells" Bracelet in B&B Magazine.

The New issue of Beads & Beyond has just popped through the door, and my "Lilly Bells" bracelet is featured :)

It combines Beadweaving with stringing.

I loved doing this bracelet, it is so delicate, but so lovely to make. Wether you make the cups in a solid colourway, or a mix, it can look equally as good.

I notice a stray thread in the photo on page 29 though, it is annoying me immensly, I might not have to look again :)

Let me know if you make one, I would be very interested to see :)

Swarovski Earrings.

Had a workshop last night in The Bead Shed. We made sparkly, swarovski, dangly earrings.

A simple design which looks totally stunning when worn, the light just bounces of the crystals and make them look like coloured raindrops. They are lightweight, yet swishy and eye-catching, just the thing to brighten up a summer outfit.

It is always interesting seeing other peoples colour choices, and there is always a moment that you think "I wish I had picked those colours", still .... you can always make another pair :)

These two simple pairs were made from the leftover beads and pins.