{Candie Cooper's Journal}

Bead Crochet...

Oh, it was another busy week at the Cage and still going.  Tuesday I taught the ladies how to crochet with beads.  It took all those coffees on the table, diet coke, and some pizza to get us to the finish line on these.  Needless to say, it was a little daunting at first, bue everyone rose to the challenge and the final results were stunning.

This is the sample I used to demonstrate the technique. Surprising myself, I went with choker length!?!   The clasp is hand picked from Jess Imports.  We randomly found Jess Imports while strolling through San Fran last January--lucky me!  Their store front is closed now, but their online selection is super and I think they vend at many bead shows, so fret not!

   

Be watching for an upcoming issue of Simply Beads Magazine for a similar necklace using this same technique. 

Today I taught a simple class on stamping, embossing, and decoupaging.  More on that later because I have to go to bed. Seriously.  21 people signed up for my kids felting class tomorrow morning and the teacher needs to rest up!

Doin' the DIY Shuffle...

Make that Crafty DIY shuffle.

Yesterday a friend and I hopped the 8:30 ferry to Hong Kong for a day of crafty shopping.  Mission accomplished.  We checked out the new Spotlight store, which reminds me of a JoAnn Fabrics Bed, Bath and Beyond fusion.  It was a solid hour of pouring over all things lovely and crafty.  Then we had lunch at the California Pizza Kitchen.  3 words.  Crunchy Thai Salad.  Awesome.

After lunch we road the MTR over to the DIY market in the Sham Shui Po district; several rows and blocks of craft supplies.....in bulk.  Yes, it makes your eyes bulge.

Do you know the scene in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory where Willy Wonka shows them the candy room? Yeah, it's like that.  The sun always shines on this place.

Bags, buckets, baskets, drawers, and more are loaded with beads and charms.  Reel after reel of ribbon and trim.  Countless bead woven creatures made with Swarovski crystals.  It is insane.

Here's a few of my favorite finds from there. If you are crafty and heading to Hong Kong, you don't want to leave this off the travel itinerary.  Give yourself at least two hours to take it all in....if not a day!

I want to make this...

 

Maybe because it's a kagillion degrees out, I've been pondering the idea of making a Granny Square Blanket.  Craving weather where one would actually need a blanket like this.  I suppose this is the crazy equivalent of a rain dance or something.

Want to make one too?  Go here:  Canadian Living Magazine  They have many nice knitting and crochet patterns.

P.S.  I did learn to knit. It's going surprisingly well actually. I'm going over to old town today in an attempt to buy some wool to make this Blowing Bobbles Felt Scarf for my next project.  Wish me luck.