March 20, 2010

Beads on the Beach...

My "secret" commission project is finished!
It's a beaded clutch.
Yesterday, I went to A Good Yarn in Sarasota to show
the finished piece to my client, Susan, who owns the shop.
The clutch features a Lorna's Laces sport weight yarn,
dyed especially for Susan's shop. The color is called "A Good Beach",
hence the name for my piece - "Beads on the Beach Clutch"!
It also incorporates beads from Deanna's Vintage Styles.

My project was to create a pattern for a new class
that I'll be teaching for the shop using this yarn.
I have a few small changes for the finished piece,
including creating a unique button for it.
I've placed a seashell where it will become a button.

I'll do a little tutorial for you next week to show
you how I transform it to "buttonhood", but I had
to show it to you now as you've been so very patient.
I finished the inside of the clutch with linen fabric,
making sure it has the requisite pockets, too!
Just the right size for a cell phone, credit card,
cash, vintage hankie and lip gloss!


Wouldn't you just love this as a memento of
warm, sunny days spent lounging on a Florida beach
(or dreaming of a romantic beach getaway)?

So, what do you think? Do you love it or hate it? Be honest now...
I'd really appreciate your feedback.

If you're interested in taking my class, or
purchasing the kit to make at home,
it will be available in April or early May from Susan
(once I finish proofing the pattern,
and the next shipment of the yarn arrives in the shop).
She'd be happy to send you your own kit!
I'll let you know as soon as they're available.

If you're not a knitter, I'll be making finished clutches available
for purchase in the Boutique. I plan to list them up in April.

Next in the studio, though, is The Wedding Gown Project...
(I hope you'll be back to visit as I progress
from fabric to finished gown over the next couple of weeks!)
Oh, and I'm not crowing, but you have to go to see my friend,
Anne at Fiona and Twig
to read the incredibly wonderful post she wrote about me Saturday.
Made me a little weepy, it did.
Thanks again, Anne.
There's still time to enter my First Blog Birthday Celebration if you haven't done so yet. I'm trying to get around to visit all my new follower friends. If I haven't visited you yet, I promise I'll get there and leave a message for you as soon as I can. I'm really enjoying seeing how creative all of you are. And, if you don't have a blog, no worries! I look forward to getting to know you better, too.

Good luck to all of you in the drawings. I wish I could give a little something to each and every one of you, but if you keep reading and following along, I'll do my best to remedy that in the future.
JoySignatureBROWNSM
Thanks to everyone who took my poll about the static or scrolling Etsy widgets. The static widget won, hands down, so I've removed the one that scrolls. I really appreciate your input!

21 comments:

  1. What a lovely purse you have made. You are indeed on talented lady. It was a very sweet post about you from
    Anne, she is such a sweetie. I look forward to seeing more of your projects!

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  2. Hi Donna. What a lovely clutch. As pretty as it is, I bet it's even lovelier in person. I just love the linen and the detail on the inside, including your tag which I love by the way.

    Have a lovely Sunday. I've got to go see what that sweet Anne has said about you. I just love her too.

    Hugs...Tracy :)

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  3. The bag is lovely and I do like the way you have constructed the inside lining.

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  4. That is so adorable! I love the colors.

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  5. Hi Donna
    Found you through Anne - and I´m so glad I did. Love your work. Signed up as a follower :D
    ~ Tina

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  6. The clutch is remarkable! Everything you make has such a professional look to it's entire appearance. Thanks for the photo shoot.
    Jody

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  7. Donna, this is very sweet, I love the shell idea for the button! Even though I am a baby knitter, do you think I would be able to knit it? I would love to get a kit. Your tags are so gorgeous, very professional.
    I saw the post Anne did, made me fill with pride!!!
    Have a happy weekend!
    Hugs,
    Margaret B

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  8. LOVE that clutch - you are so talented my friend.
    Like your blog header too (did you recently change it?)
    Sylvia

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  9. This clutch is wonderful Donna!Your creations are posished and so fine!
    Love
    Marcie

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  10. I will be honest with you...that clutch is AMAZING!!! The stitch pattern (one of my favorites) is amazing and the colors are so light and definitely "beach friendly." Beautiful!!! Theresa

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  11. The clutch is gorgeous! Love the colors and the implied swirl of the dunes and water at sunset!

    Your talent is sublime!

    Thank you for sharing!

    Sandy

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  12. Wonderful! Reminds me of our days in Sanibel and Captiva. The shell is the perfect touch. I can imagine it in shades of ocean blues and greens too!

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  13. Your purse is so amazing. I love the new yarn because of the colors. They are so pretty. I really love it. I will be looking for pictures of your next project. Take care Your Missouri Friend.

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  14. Donna,
    I think it's WONDERFUL, I think you are amazing in all you do. And my goodness friend, you do it ALL! I have always wanted to learn needle crafts, I even tried to teach myself to crochet but to no avail. I wish I could take one of your classes. I think it's more likely I buy one of your treasures. Lisa

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  15. The purse is *gorgeous* I would definetly take the class if I lived in sunny florida :) what a beautiful creation, and being a girl that grew up by the beach, I *love* it
    xoxo
    Becca

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  16. Well, I love it, of course!

    And even if you were crowing, you would have every right to be proud of yourself! I can't think of anyone else out there who does as MUCH as WELL as you do!

    And people....have you SEEN the quilt she just listed in her Etsy shop??? Go!! Look now!!!

    Love,
    Anne

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  17. Donna, that clutch is so absolutely gorgeous! You are so talented. I am envious of what a great knitter you are! Twyla

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  18. It's truly beautiful girlfriend. A lovely piece!
    hugs,
    shell

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  19. My your "Beads on the Beach" clutch is very elegant. What a wonderful job you have done with it. Happy creating...

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  20. om my goodness...this is just beautiful...nice work

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  21. Donna, this is so gorgeous! Is there no end to all your talents!!!
    I just love visiting here! You go girl!!! Hugs, Paulette

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Thank you so much for leaving a comment today. I'm using new settings on my comments so that I'll be able to respond to your messages to me. Be sure to come back to see my replies!

Blessings, Donna