bangles, bangles everywhere

I can't seem to stop making these bangles! First there were simple beaded ones in saturated colors, like these ones. I've got most of the rainbow here! This rainbow is available individually or as a set of cool blues (the bottom three) or hot tropics (the top three). I've found that they're a lot of fun to stack for more visual impact.

I beaded each one with matching glass seed beads because I can't seem to make "plain" anything.. Next, somebody wanted crystals instead of beads for extra sparkle, so these ones appeared. They're my favorite so far, and I can't wait to do more with these larger crystals.

Finally, someone else thought that a charm bracelet made with this technique would be a great idea, so she picked the charms and I knitted them, along with some Swarovski crystals, to form this set of bangles.

They're pretty easy to make, and definitely fun to wear! I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in a tutorial or pattern to make your own, or perhaps a kit with all of the supplies, as well as directions? Please comment with your thoughts. :)

In the meantime, I'm working on a special project. Every year, one of the churches in my area hosts a Mother's Day Tea, and part of the festivities includes a raffle of a variety of products and services. There has been everything from a movie night basket, to Avon products, and even a full photography shoot donated by a local photographer. I'm making this set of bangles for the event:

Time to chug some coffee and get knitting.

99 days until Christmas!!

Wow. There are only 99 days until Christmas and the stores have been decorating since August. Some unusually organized people I know have already started shopping and wrapping their gifts. I am NOT one of those people.

But maybe you are super organized and getting a jump on your holiday shopping. If so, here are a few ideas for some beautiful sparkles that are sure to be a hit, and you know that your gift will be truly unique. Some of these new products were inspired by my lovely customers - you all have the best ideas. :)

Crystal Ball Earrings

The Swarovski Crystal Ball Earrings are only $14 and they're gorgeous. True story: My friend was wearing these sparkling earrings that I just loved, and I was about to ask her where she got them. Then I realized that they were the crystal ball earrings that I'd made for her the week before! Right now I have crystal clear ones in stock, but I can order any color you'd like. I plan to work some up in other colors and would welcome suggestions on what colors you'd like to see.

Petite Pearl Drop Earrings

The  Petite Pearl Drop Earrings are a smaller version of our pearl dangle earrings, with two freshwater pearls instead of three. They're available in gray pearls as well, and copper can be substituted for the silver if you'd like. They're classic pearl earrings with a modern twist, and range in price from $14 - $17.

This is the final piece I'll show you today. The Couture Pearl Cuff is the most luxurious pieces in BooJay's collection, with nearly 80 luscious freshwater pearls dancing on the wire. The colors range from cream to charcoal gray, with a few lavender and pale silvery gray pearls for added interest. This is also closed with a sterling silver slide clasp, which is different than our normal toggle clasp closures. It's definitely a statement piece! It retails for $75.


Hopefully this has given you a few ideas for your Christmas list. In the coming weeks I'll be posting more about specials, new pieces, and showcasing some new designers. TGIF and have a wonderful weekend!

Success!

Ooooh... pretty! Here's another pic:

And one final one:

This is the finished result of the cuff I was working on earlier this week. I'm so happy with it, and unlike many other projects, it didn't require hours of tinkering, ripping out, or otherwise redesigning it.

The best part? Someone else loved it, too! It will soon be mailed off to its new home.
Success!

Testing

Knitted metal seems like such a contradiction to me. Knits are "supposed" to be soft, like sweaters or socks, and metal is, well, hard. But what if I combined the two ideas? I've been testing this metal + knitting combination out this week, and the result looks a little something like this:


That's fine gauge silver wire, knitted on small needles that bangs up my hands. :( But the end result is worth it, don't you think? Those beads are way prettier in real life; they have an iridescent shine to them that reminds me of soap bubbles. Tiny, black, soap bubbles.

The resulting texture in quite interesting. It's hard because it's made out of metal, but it's flexible and light because it's knitted. This is going to be a cuff, or a wide bracelet, when it's finished. Currently I have an inch left to knit, then I have to figure out a closure for it. Lobster claw or magnetic? Which would you prefer?

In other knitterly news....

I'm test knitting a sweater for Stefanie Japel. THE Stefanie Japel. In case you don't know, she designs knitwear and she is one of my favorite designers. Her designs are flattering and intuitive, and most of them are also seamless. (I hate seaming. It's right up there with cleaning up puke on my "Ugh" list.)

Anyways... I, along with a bunch of other knitters, are knitting a test pattern for her. I don't know if I'm allowed to post pics or anything, so I won't. But I will say that it's a perfect spring sweater. Light, flowy, and flattering. Can't wait to go yarn shopping!

[p]\posted from Bloggeroid