Tag Archives: handmade

A gem of a crystal – Emerald Cut

The Emerald Cut first appeared as a bead and pendant in 2016, the flat back version in 2017 and this year we’ve got the sew-on stone. Sew-on stones have 1.5mm holes at each end making them perfect for threading cords and adding jump rings. Heart shaped sew-on stones were ideal for bracelets but the beauty […]

Tilted dice – the perfect focal for cuffs

It may be raining today but there is still plenty of summer to go and lots of time to make this beautiful cuff bracelet. The focal crystal is new this year and part of the Swarovski Designer Edition from the S/S 2018 Innovations. These amazing crystals were designed by Chris Bangle, the legendary former chief […]

Crystal Clever Floral Sash

Ribbon flowers are so easy to make and this design, which I made to showcase the Swarovski 2018 spring/ summer innovations in London earlier this year shows just what an impact you can create. These exquisite pear shaped fancy stones and little round stones are from the new Crystal Shiny LacquerPRO range – the colour names […]

Ways to use Deer hide leather lacing

Deer Hide Leather Deer Hide leather is a fabulous new lacing material that is just so versatile for jewellery making. The lace is ethically sourced and available in a wide range of colours. I’m getting ready for summer, inspired by the beach and seashore, making two pretty bracelets using sand and stone blue shades available from I-Beads. You […]

Win tickets for the Knitting and Stitching Show in Edinburgh

The Knitting and Stitching Show is coming to Edinburgh for the second year at the end of April. It is a fantastic event, so if you have never been, do come along as there is so much to see and do. As well as the usual sales stalls there are fascinating things to see including the Textile Galleries,  Craft […]

Macramé meets Gender crystals

Swarovski gender symbols These new crystals from Swarovski seem to be a bit like marmite – you either love them or hate them. I personally love the shape of the crystals and find them very inspiring to work with. The macramé designs were commissioned by Swarovski to showcase innovative ways to attach the crystals. On the […]

Feeling the blues

Macramé is my favourite knotting technique and these two bracelets both use the basic square knot. All materials for these bracelets are available from I-Beads, one of my favourite online bead shops. Click the link to buy exactly what you need:  Arrow bracelet and  Chaton bracelet. You can make the bracelets using either 1mm leather or 1mm wax […]

Soul Food 

Have I followed the brief with this design for 2017 A/W Swarovski Crystal theme – Soul Food? Homespun and humble, no waste ethos, regeneration and reuse, Scandinavian design…… Scraps of beautiful fabric sewn into rosettes and embellished with beautiful Swarovski crystals. Featuring the new Crystal lacquer effect rivolis and framed cabochons. The finished rosettes are […]