piles of pretty beads

Sometimes you have a plan when you craft.  I am making X using these supplies and these tools.  Sometimes it is more like I want to make X so lets see what happens when I make it with this and with these other things and then decided which I like better. The above - overexposed but still kind of neat picture - was one of those times.  I am making crochet stitch markers and having a blast. Each is a bit different - gauge, color, size, beading etc. - but I am playing and having fun.  I also put together some earrings playing with color and shimmer.  The hammer - for making slightly threatening statements - oh yeah and for hardening and shaping the markers.  I am channeling my inner barbarian blacksmith here in the studio.  The bowl was made by my eldest son a few years ago, he is turning into quite the potter.

Sometimes the best plans just run away with themselves and don't do what you want.  I love this choker necklace, except it does not lay right.  So soon I will have to disassemble it and rebuild it slightly differently. This time with more math and less random. That growling is me.

And sometimes, a rare beautiful sometimes... you are doing something else entirely and poof that magical elusive thing inspiration attacks you.  I was actually organizing the box and drawer I keep my beads and such in, when I found the pendant stone in the upper right.  Followed by the gold pearls and copper wire... wire crochet here we come.  I kept finding bits that would look great with them so I will listen and build the necklace.

Hope you are following or ignoring your plan as best fits your day! ~ Julia

Errands and such

This morning I ran errands, some for my kids - the girls had to have pompoms to cheer on their big brother (track starts on Monday) - and some for my crafts.  I am finishing up my lunch as I write this, a yummy yellow split pea soup.

 I have been looking for the perfect clasp for a cardigan I am working on and I think this is it.

 Sweater and lace. Coming soon...

This is a bit brighter red in person and soon it will be a cuddly friend of two...

Also on today agenda was paperwork for an event or two I plan to sell at.  More info on that when I get accepted.  Thanks for joining me for lunch I am off to craft now! ~ Julia