Blog

Scarlet Fever

Thinking back to two years ago this week when I was sick with scarlet fever. I didn't even know that it was still around. But I was in bed for three days with a fever and sick to my stomach much of the time. And in bed even longer just getting my strength back. When you are older and sick like that it affects you differently than when you are a child.

Brand Map

I am using The Maker's Yearbook to plan and grow my business this year. One of the benefits of purchasing the yearbook is a private Facebook group. A lot of people in the group have created a one page Brand Map. It seemed like a good start to getting more business savvy so I made one for myself. It seems simple but it includes my logo, my theme, my brand colors, my fonts, and my values. - Darlene

I already changed my mind. I am trying a sea green palette. 

#5ba792 

#82b8c3 

#217c75   

#6bdbcd

Happy New Year

Happy New Year!

This past year has been a challenge both in my business and personal life. But I am hoping 2018 will be a great year for me - and for you!

My business has really slowed down. But I have new ideas to try that I hope you will like. I plan on making some Viking inspired pieces using chainmaille and Viking knit. I also want to make more stamped jewelry with Irish quotes and expressions. I need to continue improving my soldering skills so I want to make just simple linked sterling necklaces. I would love your ideas too so please comment below.

Hot Patterns Beginner Dressmaking Projects

Here is my pinterest board of Hot Patterns Beginner Dressmaking Projects I plan on making.

Project 1 - Hot Patterns Plain and Simple Woven Tee This pattern is sooo big that I have given up on it. I used my measurements for 34 bust and made a muslin of size 8. It was gigantic so I made another in size 6 the smallest size. It is still huge. I have no idea where to begin making adjustments so I am tossing this pattern.

RIP Abby

In 2006 I did something that would change my life. I went to a dog shelter.

Summer sewing plans 2016

Sewing a Merchant and Mills Apron

Making jewelry is messy. Sometimes I drop tiny pieces. Sometimes wax or flux gets on my clothes. So I decided an apron could help with all of that.

Being Thankful

Well November is the month to be thankful! And I have so much to be thankful for but I am especially thankful to everyone who has supported handmade and bought my jewelry. As a thank you I am offering FREE earrings. I will be posting the offer tomorrow on Facebook. Anyone who "likes" the offer is entered and if you "like and share" your name will be entered twice. Again thank you to everyone who supported me. - And keep following because I plan on another give-away on Cyber Monday! Have a wonderful November and Happy Thanksgiving!

How to make a hook clasp

Welcome to Technique Tuesday!

I recently listed a simple cross necklace on a leather cord. Although the design is simple the hook clasp I used was handmade by me.

So for #techniquetuesday I thought I would show you the steps involved in making a handmade clasp.

BeadFest 2015