Today I stoped at my favorite Park to listen to the Robins and take a few spring pictures.

Hawk Mountain

So my favorite thing about spring is the budding tree's, plants and showing of wildlife. Last week I had the pleasure of taking a trip out to hawk mountain in Central PA. I had a great time hiking around and decided that I would do a new spring line inspired by birds and the colors of the spring landscape. So, while I listed to spring showers tap on my window I'm contemplating what medium to use to make my new birds. I'm not an avid wood carver, but It is crossing my mind. I love working with sterling, but the idea of wawing something that intricate seems daunting. What about sewn?? maybe- and it would allow for more color?!? well, I'll have to try a few and see whitch comes out best.

Going, going, gone!

So for the last month I've been out of my mind making the worlds softest, cutest mittens designed to look like the one Bella Swan wore int the movie "Twilight." In all I've hand knitted 9 pairs of gray mittens and shipped them all over the country!

So if your a HUGE Twilight fan, and your wondering were you can get you mittens, check out my newest listing at: flutterknits.etsy.com

Need mittens in "Tween" sizes, look for my new smaller sizes listings for the same pattern of my Bella's Mittens.

Jamie

Knitting frenzy...

So its been really cold in the North East this January, andI've spent a good bit of time inside knitting. Here are some of the things I have been working on:

Bella's Mittens $50 (Wool Blend)

Miitens in progress

Fingerless Cable Gloves $40

Corcheted Victorian Gauntlets $45

Cabled Glittens $65

Plastic Bag Wallet

I've been tweeted to post some pictures of this project, so I figured if I was going to post, I'd explain what I did as well.

1. I start out with my left over plastic shopping bags from my latest trip to the store:

2. Then I cut the handles off:

3. and then the bottom:

4. now I have a big circle:

5. I cut down the middle to create one long plastic sheet:

6. I then fold it in half twice to get 4 layers, then its upstares to the ironing board:

7. I set the iron on acrylic (I found anything hotter melts the plastic through):

8. It doesn't take more then a quick touch to start melting away:

(test a small peice first to see how long it takes)

9. As the plastic melts it fuses the layers together and melts them into one:

10. Once the plastic melts leave it to cool for a minute and it will be very easy to cut!

11. Once you have a desired thickness and size, cut out the pieces you will need for your project:
(In my case, 2 of the same size rectangles for the wallet and one extra for the flap)

12. You may have to try a few time to get the desired effect, as holes occur if you aren't careful!

13. Depending on the number of layers, and the heat setting, you can achieve different thicknesses and sizes as shown here: (hint: they started out the same size!)

15. If done lightly, the fused sheet should still be very flexable but thick and sturdy and hard to tear through:

16. After cutting my two rectangles, I sew along 3 sides with a streat stitch on my sewing machine. I then attach a plastic button with embrodery thread:

17. For the button hole, I simply cut out the hole, the plastic is thick enough that it won't tear through:

19. and add the strap with an X stitch in the back:

20. The best part is that the bag has instructions to recycle on it, I place that part prominently on the back:

I have lots of ideas of things that I could make this way! If you come up with any, I'd love to hear them, And I'll share mine when I do.

Happy Crafting,

Jamie

Holiday Jewelry

Here are some new holiday designs, great for parties, work, family get togethers and the cold winter months ahead. Valentines Day is coming, so tell that Man in your life about the jewelry you really like, that won't break the bank, that you'll actually wear!

Back Spinel

Black Spinel faceted rounds set in sterling silver with 5

beautiful white coin pearlsto decorate the front. Earrings to match on

sterling silver ear hooks. $110.00

Ruby Sweetheart Necklace

Graduated natural Ruby faceted roundels from 3mm to 5mm are

adorned with a single white fresh water pearl set in sterling silver.

Small round garnets set off the sterling silver lobster clasp.

Pearl sits off to one side for interest. $240

Favorite Picks for the Holidays...

It's that time again! Time for wish lists and spiced coffee's. So, what cool new trends did you see out there in cyberland that you cant live without? Well here's my pics for the holidays:

Oooooo... a rolling mill for my silversmith studio!
www.contenti.com
















And for any knitters... drool with me over these:
http://www.knitpicks.com/



















I can't waite for one of these:
gocco printer
e-bay




















More to come- next will be my favorite etsy pics!

Cyber Monday...

Will you be shopping online this holiday season? After several unfortunate accedents on Black Friday, I know I will be. Who can beat the comfort of their own home? My favorite part is that many places offer free shipping and gift wrap, so whats to loose???
As I contemplate the indie craft movement, I wonder how much it has grown in popularity. I know there are millions of sellers out there like myself, but how many buyers are there? Will you be shopping handmade this holiday? Will you be going green? upcycling to benifit the greater good? Let me know.