Caribbean Blues

I've been into making cluster bracelets lately. I like them big, chunky, and beautiful. I bought some really pretty turquoise-y blue agate in varying sizes and paired it with beautiful cognac and amber crystals. Here is the result.

I've also acquired this love for Magnetic clasps. I found some nice round ones at the last bead show I went to and they hold much better than the cheap ones from craft stores, and they look pretty darn good as a finishing piece.

Cluster bracelets are pretty popular and have been for decades, but every time I pick up one, the beads are made from plastic. I'm not a lover of plastic beads. At.all. I'm also not very fond of elastic bracelets, as they do tend to stretch out and lose their shape. They are also made out of a chain with beads added to the chain, but there's never enough beads on the bracelet for me and more often than not, the chain tarnishes. And the beads usually rattle around, and that sound just plain drives me nuts. One should hear music, not clanking jewelry.

I should have this listed at Ruthie's Girl Designs before days' end, if I can bring myself to quit admiring it and take it off.

I Made This Today

I wasn't quite sure where I was going with this one, but I sure like where it ended up.

Fabulous Finds

You know sometimes you just have to give back in any way you can. I can type, and I can post photos and give another artist their props.

When I was selling on Etsy, I met a handbag maker by the name of 1MadWoman in chat, and we became fast friends. She's funny, witty, and above all , extremely talented. She works with PMC and makes beautiful pieces, but like all artists, has many talents. Not only does she make jewelry and soap she also makes these really cute clutch purses for Bridal Parties. I think they are just delicious. She uses the best quality linen, satin, silks, and chiffon and creates them in custom colors to match any bridal theme. Stop in and pay her shop a visit, and if you are into handmade soaps and PMC creations, stop in to her Heartsabustin shop and browse a bit. Her French Vanilla Soap is wonderful. I picked up a few bars for myself.

Be Inspired by Yourself

Sometimes I spend too much time looking at other Paper Artist's work for inspiration and sell my personal ideas short. After thumbing through numerous paper craft magazines looking for "SOMETHING" to inspire me, I came across a simple sheet of Rose Shimmer Cardstock in my stash and the ideas began to flow.
I've been loving Damask patterns a lot lately, and textile trim (if you saw my stash you'd probably die) and incorporated both into this card design.

To make this Shimmery Pink Birthday Card, I took a piece of 4x 6 pink shimmer (or petallic) card stock and ran it thru my big shot using the damask embossing folder by Cuttlebug. The card stock is actually what they call "cover" weight so it embosses just nicely. I love it. I then took some pretty Venise lace trim I had and placed it on the edge of the embossed piece, creating a very feminine border. I took some other satin edged organza trim I had and hand stitched (gather and pull!) a pretty flower, centered it with one of my many vintage looking pearl center buttons and made "leaves" out of some matching organza ribbon. I printed the sentiment on my printer, inked the edges with Brilliance Pearlescent Opal, and stacked it on glitter card stock.