Saturday, May 04, 2013

Hats Off Challenge

I've been struggling with getting things done lately and sometimes, when things start to get really overwhelming for me, I have a tendency to shut down and shut everything out. I haven't been blogging, or visiting, or commenting on any blogs lately because I've only been able to accomplish the bare minimum on a day-to-day basis. Today, however, I had a really good day and got quite a few items checked off of my To Do list. I'm hoping to have another good day tomorrow too ... and the next day as well. Until then, however, I'm happy for today and the fact that I was able to pull myself together long enough to make something for Bobbie's delightful Hats Off Challenge -- Jewelry Inspired by Derby Hats. Here are the hats we were given to use as inspiration. Although I was originally drawn to all the colorful, flowery hats, the moment I saw the hat below (from the put-a-bird-on-it category) I knew it was "The. One."

 
Um, really? Oh, yes, yes, yes! You see, I've had this ball of awesome, funky yarn in my possession that I've been looking forward to using, and viola! The perfect opportunity! Now, it's not as white and feathery as that furry-swim-cap-like beauty above, but it's got the same vibe and I love the way it feels.
 

 




I crocheted the yarn to create this lovely, soft cuff, and finished it off with a beaded bead closure and a few beaded fringe strands.  Now I've got to tell you -- I am not a fan of hats at all because I look absolutely hideous in them. But I'm kind of digging this bracelet! Can't wait to see where the Derby hat inspirations took everyone else ... won't you join me?
Our Lovely Hostess -- Bobbie Rafferty www.beadsong.blogspot.com
Lola www.beadlolabead.blogspot.com ----- YOU ARE HERE
Susan Nelson Bowie www.susanbowie.wordpress.com

19 comments:

Sea of Dreams said...

Definitly not anything I've every considered in my designs, but I LOVE your bracelet! And you've captured the inspiration of the hat perfectly!

AntiquityTravelers said...

what a great piece! and perfectly inspired by your hat!! it looks soft and comfortable to wear - love it!

Liz said...

FUN choice of hats! Your bracelet is delightful. It looks great on. It fits like a favorite pair of jeans that have been washed just enough but not too much, comfortable and oh soooo right. I loved seeing your hat choice and interpretion.

Bobbie said...

What a FABULOUS realization of the inspiration! I loved that hat so much, and I'm so happy to see that someone played with it so well. The texture looks wonderful, and would be great fun to wear. Thanks for being part of the challenge!

Jean Katherine Baldridge said...

I LOVE it and would wear it in a Kentucky minute!!! You had a marvelous idea and it turned out great!
jean yates

Christine Altmiller said...

LOVE it! the texture and the color and the hint of beads. it reminds me of a FAR NICER version of those macrame thick braid bracelets from the 70s. i would wear this in a heartbeat! it looks comforting.

Unknown said...

I really like this piece. The Natural look and feel speaks to me. :)

Unknown said...

I would wear that in a heartbeat!

Kepi said...

Love the bracelet, so very unique.

Therese's Treasures said...

Hi Lola,
I have always loved your vision especially when something strikes your fancy and you just go for it.
I love your crocheted cuff and when I saw the beaded bead I said to myself "She put a bead on it!" Get it bead on it, bird on it! LOL. I am so glad that today was a good day for you and I hope that you will be having more good days my friend.
Therese

aneri_masi said...

OMG!!! That is SO pretty!

Empty nester at last said...

I love your bracelet! I crochet, never thought about a bracelet. that is just tooo cool! thanks

Unknown said...

Love the bracelet! Such an original interpretation and such a cool piece of jewelry. Real"outside the box" creativity. Well done!

Dry Gulch said...

I love your bracelet, it's a really creative piece, I'd love to wear that-hope you have many good days ahead!

Dolores Raml said...

Love how your bracelet turned out and you added just the right amounts of beads to it.

Laney said...

I am loving your bracelet. That hat made me smile, reminds me of the swans on the river!

Unknown said...

I love the vibe -you write about- in your work! And what a wonderful realization♥ of your interpretation of the hat!It's very surprising...

Dini, co-participant, you find me @ http://angazabychanges.blogspot.nl instead of @ the FB address in the list :-)

Karin Slaton said...

Love, love that you chose white in a season that is knee-deep in COLOR. The beaded bead and fringe add the perfect visual interest. If only I knew how to crochet...

Becky Pancake said...

Your bracelet does indeed capture the spirit of that hat.