Random Bits Of Me

EVERYTHING IN GENERAL AND NOTHING IN PARTICULAR
crochet-spinning-making-home decor-fiber art-every day stuff-antiques-sewing-food-pets-family-flea market finds-thrifting-doodling-journaling-books-nature-handmade-creative things-nothing-everything


Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Mixing It Up

I thought I'd try mixing all the different techniques I've been playing around with into one piece. I started with a felted rope that I made from a recycled wool sweater. I crocheted around the rope in freeform style then combined it with some of the metal findings and glass beads that I purchased from a couple of Etsy shops recently.





I was pretty pleased with the end result, so I made a pair of earrings to go with the necklace. This was a fun project and I'm planning to make some similar pieces for my Etsy shop. I think it will be a nice change for the new year.

Monday, December 27, 2010

And The Winner Is...

I want to thank everyone who participated in the teacup giveaway. I'm so pleased to have you all visit my blog and I love visiting all of yours as well. The winner of the teacup and saucer is ...Rita Leggio, from Italy. Congratulations Rita! I'll get that sent out to you as soon as possible.
I will be having another giveaway soon. Please check back from time to time for a chance to win. Thanks again to all who visited my blog. I love you all!

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Fancy Jack

Today was Jack's bath day. Doesn't he look fancy? I had to chase him around the house for 30 minutes just to get him into the tub. He's all groomed and ready for Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by.


Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Free Give Away-Vintage Cup & Saucer

Tea on Tuesday...After all the shopping, cleaning, baking, cooking, and wrapping presents is over, wouldn't you love to sit down, put your feet up and have a cup of tea?
I'm giving away this lovely antique cup and saucer, so you can do just that very thing.
I'll be sure to include a couple of my favorite tea bags for you to enjoy as well.
Just leave a comment after this post and I will pick a winner right after Christmas.
Thanks for stopping by!






There are some pretty antique and vintage items for sale in my Etsy shop. If you're interested in looking, go to http://www.reconsidered.etsy.com/.

Friday, December 17, 2010

Friday's Frills

I must warn you, there are a lot of pictures here, but I just had to share with you the beautiful wedding dresses I thrifted yesterday. Everything you see here was purchased for $5.00. I'm sorry to gush, but this is a mountain of vintage and antique lace for a grand total of $5.00. It has to be the best find I've ever had on a treasure hunt. It will make you drool, I promise!









Thursday, December 16, 2010

Joy & Inspiration

Joy and inspiration. New friends and sharing. I am overwhelmed with the generosity and kindness that I have experienced over the past year through my journey of creating. I have met some of the most beautiful, thoughtful, creative women who have made my life richer in ways that I can't even put into words. These new friends have made me feel welcome and comfortable about who I am and what I create. I am no longer afraid to share my art with others. I feel like I fit in somewhere now. All of you, whose blogs I read, whose work I admire on Flickr and Etsy and those whose work has been published in the many books and magazines that I've purchased over the past year, I want to say THANK YOU! I love you all!
If you're wondering what the photos are...they are some gifts that I received in the mail yestersay from one of these dear friends. Thank you Sharon...I love everything!
The round stone earrings are something I made for myself.


Inspired by new found friends, I've combined crochet, metal and glass, to create this necklace. The copper parts were purchased pieces that I've taken apart and combined with a lampwork bead made by my step daughter Janice, and some copper wire. The rope is a wool cord made from a recycled sweater. A technique I learned from my dear friend Odile. I crocheted around the rope with cotton thread in freeform style. The entire piece was inspired by my new friend Sharon,  a multi talented, creative artist, who was a part of the "Round Robin" project, featured in the latest issue of "Belle Armoire Jewelry".


Sunday, December 12, 2010

In the Mess of it All

Yesterday I helped my daughter set up her Etsy shop. It's a lovely little shop http://www.redsthreadsvintage.etsy.com/.  where you can buy classic vintage clothing. We had a long photo shoot in my little studio. The mess in there is just out of control. I've been so busy crafting for the holidays and as a result the clutter has reached a point that makes me want to cry.
In the midst of the mess I spied a few things that I've gathered for future art projects. I'm not sure what I'll use them for yet, but aren't they pretty..........


Friday, December 10, 2010

Frilly Friday





Recently I received a lovely teacup and a pretty hankie as a gift from a dear friend. It rekindled my love of old and frilly things. Todays photos are of some pretty things I've found during my treasure hunts at local thrift shops. There's a pair of old baby shoes, two antique baby dresses, and a group of shabby chic items. The plan is to update the look of my home using these lovely found items. It will be a good look for Spring and Summer 2011.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Published Thank you Christen

Today I would like to take a minute to say thank you to Christen Olivarez, Editor- in- Chief, and Director of Publishing at "Belle Armoire Jewelry".  For the 2nd time this year, she has chosen my handmade jewelry to be featured in this beautiful publication. I am overwhelmed and forever grateful. Thank you Christen!



Tuesday, December 7, 2010

New Crocheted Pieces

I've been busy crocheting again and I'd like to share with you the projects I've been working on. Most of these items are available for purchase in my shop at http://www.umelecky.etsy.com/.  The large red necklace is a one of a kind. Everything else can be reproduced in any color you would like.