Handmade Paper Bead Necklace

Last week one night while watching TV I made my first paper beads.  I used a colourful Toys"R"Us flyer for the paper.  There is definitely a technique to making these beads and I plan to perfect them next time.  They were fun to make.  I used clear nailpolish to laquer them up once they were dried.  The pictures don't show them very well....

Then I wired the paper beads, turquoise and swarovski bead with silver plate wire. 

and them a new necklace...

was born...

 I was quite pleased with this first attempt with the paper beads.  I particularly liked the paper because it had so many different colours including turquoise and will complement many uses.

Fun.  Have you made paper beads?  Judi xoxo

Handmade Matryoshka Type Doll and Bag

While at the cottage on vacation recently I brought materials to work on projects.  I made a Matryoshka looking little doll (but not nesting)  from felt and embellished with little beads for my granddaughter Madeline.

I wanted something for her to carry it in or hang in her bedroom.  I pulled out my felt and started cutting...

sewing and embellishing with beads...

a little bag with lace and pearl trim and shoulder strap....pink and purple her favourite colours...

Then I made a little one that can stand on her own and can be a finger puppet...

here they both are...

On Thursday Geoff and Madeline came to my work and we had a picnic lunch outdoors that I had made.

 I gave the bag and dolls to her and she thought they were cute.  It was a fun project and fun picnic. 

I love this picture.... Judi xoxo

Spring Purse

I sewed a springy purse for myself this week. First I made a pattern onto brown kraft paper, drawing and measuring along the way. Then I cut out the pattern and fabric. The exterior fabric is like this with a yellow button over the snap closure.

I used some of my matching beads to add a little trim at the top of the purse. Its likely I'll sew more on one night while I'm sitting watching TV.

and the interior looks like this with a pocket

I cut some of the fabrics for the exterior and lining of the bag to make

a coordinating flower that I learned to make here

Then I sewed it on the side of the bag like this and voila a Judi original. The last time I made one of these flowers I glued a brooche pin to the back and I was able to remove it and wear it to coordinate the bag.

I also made a green bead and silver necklace but I'll show that to you another time.

Thats my show and tell for today... have a lovely day.... Judi xoxo