So, I got out some Copper sheet metal, some rivets and a clip… and voila!

I love it’s rustic, faux-bois texture!

Have you made anything just for you lately?

my solderite board, covered in patinas

I am happy to be taking part in Brandi Girl’s Color Palette Blog Walk!

Brandi has gathered several bloggers to share their color inspirations through color palettes. If you’ve never created a color palette, Brandi has you covered there too, with this great tutorial.

This photo was taken at the National Botanic Gardens in Glasnevin. I wish I could remember the name of this flower, if anyone knows please fill me in! I am fascinated by it. The colors, the shape.

::update – ’tis a Passion Flower, thank you to one of my lovely readers!

This photo is from a day trip to Bray/Greystones. It was taken along the Bray to Greystones cliff walk in Co. Wicklow. It is a beautiful trail, with gorgeous views of the Irish Sea. You’re surrounded most of the time by beautiful ferns, wildflowers and old stone walls. A very inspiring place.

I tend to go for colours found in nature. Could you tell?

To see all the other lovely palettes for this blog walk, please click on over to Brandi Girl’s list of participants.

My neighbours hate me, I’m sure. But, well, I’m not that fond of them either.

These will all find their way into new pieces, coming soon!

This, is not a work in progress. Just a new necklace that I made for myself, which is rare. This little pendant came from an assortment I purchased a while back from Kylie Parry. I’ve used the other pieces in the assortment for items to sell, but this little pendant I just couldn’t get rid of. I love it so.

It’s a simple little oval clay pendant, but I adore the color. I just stuck it on some chain and made a simple little hook clasp for it. It’s short and dainty and very subtle. And I love it!!

What are you all working on today?

I’m taking in part in Lori Anderson’s Bead Soup Blog Party! What is a bead soup blog party? Well, you can click that link to find out more of the details, but basically… a whole LOT of people sign up, get a partner, send each other beads that are out of their partners usual style and then you create something using the beads you receive.

It is challenging because it forces you to use materials you wouldn’t normally work with or be drawn to and it’s a lot of fun!

My lovely partner is Virginie from Vivibijoux who I already knew a bit as she is also a member of the Etsy Ireland Team. What luck!!

She makes beautiful, feminine, colourful jewellery and sent me some of the most beautiful handmade lampwork beads, along with some gorgeous glass, some Swarovski and a cute little Sterling heart toggle!

(click to enlarge)

Now I just have to make something with them. Using all of them or some of them, but I must incorporate the focal (not a problem!) and the clasp. I have a while to get it together and I don’t want to rush it.

I can’t wait to play with them, though. Don’t they look good enough to eat?! Like, candy?

I hope she enjoys what I sent her, too.

I’ll be posting the completed piece here on the day of the party, which is Saturday, February 26th.

Can’t wait!

Thank you, Virginie!!

Feel free to download them and use them as you wish.

Rustic

http://www.box.net/shared/sto180dnre

Dirty Glitter

http://www.box.net/shared/0pzoi36iup

Old Wood

http://www.box.net/shared/2qxtema7hx

I would love, of course, to take a peek at what you use them on, if you’re inclined to share.

Enjoy!!

I used…

- some clay (I used DAS, but any air drying clay would do)

- a cookie/pastry cutter of choice

- a small dowel

- some small pinecones

- some string/ribbon for hanging

- paint (optional)

To make one of your own

1. roll out a bit of  clay and cut your shape from the clay with your cookie/pastry cutter

2. press the pinecones into the shape(s)

3. use the dowel to pierce a hole in the top for hanging

4. let it dry

5. file down any rough edges, an emery board will work

6. once dry, string your ribbon/twine through the hole you made earlier and secure with a simple knot

7. (optional)  I think these look pretty rad already, but I opted to paint the recesses a darker colour and then painted them all over in white)

8. be proud and admire your lovely new ornament!

I would love to know if you make some!!

]]> http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/12/handmade-holidays-pinecone-ornaments/feed/ 5 http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/12/handmade-holidays-presents-for-the-fam/ http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/12/handmade-holidays-presents-for-the-fam/#comments Sun, 05 Dec 2010 14:18:15 +0000 Rach (admin) http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/?p=2413 I decided this year to make some personalized bracelets for my mother and my sisters. I am confident that none of them read my blog, so I’m sharing them here!

I went with the colors they each like as well.

For my older sister Nichole, who likes whites and silvers.

and for my younger sister Cassie, who loves purple.

and finally, one for my Momma who likes pinks and reds.

I also included a coordinating pair of earrings for them (not pictured), a handmade card and then also made them each a set of clothespin magnets for their stockings!

I think they all turned out really well and I hope that they love them!

Are you making Christmas presents this year? Do share in the comments!

Old School. Chevron pattern in Peyote stitch.