Wedding season prep

There is finally a few days without a snow storm up here in New England, so I've been busy with my day/part-time jobs and haven't had time to do much other than drive to and from work and eat. I got off early today so I decided I should get some stuff done! Valentines day is next week and I'm working on a gift for my boyfriend. We decided to make gifts this year since we are trying to save money and we already have plenty of candy :)

I thinking of using the scraps from the felted mittens to make a case for his phone. Its grey and plain so it will be "manly" enough for him. I have a vintage button I'm gonna add to it as a closure.

Wedding season is coming up and I have to get busy! I have many gifts to get my friends who are getting hitched this summer, as well as try and list wedding-y stuff on lucillejean. I'm working on relisting my wedding good luck charms, which are very cute and

have a great story with them.

Many years ago when I was a flowergirl in a family wedding, I was given a special bridal party present. This tiny horseshoe charm with a small bow of blue ribbon was to be saved until my wedding day. The card said that when pinned carefully to the inside hem of my wedding gown, the little charm would bring me luck on that day. The charm has remained at the bottom of my jewelry box, waiting for my own wedding day.

So when I found some cute little pins, I added different pearl, gold or blue beads and tied a blue bow to the top. Each one comes with a nice little card wishing the bride luck on her day. Its a great shower gift and I plan on using them as gifts for my friends who get married as well.

So check back in my shop soon because I'm going to update them a bit.

i heart winter

So its been a few days since I posted anything, but I have been busy enjoying a lovely white New England winter. I went cross country skiing for the first time this last weekend! I've never been on skis before so it was interesting. I fell down a few times, was sore, but loved being out in the snow. I also took a road trip to Vermont on Sunday with a friend. I had never been to Vermont and have now been to all the New England states. We visited the Ben and Jerry's factory, ate Cabot cheese samples and drank hot cider on the beautiful snowy ride home.

I have to say that I've grown to really love winter over the last few years. There is something fresh and inspiring about it. I think the cold air, bare trees, and the snow really makes you think clearly. I love working on projects in the winter because you basically have to be inside because of the cold, but it's so pretty to look out the window...it makes me want to create pretty things. Plus, I have this weird love of the color grey... which is basically the color scheme of winter!

I finished my project I mentioned earlier, the frame turned necklace holder. However, it didn't turn out as planned. The tacks wouldn't stay in the board, so I use it as a earring holder and it looks great.


Plus I've been updating my Etsy shop with new headbands. I have been thinking about a pretty color scheme of grey (of course), light blush pink, and soft gold for the winter/spring season.



The Sweet Peach Headband


Well thats all for now... I'm planning to enjoy this snowy day and get some projects done!

Felted mittens are good for snowy days

My sister's mittens


I finished the felted mittens! I am very excited to share and especially send them to my sister at college. Heres how they were done:

-find wool sweater
-wash in hot water and put in the dryer on high for extra shrinkage
-trace your hand in "mitten position" but make sure to leave extra room for seam allowance and comfort
-cut out four mitten shapes (if using a sweater that has a clear front and back, remember to flip the mitten pattern over)
-sew them right sides together leaving the bottom open
-sew the bottom edge of the sweater (the stretchy part) on the bottom of the mitten so it can fold up like a cuff
-add button or beads for extra pazazz :)


My mittens


So my next project for the day is revamping my Etsy shop and starting on a necklace hanging board. Right now my long necklaces are sitting in a plastic box under my bedside table. Not a good place. Cute necklace trees are too expensive so I'm making my own. I have a square frame that I'm going to add cardboard, batting, and very cute fabric. Once in the frame, I hope to use these adorable thumb tacs my friend Micheline made for me as the place to hang my necklaces. It will be interesting to see if this all goes as planned. If it doesn't...well more time for reading my book!

Since there is a big snow storm coming, it seems like the perfect time to settle in with some hot tea and put a dent in this list.

1. Revive my etsy shop (www.lucillejean.etsy.com)
2. Start a blog for my etsy shop
3. Experiment more (lace making anyone?!)
4. Explore more (New England has so many interesting places)
5. Dress up
6. Find a job that will pay my bills




I'm still working on the focus of my shop, a work in progress you might say. I love vintage, especially the 30s, 40s and 50s. I have a few vintage jewelry pieces and even some vintage clothing but I'm not sure I want to do that. I love making things. I started with headbands but have had some trouble selling them. Thankfully my friends are so supportive and have bought a few. Jewelry is not my favorite to make but people seem to like it. I guess I'll have to keep working and see what happens. Although I'm up for suggestions and advice from anyone!



Today I am working on a pair of felted mittens for my sister. I discovered felting recently and used a grey Ralph Lauren wool sweater to try it out. Don't worry, the sweater was second hand and was very boxy. My first pair worked well, so I'm excited to make more and add some cute vintage buttons. Will post pictures when finished!