Something Three-Dimensional

I've been busy working on orders lately, but I always have an easier project on hand for when I'm feeling tired.  This is one of my latest efforts.

It's what I call a 'teaching pattern', as it uses six different techniques, designed by Diane S. Hertler and it was published in Bead and Button magazine.  The original pattern called for size 11 Delicas, I used size 15 Japanese seed beads which are quite a bit smaller.  As you can see, it works out to be pretty right for a 1/12th scale miniature.  I'm interested in exploring more three-dimensional work with beading so you can expect to see more of this type of thing in the future.
What I like most about this little backpack is that it has a pocket in the front, and the flap opens so you can put school supplies in it.

It also has straps at the back, so it could be worn by a miniature 'person'.

In case you're wondering, it is sitting on a miniature silk braided rug I made some time ago, and underneath that is a full size crochet doily.  Now I have all sorts of ideas running around in my head for things I could make using these techniques!  In the meantime, this little backpack has found a home in my miniature beading shop.

Some more things I made recently - these combine my two newest obsessions - beading and tatting!

These little shuttle shaped keyfobs were beaded using square stitch. I designed and made them as small gifts for members of my tatting class at my local U3A (that's University of the 3rd Age). I made them about a month ago, but of course I couldn't show them until I was sure the recipients had unwrapped them at Christmas.

They were given with a little poem which I made up and printed on a card:

Gentle tatter, know you this
Tatting brings such peaceful bliss
So tat a little every day
It will help to keep the blues away
Attach this shuttle to bag or keys
To remind you to take your tatting - please!

Springtime Rose Bracelet

Here is a photo of the bracelet I designed and made to match my Springtime Rose necklace and earrings. It is made using the same sort of methods as the necklace, but as I don't like dangly things on my wrists I have made it to fit snugly.

This completes the jewellery set, and I will be moving on to some more mini tatting (or fairy tatting as I call it!) very soon.

Some eye candy to share

 Here is my latest beaded jewellery creation, which I'm calling Springtime Rose. 

It's a bit of a romantic piece I guess.  The original concept was built around the focal beads, which are crystal with handpainted pink roses and I was aiming for a Shabby Chic look.  The only trouble is that just about everything I make ends up looking more Victorian than anything else, and this jewellery is no exception!  I guess I might as well just admit it - I'm obsessed with the Victorian era.  I made the necklace adjustable so I can wear it with different necklines.  I'm still working on the matching bracelet at the moment.