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Last time we spoke, I told you about the blanket I designed that was inspired by a 'pet' goat - it took me a while, but I finally finished it. I backed it with a soft baby blue minky fabric. I will be making another this week for another family member  - she is due in 3 weeks. Thank God for digital design. Have a great day xoxo Al

It had been a busy couple of days, so busy that I forgot one of my nieces birthday. As I was settling in to bed I noticed the alert on my phone - "Dana's Birthday". At about 3 in the morning, I got up and whipped up this little gift. [caption id="attachment_297" align="alignnone" width="303" caption="Crystal Earrings"][/caption] I had a difficult time photographing them, so I scanned them in - I hope you are able to see them. Anyway, here is what is involved. 2 6mm butterfly crystal, 2 4mm Faceted Cube Crystals, 4 4mm bicone crystals, 2 headpins and ear...

Each summer I create something new for my home. This summer, in anticipation of numerous outdoor picnics and  barbecues, I decided to make some table cloth weights. These gems are functional and beautiful - they look perfect dangling from the end of my table cloth while keeping it in place. [caption id="attachment_239" align="alignnone" width="358" caption="Heart table cloth weight"][/caption] I got a bit carried away - the ideas just kept flowing, so I made quite a few.... [caption id="attachment_243" align="alignnone" width="354" caption="3 More T/C weights"][/caption] I figured I would make some for my friends as well [caption id="attachment_244" align="alignnone" width="360" caption="Cobalt...

My best friend's daughter is turning 7 this week  and I was thinking of making her some earrings from some butterfly Swarovski crystals that I have been saving for the occasion. But last Friday she called and told me that she wanted me to make her something pretty for her new room - they just moved to a new home - I was more than happy to do it, in fact, I had a design that was inspired by her. You see, like me, she loves butterflies. [caption id="attachment_153" align="alignnone" width="398" caption="Catching butterflies"][/caption] We were hanging out one weekend and...

When I was in middle school (primary school) my art teacher would take us on nature walks and we would use things found in nature in our art projects. I guess she left a lasting impression, because I still take nature and my projects are still inspired by tings found in nature. These days, I take along my cell phone so that I can capture interesting images. The following is the 'view from my cell phone' [caption id="attachment_131" align="alignnone" width="420" caption="Growing in the wild"][/caption] [caption id="attachment_135" align="alignnone" width="420" caption="Hanging from a plam tree"][/caption] I wonder what was going on here,...