From Beads to Buttons

A New Year.....2012

2012-01-03T22:10:00.000Z

Firstly a big Happy New Year to everyone, I hope 2012 will be a prosperous one that brings joy and loads of happiness to everyone.

Normally during these early days in the year I would be counting the cost of my Christmas spend whilst trying to balance off the upcoming bills, however, this year is slightly different. I still have the usual bills (gas, electric need I say more) but due to my handmade Christmas gifts for the family I managed to make a big reduction in my normal Christmas spend on presents.

As a family we were able to jointly save up during the year with a saving tin which came out every fortnight. We contributed £2 each (not every fortnight but most) and on average there was only 5 of us making the regular contributions, but as the year rolled on we had 6 regular family members filling up this tin, plus generous donations at the end of the saving cycle. The tin was bashed open the first Sunday in December during our "Tin opening" celebrations to reveal that we had over £270 saved plus a further £50 in cash donations giving us £320 to cover the festive food and snacks for Christmas and the New Year. To help spread the cost for the drinks we have always agreed that everyone would bring a bottle of cans of beer. this has always worked fine with no problems. We had 18 adults and 4 children around on Christmas day dinner. For Boxing day we had around 22 adults and 6 children for dinner or snacks and then for New Year Eve we had 10 for dinner.

The reason for writing this post is to show that even in this current financial climate if your family can come together from early in the year and start saving - just a little bit each week you could feed an army as large as mine. by making most of your gifts you can please them and then you can still pay your winter bills.

Happy saving for 2012

My hand knitted cowls

2011-12-15T17:00:00.000Z

I've decided that this Christmas is going to be a truly handmade Christmas for me. I have made something for each family member from slippers, to scarves, hats and now these cowls. Which I an sending to my family in Canada.

Hand knitted on 6.5mm circular needles using James Brett yarn.

Cast on 150 stitches and work 4 rows in stocking stitch then 4 rows in reverse stocking stitch.

I knitted a total of 7 "4 row" blocks, then cast off.

Secure all ends, give it a little pull and viola your done .

I made all 3 in just under a weekend.

the pink/purple ones are for my little nieces so I reduce the stitches to 120

I nearly kept one for myself - but I can make one in the New Year.

Over the next few days I will be making my final gifts (fingers cross or its an emergency dash for late night shopping)

Handmade slippers

2011-11-18T09:29:00.001Z

Last year I was given a lovely pair of slippers from Christmas from my son. Needless to say they have been well worn and I needed a new pair. Whilst looking around the stores I decided that I would rather make a unique pair for myself.

So armed with the creative desire I measured, researched, examined, created and test a few patterns. These are the finish products.

Red velveteen fabric with a fleece lining. Faux leather soles and name on top.

Faux fur with fleece ling and faux leather soles.

I pushed the boat out a bit with this pair and made them into Mary Jane style slippers. This pair is made from 100% cotton, lined with blue anti pil fleece, fastened with a button trim velcro closing. White faux leather soles.

www.elliebjewels.com

Vintage influenced aprons

2011-06-15T21:37:00.000+01:00

I've often put on my little pinny when I'm in the kitchen cooking. The one I currently wear is a bit worn, even if I say so myself, but you how things are you find your favourite and get attach to it.

I decided to start making a few aprons from the stash of fabrics I have in my studio. Below is a half waist apron using the London Collection from Rose & Hubble fabric. I love the roses that, it also has a little pocket and very long tie.

Doing a search on Google I came across an image of a vintage heart shape bib apron, so I decided to remake it with a circular skirt using a very popular cupcake fabric and this cute embroidered gingham.

The heart shape bib has a button fastening

These are available through my website Ellie B Jewels

Jewellery making workshop at The 90 Day Cafe

2011-06-08T08:54:00.000+01:00

From Monday 20th June I will be running a series of jewellery making workshops in collaboration with The 90 Day Cafe at their venue in The Great Western Arcade. The workshops are suitable for beginners or improver's with a different item taught each week.

The 90 Day Cafe prides itself on its breakfast sandwiches and a never-ending list of handmade cupcakes, all of which can be enjoyed whilst making your jewellery or why not stay and enjoy their healthy deli lunch menu.

Spaces are limited so book early click here

Daisy Chain anklet

2011-04-13T08:57:00.000+01:00

With Spring with us and Summer will soon be here it's so beautiful to see so many flowers blooming. I thought I would makes these lovely delicate daisy chain anklets so you can feel the Springtime as you walk.

These are made with seed beads that are clustered together to form a fuller chain, made in the traditional daisy colours and in other shades.

This one is the single daisy chain with vine (modelled by Eve)

Egg Cosy for Easter or breakfast.

2011-04-01T11:07:00.000+01:00

With Easter fast approaching I thought I would give all my nieces & nephews a little cream egg in an egg cup with its own egg cosy. Well that was the initial idea, since that first thought I have made so many variations from crochet to stitched ones. Here are a few of them:

A few crochet ones - I got carried away with these as they are so quick to make. I've made them in all colours and sizes.

Traditional shape, cone shape and the lillte caps (which I love)

All the fabric cosies are lightly padded and fully lined.

Tissue box covers

2011-01-28T09:50:00.000Z

I've always liked the idea of the tissue box covers so decided to make my own. I wanted my pattern to be an "all in one" without the seams around the top. I also wanted to use the curtain eyelets as the dispensing opening for the tissues. I also wanted the covers to be reversible.
These are my makes:

Crochet Ear Warmer Headbands

2011-01-12T11:18:00.000Z

So I made the sausage dog draught excluder to keep you room warm. I hae also been busy making these lovely crocheted ear warmers/headbands to keep your cold of your ears.

These are really warm and very cosy to wear. I will be making them in a variety of colours and wool. http://www.elliebjewels.com/

Sausage Dog draught excluder

2011-01-12T11:07:00.000Z

To help cut the chills in the home I made this sausage dog draught excluder (he is so cute) that will make any room look great.

I created my own pattern and after a few adaptions this is the finish product. Yesterday some of the ladies on my Tuesday sewing class made their own.

I will be selling these on my website in a variety of fabrics and once I've written the make up instructions I will also be selling the pattern.

Craft Fairs

2010-11-26T08:22:00.001Z

I've got a very busy weekend with two craft fairs booked.

Saturday 27th - The Moseley Exchange .
Sunday 28th - Highbury Hall, also in Moseley.

I've got quiet a bit to sell including jewellery, bags, Scottie dogs, handbag shape doorstops, handbag shape cushions, scarves, and a little bit more.

Door stops or cushions

Pocket tissue covers

Spotty Scottie

African print Scottie - small dog

More Scottie Dogs - Tuesday sewing class

2010-11-17T09:33:00.000Z

As my regular Tuesday evening ladies turn up for their weekly sewing class there was cries of delight when they saw the few Scotties I had made. It didn't take very long before a couple of them decided they wanted to make their own.

This lovely black one was made by Eve, she also made it a removable tartan dog coat and will also have a little bell. Eve will be creating a range of coats so you can dress your dog up.

Antje had just recently purchased this herringbone fabric which she used some off to make her dog. The ribbon dog collar also features a little bell.

Finally I made this little tartan one - makes me want to eat Walkers shortbread biscuits.

Group photo - we will be name all the dogs. The tartan one will be called Quincy.

Finally this beautiful flower was made by Elaine sing 100% dupion silk.

Don't forget to add your comments I would love to know what you think of their work.

Scottie Dogs and Swarovski

2010-11-15T22:47:00.000Z

In the search to create some wonderful gifts for the upcoming Christmas fairs I decided to make these little Scottie dogs.

My favourite is the little ruby one which is made from 100% dupion silk and has got Swarovski crystals for the eyes. Sporting a wonderful dog collar made from Swarovski crystals and a Swarovski heart. This will make a wonderful gift for that special somone.

To be honest I love them all it will be hard to part with them.

Spiral scarf

2010-10-22T08:41:00.000+01:00

I have been very busy recently crocheting and made these fabulous spiral crochet scarves in a variety of yarns.

You can purchase them from my website click here they will make a great Christmas present.

Let me know what you think.........

New Studio - new workshops

2010-09-06T09:05:00.001+01:00

I've finally moved into my new studio workroom, and I've already delivered 2 workshops. Brand new offices in a great location just above The Zen Shop,
Digbeth Court
2nd Floor
162 - 164 High Street Deritend
Digbeth
Birmingham
B12 0LD

The move was very exhausting and to top things the lifts was not working and I'm on the 2nd floor :(. Luckily I had great help with all the heavy stuff. It stills need a bit of fine tuning and rearranging but I will get there in time.

The workshops that I ran was an all day jewellery making for beginners, where I covered all the basic techniques needed to create beaded jewellery. This includes making the loops on headpins, opening and closing jump rings, crimping, right angle weave (crossover weave). We then put these into real jewellery and made a beaded charm bracelet, a necklace, a bracelet, earrings plus we did a few little takeaway samples and an elasticated bracelet plus more.

The other workshop was the Basic Sewing for beginners - covering how to thread up your sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, how to sew a straight line. Then after choosing their fabric they learnt a little on how to lay it out and to cut out a little shopping tote bag using dressmakers shears. The techniques used to sew the bag was pressing, sewing french seams and very important how to sew with pins in the fabric. Again a very successful workshop and lovely bags made.

Other workshops for this week includes the following:

Complete Dressmaking Course
Crochet for beginners
Wired rings
3 week jewellery making course
Saturday 11th a Chain Maille workshop

If you would like to attend any of my workshops please visit my website http://www.elliebjewels.com/ If you would like me run a particular workshop just drop me an email ellieb_jewels@hotmail.co.uk

Psychedelic fabric - make up bag

2010-08-13T11:23:00.000+01:00

I was doing my normal little bit of fabric shopping when I spotted this alluring psychedelic fabric and thought how nice it would look made up as a bag. As this is something I do so often I now only buy the minimum that I need to do a sample test, then if I like it I go back and buy more.

This is my sample bag - little make up bag or just a small handy bag.

I will be using the fabric for a few other little designs.

Thank you

Ellie

I'm back.......

2010-08-13T01:23:00.000+01:00

Hi all, well I can't believe how long it has been since I wrote anything here, time really has flown by. Ive done so much I've been on holiday with the family to Portugal. Such a lovely place and will definitely be going back. I've been looking for a unit/studio to run my workshops from and after a few viewings I've finally found one that I hope will be suitable and should have the keys in a couple of weeks.

I've also written some new workshops and will be running these from September which includes an all day basic jewellery making workshop, a complete bag making course, a 10 week dressmaking course with a presentation on the last day, make your own fascinator workshop, plus more jewellery making workshops. I will have daytime, evening and weekend classes. Details are on my website http://www.elliebjewels.com/

Fingers cross I will be back tomorrow with more updates.

Fascinator number 2

2010-05-31T10:27:00.000+01:00

Yes number 2 is finish. This one has been attached to a metal teeth hair comb that has been covered with satin ribbon. The flower, black bow and the leaves have been handmade by myself and stitched onto the comb. Pearls have been hand stitched to the centre of the flower. Glue has only been used to attach the feathers.

My daughter has already bagged this one for a wedding she is attending this Saturday.

My First Fascinator - Millinery 2010

2010-05-30T11:48:00.001+01:00

Wow! at last I have made my first fascinator for the Millinery course I am on. It is made from black and cherise sinamay with feathers on a black "widows veil net" attached to a black sinamay fascinator base.

I handmade the three flowers a calla lily and 2 roses. It has all been hand stitched into place with only the feathers attached with glue. On this course we have to keep visual evidence of our work and the process that we went through to completing our project. Well I am so glad I did as this final version is very different to how it originally started out. I will go back to my original concept and develop that one. But I never just stop I have already started my 2nd fascinator and some more flowers.

Millinery Course

2010-05-23T11:03:00.006+01:00

I've always loved hats and always wanted to make one, not just the flat pattern ones but the ones that you have to block. Well last year I came across a NCFE course being run at South Birmingham College, very local to me, in Millinery. I instantly signed up for it. The 12 week course didn't actually start until March this year (I was so excited).
So far we have covered creating mood boards, colour theory, loads on hats and fashion, even a visit to Bridget Rilley exhibition at Birmingham Art Museum, all of which has been great. On a practical level we have created a variety of fabric flowers in all shapes, sizes, colours and different fabrics and with ribbons.

Yesterday we had a drawing lesson on how to draw a face, then how to draw hats then the combination of both. We also looked at creating images by ripping up newspapers and magazines, this was very interesting.

We also finally got to use our sinamay (yeah!!!) I brought mine on EBay from Guigkat who also has a website www.thetrimmingcompany.com the quality is very good. We started to make some sinamay flowers and the spiral trims that you see on hats and fascinators.

I also brought Karen Henriksen "Design & Make Fashion Hats" book which is full of fantastic inspirational hats, great patterns and instructions on how to make and block hats.

More Fabric Party bags

2010-05-20T23:52:00.000+01:00

I've had a very busy day today. I was house sitting this morning, then I went fabric shopping (over spent again), then this evening I made a few more pary bags.

I love the pink gingham with the embroidery stitching. I think I will out together an all girlie set. I just need to buy some boyish fabrics now.

Angelina Ballerina apron

2010-05-20T23:43:00.001+01:00

I was out and about today when I came across some Angelina Ballerina fabric. I made it into this little girls apron. Ellie B Crafts

All things girlie keyring or bagcharm

2010-05-13T10:05:00.001+01:00

All the favourite things that we love put together to make this keyring or bagcharm fun to have. Made up of 7 individual plated or enamel charms taken from the following items.

Pink enamel heart
Little dress
Hat
Plated bag
Plated shoe
Enamel shoe
Flip flop
Cosmetic bag
Enamel bag

Available to buy from ElliebCrafts and from my Folksy

I'm back

2010-05-10T19:55:00.001+01:00

Sorry everyone for the long break, I've been very busy with this and that. Mainly the jewellery workshops with Lordswood Girls School and the Sewing & Craft Club plus I am also doing a millinery course on a Saturday where we have just started to create a range of flowers made from fabric and ribbons. It's always a challenge trying to find something new to do.

Well as promise I have a few things to give away. The first thing that I am putting in the pot is these "Make your own butterfly mobile phone charm kit" I have ten kits to give away (bead colour may differ).

All you have to do is become a follower of this blog then email me at ellieb_crafts@hotmail.com

More things to come.......

Free Give Aways

2010-04-25T22:51:00.002+01:00

Coming soon.... just a few give aways