The Making Framework

This week, The Making Framework is developing a Scrapbook Journal. This little book has started life as a large piece of medium weight card along with some plain thin scrapbook card. I've cut the thicker card to form a cover and made some smaller and different sized pages for interest. Some pages are full size (to the cover) but I've put a few smaller pages to form flaps. All the pages are sewn together with embroidery thread. The thread will have some handmade beads attached, using polymer clay.

 I've started to form a double page layout in a regular scrapbook style in the book. This double page has 'a way to go' but  I've incorporated some of the elements which will be used in the book. Each little element of the pages will record a memory and/or feeling/statement relating to one or more of the workshops. Most of the elements will use small scraps from previous projects so the whole book will contain little bits of each workshop and form a kind of record of the journey made while participating in the Making Framework.

                  

The idea behind the scrapbook/journal is to bring all the MAKING disciplines together in one project ie those developed in the Making Framework Workshops this year. These disciplines include polymer clay work,paper craft skills, decoupage and felting (bother wet and dry). The basic book looks a bit like this:

                        

                          

The plan is to develop pages with more elements, materials and skills as we introduce new projects to the Framework. My next part of the project  will be to make a cover for the book. I'm planning to make a felt cover and will start experimenting over the next few days. Will share new developments as they come along. 

Thanks for reading.

Make Art Monday - where am I now ?

Hi Everyone

It's week 3 of the 'Where am I now ? - Eyes' feature (read back on Mondays for background to this feature). This weeks it's ' Lee' as the main character.

                        

Lee is slightly complicated in that her eyes are not shown in this picture. However, she does have eyes and her new portrait will feature her eyes. This will give me an opportunity to develop some eyes specifically for her. The more I look at this work, the more I like it. I'm seeing a different side of the painting and am thinking or all sorts of opportunities to develop the piece. I like the dress and the simple positioning of the limbs. The 'eyes' will be the main feature in the new work so this simple body is perfect.

I'm working on another project which involves making a journal (FROM SCRATCH) and I'm going to make another journal to show the new developments of the Where Am I Now Series.

Only 1 more character to introduce. Next week and all 4 characters will be ready to go !

Thanks for reading.

Blog Friday Link

Hi Everyone

It's Friday again, I know I'm forever saying this on Fridays but it's frightening how quickly the weeks go by ! I want the days to slow down. 

Today, I'm recommending a blog called Noodle Head http://www.noodle-head.com/. I came across this blog via Pinterest while browsing. I was particularly drawn by a little purse sewing project.

                          

The blog has a shop as well as lots of sewing tutorials. Anna Graham heads up the blog and she explains (in the introduction) the Noodlehead name comes from a nickname she gave one of her children. I like the chatty style of the blog and love the inspiration ideas. Anna has a book out with many of the little projects featured on her blog, I'm already thinking it's something I need.

One of the features on the blog 'Sew Along' - is a great way to make up a garment (skirt). The task is split into small sections which are to be done in daily sessions. The idea is to make the skirt along with Anna plus her community, Anna gives lots of tips for each day and those taking part comment as they go. I like this idea and am inspired to tackle the skirt myself.

One other inspiration I need to mention  is a great little hold-all bag - used for sewing.

                               

This project is in Anna's book, another good reason to acquire the book ! I really like this site and will be visiting often. The blog has reminded me how much I like sewing but tend to leave sewing projects alone - not sure why ? I'm now inspired to get back to sewing on a regular basis. I have a number of possible projects in my stash already but would love to have this small hold-all bag for sewing. I can see lots of little hold-alls being developed for a number of crafts.

Thanks for reading.

Have a great weekend.

Imitation Game

Hi Everyone

I'm almost there with the Starburst Collection. The red version of the beads is yet to be turned into something but the green and blues have made their way into bracelets and almost a necklace.

                       

I'm slightly disappointed with the green beads, I liked them  better before they were cured. The semi opaque nature of the white clay has muted the colours slightly. I think, a polish in the tumbler and some experiments with a shiney surface will improve the beads. Somehow, they appear to be rather dark ?

My favourite version of the blue is the bottom right, I've used some sterling silver beads to form a mock chain and I think it works well. I also like the shape of the beads. The blue colour merges well with the white and gives a certain richness to the bead pattern which I find pleasing. Amazingly, I do  like the round version of the blue beads and I feel they have improved post curing. I did feel they were not what I had wanted but I'm reassessing my ideas. The necklace needs a few more beads and I'm keen to incorporate some of the red beads. I'm not sure the bead arrangement will stay as it is ? I will play around with some different arrangements before settling on the final piece.

I still have the yellow version to develop (contrary to my suggestions from last week - they didn't happen !) . This week ....... without fail ! I want to finish this project and start the next, so am going to pull out all the stops ! These prototypes will be used for developing new stock. I want to find a reliable way of using focal beads and I like the design using silver beads like a chain. 

All these designs are threaded onto stretch cord which allows for a simple construction without the need for clasps. I like this idea and feel beads are made to be central to the design without the findings getting in the way.

Next week, The Imitation Game will move onto the new piece but I will round up with the finished items from the Starburst Collection before I go.

Thanks for reading.

Kit Day

Hi Everyone

Today I'm featuring a kit from another site called Beads Direct. It's quite a big outfit with lots of jewellery kits as well as a huge supply of beads and other related stuff. I like the variety of findings and often find myself looking to check out if something is available or give me an idea for developing a design. As I was browsing a few weeks ago, I came across a great bracelet idea which is incredibly quick to make and would be suitable for one of my MAKING groups. However, looking at the cost of the kit - the price (although reasonable) would be outside our range.

 I've been thinking about this all week and am going to try something inspired by this kit but keeping costs down. Here is a quick look at samples of the finished bracelets.

                                

                              

Visit the site for specific details and ordering -  http://www.beadsdirect.co.uk/projects/swarovski-crystal-medley-bracelets/.

I especially like the magnetic clasp (can be ordered separately) and the flat leather in a variety of colours. The Swarovski strip is good too but I'm wondering if can come up with something which will bring the price into our range without losing the simple but attractive look of the bracelet.

In the kit, a strip of Swarovski Elements (sparkly beads in various shapes and sizes) is simply stuck to the leather and the clasps stuck on the trimmed ends. The glue must be good ! I'm going to buy a single kit and test it out and then adapt for the group - if I can find an idea within the budget. Hope you are inspired to look at more of the kits, I'm a regular 'snooper'.

Thanks for reading.