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Sunday, November 4, 2012

Tis the season

Have you ever made a Christmas or holiday decoration to sell or show or gift or just for fun?  That's the 'mode' I'm in right now - gearing up for the 3 day, and for gift giving with what's left afterwards.

I've had these (there are 3 more as well) for a few years.  It's funny - but people will go to someplace like Bronner's in Frankenmuth and spend a fortune on ornaments - but find $15 for a locally made, hand beaded ornament is too pricey.  I've even tried marking them down to $12.00.  Still no dice.  For the show - they're back up to the $15 - which is still dirt cheap when you consider the TIME involved.  Will they ever understand that concept?

Here are a few others I've made - the round wire ones in the center, and the snowflake on the right are new this year - the others, again - had around for a few.  I think I only have a couple of the snowflakes on the forms left.  But I have FORMS left to make them with.  Still debating that since these last few have been around for so long.

THESE are all new in the last week - thanks to Sally Bohner Anderson for turning me on to her Pinterest TUTORIALS page - these are quick and easy, especially if you are already familiar with spiral rope.  I of course have already experimented with bead size, repetition, and color.  ME?  Follow exact instructions?  Probably NEVER!  LOL!

And as if I didn't have enough projects to work on -

ALL of these trays - the boxes in the front, as well as the slide trays in the back are PROJECTS.  Waiting to be done.  BUT - I've been seeing some interesting things done with Micro-Macrame recently involving adding beads, and realized that it's something that's not being done to death in my area like some of the other techniques.  SO - I ordered a book from Micro-MacrameJewelry.com
It should be here by the end of the week - so I'll have even MORE to work on.  I haven't ordered any of the supplies yet - the special board or cords - I'll practice with some good old fashioned styrofoam and some hemp cord first just to be sure I'll be able to master it.  Believe it or not, there ARE a few bead techniques I haven't been able to grasp - like bead crochet, and kumihimo.  Both look similar when complete - both completely flummox me.  Go figure.
And don't forget to leave your comment here for the mix it up bead giveaway drawing on Thanksgiving.    I'll be filling THIS bag and then some with some fun and fabulous prizes!
 
See?  I've already started....
Looking forward to a fun week of beading and reading.  Thanks to the party girls yesterday, my house is a lot closer to being ready for the Sampler show, so I won't have to work so hard - now I just have to KEEP it that way!
Peaceful beading,
TTFN

6 comments:

Unknown said...

Love those bracelets and ornaments, it's hard for us when others don't see the value of our hardwork. Can't wait to see what you create with the micro macramé.

moonlitfantaseas said...

I've made and tried selling some really intricate beaded ornament covers myself, and haven't had much much either so needless to say I have a beautifully decorated tree and enjoy my ornaments myself! I've been wanting to give micro macrame too, just haven't gotten around to it

coolmoon said...

I too, usually just display my ornaments with the covers during the season - but will bring them to a show during the holidays just in case. I HOPE I can persuade at least a couple of buyers this year. Thanks for the comments, girls. Good luck in my drawing!

Anzia aka Zia said...

Every year I think about learning how to make ornaments but never take the leap. I love looking at other peoples though ....it brings me joy lol!

happy beading

Unknown said...

ok, I can't wait to see your micro macrame'. You said a week right. I really hope no one is trying to desicrate (spelling issues??)your blog or email.

KayzKreationz said...

People never seem to see the value in handcrafted. I finally quit giving my attained glass as gifts because of the comments about it being 'just another piece of glass she made' and such. I've never figured out exactly what micro-macramé is, unless it's the jewelry I used to macramé back in the 70's. will have to check it out.