Someone I know likes to design things, but doesn't have the skills to make what she envisions.  I told her I would make some of the things for her.  It's been pretty easy until we got to this one.  I have no idea how to make fabric do this.



They are going to be about 2.5 inches wide.
The pleat/gathers can go to the center of the design (she just left them out for the picture since she is going to have things go in the center)  She wants it out of suede, but if anyone things there is a better fabric for it, I can pass it on to her.

I created the banner for my Etsy shop a while ago and I love it.  Sadly, the computer that has the Illustrator file decided to make a burning smell and stop working (no, I have no idea what I did either)
I would like to re-make it so that I can make it different sizes and print it without it looking pixeled.  Since I made it so long ago, I have no idea what fonts I used.  I really just need help on what I used for the big "C"s and the rest of the words.  Someone can try and name what I used for the middle of the "M" part, but that seems like it would be harder.
Hopefully someone will be able to help me!

I got a few different colors of the Kukui Nut Leis when I was on vacation.  I love the way they look, but I knew they would just sit and collect dust as they were.  I let them feel loved, I decided to make bracelets with them.  I quickly figured out most of how I wanted them to look.
I am, however, having problems with the clasp.  My first idea was to make it adjustable, but that seems to be wearing on the cord I used faster than I would like it to.  I then thought I could add a magnetic clasp, but I'm not sure how to attach it.
I'm also not sure which look people might prefer, the floating pearl look, or the tied-in bead look.

Here is a picture that I hopes shows off both well enough.

From what I can see, I think it looks good so far.  For the body, I would suggest a football shape that is very blunt on the end, and then a triangular insert for the bottom to make it wider while still having the point at the top.

Here is a simple version of what I mean, you would have to tweek the actual shape to get it to look just right and be the right size.

I decided to just sew them for now.  Once I make the final pattern, then I might try using the serger on them.


This is the design I'm happiest with right now.  I'm trying to figure-out how to make the ears lay better.  I am not sure what to try, or it is cute enough?

Not sure if I can get this completely right with words...so I'll add a pic or two.

So I found-out that the hole in E size beads are the perfect size for what I need.  Also, most of the time they are just-plain the perfect size.  I ran into a slight problem with one project.  While the hole and diameter are still perfect, they are a bit long for what I need.  Are there beads out there that are pretty much E beads, but not as long?

Kind of like this:

Not necessarily as thin as that, but thinner than most E beads are.

Here is a link if you haven't heard about them before:
http://shop.rings-things.com/cart/pc/Bead-Glass-E-Beads-Size-5-0-Amber-118p7748.htm

I need to take better pics at some point, but here are the "Look what I made 2 seconds ago!" pictures!






I'm going in to work tomorrow and I hope I can find more of those bead packs in the clearance section!  I really need to stop being nice when it comes to clearance beads...

So here is how this question came to pass: I was at work and saw this lovely brocade that will work perfectly with a costume idea that has been stewing in my head for a few weeks.  I got the yard I'm pretty sure I need.
The more I looked at it the more I began to wonder if the back wasn't as good looking as the front.  One of my co-workers thought the front was a lot better because it was shinier and seemed to have a touch more detail.  Another co-worker thought they both looked equally pretty and suitable for the outside of a garment.
Since we are tied with me being undecided, I decided to ask for more opinions.
Here is a picture of the fabric in question:


Now go forth and discuss of it! (don't mind me, having fun trying to be dramatic ^.~)

I have a mint tin similar to this one:
While the front is awesome, I don't like printing on the front and back.  I was wondering if there was any way to take the printing off without taking off any of the finish on the tin (it's a really pretty color I like).  Also, if there is no way to get that off, what would be a good way to color the metal evenly?  Spray paint would be difficult because the bottom of the tin goes inside the lid, so I would miss it when spraying it on one side and I would worry that there would be a line of the old color.

I think it kind of looks like the top to a beaded triangle box, but with a hole in the center, and two of them combined into one piece (that was probably confusing for everyone not in my head right now)
I'm trying to find a pic... oh here is one I copied from the back of my fav book! (which I really need to buy and let the library have their copy back for more than a few days)  In the book, Little Bead Boxes by Julia S Pretl, it goes into more detail about the making of each box and how to read the charts.