Anti-Nostalgic

Okay, I admit I have been kinda lazy these days - but only in terms of posting and crafting. I had a long interesting (to choose an ambigous expression) week full of just-too-important appointments. To interrupt at least the non-posting period, I will share some new eye candy of my cutie-pie with you. *everyone jump up from their chairs and cheer* You should feel honoured, because Kaori usually runs when I only so much as reach for my camera. Today though, I was lucky =)

P.S.: She is so cuuuuuuuuuuute!!! Love her. <3<3<3<3<3

Uneventful day. (I liked that!) Apart from some grocery shopping, all I did was sitting at the kitchen table puttering away. I have been working on a new crocheted cardigan. The pattern is simple enough, but for some reason, I keep miscounting the stitches. So, it is clear that I need stitch markers. I have some, but need more. Besides, who likes these boring markers?

A look into my unorganised box for jewellery making told me that I had all the necessary stuff to make my own markers.

While I was at it, it turned out that the rivet pins I had in stock where rather shortish. So, in consequence I messed up the markers with the square beads. Will have to redo them, I guess. I made two batches, each consisting of 4 stitch markers and 1 row marker. It’ll do for now.

Afterwards, I started to make a batch of light blue paper beads. Might finish them tomorrow. I am just not sure yet if I should add some powder to them as well (compare with the brown beads).

Being the klutz I am, I managed to get my favourite (crocheted, of course) oven cloths burned. Unfortunately, I don’t have any of the yarn I used left *cries* Nontheless, new oven cloths are now on my list of things to make soon. My kitchen is rather ugly, but spacious. I truly like sitting there, working at the table and listen to Agatha Christie audiobooks. Besides, it’s heartwarming to see my cats give up their favourite spots in the living room to join me. At least Kaori is always around <3<3<3

But I am totally rambling, a clear sign that I should finish this post. Thank you, Cat and Carol, for your comments! They’re are quite encouraging. I will try to update the About A-N page soon and also add a page just for my pies. Or shouldn’t I? Easy to get carried away…

Before Easter, I started to make some paper beads, but only managed to finish the first batch today. I know some of my friends are waiting for photos, so here they are.

I pasted the paper with decorate coat and rolled the beads on skewers and thin knitting needles. To assure they wouldn’t unravel while drying and to give them an extra shine, I covered my fingers in the coat and spun the beads between them. When they were dry, I added golden powder with a soft brush (a small cosmetic brush from a travel set) and used a bigger brush to coat the paper beads with transparent enamel varnish. Later the whole batch went into the oven for half an hour and - voilà! Personally, I love that they are shiny, but that you can still see and feel the texture as well.

Some crafters roll the beads on drinking straws and cut it away on both ends of the paper once they’re dry. That does have it’s advantages as you don’t have to worry about getting the beads off nor about the unprotected insides that may fray with time. However, that is for each to decide for themselves.

I am planning to do some blue batches in the near future - if I do have the time. There’s hope, because I already cut the paper stripes, but haven’t come around to do the pasting and rolling part yet. Will keep you tuned if you’re interested.