Well, it was about time my embroidery crush collided with my wood jewelry crush. The laser engraver has been broken for weeks and I have some really fabulous sticks cut and ready to go. I came up with this idea in the shower this morning (not a giant leap but I was excited).
They're not quite as polished/formal looking as the laser engraved pieces but I love them anyway.
And I can make them at home with tools I own which is a bonus. Heck, I can stitch them in bed while watching Glee on my computer. Double bonus.
So I just signed up for a Dec 5 craft fair (at Cowan Elementary school on Becerra in Sacto for you local folk) and I need some stuff to sell. Assuming the laser engraver stays broken, I want to do some more of these pendants/pins.
Here's where you come in. I'm drawing a blank on what to embroider on these. Keeping in mind:
1. I can't draw to save my life
2. straight lines are MUCH easier than curves (but curves are not impossible)
3. These little guys are about 1.5 inches across and I have to drill each 1/16 inch hole
4. abstract is fine. I'm thinking concentric circles (like tree rings) or even a simple square.
What would you put on there? Let me know and if I pick your answer to produce I'll send you a pendant/pin with your suggested design. (keep in mind I am the SLOWEST EVER when it comes to making good on blog contest prizes but I do eventually come through. And I am trying to turn over a new leaf in promptness). If you know me in real life you're doubly encouraged to enter--I know you guys are out there.
Just because I am eternally curious to see the back of objects I admire online.
1. Sun!
2. Present!
3. Christmas tree!
4. Star of David!
5. Apple cross-section (I like to see the cute seeds)! ( <---teacher gift)
6. Flag!
7. Birdie!
8. Peace sign!
9. Flower!
10. Single initials! (This was Paul's idea.)
11. Paul also suggests LOLspeak: LOL, OMG, WTH.
12. "HI!"
13. Initials of (in colors of) local school and sports teams.
14. '10 (as in "Class of")
15. String of Christmas lights.
Posted by: Swistle | November 22, 2009 at 06:15 PM
Wow, Melissa, I LOVE these! I'm a big fan of embroidery on non-traditional surfaces ;) Love the images so far...hmmm...simplistic birdie or owl? I like the idea of wood rings. A jewel? I guess that's all I've got. I'll be back if I come up with something good!
Posted by: Amy Cluck | November 22, 2009 at 06:30 PM
Swistle, great ideas! Im glad to see youre following your own contest entry guidelines (enter as many times as possible). I think you are almost sure to win. I especially like Pauls idea as well as the apple if I can do that level of detail, the sun and the bird. Initials would be awesome but would have to be done custom (maybe to sell online rather than at a craft show?).
Posted by: Melissa Haworth | November 22, 2009 at 06:44 PM
Amy, great ideas! I was toying with the idea of a jewel (inspired by Elsie for sure).
Posted by: Melissa Haworth | November 22, 2009 at 06:45 PM
I immediately thought of a sun. Also, what if you did it like those old timey alphabet blocks... i love the look of those - simple objects and letters.
ooohhh... and a soccer ball. come on, a little challenge, but you can do it. :)
Posted by: kristinc | November 22, 2009 at 08:51 PM
They're really cool. How about initials?
Posted by: Heather - Dollar Store Crafts | November 22, 2009 at 08:57 PM
I adore the little snail, and I love the rainbow (sense a theme here?).
I don't really have any ideas (it's late!), but as far as the issue with drawing abilities goes, I'd recommend googling kids' coloring pages.
Now, did I win something? :)
Posted by: Sonja | November 22, 2009 at 09:51 PM
These are so cute! My favs are the snowflake and the heart. I can picture these being used as simple ornaments for the tree, maybe with a felt backing and a little hole on top for hanging.
As for other design ideas... How about single letters strung together as banners/garlands to spell out "J-O-Y" or
"P-E-A-C-E"?
Posted by: Deb | November 23, 2009 at 07:46 AM
Deb--I LOVE the garland idea although it would be quite expensive to produce--I think Id need some bigger wood as well but if i can find the wood Im going to try that!
Thanks so much (Ill keep you posted!)
Posted by: Melissa Haworth | November 23, 2009 at 08:24 AM
Hi! I love the snowflake and snail, so nicely done! I also like the letter/word ideas I've read in the comments. Maybe numbers too, for birthdays (put them on a cakepick or on a birthday necklace/hat/shirt with a clasp).
Or a simple house and make it a keychain!
Posted by: Kim | November 23, 2009 at 10:38 AM
Id have to use a super sturdy/thick piece of wood (and hope it would be durable enough) but I LOVE they keychain idea. and the numbers! Keep the ideas coming everyone.
Posted by: Melissa Haworth | November 23, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Amy thanks for the idea it seems pretty interesting.Hope to see few more new ideas.
Thanks,
Portable Storage,
http://www.moveablecubicle.com
Posted by: Portable Storage | November 30, 2009 at 09:26 PM