So I recently participated in a Craftster swap, and my partner has now received her package, so I can post pictures on here!

Here are *most* of the goodies I sent – my partner got quite the haul! The only “commercial” thing I included was a pair of pinking shears (which I am convinced all sewers need). Everything else was made by my own two lil’ hands. So, lets start with the glass goodies.

My swap partner was into the tree of life, so I decided to make her a pendant with said tree fused inside in glass. First thing to do was figure out *how* to make that happen. I saw lots of really beautiful tree of life pendants like this one on etsy, but I’d never tried twisting wire like that. I sat down in front of the tv and gave it a try.

Not perfection, but pretty darn cute, and I had a great time playing with wire. I also made some little copper wire swirls, which I kept around for later. And then it was time to fuse ‘em between glass.

I tried a few different combinations and settled with backing the tree with a nice almond colored glass I’d never used before. I now know that this particular glass turns PINK in the kiln, which would not be that flattering as a necklace for my redheaded swap partner. That meant the pink tree of life became a brooch and I was back to square 1 for necklaces. Fortunately I had fused one of the swirls between glass that made a great necklace… Note the handmade copper bail – I really liked how it came out and I think I may start using them more often.

And then I got to sewing… but something has to be saved for part 2!

… to be continued