Wednesday, March 2, 2011

Heart and Shuttles

One last heart. I forgot about this one, it turned up when I turned out my tatting bag (I do clean and organize now and then, just don't want to go overboard about it). It's really little, about the size of a U.S. dime, even though it's made with size 30 Cebeliá thread. It's one of the things we learned at tatting guild -- last year. Since I learned last year, and never did it again, I don't think I can do it again!

Now -- on to the shuttles. Diane (Lace-lovin' Librarian) had the prettiest shuttle that I really needed. It's blue with a pattern of lines making what almost looks like tatted shamrocks. I offered to trade her for one I did with a blue and green paisley pattern. She got right on the job; and I got the loveliest surprise package today. I've got the pretty blue papered shuttle, two balls of size 70 thread, and a beautiful glittery bag. See?

Once I get to the post office I'll get my part of the exchange sent off. Only now I really need to find something pretty to package it in, don't I? :)

I've been covering shuttles like a mad fool. I don't know why, but it's a soothing thing to do. I think it's a bit like making mudpies or playing with papier mâche. You get to get grubby, ignore everyone (works ever better if you put in earphones connected to an MP3 player with a really good book), and stay up way too late. I do this stuff a bit differently than Diane. I use a regular paint brush, not as many coats of decoupage and I don't use fingernail top coat (but I've got to look into that and the sponge brushes!). Instead of a craft knife, I use a curved nail scissors. Knives and I don't play well together. (It's not me -- they bite.) Anyway, here's a photo of the last lot. None of these have had the final coat of acrylic spray applied (I've been too lazy to lace them into the spray box). The ones outlined by the squiggly red line are all the same pattern, but different colors -- like a six shuttle set (so alliterative!) -- I don't even mind the tan one! The bunch outlined in turquoise are all Clover shuttles (yeah, like you couldn't tell, huh?). The ladybug shuttles are all made with stickers on tissue paper, as is the firecracker (the blue next to the blue with a ladybug). There's a lavender one in the bottom row and the one black shuttle that are made with nail stickers on tissue paper. I've decided to not buy any more of the nail stickers once I've used those I have. I'm not creative enough with them and they end up just ...well... stuck there.

10 comments:

Bonnie said...

Looks like a great collection.

Margarets designer cards said...

What a lovely surprise, lovely bag of goodies. Your heart looks lovely but as I dont know how big a dime is I take it is small.
Your shuttles are looking lovely and what a lovely colourful lot they look.
well done
Margaret

Sharren - Tatting in Greenwood, South Carolina said...

They're all just beautiful, Marty! You've done a great job of blinging them!

Cindy said...

I love the little heart - and ALL the shuttles you've decoupaged. Diane's are all lovely too - nice trade :)

Lace-lovin' Librarian ~ Diane said...

I love all your shuttles! Those lady bugs are especially cute!

I wonder where we can get our plastic shuttles super cheap? Not that I mind the cost, but I would like to be able to bling them a boat-load at a time! ; )

Dale Marie said...

What lovely shuttles! My favorites are the pink and green at the top center of the photo, and all three of the lady bug shuttles are eye catchers. Lady bugs always seem to brighten things up somehow:-)

Anonymous said...

Oh how pretty!!!! I enjoy your blog.

Anonymous said...

Oh wow these are lovely! My favorite is the blue tie-dye-looking Clover on the right. But they are all sooo pretty! Awesome job! :-)

Marilee Rockley said...

Your Celtic knot is precious and so teeny!

The shuttles are all so pretty, I'd have a hard time choosing a favorite. But, the one with the limes stands out as unique, for sure!

Tatskool said...

WOW!!