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 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.
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.
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?
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/.
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!
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!
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". 
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. 
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!
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. 
