AUGUST 2024

Posted by Julie Ann Smith on

Hello All!  I pray each of you are WELL!  July was certainly a roller coaster for me.  So much in the HEALTH DEPARTMENT, I'm facing, but this too, shall pass!
I've had severe dry eye and no matter how many drops I put in, I still can't focus enough to hold a needle in my hand, let alone a bead.  Hence, no bead patterns for 2024. I am hoping to change that.
I did get out my beading software and played around with it, but I just didn't "feel it".  I think, as a designer, you have to have that "UMPH" to get moving.  I just don't have that right now, no matter how much I've tried.
In just over 25 years of beading, I've created 680 or so, beading patterns.  I have 476 online.  My Honey suggested I go back to some of those that are not online, and work with them.  So, I may try to do that.
 
I'm dying to make some more bags.  I never have them very long, in my shops, as they usually fly out the door after posting.  I so love making bags!  I love the quilting, the embroidery and especially adding zippers.  I know, I'm weird.  But somebody has got to do them, right!
This was a fun set to make.  I did some crayon art, them melted it into the fabric, then made the bags!  This was a 3-piece set.  It did go fast!!
Here was a bag in progress.  I gifted it to a dear friend I've known for many years.  Kathy loved it!
I did alot of fancy stitching.  I love quilting this way!  Yes, I did the machine embroidery.  Gosh, is it ever addicting.  Since being an artist, I bought the very expensive software and tablet to do my very own embroidery designs.  There has been a big learning curve for this old lady, but I am getting the hang of it.
  
This one was such a blast to make.  Country colors and a very FANCY ROOSTER holding court.    I did design the watermelon!  
Aren't you PROUD of me!?  I sure was!  Success!  It has spurned me onward!
I did not design this one!  It came from DESIGNS BY JUJU!  She is amazing!  I did do the quilting and sewing on this fun mug rug!  I love the quick and simple projects!  i think these sell better vs. a full-blown bag!

A vinyl key-fob does the trick for quick gifts.  Can you see where I'm going with this?  Can you say CHRISTMAS!?
These were so fun to make, too!  I made two of my MEDALLIONS and then put them on some balsa wood, that I painted and decorated.   I could make these all day.  I get to bead, crochet, paint and sell!  I get to do many things, making these.  My chill factor was definitely on as I whipped these darlings up!
   
As you can see, I kind of went BONKERS!  But aren't they so stinking CUTE!!
    
And with these, I used the cutest findings and a bit of macrame cording, and BOOM....quick gifts that will surely light up Christmas morning or for a late July birthday!
I so love to cross over, from one craft area to another.  Here is great example.  I used my MARSHMELLOW WORLD Carrier Bead Pattern and a bit of leather, to make this beautiful cuff.  I know some think I'm complete NUTS, and yes, I am.  I wear that button proudly!
So as I try really hard to get my vision back to normal (even with glasses) I will press on.  Cause I feel like I've barely touch the surface!  I hope this blog has inspired you go CREATE!  As I tell my Grands....listen to your HEART!  Because LOVE come from the HEART!  LOVE IS EVERLASTING and if you put your HEART into whatever it is, I know it will LAST!
Hugs to ALL!
jules
Handmade buttons, circa 2011.

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