sillyduckie’s Neighborhood

This week I have been posting some of the new items for the 2009 - 2010 season. I haven't been able to properly work on my jewelry for a while, because of other responsibilities, so I finally get a chance to play with some of my new beads and gemstones.

This Easter, I took a nice trip with my best friend to New York, where we both got the chance to buy some lovely beads in the Fashion District. Some of my favorites were these luminous faceted prehnite drops, which boast a perfect spring green color. I paired them with lustrous button-shaped pearls in two sizes, tiny faceted peridot rondelles and icy blue moonstone rondelles.

The delicate color palette was perfect for a regal set of princess-length necklace and matching cascade earrings: The Faerie Queene set. Named for the famous poem, it really reminded me of a mythical fairy: delicate, regal and beautiful. The necklace features a handmade chain of pearls and gemstones, individually wrapped in sterling silver wire. A lovely prehnite is the focal pendant, topped with a cluster of pearls and gemstones. This necklace is a bit longer than what I'm used to making, with 18 inches of pure luxury. The earrings feature gradating sizes of pearls, with subtle accents of peridots and moonstones. Each bead has been individually set on a sterling silver chain.

I will be gradually adding more of the new pieces to my Etsy shop!

Today I listed a new item in my Etsy shop: a boxed set. A cute fabric-covered box unfolds to reveal a matching journal. These elegant sets are the top-of-the-line items in my shop.

The process of making the book and its box is quite time-consuming, but makes for a lovely end result. First, I need to make the backcloth. Fabric cannot be easily pasted to the book boards, so it needs to be backed with paper to make it stronger and easier to paste. This takes about a day for the fabric to dry and be ready to use.

Meanwhile, I make the signatures for the book, folding and tearing the paper, then grouping the leaves to make the signatures. Then it's time to measure and cut the boards for the covers. Once the backcloth is ready, I measure and cut fabric for the covers, a bit for reinforcing the spine and three little strips for sewing the book. I punch the holes for sewing the signatures and once the book is sewn, I reinforce the spine with a bit of gauze. Finally, I cover the boards with fabric and paste the signatures to the covers.

Once the book is ready, I measure it so I can get precise measurements for the box. Then I cut the boards for making the box, as well as the fabric and endpapers. I always use the same paper for the signatures and the endpapers in the box! I cover the boards and assemble the box. Before covering the inside, I attach the ribbon ties. Finally, the book and the box are left to air dry for a couple of days, and voilá! A new boxed set is ready.

I have made five of these boxed sets since I learned how to craft them. As you can see, they take a while to be ready, so they become a major project for my bookbinding sessions. I hope you enjoy them!

i don't blog about every place i've been to (yet) but i do try to post all my pics.

even though it's not here on my vox, they can be found here.

enjoy! :D

Thanks Madeit for including my Kiss Kiss necklace in their Wednesday Wonderfuls newsletter and shopping guide for this month!

 

A dose of cuteness to get you through the day.

Hope you're all having a good one :)

Via Funnyjunk and Bunblog. 

Market season is in full swing and I'm happy to annouce that I'll be having a store at Distracted Little Market Day on the 25th October, which is run by the lovely folks from the Distracted store in Leederville. 

They'll be 14 wonderful little stores ranging from art, craft and design. I'll be having a little sale to make way for some new stock and there will also be some new pieces available too (yay!). So hope to see you there!

Clicky here for more info.

Thread Den is taking part in this years Melbourne Spring Fashion Week and they will be showcasing fresh Australian designers in their show titled Killer Queen. Annnd.....Suga*N*Spice will be taking part in the show (huzzah!). I will have a few new pieces for the show, so come check them out! :D:D

 

Here's the info for the show -

"Thread Den is back for its second annual Melbourne Spring Fashion Week show - this year bigger and better at the Lithuanian Club theatre on two nights: Friday the 4th and Saturday the 5th September.

Showcasing emerging Australian designers, and featuring a cast of dancers, live strings and opera singers, it's sure to be an extravagant night out - all for only $12 (plus booking fee).

Then join us at the after party each night until late, and mingle with the designers.

Every ticket purchased also goes in the running to win a package including pre-show makeover, dinner at Sosta Cucina, accommodation for two and bar tab at the after party.

You can buy tickets either by popping into Thread Den (Level 1, 16 Errol St, North Melbourne) or calling us on 9329 5305."

 

Grab your tickets here!