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March 8, 2011

Textured Ball Garland

Love. Completely, totally, in love with this garland. I can, in fact, have this much of an emotional attachment to an inanimate object.  Oh yes.

This is a product of the genesis of me brainstorming ideas for my Etsy shop.  I am struggling with transitioning from being  a crafter who lives with the imperfections that come with handmade things and suddenly making them for someone to buy.  With like, money. It is terrifying to say the least.  But I have wanted to come up with something of my own design, totally me, and exemplifies my type of crafting.

 
This garland began with me experimenting with texture. I am drawn to anything with textures that evoke comfort, casual elegance, and depth. I love the juxtaposition of fine china on a distressed table or silver candlesticks on a rustic mantel. It is so peaceful and calming to my often preoccupied soul.  Looking at things like this and living with them is like a sanctuary of peace for me. So I set out to do just that with my one of my favorite things to make: Garlands.
I made each individual ball shape unique.  I experimented with linen, yarn, and satin creating beautiful rosette spirals, colorful stripes, and shabby textures. It is pure loveliness to me.
 
I wanted this garland to be classy and more grown up without being fussy.  Casual; not too fancy.
As you can see, the amount of photos I took depicts my intense infatuation with this garland.  I may need a garland intervention.
I  decided a rustic twine was the perfect complement to string them together and I am just so happy with the final result.  The garland measures 5 ft long and the balls can slide so you can make it as wide or close together as needed.

I sure hope you like this. I had so many of you in mind when I made it. You have all been more then fabulous spurring me on to do an Etsy shop and you helped me believe it is really possible.  Thank you so much for that. I was so nervous this project would not work out but it exceeded my expectations. Hope you enjoyed the first of many sneek peeks!  

P.S.  I have been manic crafting as I have been on deadline for the magazine; hence the crickets on this little blog.  But I got fun stuff to share coming up soon!

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17 comments:

  1. You know when you write this super long message & then you erase it somehow!!! I hate when I do that! So this one will prob be much shorter :) LOVE the garland balls! I just don't know how anyone can up with anything new these days with all the ideas that are out there bt you do it! Again & again!!! So amazing how you do that! You must have some crazy magic!!! & that genius brain of yours? Where can i get one because I am thinking my brain does not even know how to spell genius! (looks very wrong) & yours keeps kicking out these faboulous new things that at least we get to admire! Your colors & textures are fabulous!!! you are going to be in high demand girl!!! I will get in line!

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  2. I definitely agree with the comment above! Wow!

    I think this would look amazing in a nursery! I think those balls would be awesome made into a mobile over a crib as well!

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  3. This is amazing~~!!! Really! Like the ladies above I was thinking if they were just a bit smaller as well this would be a FAB baby shower decoration! Great job!! I would buy them:)

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  4. Jessica, those are great! You know, I'm thinking...Christmas. Can you imagine taking Christmas-y fabric and making garland for trees? You could make them in all sizes. You could make tree toppers, too.

    I love these. I read several years ago that during the Depression era women would take strips of rags and wrap them around these balls and pin them in and make Christmas tree decorations. It was cheap for them, but the look achieved was great. I've done this before with materials I've liked and put them in a bowl for decoration and it looks great.

    Also, love the look of your web site. Hope all is well..congrats on the Etsy shop..

    Erin

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  5. this is simply gorgeous!!! wow! I adore it!

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  6. I love these!! I really love the white rosetttes, but they are all gorgeous. I can't wait to see your shop!!

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  7. How cute and clever are YOU! I love this garland...and like you I am totally addicted to garlands. xoxoxo Happy creating.

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  8. I adore you. And I adore this garland. Great job. Can't wait to see the shop! :)

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  9. These are really cute! I love the color schemes and the texture variations. Neato!

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  10. i would SO pay money for these textured balls! and yes, i know how funny that sounded. i kind of intended it. give yourself more credit! i just know your ideas will come pouring out and your shop will be a huge success!!!!!

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  11. HOW cute - i'm throwing a surprise party - and we are going to hand mason jars filled with tea lights and flowers everywhere - these will be ADORABLE with the theme we are going for!!!

    PS ... LAST DAY TO Join Custom Sign Give-Away HOPE YOU ALL WILL!


    *kiss kiss*
    Erika
    ~Tiptoe Butterfly~

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  12. I like the idea someone suggested of doing Christmas balls garland. These are really cute Jessica. I am so excited for you about opening your Etsy shop.

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  13. okay, this is AMAZING! you are talented lady! I found your blog off of mama jill... keep this stinkin cute ideas coming!

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  14. GORGEOUS!!! I'm just catching up this morning on your blog and will comment separately about the bird on the branch. BUt this really is genius. I want to re-do Miss M's entire bedroom from the inspiration of these beautiful creations. Hmmmm... You are ready for that etsy shop!

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  15. You have beautiful projects! I'm currently doing a mini series with another blogger and am planning a round-up of yarn related projects. I will be featuring this and your yarn leaf mobile. I hope you can stop by! Thanks for the gorgeous ideas.

    bugaboo, mini, mr & me

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  16. Just discovered your blog...it is so wonderful! These are so adorable.

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  17. I love the idea of Christmas garland! Thanks for sharing this idea.

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