Pet Bling!

Usually my pet jewelry is limited to necklaces that have magnetic closures or are strung with elastic bands that allow the jewelry to be slipped over the neck. They are very light in weight and most animals have no issue with wearing them. Here's my cocker spaniel...Buddy.

 They are intended for special events, and not everyday wear as they do not have a way to attach a leash. A small dog tag...perhaps...but not a leash. So, I've been looking for a good sturdy collar that would allow a leash to be used...and where I could attach some BLING!

And, I have found leather pet collars that allow pearls, stones, and crystals to be stitched to them! They are extremely sturdy with double rivets and a large buckle with end guide and a loop for attaching the tags! So, I have spend the last few hours beading! These will be delivered to Buddy's local groomer tomorrow...she graciously markets my pet jewelry for me. Wish me luck, that they sale!

And, if I can ever get ahead in my schedule (which is going to take a minor miracle!)...I might get enough of these created in various colors...to market them in the ShawklDesignStudio. So many ideas, so little time!

Of course, I'd make extra time for beading pet collars if someone wanted a special order. It's hard to know what items will be hits and which will be misses...and allot time accordingly. So, I'm doing a lot of "fishing expeditions" to see what works!

My favorite two of these are the black hematite style beads with the Swarvoski crystals...great contrast. Hmmm...I might have to do a "people necklace" with this combo too!! Hey, matching sets!!...Oh no...there goes my brain again....thinking up more projects...and my plate is over-flowing as it is!

Thank goodness school starts in two weeks!

Oh, but I forgot...if you are in the neighborhood of northeast Alabama, or northwest Georgia...check out the adult education classes at Gadsden State. My quilt, jewelry, and crochet classes for the fall schedule are posted! (Did I just say more time would be open to me....when!?!) Anyway, the fall schedule is at the right side of their website at www.gadsdenstate.edu and adult education classes are around page 76.

The Queen is Published!

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten some "how to" questions on embellishing the Queen. To answer those, and to share...I wrote a short article for the CQMagOnline (Volume 9, Issue 3). If you have not yet checked out this great resource for all things "crazy" it is well worth your time.

So, click over and read some of their articles...and check out all the great photos! If the link gets broken, just type this in your browser window: http://www.cqmagonline.com

Embroidery Designs

Aren't these the cutest! I have found a great site that has some free embroidery designs...and these are two of my favorites...which I will be using soon.

If you'd like to see more...and her stitch library too!!...check out French Knots!

Mermaid Block for Jodi Finished

Finished! Yeah!

My round of the mermaid block swap is complete. Several ladies from the HGTV Message Board have been doing a crazy quilt round robin for the past year. I finished the last block I have to work on this week and put it into the mail. It feels good to get a project completed. Here are some photos of the areas I worked on.

TDITM Stitch #100

Why is it that 100 always seems like such a milestone? I'm not sure why...but it does...and we made it!! Woot! Woot!

Only 44 more to go!...Hmmm, that does sound like a lot doesn't it. Well, not to fear...at present I have stitch "doodles" up to 132...and plenty of ideas left. I have charted in my computer up to 107...so have to get busy on that!...and I have to stitch these and get them photographed!!

TDITM Stitch #99

Wow, we are nearing the 100 mark! When I started, I wondered if it was actually possible to get Twelve Dozen seam treatments...using only what I knew at the time. The French knot, lazy daisy (detached chain), straight stitch, and backstitch. Well, it continues to surprise me!

This little stitch is very minimal...and would be good with floral beads added at the top of the curves I think. It is a good stitch to just build upon. Hope you enjoy stitching it!

TDITM Stitch #98

Happy Independence Day to all my USA friends!!

To celebrate, here's another seam treatment for you!!

The spokes on this stitch remind me a little of fireworks! I can imagine it in red, white, blue and metallic threads. Hope you all have a great and sunny day, filled with fun, family, and friends!...Oh, and lot's of stitching of course!!

TDITM Stitch #97

This stitch really appeals to me somehow. Certainly it is easy...but, I think it is a favorite because of the potential it holds.

The length of the longer side could be altered to fit any odd shape piece...making it a good "filler" stitch. I also like the "cross bar" on the longer stitch, and can see this as being changed out for a bugle bead as well as the long stitch along the base...different colors...seed beads for the French knots. Hmmmm.... yes, this is a favorite I shall be using again and again!

TDITM Stitch #96

Wow, I can hardly believe that it has been months since I stitched a new seam treatment! I really have to do better at keeping these going.

Funny how the simple things seem to always get a smaller priority...

So, let's catch up a little. Here is stitch number 96! We continue working with dueling curves as the base of our seam treatment.  These are found easily in rick-rack...and you could use any size to scale with your project.

Or, an alternative would be to stitch the curves as part of the seam treatment as well!!

More cabochons!

Okay, I'm addicted...it's true! I love beading these cabochons!

A dear friend from the HGTV Board, (hugs Renee) ordered two special ones, and I finished them up this morning. Aren't these super cute and girly!

And I added two others to the shop this weekend.

I've got to get photos of a red and black one just completed as well. And, for all the TDITM fans...I have three more stitch treatments I also need to get photos of!! Perhaps I can manage to get all this done today, and post tomorrow...