WIP Wednesday: SO many awesome projects!!

I love fall. Okay, I really love summer, but you can't beat fall for getting down to some serious crafting. I am right in the midst in play rehearsals, yet oddly, it is also when I get the most stuff made! Currently, I am working on:

• a double crochet/lemon peel scarf
• a "rick rack rib" knitted cowl
• a crocheted lace shawl
• just starting some felt brooches
• completing my octopus embroidery piece...just french knots left
• busily working on a Gandhi/floral piece (see below)
• starting another embroidery that says "whimsy matters"

We also just made homemade chili powder from chili peppers that we grew ourselves and dried. Many types of homemade hot sauces will be coming soon.

This shot is a bit blurry, but there are 11 types of stitches in the flower alone. Super excited!

Planning my next big gift project, a veggie tote from a design that I found in Doodle Stitching.

I simply adore making things! Can't wait to show you how they all turn out :)

Metalwork Monday: Handmade Embossed Buttons

Every crafter worth her salt has an impressive button stash. Sometimes though,  a project just calls for a certain kind of button. And sometimes, only a handmade button will do.

I took two aluminum discs and ran them through the embosser using an art deco die.

Although I liked the look of the buttons fresh from the embosser,

 I wanted to added another dimension.

I utilized a dark purple gilder's paste to bring out the detail.

 I applied the color with my finger and let it sit for a few days.

After the color was set, I buffed them and added them to a wonder hand-crocheted cowl. It was my first ever crochet project and it is special to me. The buttons make it even more important.