new sketches

Selah: My wrist is crying out that it needs a respite from the long, tensed hours of work on tinies! I still wanted to make things though, so I decided to get started on repurposing some little wooden plaques I got at the goodwill. They had some horrible little wooden children glued to them and were painted an unfavorably bright yellow for my thinking, but already had little hangers and no problems that couldn't be fixed!

Because they are three of a kind, my mind got to thinking about inspirations. I wanted to do some more of my masked ladies because the only two I made have been purchased and with the show so close to Halloween, I thought they needed to make an appearance. After some thought and brainstorming with the husband, I remembered that I used musical names for my discreet femmes (the titles being Sonata and Minuet). I lit upon the idea of sisters and a 3 part harmony. Haven't quite worked out the naming specifics, but was able to get some solid sketching done, thinking about a family of beauties invited to a grand masked ball. Obviously still at the drawing pad, but thought I would let you all know where I'm at.

My wrist is still sore, but just leftover; the drawing is giving it some rest methinks. I've started taking some glucosamine, but it will be many weeks before I'm supposed to feel much difference. Pooh!

prep work

Selah: Spending as much time as I can working towards the show and making sure I have a good amount of merchandise for it. Figuring on my little earrings being an approachable purchase for this type of venue and making them whenever I get the chance (when Dicey is asleep and I'm not in a panic about housework). Have been creating some brand new designs inspired by Halloween, as the show is just prior. Excited about my leetle spider webs, thinking about adding beads to them!

It's always fun to create my own original temari patterns. When I do use someone else's pattern, I obviously make it my own and modify it/can't follow the directions exactly :D; but on the tinies, it's just too hard to measure everything out and really plan a design, so the process is a bit more organic and whimsical than is typical for the larger ornament balls.

It's been an interesting challenge to get used to making these after teaching myself to do the ornament embroidery. The idea came from Celena, who, upon seeing my laborious craft on the larger scale, gleefully declared that she wanted earrings. This was difficult, as it is not only a super small version, but you have to make a matched set! They've ended up being more fun than I expected, but doing the base wrapping for this size is a bit harder on the old paws!

Hopefully they will be a hot item at the show; who wouldn't want a one-of-a-kind pair of hand embroidered earrings? Wish me luck!