Day: July 26, 2013

Book Review: Soutache

Bead Embroidery with Soutache: 25 Gorgeous Jewelry Projects with Decorative BraidBead Embroidery with Soutache: 25 Gorgeous Jewelry Projects with Decorative Braid by Anneta Valious

I received another group of jewelry books from Lark Crafts. this one has a fabulous gallery in the back that includes a turquoise (color) and pink necklace (pg.136) that I find very appealing.

“Soutache is a flat, fiber braid with a groove down the center, comprised of two rows of piping or cording wrapped in viscose, cotton, or synthetic fibers.First developed in France in the 15th century, soutache embroidery has a made a decorative appearance throughout history in and on jewelry, clothing, military uniforms, and more.” One of the really appealing things for me aobut this book is the section called ‘Soutache Through Time.’ Soutache is a word that was unfamiliar to me, but after reading this section, I knew exactly what the author meant. the section has great examples of historical and modern garments using soutache.

As with other Lark Jewelry and Beading books this one has a section explain materials and tools as well as different projects. What is a little different is the section on techniques that includes stitching, finishing the ends and backing the work in addition to a variety of other topics. Looking at this section makes me think that some of what is shown could be adapted for art quilts.

I notice that the designs are more feminine looking. There are lots of rounded designs and few, if any angles.

As usual, the pictures are fantastic, the supply lists complete and the directions extensive. Even if you don’t regularly make jewelry, take a look at this book for the inspiration it offers.

Thanks to Lark Crafts for sending along this book

View all my reviews

Creative Prompt #218: Milkshake

A blended ice cream drink

Milkshake Music

free email featuring all that’s good

milkshake game

June 20, 2013 – National Vanilla Milkshake Day (I missed it, but will look for it next year)

Milkshake eBook

American Milkshake (2013 movie)

Ric Krispie Square milkshake recipe

JAWS Milkshake Limited Edition Blue Vinyl

Definition: “A milkshake is a sweet, cold beverage which is usually made from milk, ice cream or iced milk, and flavorings or sweeteners such as fruit syrup or chocolate sauce. Outside the United States, the drink is sometimes called a thickshake or a thick milkshake or in New England, a frappe, to differentiate it from other less-viscous forms of flavored milk.

Full-service restaurants, soda fountains, and diners usually prepare and mix the shake “by hand” from scoops of ice cream and milk in a blender or drink mixer using a stainless steel cup. Many fast food outlets do not make shakes by hand with ice cream. Instead, they make shakes in automatic milkshake machines which freeze and serve a premade milkshake mixture consisting of milk, a sweetened flavoring agent, and a thickening agent. However, some fast food outlets still follow the traditional method, and some serve milkshakes which are prepared by blending soft-serve ice cream (or ice milk) with flavoring or syrups. A milkshake can also be made by adding powder into fresh milk, and stirring the powder into the milk. Milkshakes made in this way can come in a variety of flavors, including chocolate, strawberry and banana.”

Post the direct URL (link) where your drawing, doodle, artwork is posted (e.g. your blog, Flickr) in the comments area of this post. I would really like to keep all the artwork together and provide a way for others to see your work and/or your blog.

We are also talking about this on Twitter. Use the hashtag #CPP

The Creative Prompt Project, also, has a Flickr group, which you can join to  post your responses. I created this spot so those of you without blogs and websites would have a place to post your responses.

Kelis performing Mlkshake