Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Every Heart Crafts & Toggle Experiments

A couple weeks ago, I made my very first purchase from Erin at Every Heart Crafts - lovely things and oh so nice! Here is what I have made so far:

The first thing that comes to mind for me when I think of leaves is Fall... but I was able to mix her pretty sage green leaf pendant with some shimmery pinks and champagnes for a look that can be very Spring and Summer. I layered the leaf with some metal leaves - one I'm not sure where I got but the small one is Vintaj. A focal front strand of seed beads, pearls and glass beads is balanced in the back with polyester chain. I was thrilled when I came up with the idea to use one of my new Tim Holtz safety pins as a toggle!
I also bought one of her new leaf toggles in the same green glaze and when I got it, I saw it matched perfectly to one of Earthenwood Studio's peacock pendants which I had wrapped in filigree. I loved the pink/green color combo of the first necklace so much, that I decided to repeat it here - only adding wood slivers this time. But fussing around with different combinations of the toggle off to the side was just not working. I was stumped for a few days until I came up with the idea to "feed" one side of the necklace through the leaf, a lariat type look I have always admired. I love how it turned out!I am keeping the peacock necklace for now, but listing the layered leaf one on Etsy. I do have some more peacocks from Earthenwood though that will be showing up in designs soon. I'd love to do the same lariat design, but I'll have to get more toggles from Erin when she gets back.

I've realized that I have been hooked on using the same beads in recent projects - if you haven't noticed my favorites are: pink/purple seed bead hanks and glass rounds that have a green/gold polka dot effect - both from Michael's. The safety pins are from Michael's too.

8 comments:

SummersStudio said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Lovely! I always think Erin's pieces work so well with other peoples ideas. That is a true gift she's got and your interpretation is really nice.

SueBeads said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Heather, really nice pieces! Great job on the safety pin toggle - what a great idea! I haven't been to Michael's lately - too busy with kids and life - but when I go, I am going to look for the safety pins and the peacock things. I'm always on the lookout for you!

sharon said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Really nice pieces Heather! Very unique, and I love the colors in the top necklace!

Lorelei Eurto said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

These designs are SO SUPER! I am sooo excited to see your work in Stringing. I wish the darn magazine would show up already!
You should really be so proud of how far you've come Heaether. Really really nice work!

Lorelei Eurto said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

p.s. Using the safety pin as a toggle bar= BRILLIANT!

peacockfairy said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Thank you everyone - your encouragement keeps me motivated!

Beth Hikes said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Love the way you used the leaf toggle as with a lariat design. Stunning!

Erin Siegel said... Best Blogger Tips[Reply to comment]Best Blogger Templates

Heather, I love what you've done with both these designs! Really pretty! The first necklace is gorgeous! Love the layered leaves. And I love the lariat necklace! How clever of you to make a lariat style with the toggle! It's perfect!