Wednesday, May 2, 2012

Want A Bracelet?

Lately I've been a little out of sorts and I'm not at all sure why that is. Things are generally fine around here. Sales are slow, but not frighteningly so and I'm getting things done both new and old. Could it be that I see the end of the child's school year just ahead and Spring fever is manifesting itself as malaise? Or could it be as simple as allergies and the headaches they bring putting me in this mood? I really have no idea, but I certainly hope it sorts itself sooner rather than later because I don't like it...not one little bit.

So to raise my spirits a bit, I thought I'd have a little giveaway. In order to do my latest Instructable, I had to make another bracelet so I could photograph it at the different stages of construction. The result is that I have an extra Immortal Corsage bracelet lying about. Want it? Well, if you do just leave a comment at the end of this blog post with an opinion. I'd prefer the opinion relate to me or my work, the easiest would be to tell me your favorite piece that I've made, then I would know that you've actually been paying attention, or you could tell me what you'd like to see me try and make, but I digress. Leave said opinion in the comments and I will use a random number generator to pick the winner on Friday morning.

Sure, I have a few more things I could talk about, but I'll leave it here with the giveaway. Don't forget, it you actually want to win, I must have a way to contact you other than a public announcement. Acceptable means are an email address noted on your blogger profile, a twitter handle, an etsy account or just note your email in your comment, otherwise I'll just pull another name. Thanks in advance for playing and hopefully pulling me out of this hole.

61 comments:

Jane said...

I love this bracelet, and I think it looks amazing. I have tried shuttle tatting, and I can do it, but it takes a long time. I would love to learn needle tatting... are there any good books?
Thank you for sharing, I look forward to your post every morning.
Jane

Shellit said...

I also love this bracelet and have been following your blog for some time now. I am slowly teaching myself to shuttle tat, and I am simply amazed by the pieces you and others create both with needles and shuttles. Keep the posts coming!

Thanks!

@shellit9719
Michelle

Caseymini said...

The new bracelet is beautiful. As for favorite pieces, I love the masks. Something that I would like to see you do? I love tatted Victorian reticules,lined with contrasting silk. Maybe with a few beads worked into the design. Love your blog.

teresa said...

The new bracelet is lovely! I can not wait to try out your instructible. When I first gave a try to needle tatting, your blog was what I found and while I have not progressed too far, I keep trying. After 30 years of unsuccessfully trying with a shuttle, I was happy to find the needle and you.

Neeneral said...

It's funny you should ask about favourites, this bracelet has long been on my drool-worthy list! As well as many of your one of a kind pieces. And hey if giving away some of your work is what it will take to pull you out ofa funk, you can send it this way any time. I'd be only too glad to help.

Unknown said...

I can't wait to try to make this bracelet from your instructions. I have been inspired to try new techniques from all the pictures in your shop. I started out as a needle tatter back when the needle kits first came out and still have them sitting around in my room. I am still amazed at how fast you seem to work up pieces. I only wish I could tat half as fast.

Bergdís said...

I'm a shuttle tatter and I have been following your blog since the beginning of this year. You are doing a grate job keeping tatting alive.
I noticed yesterday that your hear is blue and not purple. Did you color it? It looks really nice.

Have a nice day
-Bergdís

Kelly said...

I love this bracelet, and I sent the link to the pattern to my cousin, to whom I introduced needle tatting last weekend.

Denise - Jewelry By Denise said...

I nearly jumped up and down when I saw your new instructable. The flower in it is one I've been struggling to make because of the mock picot! Thanks for that! As for an opinion..I love what you're doing and hope to someday be able to tat at your level!!

r0xanne said...

My favorite piece that you've created would have to be the backdrop necklace. The time you had to put into getting those proportions right makes the piece much more special. But i'm still looking forward to seeing what you come up with for the sculptural piece that you were trying to create. I really enjoy your tutorials and am glad to have somethhing new to play with. Thanks.

Jyotika Malhotra said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Jyotika Malhotra said...

Very very pretty :) Your work is ever so inspiring. I have a long way to go! :)

ShimmeringBreeze said...

I have had my eye on this beautiful bracelet for some time but the opportunity to wear my favourite pieces by you came up sooner. I'm refering to the "A Kind of Pale Jewel" mask and "Portrait of an Elegant Lady" choker. (I'll be wearing said pieces on Friday and shall post pictures on Facebook soon)
Good luck to all entering x

Anonymous said...

I love all your creations! You and this bracelet are what made me want to learn tatting! Your blog is one of the few things I follow daily! Every time I have tried one of your free patterns, my friends and family are amazed with the results! I have coveted this bracelet since I first saw it hoping I could buy it myself or hint enough a love one would order it for me! I about fell out of my chair with joy when I saw the instructable for it the other day :-) thank you for sharing your lovely creations and your time with us!

louine said...

I would be hard pressed to tell you my favorite of your pieces.....I love your jewelry pieces because they are about the tatting and not the embellishments.....some tatters put so many beads that the tatting gets lost but your design are fast becoming classic to me.

The scroll necklaces that you did recently really caught my eye because they have a very Victorian look to them. (I believe I have said that before.)

Queenprog said...

I really love the corsage bracelet. I love the masks from the movie Labyrinth. It's one of my fave movies.

My email is either vicpikachu@gmail
or queenprog@yahoo

rsmre said...

A Kind Of Pale Jewel is the first of your pieces that I remember seeing. I had no idea that one could tat a mask. My favorite mask is Such a Sad Love. This bracelet caught my eye, too. I've always liked it - a very romantic piece. I look forward to your blog every day.
Rosemarie
rweb53@verizon.net

Kerry said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Vicky said...

This is a beautiful bracelet! The link is going in my favorites folder to be worked later! I taught myself to shuttle-tat, but I wouldn't mind trying needles one of these days. Is it any different in speed? I'm a slow crafter in most techniques. :) Your backdrop necklace was beautiful, and I'd love to see the wedding veil edging you've mentioned! I am always awed at your ability to be a fantastic (and speedy!) tatter, a caring seller of your wares, and a phenomenal mother. Keep up the good work! I hope you get out of your funk soon!

I can be reached at swords-and-roses(at)hotmail(dot)com. (Yes, those are really hyphens. words in parentheses are to keep the hackers away. ^_^)

Monica said...

Hello Pamela!

Well, I have no doubts which is my favourite thing of all you've made: your "Queen's feet", of course!

They were my first "big" tatting project: http://creativasuculencia.wordpress.com/2011/05/18/my-first-big-tatting-project-mi-primer-proyecto-de-frivolite-grande/ and I am currently making another pair.

I also admire your personal style and how constant you are, blogging and making all the time.

Oh, and while I would never want to hide that many ends, the tatted chain maille was amazing too!

Kerry said...

As a crocheter, new to needle tatting, this is my favorite of your patterns so far. The "Irish crochet rose" in the center is gorgeous. I have daughter, nieces who would LOVE a choker made like this. Can't wait to try it!

Thank you for your beautiful designs and Instructables!

Carol said...

To choose a favorite would be nigh unto impossible. I tend to gravitate toward anything that looks floral. You have made many pendants that have a floralish vibe to them. I also think your masks and barefoot sandals sexy. My most favorite things though are your patterns. I love being taught to do something, especially when I actually manage to do it. The fact that you invent or purpose patterns is inspiring. Add to it all that you homeschool on top of it and you end up with an intriguing woman with a blog that is a joy to read.
4blessingsfromGod@gmail.com

eqifelin said...

This is gorgeous. I love seeing what new designs you have come up with.

Jo Campbell said...

I love your chokers and collar necklaces. It's hard to choose but I think Art Nouveau is probably my favourite (at least today). I really like the colours on this bracelet.

am I still me? said...

I do so love your masks. I even tried to follow your instructions to make one. Sorta did, and sent it to my cousin who loves dressing up for Halloween. She loved it (didn't know enough to see the mistakes, HeeHee). But my favorite is the barefoot sandals because I love going barefoot. I tried, with shuttle, but they never turned out the same. You continue to be an inspiration!

Sugarcane said...

Mel, I love your work! The first piece I saw that caught my eye was just a simple necklace, but my god I was totally blown away by your art and have been ever since! I can't exactly afford any of your stuff so here's my chance! Thanks for sharing your lovely talent with the world!

Nomi :)

Sharon D. said...

I love the bracelet. Hard to choose which piece I like the most. I love all of them but I really like the white collar necklace. Don't have a lot of time to post but I check almost every day to see what you have tatted.

Isa said...

Lovely bracelet! :)

Kirsten Moore said...

Chin up lady! Your work is gorgeous, and hopefully things will be better soon. I have long been a fan of your work, and have been waffling between two bracelets forever..

LadyShuttleMaker aka MadMadPotter said...

Hmmm...an opinion? I've got lot's but probably none that would be of much interest to anyone. I never win giveaways but it would be lovely to own that bracelet.

Cindy said...

I have admired this bracelet for a LONG time and would love to win it. I’m a shuttle tatter, but check you blog daily, as I love the solid look of your tatting. I’ve tried to get that look, but fear it is only the needle tatting that will achieve it. I you’re your masks and what you do with metal pieces. You inspire me with your drive to create so much and still lead a very busy life.
Cindy

My email addy is rbqdalaska@yahoo.com

Laivine said...

I was sooo excited to see your masks in FLARE! Especially because I have tatted the one mask from your instructable and it was one of the masks!

oizys said...

i love this bracelet! i saw you first on instructables while trying to teach myself tatting. your videos have helped me SOOO much! keep up the awesome work! i have loved the masks but don't think my skills are good enough yet to attempt my own. thank you for sharing your skills with all of us!

ddis007@yahoo.com

Anonymous said...

I would have to say that it is a toss up between Grand Victorian Daisy Two and Tatted Lace Spat Ankle Corset - Black Tie. I love the classic look of the necklace, but there is just something about those ankle corsets that always draws me in whenever I see them! I think it is a combination of the corset lacing (which I love), use of multiple colors and just amazing overall design!

You can catch me @PenolopyBulnick

TinaIsNoAcronym said...

This bracelet is gorgeous! Though, I must say my favorite type of item that you make are the barefoot sandals. They make me want to run around in the woods barefoot!

Tainted Fibers said...

I love your work. I watched your videos and learned to needle tat. I don't get shuttle tatting. I don't know why, but I don't. I love the barefoot sandals and the ankle corsets. All of your work is beautiful and kick ass!

TheFrogBag said...

What a gorgeous bracelet! I'm a big fan of your chockers too. Just lovely work! I'm TheFrogBag on etsy, or, if you prefer, my twitter is twitter.com/CorinnaBechko

gina_bish said...

Love this bracelet. I recently learned to needle tat using your tutorials and I love it. As a fellow homeschooler I appreciate how thorough your instructions are since I have limited time to learn. I really love the backdrop necklace and barefoot sandles but I think all of your work is great.
gina_fcageorgia@yahoo.com

Unknown said...

I learned to Needle Tatt by watching your flower pendant video until I memorized every single stitch. I love your work its inspiring and has added new skill to my repertoire. I love my International Tatting Day, Pendant! Keep tatting and inspiring.

Kelly W. - aka "Pippercat" said...

Ohhhh, this bracelet is so pretty! I really love all of your pieces. But, the ankle corsets are what brought me to your blog. I was searching for a tatting tattoo - something different, you know - and happened upon your website. You've inspired me to pick up my needle tatting again so I can (hopefully) make some beautiful accessories too. Thank you for sharing your tatting life with us. :-)

rivercitylizzy said...

Beautiful red & black piece--my favorite color combo in general. However I must say of all the pieces of yours I have, my favorite is...Lizzy's Diamonds! Of course, hahaha! Although my New Year's Eve necklace is a fav, too. And the Scroll earrings...and Valentine Evenings mask...

So many pretty things to love <3

Dreaming Tree Soapworks said...

I am actually in awe of almost all your creations, there's such a delicacy to them without being "girly". But if I had to choose it's a tie between the Copper Princess and Black Quadra.

mickchick831 said...

My Favorite piece is the sequence mask. I still cant believe you were able to let it go after all the hours it took to create.

** jess! ** said...

An opinion hmm? Well, for starters, I personally can't think straight when allergies are plaguing me so, that could definitly be what's throwing you off your groove. Though, school is almost over for Livi and I and I'm already stressing about all the work that needs to get done this summer, so you could be on to something there too!
An opinion about your work: I think your work is gorgeous. I personally like bright and bold colors, but for the style that your pieces are... black is very elegant! I also love the large hair pieces.
Opinion regarding what I would like to see you try to make: hmmm... I really like your masks, have you ever made one with the eyes covered... like Snooki sunglasses lol or like a sleeping eye mask, that could be neat. Or, a little pouch that could be worn or carried , maybe that could hold a cell phone?
Well... gee willikers you asked for an opinion, I just plum gave you a piece of my mind.
The bracelet is so beautiful and you are sweet to offer it as a giveaway!
(Are your spirits raised yet? or are your eyes rolling? lol)

staci said...

My favorite is the tatted snowflake pendant.

I would like to see some snowflakes come this winter. Last year you mentioned tatting a set for a friend and I kept hoping that you would put some on etsy. I have snowflakes that I have crochet and I would love to decorate a tree in all handcrafted snowflakes one year.

Fox said...

Having admired all your work for nearly four years, following your blog daily and being a shuttle tatter, who has also taken a ‘stab’ at the needle, I am curious to see your art in person, so I would love to win, in order to fondle your work! Doesn’t that sound a bit creepy! But you know what I mean.
Fox : ))

Crazy Mom! said...

I love this! I've admired your work for a long time. I'm a shuttle tatter and have been since the mid-1970's.

Keep it up!

victats@gmail.com said...

The hokah smoking caterpillar and the sequin mask are my favorites.
On another note, I spent a few days trying to figure out how to sabotage everyone else's entry. No evil plot developed, I'm too computer dumb.
On a completely unrelated concern I think that I should tell you that Fox is definitely creepy and for your protection needs to be eliminated from give-away. Who knows what would happen to your poor creation? Some of these other people kinda sound like stalkers too. Reading all your posts and such. Maybe they should be removed from the eligible list too?

Tammie said...

I have recently decided to try to learn to tat..... again. I found your tutorial on the necklace. I began to look at your blog, your pictures, your store... I am totally obsessed with tatting and more especially, YouR work. I do pay attention, but I can't choose a favorite. Thanks for the inspiration!

tammieasbury@gmail.com
Tammie

RoniKnowsBest said...

I love your work, and this bracelet is just lovely...

RoniKnowsBest said...

I really do love your work, as my friend Wendy Green wrote, "a lost art", and you a truly an artist~

Coretta from Confetti said...

My favorite is the In Bloom Ankle Corsets. It was the first thing I saw when I ran across your shop years ago. I still love them. It added a whole new level of romance to tatting.

I would love to win this and save myself the work... I'd have to re-learn needle and I just don't have time for it lately. :)

Unknown said...

Wow this is lovely and I would to have a chance of one of your lovely creations!

Luv Jane XX

Pogo said...

Beautiful piece! Hmm, a good opinion... I would love to see you try a belly chain of sorts. I belly dance and I would love to have something to adorn my midsection! :)

nichole
Pogarita@gmail.com

knittingtrex said...

this bracelet is amazing! it may be my new favorite! I'm so glad I found your etsy shop several months ago- you inspired me to try tatting myself! your videos and instructables are by far the best I've seen anywhere!
love & awe,
@knittingtrex

BlondEngineer said...

I think my very favorite design was the green scroll necklace. It looked a little too 'kelly' green for my tastes, otherwise I'd have bought the thing in a heartbeat.

Ame said...

I've purchased a few items from you a couple times and each time I've almost gotten this bracelet. The piece I've worn the most is black tatting around a ring with a silver sphere in the center, the name escapes me. Right now I'm wearing "Copper Princess" (I think). If money was no object I'd buy "Masquerade" even though I can't imagine when I'd ever wear it. Seeing all your designs is wonderful. I look forward to the bag.

West Pine Creations said...

That bracelet is just stunning. WOW!!! I read your blog everyday and my favorite piece is you're trailing scroll necklace (JUST FABULOUS!!)

Nsane LiL Munky said...

The bracelet is cute! I still love your masks and ankle corset thingies the best though. I found your etsy site when looking for spats I think... it was either that or I was researching what tatting was because a friend was posting pictures of a tatting project. Also, your instructables are what taught me to tat (well, some of the basics anyway). I tend to like the videos better than the written text part because I'm a visual learner and part because I'm dyslexic and I screw up written stitch counts. Do you ever do conventions? I would think you'd sell a lot if you were to ever make it to some type of goth convention.

MisshapenLife said...

I have never heard of tatting until I found your shop on Etsy through a steampunk search. Your work is simply AMAZING. I have never seen anything like it! My favorite peice is definitely the Tatted Lace Cuff Bracelet - Silken Road. Again, beautiful work!

Amanda

amanda.j.raz@gmail.com

Stephanie Grace said...

I was going to start this by asking if I'd ever told you that seeing your products was a big contributing factor in my wanting to learn to tat, but that's not really an opinion, now is it?

My opinion: Your Cheshire Cat mask remains one of the most amazing things that I've ever seen! I still gush and rave about it even though I haven't seen a picture of it in ages! The black cat mask in your shop is great, but nothing will ever top the first time I saw the Cheshire Cat!

The bracelet is beautiful and I thank you SO MUCH for the pattern as well as for a generous giveaway... Still, though, it's just not the Cheshire Cat... ;-)

♥,
Stephanie Grace