Catching up with the new year

Where did all the time go? 

I finished exams and classes and had a really nice long break with my hubby. With the inspiration to teach one of my labmate, Jinny, to crochet, I got hooked on needlework all over again. From then till now, I have finished a knitted scarf for my hubby, a crochet baby blanket for Missy's baby (born yesterday!), a bunch of crochet Christmas ornaments, doilies & coasters, a crochet baby bib for another baby shower, a knitted beret for whom I have found a deserving recipient after realizing my head is too big for it and a knitted pig in need of stuffing. I have also taught Janhavi how to knit. I have to say it has been a fruitful 3 months.

Anyway, I actually forgot all about repairing Richa's necklace?! So here I am, unpacking all my barang-barang (stuff) again. Here's a quick blog for the repair that I did. The sterling silver necklace had a soldered jump ring and for whatever reason, it has disappeared. So, I added a 2mm crimp bead to the free end of the necklace using the standard crimper tool to create an artificial protrusion. Next, I used a side open crimp (like Charlotte but opens on the side) to cover it. Before closing it, I added enough hypocement to cover the excess volume. Finally, I added a jump ring and the necklace should be good to be worn again. Here the final product.

Since I have unpacked my stuff, I wanted to make something for Valentine's. Not much inspiration running through unfortunately. I came upon my beautiful 3mm Swarovski Light Siam bicone and decided to make a puffy heart. Well, as all wise crafter would do, google "puffy heart beading instruction". I came upon forum after forum, mainly promoting their own pattern for sale or a bunch of dead links. May I point you to this instructional video, which I could basically follow through alongside and made a puffy heart I am proud of. I used Japanese 15/0 white seed beads for the bail instead. I have not decided what to do with yet though : )

Thanks for reading and I hope you have had a good start to the year too!