teresa searle 1
Above: This pretty bracelet is made from buttons sewn onto 39 in. (1 m) of suede tape, which is wound around the wrist to produce an eclectic piece of jewelry. A loop is sewn at one end of the tape so the bracelet can be fastened using the first button. See page 54 for instructions.
Above: This pretty bracelet is made from buttons sewn onto 39 in. (1 m) of suede tape, which is wound around the wrist to produce an eclectic piece of jewelry. A loop is sewn at one end of the tape so the bracelet can be fastened using the first button. See page 54 for instructions.
- Below: Instructions for making a vintage yo-yo corsage can be found on page 61.
CHAPTER ONE
materials
The materials used in this book vary, but most can be bought from fabric, bead, and notions stores. In many cases, materials were sourced from thrift stores, as well as relatives' scrap bags and button boxes. Materials themselves can often inspire a project, so collect what you can, live with them, and see what emerges in time. Some of the materials that I used have been in my possession for over twenty years, waiting for their time to come. Some projects require specialist materials, so you may need to use the internet to help track these down.
FABRICS
All kinds of fabric can be used in many different ways to make textile jewelry, but most of the projects in the book require fine fabrics, such as silk and viscose chiffon and silk dupioni, as these are easily manipulated. Asian fabric stores have a good range of these types of fabrics, in a gorgeous array of dazzling and subtle colors. Suede scraps can often be bought from artisan leather workers and upholsterers, as well as from craft suppliers. Whole hides can be bought if you plan to make a number of projects or a large number of similar items.
Quilting stores and websites are a great source of pretty, vintage-style floral fabrics. Look for genuine vintage fabrics in thrift stores or at the back of your family's wardrobes. Textile and costume dealers often have scraps of vintage fabrics and worn clothing just waiting for a new lease of life.
FABRIC
Clockwise from top left:
suede scraps, silk chiffon, viscose chiffon, habotai silks, vintage fabrics including a vintage embroidered place mat, printed cotton, metallic silk organza, silk dupioni.
THREADS
Threads can be used to construct or to decorate your jewelry. For all general stitching, polyester sewing thread is perfect both for hand and machine work. It is useful to use as either a top or bobbin thread when using more expensive embroidery flosses.
Embroidery flosses come in many types of fiber and quality, including viscose, cotton, linen, silk, and wool. Some can be used either for machine or hand embroidery. If you would like to try using a thicker thread on the bobbin of your machine, turn to Using Thick Threads on The Bobbin on page 14 for instructions.
As well as your local fabric or craft store, there are many specialist embroidery suppliers offering a wide range of wonderful flosses that can bring distinction and interest to your textile jewelry.
EMBELLISHMENTS
A magpie instinct really pays off when searching for tiny decorative details. It is worth exploring a range of notions and bead suppliers, as they have their secret sources of trinkets from all over the world. Also consider other sources, such as ethnic fabric stores, as well as making use of old jewelry recycled from thrift stores.
THREADS
Clockwise from top left: thick viscose machine embroidery threads, polyester threads, fine viscose threads, cotton Perle flosses, stranded linen flosses.
THREADS
Clockwise from top left: thick viscose machine embroidery threads, polyester threads, fine viscose threads, cotton Perle flosses, stranded linen flosses.
EMBELLISHMENTS Clockwise from top left:
diamanté stamen, white diamanté stones. Indian sequin motifs. Shisha mirror, stick-on jewels, brads, colored diamanté stones, flower sequins, enameled wire, plastic beads, glass beads, turquoise beads, pearl beads. In the center are Indian flower sequins.
BRAIDS AND RIBBONS
These can either be used in lengths for decorating or wrapping, or individual motifs can be cut off to use as part of an appliqué design. Many fabric, craft, and notions stores stock braids and ribbons. Check out specialist stores and suppliers to find more unusual pieces.
BUTTONS
Buttons are featured in many of the projects in this book. There is a huge variety to be found and I love them for their nostalgic charm. Almost all of the buttons I have used have been sourced from vintage and thrift stores, as well as from raiding my mother's button boxes.
Old mother-of-pearl buttons are easy to find and have so much more personality then their plastic look-a-likes. You will also come across bakelite, casein, and plastic buttons from the 30s, 40s and 50s, maybe slightly worn and faded, but great for adding a vintage touch to your work.
JEWELRY FINDINGS
These are easily available from craft stores and bead suppliers. They are essential in some projects as a means to attach your jewelry to your hair, clothing, or body.
BRAIDS AND RIBBONS Left to right: bias binding, rose motif braids, spotted ribbon, ric-rac, Indian braid, fluted viscose braid.
BUTTONS
Top left and in tin: mother-of pearl buttons.
Below: casein, plastic, and bakelite buttons.
JEWELRY FINDINGS
Clockwise from top left: barrette or hairclip, diamanté and pearl clasp, brooch back, ear wires, headpins, ring mount.
materials and equipment
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