Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Fun Pendants Using Motifs and 'Scrapbook' Supplies

I’m fascinated with variegated and hand-dyed threads, and I like to test them out by making quick motifs – easy ones that I can tat while riding in the car.

I like to think of ways to use these little motifs, rather than stash them away

Mary McCarthy’s Butterfly (again!)
(pendant shown on black T-shirt)

This one in Lizbeth Vineyard Harvest, size 20

Mary’s butterfly appears to be floating ‘freely’ on this black T-shirt . . .









...but in reality it’s glued onto a velvet paper circle (made with a scalloped circle punch). The paper also gives it stablity.

I like to justify the purchases of these craft supplies, like the scalloped punch, that I just 'had' to have! :)

The hinged bail and snaps together through a small hole punched into the velvet paper. The bail easily fits over any necklace








This is a basic
ring-and-chain pattern

from Catherine Austin’s “A New Twist on Tatting” book, page 115 (first round of the doily)

Thread: Lizbeth Jellybean, size 20



The dark velvet paper shows to good effect the colorways of most variegated threads, so the motif is always is defined, no matter what color background fabric the pendant rests on.

As usual, I added some gems for ‘bling’. I’m looking forward to trying out smaller thread sizes so that I can make more detailed motifs, such as those in Patti Duff’s book. Adding beads would be fun, too.

Loving the Warmer Weather!

I’m not complaining about our hot weather, as I wait for it all year. The travel bug has ‘bit’, and we’ve already taken an overnight trip to Lake Erie – a delayed 46th anniversary celebration (from snowy January). Beautiful sunsets at dinner, and a wonderful room overlooking the Bay! Love to be by the water!

It’s much more pleasant to travel in warmer weather, with longer daylight hours, and a privilege to be able spontaneously to go during the week when a spectacular day is forecast! Retirement does have its perks.

We’re ‘almost’ done with the yardwork, but not quite. New mulch is on the agenda. The decluttering project continues, and there may be light at the end of the tunnel, but it’s always bittersweet to ‘look back’ over the years when we accumulated these things and realize how fast time has flown. I'm having a difficult time deciding what craft supplies to part with!

We had beautful weather here for the Memorial Day weekend, (Sat. and Sun.), and although we had heavy storms Monday evening (the official holiday), at least it held off until all the local parades and memorial services were completed.

10 comments:

  1. What a clever way of making a pendant! I may have to do some craft shopping this week! ; )

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  2. Ooooh! Beautiful!!! That is a great idea for wearing motifs.

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  3. Lovely!:) I always enjoy your posts and ideas, Kathy! :)
    ~TattingChic ♥

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  4. Kathy, If you are a member of the yahoo group, Here-Be-Tatters, Mary posts there as "knotsprintcess". I don't have her personal email but if you are a member of that group, you can email her directly from the group. It just won't show her complete addy. I don't have your email either or I would just email her and ask her to get in touch with you.

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  5. kathy love the butterfly pendant.

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  6. Your motifs look wonderful on the black background. You cannot beat black for making the colours jump! Especially the variegated ones.

    Kathy, thanks for all your comments and visits to my blog! I love your sense of humour.

    The Lizbeth? Haven't a clue! I got it last year online somewhere and had forgotten all about it.

    It does have green, blue and lilac in it, though.

    Fox : )

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  7. Those are gorgeous! The dragonfly bead in the center of Mary McCarthy's butterfly is the perfect touch. Now some earrings and a brooch for a complete set!

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  8. Ooo, I love the pendants on the black background! What a neat idea. I might have to give that a try...

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  9. Kathy,
    I love your pendants the beads just add a special touch of magic to them. I love your shoes too. Your boxes are breath taking as are your dolls. Your eggs are amazing! I'll be stopping by to read more & check out your stuff you put on here. Have a wonderful day & enjoy all the blessings it holds for you.

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  10. Thanks, Kathy, for reading my blog. I can't believe you broke both arms at the same time! It must have been so difficult--breaking one is difficult enough. Your tatting is so pretty--nice and even little picots. I see you trim little boxes, too. It's so fun.

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