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ClearlyHelena

• Classy • Crafty • Quirky • (Classy Jewelry, Quirky Crafts)

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z. Crystal Sun Catchers: Wirework Tree of Life

by Filed Under: CREATIONS, Home Decor

Wanting to make something for a friend?  Why not a suncatcher?  Why not crystal sun catchers? I recently visited a close friend whom I had not seen for a long while. He lives on a boat in Palm beach. A 70 foot ferro cement schooner he built virtually by himself over a span of 40 years.  I seldom get to see him but he has always been there for me when times were shaky. However, living as he does, there is not a lot of room of bric-a-brac and things that might take up too much space.  But sun catchers, and  gleaming, sparkling crystal sun catchers  – that would be ideal.

Crystal Sun Catchers

Crystal Sun Catchers (CH0232)

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ClearlyHelena moves to WordPress

by Filed Under: General

ClearlyHelena to WordPress

ClearlyHelena moves to WordPress

As I have been saying over at NetWebbing.com in Internet Marketing Success – Core Essentials, WordPress is the platform recommended by most internet gurus.  So naturally, I had to move ClearlyHelena to WordPress.

However that produces a few (short-term) problems.  For one thing, what about all my posts I had already done?  For another, you may get bored?  But …

Repetition Is Key to Remembrance!

Yes, I made that up.  That doesn’t mean it is not true though.

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Bloglovin – How to Add your blog to get some Loving!

by Filed Under: General

Follow my blog with Bloglovin –  I was told by a wonderful friend Ren, via Facebook to sign up for Bloglovin so she can follow me.  Was I chuffed?  Yup!

So I have signed up.

If you too have a blog and you would like members of Bloglovin to give you some loving – How to Keep Your Blog Readers and Followers with Bloglovin (by A Little Unhinged)  is a very useful article detailing how to add your blog to Bloglovin.  (You need to do this before you can get any Bloglovin followers).  And don’t be like me – read the entire article before you get started.  Makes your life easier – I assure you!

Happy Bloglovin!

z. Wire Christmas Ornament with Wire Work

by Filed Under: CREATIONS, Home Decor

This Freeform Wire Christmas Ornament just popped out by itself following on the fun making of the Freeform Wire Wrap Pendant and Earrings in copper.
Wire Christmas Ornament

Wire Christmas Ornament (ch0292/syl)

This kind of freeform wire wrapping is very rewarding: you never know what is going to turn out and surprise you. And it also offers a perfect opportunity to use up those loose and unused leftover beads in various shapes.  And if you can feel Christmas fast approaching, then it is the perfect time for a wire Christmas ornament.
TIP:
  • using a combination of wires gives it extra character and interest.
  • brass wire, as a base, is perfect as it is normally much stiffer than copper or silver.  And as it tarnishes (albeit slowly), it yields more character.
Wire Christmas Ornament

Wire Christmas Ornament

Created: Dec 2012
Materials:
  • brass copper wire (0.7mm)
  • random selection of glass beads, small gems, cat eye beads

 

z. Drawstring Jewelry Pouch – Circular + Multiple Pockets

by Filed Under: Accessories, CREATIONS

I made this circular drawstring jewelry pouch as a trial piece.  But I made it a long long time ago  (2011? 2012?)  So you will be disappointed (as I am) that I no longer know where I learnt it from.  At the moment, I can’t locate the instructions.  All I can do is give you some detailed pictures of the drawstring jewelry pouch.  That at times, might be all one needs.

 

Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

Drawstring Jewelry Pouch (ch0293/bmw)

I know my work here is not perfection.  Yes, the sewing lines are a bit wonky. However, in my humble defense, I was only wanting to determine the feasibility and functionality of the piece.

 

And I rate it: 10/10 😀

 

I intend to make more (one day! sigh!) and when I do, I will be able to add more pics and/or instructions.

What’s Great about a Drawstring Jewelry Pouch?

For now, let me just tell you the many good things about this circular drawstring jewelry pouch with multiple pockets:
  • great way to use up your beautiful scraps of fabric
  • very functional.  Great for keeping your jewelry safe by surrounding it with soft fabric
  • great for travelling
  • easy to open/close
  • easy to compartmentalize your jewelry
  • Tip: it does not have to be just jewelry 😀
Opened Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

Opened Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

Opened Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

Opened Drawstring Jewelry Pouch – slightly different view

 

Bottom of Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

Bottom of Drawstring Jewelry Pouch

icon_smile_blush

 So Embarrassed!  You can see how wonky my hurried stitching was. I was too overly excited to see the end result of my first circular drawstring pouch and sacrificed neatness for quickness.

 

Note to Self:  Naughty girl!  I hope you kept the templates somewhere.  Humph!
Created: 2011 or 2012?
Materials:
  • pieces of fabric
  • some cording as pull-cord
  • some large hole beads for cord stoppers (here I used colorful wooden beads)
I know this was only a short DIY note on the making of the Circular Jewelry Pouch with Multiple Pockets. However I hope it will inspire you to make your own – which I have no doubt, will put mine to shame!

 

Addendum Dec 2016:

I was reminded of this drawstring pouch by a reader writing in recently.  I still have not located the original instructions I used.  However I have found 2 free tutorials online which I hope will be of use to you.

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