It’s been a couple of months since my last post on all things crafty, let’s talk about what I’ve been making lately. I’ve been branching out in a few new(ish) directions, as always following inspiration wherever it takes me. I’ve been able to carve out a consistent amount of time every week to devote to creative pursuits, which has been an incredible boon for my mental wellbeing especially during difficult times. A lot of my inspiration lately has come from art. I find myself drawn to certain artists and works because of their colour stories; my brain is constantly craving colour. I swear, colour is like some kind of serotonin boost for me. Whether it’s embroidery or beadwork, it all comes back to colour.

Speaking of embroideries, I’ve worked on a few larger pieces so my output hasn’t been large but does include pieces I’m very happy with.

This is the 4th hoop in my waterlilies series. I like to try different techniques and design ideas each time. This piece was influenced by Monet’s waterlily studies.

Here is the whole series, side by side:

I’m taking a break from waterlilies for now, so I can recharge my inspiration. Instead, I’m working on some different flowers, like this:

This was a large hoop (10 inch) which takes significantly longer to complete — when doing a full coverage design — than my usual 8 inch hoop. I like the extra design space that the larger canvas provides, but it’s a struggle to stay committed long enough to finish it. However, this one was enjoyable to work on, start to finish — I think the diversity of colours really helped.

I also worked on another large hoop that was a complete departure for me. I decided to try an abstract portrait in the style of Picasso, inspired by a post on r/Embroidery. The OP’s work was done by rug-hooking, and I wanted to replicate that texture so I decided to take the plunge and commit to French knots. Over the entire hoop. Did I mention it was a 10 inch hoop? Gah.

For the design, I used these 2 Picasso portraits as inspiration:

I was initially very excited about the project simply because of its novelty, but the reality of French-knotting a full coverage design soon kicked in … and almost kicked my butt. But I persevered:

I love the texture of the finished piece and how it turned out in general, but I’m not sure I want to turn this one into a series, haha!

Next up, I did a little bit of jewelry upcycling again after a hiatus. But instead of working with polymer clay, I simply used existing (thrifted or secondhand) pieces to assemble new ones. It started when I found a bracelet at the thrift store which matched a necklace I’d thrifted a few years ago. I hadn’t been wearing the necklace very much, but I loved the design and realized that I could make a piece more to my liking by combining the necklace and bracelet. So I connected them together, and added another thrifted piece (a collar-style necklace) to hang them, like so:

I love long vertical line necklaces, and this first try inspired me. So I decided to tackle another bracelet I Poshmarked last year; it’s a labradorite cluster bracelet that I adore but found too bulky to wear as such. I attached it very simply to a choker, and later added a separate labradorite pendant (also sourced on Poshmark) in a complementary shape as a finishing touch:

Meanwhile, I had thrifted a moon face pendant which I adored — I am obsessed with moon themed jewelry. I didn’t love the leather cord it was strung on, though, and decided that it needed a similar setting as my recently converted bracelet-necklaces. So I hunted on Poshmark for a bracelet to upcycle for that purpose; I specifically looked for a moonstone one because (a) moonstones are my second favourite stone, and (b) it seemed appropriate. And, voila:

I am obsessed with these necklaces, and I’m keeping an eye open for more similar pieces that I can add to my collection.

Lastly, let’s talk beadwork. For the last few months, I’ve been keeping 2 projects going at all times, one embroidery and one beadwork. I find it keeps from getting too bored with any one project (as they all tend to take at least 1.5-2 weeks to finish). My focus has been on beaded necklaces, and trying out some new designs.

First, I wanted to try a design based on vintage needlepoint. I used a vintage bag I thrifted years ago as inspiration. Unfortunately, rather than waiting to buy some graph paper for plotting purposes, I decided to make my own. 0/10, would not recommend. But I managed to make it work, sorta:

For this next piece, I gave up on graphing the design. Instead, I transferred the design directly onto my backing medium (felt) and worked off that. It was somewhat less painful … but I made up for it by deciding to attach a full fringe, which was a huge PITA. Nevertheless:

Last but definitely not least, I wanted to try a necklace inspired by one of my obsessions, Monet’s waterlilies. I gave up trying to prep a design in any way, shape or form, and did a totally freehand design (making it up as I went along). And it turned out pretty well, if I say so myself:

I have a few projects on the go, including a new embroidery flower series and some other beadwork designs. Till next time, happy crafting!

Details: United Colours of Benetton sweater, Chicwish skirt, Free People shoes (all thrifted), J. Crew necklace (Poshmark)

Thoughts: This was a look inspired by Molly Goddard, which I’ve been wanting to recreate for a while. This sweater turned out to be the perfect piece for it – it has some volume to it, which is important to this silhouette. It’s the juxtaposition that matters; it takes this outfit away from princessy into a more modern direction.

Details: Clover Canyon top (consignment); Ralph Lauren skirt (thrifted)

Thoughts: I’m surprised it took me so long to pair these two pieces, to be honest. But the top has a bunch of mixed plaid patterns in it, so I thought — why not add another one? It always puts me in mind of some of Alexander McQueen’s goth/romantic plaid runway looks. Well, it’s the mood I strive to achieve; whether I succeed or not is another matter.

Details: Marimekko x Uniqlo top (Poshmark); Club Monaco turtleneck (retail); Frank & Oak pants (swap); J. Crew shoes (retail)

Thoughts: I’ve been waiting for this specific Marimekko print to pop up on Poshmark for a while. Last year, I was watching the tunic version but I hesitated too long and missed out on it. In some ways, I think buying the top will prove more versatile anyway, but we will see. I love non-traditional and/or oversized polka dot patterns, so this is right up my alley. I feel like this piece will come into its own in the summer, but for now — this is a cute transitional outfit.

Details: Charlie & Robin cardigan, Icone tee, Banana skirt (all thrifted)

Thoughts: Sometimes, I take a theme and beat it right into the ground. This is one of those times.

Details: InWear sweater, Marc Cain skirt (both thrifted)

Thoughts: I’m very much devoted to midi and maxi skirts, so whenever I wear something shorter, it feels “off” (visually) to me. I think it’s just a matter of what I’m used to. This wasn’t one of my favourite outfits as a result, but I really liked how the colour palette came together. I rarely wear a lot of brown, much less head to toe, but I’m loving this orangey-brown shade at the moment.

Details: Do Everything in Love cardigan, Everlane pants (both thrifted), Gorman tee (Poshmark)

Thoughts: I thought I would love this Gorman tee, and by rights I should; the abstract, painterly pattern is usually my jam. But I don’t find myself reaching for it. I’m not sure why. It has colours I like, too. Just a mystery. But it worked nicely with this new fuzzy cardigan I thrifted — which I got largely for the colour (chartreuse!), by the way. Well, the sleeves are cool too. I have lots of other plans for it, which is more than I can say for the tee. Win some, lose some.

One. Mosaics

I really, really, reeeelly don’t need another hobby. But, if I were to pick up a new one, it would be mosaic making. It fits right in with my other ones, like beading and embroidery. I would love to have a large mosaic piece in my backyard, but I don’t really have the budget to commission one nor the time or materials to make my own. But it’s a project I can dream about as I move closer to retirement.

Two. White-crested tit warbler

I have found my bird twin. Fluffy and unicorn-coloured. The white-crested tit warbler, c’est moi.

Three. Caliban & the Witch

I have been dipping into Caliban and the Witch: Women, the Body and Primitive Accumulation by Silvia Federici a chapter at a time, and it’s simply fascinating and so thought-provoking. It looks at the patriarchal underpinnings of capitalism, and how the exploitation and oppression of women paved the way for what she calls the patriarchy of the wage. It is not a light read, but it’s interesting commentary in our late-stage capitalism milieu.

Four. Abstract embroidery portrait

Inspired by a post I saw on the Embroidery sub-Reddit, I’ve been working on a Picasso-inspired abstract portrait hoop design. What drew me to it was the use of colour (naturally) and texture — I am using French knots to create a texture similar to rug-hooking. It’s soooo time-consuming, and a bit of a gamble (I haven’t done anything similar before so I’m not sure how it will turn out), but hopefully it will all be worth it in the end.

Five. Concrete art

My friend, Anna, makes fabulous everyday objects from concrete and I love the juxtaposition of the hard, industrial medium and the soft, dreamy colours. I have a few of her pieces, including this lidded jar which is the newest addition to my collection.