free form crochet

since discovering free form crochet earlier this year

i've been on a roll

using up all of my leftover yarn and then looking for more interesting yarns

also learning new patterns

pinterest is a great resource for finding tons of information, websites

patterns and like minded people

i've joined an online yahoo group just for free form crochet

i love making these purses

i had a hard time finding handles and the ones i did

where the wrong color, too big or just plain ugly

so i figured a way to make my own

out of piping cord and yarn

problem solved!!

i also found these wonderful magnetic snaps

i usually start with a color palette 

then the fun begins

making tons of shapes until i have enough  to start sewing together 

some day i will make something bigger

perhaps a coat!!!

more tree pins

i couldn't resist

i had to try a few color variations

o christmas tree, o christmas tree

i said it

you heard me
(for some the dreaded "c" word)

only 34 days til christmas

what are you doing to get ready??

i designed this tree pin for a class i taught yesterday

at john bead

i was like a kid in a candy store picking out all the elements

( oh, what i could do if i where locked up in this place........

like one of santa's elves, i would get so much work done)

a little wire, a mix of swarovoski and crystal beads,

and a pin to finish it off

the possibilities are endless

i think i will make one in every color

shape wire into a tree, add beads and pin

easy peasy

another alternative

since i had a few metal complex items on hand

and a wonderful letter set given to me from carmi

sunset glory

just when you think it can't get any better!!!

stop and look again

it always amazes me just how quickly the sky can change in just a few minutes

i just wish it could last a little longer

it always makes my day

is it just me or does this look like a scene from "gone with the wind" ??

playing with fire

being  inspired by patricia baldwin seggebruch  new book 

and since i already have a blow torch

i decided to try her wood glue burn technique

who new glue could look so wonderful after a few minute

(above, wood board and painter tape covered with glue, remove tape then torch

until glue bubbles and wood burns- details of the experiment)

i love the texture it created!!

and once i ran out of glue i switched back to shellac

(below, top left-metal powders mixed with shellac over wax

top right-shellac over wax, wax rolled rose and paper

bottom left - metal inks on wood first , wax and then shellac burn

bottom right-metal power mixed with shellac on wax)

encaustic class

this weekend i had the change to wear my teachers hat

at busy b's

(above my class project)

it was a wonderful group of women

and  fun to see everyone get excited about working with this medium

everyone had they own take and did lovely work

i think i've created a few wax addicts!!

(above some of the students work)

a special thanks to barb for hosting this class

candy coma

in the past , i've only had a few trick or treaters

but this years was sadies (my goddaughter) first real year

i wanted to do something special and saw these great grab bags using latex gloves

so a trip to the candy store later i was busy making and eating

and of course beanie was around to help

i only got 6 visitors and now i have to get rid of all this candy

(i really can't eat anymore ,the candy hangover is bad this morning)

photos taken i my iphone