Keeping it Simple . . .

.  .  .  I am trying to introduce some light simple wrist wraps into my etsy shop.

The urge to bead - embroider - and then bead some more, is very strong

and a hard habit to break. I find beading relaxing and fun but not everyone

likes that much detail in a fabric bracelet.

So with this in mind, I challenged myself to make some wrist wraps using

my favourite elements -  vintage and antique lace (but not a bead in sight)

-  to keep it simple.

I sourced a selection of lace approx one inch wide ( I enjoyed ever second of

that search) tracking some down in markets and some more on the web.

I choose lace from 1920's and 1930's to add a soft vintage look and because

it is so stylish, so very Downton Abbey. 

To add something decorative, I printed beautiful vintage images of butterflies
and bees onto cotton and sewed a light backing. 

I picked these images as they were very popular at the time a lot of the

lace would have been made. I also like some of the common associations;

Butterfly with long life / transformation / soul  / remembrance

Bee with luck / wisdom / diligence.

I was surprising how much I loved these simple pieces when they were made.

Some are tied with a small shell button - some with long ribbon.

So more of these are on the way soon for the shop.

Lesson learnt - sometimes keeping it simple is just as pretty and as much fun.

A nest for a Raven . . .

.  .  .  I just love Ravens.
Can't work out exactly why I am drawn to them so much, maybe it's my dark side!
Although I love soft shades and use pale fabrics and lace in my work, I have never been a 'powder pink' sort of girl and black would be my default choice to wear - (against all the hopeful urging of my family wanting me to break out and be colourful).

Darkly mystical - who can doubt the power of the Raven.
It's glossy deep plumage has sparked legends both dark and brave.
Often feared but also much revered - in mythology it was the Raven that placed the sun in the sky ! Truly a bird to have on your side.

I often include dark birds in my art and for this piece I printed a portrait onto cotton. It's 'nest' is black antique Victorian lace (c1890) and then nestling inside I put a Victorian glass button, wonderfully shiny, with so many sides catching the light.

The loop over the chain is also antique lace on which I have sewn seed beads in small flowers. Seed beads surround the Raven in a mixture of matt black and iridescent blue. I added a further piece of Victorian lace at the back.

I love making quirky pieces - with a little history.