Pewter Charm Painting!

Just spent a lovely couple of hours with my granddaughter...playing with fingernail polish! And we didn't make too bad of a mess!

 We polished up some pewter charms, like this birds. Not hard to do, and if you let the polish dry completely (before picking them up) you don't get it all over your fingers either.

Of course, that's not an easy concept to get across to a six year old!

I was painting some fairies for a customer...

And while looking for some charms for Aidan to paint on I found these cute little strawberries...so, of course, I had to paint them up too!

I think there is a fat quarter of strawberry fabric around here somewhere...if I can locate it, a pincushion might be in the works this week!

And...these photos were taken with my new phone. I upgraded my service (another 2 year contract with Verizon) but that's okay since I like their service. Anyway, the phone cost me a whole $12 in shipping...and it has a 5.1 mega pixel camera (the real reason for me deciding to upgrade). My actual camera is a 3.2 MP and is starting to make strange sounds...so the phone is my backup plan if the camera goes out completely.

So, if ya'll have pewter charms and want to add some color to them...just pull out your fingernail polish and go to town! I buy up the "odd" colors when they go on sale...and have about 30-40 shades now. If you don't have any charms...and want some...just check out what the Studio has (link above). I'd be happy to polish them for you at no charge if you like. But, I encourage you to give this a try...it's loads of fun!

Lot's of fun for kid's projects too! And if you don't like the results...just a cotton ball with fingernail polish remover clears all of your mistakes away!

Hussif for my Polly

I am in the HGTV "All I Want For Christmas" swap...and have been gathering and making things for my secret "polly" to receive for her Christmas.

When I saw this hussif pattern, I just had to try my hand at red-work embroidery...and it's my first project in red-work, so don't be too critical!  The pdf pattern is by Kaaren Johnston who has wonderful things to share on her blog!

I changed the design up a little by adding a pocket for bead containers, and adjusting the layout to fit the size I wanted.

Embroidery for Aidan

Aidan is always asking me when I'll have time to stitch something "beautiful" for her. So, here are two embroidery blocks that went into creating her a little waste basket...which she filled with her jewelry instead!

I really enjoyed stitching them, and am going to do them again...for another project! Perhaps in a different size...but I want to do more embroidery work now. Some how, it is my current craving!

Beaded Button Tutorial

A few of the ladies on HGTV Message Board had a beaded button swap not long ago.

We decided to make the use of button "blanks" optional...so I created a tutorial on how to make beaded buttons, without having to purchase button kits.

Here's the link to the tutorial if you want to make your own beaded buttons!

Stitch Templates

I've been posting about stitch templates since beginning the Twelve Dozen in Twelve Months (TDiTM) series of stitches. And, I have always had to direct readers to the free wiki site that has the files loaded...since it is not possible to upload pdf files directly to the blog.

However, through a handy tip about blogging...I have found you can upload any pdf file (that you don't mind being in the public domain) directly to Adobe and they will store it free of charge. And they provide you with a handy link code for you to re-insert into your blog so folks can find the file.

So, I thought I'd share a favorite template sheet of mine; and hope you enjoy working with these. The file takes a minute to load, so have patience. Then just print...copy to a transparent sheet (any copy place can do this...we used to call these "over-head projection sheets"). Cut the template into different strips so each stitch is it's own separate template. Punch out the little black "dots" so you have holes for your needle...and viola! Your own templates...and they are free!

Link: https://acrobat.com/#d=BI0Dlp1fzJb1IolnhEYoEw


Or just copy the image above, and paste in into any word or publishing or paint document. Re-size as you wish! Just, don't resale it as that would be against my copy write.


Of course, if you would prefer not to do all of this work...I will do it for you at a minimal cost...just send me a note. Or if you are on Facebook...just send a message to Shawkl Design Studio and we'll work out the details.

And, the CQ Wiki site has more of my free templates...just go back to the first posting about TDiTM to find out how to get to the site.

If you enjoy using templates for your stitching...you might want to do a web search because there are companies that do sell various templates. Primarily they are plastic sheets that have holes punched in them in various grid patterns. Most come with a booklet that shows you which holes to use for what type of stitches. These are good...and I own about five different types! However, I frankly don't use any of them...I don't have the time to "figure out" which hole every time I want to do a stitch...so, I created my own. I like seeing the triangle, or herringbone, or circle...etc. It makes it faster for me to pick up a template and "draw" some dots on my seams so I can stitch faster with great results. And, I don't mind sharing...which is why you get them free...if you don't mind doing a little of the work.

Free Baby Blanket Pattern

Here's a new shadow applique pattern for you. It is fast and easy! So, if you have new babies entering your life...consider making this scrappy little quilt.

The center design and four corners are shadow-work applique...just fuse the pieces down, cover with chiffon or organza, and stitch a simple running stitch (quilt stitch) around each piece.

The pattern pieces and the pattern layout are both pdf files and I have uploaded them into my adobe acrobat account. Just click and they are available to you...free!

Enjoy!

If you like working with shadow applique, don't miss the angels, florals, and fairies in the Studio...link to my shop is at the top of the page.

Faces, Faces, Faces II--Fiesta!

I have been busy this week, but most of it I can't share just yet.

On HGTV Message Board we have a "teacup swap" started by Nickilee of RavioliDreams. It's loads of fun, and coming to an end soon...but since it is a challenge and folks will be voting...I can't post any photos of my teacup block. (which BTW is not yet finished...but almost!)

On MAP we are having a christmas ornament swap...and my three are also almost done. And, since they are a surprise for the swap partners...I can't show you them either!

Next, I have been working on a design of a purse for a friend...and we are both so busy, we have "pushed" our self-made deadline back three times...we are up to next year right now! But I'm hoping to get it done sooner...even so, I can't post!! Yikes!

What to share? What to share?

Oh, I just sent in my Faces, Faces, Faces II blocks for this round of crazy quilting...so can show you my international faces block for Mexico that Peggy requested. It is in the mail to the next robinette...Linda in Canada. So, here is a little eye candy for you! It just makes me want to dance (badly I might add...but I am willing to try!)

Pet Bling!

Usually my pet jewelry is limited to necklaces that have magnetic closures or are strung with elastic bands that allow the jewelry to be slipped over the neck. They are very light in weight and most animals have no issue with wearing them. Here's my cocker spaniel...Buddy.

 They are intended for special events, and not everyday wear as they do not have a way to attach a leash. A small dog tag...perhaps...but not a leash. So, I've been looking for a good sturdy collar that would allow a leash to be used...and where I could attach some BLING!

And, I have found leather pet collars that allow pearls, stones, and crystals to be stitched to them! They are extremely sturdy with double rivets and a large buckle with end guide and a loop for attaching the tags! So, I have spend the last few hours beading! These will be delivered to Buddy's local groomer tomorrow...she graciously markets my pet jewelry for me. Wish me luck, that they sale!

And, if I can ever get ahead in my schedule (which is going to take a minor miracle!)...I might get enough of these created in various colors...to market them in the ShawklDesignStudio. So many ideas, so little time!

Of course, I'd make extra time for beading pet collars if someone wanted a special order. It's hard to know what items will be hits and which will be misses...and allot time accordingly. So, I'm doing a lot of "fishing expeditions" to see what works!

My favorite two of these are the black hematite style beads with the Swarvoski crystals...great contrast. Hmmm...I might have to do a "people necklace" with this combo too!! Hey, matching sets!!...Oh no...there goes my brain again....thinking up more projects...and my plate is over-flowing as it is!

Thank goodness school starts in two weeks!

Oh, but I forgot...if you are in the neighborhood of northeast Alabama, or northwest Georgia...check out the adult education classes at Gadsden State. My quilt, jewelry, and crochet classes for the fall schedule are posted! (Did I just say more time would be open to me....when!?!) Anyway, the fall schedule is at the right side of their website at www.gadsdenstate.edu and adult education classes are around page 76.

The Queen is Published!

Over the past few weeks, I've gotten some "how to" questions on embellishing the Queen. To answer those, and to share...I wrote a short article for the CQMagOnline (Volume 9, Issue 3). If you have not yet checked out this great resource for all things "crazy" it is well worth your time.

So, click over and read some of their articles...and check out all the great photos! If the link gets broken, just type this in your browser window: http://www.cqmagonline.com

Embroidery Designs

Aren't these the cutest! I have found a great site that has some free embroidery designs...and these are two of my favorites...which I will be using soon.

If you'd like to see more...and her stitch library too!!...check out French Knots!