I took a class last year to make a chain maille bracelet. It was quite simple and a lot of fun. I found a YouTube video made by some bizaare guy with the instructions for the pattern used in this necklace. Chain maille is basically just putting a lot of jump rings together in specific patterns. This pattern is "4 in 1" and used over 300 rings. I just purchased more jump rings in the chain maille section of Michaels - didn't know they had one! Can't wait to make more.
Another favorite pasttime is painting. This time I tried painting a canvas from a picture of where we stayed while in Kauai last year. It is a little primitive but was fun to paint.
This little telephone table was unfinished when I started. I painted it using acrylic paints then decoupaged scrapbook paper on the flat table surfaces. For a little bling I added some beaded trim. I love using items I have on hand rather than buying specific items for a project. It's a challenge searching through my vast craft room for just the right supplies. I keep it in front of a low window with a plant on top.
This unfinished wooden shaker box was something I had in my closet for quite a number of years. I knew I wanted to decoupage it for use in the kitchen but just couldn't find the right paper. One day while in my pantry I pulled out a package of $1 (for 6) paper placemats that I had also purchased at Michaels a while ago. It was perfect for my box. I keep it on my kitchen counter to hold bread items.
I made another trip to Michaels yesterday for more jewelry supplies. Rich and I belong to an antique Ford car club and I want to make a necklace to wear with an Edsel theme to match our car. I also got a new seed catalog in the mail yesterday wth fabulous pictures that will be perfect for decoupage. I am sure if I look in my closet I will find just the right item to use as a base. If not, I will be back to Michaels.
