Discount Deals - Livingsocial Deal - yippee!!

Not sure if you have ever used the increasingly popular discount deal sites such as Groupon. Livingsocial or Wowcher. If so you will know how they work you purchase a voucher for a great deal at an amazing price and from, hopefully, a reputable company. Then you either redeem it for your goods or services and enjoy the moment.. The Company or merchant hopes that you are please with everything and become a return customer.

Well I am running a deal through Livingsocial. It is a beginners 2 hour knitting, crochet or sewing lesson. Knitters will learn how to cast on, knit and purl stitch to create the garter and stocking stitch pattern. then how to cast off. In the crochet lessons you will learn the essential foundation chain, double crochet and treble stitches and working in rows. I also teach left-handed students.  The sewing lesson is the Beginners Introduction to Sewing workshop, where you will learn how to sew straight and accurate seams, curve seams, pivoting, basic neckline and under-stitching.

During any of the lessons you will also benefit from loads of valuable advice, free materials and full use of tools or machines. Lesson are held on various days and times - email me for details - ellie@elliebjewels.com
If you are interested in this offer follow this link Ellie's deal

Handmade slippers

Last year I was given a lovely pair of slippers from Christmas from my son. Needless to say they have been well worn and I needed a new pair.  Whilst looking around the stores I decided that I would rather make a unique pair for myself.

So armed with the creative desire I measured, researched, examined, created and test a few patterns. These are the finish products.

Red velveteen fabric with a fleece lining. Faux leather soles and name on top.

Faux fur with fleece ling and faux leather soles.

I pushed the boat out a bit with this pair and made them into Mary Jane style slippers. This pair is made from 100% cotton, lined with blue anti pil fleece, fastened with a button trim velcro closing. White  faux leather soles.

www.elliebjewels.com

Jewellery making workshop at The 90 Day Cafe

From Monday 20th June I will be running a series of jewellery making workshops in collaboration with  The 90 Day Cafe at their venue in The Great Western Arcade. The workshops are suitable for beginners or improver's with a different item taught each week.

The 90 Day Cafe prides itself on its breakfast sandwiches and a never-ending list of handmade cupcakes, all of which can be enjoyed whilst making your jewellery or why not stay and enjoy their healthy deli lunch menu.  

Spaces are limited so book early click here

Daisy Chain anklet

With Spring with us and Summer will soon be here it's so beautiful to see so many flowers blooming. I thought I would makes these lovely delicate daisy chain anklets so you can feel the Springtime as you walk.

These are made with seed beads that are clustered together to form a fuller chain, made in the traditional daisy colours and in other shades.

This one is the single daisy chain with vine (modelled by Eve)

Tissue box covers

I've always liked the idea of the tissue box covers so decided to make my own. I wanted my pattern to be an "all in one" without the seams around the top. I also wanted to use the curtain eyelets as the dispensing opening for the tissues. I also wanted the covers to be reversible.
These are my makes:

Crochet Ear Warmer Headbands

So I made the sausage dog draught excluder to keep you room warm. I hae also been busy making these lovely crocheted ear warmers/headbands to keep your cold of your ears.

These are really warm and very cosy to wear. I will be making them in a variety of colours and wool. http://www.elliebjewels.com/

Sausage Dog draught excluder

To help cut the chills in the home I made this sausage dog draught excluder (he is so cute) that will make any room look great.

I created my own pattern and after a few adaptions this is the finish product. Yesterday some of the ladies on my Tuesday sewing class made their own.

I will be selling these on my website in a variety of  fabrics and once I've written the make up instructions I will also be selling the pattern.

More Scottie Dogs - Tuesday sewing class

As my regular Tuesday evening ladies turn up for their weekly sewing class there was cries of delight when they saw the few Scotties I had made. It didn't take very long before a couple of them decided they wanted to make their own.

This lovely black one was made by Eve, she also made it a removable tartan dog coat and will also have a little bell. Eve will be creating a range of coats so you can dress your dog up.

Antje had just recently purchased this herringbone fabric which she used some off to make her dog. The ribbon dog collar also features a little bell.

Finally I made this little tartan one - makes me want to eat Walkers shortbread biscuits.

Group photo - we will be name all the dogs. The tartan one will be called Quincy.

Finally this beautiful flower was made by Elaine sing 100% dupion silk.

Don't forget to add your comments I would love to know what you think of their work.

Spiral scarf

I have been very busy recently crocheting and made these fabulous spiral crochet scarves in a variety of yarns.

You can purchase them from my website click here they will make a great Christmas present.

Let me know what you think.........

New Studio - new workshops

I've finally moved into my new studio workroom, and I've already delivered 2 workshops. Brand new offices in a great location just above The Zen Shop,
Digbeth Court
2nd Floor
162 - 164 High Street Deritend
Digbeth
Birmingham
B12 0LD

The move was very exhausting and to top things the lifts was not working and I'm on the 2nd floor :(. Luckily I had great help with all the heavy stuff. It stills need a bit of fine tuning and rearranging but I will get there in time.

The workshops that I ran was an all day jewellery making for beginners, where I covered all the basic techniques needed to create beaded jewellery. This includes making the loops on headpins, opening and closing jump rings, crimping, right angle weave (crossover weave). We then put these into real jewellery and made a beaded charm bracelet, a necklace, a bracelet, earrings plus we did a few little takeaway samples and an elasticated bracelet plus more.

The other workshop was the Basic Sewing for beginners - covering how to thread up your sewing machine, how to wind a bobbin, how to sew a straight line. Then after choosing their fabric they learnt a little on how to lay it out and to cut out a little shopping tote bag using dressmakers shears. The techniques used to sew the bag was pressing, sewing french seams and very important how to sew with pins in the fabric. Again a very successful workshop and lovely bags made.

Other workshops for this week includes the following:

• Complete Dressmaking Course
• Crochet for beginners
• Wired rings
• 3 week jewellery making course
• Saturday 11th a Chain Maille workshop

If you would like to attend any of my workshops please visit my website http://www.elliebjewels.com/  If you would like me run a particular workshop just drop me an email ellieb_jewels@hotmail.co.uk

Psychedelic fabric - make up bag

I was doing my normal little bit of fabric shopping when I spotted this alluring psychedelic fabric and thought how nice it would look made up as a bag. As this is something I do so often I now only buy the minimum that I need to do a sample test, then if I like it I go back and buy more.

This is my sample bag - little make up bag or just a small handy bag.

I will be using the fabric for a few other little designs.

Thank you

Ellie