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?

A few weeks ago, the lovely and extremely talented Lisa O’Dwyer put a call out on the Etsy Ireland Facebook Page for submissions for an Easter themed DIY Wedding photo shoot.

I, of course, and many of my wonderful Etsy Ireland team members sent in some pieces for the event.

I had seen some of Lisa’s work before and it is magnificent, so I knew the photos would be fabulous and I’ve been so excited every day since, waiting to see them!

They were well worth the wait…

(Photography: Lisa O’Dwyer, Lattice Ribbon Bracelet: balanced, Vintage Brooch Bouquet: Starry Flower Love, Dresses: Pure Harte, Necklace and Cuff Bracelet: Queen of Cuffs)

She also took some gorgeous product photos for us…

( jewellery: balanced, crochet hearts: Grace and Favour )

Here are the rest of the photos from the shoot, with a little more info and a list of contributors.

and finally, here is a beautiful, beautiful video taken on the day by Best Day Productions.

Doesn’t it look like so much fun? What a beautiful day!

Can’t thank Lisa enough for these and I’m sure I speak for all of us included. Thank you, Lisa!

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 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!

I’ve mentioned before how I like jewellery you can play with. Well, these are very playful. They spin! I’ve been playing with mine all day, I should probably take it off and get some work done.

I’m thinking of doing a small, short video showing them in action, too. Think that might be helpful.

They are all just about listed in the shop!

Do you like?

In Ireland? No way!

This has inspired today’s moodboard.

One thing I do enjoy about the rain? It brings out the tiny little froggies from their hiding.

• If you want the rainbow Necklace from dindi

• Rain Cloud, Secret Belgian Binding Mini Balsa Notebook from askida

• It’s raining on the moon Mobile from atelierpompadour

• Tiny Frog Silhouette Sterling Silver Stud Earrings from meltemsem

To see more Monday Moodboards, please head over to FleurFatale!

3d textured wall tile Lichen by elementclaystudio on Etsy.

xpleat carryall by yorktownroad on Etsy.

peagreen praline by Donauluft on Etsy.

Ceramic Lime Green Coral Ring Adjustable by NewMoonStudio on Etsy.

]]> http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/06/for-the-love-of-texture/feed/ 0 http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/05/wip-to-finished-product/ http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/2010/05/wip-to-finished-product/#comments Mon, 31 May 2010 12:03:10 +0000 Rach (admin) http://balancedcrafts.com/blog/?p=1701 As I talked about in my last post, I was undecided how to finalise this design. I finally decided to keep them long and I love how they turned out.

I added a simple, beautiful Burgundy faceted Mookaite bead to the bottoms and hung them from coordinating Copper ear wires.

I’m going to make some shorter, simpler versions of these and probably some more long versions in different colours, as well.

They are now listed in the shop! Do you like?

- French Linen Everyday Purse from ikabags

- Fresh Zucchini Hand painted Vase from ShebboDesign

- La Fleur Olive Necklace from fleurfatale

- Wide Sunshine Yellow/Gray Peyote Stitched Cuff Bracelet from mysticfibers