Playing with scraps of wood

My neighbor gifted me with a box full of small scraps 

of various sizes and types of woods. 

I knew in my imagination exactly what it was I wanted to create.

 I learned how to use some power tools and had fun designing 

and creating my latest cone shaped tree.

 Of course in my world, embellishment is needed

and I have a box full of beautiful seashells wanting to be shown off.

And a bowl of handcrafted ceramic shells that could be great!

Creativity continues here at the cottage by the sea.

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Jewelry making

with a couple simple necklace designs 

to wear with clothing pieces I have.

I like laying out different choices of beads

and getting an idea of how the piece will look.

I'm not sure why these beads are looking pink in the photo above 

as they are actually lavender.

Beading wire used.

LoVe it!

A thinner wire was needed to go thru these tiny pearl beads.

Think flapper girl style long pearls 

done in a seashore themed necklace.

Perfect worn with crumpled white linen blouse.

Learning a bit about jewelry making

I LoVe when artists share their talents with each other!

I had the good fortune to learn a bit about crimp tube beads

and 49 strand .024 wire used for jewelry making

from the talented Sherry Salito-Forsen

who shared some of her collection of beads and baubles 

along with some simple techniques on basic jewelry making.

Here is the result of my first piece, feeling thankful.

I love teaching and I love learning new things!

And thrilled to have it published in Jewelry Affaire Magazine!

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As seen in Antropologie

Plaques with animal heads...

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Pleasant Pasture Wall Bust

I couldn't resist creating one with a turkey to celebrate the holiday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

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Autumn leaves

from William Sonoma originally intended for pastry crusts

are my latest inspiration for new ceramic designs

The gravy boat created for my sweet neighbor who opens her home to the neighborhood

and a matching bowl with biscotti to share.

Another simple vase design in translucent color glazes with 

 a few leaves created to sprinkle across the table for decoration.

Happy Autumn!

New lace designs in clay

I discovered a new cotton lace to play with by

dipping it in slip and incorporating into new ceramic designs.

These little dishes are the perfect size for holding baubles and beads.

A favorite rectangle shape plate,

a little pillow shaped vase,

and a cool oval box shape for holding treasures 

all embellished with lace!

I know it still looks like it is cotton lace, 

but after dipping it in slip and firing at 1200 degrees 

the cotton burns away and all you are left with is the impression in clay.

It's hard to tell until you touch it!

Grateful to share the fun in the Autumn 2016 issue of Somerset Home Magazine!

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Ceramic pedestal

The latest creation is a ceramic pedestal in chocolate brown 

with a doily effect

and using brown invasion glaze on a couple of 

sweet little dish designs as an experiment!

Perfect for serving chocolate cake!

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Latest DIY with a Parisian theme

I had purchased half a yard of the fun Parisian theme fabric 

and a yard of the black embroidered floral design, 

just because... 

not really knowing what I was going to do with it.

Then I came across the two side chairs 

with the unusual backs for a price that I just couldn't pass up!

I pulled out my fabric paints and began to play with

various shades of pinks and greens on the fabrics.

I sewed a fat little stripe of bright pink fabric 

between the other two, for a fun contrast 

and used the combination of all 3 fabrics to upholster the cushions.

Then I chose a chalky finish black paint on the chairs for a fresh look.

LoVe it, love rescuing furniture!


And grateful to share the fun 

with an article in Stampington Home Magazine.


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