Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Red Bell Ornament



Hooray for me! I've finally gotten started on Christmas Ornaments. I've finished this Red "Pagoda Bell" ornament made with size 15 and size 8 seed beads and 3mm faceted rounds. It has a 6mm pearl for a clapper.

I'm working on another similar pattern that uses size 11 and size 8 seed beads. So far I've made three bells and each time I change a little something so the pattern isn't complete yet.

If you'd like to make a beaded bell for Christmas, you can obtain the pattern (instant download) from The Bead Coop by clicking on the title.

The pattern is also available in my Etsy shop (emailed to you when payment clears my account). Just click on my Mini Etsy Shop in the right hand column.

Happy Beading!

Saturday, September 13, 2008

Rose Bud Scrubber



The other day I was playing in the craft room, trying to get in the mood to bead. It just wasn't happening, but a plastic net bag that fruit had come in caught my eye. I usually just wad these up and use them for dish scrubbers, but I decided to do something a little more creative this time.

I made this rose bud scrubber. One end looks like a rose bud and the other end looks more like a full blown rose. You can find instructions for making it by clicking on the title.


Wednesday, September 3, 2008

Too Many Things to Do

I've been looking through my beads, trying to come up with Christmas ornament ideas, and have come up blank. All that comes to mind are things I've already done. I usually make all my grand children and great grand children ornaments each year. It's getting to be quite a task. I have 22 to make this year and no ideas yet!

Not being able to come up with new ornaments, I've turned my mind to soap. I have a wonderful trial batch that turned out beautifully. I infused rosemary in extra virgin olive oil and cold processed it at very low temps. I was surprised by the beautiful green! Usually nearly any type of organic green material turns brown in cold processed soap. I've changed the way I make it now.

When I first learned to make soap I was taught that it must cast heat, must go through the gel stage. I've been hearing from other soap makers that it's not necessarily so, so I decided to try it. I stirred it to trace at a bare 100 degrees and poured it into the mold. Then I placed it in the refrigerator to keep it from heating. It made a beautiful soap that lathers sumptuously, and is very mild on the skin. I scented it with rosemary essential oil. I think I'm going to change up the recipe a little bit and make it into a shaving soap. Or I may make some in a round mold and some more in a log mold. I love the scent of rosemary. It's so invigorating!

Then I had a call from one of my wholesalers for something with tea tree essential oil. I have a recipe that used to be a big seller when I was doing craft shows. I think I'll rework that a little and present it to her for approval. But in order to do all that I have to get off the computer.

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