CHARMS, Ad Infinitum

Can't decide? Want them all? Anxious buyers often express their frustration at having to choose charms from a seemingly endless collection (like Outlander). The problem of course, is simple: the bracelet's length is finite and can fit only so many dangles. Or so it was thought.

Not true.  For some time now, the ability to attach charms to lobster clasps has been available to customers. This allows them to change or rearrange charms at will. If you fancy a particular charm one day, it can simply be switched out with another on the chain. This results in a fully customizable and chunky bracelet! 

Retro-fitting an existing bracelet with clasps is easy. It is available for a minor surcharge when all charms from a collection are purchased to add to the ones already on your bracelet. Contact me at maryfaithpeace@gmail.com if you are interested in this option. 

Go ahead. Start collecting charms!

ADDING TO

THE OUTLANDER FAMILY....

 

Many of you know of my fixation with Diana Gabaldon's time-travel epic, Outlander. I keep finding small mementos of the book in charms I pick up from all over. Worthy additions to my charm bracelet indeed!

SOURCE: https://www.etsy.com/listing/110634928/outlander-gabaldon-themed-charm?ref=shop_home_active_3

What are you waiting for, Sassenach?

Your Very Own Outlander Celtic Link Charm Bracelet
 
 

You've probably seen the pictures and wondered, "Where can I get one?" Only to discover (once you found it) a mile-long list of instructions for you to complete - before you could get one. Nothing ventured, nothing gained right?

I've had the pleasure of meeting so many of you while walking through the customization process;
watched while you battled with yourself over which charms to pick; quietly listened to your suggestions to improve the overall design and basked in the 
glow of wondrous feedback!

While I cannot do anything about the lengthy set of instructions (it stays - the price of creating a custom piece) I can ease you into it with this video:



It will particularly aid utterly lost and long-suffering DH's entrusted with Anniversary, Birthday or Christmas presents.

Fear not. I've got your back.

An Outlandish Way to Keep Warm

Shared with permission by PB.

 Many of you know my obsession with Diana Gabaldon's Outlander series prompted all the creativity with clay mini books. It seems I'm not the only one. Behold, an "Outlandish" jacket created by my friend PB, featuring all recurring themes in the books AND which she accessorized with matching book beads (not shown). She even got Herself to sign it! A truly collectible, precious work of art. Nuff said.

AN OUTLANDISH KILT PIN

Several of you have been requesting a kilt pin or brooch featuring your favorite books, for sometime now. Believe it or not, I've been designing one for months! Somehow, all my attempts seemed lacking. Until now. I chanced upon an intricately cast Scottish thistle in one of my searches and eureka! The design of the pin just clicked!

Since kilt pins are supposed to weigh down the lower front apron, this one is loaded with charms, chains, book beads and various baubles. A few of these are fixed (as in immoveable), but the rest are detachable and re-positionable! 

 I especially love the touch of color provided by the Stones of Protection circlet. Also included are a jumbo (9 mm) FW pearl and an opal AB glass cube.

Karen Henry, a great resource for all things Outlander (news, info and trivia), has a wonderful article on the Stones here. I substituted faceted glass beads in lieu of the real gems. I did however, include a treat: a real Lapis Lazuli rough- cut cube! So, whether its a kilt, shawl or Pashmina, pin away!

It took an Outlandishly Long Time

I started in May (2012). And just now finished. What, you say? The monumental task of re-sculpting the entire Outlander series of Book Beads!

Every book/edition has been re-done. In sharp, crisp, vibrant colors! It's part of the ongoing store remodel. So watch out for new (& old) designs based on Jamie and the gang in the coming weeks. Time to play!

Book Beads to the (PET) Rescue!

The Everything Outlander Silent Auction for Bianca Pet Rescue is now open. They have many Outlander-themed items, including wine charms from yours truly:

Thumbs up to this worthy cause, so I hope you take a gander over there! Slainte! http://goo.gl/ezOqX

"Between the Covers" 
An Outlandish Wall Quilt

courtesy of Susan Leidy

Creative, original design by textile and fabric artisan, Susan Leidy. Can you tell what her favorite book series is lassies?

courtesy of Susan Leidy

She and I are in perfect agreement on MOBY: gotta lobby Herself to use a purple book cover!

According to Sooz, this one was really an experiment to see if what was in her mind could make it out to her sewing and embroidery machine. She added some Outlander-themed pewter charms (my wee contribution), which gave her the idea to add the snake, ribbon book mark and strand of pearls. (She actually cut apart a freshwater pearl necklace to add that). Those of you who know the books will recognize these references. She was lucky enough to find a charm for Scottish Prisoner (set of keys) that was exactly as depicted on the book...so it all came together nicely. 

courtesy of Susan Leidy

Sooz intends to make another one to auction off for the Outlander Fundraiser later this year. (If any of you are familiar with this c/o Mike Gibbs do share some particulars.) She thinks it a worthwhile cause, specially if DG herself endorses it. 

In the mean time, if you would like to inquire about having one made for your wall, drop her a line in the comment box below or e-mail me at maryfaithpeace@gmail.com. I'll be sure to forward your greetings to her.

An OUTLANDER Tree for ALL SEASONS

Courtesy of Susan Leidy

Hats off to Sooz for sharing her year-round homage to Diana Gabaldon's OUTLANDER series. Loaded with lead-free pewter charms and colorful, be-ribboned polymer clay book beads featuring (at the moment) all 10 books, it stands as a proud reminder of how much we all love this epic story (and wish it would never end)!

It's a treat to be part of this enduring tribute to DG's Outlander. Humbling too! "Tapadh leat." (TAH-puh LAHT -- also -- TAHplett) - Thank you in Gaelic.

Sources: 

Jewelry Tree from Amazon

Outlander-themed pewter charms 

Outlander Book Beads 

A TRIBUTE TO DOROTHY DUNNETT

Scottish historical novelist, Lady Dorothy Dunnett, is best known for her six-part series on Sir Francis Crawford of Lymond. Also an exhibited portrait painter, Lady Dunnett started writing because her husband egged her on to do so, after she complained of having nothing else of interest to read. Behold, The Lymond Chronicles were born!

The colorful panoramic scenery of the UK editions grace the front covers of the book beads. The back sides feature the monochromatic US edition brownscapes. Both cleverly depict mid-sixteenth century Europe and the Mediterranean, while following the life of nobleman, Francis Crawford. 

 

Meticulously researched, the series is a suspenseful tale of adventure and romance, filled with action, intense drama, poetry, culture and high comedy. It is NOT an easy read, specially her earlier works.

 

You must slug through it though, because the rewards are many and HUGE! Once began, it is impossible to put down.

SO, before there was J. K. Rowling, Edinburgh had Dorothy Dunnett. This is my homage to her. Cheers, Lady Dunnett!

Information on The Lymond Chronicles collection can be seen at Just Charming!