Wednesday, March 10, 2010

this and that

These balls, called "happy balls" in Vietnam where I bought them, were intended as dog toys, but they're too cute for that, and any dog I know would probably tear them apart in two minutes. I liked the simple structure and the intricate embroidery , and they were far too inexpensive for the amount of work that someone put into them.
More fine embroidery on this necklace, also done by minority hill tribes. These squares are only about 1/2 inch each, so they are miniature works of art. This was the most charming jewelry that I saw anywhere in Vietnam.
I guess these inspired me to do another scrappy journal, with a variety of dupioni silk scraps that I pieced, then , as is typical for me, I wanted to get it finished without too much difficulty. I could have stitched the signatures in, but since I had my sewing machine at hand, decided to try just stitching them in with the machine, which I think worked well. Sometimes my best inspirations come at moments like this
Car trips can be good for getting some projects done, and I always travel with plenty of hand work to keep me entertained. My friend Paula taught me to do this kind of wire crochet, and it is quite fun and seems to be more than the sum of the parts. I will further embellish them, maybe with silk ribbon.
This is what I spent most of my car time making. What are they, you ask? Little silk balls, made from the scraps of fabric that I begged from lantern makers and silk factories in Vietnam. I wish I had thought of it sooner, as I only gathered fabric in a few places. But they make luscious little balls I think. I really don't even know what will become of these but I have a few ideas. Stay tuned...

7 comments:

Robin Olsen said...

I don't think you have to do anything with the silk balls. A big bowl of them would delight me. Love everything here!

Dreamcicle Journeys said...

Your silk balls and crocheted necklace look fabulous- the silk colors are incredibly beautiful!

Suzanne Reynolds said...

OMG, half-inch squares?? What amazing handwork on that necklace! Love what you made, too! Gorgeous beaded crochet.

artfromhome said...

Those silk balls are a delight. They look like some type of mushrooms or flowers from another planet.

Debi K said...

Noooo . . . I want the silk balls! And I love the story about begging them from the lantern makers and silk factories. Really adds to the charm. I might need to make a bowl of these little lovelies myself . . . since I doubt you will be giving yours to me!

cynthia said...

Yes, I recommend making silk balls! Very meditative and the colors and fabrics are so fun together. And you don't have to go to Vietnam to get the silk...

Jan Harris Smith said...

I love your silk balls - what a lovely way to remember your travels and so beautiful!