Another Cameo Brooch

Another day, another cameo...

It is absolutely sweltering here in the deep South!  I am keeping myself cool and occupied by sipping some nice mint sweet tea and enhancing another cameo with tatting.

This is the cameo that gave me fits beading the bezel around it!  It was a booger- but I think she is turning out okay.  This is just the first little bit of tatting that I'm adding to her.  So, dear readers, would any of you care to suggest a name for this difficult lady?  There are a few bouncing around in my head, but none that I'm satisfied with.  I'd appreciate the input.

Well, I do believe I need a sweet tea refill.  May you have a marvelous weekend doing whatever it is that makes your heart sing!  I will be working on cameos and Eternity pendants.  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Cameo Bracelet Progress

It has been SO hot here in the Piney Woods!!!  Fortunately, I have been busy inside the Atelier, working on more Romance pieces.  Here is an image of the lovely cameo bracelet I happened up on last weekend:

I am in the process of adding bezels around each cameo using 3mm bronze Swarovski bicones.  Everything is going well with the exception of one thing- I only have one spool of the Valdani silk I need and this bracelet will probably take at least 3 spools.  Guess I'll be making another Valdani order a bit later!

After I complete the bezels, I plan to work on adding tatting to another cameo.  An image of it will be posted tomorrow.

So, what are you doing, dear readers?  What are you doing to beat the heat & keep cool & occupied?

Well, the Atelier is waiting and I want to get some work done before it gets too hot.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Moonlight & Magnolias

Here is another preview of a special couture tatting piece from my upcoming Romance of the Piney Woods collection:

WARNING-This is an original copyrighted design!

"Moonlight & Magnolias" began life as a plain 12K gold filled vintage Van Dell filigree pin.  I added 2 rows of champagne pearls, beige antique Czech seed beads, and a few freshwater rice pearls along with copious tatting.  The tatting is done with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S49 (Subtle Elegance).  I used 2 1/2 spools of the silk! 

This piece will be available for purchase on my website Piney Woods Atelier once the collection debuts.  The scheduled premier date is July 13th, so it won't be long now!

The Atelier is full of pieces waiting for my attention, so I'm off to finish a few things.  May you have a marvelous day, and please let me know what you think of my latest couture tatting creation.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Working, Working

I have been busy tatting away for the upcoming Romance of the Piney Woods debut.  Between tatting the pieces and making count annotations for the pattern collection inspired by said pieces, my fingers have been most productive.  I did make a point this past weekend to take a break & spend some quality time with my daughter.  As many of you know, dear readers, Jocelin and I adore antiquing/junquing.  We found the lovely cameo bracelet featured in yesterday's post and I thought I'd share the other goody we discovered:

It is a rare Hamilton & Hamilton sterling silver faux pearl brooch.  Of course, tatting accents will be added along with a healthy helping of Swarovskis!  I may even have to add a few genuine pearls.  This is a piece I would typically pass by as the pearls are faux, but the sterling silver mounting is exceptionally fine and is perfect for my kind of additions. 

Keep your eyes peeled for tomorrow's blog post!  Something pretty is going to be previewed!

Well, this isn't getting those Eternity pendants finished or the bracelet more along in its progress, either.  I did receive some wonderful inspiration from our chick-flicks yesterday afternoon!  Guess I'd better hop to it.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Cameo Bracelet

You are not going to believe the fantastic piece I found!

Jocelin and I decided to go antiquing this past weekend and I found this fabulous piece.  It is 12K gold filled and has 7 different tiny cameos.  Each cameo is surrounded by a filigree frame- perfect for attaching tatting and goodies to.  Guess what I'm going to be playing with this week!!!

After a nice morning of tatting (let's hope I can get plenty of work done!), Jocelin and I are planning to have a chick-flick afternoon.  Our movie playlist includes: Sense & Sensibility and Jane Eyre.  There is plenty of ice cream in the fridge and I do believe we may put a serious dent in it!

Well, I'm off to the Atelier.  There is no shortage of work to do.  Have a great day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Champagne Pearl Filigree Pin

After the aggravation of adding beads to the latest cameo, I decided to go ahead & tackle the gold filled filigree pin.

This particular pin is very sturdy and I thought it would look neat to add two rows of champagne pearls.  As I plan to tat in between the pearl rows as well as around the exterior, I spaced the pearls out a little further than I typically would.  At the moment, I am debating which Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk to use- "Earth Silk", "Subtle Elegance" or "Icy Leaves".

What are you doing this weekend, dear readers?  I plan to have a blissfully quiet weekend full of tatting and perhaps a little crochet.  Whatever you are doing, may you have a marvelous time!

Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Frustration & Cameos

 It has been frustrating in the Piney Woods lately!  I purchased a gorgeous cameo-

She is so lovely, but the rope bezel around her is not as friendly to adding tatting and beads as I had hoped.  She has taught me a very valuable lesson: don't forget to put on my glasses before going to an estate auction!!!

But I did eventually manage to get some 3mm Swarovski bicones and rice pearls around her and securely anchored.

She is not as symetrical as I would like, but I think she will be stunning with swirls of tatting in "Golden Moss" Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.

I am still working on a few Eternity pendants and hope to have them finished this morning.  After a little break at the local park, I plan to get to work on the cameo.  For some reason, she seems to be a Myrtle or Gertrude.  What do you think?

Well, I'd better get busy.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Louisiana Summer Pendant

As today is the Summer solstice, I thought it would be appropriate to debut a particular piece in the upcoming Romance of the Piney Woods couture tatting collection. 

This is "Louisiana Summer", an Eternity pendant tatted with size 12 Valdani pearl cotton in color M80 (Distant Grass) and enhanced with White Lotus pearls, Swarovski crystals and Czech seed beads.  It will be available for purchase on the website in July!

A set of patterns for this piece and several other Eternity pendants will be available in August.  I love working in the round!  Some folks may find it boring, but I love to add layered tatting, beads and vintage accents.  Something simple can become so much more with just a little effort and imagination.

So, what do you think, dear readers?  Would you like to see a few other sneak peeks soon?  I have a number of these Eternity pendants made up and am considering offering one of the patterns as a freebie on the blog. 

Well, I had better get back to work in the Atelier.  There are several larger works-in-progress on the tatting table that require my attention. Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

Vintage Pins

Estate sales are always interesting.  You never know what you may find.  As it happens, at the last local sale, I found a couple of treasures.

This is a lovely cultured pearl bar pin that is just begging for tatted accents!  It is very small and will be an elegant touch to a lapel or blouse.

What shall I enhance this gold filled pin with???  Pearls, Swarovskis, silk tatting?  How about all three!  These old pins make the best foundations for anchoring tatting and other accents.

Guess I had better get back to work in the Atelier.  I am still working on several Eternity pendants, and have more cameos and vintage pins waiting to be enhanced.  May you have a wonderfully creative day!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



New Tatting Environment Goodies

Friday was a very busy, yet productive day.  Joceln and I accomplished all of our Father's Day shopping in short order, went to an estate auction (you'll get to see those treasures tomorrow), shopped at our favorite local shop, had a fabulous lunch and managed to fit in some quiet mama/daughter time at home.

While shopping at the Chartreuse Pear, I found some wonderful new goodies to enhance my tatting environment:

Pictured above is a spiral bound note book with the quote:  "Fill your paper with the breathings of your heart.~Wordsworth"  The inner paper is old looking, lined on one side and blank on the other.  It is perfect for taking pattern notations and sketching out ideas.  Brenda always has the most interesting and inspiring goodies and treasures in her store!  I will be doing a blog feature on her store in the very near future, but if you'd like to check out some of what she has to offer, click over to the Chartreuse Pear on facebook. Brenda and her son, Travis, are working on a new website and possibly a blog, so keep you eyes peeled for some awesome vintage inspired treasures!

I am still sniffing the "Black Moss" candle I purchased and the "French Kiss" hand cream by TokyoMilk is marvelous!  Brenda also carries the Lollia line (which has another great hand cream).

Each time I visit the Chartreuse Pear, I am visually and artistically stimulated in the best possible way.  It is rare for me not to leave with a little something to enhance my tatting environment!

Well, I had better get back to work on the Romance collection.  Think I'll light the "Black Moss" candle, limber up and condition my hands with the TokyoMilk and tat the day away!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



New Earring Design Started

Last night, as I was sifting through my tatting tray, I came across just a bit of Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk left on one spool.  Not one to waste thread, my mind began pondering what I could use the leftover portion for.  After rummaging through the miscellaneous box in the Atelier, I came across a package of endcaps for beads.  Hmmm.... I began to imagine options.  This is what I did:

It is only the beginning, but will eventually be a pair of earrings.  I added some light grey pearl Czech seed beads and 4mm light rose Swarovski bicones with the Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk (color S204 "Nostalgic Rose").  Today will be spent fleshing out this new design.  Think I'll add it to the Romance of the Piney Woods collection.

Jocelin and I will be going to an estate auction later this morning and after a nice mother/daughter lunch, we'll need to get some Father's Day shopping done.  Big Daddy & Pappy need some nice, new goodies! 

Well, the earrings are waiting and I've a very busy day ahead.  Hope you have a marvelous Father's Day weekend!  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!

New Valdani Threads!

I received the Valdani order & have been drooling over my new threads!

After pawing them and pairing them with beads and vintage accents, I decided it was time to reload the slim satchel.

Most of the threads are new (for me, anyway) Valdani colors.  Some I've had for a bit.  The "Primitive White" and "Distant Grass" pearl cotton colors are wonderful!  Plus, the silks are gorgeous!!!

If you do not have a "Slim Satchel" by Artbin, I highly recommend you check them out.  Mine has been schlepped all over the place!  It fits perfectly in my Jeep Wrangler and in the canvas bag I use for park outings.  Oftentimes, I load it with all the essentials, but for moment, it will hold and protect my working assortment of threads.

Tomorrow is the estate auction and I hope to find some nice treasures.  Wish me luck!  I'm off to tat some more Eternity Pendants and to finish dressing a cameo.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Eternity Pendant Teaser

Okay, after receiving a couple of emails requesting it, here is an image of the very beginning of one of my Eternity Pendants from the Romance of the Piney Woods couture tatting collection:

The pendant starts with a ring of pearls and Swarovskis and builds out from there.  I will have a pattern set of several of these pendants available in early August.  These little buggers have been occupying much of my tatting time the past few days.  They are fun to do and work up quick once you get the hang of manipulating the circlets.

On another note, I am highly anticipating an upcoming estate auction to be held later this week!  My sources have let me know there are a few cameos, brooches and pins that may be of use in my artwork.  Plus, another little birdie whispered in my ear that there may even be some antique fibers as this lady was an avid needleworker!  Perhaps I may even stumble upon some shell buttons.  Oh, yes, I am most definitely looking forward to later this week!!!

The pendants and cameos are beckoning me back to the Atelier.  May you have a fantastic day doing whatever makes your soul sing!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Pearl & Swarovski Foundations

I have been busy putting together a few foundations to add tatting to:

These are some I did on Sunday, but I have done MANY more since.  This general configuration, which is inspired by antique cultured pearl circle brooches, will serve as the foundation of the "Eternity Pendants" from my Romance of the Piney Woods couture tatting collection.  Several pendant patterns will be available in August, so keep an eye out for upcoming announcements!

What Summer tatting projects are you working on, dear readers?  Leave a comment and let me know what you are up to.  I love to know what my readers are interested in.  It helps me to provide better FREE patterns and events!

The pearls and Swarovskis are calling me, so I had better get back to the Atelier.  May you have a wonderfully creative day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

Romance Sneak Peek

As many of you know, I am working on a body of original, one-of-a-kind couture tatted art called Romance of the Piney Woods.  Here is a little peek at one of the pieces:

This work is my original COPYRIGHTED work.  It may not be reporduced in any manner!!!

This is the June Romance brooch.  It's base is a vintage 12K rolled gold filled filigree pin that is enhanced with teal freshwater pearls, grey AB Swarovski bicones and tatting (in fabulous size 8 Valdani pearl cotton in color M30).  This piece will be available for purchase on my Piney Woods Atelier website in late July when the entire collection will be posted.

A pattern collection based upon my original artwork will be available in August.

Well, I guess I had better get back to work.  There's a heap of stuff awaiting me in the Atelier!  May you have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Test Tatting

A few weeks ago, a tatting friend of mine asked if I would test tat a pattern she had designed for an upcoming class.  This is the motif:

Pattern Design Copyright Kelly Dunn, 2012

Kelly, known to many of you as "Tatfully Yours", designed this wonderful motif to teach needle tatting newbies how to add beads.  There are four different methods used in this motif and it is quick and easy to tat.  Kelly did a great job- her instructions are crystal clear and if you are in the Cambridge, Ontario, Canada area on September 28th & 29th, you can take the class with her!  For more information and registration, click on this link:  http://fringetatters.ca/

I'm preparing for a weekend of tatting.  There are a couple of cameos I am in the process of dressing, along with a couple of other vintage gold filled pins that are in need of snazzing up- Piney Woods style!  Plus, if I have the time, I'm working on another free pattern to share with you soon.  What are you up to this weekend, dear readers?  Tatting? Summer fun?

Well, whatever you are doing, have a great weekend!  Until next week~

Happy Tatting!



Summer Vacation Event Winner!

The winner of the Piney Woods Summer Vacation Event is:

Betty

who posted:

"I would use the prize as something borrowed, something blue, something old (fashioned) and something new!!! for my daughters wedding. The colors are almost perfect for her wedding colors!!!"

Please hit the "Contact Me" button and let me know your particulars and I'll get you fabulous goodies in the mail ASAP!

Many thanks to all who entered.  I'll get together another group of goodies for the next giveaway soon.  What do you think the theme should be for the next event- bridal, patriotic or something else?

Today, Jocie and I are going to see the new Snow White & the Huntsman movie.  After that, we'll probably do a bit of junquing.  Hope you all have a wonderful day, dear readers!  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Change of Plans

Well, after I got out the pearls, I decided to not to use the silver peacock ones.  They are pretty, but did not seem to be right for the little filigree brooch.  I experimented with green, brown, peach and teal pearls.  The teal pearls looked best to my eye.  This is how the brooch looks now:

Sorry the image isn't the best, but it was VERY early this morning when I took it.  The pearls have 3mm grey AB Swarovski bicones between them.  I will be using Valdani size 8 pearl cotton in M30 for the accent tatting. 

This afternoon, I plan to do some test tatting for a friend.  If she gives the okay, I'll post the results of that later.

It's not even 8 a.m. yet, but this has already been one busy morning!  And now I'm off to pick more blueberries before it gets too hot.  Have a great day and remember:

TODAY IS THE LAST DAY BEFORE THE WINNER OF THE SUMMER VACATION EVENT IS ANNOUNCED!!!  BE SURE TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THAT BLOGPOST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN- GOOD LUCK!

Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting! 



Preparing For Summer

I have been busy getting the house and Atelier prepped for summer.  While I would not trade living in  the deep south for anything, the summers are particularly brutal.  The heat and humidity make for a sultry, sticky environment.  So, before it gets really hot (that means before it starts hitting the 100's on a regular basis) we are servicing the AC and making sure the windows and doors are properly insulated.  I require a comfortable, non-sticky atmosphere for my tatting!

While I'm at it, I think I'll go through all of my pitchers and water bottles.  The fridge needs to be loaded with plenty of water, tea, colas, lemonade and jello.

Oh- I recently acquired a couple of cute brooches that will be embellished for my Romance of the Piney Woods collection:

This is a gold filled circle brooch with cultured seed pearls and Persian turquoise accents.  I'm thinking that Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S49 "Subtle Elegance" is what I'll use on this one.

This is a simple gold filled filigree circle brooch.  It will have silver peacock pearl and Swarovski crystal accents along with a few rounds of tatting in Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S204 "Forgotten Lavender".

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE SUMMER VACATION EVENT POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT GOODIES!  THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE BLOG THIS THURSDAY- GOOD LUCK!!!

Well, I had better get busy with the summer prep work.  After I get that knocked out, I'll work on a special tatting project.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Weekend Fun

Good morning, dear readers!  I hope you all had a great weekend- we certainly did.

It seems that summer has arrived here in the deep south with a vengeance.  We had temps in the mid to high 90's on both Saturday & Sunday.  Instead of just staying inside with the air conditioning, we decided to get out and enjoy a couple of local parks.

Saturday morning we took the top off my Jeep,  attached the hitchgate, packed the ice chest and headed up to Lake Claiborne State Park.  The drive was gorgeous and we thoroughly enjoyed hiking and playing in the Jeep.

On Sunday we spent most of the day at Lincoln Parish Park.  Jim & Jocie swam while I tatted in the shade.  I'm still dressing the intaglio lady, so I do not have any new tatting images to share with you.

Late Sunday evening we picked over half a gallon of blueberries!  So, guess what I made for breakfast- yep, blueberry pancakes.  They were yummy.  After that great breakfast maybe I can get in a good tatting groove and come up with a new pattern to share with you later this week.

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE SUMMER VACATION EVENT POST FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN THE FANTASTIC LOOT!!!  THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED THIS THURSDAY- GOOD LUCK!

I'm off to the Atelier.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Yard Treasures

Today has been busy and I haven't even harvested all the ripe fruits and veggies in the yard & garden yet!  My yard is full of treasures.

Since I don't have much new in the way of tatting to show you, I'll just put up an image collage of what I'll be tending to later this after noon:

The blueberries are ripening, the lavender is blooming again, and the fig tree is in need of watering as it is loaded with little figs.  Jim had fresh blueberries in his muffins this morning, but there are still lots that need picking.  I should get off my duff and pluck some lavender blooms for sachets for my thread cabinets, too.

Many of you have asked, "where so you find all of those cameos, brooches and pins?"  As you know, I adore antique stores and estate sales.  That is where I find most of the treasures.  I am fortunate to have a number of great friends who own antique stores or conduct auctions.  They oftentimes give me a heads up when an antique cameo lot or pin lot is up for grabs.  Believe me, I take full advantage!  Guess where I was at this morning?  You guessed it- an estate sale.  I have a few more little goodies to enhance with tatting next week.

This afternoon I placed a new Valdani order and hope to have some fabulous new threads to share with you late next week or early the week after that.  I have some gorgeous Luxury Pearl Silks and Pearl Cottons on the way!

DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE A COMMENT ON THE SUMMER VACATION GIVEAWAY POST FOR YOU CHANCE TO WIN SOME GREAT GOODIES!  THE WINNER WILL BE ANNOUNCED ON THE BLOG ON JUNE 7TH!  GOOD LUCK!

The sweet tea in the fridge is calling to me.  Think I'll pour a glass and tat a bit before Jim gets home.  Have a great weekend doing whatever makes your soul sing!  Until next week~
Happy Tatting!