Jewellery construction

I wouldn't claim to have 'made' these bits of jewellery as such... perhaps constructed is a more appropriate word.  As with a lot of things, I go through phases with my jewellery.  There were a couple of necklaces which I used to love at one point but had gradually stopped wearing as I didn't like the length anymore, or the chain had become tarnished etc.  So a quick rummage through my bits 'n' bobs box and I found a couple of unused/ broken chains to swap them with.  The bracelet was shortened from a broken necklace, and made using pieces left over from other jewellery.  Accessorize can be a good place to find broken jewellery quite cheaply. Usually they just need a small pair of pliers or a blob of glue to fix them.  Or you can use the 'bits' to make something totally new!

 

Bargain bin rescue

I've always wished I could be the sort of person who goes into a charity shop, finds something for a complete bargain and then transforms it into something amazing and new looking!  I just can't do it!

 

Instead I decided to rescue this jumper from my 'heading to Oxfam pile' and turn it into a cardigan.  A quick chop up the centre and a hand-stitched seam or two and it was done!  Nothing drastic, or dramatically different, but it's something that I'm much more likely to wear.  Shame the weather is now firmly in Autumn and it's far too cold to be wearing it!  Ah well, something to look forward to for next summer...

 

Rwandan fabric

Last year when I was in Rwanda, I bought a lot of fabric... like A LOT!  It was really stressful buying it from the market, mostly because there was so much choice and because I'm terrible at haggling a good price!  I love the vibrant colours and prints.  Some of the fabrics I saw in the market were crazy - massive repeat patterns of handbags or cakes, swirls of colours, all jammed into a small stand.  I've loved being able to use the fabric I bought for various projects.  I've made quite a few things, but still have so much fabric left... anyone got any requests?!  Click here to read more about my adventures in Rwanda.

 

A cover for my Bible and a case for my phone charger

 

An apron.  I also made an apron and tea-towel for one of my nieces to

go with her toy kitchen - very cute.

A wee flowery brooch

 

Bunting card... I'd love to make some full size bunting - I think it would look amazing!

Jewellery bags - perfect for travelling with

A table cover

I love my Rwandan giraffes and other bits & pieces

Brooches

These are a few brooches that I've made.  I'd love to do more jewellery as I so often see cute wee brooches in the shops and think, I could make that!  They're quick and easy to make, and look so pretty.  Good ideas for birthday presents.