07/09/2012

Well, I'm 2 for 2.  Two weeks consistently adding to my blog.  It helps that I set a reminder on my phone.  Every Monday, I try to get it done.

New things going on in my life...Well, I've gotten back into making the Washi Jewelry.  What is Washi Jewelry you ask?  Well, being in Japan, I fell in LOVE with this decorative paper the Japanese make called Washi Paper.  It's roughly about 4ft by 2ft for the larger size.  (Don't quote me as I don't have a full sheet in my possession right this minute)  They are mostly decorated with bright colors.  Most have the Sakura flower or Cherry Blossom design, or leaves.  Many have a fan and or a butterfly.  All are very beautiful.  Now, the Japanese use this washi paper to decorate many things.  The most common thing I have seen are tea boxes and eggs.  Yes, I said eggs, as in Chicken eggs or Quail eggs.  And let me tell you, they are gorgeous!

So, I tried to put my own spin on the Washi craft and turn it into Jewelry, because that's a big part of who I am, and what I craft.  So I devised a way to make jewelry using 2 sheets of either matching print washi's or using complementary /coordinating colors.  My purpose of using 2 sheets is to make it reversible.  With pendants, it's easy for it to get flipped over and show the other side, and I wanted the other side to be as pretty as the front.

I have two co-workers that are leaving very soon, so I got a jump start on their going away gift.  Both ladies are very feminine, so I added Swarovski Elements crystals for a little bling.  The picture shows both sides for the earrings and the matching pattern washi paper.

So sitting on my desk are 4 sets of the blue and cream butterfly's ready to be made into earrings.   I put the clear coat on the second side today so I'm waiting for that to finish drying.  Now my dilemma is bling or no bling.  Most of the washi paper I have has gold somewhere in the pattern, so all my findings are either gold plated or gold toned and lead free/nickel free.

As an update on my fillet crochet blanket, last week I was on quite the roll.  I'm down to 5 more rows to finish the blanket and then the edging.  But I'm almost out of yarn, and I had to special order the color I needed at my local craft store...and, I'm one of those people that HATES to run out of yarn and have to wait.  I'd prefer to stop what I'm doing, where I'm at and wait till I get what I need.  So, the blanket is temporary on hold for another couple of weeks.  I think I will start on the Lotsa Heart Elephant cross-stitch I was planning on starting next, during my lunch break tomorrow.

Don't forget to check out my etsy store.  http://www.etsy.com/shop/SaltedBones