Inspired by...Sewing Kit

{Photo credit: Skeggy}

Back in day, when it was far more common to darn socks and replace zippers {rather than just buying something new}, every house had a sewing box. Much more than the small tin I have containing a few spools of white and black and navy thread and a neglected and dust-fuzzy pincushion with a few needles to sew on an errant button, these sewing boxes were treasures in themselves.

I remember the one my mother had was quilted and very pretty to look at. And the goodies within used to fascinate me…the cloth measuring tape, silver thimbles and rows upon rows of colored thread. {For the record, I cannot sew. I prefer duct tape.}

And don’t get me started on buttons. I remember counting buttons and sorting buttons and playing with them as a child. I have bought my fair share of mason jars filled to the brim with these tiny treasures just for one button I saw in the bottom. I swear they reproduce in my studio because each time I look in there I see ones I never saw before. {That could explain why I compulsively save each and every button that comes with new clothes…I have zillions of those little baggies containing thread, beads and buttons or snaps from new clothing…I might use it one day!}

For Round Three of the Found Object challenge, ask if you can rummage around in your mother’s sewing kit and create a piece of jewelry that is inspired by what you find there. Touch the buttons. Hold the lace. Play with the zippers. Seek new materials to experiment with. Use them in unexpected ways. I guarantee that you will never look at sewing notions the same way again {and you might start a button collection of your own}.

I have been very fortunate to have been connected to Bead Trends magazine almost from it's inception in 2007. My very first pieces ever published were selected by Tatia Meyer and her crew for the January 2008 issue. I had the good fortune to win the cover challenge for January 2009 with my vintage and found object inspired bracelet "Stroke of Midnight" and I was humbled to be chosen as the March 2009 centerfold...er...I mean, Designer of the Month.

I made it my goal in 2009 to be published once per month in some way shape or form. I am proud to say that I accomplished that goal. And Bead Trends is a big part of that success. I was in every issue this year except for February {I found another way to be "published" that month!}. If you have ever wanted to try your hand at being published in a magazine, this is a phenomenal place to start. Tatia and her entire staff are top-notch, the photography is absolutely incredible {I now have the more amazing portfolio of my best work}, and it is such a thrill when that little white box arrives on your doorstep. I encourage you to give it a try...they are always having calls for designers to submit their best designs. What are you waiting for...go for it!

Round Three Found Object Challenge prizes:

The random winner of this challenge will receive a copy of the January 2010 issue {as soon as I get a copy...haven't even seen it yet!} that features a necklace I created called "Going Places" {see teaser above} which has buttons and vintage subway tokens and all sorts of miscellany inspired by my trip this summer to Galena, IL {by way of a wrong turn in Dubuque, IA} to visit with Jess and Rose and all the lovely people at Vintaj. And the random winner will also receive a piece of jewelry inspired by sewing kits and featuring something special from Lynn Davis at ExpeditionD. Stay tuned for that little lovely and the really funky vintage find from Etsy that is inspiring this challenge!

How it works:

• Create a piece of jewelry (earrings, necklace or bracelet) using the inspiration.
  


• Post your picture to the Flickr account here.
  


• If you are so inspired {and I hope you will be!}, feel free to create as many pieces as you like for each weekly challenge and post to the Flickr account, but your name will only be entered once. (For extra BONUS ENTRY opportunities, see below). You have until 11:59 pm on Sunday, December 20th to post to the Flickr account.
  


• Check back on Dec 21 when I will announce the RANDOM winner of the previous week’s challenge.

In the description of your picture be sure to add the following:

• Title of the piece
  


• Found objects incorporated into the piece
  


• Short description of your inspiration (optional)
  


• Your Name
  


• Your email address
  


• Your blog or website

BONUS ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES:

• If you use an art bead in your piece {art bead is defined as a bead or component created by yourself or another artisan}, be sure to point that out in your description {with a link to the appropriate artisan’s website, shop or blog} and you will have an extra entry.
  


• If you blog, Facebook, Twitter, sky write or take out a billboard to publicize each week’s challenge, be sure to let me know {leave a comment on that week's challenge} and your name will be in for an extra entry.
  

Go and get inspired today!

Enjoy the day!