Janet of All Trades

Awhile back I bought a lot of jewelry parts and pieces on Etsy hoping to use some or all its contents for jewelry design. Within the lovely assortment of items was this Butterfly pin. I removed the faux jewels that adorned its wings as well as it's strange eyes and then didn't know what to do with it until I saw this weeks Sunday Paper. See at the bottom the Butterfly Necklace! I think I found my inspiration, although I made my necklace the day before this was in the paper. I used a little bit of Lapis and some glass beads recycle from a vintage necklace. Added a Gun Metal colored chain since I thought it added interest and gave it a vintage feel. Then I experimented with moving the chain and placing the pendant off center.  I think I like the way it looks non-sysmetrical the best. I wasn't much of a Butterfly Jewelry fan before I made this.. But I love this Butterfly Revamp Necklace Enjoy!

It's been so unseasonably warm this weekend that it is difficult not to start gardening or cleaning up outside, but it is only March. I decided to use this warm sunny day to take numerous photos of the jewelry I have working on and hopefully can sell some day. For a few I used these antique papers that were intended to be used in card making long ago. Pretty Spring flowers that would be interesting as pendants. Here is my first attempt.  I love the flower and paper combination. Perfect for Spring.. Or for Summer.  I felt I need to make a few more and one I will show at a later date since it was not photo ready. But this one made from discarded maps came out lovely. Too bad it is past St Patrick's day since this would have been perfect! Just a litte Paper,Bead and Chain! Enjoy!

I recently received a bag full of vintage fabrics from a friend and within its contents was this lovely Blue and White Polka Dot fabric. I love the color blue and according to our local Sunday Paper, Polka Dots are a sign of Spring. I  decided to make a little dress for another friends daughter, since her favorite colors are Blue and White. It's a simple pattern that I have made before but every time I am impressed with the results of the Pillowcase dress. Just a little dress for the summer in Size 12 months. The Polka Dots are not perfect circles but they are no less cute. Ties on the shoulder for an extra touch of cuteness with a Navy Bow! Just wish I had a real model to show of the dress and not just my Mannequin. Extra roomy for this child will be walking in it soon! I can't stop taking picture of it! I want one in my size. But I guess somethings are just for little girls. Enjoy!

It's March and today it feels like January, although I shouldn't complain since there in the North East we have had a very mild Winter with very little snow. But today it is cold and snowy and I am thinking about spring. This year Spring fashion is all about Bright and Stripes. So I thought why not make few bright and striped jewelry pieces. I started by finding some bright Ribbon in my Stash. Next I cut a piece about 10 Inches long and hold over about 1 1/2 inches on each end to make a pocket Then my ribbon was now 7 inches long. The sewed it shut just on one side on each end. Next I used 2 pieces of bronze colored chain that measured 7 1/2" each. Next I cut two pieces 1 inch long and threaded them thru the pockets and linked them up to both chains. Lastly I added a lobster claw to the back and a vintage button to the front and I was done. I have my spring bracelet and it perfect for St Patrick's Day. So easy that I made two more. Simp...

I like to watch tutorials on my Ipad and although I have a cover that converts to a stand, it isn't always the best solution for viewing. So I decided to make one of my own inspired by these Iphone stands I found on Etsy. They are sold by dognamedbanjo  and are really unique and lovely. So I thought I could make one similar to it and here is how i did it. First I started with a 1 yard of a fabric in my two favorite colors. Then I cut the following pieces 1 Pc 13" x 13" 1 pc 29 x 13" 2 Triangle pieces 13" x 13" x 13" Next I sewed the top square to the two triangles. This is will be the sides and the base. Next I took the large rectangular piece and sewed it to the bottom of the square. Now I don't have photos of the last few steps since once it start forming a pillow it is difficult to photograph, but the process is not that difficult. Next I sewed each side of the the rectangle to one side of the triangle on both s...

I am lucky to have access to a wide variety of colorful and interesting leather scraps. I finally decided what I could make with them after looking at my button stash and my estate sale items and created some interesting pendants and rings made from both. Embossed Woven Leather and Recycled Estate Sales jewelry pendant Woven Leather and rhinestone button. Green Sueded Leather with recycled bead and earring pieces. Leather and Button rings. Just a little reusing of scraps and buttons to make some interesting Jewelry for the Spring! Enjoy!

My obsession with mannequins continued this week when I remembered a free pattern for a tiny dress form pin cushion that I saw back in January.  It's a two page download at www.thediydish.com  with a video that takes you thru step by step of the process. I wanted to make a few of these for my craft room but thought they would also look lovely adorned with my recycled jewelry. So I started by selecting a few fabrics in colors that I love. Blues and greens are my favorite and make me feel like spring is not far away. After cutting and sewing the simple patterns and easy instructions (via video), I had these three stunning ladies in my craft room. They require very little fabric and can be mounted on candle sticks or spools. I made the long green dress form about 4" longer than the pattern since I wanted a bit of height and enough space to hang pedants. I added glass drawer knobs and beads for the neck inserts. I then added a few necklaces. I chose just a...