Three's the charm!

Despite subbing today, I've managed to tat three more Ice Drops!

I started one before I went to bed last night. Somehow, it seems easier for me to accomplish something during the day if I start it the night before!

This one was started before school and finished after school. I like the look of stacked beads, and I love the crackled look of the glass gem.

While Dave started installing our new kitchen counter top,

I started another Ice Drop. I just finished it a few minutes ago.

And just like that, I have three more Ice Drops in my collection!

Denise sent me a picture of one of her Ice Drops turned into a lapel pin. Isn't that a great idea?

Charmed!

I'm so glad Denise had the idea to add little charms to Ice Drops!

I love that little added touch!

Crackled Ice Drop

One of the ladies on the Ice Drop Addicts page posted a link for fried marble... what a blast from the past!

http://www.craftster.org/forum/index.php?topic=202515.0

I haven't fried marbles since the 1980s when daughter Alison came from school and wanted to try them. The method shown in the link works much better than what I tried back then!

Preheat your oven to 500°. Put your glass gems or marbles in a pie plate and heat in the oven for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, fill a metal bowl or pot with ice and water and pour the heated gems in the water.

They will crackle beautifully! I only had one that wasn't usable. A large piece cracked off, so I just threw that gem away.

I don't know how well the crackling shows up on your monitor, but in person it looks really cool!

Denise and I found these cute charms when we were out shopping yesterday. I think they're a perfect addition!

Different looks

I experimented today... same thread, same beads, different glass gem, different ribbon.

I started with a glass gem that has a feathery center, like the marbles we played with as kids.

Next, I tried a solid orange glass gem.

On the last one, I used one of my new purple glass gems from my friend Denise.

I wanted to try this idea out for sets of ornaments for next Christmas. I'm not sure if I'll follow through, but I sure do like the idea!

Jane's TIAS 2017 Day 1

Are you joining in the fun? Jane's TIAS starts today!

My guess is a cheerleader, cheering me on to practice split rings!

Note to self: do not practice split rings before having at least one cup of coffee! Thanks, Jane!

Bella's choice

Bella is the little girl I watch after school. She is also one of my sewing students. We cook together, sew together, eat cookies, watch movies, and today Bella chose colors!

I had already chosen the thread, sequins, and beads for my newest Ice Drop. However, I had not chosen which glass gem to use. After looking at quite a few color combinations, Bella chose this white gem.

She also chose the purple ribbon. I think she made great choices!

Tollway Tatters...

Yes, we are finally planning another meeting! It's been quite a while since we've been able to mesh our schedules, so I'm really looking forward to our next get-together...

Tollway Tatters Meeting

Monday, January 16

10:00 a.m.

Hinsdale Oasis on 294

We would love to have you join us if you're in the Chicago area. You'll be able to tell us by our tie-dye t-shirts and tatting goodies. We have absolutely no expectations. We just get together to tat and chat, share ideas, and have fun!