Rosebud Collections

Family and friends,

As a result of my upcoming foray into the exciting world of urban craft fairs, and taking into account the increasing diversity of my jewelry and crafts, I have decided to change my name from Rosebud Beads to Rosebud Collections. I'm about to be meeting many new people with similar interests and I had a feeling in the pit of my stomach that I shouldn't move forward with the same name but that I should instead reinvent myself somewhat for this new era of my business. It may seem like a simple change but to me it feels like a huge step. I've outgrown my former name, and while it feels good to know how much I have grown and learned over the past couple of years there is a small price to pay for the change.

I will be making a new facebook group (and Etsy page and blog) with the new name. I hope that you will bear with me through this final request to join one of my groups. I know I asked you recently to switch from a group to a fan page, as many people have been doing, but this will be the last. 

You can find the new group here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=14168&id=113617728663606&saved#!/pages/Rosebud-Collections/113617728663606

And here is my new etsy shop (although nothing is up yet!): http://www.etsy.com/shop/rosebudcollections

And blog (There won't be anything there until at least Monday): http://rosebudcollections.blogspot.com/

Thank you so much for your continued support. Stay tuned!

Wishful Thinking Wednesday - Wine Bottle Glasses

Usually this post is reserved for things I could never even dream of making but this project is something I feel is only slightly out of reach. I'm sure if I had the right tool I could manage these. Maybe I am being naive??? Either way I fell in love with these amazing glasses instantly. Upcycled wine bottle glasses.  I was pointed in their direction by an Etsy post on Facebook and I adore them!

Toronto Tuesday - Bead Junction

Today I went for an incredible bike ride and happened to pop in to Bead Junction on Roncesvalles. This was my first time visiting the store but it very quickly earned the right to be featured on my blog for one simple reason. They carry E6000. My long search is over! I have been to dozens of art supply and hobbyist stores over the last few months but always left empty handed (or at least, if we're being honest, with a bag of everything but adhesive!). Their prices are reasonable and their selection is large and varied. I cannot wait to return!

Roncesvalles is one of my very favourite neighbourhoods in the city so look forward to seeing many more fantastic businesses from that area highlighted here!

Dye. Dyeing. Dyed.

I had a lot of white lace around the house so I bought some Dylon dye while I was downtown a few days ago. I was REALLY nervous about using it but it turned out wonderfully! Here are some pictures of the before, during and after.

Here are the raw materials.

Dye, salt, water, lace and a little pot that survived the 20 minutes of simmering without becoming pink itself.

And the results. After rinsing the fabric I was pleased to discover that the items had turned out a couple of different colours, depending on the material. I was concerned the long lace wouldn't even dye (fearing it was too synthetic and treated) but it, along with the venise lace bow, turned out closest to the package colour (Rose of Paris). I am super happy about the bright and vibrant red pieces!! It's like I got a two for one deal on the price and the work.

I cannot wait to use these freshly coloured items and to use the other dye colours I purchased!

Finally Friday - Jewellery displays

I have (more or less) completed my first jewellery display. I used an old frame, some foam and some fabric. It's being held together thanks to my staple gun and luck. It turned out reasonably well, but will not hold earrings. Only necklaces. Not too bad a thing though as I have another frame I can put some screen or chicken wire in.

Here is a terrible picture of the front of my display.

And the unfinished back:

I need to get something to stand it up on and I should probably cover up that gaping hole...

I am going to make four smaller ones from trays I found at the dollar store and then painted. I will take pictures of all of the steps as I go and then I will post them here. It's a very simple process and they end up looking really professional.

I never could get the hang of Thursdays. - Crochet

Still no job offers.

Still no sunshine.

Must spend day learning to crochet flower and leaves. Help me out here youtube.

I should also:

-dye some lace so I can use it for necklaces.
-figure out square foot gardening so we can get the supplies.
-sand broken plates to be used for necklaces. (I need a real tool for this please...)
-finish up my craft fair displays (possibly even making a tutorial as I go)
AND
-plan this weekend and figure out exactly what I need to get now so that I may come up with a budget and an itinerary (because shops are so all over the place you really need to know where you are going and in what order).

Also I have to figure out how I am getting to this event. Obviously not because I have talents in the open mic department but so I can meet some like minded people (the woman organizing this event is the woman organizing the craft fair). I might even make a friend! I do love a reason to go to Roncesvalles!

Must go eat breakfast.

Wishful Thinking Wednesdays

Cut out and keep posted this papercut necklace on facebook today.

 I know for a fact I could never make this. Not even with practise. It's just not going to happen for me. But I very much wish that it could. It's so lovely and special! But alas. I cannot even make a nice paper snowflake....


In other wish related news I applied for several jobs yesterday so I am hoping they call me or email me back soon! There is a store hiring at Duffeirn Mall that called me for an interview the last time I was looking for employment but it's a shoe store and it doesn't look like a great place to work (I have seen a VERY pregnant lady climb a ladder too many times to think they give a damn about their employees). So it's in my back pocket for now. Two options I am rooting for are Costa Blanca and Lens-Crafters... but only because I really want new glasses and it would be a super easy and fun job to help others find nice glasses. It would be nice to find a "grown up""real" job but I'm happy to do retail for the summer.

Ultimate wish for today.... I want the sun to come out! It's so dark it feels like it's 8pm!