Tuesday, November 18, 2014

Raw Beauty

 
Sometimes a stone comes along and there is absolutely no need to design anything around it in metal. The stone itself is so stunningly beautiful on its own that anything more would take that away.

This raw, lightly tumbled chrysocolla is one of those stones.

What you may not know is that before I began my path as a metalsmith, I was on an explorative path in the science of geology. Rocks just get to me. The fact that the earth makes something like this over thousands, millions, of years is mind boggling and just...incredible.

This is one of those pieces where that comes out in full force. Where the coincidence (or destiny? Fate?) of my last name, Freestone, is kind of brought to the surface, put on display, to examine and wonder about, much like this beautiful rock.


So, this necklace. :)

https://www.etsy.com/listing/211683050/held-raw-chrysocolla-rock-gemstone-prong?ref=shop_home_feat_4





Sunday, November 16, 2014

Free Crochet Boot Cuff Pattern (because sometimes I make things other than jewelry!)

You really can't go wrong by adding a pair of boot cuffs to any outfit. Boot cuffs are great because they give the appearance of a knee-length sock without the bulk. They are designed to peek out of the top of the boot, and they are fairly quick to make! Pair them with a long tunic top, some leggings, and your favorite pair of boots and you've got a great accessory for casual chic days.

 
 
Supplies:
 
1. 1 ball of yarn (pictured from top to bottom: Lion Brand Vanna's Choice in oatmeal, Lion Brand Heartland Tweed in mount rainer tweed, and Lion Brand Heartland Terror in mammoth cave)
 
2. Crochet hook, size appropriate for your yarn (I used a size G for the top two and a size J for the bottom cuffs)
 
3. Tapestry needle
 
4. Scissors
 
Abbreviations:
 
Ch: Chain
St: Stitch
Sl: Slip Stitch
Sp: Space
Dc: Double Crochet
2dc: Work two double crochet in same stitch
Sc: Single Crochet
BLO: Back Loop Only (creates that great line texture)
 
Pattern:
 
(Please note that each yarn has a different weight and depending on the crochet hook size you use as well as the circumference of your calf you may need more or less stitches than this pattern. You might have to experiment a bit but this is the general pattern. This symbol * indicates where you may need to alter the number of stitches. Also, I came up with this pattern in my head, but please know that it very likely exists somewhere else.)
 
Chain 16*. (*This amount of first chains will determine the majority of the length or height of your boot cuffs. You may need or want more or less than 16)
 
Row 1: Sc in 2nd chain from hook, Sc across. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts)
 
Row 2-40*: (working in BLO) Sc in next st; repeat from across. Ch 1, turn. (15 sts) (*This initial number of BLO Sc will be dependent on your calf size and yarn/crochet hook size. I recommend measuring against your calf as you go along to get a great customized fit.)
 
Fold piece in half with short ends together. Sl ends together to close.
 
NOTE: You will begin working in rounds from this point on.
 
Ch 1 and turn piece inside out so that the seam is on the inside. Work 40 sc stitches evenly around edge of cuff. Join to first st. (40 sts)
 
Ch 2. 2dc in same st, sc 1 st, repeat around. Join. Slip stitch in next st, slip stitch in next space. (20 dc groups)
 
Join and fasten off.
 
And you're done! Slip them over your favorite black leggings and zip up those cute boots and call it a day! Enjoy.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
This post was written independently; I am not affiliated with or paid in any capacity by the above mentioned brand of yarn.