Pillow boxes

Over the holiday season this year, I made a bunch of jewelry and other small gifts for xmas and birthdays. I was tired of finding the right box and bag to fit these tiny presents. Eventually, I found some good tips online and made these little pillow boxes. I love them. These boxes are so easy to make, very cute and elegant, and most of all.. I loved the fact that I could make them in just a few minutes and make them to match colors and themes of the presents. Here is a picture of the box.


In case you want to make them. I posted the step by step instructions on ehow. You can check my article for instructions - how to make a paper pillow box.

Lapiz Lazuli jewelry

One of my recent works. Used a large Lapis lazuli piece and used it with small fresh water pearls to make the pendant. The earrings and bracelet were fun to make, used small round Lapis beads with the same pearls used in the pendant.


The Bracelet was made with a small crimp bead in the center where the pearls meet. I took the write in a x formation and pulled it slightly tight to make that eye-shaped sections. I did not crimp the crimp beads in the center to maintain more balance.

Work in progress - Granny square blanket

I have been putting off crochet projects for a while now. Last week, I got back in to the mood and started off with a simple granny square blanket. I about 30% done with it.. have a lot more to go.


Simple granny square blanket. I am working on 5 different colors in a constant sequence. I am using Lion brand's Vanna series of yarn and a 5.5mm crochet needle.

I am hoping to be done with it soon in the next couple of weeks.

Quick knit scarf

The holiday season never fails to inspire me to take up some craft work. The variety of craft products and decor ideas available everywhere helps me get totally motivated. This year, unlike some years, I managed to start and finish a bunch of knitted scarves. I came across a super simple 1hr knitted scarf pattern. Loved it, and made three of them for xmas presents.


For those of you who like to knit, here is the pattern.

US size 13 needles (9mm)
Yarn - Wool Ease thick & Quick 6oz yarn 108 yards
Pattern
Cast on 10
Row1 : Knit
Row 2: Knit
Row 3: ** Knit 1, yo, Knit 1 ( you will have 19 stitches on the needle)
Row 4: Knit 1, drop yo, knit 1 (you will back to 10 stitches) **
Repeat rows 3 & 4 till the scarf measures desired length (about 52 inches or longer)
End with a 2 rows of Knit and finish.
Add tassels if you like.

Happy Knitting!

Knitting

When it rains it pours - That is exactly what happens to my mind when I am into craft work. Last week was the dress, and now to fit the weather change/ time change, I started knitting after almost a year. Hope my inspiration and energy lasts for another week or two till the scarf is done too.


Here is the picture of the winter hat I knit. Thanks to 'Bella Dia' blog, I used the instructions there to finish up the little pom pom on top. Neat way to make a quick pom pom for any craft.

Lets see how it goes with the scarf.. .and maybe If am crazy enough to try, I will try to make a pair of mittens too. I have never knitted a mitten before, the thought of dealing with the thumb section is not helping!

The silk dress - all done!

I was totally into the dress by day 2 and managed to finish the blouse as well. Here is the final look.

The blouse turned out to be easier that I first thought. I was dreading the whole sleeve section.. so went sleeveless:-) With the lining and all, it wasn't that hard. Lining is great to use for ease of sewing and also a great way to hide some minor defects :-) And of course in this case, I just had use lining to as the main material is a thin and silky and I needed some extra protection for the backs of the embroidery work.

finished project picture..

On second thoughts.. i might add a little dupatta to go with this dress and made do a little bit of bead work on that as well.