August Craft Day...

 

 

Saturday was our August Craft Day, so I ran over to Portage to play with my girlfriends. This month was led by Marie (in the striped top) and Kim (on the right end of this lineup). We started with 8" tall wooden letters that we then embellished.

 

Some of the ladies used flowers, some used paint or decoupaged fancy papers to the front, some used vintage jewelry pieces to add a little bling. I think they all turned out great!

 

It was nice to take our photographs outdoors for a change. The ladies just laid these all out on the grass for a nice arrangement. They're all so different, reflecting the personalities of their creators.

 

This was mine...music paper background which I then embellished with pretty flowers. This was a simple, easy project that I completed in less than an hour (thanks to a blow dryer to hurry the ModPodge™ drying time).

 

I presented Miss Belle with her dragon brooch, too. She's a low key kinda gal, but she tell me how much she loved it, and I even got a hug! It was really fun to present it to her. I may make another someday just for fun.

Sunday was a busy day, but I'll save that for a post later this week. Tomorrow is Tag's turn. He can't wait to see you.

Belle's Dragon Brooch...

 

 

I contacted my goldwork teacher, Clara and asked what she thought about my face dilemma. She suggested I just change out the eye and nostril to give them more contrast. Of course! Sometimes the simplest solution is that last one we think of. I switched out the black smooth purl for gold and it was just the thing I needed to do.

The brooch is now complete and is ready to go to its new owner when I go back to this month's Craft Day. I'm pretty sure Belle will love it. I know I do.

If you'd like to see how this piece sparkles, you can click HERE to see the short video I posted through Instagram. I'd love to know what you think.

Latest Brooch Update...

 

Analyzing a photograph always helps me decide if I'm happy with elements of my design. I happened to take this one late last night after stitching most of the day (with the exception of going for my hair appointment). 

I thought the blue check purls might be nice with the leather I used, but now I'm not sure if it's too dark. I'm going to have to sit down with a critical eye to decide if I'm going to cut those out and try something more in the green family. 

I know if I decide to take it out, it's going to take a while, but that shouldn't be my deciding factor. You'll get to see what I decide tomorrow. Back to the needlework stand.