Complete.

This flower is made with size 15 beads and 30 gauge wire.

The pattern called for 30 gauge wire, but even with size 15 beads, the flower is a bit floppy. If I make another, I'll try 28 gauge. Hopefully, the two passes of wire will still fit through the size 15s.

Beaded flowers are a good way to use up extra beads from previous projects. I used the pattern in a past issue of Martha Stewart Weddings, but it's also available in her Encyclopedia of Crafts and on her website. I would only use the website version if you are familiar with making French beaded flowers, as it does not offer as many photos of the steps.

Wish list.

Diamond Blooms Necklace

Sundance Catalog

Progress.

Cedarburg finds.

I spied this little salt cellar in a Cedarburg antique shop. I like the organic quality it has. It reminds me of flower pods.

It was accompanied by the prettiest little silver salt spoon.

In another antique store I found some beaded flowers.

Vintage beaded flowers are getting harder and harder to find, especially for an affordable price.

I like how the person who made them used such large beads for the stems and smaller beads for the flowers and leaves.

A day in Cedarburg, continued.

Here are a few more photos of my recent day in Cedarburg, Wisconsin.

Next time I'll share what I found while I was there. Beads are involved!

A day in Cedarburg.

On Saturday, I met my friend Rachel in the historic town of Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I thought I'd share some photos of this quaint little town.


To be continued...

Cross Stitch Brooch: An Initial.

Here's the last piece from this latest look into my mom's jewelry box. It's been fun and I think I need to rummage around in her things again at some point in the future to find more to share! So many of her pieces hold fond memories.

Mom and I share the first initial of our names. Before I married, we shared all the same initials and have the same middle name. If I'd had a girl, I would have carried that on with her.

I could have passed this down to her as my mom did to me.

Cross Stitch Brooch: Oh Christmas Tree.

More great work by Mom.

I'll be back on Friday with the last one in this series.

Cross Stitch Brooch: Full of heart.

This week I'm showing you three cross stitched brooches that my mom made.

All of the brooches this week were made from The Creative Circle kits during the 80s. My mom said they would have home parties where everyone could buy kits and learn stitches. Doesn't that sound like fun?

Eggshell Jewelry: A rose brooch.

I saved the best eggshell brooch for last. This is my favorite one and is also my mom's favorite. She wore it often and can still remember exactly which suits and dresses she wore it with. You know how when someone wears something they love they have a sparkle in their eye? Her eyes sparkled just talking about making and wearing this brooch. I love the softness and Victorian feel of it.

Even though the exhibit of eggshell jewelry is now over, the small look into my mom's jewelry box is not! Next week I have some other handmade brooches to show you.

Eggshell Jewelry: A Santa brooch.

How cute is he? I can remember my mom wearing this brooch every year at Christmas time. It's held up very well over the years. You can tell that my mom takes great care of her jewelry.

Next time I will show you my favorite eggshell brooch of all.

Eggshell Jewelry: An angel brooch.

This little angel must have had a lot of wear. She has a small hole near her face. Considering how old this piece is, and that it's made from an eggshell, that's not bad!

Two more still to come!

Eggshell Jewelry: A bird brooch.

Before Easter, someone at N's school asked me if I had any ideas for crafts to make with eggshells. I immediately thought of the pins that my mom and aunt used to make when I young. I have a clear picture in my mind of them sitting at the table working creatively. I asked my mom to bring them over so I could share them with you.

The pins were made out of eggshells with decoupaged paper. After blowing out the eggs, they were cut to size with a Dremel tool. My mom told me their favorite papers to use were gift wrap papers, but anything with a nice picture was fair game.

This sweet little bird pin is one of my favorites. I think it should stay here with me for a while!

I have three more to show you this week.

Happy Easter.

A friend and I recently went to a card class where we made cute Easter/spring gift cards. It was fun to try out a new craft. I don't foresee giving anyone gift cards for Easter--or spring for that matter!--even though N did volunteer to be on the receiving end.

I think the optimum situation for me to make cards is in a class where someone else has already cut everything out!

My mom and I are going to make cards for Lolly's Secret Card Drive. I wonder if I can convince her to cut my stuff out?

Embroidered pendant.

I came across this vintage pendant and couldn't resist.