Pretty Treasures from the Deep

Ever since buying the two Ericson books I wrote about in previous posts I have been dreaming of interesting closures for jackets and kimono tops I have planned. I recently went on an eBay expedition (save me!) and a couple of my treasures arrived today. They are so pretty!!! I'm not sure what I will do with them but even if I just look at them I'll be happy.


These are a dozen red abalone shells. Each one is about 2 to 2.5 inches long and have 2 or more holes in them. I'm not sure what I will do with them but there are enough of them that I can do several things:

 And these (below) are toggle buttons that are made of wood with abalone inlaid on them. I am in the process of making a patchwork coat that is composed of large squares of silk shantung in purple, teal, deep rose, and green all lined with black doe-skin suede. I think these will be perfect for that.

But, as I said, they would be fine to just put on a shelf to look at:

I finally finished the moonstone necklace I have been working on forever. It is made of little round and large angular pieces of fire moonstone which has been buffed to a high sheen. I spaced them out with tiny blue swarovski crystals and every time I wear it I love it.

 Speaking of necklaces, I made this one from five blister pearls and different sized Mother of Pearl beads. My friend Leslie drilled holes in them and I put it together. It is most certainly a statement piece. Bet I could do something similar with the red abalone.

It's supposed to be a cool weekend so I am going to be in the sewing room a lot. With all this wonderful inspiration who knows what will happen?


Thanks for reading!!!