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.