Figural Beaded Purses

I found this interesting article on Figural Beaded Purses. These are beautiful! Do check them out!

Ocean Garden Cellphone Pouch - Stitching Complete!

Or maybe what I should say is, the embellishing is complete!



The scanner made it look a bit washed out. When I get it sewn together, I'll share a photo from the camera.

Speaking of sewing this, I'm sure you're wondering how in the world I'm going to do that with all the seashells? Yes, it is quite do-able but there are some tricks and I will share those with you.

I also want to mention that there's no need to worry about using my purses or cellphone pouches. I've been told that they're too pretty to use, too decorative and rather fragile looking. There's nothing fragile about these. I use bead thread to attach beads, charms and buttons. The larger beads and embellishements are gone through twice with a double threaded needle. Once the stitching is complete on my seascapes, I use E6000 Jewelry Glue. The shells are sewn on with the bead thread and then I glue them together with the Jewelry Glue. These do-dads are on to stay!

I would like to say thank you to everyone who took the time to answer my questions yesterday, either in email or here in the comments section regarding my blog. It sounds like I have readers who do a wide variety of needlework techniques!

Apparently, everyone enjoys my daily Works In Progress photos. I can imagine how much fun it is for you to see one of my blocks develop day by day.

I was asked for more "how to's" esp. when it comes to piecing a block as well as finishing my cellphone pouches and purses. I guess I never thought too much of sharing that information with you. I just assumed that it was already available on the internet or that everyone already knew how to do that part. Not to worry though! Your wish is my command ladies! I will share that information here. I'll take photos when I get to my next sewing projects. Trust me, it's easier than you think!

Several of you also mentioned that you like my writing style. I had to laugh just a little bit because I write as if I'm actually talking to someone in person. I just don't know how to do this any other way. I've never been good at expressing myself verbally so I just write like I talk. Heaven help all of us, huh?!!!

So now, I'm sure you're wondering what my next project will be? Ok, I won't make you wait any longer:



This is a 6 inch heart. I running over several different finishing ideas in my head but haven't decided on anything for sure yet. I'll wait until I complete the stitching and then decide. Does anyone want to guess the theme? I'll give you a hint: I'll be using one of my recent stash purchases!

More tomorrow....

Inside Story Of A Handbag - 1945 Article

I came across this republished article yesterday. It's about the contents of womens handbags in 1945.

I was rather amused by it and thought you would enjoy it as well.

In Victorian days, it was considered "lady-like" to carry as little as possible. Hmmmmm....how interesting! I would have fit right in then! I only carry my wallet, my keys and a chapstick in my purse. I guess that's why I can get away with a small handbag. And by now, I'm sure you know my motto when it comes to purses:

If it isn't embellished, what's the point!!!

Enjoy!

Questions For My Readers

In hopes for offering new and fun ideas, tips and inspiration to my readers, I would like to ask you a few questions. Please take a moment to leave your answers in the comments section for me.

1. What kind of stitching do you do? Are you a cross-stitcher, a crazy-quilter, an embroiderer (such as vintage transfers), a sewer or a multi-media stitcher?

2. How often do you come to my blog?

3. What do you enjoy about my blog?

4. Is there anything you don't like about my blog?

5. What type of information would you like to see more of?

Thank you everyone! I'm looking for input so that I can share with you more of what you come here for.

Ocean Garden Cellphone Pouch Continued

I'm constant search of new names for my "Seascapes"! You may be wondering why I do so many of these? It's because I find them very peaceful to work on. Just like watching fish swim in an aquarium. There's something soothing about creating under water themed pieces.



I started with some purple eyelash yarn, tacking it at the bottom and then twisting it, tacking at the twists. I added just a bit of feather stitching to the right, some other purple yarn in the middle and then a piece of mint green vintage trim. The metallic gold piece that you see is a vintage tassel which I fanned out and then sewed on.

This piece is really more about couching and embellishing than stitching. It's kind of fun to experiment with different yarns and trims.

Scott drilled holes in a bunch of seashells for me so those are the next do-dads to go on and then beads and sequins. As you can see, I've already added my cat. I tend to forget about adding him on the seascapes. I try to make him blend into the background.