Handmade Monday 31.1.11

My friend Wendy is hosting a regular feature called Handmade Monday over on her blog 1stuniquegifts.  I am really pleased that Wendy has started this as it will make me more proactive in my own crafting which I have to say has been sadly neglected for the last 6 months and this will give me the motivation to do something even if it's only a doodle. 


The idea is that you blog about something you’ve made or are making (or anything related to that) and then go over to Wendys blog,  where there is a Linky tool – you add your blog link this should then point more visitors to your blog.

So don't forget mark it in your diaries every Monday is Handmade Monday.  Who knows what we will come across on each others sites.  

Ok here are my makes for today.  They will eventually be turned into greeting cards althougth I'm not too happy with the lollipop trees - I think the trunks are to wide.  The tall heart card I started last week but have only finished it today - I'm happy with the way it's turned out. 

Oh and please do excuse the creative mess :) and the picture - daylight seemed to have disappeared and the pic was taken under my desk lamp.

heart tree card

heart tree 1, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Original artwork painted with Derwent watercolour pencils on aquafine w/colour paper mounted onto cream card - ideal for valentines day.

Win these Swarovski Earrings

Win these Swarovski Earrings, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Swarovski 8mm round faceted crystal in fuschia pink with crystal AB bicones flower bead caps - sterling silver ear wire.

Who would have thought that I would have 400+ followers. I certainly didn't.

So to celebrate this I am doing my first give away. All you have to do is leave a comment on my facebook page (see link below) and maybe "like" the page if you haven't done already although this will not affect your chance of winning.

The draw will take place on Wednesday 12th January.

Leave your comments here www.facebook.com/pages/Itsamistry-Design-Studio/140063075...

Swarovski pearls & crystals bracelet

Swarovski pearls & crystals bracelet, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Commission made for a father to give to his 3 year old daughter on his wedding day. It's so tiny - 12cms long with a small extention.

So how did I come by this commision?  It was all because of  Joanne from Vintage Twee she is one of the loveliest people you can meet.  Her work is of the highest standards that I have seen in a long time.  Every detail of her work is thought out carefully to show off the vintage paper, lace, designs etc to their best advantage.

Joanne was commisioned to make some vintage items for a couple who are getting married in Stockton on Tees and the gentleman wanted to give his 3 year old daughter something to open on the wedding day and she suggested he speak to me.  After a few emails regarding his requirements and me sending him sample pics of my previous work he decided to go with a simple but beautiful bracelet. 

You have to really see it so appreciate how tiny and cute it looks. It only measures 12cms from the sterling silver heart clasp to the first ring.  I've also added a short extention to this so that it can be made a little bit bigger if needed.  It's difficult trying to gauge a size from just the measurements.

To see more of Joannes work check out her website http://vintagetwee.com/

Tuesday Taster Sessions

Lou's Necklace, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Louises button pendant that she made at the Tuesday Taster session @ Broadstone Mill.

Times Square New York

DSCN0251, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Just like in the films lol. Loved loved loved it here and our hotel was just up the road.

An elephant in New York 2

An elephant in New York 2, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

And a close up

An elephant in New York

An elephant in New York, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

LOL I've just realised I've not updated any pics from my trip to New York.

Here is a little taster of what one can find without even looking for it. I love elephants and when I saw this sculputure (52nd or 53rd st West) I knew I had to photograph it.

Anyone visiting NY should really walk around the city there is so much to see and do. I really NEED to go back there very sooonnnnn.

William 21st Birthday Commision

William 21st Birthday Commision, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Made for a lady who had only popped into see one of the photographers in one of the other studios. She saw another card I had done with a champagne glass - the beads looked like bubbles coming out of the glass.

Hope she likes it.

Lampwork Bracelet

Lampwork Bracelet, originally uploaded by itsamistry.

Here is the finished bracelet made with the lampwork beads made by Jeanette. Teamed up with 3mm swarovski bicones and sterling silver.