Andi - the Milliner!

New passion: Hats.

 

The above is a simple cloche-esqe type hat I have created for a friend in FL. I hope it fits her. I call this one "Jillian" simply because that is the name of my friend who is getting the hat. :)

I have always loved hats but I have never been able to find a style that looks good on me or that I feel comfortable in. I tend to feel like I am swallowed up in them because the hats available in stores are all the big beach-type wide brim floppy "southern belle" hats. I believe that the 1920s - 1940s hats are the best "style" for me. Nothing with big brims.

The above is my first real try at sewing a hat. Well, actually, my third attempt. The first was not quite "right." The second I am proud of and am keeping. The above is my third and it was requested. My friend sent me the fabric and I did the rest. Someone else asked me to make her one and out of all of my crafty adventures, the hats seem to be the one thing I am being requested for. So - I think this might become a small fun "for-profit" hobby.  Maybe.

I realize I try my hand at so many crafty things. I have loved everything I have "tried" and perhaps I don't "do" those things now, this doesn't mean I wont ever go back. Jewelry, knitting, etc... I love the puzzle-piecing and the creativity that I put into each item. I just like trying all new things!

TRY ALL THE THINGS! :)

Adventures in Geometry

 Hi! So - in just a few short weeks, I went from this

(aluminum matte cheap material and basic chain):

 

 

To THIS! Geometric dangly and detailed

Silverplate with beading:

 

 

I love working with better materials. Who wouldn't? The silverplate is more expensive but not much more. I also love working with different types of shapes and details. This one I can see selling. The others - not so much. I want to incorporate gold now - goldplate or gold filled. Filled is better as it is a thicker layer over brass or silver. I will be getting with Mom (who creates and sells jewelry) to get some more materials. The thing is, I need to get some money first to purchase. I am thinking about $200 will get me enough to make a nice set of necklace, earrings, and bracelet.

 

Other news: life is happening as always. =D 

A New Thing

I've been working on a new craft - ChainMaille jewelry! I'm brand new to this and I love it so far. I've been using cheap aluminum jump rings in different sizes and colors and just putting stuff together without really reading up on the instructions and figuring out the different weights and sizes to use to be able to complete nicer pieces. I will be concentrating on the details when I get a shipment in of nicer quality rings (should be in on Friday). But for now, I am learning the feel of working the metal and designing my own chains and looking up instructions as I go.

Here are a few:

My first necklace - with a Byzantine link:

 



Another necklace - the charms are nice on both sides making this reversable:

 

A bracelet I made and gave to my boyfriend. This one was the first time I tried the "helms" style link but I used the wrong size rings, making for a sloppy job. BUT - the BF likes it and the colors are good together.

 

Another "Helms" bracelet. This time, I was just trying to use up some of my spare rings.

 

A Halloween inspired piece which is also my "ode" to Betsy Johnson. I might add to it before Halloween this year. It's missing .... "something."

 

And here is a necklace in which I couldnt decide if I wanted color or if I wanted just black with teal rings. I call it "Techno-Goth" - for the undecided/conflicted club-going fashionista.

 

I ordered 2 packs of various sized silver plated jump rings on Ebay this morning. I know that SP can rub off but at least it is a step up in quality and looks than the aluminum above. Maybe I will make some pieces that are worthy of selling. I will take more time in putting them together and adding bits of "bling" if wanted.

 

A Day at the Museum(s)

Today I ventured to The Kimbell and to The Modern in Fort Worth. I have not been in a long time. No special exhibit at The Kimbell but that also meant no crowds. No crowds mean space and time to really view the art. I noticed many pieces I had normally just quick-glaced at before and was able (and inspired) to stop and really take the painting/artwork in. Also, luckily, in the permanent exhibits, photos (sans flash) are allowed. I love that policy. =)

Here are some photos of paintings and sculpture at The Kimbell:

This is a detail of a larger painting:

I have always loved this bust of a woman's head. It also reminds me of one of my closest/dearest friends:





After The Kimbell, We (my boyfriend, Don, and I) went across the street to The Modern. I am not a huge fan of what is identified as "modern art" but I do have an appreciation for some of it and, even if I don't necessarily "like" the art, I am open enough to give it a "chance." I hope this makes sense.

Anyway, the special exhibit is "Lucian Freud" - whose portraits were amazingly "real." Lots of drama, age, "normalcy" as far as life goes. I remember seeing his work for the first time about 20 years ago. I saw one particular painting of a nude sleeping couple and my impression from it when I first saw it 20 years ago was completely DIFFERENT than when I got the opportunity to view it today. Before I thought it was ugly (as in the emotions I experienced) but today - I felt "peaceful" and "comfort." That realization was suprising.

I was not able to photograph anything in the Freud exhibit but I was able to photograph some of the permanent pieces. I am only posting one here though as the rest didn't really capture the emotions I was wanting to capture.

This one is of a large glass sphere and the lighting was placed just so to create a great "square" shadow. I have become a fan of shadows lately.





There was one shot (the focus isn' that great but I had to get the photo quickly before the person moved). I think the shot perfectly describes what I see in many "modern" art endeavors - the pieces I just dont "get."

I call this: A Portrait of the Soul in Torment IV

Crash!

I must have jinxed myself on April 1st when I said I had an external drive for all my photos just in case of a PC crash. Well - said crash happened and oddly enough my exernal drive is missing everything too - - - and it wasnt even plugged in! UGH! Well, thank goodness for this blog, Facebook, and my iPhone photo cache. I will be spending freetime saving from various sites and starting from scratch. So, no photos for this entry. I have some to post but it will have to wait until the weekend.

Other news: I am going back to FL at the end of June. This maybe my last visit for a long time, sadly. BUT DisneyWorld is in the plans - all parks and a 2 night stay at The Contemporary on site. I have always wanted to stay there because of the inside monorail station. Silly, I know, but a childhood wish that will be coming true. I will also be attending a concert for my boyfriend's birthday party. He will then be packing up and moving to Texas a week later. I am happy about all of this.