Repurposed shot glass

I spotted this hand blown shot glass in Habitat and thought I've got the perfect new life for it! This pic shows work in progress transforming it into a miniature lichen landscape pincushion.
mmm, yes...I do have time on my hands!

My idea of bliss though, making miniature worlds. These will be available in my Etsy shop 'elinart' next weekend.

Work space

Here is a sneaky peak at some new pieces for my 'elinart' shop. I'm trying out some new shapes and colours for my moulds and lichens.

The book in the top right hand corner is 'The suspicions of Mr Whicher', a must for any lovers of detective crime fiction/fact.

p.s. My blog giveaway is coming up soon, all followers will be eligible!

Are you in a whimsical mood? Soak up some goodness at Donna Wilson's site.
http://www.donnawilson.com

elinart -Etsy favourite!

Inspiration

Loving these orange bracelets from fashion designer Celeste Lee Arendse.

What's this I hear you say! What are these lumpen parings of copper. Well dear friends, it's last Tuesday's attempt at soldering.
I joined up for a jewellery class and have ended up in an super duper advanced course when, at this point in time, I have no technical ability with metal whatsoever.

Crochet - Hot tip #1 - Stripes

Goodness me, this crochet tip has taken me ages to work out. Sometimes the obvious is staring me straight in the face!!

Speed up your stripes by tying the different coloured yarns together before starting (Doh!). Crochet the width you require your stripe to be i.e how many rows you want it to be. Make sure the start and finish are directly above each other or as near as. Cut your yarn about 5mms from your first and final stitches, leaving enough to create knots, then unravel your stripe.
Straighten out the yarn and use as a guide for lengths of yarn for each of your stripes. Knot them together in order of colour preference.
Phew! That is so much easier than fiddling around trying to tie knots inside the tube.

Hurray! My crochet cuff jumped into the ETSY (her) gift guide yesterday. Maybe something to do with getting noticed in the Virtual Labs (?). It was my first time in the labs and managed to take part in the live chat with Crochet Today magazine, great fun was had by all. Got some great tips on trends for 2010!

Crochet Inspiration

Gorette. 2006

Marvel at extraordinary and fabulous crochet from artist Joana Vasconcelos.

http://www.joanavasconcelos.com

I have just taught a drawing class at the wonderful Prema Arts Centre in the West country.

http://www.prema.demon.co.uk.

The picture shows the group hard at work, drawing on billboard paper and long sheets of computer paper. They all launched themselves into the drawing exercises with amazing spirit.