Snow, lots
of new snow, way too much already! The temperature is mild, the walking is good,
except for the snow. There is so much on the roofs that I am afraid something
has to be done with it. And as I write there is more coming, and more is
predicted for tomorrow. The length of the day is 8 hours and 40 minutes
(0803-1643/0443pm).
I have
worked on a new (old) little cardigan and I am loving it, it is on the last
stretch. Just one sleeve left before it is off the needles. I made the first one long time ago and then was not sure of one
little detail, so I let it rest for a few months and I think I have got it
sorted now.
The color
of it is this pale greenish blue, clear, clean and fresh and the cardigan has
two contrast colors. These contrast colors were difficult to pick....there were
not that many to choose from and then the button-question rose up...
Last week
while I made a quick trip to town, I visited my local craft store and while
there I walked around trying to see everything on the shelves and stopped at Cernit
(one brand of polymer clay) rack and there I spotted the same color as the
little cardigan. I bought it with several other colors as well thinking that I
could make the buttons. Easier said
than done. When home I started to search for instructions. There is plenty
online.
Polymer Daily is a good place to
start. There are online
classes that you can buy and watch right away.
There are
plenty of books to choose from.
This
material is not all new to me, I have tried it several times so I knew my
challenges. I have two books in my book shelf and there are three new ones on
the way. Because of trying the material before with not so good results, I was
prepared to read before getting started, and there were my answers in the
print.
My main
concern was that the buttons I was about to make would come from the oven with
my finger prints on them (uneven surface). I could live with the fact that they would not be
perfect in size and shape but the texture would have to be even and the buttons
would need to look finished. What I did not know (remember?) that after the
clay is baked one can sand it and then buff it, and it was the answer I was
looking for.
I tried
several sizes and several forms but settled into these square shaped ones.
backing buttons
After
looking at all the beautiful and breathtaking sculpture and beads in the books
and on the web, I know where I stand, but still I am quite pleased with the
buttons. And I know that there is more to come.
Wool with
you,
Lene
PS. About the blog header, I did not do anything special, scanned the image and then the blogger's template took care of the rest.The Bunny picture was done using rough watercolor paper, basic layer again with watercolor washes, then Derwent inktense pencils and ink.
I like your buttons and what a great way to get them to match your sweater.
ReplyDeleteAm I seeing things or are there sheep faces in the round buttons? I see the two holes as the eyes and the design as a face.
I like the square ones as well. How talented you are, must be all that hard work! I think one can do most anything one set's her mind to, and is willing to put in a little work. :)
ReplyDeleteI would love some of your snow if you would like to share. It is brown and bare here today.
Cute buttons! I like the square ones too. They go well with the square texture in the knitting.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE your banner! It's SO cute!
Oh no. Those buttons are perfect.
ReplyDeleteMust. Not. Start. With. Clay.
I tried the same thing a few years ago - I discovered that the holes in the buttons have to be big enough for the needle to go through - I learned all sorts of things just by doing - thanks for the link to 'proper knowhow'. Your buttons are lovely.
ReplyDeleteThe square ones are perfect, and your attention to detail always so impressive, Lene.
ReplyDeleteyou are very very talented,
ReplyDeleteciao ciao Christa
Oh, I miss the little black sheep...
ReplyDeleteLovely buttons though Lene!
Blessings,
The buttons are perfect....you have done well! But I want to see all of the cardigan please!
ReplyDeleteso lovely, i think you've made the pefect match. it's been many years since i've tried this, so thank you for the inspiration.
ReplyDeleteYour buttons are beautiful, and they are the perfect "icing on the cake" for your adorable sweater. I've been thinking about making some buttons for a baby surprise jacket I'm making in shades of pink and off-white. I haven't been able to find manufactured buttons that look even decent with this little sweater. Thanks for all the tips.
ReplyDeleteYou knit wonderful garments that you design; you crochet; you draw & create with water color and now you also make your own buttons? What an inspiration for the rest of us!
ReplyDeleteI love the color you chose & see why you had a difficult time matching it. But...I'm with Elizabeth D. After lots of thought: Must...Not...Start..With...Clay
Beautiful buttons, they fit just perfectly!-
ReplyDeleteLene, those are beautiful! As is the sweater --
ReplyDeletePerfect buttons!! Great idea, I'm gonna have to take another look at that stuff myself . . .
ReplyDeleteNow you can make your own buttons too?! So talented - these are amazing!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your blog really struck a chord with me today, and I mentoned it in my blog, if you'd like to read it. :)
ReplyDeletehttp://olivespearls.typepad.com/knittersknitters/2012/02/getting-a-life.html
Love your buttons. I have worked in polymer clay off and on for years and the one thing it takes is patience.
ReplyDelete