Monday 30 March 2020

Keeping Busy

 I have been keeping occupied quite well over the last week or so.  Above is a pearl necklace which I re-strung for my mother-in-law as the catch was broken.  It took me several attempts and a bit of choice language to get there.  I have decided I need to practise with the pearl knotting tool,which, when I have got to grips with it, will make the whole process so much easier. When the necklace was strung before, it was knotted in groups of six pearls.  I have re-done it with one pearl then a knot.  It means if it does break (I hope it won't), only one pearl will be lost and it also keeps the pearls from rubbing against each other.  It does look nice now.
 In another jewellery project, my friend Rachael asked if I could make her a necklace for her birthday incorporating three charms she had been given.  I had a bit of a think and came up with this design. 
 I used wrap loops to join all the parts together for added stability and longevity. 
 I chose aquamarine, jadeite and labradorite as the gemstones and you can see the little charms here.  I made it just longer than a choker length and I hope it will be comfortable to wear.
 Last Thursday, I decided (on a bit of a whim) to tackle the patio and release the chairs and table from their prison of plants and pots.  They had been at the back of the patio for at least ten years and we weren't able to actually use them.  After a lot of sweeping, moving pots from here to there and re-positioning, we can now sit down.  Of course, the weather has been too cold since then, but they are ready for us.  (They also need a bit of TLC and repainting, but that's for another day.)
Finally, here's tulip Brown Sugar again, enjoying the sunshine, when we have had some.  It does complement the brick wall, I think.

10 comments:

  1. Your work looks beautiful - and I am sure will be worn with a great deal of pleasure.
    The tulip is a stunner too - and you are right, it does complement the wall.
    Stay well, stay safe.

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    1. Thanks, EC. I enjoyed designing and constructing the necklace for Rachael. Brown Sugar is the first tulip to flower this year although the Ballerinas from previous years aren't far behind. The new Negritas in tubs are also flowering but on short stems.
      Stay well too.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  2. Wow, you have done a fabulous job with those pearls - knotting between each one is the right thing to do to protect each pearl but cannot be easy. And you’ve reminded me, I have a beautiful string of pearls which I used to wear every day - they are hardly suitable for gardening or fell walking but if I do not wear them why do I keep them?

    Tomorrow I will get them out . . .

    Well done for getting your chairs out of pot-prison! Are they going to be repainted in “interesting colours”. {{giggle . . . }}

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    1. Thanks, Jayne. I am going to make myself a pearl necklace at some point (when I have practised with the knotting tool). I have always wanted one and have all the necessary equipment too make it. Now could be the perfect time.
      I would definitely have the table and chairs rainbow colours like a shot, but I expect after discussion with Chris, they will probably be green again.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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    2. {{chuckling}}. No offence to Chris but: “boring” !!

      PS: I am wearing my pearls 🙂

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    3. Thanks, Jayne. You never know, a compromise may be made over the colour. Once the garden gets going, it is a complete riot of colour, so green wouldn't be so bad.
      Good for you on the pearls - the necklace was made to be worn and enjoyed!
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  3. I am in awe! I wouldn't know where to start with a pearl necklace, you have done a wonderful job. I love the necklace you have made as well, I do hope it is well received.

    Thank you for you tulip picture they are my favourite flower, mine are just leaves at the moment I am looking forward to them flowering in the next month or so.

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    1. Thanks, sustainablemum. Luckily, there are lots of videos on pearl knotting on youtube and I looked at quite a few to refresh my memory. The necklace was indeed well received, thank you.
      I am looking forward to my other tulips flowering this month too. Spring is such a positive time in the garden and we all need a bit of positivity at the moment.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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  4. What a good job you made of restringing the pearls, so nice for your MiL to be able to wear them again. Your design incorporating the charms is beautiful, I´m sure the recipient was well pleased. xcx

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    1. Thanks, Chrissie. The restringing took longer than I had anticipated but it looked nice in the end. I will definitely practise with the pearl knotting tool for the next one! Rachael's necklace also turned out well and she liked it, so that was good.
      Best wishes
      Ellie

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