Ecru Pendant Prototype Event

Shabby Vintage

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Here is the little pendant I tatted on Memorial Day.  I used 12 wt. Sulky thread in ecru and antique glass seed beads that I painstakingly picked off an old beaded bag.  The center accent is a sand colored button pearl with a single seed bead perched atop it.

 

 

This is just a prototype for a design I plan to offer in the Atelier Shoppe this Autumn.  I have already expanded the design and added additional rounds on another prototype.  The second prototype I did using Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk.  You'll have to wait until the entire design collection is debuted to view it, though!

 

This is an image of the beginning of prototype one-

 

 

Then I expanded it a tiny bit-

 

 

So, what do you think?  Do you like the new design? 

 

You know what???  I am in the mood to do a give away event.  If you would like to win this little pendant, please leave a comment on this blog post.  The winner will be chosen via random number generator early Friday morning.  The winner has until the following Monday to contact me or another winner will be selected, again via random number generator.  Good luck, and remember to leave a comment before Friday morning, May 31st, 2013!

 

Rosie Fey is ready for her walk, so we're off.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Happy Memorial Day

Shabby Vintage

Good evening, dear readers!

 

I hope you all have had a wonderful Memorial Day.  We have enjoyed a fabulous weekend at the local park and at home.  Jim cooked out for us today and Rosie Fey was very patriotic in her stars & stripes bandana.

 

I have been playing with a pendant prototype and will have it posted for your viewing pleasure tomorrow morning.  I may even have a "special event" announcement...wink, wink!

 

Well, I am off to get Jim's work clothes ironed for the week ahead.  Have a great evening and be sure to check out the blog tomorrow.  Until then~

Happy Tatting!



Great Start to the Holiday Weekend

Shabby Vintage

Good evening, dear readers!

 

I have had an absolutely wonderful day!  After a leisurely morning of project organizing in the Atelier, I met my handsome husband for a lunch date at our favorite local restaurant.  Then I spent the afternoon shopping with our daughter.  We especially enjoyed visiting with Brenda & Travis at the Chartreuse Pear.  They never fail to have oodles of wonderful goodies and inspirational eye candy!  My current favorite product they carry (aside from the fabulous Lollia hand crèmes) is "French Velvet" linen spray.  You can use it on your linens, but it deodorizes like a dream!  Even wet doggy odor!  I spray it in my Jeep after taking Rosie Fey to the park.

 

After picking up a few items at the grocery store and seeing to Rosie Fey, I finally picked up the tatting needles.  Here is the next step on the motif I'm experimenting with:

 

 

I'm pleased with its progress, so far.

 

Kelly commented on my previous blog post concerning the thread/bead experiment about using beads and variegated thread.  This can be tricky to do, design wise, but should not hinder one from trying.  Pay careful attention to the intervals of color changes within the thread.  Some machine dyed threads are very regimented in their variegation, which I personally find repugnant and totally useless for my purposes.  Valdani threads are all ARTISAN HAND DYED.  This makes all of the difference.  There are also some gorgeous HDT to be found on Etsy- check out LadyShuttleMaker and YarnPlayer!  They have beautiful threads.

 

Another factor to consider is what size beads you choose to use.  With the silk thread, I am using size 11/0 seed beads.  These are small, light weight and are in colors that compliment the thread.  A contrasting color combination would look nice, too.  My advise it to tat with threads and beads in colors that make YOU happy. 

 

This is Memorial Day weekend here in the USA.  We take this time to remember all of those who have given their lives for our freedom.  Our family will celebrate by remembering the fallen heroes/heroines, cooking out and exercising our freedom by shooting on the target range and off-roading in the Jeep.  I hope to fit in some tatting time, too.  May you have a wonderfully creative weekend & until TUESDAY~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Girls' Day Out

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Jocelin and I had a nice day out.  We raided Books-A-Million, Target, PetCo, and Antique Alley.  Our lunch at the Piccadilly restaurant was most enjoyable.  It won't be long before my darling girl is grown and out on her own, so I treasure days like this more than you can imagine.

 

We did see a few goodies in the antique stores, but didn't purchase anything.  The couple of items I was interested in were way overpriced.  Jocelin found a lovely Coro brooch, but the pin back was beyond repair- and it was priced as if it were in mint condition.  Perhaps we will have better luck when we go junquing in Canton, Texas!  I always find lots of goodies there.  And we've not visited Vicksburg in a couple of months.  Guess we have a lot of antiquing/junquing trips to do this summer.

 

Well, I am off to take a relaxing bath before Jim gets home.  He doesn't know it yet, but he's grilling supper.  I plan to spend tomorrow afternoon in the Atelier after running errands, so there is a good chance I'll actually get some new eye candy up on the blog afterwards.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!



Playing Around

Shabby Vintage

Good evening, dear readers!

 

I have spent the day playing with various thread and bead combinations.  It is very helpful to the design process to test tat thread & bead combos.  Some beads are heavier than others and can cause your tatting to twist or pull.  Plus, I love to play with different color palettes.

 

 

Neutrals have always fascinated me with their understated elegance.  Pictured above is Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in S514, "Wheat Husk".  I am test tatting a motif with silky brown satin Delica seed beads and cream pearl Ornella seed beads.  So far, so good.  I'm rather pleased with how the colors of the beads compliment the hand dyed Valdani silk.  I'll take some images of the motif when it is complete to share with you.

 

What color and bead combos do you like to use, dear readers?  I am always looking for new ideas to use in my work.  If you have a recommendation, please post it in the comments section.

 

The chicken enchiladas are done.  Time to take them out of the oven and eat supper.  Have a wonderful evening and until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Homemade Goodies

Shabby Vintage

Good evening, dear readers!

 

Jocelin and I had a special "spa day" at home today.  We watched chick flicks, ate chocolates, played gin rummy, and enjoyed facials, manicures and pedicures.  It was so nice to spend some quality down time with my girl!

 

A few months back, I found a wonderfully useful pin on Pinterest for a homemade sugar hand scrub.  Jocie and I made a batch this afternoon.

 

 

You just need sugar (your choice of granulation) and add something like Palmolive dish washing liquid, stirring it in to the consistency you prefer.  I added a small container of rose scented cuticle oil, too.  To use, wet your hands and scoop out an amount and scrub.  It feels wonderful!  Then rinse.  Your hands will be soft & smooth.  I also use this on my feet.  Down here in the Deep South, we wear flip flops and sandals most of the year, so as you can imagine, we need extra TLC for our feet.  Please note that I follow my mani/pedis with Lollia hand crème- it is my absolute favorite!

 

The other homemade goody I made today was dishwasher powder.  I use a double sifter and mix with the ratio of  1/2 washing soda and 1/2 borax.  For my rinse aid, I use white vinegar with lemon juice.  I plan to make up a batch of liquid detergent this evening.  The internet is full of neat homemade cleaning solutions.  I'm always on the lookout for new ideas.

 

Well, Rosie Fey is spinning at the door.  Guess I'd better tend to her before there is an "accident".  Have a great evening & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Disc Pearl Pendant

Shabby Vintage

Good morning, dear readers!

 

Just got Jim off to work for the day and thought I'd go ahead and do my blog post before I get busy with the day's activities.  I was sifting through my pearls this weekend and decided to do a little pendant with one of the gorgeous disc pearls I purchased several months back:

 

 

It was needle tatted with Valdani Luxury Pearl Silk in "Herb Garden" and is accented with silver-lined forest green Ornella seed beads and 3mm crystal AB Swarovski bicones, along with a little pinecone charm.

 

This is how the piece began:

 

 

I beaded around the disc pearl and securely knotted the thread before commencing tatting.

 

 

This is the first round.  It was inspired by a design I did a few years back using some handmade dichroic glass disc beads.  I personally prefer pearls, but the dichroic disc beads were lovely.  Wish I had some more of them.

 

Well, I had better get myself together for the busy day ahead.  Rosie Fey is scheduled to have her stitches removed and I can finally bathe her this evening.  Believe me, she needs it!!!  Jocelin and I have some shopping to do for her summer classes and I need to pick up more chicken feed.  May you have a wonderful day full of creativity & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 

 



Embellished Magnifying Glass Necklace

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Here is the little bejeweled 1928 magnifying glass necklace with a small bit of tatted embellishment:

 

 

More could be added, but my point was to simply show you how to turn a vintage find into a tatted treasure.

Remember the missing stone?

 

 

I have no idea whether the stone was blue or pink, but I dug through my beads, pearls and Swarovskis.  The accent I chose is a 6mm rosaline colored Swarovski pearl.  I began by securing the new addition firmly to the magnifying glass, then preceded to complete tatting around the handle.  The thread I used is Purely Silk in "Strawberry Pink".

 

 

 

One of my favorite things is to comb the flea markets, antique/junque shops for hidden treasures.  This necklace cost all of $2.00.  I think it will make a nice stocking stuffer or little gift for someone, don't you?  Go visit your local treasure shops or sift through your own goody boxes and find something to enhance with tatting.  Treasures are everywhere just waiting to be discovered!

 

Rosie Fey is spinning at the door.  It is past time for her afternoon romp/walk.  Have a great day and find something special to add your tatting to.  Until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 

 

 

 



New Sulky Thread Colors

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

Clean-up on aisle 6!!! 

Rosie Fey knocked over my hot pink rainbow seed beads & pearls this morning.  I am still picking & vacuuming up seed beads from the sculpted carpet in the Atelier.  Guess I'll finish that Pink Goodies Project this weekend.

 

My day did have a nice, bright spot.  The 12 wt. Sulky thread I ordered from Uncommon Thread came in!

 

 

The colors pictured above are: 1149- deep ecru, 1046- teal, 1230- dark teal, and 1332- deep chartreuse.  I LOVE the teals.  They look so good with the Ornella light cream and dark cream pearl seed beads I like to use.

 

This weekend is Mother's Day here in the States.  Jim & Jocie have something planned, but will not even give me a hint.  So long as I get to be with them, I'm good.  What are your plans this weekend, dear readers?  Other than enjoying Mother's Day, I plan to finish that pink piece and the lime pendant.  I may even tat a little bit with the new teal thread. 

 

Rosie Fey is asking to go on her afternoon walk, so I'll sign-off until next week.  Until Monday~

Happy Tatting!



Pink Goodies Project Part One

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

 

The weather has not co-operated this afternoon for me to get more images of the Pink Goodies Project, but here is what it looked like very early this morning:

 

 

I completed the first round and have added 2 accent rounds.  This afternoon & evening I will be adding the center accents.  Be sure to check out the blog tomorrow to view the finished piece!

 

It was interesting to read your comments and emails about your projects.  It seems as though a lot of us have more projects than time to do them!

 

Rosie Fey is getting stronger and more active each day.  Keeping her relatively quiet and still is a difficult undertaking!  She is wanting to play tug-of-war so bad, but I worry about her stitches.  Only a week & a half until those stitches can come out- we're counting down, you know.

 

Speaking of Rosie Fey, she is spinning at the door so I'd better take her out before it starts sprinkling again.  Have a great day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Road to Recovery

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Rosie Fey is doing better today.  We had a rather rough night as she was restless and very clingy.  I finally got some water and kibble into her and she seems to be bouncing back.  When she is not napping, she is already trying to initiate play.  I'll take that as a very good sign.  I have spent most of the day in my recliner holding Rosie.

 

 

If you look closely, you can see the lovely blue I'm painting the Atelier.  I've only got two walls done and am just starting on the others.

 

This afternoon and evening I will be organizing a couple of shabby vintage projects to feature on the blog.  If Rosie co-operates, I'll have something pretty to share tomorrow.

 

Well, I had better go.  Rosie is stirring and probably needs to go outside.  Have a wonderful day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 



A Dark Ecru Motif In Progress

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

I have been busy with housework today, but did manage to sneak in a little tatting time this morning.  For some reason, the dark ecru 12wt. Sulky thread was beckoning me to do something with it.

 

 

I really like to use the Ornella pearl seed beads with this color.  At the moment, I am debating which element to add to the center and how I want to expand the motif.

 

I have a couple more pieces ready to have images taken, but the weather has not co-operated.  It has been steadily drizzling for the past few hours.  Perhaps I will be able to get images tomorrow.

 

On the agenda for the rest of the afternoon and evening is cleaning a few vintage accents to feature on the blog next week.  I plan to talk Jim into going to pick up something for supper as I am not in the mood to cook.  Well, I need to check the vintage stashes in the Atelier and make my selections.  Have a wonderful evening & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!

 

 



Playing In The Atelier

Shabby Vintage

Good afternoon, dear readers!

Today has gone so much better that the two previous days!!!  Even though it has been rainy, I have accomplished a good bit in the Atelier.

 

 

Here is a lovely little pendant I'm working on using Sulky 12 wt. cotton in "Ecru" with satin silk sand and turquoise Delica seed beads.  The center will have a small sand colored button pearl accent.  I still have about 4 or 5 more rounds before it is complete.

 

And here is the other special project I'm working on:

 

©Rachel Colvin Jackson, 1993-2013

 

I have used crocheted lengths as foundations for couture jewelry pieces for years, but have never shown it to others before.  I crochet a foundation then attach pearls, beads, vintage items and such as well as tatting.  After adding the focal pieces, I then proceed to fill it up with copious tatting.  This piece is going to be for a very special friend who is going through quite an ordeal.  I just felt that she deserved a special little goody to lift her spirits.  I'll post an image when it is complete.

 

The new blog theme for May is "Shabby Vintage".   I love shabby vintage things and especially enjoy incorporating such elements into my tatting.  I'll have some interesting projects to share this month showcasing how to use treasured finds with your own tatting.  I hope that you'll enjoy it and share your efforts, too!

 

Well, Rosie Fey is ready for a walk now that the rain has slacked up a bit.  Have a fantastic day & until tomorrow~

Happy Tatting!