Usually the sight of mussels sets off hunger pangs, but this cluster living in a Laguna Beach tidepool inspired me to craft.

Now that I've found my muse(s), what will be the project? Good question. I haven't figured it out, but will be sure to post about it when I do. Ideas are welcome!

Creating Fake Miniature Photography

My friends John and Sarah took a helicopter tour of Los Angeles before they moved home to England last fall. John's photos of the cityscape were fabulous, especially the ones photoshopped to look like miniature models...like what you'd see at a miniature railway exhibit. It was an amazing and whimsical way to see a city that I love.

I recently installed GIMP, an open source graphics program that can do photo retouching similar to Photoshop. Go to CNET to read the review and download the program for free. Following Flickr user shygantic's instructions, I used GIMP to create my own fake minis of the Ponte Vecchio in Florence, the seaside town of Scarborough, England and Piccadilly Circus in London.

Gentlemen's Ties = Ladies' Classic Beads

I'm on the job market and needed an instant wardrobe update without having to spend money on new work clothes. Taking a cue from my husband's closet, I decided the best way to punch up my work wear basics and diversify my outfits was with simple, classic beaded necklaces. Stringing vintage glass and semi-precious (jet, agate, & mother of pearl) beads on silk and waxed cotton cord took no time at all and satisfied my need for an updated look while keeping to my budget.

Felted Bead Jewelry

On a recent visit to the LYS in my old neighborhood of Santa Monica, I came across a colorful mountain of wool roving and knew I had to create something. Lacking the knowledge nor equipment to spin yarn, I surfed the net to find Star Athena's Knitty article about felted beads.

As a knitter and jewelry maker, the idea of crafting beads out of wool seemed a natural, albeit quirky, fit.

So far, I've produced one necklace knotted with silk thread and am in the process of creating a couple more for the other crafty ladies in my family. I'm looking forward to branching out and experimenting with color, composition, and incorporating other materials into a final product.