Black and Shiny!

This is one set that is indispensable! It would go with almost everything. You'd reach for it to go with that little black dress, but also to go with a black tee shirt and jeans and so much more!

Onyx, Hematite and Sterling Silver. I hand wired the Onyx pendant. I hammered the wire and it sparkles. The Onyx is shiny and the Hematite sparkles! Very pretty.

Necklace is $95, Bracelet is $68, Earrings are $35.

Flying Jewels From Heaven

Here is my Spring bag. I decided to feature butterflies, which I think of as jewels from heaven...that fly! I found most of the vintage artwork on the Graphics Fairy blog. I made the collage in my publisher program. Then I printed it on the printable fabric an appliqued it. My sweet mother-in-law had given me some vintage buttons. They look great with it! Of course I had to add some sparkle with Swarovski crystals.

One the other side I used embroidery done by my new machine. It is an amazing thing to watch. And I am so pleased with the results.

I redesigned my tag to include a butterfly. And then I copied my niece, Tiffany's, idea of putting a surprise picture inside the bag. I love extra details and embellishment.

And this pattern is just the best! I love it. I think it is stylish and yet very functional. Many pockets. It's called the Brentwood Bag.

So.....today I bought jungle fabric! I'm in a quandary. I love this pattern, but feel like I should make a different one. Still deciding.

My New Machine

Well, I had another birthday. Can't believe how time is flying. And it seems that the older I get, the less I know!

Anyway, my sweet husband, Matt, blessed me with an amazing new sewing machine for this birthday. I've been using my mom's old Kenmore circa 1972. It worked great. But once my friend, Jennifer, showed me all the cool things that machines now do, I was hooked! One great feature is the automatic needle threader. My aging eyes were having difficulty with that, and now it is a breeze!

And this machine, Husqvarna Viking Platinum 955E, also does embroidery! I love to embellish things, so this feature will be so much fun.

Thanks, Matt! What a wonderful gift for me.