Shiny Moon Beams Blog

Cute Pear Crochet Coasters

2012-02-22T10:09:00.000-08:00

I found this cute pattern and made up some pear coasters. It was quick and easy. I found the pattern on Etsy.

As you can see I have been crocheting all week. Today I am going to turn my attention to sewing.

Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Russian Matrioshka Doll

2012-02-20T10:47:00.001-08:00

I got a bit off track as to what I was going to crochet next. I thought I was going to do the wrap I talked about in the previous post or the coasters but then I found a cute Matrioshka Doll that I started, so I finished that instead yesterday. I got the pattern out of the Love of Crochet Magazine. I was pretty excited to see this doll pattern in there. I have a few patterns for a sewn Matrioshka Doll and even for my Silhouette Cameo. I used Patons Grace yarn to make this doll. I made some changes in the pattern to make it unique differing from the photo a bit in the magazine, though I kept the colors very similar as to what is shown. I am very fascinated with these dolls and plan to make them again with my sewing machine and using my Silhouette Cameo.

A Matrioshka is a Russian Nesting doll made from wood decreasing in size from large to small and the smaller ones are placed inside the larger ones, just like nesting boxes. The first ever doll was made in the 19th century by a folk art painter which is considered to be a phenomenon in the world of folk art. In provincial Russia the name Matriona, Babushka Dolls, Stacking doll, Matrushka, Matrioshka, Matryoshka or Matriosha was a very popular female name associated with a mother with a large family. To this day Matrioshka symbolizes motherhood and fertility.

The traditional look of the doll is the outer layer being a woman dressed in a long strait traditional Russian jumper dress. Apparently the inner dolls can be of either sex male or female and the smallest doll is usually the baby made from one piece of wood. The doll is painted very intricately and detailed and usually follows a theme which varies normally using fairy tale characters or soviet leaders.

Have a very nice Presidents Day!

Lovely Crochet Slippers

2012-02-18T14:42:00.000-08:00

I have just finished crocheting a lovely pair of slippers, they are nice and cozy and warm. I think the best yarn for crocheting slippers is Worsted Weight Yarns. I used two strands throughout for warm slippers and I made a little flower for the top. I used Red Heart Eco-Ways recycled blend yarn for these slippers in Peacock, I mixed the tops with another color similar from scrap yarn. For the flowers I used Patons Grace.

My next project is some quick and easy pear coasters and then from there more ornaments and origami and perhaps more slippers! But also on the list is something I can make with the Red Heart Shimmer Yarn I have perhaps this project a cowl Project # LW2286 it uses two balls and that is what I have two balls of Black Red Heart Shimmer Yarn. But I am really in love with this pattern WR2132 Heavenly Wrap Crochet Pattern, using the Red Heart Shimmer Yarn.

I found a bunch of darling patterns that use Red Heart Yarns, I really like the colorful crochet doilies, those are to cute!

I love searching the net for fun quick patterns.

Have a wonderful Saturday!

Crystal Suncatchers - Aurora Borealis - Krystal Kat's

2012-02-18T14:17:00.000-08:00

I enjoy creating and selling handmade crystal suncatchers, this is the craft I spend the most time doing, but I also love crochet, paper arts, sewing and so much more. Whatever craft I am doing it will be something that I am excited about. I have always love crafts and I would spend time with my kids when they were young making crafts. To this day my son is very very talented in many crafts. My daughter loves crafts to but she is a social butterfly and enjoys that more. I guess in order to craft you have to spend more time NOT being a social butterfly. In any event I have a few disabilities so these crafts are very soothing to me and help me cope with them.

I seem to be spending a lot of time lately crocheting lately, squeezing in some paper art crafts here and there and I am constantly enjoying re-eventing my Crystal Suncatchers.

Crystal suncatchers can be found here. I have Crystal Chandelier Crystal Faceted Balls, Hearts, Lots and Lots of Hearts, Angels, Crosses and so much more. Lately I have been going through the suncatchers and taking new photos updating the suncatchers that need a little re-eventing. So far I am maybe half way through this task. It seems a bit overwhelming at times to re-envent and rephotograph. I thought i would be done a few weeks ago. I took the whole week of this week from doing it, I have been working on this project since January.

I have tried to take some interesting photos as well. That can be challenging for me because of the reflections from crystals, especially the aurora borealis.

What is AB beads? (Aurora Borealis) and it's one of the most popular Swarovski® crystal coatings. It gives off a beautiful shimmering rainbow, or mother-of-pearl effect. These special coatings are bonded chemically to the outer surface of the Swarovski® crystals for a more brilliant effect.

Aurora Borealis 'AB' is not a color but special coating finish, Aurora Borealis is available on many of the most popular crystal colorsAurora Borealis finish, not only increases the brilliance of each crystal, this special application also produces color changes, as a direct result of variations, in the quality of light that falls upon it.
The 'Aurora Borealis' coating itself, consists of a metallic finish applied to a crystal surface using water. A very thin metallic particle sheen is adhered to the glass resulting in a significant enhancement to the crystal's overall brilliance and dramatic color changes.
These chromatic variations are dependant on the underlying crystal color and their intensity is affected by background light conditions. Spectral effects similar to those created when sunlight falls on oily water can also be seen.
The color variations range through the spectrum from light, almost imperceptible, blues to the deepest warm hues. The actual visible color changes depend greatly on the individual crystal cut, dimensions and color choice, as well as ambient light conditions but in general, darker backgrounds, tend to produce warm 'fire-like' colors, oranges, yellows, gold, reds and ambers. While in contrast, 'light' conditions produce ethereal blues, greens, lilac, purple and tones with a sense of unbounded 'space'. When applied to each crystal color particular specific variations can be seen, but in all, the 'Aurora Borealis' finish results in a stunning and brilliant display.

Swarovski Austrian Crystal is the finest quality, full-lead crystal you can find. Swarovski crystals are faceted with tremendous precision, creating beautiful prisms. These crystal gemstones come in an extensive range of shapes, sizes and colors. Swarovski Crystal is truly unmatched in quality and distinction, and have been producing crystals for over 100 years. Any crystal that is 28mm or larger that is full lead content will have a logo in the crystal. (This is what I have been told). For the most part this is true.

Swarovski Crystals are made in Austria. Swarovski makes two brands, Swarovski Strass, Spectra is the other brand and is lead free. Both brands make excellent rainbows due to the index of refraction and the angles they are cut. Swarovski Crystals are known throughout the world for their brilliance and for their famous figurines. The crystals are used in chandeliers', jewelry and other things. I love making things with the crystals.

Have a nice weekend!

Cute Little Crochet Stuffed Owl

2012-02-15T15:48:00.000-08:00

It's extremely windy today the North winds are really whipping up in Northern California. I hate the wind. I went to lunch with my mom we went to the Cheesecake Factory. I don't know why she did it but she bought me beautiful heart necklace with tiny diamonds in it. I was so surprised. But of course I love it.

This little owl was really quick and fun to crochet up for the wee one, Little baby Rylan. It turned out pretty cute. I finally found some more size 3 crochet thread by Aunt Lydia at Michaels today and I was able to get the red I need (Scarlet), I found a lilac (Plum) and a pink (Warm Rose), but I still need orange. I bought two skeins of Patons yarn in Lotus and wildberry because I love their colors. Their yarn is really expensive so I just buy like two at a time and as previously I wrote it separates a lot while stitching but I still use it for small projects. You can find this pattern and more cute patterns at http://www.etsy.com/shop/ATERGcrochet

While I was out getting the crochet thread and looking for some more colors from Patons I picked up two skeins of yarn from Loops and Threads DewDrops in Smokey Quartz this is a Michaels brand of yarn. I also finally found Red Hearts Shimmer Yarn which I have been looking for for several months now, I got it in black because their other colors are kind of ugly. This cute pattern on the yarn is at this link - http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/heavenly-wrap, I will probably make this wrap unless I find another pattern to use this pretty yarn in.

My Sweetie Edee is doing better, her leg seems to be healed now. I am so happy that she is doing better.

Hope you had a wonderful Valentine's Day!

Silhouette Butterflies Wall Art

2012-02-13T10:08:00.000-08:00

I made some more Silhouette Butterflies on Friday. I made them big, medium and small. I put some up on my wall, gave some to Morgan and still have about 60 more.
I posted some photos of the butterflies on my wall and the larger ones. I am going to add some more on my wall that will go all they way around the dresser and further up the wall. I have really high ceilings which you cannot see in the photo, so I can make them go pretty high up the wall, that will look really cute.

As you can see with me holding them, they are pretty big.

I love my Silhouette Cameo!

I have so many more things I want to make and try.

Right now I am working on making a stuffed owl for my grandson Rylan, I should be done with it today.

I gave my granddaughter Morgan a set of these very butterflies this weekend for Valentine's Day, she loved them.

I went to Panera Bread with my daughter Kirsten and Rylan is getting teeth at the bottom and he was miserable and crying a lot. Here is one cute photo of them.

He is such a handsome little baby boy. Looks like he might be a redhead. I guess we will see. His mama used to be a strawberry blond, so he could go that way. His eyes are greenish with brown overtones, we are hoping he won't have brown eyes. Our family is full of brown eyes, except my daughter and I. I have blue green and she has green, gold brownish. I guess you can call her eyes Hazel. My mom always called my eyes hazel but I guess they are blue green hazel.

We went shopping and I bought my grandson some clothes he is already going to be 6 months old.

Time goes by so fast......

Have a HaPpY Monday

My Pups Chihuahua and Chorkie

2012-02-09T10:08:00.000-08:00

The other night my poor little Edee the one in the pink sweater hurt herself while trying to jump on the couch. She does not want to walk around, when she does she walks very slow. I feel so bad for her.

The black and red dog is my Effie, she is a chorkie. They are my little buddies. Two sweet little girls.

Have a nice day!

3 Cute Owl Cards made with my Silhouette Cameo

2012-02-04T01:17:00.000-08:00

I made 3 cute owl cards with my silhouette cameo. It's great to have this wonderful cutting machine because I can now offer my customers hand crafted cards that are just adorable.

The other day I made the most adorable 3-D art butterflies and some adorable butterfly cards. I was cutting away on the silhouette cameo for a few hours and then a bit longer to make the cards.

I love this craft so much. I do miss doing my quilling, I need to get back and finish making my birds, I made two quilled bird and I have two more to make.

I need to make my cookies with the bird cookie cutters I got recently also from Ann Clark. But I think today I am going to make some mini pineapple upside down cakes to go with our Sunday Dinner. On Sunday I like to have dessert.

Last night while watching TV I began crocheting some 4-Leaf Clovers. I might try to felt them when I am done, we will see.

I have crocheted four flower brooch pins recently, I really love them. You can find them here and here. I made a cute little owl ornament, you can see that here. Read about my crochet thread fiasco here. Grr to that thread fiasco, I am still upset over that.

Confusing Crochet Thread Weights and Grams Aunt Lydia -Bernart

2012-02-03T11:22:00.000-08:00

I purchased some crochet thread online at Joann's. It said weight category 3 here is the link at Joann's for Bernart Handicrafter Crochet Thread. I got it for a great price of $1.95 per each.

After I Purchased it while working with it is thinner then the two I talk about below, it is 85 gr.

I also have on hand in my stash I bought in the store Aunt Lydia's Crochet Thread Fashion 3, I found a link online to it at Herschner's. It says size 3 thread, but does not list the gr.

I also had on hand some Patons Grace size 3 Mercerized Cotton 50 gr.

They all say size 3, but Aunt Lydia's does not list the gr, but works well with the Patons, although I am not thrilled with Patons because it splits while working with it and causes me to go back and pull threads that didn't go through the hook all they way to go back again and redo the stitch. I love the colors though they are super vibrant.

Aunt Lydia's Fashion 3 thread is fantastic and I love the colors and weight of that thread.

Bernart is really nice but a bit thinner, lots of pretty colors.

I can work with both Aunt Lydia's and Patons interchangeably in a project, but I cannot use my new yarn in the same project which I was hoping to do.

So I messed up on the yarn I guess I can use the new Bernart yarn still for the same projects, but I cannot as I wanted use them together interchangeably I am so disappointed. All are listed as fine 1.

I wish I can find out the gauge on the Aunt Lydia's but I cannot find it anywhere. Bernart says 4" = 35 stitches. Patons says 4" 24 stitches. In any event like I said I can use Patons Grace and Aunt Lydia's interchangeably and that is great, but now i need to find some more colors from Aunt Lydia and I can't find it in the store here, so back online I go for more shopping of crochet thread. I need some orange and purple and a few other colors.

Here is a photo of the new yarn from Bernart, it's very nice I worked with it for a test project and I love it. I wish I could use it with the other two though. Boo!

It's a nice day today here in Northern California. We need some rain though.

Flutter By Butterfly Silhouettes 3D Wall Art

2012-02-01T10:54:00.000-08:00

The butterfly counts not months but moments, and has time enough. ~Rabindranath Tagore

May the wings of the butterfly kiss the sun

And find your shoulder to light on,

To bring you luck, happiness and riches

Today, tomorrow and beyond.

~Irish Blessing

Yes we all love butterflies don't we? I can't imagine who does not love this gorgeous flying insect.

I have used my silhouette cameo to make some gorgeous filagree butterflies, these would be so pretty to hang on a little girls wall in various sizes going up the wall at a angel. So cool that would look. In any event here is a photo of them laid out on paper. I will make some more soon and put them on the wall. I am going to make some for my granddaughter Morgan for her room. I think she will get a big kick out of them.

I also made some adorable cards using the butterflies as well.

Super Cute Little Thank You Cards Birds and Butterflies

Another cute Butterfly Card Using the Filagree Butterflies

HaPpY FeBrUaRy

Crochet Brooch - Two More - Irish Rose and Fluffy Frilly Flower

2012-01-30T11:23:00.000-08:00

I made two more flower Brooches an Irish Rose that is the one that is teal, and the other I am not sure what flower to call it, perhaps a fluffy frilly flower is a good name, it's pink and violet. I am really in love with that one. I put a bead in the center of the Irish Rose along with a tiny flower I fit inside the center.

The Irish Rose took me awhile because it's a bit strange how it goes together the other frilly flower did as well because the yarn I am using if you call it yarn or thread is Patons Grace Yarn it separates while stitching. I love the weight and colors of Patons it's gorgeous and bright.

The day is beautiful...soon it will turn to rain according to the weather man. I hope next weekend will be nice because we are going to the bay area, San Francisco.

I had a woman ask me if I would allow my crystal angel suncatchers to be sold on Consignment in her shop but the shop is in Central California. I would have to send them there to her shop. I did think about it but I have to be in total control of my product. I would sell them wholesale but I am not interested in consignment unless it was local.

Have a great day!

Darling Cookie Cutters Cardinal, Hummingbird, Dragonfly and Owl

2012-01-26T16:20:00.000-08:00

Recently I downloaded a few recipes from online and one of the recipes had an adorable cookie cutter.......I was in love it was a bird, perhaps a Dove. I went to Joann's, Michaels and Hobby Lobby but no luck finding any bird cookie cutters. So I did a search online and I found Make More Cookies and I found a hummingbird, Cardinal, Owl, then I could not resist the cute Dragonfly. Ann Clark is the owner and creator of these cute cookie cutters, you can find the cookie cutters here.

She has a nice page where customers can upload photos of the cookies they make here. Also a page of recipes.

The cookie cutters are $3.99 and if you buy four she ships them free. I got a nice recipe card and three Hershey Kisses and four cookie cutters I chose.

Did I tell you each cookie cutter has beautiful card with recipe and gorgeous art on the front for each cookie cutter you buy.
These are great because I love birds and dragonflies, I have to go back and get the butterfly, love those as well.

I will be back soon with some decorated cookies!

Rolled Rose and Ruffled Rose Crochet Flower Brooch

2012-01-25T10:20:00.000-08:00

Ooh I have gotten off track and have not make the colorful heart I was suppose to make this week. Instead for some reason I ended up making two colorful flower brooches. One is a pretty Rolled Rose Brooch in Light Purple, Deep Violet, Rose and Blue. The other brooch is a Ruffled Rose Brooch in Deep Violet. I like the way they turned out. These are the first brooches I have made. It was a lot of fun.

Ruffled Rose Brooch and Rolled Rose Brooch

It looks so pretty on this jacket, will look great on a sweater as well or cute top

ruffle rose Brooch darling!

5th Bead Soup Blog Party 2012 - My Partner and Ingredients

2012-01-24T13:27:00.000-08:00

Today I received my ingredients for the 2012 bead soup put on by Lori Anderson at Pretty Things. She has created the 5th bead soup blog party and I was ecstatic to participate in it. Lori's website for the Bead Soup Blog Party is http://lorianderson-beadsoupblogparty.blogspot.com/

My partner is Kashmira http://sadafulee.blogspot.com/

She made me a really pretty peach crochet medallion, red beads, cute antique brass filigrees, seed beads and finding. I am already kind of getting an idea of what I will make.

Today is the day I reveal what Kashmira sent in the mail.

Now I reveal what I sent to Kashmira, I can't wait to see what she makes!

In this bead soup to Kashmira is a Millefiori Donut Pendant, Czech Beads in various colors and sizes, Chinese Crystals, Swarovski Crystal Heart Beads, Seed beads, Silver Beads and Findings.

What will she make??

The date we reveal what we made with the beads our partner has to sent to us is March 3, 2012.

Just a little end note I posted a tutorial on how to put a donut pendant on a ribbon, chain or beaded strand here.

Happy Beading!

Sweet Crochet Owl Ornment - Very Colorful

2012-01-23T09:40:00.000-08:00

Recently I was over to visit my online friends Liz's blog and found the cutest little crochet ornaments she made. She left a link to the pattern online at ATERGcrochet, I must say Great has the most adorable little patterns-so colorful. I purchased a few and make up one this weekend. I had a hard time understanding parts of the directions, but eventually I got through it and made one cute owl. I am sure it will go faster next time. I messrd up on the head a bit, but it's okay.

Greta lives in the Netherlands and she makes great sales on her darling patterns and I can see why. I am going to make a colorful heart next.

The key to her cute patterns is you change colors for each row, it's kind of a pain but the results are extremely adorable. I have to go get some size 3 cotton thread because size 10 is to small and I don't have to many colors in size 3.

No matter how much yarn I buy, I always seem to need more! A lot of the crochet I love to do is with the smaller threads anyway. I will probably have to purchase the crochet thread online because Joann's does not carry to many colors here in size 3 crochet thread.

Michaels barley has any of this crochet thread, It's such a pain. I want it now and I didn't want to pay shipping for yarn.

I have even looked at Hobby Lobby but they have the smallest selection of yarn out of all three stores. I am not a huge fan of Hobby Lobby because they carry to many knick knacks and I would rather see more content in the actual craft supply department.

The Hobby Lobby near me just happens to be a small one, so that might be why.

The one I visited in Texas in 1998 was huge! when my dad was alive I flew out to visit him with my daughter and he took us to his huge Lobby Lobby in San Antonio . My daughter Kirsten and I spent over an hour maybe even two there. I found some adorable crochet patterns, a cute jar that is shaped like a bunny. I still have that jar, the crochet patterns were for cute angel ornaments, I still have those patterns.

Happy Crocheting!

How to Make a Seed Bead Loop for Donut Pendant

2012-01-21T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here is a way I have discovered to make a loop for a Donut Pendant so you can hang it on a chain, seed beads or even ribbon or other fiber such as crochet thread. In this tutorial I will be using ribbon and seed beads.

Firstly I will show how to create a seed bead loop to put into the donut pendant, in this case I am going to use a Millefiori Donut Pendant. Here is a description on wikepedia about Millefiori.

Supplies you will need for this tutorial

Tiny seed beads

Donut style pendant

Fireline

Ribbon

Seed Bead Needle

nippers

Here is the donut style pendant

Create a circle with seed beads, make it about the size I made it here and later you can shorten it.

Pull the circle of seed beads through the pendant

Once pulled through this is what it will look like.

Now pull the seed bead circle through the seed beads themselves.

Pull up tight, but not to tight but enough so that it looks pretty.

Like this, so it drapes nicely over the donut pendant.

At this point you can begin removing any unwanted beads very carefully and then tie off the fireline and perhaps add a dab of glue.

This is my finished look using hand dyed ribbon that I ran through the seed beads, but you can also do it even simpler if you don't want to mess with the seed beads, however the seed bead Idea is great if you're wanting to make a beaded necklace.

Here is the alternate method with the ribbon

Follow the directions above but instead we use a ribbon that will be used for the necklace and loop.

Of course there are lots of ways to finish this off this is just two, but like I said you can make a seed bead necklace, beaded necklace or even use silver chain.

So now you know what to with a beautiful donut pendant.

Happy Beading! ~Kat

Shiny Moon Beams @ Etsy Close Out Sale Everything Must Go Floral Hair Accessories, Post Floral Earrings

2012-01-15T01:02:00.000-08:00

Check out my Huge Close out sale @ Etsy ShinyMoonBeams

Would make cute Easter Egg Stuffers and Great for Little and Big Girls! Floral Hair Accessories , Earrings and one Wedding Pearl Floral Wirework Necklace all made by me!

Check it out and tell your friends very cheap bottom line prices I am practically giving them away.

Here is a small sample of what I have left

ShinyMoonBeams @ Etsy Click Here.

Set of Two Rounded Rose Hair Clips Matte Orange and Matte Aqua.

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71298977/set-of-two-rounded-rose-silver-hair

Purple Rose Dangle Earrings with Gold Filagree Settings

http://www.etsy.com/listing/72642165/purple-rose-dangle-earrings-with-gold

Set of 2 Large Rose Flower Hair Pins or Hair Clips Choose Your Colors Silver and Gold

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71280351/set-of-2-large-rose-flower-hair-pins-or

Colorful Dahlia Stud Earrings Choose Your Color

http://www.etsy.com/listing/71300197/colorful-dahlia-stud-earrings-choose

White and Cream Pearl Wire Work Twisted Vine Necklace with Pearl Flowers Free Shipping

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70546177/white-and-cream-pearl-wire-work-twisted

Check out my Crystal Suncatchers @ Krystal Kat's lots of new things added!

Also check out my jewelry at http://krystalkats.com/jewels/

See you there!

~kat

At the Blue Note Necklace

2012-01-11T16:18:00.000-08:00

Recently I was visiting the website ArtBeads.com and I found a cute necklace design by one of their artist called "At the Blue Note", I bought all the findings and beads to make it, I didn't want to change a thing about it, I love it just the way it is in the photo. The necklace went together in about 20 minutes only because I had a hard time getting my silver beads over the hand dyed silk, if that would have been easier I could have made it in half the time or less. The directions said to use two silver 7mm beads and I already had in my stash lots of 6mm sterling silver beads so I didn't purchase those, instead I used my 6mm sterling silver beads. I had to use a needle with thread to get them to go over the silk. I really like the silk ribbon the ends are all finished so you can have a nice sleek professional look at the end of your necklace. The hand dyed silk is pricey I wish I could get wholesale I am so in love with it. I know I am going to enjoy wearing this cute necklace a lot because I don't have many blue tone necklaces that I have made for myself.

I am really in love with the new bead caps that are popping up they are flatish with rounded ends, very pretty. The necklace is made with sterling silver bead caps, silk dyed ribbon and lampwork beads.

This necklace anyone can make it's that easy and the results gorgeous.

Shoot for the Moon! Full Moon - Taking Photos of the Moon with my Nikon D3100 Camera

2012-01-10T00:29:00.000-08:00

I am always trying to expand my usage of my Nikon D3100 Camera. Today I wanted to photograph the full moon. After I photographed the moon, I checked out my photos I took and I realized I had no idea what to expect of the photo my camera should take using my regular lenses.

Well what I got is the exact thing I saw with my own eyes, the moon lit up bright like a big flash bulb in the sky. But when I went online to see what other photos were being taken by people of the moon, well these people actually had great photos of close ups of the moon. I was very disbelieving that that can be done with a camera, or at least my camera anyway.

I was super curious so I ran to get my 200x zoom lenses and put that on right quick and ran out onto the patio to take the shot of the moon. The moon had moved to strait over my head. I didn't want to fuss with the tripod so I just took several shots of the moon and they all turned out okay, but while I was taking them I was sure they weren't turning out at all.

The first photo, just a flash of light in the sky

When I came back into the house I uploaded the shots I took to my computer into my iphoto and I cropped them and that is when I knew I had a some great shots of the moon! yay!

Second photo with zoom lenses 200x

I had went to these two websites to get some ideas on how to shoot photos of the moon. One is on a Flickr Group called appropriately "The Moon" and the other is on Ken Rockwell's website, although I was not able to find any information quick enough to figure out how to shoot photos of the moon on his website, I do want to go back again and cheek out his website, looks pretty interesting. I was able to get some quick tips from the flickr group and that was a great help for me to get a shot of the full moon! I think it's pretty amazing that a 200x zoom lenses can give me a shot like this! Love it!!!

Exquisite Dragonfly Crystal Pendant Necklaces by Krystal Kat's

2012-01-07T00:33:00.000-08:00

I realize most of my post have been about jewelry lately because I have been so fascinated with angels and dragonflies and butterflies as well.

These two dragonfly pendants were made with Swarovski Crystal dragonfly wings and crystal beads aren't they beautiful!? The chain is sterling silver snake chain it comes with the pendants. Each Pendant necklace sold separately.

Here is what I read about these beautiful Swarovski Crystal Dragonfly pendants-
The Swarovski Crystal dragonfly pendants were designed with the well-known Parisian designer, Andrée Putman, and exhibits the high-quality characteristics that you've come to expect from SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS. Its sleek, asymmetrical design is reminiscent of dragonfly wings and displays subtle, yet precise facets, which I might add a photograph cannot depict their absolute magnificent beauty........ I am totally in love with these crystals! Yesterday I went out shopping and wore a pendant necklace I made for myself and went to a hair saloon and received immediate compliments on my necklace. When I told them I made it they were very impressed. I did design the pendant with the Swarovski Crystal Beads, but I cannot take the credit for the beautiful Swarovski Crystals! Thanks to Swarovski Crystals I can create limitless designs!
If you would be interested in one of these gorgeous necklaces please let me know or click the link to take you to my website.

http://krystalkats.com/rainbows/Crystal-Dragonfly-Beaded-Necklace-with-Sterling-Silver-Snake-Chain/prod_133.html

Here is one that shows the sterling silver snake chain which is a 18's chain with a lobster claw. Love these so much...I adore dragonfly jewelry.

http://krystalkats.com/rainbows/Unique-Beaded-Crystal-Dragonfly-Pendant-Necklace-with-Sterling-Silver-Snake-Chain/prod_132.html

More Dragonfly Photos added to yesterday's post, here is the link....

http://www.shinymoonbeams.com/2012/01/awesome-swarovski-crystal-beaded.html

Awesome Swarovski Crystal Beaded Dragonfly Pendants

2012-01-06T02:33:00.000-08:00

I had made some dragonflies some time back but did not have them for sale, they will make wonderful pendants. I have some sterling silver rolo chaing for the right angle weave dragonflies, but for the crystal winged one I am going to use sterling silver snake chain, I need some hook crimps to finish one end, I have the end crimp. When I can locate that finding I will put them up for sale at my Etsy Shop and Krystal Kat's.

I added another Dragonfly Pendant to the mix and posted it on this page
http://www.shinymoonbeams.com/2012/01/exquisite-dragonfly-crystal-pendant.html

Have a wonderful Friday!

NEW @ Krystal Kat's Birthstone Month Angel Baby Flying Crystal Angel Mini Suncatchers

2012-01-04T15:31:00.000-08:00

New Whimsical Flying Angel Baby Birthstone Month Angel Suncatchers, January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December.

Angel Baby

Birthstone Month Angel Crystal Suncatchers

Birth Month Colors

Beaded Crystal Angel Suncatchers

Flying Angel

Here is the Swarovski Crystal Bead Colors for the Birthstone Months

Januray Garnet/Siam,

February Amethyst,

March Aquamarine,

April Diamond/Crystal,

May Emerald,

June Pearl/Light Amethyst,

July Ruby/Siam,

August Peridot,

September Sapphire,

October Opal/Rose/Light Rose/Green Tourmaline,

November Topaz,

December Blue Zircon/Turquoise/Light Sapphire

These make a unique personal gift for any sweet girl on your list.

http://www.krystalkats.com

Where can you find these Angel Baby Mini Flying Birthstone Angel Crystal Suncatchers right here!

Earring Cards with my Silhouette Cameo Cutting Machine

2011-12-28T23:23:00.000-08:00

I was experimenting today making earring cards with my Silhouette Cameo cutting machine. I made two sizes, one that fit 4 pair of earrings and ones that fit 2. I don't know how to get the font on the cards yet without it cutting out the font. But as I was finished it occurred to me ((perhaps how)) to do it, so I will do it again in a few days. Here are the results without the text I wanted on the front sides.

It's so exciting that my silhouette cameo cutting machine can cut earring cards for me, I have wanted to make my own for a long time without the long arduous task of doing it all by hand.

Here is the backside of the 4 pair earring card and I love this paper pattern very much.

Front side, I used double sided paper

Here is the 2 pair earring card

Yes more paper fun with my silhouette cameo.

I think these are so pretty and look very professional. This is much better then my Recycled Earring holders I made using Kleenex boxes. I had tried to cut through the Kleenex boxes using paper punches but it would not go all the way through, so I guess that idea is out. Though somewhat a cute idea it's not professional looking. See my post here, Eat Your Earrings.

I had made 33 pair of earrings and sold quite a few, but I need to get the rest up on my website at www.krystalkats.com

Now today I have made several more earrings and I plan on making quite a bit more as well in the next few weeks, so I better get busy adding them to my online shopping cart.

It's hard to believe we are just 3 days away from the new year 2012, that sounds funny, I always think the new year sounds funny.

Twelfth Night Cake Recipe

2011-12-26T20:26:00.000-08:00

Here is a forgotten celebration called Twelfth Night on January 6th the Feast of Epiphany or Twelfth Night.
This is the day when three Kings from the East arrived in Bethlehem with their gifts for the Christ Child.

In many European countries, Twelfth Night is observed as a special event for families. The most famous famous Twelfth Night cake comes from France and is known as the galette des rois. This recipe version comes from the cookbook (A Continual Feast by Evenly Birge Vitz)

1 cup finely ground blanched almonds

2 1/2 cups sifted four

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup sugar

4 egg yolks

8 tablespoons butter, cut into little pieces

6 tablespoons ice cold water

1 egg yolk, lightly beaten with a little water

Mix the almonds thoroughly with the flour; mix in the salt and the sugar. Add the egg yolks, the butter, and the water to make a firm dough.

Work this paste gently with your fingertips. Form it into a ball, then let it chill in the refrigerator for one hour.

Preheat the oven to 425°. Lightly grease a baking sheet.

On a lightly floured surface, roll the dough out into a galette (circle about 3/4 inch thick.) Insert coin or bean into the bottom of the surface of the galette. Cut the edges with a knife or scissors to make the perfect circle with strait sides. With a sharp knife decorate the top with slits. Place the galette on the baking sheet, brush with egg yolk, lightly beaten with a little water. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the galette is golden brown.

recipe by Evelyn Birge Vitz

You don't have to be Catholic or Orthodox to enjoy this tradition.

I did a search on Google and found another version of the cake recipe at this blog below. I also discovered the cake has another name called Kings cake which I have heard of but never tried.

Here is a nice blog with more information about this cake, click here.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-25T11:28:00.000-08:00

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Luke 2:8-16

Grammies little snowflakes

I needed a few Christmas Cards quick the day before Christmas Eve that had the handmade look, I found some wonderful scrapbook Christmas supplies in my stash.

Santa Hats by Jolee's boutique, pretty decorated snowflakes disk with stars and words (Christmas Repeats). www.eksuccess.com. Making Memories Cards to decorate, Making Memories Rub-Ons.

The recipient loved the card and I had fun making it.