Handfasting Cords Sewn by Hand

October 6, 2009 at 4:25 pm (Handfasting) (, , , , , , )

  Modern day Handfastings are a revival of an ancient practice. It was originally an engagement period lasting a year, or “a year and a day”, after which the couple decided if they wanted to make it permanent or not. Today’s handfastings are often the actual wedding ceremony. A cord is used to “bind” the couple together by gently wrapping it around the couples clasped hands and possibly tying a loose knot.  I’m guessing this is where the term “tying the knot” came from.

I’ve recently made a few handfasting cords. Some people use simple ribbons or colored cords for this. Others want something more elaborate and decorative for their special day. I’ve seen some beautiful cords out there on the internet.  Ribbons in varying widths, textures and colors entwined together and adorned with charms and beads. Drapery cord decorated and tassled.

I wanted to do something different from the braided ribbons I’ve found, even though they are very lovely. I love sewing by hand so thats what I did.  I made the first one as a gift and I wanted it to be something that had a lot of thought and love put into it. I put  just as much thought and love into each cord that I make and wish each recipient a joyous and satisfying union.

I’ve taken colored cords and stitched ribbon and glass beads on by hand. Added beads or other danglies at the ends for decoration and weight. And, til I run out of them, a carved bone celtic knot at the midline of the cord. They turned out beautifully. I put them in a fabric drawstring bag for safe storage. The ribbon spirals around the entire length of the base cord. I’m thinking of trying it with some narrow lace too and see how that looks.

Each one is different and decorations depend on what I can find locally. Custom pendants could be done at extra cost and wait time if I can find what you need via the internet.

For those of you who aren’t crafty or just don’t have the time I have some listed in my Etsy shop. Click on the photo’s to see my Etsy store. Contact me for custom colors.

Yellow and Brown Handfasting Cord with Turtles

Red and Black Handfasting Cord with Seashell Rings

Red and Cream Handfasting Cord with Seashell Rings at ends.

Permalink Leave a Comment

Handmade Envelope Templates

September 2, 2009 at 5:12 pm (1)

I posted a new Squidoo Lens with one of the templates I use for making envelopes and some directions. I also have some links to the sites I found most helpful in learning to do this. You can find the link HERE.There is also a widget to my Etsy shop there for my recycled, reclaimed envelopes for those who don’t feel crafty but want some unique envelopes for notes or cards.

Permalink Leave a Comment

CeeCee’s Menagerie Etsy Shop Mini

July 7, 2009 at 12:23 pm (crochet) (, , , , , , , )

Just listed some new pre-teen and adult size skater beanies. I’ve been making those up like mad just for something to do while waiting for my next shipment of lessons to come in the mail for the classes I’m taking via internet / mail.  I have all of these as well as some others listed in my Etsy shop. The photo’s should link to my shop’s page.

 

Skater Beanie

Skater Beanie

 

Green Crochet Skater Skullcap

Green Crochet Skater Skullcap

 

Pink skater beanie

Pink skater beanie

Permalink Leave a Comment

Slideshow of pictures, photos, and videos, from webshots

December 11, 2008 at 2:53 pm (1)

Dolls I’ve made over the years. Mostly Primitive Folk Art, some sock monkeys and other styles.

more about "Slideshow of pictures, photos, and vi…", posted with vodpod

Permalink 1 Comment

Slideshow of pictures, photos, and videos, from webshots

December 11, 2008 at 2:50 pm (1)

Photo’s from my soggy acre of land in Alabama

more about "Slideshow of pictures, photos, and vi…", posted with vodpod

Permalink Leave a Comment

Cephalopod Amigurumi

October 24, 2008 at 4:55 pm (crochet) (, , , )

These are my newest listing in my Etsy store. Crochet cephalopods. I made one squid and two octopi so far and i’m working on a small jellyfish.  I didn’t use any patterns. I looked at some photo’s of a lot of different finished crochet toys on a lot of other websites as well as photo’s of real octopus and squids. Apparently octopi look pretty much the same but squid come if several different types. I think they’re pretty cute.
amigurumi squid

pink crochet amigurumi octopus

amigurumi crochet octopus

Permalink Leave a Comment

Crochet Cloche Hats

September 12, 2008 at 5:34 pm (crochet) (, , , , , )

After much trial and error I have finally made some cloche hats. I love the flapper styles and I love to crochet so this is what I came up with. I’m still searching for a pattern to make a fabric cloche or bell hat with, but in the meantime I have a huge stash of yarns to play with.
Both of these hats can be found hereCeeCee’s Menagerie.
CeeCee's Menagerie Cloche Hat
Blue and Ivory Cloche

Permalink 4 Comments

Kitties!

August 25, 2008 at 12:50 pm (1) (, , , )

The cat photo’s in this blog are sooo cute.  I want a cat now. But I have five dogs so thats probably out of the question.  Visit this adorable blog for a dose of funny, cute, adorable all at the same time.

i love my Wicket cat

Permalink Leave a Comment

Sweet Dream Bean Baby Toys

July 31, 2008 at 7:09 pm (Cloth Doll, crochet) (, , , , )

Sweet Dream Beans are soft crocheted toys with sweet faces and bean shaped bodies. They have big soulful eyes and a soft rattle sound when you shake them.

Give a child a dream bean and plant some sweet dreams.
A unique and thoughtful one of a kind gift.

The shank of the eyes is run not just thru the crochet part but also thru cotton fabric to prevent pulling through the yarn.
The fabric applique is a heat transfer image on white cotton with the edges hand turned and stitched then stitched to the body.
The ends of the ribbon are fused and the knot is fused in place so no frayed ends or untying.
The rattle inside is made of several small jingle bells that are put into a small cotton bag which is then stitched shut so no loose parts unless by some chance the doll was taken completely apart.
These little dolls can be machine washed and dryed, slip them into an old sock or tie them up in a pillowcase to keep from snagging on other clothing items.
Stuffed with new poly fiber fill and made with all new yarns.

You can view the listings for these at CeeCee’s Menagerie.
Sweet Dream Beans

Permalink Leave a Comment

Next page »