I crocheted this necklace for a swap and I really like it. The snap clasp is covered by a Vintage looking button. It can be worn with the button in front or in back.
Vintage Merlot
Category Archives: kitschkween
Scrap Brooches!
Why clean off my craft table when I could just make something out of my mess? I love these scrap brooches and will definitely make more!
Marissa’s Pick of the Week
La Base Pro by Lancome (www.lancome-usa.com, $42) is a must have for anyone who wears foundation. I have La Base Pro at home and in my freelance box. This silicone based makeup primer is oil free and has a satiny smooth texture.
Using a makeup base is important to keep your skin healthy. The benefits of adding this extra step to your makeup routine are worth the end result. Not only does this oil free formula help to reduce shine, but the silicone sets a canvas on top of your skin to prevent your foundation from absorbing into your pores. Think of La Base Pro as a shield filling in pores and fine lines so nothing can slip through the cracks. Your makeup color stays truer longer, while your skin stays protected.
Applying La Base Pro is very easy, but there are some tricks that will help you love this product even more. One pump is enough for your entire face. It may not seem like it, but its silky consistency spreads well.
- Pump the product onto one hand.
- Dip a finger from the opposite hand into the base only acquiring a small amount, then blot on your forehead.
- Repeat this again dotting your cheeks and chin.
- Using your index and middle finger gently blend the base with a light touch until you getthe coverage you desire. Try to be as quick as possible without rubbing too hard.
- Wait 60 seconds before applying the foundation of your choice.
If you see rolling ( the product collecting and rolling off your skin), there may be one of a few things wrong.
- you are rubbing it in too hard
- you are taking too long to apply the product and it’s starting to dry while you are still blending
- you didn’t wait long enough before applying foundation
- you didn’t cleanse tone and moisturize your face before applying La Base Pro
- you need to exfoliate using a face scrub or pad
La Base Pro is safe for all skin types and great for all foundations (including mineral makeup). I use it on myself and all my clients. I personally would rather not wear foundation than wear foundation without a makeup primer.
I get it now!
I couldn’t really get into spinning because, well, I wasn’t doing it right. But thanks to Megan LaCore (also from the Bay Area) and her tremendously helpful instructional videos. I can now spin correctly! You can find all of Megan’s awesome youtube tutorials on The Art of Megan channel. She also has an etsy shop and her own website.
This was my first spinning attempt after I watched her tutorials. I was really pleased with the way it came out. I used some hand painted wool I received in a swap. Then I ended up giving it away in swap!
I’m working on another skein of artyarn at the moment. So far, I’ve spun and set the yarn, and begun plying it. 
It’s currently on a spindle with all the added beads. It’s fun to watch artyarn transform into a skein of surprises, but it’s tedious and time consuming. Some of the materials I’ve used so far are; arcrylic, sequins, crystal, glass, and plastic flowers.
Killer Kween
My partner has received her package for the “Craft My Favorite Decade” swap, so I can post some of the stuff I made now. She liked the 18th century, so my crafts were inspired by Marie Antoinette. I did some research and watched both he PBS documentary and Sofia Coppola (very dissapointing) movie. I loved the tote bag so much, I made 2!
I’m starting with my favorite item. This tote bag is so awesome! I’m not a great sewer, but I gave myself a pat on the back for design. To think, I just had these scraps of fabric and lace laying around my craft room. 
This ruffle collar/neckwarmer was knitted in acrylic, then embellished with gray lace and gi’normous buttons. 
Trinkets included chandelier earrings (real and fake), crocheted cuff, a ring, cell phone charm, silhouette necklace and “Let them eat cake” mirror.
My partner also liked the 50s, so I tossed in some retro nautical-ish things.
Nautical earrings:
Nautical hair clip
Mermaid and hibiscus necklace
I sent a few more things, but nothing worth blogging about. Thanks for looking!